Digimon Fan Fiction ❯ Shinwa ❯ 6 ( Chapter 6 )

Notes: and here it is!!!! Alright, first things first. This chapter is going to take a bit of a more personal look at the relationships between the characters and some background stuff that's happening. In case you were wondering…

Warnings: yaoi, yuri, tons of fun!

Disclaimer: I cannot claim ownership of these characters or the pantheons & gods they refer to.

Shinwa- 6

Daisuke came to and found he was bound. Both by ties and magic, he was trapped in a small circle of space. Nearby, the Child of Water was working furiously on something that involved a lot of typing and cursing. The last thing Dai had been aware of was being taken by Osamu and then a darkness. Trying to keep as quiet as possible, Daisuke had easily found his boundaries had been set for him by the psychotic fey. And it was starting to irritate him on whole new levels. However, his exploration had not gone unnoticed.

Turning to his captive, Osamu gave an eerie grin. "Well, well, look who's awake finally." With one long, elegant motion he gestured to the control center around them. "Like the quarters? I designed it and personally, I think I did a damn fine job. If I do say so myself. But enough of formalities, as much as I'm sure you enjoy this time to stall. Let's get down to business shall we?" While the words had been formal, even polite, the tone they were spoken in left a little something to be desired.

Daisuke began to fidget and pull at the ropes that bound his hands. "Why did you take me, Osamu?"

"Oh my pretty, I already told you that one," the fey chided him. "But, I suppose I can indulge you this once and give you a refresher course." Standing, he stretched in a movement so liquid it was amazing to his prisoner. "You," Osamu pointed to Daisuke, "are a being of high quality power. Thankfully, I've done enough studying in my time to figure out how to bind you." He gave a heart-stopping smile. It stopped his prey's heart in the manner of fear, paranoia, and panic, though the fey thought it was beautiful. "Now, as I was saying… There's this group of demons, and they have my Ken. My little, darling brother. And, well, after so much time I've decided I want him back. You see, he's mine. In every way. Our parents have been dead for some time now and it's my responsibility to keep him." Turning, he gave Daisuke a full view of his profile, now darkened by the monitors behind it. "Besides, we used to have so much fun. All the knives and things. He can take so much damage…"

"You're out of your mind," Dai breathed. His commentary was rewarded with a backhand- hard, solid. "Ken told me how you tried to kill him!" Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something that made him smile if only a little bit. Osamu had broken the circle when he lost his temper.

"You shut up!" The Water Child grabbed his captive tightly by the hair, nearly ripping it out. "You know nothing of how the fey live. All you know is what you've gathered in the past few hours. So don't you try to tell me what I may or may not be." Finishing with a low growl, the fey licked at Daisuke's neck. "As for right now, you're mine too. In every way." Teeth slick with saliva nipped at the bronze column of skin.

Panic seized Dai's heart making it beat nearly three times faster. He had to get out of there. If Osamu got his hands on Ken there was no telling what he might do. Going still for a moment he concentrated, trying to make the ropes fall away. Unfortunately, his captor took that moment to hit him with a psychic wall of memories and twisted fantasies. Cinnamon eyes snapped open and filled with tears. "Don't," he whispered. "Please don't. I'll be good, I promise."

"Ryo promised he would be good too," Osamu hissed. "And now look where he is- the little turncoat whore!" Pulling a blade from his belt he pressed the tip to Daisuke's throat. "I need a new toy now, so it looks like you'll have to do."

Trying to back away, he found himself caught in a fierce grip. There was no getting away from Osamu. "Don't do this," he begged as he felt long, tapered fingers pull at his shirt. "Stop, please."

Lifting his head from where he had been feasting on Daisuke's deliciously exposed skin the Child of Water gave another grin. "But we're just getting started." When his hand found it's way into Dai's pants he bit down on his captive's jugular- hard.

"Osamu, no!" Daisuke was screaming to anyone who would listen, and no one seemed to hear.

***

In the darkness he felt it. A blistering cry for help. No… Someone was hurting Daisuke. Someone was hurting his Daisuke. He could not allow that to happen. In a frantic attempt to escape, he ran at the walls throwing his whole body in the event. Clawing at his prison he let out an animalistic sound that echoed in the blackness. No one touched Daisuke.

