Author's Note: I apologize for the wait. Though this time it wasn't quite as long as the last. To make up for it, I've written a longer chapter. I appreciate those who have read this far and even more so those who have reviewed and helped to motivate me to keep up with it.
Bekko sat in silent thought. His eyes closed and head leaned back against the wall behind him. His arms had gone from aching, to a dull throb, to numb. It had been hours, perhaps the entire night. He wasn't certain of it. The lack of windows dulled any sense of time he had. Sotetsu's soft snoring drifted from the other side of the room. Being a Ferryman, Bekko should have been able to escape quite easily. He'd tried once or twice and found his own abilities rendered inert. It seemed that the layered spell relics were effective. This current Touhou had done a lot of research. Bekko was unable to summon his ferry oar let alone any other abilities.
Though being captured had not been in his original plan, Bekko thought it was the best and fastest way to find and rescue Shito. It made sense that to find the boy, he would allow himself to be taken there, willingly. He knew that he and Sotetsu were not likely to be taken to the very same building. But they were close. On his last visit to Shanghai, Bekko had learned the basics of the Xu Fu Mafia. The information he was interested in was that they controlled a series of buildings in one area. Once in that area, the search would be greatly diminished. It was only a matter of getting out of the makeshift cell in which he and Sotetsu were being kept.
Bekko slowly opened his eyes and looked around him. The scene hadn't changed since he'd closed his eyes, the same dim light lit up the room, casting shadows. He could barely make out the shape of Sotetsu's large body propped up against the wall opposite where he sat. It had been a few hours since Bekko had convinced the zombie to sleep, regain his stamina and strength. He'd need it if he were going to fight his way through countless Xu Fu guards. Bekko flicked his eyes about the room, once again surveying the single door situated in the wall to his right. It looked to be the only way into or out of the room. That would have to be their point of escape, that much was obvious.
Bekko leaned his head back once again and closed his eyes. His thoughts turned back to the bit of information he'd received from Yuuta before leaving Japan. The idea still troubled him. Though he'd heard it was possible. There was no real way of knowing for sure until he met face to face with Shiba. Though the fact that the shinigami's core had been taken, gave him the idea that Shiba truly had found a way to survive, and worse, become a shinigami. What disturbed him most was that semen from Chika and another man had littered the bed sheets. And if it were truly Shiba behind his abduction, Bekko guessed at what had happened. It was revolting and the utter definition of betrayal. The Ferryman clenched his teeth against the thought. While he didn't admit it, he'd become attached to the various teens of Zombie-Loan. He hadn't meant to, but it just seemed to happen. Those kids needed guidance and someone to take care of them. And while this new predicament was partially his fault, having switched Shito and Chika's hands, he still remained focused on the brutal resolution the Xu Fu, or more importantly it's leader had. Bekko felt anger swell in his bosom, which was rare. Anger that the Xu Fu had once again stepped in and manipulated the life of Tachibana Shito. Anger that they had seemingly also altered the life of Akatsuki Chika. And angered despair at the very real possibility that Chika had been raped in his own bedroom. Add to that, the inclination he got that Touhou wasn't honest in his personal dealings with Shito.
Those boys have gotten themselves into quite the mess. Bekko thought to himself. No, it wasn't their fault this had happened. He was sure neither of them had known about the plan. Bekko shook his head. Of course neither knew of it. They'd have never agreed.
Bekko let out a long sigh and turned his head towards the door, hearing the soft click of latches opening. He narrowed his eyes as the door swung slowly open. The bright light out in the hall half blinded him as two shadowed figures walked into the room. He became aware that Sotetsu's snores had ceased and he flicked his eyes towards the zombie. He hadn't moved, but Bekko was certain he was now fully awake. The two shadows made their way to tower over Bekko's sitting form. They stood over him and reached down to unlock him from the chains holding him to the wall. Bekko remained silent, watching them and watching Sotetsu. He hoped that by remaining silent he would avoid the zombie's involvement. At this point, Bekko only sought information. The more he could gather, the better. He'd work with Sotetsu to escape later. He managed to make eye contact with Sotetsu when the two men pulled him to his feet. Sotetsu nodded minutely indicating that he'd understood.
