Royal Ties (NC-17)

Jani_chan · Royal Ties (NC-17)

This is rated NC-17 not sure if I'm there with the editing yet, but if you see something wrong that annoys you, please PM me... posting this at 2 in the morning is difficult on the eyes ^^;;; hope you like^^

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Saddling his majesty's horse, the young stablehand watched the blond move to the animal and pet it gently. He only watched out of the corner of his eye, knowing he'd be punished for looking directly at the boy without permission. He was just so beautiful, how could one not want a glance?

Hisoka smiled softly at the pure white stallion and kissed it's nose. "I'll take you out today. You're my favorite."

The boy wished that he could be his majesty's horse. He'd be the best horse there could be for that boy. He fought to keep his mind on saddling the creature, checking and rechecking the synches so they wouldn't slip. No saddle he'd readied would come loose while riding. He pulled away, his eyes on the grouned, and bowed to the boy very low.

Hisoka smiled and held out a small pouch. "for your trouble."

The stablehand's eyes widened and he gasped. "I... I couldn't, your majesty," he said, "I mean...." his face was red.

Hisoka's smile never left his lips. "You dare say no to your prince? Should my father be in ourpresence surely you would be put to death for such treason."

the blush became deeper and he bowed again. "I--- I'm sorry.... th-thank you.... your majesty..." he wished his face wouldn't turn so red.

Hisoka continued to hold out the puch. "Be sure to tell no one of my kindness for it is only you on this day that has marit to recieve it."

The stablehand held out his hands. "I swear to you, your majesty, I'll hold my tongue... thank you... thank you.."

He let it drop, wishing he could see the face when the boy opened the pouch to find thirty gold pieces and a few diamonds. But alas his nerves were high and he needed to ride. Like the expert that he was, Hisoka mounted the horse. "Thank you again for your troubles. I'll be back after dark."

And with that, he was off.

He watched the prince ride away and tucked the pouch into his shirt. He knew better than to look into it here. Now he couldn't help but wish that he really really was the horse. He wouldn't have given a whicker if the prince rode him all day long. Then, there was a smack to the back of his head. "Get to work, boy!!" said the stableman. He hurried off to the stables to clean horses.
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The young castlehand was inside a few hours later, having cleaned up and changed. He was now carrying things to the guest room, not too far away from the prince's room.

Hisoka was tredging slowly back to the stables. It was darkening out. He gotten into a fight with his father and now he was deliberately being late for dinner to make his point that he wouldn't be missed if he was gone. His mind began to wander to other things though. Like the stable boy he'd been so generous to. He sighed deeply. He had a secret he couldn't tell anyone and no matter his dreams they'd never become reality for him. But there were always long nights alone in his room where he could dream as often as he liked.

The young servant was getting tired as well and had just finished placing everything away and planned to go back to the stables to spend some time with that beautiful stallion he'd watched his majesty ride away on. He moved quickly, not wanting to run into any of the late night squires.

Hisoka finally returned to the stables and dismounted. He glanced around to see if anyone was there to unsattle and put it up. He shrugged. He'd missed dinner entirely now so it didn't matter anymore how long he was here. He took up the brush near the gate and decided to do it himself. Carefully he unhooked it and hung it in it's place, folded the blanket and lay it over the gate and began to hum softly to the ghostly form as he brushed.

A rough hand wrapped around Hisoka's mouth, pulling him back against the rock hard body of a dark form. He held the boy tightly. "You're out kinda late, little princess."

His eyes widened as he lifted his hands to pull at the one over his mouth, screaming though it wasn't loud enough to hear. Where was that stable keeper when he was needed? Likely passed out drunk. And what of the boy who'd helped him earlier?

Speak of the devil, he walked into the stables right then, running a hand through his hair tiredly. He had no idea what was going on in the stable he was heading for. The man holding Hisoka pressed his hand so tightly over the prince's mouth that it began to hurt, pulling him into the shadows and turning his back, using his dark clothing to hide them. The young boy walked to the horse, who was shaking, knowing something was wrong. He petted its nose. "What's wrong?" he asked the creature, "you poor thing.... someone rode you and never cleaned you? His majesty would never do that.... I'll have to inform him later that someone was riding his ho---" then he stopped, spotting the brush on the floor.

Hisoka watched, heart pounding as Hijiri picked it up. He wasn't sure if it would do any good but being in close proximity he hoped it would. He screamed as loud as he could and kicked some of the hay under his feet in Hijiri's direction.

Hijiri turned just in time to be kicked to the floor. "Little worm," the man said, "stay quiet if you know what's good for you!" He was directing this at the stableboy. The boy hit the floor, but then looked up, jumping to his feet when he saw the prince. "Let him go!" he ordered, sounding very different from the shy boy he'd been earlier. The man kicked him again.

Hisoka attempted to block the leg and writhed, trying to get out of the mans grasp. His dizzy, pleading emerald eyes begged Hijiri to save him.

The young boy jumped to his feet, glaring directly at the man, who's hand was still clamped tightly over Hisoka's mouth. "Let him go!" He blocked the next attempted kick and held the man's leg, making him lose balance and let go of Hisoka.

He screamed, afraid he'd lose his own balance as he stumbled for a moment but then dashed behind Hijiri, pressing his back against the wall as he watched.

Hijiri stared at the man as he got to his feet again, looking ready to twist Hijiri's head off. Hijiri backed away slightly, knowing he couldn't take this guy down, but ready to protect the prince. "Please, your majesty, you have to run."

Hisoka was frozen to his place with fear, unable to do more than shiver. His legs wouldn't work, neither his voice.

"You're majesty... please!!" the stableboy said, then was grabbed around the next, the man pulling his fist back to strike. then, not to far off, there were yells. "Something's going on in the stables!!! Hurry!!! go see!!!" the man dropped his prey and disappeared, Hijiri clutching his throat for a moment before looking back at the prince. "Are you okay, your majesty?" he asked.

Frightened emerald eyes closed and with a soft moan he began to fall, knowing he would be safe now.

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When Hisoka awoke again, he was back in his own room, a servant gently dabbing his forehead with a cool, damp cloth.
Hisoka moaned softly, turning his face away from the cloth. "cold..." he murmered.

The woman paused for a moment, then placed the cloth to the side. "Your highness?" she said.

"How did I get here? what happened to that boy who saved me? Is he okay?" He slowly opened his eyes.

"Saved you?" the girl said confused, "what are you talking about? The only boy who was there was the one who attacked you and tried to steal your moneypouch."

He sprang up. "NO!" He cried, terrified. "They haven't killed him yet have they?! He saved me! It wasn't him, I gave him that pouch!"

The woman seemed surprised. "N-no.... his trial's overwith and his sentance is to be carried out at sunset..." she looked out the window, her eye still wide.

He jumped out of bed, running to his fathers thrown room. Throwing open the door he dropped to his knees. "Stop the exicution! He's innocent! I gave him that pouch! He saved my life!"

The man looked at him in surprise. "What are you going on about, my son?" he asked, "Stand and make yourself presentable."

He stood, breath coming in short heaves. "The stable boy that you're hanging saved my life. He must be rewarded, not punished. please set him free and bring him here."

The king stared at him for a secnd, then nodded at a knight, who hurried from the room. "Who was it who attacked you if not him?" he asked.

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. It was a very large man though. With the build of a knight. I think he was trying to kidnap me. And the boy, he's half the size or less of the man and he not only defended me but managed to safely get me away from him."

[color=darkgreen]The king raised an eyebrow. "How did he manage that?" he asked.

He was silent for a moment. "It was all a blurr if you'll forgive me. I... fainted." He looked away, feeling ashamed.

The king shook his head, but before he could say anything, the young stablehand was shoved into the room. He brought himself to his knees before them, head bowed deeply. He was too frightened to speak.

He swung around, glairing at the knight who'd tossed him before reaching a hand out to the boy. "Are you alright? Take my hand, I'll help you stand."

Bright green eyes looked at him in surprise, then slowly he raised to his feet with Hisoka's help. The king looked at him. "I'm told you saved my son's life," he said. The stable hand's head bowed again. Apparently, he'd never come face to face with the king.

Hisoka sighed to himself. So close to the object of his attentions, but still sorely unable to do anything about it. "It's okay... please speak in your defense so I'm not seen to be a liar."

"I... saw the man.... hurting him..." he said, his voice much less shy than his actions were, "I couldn't just stand there... I had to help him." The king nodded. "And did you see the man's face?" The boy shook his head. "Face was covered," he said.

He looked into his face for a moment. "What of my gift?"

The stableboy shook his head. "They took it away from me when they began to ready me for the gallows.... said I wouldn't need it where I was going." His face was slightly white at the thought."

He frowned. "It'll have been returned to the treasury." He looked up at the knight who'd brought Hijiri. "Make use of yourself and retrieve the pouch, plus sixty pieces of gold." He turned to Hijiri. "Anything you ask will be granted to you. I am indebted to you for my life. Name a reward and it shall be yours."

The boy's eyes widened as he knight hurried off. "What?" he asked in surprise. The king simply watched, almost seeming bored.

Hisoka smiled softly at him. "I gave it to you, it's yours to do as you choose. What else would you like? To give you only money would be wrong. Please, tell me anything at all and I promise it is yours."

"For me?" he hought about this, "well... there is one thing I've always wanted..... just... one thing.... a horse..."

In the time it took Hisoka to blink at the boy in surprise, he came up with an idea. " have a condition to that since it'll be staying in the stables."

His head tilted to the side. "Anything for you, highness," he said, "but.... what is it?"

He looked away. "I lost my personal knight a few months ago...he was my riding partner too...perhaps you recall him? I need a riding partner and you have your own horse. will you ride with me? it's more challenging than it sounds I assure you."

The stableboy's eyes widened. Ride with the prince? On his request? The king almost looked as though he was ready to argue, but he didn't. "I would be honored, your highness," the brunet bowed low.

He smiled. "Saddle up, we're leaving in a few moments. tomorrow we'll get you your own."

It was all the boy could do to keep himself from hugging the prince. "Yes, your highness!" he bowed deeply and hurried off. Once he was gone, the king looked at Hisoka. "What are you thinking?" he asked.

Dispite his convictions the prince couldn't hold back the triumphant smile. "What do you mean? I deserve a companion do I not? And it's obvious he can take care of himself.... and me." He took the pouch from the knight as he went to the door. He turned to his father for a moment. "I'll not be back for dinner again."

The king nodded and watched him walk away silently. "He reminds me more of his mother every day," he said to the knight over his shoulder.

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Jani_chan

The stableboy found himself staring around himself in amazement as they went. They'd begun riding in the area behind the castle where ll of the noblemen usually stayed and as they rode farther away, te scenery goe more and more beautiful. About an hour away from the castle there was a huge field of flowers where he and the prince left their horses and walked toward a cave with a waterfall. "What is this place?" he asked in wonder.

Hisoka smiled. "This is my secret. Now yours. You can't tell anyone okay?" He then stepped up to the river. "The water's really deep so be careful if you go on the rocks."

He nodded. "Don't worry," he said, "I'm a good swimmer.... and I don't tell secrets..." He smiled as he looked at the water. "It's so clean.... I just wanna dive in." Then he shook his head, "but I won't."

He frowned. "You can... I just like to sit up here on the rocks... I can't swim."

The prince was stared at for a moment. "You can't swim, highness?" He seemed in shock.

He looked away. "Father always said it was below me and refused to allow me to learn... I'm kinda scared of the water now because I almost drowned when I accidently fell in a lake last year."

There was a wince. "That's not good," he said, "but.. highness... avoiding the water won't help anything.... what if you fall in again? You could drown.. I mean.... why don't you let me teach you?"

Hisoka stared at him for a moment. "Not today... I need other clothes..." He looked away. "If you think you can get me over my fear..."

"I might even make it fun," he said with a confident nod, "as long as you trust me, your highness." His smile was kind and caring.

He smiled softly as well. "I think after last night i should be able to. But...in secret...when we're aone...call me Hisoka."

Again those green eyes widened in surprise. "And.... not that you ever really called me anything before.... but if you wish.... Hijiri..."

He blushed softly. "T-thank you. i didn't know your name before." He steped out onto a flat rock and took off his boots. "Sit with me. or...you can swim."

Hijiri smiled and kicked off his boots as well. "I think I'll stay here with you," he said. There was a rustling in the woods then and he turned just in time to see something black flying at them toward Hisoka.

He screamed and dodged it, however in doing so he lost his footing and fell into the water. "HIJIRI!" He called out just before his head sank. He struggled but the more he moved the farther he sank.

Without a thought, Hijiri dove into the water after him the cold of the water startled him still for a moment before he began to swim again. Of course it was cold! The day had been a rather chill one. But why was the prince sinking so fast? That was unusual. He swam harder.

He sank. alost to the bottom. He reached into his pocket and took out a heavy silver ball, dropping it to the bottom saddly. this lifted him ever slightly and he began to float back up but he was already in pain. as he looked up, he saw Hijiri swimming down to him. the sparkles of the sunlight in the water gave him an unearthly glow and he reached up to the glittering form.[/green]

Hijiri reached out and pulled the prince against himself by his wrist. Bubbles were beginning to leak from his lips. He had to get him back to the surface as fast as possible. wrapping his arm tightly around the boy's weist, he began to fight for the surface.

Hisoka became still and he stared at Hijiri for a moment before he lost it, the breath he'd been holding comeing out in a huge bubble and rising far more quickly than them.

Hijiri would have paniced, but knew that doing so would slow him down. He continued his steady pace to the surface, his mind crying for the prince to hold on just a little bit longer.

He had stopped breathing but his heart was still raceing. He was barely alive, could Hijiri save him?

Hijiri broke hrough the surface of the water and dragged the prince ashore as fast as he could. He lay him on the ground, tapping his face for a moment, then he listened for the boy's breath. Nothing. But there was a strong heartbeat, so Hijiri leaned down, pinching the prince's nose and pressing air into his lungs through his mouth. Then he paused for a moment, and did it again.

After several more, Hisoka started caughing. he rolled to his side, throwing up the water and caughing it out of his lungs. He dug his fingers into the wet sand as he began to cry and his body shook from both the scare and the cold.

Hijiri wrapped an arm around the prince tightly. "You're okay," he murmured, "everything's okay now.... I swear....." He was shaking too, but more from the sudden rush of adrenaline through his veins.

The blond couldn't stop crying. "What...was that?" He sat up a little. "So...cold."

"I... think it was an arrow..." Hijiri said, looking into the woods around them.

Hisoka threw himself into Hijiri's arms. "an arrow?!"

Hijiri held him, a it surprised at being so close to the prince. "Don't worry," he said, "I won't let them hurt you.... whoever they are."

He held close. "I'm scared! It almost hit me! we have to find it!" He stood slowly, trying to get his balance.

Hijiri stood with him. "The arrow?" he said, "I think it went off that way." He pointed.

He moaned softly, resting his hand to his head. "We have to take back and have the knights look at it...this is the second attempt on my life in two days."

Hijiri nodded and led Hisoka in the direction he'd pointed, searching over the forest floor for the black arrow. Then he spotted it. "Look, Hisoka," he said, "here it is."

He stopped and watched Hijiri pick it up. His eyes widened as he recognized it. "Hijiri!" He stepped back. "That's...one of Muraki's!" And with these words came a soft moan and suddenly he fell to the forest floor.

Hijiri rushed to the prince's side. "Hisoka!!! Hisoka!!!!!" He nearly paniced again. If he brought Hisoka back like this, would they assume he'd attacked? He shook his head. Hisoka's wellbeing mattered more than his own, so he lifted the boy and carried him back to he horses, tying Hisoka's to the one he'd been lent and holdng the prince whilst on the back of the beast, riding as fast as they could toward the castle.

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Hijiri reached the castle, both of the boys sopping wet, the prince clutched in one arm, the reins and the arrow in his other hand. A knight was nearly run over by his horse as he reentered castle grounds. "Help!" he cried, "he's passed out!!!" The knight rushed forward and took the sopping boy from his arms, wondering for a brief moment why the boy was so soggy. He brought the boy into the castle, closely followed by Hijiri, who was dripping as well.

Hisoka was beginning to come around slowly, his whispers barely understandable. "Muraki....attacked me...it was...his knights!"

The knight brought him before the king. "Majesty!!" he cried, "the prince has come under attack!!!" The king's head lifted in alarm only to become more alarmed when he saw that his son and the boy who was suppost wo guard him were both sopping wet. "What happened here!?!" he demanded of the stableboy.

Hisoka finally opened his eyes and rested his head on the knight's shoulder. "Muraki has sent his knights to kill me. We were standing by the river. Hijiri pushed me out of the way of the arrow but I lost my balance and fell in."

The king drew back angrily. "Give me proof!" he commanded. Hijiri stepped forward and placed the arrow on the table. The king snatched it up and stared at it. "It's certainly one of Muraki's," he said, "I've seen many of these before. Call Watari!!" There was a voice from behind the door. "No need for that, Majesty," Watari said, "I'm already here." He walked up and examined the arrow. The king waved at Hijiri, who moved to exit the room.

Hisoka wormed out of the mans arms and grabbed his hand, staring into his eyes. "Don't go!"

Hijiri stared at him, then nodded. The king didn't like this at all, but he didn't argue. Watari was looking at the tipo the arrow. "It's been poisoned," he said.

Hisoka spun around to face him. "poisoned?! His heart began to race again as wide emerald eyes stared at the arrow. "It barely missed me! If Hijiri hadn't pushed me out of the way..." With a soft moan he suddenly fell as his eyes slid closed."

Hijiri caught him. "Highness?" he looked at the king. "He needs to rest," he said, "he's bee through quite a bit in the past 2 hours." The king nodded and the knight lifted Hisoka, ready to take him away.

In his sleep he reached out to the brunet but didn't wake.

Hijiri wanted so badly to follow, but th look he got from the king told him to run off back to he stables where he belonged, which was what he did.

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Jani_chan

Hisoka lay in his own bed the next morning, the sun shining brightly in through the curtains around is bed.

He moaned softly and rubbed at his eyes. Sitting up he looked around in confusuion...and disappointed that Hijiri wasn't there, though he knew he couldn't be. he had to remind himself that though he felt he was in love with the boy, he was a prince and betrothed to Lady Kazusa. He sighed deeply. how he wished he was comon.

A maid walked into the room. "Good morning, highness," she said, "beautiful day today.... I imagine you'll wish to go riding again?"

His heart leapt and he nodded.
"Right away. As soon as I eat."

The woman smiled. "You're so good with animals, highness," she said, "but since you're going riding so early, I'll bring your clothes.... shall I ready your breakfast in the kitchen or bring it to you here as I usually do?"

He smiled. "I'd like to take breakfast in the kitchen from now on. And yes, please set out my clothes."

The woman raised an eyebrow, thinking that this was odd, but didn't argue. "Who is that young man you went riding with yesterday?" she asked as she fluffed the curtains lightly to clear them of dust and opened the windows, "I've heard he is to be your new riding partner?"

He nodded, blushing slightly. "Twice he's saved my life. I think he's worthy of keeping around."

The woman smiled, acting as though she didn't see the blush. "Too bad though," she said, "I think he's adorable as they come, but I hear he's taken..." she paused, "... not that you're interested in such girlish gossip," she waved her hand, slightly embarassed.

His blush deepened and his heart broke. "By who?"

The woman thought for a moment. "Lady Saya of the court from the Northern Snows, though I honestly thought she was Fay. She's never seen without that other one..... Lady Yuma..."

Hisoka snickered and shook his head. "Tis a rumer. Saya and Yuma are in love with each other. I caught them kissing secretly in the cherry orchard at the ball last year." His hopes rose again.

"You did, Highness? That must've been a sight..." she smiled, "that means he's still free for the taking...." she pused, then bowed, "I"ll go ready your things, highness." And with that, she hurried away.

Hisoka sat there for a moment, blushing like mad. Then he sighed and stood. Part of the reason he was blushing was because he was hoping she didn't look at the covers. He'd been dreaming some interesting dreams and was standing like a flag pole. Quietly he slinked into the bathroom to rid himself of it before she came back.

Down in the stables Hijiri had been hard at work for the past few hours, cleaning horses and stalls. He was dreaming about riding with the prince again, but he knew the king didn't like him and he had the feeling that the prince would be assigned another riding partner becasue of his incompitence. He was already mourning the broken heart he would face when he was told, being oddly silent and distant that morning.

Hisoka finished and cleaned up, heading down for breakfast and watching the boy out the window. When he was done he dashed to the brunet. "We'll be riding early today, get ready." and he dashed off back to his room to ready himself.

Hijiri paused and watched the boy run away, surprised to see that he was as excited as ever to go riding. He grinned and handed his rake to a fellow stallcleaner, heading off to clean up for the prince.

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They were back at the cave again very soon. "Hisoka?" Hijiri began, thinking.

The blond's heart flew at the sound of his name but he squelched any excitement in his voice. "Yes? You seem to be thinking. Is everything okay?"

Hijiri nodded. "I"ve been wondering," he said, "why did you pick me?"

He blushed deeply and shook his head. "I guess I don't really know. Why do you ask? Do you not wish to be my partner anymore?"

Hijiri shook his head until it seemed ready to fall off. "Not at all," he said, "I enjoy myself greatly, but.... it just seems you've singled me out and I've never done anything to deserve it. I'm nothing special." He blushed slightly as well.

He wanted to tell the brunet the truth. That he had a bad crush on him, and that was why. Instead he was silent and looked away.

Hijiri brushed his hair fro his face as he moved to assist Hisoka over some particularly rough ground. "Not that I'm really entitled to be questioning you. I'm just cur-" he slipped, falling against Hisoka, the prince caught between him and the rock face. His eyes were wide as he realized that their mouths were pressed together.

Hisoka's eyes widened as well. he was frozen, unsure what to do. He realized this wasn't a real kiss, but it was pretty close. Suddenly he had an idea. He closed his eyes and went limp, pretending to have fainted. Would Hijiri kiss him again for real this time in his 'sleep'?

Hijiri held him up by his weist, leaning the prince's head genty on his shoulder. "Dammit.... oh gods.... what did I do now...? So much for that horse....." He knelt down, leaning the prince against his knee and genty tapping his face. "Oh, please wake up... please...." He sighed, looking over the prince. His own lips against Hisoka's had felt good, but he couldn't just take advantage of the boy... the prince!! His lips quivered slightly with his indecision, continuing to quiver even as they touched Hisoka's, eyes closing as though he thought he was about to be struck down by lightning.

He sighed softly. That felt good. He didn't want Hijiri to stop. He opened his eyes slowly but didn't say anything.

Hijiri pulled away from the prince, opening his eyes as well. He gasped. "I... I'm sorry.... I... I mean.. I couldn't... well..." He sat the prince back against the rock, moving away and bowing, his forehead touching the dirt. "I'm so so sorry!"

Hisoka's eyes gleamed. "So the rumers are true?" There was a smile on his lips as he pulled the boy up. "Do you like me Hijiri?"

Hijiri was startled at the smile and nodded slightly, face quite red. "Very much, highness," he said. He didn't know what to make of that smile.

Hisoka sighed contentedly. "Then kiss me again if you mean it that way."