Leaping into the air again he tried to find a ceiling, and still his hand met nothing but empty space. Howling in frustration he pulled at his hair caring about nothing except the safety of the man who had revealed his name. Daisuke knew who he was and he had to get to him. Whether he was missing pieces of his body or spirit was of little importance. No one touched his Daisuke.

Between running at the walls and reaching upwards he heard it. A low hiss swept through the air. He stilled completely- frozen in mid-jump. The hiss swelled into something monstrous that he knew beyond any doubt could swallow him whole. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves and thought for a moment. Ultimately, he swept his hand over the floor being sure to cut it enough to bleed freely. Drawing a circle around himself he waited, patiently. A blood circle could be highly dangerous. However, he knew two things. While something could most definitely be trapped inside, it also kept everything else out.

***

The group stood immobile after hearing Ryo cry about losing his beloved Osamu. They way it seemed to be going, the fey was falling quickly in a downward spiral. And he had taken Daisuke with him.

"We can't just sit here and do nothing!" Taichi was frantic, pacing the room. The look of fear that slid through Ryo's eyes had been genuine and after conferring briefly with Yamato, Tai knew what could possibly be happening to their new friend.

"Relax, Tai," the blond man stepped behind him. "We'll find him. Don't worry. He'll be okay."

"Relax?!" The brunette was stupefied by this. "How in the hell can you tell me to relax? Osamu is out of his freaking mind doing… things to Daisuke even as we speak and we're wasting time. Ken, you remember Ken? Our friend, Ken? Is in the possession of a bunch of demons right now and he's our greatest hope. Or did you forget about the demon part too? For goddess' sake!" Tai continued ranting at his boyfriend completely oblivious to the growing discord in the room.

Miyako, however, was quick enough to feel it and catch its culprit. "You aren't going anywhere," clapping a firm hand down on Ryo's shoulder she kept him from escaping the room. Drawing a dagger from her belt, she traced a quick but effective binding rune on the Child of Earth's back and whispered an accompanying incantation low enough that no one but Ryo heard it. He was immobilized but retained his ability to speak. The pagan was good. She knew what she was doing. It made the fey wonder what exactly this group did in its spare time.

"That was quite the clever trick you pulled on us," Miyako hissed at her opponent. "Now, be a good boy and make all the bad feelings go away. There are enough of us in this room with plenty of power. Fey or not, we could cause some serious damage to you." Crossing her arms she eyed him down the length of her nose. The pose left her looking regal though deadly and snobbish.

"You're right, Miyako," Koushiro spoke up. "That was a clever trick on his part. If we hadn't witnessed Daisuke doing the same thing, I don't think any of us would've caught it."

"Yeah, well this little shmuck broke my wards, so I'm looking for any excuse to kick his ass," the pagan woman replied.

Honey eyes widened at the mentioning of her wards. "How did you know it was me?" Ryo took the fact that he could move his facial muscles as a good sign and decided it best to conceal that evidence as much as possible.

"Breaking wards set into a wooden floor could only come from an earth or air power. You don't look like an Air Child, quite frankly. You reek of the soil, Ryo," Miyako stepped closer. "And I know you can move your face. I did that on purpose. Just try breaking free, you'll see what happens."

The fey felt choked, claustrophobic. How could this witch read his thoughts?

"She's not reading your mind," Yamato offered from beyond Ryo's line of vision. He stood holding his lover protectively; soothing away his worries and discomfort. "The binding she placed upon you makes it difficult to hide anything from us. It's an old Celtic method. You can't tell, but we can hear you, we can all feel you." Smiling, he turned back to the man in his arms and kissed his forehead tenderly.

Sora stood apart from everyone, gathering her thoughts. "This is all well and good," she noted. "But bickering with Ryo isn't going to get us very far."

"Agreed," Mimi stood behind her girlfriend. "We've got to get Daisuke and Ken."

