Adult-FanFiction.org : Anime

Truth of Darkness	By : KiraDouji Category: Descendents of Darkness/Yami No Matsuei > General Views: 2219 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Descendants of Darkness (Yami no Matsuei), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Chapter: Two: Appearances

Pairing/Character/s: Sohryu, Touda, Tsuzuki, Suzaku, Byakko, Rikugou, Kurikara, various others.

Disclaimer:
The author holds no license of nor makes claims to any of the characters,
concepts, or story the above originated from in any way. The characters are
used without permission of the original creator for the sake of entertainment
only. No profit is gained from the writing found hereafter, nor any personal
credit taken for the character designs, personalities or concepts stemming from
the original story used. All situations below, unless otherwise stated, have no
bearing on the creator�s original work, and are solely the creation of the
author based on personal interpretation of the above mentioned works or are
parodies exempted from copyright laws. It is the responsibility of the reader
to observe all warnings before proceeding to the fiction below, as it may
contain any number of situations, themes, ideas, views, or lifestyles not
suitable for those under the age of 18 or which may be contrary or offensive to
the beliefs of some. In the event that the following is the author�s original
work, or contains an original character, the author holds the copy write and
should be contacted before either is used or distributed in any way. All
questions and comments concerning the written work or otherwise can be made
directly to the author.

Warning/s: Spoilers, but if you've made it this far, you already knew that.

Word Count: ?

Summary: The dust settles and Gensoukai is left to pick itself up, but nothing can ever be that simple.

Author�s Note: Well, I hope someone out there enjoys reading this, because there�s a whole lot more :3 This section focuses on the aftermath of the first chapter and is a bit longer. Author seeks reviews -_-;

Appearances

�One must marry one's feelings to one's beliefs and ideas.

That is probably the only way to achieve a measure of harmony in one's life.�

- Etty Hilsum

He opened
his eyes and gasped in pain.

�Careful!
Don�t sit up!� a warm voice instantly warned.

Touda very
carefully blinked, letting his eyes adjust to the soft light of the room. The
ceiling seemed too far away to fully grasp the details of, and he couldn�t see
much else. Instead, he turned his head to the left, where he had heard the
voice when he woke up. ��Tsuzuki.�

The
shinigami smiled at him and squeezed his hand. �How are you feeling?�

The serpent
gave him a dry look. �I�ve been better.�

Tsuzuki
squeezed his hand again. The man looked tired.
His normally ruffled look had changed to a completely disheveled one:
bags under his eyes were slowly becoming more pronounced, and his hair was a
complete mess. Tsuzuki answered the question in Touda�s golden gaze. �They
weren�t sure when you�d wake up, so I stayed.�

Touda
sighed, but let it go. �Where�?�

�Sohryu�s private wing.� Tsuzuki chuckled lightly when Touda�s eyebrows shot up in
surprise. �All three of you were pretty bad off,� his tone sobered a bit, �and
I wanted to be able to check on all of you.�

�Tsuzuki��
the shikigami breathed, but then feel silent, watching his master. �What
happened?� he asked finally.

�You
blacked out before we could do anything� I knew Taimou�s
spell would do that. I wanted it to� I didn�t want to hurt you. I�m sorry,
Touda, I couldn�t help it-�

�Don�t
apologize, Tsuzuki.� That was all he said, though, and the other man continued
on.

�Well� Kurikara, Suzaku, all of them, they all helped me and I� I did what I had too� I�� Tsuzuki looked at the floor
suddenly, arms instinctively winding around himself in a sort of hug.

Touda
steeled himself and slowly pushed up into a sitting position, forcing himself
to ignore the pain. He wouldn�t let his master regret it; he wouldn�t let
Tsuzuki fall into guilt. Tsuzuki looked up abruptly when he heard Touda move,
eyes wide as he reached out, about to tell him to stop, when Touda caught his
wrist and held his gaze. �Thank you, Tsuzuki.� The shinigami sat down with a
soft thump, staring at his shikigami, obviously not having expected those words
at all. Touda forced himself to move again, and painfully managed a half bow
from his sitting position. �I am honored to be yours.�

Tsuzuki
sucked in his breath and blinked his eyes harshly. �You� you shouldn�t be
moving around like that, Touda�� The serpent let himself be pushed back to the
bed, even as he watched his master�s changing features. The violet in his eyes
had softened.

Touda
exhaled softly, feeling sleep curl around his senses enticingly. �You should
check on the others�� Tsuzuki nodded, squeezing his hand again.

�I�ll come
back later��

He drifted
into darkness again.

Tsuzuki
closed the large doors behind him and leaned against them, closing his eyes to
steady himself. He inhaled slowly, opened his eyes again and turned to walk
down the hall. Kijin had already come around a couple of times, so he wasn�t as
worried for the boy. All the healers said that his natural healing abilities
should take care of the rest rather swiftly. No, it was only Touda and Sohryu
he was worried about right now. Sohryu had already regained consciousness, but
the encounter was far less than reassuring. At least Touda, though last, had
been able to communicate and move, even if he was pushing himself to do so.

During
Sohryu�s initial bout of conscious thought, they had made him change back to
his human form. While the waters were aiding his healing, the fact remained
that the amount of body to mend was far less in a human form. Thus, he had also
been moved to his sleeping chambers and tended to there by his healers. Tenkou had spent a good deal of time staying with her
father, holding his hand, absolutely terrified at seeing him like this.
Eventually, though, she went to stay with Kijin. Tsuzuki suspected it had a lot
to do with Sohryu�s unresponsive state.

The
shinigami carefully pushed open one of the two large doors to Sohryu�s inner
chambers, and slipped quietly into the room. Like the room Touda was staying
in, the curtains were drawn and no lamp was lit, the only light in the room
creeping dimly past the heavy curtains.

�Tsuzuki��

He spun
around, facing Sohryu�s bed and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the
dragon god leaning against the head board. �Sohryu� how long have you been up?�
He strode over quickly, taking a seat on the side of the large bed.

�I cannot
tell.� He paused, watching Tsuzuki somehow regally despite his current state. �A while. Tsuzuki-�

�He�s fine.�
Tsuzuki smiled, happy to deliver good news. Sohryu visibly relaxed. �He woke up
a while before either of you. The healers say he should be back to normal�
well, a lot faster than either you or Touda.�

Silence
reigned again before Sohryu finally spoke up. �He�s gone, then?� Tsuzuki
glanced away, nodding. In truth, the dragon hadn�t needed the confirmation; his
senses could tell just as easily that his Lord had vanished. He did not like
the feeling at all. Confusion and betrayal sank as one into the pit of his
stomach, but he let neither show. Despite Tsuzuki�s lack of decorum, despite
Sohryu�s position, the shinigami was still his master and he would not lash out
at him for doing the only thing that could be done. ��Tsuzuki.� He sighed: the man just glanced
at him and said nothing. �I gave you my power willingly-�

�You didn�t
know-�

�I did!� He
winced, trying to relax his body and let his wounds settle down, but continued
with the same stern voice. �I knew why you were asking and how much you needed
and the consequences of giving it to you. I knew and I agreed.� Tsuzuki turned
to look at him then, harsh blue eyes meeting repentant violet ones. Sohryu
softened his voice. �You may not appreciate the protocol, Tsuzuki but you are
my master: what you ask for will be given.�

�You
shouldn�t have to� you don�t have to! You have a choice, Sohryu! I�m not going
to just use you!�

Sohryu
regarded Tsuzuki calmly, though the outburst had brought the man closer and
caused emotions to leap about between them. �I made that decision decades ago,
Tsuzuki. That is why I protect you. That is why I answer when you call for me,
or ask for aid.� He normally wasn�t one to say such things, was usually more
reserved, but if he didn�t clear things now� who knew the trouble unresolved
problems could be in the near future?