Hijiri's eyes widened. He was getting permission to do what he'd never thought he'd be able to do!! He quivered slightly with the thought of the prince liking him bak, then leaned forward a bit to touch his lips to the blond's again. His eyes closed easily this time, enjoying the feel.

Hisoka leaned back, pulling him closer. he wanted to feel his body pressed tightly between the rock and Hijiri's warm body. His arms reached around Hijiri's waist and he moaned softly.

Hijiri did as was wished of him, one hand on Hisoka's face and the other on his hip, his muscular body pressing against that of the prince. The blond's moan made him tingle and he deepened the kiss a bit, sucking on that soft as silk bottom lip.

Hisoka enjoyed this, reveling in it. He held close to Hijiri, never wanting this to stop but alas he had to break away for air. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest in a way he hadn't in so many years. After his last boyfriend he wasn't sure he could feel that way again but Hijiri seemed to be very trustworthy. "You're...good at that." He smiled softly. "

The brunet's face was flushed. He gave a slight laugh. "Funny," he said, "I was never good at it before.... maybe you just bring it out of me.... um.... what were we doing?"

Hisoka chuckled softly. "Getting away from my stuffy room and always moody father. And to tell you the truth... I singled you out because I've had a crush on you for a long time now and you saving me just gave me a reason to talk to you finally. Let's continue shall we? I brought lanterns. I want to check out that cave behind the waterfall."

Hijiri blushed. "You have a crush on me!?!?!?!?!?" he said in surprise, heading for the waterfall.

Hisoka blushed even harder at this. "Well...um...since I saw you...um...I don't know. The way you were taking such good care of my favorite horse and... the sunlight in your hair. It was like a painting."

Hijiri looked at his hair as it fell in front of his eyes. It didn't seem very special to him. He shook it out of his face and decided to drop the subect. "Have you ever ben in this cave before?" he asked.

Hisoka shook his head. "I wanted to wait until I could find someone I trusted to go with. I'd get scared by myself."

"I'm glad you know you can trust me, Hisoka," he said, smiling at the prince as they got nearer.

Hisoka frowned. "You don't seem like the others...you have a knights soul and a kings heart."

Hijiri blushed greatly at this. "I... um... thank you... but... others?"

Hisoka looked into his eyes. "I'm trusting you on blind faith. You don't feel like them so I'm praying you're not like them... I've been in a few...situations before with my first two boyfriends..."

Hijiri winced at the tone. He wanted to ask, but he had the feeling that he didn't want to know. "I can guarentee you that your trust is not in vain," he said.

He smiled sadly. "I'm glad to hear that." He turned to look at the cave. "Let's get started. I also brought about fifty feet of buthers twine so we don't get totally lost."

Hijiri nodded. "Okay," he said, "we should tie it to something... a branch or rock so it'll stay in place."

Hisoka nodded and found the closest tree, tying it around that and heading into the darkness. He turned on his lantern and waited for Hijiri.

Hijiri followed, curious to see what was in this cave. He decided to stay close to the prince, seeing as he seemed to get spooked pretty easily.

Hisoka shined the light around for a moment before heading forward again. Just ahead they began to see crystals growing from the walls. As they walked they got bigger and bigger until finally the small path opened up into a huge room full of gigantic crystals jutting from the cieling as well as the walls but the floor was clean and smooth. "I think I found my new home."

Hijiri stared around in awe. "WOOOOOWWW!!!" he said in surprise, "look at all of these rocks!!! They're so.... shiney!!! I mean... they make the light go.... woosh!!" He motioned wih his arms. Apparently he'd never seen these kinds of rocks before.

Hisoka began to chuckle but that soon turned into a laughing fit. "They're called crystals."

Hijiri repeated the word. "Crystals," he said, "wow... they're... beautiful."

Hisoka nodded. "Watch this." He took Hijiri's lantern and set it beneath one of the long shafts. The entire thing lit up like a candle. He then rested his own beneath a different one. "If we had enough we could light this entire room."

Hijiri's eyes wideed impossibly. "How'd you do that?" he asked.

Hisoka smiled sadly. "My mother...gave me a small trinket with crystals inside. She used it as a night light for me when I was small."

Hijiri was surprised at this. "Can I see it sometime?" he asked, delighted.

Hisoka frowned. "I lost it in the water when I fell in. I had to drop it..."

Hijiri looked toward the mouth of the cave, then took off his riding cloak, tossing it to the side. "What does it look like?" he asked, reaching to take off his boots.

He looked confused. "A large silver ball. Why? it's too deep, you'll drown!"

Hijiri shook his head. "I won't drown," he said, "I'm good at swimming." His shirt hit the floor of the cave.

Hisoka frowned. He wanted it back, but he didn't want his new found love to die trying to get it and he wasn't at all sure he would be able to dive so deep. "be careful. if you lose your breath come back up."

Hijiri nodded. "I promise," he said, and hurried to the mouth of the cave.

Hisoka followed him, watching closely, hoping he'd return with his trinket...and alive.

Hijiri leaped off of the rocks and hit the water with barely a splash, going underquickly. He swam for the bottom of the lake as hard as he could.

Hisoka subconsciously held his breath as he watched the figure grow smaller under the shining waters.

Hijiri searched the bottom for a minute or so before he found it, grabbing it and flipping over to press himself toward the surface.

Hisoka was getting dizzy, still unaware he was holding his breath, waiting for the boy to surface. He'd lost sight of him behind some rocks and was growing ever worried.

Hijiri hurried to the surface, having expended all of his air and now lettin it out slowly in smal bubbles. He clutched the trinket, reaching the surface ith a gasp as he splashed about, rather surprised at that air had been so close.

Hisoka gasped as well, reaching a hand out to help him up. "You were gone so long! You scared me! Are you okay?!"

Instead of holding out his hand to the boy, he held out the trinket. "I've got it!!" he cried, "I got it for you!"

Hisoka's eyes lit up and he took it from him. "Thank you so much! I thought I'd lost it forever!" He pressed something on the side and it opened, water gushing from it. "I hope it still works."

Hijiri climbed from the water, shaking himself off like a shaggy dog, water drizzling the surrounding area.

Hisoka chuckled softly and stepped back so he wouldn't get hit. "We'll head back just after dark if that's okay. I want to show you why i usually stay out so late."

Hijiri smiled. "Okay," he said, "what do you do with it?"

Hisoka smiled. "Just the way the lanterns work in there, but more precicely. At dusk the last rays of light catch around in the bottom and light the crystals from the inside." He showed Hijiri that the inside was very mirror like.

Hijiri stared. "I feel like such commoner," he said, "you act lik it's nothing.... but it seems like magic to me."

Hisoka bllinked for a moment. "I guess it's because I grew up with an alchemist. He's my doctor too. He teaches me a lots of stuff."

Hijiri nodded. "I guess so..." he said, "I wish I wasn't like this...." he looked away.

Hisoka tilted his head, confused. "Like what?"

Hijiri shook his head and looked away. "I wish I wasn't so.... commoner," he said, "I'm hardly the perfect match for you.... since I'm from a completely different class and have absolutely no noble blood, I'm nowhere near worthy of you. I have practically no education and am not as clean as you are..... and you're betrothed.... to Lady Kazusa...." his final words had a sorrowful tone to them, his head turned to the cave wall farthest from Hisoka.

Hisoka's eyes filled with tears. "Does everyone have to remind me? We won't be married for another six years at least and she's only twelve right now. I'll have found a way out of it by then." He turned and left the cave, sitting beneath a tree and hiding his face in his knees.

Hijiri followed, not dressed due to the fact that his pants were still very wet and he didn't want them to get the rest of his clothes wet. He sat next to the prince. "I'm sorry," he said, "I....." he didn't know what to say. Then, "thre's a way out?"

Hisoka looked away. "It's difficult...but yes there is. If a knight proves him or herself worthy they may have my hand and the arrangment is forgotten. There's currently only one knight who's in love with me, and he's far from worthy on so many levels..." He shivered thinking about what he'd walked in on one night. He looked over at Hijiri with a start as he realized Hijiri's lower half wasn't covered. "Please find something to cover yourself with..." There was an urgancy in his voice as if he was afraid something was going to happen to him with Hijiri naked.

Hijiri didn't seem at all purturbed, but did as Hisoka asked heading backin the cave for his shirt and cloak. He put on the large tunic and kept the cloak around himself to keep himself hidden, then he went back to Hisoka's side. The way he acted suggested that t was normal for him to be without clothing in front of others, or at least in front of other men. "Who is this knight?" he asked, as though Hisoka's last words about covering up had never hppened.

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "His name is Masaki. The only other blond in the palace. He has desturbing habits..."

The brunet was surprised. "I've cleaned his horse before," he said, "he is quite strange.... caught him in the hayloft once....." he trailed off, looking at the water to the side.

Hisoka looked surprised. "What was he doing?"

Hijiri winced slightly at the memory. "Enjoying himself," his only words.

Hisoka sighed. "That's what I thought..." He looked into the water. "When I caught him...he was whispering my name..." He seemed distraught by this. "I guess that's one of the reasons I have a problem with men being naked around me..."

Hijiri's head snapped up at this. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't even think about it... It's never been a problem before because around the commoners... the men, I mean, I'm just another guy and I've been swimming with others so many times.... I'm so sorry."

Hisoka shivered. "At least you're not...well...that's a totally different story I shouldn't get into right now. Under normal circumstances I probably would understand that but things have happened..."

"Hisoka," Hijiri said, "I wish I could help you, but whatever it is that has you under wrps is making me uneasy..... I'm so sorry....."

He looked up into Hijiri's eyes. "Do you know what it's like to have sex with someone who you neither like, nor want to? And please don't tell me it's my fault because it really wasn't..."

Hijiri's eyes widened for a moment. "You mean---" he paused, then shook his head. "No!" he said, "something like that is never your fault, Highness!! Who did it!? Was it Masaki!? I don't care if he's a knight!! This time I'll tear him a new bellybutton!!! Nobody will ever hurt you again!!! I'll make sure of it!!"

Hisoka blinked for a moment but shook his head. "They were put to death for different reasons...They're dead now. But i'm very nervouse around Masaki because of that."

Hijiri still looked angry. "THEY!?!?!?!?!?" he cried, "this happened more tan once!? AND THEY WEREN'T PUT TO DEATH FOR IT!?!?!?!?"

Hisoka was becoming a little scared at Hijiri's raised voice but he answered anyway. "If I told my father that they'd done that, I'd also then have to tell him how I got into the situation to begin with and that is that I was dating them. I was thirteen the first time and a year later the second. They were both several years older than me, and knights themselves." He looked away. "So you see... I like you the way you are. There's not an immediate lust coming off you like they had... I trust you."

Hijiri sighed and visually relaxed, though most of his muscles were still tense. "I'm glad you trust me," he said, "I wish I was a knight... I'd get you out of that situation with Lady Kazusa.... of you wanted me to."

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "You can...if you really want it. With a horse you qualify to train. With hard work and lots of practice in a few months you could become a knight. But to win my hand you must first prove yourself and that's not as easy as it sounds. Even for one like yourself who's heart is pure."

Hijiri grinned at him. "Aparently you don't know me very well," he said, "life is never easy, but it is what you mak of it, and I always planned on something big. Now that I know what that something is, it's that much easier to reach, but that much harder to endure. If it is what ou wish, I will gladly fight for your hand and heart. You have already won mine, should you ask for it"

Hisoka sighed deeply. "We'll see if I can get over my past. And if you can stand me. I'm very needy sometimes."

Hijiri blushed slightly. "I hope you can stand me," he said, "I tend tobe a hopeless romantic when it comes to relationships."

Hisoka smiled. "I can't be romantic but I love affectionate attentions. I think it was misinterperated with the last two. I guess before I decide that we are dating... I have to tell you that I probably won't sleep with you for a while. I've never done it willingly and I need to make sure you're not going to take off."

Hijiri nodded. "I understand," he said, "just like there are things about you I don't know, there are things about me you don't know.... I know how you feel and wnt you to know that I'll never force you into anything. I just want you to be happy. And about the affectionate attentions....." he lifted Hisoka's hands to his lips gently, "I can give you all the attention you'd ever need without sex." He brushed his lips ever so lightly over those soft fingers, then let Hisoka place his hnd back on his lap. "I shall return once I've reclothed myself, perhapse my pants are a bit dryer now." He stood and hurried off, still holding his cloak around himself.

Hisoka smiled to himself as he watched Hijiri walk off. He felt lucky now. Hijiri seemed to be the perfect gentleman. He closed his eyes with a contented sigh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

The next day, at the castle, Hijiri was cleaning Hisoka's horse and dreaming of the boy. Maybe they would be able to go riding later that day? He had too many ideas for his own good. At the moment he was planning a small surprise, but it would take some work to get it accomplished... and lots of begging to Lady Rika...

Hisoka decided to ride closer to sunset that day as he had an important meeting with his father that afternoon. He decided to head down to see Hijiri and tell him what his plans were for the day so Hijiri would know when to be ready.

Hijiri grinned as he spotted the prince, but immedietly his face went back to passive as he saw Masaki enter the stables as well. In fact, he was dead serious. He bowed to the prince, very formally. "Good morning, Your Highness," he said as he bowed low.

Hisoka bit his lip and nodded slightly. "I just came to tell you we'll be riding around four this afternoon. I have a meeting around lunch time." He simply gave Masaki a glance then turned to go back in.

Hijiri stood at ready, watching as the prince almost got to the stable doors, but was stopped by the knight. "Your Highness," he said, drpping to one knee and taking the boy's hand to kiss his fingers as a humble knight might, "it has been so long since I've been able to stop and talk to you..." he had knelt so close that his fact was barely a foot from Hisoka's groin. Hijiri felt his skin bristle in anger.

Hisoka stepped back, pulling his hand away. "I've been very busy. My birthday is in three weeks and I've been prepareing for several months. And with this new threat on my life by Muraki's knights I doubt I'll have much free time. I'm sorry... I really must go." And again he began to walk out.

And once again he was stopped. "Can't I at least invite you to tea, Highness?" he asked, once again moving too close for comfort. It was the hardest thing to do for Hijiri to keep his mouth shut. The man placed himself squarely between the prince and the door, his wide and muscular body blocking he way efficiently. "There's so much I wish to speak to you about, Highness..."

Hisoka stepped back again. "If you'd care to explain to my father why I'm going to be late by all means." His tone was sharp but fear was beginning to show.

The man grinned slightly, as though he saw the fear clear as day. "Prince...I know there's something you want.... something that I can offer you. You want it badly, more than anything else."

Hisoka stepped further back. "I don't know what you're talking about. you're just a knight...how could you offer me anything?" His voice was beginning to tremble. There was that feeling of lust again.

Hijiri was grinding his teeth together. Surely the man knew that if he touched Hisoka he'd be hanged, right? The knight leaned in close to Hisoka's ear, cornering him against the wall. "I can make it so you don't have to marry Lady Kazusa.... you don't hate her, but it's obvious that you're not elated about the arraged wedding. I can put a stop to that for you.... all you have to do is agree to take my hand as my spouse."

Hisoka stared blankly for a moment. "I don't love you either. A loveless marage is still a loveless marrage, to a princess or a knight."

The knight grinned. "True," he said, "but I know things..... things you don't want told...." There was a threat in his voice.

His eyes widened for a moment but then he shook his head. "I don't know what you think you know but if another knight were to walk in right now they'd haul you off and I wouldn't stop them. Besides... I know things about you I'm sure you don't want told." He was trying to keep a strong voice but his body was shaking.

The knight. "Oh?" he said, "and what could be as bad as my knowledge of your infatution with a stableboy? You two, riding off together, alone... and gone for so long.... then he comes back with wet pants? Why'd he have to clean them? Were they dirty?" He stared at the prince. "I don't see how they miss these things... they're obvious as day..."

Hisoka smacked him. "He went into the water to retrieve something I'd dropped. And the place ride to is quite far away! How dare you accuse me of letting myself be used like that! You don't know anything! Now get out of my face before I tell my father about how you pleasure yourself to thoughts of me!"

Hijiri froze for a second, watching to see what would happen. The knight glared at the prince for a moment before hurrying out of the stables, slamming the door shut behind him. Since there was nobody else there, Hijiri made his way quickly to the blond's side. "Hisoka?" he said, "are you alright?" He offored strong arms to help Hisoka hold himself up.

Suddenly the adrenalin was gone and he couldn't stop shaking. He leaned into Hijiri. "I feel so dizzy. For a moment I thought he meant he knew about them and what they did to me. He knows he has no proof about us. He underestimates me." He closed his eyes. "Why won't... everything stop spinning?"

Hijiri's arms were stretched out to hold him up. "Calm down," he murmured, "breath slowly.... it'll be okay... he knows too much for his own good.... not just about you.... but about myself as well.... we'll have to be ready for him.... Oh Hisoka.... you're burning up!!"

He sighed softly. "I don't feel very good suddenly. Maybe I caught something when I fell in." He took in a slow deep breath but that didn't seem to help.

Hijiri's eyes were greatly conerned. "Hisoka.... you should lie down.... you're white as a sheet."

He shivered. "Yes..." his voice was a whisper, "rest..." suddenly he fell limp against Hijiri, breathing and heart finally setteling.

Hijiri clutched the boy. "I didn't mean right here.... oh gods.... what now? I've got to get help!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later, Hisoka lay in his bed, a maid humming by his side once again.

He moaned softly and pushed the blanket away. "So...hot..."

The woman looked at him, revealing herself to be Lady Rika. "Ah, you're awake... but... you shouldn't do that, young master, you'll make yourself sicker..... oh dear... " she moved closer and felt his forehead again.

His breath was weezy and he shook his head. "Please leave them off. I'm so hot." He couldn't open his eyes. "What's wrong with me?"

She shook her head. "Not sure, Majesty," she said, "Master Watari is still doing tests. You've been out for three days...."

He was startled by this. "Three days?!" He whimpered. "I don't even have the strength to move."

The woman nodded. "We've been orcefeeding you, but all you've kept down is water.... that's porbably why... try this..." she lifted him a bit and held a bowl to his lips.

Hisoka drank it slowly but started to feel sick and pushed it away. "Water." His voice sounded scared.

Lady rika pulled the bowl away and brought to is lips instead a goblet of clear water.

That made him feel better and he managed to open his eyes a bit. "Vision's blurry..." He looked over at her. "The last thing I remember is fainting in the stables. How did I get here?"

The woman looked out the window. "That young stableboy ran into the castle. He was carrying you and saying that something was wrong. When they took you away from his, he nearly followed. I think he forgot in his worry for you that he wasn't allowed inside the castle. He was thrown out again, but he's come to me in the kitchen every day, asking how you were and begging for updates on your condition..." she paused, then turned to him, holding something from the breakfast tray. "He asked me to give you this," she held out a rose.

Hisoka smiled softly. "That was very generous of him. When you talk to him tell him I thank him and that we'll go riding again soon. But is there any chance I could have you sneak him up to see me? I do so like him and he's saved my life twice." His eyes were pleading.

Lady Rika smiled knowingly and nodded. "I'll see what I can do," she said, "now close your eyes. It won't do to have you straining them." She touched his forehead gently, then placed a damp cloth on it.

He sighed happily and closed his eyes, clutching the rose. "You're good to me."

She smiled. "Hush," she said, "I'll be right back." And there was the sound of the door opening and closing. Within moments she was back, another pair of footsteps with her. There was a paise, and one set hurried to Hisoka's side. "Highness?" he asked.

Hisoka opened his eyes and sat up. "Hijiri?!" He smiled softly. "Thank you so much for the rose! It's beautiful and smells so sweet!." Automatically he felt better and without thinking about Rika and he dragged the boy down to sit on the bed and hugged him.

Hijiri hugged him back. "I've been so worried about you," he said, "are you sure you feel well enough to be sitting up? After three days.... I mean.... you've cooled down a bit, but you still look really pale.... I mean..... and when Watari came up to do the check up I was so scared for you... I could barely breath..."

Hisoka's brows creased in confusion. "But Lady Rika said you were thrown out. You were with me?"

Hijiri looked at the woman, who curtsied with a smile. "I'll go make some tea," she said, then left the room. When the door was closed, Hijiri chuckled. "I was thrown out," he said, "but she snuck me up here. I think it's because I was driving her crazy." He scratched the backk od his head sheepishly.

He looked into the large matching eyes with a smile. "Kiss me while we're alone?"

Hijiri hesitated. "Are you sure you're well enough? I mean.... you're still quite warm.... though I'm pretty sure Sir What's-His-Face had something to do with that." His face was one of anger and distaste.

Hisoka smiled softly. "I'm fine enough for a kiss. I've missed you. I'm glad your here. I just wish you could lay here and hold me all day."

"That," Hijiri said, giving Hisoka a small kiss on the chin, "would be heavenly. But I can't... not yet. For now, you'll have to settle with sitting together." His fingers traced along Hisoka's cheek and he leaned forward, tilting his head to the side as his lips grazed over Hisoka's.

Hisoka sighed, enjoying the tender moment while he could. "I know..." he whispered. "When I'm better we'll go to Terazuma to train you."

"Wow," Hijiri said, "me.... a knight... why doesn't it seem possible right now?"

Hisoka clung to him. "It has to be! You can't let him win my hand! You can't! Please try! I have no say in the matter, it's up to my father." There was dispair in his voice.

Hijiri held him close. "I didn't mean it that way it all," he said, "I just mean that I can't imagine myself as a knight at this point... I'll fight for your hand, with everything I have. I just can't see it yet." He blushed slightly.

Hisoka sighed and laid back. "I'm scared. That's the first time he's ever attacked me like that... I felt that same lust from him... like the others."

"I'm so sorry," Hijiri said, "I would have done something, but I'm not allowed to confront nobles about anything... he would have had permission to kill me..... and I can't do anything for you if I'm dead...." He looked away rather depressedly.

He shook his head. "I understand that. I know there was nothing you could do. I was just so scared. I was glad you were still there... he might have taken me right there had you not been."

Hijiri nodded, very displeased by this. "That dirtbag..." he grumbled, "a right spoiled noble.... one who doesn't care when others suffer. Not like you, Hisoka. You actually think about the emotions of the people around you."

Hisoka smiled softly and took Hijiri's hand. "It's because my mother spent all her free time with me. She taught me that it was most important to consider how others felt because I was going to be a king one day and my kingdom would fall into ruin if I didn't know what they wanted."

Hijiri smiled back at him. "I've never met yout mother," he said, "but I wish I could... she sounds so nice..."

He sighed deeply. "She died when I was ten." He closed his eyes. "It's been so hard without her. Especially since everyone tells me I look more and more like her everyday."

Hijiri tilted his head to the side. "She must have been very beautiful then..." he curled a strand of hair behind Hisoka's ear, staring into his eyes.

Hisoka smiled brightly at this. "There's a painting of her in the hall. It doesn't do her justice."

Hijiri chuckled and shook his head. "I don't think there's any artist that could do you justice." Again, his fingers traced lovingly through the blond's hair.

Jani_chan

He smiled softly, never letting go of Hijiri's hand, nor opening his eyes. "You're making me feel better. Please don't leave me anytime soon. If someone comes in I'll tell them that I sent for you."

Hijiri nodded. "I don't want to leave..." he murmured, "I want to spend all of my time with you.... perhapse give it to you in a colorful bottle with a ribbon bow."

