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shiraume_ficTITLE: Sakuran
CHAPTER: 5/6
AUTHOR: Shiraume
RATING: PG-13 (Angst/Romance)
SPOILERS: Entire anime season and manga storyline up to volume 9.
WARNINGS: Slightly AU-ish.
PAIRING: Muraki + Hisoka, Tsuzuki + Hisoka.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing is mine, except the insanity.
Previous chapters are here:
Sakuran - Prologue
Sakuran - Part One: Chance Meetings
Sakuran - Part Two: Advent
Sakuran - Part Three: Past and Present
Sakuran - Part Four: Passage to Eden
PART FIVE: Descent
"They left already?" Kazutaka and Hisoka chorused, dismayed.
Watari's expression was unexpectedly stern. "That's what I said. And before you even ask, the answer is NO. Don't even think about setting a foot outside Enmacho, let alone leaving Meifu to face that lunatic."
"But...!" Kazutaka began to protest, only to be cut short by Watari.
"NO. Konoe-kachou has expressly forbidden the two of you from getting involved. The case is transferred to Tatsumi and Tsuzuki. End of discussion."
"Watari-san-"
"Period."
Defeated, the two shinigami left. Tatsumi and Tsuzuki had left scarcely an hour ago (that was probably why Tsuzuki left early before). Inexplicably, the fact his own partner kept this from him hurt Hisoka, but he was more concerned for Tsuzuki's safety. Although they had faith in Tatsumi and Tsuzuki's abilities, neither could keep the anxiety at bay.
"Let's go."
Hisoka's eyes widened. Kazutaka could not possibly mean...?
"They don't know what Saki is capable of, Hisoka. They might be walking into a trap. We have to warn them." Kazutaka's eyes were determined.
After looking at Kazutaka's serious expression, Hisoka nodded in assent. "All right. Let's go."
In an instant both shinigami were on Earth, back in the dilapidated building where they had last seen Saki. Hisoka suddenly froze with a sharp intake of breath, feeling the marks on his skin burn.
"Hisoka? Are you all right?"
"It's Saki," Hisoka managed. "He's doing something."
"Hisoka..." The worry in Kazutaka's voice was palpable, and gave Hisoka just enough strength to continue; he tugged on Kazutaka's hand, leading them towards where he could feel Saki's aura.
"We're near. I can feel him."
Again, Kazutaka felt a twinge of fear, but not for himself. "Hisoka...maybe you shouldn't..." he began, but Hisoka shook his head adamantly.
"We're doing this together. I'm not letting you face him alone."
Slowly, Kazutaka took the other's hand in his and brushed a reverent kiss on the knuckles. "You are the bravest person I've known."
"How sweet."
There was a cruel amusement in that cool tone, and the two jumped. Saki stood barely twenty feet away from them, yet neither had noticed him. Kazutaka savagely suppressed a shiver running through his spine, knowing Hisoka would feel every ounce of his fear. In the years of his afterlife in safety, he had almost forgotten how much his brother could affect him, but now... Now, the terror raged within him, making him feel as helpless as he did on the day he died, sixteen years ago.
"Oh, I don't mind you touching my toys, Kazutaka," Saki drawled. "But really, you should have asked before taking."
A wave of anger surged within Kazutaka, and Hisoka flinched. Kazutaka, usually so collected and in control, was absolutely unpredictable when it came to his brother, and Hisoka could not help worrying; strong emotional responses tended to lead one right into the opponent's hand. He knew this from experience.
Kazutaka swallowed, and managed to reply in even voice. "Hisoka isn't your anything. And I'm here to make sure you will never harm another innocent again."
Saki's answer was an amused chuckle. "Apparently, so were your colleagues. What were their names, Tatsumi-san and Tsuzuki-san?"
The two shinigami froze. Saki smiled maliciously at their shock. "One with glasses, the other with most beautiful purple eyes, yes?"
"What did you do to them?" Hisoka heard himself ask, but flinched back when Saki's amber eyes turned to him, as if Saki had touched him physically.
"Nothing much. I merely made them...see the light."
"Hisoka!" Kazutaka cried out in warning, and Hisoka was knocked off his feet as Saki's spell slammed into the defensive shield Kazutaka cast only split second before the impact. Kazutaka's brows were knitted in deep concentration as he struggled to keep up the hastily cast shield, searching for an opening in Saki's offensive. His heart hammering within his chest, Hisoka watched. He could sense the power emanating from Saki, and a chill ran down his spine as he realized that Saki might be the most powerful opponent they had yet to face. And worse, he could feel something blocking Kazutaka from being able to use his full power, some internal that had to do with Saki.
Hisoka sprang back to his feet, gathering his own reserve of power. "Kazutaka!"