Tsuzuki
sighed, having no immediate response and bent over, putting his head on his
arms currently folded on Sohryu�s bed. �I just� I just don�t know if I did the
right thing.�

�You cannot
let your mind settle on that, Tsuzuki. Right now� we just have to deal with the
repercussions of what did take place, right or not.�

The
shinigami looked up briefly, watching Sohryu over his folded arms. �Aren�t you
angry? Upset? I feel like I�ve betrayed you��

�I am not angry
with you.� Sohryu sighed, and let himself slide back down, too tired to remain
sitting much longer.

�� Because I�m your master?� Tsuzuki asked tentatively.

�Because you are you.� There was more, but neither was particularly up to
discussing it further.

Tsuzuki
didn�t know what to do. Normally, he�d turn to his friends for comfort, but at
the moment two were on a very complicated mission, and another was still stuck
in a void� or something. Tsuzuki put his head in his hands. When his shinigami friends
weren�t available, or he just needed peace, he always went to Gensoukai. Right
now, Gensoukai was entirely unstable and two of his shikigami were in terrible
condition due to something that was at least partially his fault. He needed
time to think, to figure out� something. He sighed. Someone to talk to would be
really useful.

�Tsuzuki!
Here you are!� A white mass of fur and energy pounced on him without warning,
making the shinigami tumble unceremoniously into the tree he had been walking
past.

�Gyah! Byakko!� Tsuzuki managed, trying to move from beneath the
excitable shikigami. �What was that for?� he whined.

�I�ve been
looking everywhere for you! You weren�t in Sohryu or Touda�s rooms,
you weren�t with Kijin or Suzaku�� The tiger trailed off, frowning down at
Tsuzuki. �You don�t look good, Tsuzuki.� Byakko
pushed himself up and grabbed Tsuzuki�s arm to help the shinigami to his feet.

�Eh,
well...� Tsuzuki smiled tiredly at his old friend, �I just needed to think.�

The frown
deepened. �You mean brood.� Byakko eyed his companion
and then sighed and smiled a bit too. �Come on, you know you can tell me what�s
on your mind.�

�Yeah, I��
the shinigami sighed and nodded, leaning back against the tree now, his smile
slipping as he drifted back to his previous thoughts. �I just� don�t know what
to do. I feel like� like I did something wrong, Byakko.
I hurt all of you and I never wanted to do that!�

Byakko�s
soft white tail curled around Tsuzuki�s waist gently, causing the man to look
back at him. �I thought so,� he rumbled softly. �You didn�t want to attack, but
you did anyway. Tsuzuki, think about what made you do something you�ve never
wanted to do. Whatever choices you make, we know your reasons are always
strong.�

�I just��
the shinigami took a steadying breath, trying his best to sort through
conflicting emotions. He had to be strong now. He had to be the protector, the
pillar for his shikigami. Now, they needed him. �He hurt them. He hurt them all
so much, Byakko, I could almost feel it!� Despite his
resolve, Tsuzuki felt his strength drain as he wrapped his arms around his
torso. The Emperor had hurt them. His actions had deeply wounded and invaded
some of the noblest creatures� some of the closest friends he had. He had to do
something, he had wanted to but�

Strong arms
encircled him and he leaned into the embrace, burying his face in Byakko�s shoulder, and holding his old companion close.

�The
healers say your powers have recovered well enough to take over the healing,�
Tsuzuki smiled gently as he relayed the message. �So, it should only be another
two days at most.�

Gold eyes
lifted their gaze from the bed and regarded him silently. Finally, Touda nodded
in response and pushed a string of long-missed hair away from his face. �And
you?�

�You should
just be concerned with getting better, Touda,� Tsuzuki half admonished, and
half avoided the question.

The serpent
just frowned. �It�s been two days already and your partner has not returned. You
are spending too much time worrying.� Tsuzuki glanced at the blanket beneath
him on the bed, instead of looking at his shikigami. �I am out of danger, and I
am sure Sohryu is up and about by now despite you and every attendant�s adamant
attempts to ignore that topic entirely.�

�What
should I being doing then, Touda?� Tsuzuki almost whispered in response. �I�ve
already done so much here� I�m� I�m afraid of doing something else. Who knows
what could happen if I get involved again?�

�So you�ll
just leave us all here without any direction or help?�

�No! I-�
Tsuzuki looked up in alarm, leaning forward slightly. �I would never-!�

Touda
smirked. �I know. We all know, Tsuzuki. And there�s still a lot more that needs
to be done. I�m not told the details� but I�m sure you could find something if
you asked.�

Tsuzuki
exhaled heavily and shifted his position so he could lean against the headboard
next to Touda. Of course, Touda had no real idea about what was going on. Even
half healed and in a bed, he frightened the entire staff into silence without
his limiter even in the general vicinity. It was one of the reasons the
shinigami visited so often. If he didn�t, the serpent would just be left in
solitude again, and Tsuzuki had promised to free Touda from that a long time
ago.

�You seemed
really upset with him� the Emperor I mean,� Tsuzuki finally said softly, and
glanced to his right, not wanting to force Touda into telling him something he
didn�t want to. But, at this point, he had to know. �What, exactly, did he do?�

Touda
closed his eyes a moment and leaned back, sighing softly. It had only been a
matter of time before Tsuzuki asked again, especially after the recent events.
But it was precisely those events which made him unable to refuse the
explanation anymore. Part of him didn�t want to relive it, but he also knew he
no longer had a choice in the matter. Beyond the simple reason that his master
was expecting an answer this time, part of him also wanted to tell someone
else. He opened his eyes.

�I�m sure
the others told you repeatedly before they freed me exactly what my crimes were
and why they had damned me to an eternity in that hell.� He felt Tsuzuki shift
but remain silent next to him. �I�m not going to tell you that I didn�t spill
the blood I was imprisoned for, so don�t expect something so dramatic. I killed
every single person I was accused of killing. I murdered them all. Some individually, some� the last ones in droves.�

Touda�s
voice slipped into an emotionless tenor, his gaze locked on the far wall. �I
probably disposed of more people than they could ever guess, because almost
everything I did was at the direct order of the Emperor. None of my orders ever
went through anyone else and they were always the missions no one else would
take. I was less a general than a mere weapon, used when needed, disposed of
when there was no more use for me.� Emotion slowly crept back into his voice in
the form of bitterness and anger long ago buried.