Hisoka sighed. "When I'm better I want to go riding again. I can't wait to get there. We can stretch out together under the trees and take a nap, or just lay there and watch the clouds. Spring is finally here and it's warming up. The water will be nice and you can teach me to swim." He seemed about ready to fall asleep again but his temperature was slowly coming back to normal. Hijiri was like a miracle cure.

Hijiri smiled. "That all sounds wonderful," he said, "but I want to make sure that you're okay."

Hisoka nodded and yawned. "Is it okay if go back to sleep now? I'm very tired. If someone comes in, wake me so I can tell them to leave."

Hijiri nodded. "I will," he said, "you rest. You need it." He stood, stretching.

He clutched at Hijiri's cloak. "Hou said you wouldn't leave." He knew Hijiri couldn't hold him but he at least wanted to feel him somewhat. Even if he just sat beside the bed and held his hand.

Hijiri motioned to the chair to the side. "I figured I'd sit there," he said, then grabbed it, dragging it to the side of the bed.

Hisoka relaxed. "Hold my hand." He turned his head to the brunet but didn't open his eyes. "I feel like I'm getting cooler."

One of his hands took Hisoka's and the other touched his forehead. "I do believe you are," he said, looking over the blond. "You're not as pale anymore either."

Hisoka sighed happily and pulled Hijiri's fingers to his cheek. As they sat there silently for a few moments, Hisoka fell asleep again, holding Hijiri's hand to his cheek.

Hijiri smiled and watched him for a while until he nodded off himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gentle hands took Hisoka's shoulders. "Wake up, Highness," said the gentle voice of Lady Rika.

Hisoka woke with a start, feeling fully better again. "Where's Hijiri?"

The woman put her fingers to her lips, then pointed to the bed beside the prince where Hijiri was resting peacefully, his hand still clutching Hisoka's own.

He sat up slowly and looked down at him with a warm smile. "Has he been here all night? I feel a lot better today...and i'm hungry. was there something you woke me for?"

The woman nodded. "He's stayed there all night and asked me not to make him leave. He said that you were the first thing he wanted to see this morning. And yes... your father wishes to speak to you before you do any riding today."

Hisoka frowned. "What could he want? I'm glad he stayed. I asked him to wake me if anyone came in so I could tell them I sent for him. I started feeling better the second he entered the room."

The woman shook her head. "That's not what he wants to see you about," she said, "I made sure that nobody came in the room, so nobody knows that he spent the night here. But it's best if you get to your father's chambers as quickly as possible."

Hisoka looked confused. "His chambers? Not the meeting room?" He squeezed Hijiri's hand to wake him. "Hijiri..."

Hijiri's head lifted slowly. "Hisoka...?" he murmured, then winced at a crick in his neck.

He frowned. "I have to see my father now. Return to the stables and we'll go riding as soon as I'm done with my father. Is that okay?"

Hijiri stretched slowly, a series of cracks emitting from his spine. "You're the prince," he said, then leaned forward without a thought and kissed the boy's cheek, seeming to not care that Rika was there and then turned and headed for the door. "I'll be waiting, highness," he said.

Hisoka's eyes widened and he blushed horribly, not at all wanting to look at Rika. "That was...strange... " He spoke to Rika, Hijiri haveing left already. "I wonder why he did that..."

The woman made a face at him, seeing right through his act. "Oh gee," she said, "I wonder...." she patted him on the head, "get dressed, young master." And she headed out of the room.

Hisoka blushed even redder and locked his door behind her to change. He dressed quickly and headed for his fathers chambers. His blush faded just before he got there as he started to wonder what this could be about. The door was closed so he knocked.

"Enter," came his father's voice from the other side, speaking in a low tone. The man was sitting at a table near his own window, overlooking the mountains.

Hisoka stepped in. "You wished to see me Father? I'm feeling better today. Did Watari find out what was wrong?"

The man shook his head. "He's still looking into it," the man said, then motioned to the chair across from him. "Sit with me, my son."

Hisoka stepped lightly across the room and sat down. "Did I do something wrong? Am I in trouble?"

The king shook his head, then looked at his son for a moment. "Do you know why I wear this mask?" he asked.

Hisoka looked down. "Because you grieved for my mother and that made you a weak person and so you hid your face so that no one would know you're still greiving? You told me that once before."

The man nodded. "I'm glad you remember," he said, "do you ever want to wear a mask like this? Or would you rather stay as you are now?"

Hisoka shook his head. "I would never want to wear that. I want my people to see my emotions. Good or bad. You should know this."

Again, there was a nod. "Have you found it then?" he asked, "the one thing that might make you wish to wear a mask if you ever lost it?"

He wasn't sure how to answer this. "I don't believe there is anything."

"There is nothing you would mourn?" the king asked, "there is nothing that you could lose that would make you wish to end your life...?" The king was speaking very slowly, challenging Hisoka to think hard about this.

"To take mylife? perhaps...but not to hide myself. I'm just not that kind of person." He was growing angry with this, why could his father not understand that he looked weaker hiding behind magic than he did weeping for a woman dead more than six years?

The man stared for a moment. "You are truly stronger than me, my son," he said, reaching up and taking the mask into his hand. "But the point is... you have something you care about more than life itself, do you not?"

Hisoka nodded. "Only rescently have I made that deciosion. Why do you ask all of this?"

"I am quite aware of your displeasure of an arranged marriage to Lady Kazusa," the king said, "and that many are working hard in hopes of capturing your hand and taking it away from her."

Hisoka wasn't liking the sound of this already. "I know of only one and surely he is not worthy."

The king raised an eyebrow at his son. "Oh?" he said, "I am told you accepted."

His eyes widened and he stood. "NEVER! Not only is he not worthy of even looking at me, he's perverted!"

The king seemed extremely surprised at this. "I see," he said, "so you fainted yesterday in the stables... though not due to the fact that he proposed to you?"

He shook his head. "He didn't propose to me he threatened me! He concocted some story about how I'm whoreing myself to the stableboy and tried to say he'd tell people if I refused!"

The king's eyes widened suddenly and he stood, hands slamming onto the table just before hr crippled to the floor, out cold. A hand wrapped around Hisoka's mouth tightly, bruisingly even. "You dare to defy me?" came the voice of Masaki in his ear.

Hisoka screamed and pulled at the hand, struggling against the grip. His heart was racing.

"Bad enough your father didn't believe me about our loveaffair... then the stableboy was there so I couldn't take you there either.... you will give me your body and kingdom!!" He ordered.

His eyes widened shaking his head as much as he could. He was growing dizzy fast, screaming for help though it wasn't much use. He clawed at the hand, nails digging painfully into his skin.

With an angry cry, the man threw the boy against the wall roughly, then turned and threw him back onto the bed, holding him down by his throat. "You. Will. Be. Mine."

He gave one last scream for Terazuma which wasn't very loud, and spoke in a raspy voice. "I will...be no ones!" But even has he spoke these words his vision began to fade and soon he went completely limp.

The man tore the front of Hisoka's shirt, but wasn't able to get very far as the door burst in, Hijiri charging at the man with a cry. He grabbed the back of the man's neck, pulling him away from the prince. Masaki let out a yell and turned around, grabbing the boy by the arm and throwing him against the wall. He hit and the man was on him, holding him back by his throat. "Little commoner!! Hoe dare you come between a noble and his prize!!!!" He struck the boy, who barely reacted. He thrust his palm forward against the man's chest and forced him back by thumping hard against the center of his ribcage. The man backhanded him now. He backed closer to Hisoka. Hijiri grimaced at him.

"Get away from him!!" he ordered. The man grinned. "The prince is all you care about, huh?" He reached over and lifted the blond by his torn shirt, kicking the window open. Glass fell down the castle walls to hit the deep water of a castle oasis and splashed only slightly. Hijiri's eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare!!" he said. There was another smirk. "Wouldn't I?" He said, then tossed the prince out the window like a rag doll.

Hijiri tried to run for the prince, but the knight was in the way. He wouldn't let the boy pass. He grabbed the boy by the throat and squeezed. "You will die and meet him in the afterlife!!! Hijiri couldn't see for a moment, his heart racing too fast ans the hand around his throat cutting off his air. He began to panic. He couldn't let anything happen to Hisoka. Without thought, just as a knight entered the room, Hijiri grabbed Masaki's sword and embeded it deep into the man's torsoe. He stared for only a moment as he was dropped, but then ran for the window, jumping into the water below to safe Hisoka.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

There was a lot of noise around the boy and Rika's voice was distinctivly being heard. "Please! He must rest!!! Don't take him away... please.... he needs im to be here!!!" And Hijiri's voice. "Hisoka!!! Please!!! He's so cold!! Do something!!! Hisoka!!!"

Hisoka was startled awake by the noise and sat up, staring at the two knights. "Let him go! I command you to leave!"

Hijiri stared at him for a moment, then broke free from the knight who was pulling him out the door, moving immedietly to Hisoka's side. "Are you okay, Highness?" he asked, "please tell me you're okay." He was kneeling at the blond's bedside, elbows on the sheets.

Hisoka touched his throat, the skin around it very sore. He then looked at the knights. "Did you catch him? Is my father alright? Make use of yourselves!"

One knight stepped forward and bowed. This wasn't one of the knighs who'd been trying to remove Hijiri from the room. "Your Highness," he said, "your father is resting peacefully at the time and I can guarentee that Masaki won't bother you anymore."[color]

[color=green]Hisoka breathed deeply, closing his eyes. "I won't be settled until he's hung." He looked at Hijiri for a moment. "Further more I want him to have a room in this hall. The one next to mine will do. He wishes to become a knight and surely after saving my life three times he now has favor in your eyes. Go and have the maids ready the room."

The other knights hurried away and Rika rushed off to go find maids whom she trusted to work with the room beside Hisoka's. When the door closed, Terazuma was still bowing before the prince. "Highness," he said, "there is something you don't understand."

Hisoka looked up at him. "What's that? I trust Hijiri. Surely you can see his value. He has no formal training and yet he's fended off two of Muraki's knights and one of our own and saved me from drowning. You'll train him won't you?"

The man blinked at the prince for a moment. "Of course," he said, "I see it and will certainly train him if you will it so. But that's not what I was talking about."

Hisoka was confused. "What is it about than?"

Terazuma looked him in the eye. "Masaki is dead, highness," he said.

Hisoka's eyes widened for a moment. "Did he put up that much of a fight? I don't understand, I thought he would have cooperated. He knew fully his punishment before he did this." He looked down. " Not that I can say I'm unhappy with this result..."

"Hijiri killed him...." Terazuma said, "with the man's own sword. A commoner killed a knight with his own sword.... surely you know the punishment for this."

Hisoka shook his head. "Oh gods! Surely my father will make an exception to this. I have to talk to him immediately!" He stood but the room began to spin and he fell back onto the bed, panting. He looked up at Tera. "If you exicute him I'll kill myself because I cannot live with myself knowing I could do nothing to save the man who saved my life without want of reward." There was a despair in his eyes. "Send for my father immediately."

Terazuma shook his head. "He doesn't know," he said.

Hisoka stared at him. "What then is the point of you saying this? If he doesn't know there should be no problem. He was defending me. He has merit and I'm sure he was defending himself as well." He was beginning to shake and pulled the covers over him. "Why am I wet?"

"I told the king that it was me," Terazuma said, "I remember what happened the last time you lost a riding partner...." He looked away from the prince.

Hisoka felt tears come to his eyes. "He was good to me. I miss him still." He looked up at Tera. "Thank you."

Hijiri looked between the two of them and then went and grabbed the clothes that Rika had laid out for the prince. "You should get dressed," he said, not sure what else to do, "you don't want to get sick again." The knight bowed again. "The king will wish to speak with me, so I must be off." He saluted.

Hisoka nodded and watched him leave, locking the door behind him. He took the clothes from Hijiri and walked into the bathroom. "I'll be out in a moment...please don't come in." He then disappeared, closing but not locking the door. He pulled off his wet clothes and examined himself in the mirror. Bruises were starting to form around his neck. He sighed and pulled on his pants then shirt and headed back out, leaning against the door frame. "Hijiri...what happened?"

Hijiri was still wearing the clothes he'd had before, his neck covered by the twisted fabric, which still seemed to be ruffled from fighting. "I'm not sure what happened beforehand, but something told me that I shouldn't ready the horses yet. I followed you and then I heard you screaming. I haven't the slightest Idea where the guards had gone. I think that guy had told them to leave. I ran in and found him on top of you. We struggled for a bit, the he threw you out the window."

His eyes widened. "Out...the window?" He moaned softly a slid to his knees, head beginning to spin. "Oh gods! If we weren't in my fathers room he would have killed me!"

Hijiri shook his head. "I think he only did it because I appeared," he said, "it's my fault he did that.... and that's why I had to kill him. He wouldn't let me pass to go help you.... if I didn't move fast we would have lost you... I'm sorry." He bowed his head.

Hisoka looked up at him, eyes terrified. "Don't appoligize... I just... I can't believe I almost died again..." He couldn't seem to move his legs and his body still trembled. "I'm glad you killed him."

Hijiri moved closer, pulling Hisoka close. "You're shaking like a leaf," he said, rubbing the boy's arms.

He leaned his head against Hijiri's shoulder. "I've locked my door. No one will come in. Please just lay with me for a little while. I feel so dizzy and I'm scared and cold." His voice was pleading.

"I will," Hijiri said, but winced slightly as Hisoka's head brushed his neck. "Ow.."

Hisoka looked up. "What did I do? I'm so sorry! Do you need to see Watari too?"

Hijiri chuckled slightly and shook his head. "You didn't do it," he said, "don't worry. Just some bruises." He sat Hisoka on the bed, sitting beside him. He tugged his collar up more and kissed the prince's cheek.

Hisoka frowned and revealed his own. "Watari has a cream that he makes which gets rid of them. If you have them too you should come with me to see Watari." He laid down. "But if you're okay at the moment I'd rather do it when I'm not so weak."

Hijiri smiled at him. "I've had worse," he said, laying down next to the boy, "you wouldn't have wanted to see me after I was kicked by a horse when I was younger...... that hurt."

Hisoka cringed. "Do you mind if I turn away from you? I feel safer with my back to something solid."

Hijiri kissed him. "I don't mind," he said, removing his hands from the boy so he could move.

Hisoka sighed contentedly as he pressed his back against Hijiri's strong, well built chest and pulled the brunet's arm around his waist, lacing his fingers with that of Hijiri's. He yawned softly. "I really need this. Thank you so much. I really feel like I can trust you."

"That's because you can," he said, "sleep now. You need it."

Hisoka lifted the fingers to his lips for a moment and began to drift off to sleep, his body finally stopping its shaking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Hijiri arose with the sun as he usually did, stretching at the side of the bed. That had to have been the most restful sleep he'd ever had. He sat on the edge of the bed, staring out the window for a long while.

Hisoka stirred feeling Hijiri leave from behind him. He sat up a little, blurry eyes opening to see Hijiri. "I thought you left. Is everything okay? What time is it?"

Hijiri turned, facing the boy and caressing his cheek. "Very early," he said, "you should go back to sleep. I have chores to do before we go riding later.... if you still want to that is."

He nodded. "I just want to get away from here. Wake me when we go."

Hijiri nodded. "I'll return when I'm finished," he said. Then he leaned down and kissed the prince gently. "I'll see you in a bit," he murmured, keeping his lips on Hisoka's.

Hisoka sighed happily and nodded, laying back down. "I think i'll go back to sleep." He closed his eyes again and quickly drifted back to sleep.

Hijiri went out of the room, making sure it was still locked, and headed outside. His first order of business was to feed and water the horses. But he was surprised to find that it was already done. He walked around the stables for a few moments before he met up with someone who surprised him.

"Sir Terazuma?" he said in surprise, just remembering to bow. The man waved his hand through the air.

"Just Terazuma," he said, "and don't bother bowing to me. Soon, we'll be on the same level anyways." Hijiri looked at him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" he asked. Terazuma fixed him with a critical eye, "The young prince tells me he wishes for you to be a knight. I am assuming you have accepted?" Hijiri nodded, speechless. "Well," the man said, "today is your first lesson."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

Later, Hijiri was sweating greatly after his first lesson. Terazuma told him to go clean up and went to the prince, knowing he would want to go out riding with Hijiri as soon as possible. He didn't know if he'd be awake yet, but he nocked gently. "Highness?" he called through the door.

Hisoka was just finishing breakfast at the small table and his face lit up imediately. "Come in."

Terazuma entered the room. "Hello, young master," he said with a bow. "I hope you slept well."

He nodded. "Very well, thank you. I just finished breakfast. Is Hijiri ready to go riding?"

"Almost," the man said, "he's off cleaning up at the moment. And just so you know, I think he has the ability and drive to become a knight faster than any other student I've ever had."

Hisoka looked surprised at this and without thinking he spoke. "Do you think he'll be good enough to win my hand?"

Terazuma raised an eyebrow. "So that's your plan, huh?" he said.

He blushed madly but he couldn't think of an argument. "You won't tell will you? I really like him."

Terazuma shook his head. "I won't tell," he said, "your father's still having a fit about being lied to and if he's told about it, he may go into fits." It was hard to tell if he were joking or not. "For now, just be more careful about what you say and handle him with caution. He's a good boy, but we still don't know anything about him, such as his past or relatives."

Hisoka looked away. "I don't know why...but he has a noble soul. It matches yours. I don't know why...but I trust him implicitly."

Terazuma nodded. "He always does seem familiar whenever I meet him and he remindes me of someone I've met befre, though I don't know who." The man shook his head. "I shall lead you to the stables and you shall be in his charge from then on."

He nodded. "Thank you."

The man bowed his head and then turned and lead Hisoka from the room. When they got to the stables, they found Hijiri standing there in the dress of a castle squire. He looked at Terazuma. "I don't feel like I can accept these," he said to the man, "they're so.... clean... and new...."

Hisoka couldn't stop the smile. "You look so nice. You really deserve them." His heart was pounding in a way he'd never felt before. "Are you ready?"

Hijiri blushed, then bowed. "Thank you, and yes, I'm ready." Terazuma nodded at the boy, then saluted Hisoka, walking off to do whatever it was he did when he wasn't training future knights.

Hisoka waited until he was out of eye shot before he jumped forward, wrapping his arms around Hijiri. "I'm so happy today."

Hijiri chuckled and wrapped his arms around the boy's weist. "I"m glad," he said, "any new adventures planned for us today? Or do you want more swimming lessons?"

Hisoka shivered. "I think I'd like to stay out of the water for a while. I think I just want to snuggle."

Hijiri nodded. "That works," he said, "to the place then!" He pointed in the direction they would be going, trying to seem dramatic, but 'to the place' didn't seem to do much in the way of drama.

Hisoka chuckled softly. "Let's take one horse...it's safer I think. My white one."

Hijiri nodded and brought him inside to the horse, who was surprisingly already saddled. He doublechecked all the belts and sinches, tightening a few, then offered Hisoka a hand up.

Hisoka smiled and mounted the horse with the help of Hijiri. "I can't wait to have some really alone time."

Hijiri climbed onto the horse behind the prince. "Stressed out, huh?" he said, rubbing the prince's back for a moment before grabbing the reins from their place wrapped around the saddle horn.

He sighed. "you just don't know..."

The boy touched his shoulder one more time before the horse was bought to a gallop, the prince's body pressing back against the squire's with the force.

Hisoka didn't mind. He enjoyed the feel of Hijiri's arms holding him, though loosely. His eyes scanned the area as they went. He'd never ridden quickly like this before.

The horse jumped a fence and sped through a field. Then, Hijiri spotted something off to the side. "Hey," he said, slowing the horse, "do you see that?"

Hisoka was looking around but didn't see anything. "No."

Hijiri rode closer, unable to tell what it was at first. He stopped when they were only a few feet away, eyes widening. "Oh gods...." he murmured.

Hisoka's heart began to pound as he noticed what it was. His hand gripped Hijiri's. "Who...could it be?" He crossed himself."

Hijiri looked closer. "She's definitly noble," he said, "but I can't---" he stopped, a sharp intake of breath nearly choking him.[/quote]

Hisoka couldn't tell, too afraid to look at it directly. "Hijiri stop looking directly... the soul can become attatched. Who is it? can you tell? I'm scared!"

"L-Lady Kazusa," he murmured, almost out of breath.[/quote]

Hisoka's eyes widened. "Can...you tell how she died?" He made the mistake of looking more close to see blood soaking the grass around her body and the front of her dress. He screamed before falling limply back against Hijiri.

Hijiri gritted his teeth and thundered off back to the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hijiri had fallen asleep a Hisoka's bedside, grippin the blond's hand tightly. The sun ws high in the noontime sky, so none shone into the windows at all.

Hisoka took a strange breath as he began to wake and whimpered. "Blood...so much...blood."

Hijiri's head lifted slowlyand he brought the prince's hand to his lips. "It's okay," he whispered, "I'm here.... I won't let anything happen to you."

Tears came to his eyes. "She was...only twelve. Oh gods...who could do that to a child?!"

Hijiri clutched the boy's hand. "I know..." he said, "I know..." he kissed the prince's cheek. What else was there to say?

Hisoka sat up, clutching Hijiri around the waist as he burried his face in the boys shirt. He was sobbing incohearent words in complete hysterics.

Hijiri's arms wrapped lovingly and comfortingly around the prince. He had no idea what to say, so he simply held on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, the king called Hisoka back to his chambers, this time with knights at the door. Hijiri was sent out training with Terazuma and he barely had a chance to kiss Hisoka on the cheek before hurrying away.

Hisoka was nervous. "Did we have to do this in here? What's wrong with the meeting room?"

The king removed his mask once again, deep fron lines on his face. "The meeting room is being used at the moment," he said, "but I wish to talk to you about the future of this kingdom."

Hisoka sat across from him. "What do you mean? He was surprised to see his father. "There is only one knights hand I will accept... and he is currently in training."

The king raised an eyebrow. "Why have I heard nothing of this?" he asked.

Hisoka looked away. "It was more important for you not to know. But because of this I forsee trouble with more of our knights on top of the situation with Muraki. I trust this boy with my life and he's going to need to be around me. I can't constantly get into fights about him not being allowed near me. He's training hard with Tera and he's already well capable of protecting me."

The king frowned. "Does Terazuma approve of him?" he asked, "I have yet to see him fight, and his instincts don't seem that keen. That day Terazuma saved us both he had no idea what was going on. And he was there with you in the stables when Masaki claimed to confront you about marriage."

Hisoka looked away. "Tera... lied on my behalf. It was Hijiri who saved us. Tera didn't want Hijiri to be exicuted because at the time he hadn't started training. He killed Masaki... not Tera. As for the stables, he couldn't have done anything without being executed, your law that comoners may not touch coutiers would have put him to death had he done anything and Masaki never touched me. I assure you had he Hijiri would have acted." He cringed, knowing his father would not be happy.

The king stared at the prince for a moment. "Surely you jest," he said, "you truly believe that unblooded boy could kill a knight who has survived many battles?"

Hisoka's voice was becoming upset. "Tera told me and he doesn't lie. When Tera came in Hijiri had grabbed Masaki's sword and he watched Hijiri run him through. Dare you say that my mothers loyal protector lied? He would only lie under certain situations in which to save a life...which he did."