"Don't, Hisoka! You know our powers aren't compatible enough for you to help me!" Kazutaka said sharply without even looking back. Unlike Tsuzuki, whose power was so uncannily in sync with Hisoka, Kazutaka's power did not match Hisoka's, and any attempt on Hisoka's part to help would more than likely backfire. Saki smirked, observing the exchange with an air of boredom. He knew, Kazutaka thought to himself with a sinking heart. Saki knew Kazutaka could not defeat him. He was merely toying with his younger brother, waiting until Kazutaka wore himself out. Saki doubtlessly had Hisoka covered as well.
Kazutaka bit his lip. Soon his shield would crumble, and he would not be able to neutralize the aftershock. Perhaps it would even be enough to...enough to...
"Give up, Kazutaka." Saki's voice was almost tender, mockingly affectionate. "You can't protect him. You are just like me, a descendant of the darkness."
"Never!" Kazutaka shouted, bracing himself to physically shield Hisoka, even if the shockwave killed him.
Suddenly, the shadow beneath Saki's feet moved, and knocked him off his feet, breaking his spell. Eyes wide, Kazutaka watched Tatsumi wield the shadows with frightening efficiency, trapping Saki in the cold embrace of the shadows. The Enmacho secretary seemed relatively unharmed, if a bit bloody. Tsuzuki, on the other hand, was kneeling behind him, rocking slightly with his eyes unfocused. Before Kazutaka could notice anything else, the shadows engulfed all four of them, and they were back in Meifu.
"Are you two all right?" Tatsumi asked, and Kazutaka could have laughed in relief.
"We're fine. But what happened to Tsuzuki-san?" Hisoka was already on his knees, gently taking Tsuzuki's shoulders in his hands and murmuring to him softly.
"I'm not really sure, Muraki-kun. Shidou Saki did something with a strange light when we confronted him, and Tsuzuki-san has been like that since. I managed to get us there until I was certain Tsuzuki-san is all right." Tatsumi added in a quieter tone, "I did not anticipate he would be so powerful."
"I could have told you that," Kazutaka said wryly. Tatsumi nodded, less agitated now and more himself.
"So I've noticed. But, I recall that the two of you were taken off this case."
Kazutaka shook his head. "Tatsumi-san, this is something that Hisoka and I have to do for ourselves."
A fearful whisper interrupted the two. "Hisoka...?"
"I'm here, Tsuzuki," Hisoka answered, his voice calm and soothing.
"So much blood...everyone's dead...because of me..."
Hisoka remembered how Saagatanasu had once trapped Tsuzuki within his memories. Could Saki have done something similar? "Tsuzuki, it's all right. Can you hear me?" It took Tsuzuki several minutes, but he nodded. "Then concentrate on me. It's all right. Everything will be fine."
With a sob, Tsuzuki wrapped his arms around his partner, shaking. With uncharacteristic gentleness, Hisoka held him close, stroking the midnight black hair until Tsuzuki fell asleep. After exchanging a look, Kazutaka and Tatsumi left the two of them alone and stepped outside the infirmary.
"I wouldn't have thought it was possible for a human to do this," Tatsumi remarked, closing the door shut behind them.
"Has anything like this happened before?" Kazutaka asked curiously.
"Once. A very high-ranking demon was able to possess and bind Tsuzuki-san from within. The results were quite impressive." Tatsumi's tone made it clear just how impressive, and Kazutaka nodded, feeling a stab of guilt.
"I'm sorry. I should have warned you about Saki sooner."
Tatsumi softened at this. "You couldn't have known. Let's trust Kurosaki-kun to help Tsuzuki-san. Our immediate problem still lies with Shidou Saki. He must have some kind of a weakness."
"I don't know if he does. Except..." Kazutaka's voice hardened. "He's obsessed with me."
Tatsumi was silent for a moment. "Muraki-kun, surely you're not suggesting...?"
"The only other choice is Hisoka. And I would never allow that."
"Muraki-kun, this is unacceptable. The risk is too great -"
"If we don't do something now, he will kill even more innocents to get to me," Kazutaka argued, "and I can't let that happen. If we can somehow lure him into a place where his power can be bound, I might be able to defeat him."
Looking at the determined set of silver eyes, Tatsumi sighed. "If I said no, you'd still go ahead and do it anyway, wouldn't you?"
Kazutaka did not hesitate. "Yes."
"Muraki-kun."
"It has to be me. I couldn't stop him in life. I will stop him in death." Kazutaka gave Tatsumi a strained but sincere smile.
Finally, Tatsumi nodded. "Are you going to tell Kurosaki-kun what you're planning?"
"Yes," Kazutaka answered after a brief consideration. "He'd want to come with me either way. Better that he's forewarned."