�In all of
those wars� they were all over power or ill content, they were all the
Emperor�s fault, if not directly, then indirectly. He sent me in once or twice
to� whoever he decided was too opinionated or had too much power�murder them or someone close to them: something that would
spark aggression on their behalf. No one ever found out and I never told
anyone. His form of peace was one in which his word was first and last in all
things. This was how he kept it.�

�In the
last war� I could not continue. I became weak. Kurikara
turned, and I agreed, but this time it was an all-out war that even I was
needed at the front lines instead of behind them. We were approaching a lull, a
stalemate. He came to me again, already knowing my thoughts, already sensing
that my usefulness had run out. He gave me options� options I couldn�t accept
and� when I refused, it was the first time he took over.�

�I was at
my full strength, my prime, my blood lusting from anger he inspired. When I
unconsciously fought his possession and subsequently flew out of control like I
did with you� it was much more devastating. I have no memory to this day of
what happened� but it is something anyone still alive could fill in for you.
The Emperor left my mind when he realized I could not be controlled like that,
but not before the damage was done� and so much of it. When I came to� I was
not stable for quite some time, but it didn�t matter. They had all seen what happened, I was sentenced and punished before I could put my
mind back together.�

�Touda��

The shikigami
just shook his head slightly. �There�s nothing to be done for it now, Tsuzuki-�

�Don�t
pretend you don�t care, Touda!� Tsuzuki grabbed the arm of his startled
shikigami, making the other man look at him. �Don�t you dare pretend you don�t
care that they locked you up without giving you a chance to explain. Don�t try
to tell me you can�t feel anything for all the people you killed. You yourself
said you didn�t want to do it and � and what you were imprisoned for wasn�t
your fault!�

�It doesn�t
change the fact that they�re dead.� Touda replied bluntly, for once not wanting
to confront Tsuzuki. �Whether it was my intention or not� they are all still
gone. You should understand that better than anyone else.�

Tsuzuki
gulped and hid his face against Touda�s shoulder, hugging him as much as
possible without aggravating any still mending wounds. �That doesn�t� you still
think about it, though. You still regret it, ne? I� I
do understand, Touda, you know I do, but� but you can�t just dwell on it
forever. I know� well, I�m not the best person to be saying this am I?� He chuckled nervously, still not looking up. �But I�
I hate knowing you�re in pain, Touda. I mean, I hate it when anyone is in pain,
but my friends especially. All of you are my close companions, and I don�t want
you to be so� sad. And maybe you most, because I can relate easier to that kind
of guilt��

Touda
exhaled slowly, trying to regain control of the situation since his master had
obviously lost all of it. Eventually he laid his free hand on Tsuzuki�s back,
and simply let the shinigami curl up against him. He knew it was more than what
he had just said that made Tsuzuki so upset but he couldn�t help but feel
comforted by the man�s reaction.

It was a
few minutes before either of them moved. Tsuzuki finally pulled back, wiping at
his eyes rather furtively. Touda rolled his eyes lightly at the motion. �It�s
not like I haven�t seen you cry before, Tsuzuki.�

Tsuzuki
chuckled roughly and sniffed once, �Yeah, I know. You should try it sometime,
you know. Sometimes it helps.� He gave a little smile at the end.

�I don�t
know if I can anymore,� Touda balanced his words with a wry smirk.

�Mmm�� Suddenly, Tsuzuki�s features turned serious. �But
Touda� you really should clear this up with the others-�

�No!�

The
shinigami blinked back at the uncharacteristic outburst from his shikigami,
truly at a loss. ��No? Why not? Don�t you miss having your friends?�

Touda
shifted uneasily, further confusing the poor man next to him. �Don�t tell them,
Tsuzuki-�

�Touda, I-�

�Promise
me, Tsuzuki!� Touda�s eyes flashed with emotion and Tsuzuki threw up his hands placatingly.

�I promise,
I promise! I�m not going to tell a soul. It�s your secret to share, Touda,� Tsuzuki
soothed, somewhat amazed that those simple words seemed to calm the fire
serpent in a matter of moments. �But why?�

Touda
sighed, looking more tired than Tsuzuki for a moment. �Because of the
conditions, because of the options� whether or not anyone would believe me. I
betrayed them, Tsuzuki. I would rather not reopen old wounds. They all hate me
for being a cold-blooded murderer. I�d rather they didn�t hate me for other
reasons too.�

�� and
there where four more by the Eastern Gate over the course of the last two days,
as of a few hours ago,� Suzaku finished with a frown. �We�re trying our best to
control the anomalies, but the only things they�ve responded to so far are
intense amounts of power. Even at our level� that will be hard to keep up for
long.� She crossed her arms and glanced at the others.

Byakko�s
tail swung limply behind him, a would-be betrayer if his mood wasn�t already
obvious. �That�s all that�s worked on the ones in my area too.� His gaze slid
to the dragon lord seated only a few paces from him. �I don�t know what else to
try.�

Elegant
fingers messaged a sore temple, trying and failing to relieve a massive
headache, no doubt brought on from his energy reserves more than stress, though
it seemed the latter was catching up. Sohryu exhaled softly, regarding the
papers in front of him, detailing the outbreak of � nothing. Actually, their
evidence was still inconclusive as to exactly what this seemingly random �rips�
were. They had started showing up before the entire fiasco started, so none of
the chaos present now could explain them. But, he had been having a very bad
feeling resting in the back of his mind nagging at him persistently since the
anomalies had first formed. Now, on top of everything else, the frequency with
which they were appearing was increasing dramatically and their resistance to
being removed was increasing at a fraction of that rate. He had been planning
on involving the Emperor in the investigation and resolution as he was at a
complete loss, but that was no longer an option. The dragon lord frowned at his
papers, trying to draw his mind back to the topic at hand.

�Perhaps a
larger meeting would be beneficial, hm?� Genbu tapped his cane on the floor and grinned at the other
generals. �More minds would have more ideas.�

�True as
that may be, having too many unsettled minds in one area could cause more of a
problem than a solution,� Sohryu countered, straightening in his chair and
lifting his gaze to regard the other three generals. �However, I can see that
we will not be progressing at all on our own. Perhaps a
larger but still private meeting. There is no need to alarm the entire
populace, and the last thing we need at this moment is panic.�

Genbu
nodded agreeably. �Everyone directly in our services, the
remaining eight of Tsuzuki�s shikigami, and a few known minds. That�s
what you�re thinking isn�t it?�

Sohryu
nodded and pushed himself into a standing position, �Which brings up another
issue. There is still the matter of Touda-�

�What
matter? He�s still bedridden.� Suzaku gave the impression of ruffling her
feathers despite being in human form still.

�For now he
is, yes, but he does not have a power limiter at the moment. It won�t be long
before he is fully healed. Out of respect for Tsuzuki, all of his shikigami
will be summoned to the council, in addition to whatever capabilities they hold
that would otherwise prove their worth in such a situation. My point remains
that Touda will be asked to come as well. Tsuzuki will likely attend and I
doubt Kurikara will simply sit this out. I�m told we
can have the power limiter by tomorrow. Hopefully this will eliminate at least
one unpredictable source of problems for us. Additionally, so long as Hisoka remains in Kurikara�s challenge, the longer time we
have available without his full attention. We will need to be as efficient as
possible in utilizing this time before something else happens. I�m sure I don�t
have to tell you how fast the council summons will be sent. Tomorrow
morning if at all possible. Here. I�ll have official summons drawn up,
but you should tell anyone you would like to attend the when and where in case
I do not cover them on my list. I will find Tsuzuki and inform him as well. All right?�

A quick nod
from each member signaled the end of the meeting and within moments the other
gods had exited the room in whatever manner befitted them. All say for a
smaller wind shikigami, tail wrapped anxiously around his right leg. Sohryu
raised an eyebrow in Byakko�s general direction, awaiting whatever reason the other had stayed behind.

�Tsuzuki�s
not going to like that, you know,� he finally announced.