The king stared for a moment and then shook his head. "The boy killed a full blooded knight," he murmured.[/quote]

Hisoka sighed. "He has noble blood. I sense it." He looked down. "Please do not accept nor believe any proposals you get from anyone other than him."

The king looked at him. "That's rediculous," he said, "if I remember correctly, he was brought here from a farm of one of your mother's good friends. Maybe a son or something. But he had a gift with animals and so he's worked here since. He's no noble."

He shook his head. "I'm telling you. There's noble blood in his veins. We'll see in due time. Is there anything else you'd like to talk about? Hijiri and I are going riding again."

The king looked at him with a critical eye. "Do you really think I'll let you go riding with a boy whom you wish to be your king?" he demanded, "I have no idea what you two do out there and who knows what he'll do to you!?"

Hisoka growled. "Don't you dare start accuseing me! If you must know the truth we are dating but by no means are we having sex. He's agreed to wait until I'm ready! I've been with bad men who lust after me. I know the difference!"

The king's form seemed to grow in his fury. "Do not take that tone with me!!" he said, his voice getting deep with his anger, "I could forbid you from from going anywhere with anyone!!!!"

Tears came to his eyes. "I spent five years taking perfectly fine care of myself because you were too drunk to take care of me. What gives you the right to dictate my life? I know what can happen and I know that Hijiri isn't like that because it's happened twice before. How will I ever be able to rule this country if my own father treats me like a child! By your law I am a man. And yet you refuse to treat me so."

The kings eyes widened even more. "IT'S HAPPENED TO YOU BEFORE AND YOU STILL TRUST!?" The king threw his hands into the air with an aggrieved cry as he turned his back on the boy. "You are lost from my words. Go. Just go and do sa you wish."

Hisoka stood and spoke slowly. "I do not trust just anyone. And the fact that I do trust him should tell you something. I did not trust those men to begin with. They tricked me and then they raped me. They wanted my body. Hijiri loves me. He caters to my every wish. If i asked him to kill himself he would if it would make me happy. Does that not sound like what you thought of my mother?" Without giving him chance to answer he left.

The king sat heavily in his chair and reached for a bottle to the side as he felt another headache coming on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

Hijiri had their horse saddled and ready. He was already seated on it, staring out over the fields and toward the trees and turned when Hisoka exited the doorway.

Hisoka was in silent tears. His father obviously didn't care that he'd been traumatized and that hurt. The only reason it had happened was because he'd driven Hisoka into finding comfort from someone. He'd only found pain. He mounted the horse without even asking for Hijiri's help and took the reigns himself, pushing her into an immediate gallope. He spoke not a word. He just had to get away. As fast as he could.

Hijiri's arms wrapped around Hisoka's weist tightly in fear of falling off of the horse, but he didn't question the boy. If he wanted to get away from the palace this fast, something must have happened. He would ask the rince about it when they stopped. If he spoke now he'd likely bite his tongue.

They made it to the river in record time and he jumped off the horse running up the path without a second thought to Hijiri. When at last he reached the bank of the the spring and waterfal he fell to his knees, sobbing so hard that his body shook and his breath was painful. "IT'S NOT FAIR!" This is all he repeated again and again, slaming his fist against the rock until it was bloodied.

Hijiri rushed after him. "Hisoka!!!" he cried in surprise, "Hisoka, stop!!!" He grabbed the boy's hands and pulled them to himself, making the prince face him, "Hisoka.... tell me what happened..."

He looked into Hijiri's eyes. "I told him and he doesn't care! All he can come up with it questioning why I still trust you! He doesn't care!"

"Wait... what? You told him about the two knights?" Hijiri was rather dumfounded.

He burried his face in Hijiri's chest. "I told him everything! I was hoping to have his support! But instead he threatened to forbid me to going anywhere with you. He accused me of sleeping with you and then accused you of having the intent to rape me! I couldn't do anything else!"

Hijiri cradled the boy close. "Oh gods....." he kissed the top of Hisoka's head.

And the he pulled away as the doubt set in. "You wouldn't do that. You promised me you'd wait. I'm not wrong about you! I can't be! You love me!" But all the same he lay on the ground at Hijiri's knees, gasping painfully for breath as he clawed at the dirt beneath his fingers.

Hijiri began to panic and dropped the saddlebag he'd flung over his shoulder. "Hisoka," he said, "I do love you. I really do. I swear I'd do anything for you. Anything! Please calm down... you're scaring me.... Hisoka...." He clung to the boy, eyes wide with fear.

His eyes were dark as he began to calm his sobbing. "Tell me I'm right Hijiri. Tell me you wouldn't hurt me. Please. I just need to hear it." He didn't look at him and his body was as limp as if he'd fainted.

Hijiri shook his head. "I would never ever hurt you," he said, "I'd kill myself before I hurt you. I swear to you.... my life...."

He clung to the boy, tears soaking his shirt. "I should know my own life! I trust you! I have no reason not to!"

"Hisoka," Hijiri pleaded, "let me bandage you... you're bleeding badly."

Hisoka looked at him in confusion for a moment. "I hadn't noticed..." He held out the hand. "If you wish..."

Hijiri pulled Hisoka over to the water and gently dipped the boy's hand into it. Then he pulled bandaging out of the bag and began to gingerly wrap it around the boy's hand.

Hisoka watched detachedly, not feeling a thing. He was in a state of shocked despair. "It was my fault." He whispered softly, not really to Hijiri.

Hijiri paused for a moment. "What do you mean?" he asked, not sure if he really wanted to ask.

"What they did to me... I lead them on. I wanted comfort. I wanted to be held and kissed. I wanted them to love me... and they did... just in a different way. If I hadn't allowed myself to be alone with them it never would have happened. I'm a screw up..."

Hijiri's grip tightened slightly on Hisoka's hand. "That's not true, Hisoka. None of it's true...." He traced his fingers over Hisoka's cheek. "They had no right to do that to you, no matter what you think you did. And you're not a screw up. I've made similar mistakes. Don't think it's only you."

Hisoka closed his eyes. "It is. I'm...beautiful. Everyone wants to sleep with me. My own knights, half of them can't be trusted to be alone with me. And now that Kazusa is dead it'll be worse. So much worse. I don't want you to leave me."

"I'll never leave you, Hisoka," he said, "you can trust me to protect you to the best of my abilities forever and ever. I don't need a wedding to vow my eternal love for you and I swear that I am yours for as long as you want and neede me. I swear it to you......" he tied off the bandaging and then cupped Hisoka's face in his hands, rubbing his cheek against that of the prince.

Hisoka seemed numb. "I feel...so dirty. My own father didn't care. I don't understand. If it's not my fault than why did he not care? All he was concerned with was why I still trust. But I don't trust. Only you. You're special."

"He didn't care because he's an idiot drunkard of a king," Hijiri sounded angry, "he's too selfish to see what he's done to you... oh Hisoka..." he kissed the prince's forehead.

Hisoka was in tears again. "But he's my father. He's supposed to protect me. And love me. He doesn't." He burried his face into Hijiri's shirt again. "He hates me!"

Hijiri patted his back. "My father never bothered to even know me," he said, "it's all going to be okay, I promise.... just ask it of me and I'll give you all the love you could ever wish for. I have it in plenty.... I swear to you."

Hisoka looked up into his eyes. "Love me clean. Take away this feeling that i'm so wrong. Love me without making love to me. Touch me without touching places I don't even want you to see. I love you so much. Please make me feel right even if i'm not."

Hijiri pulled the bag over his shoulder, then lifted Hisoka from the ground, carrying him into the cave, a lamp swinging from his hand already. He set Hisoka on a rock once they reached the back of the cave and kissed him gently.

In the back of his mind Hisoka decided this was a test. if Hijiri hurt him he'd kill himself afterward. His father had put boubts into his head that he hated. He didn't want to believe them but he also feard that he was fooling himself. Slowly his arms came around Hijiri's waist, eyes shutting tight, praying Hijiri would be good to him. His body trembled in fear, fear of the man he loved. Could Hijiri take that away again? or would he end his life tonight?

Hijiri's kiss continued, his hands on the boy's shoulders. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, but the squire was doing nothing to go any further than a close kiss. "I love you," he murmured, "more than anything or anyone I've ever known."

He liked the way things were going. He still felt on edge but was beginning to feel comfortable with him again. "I...I love you too."

Hijiri's lips trailed to Hisoka's chin, kissing his throat and neck. His hands still hadn;t moved and he didn't go any farther.

Hisoka was enjoying this. His body began to calm. His nerves slowly melted away and he let a soft moan slip from his soft lips.

Hijiri's kisses stayed soft and sweet, his fingers running through Hisoka's hair. "I love you..... I want to spend forever with you.... give you my life... body and soul....."

Hisoka breathed in deeply. "Will you lay me down and kiss me, hold me? That's what I want. I want you to kiss me while I'm laying in your arms..." there was such a sadness behind the voice. Like he'd asked this before.

Hijiri nodded and grabbed the saddlepack, spreading a blanket over the floor. He was glad it was so dark. The sadness in Hisoka's voice was making his eyes water with heartbreak. He lay the boy down and lay beside him, holding him close and kissing him gently, tears leaking over his own cheeks.

Hisoka was confused at this. He reached up and gently brushed away the tears. "I'm sorry. I'm just really out of it and so upset. He gave me doubts."

Hijiri shook his head. "I don't like that sound in your voice...." he said, "I want you to be happy. I'd give everything I had to make you happy. I just..." he didn't finish as he let out a sigh and pulled Hisoka tightly against himself.

Hisoka turned his face to Hijiri. "Put me out. I don't care what you do to me, just put me out. I won't be okay until I've calmed and I just can't seem to do it myself."

Hijiri shook his head. "But I just swore to you that I'd never hurt you. How will you continue to trust me if I start hurting you?"

Hisoka sighed. "It'll do more damage if I don't get these thoughts out of my head. I'm not concerned with physical pain. When I say I don't want you to hurt me I mean I don't want you to rape me." He closed his eyes. "A swift knock to the back of the head or scaring me to the point of fainting won't hurt me nearly as much as the ideas running through my head right now."

Hijiri watched Hisoka's closed eyes for a moment, then reached into the hidden shieth at the small of his back, pulling out a daggar and holding the blunt side of the blade to his throat, just barely touching it to that beautiful pale skin.

There was a gasp and his eyes shot open. He didn't know Hijiri had a dagger. In the dark he couldn't see Hijiri's face. He lay there frozen for a moment, breath coming quickly with his fear.

Hijiripressed the daggar a bit more firmly against his throat, hand in the boy's hair tightening slightly. He didn't want to speak. He hated doing this, but he would do anything the prince asked of him.

The shock finally lifted and suddenly his eyes closed with a soft sigh and he fell limp.

Hijiri closed his eyes and dropped the daggar to the side, pulling Hisoka close to his chest. The tears really came now. He could say exactily why he was crying, but something in his chest was tight and it hurt quite a bit. He stayed like that for hours, just holding the prince as close as he could.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hijiri's tears had stopped hours ago, but he was still clinging to the prince, holding him close and tight.

Hisoka took in a deep breath suddenly as he began to wake. His hand was sore but he didn't know why. He sat up, looking around for a moment. He didn't remember being here. He leaned over and shook Hijiri's shoulder gently. "Hijiri?"

The boy wrapped his arms around the prince tightly. "I'm sorry," he said, "I know you told me to, but I'm still sorry." He buried his face in Hisoka's shirt.

Hisoka stared down at him. "I don't understand...what did you do? How did we get here? The last thing I remember was that Tera said my father wanted to talk to me..."

Hijiri looked up at him in surprise, though he continued to cling to the boy's shirt. "You.... don't remember?" he said. Then he pulled away, rolling onto his side with his hands over his head. "Noooooo!!! I knew this would happen!! I knew I'd do something wrong!! I always do, I'm so sorryyyy." He whimpered, wrapping his arms around his head and curling into a ball.

Hisoka blinked. "Well if the last thing I remember is Tera talking to me the fault must lay in me. Unless that is to say you somehow knocked me out and brought me here?"

Hijiri stayed in his ball on the floor. "You brought us here..... but I still knocked you out....." he whimpered slightly, "I knew I'd do something wrong.. I just knew it."

Hisoka was completely calm. "Oh...well you said I asked you to?" He began to have flash backs of a time not too long ago in which Tera had told him the exact same thing. "It's not you. You didn't do anything wrong." He gently touched his shoulder and noticed the bandage on his hand. "What happened to my hand? I'm assuming you didn't do that"

Hijiri rolled over and gently kissed those bandaged knuckles. "I didn't," he said, "you were angry and punched a rock." He rubbed the soft hand against his cheek.

Hisoka closed his eyes. "Oh gods, not this again... damn it!"

Hijiri looked at him. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"My father has only been sober about six months. And I don't remember what happened but it's apparently why he stopped drinking. Tera said he found me against the door of his room one night in hysterics. My father had done something... I'm not sure what. I couldn't be calmed. Nothing he did calmed me and finally I begged him to knock me out. To this day all I can remember is asking him to knock me out... and a dagger stabbing into the pillow next to my head."

Hijiri stared at him. "There are no clues to what caused it?" he asked.

Hisoka shook his head. "Tera said I was covered in blood but no one would tell me where from. I don't remember a thing and Watari says that's a good thing. I don't try to push the memory because I believe him."

Hijiri's hands pressed over his mouth. "Oh gods..." he murmured, "oh gods...." he ran for the entrance of the cave, feeling bile forcing its way out.

Hisoka looked worried and followed after him. "Hijiri...what's wrong?" He winced as he watched the boy throw up a yellowish liquid that he recognized all too well. He'd done the same for nearly a week after the incident. "Did I say something wrong?"

Hijiri shook his head, not wanting to answer. He knew... and he knew the king remembered. How could the man look at his son as though nothing had happened? He pressed his hands over his face. "Oh Hisoka..." he whispered.

Hisoka stared at him. "What happened? What did I say? I'm sorry. But you see it's not your fault now right? Whatever it was before traumatized me to the point where I didn't remember. It's just a way for me to heal. Tera told me that if I ever remembered he'd kill my father because he was convinced I'd kill myself."

Hijiri shook his head, grabbing Hisoka's hand. "D-don't..." he murmured, "never... never remember....." He grabbed his flask from his hip, opening the top and dumping it into his mouth, swilling it around, then spitting it out.

Hisoka sat beside him. "I don't ever plan to. But even if I do, I have you now. The only way I'd ever kill myself is if you were taken away from me."

Hijiri took the boy's face in his hands. "Promise me," he said, eyes wide and pleading.

Hisoka nodded, placing his forehead against Hijiri's. "I promise you. I will only kill myself if you die."

"Then I will live forever," Hijiri whispered, holding Hisoka close.

Hisoka sighed deeply and smiled softly. "Only if I can live forever with you."

Hijiri clung to him once again. "Together....." he leaned hishead against Hisoka's chest. "Forever....." He paused, a thought suddenly striking him. "You never asked me about why I understand how you feel."

Hisoka sighed deeply. "I'm sure I know. But since I told you... tell me..."

Hijiri shrugged. "Let's go back inside," he said, "it's a bit of a long story... I've never told anyone before, but I think that it's important to tell you."

He nodded and helped Hijiri back in, laying them both on the blanket. "Okay... tell me." He wrapped his arms around Hijiri's waist, snuggling his nose into Hijiri's shirt. "I'm listening."

"First I should tell you about my mother.... she was.... not your run of the mill type woman...." he paused, thinking on words.

Hisoka shrugged. "I figured you had to be of unusual origins so this comes as no surprise. Was she a pirate?"

Hijiri shook his head. "She worked in a brothel close to the kingdom's borders," he said, "that's where I was born.... though... I think it was torn down by now..."

Hisoka nodded. "I see. So she had to give you up? I don't understand the importance of that."

Hijiri shook his head. "She didn't give me up," he said, "she took very good care of me. It was the brothel owner that threatened my very existance. You see, when I was little, I was..... cute..... very cute... girlishly so....." he grimaced.

Hisoka grimaced. "And he used you? that way...?"

"Not for himself," he said, "and not at first. One man inquired in private about me and asked to buy me for a night. There was a small arguement about price, but I was bought....... I was seven." He was still staring at the ceiling, not looking anywhere else, as though he were back in the brothel, watching from the hallway where he'd been hiding, reliving it all over again.

Hisoka held tighter. "I'm so sorry. That's terrible."

Hijiri closed his eyes and rolled his head back and forth slowly on the blanket they'd been laying on before. "It doesn't matter anymore. I've had lovers since then. Though... they were all interested only in the fact that I was attractive and trained in the 'art' of pleasuring." He grimaced, "I hate being called handsome. When I was a kid I uced to cut myself and burn my face in hopes the men wouldn't want me anymore...." he lifted his arm and tugged up his sleeve to reveal light scars in his skin that were obviously very old. "That's why I know a bit of how you feel..."

Hisoka took his hand, lifting the fingers to his lips and kissing them softly. "Promise me something okay?"

"Anything for you," Hijiri said, rolling to his side to face Hisoka.

"Never..." He took a deep breath. "Never never ever cut yourself again. Never hurt yourself. If you have to hurt someone in anger than hurt me... never yourself."

Hijiri grimaced. "These are from ages ago, Hisoka," he said, "I haven't done anything of the such in years."

He sighed. "I know. But I just want to make sure you won't do it again."

"I promise..." Hijiri said, tugging his sleeve back over his scars and intertwining his fingers with Hisoka's, "but I'd never hurt you... not for anything."

He breathed in deeply. "As long as you don't do that again i'm happy. But also..." He turned in Hijiri's arms. "I want you to start sleeping in my bed at least once a week. I'm scared he'll get drunk and come after me."

Hijiri's brows furrowed. "If that's the case, I'll sleep against your door at night so he can't get in." He rubbed the tip of his nose against Hisoka's own.

Hisoka shook his head. "I need to feel you around me. To sleep. I'm sorry I scared you. Whatever he said or did today must have really hurt me."

Hijiri grimaced. "I'm never leaving you alone with that man again," he said, "hey can try to hold me back, but they will fail." He clung to the prince.

Hisoka smiled softly. "Oh gods, where were you all my life? He should meet you and then perhaps he'll understand."

"I don't think he'd like me," Hijiri said, "sure, I'm nice to you, but he's only seen me cowering and bowing.... which is all I know how to do with kings. I don't trust them... well... with an exeption of you.."

Hisoka sat up. "It has to be done Hijiri. as much as i hate to admit it have to listen to him and if he accepts someone else just because he doesn't know you i'll have no choice."

Hijiri nodded. "Yeah," he said, "but now that I'm a squire, I can at least show some dignity, right?"

Hisoka nodded. "A simple bow once will do fine. You're shorter than him anyway so you don't have to grovel. Let's go shall we? I'm hungry and it's getting late."

Hijiri nodded and more or less rolled to his feet. He had a feeling that he wan't going to like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon they were back at the castle. Hijiri had taken his time going back, wishing to delay the meeting of himself and Hisoka's father. He took his time bringing the horse into the stall too.

Hisoka wasn't in much of a hurry either, not looking forward to it himself. He waited until they were out of sight of anyone else. "Kiss me."

Hijiri pulled him close and gently kissed his lips. "I love you," he murmured, "no matter what your father says."

Hisoka deepened the kiss and nodded. "Same. Let's go." He pulled Hijiri by the hand, leading him into the palace.

Hijiri tried not to drag as he walked into the thrown room with the prince. The king was sitting on his thrown, talking to the knight Tsuzuki. He slowed down considerably, as though he'd struck an invisible wall.

Hisoka was getting scared for some reason. "Father. I'd like to introduce you to my future husband. This is Hijiri." His voice was defiant but his eyes showed his fear.

'Husband'... Hijiri's heart would have swelled at the word had the king's invisible face not sharply turned to him. He bowed politely, but this was ignored. "I don't remember agreeing to that," the man said, "what worth does this boy have to the kingdom? How will he grant you more power to care for your people?" Tsuzuki wasn't moving. He'd been on one knee when they entered, and hadn't left due to the fact that he hadn't been sent away yet.

Hisoka didn't waver. "He's a strong man. He will bring dicipline and strong rule while I will bring love and wealth. He knows the people better than I do because he lives among them. He knows their needs."

The king's unseen face stared for a moment, then turned to the side. "Speaking of that," he said, "I did some research on your dearest beloved. I understand that before he came here he was a farm hand?" he paused and looked at them, Hijiri was surprised, but nodded.

Hisoka also nodded though he had no idea of Hijiri's past. He figured he'd fake it and ask later.[/quote]

[color=darkgreen]"And he was brought there by a man who was the owner of a brothel that burned down a few years back....." the king looked over the papers in his hands as Hijiri winced. "And you say he has noble blood, are you daft?"

Hisoka glared. "I'm telling you father somewhere in his bloodline is a prince or a knight. I can't tell you how I know this but in time it will be revealed."

"Upon being sold to the farmer as a pleasure slave," the king said, "it was revealed that there was no knowledge of his father and his mother died of syphilis. You're fighting a losing battle, my son."

Hisoka cringed. More at the pain the woman had endourd than the implications of it. "What does Hijiri's past have to do with how well he can rule? Grandfather was a commoner before he came here to mary grandmother. Need I remind you it was your own father who was comon before he turned this country into a thriving land full of happy and well fed people?" He looked down. "Furthermore you just said yourself his father is unknown. Therefore it cannot be ruled out until we find out who he was."

The king frowned. "There's good reason to believe that his father was from Muraki's land.... what do you say to that?" The king's invisible glare held as much threat as a visible one.

Hisoka visibly shivered but he stood his ground. "i don't care where he's from or who his parents were. i love him. the way mother loved you. why can't you understand that? why do you care? he's good to me, he'll be good for our people."

Jani_chan

The king tossed the papers to the side, and before he could speak, an arrow lodged into his shoulder. The knight Tsuzuki jumped up, looking around for their attacker, but he was knocked to the floor before he could see the person. Hijiri launched into action, grabbing a decorative sword from the wall and swinging it at the man;s head, narrowly missing. He placed himself between the two royals and the knight in light fabric the color of stone. This person looked familiar, but Hijiri was concentrating too hard on defending the two to pay attention to that.

Hisoka ran to his father. "Father! Are you okay?!" He only took his eyes off Hijiri for a moment, on his knees by the king. "Hijiri please be careful!" The concern and fear in his eyes was clearly visible.

Hijiri didn't need to be told twice. He was trying to fight with a decorative blade, while his opponent had a real one. The rather rich decoration was blunt and would certainly hurt, but it most likely wouldn't stand up to a full on clash with that huge blade. The knight charged at him and he spun out of the way, kicking out to trip the man. The knight spun to regain his balance as Hijiri circled, once again placing himself between him and the throne. There was a loud growl and the man raised his sword in the air, chopping down onto Hijiri, shattering the decorative blade and striking into Hijiri's shoulder. The brunet cried out, falling to one knee with the force, but was able to stave off being cut deeper by throwing a well aimed punch to the groin.

Hisoka cried out, standing as if to go to him but he dared not move. "Hijiri! are you okay?!"

