by Empath no Tenshi
Chapter 6
Tsuzuki raced to the abandoned warehouse as he was told. Who was this person? How did he know him? And more importantly, what did he want so much that he’d threaten to blow up an entire mall just to get his attention? All these thoughts ran through his mind as he stopped in front of the warehouse’s rusty door to get it open. He quietly sneaked inside and tried to find the stranger before the latter found him. He walked further inside when he stepped on a string barely a couple of inches above the floor. Suddenly, corners of the room started to blow up that made Tsuzuki jump in surprise.
Amidst the chaos, Tsuzuki was startled to hear a clear voice speaking near him:� “Good. You’re here.�
Tsuzuki spun around, trying to locate the source of the voice. �Dare ka?! Show yourself!!� he hissed angrily, keeping his senses alert.
Mocking laughter greeted Tsuzuki’s perplexity. “Fool. You don’t need to know who I am. You won’t live long enough to remember my name anyway.�
More explosions came. One of them injured his right arm, and he barely managed to escape the falling objects caused by the impact. Then, he turned just in time to see the barrel about to fall on him.
That was when he had no choice but to use his hidden ability.
Tsuzuki actually has the power to use force from an unknown origin. He released that force to crush the falling barrel to pieces.
�Kuso!� Tsuzuki muttered angrily, more upset with himself for using that power again than at the imminent danger he was struggling against.
A single clapping sound resounded through the warehouse. “Interesting little talent you have there, Tsuzuki,� the voice loudly announced. “So. It’s true then. You ARE one of those kinds of people aren’t you?� the mysterious voice hissed malevolently, chuckling derisively.
Tsuzuki shook his head slowly, trying to block out the voice. �Iie…iie�.damare�.,� he muttered,� clutching his head, fighting for control now that� the horrible memories came flooding back�.memories he struggled to forget�.
But the voice was relentless. “You have an extraordinary ability that people feared, that’s why they persecuted you and your family. You were the only one who survived. You decided to become an assassin for revenge, isn’t that right? I can read your thoughts…you can’t lie to me�.�
�DAMARE!!!!!!!!!�
Tsuzuki snapped and released a tremendous amount of energy that slowly ravished what was left of the warehouse. But before this force could totally destroy the building, Tsuzuki heard a voice calling his name, a familiar, beloved voice that immediately snapped him back to his old self. He crumpled down and fell on his knees, feeling tired and weak. He steadied himself by placing his hands on the ground, his head bent in defeat.
“Tsuzuki!!!” Hisoka called from somewhere among the bedlam, trying to get through all the debris that blocked his path.
The mysterious man turned to look at this new arrival.
“That boy…” he muttered to himself, a bit surprised at Hisoka’s sudden entrance into the scene.
He was even more surprised when emerald eyes looked in his direction and glared straight into his eyes.
“Stop it!! Why are you doing this to him!?� Hisoka demanded, running to Tsuzuki’s side.
He then came out from where he was hiding and faced Hisoka. Hisoka looked up at him from where he knelt supporting Tsuzuki. The stranger was actually still young. Somewhere in his early twenties. He had piercing blue eyes and jet-black hair. He looked mildly bewildered.
“How…how…did you know where I was? I created a mental shield that will deceive anyone who looks at me, making them automatically think that I’m not there at all. Tell me boy, how did you pass through my shield?�
“I…I…didn’t need to know where you are…because I can FEEL where you are.� Hisoka said honestly, cradling a disoriented Tsuzuki in his arms.
�Sou ka…empathy. Impressive. Now leave us be. I don’t want to involve you in this, little one.�
He walked towards where a frail Tsuzuki was to finish him off, but Hisoka embraced Tsuzuki protectively.
�DAME!! I won’t let you do anything to him. Why do you want to kill him so badly? I don’t even feel any emotions from you�.no anger, no resentment, nothing! So why do you want him dead!?� Hisoka asked desperately.