Sohryu
sighed and ran his fingers along the edge of his desk tiredly. �He doesn�t have
a choice in the matter. It was part of the bargain. You know that.�

�A bargain with someone who he�who�s not with us anymore.� Byakko
replied agitatedly. �What if he no longer finds a need to honor such a
bargain?�

Deep blue
eyes narrowed. �The Emperor may have had the final decision, but the conditions
and the contract were drawn up and upheld by us as well and he would never
break any compact with us.�

�Two days
ago I would have said he�d never challenge the Emperor.� Byakko�s
eyes sought out and locked with Sohryu�s, catching a flash of some emotion
before the dragon expertly filed it away. �I don�t doubt his loyalty to us is
anything less than our loyalty to him. He proved himself to each of us, and
proved the depth of his concern when he fought. Don�t mistake his motives,
Sohryu. All he wanted to do was protect us, protect Touda, and protect you.�

�And all I
am doing is trying to protect him, Byakko.� Sohryu�s
gaze hardened with his expression and stance. �Tsuzuki will have to realize
this. You should return home and prepare for tomorrow. It�s going to be a long
day.�

With
another meaningful glare, Byakko swept away into the
breeze. Sohryu allowed himself to slip unhindered into his chair once more,
dropping his head to his hands. His wounds still hurt and his power reserves
were dreadfully low. His limbs shook with the strain of movement and the stress
of emotional and mental instability. Loss, crisis, and injuries he could handle
separately or in pairs, but the triple weight made him sag and strain. With a
frustrated sigh, the proud shikigami rose to his feet once more, fully intent
on finding Tsuzuki and informing him of what decisions had been made.

About half
an hour after Sohryu had begun questioning the need for a house to be so large,
he was more than convinced that needless space should never be added anywhere.
With a sigh, Sohryu made one last check to make sure no one was around and
leaned against the wall, trying to give his sore limbs a break.

�You could
just ask Tenkuu for directions, you know.�

Sohryu
jerked into a standing position and spun around to glare at Touda, wondering
when the serpent had managed to sneak up unnoticed. �What are you doing out of
your bed?� he bit off in reply, drawing himself up regally.

�Walking.�
Touda smirked at Sohryu�s obvious agitation at the short response. �I could ask
the same of you, but I already assumed you were looking for Tsuzuki. It�s
really the only reason you�d freely come to this side of Tenkuu.�

The dragon
merely crossed his arms. �There is going to be a council held tomorrow morning
at nine. Try not to be late.�

Touda
arched an eyebrow, and then lowered it with a nod. �I see.� Then, he smirked
again, almost smiling. �It seems your query has found you instead.�

Sohryu bit
back a sharp reply and turned around in time to see Tsuzuki walk around the
corner. The shinigami looked up and smiled at them, until the fact that the two
shikigami were in such close vicinity dawned on him. He quickened his pace. �Is
everything all right?� he inquired a bit roughly.

The dragon inclined
his head lightly and took a gracious step back from the serpent. �I was looking
for you, Tsuzuki. We are holding a council meeting tomorrow morning at nine and
wish your presence.�

Tsuzuki
visibly relaxed and smiled again at the dragon shikigami. �Of course I�ll come,
Sohryu.�

Sohryu
nodded and turned to leave, but Tsuzuki caught his shoulder lightly before he
could go anywhere and stepped closer so he could keep his voice low. �And you
should go back to bed soon, Sohryu. You�re pushing yourself too much.�

Sohryu�s
gaze slid to the man next to him, flickered back at the shikigami Tsuzuki had
thankfully kept out of the conversation and returned to Tsuzuki�s face. After a
moment more he bowed his head ever so slightly and then continued on his way.
Tsuzuki watched him until the dragon had disappeared down the hallway before
turning back around to face Touda, arms crossed.

�I know, I
know �What are you doing out of bed?� right?� Touda
sighed and cast his gaze down the hallway Sohryu had just walked through. He
shook his head lightly and turned back to his room, slipping through the doors
silently. With a heavy sigh, Tsuzuki followed.

The council
chamber was a wide, round room with a set of pedestal-like seats on the far
wall surrounded by rows upon rows of chairs and benches, most of which were
full of high ranking or well known shikigami. Sohryu sat at the middle pedestal
presiding over the meeting with both Kijin and Genbu
on hand to either side of him on separate pedestals. The remaining shikigami
arranged themselves in an order of ranking only they
could understand from the front of the room back. Tsuzuki was a little baffled
by the resultant seating positions, but didn�t comment, choosing to stay in the
back next to Touda who had opted to remain standing by the back wall near the
doors.

�Are you
sure you don�t want to sit, Touda?� his shinigami asked for the third time.

The serpent
sighed and nodded again. �I am sure, Tsuzuki.� His gaze remained locked on the
dragon shikigami directly across the room from him. Besides, I doubt I�ll be
standing here long� As he watched, a slim man in a white coat slid up next to
Sohryu, grabbing the shikigami�s attention for a moment to relay a message.
Touda�s suspicions were confirmed when he saw Sohryu immediately glance back at
him. He caught and held the gaze. Yes, he knew, he understood.

Tsuzuki had
missed the exchange apparently. �I wish they�d start the meeting already�� He
half-whined in boredom.

Almost as
he spoke, the room quieted down as if by some noiseless signal and people slid
into their seats, ready to begin the discussion. Tsuzuki blinked, wondering
what he had missed, but also threw his attention forward, ready to get on with
it already. Sohryu drew his gaze across the entire assembled congregation for a
measure of silence before he began.

�This
meeting has been brought together to discuss a variety of events that have
taken place recently. Some which a few of you may already be aware of, some
which you may not have knowledge of, but all of which are integral to our
safety and perhaps our survival.� A few murmurs rose at the end of his
statement, but a quick silencing gesture from the dragon lord killed them
immediately. �Before we settle into the full weight of this council, I have
been informed of the possible resolution for another issue has been completed
and awaits implementation. I am sure you will all feel much better once it is
performed, so I have asked that we finish this task now.� His gaze fell on the
back of the room once more and this time, he wasn�t the only one who looked.

Tsuzuki
glanced confusedly at Sohryu, unsure why everyone was looking in his direction�
but then he remembered he wasn�t the only person by the doors. He swiveled
slightly, looking up at the serpent shikigami standing behind him, Touda�s
stance and hard gaze the only indicators he needed to figure out what was going
on. He stood up and turned his gaze back to Sohryu. �You can�t be serious about
this, Sohryu!�

�I am
completely serious, Tsuzuki.� He made a short gesture and the men from before
walked towards the back of the room, power limiter in hand. �He is still a
danger to the people around him, and the contract still stands.�

�He�s not
even finished healing!� Anger and sadness warred for control on Tsuzuki�s visage.

�Will the
limiter impede further healing in any life threatening manner?� Sohryu asked in
a tone which was anything but questioning.

�No.� The
scientist with the limiter in hand answered immediately. �He has already healed
beyond that stage. The limiter will slow the remaining process, but will not
harm him.� By now the man was right next to Tsuzuki. �Please move aside.�

�This is
wrong! You can�t-� Tsuzuki was cut off by movement next to him, as Touda came
into view. He turned abruptly to face his shikigami.

�This
argument is pointless,� Touda announced dully, and pulled the limiter from the
scientist�s hands. The room filled with noise, magic instantly filling the air
as the assembled shikigami prepared to defend themselves from any kind of
outburst or explosion from the fire serpent. �We have more important matters to
cover.� The back and front of the visor met with a soft click no one heard. The
room had filled with various gasps of shock from the simple action and then from
what immediately followed. Touda�s hair which had grown back to its normal
length vanished in an instant burst of power, returning to its shortened
length. The visor hummed loudly as Touda doubled over, losing his balance,
caught shy of the floor by his worried master, who hurriedly set Touda in a
chair next to him.

�You said
it wouldn�t hurt him!� the shinigami yelled angrily at the scientist still near
him.