Through all of this, Gennai, Takeru, and Jyou had been conferring. Finally, the pyrokinetic spoke up. "You know, we could always ask my brother for help. I mean…" He paused for a moment. Glancing at Koushiro he felt his eyes widen.

"What is it, Jyou? Why your brother? He's…" Then the redhead's eyes enlarged as he thought things through.

"I can't believe I forgot this," Jyou muttered. "My brother, Shin, is married to Daisuke's sister." Scratching his chin he looked thoughtful.

"Dude! How do you forget something like that?" Taichi would have slapped the back of his friend's head if his boyfriend had not been holding onto him quite so possessively.

"I just didn't think of it," Jyou whispered. "Jun doesn't really talk about her family all that much. She's mentioned Daisuke a few times; but then again you've got to keep in mind I haven't seen Shin in almost three years. Not since he got married."

"Wasn't Daisuke at the wedding?" Koushiro was curious about this. If they had all met Daisuke on a previous occasion, why could none of them remember it?

"Yes," Gennai murmured, "he was there. You all met him then too. Well, all of you who were there. I believe that was only Jyou, Koushiro, Sora, and Iori. The rest of you either could not make it or were not invited. Ken was there as well, but that was for a different reason."

Jyou spun around to eye the kitsune. "I don't remember Ken being invited to my brother's wedding."

"He was not there for your brother," the old man stated again. "Perhaps it would be best if we were on our way then? Shin might be of some help…"

As the group dispersed throughout the house, preparing to leave, Koushiro cornered Gennai. "Why was Ken there? If he wasn't there for the wedding, why was he there? And why don't any of us remember meeting Daisuke?"

"All your questions will be answered in due time, Koushiro. For now, though, it might be best to get Ryo into safer quarters."

The redhead blinked. His obsidian eyes then filled with what could only be called harsh irritation. Flexing a simple psychic muscle he lifted the kitsune off the ground with practiced ease. "Oh no," he said. "You've been cryptic enough and I'm tired of riddles. I love a good mystery as much as the next person, but this is getting a bit ridiculous. Ken's past is something only two, possibly three, people know of and any information you might have can only help us in finding him. So why all the mystery?"

"If you would be so kind as to put me down, I would gladly help you." When the telekinetic had settled him onto the floor again, Gennai smiled letting the warmth of it touch his eyes. "You're very intelligent, Koushiro. Most people forget that levitation disarms the kitsune. Good strategic skill." As the redhead raised an eyebrow indicating he was not impressed with flattery the old man chuckled. "I'm getting to it, Koushiro. Patience is a virtue after all."

"I guess you could say I'm not feeling very virtuous at the moment," he quipped. "So, about Ken?"

"Yes," Gennai nodded, "Ken." Sighing he tried to find the best place to start and settled for the simplest explanation he could offer. Though it provided little to no details on anything, it would give an answer to all of the issues Koushiro and his friends had been dealing with as of late. "Ken was there to watch Daisuke. Before the Adept even met our friend, Ken watched him. He has watched Daisuke for the best part of two decades. The Child of Air loves him so much he would be willing to trade his soul for anything in any world to make Daisuke happy. However, Ken has spent so much time watching Daisuke and protecting him that it has become something near an obsession for him. He will go to great lengths to keep Daisuke safe- even if it means he must forfeit his own life."

Koushiro stood there for a moment processing the new bit of information and running through all the implications behind it. Closing his eyes, he swallowed and decided he was grateful none of the others were present for this discussion. "Ken is a Guardian, isn't he? That's why he was watching over Daisuke. Traditionally, they always do an excellent job until the Adept comes into power and then the Guard rides off into the sunset. What happened? Why is Ken so different?"

The luster faded from the kitsune's eyes. "The demons affected Ken's mind, Koushiro. He thinks of Daisuke as his. At least, he used to. I tried to break him of the habit years ago and found it difficult. When they stayed with me last night I think Daisuke himself might have changed Ken's point of view. But if he has, it may make things that much more fragile. The love of a fey is something that is never relinquished once given." Gesturing to Ryo he added, "That is why this one is still claiming feelings for Osamu despite the Water Child's highly destructive nature. Sad to say, but even on his worst day, Osamu is no match for his brother. Especially if Ken were protecting Daisuke and fell into a rage. If Daisuke is hurt in any way, Ken will take his vengeance. It is a sad thing, but the Children of Air are notoriously violent. Don't worry though, he could never hurt Daisuke." Smiling again, Gennai shuffled to the door to wait for the others.