"Do you love him?" The question was quiet. Kazutaka returned the calm blue gaze levelly.
"Yes."
Tatsumi's eyes gentled with a small smile. "Then, I wish both of you the best." Tatsumi turned and added over his shoulder, "I'll go obtain permission from Konoe-kachou. I shouldn't be long."
"Thank you, Tatsumi-san."
With a nod, Tatsumi walked away, leaving Kazutaka to himself. Kazutaka returned to the infirmary, and his eyes widened when he saw Hisoka unconscious on the floor.
"Hisoka!" Hisoka was deathly pale, his body as cold as ice. "Hisoka!!??" Hisoka's moan was thin, face pinched with pain. On the white skin of his arms, the curse marks were burning brightly in the color of fresh blood.
"Saki," Kazutaka ground out the name like a curse. It seemed his brother was determined to force his hand. Gently, he laid Hisoka on the bed next to Tsuzuki, and brushed a tender kiss on the damp brow, memorizing the beloved face. Reluctantly he straightened and tried to step back, only to be brought up short by Hisoka's hand clutching his shirt. Even unconscious, Hisoka was seeking him, clinging to him.
Kazutaka took a quick breath, trying to keep the surge of tenderness and love tightly under control, and exhaled. After few careful breaths, he phoned Watari, drumming his fingers impatiently against the wooden table while he waited for Watari to pick up.
"Mm? I mean, hello?"
"Watari-san, it's Kazutaka."
"Oh hey, Kazu-kun. What's up?"
"Could you come over to the infirmary?"
"Something wrong with Tsuzuki?"
"No, it's Hisoka. He's unconscious and cold as ice."
There was a stunned pause. Unexpectedly calm, Watari simply said, "I'll be right there," and hung up. Kazutaka sighed and brushed another kiss on Hisoka's lips, and with a last glance at Hisoka's unconscious form, willed himself back to Earth.
**********
"Took you long enough. Would you like some tea, perhaps? I remember your favorite was - "
"Shut up. What have you done to Hisoka?" Kazutaka demanded, but Saki merely smiled at him in that maddeningly superior way.
"Ah, I thought that might get your attention."
Kazutaka's hands clenched tighter, nails digging into his palms. "Whatever you're doing, stop now."
"Or what, Kazutaka dear? You'll kill me?" Saki's laughter rang in the empty room.
Kazutaka's lips drew into a taut line, his knuckles white. "What is it that you want?" His voice held a hint of helplessness, and Saki's eyes glinted in malicious satisfaction.
"Come back to me, Kazutaka." Blood drained from Kazutaka's face. His brother's insane obsession with him had not changed one whit since his death. "Become mine again, and I promise not to touch the boy or your little friends."
"I was never yours," Kazutaka whispered, but his voice sounded weak even to his ears.
"You were always mine. You never could deny the darkness in your soul." Kazutaka shook his head in denial, but Saki continued, relentless. "You know it's true. Do you remember what your mother used to call you? The devil's child. A pretty little doll, with silver eyes...and no heart."
"Shut up," Kazutaka whispered, but Saki merely laughed.
"Take a good look at yourself, Kazutaka: a god of death, whose job is to hunt down humans and kill them. You're just as evil and bloodstained as I am. Stop denying your darkness."
"I joined Shokan Division to stop murderers like you!"
Saki's laughed was cold and derisive. "Is that what you tell yourself?"
"It's the truth," a calm voice replied in his stead, and Kazutaka froze in his spot. The familiar voice was frightening because of how misplaced it was. Why was Hisoka here? Kazutaka turned, half disbelieving, but sure enough, it was Hisoka, pale but composed, standing with a hand resting on the doorway.
Saki seemed just as taken aback, but regained himself in an instant. "Ah, my beautiful puppet."
Hisoka did not rise to the challenge. "It's over, Saki."
Mildly surprised by Hisoka's confidence, Saki frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't think I'm stupid enough to come here without backup, do you?" Saki's eyes narrowed, not quite believing yet. "Every shinigami in Juohcho has been summoned to this place. Even you can't win against all of Meifu."
Saki did not reply. Seeing his brother waver for the first time, hope blossomed in Kazutaka's heart. Slowly, he moved away from Saki, cautiously making his way to Hisoka when Saki made no movement to stop him.
"Do you really think you can escape me?"
Kazutaka froze in mid-step, halfway between Saki and Hisoka. There was an icy calm in Saki's voice.
The icy calmness of madness.
