S-CRY-ed Fan Fiction ❯ Full Circle ❯ Return ( Chapter 7 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Drunken Muses 
Ryuhou makes his choice... but will he pay the ultimate price?
Anime/Manga: S-CRY-ed Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.25.2005 | Updated On: 08.25.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 445 | Status: Completed
Ryuhou makes his choice... but will he pay the ultimate price?
Anime/Manga: S-CRY-ed Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.25.2005 | Updated On: 08.25.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 445 | Status: Completed
Chapter 7: Return
Kazuma sat hunched on the rocky ground, looking over the plain. The view of the empty expanse of rippling grass and darkening sky was not marred by the jeep and the two's silent camp. Behind him rose the rocks and mountain that surrounded the Springs, which were a wonder of nature as well. But Kazuma didn't care. The only thing that mattered was the echoing thought in his head, Shiirice could be brought back, but the cost...
Lost in thought, Kazuma didn't sense Ryuhou behind him until a strong pair of arms wrapped around him. Ryuhou rested his chin on Kazuma's shoulder. "Stop it."
Kazuma looked up, startled. "Stop what?"
“Stop over-thinking it.” Ryuhou stood up, stepping back and staring at the mountains. "I think Kevin was sugarcoating it. He's not really an adult and he doesn't like death. I think the odds that both Shiirice and I are going to survive aren't good."
Kazuma turned to look at him. "But there's a chance." He bit his lip, knowing that this was Ryuhou's decision, but he just couldn't stay out of it.
Ryuhou smiled grimly. "The logical thing would be to go through with the other option."
Kazuma sputtered angrily as he sprang to his feet. How could Ryuhou even toy with abandoning Shiirice? "How dare you?! You could take your logic and shove it right up your-"
Ryuhou turned to stare down Kazuma, cutting him off. "But that's what you were thinking. That’s what you wanted to say." He chuckled, "But I'm glad you didn't. Logic doesn't suit you." Kazuma continued to glare at him as he turned back toward the mountains, continuing in a quiet hush. “You know I've got to try. I wouldn't be able to live with the knowledge that I could have done something, could have gambled something to bring her back. She died for me. Risked her life for me. Don't I owe her the same?"
The quaver of emotion in Ryuhou's voice softened Kazuma. "I- I'm sorry I doubted you, Ryuhou." He chuckled softly and ran his hand through his hair. "Here I thought I was going to have to beat some sense into you so you wouldn't 'logic' your way out of the right decision."still looked away and worried his lip a bit. He actually had half-wanted Ryuhou to talk himself out of what he knew was the right choice.
Ryuhou turned away to go to their bedroll. As the night was clear and warm, they’d decided to forgo the tent and sleep in the open air. He flung himself back onto the bedding with a ghost of a smile on his lips as he stared up at the stars, crossing his arms behind his head."There's a chance it really could work."
"It's not like you to look on the bright side," Kazuma grumbled, sitting down next to Ryuhou.
"And it's like you to be a pessimist?"
Kazuma pulled his knees up to his chest. "I really-" He frowned. It wasn’t like him to not know what his emotions were. That was Ryuhou's job. "It's just..." he began, hesitantly. "I don't want you to... dammit, just be... agh." He couldn't seem to pull his thoughts together, and soon fell silent.
Ryuhou didn't look at Kazuma, just stared at the stars for a long moment. "She used to be scared of the dark." Kazuma blinked at the non-sequitur, but stayed silent and let the other continue to speak. "I was around sixteen and still in the HOLY male youth's barracks. She was supposed to sleep in the girls’. They were all separated by age group too. I had picked her up on one of my first missions." Ryuhou continued with Kazuma listening quietly. "She would climb out of her room and sneak into mine. She said her room was near the generators and she couldn't sleep."
Kazuma looked down at his hands. Ryuhou hadn't said a thing about Shiirice in the weeks since his confession. It was a sore point between the two and to hear him so freely talking about it was startling. "You should have heard the guy go on with their catcalls and whistles." Ryuhou's easy expression twisted into a frown.
"Did anything happen?" Kazuma cautiously ventured.
"Yeah, a couple hits with Zetsuei's ribbons and they shut up." Ryuhou smiled teasingly. "You mean with Shiirice? No."
Kazuma raised his eyebrow and looked over at Ryuhou. "You never took advantage of that? Wow, you really were repressed."
Ryuhou pushed up to one elbow and looked down, picking stray bits of fuzz off the blanket. "No. She was so childlike and innocent, I wouldn't have. I thought she saw me as a big brother... I didn't know until later that she would have been perfectly willing to be more."
Kazuma knew better than to pick up on the fact that Ryuhou might have not wanted it to be more. What they had been doing the last few months together wasn't exactly heterosexual but to say it out loud would be crossing a line. "Though at times, if really was difficult to define what our relationship was. She was developing nicely," Ryuhou smiled grimly as Kazuma's eyes widened at the hint. "I guess that was the story of our lives the whole time."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, each lost in their memories of the girl they both regretted they hadn’t known better. Kazuma startled a bit when Ryuhou spoke again. "I know it's not my place to ask, but... what was it like? To be with her?"
Kazuma took a deep breath, wondering why Ryuhou was asking this now. He didn’t want to deny him the answer, though, so he replied as honestly as he could. "I can't describe it. She was so gentle and needy and rough." His mouth quirked in a wistful smile at the memories. "I had those scratches all over my arms and back. At least I think I was scratched. All I remember was this tingling feeling and noticing dried blood later. It was like... she couldn't hold back. She was so intense, and she gave and took everything.”
"Hmm..." Ryuhou murmured, then fell silent for a moment before speaking again."Let’s do that,” he breathed, causing Kazuma's throat to clench.