�The
limiter did not harm him; it merely rid Touda of the power he was using to
buffer the pain and injuries. Now he has to deal with them normall,y since his power has returned to� manageable
levels.� Seeing his use had run out quickly, the scientist spun around and
hurried back to his seat as far away from Touda and Tsuzuki as possible.
Tsuzuki turned tear brimmed furious eyes on Sohryu.

Sohryu held
his gaze for a moment before breaking eye contact and calling the assembly�s
attention back to him. Touda placed a calming hand on Tsuzuki�s thigh and the
shinigami sat back down tensely. �I can�t believe he did that,� he whispered
angrily, turning a worried gaze to his shikigami.

�Probably
just his way of getting back for my recent freedom,� Touda commented dully,
falling back into a normal sitting position with somewhat of a pained grimace.

�Nah, public
humiliation�s not his style.�

Both men
looked up in surprise; the unmistakable form of Kurikara
stood haughtily next to the bench Tsuzuki and Touda had taken over the edge of.
�How do you mean?� Tsuzuki finally ventured softly, aware that the meeting was
proceeding without them.

�Hn, you know Sohryu. He�s too private to do something so
openly unless forced. His need to see the limiter in place probably won out
over his need for privacy, that�s all.� Kurikara
shrugged and looked over the assembled crowd. �What�s all this for, eh? I
didn�t get an invitation. Not that I�m surprised the cocky bastard didn�t have
one for me.�

�I�m not
entirely sure to be honest,� Tsuzuki sighed and turned his gaze forward again.
�But you didn�t miss much�� After a moment�s pause, he glanced hesitantly at Kurikara and asked, �Want to sit?� The sword spirit smirked
rather coldly but took the offered seat and turned his attention to what was
being discussed.

�� While
the details are neither important nor abundant, the result of the conflicts has
been the eradication of the Golden Emperor,� Sohryu finished, tone and form
emotionless. The reaction was anything but. Many of the shikigami present were
unaware of the current situation. There was no reason they should be, as none
of them ever had contact with the Emperor: that was normally left to Sohryu.
But for the man they had been following all this time to suddenly be proclaimed
dead� questions mounted with the noise level and for a moment it seemed as
though the fair-minded individuals gathered might slip into rather base
reactions. �Everyone settle down- silence yourselves!� Sohryu ordered sharply,
his power amplifying his voice as necessary.

�Be calm?
You tell us the Emperor, your lord, the one we have all loyally followed
through four wars� who has forever maintained peace in this realm� is dead? You
expect us to take this like idle chat over tea? Don�t be ridiculous, Sohryu!� A
lower ranking but nevertheless battle-proven wind shikigami spoke up.

The dragon lord
entwined his fingers and set his cool gaze on the speaker. �I agree it is a
shock to which we must adjust swiftly, but the severity of this is precisely
the reason you were all called here� precisely the reason we, if no one else,
need to remain calm and focused.�

�Calm and
focused� but on what? This is an act of war like no other! What of the
murderer?� Sohryu cut in before the shikigami could continue.

�Nothing.
This council was not formed to discuss them.�

�We have
been attacked! We must defend ourselves!�

�We will
not be launching a counterattack.� The dragon lord stated levelly.

Murmuring
and disbelief rose among the crowd. The wind shikigami seemed to be at a loss
for words, but recovered quickly. �How can you� say that?�

�Fighting
back is not an option we can consider at the moment.� Sohryu offered in reply.

�Our Lord
is dead-�

�I am quite
aware of the state of our Lord, Zaneef. I was there.
I watched him die. Do not think my decision in the matter was made so lightly.
Suzaku was there, as was Byakko, and others. If you
feel my statements are at all unsatisfactory you may make further inquiries to
them. I know without a doubt that you will receive the same answer from all of
them. The attack was directed solely at the Emperor and he was the one who
initiated the fight with the opponent that eventually brought him down. None of
the others present were attacked upon his death. There was no malice towards us
as a nation and I will not have us hastily go to war when there is no
aggression present, or are you so anxious for a repeat of our last
catastrophe?� Sohryu�s tone had taken on a noticeably chilly note and by the
end Zaneef was more than glad to return to his seat
without further comment.

�Aside from
the situation surrounding his death, which is still being researched, we have
worse problems that would keep us on defense no matter the circumstances. That
is: we have been experiencing �tears�, for lack of a better term. These �rips�
appear in the form of a portal, wormhole, or however else you wish to describe
a floating mass of black chaos. Their nature, origin, and intent are all
unclear at the moment, but have been going on for some time now, and are
starting to increase in frequency and danger. A few people who have made
contact with them ended up half way across Gensoukai and some have simply
vanished.

�At this
moment the only way we have of eliminating them is for those capable of such
feats to force it into closure with sheer power alone. Even with our
capabilities, we cannot keep this up forever. Originally, the public was not
going to be involved in this, but since the Emperor is no longer available for
consultation on the matter you were assembled here today. Every person present
now has proven that they are in some way capable of handling this situation or
aiding to its conclusion. Without a leader, we must organize ourselves, without
someone behind us, we must move forward.�

Silence
reigned in the room as the information sank in. Rikugou
rose elegantly from his seat, two of his eyes open and blond hair swaying
lightly. �We have never agreed in affairs of the state, Sohryu, and I�m afraid
I�ll have to continue with that pattern. We are without the Emperor, true, but
that does not force us to be leaderless. In fact, it frees us from conforming
to the system he set into place. I do agree we should organize ourselves, but I
believe it should be more of a reorganization based on capability rather than
rank or power. Once that has been done, we will be able to face this threat
together and more efficiently.�

�I am not
quite sure if you are questioning my capabilities or my authority in this
matter, Rikugou. Which would you like addressed?�
Sohryu rested a steely blue gaze solely on the younger shikigami, awaiting his
reply.

�Neither,� Rikugou answered instantly, not backing down from his
proposal. �I am suggesting that due to our circumstances, and the knowledge of
those assembled here, we be afforded the chance to choose who we would like to
lead us in this and perhaps future endeavors.�

The
assembly shifted uneasily. Whether they agreed or not, none of them wanted to
be in the room if Rikugou and Sohryu suddenly started
another war entirely. Silence stretched on uncomfortably as the dragon lord
regarded Rikugou carefully. Finally, he turned his
gaze back to the audience. �Does anyone wish to add?�

To
everyone�s surprise, Byakko was the next to stand. �I
do.� Sohryu shifted his gaze quizzically to the protector of the west, but
allowed him the floor. �I can understand Rikugou�s
feelings, but I think they are ill-timed. When have any of us done something
because the Emperor told us to? I do not think I would be far off if I say that
only one person here can attest to this. However, every single one of us has
done something because Sohryu instructed us to.� Byakko
glanced askance at Rikugou and then turned to face
the crowd.

�Out of all
the time we have followed the Emperor we have not lived, fought, and died for
him. We have done all those things to protect ourselves, to maintain peace. And,
we�ve rallied together, it was never around the
Emperor: it was around Sohryu. We have placed our trust in him time and time
again. He has yet to lead us wrong. I�m not saying we should blindly follow
him. Many of you here now have probably disagreed with him at some time or
another� I know I have. Believe me, he can be stubborn
beyond reason when he has his mind set on something�� He grinned cattishly, a
fang poking out naturally and the gathering relaxed a bit.