Kazutaka scarcely sensed the power amassing in Saki when a blast hit Hisoka like tidal waves. Hisoka was still for a second, his eyes wide, then crumpled to the floor. Kazutaka, rooted to the floor, stared in silent, frozen horror as a pool of blood grew under Hisoka. His mind would not register the mess that was Hisoka's chest, the shirt completely soaked in blood. Blood bubbled up in Hisoka's mouth, breaking his paralysis, and instantly Kazutaka was at Hisoka's side.
"Kazu...taka..."
"Don't talk. It will be all right. It will be..." The other shinigami would be here soon, and they would be saved. He could hear indistinct shouts outside coming closer and closer.
"They'll be too late, Kazutaka," Saki said softly, almost as if reading his mind, and Kazutaka tasted blood in his mouth, surprised breath leaving him in a strangled gasp. It didn't hurt, the metal blade that pierced his heart, but it was cold and unpleasant and he could not speak or breathe as the red stain blossomed in his white shirt. "I'll have you, one way or another. Wouldn't it be beautiful, Kazutaka? A true lovers' death."
Flames. Suddenly there were flames everywhere. His eyes blurred, and he held his breath against the sharp twinge as the katana slid out of his body. That did hurt, go figure. He knew he should try to stanch the bleeding, but his limbs felt leaden and he couldn't lift them anymore. The circle of fire was drawing closer, and the heat was intense, like molten lava. Come to think of it, the color of the flame was strange, too.
"This fire can destroy even a shinigami's immortal body. It was difficult to obtain the necessary information to summon it, but it was worth the effort." Saki's voice sounded far away, and Kazutaka struggled to keep his focus on Hisoka, whose eyes were open and staring at him. Shinigami's healing powers kicked in quickly, but it didn't mean the healing process was any less painful than it would be for a human. Yet Hisoka's eyes were clear and intent, drawing Kazutaka closer; Kazutaka lurched forward and landed beside Hisoka, leaning over him. Saki's sibilant whisper rang somewhere above them, insipid. "No one will pull us apart, ever, Kazutaka. We'll be together even in death..."
Kazutaka ignored him. Hisoka's lips were moving slightly, forming words. "Kazutaka...I love you..."
The whisper, barely audible over the roar of the fire, snapped him back into reality. Hisoka did not deserve to be caught in this fight. Hisoka did not deserve to die this way. Hisoka deserved to live. But with both of them so seriously injured and the deadly sea of flames surrounding them, they would not be able to get away in time...
A sudden white glow growing about Kazutaka threw Saki back a few paces, and he stared at his younger brother incredulously. The light emanating from Kazutaka was pure white, raw energy pulsing with every beat of his heart. Kazutaka's eyes were closed, his hair forming a pale silver halo around his head, and he looked like an angel in the blinding light, sacred and inviolate, pure and ethereal. His eyes fixed on Kazutaka, Saki did not notice his clothes catching the fire.
"Together forever, my Kazutaka!" With last laughter of triumphant madness, Saki was gone, engulfed in the dark flames.
Kazutaka concentrated, oblivious to all else, forming a shield around himself and Hisoka, and simultaneously pouring all of his life force into Hisoka's body. The flame was licking the boundaries of the kekkai, burning them even through the shield, making the transparent walls tremble and shiver like summer haze, threatening to rip through the kekkai like paper. Where were the other shinigami? He could hear the distant shouts over the roar of fire, but they sounded so far away.
If his strength gave out before help arrived, in his weakened state, Hisoka would...
"Hisoka, hold on. Please...stay with me." His voice cracked with tears. His exertion from maintaining the shield was making him dizzy, almost losing sight of Hisoka's face.
"Hisoka, please..."
There was no answer. The strain of his power was a physical agony, needles of pain stabbing through his spine. With a desperate sob, Kazutaka kissed Hisoka, holding the fragile body much too tightly, but unable to let go.
If there is anyone listening...
"Hisoka..."
...then please...hear my prayer.
Tears of pain blurred his vision. The transparent walls were splintering, dissolving faster and faster as the heat seeped through the cracks.
Save Hisoka, even if I die.
"...I love you."
Save the person I love the most.
The kekkai disintegrated completely, and Kazutaka lost consciousness in the deafening roar of the flames, collapsing on top of Hisoka.
END OF PART FIVE
Author's Long Excuse: I apologize very sincerely to everyone who waited for this chapter to come out. My real-life over the past year had gotten so busy that I just didn't have the time or the energy to edit this part. There was also a lot of personal embarrassment regarding Sakuran; this fic was written from February to April of 2003 (I kid you not), and looking back at it now was not easy. On one hand, I felt obligated to finish posting the fic, but on the other hand, I was so embarrassed by its quality that I was more than once tempted to take down the whole thing.
There is one more part left that incorporates what used to be the epilogue. Hopefully that will be posted within a couple weeks. So hopes this lazy author, for hope springs eternal. Thank you, all!
