Author's Note: Now this chapter came out a little different than I had originally planned. But I think it suits the story and characters a little better. At any rate. I hope you are enjoying the story or at the very least, find it good enough to continue reading. Thank you one and all for your support.
Shiba watched the now sleeping Chika beside him. The soft rise and fall of his chest, despite the bandages was calming. He'd always loved to watch Chika sleep. Something about how innocent and defenseless he looked. Shiba gently moved Chika's head to rest on his shoulder. The smaller zombie protested slightly in his sleep but soon gave in. Shiba smiled watching him sleep and reached one hand up to lift a part of his silvery hair from his face.
If only you would understand, my little Chika. Shiba sighed and dropped his hand resting it on Chika's bound wrists. The white bandages peeked out beneath the leather cuffs. It seemed that Chika's wrists hadn't quite healed yet. And his right hand, curled slightly, was bandaged all the way to his fingertips. Shiba thumbed the back of the bandaged hand gently, pondering over how it must feel to have your hand rot away right before your eyes. It doesn't matter now. Shiba thought to himself. He'll heal in no time and we can move on.
The helicopter landed several minutes later atop one of the outer buildings. Several guards stood around the landing pad waiting and ready to escort their new residents inside. The chopper blades slowly started to slow and the men rushed forward their tasks already having been assigned before the arrival. Some moved to carry the various suitcases and things inside, and two opened the doors to the chopper. One man reached inside and started to unbuckle Chika's seatbelt. Slightly perturbed Shiba pushed passed the man offering his assistance to help him out and moved quickly around to the other side of the flying machine.
"I'll take him." Shiba said as the man started to lift Chika from the helicopter.
"Please sir, it is alright. You must be tired." The man responded about to turn to go inside.
Shiba's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring just a little. "I said," he grabbed the man's shoulder. "I'll take him. Now."
The man hesitated a moment then bowed his head. "My apologies, sir. Please forgive me."
Shiba didn't respond and lifted Chika from the man's arms, holding him to his chest. Chika moaned softly and Shiba looked down at him a moment. Chika's eyes fluttered but never opened. Shiba relaxed his shoulders and glared at the man.
"If he had woken, I'd have you disciplined." Shiba spoke harshly but quietly and moved passed the remaining two men. "Don't keep me waiting any longer."
"Yes, sir." The two grabbed the remaining bags and hurried ahead to open the door and lead Shiba to the new room waiting for his prize.
The sky colored with orange and pink as the sun slipped beyond view. Its last rays dipped into the room bouncing off the small crystals adorning pillows and lamp shades decorating the room. The silks and satins shone in rich, lush color in the natural light. The room had been finished only a few minutes before the helicopter landed atop the building. The door had been fitted with a special lock, opened only with an authorized access card. This was done at the request of both Shiba and Touhou, in order to avoid anyone accidently finding Chika's new home. Also, to keep him from running about unnoticed amongst the various buildings belonging to the Xu Fu. It was both for his protection, whether he believed it or not, and for theirs.
Shiba carefully lay Chika down in the center of the bed and sat at the edge of it to gently release his bonds. First he unbuckled and removed the ones at Chika's wrists then set it on the table. His hands traveled downwards, hovering over the slumbering figure until he reached the pale ankles and released them as well. Shiba stood picking up both sets of cuffs and tucking them away in a small cupboard with he locked with a key. He then shooed everyone from the room and took his pass card from the guard and closed the door passing the card through the slot.
"No one is to disturb Chika. He's had a long journey and is very tired." Shiba said. "I've a meeting with Touhou. Care to show me where to go?"
One guard nodded as the others dispersed. "This way, please." He lead Shiba down the hallway towards the elevator and swiped his own card to activate it. "Each elevator here is activated with a card like this. That room down there, however, is only activated by two cards, your card as well as Touhou's."
Shiba nodded his approval. "Good. He is to never be disturbed by anyone else."
"That is the idea, sir." The man said as the elevator doors opened. "Keep your card in a safe place and no one will go in or out unless you or Touhou says." He stepped inside and gestured for Shiba to follow him then pressed the button for the second floor.
Shiba leaned against the wall, one hand pushed down into his pocket. He leaned his head forward a little and closed his eyes. The room and its quality had surprised him a little though he wouldn't complain. It was a perfect setting. It would take time, but Shiba had no doubt that Chika would learn to like it there. Being unused to anything that nice and expensive, would surely make him uncomfortable for a while. Shiba didn't mind however. He was willing to wait and work at it for a reasonable amount of time at least. He would continue to break down Chika although he feared there would be a slight setback now that they'd come to Shanghai.