"W-what?" Kazuma gasped.
"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Ryuhou looked up at him with a smile, reaching out and rubbing his leg suggestively.
Biting his lip, Kazuma shook his head quickly. "No. We shouldn't." Despite the fact that the soft request had already made his groin ache, he pressed on. "Remember last time?"
Ryuhou narrowed his eyes and tightened his hand on Kazuma's thigh. "Let's not remember last time. Let's not think of the next time either." He tried his best to sound hopeful but the hint was apparent that they might not have this opportunity again. Smiling softly, he slid his hand higher. "You're the one that says to live in the moment. I don't care about tomorrow, it doesn’t matter. I... want you, now." His fingertips crept up under the hem of Kazuma’s shirt. “Don’t hold back...” he murmured, his breath warming the skin of Kazuma’s neck.
Kazuma closed his eye, fighting with his emotions. He hadn't missed the implication in Ryuhou's words, yet he didn't want to do anything that would hurt the other man. The decision was taken out of his hands as Ryuhou tugged him down onto the blanket. Gentle, insistent touches soon stole away his hesitation, and he wrapped his arms around Ryuhou and kissed him with increasing intensity.
Groaning into Kazuma’s mouth, Ryuhou rolled the smaller man underneath him, straddling his hips. To be honest, he felt much better now than he had the last time they’d been together. Whatever Kevin had done to him, it had eased the sickness and pain that had plagued him for months. Though he knew it wouldn’t last, he wanted to live this moment of well-being to the fullest.
Soon, clothes were removed and negligently tossed aside as the two men lost all sense of time or place. Ryuhou arched above Kazuma, moaning deeply as he felt the completion of the other man filling him. Nothing could compare to this... no fight, no rush of power, no clash of wills and strength... nothing even came close to the merging of their bodies in this way. Each man knew the way to move, the places to touch, the rhythm of the other’s body, creating a dance that was more intense than any of their previous battles. As in their battles too, they built up the intensity to a crescendo, leading and following, giving and taking, before peaking and collapsing onto the ground, gasping-drained-euphoric.
Ryuhou tugged on his shirt over his head and gingerly put his arm in the sleeve. "Want me to help you with that?" Kazuma asked as the morning sun warmed his bare skin.
"I'm not a cripple, Kazuma." Ryuhou insisted as he finished dressing. Yes, he was worn out from their activities for most of last night, but he wasn’t about to admit it. It was well worth it, anyway.
"Are you still thinking of going through with it?" Kazuma's voice sounded gruffer than he would have liked but it was all he could do not to let it quiver.
"Yes," was Ryuhou's simple answer. They had gone through discussing it so there really was nothing left to say. "Hurry up. Let's go see if Kevin is still willing." Though he had refused Kazuma’s assistance with his shirt, Ryuhou reluctantly leaned on the other man’s shoulder as they made their way back up the path.
Upon arriving Akira's camp, the two men found it abuzz with activity. Akira was in fine form as she barked orders to the rest of the group. Kazuma grabbed her shoulder to get her attention. "What the hell is going on?"
Akira looked up at Ryuhou, ignoring Kazuma’s question for the moment. "You’ve made your choice?" she asked.
"Yes," Ryuhou said crisply.
"And the details?"
"I want to try saving both of us. I couldn't bear sacrificing her for myself when I know I have the chance to get her back." Letting go of Kazuma’s shoulder, Ryuhou stood a bit taller, relieved at the decision. It felt right.
"It'll be rough but if that is your choice, "Akira let out a breath she didn't even know she had been holding. “I’ll take you to Kevin.” She turned and started toward a tent at the outskirts of the camp.
“What’s going on here?" Kazuma demanded again, quickening his pace to walk beside her.
Akira looked straight ahead as she answered. "We'll have to move once Kevin is done. His Alter's full power is a bit... showy. We can't risk a confrontation with any Mainland forces; their spies might see his power and send troops this way.” She stopped by the tent and called out softly, “Kevin? Ryuhou is here.”
The short Alter user came creeping out from behind a rock. He looked near to tears and frightened. "He decided to try risking it to save both of them," Akira said gently, crouching beside him.
Kevin bit his lip and nodded, reaching out to clasp Ryuhou's hand. "Might hurt," he whispered. "You sure?"
Ryuhou nodded grimly. "I've made my choice. I don't care about the pain or cost."
Kevin tilted his head and tugged on Ryuhou's hand, pulling him toward the tent. "You can go," he said over his shoulder to Kazuma. "Don't need you here."
Kazuma shook his head with a growl, lunging after the two. "Like hell I'm leaving."
"Everyone, get ready to move!" Akira ordered as the small caravan loaded the last of their camp save that last tent. Akira grabbed onto Kazuma's arm as he strode past her. "Maybe it is better you stay out here. It is a delicate operation."
Kazuma shook her off angrily. "I'm not leaving him, dammit." Honestly, he'd considered not watching the process, but now it felt too much like running away. If this were going to be the last time he saw Ryuhou alive, he'd be damned if he was going to miss one moment. Brushing off her protests, he ducked into the tent just in time to see Kevin settling Ryuhou onto a pallet of blankets. He sat on the other side of his companion with a glare at Kevin, as if daring the other Alter user to make him leave.
Ryuhou glanced over at him, surprised. "Kazuma...?"
"Shut up, I'm not going anywhere," he replied gruffly, reaching out to clasp Ryuhou's hand tightly in his own. Ryuhou was touched by the display but could only squeeze his hand back.
"Are you sure?” Kevin ventured as he fidgeted.
"Yes I'm sure."
"Are you sure you sure?"
"Yes. I'm sure that I am sure."
"Are you sure-"
"He's damn well sure!" Kazuma impatiently interrupted.