"Do you mind telling me what you are doing?" Bekko spoke passively. His expression returned to the one of boredom he often wore. The heavy chains dropped to the ground as the last lock was released. The two men ignored him, each grasping one of his arms tightly. The aching returned to his arms, as they were still bound to each other behind his back, the spell relics and talismans attached firmly. He sighed and resigned himself to being ignored. He watched carefully as he was lead from the room, the door locked once again behind him.
The hallway was brighter than he'd expected, his eyes having become used to the near darkness of his makeshift cell. He blinked turning his head slightly to allow his eyes to adjust. The two men holding him walked at a fast pace, both being taller than he, they moved slightly faster than he was able. He found himself irritated at the inhospitable behavior. He stumbled once or twice unable to match his stride with the others. He observed the hallway and its many closed doors as he was escorted away to what seemed like an underground passage between buildings.
So this is how they move about without being seen. Rather careless of them to let me see it. Bekko thought to himself. He kept his head ducked down avoiding eye contact, giving them the illusion of his vulnerability. He thought it best to remain the silent, apparently weak captive. The only man who knew even slightly what Bekko could do, was the Touhou, Dong Feng. By the actions of his two, "escorts" the ferryman guessed that that was who he was being taken to see. It was better that it be done at this time. The longer they waited the more chance that something else was going to happen to those two boys. If possible, he'd rather learn of Touhou's plans. Though he doubted Touhou would reveal anything.
The small group came to a halt outside a large, metal door. One of the two released his hold on Bekko's arm and moved to input a password into the small keypad next to the door. He used his body to shield the keypad until the light flicked to green. The sounds of locks opening echoed in the underground hallway. Bekko looked up slightly as the door was opened from the inside, another guardsman greeted them in Chinese and bowed his head, stepping to the side. Bekko was prodded inside by the remaining man and looked about his surroundings, pleasantly surprised by the plush room. He found it an odd place to question a prisoner but nevertheless, he wasn't about to complain. He was escorted inside and guided to sit on one of the thick couches. He grimaced slightly, his arms protesting but no one came to release him. He looked around at his surroundings, adjusting himself to relieve some of the pressure. The three men stood, hands clasped behind their backs, around the room. Two at the door and the third at a separate door, across the room. Minutes passed, and all four occupants of the room remained in silence. Bekko began to wonder if he would be in for several more hours wait when Touhou himself entered the room. Bekko watched him with his eyes, his head unmoving.
Touhou nodded to the men around the room and they each left through the respective doors they were guarding. Touhou smiled at Bekko hardly noticing him and moved over to the corner and poured himself a small glass of amber liquid. He then returned to the center of the room and took his seat amongst the pillows on the couch across from Bekko, his finger nails tapping lightly against the glass. He crossed one leg over the other then sat sipping his drink. He only then acknowledged Bekko's presence. His smile widened ever so slightly at the Ferryman who watched him.
"Why so silent? You've come for a reason, have you not?" Touhou asked, resting his hand on his knees, the ice tinkling in the container. He drew his gaze upwards locking with Bekko's eyes.
"I prefer to think things through before speaking." Bekko said, his eyes remained as they were, not looking away. He hadn't had much opportunity to speak face to face with Touhou. The reason just never came up. But he knew why most people rarely ever made eye contact. Nevertheless, he kept his eyes locked with Touhou's. The man chuckled quietly.
"I see. Then may I ask what it is you are thinking about? Surely you knew what would happen should you come to Shanghai again." Touhou sipped his drink again and turned the glass in his hand waiting for an answer. He leaned further back, making himself comfortable.
"I am wondering what your real intentions are. Surely you've other reasons than those which were given to me previously." Bekko spoke softly. He had no wish to raise his voice as it would do no good.
"My intentions?" Touhou asked. "I don't understand what you mean. I was completely honest when I'd said it was time for Shito-sama to return at the request of Lao Ye."
"And Akatsuki-kun as well?" Bekko asked raising his head a little.
"Pardon?" Touhou asked, the question seemed to surprise him.