"He's right, you know," Ryo added from his corner. "Osamu could never defeat Ken. The younger one is much too powerful. That's why he was chosen as a Guardian."

Koushiro let his eyes trail from where they had been following the old man back into the room, to Ryo. "What do you mean?"

"Children of Air are known for kicking some ass," Ryo sighed. "Water is supposed to be a stabilizing force for them. But with Osa… Osamu, it's different. He's going crazy. A Water Child when crossed is a dangerous thing. I don't know how it happened, or why, just that I want my Water fey back. Still, the kitsune is right. Even on it's worst day, Water is no match for Air."

Nodding, Koushiro noted the others were returning. "That makes sense," he said softly. "Given the overall influence of the elemental powers within the circle. But where is your fire?"

Honey eyes merely stared at the telekinetic. The Earth fey was so broken, so lost. Looking away, he decided what Koushiro did not know could never hurt him.

***

His footsteps resounded in the corridor with purpose. Something had happened. One way or another the captive had contacted the outside. This was not supposed to be possible. He frowned and felt his eyes bleeding away from their human appearance into something much darker. The whites were swallowed by an inky color, the pupils aflame. Stopping at the door he noted, with utmost distaste, the amount of webbing had increased within the past twenty-four hours.

Not a moment after the door closed at his back there was a hiss. Beyond it, he heard the sounds of air currents and scuttling footsteps in the darkness. Something was moving in the room. He paid it no heed. This demon was on his payroll after all. What should he have to fear? "Your workers keep making mistakes," he growled.

A rasping laugh echoed off the walls. "Try feeding them and I'm sure you'll find that all errors can be easily rectified. Someone like you should know that." Though the words were carefully enunciated, the dry ache of old age slipped into the tongue making it slip through the shadows like a blade.

Curling his lip he eyed the creature. In true darkness most humans would have found it impossible to see the demon on the other end of the conversation. His humanity was only a shell- the body he wore merely a plaything like so much else. It would be discarded when he no longer needed it. "I could just lock you back up where I found you," he called. "It isn't too late for me to seek assistance elsewhere…"

The words dangled in the air for a moment. Severely lacking patience he tapped his foot. Until he noticed a little silver thread that grew in the darkness. A gossamer shred that was attached to the gleaming, silver bodice of an eight legged creature. Had it truly been a spider, it would have been a different story, but this was no ordinary spider. "If you let them out to hunt and play you will find that they can prove extremely useful. So small, isn't she?" His eyes locked on the shining exoskeleton. "Imagine how many places she can go, how many things she can hear, how many humans she can infect with her bite."

Holding out his hand, he let the tiny creature come to rest in his palm. Deep inside, he had to admit that of all the demonic creations he had seen this was one of the most fascinating, if not the most lovely. "Sounds to me like you're begging a partnership. Are you?"

The enormous smile could be felt in the darkness. "We could make great allies, an unbeatable pair. You know I have no designs upon conquering this world anymore. So long as we are given food, you could have me and my working clan at your service- to fulfill your every whim."

A smirk flashed on the demon prince's face. In the palm of his hand a fire exploded, killing the smaller creature with a tiny shriek. "No deal," he hissed. Demons could never be trusted. Above him he heard the moan of outrage. Holding out his other hand he let another explosion light the room, this time the ball of flame hovering just above the so fragile human skin he wore. "Listen to me, and listen closely. You had better keep every fucking one of those eyes in your pretty, little head trained on that boy in the corner. Do you understand me? Somehow he has been allowed to contact the outside. It is not going to happen again. His brother seeks him as well as his friends. We've both encountered their lot before, and both have been defeated by them." Collecting himself, the prince eyed his prize with contempt. "They will not win again. I will see to that. And as for you," he motioned upward to the gargantuan spider clinging to the wall. This time, the demon only smiled before slapping his palm against the wall, letting it burst into flame. A million tiny screams pierced the air as the offspring were destroyed.

