Mirage Of Blaze Fan Fiction ❯ Cruel Paradise ❯ Chapter 10

Disclaimer: Mirage of Blaze belongs to Kuwabara Mizuna.

 

 

Author's Note: Hey, it's been awhile....a long while. Sorry about that, everyone. I hope you hadn't given up on me. I guess I could go into why it took me so long to update, but I don't want to bore you all with the details, so here we go!

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naoe's hateful stare remained locked on Yuzuru. “Don't make me hurt you?” he repeated the teen's warning, his lips curled with disgust. With a guttural roar, he hurled a powerful blast of energy that hammered the teen in the chest and sent him reeling backward with a sharp cry. Some of the spectators gasped in horror.

 

“What could you possibly do to hurt me more than you already have?” Naoe growled as he sent another blast, narrowly missing Yuzuru. “You tried to destroy everything that I care about! And now you have the audacity to threaten me with physical harm?! You still don't get it, do you?” he rasped. The veins in his neck stuck out in livid ridges as he berated Yuzuru. “No physical pain you inflict will compare to the mental anguish you've caused me with your officious behavior!” he continued. “For whatever ridiculous reason, you want to take him away from me! And THAT is something I won't allow! I'm through playing your games, Yuzuru!” Murderous intentions flickered in his eyes as he glared at the teen. “So here's your chance to finish what you started at the restaurant!”

 

Yuzuru took a few apprehensive steps back to put more distance between Naoe and himself. He's completely lost it!

 

“Why aren't you fighting back?” Naoe demanded. “Where is that hateful rage you displayed at the restaurant? I know you want to kill me and take Takaya for yourself!” He narrowed his eyes.

 

Yuzuru scowled at Naoe. “I don't want him for myself!” he hissed. “I want him to be safe!”

 

“No! You want to fuck him!” Naoe roared. “It was written all over your face the first time I saw the two of you together!”

 

“That's not true!” Yuzuru protested, appalled. What a ridiculous accusation! His heart fluttered as he remembered the kiss he shared with his best friend. He'd felt so close to Takaya at that moment. But the feeling wasn't sexual. Not at all. But, he didn't think Naoe would ever understand.

 

Naoe took a few steps toward Yuzuru. He wasn't surprised by the pensive expression on Yuzuru's face, but agitated by it nonetheless. “I knew I was right!” he growled with disgust. “Everybody wants him! But he belongs to me!” He bunched his fists.

 

Yuzuru frantically looked around. He now knew better than to expect any help from Kousaka, who was idly studying his own fingernails with a crooked grin, as though he hadn't a care in the world. And Chiaki still appeared to be incapacitated. Nevertheless, there had to be some way to avoid this confrontation. “T...Takaya. Where are you?” he whispered fearfully.

 

“You can drop the `I'm so innocent' act now!” Naoe insisted as he attacked, hurling one burst of energy after another at Yuzuru. Terrified screams erupted within the crowd as they backed away. “Takaya's not here, so there's no reason to hold back your hatred for me any longer!”

 

Yuzuru barely dodged the first blast. He shook with fear. Or was it something else? “Are you trying to kill me?!” he shrieked with disbelief as another blast whizzed by his head. His chest heaved with each sharp breath. He became increasingly flustered as Naoe's continuous onslaught gave little pause for a chance of peaceful escape. Dammit! Takaya loves Naoe, so if I fight back, Takaya will be upset with me! But Naoe is trying to kill me!

 

Suddenly, Yuzuru felt a stabbing pain in his left shoulder as he was thrown to the sidewalk. He immediately curled into a ball and clutched his injured shoulder in agony.

 

“You shouldn't have rejected your final opportunity to defeat me,” Naoe scolded. He was infuriated that Yuzuru refused to fight. He slapped his hands together and lowered his head to concentrate his gaze on the youth. He began to chant. The words, initially a mere whisper, crescendoed as his anger, frustration, and his urgency to put an end to Yuzuru's interferences snowballed into madness. Each enunciated word dripped with spite and jealousy as his aura intensified. Sensing impending danger, the remaining onlookers screamed and ran for cover.

 

Horrified, Yuzuru writhed on sidewalk as he tightly held his wounded shoulder. The pain radiated throughout the upper left side of his body. The fingers in his left hand tingled. “If you think hurting me will make me stay away from Takaya, you're wrong,” he blurted. Despite the intense pain, he struggled to his knees. But he feared he was too late as the aura surrounding Naoe blazed like an inferno.

 

Yuzuru knew he was in grave danger. In a last-ditch effort for assistance, he looked to Kousaka, who refused to make eye contact at all. His heart sank. Is my life really going to end like this? Right here?

 

As Naoe's immense spiritual energy flared, Chiaki stirred. His eyes fluttered open, revealing a blurry, unfamiliar surrounding. He grimaced at the dull, throbbing ache in his head. Where am I? He squinted as he peered about for Naoe, whose energy he'd immediately felt. Disoriented, he tried to remember what had happened. When his eyes finally focused, the first thing he saw was Yuzuru on his knees about 15 feet away, and he appeared to be injured. The look of sheer terror on the teen's face sent a shiver up his spine. What's going on here? Did Naoe do that to him? Just then, he noticed a figure standing directly to the left of the opened car door. He instantly recognized it to be Kousaka. That's when he remembered. That fucking bastard destroyed my car and snatched Yuzuru!

