Mirage Of Blaze Fan Fiction ❯ Cruel Paradise ❯ Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own Mirage of Blaze or any of it’s characters. They belong to Kuwabara Mizuna.



Chapter Nine






“Naoe!” Takaya’s knees were so weak and shaky from adrenalin, he felt as though he were in slow motion as he sprinted toward Naoe, who remained face-down and unmoving on the sidewalk. His heart pounded wildly and his skin crawled with a prickling sensation that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Was Naoe unconscious? Was he badly injured? Was he...dead?

“No...please...no!” Takaya’s chest lurched with each spastic gulp of air. This can’t be happening! When he finally reached Naoe, he dropped to his knees beside him.

“Naoe!” he cried as he rolled him onto his back. When Naoe’s dark eyes blinked back at him, he exhaled a tremendous sigh of relief that the man was at least conscious, though it was obvious he was disoriented. He clutched the tattered material of Naoe’s suit jacket with trembling hands and collapsed onto the man’s chest, his tears soaking into Naoe’s shirt.

“Dammit, Naoe! Don’t fucking scare me like that!” his voice cracked with anguish. Only then, lying against Naoe’s motionless body, did he realize how incredibly frightened he’d been. He labored for breath and his body shivered uncontrollably. He buried his face into the man’s shirt, deeply inhaling Naoe’s musky post-battle scent for a few moments.

“Are you hurt?” Takaya asked hoarsely. He sat up and worriedly looked the man over for signs of injury. Only some cuts and scrapes were present on the man’s face.

With a sharp gasp, Naoe jolted from his daze as if awakened from some horrible nightmare. Realizing that Kousaka was gone and that it was Takaya who was beside him, he looked around for Yuzuru assuming that he would be with Takaya. Where is that troublemaker? he thought. Are you with Nagahide? Or maybe you just didn’t have the guts to face me? That’s alright, I’ll find YOU! You and Kousaka, both!

“Which way did Kousaka go?” Naoe grimaced as he sat up. He anxiously glanced down the nearly destroyed street in both directions. He growled with frustration when he saw no sign of the man. Damn him!

Takaya was alarmed to see Naoe’s face redden and his body tremble with suppressed fury. Whatever Kousaka did to Naoe, it made him a complete wreck. Adrenalin pulsed through Takaya’s veins and terror quickly turned to rage toward the man responsible for Naoe’s defeat. “Tell me what he did!” Takaya demanded. So I can oblige him the same treatment!

Naoe hesitated. Did Takaya actually want to hear the sordid details of how Kousaka had ridiculed his shameful act with Minako; mocking the insufferable guilt he’d felt since? Of course not! Or what of Yuzuru? Kousaka’s insistence, yet again, that he not interfere with Takaya and Yuzuru’s ‘close relationship’ was the LAST thing he’d needed to hear as they faced off outside Matsumoto Station.

“What he did?” Naoe echoed, his voice cold, distant. “He pushed me too far this time.” He’d managed to maintain his composure all day–searching for the ‘lost’ Yuzuru, then finding him with Kousaka, Kousaka’s vicious taunts, and even Yuzuru’s outright attempt to injure him. Throughout all of that he’d remained in control of his emotions. But when Kousaka had brusquely reminded him that Takaya had run after Yuzuru (yet again), leaving him behind to fight, his temper flared...and violently. “Why concern yourself with the inconsequential details?” he added. His blood boiled again as he recalled how Kousaka had refused to fight back–as though it were all just a big game.

“I...I don’t understand,” Takaya stammered, wondering why the man was so standoffish.

Naoe didn’t want his master to find out that Kousaka’s comment had infuriated him to the point of lashing out recklessly in a blind rage. Obviously, Kousaka’s intention. Because once he’d attacked in such an unfocused manner, Kousaka merely evaded or deflected each barrage of spiritual energy until Naoe’s strength had waned–his anger no longer enough. That’s when Kousaka hit him with a powerful blast that threw him face down on the sidewalk. How could I have been so stupid to let Kousaka manipulate me like that? Next time will be different!