"No! You can't do this! How will we get our work done if so many of us are killed?" The spider was trying to crawl further upwards, away. A demon so large, terrified of what the prince standing before him could do.

"You can always birth more," he replied simply. "But let it be a warning. Failure will not be tolerated. And keep your eyes on him!" Pointing to the shivering form in the corner he snarled and walked out the door, locking it securely after exiting.

In the corner, the body of Ken watched the remnants of both fire and casualties burn and flake away from the wall. Part of him wanted to be thankful for the light. Another part of him wanted desperately to hide from the creatures that were now focused solely on him. They seemed to eye his flesh with desperate hunger. Huddling, naked inside his blood circle, Ken thought of his Daisuke and waited for him to come.

***

Shin Kido had risen early that morning, woken by the glimmering sunlight reflecting off the many picture frames in the bedroom. After getting out of bed he had looked back at the slumbering figure of his wife letting a tender smile touch his lips. She was so graceful, so beautiful, and even in repose her face was lit with joy. He was her senior by only three years, making her a young wife, but he loved her all the same.

Their lives might have been simple, but at the very least they were happy.

His morning passed uneventfully as every morning tended to. Stretching a little, he had reflected on his physique. It seemed time was catching up with him already. Showering and dressing Shin had moved into the kitchen and debated what type of breakfast he wanted. Ultimately, he had decided to brew a pot of coffee and settle down with a bowl of cereal after collecting the newspaper. He was still reading at the table when his wife woke up an hour or so later.

Jun, noticing the absence of another body in the bed she shared with her husband, had rubbed her still sleep filled eyes and gotten up. Deciding it was chilly she pulled on a bathrobe and set out to find her husband. A smile graced her features, making her eyes glow when she found him hunched over the paper in the kitchen. Their apartment was small, but for only two it served its purpose. Shin was seated at a counter on the far end of the kitchen, the balcony door illuminated with sunlight behind him. Sighing, she realized she had startled him. When he looked up and spotted his wife he gave her a dazzling smile.

Their morning continued on the same way. Normal and humble they talked about casual things. That evening they were supposed to have dinner with one of the families- his or hers, neither could remember. Aside from the fact that both husband and wife were quite content with their living quarters, they both found it bothersome being so close to their in-laws. Traditions be dammed, they needed separation and have often entertained the notion of moving all the way across the city. But the view off their balcony made them think twice, always. It was not an ocean view or really anything special. A simple overhang that looked out onto the street. Still, it was something they both cherished. They had grown up in this neighborhood and still loved it.

Afternoon came and they found themselves troubled. Shin had often joked that Jun had a sixth sense for certain things and they both began to wonder if it was acting up. Perhaps it had been the nostalgia of glancing through bookshelves and photo albums earlier in the day. Or perhaps not. Either way, Jun eventually turned to her husband. "Have you heard from Jyou lately?"

Shin paused a moment to think. His younger brother had always been something of a mystery to him. From the time of his adolescence, the younger Kido had been disappearing frequently to spend time with the same group of friends. Shin could remember each of their names and faces but could no longer recall any other distinguishing personality traits. Accepting Koushiro, naturally. Jyou would never have forgiven him if he had for one moment forgotten about the redhead. Smiling, Shin recalled the night the pair had come to visit him, back when he and Jun were still dating, had only first begun talking of marriage. For some reason his little brother had been filled with nervous tension. A gentle shake had formed sometime during dinner that Jyou had been unable to calm, until Koushiro had simply placed his hands over the younger Kido's and smiled. That was when he knew. Jun had been ecstatic that Jyou had found someone and had predicted years before that he belonged with the redhead. For his part, Shin had only hugged his still shocked brother and welcomed Koushiro to the family. Nothing could be made official, but it might as well have been. In the post dinner conversation they had tried to avoid mentioning it, but the topic would not go away. Jyou had told Shin, and only Shin, because he trusted him. He knew the rest of the family would never accept his love for Koushiro. Nodding together, Jun and Shin promised not to mention it to the Kido family. Then they had married. The wedding had been the last time he had seen his brother…

Jun was not sure if her husband had heard her, so she asked again. "Have you heard from Jyou lately? Or Koushiro for that matter?" The words were still hanging in the air when a buzzing sounded. Someone was waiting downstairs to be let in.