 

He tried to grab Kousaka's leg, but his arm felt so heavy it just flopped uselessly at his side. Shit! The car door prevented him from seeing Naoe, but he didn't need to see him to know what he was about to do. He had to find a way to stop this absurdity. And fast!

 

Chiaki tried to yell out to Yuzuru, but his warning degenerated into a hoarse whisper. “Run away!” He thrashed about on the front seat in an effort to escape the car. His coordination was slowly returning, but it wouldn't be in time to help Yuzuru.

 

Chiaki's struggle to exit the car immediately caught Kousaka's attention. Kousaka bent over to look at the man. Shit! Now Nagahide is awake! Although Chiaki still appeared to be too weak to actually interfere, time was running out for his plan. Yuzuru had to be forced to use his power against Naoe now! Kousaka had sworn to himself not to intervene at this stage, but who knew Yuzuru would turn out to be such a stubborn fool? It was now or never.

 

“Is this what the Uesugi have become?” Kousaka sharply ridiculed, temporarily distracting Naoe. He turned to him with a smirk. “You're actually content to summon the power of Bishamonten to crush your lord's best friend in yet another selfish act of jealousy? Pathetic.” His smile broadened. “Does Lord Kenshin realize the level of incompetence of those who serve him, or is he equally as inept?”

 

Naoe shot an icy glare at Kousaka. “That's enough,” he warned.

 

Kousaka chuckled and continued, “Or how about Lord Kagetora? He's probably the most incapable of all. I mean, here we have his two self-declared loyal friends, the two men closest to him, and they've both betrayed him at some point. Both have hurt him in the past. It's quite funny, actually. Don't you think?” His eyes narrowed as he mused, “And his memory loss is no excuse, either. As a leader, he should have instincts. But, apparently he's lacking there as well. Having you two in his company proves what a fool he is. Some great leader,” he scoffed. “But,” he persisted, “when he finally does regain his memories, I wonder which one of you he'll hate more. Naoe for his despicable treatment of Minako, or Yuzuru, the other wolf in sheep's clothing who's actually the...”

 

Kousaka was abruptly silenced when he was struck by a sudden, unexpected explosion of power from Naoe. The force of the blast slammed him against the side of the car. With a groan, he collapsed to the pavement and slumped over. “Damn...” he muttered under his breath. A small trickle of blood leaked from his nose.

 

“Enough, Kousaka!” Naoe threatened. “I'll deal with you as soon as I finish him!” He pointed at Yuzuru.

 

Kousaka peered up at the men with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The confounded expression on Yuzuru's face was priceless. Maybe this'll finally fire him up a bit! Confusion, anger, allegations of betrayal? He's gonna snap...I hope. Suddenly, his hair was seized and his head yanked toward the car door. “Chiaki,” he grumbled when he realized who'd grabbed him.

 

“You son of a bitch!” Chiaki rasped.

 

Yuzuru, now thoroughly bewildered, slowly rose to his feet and scowled at Naoe. “What'd you do that for?!” he snapped. “I wanted to hear the rest of what he was saying!” Was Kousaka insinuating that I'd hurt Takaya? How? When? “What was he talking about? I demand to know!”

 

“It doesn't matter! It wouldn't change anything anyway!” Naoe retorted. “Now, where were we?” he glowered.

 

Yuzuru's chin quivered. His face crimsoned and he shook with ire as he tried to grasp what Kousaka had just insinuated. His lips curled into a snarl. “He said that I had hurt Takaya!” he shrieked. “What the hell is he talking about!”

 

Naoe was slightly taken aback by Yuzuru's dramatic behavior change. “Cut the crap, Yuzuru! Did you honestly believe that you're completely innocent? That you were never capable of hurting someone that you were supposed to care for? Give me a break!” he snapped. “You're probably every bit as detrimental to Takaya's safety as you accuse me of being!”

 

“What are you saying?! I never hurt him! NEVER!” Yuzuru fiercely screamed. A spark of gold gleamed in his eyes. “Don't you EVER say I hurt him!” His lower lip trembled with rage. “I'm nothing like you! I want to protect him! I want him to be safe!”

 

Naoe dashed toward Yuzuru, despite the immense golden aura that was now engulfing the teen. “It's time to finish this!”

 

Chiaki struggled with Kousaka in an attempt to exit the car. But Kousaka, despite Chiaki's death-grip on his hair, was able to keep him from going anywhere. “Yuzuru!” he blurted weakly.

 

 

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Takaya's heart raced with terror as he sprinted down the sidewalk toward the location where he'd just sensed an immense surge of energy that could only belong to Yuzuru and Naoe. Fuck! I'm too late! His stomach fluttered with the realization that something horrible was transpiring, and he wasn't there to intervene. I've failed them both! He contemplated the possible outcomes, none of which were pleasant. Someone was going to be injured, maybe killed. Would Naoe actually harm Yuzuru? And exactly how much power did Yuzuru possess? Was it enough to wound, or possibly even kill Naoe? These questions terrified him even more.

 

Rounding the last corner, he gasped. Unconscious people littered the sidewalks like discarded playthings. An eerie stillness exaggerated the wailing sirens in the distance. Cars, engines idling, congested the roads and the drivers and passengers slumped over steering wheels and across seats. Yuzuru's power probably knocked them all out! Damn! His friend's tremendous spiritual energy permeated the entire area.