The stranger stopped, as if to consider this question. He cocked his head to the side. “You’re right,� he admitted slowly. “I have nothing against him really. But I agreed to kill him. And for very good reason.�
A terse voice piped up from Hisoka’s arms, which made the youth turn abruptly to the speaker, who he was still holding tightly. “Let me guess, Kuwabara hired you, didn’t he? He’s the only one who’s so keen to get his revenge, and to use such methods as involving the lives of innocent people. He really can’t sink any lower. But do you know the reason why I killed his brother?�
Tsuzuki was glaring at the stranger as he said this, as Hisoka held his tense body worriedly. The other man just looked at him indifferently.
“Care to tell your side of the story?� he said nonchalantly.
Tsuzuki was shaking with anger by this time. “He sold drugs to teenagers, and those youth, who naively thought that what he was doing helped them, kept on buying from him until it ruined their lives. And you know what that person regretted more than the crimes that they did and the death of his brother? The loss of his money, that’s what!� Tsuzuki spat all this out, every word seething with scorn.
There was a look of mild surprise in the stranger’s eyes when Tsuzuki said that, but he still didn’t look anywhere near convinced.
“Kuwabara said that you killed his brother because you lusted for blood. I read him telepathically and that’s what his mind said too.�
Then it was Hisoka who spoke.
“Thoughts can lie…you can keep on thinking of one thing forever even if it’s not true. But emotions don’t, and I can feel it from Tsuzuki. He’s not lying.�
This time, the stranger looked convinced. He didn’t know why, but for some reason, Hisoka had an effect on him that made him trust the young boy.
“You’re sure about this?� he asked, looking straight into Hisoka’s deep green eyes.
Hisoka merely nodded.
The stranger slit his eyes, glaring at some point in space. “I’ll teach him not to play with someone like me,� he said with clenched fists.
Then he disappeared in a blink of an eye.
Just like that.
After a moment of stunned silence, Hisoka turned to Tsuzuki.
“Tsuzuki. Daijoubu desu ka?�
� There was a hint of sadness about Tsuzuki. His eyes met Hisoka’s, and when amethyst met emerald, he abruptly looked away, as if he didn’t have the courage to meet the youth’s eyes.
“What’s wrong?� Hisoka asked worriedly.
“You saw it, didn’t you? I…I have powers that I…couldn’t even control. You probably hate me now…or you’re scared of me…Or…or…or…” And he felt tears springing to his eyes.
But Hisoka only shook his head. �Kono baka. Why would I hate you for something like that?� he chided, tightening his grip around Tsuzuki affectionately.
Tsuzuki felt relief wash all over him.
“You…you don’t?�
Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki straight in the eyes and this time, Tsuzuki didn’t turn away.
“I don’t. Besides, why would I treat you in a way that I myself didn’t like, just because…just because you have something different. I mean, look at me…I have this empathy and because of that, I…I’ve been treated badly. So I understand how you feel, Tsuzuki, and I can’t hate you for that.”
Tsuzuki reached out and touched Hisoka’s cheek.
�Arigato.� He said, with a sincere smile.
Hisoka blushed.
�Baka. Now hold out your right arm.�
Tsuzuki did as he was told. Hisoka placed his delicate hands just above Tsuzuki’s wound then closed his eyes. Tsuzuki felt that familiar warmth again, as a gentle wave of energy radiated from the young empath. Slowly, his wound closed and completely vanished, as if it was never there.
“You…healed me.� Tsuzuki said to Hisoka with a look of mixed surprise and confusion.
“Just another one of the things that makes me abnormal.� Hisoka said sarcastically, more to himself than Tsuzuki.
“The other day too, did you�?�
Before Tsuzuki could finish his question, Hisoka nodded. His eyes started to droop heavily and he yawned. He leaned on Tsuzuki’s shoulder to rest.
�Gomen. I always feel tired after doing that. Mind if I rest for a bit?�
But before Tsuzuki could answer, Hisoka was already in a deep slumber. Tsuzuki gently lifted him up and took him back home.
~)-0-(~
Tsuzuki spent his entire Saturday with Hisoka, since Hijiri had to go out of town for a charity concert. He asked Hisoka to come with him and perform too, but after having stalkers, Hisoka learned the hard way that fame can be such a pain.