“It doesn’t matter,” Naoe replied flatly. Why degrade himself any further? It was humiliating enough to have been found by his master, defeated. He couldn’t tell Takaya the most painful part–that while he fought with Kousaka, he knew somewhere else at that moment Takaya was probably comforting Yuzuru, his ‘best friend’. He seethed inside. Yuzuru... How tired he was of that man!

Naoe rose to his feet and gazed down at Takaya. “Where’s Yuzuru?” he curtly inquired.

Takaya jumped up. “He’s with Chiaki,” he replied warily. “But this entire situation is Kousaka’s fault, not Yuzuru’s,” he quickly added in his friend’s defense. “Kousaka convinced Yuzuru that he needed to save me from you.” He could’ve sworn he heard Naoe mutter something under his breath. “And Yuzuru was only trying to protect me. He’s naive sometimes, but a good friend nonetheless.”

Naoe hung his head. Hearing Takaya defend Yuzuru again really pissed him off! He clenched his fists, his fingernails digging sharply into his palms as he recalled the way Yuzuru had tried to attack him in the restaurant. “Good friend...” he repeated emotionlessly.

So, Nagahide had found the teen after all. I see... You didn’t come to my aid until you were satisfied that Yuzuru was taken care of. How long would it have taken you to return to my side if Chiaki hadn’t found you? He was heartsick at the thought. He’d asked Nagahide to locate Yuzuru in hopes of separating him from Takaya. He’d wanted him to take Yuzuru home and keep him there long enough for things to cool down. But now, he had something entirely different in mind. He wanted to confront the teen–give him the opportunity to try and finish what he’d started at the restaurant before Takaya had interfered. If he wants to get rid of me, let him try! he fumed.

Takaya scowled when he noticed the look of sheer hatred on Naoe’s face. Why was Naoe obsessed with Yuzuru when Kousaka was the one who just kicked his ass? “Look! Yuzuru isn’t the problem here!” he maintained. “He’s a victim of Kousaka’s manipulation! Cut him some slack!”

Naoe sighed deeply. He’d heard enough about Yuzuru being duped by Kousaka. He’d find the man on his own. And when he found Yuzuru, no doubt Kousaka would be lurking somewhere nearby. He turned to walk away, mumbling to himself. “Yuzuru a victim? I’ll show him the meaning of victim!” I don’t care WHO the hell he is! I won’t allow him to interfere with my relationship with Kagetora any longer!

“Where are you going?” Takaya exclaimed in a panic. He ground his teeth with rage when Naoe didn’t answer. “How can you just walk away after the scare you gave me?” I won’t be ignored like this! “We’re not through here!” he blurted. “Tell me about Minako!” His words instantly halted Naoe, just as he knew they would.

Naoe’s heart lurched and his head swam when her name tumbled from Takaya’s lips. Although he stopped walking, he couldn’t face his master. Damn you, Kousaka! This is exactly what you wanted to happen! He bit his lip and wondered if Takaya honestly didn’t remember Minako. Was it possible Kousaka’s words at the restaurant had already sparked Kagetora’s memories and his lord merely wanted to watch him humiliate himself as he tried to explain? Or maybe Takaya still had no clue about what happened to Minako. Given Kagetora’s secretive nature, there was no way to know for sure.

He finally spun around to look at Takaya. “This isn’t the time or place for that discussion,” he replied sadly. With that, he turned on his heels and strode away. At that moment, he had one thing, and one thing only on his mind. Confronting Yuzuru and Kousaka. He would answer Takaya’s questions later.

“I want to know now!” Takaya yelled after him. He marched after the man for a few paces, then stopped. “Hey! Are you going to search for Kousaka?” Pissed off when Naoe didn’t reply, he shouted again. “Fine! I don’t need your help! I’ll take care of this myself!” He felt an inexplicable twinge of satisfaction when the other man seemed to flinch at his words. At the same time, he was distressed by Naoe’s indifferent behavior toward him.

As Naoe continued walking, flashes of the horrible rape he’d committed against Minako pierced through his consciousness. His breath quickened as the shadows from the past fell over him, smothering him with fingers of guilt. How can I look him in the eye and calmly explain how I destroyed the woman he claimed to have loved? Especially now. He already knew he’d never be forgiven. He could accept that because he’d never forgiven himself either. He never would. But, he dreaded seeing the disgusted look on Takaya’s face; a look of disappointment that mirrored what Naoe felt inside. Kagetora was just that–a reminder of Naoe’s failures. He always had been.