 

He spotted Chiaki's car further down the block on the opposite side of the street. It was on the sidewalk! What the hell? Did Yuzuru do that too? His stomach knotted.

 

Suddenly, he saw Yuzuru beyond Chiaki's car, his body engulfed in a radiant, golden aura. Oh, SHIT! Takaya darted toward him. That's when he noticed Naoe slumped to his knees, incapacitated at Yuzuru's feet. “No! Yuzuru! Stop!” Takaya screamed hysterically. “What are you doing?!”

 

Yuzuru's head jerked up. “Takaya! You're here!” he exclaimed, visibly shaken and exhausted. He snapped out of his agitated state and released the power that held Naoe prone at his feet. Then he crumpled to the concrete in a heap, shaking. “I'm sorry,” he panted over and over.

 

Takaya worriedly peered down at Naoe, who stirred with a low groan. “Naoe,” he gasped. Tattered clothing aside, Naoe looked much better than he'd expected. But the man's stress and anguish wore heavily on his face. Takaya felt the man's agony like a jagged blade plunging deep into his chest, shattering his fragile heart into a million painful pieces. His eyes locked with Naoe's, his heart aching. How he wished the man could read his mind just this once; to understand his remorse for whatever he may have done to incite Naoe to seek out Yuzuru after he'd sworn the previous day that he had no such intentions.

 

Takaya turned his attention to Yuzuru. His friend's eyes were red and puffy. His flushed cheeks glistened with tears. Several distinct, reddish-purple bruises marred his neck as though he'd been choked.

 

Takaya clamped his eyes shut to stop the tears. “What the hell have I done?” he uttered under his breath. “You're both hurt! Because of me! I should've seen this coming!”

 

With a hoarse cry, Takaya lunged at the building, slamming his fist into the concrete. “Dammit, Naoe!” he rasped as he ripped his knuckles open. “What were you trying to do?! I thought you were going to leave Yuzuru alone! Someone could've been killed!”

 

A few seconds of silence passed before Yuzuru meekly stuttered. “I-I d-didn't hurt him, Takaya.” He slowly rose to his feet. He hoped his friend would forgive him. “I...I incapacitated him...so he couldn't attack me anymore. I tried to stay away from him like you asked,” he blurted. “I didn't want to fight him, but he refused to leave me alone! I had no choice. Don't you see? I-I just immobilized him,” he explained in a trembling voice.

 

“How could I have allowed something like this to happen?” Takaya quietly derided himself.

 

“Please don't blame yourself, Takaya,” Yuzuru pleaded. He approached his distraught friend, but hesitated when he noticed Naoe struggling to his feet.

 

Takaya fought back his tears. “How do I fix this?” he murmured. “I know I'm responsible for this, but...,” he clenched his fists. “Is this really who Kagetora is? Who I am? Someone whose actions inflict pain upon the people he cares about? Until they're pushed over the edge? Well, fuck that! Fuck him! I don't want to be like that!” Adrenalin surged along with his frustration. “I want everything back the way it was before!” He sagged against the wall. “I-I just want to just be Takaya again,” he rasped. “Whoever that was...”

 

Takaya felt two arms slip around his shoulders. He tried to shy away, but he was pulled into an unyielding embrace. Naoe? He attempted to wriggle free of the man's grasp, but emotionally exhausted, he collapsed inside the man's embrace.

 

“What were you thinking, Naoe?” Takaya whimpered, more distressed than angry with the man. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to swallow the lump in his throat. “Why did you do this?” His voice sank to a whisper.

 

“Are you really so surprised?” Naoe uttered. “Have you honestly been unable to recall what happened 30 years ago?” He put his lips to Takaya's ear. “I think you remember,” he taunted. “You like to see me like this, don't you? So jealous I can't see straight?” His lips trembled against Takaya's earlobe. “You need to see how much I want you. Even if I'm miserably jealous, as long as you feel wanted, that's all that matters to you. Right?”

 

Takaya's heart flip-flopped. Naoe's cold tone sent a shiver through his body. “No, it's not like that!” Takaya vehemently denied.

 

“It is like that,” Naoe sharply insisted, “whether you admit it or not.” Kagetora... How long will you feign ignorance of your effect on me?

“I...,” Takaya began, but abruptly fell silent to contemplate Naoe's words.

 

“What's the matter, Kagetora?” Kousaka brusquely chimed in, having finally freed himself from Chiaki's grasp. “In over your head now?” He scrambled to his feet.

 

“Admit it,” Kousaka sneered. “You enjoy seeing two men fight over you. Does it stroke your ego?” He glanced at Yuzuru. His plan for the boy would have to wait...for now. He'd expected Yuzuru to respond to Naoe's assault much more aggressively. He's still too softhearted and naive. But, in time, he'll toughen up. There was no doubt that Yuzuru's world still revolved around Takaya. Perhaps he could remedy that a bit before he retreated.

 

Kousaka smirked and turned back to Takaya. “What a seductive leader you are,” he scoffed, “luring men to their destruction like this. You delight in it, don't you?”

 

Infuriated by Kousaka's taunts, Takaya twisted loose from Naoe's grasp. “Let me go, Naoe!” he shouted. His eyes burned into Kousaka with scorching ferocity. “I'm going to finish this right here and now!”