The elevator slowed gently to a stop. Shiba opened his eyes and pushed himself away from the wall. He stepped out onto the second level and looked out the large, one-way, windows over the expanse of open courtyard.
"It's certainly beautiful here." Shiba said not really expecting an answer.
"This way, sir. We'll be leaving the building." The man stepped out behind him then started down the hallway.
Shiba nodded and turned to follow, his hand still resting in his pocket. He looked about his surroundings as he was lead. The buildings were built in a sort of fortress fashion. The center ones surrounded by others, though no fence was visible there were certain to be many guards all about the perimeter. This was the main headquarters of the Xu Fu mafia. No one dared venture into their grounds and lived. The guards were around not only to capture those who tried to break in, but also those that tried to break out.
Shiba followed in silence, keeping certain thoughts to himself, things such as how he was going to further train Chika to depend on him, to want him when he was away. It would have been so much easier if that damned Shito had never come into his life. It would have been better if Chika had never died in the first place. Then he'd simply be a weak human, one whom Shiba -a supernatural being- could save and protect. The thought made him smile for a brief moment.
"Sir, we have arrived." The man drew Shiba from his musings and ushered him inside Touhou's private office.
Shiba nodded and stepped inside. Touhou sat in his chair, doing some paper work on his desk and barely acknowledged Shiba's presence. The shinigami moved inside as the door closed behind him and took up a seat across the desk from Touhou, putting his feet up on the corner.
"I see you've listened to the tape I sent you." Shiba smirked.
"Please remove your feet from my desk." Touhou responded dotting the last period and stacked the papers placing them in his drawer. He slid it closed then looked up at Shiba as the man placed his feet back on the ground. "I trust your journey was pleasant?" Touhou smiled politely.
"It was, thank you. I hadn't expected it to move so quickly, but it was nice. I only wish we'd had more time in our respective places." Shiba sighed leaning his head on his hand.
"I had hoped for that as well. It has been rather busy around here lately. The Ferryman has come already." Touhou responded.
"Ah, so Bekko has come has he?" I had wondered why I hadn't run into any of them while doing my duties." Shiba smiled. "I suppose you've dealt with him and any others?"
"Yes, I have. My talismans seem to have done a fair job at restraining his other shore abilities." Touhou replied. "Have things progressed with your toy?" The China man's expression changed to a sly smile.
"They have. Only slightly though. Not to the point that I want him to be at. It will take time but he's learning." Shiba sighed. "I only wished he hadn't been previously injured."
"Ah, so that's why he gave in so easily, hmm? It wasn't your over-bearing power?" Touhou chuckled amused.
Shiba flicked his eyes towards the Exorcist then leaned his head back settling in the chair. "I can assure you, I can take him just as easily, when he's at full health. I just prefer a bit of a fight. Get my energy juices flowing."
"Ah, I see. Well then. In a few days, if he's not completely broken, perhaps you'll get your chance." Touhou smiled minutely. "I assume you were briefed on the key cards?"
"Ah, yes, quite the genius plan of yours. It eases my worries to know he's safe." Shiba nodded his appreciation.
"You've nothing to worry about here. None of my men will touch what belongs to you. You have my word on that." Touhou assured him. "Just as my property is not to be disturbed." He gave Shiba a meaningful look.
"I wouldn't dream of it. I give you, my word." Shiba smiled then sat a moment in thought. "Though I have a request for you."
Touhou arched his brow only slightly interested. "Oh? Please enlighten me."
Shiba sat upright and leaned forward on his knees. "You see, I'm a little impatient and don't want to take weeks and perhaps months to have Chika choose me. Perhaps with your abilities you could…convince him I'm not all that bad." Shiba shifted his gaze to meet Touhou's eyes.
"Mm. An interesting thought indeed. You'd allow me near your pet like that?" Touhou smirked slightly. "You seem quite possessive."
"Ah but with you, I've nothing to worry about. It wouldn't be anything to compromise my claim. Simply…use your spells, you've done it before. I've seen it." Shiba leaned back in his chair again. "Simply do what you feel necessary. Make him believe that only I can protect him. If I'm not around, anything could happen."
"So you're going to make me the bad guy?"
Shiba laughed. "You're already the bad guy, Touhou."
Touhou nodded once again. "I see. Well then. Perhaps I will at a later time. I'm far too busy to play with that mutt today."
Shiba nodded. "Of course. Once things are all settled." He stood and pushed one hand into his pocket extending the other. "It's been a pleasure, Touhou."