"You really should try gambling sometime, honey. We could end up filthy rich you know," he joked and went over to the intercom. "Yes?"

An electronic hum sounded from the speaker for a moment before a hesitant voice. "Shin? It's Jyou."

"I know," he replied. "Come on up." After hitting the button to allow his brother admittance he shook his head, still smiling. A few minted later he got a big surprise. Opening the door he found Jyou standing there, looking guilty as per the norm, and surrounded by his group of friends plus two new faces Shin could not recall.

"I hate to ask this," Jyou began.

"We need your help," Koushiro cut him off. "Do you have a minute?"

***

Daisuke was running. He had been running for nearly a half an hour straight. Thanking every deity he could think of for the sport of soccer he risked a backward glance, determined there was no threat, but kept running. He knew he had a serious streak of good luck, and that would have to be repaid somehow. Although, having Ken taken from him seemed like enough. But Osamu would be after him, on his heels at any minute. Dai was luck enough to have warded him off, and doubly lucky to have found the door out of that god forsaken place the fey dared to call home.

The Child of Water had not even been able to get his hand into Daisuke's pants. Oh, he had tried though. He surely had tried. After biting on the smooth skin of Dai's neck, Osamu had lost himself in the moment of torturous bliss giving his captive a split second to make a decision. Try to use a psychic attack that seemed like it could easily backfire or just go for broke and try to punch Osamu? Decisions, decisions… Taking a breath, he had opted for the second plan and rammed an elbow into the fey's stomach with all of his might. Spinning as gracefully as any creature of light he had then punched Osamu and watched him collapse on the floor. Surprised at his own abilities, Daisuke had been smart enough to disarm the Child of Water and then began running. He had to find Ken. Beyond that, he desperately needed to find Sora and the others. And above anything else, he needed a drink of water- all the running was dehydrating him quickly. Still, the thought of water chilled him.

Sprinting across the street he plowed into a businessman without even realizing it. Apologizing, he continued on his journey. Daisuke spotted a pay phone and finally stopped his hectic pace. Clinging to the phone, as if it were his last hope he grabbed his card, inserted it and went to dial. Stopping, he thought for a moment. There were still creatures after him. How could he possibly put anyone at risk like that? Even if he wanted to find Ken, and he did- with all of his heart- Daisuke could never, would never endanger the lives of others. Retrieving his card he abandoned the phone. Ahead of him, he spotted the library. Seemed like sanctuary enough to him.

Once inside, he wandered amidst the stacks finally finding a row of chairs at the end of the section. Winded and trying to think of a plan he threw himself onto the cushion. Daisuke was exhausted but had to come up with a plan before he could rest. Thinking was causing him a lot of trouble though. He was so lost in thought he never heard the thing approaching him from behind. By the time he noticed it was far too late. As he caught a rough clip to the temple, he distinctly thought it was just not his day before the darkness took him again.

***

Shin sat at the counter in his kitchen staring at his brother, his eyes impossibly wide. Opposite him, Jyou began to fidget under the intense scrutiny. He would have really preferred to explain everything to his brother under much more favorable circumstances, but beggars can never, ever be choosers. Koushiro stood beside him, onyx eyes downcast. Behind the pair the rest of Jyou's friends inspected the living room.

"So, if I'm understanding you correctly here," Shin began, "you've all got these 'powers'. You're actually a pyrokinetic and that's why I haven't heard from you in three years. Your boyfriend is a telekinetic. You live with a bunch of other people who have similar gifts and a mysterious warrior named Ken. Jun's little brother suddenly comes waltzing into your lives after Ken saves his butt from a demon. They are later attacked and flee eventually running into Gennai and Mimi who bring it all back to you guys once more. In the meantime though, Ken's been kidnapped by a gang of demons and his brother has gone completely out of his gourd and taken Daisuke." He sat back for a moment. "Did I miss anything?"