 

“Finish this?” Kousaka chuckled. “Arrogant brat. You're the one who's finished. And you're apparently too incompetent to realize it.” He pointed to Yuzuru and continued with obvious amusement. “You don't even remember who this man really is, do you? Shall I enlighten you?”

 

Before Kousaka could say another word, a thunderous rumble filled the air, followed by an intense, fiery blast that fissured the sidewalk. He barely dodged the explosive attack, but the outright force leveled him like a freight train.

 

“Kousaka!” Yuzuru roared. “Leave him alone!” A menacing breeze encircled him as he glowered at the man. Takaya was distraught and Kousaka had to be stopped immediately. “I should've taken care of you earlier, before you could hurt Takaya any further!”

 

Kousaka lay momentarily stunned on the ground. His blood ran cold when his eyes met Yuzuru's. His once amused grin disappeared, replaced with an anguished grimace as the teen's sinister aura grew by the second. And it's all directed at me!

 

Yuzuru stepped toward Kousaka. “You used me!” he snarled. “You exploited my friendship with Takaya to upset him!” His eyes narrowed with focused rage as images of Takaya's tears and sorrow throughout the previous days flooded his mind.. “What are you really up to?!”

 

“Open your eyes, Yuzuru!” Kousaka replied irritably as he struggled to his feet. “This has never been about Takaya! It's been about you! And who you are!”

 

“More lies!” Yuzuru snapped. A radiant glow engulfed him with brilliant intensity. He bunched his trembling fists, his knuckles whitening, as an incessant barrage of thoughts and images from the past few days battered his mind with emotional turmoil. Tears glistened on his flushed cheeks. And as his confusion and frustration continued to mount, his aura flared perilously out of control.

 

“I won't listen to your disgusting lies,” Yuzuru furiously hissed. “I'm keeping my promise to Takaya! To use my abilities to protect him! And I'll begin by getting rid of YOU!”

 

“Y...Yuzuru?” Takaya uttered. With his friend's temper and spiritual strength escalating by the second, it was clear that Yuzuru wasn't fooling around. He glanced anxiously at Naoe. “If he can't control that power, we're all in big trouble! I have to intervene!”

 

“Stay back, Takaya!” Yuzuru blurted forcefully, startling Takaya. “I'll take care of this!” Please let me protect you from this man's hurtful words...

 

“But,” Takaya began. He'd never seen Yuzuru this angry; this bitterly focused. How could he possibly convince him not to take on Kousaka? Yuzuru...

 

A faint rustle interrupted the uneasy silence. Yuzuru whipped around to see Kousaka creeping backward. How dare Kousaka assume he could slink away unnoticed after all the turmoil he'd created! Not this time! Never again!

 

“Where do you think you're going?” Yuzuru demanded in an eerie, detached voice. “You think you can get away with this? After all the pain you've caused?” His youthful looks and juvenile scowl had been replaced with malevolence. His piercing eyes blazed with golden wrath and his body trembled at the mercy of the extraordinary strength coursing through him. “I'll rip your soul to pieces!”

 

“Am I supposed to be frightened?” Kousaka chuckled. But as much as he tried to play it off, he was beginning to worry. And as the ground began to rumble and store windows rattled violently in reaction to Yuzuru's power, Kousaka quickly convoked a barrier for protection. “At least hear me out before you assault me,” Kousaka added crossly.

 

Yuzuru didn't reply. Instead, he lifted his right hand and attacked. Kousaka's barrier was instantly obliterated and the man tumbled and skidded helplessly along the sidewalk as though he were nothing more than a rag doll. Emotionlessly, Yuzuru watched him flail and gasp for breath.

 

Kousaka rolled onto his side. Blood spatters painted the concrete with each cough and sputter as he caught his breath. He wiped his mouth. A bloody smear covered his hand. What the hell just happened? My barrier was useless?! When his eyes met Yuzuru's, he realized that the teen intended to kill him! He swiftly utilized his remaining strength to form a stronger barrier.

 

With a look of disgust, Yuzuru viciously slammed Kousaka again with a explosive burst of power, this time with enough force to pulverize the surrounding concrete as well. He reveled in the man's scream of agony, but it still wasn't enough to appease him. Not after everything Kousaka had put them through. And now that Yuzuru's wrath had surfaced, he could no longer control his aggression. His blood boiled. His feelings of protectiveness for Takaya overshadowed any rational thought. Kousaka had to be defeated for Takaya's sake! With the ferocity of a rabid dog, he struck Kousaka with blast after devastating blast, violently pummeling him into the ground. He couldn't stop himself! Not even when Takaya cried out his name, pleading for him to stop. I won't let him hurt you again, Takaya...

 

Instinctively, Naoe jumped in front of Takaya to protect his lord with a barrier. He gaped in horror at Yuzuru's cruelty toward Kousaka. Had Yuzuru lost his mind? How far did the teen intend to take this? Kousaka had been rendered completely helpless! Just then, Yuzuru's gaze met his; the teen's face devoid of any of the gentleness Naoe had grown accustomed to. The teen's frosty stare chilled his blood. And there was something else. The corner of Yuzuru's lips curled ever-so-slightly into an eerie grin! And then the teen quickly looked away. A shiver of realization swept through Naoe. Had Yuzuru fought back with this strength during their battle earlier, this could've been him instead of Kousaka. And he wants me to know it! He wants me to see what he could've done to me had he wanted to! He hadn't even tried when I fought with him! Naoe turned to Takaya. Had his master noticed Yuzuru's smug glance?