Touhou stood also, shaking the shinigami's hand. "Yes, it has been."
"If you will excuse me, I should really get back. He may be waking soon." Shiba smiled and turned for the door.
"Enjoy your toy, Shiba." Touhou chuckled. "I will contact you later."
Shiba nodded. "Yes, I expect it." He opened the door and walked out. The same guard waited for him and bowed his respect to Touhou through the open door.
"Pleasant meeting, sir?" The man addressed Shiba as he began to lead him back to the building in which he and Chika would be living.
"Yes, it was, thank you." Shiba responded politely. He followed the man, eager to return to Chika and see if he had waken to find himself in his new home. He also wanted to get back to what he'd started back in Japan. "Ah, I've had a thought. Neither of us have eaten since breakfast. Perhaps a dinner could be brought?" Shiba asked.
"Yes, sir. We'll send a cart shortly." The man nodded in response.
I had forgotten Chika refused to touch his lunch. It was still sitting on the coffee table. I suppose he feared a sleep aid again. Shiba chuckled slightly drawing the attention of his escort. The man gave him a quizzical look but otherwise didn't say anything. He led Shiba back the way they had come exiting the building and entering the other. Shiba marveled at how the structures had been connected. A series of bridges and underground passageways added to the privacy of everyone inside the complex. Every outside access door was locked with the cardkey system. Shiba had to admit it was really rather impressive. Living in Shanghai didn't seem like it would be as inconvenient as he'd originally thought. If anything it would be a step up from the lower standard of living he'd had in Japan.
A few guardsmen walked towards Shiba and his escort, speaking to one another in Chinese. Shiba perked his senses when he heard them mention the Japanese boy upstairs. One seemed to be explaining to the other why he'd been brought. The two smirked at each other at the mention of their prisoner having been brought in a thin Yukata. It didn't hide much and it was easy to see he was young and the bruises indicated he was weak.
"I bet you could take him in minutes." One jokingly said to the other.
"Hell no. No way would I touch that." The other responded.
"Good choice." Shiba spoke in flawless Chinese, a slight hint of anger tinged his voice.
Both men stopped and looked up to see the shinigami, smiling at them. They looked at each other then to the escort guiding Shiba through the building.
"Anyone touches him, and they'll be killed." Shiba smiled. "Is that understood?" His aura seemed to give off a deathly vibe. The two men bowed hurriedly and muttered their apologies before scurrying down the hallway. Shiba scowled once they were gone and moved down the hallway. His escort had to hurry to catch up to him.
"Please forgive them, Shiba sir. They are mere underlings who know nothing." The man did his best to quell the anger Shiba radiated.
"Speak no more of it." Shiba spoke simply. He reached the elevator and slid his own card to activate it. He glared at the doors until they slid open then hurriedly stepped inside. The escort had to dodge inside or he'd have been left behind as Shiba pressed the button for the top floor. He waited, staring at the doors as the elevator slowly made its way upwards.
The escort shifted uncomfortably in the tense silence. He flicked his eyes towards the taller man and quickly looked away again. He didn't know much about the shinigami, but he knew that he wasn't one to be messed with. He only knew what Touhou had told him when he was being prepared to be the liaison between Shiba and the Xu Fu mafia. The Exorcist had explained to him the precarious position he was going to be placed in. His job was to make sure that Shiba was satisfied with the living quarters and to keep people away from Chika's room. He explained that Chika's sole purpose for being there, was to prevent the rotting away of Shito Shao Ye's hand. The whole idea was confusing to him but he knew there were things that Touhou dealt with that weren't exactly…natural. One of which was the Head Dragon himself, Lao Ye. The man shivered recalling the one time he'd seen the withered beast. It was a frightening sight, one he was glad to never see again.
Shiba stepped out brushing passed him and into the hallway. "I wish to not be disturbed until the dinner car arrives. Thank you for your services." Shiba said as he walked away.
"Uh- Y-yes sir." The escort replied, pulled from his thoughts. The elevator doors closed and he was cut off.
Shiba sighed stopping at the door and dismissed the guard that had stayed there. He waited until he was alone before sliding the card into the lock and pushed open the door. He slid the card into his pocket and closed the door gently behind him, smiling as the locks instantly engaged. He flicked on the lights to find that Chika no longer rested on the bed as he'd left him. A small smirk played across his lips.