Hijiri wanted to tell Hisoka he was okay, but he wasn't so sure. The blade hadn't been as sharp as he'd thought. It had done less cutting and more tearing and breaking. The pain in his collarbone made him want to puke, but he focused on the knight, who was getting to his feet, cupping his groin slightly with a curse. Using this moment, Hijiri rushed forward, bringing the handle of the blade against the man's head and knocking him to the floor where he fell with a smack. Hijiri looked back at Hisoka. "Are you okay?" he asked, then saw the blood trailing down the king's arm and shoulder. He rushed to the man's side, pulling out the arrow with his working arm. "We need the doctor," he said, wrapping the king's cape over the wound and pressing tightly.

Hisoka ran to get Watari, praying it wasn't too late.

Hijiri continued to press the cape against the wound. "I know it hurts, Majesty," he said, "but you have to stay awake. If you go unconscious with this kind of blood loss, you might not wake up again." The king tried to force his eyes open and his head lolled. "What... are you... doing....?" he asked breathily, "that's..... crushed... velvet...." Hijiri sniffed slightly, fighting not to comment on the king's choice of worries. He prayed that Watari would get there soon.

Hisoka burst through Watari's chamber doors out of breath. "Watari! please get up! It's father! He's been shot! And Tsuzuki was knocked out! In the throne room!"

Watari sat up slowly. "Wah?" he started, too tired to realize that this was a time for urgency.

Hisoka fell into tears. "My father has been shot! He's losing too much blood! Hijiri's been cut with a sword! He's bleeding too and Tsuzuki's been knocked out! Please Watari!"

Watari jumped out of bed now, the information finally striking his brain and he grabbed his glasses and bag and rushing out of the room. "Throne room, you said?"

Hisoka nodded running back down the hall. He was out of breath as he hit the room again. "Hijiri! Is he okay?! Please tell me he's alive!"

Hijiri was pressing on the king's shoulder still, perhapse harder than he should have. "He's alive," he said, moving out of the way as Watari moved to the king's side. The man was still whining. "It's velvet... you ruined it... my velvet...." Watari turned to him. "I can take care of your wounds as soon as I stop the bleeding.... Highness!" he called to Hisoka.

Hisoka jumped but nodded, ready for anything. "Yes?"

"Please bring Hijiri to the infirmary," he said, "I'll have some knights come help the king and Tsuzuki. And make sure he stays awake." Hijiri was slumped against the throne, holding his shoulder with his head bowed in exhaustion.

Hisoka couldn't believe he hadn't noticed this. He ran to him, grabbing him around the waist on the good side, careful not to hurt him further. "Stay awake okay? Come on, walk with me. Remember. You promised you'd never die because you know what's going to happen if you do that." He was walking as he spoke, half dragging Hijiri with him.

Hijiri nodded slowly. "I'll live," he said, "just hurts.... feel sick....." he was stumbling slightly, leaning much of his weight on the prince, though he tried not to.

Hisoka's heart was pounding. "I'll bring you something to retch in as soon as I get you in there okay? Just keep walking. Keep looking at me. We'll get there soon I promise. Don't stop." He was so worried.

"I was... thinking," Hijiri said slowly, "while you were.... unconscious... earlier...." His head drooped, but was brought up again.

Hisoka was confused but decided talking was probably a good thing. "Oh? What about? I'm sure I scared you. I'm really sorry." They reached the room and he led Hijiri to the nearest bed. "Don't lay down though, just sit."

Hijiri sat, nearly slumping over. "I..... wondered...." the bed was so soft.....

Hisoka nearly panicked. "Don't you dare! I'll make you stand! Talk to me! Look in my eyes!"

Hijiri's head lifted again and he stared into Hisoka's face. "I wondered.... if you could really be in love with me.... it seemed.... too good to be true.... but now..... I don't doubt... I just.... can't figure out why..." his hand lifted slowly and weakly, reaching for Hisoka's.

Hisoka gave a nervous chuckle. "I guess I'm not sure myself. I just remember I've had a crush on you for a long time. And then... well you're the first one to be so kind to me. I can feel that you're a good person. And I've only known three other people who are so caring that it just shines from them. My mother, Lady Riki, and Tera."

Hijiri nodded rather dopily. "I like Terazuma," he said, "he re-....." there was a wince and Hijiri pressed the hand of his good arm over his mouth with a slight moan.

Hisoka let go of him, dashing across the room for a clean bedpan, dashing back and holding it out in front of Hijiri. "Here."

For the second time that day, whatever was in Hijiri's stomach revealed itself in painful fasion. When the boy's gut was excruciatingly empty, he set the pan to the side and curled in on himself, though still sitting up. "So.... tired..." he murmured.

Hisoka sighed and gently wrapped his arms around him. "I know. And as soon as Watari bandages you, we'll both rest. You just have to hang in there a little longer."

Hijiri leaned his head against Hisoka's torso, enjoying the sound of the soft heartbeat. "I've made you... so many... promises," he said, "may I... request... one... from you?"

Hisoka kissed the top of his head, running gentle fingers over the dusty hair. "Of course."

"Promise me.... that.... while my heartbeat belongs to you.... keep yours right here.... let me listen... now and again... it's so calming.... almost makes the... pain go away."

Hisoka smiled softly, tears coming to his eyes. "Any time you like."

Hijiri's eyes closed and he was out like a candle tossed into a lake. Right then, Watari rushed into the room. "Is he okay? How bad are his injuries?"

Hisoka hadn't realized he'd passed out. "I don't know, but please hurry. Hijiri do you hurt anywhere other than you..." He stopped as he looked down. "Oh gods! Hijiri! wake up!" He shook the boy. "Hijiri!"

Hijiri simply slumped, no longer anywhere near consciousness. In his mind, he was still listening to Hisoka's wonderful and musical heartbeat. Watari rushed to Hijiri's side. "What was he struck with?" he asked, using a pair of scissors to cut off the shirt.

He stepped back, more tears falling from his eyes. "A dull broad sword."

The wound certainly wasn't pretty and Watari had servants and a nurse running about, fetching things and he reached for Hijiri's wound. "You'll want to look away, Highness," the man said to Hisoka.

Hisoka stepped out of the way of a nurse. "I'll be in the hall way. Please get me as soon as I can see him." And without another word he was out the door again. He slid down the wall just outside the door, sobbing into his hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A while later, Watari walked out of the room, finding the prince still sitting on the floor.

He was still sobbing all alone. His head jerked up as he heard the footsteps. His voice was cracked and broken. "Is he okay?!" His eyes were puffy and red and sore.

The man bent down and ofered the prince a handkercheif. "He's resting peacefully," he said, "he'll be just fine with some time."

He ignored the offer and dove onto the man, sobbing into his soft blond curles. "Thank you! So much! I was so scared!"

The man was surprised, but patted the boy's back. "No thanks needed," he said, "I was just saving a good king." Another pat.

After a moment he sat back. "Have you seen Tera today? I really need to talk to him."

Watari shook his head. "With all of this excitement, I haven't had the change to look around. He's usually in the stables at this time... though I can't guarentee it at with everything that's gone on."

Hisoka nodded as he stood. "I'll check his room first." With that he went off down to the knights quarters in hopes of finding his long time friend.

Terazuma was in his room. He was sitting on his bed and carving a small horse figure out of wood.

Hisoka knocked softly. "Tera... it's Hisoka. Are you there? May I come in?"

The man answered the door, rather surprised. "Highness," he said, "I thought you'd be with Hijiri."

Hisoka shook his head. "He'll be out for a few days and I don't feel safe alone." He wrapped his arms around Tera's waist. "Can I stay with you for a few days?"

The man patted him on the head like a father would a son. "Of course you can," he said, "without training Hijiri until his arm heals, I'll be rather lacking in the work area. It'll be a good change of pace to spend some time with you. We haven't been able to sit and talk since you were small."

Hisoka sighed deeply. "Oh gods, are there a lot of things I need to talk to you about." He closed the door behind him as he stepped in. "I'm so scared. I hate to ask you, because I know it's wrong but I just need you. I know I'm too old for you to hold me without there being rumers but if no one knows..." His eyes were pleading.

Terazuma shrugged. "You haven't asked since you were a tot," he said, "you know I don't mind." He patted the prince on the head.

Hisoka walked over to his bed and sat down. "I want to talk about my father first..."

"What about him?" Terazuma asked, nervous.

Hisoka closed his eyes. "That night... I need to know what happened. Watari tells me it's good that I don't remember and you say I'll kill myself..." He turned his head away. "But I need to know."

Terazuma looked at the boy, blinking in surprise. "Why?" he asked.

Hisoka sighed. "I've been having... dreams lately. And I can't make them out. They're like flash backs or something."

Terazuma shook his head. "If you can't make them out then how do you know they're from a time you can't remember?" he asked.

He sighed. "I'm scared to death and there are silk sheets wrapped around my wrists. And there are flashes of my father without his mask."

Terazuma grimaced. "Don't remember," he said, "fight it with everything you have... just don't remember."

Hisoka looked up at him. "But why? What was so bad? When I explained it this afternoon to Hijiri he knew what happened. He refused to tell me too. And it made him sick. I'm afraid of my own father and I don't know why. I have to know or I'll go crazy."

Again, Terazuma shook his head. "Either way then.... just forget about it..." he sat on the bed next to the prince.

Hisoka wrapped his arms around Tera, resting his head on the mans strong chest. "Was it so horrible? I don't understand. Why won't you tell me? Why do you tell me to forget?"

"Why do you think you forgot in the first place?" the man asked, patting the prince's head.

He sighed. "Because it was traumatizing. But apparently what happened this afternoon also was enough to have a repeat of that nights actions, only with Hijiri."

Terazuma growled. "Which is why I can't wait for your 21st birthday," the man said.

Hisoka sat back. "What difference will my being king make?" The growl had starled him. "There's just so much I don't understand. Is what he did to me repeatable? I mean could he do it again?"

Terazuma gripped the boy's shoulders. "Stop asking," he said, "I'm not going to tell you."

Hisoka's eyes grew wide. Tears came to his eyes. "You used to like him. I don't understand. I promise I won't kill myself. I love Hijiri and he's all that's important for me. But I obviously had a laps today. And I hurt myself. What if I have more lapses like this?"

Terazuma shook his head at the prince and pushed him so he'd lay back on the bed. "Sleep," he said, "it'll do you some good."

His eyes were wide still. "I'm not tired. It seems like every night I have those dreams. It was only when Hijiri knocked me out this afternoon that I didn't."

Terazuma growled slightly. "You. Need. Sleep." he said.

Hisoka shook his head. "I don't want those dreams. If I keep dreaming them I'll remember eventually."

Terazuma looked at him and then drew his sword, swinging it toward Hisoka's head and stopping with a thud about a centemeter from the boy's face as it hit the headboard.

He screamed, covering his face, body begining to shake. When he heard the thud he looked up to be staring at the long blade. It was so close. He took in a few sharp breaths and suddenly his eyes slid closed and he fell limp with a soft moan.

Terazuma watched him hit the bed and began to tug his sword, trying to get it out of the headboard. It stuck slightly and he pulled harder, trying not to wake the prince. When he finally got it out, he placed it to the side, moving the boy so he could lay beside him, holding him like a parent comforting a child after a bad dream. There, he fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

"NO! Father stop!" Hisoka woke with a start around dawn to find Tera curled around him. His heart was racing from the same nightmare. He remembered a little this time but still had no idea what was going on.

Terazuma's head lifted at the surprised and terrified cry. "Highness?" he said leaning over the boy to check on him, "are you okay?"

He lay there breathless for a moment, eyes wide. "Don't touch me! Stop!" In the dark he could see his father still even though he was awake. "Tera stop him!" He scrunched himself into a ball in the corner between the headboard and the wall, beginning to sob as he batted at the hands only he could see.

Terazuma moved to the boy, reaching out. "It's okay, Hisoka," he said, "nobody's going to hurt you.... you're safe...."

The voice shook his vision and suddenly it was gone. "That... dream. We were... argueing. He was drunk and he hit me. Oh gods! He called me by my mothers name!" he began to sob. "And then... everything went black and I woke up but he was right here Tera!"

Terazuma's arms wrapped tightlyaround the boy. "You're safe," he said, "I won't let him hurt you. I swear to you."

Hisoka curled into Tera's arms, sobbing. "My stomach... hurts. I'm scared." He didn't know why he was scared, he just was.

"I'm here, Hisoka. I won't let anyone hurt you," The man said, then gently felt his forehead. "You're very warm," he murmured, then reached for the buttons to the boy's shirt. "I'll just open a couple of these so you can cool off. If this keeps up, you'll get another fever."[color=darkgreen]

[color=green]Hisoka began to ease under Tera's loving touch. "Do you have any water?" he had no objection to Tera unbuttoning his shirt. He trusted the man.

Terazuma reached to the side and grabbed a pitcher of water, pouring the water into a glass and then handing it to the prince. Suddenly, the door burst open and in rushed the king, his shoulder wrapped and arm in a sling. "Terazuma! The knight tha----- WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!?!?!?"

Hisoka screamed, the water falling from his hand and all over him. He couldn't find a reason why he'd be here like this. He went straight back into his ball against the headborad. "I was scared!"

Terazuma stared at the man. "What are doing?" he asked, trying not to seem angry enough to be beheaded for yelling at the king. "I could ask you the same thing!!!" The king demanded of the knight. "What is he doing here!?!? I was sitting upstairs bleeding while you're down here with him in your bed!?!?!?!?" Neither of them noticed the young maid passing by the doorway.

Hisoka whimpered. "Tera's like my brother! He was comforting me!"

The king opened his mouth to yell again but Terazuma stopped him. "Come with me please, Majesty," he said, leading him out the door.

Hisoka stood and began to follow him. "Please father. Please understand!"

Terazuma stopped him. "You stay here," he said, "I have to talkto the king alone." He patted the boy on the head in a fatherly fasion once again.

Hisoka didn't look happy about this but nodded all the same and stayed behind. His eyes pleaded with his father.

Terazuma led the king out the door and shut it tightly,then looked at the king. "Explain yourself!" the king ordered.

Hisoka was afraid he'd have to step in if his father got any ideas about hanging Tera so he decided to listen. He took the empty cup and held it up to the door to hear better."

There was a sigh from the knight. "He came to me for comort because of what you did. He's starting to remember." The king was silent. the knight growled. "What are you going to do if he remembers and looses his mind? We'll be left without an heir.... why won't you do something?" There was a thud against the door. "You have no right to be telling me what to do," the king said angrily. Terazuma's voice was slightly strangled. "I know that, Majesty," he said, "but, for the sake of your son... please don't tempt fate.... too many more outbursts and he'll remember completely. With all due respect, I don't want him to have to live with that memory."

Hisoka held his breath, waiting for a reply from his father.

"If the boy would just listen to me, then I wouldn't get so angry with him," he said, "this past time, I did nothing but tell him to leave my sight. The child is beyond me. And I'm not as bad as you say. you act as though the whole castle hates me." Terazuma was silent. "Speak up, knight," the man said, "disprove my suspicions!" Still, Terazuma was silent. The king hit him. "You're lucky I don't hang you for this," he said, and there were footsteps beginning to walk off, but they stopped, "and if I'm so hated, then why would my son's 'fiancee' have saved my life the way he did?" And he left, without waiting for an answer.

Hisoka put the cup on the desk and laid back down, beginning to sob into the pillow. Part of him hoped Tera would come back in and part of him wished he'd be left alone.

Terazuma was leaning against the door, eyes closed. The king had drawn his sword against him and had been ready to kill him. He was very lucky to be alive... He walked back into the room, head lowered like a beaten dog as he closed and locked the door. He looked at Hisoka and saw his shaking and heard his sobbing. He walked over to the bed. "You heard," he said, touching the prince;s shoulder.

Hisoka sat up, bright green eyes over flowing with tears. "I was afraid he'd comand that you be hanged. I was ready to step in if he did. I'm sorry. please don't be angry with me."

The man shook his head. "You're an inquisitive lad," he said, "I expected it of you. Does it hurt badly?" He didn't seem to know what else to say.

He looked down. "I guess at least it resolves why I'm afraid of him... but answer me this please. If what he did was so horrible that it made Hijiri sick... why didn't anyone stop him?"

"Hisoka," Terazuma said, "he's the king. Those who knew were too afraid to do anything for the fact that they might be hanged. And those who were willing to hang for you didn't know....." The man's head bowed once again with shame, face turning away from the prince.

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "He knows he's wrong right? That whatever he did... why doesn't he seem to feel bad about it? Is my father really that evil of a man? Has he always been like that and I've just been blinded to it?"

Terazum bit his tongue for a moment in thought. "He hasn't always been like that," he said, "there was a time when I'd trust him with my life.... and with the life of the one I held most dear. But a while ago, something started changing. I'm notr sure why. But he slowly began to get worse and worse. And when your mother passed away, whatever it was multiplied indefinatly. It makes me wonder if it had something to do with that mask of his. But he used to be a good man... a very good man."

Hisoka sighed deeply and laid back down. "I'm too tired to think about this anymore. I just need to sleep some more. If you leave, please lock me in." He closed his eyes tightly, brushing away tears. He had so much on his mind and it was making him tired.

Terazuma moved to his side and gently patted him on the head. "I'm sorry," he murmured, "that I am unable to protect you... but I believe Hijiri can do what I can't... so I'll place my faith in him."

Hisoka smiled softly. "You can trust him. He's one who would hang for me if it meant my safety." He tried to talk more, but he was too tired. "I'm sorry Tera... I'm so tired..." and with that, he drifted to sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hijiri opened his eyes in the infirmary to a familiar voice. He found himself staring at the king. "Your Majesty," he said, "forgive me if I do not bow.... um... is it alright for you to be up and about?" The king waved his hand through the air.

"I'm fine," he said, "and I don't care if you bow to me or not. As my future son-in-law, you shouldn't have to anyways." He didn't pause, giving Hijiri no time to react, "but I didn't come here for small talk. I came here to ask you what you know of your past. Did your mother ever tell you anything of your father? Do you know anything about him?" Hijiri was surprised at this.

"Not much, really," the boy said, "she said he was a great man, but that's about all." The king rubbed his chin.

"I see," he said, "no family heirlooms?" Hijiri shook his head.

"I don't even know what he did for a living," he said. The king looked displeased, but let the subject rest.

"Another question.... what do you have in mind for this country once you rule beside my son as his king?" Again, Hijiri was surprised. And he couldn't help but become a bit defensive.

"I don't plan on anything yet," he said, "not until I've finished my training. All I can say is that I want what's best for this kingdom and your son." Why he had to add the part about Hisoka, he didn't know, but he felt that he should. The king nodded.

"I see," he said, "so you plan on treating him properly?" Hijiri bit his lip. It was taking everything he had to keep from saying 'I won't be like you'.

"I will treat him with the respect and love he deserves," Hijiri said, "I will give him every piece of my heart and deny him nothing of myself for any reason." He stared at the king, trying not to glare, but he knew that his face was hardening to a look of blocky anger. The king noticed this and felt he'd stepped a boundry that he could only step because he was king, and thus stopped. He stood.

"Thank you," he said, "that is all I have to ask, but thank you for saving me. I must reward you." Hijiri shook his head.

"Don't bother, Majesty," he said, "I did it for Hisoka, not you." The king paused at this, surprised. That tone of voice was never used on him. The man turned away.

"Suit yourself," he said, "I could have given you anything you could wish for." Hijiri sniffed slightly.

"All I could wish for is for Hisoka to be happy," he said. And you can't do that, apparently. The king nodded at the boy.

"Good day," he said, and was off. Hijiri sighed and leaned into his pillows. Where was Hisoka? Was he okay? Why did he feel so tired? He soon fell back to sleep again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hisoka woke late that morning. It was almost noon and he was hungry again. He fortunatly hadn't had any dreams and was better rested. He was slightly disappointed to find Tera sound asleep on the couch across the room. He sat up and stared at the man. "Tera..."

The man's head lifted quickl with a sharp intake of air. "Hi-Hisoka.." he said, blinking away sleep, "how do you feel?"

Hisoka looked away. "Fine... I guess. Why are you over there? You don't look comfortable. I'm really sorry about what happened."

Terazuma shook his head. "It's okay," he said, "you didn't do anything wrong. I guess I fell asleep while I was whittling." He held up a small wooden horse that was still halfway from being a block of wood.

Hisoka smiled and moved to his side. "I feel childish. I shouldn't have asked you. I'm too old for that and now it caused a problem. I'm selfish..."

Terazuma shook his head. "I'd give my life for you, Highness," he said, "letting you spend the night is hardly something to fuss about."

Hisoka took his hand and looked into his eyes. "Let's have breakfast together? We haven't done that in so long. I'm tired of eating by myself anyway."

"You haven't eated with Hijiri?" Terazuma asked, "I thought you spent every moment with him that you could. I mean... It seems that way..."

Hisoka nodded. "He gets up a lot earlier than I do and until yesterday we had to hide it. Please tera!" He was giving the knight puppy eyes.

The man looked away, blushing slightly. "Don't give me that look," he said, "of course I'll have breakfast with you."

Hisoka hugged him tightly. "Thank you! You're still my best friend Tera."

Terazuma wrapped an arm around him in a fatherly fasion. "I'm glad," he said, "now, shall we be off?"

Hisoka nodded with a smile, beginning to be in a better mood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hijiri woke again, he found himself listening to two maids talking. There wasn't any way he'd be able to get up and move with the strong anti-pain drugs that Watari had given him, so he lay there, half asleep, half paying attention to what was going on around him.

"Did you hear?" asked one of the maids, "about the prince?" The other maid nodded.

"I did," she said, "the knight attacked and got free after the squire saved the king and his Highness." Hijiri mentally cursed, hoping Hisoka was with Terazuma or someone who would protect him. But the other maid shook her head.

"That's old news," she said, "I mean about his Highness and Sir Terazuma." Hijiri grimaced at the thought of his fight being old news already, but it couldn't be helped with the gossiping women of the castle. What about Tera and Hisoka though? The second maid voiced his thoughts.

"What about them?" she asked.

"The king went to tell Sir Terazuma about the knight getting free and found them together, on his bed." Hijiri's eyes opened wide now. What? The woman stared in surprise.

"You're not serious," she said, "His Highness is crazy over his squire... why would he be with Sir Terazuma?" the other one shook her head again.

"He didn't just lay in his bed..." she said, "he stayed the whole night.... they were spotted going to breakfast together a few minutes ago... you wouldn't even know from the prince's face that he was attacked. Whatever Sir Terazuma does, he must do it well." Hijiri felt like the bottom of his stomach had dropped out and yet everything that had been there wsa forcing itself up again. He rolled from the bed, hitting the floor with a pained cry as he struggled not to retch on the floor. Soon, he was unconscious from the pain, his heart tearing itself to pieces.

Hisoka decided to visit and see if Hijiri was awake yet after breakfast with Tera. He hoped he was. He loved spending time with Tera, but he was worried about Hijiri. He started down the hall towards the infermery with a bright smile on his lips. Tera always made him feel better.

As he got closer, Hijiri's cries of pain became quite audible. Maids were hurrying up and down the corridor, one with bloody bandages, one with clean ones, a few others with different items for assisting with restless patients.

Hisoka was imediatly worried and ran. "Hijiri! what's wrong?! Are you okay? What can I do to help?!" He took Hijiri's hand, concerned eyes stared at him.