Takaya watched Naoe disappear from sight as sirens neared. He was still baffled by the man’s bizarre behavior. Was Naoe going to try to find Kousaka? Where else would he be going in such a hurry? Suddenly, his stomach flip-flopped and an icy chill ran up his spine. Oh shit! What if he’s going after Yuzuru?


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A long silence pervaded the car ride as Chiaki drove Yuzuru home. Finally, Yuzuru turned to the other man. “Do you think Takaya has found Naoe by now?” he asked.

Chiaki raised an eyebrow at him. “Does it matter?” he grumbled. Oh, for fucksake, Yuzuru! Can’t you think about anything else? It was all Chiaki could do to not slam his head repeatedly against the steering wheel in frustration. Perhaps a self-inflicted head injury would give his ears a rest from the name ‘Takaya’ for a few hours.

Yuzuru rubbed his cheek in thought. “It’s just that...” he began.

“Stop it!” Chiaki interrupted him. “I don’t want to hear another word about Kagetora! For the last FOUR HUNDRED YEARS, that’s all I’ve heard from Naoe’s mouth. Don’t turn into another Naoe. Don’t obsess over your friend like this. It isn’t healthy. Understand?”

Yuzuru scowled and crossed his arms in a huff. He was tired of Chiaki treating him like a child. “Takaya is my friend. I’ll think about him if I want,” he pouted.

Suddenly, there was a bright flash of light as the car was struck violently–sending it careening out of control onto the sidewalk where it finally stopped inches from a storefront. Yuzuru sat stunned for a moment, then he glanced at Chiaki who was groaning and clutching his face where it had slammed into his side window. He unbuckled his seat belt and reached to comfort Chiaki. He noticed a small trickle of blood running down the side of the man’s face.

“Are you alright?” Yuzuru exclaimed with concern.

Before Chiaki could answer, the passenger door flew open, and Yuzuru was yanked from the car.

“I told you I wasn’t through with you, Narita Yuzuru!” Kousaka’s deep voice broke through the screams of the nearby spectators. He jerked the stunned man to his body. “But I am through playing games,” he whispered.

“Let go!” Yuzuru shouted. “What are you doing?” He thrashed in Kousaka’s grasp.

Kousaka reluctantly did as Yuzuru asked and let go. “We still have some unfinished business,” he informed the bewildered teen.

Chiaki used his elbows to drag himself across the seat toward the open car door. “Kousaka!” he rasped weakly. “You fucking DICK!” He gestured to the damage done to his vehicle. “You ruined my car! MY FUCKING CAR!” He collapsed onto the seat and whined, “I haven’t even paid the fucking thing off yet...” After some unintelligible mumbling, he slid into unconsciousness.

Kousaka and Yuzuru stared at Chiaki for a moment. “Oops,” Kousaka finally muttered. “He’ll be alright. Not sure about the car though.”

Yuzuru turned to glare at Kousaka. “Leave me alone! I have nothing to say to you!”

“When will you realize that I’m not the bad guy here?” Kousaka grumbled.

“Not the bad guy?” Yuzuru scoffed. “You’re ruining my life, you jerk!”

“I see,” Kousaka sighed. “Were all my efforts in vain, then? You’ve resigned yourself to the fact that Naoe is more important to Takaya than you are?” he continued. “Well, I guess he did choose to put himself in danger to protect Naoe from you,” he added in a shrewd attempt to provoke the man’s jealousy.

Yuzuru shrugged. “So what? He did the same for me when Naoe wanted to hurt me.”

“It’s not the same,” Kousaka chuckled. “You may love him, but...”

“Who says I love him?” Yuzuru defensively snapped. “I care about him as a good friend, that’s all! I want to watch over him and make sure he’s safe!”

“That’s not going to happen!” Kousaka derided. “Any time now, he’ll be leaving with Naoe and who knows how long it’ll be until you see him again! How will you protect him when you’re not by his side? Have you considered that?”

Yuzuru’s eyes narrowed. Those were things he’d already thought about. What could he do about it? Nothing. “Leave me alone,” he finally muttered. “Takaya will be fine.”