"Good. I'm glad you chose that," Kevin said quietly. "I didn't want to hear her scream." Both guys went as white as a sheet at the statement, momentarily frozen as Kevin instantly perked up. "So let's get started!" He scooted his butt to sit by Ryuhou's head. "I want you to think of the first time you saw your friend."
Kazuma watched as Ryuhou's eyes closed and his lip quirked downward in his "I'm thinking here!" frown. Kevin's eyes squinted shut in response as he stuck out his tongue in concentration like Kanami used to do when she was coloring. Ryuhou sighed, remembering the blue-haired native Alter he'd rescued from a gang. "She was so happy to be free..." he murmured.
Kazuma slumped and rubbed at his eyes with his free hand. He wasn't tearing up. Ryuhou wasn't going to die or get hurt. Then he saw it on the back of his closed eyelids. They had each told him the story but now...
He gasped suddenly as he had a strange double-vision view of Shiirice sitting at the bottom of a demolished prison. He heard Ryuhou's voice echoing in his ears, "You're free..." Forcing his eyes open, he saw a bluish-green glow encompass Kevin and Ryuhou, washing over his hand where he was touching the other. His back stiffened as he was suddenly flooded with memory, both of Ryuhou and Shiirice. At first he thought it was like an out of focus movie at high speed. Then he slowly was able to see the superimposed images of a lanky green-haired boy and a hero-worshiping girl evolve into two lives permanently linked by unvoiced need and profession as they rose through the ranks of HOLY.
Kazuma’s head pounded and he felt sick, but he stubbornly held on. However, when he saw himself from both their points of view, standing in front of the HOLY transport, he jerked his hand away instinctively. Seeing his own memory from their eyes... it was overwhelming. He fell back, stunned by the almost electric shock from the Alter reaction. He wanted to be here for Ryuhou, to stay with him through this, but... he figured he wouldn't be much good if he passed out from sensory overload. His eyes opened to see the intensifying blue light surround Ryuhou and Kevin. Pulsating lightning glided over their bodies, and Ryuhou suddenly screamed, his back arching as he writhed in pain. Kazuma scrambled to grab his hand but was zapped back as the light escalated to near white.
Ryuhou was lost, drowning in a sea of agony and memory. He felt as though his body was being torn in half... the pain he'd felt before, during his illness, was nothing compared to this. Jumbled images of Shiirice and Kazuma and his whole life rattled through his brain, dragging pieces of himself out into the light. Burning sensations of being ripped apart danced across Ryuhou's nerve endings. As he was being bombarded by visions and searing pain he felt himself dropping into the deepest of oblivion. Desperation and panic gripped him as a pure light pierced his mind. He felt himself falling deeper... he couldn’t pull away, couldn’t escape... until he saw a familiar silhouette offering a hand out to him. He reached out to clasp the shadowy figure's hand, and images of Kazuma rolled over him. Their fights, their first rough kisses, the boy sweaty and panting, naked above him... he held on for dear life, feeling as though he'd been pulled back from the edge of a bottomless pit. Swimming up from the ocean of dreams, he felt a gentle weight settling on top of him, and he clutched at it desperately.
Kazuma drew in a sharp breath as a shimmering figure began to form over Ryuhou. He recognized the soft curves of Shiirice's body even before she was fully corporeal. Ryuhou moaned as his arms came up to encircle the girl. Kazuma sat back and watched with amazement. Ryuhou's grimacing face eased to one of peace as he held the nude girl on top of him as the glow faded. If Ryuhou had been unclothed, they would have looked more like a set of lovers in blissful sleep than a pair that had gone through a painful separation. With an exhausted “meep,” Kevin let go of Ryuhou's forehead and slumped to the side in a heap.
Crawling forward, Kazuma gave a cursory glance at Kevin to make sure the little Alter user was all right, then turned his attention to the newly-separated pair. After checking to make sure both were breathing, he eased Ryuhou's arms away from Shiirice's body. Grabbing a blanket, he tugged her into his arms and wrapped her tightly. He felt a lump form in his throat as he looked down at her angelic face. He'd... really missed her. "Shiirice," he called out softly. "Can you hear me?" When there was no response, he frowned and shook her gently. "Hey, wake up..." Seeing that she wasn't going to rouse, Kazuma laid Shiirice down on the bedding, then turned to Ryuhou. "Oi, Ryuhou, it's done," he said, shaking his shoulder a bit more roughly. The green-haired boy stirred and moaned, his eyelids fluttering briefly before he fell silent again. "Quit being lazy... wake up already!" Kazuma bit his lip, looking over at Kevin again. He had no idea if this was normal, or if he should be panicking right now.
Outside, Akira tensed as she looked at the tent, which was beaconing light like a giant paper lantern. She was thankful they had waited for the morning since the light was probably visible for a mile off. Imagine how far it would go in the dark! She knew they would have to go soon. There were ways for some to track Alters and she didn't want to deal with any of the local gangs or the new rumors of more mainlander spies sulking about. But she was more worried about the welfare of the people in the tent so once the light faded she cautiously ventured in.
"Kevin!" Frightened, Akira scrambled for the pale still form of the young man. Luckily he then subconsciously chose that moment to emit a loud snore.
Kazuma glanced up, unable to keep the worried expression off his face. "They won't wake up..."
Turning to the others, Akira checked their vitals. She took a deep breath to maintain a calm demeanor as she carefully phrased, "Well they have a pulse. Just unconscious, I think. It takes a while to wake up when brought back from the brink. We were ambushed at dawn and I woke up at dusk." She shook her head. "I'm not even sure it was the same day." She stood up and went to the flap of the tent. "I'll go get Hannish to move them so we can get going..."