The brunet wasn't looking at him, eyes jammed shut as Watari tried to hold him down. "Back up, Highness," he said, "he's been flailing. He might accidentally hit you..." A nurse ran up with a small glass vial in her hand.

Hisoka stepped back, beginning to cry. "What happened?!"

The blond haired man and several maids and nurses held the fighting squire down while one grabbed his nose and forcefed him what was in the vial. He thrashed and sputtered, but soon the thing was empty. Within moments, his movements grew sluggish and he fell back against the bed. Tears were spilling down his cheeks like huge rain drops from emerald clouds. He closed his eyes and turned his head to the side, chest heaving in pain. The alchemist doctor looked at Hisoka. "We're no sure what happened," he said, "he fell out of bed and hit his shoulder, popping it out of place, and then he wouldn't stop fighting us... it's a mystery."

Hisoka stepped back further. "I'll come back later..." and with that he slinked off, in search of Tera.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

Instead of finding Terazuma, Hisoka ran into the king, who was walking up the hallway toward the meetingroom. "Good day, my son," the man said, acting as none of the past few days had happened.

Hisoka nodded as he stopped. "Good day father. Have you seen Tera?"

"I'm here," said the man suddenly, walking to Hisoka's side, he bowed stiffly to the king. "I heard that you weren't with Hijiri anymore, so I came to find you...." he looked at the king, who would have moved on, had he nothing to say. "Your Majesty?" The king shook his head.

"You two would do better to avoid eachother," he said.

Hisoka shook his head. "Why? It's rare that Tera has time to spend with me. He is still my best friend."

"There's a rumor going about that you two spent the night together," the king said.

Hisoka blinked. "Well we did..."

Terazuma froze. "Highness," he said, "to 'spend the night' also means intercourse..... and that's the kind his Majesty means..... correct?" the man looked at the king, who nodded.

"I thought you should know, seeing as the message is traveling quickly through the castle."

Hisoka's face fell. "How dare they?!" Then he went into panik. "But that knight is free again! What if he comes after me?! Tera is my only protection right now! And Hijiri had a relapse of some..." And then he stopped. "Oh gods.... they told him and he got upset... how could they do this to me?!"

Terazuma, without thought, wrapped an arm comfortingly around the boy. "I'm sure he'll understand," Terazuma said, "after we explain to him, everything will be okay." The king visually bristled.

"Hands off," he ordered, "do you want them to think it's true?"

Tears stung Hisoka's eyes. "At this point all I care about is that Hijiri doesn't. I'm not going to sacrifice my closest and most trusted friend because a stupid servant saw something that was none of her buisnes. In short... I don't care."

The king growled low in his chest. "What do you think made him injure himself further?" he demanded, "he heard from some maids and that's why he was fighting. They've had to give hom so much tranquilizer that I won't be surprised if he can't move for more than three days."

Hisoka whimpered. He knew it was the truth but he hated to admit that it was his fault. "I know! I know it's my fault but as soon as he wakes Tera and I are both going to talk to him and explain it!" He roughly wiped the tears away, trying to be strong and stand up to his father. "What do you care anyway! All I am is an asset! Don't think I don't know the difference between my being married and not when I turn twenty one! You've been wanting that money since mother died and if you didn't wear that damn mask all the time I'd think you killed her just to get it!"

The king stared for a moment in surprise, then raised his hand in the air, backhanding the prince, hard. "You ungreatful peon!!" he cried, but then was stopped as Terazuma placed himself between the prince and the king. "Get out of my way!!" Terazuma shook his head.

"If you want to get to the prince, then you have to go through me," he said. The king drew his sword.

"You'd defy your king and be hanged for your infatuation with my wife?" he demanded. Terazuma shook his head.

"I'd defy my king and be hanged for my friendship with his son," he said, spreading his arms like a thick and impenatreble barrier.

Hisoka was out of it on the floor, holding his face and sobbing so hard he could neither breath, nor make a sound. His head was spinning and he was unable to do anything but stare blankly at the wall with tears rolling down his cheeks. He hated his father the way he was now. "Tera..." He choaked out. "Don't... die for... me."

Tera turned slightly, but stopped when the king's blade slashed into his side. He fell to one knee, blood dripping from beneath his hand as his face turned white with the pain. The king stood there, face invisible, sword dripping slightly, and kicked the man to the side. "It's what you get for defying me," he said.

Hisoka stared up at him. He was scared out of his wits and as the mask looked down on him his mind couldn't handle anymore. With a soft moan his eyes slid closed and his body fell limp.

The man looked down at his son, then bent down and gently touched his swiftly bruising face. "All of this..... if only to see you in my bed one more time..."

In his sleep Hisoka flinched at the touch that would have hurt had he been awake.

The man lifted his son off of the floor and began to carry him away, letting some wandering maids take care of Terazuma's bleeding body.

In his sleep Hisoka whimpered, feelng scared leaving Tera behind and not knowing where he was being taken but his sleep was filled with nightmares and flashes of that night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hisoka awoke, he found himself in a familiar, however frightful, bed. Though the owner of the bed was nowhere to be seen.

He looked around for a moment in confusion before deciding it was a bad idea to stay there and he made is way swiftly to the door.]

The door was locked and as Hisoka pulled on it, strong arms wrapped around the prince's shoulders. "Heading off to your lover?" he asked, "or Hijiri?"

Hisoka froze. "Terazuma is not my lover and Hijiri is far too distressed to see me right now. I'd only upset him more."

"Hijiri's on almost enough sedative to kill a horse," he said, "he's too out of it to be upset I think..." his fingers traced over the prince's cheek gently.

He flinched and brushed the hand away. "Actually I was going to see Watari... can't have the prince walking around with obvious signs of being back handed... the maids mights start rumers." There was spite in his voice at these last words. He tried to pull out of the mans grasp. "So let me out."

"What's wrong?" he asked, "are you afraid they'll start spreading word ther your lover abuses you?"

Hisoka growled, turning to face him. "No, I'm afraid they'll start saying you're abusing me. Though at this point that's not entirely a lie." He looked up into the mask as if to look into the eyes. "Not that it's any of your buisness, but I don't have any lovers. Hijiri will me my first and only."

the man pulled away from his son, but stayed quite close. "I can't believe you, my son," he said, "you've already lied to me many times."

Hisoka looked away. "I wouldn't lie about that. It's something mother wanted. I will not sleep with anyone until I'm married." He didn't add that his mother had told him something that could potentially stop him from being king.

The man simply looked at him. "Seems she told you a lot..." he said, pondering a bit.

Hisoka looked sad suddenly. "I was her most valuable possession. She confided in me with things you could never know about. I was like her living diary. She told me every day that I was the best thing to happen to her. She used to hold me for hours and just listen to me about the silliest things..." He looked up. "So... when she gave me this... and asked that I remain innocent until I was married... on her death bed. I had to honor that." What he held you was a ring on a chain that had been hidden under his shirt. It had been her wedding ring.

The king stared at the ring. "Her wedding ring..." he stepped away, staring at it. then he turned away, pulling something off of his own finger. It glistened in the low light of the sun shining into the room through the curtains. Then he slipped it back on, as though having it off was painful. "She gave it to you...." he seemed to be thinking.

He leaned back against the door and stared at his feet as he tucked it back into his shirt. "She said she wanted me to give it to whoever I married, as a sign that I was only theirs and no one elses." He closed his eyes with a heavy sigh. "My face hurts..."

With only a moment more hesitation, he moved to a jewelry box, pulling out two rings. "If you want to prove to me that Hijiri is your one and only, give this to him... and wear this one yourself.... they're promis rings.... they'll tell me what I want to know." He pressed them into Hisoka's hands.

Hisoka stared at them for a moment before sliding one on himself. "I will." Suddenly a wave of dizzyness hit him and he placed his hand to his forhead, eyes closing tightly.

"Are you alright?" the king asked, staring more or less at the ring on the boy's finger.

Hisoka stumbled to his knees. "Just... dizzy... really dizzy suddenly."

The king unlocked the door. "You should get some air," he said, "I'll bring you to your future king.... the infirmary is much more open than this room is."

Hisoka's breath was beginning to come short. "I... don't think I can... stand." Flashes were beginning to play through his mind and suddenly the voices of himself and his father were heard. 'Wakaba you want a child! This is the only way!' 'Stop calling me by that name! I'm Hisoka!' 'Hisoka... is that what you want to be called? It's an interesting name. Come lay with me and we'll talk about it.' 'No! let me out of here! You're drunk!' 'Wakaba please!' Suddebly he clutched his hair, screaming. "I am not Wakaba stop calling me that! She was my mother she's dead! You're drunk leave me alone!"

The king's eyes widened. He'd said that before..... The man lifted the boy and practically threw him out of the room, landing him in the arms of the nearest knight... Tsuzuki. The door slammed and there was silence.

Hisoka gave one glance at Tsuzuki before falling limp in his arms, mermering in his sleep. "Don't... please don't hurt me." The bruise on his face was deep purple and the clear indent of the kings insignia ring was visible.

The man was surprised at this and rushed to Watari, the unconcious boy's head resting against his shoulder. "Oh gods... Highness!!"

After a few moments he began to wake, thankful the cheek that was sore wasn't leaning against the shoulder. "Tsuzu...ki?" His voice was weak but the voices had stopped and he was no longer dizzy. "It hurts..."[/colon]

[color=darkgreen]The man looked at him with worried eyes. "I'll get you to Watari," he said, "it'll be okay.... I promise..." He soon reached the infirmary and set the prince down on a bed, running to get Watari and bring him to the boy.

Hisoka looked over at Hijiri and tears sprang to his eyes. "Hijiri..."

Hijiri lay heavily on the bed, eyes half open, staring at the ceiling. There was nothing happening on his eyes, quite drug dulled.

Hisoka began to sob, slinking out of the bed to go to Hijiri. He took the hand softly and looked into his eyes. "Hijiri... I don't know if you can hear me or understand what I'm saying... but the rumer isn't true. I did spend the night with Tera because I was scared to be alone. But I've never viewed Tera in a romantic way and nothing went on between us. I promise you Hijiri, Tera is like a father to me."

Hijiri's head turned only slightly, lifeless eyes unmoving. "W-ho?"

Hisoka kissed the fingers. "Hisoka. Your fiance."

Nothing changed about him, his eyes looking as though he wasn't alive. No thought process seemed to be happening. But he opened his mouth to speak. "Hisho... ka..." he murmured, drug induced slurring making it sound like he had cotton in his mouth.

Hisoka fell into sobs as he leaned his head against the side of the bed, holding his hand tightly. "I'm so sorry. Why did you listen to them? They're stupid. You should have asked me. You know I wouldn't lie to you." He took the other ring which he'd slid on his other finger, and slid it on Hijiri's finger. "This is a promise ring. It means that you're the only one I'll ever give myself to."

Hijiri's hand jerked slightly sa the ring slipped on and there was a flicker in his eyes. But it died away quickly and he turned his head to the side, closing his eyes tightly with a moan of pain. The ring's stone began to flicker and right then, Watari and Tsuzuki hurried into the door. Hijiri's moan was quickly turning into tears and wails. "Hisoka!!!!"

Hisoka clutched tightly to his hand. "Yes Hijiri, I'm here! Are you awake? Can you hear me? Do you understand?"

Watari rushed forward, already holding a vial. "It wore off," he said, "if you said anything to him before then, he probably didn't understand it." Hijiri took the stuff in the vial willingly... or more or less as though it was the fountain of life and he wouldn't live much longer without it. As Watari pulled away, Hijiri's body relaxed a bit, though he continued to twitch. Near clear eyes turned on Hisoka. "Hisho-ka..."

Hisoka kissed his fingers again. "I'm here. I gave you this ring. It's a promise ring to be true to you. Because I love you so much. I'm really scared for you right now Hijiri."

Hijiri's eyes continued to rain sadly. "D-don't," he said, "you don't... haff to... If you want... you can leave me... be happy wiff... who effer you chooshe. All I ashk... ish that you... dun lie to me. Tell me... an I'll be happy for you, ash long ash you liff the life you want." He was quickly fading.

Hisoka's eyes clouded with tears. "No! It's not true! They got it wrong! We didn't do anything together like that! I was scared so I slept in his room. I've done it before when I was small! Please Hijiri you've got to believe me!"

The squire seemed deaf to the world around himself as he began to fall into unconsciousness. "I... loff you..... alwaysh.... haff... al..waysh.... will......"

Hisoka was frustraighted. He looked up at Watari. "How long will it take to heal to the point he doesn't have to have pain killers? And how long will it take for your bruise remover to make?" Tears flowed endlessly down his cheeks. Hijiri couldn't understand until he wasn't flying and he couldn't stand being here watching a piece of his heart like that. "I need to ride but I can't leave the castle like this."

Watari took out a small, circular can, which was about a half an inch in height. "You know I always have some ready, highness," the blond man said, wishing there was a way to fix everything all at once. "But you should be very careful. Remember that there is a knight of Muraki's on the loose."

Hisoka sighed. "He's already half way back to Muraki I'm sure. But I'll be riding fast anyway."

Watari began to gently rub the creme onto Hisoka's cheek. "Shouldn't you ride with someone though? Tera woulod be happy to, I'm sure."

More tears came to his eyes. "He's the reason Hijiri believes I'm cheating on him anyway! It's more trouble than it's worth!"

The man paused. "Highness," he said, "you know that's not true... please... take a moment..." the small canister was put away and the bruise immedietly began to fade.

Hisoka looked down. "No... I mean him being with me. Not that it's his fault the rumers were started. Because I was a scared child last night the maids thought I was having sex with him. Except if she'd bothered to notice we both had our clothes on..."

Watari gave him a helpless look. "They say your shirt was wide open and your lower half was covered by blankets...." he said, "I imagine that or one with a vivid imagination, it would be hard to tell.

Hisoka sighed. "I was starting to get a fever again so he unbuttoned my shirt to help me stay cool. And of course my lower half was under the blankets. That's just how I sleep. I'd freeze to death if my feet weren't covered."

Watari sighed. "I'm sure it'll blow over soon.... and Tsuzuki's going to take care of a few things, he says..." It was suddenly noticed that said violate eyed man was no longer in the room. "I'd rather you didn't ride alone.... but there's nobody other than Tsuzuki, Hijiri, and Terazuma that I'd trust with you... and I can't leave Hijiri for longer than a few minutes."

Hisoka sighed. "I'll ask Tera."

Right then, said night appeared at the door. "Hisoka," he said, "I heard from Tsuzuki that you were brought here.... are you okay?"

Hisoka shook his head. "I'm afraid I'm not. Hijiri heard the rumers and he's too out of it to realize they're not true. My face... I'm so glad Watari has the cream because he hit me with the hand with his insignia ring."

Tera scowled. "Don't worry," he said, "Tsuzuki and I and the rest of the knights are going to do something about that." He looked at the boy. "And did I hear something about going riding?"

Hisoka began to sob again, wrapping his arms around Tera's waist. "I have to get out of here. Please come riding with me if you're okay. I was so worried when he cut you."

Terazuma waved his hand through the air. "I'm a blooded knight, Highness," he said, "it'll take more than that to knock me down.... Watari had it patched up faster than you could blink an eye."

Hisoka knew better than this, but he didn't want to argue. He needed out. He needed to talk to Tera and tell him what had happened in his fathers room. He needed someone to confide in and make him feel safe. "Let's go than. I really need to talk to you alone."

Terazuma nodded. "let us make haste to the stables then," he said.

[color=greenHisoka nodded and was the first out the door.[/color]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Soon, the two were in the stables, the horses saddled. Tera had done something unusual and taken one of the gentler horses, showing more than words could how much his wound hurt.

Hisoka noticed this but didn't say anything. He didn't like that Saionji had saddled the horses. He wondered where the other stable hands had gone. It felt strange as he mounted but decided not to say anything.

Terazuma patted his horse and led it out of the stables, waiting for Hisoka. "What is it you'd like to talk to me about, Highness?" he asked once they were heading away from the door.

Hisoka looked away. "I have to tell you something very important that you cannot ever tell another soul. I trust you with this and for it to get out I could lose my place as prince and king forever."

Terazuma looked worried. "Prince...." he said, "are you quite certain about this.... I would never betray you... not ever... but if it's something like that....."

Hisoka closed his eyes. "Gods... I think I know what happened. I don't want to believe it's true but at least knowing this makes it easier. I have to tell you. The king... is not actually my father."

Terazuma's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" he asked, "how do you know? Who is?"

He sighed deeply. "A doctor. In the village. His name is Konoe. When my mother found out that she simply couldn't bear a child by the king, she went to her friend, the doctor and in return for a comfortable home and no taxes... he gave her me. She told me on her death bed that she did this because she loved the king very much and that it wasn't an act of betrayal but an act of love to give him what they both wanted to so badly."[/quote]

[color=darkgreen]Tera's eyes widened at this. "But the..... that would mean that if anyone ever found out, there would be civil war... people would want to claim the throne for themselves.... and you don't have any family other than the king himself...." The thoughts were revealing themselves clearly on the man's face. He was imagining the famine and chaos that would come if something like that were to happen.

Hisoka nodded. "That's why I can trust you not to say anything. But I've lived with this far too long. It didn't bother me because she told me he loved me and that even though he didn't help to create me, he was my father. But then... oh gods, I can't say it. I can't even bare to think it's true. But what happened this afternoon..."

Terazuma shook his head. "He used to be a father to you..." Terazuma said, "but I'm not so sure myself anymore.... I swear to you though... you'll be a better king to this country than he's ever been, and he used to be a damn good one. You and Hijiri will be good for the people."

Hisoka nodded and looked up at the man. "Tera... I'm really scared though. Really very scared to be alone. It's enough with these knights from Muraki's kingdom trying to kill me... but I don't know how much longer I can stand having my own father lust after me..."

Terazuma grimaced at the words, mostly because they were true. "Sometimes I wish I was your father. Then at least I'd know that you were with someone who truly cared about you... someone who wouldn't look at you as your mother rather than yourself." He paused for a moment, "though I imagine you get tired of hearing how much you look like her."

Hisoka looked away. "I guess it's doubled bladed. On the one hand it's a compliment because that means I'm attractive. But at the same time... it means that with every day that goes by there's another threat that he'll get drunk and not recognize me. I woke up in his bed Tera. this afternoon. I'm so weak. I fainted because I was so scared. I didn't know what he was going to do. And I woke up in his bed. He had been watching me the whole time, locked the door so I couldn't get out. He accused me of lieing to him about me sleeping with you. He called you my lover."

Terazuma grimaced. "He has his reasons," he said, "he hates me, you know."

Hisoka looked back at him. "It doesn't matter. I feel like he's accusing me of being some kind of whore. And I've never viewed you in that way and I've never thought you have me. Anyway... those maids need to mind their own buisness. I don't care what they say, while Hijiri is like that..." He cringed. "I need your protection... saddly more from my own father than from the knights. I won't feel safe unless you're by my side."

Terazuma nodded. "I will protect you with my life," he said, "but don't feel too bad about the accusations... he once accused your mother of the same thing... with the same person..." Terazuma's face was looking streight ahead.

Hisoka was silent as he thought about this. "Why?"

"Because in all honesty, I loved your mother very much..." Terazuma said, "were it not for her love for the king, I would have tried for her myself. The king knew this and hated having her anywhere near me. But I was her best friend.... er... that she could see everyday. She had her lady friends, but she really opened up to me. Let's say that I was her diary before you were. I hold every memory she ever had since she first arrived in the castle. One night... she came to me in tears. She hated herself because she couldn't seem to bear a child for the king. they'd been trying for... what seemed like forever to her. But there was no child. She couldn't go to the king because she was afraid that he wouldn't want her anymore, thinking she was too infertile to bring him an heir. I suggested to her that it might not be her, and helped her to stop crying... but then the king appeared." He bit his lip, looking into the trees to the opposite side from Hisoka.

Hisoka's hair bristled on the back of his neck. "Oh gods... he didn't hurt her...?!"

Terazuma's grip on his reins tightened, making his horse fidget slightly. "I don't know," he said, "I was unconscious before they left.... all I remember is her begging him not to kill me."

Hisoka looked down. "If backing handing me was any indication..." He was silent for a moment. "Is that when he started changing?"

Terazuma shook his head. "I don't know," he said, "I never noticed.... not until your mother died. I was too infatuated by her to really pay any attention to him....."

Hisoka thought about something for a moment. "Tera... I know I look so much like her... you don't... I mean... the way you...." he didn't know quite how to ask. "Am I just blind? Do you really see me for who I am or...?" he was very insecure at the moment and didn't know who he could trust.

Terazuma shook his head. "I look at you like the son I could never have with her. Your father did spend time with you, but he was always so busy, so I did my best to help raise you. I've never had more feelings for you than as a man and his son. I sw---" Without warning, there was a loud crack of a whip and the horse took off, screaming in pain. Terazuma hadn't heard the whip, or was too preoccupied by Hisoka being in danger to hear it. His horse winnied and reared in surprise, nearly knocking the knight out of his saddle, but he held on, trying to calm the animal enough to go after the prince.

Hisoka screamed as the horse took off. It was much faster than Tera's. At first it just seemed the animal had been scared by accident but suddenly he felt the straps break and before he knew what had hit him he went flying from the horse with another scream. The ground was hard as it greeted him and suddenly everything went black.

Terazuma let out a cry as he saw the prince fall. He thundered up, practically jumping off of the horse before it had stopped. "Highness!!" he cried, tapping the boy's face in hopes of waking him. "Highness, please!!!!"

Hisoka moaned softly as he opened his eyes. "cut...it was...cut." He winced as he tried to sit up. His hand was bleeding quite a bit.

Jani_chan

Hisoka moaned softly as he opened his eyes. "Cut... it was... cut." He winced as he tried to sit up. His hand was bleeding quite a bit.

Terazuma stopped him. "Don't move," he said, "you might have broken something. I'll bring you back to the castle.... and the one who saddled your horse will not get away with it." He lifted the boy carefully from the ground.

Hisoka wrapped a bloodied arm around Tera's neck. "I don't think... anything's broken. But I... cut my arm... really bad... and I feel sick."

Terazuma lifted himself and the prince onto his horse. "You might have a concussion," he said, "just hold on. I'll have you to Watari quickly."

Hisoka nodded, trying to stay awake but he was in a lot of pain and his body wanted to shut it's self down. "Talk... to me... Tera. I know... I have to... stay awake... but it's so... hard." He was beginning to fade.

Terazuma began to panic. "Um..... tell me... when did you first see Hijiri?"

Hisoka chuckled at this. "About six months ago... when I was really sick after... well, that. I was so tired of staying in my bed so I pulled the chair onto the balcony and that's when I noticed him... he was glistening... no shirt... so beautiful..."

Terazuma would have been amused had he not been so worried. "He's a hard worker," he said. The castle was still far in the distance. How had they gotten this far from it in such a short time, and yet it was taking so long to get back?

Hisoka closed his eyes. The blood loss getting to his head. "Is this... what she felt like?"

Terazuma's arm tightened slightly around him and his eyes blurred for a moment. "Don't say that!!!" he said, "You'll be fine!!! I swear it!!!! Don't even think it!!" the horse seemed to pick up more speed, foam beginning to appear at the corner of its mouth.

Hisoka shivered. "Oh gods... I'm in so much pain. If someone had known she was there... she would have too."