Kousaka grabbed the man’s collar. “Listen to me!” he hissed as he backed the man against a storefront. “You don’t have any idea what kind of enemies are out there, or how powerful they are! And now you’re refusing to use your abilities to possibly help him later? Foolish.”

Yuzuru remained stubbornly silent. There was no doubt that Kousaka’s words worried him. Especially the part about not seeing Takaya again. That troubled him most of all. But, he’d promised Takaya not to listen to Kousaka or worry about Naoe.

Kousaka released Yuzuru when a group of pedestrians crowded around to investigate the damaged car and the ensuing argument. He turned to them and snarled, “Haven’t you imbeciles seen a car wreck before?!” He pointed at Chiaki. “Get lost before you end up like him!” He stared at them menacingly; grinning when they dispersed in a panic.

Kousaka impatiently glanced up and down the street. Seeing the torn up street, backed up traffic, and panicked people everywhere, he felt sure that he’d made his presence known. But, where was Naoe? He’d expected him by now. He’d intentionally went easy on the man, after all–mainly attempting to fuel Naoe’s contempt for Yuzuru. Not that it took much, considering Yuzuru had tried to attack him at the restaurant only minutes before. If his ploy had succeeded, Naoe would show up to confront Yuzuru by himself. And when he did, Yuzuru would have no choice but to strike in self-defense. Without Takaya to protect him this time things would be a little more...interesting.

Yuzuru tried to push past Kousaka to get to Chiaki’s car, but was grabbed by his shirt and jerked back. “What the...?!” he exclaimed.

There was no way Kousaka was going to just let Yuzuru walk away. Not after coming this far in his plans. Using Yuzuru the way he did had worked perfectly. Poor little Takaya hadn’t yet recalled enough of Kagetora’s memories to realize the extent to which a friendship could be exploited. And Takaya amused him by his willingness to forgive Yuzuru for his failed attempts to ‘save’ him. But, playtime was over now. There was, after all, the fate of the world to think about. And the simple fact was that Takaya’s strength was necessary in order to stop Nobunaga. Naoe was merely the weak link in the chain; a huge vulnerability to Kagetora. As far as Kousaka was concerned Naoe was expendable, and fortunately, probably the one person Yuzuru was actually capable of harming–which made him the perfect candidate to test Yuzuru’s abilities. What better way to gauge Yuzuru’s power than to pit him against his best friend’s lover? It was no secret that Yuzuru held a deep-seated dislike for the man. If Yuzuru could defeat Naoe, one of Uesugi’s precious Yashashuu, then perhaps he was ready to join Kousaka’s side where they could forge a formidable team.

Kousaka’s lips curled into a wicked smile. “You’re not going anywhere just yet. I have a proposition for you.”

Yuzuru growled, “I already told you, there’s nothing I can do!”

Kousaka had to stall Yuzuru a bit longer. “If you really want to help Takaya, you’ll come with me. I’m sure you’re beginning to realize the immense power you possess. But, this is nothing compared to your full potential. Come with me and I’ll show you how to achieve the power of a god. I’m the only one who can help you realize your true strength. Then you can protect Takaya and NOBODY will be able to hurt him!”

Yuzuru clenched his fists and yelled, “You’re a liar! And I’m not going anywhere with you!”

Kousaka chuckled. “Who’s lying?” he asked as he drew closer to Yuzuru. “Perhaps you don’t want to leave because you want another kiss from your dear friend. Am I right?” He trailed a fingertip across Yuzuru’s lips and snickered when the man jerked his head away.

“No!” Yuzuru exclaimed. “That’s not the...” his words were cut short by a familiar voice calling his name. He turned to see Naoe approaching.

Kousaka was ecstatic to see that Naoe was alone. Apparently, the tensions he’d diligently strove to create between Takaya and Naoe the past few days had separated them after all. However, still unsure back at the restaurant, he’d even tossed in some insinuations regarding Minako, too. Was that the reason Takaya wasn’t with him? Or maybe Takaya hadn’t even located him yet. Either way, Naoe was alone, which was exactly what Kousaka wanted. With Kagetora absent, nothing could possibly go wrong.