"Wait! What do you mean?" Kazuma stopped her, grabbing her arm. "I thought you said they needed to rest."
"You didn't feel that pulse of power?" Akira's noble brow creased. "I told you before, with HOLY gone, so is their oppressive rule. There are gangs everywhere and people haven't yet risen up to put things into a better order. Every Alter hunter in a 10 mile radius will swarm here within hours. Kevin is too powerful to let some bandits or mainland spies get him. We have to go."
"I don't want to risk my friends by moving them!" Kazuma insisted. "And I never said I was going to join you!"
Akira paused if weighting the options. "Fine. We can't all stay here, we'd be too large a target. But most smart hunters will know when we leave and take Kevin that the one that they want is gone. You can take the dregs and defend your small party, can't you?"
Kazuma glared at her, not liking the insinuation. "Of course I can. But... what if something goes wrong? What if they don't..." he couldn't bring himself to finish the thought.
"I wasn't finished." In moments like this is was obvious why the petite woman was a born leader. "I'm leaving the tent and some of the blankets here with you." Kazuma frowned. He didn’t like charity, which Akira could see in his expression. "They can rest undisturbed for a couple days,” she continued quickly. “I think they will then improve. I can also give you directions to an old base of ours nearby so you can lay low until they are well, since they might be weak for some time afterwards."
Kazuma crossed his arms, still not liking the idea. He had very little medical knowledge, and caring for a sick Ryuhou was about the extent of his abilities in that area. Yet, he didn't want to drag them around if moving would hurt them... and he couldn't bring himself to ask for more help. "Fine, whatever. We'll be all right."
"Unless you want to take them to a settlement." Akira shrugged.
"You're right." Kazuma shook his head. "Those stupid doctors don't know anything."
Nodding in agreement, the girl went to the entrance and called her husband over to help with Kevin. "Everyone, we're moving out!" Turning back, she put her hands on her hips and looked down at the sleeping pair. "We'll also give you a set of clothing." Kazuma gave her a confused look. "Unless you like running around with a naked young woman?" Kazuma's tanned cheeks quickly blushed as red as his hair. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright. I look forward to the day when we see you and your friend again." Akira patted him on the back as she left the tent.
Seeing the group pack the last of their gear along with a happily snoring Alter-guru, Kazuma felt a pang of guilt as he stepped out of the tent and looked back. He was still worrying, but Ryuhou was alive for the moment and Shiirice was back. These Lawless guys had just invited him into their camp and helped as much as they could. "Hey, Akira!" he called as he ran up to the woman. "I just wanted to... I wanted..." Kazuma frowned and decided to just spit it out. "Thanks."
"It was our pleasure." Akira smiled. "It's the least we could do for you considering what you've done for all of us with HOLY."
"You know about that?" Kazuma gasped. The rumors that had reached him and Ryuhou hadn't mentioned them and he wasn't sure that he would want them to.
"Tachibana told us." Akira climbed onto the passenger side of one of their vehicles besides Hannish. "Who knows? Maybe if fate was different we could have fought side by side. Good luck."
Kazuma watched them go until the dust dispersed in the hot noon sun. With a sigh, he turned back to the tent, grudgingly anticipating the long wait ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Several hours later, Kazuma tried his best not to fidget. The tent was becoming stifling in the afternoon sun, despite his efforts to pin back the front flaps. He was almost beginning to envy his unconscious wards. With another sigh, he shifted on the blankets, trying to get comfortable. The tent was small enough that he could barely sit by Ryuhou's legs, between him and Shiirice.
Both bored and worried, Kazuma tried to occupy himself by studying the sleeping faces before him. Shiirice looked... exactly as he'd remembered her. She was so beautiful, so peaceful. Reaching forward, he touched her face lightly, willing her to wake up. He wondered if her lips would still feel as soft as he remembered.
Ryuhou moaned and stirred, startling Kazuma. Quickly, he turned his attention to his friend, peering closely at his face for signs of wakefulness. But the green-haired boy only murmured incoherently before quieting, his face relaxing as he slipped into a deeper sleep.
"Dammit, don't do that," Kazuma grumbled under his breath. "Get my hopes up..." he trailed off as he continued to study the profile of Ryuhou's face. A bit of... doubt or worry was starting to nag at him. He'd been so concerned, first about Ryuhou's health and then about getting Shiirice back, he'd had no thoughts about what would happen afterward; as if such thoughts would jinx everything. Should he continue to pursue her, as he had before? Would she go back to loving Ryuhou, rejecting him for the older boy? And what of Ryuhou? He'd realized his feelings for Shiirice too late, but now that she was back, how would he react? Kazuma had become... accustomed to Ryuhou's presence, his warmth beside him at night. He didn't want to admit it–even to himself–but he couldn't imagine being alone again.
He was jolted out of his thoughts as he sensed something outside. Not a sound, not a warning... but every hair on his body abruptly decided to stand on end. Eagerly, he left the tent to be confronted with a group of men quickly trying to surround him. They had common brigands written all over them. From their clothing of battered leather, chains, and jeans, they either hadn't had any luck with the bandit business, or they really had a strange sense of fashion. It could have been humorous too, since they looked more like caricatures of bandits. Akira wasn't fooling when she said the dregs would go after the small group. A quick scan of the group, Kazuma noticed a couple individuals with unusual characteristics that probably meant Alter users, but he wasn't worried. He had faced off against HOLY's best–this laughable group would be nothing.
One large yahoo pointed at him. He seemed to be the leader but Kazuma couldn't believe he was actually wearing ass-less leather chaps. “We are the infamous Dragon Fangs!” the behemoth boomed. "We're looking for Alters. If you beg and give us anything you have of value, we might think about letting you join us. What's in the tent?"