�That�s not
my point, though. All this time we have listened to what he
has said and done as he asked� and have been better for it. The last
thing we need is division; the last thing we want are
factions. We have trusted him this far� followed him this far. Are you really
ready to give all that up to someone untried at such a crucial time?� Warm
brown eyes scanned the shikigami. �I know that when it comes down to it, I�d
rather leave the decisions up to him, because I trust him to make the right
ones.� After a moment, he turned back to Sohryu with a smiled and added,
�That�s all.�

�A good
speech, though a little misplaced in spots,� Kurikara
commented quietly. Tsuzuki glanced at him curiously, but all the sword spirit
added was, �Of course, the last thing we need is for Sohryu�s ego to get even
more inflated.�

�You say
that, but you would not have chosen anyone else, given the chance.� Touda
countered, equally as quiet. All he got in return was a soft �hrumph�. He smirked.

Sohryu
watched Byakko for a long moment, face, actions and
soon to be words not betraying a single emotion to anyone present. Finally, he
turned to Rikugou and the remainder of the shikigami
and spoke. �Then, out of respect for Rikugou�s
suggestion, I propose a vote. If you are in favor of determining someone else
for my position make it known now.� Silence reigned for well over a minute
before Sohryu continued. �Very well, we shall continue on as we have in times
past.� Rikugou inclined his head briefly and slipped
back into his chair without another word. �Let us return now to the topic at
hand, which is how best to confront this new threat we face��

Sohryu
lifted his eyes for a moment when one of the doors to one of the more secluded
council chambers of Tenkuu opened. Kijin followed his father�s suddenly averted
gaze and smiled as he saw Tsuzuki enter. His father just sighed and placed the
papers he had been looking at on his desk. �I will be a moment, Kijin, take
care of this for me.�

�Of course,
Father,� came the easy, if slightly confused, answer.

The regal
dragon lord swept across the room and over to another door, gesturing silently
for Tsuzuki to join him, opening the door when the shinigami made to follow his
lead. Once they were both comfortably within the confines of a smaller, more
private room, Sohryu turned to face Tsuzuki again, for once unable to read the shinigami�s expression. �I assume you�ve wanted to have
some words with me for a while now,� he offered tightly.

�I was
impressed with how you ran the meeting,� Tsuzuki answered, smiling briefly. �Do
you think you have a good plan now?�

Sohryu
frowned lightly but replied, �It is better than what we had before, I trust we
will have better in time. It is nearly nightfall after only our first meeting
and everyone has already dug in for a long campaign.� When Tsuzuki didn�t
immediately reply, he added, �However, you and I both know you did not come
here just to say that.�

�No� I
didn�t,� Tsuzuki sighed. �You shouldn�t have done that to him, Sohryu.�

�I understand
your feelings in the matter, Tsuzuki. Understand that I am only trying to
protect those whose lives depend on my vigilance. That includes the people of
Gensoukai as much as it includes you.�

�He didn�t
have his limiter for two days and nothing happened, Sohryu!�

�I admit
the timing was not as I would have liked it-� Sohryu began, but was cut off
before he could finish.

�It should
not have happened! The reason he went berserk at all is because of the Emperor
trying to control him, Sohryu. You know that, you were there! He saved your son
from the same thing!� Tsuzuki stepped forward, his emotions finally moving
beyond something he could control.

�The
Emperor is not the only factor in my decision, Tsuzuki. He wasn�t imprisoned
for losing control; he was imprisoned for the murder of thousands of people.�
Sohryu tried to keep his voice as calm as possible, hoping that somehow it
would influence Tsuzuki�s mood. �The bargain of his freedom was firstly that he
would wear the limiter, and secondly that he would be bound to your will. He
accepted both of these conditions-�

�You make
it sound like he had a choice in the matter. Eternal hell or eternal servitude,
I didn�t want either of that! He doesn�t deserve either of that!�

�Those were
the choices, Tsuzuki, and he accepted them. Regardless of
your opinions concerning his choices, the final decision on which path to take
was his and he chose the one in which he would wear the limiter.� Sohryu
found his voice rising slightly, as much as he tried to keep it in check.

�The
circumstances have changed, Sohryu.� Tsuzuki countered defensively.

�How? Because you killed the Emperor?� Sohryu snapped finally,
unable to reign in his stressed emotions any longer.

Tsuzuki�s
entire demeanor changed in a second. Anger drained out of his stance and
features, replaced by a darker, deeper emotion. ��You lied to me before� when I
asked you about this� you said it didn�t matter, but it matters a lot to you,
doesn�t it? What are you trying to hide so badly, Sohryu?� He moved even
closer, the dragon lord not backing out of the close proximity, rather holding
his ground against the shinigami.

�I am
hiding nothing from you, Tsuzuki. I-�

�You�re
lying again. Why can�t you just tell me the truth? Why don�t I have your trust
by now?� The look of distress on Tsuzuki�s features was increasing swiftly.

Sohryu
backpedaled in his mind, trying to salvage the situation. �Tsuzuki� I am just
trying to perform my duties as your shikigami and you�re making it increasingly
difficult to protect you in any manner-�

�Duties again? Is that all any of this means to you, Sohryu?� Tsuzuki nearly
whispered.

�Tsuzuki-�

�Because,
if it is, you should tell me now� maybe� maybe it was a mistake to beat your
challenge��

�Tsuzuki!�
Alarm raced through him. He had known the man would be upset with him, but he
didn�t think it would ever come to that! It was his duty, yes, and he hadn�t
originally been particularly fond of it. In fact, in the beginning he had
outright despised it, but Tsuzuki had managed to worm his way into his life�
had become a warm presence sometimes surpassing even the company of his
children. He never had been one to display emotions freely, and Tsuzuki had
explicitly forbade any of the normal forms of conduct right from the start, so
the dragon lord had had very few ways to express the warmth of the bond he felt
between them. Still though� he had thought Tsuzuki knew that.

Apparently,
though, his silence caused by racing thoughts and emotions hadn�t gone
unnoticed by the shinigami, though the reason was entirely misconstrued. �� I�m
sorry, Sohryu.� The dragon shikigami swung his gaze back to Tsuzuki�s just as
the other man made to turn and leave. �I won�t waste your time anymore.�

He�s
leaving� he�s going to� Sohryu�s eyes widened. �Tsuzuki!�
He stepped forward as the shinigami stopped, but didn�t turn around.

�I�m sorry,
Sohryu�� He whispered again, and then opened the door. The shikigami stared at
the door as Tsuzuki stepped resolutely through it. No� he wanted to move, to
say something but he was stuck, for once immobilized in shock and fear. The
great Dragon God of the East taken down again by a mere human, but this time
there was no calm assurance or soft violet gaze to rest his nerves. Sohryu put
his hand on a table and used it guide him swiftly to a chair.

After a few
minutes passed, soft, hesitant footsteps approached the still opened doorway.
Sohryu looked up but didn�t have the will to stand or otherwise hide his state
as masterfully as he had in the previous days. The footsteps paused briefly and
then Kijin quietly entered the room, eyes widening at the sight of a still very
shell-shocked dragon lord. � Father�?� He made to step
in quickly, but halted part way, unsure.

Sohryu
slowly sat back in his chair and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to
settle his nerves. The last thing he needed was for his own son to have such a
worried face aimed at him. At the same time, though� �He left.�

Kijin
blinked, trying to translate the statement. �He�� His eyes widened suddenly as
something clicked into place. �Tsuzuki� abandoned you?� He gasped out,
desperately wanting his father to prove him wrong but all he got in return was
a short nod of the head. �You� he can�t� Tsuzuki would never seriously abandon
any of us, no matter how upset he is!�

Sohryu
placed his hands on the arms of his chair, and pushed himself to his feet.
�Kijin, I need you to look over things here for a while longer.� Kijin nodded
dully. �I� don�t know when I�ll be back.� A slight change in his stance and
facial features, and Sohryu slid into determination like an old coat and swept
out of the room.