CHAPTER: 5/6
AUTHOR: Shiraume
RATING: PG-13 (Angst/Romance)
SPOILERS: Entire anime season and manga storyline up to volume 9.
WARNINGS: Slightly AU-ish.
PAIRING: Muraki + Hisoka, Tsuzuki + Hisoka.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing is mine, except the insanity.
Previous chapters are here:
Sakuran - Prologue
Sakuran - Part One: Chance Meetings
Sakuran - Part Two: Advent
Sakuran - Part Three: Past and Present
Sakuran - Part Four: Passage to Eden
"They left already?" Kazutaka and Hisoka chorused, dismayed.
Watari's expression was unexpectedly stern. "That's what I said. And before you even ask, the answer is NO. Don't even think about setting a foot outside Enmacho, let alone leaving Meifu to face that lunatic."
"But...!" Kazutaka began to protest, only to be cut short by Watari.
"NO. Konoe-kachou has expressly forbidden the two of you from getting involved. The case is transferred to Tatsumi and Tsuzuki. End of discussion."
"Watari-san-"
"Period."
Defeated, the two shinigami left. Tatsumi and Tsuzuki had left scarcely an hour ago (that was probably why Tsuzuki left early before). Inexplicably, the fact his own partner kept this from him hurt Hisoka, but he was more concerned for Tsuzuki's safety. Although they had faith in Tatsumi and Tsuzuki's abilities, neither could keep the anxiety at bay.
"Let's go."
Hisoka's eyes widened. Kazutaka could not possibly mean...?
"They don't know what Saki is capable of, Hisoka. They might be walking into a trap. We have to warn them." Kazutaka's eyes were determined.
After looking at Kazutaka's serious expression, Hisoka nodded in assent. "All right. Let's go."
In an instant both shinigami were on Earth, back in the dilapidated building where they had last seen Saki. Hisoka suddenly froze with a sharp intake of breath, feeling the marks on his skin burn.
"Hisoka? Are you all right?"
"It's Saki," Hisoka managed. "He's doing something."
"Hisoka..." The worry in Kazutaka's voice was palpable, and gave Hisoka just enough strength to continue; he tugged on Kazutaka's hand, leading them towards where he could feel Saki's aura.
"We're near. I can feel him."
Again, Kazutaka felt a twinge of fear, but not for himself. "Hisoka...maybe you shouldn't..." he began, but Hisoka shook his head adamantly.
"We're doing this together. I'm not letting you face him alone."
Slowly, Kazutaka took the other's hand in his and brushed a reverent kiss on the knuckles. "You are the bravest person I've known."
"How sweet."
There was a cruel amusement in that cool tone, and the two jumped. Saki stood barely twenty feet away from them, yet neither had noticed him. Kazutaka savagely suppressed a shiver running through his spine, knowing Hisoka would feel every ounce of his fear. In the years of his afterlife in safety, he had almost forgotten how much his brother could affect him, but now... Now, the terror raged within him, making him feel as helpless as he did on the day he died, sixteen years ago.
"Oh, I don't mind you touching my toys, Kazutaka," Saki drawled. "But really, you should have asked before taking."
A wave of anger surged within Kazutaka, and Hisoka flinched. Kazutaka, usually so collected and in control, was absolutely unpredictable when it came to his brother, and Hisoka could not help worrying; strong emotional responses tended to lead one right into the opponent's hand. He knew this from experience.
Kazutaka swallowed, and managed to reply in even voice. "Hisoka isn't your anything. And I'm here to make sure you will never harm another innocent again."
Saki's answer was an amused chuckle. "Apparently, so were your colleagues. What were their names, Tatsumi-san and Tsuzuki-san?"
The two shinigami froze. Saki smiled maliciously at their shock. "One with glasses, the other with most beautiful purple eyes, yes?"
"What did you do to them?" Hisoka heard himself ask, but flinched back when Saki's amber eyes turned to him, as if Saki had touched him physically.
"Nothing much. I merely made them...see the light."
"Hisoka!" Kazutaka cried out in warning, and Hisoka was knocked off his feet as Saki's spell slammed into the defensive shield Kazutaka cast only split second before the impact. Kazutaka's brows were knitted in deep concentration as he struggled to keep up the hastily cast shield, searching for an opening in Saki's offensive. His heart hammering within his chest, Hisoka watched. He could sense the power emanating from Saki, and a chill ran down his spine as he realized that Saki might be the most powerful opponent they had yet to face. And worse, he could feel something blocking Kazutaka from being able to use his full power, some internal that had to do with Saki.
Hisoka sprang back to his feet, gathering his own reserve of power. "Kazutaka!"