"No, I think you've got the gist of it," Jyou replied calmly.

"Oh," Shin sounded almost disappointed. Thinking for a moment he looked at his brother again. "And why didn't you ever tell me about this?"

Rolling his eyes, Jyou pushed his glasses up a bit. "It's not exactly an easy thing to tell someone. I mean, I had already told you I was dating another guy how could I throw in, 'Oh yeah, Shin, by the way I can start fires by manipulating psychic energy'? That's a hard thing to work into a conversation."

Apart from the brothers, the telekinetic eyed Jun warily. "Are you all right?" His voice was quiet.

Biting her lip she raised her head and met his gaze. Worry, regret, fear, sorrow, anxiety, love… they all danced in her eyes. Blinking the stray emotions away, Jun coughed into her hand as she looked away again, then steadied herself and met the obsidian gaze once more. "Yeah, so where's my brother? Some psychotic waterboy has him?"

"That's Water Child," Ryo spoke up from his corner. He had been observing everything. This group could help his love, could make him better again. They might even be able to fix him. But they would need Daisuke, and things could only get better if he cooperated. Even if he played up his sex kitten image, Ryo was anything but stupid. "He's a sidhe actually. Quite a strong one too. Though, I think Daisuke could kick his ass if given the chance."

"Sweetie, you don't understand," Jun offered a tight smile. "I will kick his ass if given the chance. I will mop the floor with his face if given the chance."

"Jun," Koushiro tried to hush her.

"No, Koushiro, I'm fine!"

"Daisuke can defend himself," Jyou added.

"I don't care," the young woman stated simply. "He could be a god and I wouldn't care. Because he is still my little brother. Do you understand what I'm saying?" She looked toward Ryo. "Do you?"

All the men who were listening to her paled visibly. An angry Jun Motomiya was nothing to laugh at. She may not harbor any psychic abilities, but the love she had for Daisuke, her younger brother, was a fearsome power on its own. Osamu would need to duck and cover.

"Now," she continued, "who's this Ken kid? And what is his relationship with my brother?" Jun had her priorities straight.

At this, Gennai felt it was time for him to intervene. "Ken's intentions towards your brother are nothing but honorable. In fact, I think he believes that he and Daisuke are, as some people would put it, soul mates." He smiled politely and bowed to the elder Motomiya sibling. She held faint traces of power, nothing like Daisuke, but it was considered rude not to acknowledge her.

"Well, so long he isn't some pervert or freak just after what's in Dai's pants that's fine." Think for a moment she chuckled. "He sounds a lot better than some of the guys Dai used to date."

"Indeed," Gennai nodded. "Though, I must admit a certain curiosity here. Did you know your brother is a being of awesome power? He can bend and shape this very world to his will if he so chooses. Any environment, big or small can be controlled by his emotions or thoughts."

Jun shrugged this comment off and decided to grab the kettle off the stove to make tea. "So? He's always been able to do that." Turning on the faucet she began to fill the kettle. "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Someone's after him for all of that power," Koushiro sighed. "We don't know who yet…" He turned to the Child of Earth.

Ryo shook his head. "Osamu dealt with whomever it was. If I knew I would tell you. Honestly, I would." Pausing for a moment, he let his eyes drop to the floor as he winced, remembering the pain of his lover's blade. Remembering how he still loved him despite whatever damage had been done. It could not be undone at this point. "Even if it would kill me, I would tell you. As it is, he thinks I'm a traitor now and he's going to kill me. What have I got to lose?"

"Nothing," Jyou blinked, surprised he had not made this connection.

"And that makes you dangerous," Shin added.

***

For the second time in so few hours, Daisuke was returning to the realm of consciousness. His head ached as if it had been hit repeatedly with the Louisville slugger. An assortment of small pains made themselves well known in his back and joints. With mild irritation he realized he was lying on a dirty floor, curled up on his side. Rolling to sit up he grimaced at the tight pull of the muscles in his legs and lower back. Looking around he found he was in what resembled a prison cell. "Great," he muttered to himself. "This is just lovely." Rubbing his temples, he thought for a few moments and decided his next move was worth it even with his near migraine. "Hey! Anybody?! Could someone please come check on the prisoner out here? My back aches and I need to take a piss! Hello? Anybody out there?!"