�Take me to
Tsuzuki,� he announced the moment he was out of the inner chambers. Tenkuu
rumbled softly, but said nothing, instead using carpets, tapestries and various
other implements to guide the lord to his destination. Sohryu placed his hand
gently on the wall in a sign of thanks and followed the slight changes in the
hallways as they lead him across the breadth of Tenkuu and back to his own wing,
which could only mean� Sohryu paused by his own door, which could only mean
Tsuzuki had gone back to Touda.

His left
hand curled into a fist against the wall. Could he still confront Tsuzuki with
that serpent in attendance? The thought came unbidden to his mind that despite
their drastically different histories, it had not been Touda who lost Tsuzuki�s
trust, but him. Sohryu glared down the hall, feeling his bond with Tsuzuki
further deteriorate the longer he waited and made his decision. His long strides
took him to the offending door within seconds. Tenkuu�s
subtle instructions confirmed his suspicions when they guided the dragon to the
very room he didn�t want to visit but had already resolved to enter.

The door
opened easily, and Sohryu slipped through the small opening before he could
convince himself not to. He turned as he entered, closing the door softly and
taking a moment to steel himself. Both occupants of the room were quite aware
of his presence by now, though neither had said anything. Sohryu turned back
around, eyes readjusting to the dim light of the room as his gaze settled on
Tsuzuki already seated at Touda�s side. From the looks of it, the two had been
talking already, and Sohryu couldn�t help wondering what about.

�Tsuzuki��
he breathed and drew himself up straighter. �� I don�t believe we were able to
finish our conversation.� Sohryu stepped away from the door and walked with
sure strides deeper into the room so that he came closer to the bed and its two
residents. Tsuzuki�s features had darkened considerably and he turned his head
to stare down at the bed. Sohryu took another second to strengthen his resolve
a bit as he felt the bond break down more. �Things passed between us that
should not have-�

�No. I heard
you, Sohryu,� the shinigami interrupted. �I heard what you meant, and you said
what you felt.�

��Perhaps
that is true, but it still remains that it should not have been said. I-�
Sohryu began to recover his argument, only to be stopped again.

�It would
have been said at some point.� Tsuzuki lifted his gaze, but didn�t look at
Sohryu. �Perhaps it�s better this way.�

The
strength of their bond weakened considerably, threatening to fail at any
moment. A rush of panic filled the proud dragon lord and he looked for the
first time to the other occupant of the room. Touda caught his gaze and held it
for a moment, somehow understanding the complicated plea and with all the
societal grace Sohryu would not have afforded the serpent were their roles
reversed� looked away.

Sohryu
rolled up the remaining scraps of his pride and stuffed them somewhere they
might actually do him some good someday and dropped to his knees beside
Tsuzuki�s chair. �I wish to apologize, Master. My words harmed you as was their
intent� an intent they never should have had. I understand your feelings��
Closing his eyes, the proud dragon lord bent forward, touching his forehead to
the floor. �I beg you, do not sever our bond.�

�S-Sohryu!� Tsuzuki jerked out of his chair, pushing it back. �No� Sohryu
don�t�!� His distress mounting, the shinigami shoved the chair out of his way
and hastily crouched next to the folded shikigami.

�Please
Tsuzuki� I beg you: do not break our bond.� Sohryu recognized that he was
shaking, but it didn�t really matter to him at the moment. All he wanted was to
feel his bond full and warm again. The soft feeling and gentle warmth that bond
provided gave him peace when he could have none� made him whole. He could not
lose that now�

�Stop,
Sohryu. Get up� get up please! Don�t bow! I never want that, Sohryu, never!!
You are my friend, not my servant: I will never see you that way!� Tsuzuki
frantically grabbed the still submissive shikigami, pulling him out of the
unnecessary kowtow and into a firm hug. �I�m sorry� I�m so sorry, Sohryu, I
never thought� I never meant to hurt you��

The bond
flared back into existence, and Sohryu felt himself relax against Tsuzuki as it
filled him with warmth once more. His eyes glazed over slightly, the strain
he�d put his body through and the extent of his emotional turmoil peaking as
the new emotions flooded him. It was almost enough to undo him. He drew a
shuddering breath, trying to still his shaking and bring his mind into focus
again.

Tsuzuki
looked up when he felt a soft touch on his shoulder, meeting the blocked gaze
of his other shikigami. �You need to let him lay down, Tsuzuki.�

The
shinigami looked back at the dragon in his arms, finally seeing what Touda had
been able to feel since the other shikigami had entered the room. �Sohryu��

Holding
back a wince, Touda slid out of his bed. �He needs a few minutes first,
Tsuzuki. He�s energy�s too erratic. Come on� if you can stand, I�ll help you
with him.�

Tsuzuki
nodded and with a determined frown, pulled the dragon lord up with him as he
stood. Touda caught him as he swayed and gently but firmly helped guide Sohryu
on to the bed. He kept his hand on the dragon�s arm a moment longer, feeling
out his power and trying to rein it in a bit, but shook his head and moved
away. �You�ll have to, or he will on his own, but it�s more than I can handle
right now. Just give him a few minutes. That kind of shock can be very
dangerous but he�s controlling it well.�

�What kind
of shock?� The shinigami wasn�t entirely sure what had just happened, but kept
a worried gaze on Sohryu.

Touda shook
his head lightly and moved away from the bed. �First, he�s physically just
barely better off than I am-� At Tsuzuki�s confused look, the serpent decided to
elaborate. �He was forced to heal from Kurikara�s attack before we even started
fighting, then he showed up half way through the battle hardly healed and
blocked that attack, remember? Then he stayed and healed Kijin and lastly, when
you asked for our power, he gave it. Doesn�t that seem a little straining to
you?�

�I knew it
was a lot� but he seemed� I mean, he was walking around and holding meetings��

Touda
sighed. �Do you remember what the scientists said when I put the limiter on and
nearly collapsed?�

Tsuzuki�s
expression darkened considerably, but he nodded anyway. �Yes, he said that the
power you were using to buffer your wounds and the pain had been taken away and
that�s what caused� but Sohryu still has all his power.�

�Yes,
Tsuzuki, but he has been draining it ridiculously attempting to run things
since yesterday on top of trying to heal, and trying to replenish his power,
which was all but completely used up by the time the battle was over. Then, the
entire fiasco that just happened� eh, you don�t even understand that, do you?� The shinigami winced slightly, glancing back at
Sohryu. �Why am I explaining this? Why didn�t anyone else tell you this?�

�Please,
just explain it, Touda, whatever it is� I want to know why it did this to him.�
Tsuzuki glanced back at the serpent, now practically on the other side of the
room, standing by the windows.

�When you
defeat a shikigami�s challenge, they create a bond between them and you. It is
an extension of us, connecting shinigami and shikigami until the shinigami
breaks it or the shikigami is destroyed. We can�t break the bond, Tsuzuki, only
you can. Only we can create it and only you can break it. With bad masters,
this bond can be a bane, but with good ones�� He looked back at Tsuzuki, ��it
is something we never want taken away.

�Your words
and actions from before began breaking that bond, Tsuzuki, rather drastically
and quickly if Sohryu�s actions are any indication. Considering his current
state, my guess is that he was pouring everything he had into maintaining that
bond from his end if you wouldn�t from yours.�

Tsuzuki�s
eyes brimmed with tears. �I� did all that? I can�t believe I hurt him like
that! I just� I thought� he was never happy I beat him, I thought maybe I
shouldn�t have� maybe I made a mistake�� He sank back into his chair, head in
his hands.