"Don't, Hisoka! You know our powers aren't compatible enough for you to help me!" Kazutaka said sharply without even looking back. Unlike Tsuzuki, whose power was so uncannily in sync with Hisoka, Kazutaka's power did not match Hisoka's, and any attempt on Hisoka's part to help would more than likely backfire. Saki smirked, observing the exchange with an air of boredom. He knew, Kazutaka thought to himself with a sinking heart. Saki knew Kazutaka could not defeat him. He was merely toying with his younger brother, waiting until Kazutaka wore himself out. Saki doubtlessly had Hisoka covered as well.
Kazutaka bit his lip. Soon his shield would crumble, and he would not be able to neutralize the aftershock. Perhaps it would even be enough to...enough to...
"Give up, Kazutaka." Saki's voice was almost tender, mockingly affectionate. "You can't protect him. You are just like me, a descendant of the darkness."
"Never!" Kazutaka shouted, bracing himself to physically shield Hisoka, even if the shockwave killed him.
Suddenly, the shadow beneath Saki's feet moved, and knocked him off his feet, breaking his spell. Eyes wide, Kazutaka watched Tatsumi wield the shadows with frightening efficiency, trapping Saki in the cold embrace of the shadows. The Enmacho secretary seemed relatively unharmed, if a bit bloody. Tsuzuki, on the other hand, was kneeling behind him, rocking slightly with his eyes unfocused. Before Kazutaka could notice anything else, the shadows engulfed all four of them, and they were back in Meifu.
"Are you two all right?" Tatsumi asked, and Kazutaka could have laughed in relief.
"We're fine. But what happened to Tsuzuki-san?" Hisoka was already on his knees, gently taking Tsuzuki's shoulders in his hands and murmuring to him softly.
"I'm not really sure, Muraki-kun. Shidou Saki did something with a strange light when we confronted him, and Tsuzuki-san has been like that since. I managed to get us there until I was certain Tsuzuki-san is all right." Tatsumi added in a quieter tone, "I did not anticipate he would be so powerful."
"I could have told you that," Kazutaka said wryly. Tatsumi nodded, less agitated now and more himself.
"So I've noticed. But, I recall that the two of you were taken off this case."
Kazutaka shook his head. "Tatsumi-san, this is something that Hisoka and I have to do for ourselves."
A fearful whisper interrupted the two. "Hisoka...?"
"I'm here, Tsuzuki," Hisoka answered, his voice calm and soothing.
"So much blood...everyone's dead...because of me..."
Hisoka remembered how Saagatanasu had once trapped Tsuzuki within his memories. Could Saki have done something similar? "Tsuzuki, it's all right. Can you hear me?" It took Tsuzuki several minutes, but he nodded. "Then concentrate on me. It's all right. Everything will be fine."
With a sob, Tsuzuki wrapped his arms around his partner, shaking. With uncharacteristic gentleness, Hisoka held him close, stroking the midnight black hair until Tsuzuki fell asleep. After exchanging a look, Kazutaka and Tatsumi left the two of them alone and stepped outside the infirmary.
"I wouldn't have thought it was possible for a human to do this," Tatsumi remarked, closing the door shut behind them.
"Has anything like this happened before?" Kazutaka asked curiously.
"Once. A very high-ranking demon was able to possess and bind Tsuzuki-san from within. The results were quite impressive." Tatsumi's tone made it clear just how impressive, and Kazutaka nodded, feeling a stab of guilt.
"I'm sorry. I should have warned you about Saki sooner."
Tatsumi softened at this. "You couldn't have known. Let's trust Kurosaki-kun to help Tsuzuki-san. Our immediate problem still lies with Shidou Saki. He must have some kind of a weakness."
"I don't know if he does. Except..." Kazutaka's voice hardened. "He's obsessed with me."
Tatsumi was silent for a moment. "Muraki-kun, surely you're not suggesting...?"
"The only other choice is Hisoka. And I would never allow that."
"Muraki-kun, this is unacceptable. The risk is too great -"
"If we don't do something now, he will kill even more innocents to get to me," Kazutaka argued, "and I can't let that happen. If we can somehow lure him into a place where his power can be bound, I might be able to defeat him."
Looking at the determined set of silver eyes, Tatsumi sighed. "If I said no, you'd still go ahead and do it anyway, wouldn't you?"
Kazutaka did not hesitate. "Yes."
"Muraki-kun."
"It has to be me. I couldn't stop him in life. I will stop him in death." Kazutaka gave Tatsumi a strained but sincere smile.
Finally, Tatsumi nodded. "Are you going to tell Kurosaki-kun what you're planning?"
"Yes," Kazutaka answered after a brief consideration. "He'd want to come with me either way. Better that he's forewarned."