"Chika." Shiba said in a bit of a song. "Where…are you?" He was met by silence. Slowly, Shiba moved about the room searching for his prey. He smiled to himself, hearing the softest sound of movement. He turned away from the sound, purposefully giving Chika the false sense of security. "I'll find you eventually you know. This room is only so large." Shiba chuckled. He ventured further into the room away from the door.
Chika watched him from his hiding place. He'd been disoriented waking up to a new room completely all alone. He had no idea where he was though he guessed it was somewhere within the Xu Fu's territory. He had tried the door the moment he gained enough of his senses to realize he should try to escape. He had found it locked but wasn't surprised. He knew it would be too easy. He was glad however to have found himself free of his restraints. He had only been awake a few minutes when he'd heard the locks disengaging. He didn't think much but acted on the instinct to hide from danger. Now that he had he wasn't sure what he was going to do. It was only a matter of time before either Shiba found him or he attacked Shiba. Either way he wasn't sure he'd come out winning. Chika reached his hands down, pulling the tie around his waist tighter in a feeble attempt to keep the Yukata closed. He looked up again to find that Shiba was no longer in his vision. His heart jumped and he moved slightly trying to see where the shinigami had gone. He halted his breath staying as silent as possible straining to hear for Shiba's next step.
"There you are!" Shiba said suddenly appearing inches from Chika's face. His hands snaked out, one grabbing Chika's right wrist, the other pushing him back against the wall and held him there. Chika's eyes widened then closed in a grimace as his head banged against the wall behind him. He struggled but couldn't do anything as Shiba pressed his stronger body against him.
"Gah! Let go you bastard!" Chika yelled. He tried to kick but Shiba's legs moved to prevent him. Chika's left hand pressed against Shiba's chest defensively as the shinigami's free hand took his chin in his long slender fingers.
"That was a fun game. We should play more often my little Chika." Shiba breathed flicking his tongue out across the smaller male's cheek. He chuckled at the weak attempt to pull away.
"Stop that." Chika glared smacking the hand holding his chin away. "Don't just go doing things because you feel like it."
"Oh? And why not? You belong to me remember? I can do as I please." Shiba held the other hand, both pressed to the wall above Chika's head. He smirked, leaning in to kiss his prize but Chika turned his head away. The shinigami's lips met with smooth skin instead and started to suck on the spot just under Chika's jaw.
Chika shuddered tugging on his arms. "Don't do that. I-it's disgust-ting." Chika swallowed hating that his body reacted ever so slightly to the provocation. "N-no…" Chika tried again but his protests were ignored. He could feel the shaking in his body from lack of food and he knew he couldn't fight Shiba off but that didn't stop him from trying. He kicked his leg out quickly and managed to bang Shiba's leg that set him off balance. Shiba's grip lessened on the smaller zombie's wrists and Chika managed to pull away, striking out one fist to hit Shiba's cheek. He took the stunned surprise and shoved Shiba away dodging away from the wall.
Shiba held his own cheek rubbing it a little. "So…you want to play do you? I'll play but I can assure you I will take my winnings very seriously." Shiba smirked turning around.
"Just stay the hell away from me! Go mess up someone else's life!" Chika yelled running to the other side of the room. He glared as Shiba started to slowly move towards him like a cat stalking a mouse. "Stay over there! Or better yet leave!" Chika looked around for anything he could use as a weapon but found nothing. His right hand was still weak and would remain that way until he was able to switch it with Shito for a short amount of time.
Shiba gave him a fake pout as he moved slowly closer. "You're only delaying the inevitable you know." Shiba taunted, his pout slid into a sly, dark smile. "There is nowhere for you to run." He took another step forward, forcing Chika backwards, cornering himself.
"Why won't you just leave me alone?" Chika asked, barely able to hide the quiver in his voice. He watched Shiba trying to match his every move. He found himself quickly running out of places to go. Shiba stepped over the coffee table between them and moved quickly forward. Chika gasped and stumbled backwards falling onto the bed behind him. He struggled to move himself across it, backwards, his weak hand collapsing under his weight.
"H-hng!" Chika winced then jerked his head up as Shiba's own weight displaced him on the bed. Shiba crawled on top of him, that sick smile upon his face. Chika tried still to pull himself away despite the weak hand. Shiba chuckled, pushing him down onto his back.
"Game over?" Shiba said. He pulled himself up to sit across Chika's hips then held up his hands in defense against Chika's frantic swings. He chuckled managing to catch one arm and pulled Chika up quickly, kissing him then dropping him back down on the bed. Chika's frustrated growl made him laugh. "Ah, you're just too much fun." Shiba caught the other arm and pulled both up, pinning them against each other above thrashing head.