Kazuma cracked his knuckles. "Nothing you're going to get anywhere near." He gave them a feral grin, already feeling a tingle in his arm in anticipation of a fight. "You guys don't look like much of a challenge, but... I've had a really bad couple days and I'd LOVE the chance to blow off some steam."
Kazuma sat hunched on the rocky ground, looking over the plain. The view of the empty expanse of rippling grass and darkening sky was not marred by the jeep and the two's silent camp. Behind him rose the rocks and mountain that surrounded the Springs, which were a wonder of nature as well. But Kazuma didn't care. The only thing that mattered was the echoing thought in his head, Shiirice could be brought back, but the cost...
Lost in thought, Kazuma didn't sense Ryuhou behind him until a strong pair of arms wrapped around him. Ryuhou rested his chin on Kazuma's shoulder. "Stop it."
Kazuma looked up, startled. "Stop what?"
“Stop over-thinking it.” Ryuhou stood up, stepping back and staring at the mountains. "I think Kevin was sugarcoating it. He's not really an adult and he doesn't like death. I think the odds that both Shiirice and I are going to survive aren't good."
Kazuma turned to look at him. "But there's a chance." He bit his lip, knowing that this was Ryuhou's decision, but he just couldn't stay out of it.
Ryuhou smiled grimly. "The logical thing would be to go through with the other option."
Kazuma sputtered angrily as he sprang to his feet. How could Ryuhou even toy with abandoning Shiirice? "How dare you?! You could take your logic and shove it right up your-"
Ryuhou turned to stare down Kazuma, cutting him off. "But that's what you were thinking. That’s what you wanted to say." He chuckled, "But I'm glad you didn't. Logic doesn't suit you." Kazuma continued to glare at him as he turned back toward the mountains, continuing in a quiet hush. “You know I've got to try. I wouldn't be able to live with the knowledge that I could have done something, could have gambled something to bring her back. She died for me. Risked her life for me. Don't I owe her the same?"
The quaver of emotion in Ryuhou's voice softened Kazuma. "I- I'm sorry I doubted you, Ryuhou." He chuckled softly and ran his hand through his hair. "Here I thought I was going to have to beat some sense into you so you wouldn't 'logic' your way out of the right decision."still looked away and worried his lip a bit. He actually had half-wanted Ryuhou to talk himself out of what he knew was the right choice.
Ryuhou turned away to go to their bedroll. As the night was clear and warm, they’d decided to forgo the tent and sleep in the open air. He flung himself back onto the bedding with a ghost of a smile on his lips as he stared up at the stars, crossing his arms behind his head."There's a chance it really could work."
"It's not like you to look on the bright side," Kazuma grumbled, sitting down next to Ryuhou.
"And it's like you to be a pessimist?"
Kazuma pulled his knees up to his chest. "I really-" He frowned. It wasn’t like him to not know what his emotions were. That was Ryuhou's job. "It's just..." he began, hesitantly. "I don't want you to... dammit, just be... agh." He couldn't seem to pull his thoughts together, and soon fell silent.
Ryuhou didn't look at Kazuma, just stared at the stars for a long moment. "She used to be scared of the dark." Kazuma blinked at the non-sequitur, but stayed silent and let the other continue to speak. "I was around sixteen and still in the HOLY male youth's barracks. She was supposed to sleep in the girls’. They were all separated by age group too. I had picked her up on one of my first missions." Ryuhou continued with Kazuma listening quietly. "She would climb out of her room and sneak into mine. She said her room was near the generators and she couldn't sleep."
Kazuma looked down at his hands. Ryuhou hadn't said a thing about Shiirice in the weeks since his confession. It was a sore point between the two and to hear him so freely talking about it was startling. "You should have heard the guy go on with their catcalls and whistles." Ryuhou's easy expression twisted into a frown.
"Did anything happen?" Kazuma cautiously ventured.
"Yeah, a couple hits with Zetsuei's ribbons and they shut up." Ryuhou smiled teasingly. "You mean with Shiirice? No."
Kazuma raised his eyebrow and looked over at Ryuhou. "You never took advantage of that? Wow, you really were repressed."
Ryuhou pushed up to one elbow and looked down, picking stray bits of fuzz off the blanket. "No. She was so childlike and innocent, I wouldn't have. I thought she saw me as a big brother... I didn't know until later that she would have been perfectly willing to be more."
Kazuma knew better than to pick up on the fact that Ryuhou might have not wanted it to be more. What they had been doing the last few months together wasn't exactly heterosexual but to say it out loud would be crossing a line. "Though at times, if really was difficult to define what our relationship was. She was developing nicely," Ryuhou smiled grimly as Kazuma's eyes widened at the hint. "I guess that was the story of our lives the whole time."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, each lost in their memories of the girl they both regretted they hadn’t known better. Kazuma startled a bit when Ryuhou spoke again. "I know it's not my place to ask, but... what was it like? To be with her?"
Kazuma took a deep breath, wondering why Ryuhou was asking this now. He didn’t want to deny him the answer, though, so he replied as honestly as he could. "I can't describe it. She was so gentle and needy and rough." His mouth quirked in a wistful smile at the memories. "I had those scratches all over my arms and back. At least I think I was scratched. All I remember was this tingling feeling and noticing dried blood later. It was like... she couldn't hold back. She was so intense, and she gave and took everything.”
"Hmm..." Ryuhou murmured, then fell silent for a moment before speaking again."Let’s do that,” he breathed, causing Kazuma's throat to clench.
"W-what?" Kazuma gasped.
"Do I have to spell it out for you?" Ryuhou looked up at him with a smile, reaching out and rubbing his leg suggestively.
Biting his lip, Kazuma shook his head quickly. "No. We shouldn't." Despite the fact that the soft request had already made his groin ache, he pressed on. "Remember last time?"