"Do you love him?" The question was quiet. Kazutaka returned the calm blue gaze levelly.
"Yes."
Tatsumi's eyes gentled with a small smile. "Then, I wish both of you the best." Tatsumi turned and added over his shoulder, "I'll go obtain permission from Konoe-kachou. I shouldn't be long."
"Thank you, Tatsumi-san."
With a nod, Tatsumi walked away, leaving Kazutaka to himself. Kazutaka returned to the infirmary, and his eyes widened when he saw Hisoka unconscious on the floor.
"Hisoka!" Hisoka was deathly pale, his body as cold as ice. "Hisoka!!??" Hisoka's moan was thin, face pinched with pain. On the white skin of his arms, the curse marks were burning brightly in the color of fresh blood.
"Saki," Kazutaka ground out the name like a curse. It seemed his brother was determined to force his hand. Gently, he laid Hisoka on the bed next to Tsuzuki, and brushed a tender kiss on the damp brow, memorizing the beloved face. Reluctantly he straightened and tried to step back, only to be brought up short by Hisoka's hand clutching his shirt. Even unconscious, Hisoka was seeking him, clinging to him.
Kazutaka took a quick breath, trying to keep the surge of tenderness and love tightly under control, and exhaled. After few careful breaths, he phoned Watari, drumming his fingers impatiently against the wooden table while he waited for Watari to pick up.
"Mm? I mean, hello?"
"Watari-san, it's Kazutaka."
"Oh hey, Kazu-kun. What's up?"
"Could you come over to the infirmary?"
"Something wrong with Tsuzuki?"
"No, it's Hisoka. He's unconscious and cold as ice."
There was a stunned pause. Unexpectedly calm, Watari simply said, "I'll be right there," and hung up. Kazutaka sighed and brushed another kiss on Hisoka's lips, and with a last glance at Hisoka's unconscious form, willed himself back to Earth.
"Took you long enough. Would you like some tea, perhaps? I remember your favorite was - "
"Shut up. What have you done to Hisoka?" Kazutaka demanded, but Saki merely smiled at him in that maddeningly superior way.
"Ah, I thought that might get your attention."
Kazutaka's hands clenched tighter, nails digging into his palms. "Whatever you're doing, stop now."
"Or what, Kazutaka dear? You'll kill me?" Saki's laughter rang in the empty room.
Kazutaka's lips drew into a taut line, his knuckles white. "What is it that you want?" His voice held a hint of helplessness, and Saki's eyes glinted in malicious satisfaction.
"Come back to me, Kazutaka." Blood drained from Kazutaka's face. His brother's insane obsession with him had not changed one whit since his death. "Become mine again, and I promise not to touch the boy or your little friends."
"I was never yours," Kazutaka whispered, but his voice sounded weak even to his ears.
"You were always mine. You never could deny the darkness in your soul." Kazutaka shook his head in denial, but Saki continued, relentless. "You know it's true. Do you remember what your mother used to call you? The devil's child. A pretty little doll, with silver eyes...and no heart."
"Shut up," Kazutaka whispered, but Saki merely laughed.
"Take a good look at yourself, Kazutaka: a god of death, whose job is to hunt down humans and kill them. You're just as evil and bloodstained as I am. Stop denying your darkness."
"I joined Shokan Division to stop murderers like you!"
Saki's laughed was cold and derisive. "Is that what you tell yourself?"
"It's the truth," a calm voice replied in his stead, and Kazutaka froze in his spot. The familiar voice was frightening because of how misplaced it was. Why was Hisoka here? Kazutaka turned, half disbelieving, but sure enough, it was Hisoka, pale but composed, standing with a hand resting on the doorway.
Saki seemed just as taken aback, but regained himself in an instant. "Ah, my beautiful puppet."
Hisoka did not rise to the challenge. "It's over, Saki."
Mildly surprised by Hisoka's confidence, Saki frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't think I'm stupid enough to come here without backup, do you?" Saki's eyes narrowed, not quite believing yet. "Every shinigami in Juohcho has been summoned to this place. Even you can't win against all of Meifu."
Saki did not reply. Seeing his brother waver for the first time, hope blossomed in Kazutaka's heart. Slowly, he moved away from Saki, cautiously making his way to Hisoka when Saki made no movement to stop him.
"Do you really think you can escape me?"
Kazutaka froze in mid-step, halfway between Saki and Hisoka. There was an icy calm in Saki's voice.
The icy calmness of madness.