Tera's eyes began to blur more. "Stop," he said, "we're almost there...."

Hisoka sighed heavily. "Maybe I should die too. The maids have fixed it so Hijiri believes that I've cheated on him..."

Terazuma leaped off of the horse, running for the castle doors. "Hush, Hisoka," he said, "we'll be to Watari soon. Hijiri won't leave you. Hijiri loves you. He'll stay with you for as long as you want him to. I swear to you that he won't leave you... just explain everything to him... for got sakes, boy... I can't lose you too."

Hisoka took in a deep breath. He was certainly out of his mind at the moment. "I tried... he told me he'd let me go... just to not lie. He believes them."

Terazuma held the boy tight as he hit the stairs leading to the infirmary. "The boy's drugged more than a put down horse, boy!" he said, "he's not in his right mind!!"

Tears came to his eyes. "Neither am I!"

"Then get back in your mind and tell him!" Terazuma ordered, almost to the room, "but after you're both better." He rushed into the room. "WATARI!!"

Hisoka was in tears. "He won't ever be better! Look at him! Those medicines are killing him! He's going to die thinking I'm in love with you!"

Terazuma set him on the bed, looking at the blond doctor as the man rushed over. "What happened?" the man asked. "His saddle broke," Terazuma said, "he fell..." Watari's eyes widened and he moved to Hisoka's side. "Where does it hurt?" he asked, already gabbing Hisoka's hand to put disinfectant on in and see if it needed stitches.

Hisoka closed his eyes. "Everywhere. I feel like I want to throw up but mostly my arm."

Watari winced at this, noting a slight uneavenness in the boy's gaze. "Concentrate on this finger and watch it without moving your head," Watari said, holding out one hand, index finger pointed. He moved it slowly before the boy's eyes, up and down, back and forth.

Hisoka attempted this but the room suddenly began to spin and he almost lost it again. "Can't... but Tera... it was cut."

Terazuma gave him a look of dead seriousness. "I will find him," he said, "and kill him."

Hisoka looked into his eyes, terrified. "Oh gods... please don't tell my father."

Terazuma nodded and hurried away, disappearing out the door. Watari finished bandaging the boy's hand. "We're going to have to monitor your sleeping for a day or two," he said, "I'll bring you to your room so you can rest, but a maid will come every hour to see if you're okay."

Hisoka nodded. "Just... so tired."

Watari held a small goblet to the boy's lips. "Drink this before you sleep," he said, "it'll help."

Hisoka nodded slowly and sipped the foul tasting liquid until it was gone. As his eyes closed he took Watari's hand and stop softly. "Don't tell him.... please don't... let him know." And with that he was gone.

Hisoka was brought to his room in secret, Watari trying his best not to let it be known that Hisoka was going to be resting from his injuries. But what he didn't know was that there was a maid who had seen Terazuma running in with the injured boy and had gone directly to the king. The man went for his son, not liking the fact that the same thing had happened to him as had happened to his mother. He walked into the room carefully, trying not to alert anyone to his presence. He walked to the bed, the door locked behind him so he could be alone with the boy.

Hisoka was far too gone to hear anything, or even sense another presense in his room. He was unmoving and his body still, spare the gentle and steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

The king removed his mask and ran his fingers over the boy's hair. So much like his mother's own. Everything about him looked like his mother when she died.... beside the fact that he was still breathing. It brought something out in the man's heart than made him want to cry. He moved to kiss the boy's forehead, glad he was okay, but his body moved on its own and his mouth caressed the angel soft lips of the prince.

They were partly swolen from a slight fever and pouty. The kiss felt good and somehow in his hazed sleep he thought this was Hijiri. His hards lifted around the neck and he moaned softly.

The king found himself warmed considerably. That kiss.... the queen had always done the same. He deepened the kiss, being a bit more firm.

Hisoka pulled away as he began to wake, whispering softly but not yet moving his arms. "Hijiri?" His eyes began to open slowly.

The man didn't answer, simply pressing his mouth to the prince's once again, hands in the boy's hair.

Soon he realized who it was and his eyes opened wider, fighting against him but the drug made him weak and he could do no more than pushing rather lightly against the mans chest above him.

The man felt as though he was losing his mind. He grabbed the boy's hands, holding them above his head, moving more onto the bed and straddling the prince, his kiss becoming even harder. They didn't hear the knocks on the door.

Hisoka's breath was coming fast, eyes darting around as he tried to pull his wrists free. In his mind he begged for Tera to come to him.

The knocking on the door became louder, but the king continued, nibbling the boy's lip.

Hisoka attempted to kick him but couldn't get his leg high enough. He struggled as hard as he could but his vision doubled suddenly as he began to lose it again. He took the opportunity of the man focusing on his bottom lip to let out a cry for help. "Terazuma!"

The man bit down a bit more, letting out a moan. The banging on the door was gone now, everything silent but for the king's heavy breath and moaning. Put it together with the prince's cries and it was a wonder there had been anything heard at all.

Hisoka cried out again, this time in pain. "Father stop!" He wondered where anyone was.

Without warning, the king was knocked to the side, hitting the wall with a smack before being grabbed and thrown to the side, Terazuma now standing beside the prince. "I suggest you leave, your Majesty, he told the king."

Hisoka sat up a little, staring at Tera with eyes that begging him to stay once his father had left... and to be careful. "I was... asleep." He clutched the blanket with both hands and clunched his jaw to try and stop himself from throwing up long enough to make it to the bathroom. His legs dind't work very well and he ended up crawling there and used the trash can for his purpose. Oddly it was the same liquid that Hijiri had thrown up just the day before. Twice more he did this until his stomach was empty. He slid to the edge of the bathing pool to rinse his mouth and once done collapsed there, breathing heavily, hoping Tera would come for him soon.

Terazuma hurries to the boys side, rubbing his back. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner," he said, "I'd heard from a maid that the king was looking for you."

He couldn't open his eyes and his voice was scratchy. "Is... he gone?"

Terazuma nodded. "He left while you were in the midst of... retching..."

Hisoka vaguely opened an eye for a moment. "He was... sober. Tera... will you stay... with me? Don't leave my... side until Hijiri.... is okay? Please?" His eyes were pleading with the knight.

Terazuma nodded and wrapped his arms around the boy. "It'll take a few weeks for him to heal fully, even with Watari's alchemy."

In emptying his stomach, Hisoka had lost all is energy and strength. His body trembled in cold chills. "I can't... move," his voice reflected his weakness.

Terazuma lifted the boy, bringing him back to the bed, then headed for the door to lock it and made sure that the passageway, where he'd entered from, was shut tightly. It was behind Hisoka's wall mirror, which slid out of the way.

Hisoka watched him detachedly. "I... forgot about that. I'm... glad you remembered. Come lay with me."

Tera almost argued, but didn't, moving to lay beside the boy and holding him like a father holding a small child. He gently stroked the boy's hair and breathed slowly, watching the silken strands move across the pillow as his fingers ran through them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking over at the young boy who was still on the bed, Terazuma chewed his bottom lip. It had been two days and the prince was still not awake. Terazuma hadn't left his side of course, but he was really afraid for the prince. Maids brought him food and water, and he kept the door locked at all times. Now he was siting at the table before Hisoka's window, staring down at his hands... if only he'd been able to do something more.... A tear or two hit the hard wood he leaned against.

Hisoka stirred slightly, missing the feel of the strong man beside him. He didn't open his eyes yet but called out. "Tera?"

Terazuma turned, knocking over his chair and near tripping over himself in his haste to get to the boy's side. He didn't even think to whipe his tears away.

His eyes slid open at the noise. "Tera... what's wrong?" He sat up, seeing the tears. "Is Hijiri okay? He... you'd wake me if he died right?!"

Terazuma shook his head. "Hijiri's fine," he said, whiping his tears away. "Everything's okay now...." it seemed as though he was trying to tell himself more than Hisoka as he clutched the boy's hand in his own two.

Hisoka used his free hand to lift the blanket and dry Tera's tears. "Why were you crying?" He rested his head on the soft velvet of Tera's shirt. "Are you sure everything is okay?"

"You had me worried, young Highness," he said, pulling Hisoka close.

Hisoka sighed contentedly, feeling safe. Again he'd forgotten everything, even the king waking him by kiss. "Nice to see you again. I must have been really out after I fell off my horse. Did you ever jail the stable keeper? If you retrieve the saddle you'll find that it was cut."

The man looked at him. "I caught him and jailed him," Terazuma said, "and don't worry, we have your horse and the saddle. He's to be executed tomorrow. I didn't know if you wished to see him or not.... ask him why he did it. He's certainly not on Muraki's side, or one of his men."

Hisoka nodded. "I do... thank you for that. Can we go now? I don't want to be alone in the dungon..."

Terazuma nodded. "You should change first though," he said, "that way they don't catch you in your nightwear."

Hisoka pulled away and looked down at himself, blushing madly. "T... Tera! You know I don't like people looking at me!" He stood quickly, not really angry with Tera, and went to his closet.

Terazuma nodded. "I know," he said, "but your clothes were torn and dirty and bloody. The blood would have begun to smell after a short time. I figured you'd rather be comfortable."

Hisoka looked at his wrapped arm. "I... forgot." He threw on a pair of pants before taking off the flimsy night shirt. After putting on his shirt he turned. "How long have I been out? What did you tell father? He didn't come to see me did he?"

Terazuma stared at him for a moment, then looked away. "No," he said, "he didn't."

Hisoka smiled softly. "That's good. Let's go and talk to the stable master now."

The man nodded and led him to the cell where the man was kept. He was sitting in the farthest back corner of the cell in the dark.

Hisoka didn't like being down here so he wanted to make it quick. "You there. What is your name?"

The boy, who was about his age, ran at the prince, trying to reach him through the bars. "I HATE YOU!!!!" he screamed at the prince.

Hisoka stepped back behind Tera. "Why? What have I done to you?"

"YOU TOOK HIM AWAY FROM ME!!!" he screamed, still straining at the prince from hehind the bars, "HE WOULD HAVE BEEN MINE HAD YOU NOT BEEN THERE!!!"

Hisoka blinked. "Hi...jiri?" Then he glaired. "You constantly abused him! He hates you!"

"He needed to be taught!!" he was beginning to quiet, his voice getting tired, as though he didn't use it often. "He needed to be taught that I was the only one who would ever be able to call him theirs!!! I was the first one to claim him when he came to the castle!!! He's just forgotten that!"

Hisoka stared at him. "You bastard! So that's why you cut my saddle?! An attempt to kill me?! Did you think he'd just run to you?! Well he wouldn't! I'd make sure of that! You hang tomorrow morning!"

Terazuma then did what he'd been wanting todo all along and shoved the boy back into the cell. He landed on the hard floor and then looked up at the prince. "He doesn't need to run to me," he said, "I'd bring him back without will if he fought me. I've done it before. Haven't you ever wondered why he stayed in the stables? That's where we lived.... before you came along that is...." He spat on the floor at Hisoka's feet. Terazuma began to draw his sword, anger rising.

Hisoka stepped back further, not at all wanting to stop Tera, but not wanting to watch it either. He rested his hand on Tera's shoulder. "Let's go..."

Tera grimaced, but nodded and he turned away from the young man, who becan to call after him. "He only thinks he loves you because you're the only one who ever gave him what he wanted!! Once I am free of these bars, whether dead or alive, I will claim him for my own!!! I SWEAR IT!!!" His voice died away as Terazuma slammed closed the door that separated the cells from the rest of the castle. The look on his face was clearly disdain.

Hisoka silently crossed himself and said a small prayer. He was very superstitious about curses and such and he certainly didn't want Saionji to be able to hurt him once dead. He turned to Tera with a small sigh. "How can you love someone if you abuse them? I'm glad I took Hijiri away from that. When Hijiri is able to think and talk clearly... will you help me explain about us? What happened that night when they thought we were.... intament?"

Terazuma nodded. "Of course," he said, "I'[m quite fond of the boy myself. He reminds me of someone I used to know." He walked on with the prince.

Hisoka shook away a sudden flash of something he couldn't quite make out. "Tera... I know this is going to be rough... but if you don't mind horribly, I'd like to stay in your room until Hijiri's better. I... feel scared thinking about sleeping in my bed. I had a horrible dream while I was asleep."

Terazuma's face turned green slightly. "A... dream?" he murmured, hardly audible, "of what?"

Hisoka shivered. "Father... he came into my room... and he... kissed me. It was so real."

Terazuma growled. "That man is such a lecherous fool," he said, "stay in my room. I'd rather nobody got the chance to hurt you any more than you already have been."

Hisoka blinked. "It was real than? Why am I having these memory lapses? I'm scared I'm losing my mind. I start to remember things in black and white flashes. But they're always so small and fast I can't usually figure out what they are. It's like when he... was drunk... I know what he did, but I can't remember anything but bits and pieces past being dragged into his room."

Terazuma was clearly disgusted. "The king is a fool. He only sees your mother in you...." he sighed, wishing he knew what to say and that he could help the young boy, "shall we go visit Hijiri? See if we can fish him out of this drug enduced dumbfoundedness?"

Hisoka looked down as he walked. "Yeah... I guess I'm just afraid I'll send him into another fit and he'll hurt himself more." Then he looked up at Tera. "You said you and the other knights were going to do something about father. What was that and when are you going to do it? I guess all I can ask is that you not kill him... I'm not ready for the responsebility of taking over absolutely everything all at once like that." He then looked away. "Oh gods... I just admitted I wouldn't care if he was dead. Am I evil Tera?"

The man shook his head. "Hardly," he said, "he is evil, and thus it is not a sin to not care if he dies. In all honesty. The knights who are truly loyal to you would wish him dead if they didn't know about the trouble it would cause you. And no, I wasn't plannint on killing him. He'll just lose some of his power in the realm. You will usurb a quantity of it, while your more loyal knights will hold together matters until you are ready to fully take on the duty of being king."

Hisoka thought about this for a moment. "You know he won't sit idely by and just allow that... some one will have to keep an eye on him. It may set him over the edge to the point of wanting to hurt me consciously."

Terazuma nodded. "We thought of that," he said, "we have a few knights keeping tabs on him and the more loyal (less gossipy) maids are on the look out as well. Such as Lady Rika."

Hisoka held his breath as they reached the infirmery. "I... don't hear him... I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not."

Terazuma was quiet for a moment. "We won't know until we go in," he said. He held the door open for the prince. Inside, it was very quiet. Hijiri seemed to be resting peacefully, eyes closed and angelic serenity on his face.

Hisoka went to his side and took his hand. "Hijiri? Can you hear me?"

Hijiri's eyes opened slowly and as he registered everything around him, a sad smile came to his lips. "His... soka..." he murmured, voice soft, "does.... does this mean... we can still be friends?"

Hisoka felt tears sting his eyes. "Hijiri... I'm not lying to you okay. Nothing at all happened between Tera and I. Please don't break up with me over this. I swear to you. I gave you this ring to show you that I'm faithful to you alone."

Hijiri looked at the ring on his hand. "Green?" he said, "I may have been seeing things because I was high as a kite, but wasn't it white?"

Hisoka stared at it. "It was. Mine still is. They were matching rings."

Terazuma looked at them closely. "I recognize those," he said, "your mother got those from a very dear friend of hers a long time ago."

Hisoka shivered. "Father... gave them to me... after...." He felt dizzy suddenly. "He said if I wanted to prove that Hijiri really loved me to give him one of these rings. He never told me where they were from."

Hijiri and Terazuma turned as the door opened and in walked the king, who was dressed as richly as ever. "They're magical rings," he said, stepping closer. Terazuma placed himself between king and the prince.

Hisoka sat on the edge of the bed feeling dizzier now. "You were listening?"

Hijiri's fingers intertwined with Hisoka's. That was all he could do for comfort. He hardly had the strength to glare at the moment. The king nodded. "I heard because I decided I'd come visit the future king," he said, "I had a few questions for him."

Hisoka stared at him. "What kind of game are you playing here? Suddenly you proclaim he's perfectly fit for me when before you repeatedly tried to have him jailed and killed? And don't think I've forgotten that stunt in my room the day before yesterday."

Hijiri looked between Hisoka and the king, wondering, but not asking. The man shrugged. "Apparently you're not going to listen to me," he said, "so I figured that you at least wouldn't mind me giving a few pointers to the boy who will be my successor."

Hisoka was wary of this. "Okay... start talking."

The king strode forward. "Ah, but if I talk... will you listen?" He looked at the faces around him, "it seems like nobody here even considers me of any importance.... what would happen if I just.... died?"

Hisoka growled. "You lust after me because I resemble my mother so much. Why should you be important? You've been corrupted by power. If this were to happen in the village you'd have been hanged. But yes we will listen to you and decide if what you have to say is worth the maggets crawling from your lips."

The man raised an eyebrow. "Such a sharp tongue in a nobleman's mouth," the man said, "were you anyone but my son, it would be swiftly torn out. Though... most noblemen neet not hide behind their many lovers in a fight." Terazuma's hand went to the hilt of his sword at this, face ruddy with fury.

Hisoka found his strength and stood, pushing Tera aside and slapping his father. "You have no right! When you speak such lies you not only soil Tera's good name but mine as well! I may have lied to you about a lot of things, but I have carried out every last wish my mother had and to stay true and faithful to one man or woman was her very last. You spoil her name by spoiling mine!"

The mask fell to the floor and the king grabbed his wrist, stormy green and grey eyes glaring at the pale prince. His grip was tight and painful. "No matter how little you care for me, I am still your father!! No son of mine will treat me this way!!!" He grabbed Hisoka by the shirt before Terazuma could step forward and towwed him at the wall, where he hit hard.

His heart was pounding as he hit, crying out in pain but still he held his ground. "Not as far as I'm concerned! I hate you and as soon as I become king I'm going to have you hanged for raping me!"

Terazuma had been headed for the king, but everything stopped with Hisoka's last words. He remembered. Oh gods.... he remembered. Hijiri was still limp in the bed, wishing he could do something, but knowing he was unable to. The king stared at him, eyes wide. then he went after his mask, only to have Terazuma kick it aside. "Leave the mask," he said, "let the world see your shame." The man grimaced. "You'll not make a fool of me, knight," he said. But Watari then entered the room, followed by Tsuzuki and another three or four knights. Apparently, these were the ones whom Terazuma trusted most. They stood between the king and the prince, all glaring. The king turned and left, nose in the air.

Hisoka watched with dull eyes for a moment as the door shut again and with a soft sigh he fell.

Terazuma caught the prince and brought him to the bed beside Hijiri's. Then he turned to the knights. "Thank you," he said to them, "I will request your presence again later on." Then nodded and went to their everyday business as Terazuma and Watari watched after hijiri and Hisoka.

Hisoka began to have violent flashes of images in his mind as it sorted through his fears. In his sleep his face constorted and he began to whimper. "Mu... Muraki! Father?! N-no! Don't touch me!" He was screaming this.

Terazuma was immedietly at his side, holding his shoulders and stroking his hair out of his face. "Hisoka," he said softly, "Hisoka, it's okay."

Tera's voice filtered through and he woke with a startled cry. Clinging to the knight as he began to cry. His body trembled as he clung to the older man, unaware in a state of hazy wakefullness that Hijiri was even in the room.

Terazuma looked at him carefully. "Those nightmares..." he said, "they're.... too much..." He patted the prince's hair gingerly.

Hisoka choked on his words. "I have them... every night!"

Terazuma continued to pet the boy's hair. "What can we do to stop them?" he asked, "do you know of anything that could?"

Hisoka sobbed into the mans shirt. "Someone laying beside me. When I was in your bed I didn't have them until after father had left because you stayed on the couch. And the night Hijiri laid with me as well. But I can't take the rumers anymore! I don't want anyone to think I'm sleeping with you! You've always been a father to me, I couldn't ever think of you like that!"

Terazuma lifted the boy and brought him over to Hijiri's side, laying him against the brunet's uninjured side carefully.

Hisoka looked into his eyes and tried to speak quietly. "You believe me! Tell me you believe me! Please Hijiri I need you!"

Hijiri's eyes were slightly fogged with sleep, as he'd been awakened by Hisoka's startled screams. "I believe you, Hisoka," he said, "stay with me.... I'll help you fight your dreams away." His voice was weak, but he meant every word.

Hisoka wrapped his arm around Hijiri's waist tightly as he burried his face into the uninjured shoulder, sobbing harder. "I was so afraid!" he caughed. "That I'd lose you! That you'd believe them! I swear to you with all my heart that I am not in love with Tera and he's not in love with me!"

Hijiri's good arm wrapped around Hisoka's waist as he hid a wince. "I think it was those strange drugs," he said, "Ican't see now why I ever believed them. It got rid of the pain, but made me so stupid. I"m so sorry.... I didn't mean to hurt you."

Hisoka was beginning to feel better as he laid there against Hijiri. "Just... as long as you understand I'd never ever cheat on you. If I felt like I'd fallen in love with someone else I swear I'd ask your permission to break up. But I just can't see that happening. I love you too much to care about anyone else."

Hijiri sighed, more comfortable than he'd been in days. "It's alright now," he said, "sleep. I'll help you chase those nightmares away.... just hold on to me tight."

Hisoka closed his eyes tightly and didn't let go as he spoke to Tera. "Please don't leave us unguarded Tera. I'm so scared."

The man's swordshieth clanked as he saluted. "Of course," he said, then headed to the door to keep watch. Hijiri kissed his head. "You know.... all those knights.... they admire you.... believe in you. I can't blame them. I believe in you too."

Hisoka sighed deeply. "I know... I'm just to a point right now where I can't tell which way is up and I'm scared because it's escelated so much in the last week alone that I'm really afraid he's going to do it again if he has the chance. He kissed me Hijiri... sober he came into my room while I slept and he got on top of me, held my hands down above my head and kissed me. What I didn't tell Tera is that he was getting aroused..."

Hijiri grimaced. "Doesn't he care that you're his son?" he demanded, "that sick, lecherous, pig!" He winced as his shoulder trembled, making the rest of him shake momentarily before he was able to relax again, sweating slightly with pain.

Hisoka frowned. "Don't stress yourself over this too. I have something important to tell you as soon as your better. It doesn't make what he's done anymore understandable but it does make it a slightly less offence."

Hijiri kissed him on the forehead. "I don't think there's anything that could make it any less terrible than it is," he said.

Hisoka leaned up and kissed his lips softly. "It's... complicated. I can't explain it here. It's far too risky."

Hijiri deepened the kiss for a moment, unable to help himself because he'd missed the prince so much. Then he let up. "It's okay," he said, "just sleep. It's what we both need."

Hisoka nodded and laid his head on Hijiri's chest, quickly falling asleep.

Hijiri stared at him for a while, admiring the beauty he'd so longed for in his drug enduced madness before he too fell into unconsiousness, only to dream about that same angelic and awing image.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next day, Hijiri and Hisoka were eating breakfast together, Hisoka helping Hijiri to break his bread apart into small enough bites to chew without having a hard time. Everything was peaceful and birds were fluttering in the window every now and again for a crumb. But the peace was soon broken by Terazuma hurrying into the room and dropping to one knee before them. "Highness!" he said, "he's free!! He somehow escaped the cells last night! None of the knights know how.... he's just not there!!"