 

Determined to put an end to Kousaka's interference once and for all, Yuzuru allowed himself to be consumed by the incredible power within his soul; the same power that he'd barely managed to suppress when facing Naoe. And all at once, both store and vehicle windows exploded with a deafening clamor, glittering shards melodiously tinkled to the street. Concrete and asphalt ruptured noisily. Enormous cracks tore through the walls of surrounding buildings, spewing plaster and concrete. An unearthly wind howled through the street. Shattered glass and debris were swept up into the turbulent air, becoming tiny, glistening razors.

 

Naoe turned to Takaya. His master was pale as death, obviously worried sick for his best friend. Ironically, Kagetora's compassion toward others was one of the things he admired, yet envied, about his great lord. But when it came to the bond of friendship that Takaya had established with Yuzuru, Naoe again struggled with that same jealousy that he'd felt with Minako. I'm so hopelessly predictable, aren't I, Kagetora?

 

Takaya was frozen with shock. He realized it was his responsibility to diffuse this situation, but still he couldn't move. What should I do? It was apparent to Takaya that Yuzuru's capacity for destruction far surpassed his ability to constrain it at that moment. His friend's power had become downright dangerous and it appeared that Kousaka was outmatched. He had to stop Yuzuru before things got even worse! But how? Yuzuru had already ignored his pleas to stop. And confronting him would prove precarious, considering Yuzuru's mental state at the moment. His stomach knotted.

 

With great urgency, Chiaki dragged himself out of the car and fell to the ground on his hands and knees. Even before his car had violently shuddered and his windows exploded around him, he'd realized that his help would be needed to end this fiasco. Kousaka... You foolish bastard. Now look what you've gotten yourself into... Using his hands to crawl up the side of his restless vehicle, he unsteadily rose to his feet. Shielding his eyes from the merciless wind, he spotted Takaya within Naoe's barrier. What's he waiting for? His gaze shifted to Kousaka. The man was mere moments from annihilation if Yuzuru had his way. After all, Yuzuru had managed to overcome Naoe and prevent him from using his power with very little effort. And now that the teen appeared to be out for blood, Kousaka was done for.

 

“Great,” Chiaki grumbled. “Why do I have to be the sane one.” It was times like this that he wished he was as crazy as the rest of them! Then these pesky little nuisances like blowing the hell out of a city block or two in the name of unrequited love wouldn't have pissed him off so damn much! He wearily stumbled toward Kousaka, hoping to reach him in time do whatever he could to save the man from Yuzuru's fury.

 

Yuzuru's lips curled into a bloodthirsty snarl. “It's over, Kousaka,” he coldly announced. He approached his enemy with slow and deliberate steps. With each footfall, the shrill screech of twisting metal reverberated throughout the street as nearby cars shifted and groaned and gouged against one another, all of them sliding slowly away as though repelled from Yuzuru's position.

 

The blood drained from Kousaka's face as he realized the grim reality of his situation. His remaining strength was no match for Yuzuru's and it was too late to escape. He'd grossly underestimated the teen's ability to harness the seemingly infinite power from within himself. Yuzuru's immense power had indeed begun to awaken. And now Kousaka gasped for breath as he was smothered by its foreboding implications.

 

“Damn it, Yuzuru!” Kousaka weakly gurgled, blood oozing from the corners of his mouth. “Killing me won't change who you are!” His chest heaved with each labored breath. He felt Yuzuru's rage in his own quickening pulse. Even having been vanquished by Yuzuru, he still held great reverence for the teen's awakening power. It's everything I'd hoped it would be. But can I survive it? he wondered.

 

“Don't presume to know me. Or Takaya,” Yuzuru icily replied as he stepped closer to the man. “But for once, you're right. Killing you won't change who I am,” he continued as he raised his hands in front of him. “Because I am Narita Yuzuru. Takaya's best friend.” His hands hummed with some unseen force. “And that's all that matters,” he snarled. His fiery gaze narrowed and a sudden blinding light exploded with a tremendous surge of wind.

 

Kousaka futilely managed one last frail barrier for protection from Yuzuru's attack-if at least to lessen the blow. He groaned with disbelief, “Why don't you want to know who you really are?” Or have you already figured it out, and aren't yet ready for Takaya to remember? He wondered if he'd been mistaken the entire time. Perhaps Yuzuru wasn't as naive as he appeared to be...

 

Takaya clutched Naoe as the powerful gust of wind ferociously whipped through his hair and clothing, nearly yanking his feet from beneath him. “Yuzuru!” he tried to scream, but the near-gale consumed his voice like a hungry animal. He squinted but could see nothing but glaring brightness. The thunderous roar of the rushing air drowned out all other sounds except the fearful pounding of his own heart.

 

Springing into action, Takaya pushed past Naoe, but the elder man grabbed his wrist.

 

“What do you intend to do?” Naoe hollered above the wind.

 

Takaya cast him a pained sidelong glance. “Tell me Naoe...whose suffering are you enjoying most? Yuzuru's? Or mine?” He pulled away and dashed into the fray, hoping to reach his friend before someone was killed.

 

“Wait!” Naoe shouted after him, watching his lord fade into the broadening glare of Yuzuru's aura. Pangs of guilt seized him as Takaya's acrid words resounded in his mind. That guilt quickly compounded with frustration, and once again he stewed with the emotional turmoil of culpability versus self-vindication. Kagetora... You always know how to twist the knife in my chest...