Ryuhou narrowed his eyes and tightened his hand on Kazuma's thigh. "Let's not remember last time. Let's not think of the next time either." He tried his best to sound hopeful but the hint was apparent that they might not have this opportunity again. Smiling softly, he slid his hand higher. "You're the one that says to live in the moment. I don't care about tomorrow, it doesn’t matter. I... want you, now." His fingertips crept up under the hem of Kazuma’s shirt. “Don’t hold back...” he murmured, his breath warming the skin of Kazuma’s neck.
Kazuma closed his eye, fighting with his emotions. He hadn't missed the implication in Ryuhou's words, yet he didn't want to do anything that would hurt the other man. The decision was taken out of his hands as Ryuhou tugged him down onto the blanket. Gentle, insistent touches soon stole away his hesitation, and he wrapped his arms around Ryuhou and kissed him with increasing intensity.
Groaning into Kazuma’s mouth, Ryuhou rolled the smaller man underneath him, straddling his hips. To be honest, he felt much better now than he had the last time they’d been together. Whatever Kevin had done to him, it had eased the sickness and pain that had plagued him for months. Though he knew it wouldn’t last, he wanted to live this moment of well-being to the fullest.
Soon, clothes were removed and negligently tossed aside as the two men lost all sense of time or place. Ryuhou arched above Kazuma, moaning deeply as he felt the completion of the other man filling him. Nothing could compare to this... no fight, no rush of power, no clash of wills and strength... nothing even came close to the merging of their bodies in this way. Each man knew the way to move, the places to touch, the rhythm of the other’s body, creating a dance that was more intense than any of their previous battles. As in their battles too, they built up the intensity to a crescendo, leading and following, giving and taking, before peaking and collapsing onto the ground, gasping-drained-euphoric.
Ryuhou tugged on his shirt over his head and gingerly put his arm in the sleeve. "Want me to help you with that?" Kazuma asked as the morning sun warmed his bare skin.
"I'm not a cripple, Kazuma." Ryuhou insisted as he finished dressing. Yes, he was worn out from their activities for most of last night, but he wasn’t about to admit it. It was well worth it, anyway.
"Are you still thinking of going through with it?" Kazuma's voice sounded gruffer than he would have liked but it was all he could do not to let it quiver.
"Yes," was Ryuhou's simple answer. They had gone through discussing it so there really was nothing left to say. "Hurry up. Let's go see if Kevin is still willing." Though he had refused Kazuma’s assistance with his shirt, Ryuhou reluctantly leaned on the other man’s shoulder as they made their way back up the path.
Upon arriving Akira's camp, the two men found it abuzz with activity. Akira was in fine form as she barked orders to the rest of the group. Kazuma grabbed her shoulder to get her attention. "What the hell is going on?"
Akira looked up at Ryuhou, ignoring Kazuma’s question for the moment. "You’ve made your choice?" she asked.
"Yes," Ryuhou said crisply.
"And the details?"
"I want to try saving both of us. I couldn't bear sacrificing her for myself when I know I have the chance to get her back." Letting go of Kazuma’s shoulder, Ryuhou stood a bit taller, relieved at the decision. It felt right.
"It'll be rough but if that is your choice, "Akira let out a breath she didn't even know she had been holding. “I’ll take you to Kevin.” She turned and started toward a tent at the outskirts of the camp.
“What’s going on here?" Kazuma demanded again, quickening his pace to walk beside her.
Akira looked straight ahead as she answered. "We'll have to move once Kevin is done. His Alter's full power is a bit... showy. We can't risk a confrontation with any Mainland forces; their spies might see his power and send troops this way.” She stopped by the tent and called out softly, “Kevin? Ryuhou is here.”
The short Alter user came creeping out from behind a rock. He looked near to tears and frightened. "He decided to try risking it to save both of them," Akira said gently, crouching beside him.
Kevin bit his lip and nodded, reaching out to clasp Ryuhou's hand. "Might hurt," he whispered. "You sure?"
Ryuhou nodded grimly. "I've made my choice. I don't care about the pain or cost."
Kevin tilted his head and tugged on Ryuhou's hand, pulling him toward the tent. "You can go," he said over his shoulder to Kazuma. "Don't need you here."
Kazuma shook his head with a growl, lunging after the two. "Like hell I'm leaving."
"Everyone, get ready to move!" Akira ordered as the small caravan loaded the last of their camp save that last tent. Akira grabbed onto Kazuma's arm as he strode past her. "Maybe it is better you stay out here. It is a delicate operation."
Kazuma shook her off angrily. "I'm not leaving him, dammit." Honestly, he'd considered not watching the process, but now it felt too much like running away. If this were going to be the last time he saw Ryuhou alive, he'd be damned if he was going to miss one moment. Brushing off her protests, he ducked into the tent just in time to see Kevin settling Ryuhou onto a pallet of blankets. He sat on the other side of his companion with a glare at Kevin, as if daring the other Alter user to make him leave.
Ryuhou glanced over at him, surprised. "Kazuma...?"
"Shut up, I'm not going anywhere," he replied gruffly, reaching out to clasp Ryuhou's hand tightly in his own. Ryuhou was touched by the display but could only squeeze his hand back.
"Are you sure?” Kevin ventured as he fidgeted.
"Yes I'm sure."
"Are you sure you sure?"
"Yes. I'm sure that I am sure."
"Are you sure-"
"He's damn well sure!" Kazuma impatiently interrupted.
"Good. I'm glad you chose that," Kevin said quietly. "I didn't want to hear her scream." Both guys went as white as a sheet at the statement, momentarily frozen as Kevin instantly perked up. "So let's get started!" He scooted his butt to sit by Ryuhou's head. "I want you to think of the first time you saw your friend."