�Tsuzuki!
The bond wouldn�t be formed if we didn�t think you were worthy of it!� Touda
raised his voice half in exasperation, half in anger. �Don�t you understand
that yet? You have more than proved yourself to every one of us. That is why we
defend you. That is why the bond is there, and that is why we keep it strong!�

�And, what about you, Touda?� Tsuzuki�s eyes slid sideways to watch the serpent�s
response.

For a
moment, Touda wasn�t immediately certain what Tsuzuki was talking about. �What
about me?�

�You never
tested me.�

The serpent
shikigami crossed his arms and faced his master directly. �And what makes you
think you have not met and surpassed my requirements?�

�You were in
prison, Touda-�

�And how
did you know I was there? I�m sure no one mentioned my name.� Touda pressed.

�N-no, they
didn�t-� Tsuzuki stumbled over his words, sitting up.

�And how
did you find me? I�m sure Tenkuu didn�t give you directions and I know no one
else would.�

�I-I don�t�
I didn�t ask anyone-�

�Exactly.�
The shinigami gave him a quizzical look. �Tsuzuki� what made you look? What did
you follow to find me?�

�I��
Tsuzuki rubbed the back of his head self-consciously. �I thought I heard
something� someone. It sounded like someone was calling to me.�

Touda just
nodded. �It�s one of the oldest laws, Tsuzuki. Power calls to power, especially
powers so similar to each other. It wouldn�t have happened if your strength was
not greater than mine. That�s why there was no doubt in my mind when you found
me that I would pledge myself to you no matter what the conditions were.�

Tsuzuki
blushed deeply at the blunt statement. He looked back at Sohryu and then slowly
stood up, turning to Touda again. �You should tell him, you know.�

�Tsuzuki,
we already discussed this-�

�It�s not
right, Touda! That massacre was completely out of character, wasn�t it?�

�Tsuzuki-�

�Wasn�t
it?!� Tsuzuki stepped closer.

�Yes it
was!� Touda glared back at the shinigami as well as the visor allowed. �But
that doesn�t-�

�Did they
ask you?� Tsuzuki continued to press, moving closer still.

Touda
instinctively took a step back from his rapidly advancing master. �I was
completely unstable, Tsuzuki, there was no way they could-�

�So you go
and murder thousands of people out of the blue for the first time ever and
despite never having done anything remotely like that in the past, no one
bothered to ask you why?!� Tsuzuki was beside himself in disbelief.

�It doesn�t
change the fact that I killed them all!� the serpent lashed out verbally,
straightening himself to fully face Tsuzuki.

�No, it
doesn�t, but you�re punishing yourself enough for everyone, Touda.� The
shinigami sighed, his gaze going soft.

�You
forgive yourself your past and I will forgive myself mine, Tsuzuki.� Touda
answered icily.

Tsuzuki
winced lightly, but pressed onward, determined to do something right during his
stay. �You should tell him, Touda.�

�Tsuzuki,
this isn�t the time for this-�

�How else
are you going to resolve this?�

�Tsuzuki�

�One way or
the other, the truth needs to come out.�

�He�s up.�
The serpent cast his veiled gaze across the room. Tsuzuki followed Touda�s
stare, looking back over his shoulder to see Sohryu sitting up in the bed,
taking a moment to balance himself.

�Sohryu!�
Fight momentarily forgotten, Tsuzuki spun around and bolted back to his bedside
post. �Are you okay?� He flitted worriedly, afraid of hurting his shikigami
more but at the same time wanting some kind of confirmation on his health.

The dragon
god�s gaze slid sideways a moment before he made a slight gesture of fatigue by
placing his hand to his forehead and closing his eyes. Tsuzuki drew closer and
Sohryu gave a small smile for his sake. �I am better, Tsuzuki, thank you.�

�I�m sorry,
Sohryu� I-I didn�t realize�� Tsuzuki shook his head lightly, clearing his
thoughts. �I�m honored to have all of you as my friends� no matter what.�

Sohryu
lifted his head, blue eyes meeting violet ones and felt something in him tug ever
so gently. Softly, he answered, �Yes, I know� we all know.� He paused a minute,
dropping his gaze with a thoughtful frown, unsure of the words he needed.
�Tsuzuki�� Again his eyes slid sideways, and then lifted up to meet Tsuzuki�s
still rather anxious ones. Sohryu sighed and his features softened just
slightly, his demeanor indicating a change in what he was going to say. �Thank
you.�

Violet eyes
blinked, the shinigami uncertain just what meaning his cryptic shikigami had
placed in those words. A smile shortly found its way
to his face, however, and he nodded lightly. �You�re welcome.� He chuckled
softly and added, �Just relax a little bit, okay?�

�Tsuzuki��

�You should
take the rest of the day off, get to bed early� ne?�

Faced with
Tsuzuki�s disarming warmth and his own fatigue, Sohryu could only agree. �Of
course� I should be leaving now anyway.� Before any protests could be made, the
dragon lord turned and slid off the bed into a standing position in one fluid
movement.

�Are� you
sure you can get back to your room all right?� Tsuzuki asked anxiously, moving
around the bed to the side Sohryu was on.

�I�m sure I
shall persevere,� Sohryu answered wryly.

�� If you�re sure.� Tsuzuki eyed him carefully.

�I am sure,
Tsuzuki. Thank you.�

There it was
again: that odd show of appreciation that was obviously much more than what he
could grasp, but Tsuzuki just nodded again and let Sohryu pass into the hallway
without much more fuss. With the dragon it was always a careful mix of worry,
propriety, and a million other things that made Tsuzuki�s head spin just
thinking of the implication of every one of his moves in the dragon lord�s
presence. It was hard to believe Sohryu could live like that, but at the same
time, it was one of the qualities he really admired about the proud lord.

Sohryu
paused outside the doors to the guest chambers that had been inadvertently lent
to the fire serpent, and regarded the rug with a burdened stare. He�d come
around almost at the beginning of Touda and Tsuzuki�s argument. The raised
voices had initially alarmed him into snapping out of his daze, but the
discussion was obviously private, and so he had remained silent. Part of him
insisted he should have moved sooner, but the rest was heavily contemplating
the words and what they could possibly mean. He looked up and started forward
again.

Perhaps it
was time he finally placed trust in Tsuzuki�s actions and insight. The man
seemed capable of understanding and deciphering things no one else would find
at first glance. At the moment, though, he wasn�t sure precisely what that
insight was. Tsuzuki had wanted him to return to his chambers early tonight and
with the current state of his energy and body, Sohryu was more than ready to
agree. With a rather grim expression, he resolved to leave tomorrow in the
hands of the other guardians and allow himself the rest he more than needed.
Rest could be granted as easily from a pile of books as from hours of sleep,
after all.

Rikugou
closed two sets of eyes and leaned back in his chair. The stars were oddly
chaotic lately. It was beginning to hurt just to watch them let alone decipher
their patterns. The bits he could get were so specific, though� could that
really be true? A little voice inside him whispered that he never translated
the sky wrong when he could read the whole statement. It was just so hard to
comprehend, though� And worse of all: there was no definite translation on the
one part he sorely needed to figure out. It was as if someone had drawn a
curtain between him and the possible futures planted in the cosmic chart spread
above him. He sighed.
Only time would tell, no matter how powerfully curious or worried he became.
- 1
- 2
- 3
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Truth of Darkness