Naoe marched toward them. The crowd parted to let him through. “Yuzuru! Kousaka!” he shouted again. “This time you’d better kill me if YOU want to live!”

A complacent grin played in the corners of Kousaka’s mouth as he stepped back from Yuzuru. Naoe sure looks determined for a doomed man! He couldn’t wait to see what Yuzuru was capable of when his life was threatened. He took a few steps to stand in front of Chiaki’s open car door. He peered down at the man and noticed him twitch with a soft groan. He then turned his attention back to Naoe’s hasty approach.

As Naoe neared, he noticed Chiaki lying on the front seat of his wrecked car. “What have you done to Nagahide?” he shrieked. “Have you both lost your minds?”

Kousaka simpered. “Is it our fault the man can’t drive worth shit?” He stepped away from the car and pointed. “He drove the car onto the sidewalk for crying out loud! Don’t you Uesugi know better than to drink and drive? But don’t worry, he’s okay. Looks like he’s sleeping it off.”

Naoe’s brow furrowed as he turned his gaze to Yuzuru. The little bastard’s face held no emotion whatsoever.

A shiver ran up Yuzuru’s spine as he gaped at Naoe. He could feel the man’s searing hatred from where he stood, but was determined to show no fear. “Hey! Where’s Takaya?” he snapped when he realized Naoe was alone. “You better not have...”

“You don’t know when to quit, do you, Yuzuru!” Naoe growled.

Yuzuru glared. “Where...is...Takaya?” he repeated in a gruff, calculated voice.

“Not my concern right now,” Naoe replied flippantly as he removed the tattered remains of his suit jacket and tossed it aside. “Right now, YOU’RE the one in peril.”

Yuzuru’s face reddened. “Where is he?” he hissed through clenched teeth.

Naoe took a step toward Yuzuru. “If I told you he was in Hell would you follow him there?” he quipped.

Yuzuru balled his fists and glared defiantly. “I would,” he proclaimed.

“Such a faithful friend,” Naoe remarked bitterly. “But remember this–you wouldn’t be the first who’s gone to such lengths for that ferocious, beautiful man. You have no idea what it means to love someone of his intensity, to be smothered by their overwhelming charisma. I’ve obediently endured Hell on Earth at his hands, groveling for the past four hundred years at his feet like a dog. You will never understand what we’ve been through together. I won’t allow you or anyone else take him away. He belongs to me. And I, in turn, am his.” He pointed at Yuzuru. “You, on the other hand mean nothing to him!”

“Nothing to him?” Yuzuru growled. How dare Naoe insinuate that Takaya didn’t value their friendship! “Would he kiss someone that meant nothing to him?” he continued. “No! I’m his friend whether you like it or not!” Yuzuru’s eyes blazed with contempt. “I will always be there to comfort Takaya in any way I can, and if that means holding him in my arms or kissing him, or anything else, I’m going to do it!”

Kousaka clapped his hand over his mouth to conceal a smirk. Wow! Didn’t expect him to be so bold! Way to piss him off right away!

Naoe was livid. He should’ve expected such nonsense from Yuzuru. The thought of his lord’s mouth pressed against this brat’s was enough to hurl him into a jealous fit of rage. His thoughts blurred and his body reacted in an instant.

“The hell you will!” He lunged at Yuzuru, grabbing the man by the shoulders, and threw him against the storefront–the impact forcing the breath from the man’s lungs with a loud gurgle. He slammed Yuzuru repeatedly against the concrete structure. “Kagetora is mine! You hear me? MINE!” he snarled, his face turning deep crimson. Like a breached dam his rage spilled out of him flooding all reason and sanity. “Get that through your head!”

Yuzuru gasped in an effort to catch his breath. His heart raced . Fear and adrenalin coursed through his body. Is he going to kill me? Where are you, Takaya? Each breath he tried to take was pummeled out of him as Naoe punctuated each bitter word by ramming his body against the building. “S...stop!” he stammered breathlessly.

“What did I ever do to you?” Naoe snarled. He leaned into Yuzuru practically squashing the man’s body into the concrete wall. “Why are you stealing my one and only happiness in this fucked up world? Huh?” His body shuddered as his jealous fury intensified. He dug his fingers deep into Yuzuru’s shoulders. “What do you have to offer Kagetora that I can’t?”