Kazuma watched as Ryuhou's eyes closed and his lip quirked downward in his "I'm thinking here!" frown. Kevin's eyes squinted shut in response as he stuck out his tongue in concentration like Kanami used to do when she was coloring. Ryuhou sighed, remembering the blue-haired native Alter he'd rescued from a gang. "She was so happy to be free..." he murmured.
Kazuma slumped and rubbed at his eyes with his free hand. He wasn't tearing up. Ryuhou wasn't going to die or get hurt. Then he saw it on the back of his closed eyelids. They had each told him the story but now...
He gasped suddenly as he had a strange double-vision view of Shiirice sitting at the bottom of a demolished prison. He heard Ryuhou's voice echoing in his ears, "You're free..." Forcing his eyes open, he saw a bluish-green glow encompass Kevin and Ryuhou, washing over his hand where he was touching the other. His back stiffened as he was suddenly flooded with memory, both of Ryuhou and Shiirice. At first he thought it was like an out of focus movie at high speed. Then he slowly was able to see the superimposed images of a lanky green-haired boy and a hero-worshiping girl evolve into two lives permanently linked by unvoiced need and profession as they rose through the ranks of HOLY.
Kazuma’s head pounded and he felt sick, but he stubbornly held on. However, when he saw himself from both their points of view, standing in front of the HOLY transport, he jerked his hand away instinctively. Seeing his own memory from their eyes... it was overwhelming. He fell back, stunned by the almost electric shock from the Alter reaction. He wanted to be here for Ryuhou, to stay with him through this, but... he figured he wouldn't be much good if he passed out from sensory overload. His eyes opened to see the intensifying blue light surround Ryuhou and Kevin. Pulsating lightning glided over their bodies, and Ryuhou suddenly screamed, his back arching as he writhed in pain. Kazuma scrambled to grab his hand but was zapped back as the light escalated to near white.
Ryuhou was lost, drowning in a sea of agony and memory. He felt as though his body was being torn in half... the pain he'd felt before, during his illness, was nothing compared to this. Jumbled images of Shiirice and Kazuma and his whole life rattled through his brain, dragging pieces of himself out into the light. Burning sensations of being ripped apart danced across Ryuhou's nerve endings. As he was being bombarded by visions and searing pain he felt himself dropping into the deepest of oblivion. Desperation and panic gripped him as a pure light pierced his mind. He felt himself falling deeper... he couldn’t pull away, couldn’t escape... until he saw a familiar silhouette offering a hand out to him. He reached out to clasp the shadowy figure's hand, and images of Kazuma rolled over him. Their fights, their first rough kisses, the boy sweaty and panting, naked above him... he held on for dear life, feeling as though he'd been pulled back from the edge of a bottomless pit. Swimming up from the ocean of dreams, he felt a gentle weight settling on top of him, and he clutched at it desperately.
Kazuma drew in a sharp breath as a shimmering figure began to form over Ryuhou. He recognized the soft curves of Shiirice's body even before she was fully corporeal. Ryuhou moaned as his arms came up to encircle the girl. Kazuma sat back and watched with amazement. Ryuhou's grimacing face eased to one of peace as he held the nude girl on top of him as the glow faded. If Ryuhou had been unclothed, they would have looked more like a set of lovers in blissful sleep than a pair that had gone through a painful separation. With an exhausted “meep,” Kevin let go of Ryuhou's forehead and slumped to the side in a heap.
Crawling forward, Kazuma gave a cursory glance at Kevin to make sure the little Alter user was all right, then turned his attention to the newly-separated pair. After checking to make sure both were breathing, he eased Ryuhou's arms away from Shiirice's body. Grabbing a blanket, he tugged her into his arms and wrapped her tightly. He felt a lump form in his throat as he looked down at her angelic face. He'd... really missed her. "Shiirice," he called out softly. "Can you hear me?" When there was no response, he frowned and shook her gently. "Hey, wake up..." Seeing that she wasn't going to rouse, Kazuma laid Shiirice down on the bedding, then turned to Ryuhou. "Oi, Ryuhou, it's done," he said, shaking his shoulder a bit more roughly. The green-haired boy stirred and moaned, his eyelids fluttering briefly before he fell silent again. "Quit being lazy... wake up already!" Kazuma bit his lip, looking over at Kevin again. He had no idea if this was normal, or if he should be panicking right now.
Outside, Akira tensed as she looked at the tent, which was beaconing light like a giant paper lantern. She was thankful they had waited for the morning since the light was probably visible for a mile off. Imagine how far it would go in the dark! She knew they would have to go soon. There were ways for some to track Alters and she didn't want to deal with any of the local gangs or the new rumors of more mainlander spies sulking about. But she was more worried about the welfare of the people in the tent so once the light faded she cautiously ventured in.
"Kevin!" Frightened, Akira scrambled for the pale still form of the young man. Luckily he then subconsciously chose that moment to emit a loud snore.
Kazuma glanced up, unable to keep the worried expression off his face. "They won't wake up..."
Turning to the others, Akira checked their vitals. She took a deep breath to maintain a calm demeanor as she carefully phrased, "Well they have a pulse. Just unconscious, I think. It takes a while to wake up when brought back from the brink. We were ambushed at dawn and I woke up at dusk." She shook her head. "I'm not even sure it was the same day." She stood up and went to the flap of the tent. "I'll go get Hannish to move them so we can get going..."
"Wait! What do you mean?" Kazuma stopped her, grabbing her arm. "I thought you said they needed to rest."