He went to Oriya-sensei’s place to make up for his absence in training since he got confined. There, they had a kendo match. Their movements were very fast, and by the middle of the match, Tsuzuki could no longer tell who was attacking and who was blocking. By the end of it, his eyes were in swirls.
The two participants bowed to each other and Oriya-sensei ruffled Hisoka’s hair affectionately.
“You keep on getting better and better, bouya. What can I say? Nothing less can be expected from a Kurosaki. In due time, I think you’ll be as good as your father, and I won’t be surprised if you surpass him someday,� he commented.
�Arigatou gozaimasu,sensei. I highly appreciate your compliments.� Hisoka bowed politely.
“Well then. I guess we’re done for today. Keep up the good work, bouya.�
�Hai.” �
�
After that, Hisoka and Tsuzuki went back to the Kurosaki manor and settled on the sprawling garden. This really seems to be Hisoka’s favorite spot in the entire estate, because here, he can relax and watch the sunset. He also loved to watch the children play, but it always brings a sad look in his eyes.
�Doushita? Hisoka.� Tsuzuki asked upon noticing the sudden change in expression.
� Hisoka seemed reluctant to speak at first, but in Tsuzuki’s compassionate presence, he soon found himself opening up. “When I was young, my parents never let me play with the children outside. They kept on telling me that it was because of my weak health, but there was more to it than that. The other reason was that…they always thought that somehow I was…different. And when they found out about my empathy…everything changed.� Hisoka turned away, trying to hold in his tears, a pained look on his face.
“…they shunned me and locked me away from the outside…and every time they saw the slightest hint of my…‘abnormality’…�
Hisoka was so lost in his gloomy thoughts that he gasped in surprise when he felt Tsuzuki’s arms wrap themselves around him.
“Hisoka…you’re not alone anymore.�
Simple. Very simple and plain words. But the emotions that gushed forth from this amethyst-eyed man was enough to touch Hisoka’s heart and make tears fall from his emerald eyes. Tsuzuki meant every word that he said, and he knew exactly what Hisoka needed to hear: a promise from someone that he will never be abandoned, rejected and left in the dark ever again. It was a reassurance that he’ll never let anyone hurt him.
“Tsuzuki, I told myself long ago that I’ll never open my heart to anyone ever again, but you came and� and now you…“ Hisoka was already sobbing and found it difficult to speak. He merely clutched Tsuzuki’s shirt and rested his head on Tsuzuki’s chest.
Tsuzuki hugged him tighter.
“Tsuzuki, you’re the first person that I’ve ever trusted like this� please ...please…promise that you’ll never betray me.� Hisoka said in a soft whisper.
Tsuzuki looked at Hisoka in surprise. He felt extremely touched, and honored, that Hisoka had decided to put his faith on him. He started caressing Hisoka’s hair tenderly. �Yakusoku da yo, Hisoka,� he whispered back, smiling lovingly. �Yakusoku da yo.�
And they stayed in each other’s arms for a long moment, as they watched the breath-taking sunset.
~)-0-(~
Tsuzuki stayed over for dinner as well, because Hisoka’s father was still out anyway and he didn’t feel like leaving him yet. So, there they were eating dinner together, with one question hanging in Hisoka’s head the entire time: where was THAT Tsuzuki who ate with him and his father just the other day??? Tsuzuki was now back to his usual self --- the childish bottomless pit. After eating, when they felt full and contented (which took Hisoka about less than half an hour, while Tsuzuki, two whole hours), they went outside again. This time not to watch the sunset, but the stars that brightly littered the night sky.
Tsuzuki sat with his legs outstretched, and he let Hisoka lie down and use his lap as a pillow. Hisoka refused at first, but when drowsiness came upon him, Tsuzuki took the opportunity and gently ushered him to do so. Tsuzuki loved this position. It reminded him of the first time Hisoka fell asleep and he had to carry him, and of that moment when the youth was peacefully sleeping on his lap just like this. He also remembered that deep down, he wished it could have lasted forever. He was brought back to reality when Hisoka suddenly spoke to him:
�Ne, Tsuzuki, I’m just curious. Were you and Otousama, well, friends before? I mean, this isn’t the first time you’ve met is it?�
“Well, no, I haven’t met him before. Why?� Tsuzuki replied, while brushing his fingers through light blond locks.