 

Struggling against the brutal wind and dodging pieces of broken signs and other debris, Chiaki dropped to his knees beside Kousaka to shield the injured man from the irate teen. Kousaka's barrier had dissipated, and he appeared to be barely conscious. Chiaki, in his weakened state, doubted there was much more he could do to help the man on his own.

 

“Hurry!” Chiaki barked when Takaya finally reached them. It's about damn time! he thought irritably.

 

Takaya halted beside Chiaki and Kousaka. He spun to face Yuzuru. Using his hand to shield his eyes, he frantically pleaded with his friend. “Don't do this, Yuzuru!”

 

When the teen refused to stand down, he panicked. A physical confrontation with Yuzuru was the last thing he wanted. He tried again to reason with him, “We all know Kousaka is a fucking asshole! But even so, this has gone too far!”

 

Scarcely had Takaya finished speaking when Yuzuru unleashed a violent explosion of unrestrained spiritual power toward Kousaka...and Chiaki, much to Takaya's horror.

 

“No, Yuzuru!” Takaya shrieked. He immediately countered with his own strike to deflect Yuzuru's. He gritted his teeth with exertion as the two forces crashed together in a blaze of ferocity. Within seconds, Yuzuru's strength began to overpower his own.

 

Terrified for his master's safety, Naoe rushed to Takaya's side and hurled everything he had left into the clash of blinding power. Their combined strength barely managed to divert Yuzuru's strike to a nearby building. The building's walls exploded with ear-splitting intensity and crumbled to pieces in a plume of dust and fragments.

 

Takaya whirled to face Naoe. “Help Chiaki and Kousaka get out of here! Quickly!” he ordered. “Leave Yuzuru to me!” The flash of pain in Naoe's obedient eyes hurt him, but safely blocking another attack of that magnitude just wasn't conceivable. Even with Naoe's assistance.

 

Apprehensively, Naoe left Takaya's side and did as he was told, scrambling to assist the two men. Yuzuru's unstable mentality meant that Takaya was probably their only hope of stopping his bloodthirsty rampage. But even so, Yuzuru had already shown he'd risk the safety of others just to get to Kousaka, including Chiaki's. Even Takaya could be seriously injured.

 

Yuzuru was jolted from his trance-like state by the thundering detonation of the building and Takaya's frantic shouts. But what he now faced was much more horrific. His nightmare had been no dream! It had all been real! He trembled, wide-eyed with disbelief at the destruction before him. As his power waned, the turbulent air stilled and the dust settled, gradually revealing the extent of the devastation surrounding him. Frozen with fear, his eyes darted from the demolished building to the jumbled vehicles, and finally to the scores of people scattered about as if asleep. Not only was the severity of the damage incomprehensible, but the power...his power must have been as well. Prickly chills skittered up the back of his neck.

 

Still dazed, Yuzuru's eyes wandered to where Naoe, as if in slow motion, was assisting Chiaki and Kousaka. And then, like a punch to his gut, he realized that he'd almost hurt Chiaki to get to Kousaka! And Takaya could've been injured too! He staggered backward. What have I done?! Unable to look anymore, he buried his face in his shaking hands. How had he allowed himself to be pushed to such aggression? How was he capable of something like this?

 

Yuzuru jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. His head snapped up. “T-Takaya!” he whimpered and threw his arms around the man, nearly squeezing the breath out of him.

 

“Everything's going to be alright,” Takaya reassured his friend. He felt the teen's fear and confusion in the shivering body pressed fast against him. Yuzuru was scared out of his mind!

 

“No, it's not!” Yuzuru piped, beginning to hyperventilate. The guilt was too much to bear. “What I've done is unforgivable!” His fingers twisted into Takaya's shirt. “I'm a danger to society! A monster!” he choked. “I should be locked away!”

 

“Don't say things like that!” Takaya scolded.

 

“I-I didn't want to hurt anyone!” Yuzuru insisted. “But...”

 

“I know you didn't,” Takaya consoled, wrapping his arms around his traumatized friend. He, more than anyone, understood what Yuzuru was going through. The pain, the confusion, and most of all, the realization that their lives were forever changed. Much like the leveled building, their `reality' had crumbled around them. But they would always have their friendship, Takaya was sure of it.

 

“But I've let you down! Again!” Yuzuru continued, distraught. “Naoe's right! I'm no more safe to be around you than he is!” He dropped his head to Takaya's shoulder.

 

Takaya stiffened. “What?!” A spasm of irritation crossed his face. Naoe said that? “Listen to me, Yuzuru. You've never let me down. If anything, I've let YOU down. I'm supposed to be some powerful feudal lord, yet I can't even control my own vassal. Naoe is my responsibility. I should've been able to avert this entire situation,” he berated himself. Naoe's anguished accusations and Kousaka's spiteful taunts still lingered in his mind. “Not to mention I completely underestimated Kousaka's resolve,” he further admitted.

 

Yuzuru thought for a moment, then began quietly, “About what Kousaka was saying about me...”

 

“Doesn't matter,” Takaya interrupted, quickly sidestepping the issue. “You are my best friend and no matter what, you always will be.” He breathed a small sigh of relief. He hadn't wanted to hear what Yuzuru may have said next. Or perhaps he already had an inkling and that's why his gut had twisted into such knots just then. But whatever it was, Takaya meant what he'd said to Yuzuru.