"Ng-ah! Would you stop that! Get off me!" Chika kicked and tugged as best he could. Shiba's wandering free hand sent a shudder through his body. Within seconds the Yukata was pried open, exposing his naked body. Chika twisted in an attempt to curl in on himself to cover and protect what little remained of his dignity. Shiba lifted himself just enough to allow Chika's body to turn.
"Excited to get it on are you? Well then, I'd be glad to oblige." Shiba released his hands and quickly forced Chika completely over onto his stomach.
"A-ah! No! Get- off me!" Chika struggled trying to pull himself free. His right hand refused to grip or pull him anywhere and he left was shaking from the strain.
Shiba pulled the Yukata free exposing Chika completely. He used the fabric to wrap around Chika's flailing arms rendering his struggles inert. He took in a deep breath and leaned over Chika's shivering body pressing his own against him.
"S-stop. D-don't." Chika said in labored breath the pain in his chest made worse by the pressure of both his body and Shiba's. His entire body was tense, expecting what he knew Shiba was going to do.
"Hnn." Shiba moaned softly, moving one hand up and down Chika's side. The slender fingers tickling against his chilled skin. Chika buried his face in the bed spread beneath him, hiding his fear. That scared, abandoned child he thought he left so long ago, surfaced for a brief moment. The fear of being alone, left to die, unwanted, uncared for, came crashing back to the surface. He felt the panic rise in his chest as the deeply hidden memory forced itself upon him. In an instant he was back to the day his mother never came home. Cold and hungry, abandoned.
"Nn…Chika you've stopped talking." Shiba spoke softly into his ear, licking it slowly. His hand traveled down further caressing Chika's hip. The body beneath him jerked and his breathing quickened. Shiba could tell he was afraid but he ignored it. He moved his hand to tease Chika's entrance with his fingers.
"Ah! D-don't!" Chika jerked suddenly. The sensation jerked him back to the present. The very real knowledge of what Shiba wanted to do to him sent another shudder of panic through his body. He kicked and tried to tug his arms free but the rising panic made it difficult for him to think straight.
"Sh…it won't hurt as much as last time, my little Chika." Shiba cooed softly pushing two fingers inside. Chika cried out both from fear and panic. He tensed his body starting to shake. His mind switched rapidly between the past and present. His thoughts never slowing as he tried desperately to escape both the memory and reality. Shiba hesitated a moment then thrust in his fingers again watching the reaction.
"D-don't!" Chika cried out again. "P-please…S-shiba don't…" He whimpered. Chika clung onto reality. He knew if he held on he may be able to stop it. Shiba thrust once more. "S-shiba…p-ple-please…" Chika whimpered again. His voice quivered and tears spilled down his face. His overwhelming emotions from both past and present overtook his will forcing him to break down when he wanted to be strong. Chika's body shook from fear. He was afraid. He knew he was afraid. He knew no one was going to save him. No one knew where he was. Shito didn't care. Shito didn't come for him. The pain in his hand reminded him of that. "P-please…." Chika's voice spoke softly.
Shiba pulled his fingers free and lifted himself away. Chika curled in on himself expecting the worst. He felt Shiba lean over him again and winced at the impending pain and torture.
"I'll leave you for you, Chika." Shiba spoke kindly kissing the younger male's head as he stood up. He gently released Chika's arms and covered him with the Yukata. Chika shivered and pulled the thin fabric tightly around his body daring to peek at Shiba. He was confused and he waited for Shiba to end the cruel joke.
He's just messing with me. He's just giving me false hope. It's a lie. Chika said to himself, watching Shiba. The tears still spilled down his face as the memory kept trying to force its-self forward again. Shiba turned to look at him. His face didn't seem menacing, nor did it seem like he was about to laugh in Chika's face. Shiba's eyes searched Chika's for a moment then he turned on his heel and moved to the door. Something about the way Chika had begged bothered him. He couldn't bring himself to go any further.
"Your dinner will be arriving soon. Please eat it. You are growing weak. Have a pleasant night, Chika." Shiba spoke softly. He opened the door and left closing it tightly behind him.
The locks clicked softly in the silent room. Chika released the breath he'd been holding and the sobs bubbled to the surface. He lost himself in the despair and held tightly to the Yukata covering him, his knuckled white. Shiba had left him alone. Maybe it was just for this time. But Shiba had left him alone. It was a tender mercy that he desperately prayed for. He clung to that reality with all his might until sleep took him into his dark embrace, his dinner once again left untouched.
And there we have it. There is still a part of Shiba that actually does care. But is that enough?