Kazutaka scarcely sensed the power amassing in Saki when a blast hit Hisoka like tidal waves. Hisoka was still for a second, his eyes wide, then crumpled to the floor. Kazutaka, rooted to the floor, stared in silent, frozen horror as a pool of blood grew under Hisoka. His mind would not register the mess that was Hisoka's chest, the shirt completely soaked in blood. Blood bubbled up in Hisoka's mouth, breaking his paralysis, and instantly Kazutaka was at Hisoka's side.
"Kazu...taka..."
"Don't talk. It will be all right. It will be..." The other shinigami would be here soon, and they would be saved. He could hear indistinct shouts outside coming closer and closer.
"They'll be too late, Kazutaka," Saki said softly, almost as if reading his mind, and Kazutaka tasted blood in his mouth, surprised breath leaving him in a strangled gasp. It didn't hurt, the metal blade that pierced his heart, but it was cold and unpleasant and he could not speak or breathe as the red stain blossomed in his white shirt. "I'll have you, one way or another. Wouldn't it be beautiful, Kazutaka? A true lovers' death."
Flames. Suddenly there were flames everywhere. His eyes blurred, and he held his breath against the sharp twinge as the katana slid out of his body. That did hurt, go figure. He knew he should try to stanch the bleeding, but his limbs felt leaden and he couldn't lift them anymore. The circle of fire was drawing closer, and the heat was intense, like molten lava. Come to think of it, the color of the flame was strange, too.
"This fire can destroy even a shinigami's immortal body. It was difficult to obtain the necessary information to summon it, but it was worth the effort." Saki's voice sounded far away, and Kazutaka struggled to keep his focus on Hisoka, whose eyes were open and staring at him. Shinigami's healing powers kicked in quickly, but it didn't mean the healing process was any less painful than it would be for a human. Yet Hisoka's eyes were clear and intent, drawing Kazutaka closer; Kazutaka lurched forward and landed beside Hisoka, leaning over him. Saki's sibilant whisper rang somewhere above them, insipid. "No one will pull us apart, ever, Kazutaka. We'll be together even in death..."
Kazutaka ignored him. Hisoka's lips were moving slightly, forming words. "Kazutaka...I love you..."
The whisper, barely audible over the roar of the fire, snapped him back into reality. Hisoka did not deserve to be caught in this fight. Hisoka did not deserve to die this way. Hisoka deserved to live. But with both of them so seriously injured and the deadly sea of flames surrounding them, they would not be able to get away in time...
A sudden white glow growing about Kazutaka threw Saki back a few paces, and he stared at his younger brother incredulously. The light emanating from Kazutaka was pure white, raw energy pulsing with every beat of his heart. Kazutaka's eyes were closed, his hair forming a pale silver halo around his head, and he looked like an angel in the blinding light, sacred and inviolate, pure and ethereal. His eyes fixed on Kazutaka, Saki did not notice his clothes catching the fire.
"Together forever, my Kazutaka!" With last laughter of triumphant madness, Saki was gone, engulfed in the dark flames.
Kazutaka concentrated, oblivious to all else, forming a shield around himself and Hisoka, and simultaneously pouring all of his life force into Hisoka's body. The flame was licking the boundaries of the kekkai, burning them even through the shield, making the transparent walls tremble and shiver like summer haze, threatening to rip through the kekkai like paper. Where were the other shinigami? He could hear the distant shouts over the roar of fire, but they sounded so far away.
If his strength gave out before help arrived, in his weakened state, Hisoka would...
"Hisoka, hold on. Please...stay with me." His voice cracked with tears. His exertion from maintaining the shield was making him dizzy, almost losing sight of Hisoka's face.
"Hisoka, please..."
There was no answer. The strain of his power was a physical agony, needles of pain stabbing through his spine. With a desperate sob, Kazutaka kissed Hisoka, holding the fragile body much too tightly, but unable to let go.
If there is anyone listening...
"Hisoka..."
...then please...hear my prayer.
Tears of pain blurred his vision. The transparent walls were splintering, dissolving faster and faster as the heat seeped through the cracks.
Save Hisoka, even if I die.
"...I love you."
Save the person I love the most.
The kekkai disintegrated completely, and Kazutaka lost consciousness in the deafening roar of the flames, collapsing on top of Hisoka.
Author's Long Excuse: I apologize very sincerely to everyone who waited for this chapter to come out. My real-life over the past year had gotten so busy that I just didn't have the time or the energy to edit this part. There was also a lot of personal embarrassment regarding Sakuran; this fic was written from February to April of 2003 (I kid you not), and looking back at it now was not easy. On one hand, I felt obligated to finish posting the fic, but on the other hand, I was so embarrassed by its quality that I was more than once tempted to take down the whole thing.
There is one more part left that incorporates what used to be the epilogue. Hopefully that will be posted within a couple weeks. So hopes this lazy author, for hope springs eternal. Thank you, all!