Bekko's eyes narrowed a little and he scrunched his nose in a small attempt to push his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose. "Akatsuki Chika. You should remember him. I recall you took an instant dislike to him on your first meeting."
"Ah, you are referring to the white-haired mutt." Touhou chuckled taking the last sip of drink then set the glass down on the coffee table between them. "I've really no purpose for him."
Bekko sighed. He could tell Touhou was hiding things. He expected it even. He knew it wasn't going to be an easy task finding out the information he needed.
"Then would you care to explain why it is he's missing? You and I both know that Shito and he cannot be separated because of their hands. So it only stands to reason that Akatsuki-kun is here somewhere as well."
Touhou nodded closing his eyes. "By that logic I can see why you would assume so. But I can assure you, I've not laid eyes on him." Touhou opened his eyes once again.
That statement sounded true. However it seemed to be twisting the real truth. Bekko became further suspicious at the statement. The way it was said, Bekko knew Touhou was aware of Akatsuki's presence. It was just a matter of getting him to admit it.
"No, I don't suppose you have. You'd smile, and gloat at your ability of power. He'd stand no chance with you, would he?" Bekko asked already knowing the answer.
Touhou let out a small huff of laughter. "Trying to bait me, are you? I can assure you it won't work." The Exorcist stood and moved behind the couch in which he had sat previously. He held one hand under his chin and paced slowly, one eye watching Bekko the entire time. "What is your real purpose for coming here? You knew you wouldn't be able to keep Shito in your little sideshow for long."
Bekko scoffed slightly his eyes watching Touhou all the while. "You know very well why I've come."
Touhou smirked and stopped pacing. He turned to face the man. "And why would a Ferryman from the other shore care about my affairs? Don't you have rules for that?"
"I am merely protecting my investment. Surely as a mafia man you'd understand that." Bekko closed his eyes a moment.
"Ah, so it is the money you are worried about?" Touhou smirked again. He dropped his arms and slid his left into his pants pocket. "As I said before, we've already paid Shito's debt to you. However ridiculous it was."
"Then there is still the matter of Akatsuki-kun's. I'd at least like to know how he is doing. There really was quite a bit of blood left behind." Bekko said. His voice never wavered and he allowed the tiniest bit of anger to release in it. "And I know he can't be dead, what would the purpose be of that? Shito would lose his hand completely."
Touhou sighed. "You seem convinced that I know where the mutt is."
"I know you do." Bekko met his gaze. "You make it your business to know everything."
"Ah, you have me there." Touhou nodded. "Then let's assume I do actually know where he is. Why would it matter if I did? I wouldn't let you see either of them. It's what you want, after all. It wouldn't help me in anyway."
Bekko sighed. He knew he wouldn't get the answers but he was positive Touhou knew and wasn't telling him. The conversation was bound to only go in circles as both of them knew the truth and neither would admit to knowing it.
"At the very least, I would appreciate it if you would release me. This is quite taxing on the body you know." Bekko said. He shifted a little uncomfortably to make his intentions clear.
Touhou shook his head. "You know very well I can't do that."
"Even if I promised not to summon my other side power?" Bekko smirked slightly.
"Especially if you promised that." Touhou's eyes narrowed slightly. "If your arms were unbound you could easily remove the talisman's. I can't have you doing that until you are back in Japan."
"I figured I'd stay here for a while. It's been a long time since I've come to Shanghai you see. I've people here to visit." Bekko responded without skipping a beat.
"I'm sure you do. Unfortunately I can't let you stay here. I had asked that none of you follow but you ignored my request." Touhou stood, arms at his sides, glaring ever so slightly. "You'll ruin all that I've done."
"All that you've done? And have you not ruined my own work?" Bekko retorted. "I can assure you I will not leave Shanghai without those boys."
Touhou's eyes narrowed further. "And I can assure you, Shito is never leaving again." The Exorcist turned for the door. "Even if it means I have to silence everyone who stands in my way." The man turned and moved towards the door. The two men waiting there turned and bowed their respect towards him. "Take him back." Touhou said then turned on his heal and moved back to the other door.
"You've only admitted your guilt, Touhou." Bekko said.