"You didn't feel that pulse of power?" Akira's noble brow creased. "I told you before, with HOLY gone, so is their oppressive rule. There are gangs everywhere and people haven't yet risen up to put things into a better order. Every Alter hunter in a 10 mile radius will swarm here within hours. Kevin is too powerful to let some bandits or mainland spies get him. We have to go."
"I don't want to risk my friends by moving them!" Kazuma insisted. "And I never said I was going to join you!"
Akira paused if weighting the options. "Fine. We can't all stay here, we'd be too large a target. But most smart hunters will know when we leave and take Kevin that the one that they want is gone. You can take the dregs and defend your small party, can't you?"
Kazuma glared at her, not liking the insinuation. "Of course I can. But... what if something goes wrong? What if they don't..." he couldn't bring himself to finish the thought.
"I wasn't finished." In moments like this is was obvious why the petite woman was a born leader. "I'm leaving the tent and some of the blankets here with you." Kazuma frowned. He didn’t like charity, which Akira could see in his expression. "They can rest undisturbed for a couple days,” she continued quickly. “I think they will then improve. I can also give you directions to an old base of ours nearby so you can lay low until they are well, since they might be weak for some time afterwards."
Kazuma crossed his arms, still not liking the idea. He had very little medical knowledge, and caring for a sick Ryuhou was about the extent of his abilities in that area. Yet, he didn't want to drag them around if moving would hurt them... and he couldn't bring himself to ask for more help. "Fine, whatever. We'll be all right."
"Unless you want to take them to a settlement." Akira shrugged.
"You're right." Kazuma shook his head. "Those stupid doctors don't know anything."
Nodding in agreement, the girl went to the entrance and called her husband over to help with Kevin. "Everyone, we're moving out!" Turning back, she put her hands on her hips and looked down at the sleeping pair. "We'll also give you a set of clothing." Kazuma gave her a confused look. "Unless you like running around with a naked young woman?" Kazuma's tanned cheeks quickly blushed as red as his hair. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright. I look forward to the day when we see you and your friend again." Akira patted him on the back as she left the tent.
Seeing the group pack the last of their gear along with a happily snoring Alter-guru, Kazuma felt a pang of guilt as he stepped out of the tent and looked back. He was still worrying, but Ryuhou was alive for the moment and Shiirice was back. These Lawless guys had just invited him into their camp and helped as much as they could. "Hey, Akira!" he called as he ran up to the woman. "I just wanted to... I wanted..." Kazuma frowned and decided to just spit it out. "Thanks."
"It was our pleasure." Akira smiled. "It's the least we could do for you considering what you've done for all of us with HOLY."
"You know about that?" Kazuma gasped. The rumors that had reached him and Ryuhou hadn't mentioned them and he wasn't sure that he would want them to.
"Tachibana told us." Akira climbed onto the passenger side of one of their vehicles besides Hannish. "Who knows? Maybe if fate was different we could have fought side by side. Good luck."
Kazuma watched them go until the dust dispersed in the hot noon sun. With a sigh, he turned back to the tent, grudgingly anticipating the long wait ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Several hours later, Kazuma tried his best not to fidget. The tent was becoming stifling in the afternoon sun, despite his efforts to pin back the front flaps. He was almost beginning to envy his unconscious wards. With another sigh, he shifted on the blankets, trying to get comfortable. The tent was small enough that he could barely sit by Ryuhou's legs, between him and Shiirice.
Both bored and worried, Kazuma tried to occupy himself by studying the sleeping faces before him. Shiirice looked... exactly as he'd remembered her. She was so beautiful, so peaceful. Reaching forward, he touched her face lightly, willing her to wake up. He wondered if her lips would still feel as soft as he remembered.
Ryuhou moaned and stirred, startling Kazuma. Quickly, he turned his attention to his friend, peering closely at his face for signs of wakefulness. But the green-haired boy only murmured incoherently before quieting, his face relaxing as he slipped into a deeper sleep.
"Dammit, don't do that," Kazuma grumbled under his breath. "Get my hopes up..." he trailed off as he continued to study the profile of Ryuhou's face. A bit of... doubt or worry was starting to nag at him. He'd been so concerned, first about Ryuhou's health and then about getting Shiirice back, he'd had no thoughts about what would happen afterward; as if such thoughts would jinx everything. Should he continue to pursue her, as he had before? Would she go back to loving Ryuhou, rejecting him for the older boy? And what of Ryuhou? He'd realized his feelings for Shiirice too late, but now that she was back, how would he react? Kazuma had become... accustomed to Ryuhou's presence, his warmth beside him at night. He didn't want to admit it–even to himself–but he couldn't imagine being alone again.
He was jolted out of his thoughts as he sensed something outside. Not a sound, not a warning... but every hair on his body abruptly decided to stand on end. Eagerly, he left the tent to be confronted with a group of men quickly trying to surround him. They had common brigands written all over them. From their clothing of battered leather, chains, and jeans, they either hadn't had any luck with the bandit business, or they really had a strange sense of fashion. It could have been humorous too, since they looked more like caricatures of bandits. Akira wasn't fooling when she said the dregs would go after the small group. A quick scan of the group, Kazuma noticed a couple individuals with unusual characteristics that probably meant Alter users, but he wasn't worried. He had faced off against HOLY's best–this laughable group would be nothing.
One large yahoo pointed at him. He seemed to be the leader but Kazuma couldn't believe he was actually wearing ass-less leather chaps. “We are the infamous Dragon Fangs!” the behemoth boomed. "We're looking for Alters. If you beg and give us anything you have of value, we might think about letting you join us. What's in the tent?"
Kazuma cracked his knuckles. "Nothing you're going to get anywhere near." He gave them a feral grin, already feeling a tingle in his arm in anticipation of a fight. "You guys don't look like much of a challenge, but... I've had a really bad couple days and I'd LOVE the chance to blow off some steam."