�Iie. Nandemonai.� Hisoka simply said. But inside, it really bothered him why his father, who was usually so cold and indifferent to everyone including his own family, seemed so nice to Tsuzuki.
But being in such a comfortable position, it wasn’t long before Hisoka fell asleep, and Tsuzuki too, started yawning. As much as he wanted to stay like that longer, Tsuzuki couldn’t risk also falling asleep there, because if he did, they’d both end up with a cold tomorrow. So he reluctantly stood up and gently lifted Hisoka in his arms, as usual wondering how the young boy can be so light. He made his way to Hisoka’s bedroom and carefully laid him on his bed. After covering him with the blanket and kissing his forehead, Tsuzuki whispered:
�Oyasumi basai, Hisoka-chan.�
He went out of the room. He was just about to leave the estate when Hisoka’s father, Nagare arrived. They met at the gate, and Nagare invited him to drink sake, which he said was a form of gratitude for being nice to his son. Tsuzuki gladly took up the offer.
~)-0-(~
He was standing alone once more, near the Sakura grove, and the moon was red as blood. There was no doubt about it. This was that same nightmare. His mother was lying lifeless on the ground, and her blood was everywhere. And here he was, standing rooted to the spot, too scared to move.
� And that man. There was that man again. His all-white clothing was smeared with his mother’s blood. Hisoka� could vividly see him, his silver eyes, his silver hair and that evil smirk always planted on his face. He looked at him with hungry eyes, and then. . . and then. . .
Hisoka’s fear-stricken eyes snapped open. He knew he had another nightmare, he felt so scared, and yet he couldn’t even remember what he was so afraid of. Raggedly breathing, he tried to steady his pounding heart. Suddenly his curse scars started glowing again. He hugged himself tightly, desperately wishing for the pain to go away. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the glowing red marks disappeared. He felt relieved, and even if he knew that it would only be short-lived, he was still thankful that the pain was temporarily gone.
He realized that he felt thirsty after that nightmare fit, so he stood up and walked towards the kitchen to get a glass of water.
~)-0-(~
Tsuzuki and Nagare were seated at the dining room. Nagare asked one of their servants to provide them the finest sake that they had. When the maid returned with the bottle, she poured a serving of sake for each of them. Nagare asked her to leave after that, and so she bowed politely before exiting the room.
Nagare took a sip of sake and placed it back down on the table. “I don’t want to make this conversation long, sensei, so let me get straight to the point. When will you do it?�
Tsuzuki blinked at him curiously, likewise putting the sake he was drinking back down on the table. “Eh? Nani?� he asked, confusion written all over his face.
“I’ve given you the chance by welcoming you here. Although I’m impressed by your approach, I won’t consent to it. First you get his trust and then you will betray him later. I’d appreciate it if you just proceeded with your task and do it right away before you do further harm to him. He’s had enough experience of being trampled on to last him a lifetime.� Nagare said, with a clear hint of sadness in his voice.
Tsuzuki froze in shocked dread. He felt his breath constrict in his throat. He had a strange feeling that he knew where this conversation was going. Does he�how could�how is it that he knows�?, he wondered in a confused panic, his heart pounding hard. �The next words that came from Nagare confirmed his doubts, and his blood ran cold with alarm.
“I know� that you are here to kill him.�
…but that’s impossible! How could he have known? Is he an empath too? But still, if that’s the case, then why didn’t Hisoka know about it too…or�
Tsuzuki tried his best to stay calm. “I…I don’t know how you found out. But please let me explain, I don’t mean any harm to Hisoka now, and I…” But before he can continue, Nagare cut his statement.
“I know, because…I was the one who hired you to kill him.”
There was a very short moment of shocked silence. Then just outside the dining room, they heard the sound of falling glass shattering to pieces on the floor.