Touhou stopped and looked at him over his shoulder, his eyes hiding no hostility. "Perhaps I have. But it won't matter." The Exorcist opened the door and walked out closing it quickly behind him.
Bekko sighed. At the very least, I know they are both here, somewhere. The two men moved inside the room, once again not saying anything to their prisoner. They each took an arm and hauled the Ferryman from his place on the couch. They weren't being nice about it as they didn't feel they needed to. So long as he wasn't bruised, Touhou didn't care.
Bekko once again resigned himself to silence. He preferred his own thoughts to the lack of conversation he was likely to receive from the two men with him. He went over the very small amount of information he'd received from Touhou. It wouldn't be of much help but it was confirmed that Akatsuki wouldn't be killed. Which given events, was a small bit of good news, he hoped. Depending on what happened within whatever room he was being kept. It was just a matter of finding him and finding Shito. Whatever happened would become apparent when either of them was found. For now, Bekko decided to play prisoner and allow himself to be taken back to the room.
Sotetsu looked up at the opening door and shifted, rattling his own chains as he did. One of the men eyed him a moment then returned his attention back towards Bekko as they moved him back to his place against the far wall. He waited until both backs were turned before he shot up from his place and summoned his long-handled axe from his palm.
"Ha!" He yelled drawing their attention too late. One man turned in time to receive a slash across his the chest. The other barely drew his weapon when Bekko swung his leg out hard, catching him in the gut, then again sweeping his legs out from under him.
"Nice moves you got there, Bekko-san." Sotetsu smirked helping the smaller man to his feet.
"Just because you don't see me fight, doesn't mean I can't." Bekko's long blonde hair fell loosely about his face. "See if you can't get these curses off me." Bekko turned eyeing the two men on the ground.
"Yeah, yeah." Sotetsu moved up and began pulling the spells away one by one then started on the knots of the ropes. "Aren't you going to ask how I got out of those chains?" Sotetsu smirked.
"I've not the need to. You obviously used your weapon to pry them." Bekko rolled his eyes. "Though why you didn't do it sooner is beyond me."
"I figured I'd wait until a good moment." Sotetsu said pulling the ropes free. "Sheesh, they bound you like you were a body builder. What are they afraid of?"
"You should know that, Sotetsu. Quickly, let's get out of the area before others show up. It gets tedious when humans are involved." Bekko moved quickly towards the door and out into the hallway.
Bekko moved quickly and quietly, not having to worry if Sotetsu was behind him or not. He never had to worry about him. It made the job all that much easier. "My best guess is that we'll find Shito easier. He's likely to be guarded but able to move about. We stand a better chance discovering his location as it's no secret he's back in Shanghai."
Sotetsu only nodded and moved quickly behind Bekko. He barely knew the man but he trusted him. Everyone in Zombie-Loan did. Maybe it was the fact he gave them a second chance at life. Maybe it was that he saved them once or twice from a second death. Maybe it was just his personality. All Sotetsu knew was that Bekko was doing all he could when he could just look the other way. That was enough for him. He stopped as Bekko waited at the end of the hallway blocked by a door.
"I'll get it open." Sotetsu said summoning his axe once again.
"Just don't make too much noise." Bekko said stepping aside.
"You just worry about watching our backs." Sotetsu raised his axe and swung down hard on the doorknob jarring it loose. Once more and it fell to the ground. He released his axe and it disappeared. Sotetsu reached forward pulling the door open and dodged out into the hall way, knocking the guard standing there against the other wall with enough force to render him unconscious.
"Good work, Sotetsu." Bekko said stepping over the man's body laying prone on the floor. He turned his head both directions then started down the new hallway. It appeared to be similar to the underground passage he'd been through only an hour before. He guessed that this one lead to another building. Hopefully the one in which Shito was being housed. There were several buildings in the network and the chances were slim. But if Bekko's guess was right, Shito would be in one of the inner buildings, hidden away. Judging by the layout of the one in which he and Sotetsu had been imprisoned, they were in the center. It was only a matter of finding which building had the most guards.