Yuzuru struggled to free himself from Naoe’s iron grasp. “Let me go!” he rasped, terrified. “I-I promised Takaya I wouldn’t get involved in any more confrontations with you! And I know if he were here right now, he’d....”

Naoe choked Yuzuru’s words off by seizing his throat. “You think you know him,” Naoe shouted hoarsely. “but you don’t! Not like I do! I know his every mood; his idiosyncracies! Why, you ask? Because I’ve been at his side for four-fucking hundred years!”

“I-I,” Yuzuru choked.

“How can you be sure you’re not just a pawn in another one of his games?” Naoe snarled. “Is that why he always leaves my side to chase after you? Why he kissed you?” His bottom lip quivered. “Well? Since you seem to think you know him better than I do, then you must have the answers, right?!” He glowered.

Paralyzed with fright, Yuzuru shot a pleading look to Kousaka, who watched with indifference. “Help me...Kousaka,” he rasped and stretched an arm in Kousaka’s direction. He was alarmed when the man refused to acknowledge his desperate plea. Does he want me to die?

Kousaka wondered how much more Yuzuru would take before he retaliated. He hadn’t guessed it would take this long, but now that Naoe had him by the throat he would have to do something if he didn’t want to suffocate. Come on, Yuzuru! Don’t be such a coward! No matter what happened, he would not intervene. Yuzuru would use his powers eventually...if he wanted to live. Until then, he would enjoy the show, amused to watch Naoe vent four hundred years of frustration with Kagetora onto the man’s best friend.

Naoe’s fingers tightened around Yuzuru’s throat. “You’ve interfered with our relationship! And conspired with Kousaka behind Takaya’s back! Why does he forgive you without a second thought, but yet, he NEVER forgives me?” he asked, his voice raw with agony. “Answer me, Yuzuru!”

Yuzuru felt as though his eyes would pop out at any moment from the pressure inflicted on his throat by Naoe’s hand. Due to his constricted windpipe, he barely managed a raspy reply. “Maybe you don’t deserve forgiveness!” His heart raced with fear. He knew Naoe could kill him at any moment.

Yuzuru’s reply stunned Naoe, as though the teen sensed his thoughts of self-doubt. Could Yuzuru read his mind? No! That was impossible! He released his grip letting Yuzuru crumple to the ground. He stared wide-eyed down at the sidewalk, feeling numb and confused.

Yuzuru rubbed his bruised throat and struggled to catch his breath. Phew! That was close! Moments after he regained his composure he rose to his feet unsteadily, and staggered toward Kousaka and Chiaki.

But Naoe wasn’t ready to let Yuzuru slip through his fingers just yet. He had to make sure he wouldn’t interfere anymore. “Prepare yourself, Yuzuru,” he warned with brutal detachment.

Yuzuru stared at him, still massaging his throat. “I told you, I promised Takaya I wouldn’t fight you,” he replied hoarsely.

“I don’t give a fuck about your promises to Takaya!” Naoe snapped. “This is between you and I!” he shouted as he sent a burst of energy toward the man as a warning. He intentionally missed by inches. “I can’t allow you to continue this childish meddling in our relationship!”

Yuzuru didn’t want to break his promise to Takaya, but Naoe was making things difficult. “D...don’t make me hurt you,” he cautioned.

Naoe’s eyes flashed with rage at the teen’s threat.

Kousaka breathed a deep sigh of relief. Finally! It’s about time they cut to the chase! He surveyed the surroundings. Still no sign of Takaya. Only a huge group of spectators that were about to get an incredible show. He chuckled to himself. He was so preoccupied that he failed to notice Chiaki begin to wake up.


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to be continued…

Author’s Note: I’m sorry it took me forever to update…again. *is embarrassed* I feel horrible to have left you with last chapter’s cliffhanger for so long. I hope you can forgive me. But, I want to assure you that I will never leave this story unfinished. I’m having way too much fun writing it! I’m very grateful for the wonderful reviews and support that I’ve received. And Nikki, thanks again for your reassurance. ^_^ (Man, do I suck at these author’s notes, or what?!)