As Dai continued to yell a door was thrown open somewhere in the room that he could not see. The cell he was in seemed to be part of an entire row. The person, or persons, who had entered came in at the far side of the row. When a masked figure stepped in front of the metal bars he was almost shocked that it appeared to be completely human. "Would you shut the hell up?"

Daisuke managed to crack a smile. "Make me," he shot back. "I've had a rough day and I don't think you want to fuck with me, asshole, so how's about letting me out of this cage?" Gesturing to the bars he was hoping to pull off something between bad boy and tough bastard. Being as tired and beat up as he was, he had to settle for just plain being a punk.

The figure shook its head moments before whipping off the mask. Definitely a human. Though, one with weird dressing habits. "You are in there for your protection, Daisuke." It was a young man, possibly not really any older than Daisuke himself. His hair hung in his eyes, a ragged sandy blond. His eyes were a bright blue. All in all, he looked suspiciously like Takeru, but the eyes were more than enough to set him apart. The psychic never had the definitive air of "badass" that this man seemed to give off.

"My own protection?" When the other nodded, Dai could not contain a snort. "Horse shit."

"We're out at the moment, but if you like I can have a fresh supply sent as soon as it's ready," he gave a wry smile. The voice was cracked, dry, and proud.

"Look, this is the second time I've been taken hostage today and I'm really starting to not like it, so please let me out before I get really angry." It was expending most of his energy to not explode with emotion and splatter the blond man all over the walls, but he managed. After getting a peek at what the others had felt when he was on an emotional rant, he was beginning to get a rough idea of what he was capable of. A very rough idea.

"Define angry for me and I'll consider it." Blue eyes fixed on Daisuke's face. They were cool, collected. Eyes that had seen bad times. There was not much that would shock him.

Behind the bars, Daisuke's own eyes narrowed in challenge. "I could rip your head off from right here, you know. I wouldn't even have to leave this cell."

"So do it," the other replied calmly. "If you think you can, just do it and stop bragging."

Something about his demeanor was not adding up in Daisuke's head. He was far too calm, too rational. Most people did not behave this way in this kind of situation. Without any clues to go on, Dai tried to study the man again. Black, he wore an entirely black ensemble. A sheath, obviously for a sword was slung across his back. There were pockets noticeably added to his belt and pants. Something about him gave off an air of stealth. Spiced eyes widened for a moment when he tried to sneak into the blond's mind. "Whoa," he breathed. "You're a ninja? Damn," he grinned, "that's super cool. How much are they paying you to hold me?"

For his part, the blond tried not to have a coronary.

***

In the dark he sat. The fire had long since faded, nothing but ember remained. But he could still feel their eyes. Watching him, always watching him. Watching his every move. When he took a breath, they felt it and took one with him. When he shifted, they shifted as one moving with him. Always with him. It was beginning to bother him as well as frighten him. With the constant scrutiny he felt like he was being pulled into thousands of tiny pieces. Each bit of him was being spread out to one of the ones watching. But they could not invade his circle. He would remain safe for a while.

Above him, he could hear the larger one moving. They had been instructed to watch him while the thing that had been in the room looked for Daisuke. HIS Daisuke. In the darkness, he sat. His mind working on overtime because he had nothing else to do aside from think about his lovely, wonderful, perfect Daisuke. Shaking off thoughts of lust and desire, he concentrated on the task at hand. In the darkness, being carefully watched, he smiled slightly. Ken had a plan.

*************

yes, I know- sucky place to end it. This chapter didn't turn out quite how I wanted. And, Soltic, sweetie, I hope this appeases you. This one got cranked out just for you! -hugs- I've got to crash now- I'm freaking exhausted! There were other comments I had to add here, but fuck if I can remember them now. Review, I guess, but I won't make you. Oh, and hope you like the bit of "normalcy" with Shin and Jun… I just had to throw it in to demonstrate that there are regular people in this story too!!!