Bekko was about to dodge into the next building when he heard voices and halted quickly holding out his arm in a signal for Sotetsu to do the same. The men spoke in Chinese to one another. The conversations seemed simple and unhurried. Good, they don't know we've escaped just yet. We'll have to use that to our advantage. Bekko pushed his hair back over his shoulder and peered carefully around the corner. The two men had their backs to him as they walked casually down the hallway. Bekko's eyes narrowed behind his glasses as he stepped nimbly out and rushed up behind them, taking their heads in his hands and slamming them together before they ever noticed he was there. Sotetsu gave a low whistle and followed out. Bekko shook his head and dusted his hands against each other then moved, stepping over the bodies.
"We've not the time to marvel over each other's abilities." He spoke softly.
Sotetsu chuckled behind him but otherwise remained silent. He was enjoying the adventure. Though he could use a little more action, he was glad to do as Bekko suggested. The way Bekko had kept silent about information he received indicated to Sotetsu that it wasn't good. He wondered what it was that could upset Bekko but his mind drew up a blank. All he knew was that the Xu Fu had most likely kidnapped Chika in order to prevent Shito's hand from rotting away. He couldn't think of any other reason.
Bekko leaned his back against the wall at the corner and slowly peered around it. As he'd expected, two more guards patrolled that hallway. There were more than he liked but so far, they had seemed easy to dispatch. Bekko waited until they had both turned their back before motioning Sotetsu around the corner and rushed after them. One turned and gave a small cry of warning before Sotetsu was upon him slamming him into the wall. Flakes of plaster fell to the floor as Bekko zipped past and overtook the second guard. Sotetsu let the man fall in a heap and followed after. Bekko's guard fell also and he moved almost cat-like towards the elevator. He checked the floor label and shook his head again.
"We're underground it looks like." Bekko said simply and kept walking. He didn't trust the elevator and instead searched for stairs. Sotetsu sighed and followed after the Ferryman.
"Have you an idea what you're doing?" Sotetsu asked. "Or where we're going?"
"Not a clue." Bekko answered. "But up would be a good idea." Bekko found the door to the stairs and flung it open stepping inside. He immediately started up the stairs and made it to the next floor before he heard Sotetsu's heavier steps follow after him. "Just focus on finding Shito. We'll plan from there."
Sotetsu nodded. "Sounds like plan then." He followed as quickly as he could without making too much noise. He was amazed at how agile and quick the Ferryman was. It was quite the change from his normal bored movements back at the Zombie-Loan office. There really was a lot about Bekko that Sotetsu didn't know but he had the feeling he'd find out during this rescue mission. He managed to catch up to Bekko just as he reached the second floor above ground. Both stopped to catch their breath before slowly peeking out the door. No one seemed to occupy the hallway and Bekko stepped gingerly out. He blinked at the sunlight pouring through the window directly across from the doorway. It was setting low over the horizon, setting into the coming night sky. He motioned Sotetsu to follow him to the window and peered out over the open area towards the building across.
"What do you see?" Bekko asked for confirmation.
"I see a food cart being pushed down the hallway." Sotetsu responded.
"Good. It means someone is being given room service in that building. My guess is that someone special is over there." Bekko moved down the hallway towards what he hoped was the glass covered bridge he saw expanding between the two buildings.
"You mean you hope it's Shito." Sotetsu clarified.
"Yes, my guess is he's being confined to his room." Bekko answered in reply. "And by the amount of guards I noticed through those windows. It's a pretty good guess."
Sotetsu grunted his agreement. "More goons to fight off, eh?" He smirked at the idea.
"Plenty to worry about I assure you." Bekko responded moving further down the hall.
"Why don't you just use your own powers? It would be a lot faster." Sotetsu asked.
Bekko hesitated a moment in his stride then continued walking. "Because it would upset the balance. I can't just erase every one of them. They are still human and this is a human affair, no matter how supernatural it seems."
Sotetsu nodded. "So I guess that means we're relying only on your physical abilities then."
Bekko stopped at the door and turned, one hand on the doorknob. "It's all I need." He gave a small smirk and jerked the door open rushing out.
Sotetsu laughed and followed after him. "Sounds like fun."
A/N: And there it is. As always please let me know what you think. If there is anywhere I need to be more clear or any questions. Thank you to all of those who have stuck with me. Until the next chapter, adieu.