 

Takaya tensed when he felt Naoe's eyes on his back as he consoled Yuzuru. He was still perplexed by the man's earlier accusations. Did Naoe honestly believe that Takaya liked to see him suffer-that he reveled in the man's jealousy-laden behavior? I'm not playing games with you, Naoe! I just... At that moment his frustration with Naoe surpassed his anger with Kousaka. At least Kousaka's devious behavior came as no surprise, whereas Naoe's was still an enigma to him. Dammit, Naoe! Why can't you get it through your head that nobody could ever replace you?!

 

Yuzuru hugged his friend tighter, fearful of what painful memories lurked in the shadows of the past, yet comforted by Takaya's pledge of undying friendship. He felt he couldn't let go of Takaya...ever. But over Takaya's shoulder he saw Naoe and the others, and he cringed with guilt. He even felt sorry for hurting Kousaka, despite the fact that the man had instigated the situation in the first place. He wanted to set things right, because harming people and destroying things wasn't who he was. Right? he wondered fearfully. Terror and uncertainty still remained as he struggled to comprehend his newly acquired power and the ruin left in its wake. As his gaze met Naoe's, he realized that for as completely different as he and Naoe were, they did have one thing in common. Both cared deeply for Takaya, each in their own way.

 

“Want to go see how they're doing over there?” Takaya asked, sensing the direction of his friend's stare. He knew Yuzuru was sick with guilt. But perhaps seeing that everyone was alright would ease the teen's mind, even if only a little bit.

 

Yuzuru nodded.

 

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Kneeling beside Chiaki and Kousaka, Naoe cleared away the pieces of broken signs and other fragments from atop the two entangled men. But he couldn't get his mind off Takaya and his eyes kept drifting back to watch him console Yuzuru. And although he couldn't make out the words spoken between them, he was able to discern the pain and humiliation in Yuzuru's voice. At that moment, he identified with Yuzuru's feelings because he, himself, had lost control several times when it came to his lord. And he understood all too well how the profound desire to love and protect someone could go too far, something Yuzuru was just beginning to grasp.

 

“You know, he's different this time... Kagetora, I mean,” Chiaki's voice broke the silence. “So why can't you let go of the past?”

 

Naoe's attention snapped back to Chiaki, but he didn't reply. Chiaki was right. This time Kagetora WAS different. Having no recollection of their turbulent past, Takaya had been his chance to start with a clean slate. He was a more vulnerable Kagetora than Naoe had previously known, trying his best to please everyone despite his own confusion and unhappiness. And finally, after 400 long years, his lord had finally accepted his affections. However, Naoe decided that he'd probably fucked that all up with his jealous behavior toward Yuzuru. He silently cursed himself for jeopardizing everything with his impulsive actions. Just the thought of Takaya pushing him away now sent a sickening jolt of panic through him. And now, thoroughly disgusted with himself, he could do nothing but lower his head and wordlessly tend to Chiaki and Kousaka as his lord had instructed.

 

Chiaki studied Naoe as he worked to free him and Kousaka from the debris that pinned them to the ground. He observed the man's sad gaze continuously toward the two teens. He was legitimately worried for the man. You truly are your own worst enemy, Naoe. How can you cause yourself so much pain?

 

When Naoe lifted the last remnants from the men, Chiaki rose onto his hands and knees above Kousaka and gently shook the man. “Kousaka!” he hissed several times.

 

After a few uneasy moments, Kousaka's eyes fluttered open. He crinkled his nose and blinked a few times, trying to focus on his surroundings. “C-Chiaki?” he groaned groggily. “W-What happened?” Every muscle in his body throbbed with pain.

 

“You're a fucking idiot! That's what happened!” Chiaki gruffly scolded. He moved to plop down beside him. With a concerned frown, he used the cuff of his shirt sleeve to wipe some blood and dirt from the man's face.

 

Kousaka cracked a weak smile. “Why...would you help me then?”

 

Chiaki shot him an irritated look. “Did you think I'd stand by and let you die? Not a chance!” he snapped. He pointed to his wrecked vehicle. “You owe me a fucking car! And until you replace it, I'm not letting you out of my sight!” Besides, you have your uses...when we have the same objective, that is. Still grumbling about the monstrosity that he used to call a car, he put his arm under Kousaka's back to help the man slowly sit up. “And even if you DO die, I'll find you again, and you're debt still stands! So don't go thinking death will get you off the hook!” he added grumpily.

 

Kousaka's slight chuckle turned to a coughing fit and he doubled over in pain. While gasped for breath, he noticed two sets of feet approach. He looked up to see Takaya and Yuzuru above him and Chiaki. Just as his cheeks began to heat with humiliation and perhaps even anger, Yuzuru knelt beside him.

 

“A-Are you alright, Kousaka?” the teen asked apprehensively, his voice barely above a whisper. His brow furrowed with genuine concern as he looked the injured man over.

 

Kousaka stared at Yuzuru, too dumbfounded to reply. The teen appeared to be completely back to his usual naive self again, though visibly shaken. There was no sign of any of the rage that had destroyed everything around them. Interesting, he thought.

 

“Pfft!” Kousaka grumbled weakly and turned his head away. “I'm fine. You give yourself far too much credit.” How dare you speak to me in that condescending tone!

 

Yuzuru turned his attention to Chiaki, who quickly dismissed his concern.

“Everyone's alright,” Chiaki assured him. “Medical help will be here any minute,” he added, noting the wailing sirens that grew louder by the second.

 

Yuzuru glanced nervously at Naoe, then at Takaya. “If it's okay, I think I'll wait here with Chiaki and Kousaka until help arrives. And those people need help, too.” He motioned toward some of the potentially-wounded onlookers, his eyes wide with childlike concern. Besides, I need some time to figure things out...

 

Naoe glanced at his worried master. “Takaya and I will stay too-”

 

“NO!” Chiaki exclaimed, his hands flying up as if to push them away. “I think the two of you have helped enough for one day! Go back to the hotel! I'll call you tomorrow and fill you in!” His eyes narrowed, daring either of the men to argue. But to his surprise neither protested.

 

Takaya sighed. Perhaps Chiaki was right. He and Naoe would be of no help to the situation. And the two of them obviously had some serious issues to work out.

 

“Okay,” Takaya conceded. Then he looked to Yuzuru. “Looks like everything's under control for the moment. Are you sure you'll be alright?”

 

Yuzuru managed a faint smile. “Yeah.”

 

Takaya turned to the forlorn Naoe. Oh, how he couldn't wait to give that man a piece of his mind! He snatched the man's forearm and leaned into him to mutter, “Let's go. We need to talk.” His eyes widened when Naoe yanked his arm free and seized his wrist with a painful squeeze, his fiery gaze fixed on Takaya. Takaya froze for a moment. His breath quickened. Was Naoe defying him, or was this a gesture of possessiveness? Either way, Takaya refused to react. He simply spun around to march away, Naoe in tow. That look in his eyes... He remembered that same intense gaze from when Naoe had made love to him. A shiver coursed through Takaya as those lascivious acts flashed through his mind.

 

As Yuzuru watched Naoe and his friend navigate through the wreckage, the blaring sirens drew closer. Injured people lay everywhere and he realized the extent of his selfishness. All of this chaos because he'd wanted to keep Takaya from following his destiny. He wondered how he could've been so self-centered. Takaya had to move on and he needed to accept that. I can't be there to protect you all the time, Takaya, but I'll always be herewhen you need me. He wondered how their teenage life became this complicated. A year ago, I would've never believed all of this crazy stuff about 400 year old possessors and modern-day battles between feudal-era Warlords. And a discussion about a demonic mirror, and the like, would've been a joke. He sighed and sadly shook his head. And most of all, I never thought I'd have to watch my best friend slip from my grasp into a world where these things DO exist. A world where I may not be able to help you, to watch out for you the way you've watched over me. As the two men disappeared in the distance, he could not shake that one reoccurring fear that each time Takaya left, he might never see him again.

 

Yuzuru jumped when Chiaki's hand plopped onto his shoulder.

 

“Whatd'ya say we help these people,” Chiaki said, pointing to some of the injured bystanders who were just beginning to awaken, rubbing their heads and mumbling their confusion.

 

Yuzuru nodded and followed Chiaki. He apprehensively chewed his lip for a moment before asking quietly, “Um... Chiaki? Do I have some sort of past connection to Kagetora? I can't stop thinking about what Kousaka said about me hurting Takaya in the past. But...”

 

Chiaki, without so much as a glance, interrupted. “I think everyone is capable of hurting someone they care about. Don't you? And usually it's unintentional.” He gingerly stepped over a piece of rubble, then the next with Yuzuru following closely behind. After a slight pause, he added thoughtfully, “I think sometimes it's possible for someone to love `too much'. That can be painful because it can leave a person vulnerable, if you know what I mean.”

 

“Yes,” Yuzuru agreed with Chiaki's evasive comment, “but it seems like everyone knows something they're not telling me!”

 

Chiaki spun around to stare intently into the teen's eyes. “It's not my place to answer your questions. You need to find those answers for yourself. But I will say that you've been close to Takaya far longer than you can recall right now. Everything will become clear in it's own time.”

 

Yuzuru sighed and forced a feeble smile. Perhaps Chiaki was right. The answers he sought were probably among the fleeting shadows lurking within his own mind, not yet wanting to be discovered. But he felt the truth closing in. The vague, broken memories that made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. And the destructive capabilities of his newfound power. And what of those dreams he'd been having? The ones with Takaya, only he wasn't Takaya, but Kagetora. And the nightmares of bloody battles. What if those dreams were in fact not really dreams at all, but memories? A shiver ran up his spine. And there was that name...

 

Yuzuru again wondered about Kousaka's motives. Maybe he'd never understand why Kousaka did what he did, but if he spoke to the man once more, then perhaps he could get more information. He turned to look back at the man, but he was gone. Shocked, his jaw dropped. What the...?! Where the hell could he have gone? And how?! A few minutes ago he could hardly move!

 

Chiaki turned to see what Yuzuru was gaping at. Noticing Kousaka had disappeared, he shook his head. “Some things never change,” he grumbled. “That slippery bastard always slithers away undetected.”

 

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to be continued...

 

 

Author's Note: Thank you so much for continuing to read this story. And a big thanks to those who reviewed! And I just wanted to add that, unfortunately, when my computer crashed some time ago, I lost some email addresses for people who wanted to be notified when I updated. Sorry about that... Anyway, I'm hard at work on the next chapter, so it shouldn't be too long... And Nikki, once again, I owe you one!