Hisoka's eyes widened and he stood. "No trace?!" He covered his mouth with his hand, fear rising into him. "Are they looking for him?!"

"I have all the knights I dare to spare looking for him, Highness," Terazuma said, "the ones I trust and many others. There are three of us guarding the door, so you needn't worry of that, but it's important that you know." Hjiri looked between them, still leaning back against his pillow. "What are you two talking about? What happened?"

Hisoka looked into his eyes. "I didn't want to tell you because we're past that already but... when you told me to be happy just not to lie to you... I was so upset. And just before that my father had back handed me and I woke up locked in his room in his bed. I was so stressed out... Saionji... cut the saddle and I fell off." He lifted his now unbandaged hand to show Hijiri the pinkish scars. "Watari says when I heal fully he'll take the scars away. I cut it really bad on a rock when I hit the ground and I had a concussion."

Hijiri's eyes widened and he started to sit up, something he hadn't done in days. "Sai--" he winced and fell back against the pillow with a slight grunt of pain. "That bastard!" Tears came to Hijiri's eyes. "Oh gods.... I'm sorry, Hisoka.... this is all my fault... I'm so sorry."

Hisoka shook his head. "I told you it's over. You're still with me and you believe me. I was unconscious for two days. He says the reason he did it is because he's in love with you."

"He doesn't know what love is," he said, "he thinks he loves me, but in reality, it's just lust. He's just angry because I won't sleep with him." The boy pressed his good hand over his face. "Only because he doesn't have the power to order me around anymore..."

Hisoka was silent. He didn't know what to say and now he was scared again. He took Hijiri's hand and pulled it away from his face, kissing the fingertips as if to say it would be alright.

Hijiri squeezed Hisoka's hand slightly. "I was hoping he would just disappear," he said.

Hisoka closed his eyes. "I was hoping he'd be hanged this morning..."

"What do we do now though?" he asked, "I don't want anything to happen to you... and he's rutheless..."

Hisoka took the empty plates. "I don't know. But we're safe in the castle. I'll go give these to lady Rika and be right back okay? Close your eyes and rest a little more. I'll be back soon."

Hijiri nodded. "Make sure you take Terazuma with you, okay?" he said.

Hisoka nodded and kissed his forehead before going to the door. "Tera. Will you come with me to take these plates to Rika?" And with that he was out the door, closing it behind him.

Hijiri watched him go, closing his eyes contently. The room was so quiet. Did Hisoka really expect him to sleep with this kind of quiet? Not even Watari in the next room over could be heard, as the door was shut tight. He heard a click. Must've been one of the birds that frequently visited for bread. Then, another click. Hijiri opened his eyes and then gasped in surprise. "So you thought that you'd just be free of me, right?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Terazuma walked with Hisoka. "I see all's better now between you and Hijiri?" he said.

Hisoka smiled softly and nodded. "He told me the reason he believed them in the first place was because of the medicine." As he kept walking he felt rather... nervous. "Tera... I think something's wrong. Go back to Hijiri."

Terazuma raised his eyebrow at the boy. "And just leave you unguarded?" he said, "out of the question, Highness."

Hisoka stopped. "Send someone Tera please! Look at me I'm shaking! Something's wrong!"

The urgency in Hisoka's voice made Terazuma's hair stand on end. He took up the kitchen plates, thrusting them into the hands of a passing maid and then grabbing Hisoka's hand to start running back to the infirmary.

Hisoka was well a head of Tera, practically dragging the man and threw open the doors as he reached the room, calling out. "Hijiri!"

Hijiri's bed was scrambled and blood on the sheets. At first, the brunet couldn't be seen, but if one looked closely, there was a tuft of visible brown hair leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the bed from the door.

Hisoka ran to him. "Hijiri! Are you okay?! What happened?! Please tell me you're okay! Do you need Watari?!"

Hijiri lay there for a moment before his eyes began to open. "N-no....." he murmured, "go.... Hisoka... ru---" A strong arm wrapped around Hisoka's neck, pulling him back with a daggar to his throat. Terazuma froze, hand on his sword hilt.

Hisoka screamed but, feeling the blade, dared not move. "Tera!" His head began to spin as he reached out to Hijiri. "Hijiri!"

Hijiri tried his hardest to stand, but wasn't able to, the pain in him making him pale and sweaty. "Let him go!" he ordered, "this is between you and me! Not him!!" Saionji held the dagger close enough to Hisoka's throat to cut it slightly. "You brought him into this when you stopped staying with me!" he growled. "You'd rather sleep in one of the spare stalls than my bed, eh? Well you can sleep there ALONE!! You'll lose him and be alone forever!! Unless you decide to come back to me!"

Hisoka whimpered softly, the blade was cutting into him ever slightly more at the point. "Let... let go of me!" His vision blurred, but he knew if he fainted the blade would kill him in his sleep.

The look on Hisoka's face was twisting Hijiri's heart like a sponge. He leaned forward onto his knees, using much of his strength todo so. "As you wish," he said, "I will come to you." Terazuma dropped his sword in surprise, staring at the brunet. "Hijiri!" he said. The boy looked up at Saionji with deadened eyes. "If you let Hisoka go unharmed, I will return to you without a fight."

Hisoka's eyes widened and he whimpered. "Hijiri... don't! Please don't leave me!" Tears were forming in his eyes.

Hijiri shook his head at the prince slowly. "I'd rather be sad and alone forever than see you hurt," he said, "but... I'll be alive. You have no reason to kill yourself because I'll still be in the living world.... I want you to go on.... live happily... don't think of me..." his tone wavered slightly as his attention shifted to Saionji. "Let him go," he said, "and you will have me." Saionji stared, the daggar still very close to Hisoka's throat. He wasn't sure what to think it seemed.

Tears spilled over his eyes as he stared at Hijiri. "I will. You don't understand. You're the only one who can protect me. Tera cannot be with me every second. If you leave me now I'll have no reason to go on. Father will pick one of the knights... and at this rate he may marry me himself."

Hijiri shook his head. "Tera won't allow that.... Saionji... Let.Him.Go!" As though alarmed by Hijiri's tone, his grip on the prince loosened and the dagger moved away from the blond's throat. Hijiri forsed himself to his feet, revealing the blood traveling down his legs and his torn clothes.

Hisoka ran to him. "Hijiri! Please don't do this! Let me help you! Are you going to throw all your dreams away for that! Look what he's done to you! You're hurt! You need Watari!"

Hijiri's face was the picture of sadness as he leaned forward, stroking Hisoka's hair softly and kissing him, love filtering from his very scent. "I love you," he murmured.

Hisoka fell to his knees. "Tera!" His voice was broken and he couldn't look at Hijiri any longer. "Kill him before I take my own life!"

Tera rushed forward, Hijiri's eyes going wide. The man grabbed the younger man by the neck and dragged him out of the room. In the hallway, there was a loud snap and the boy's cries seaced. Hijiri was frozen. "But... he... " he didn't know what to say.

Hisoka looked up at him. "I... can't protect you on my own, but I have friends who can. Please forgive me Hijiri... but he tried to kill me twice. The penalty is death. And please don't tell me you think he loved you. He was a sick monster. He didn't love you. I love you Hijiri. I'm good to you. I couldn't stand to see you go and know that you'd be miserable. Please don't hate me."

Hijiri shook his head. "I could never hate you," he said, "and there's nothing to forgive.... just.... knowing that he's gone... when I was ready to give everything...." Hijiri sat on the bed, weak. "I don't know what to feel...."

Hisoka stood slowly. "Watari should look at you. Do you hurt anywhere? Are you still bleeding? What about your shoulder?" Hisoka was very worried.

Hijiri kissed Hisoka again. "I'm sore... but.... I just need to clean up and lay down.... stay with me?" He gripped Hisoka's hand tightly.

Hisoka kissed him back and pulled him to his feet. "We'll use my bath. I want Watari to give you a once over just in case." His eyes told Hijiri not to argue.

hijiri nodded, heeding the warning in Hisoka's eyes. They made their way to the door where Watari was, Hijiri needing Hisoka's support to walk. They found the door locked and the scientist banging on it from the inside. "Let me out!!" he cried.

Hisoka sighed deeply and unlocked it. "So that's where you've been this whole time? Hijiri's been hurt again..." he didn't want to say how. "And you need to look over him before we get into the bath."

The man looked at them and his eyes widened as he took Hijiri, offering support as he brought the boy away from the prince. "Give me a moment, Hisoka," he said, "could you wait in the other room for a moment?"

Hisoka sighed. "Bring him to my room when you're done. I'll go a head and get in the bath." He didn't like leaving Hijiri alone, but decided he'd rather undress in private.

Watari bowed after laying Hijiri back on a bed. Then, when Hisoka left, the man turned to the boy. "You two are like a cats fur to burrs," he said, then lifted the boys knees. "This'll be uncomfortable, but if you trust me, and relax, it'll be less painful, okay?" Hjiri nodded and gulped as his legs were spread.

Hisoka walked slowly. He wished he could be there for Hijiri. He knew what Watari was doing, because it had happened twice before and probably the third as well, he just didn't remember. He entered his bathroom and sighed, pulling on a rope that let heated water from a bucket on the roof pour into the bath water to make it hot. He then turned to the mirror as his clothes hanger was beside it. He undressed and hung his clothes beside it before turning to the water and stepping in. He sat on his knees against the far wall, staring at his reflection. Hisoka's perhaps darkest flaw was his vanity. He took pride the way his mother did in looking his best and he loved the look of his body.

Once Watari was finished with Hijiri, he dressed the boy in a robe and brought him to Hijiri's room and to the bathroom door. "Hisoka," Hijiri called, motioning for Watari to let him go, "I'm here now."

Hisoka stood. Out of impulse he always locked the door. The light coming in through the window sparked on his skin. He unlocked the door and dipped back in before calling again. "Come in. The bath is nice and warm. But lock the door back behind you."

Hijiri did as he was told, walking into the room slowly, usin the wall to hold himself up and locking the door behind him. "You're sure you're okay with me?" he asked.

[coloe=green]Hisoka nodded. "I'm sorry I freaked out on you before. It's just that I find naked men sinonomus with other things. At this point in our relationship I realize that you won't hurt me so I have no need to worry." He stood again and helped Hijiri into the water. "It'll probably sting a little but it'll pass quickly."[/color]

Hijiri nodded and tossed his robe to the side, revealing his lean body and strong muscles. There was still a bit of blood on his legs, but that would go away with the water. He moved down slowly, wincing as he hit the water, kneeling at first as though afraid to sit. He clung to Hisoka's shoulders, eyes shut tightly. "Thank you for helping me," he said, trying to shield the fact that he was in pain.

Hisoka frowned and knelt as well, making it easier for him to relax a bit. "It's not a problem. Did Watari say you're alright? Is your shoulder any better?"

Hijiri nodded. "He says with some rest and time to heal I'll be fine. And my shoulder is healing quickly thanks to his alchemic potions. I'll be good as new in no time."

Hisoka thought of somthing. "Don't sit down yet, let me get something okay?" And suddenly he was out of the bath and into his room, returning quickly with a small pillow. "I'm sure the tile won't help any. You can sit on this." He set it in the water under Hijiri.

Hijiri blushed slightly. "Thank you," he said, setting himself down gingerly on the pillow. There was a slight wince, but it was followed by a gentle smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he said.

Hisoka sat beside him and nuzzled his face in Hijiri's neck. "Aren't you glad it ended the way it did now? He'd only have hurt you more. I love you so much and my heart broke when you said you'd go with him."

Hijiri winced at the tone in Hisoka's voice and wrapped his unaching arm around the prince. "I only said it because I didn't want him to hurt you anymore. I would have done anything he told me to right then. When it comes to you, I'd give my life, and that's what I was ready to do." He kissed Hisoka's cheek lovingly.

Hisoka sighed deeply. "I'm just glad we're both okay. I don't know what I would do if I lost you. It's sad that I'm so afraid of him."

Hijiri looked at him. "Him 'Saionji'?" he paused, "no... you mean your father?"

Hisoka closed his eyes. "I have a suspicion about his behavior but I can't prove it and even if I could it would likely take years. I'm scared of what he's become and his desires for me. It's wrong."

"What are your suspicions?" Hijiri asked, "you know I'd never turn you in for them."

Hisoka held slightly tighter. "That mask. He bought it from a shady magician from Muraki's kingdom. If he goes for a couple of days without it he starts to act normal again... but it's like the mask is making him go insane. The problem is that no one can seem to keep it away from him. It disapears from the vault, or Tera's locked room one night. If we can find a way to destroy it I think given time he'll be my father again."

Hijiri thought about this for a few moments. "That is what I'll do," he said finally. "I will destroy that mask for you.... in hopes that one day you can once again call him father."

Hisoka fought a wave of tears. "I really hope you can do that. Until then... I need you to be by my side like a hawk to it's prey."

Hijiri held in a tease and kissed he blond. "I swear it," he said, "with every bit of my being I swear to you." Why did he want to kiss the boy so bad? Probably becuse with every kiss, his pain faded more, with an even better high than the drug Watari had given him.

Hisoka gasped for air for a moment. It had been an intense kiss that left him wanting more. "Hijiri..." He whispered softly, "will you... sit in my lap and kiss me?"

Hijiri tilted his head to the side, slightly confused, but did as he was asked. He brought himself down carefully on the prince's lap, hugging close to his chest and sucking on his bottom lip.

Hisoka closed his eyes and leaned his head back, drinking in the feel of Hijiri's lips. something he hadn't felt in such a long time.

Hijiri licked his lips with a slight moan. "I've missed kissing you," he said.

Hisoka took in a deep breath. "Not as much as i've missed you kissing me. I always feel so safe with you."

Hijiri smiled. "When I'm with you like this, I feel like the world doesn't have it in for me... like I can actually make it. I love you so much..."He deepened the kiss, tip of his tongue licking at the corners of the princes mouth, arms around him tightly and lovingly.

Hisoka moaned softly, the lick sending chills down his spine. "I just... can't believe I trust you this much. You give me sembalance of a normal life." He turned his head to the side a moment to catch his breath, exposing his pale, soft neck.

Hijiri trailed kisses down Hisoka's jaw and to his neck and shoulder. "Do yo not like that you trust me?" he asked, licking and sucking slightly.

Hisoka moaned a little more loudly at this. "Well... it's not that... I don't like to... I just... feel sort of guilty." But before he could go on he froze and suddenly pushed on him slightly. "Hijiri... please stop." There was panik in his voice.

Hijiri looked at him in concern. "What's wrong? I'm sorry, did I go too far? Are you okay?"

Hisoka held his breath as he looked skyward for a moment. "It's not you... and it's not intentionally me.. I just don't know what to do. I don't want you to leave but oh gods if I don't do something it'll be a couple of hours before it's gone..."

Hijiri looked confused for a few moments, then realized what Hisoka was talking about. "Oh god.... did I do that?" He fought to keep himself from looking at it so he wouldn't embarass Hisoka.

Hisoka groaned as he sat up, putting his hands in his lap to hide it. "Kinda... I just don't know what to do now."

Hijiri thought for a moment, then leaned beside Hisoka, leaning close to his ear. Almost close enough for his lips to graze that soft earlobe. "Let me... touch you, Hisoka," he whispered low and airily, a touch of lust to his voice, "I promise you that I won't hurt you."

Hisoka sighed softly as he thought about this for a moment. "I usually fall asleep pretty quickly when I'm done...do you think you can handle pleasureing me with nothing in return?"

Jani_chan

Hijiri hesitated. "I don't want you to fall asleep in the tub," he said, "I can handle myself, I just can't carry you to your bed with this bum shoulder."

Hisoka smiled softly and kissed him. "I meant I usually go straight to bed afterword. It tires me and I would be able to help you. It's not like I'd pass out right here. But no, I usually stand over the waste basket... I'm particular about these things. I don't like my seed all over the place. Can you stand long enough?"

Hijiri nodded with a smile. "Of course," he said.

Hisoka kissed him once more before standing. "Okay then... do you need me to help you stand?"

Hijiri used his good hand to lever himself out of the water and held the wall to balance. "As long as you don't mind me leaning on you for balance, we're fine."

Hisoka shook his head. "That's fine. Stand behind me though okay?"

Hijiri nodded. "That's what I was thinking too...." he was extra careful as he got out of the tub, forcing his eyes away from Hisoka's length. He wanted to examine it... to touch and taste it... to feel the skin and hear Hisoka calling his name. The thought made him shiver, but he was too tired for all that anyways. And giving the prince a special massage wasn't something one got to do very day. "Ready when you are," he said.

Hisoka closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Okay. I'm ready." He leaned back against Hijiri but not his weight, resting his head against Hijiri's shoulder.

Hijiri finally allowed himself to look down at the appendage, finding himself rather enthralled. The prince was a good length and size, but not frighteningly long or thick. He was certainly aroused though, as Hijiri traced his fingertips over it as though they were actually flower petals. He enjoyed that soft skin.

Hisoka began to let out the tension he felt. "You're fingers... are surprisingly soft... touch me... a little harder." He felt awkward talking but he knew this was the only way to communicate what felt good or didn't at the moment.

Hijiri did as he was told, running the extremity between his index finger and his middle finger and watching Hisoka's reaction in the mirror.

His eyes were shut tight and he inhaled deeply. He didn't want to rush Hijiri as he was certain the brunet was enjoying this as much as he was, but he was used to going at least slightly faster than this. He decided to allow Hijiri to experiment with his fingers instead of asking for a full fist the way he did it in the mornings. "Faster."

Hijiri's fingers moved slightly faster, but were just as gentle, fondeling the base and shft before moving to gently massage the head. He was playing the prince like an instrument.

This pace was much better and a soft moan escaped his lips. His body began to tremble slightly with the pleasure and his breath became shorter.

Hijiri was enjoying those little breathy noises that Hisoka was making, watching his skin flush with the pleasure and arousal. His fingers continued to work their magic, moving back to the shaft and running over it with soft hands. It was as though he'd somehow covered the rough hands of the stableboy/squire with the silken hands of an unworked and overpampered noblelady. Yet they were still just as strong, making the comparison obsolete. Hijiri's mouth lay on Hisoka's neck kissing and sucking at the soft spots he found.

Hisoka bit his bottom lip, trying to keep from crying out too loudly, lest Tera think there was something wrong. He whimpered softly, feeling his cheeks flush.

Hijiri loved the sweet taste of Hisoka's skin and nipped slightly, his hand beginning to put more force into his expert massage, moving faster than before.

Hisoka gave a small cry, leaning his head back further before deciding to play a little himself. He rubbed the head in circles, moaning softly. "Almost... done... Hijiri!" He called out the name as if they were doing more than this.

At this image, Hijiri felt himself rise. He'd have to take care of that later. For now, he focused on hitting all of the sensetive spots of the prince's extremity, finally stroking much harder than before, moving quickly enough that his arm's movements made him shake against Hisoka's back.

A series of moans and cries escaped his lips and in just a few more moments he choaked in a gasp of air to stop himself from screaming as he released. Once he was done he pulled Hijiri's hand away and stood there, catching his breath. His body was trembling and his voice mearly a whisper. "I've never... had a climax like that... before. Whatever you just... did to me... it was far better... than anything I've tried... on myself."

Hijiri smiled at him. "I've told you before, Hisoka," he said, "I'm an expert." His grin widened. "I'm glad you liked it though. I'm rusty, but it's coming back quick."

Hisoka blinked his eyes open. "You... said it was oral... this was just your hands. Oh gods... please give me one of those soon... well I mean if you don't mind." He turned to Hijiri, kissing him softly. "I'll make it up to you tomorrow okay?" He yawned and closed his eyes again. "Thank you though. That's the first time another person has touched me that way... and I really enjoyed it."

Hijiri smiled again. "Now thar you're good and tired, shall we head for bed? I could use a nap. And Watari said that the more I sleep, the better this will heal." He motioned to his bum shoulder with his good hand.

Hisoka nodded with a soft smile and pulled two robes from a small cabinate beside the sink. "You can borrow this." He handed one to Hijiri and wrapped the other around himself, tying it off with a bow in the front. "They're persian silk"

Hijiri wrapped the robe around himself, marveling at the softness of the fabric. He'd never felt anything like it before. "Wooow," he said, "it's not just comfy, but it's not hot either. I alwys thought robes would weigh me down and make me all hot.... this isn't girly either... I think the color is kinda like your eyes." He smiled at Hisoka.

Hisoka chuckled softly and stood before the mirror again, the happiest of smiles on his lips and pulled Hijiri up behind him, taking his hands and wraping them around his waist. "put your head on my shoulder. Wouldn't this be a beautiful painting?"

Before Hijiri could answer, some instinct told him to pull Hisoka away from the mirror, and fast. With his good arm, and an odd burst of energy, he pulled the prince away from the mirror just as it smashed, the body of the king flying through it. Hijiri let go of the blond and fell, his energy burst now gone, but he stared at the king in shock.

Hisoka screamed, covering his mouth with his hands as he stared down. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" He took several steps back beside Hijiri. Then suddenly he was dizzy as he thought of something. "You were... watching us weren't you?!"

Hijiri stared and suddenly, Terazuma appeared in the space where the mirror had been, looking like a hornet whose nest had been shaken. He bowed his head slightly to confirm what the prince had said, disgusted. The king raised slightly, looking at Hisoka. "You lie!" he said, "you aren't keeping your word to your mother! You're with him!!" He pointed accusingly at Hijiri.

Hisoka stepped back farther. "I haven't slept with him and you have no right to watch me doing anything! Get out!" He unlocked the door and opened it. "I can't believe you would do this to me! Who are you?!"

The man stared for a moment, then moved to his feet, but he ignored the door and pulled Hisoka close and kissed him. "I've decided," he murmured against the boys lips. But he didn't continue, Terazuma striding forward and tearing him away from the boy.

Hisoka stumbled back, head spinning. "Decided what you sick bastard?!"

Terazuma didn't let him answer as he dragged him out of the room. "Ignore him, prince," he said, "where he's going, he won't be able to decide anything."

Hisoka watched the man, body shaking. "Make sure it's the farthest away from me."

The king slapped Terazuma's hand away and went for Hisoka again, kissing him roughly as the kniht leapt forward.

Hisoka tried to fight him away but as he felt the kings tongue trace his lips, everything went black and he fell limp.

Terazuma wasn't able to catch the king as he man darted into the hallway. He settled for catching Hisoka before He could hit the floor. "Hijiri!" He looked for the boy to help, but the brunet was out against he wll in the bathroom. Seemed he'd jarred his shoulder and the pain had knocked him out. The man cursed and brought them both to a safer place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hisoka woke up before Hijiri, the brunet still very tired from his wound. They found themselves in a familiar room, Terazuma sitting at a desk and doing (oh wow) paperwork with ink and quill.

Hisoka went to him and spoke softly. "What are you doing? How did you bring us here?"

Terazuma's head lifted and he looked at the prince. "I'm sending a message to all of the knights," he said, "something's wrong with he king and we all have to be on watch. And I carried you here."

Hisoka looked surprised at this but there were more important things on his mind. "So you think he's gone crazy? Is there no way of destroying that mask? He didn't have it today... Tera... I'm afraid to ask this but... was he doing anything while he was watching us?"

Terazuma stopped writing and set down his quill. "Hisoka," he said, "you're tired still. Maybe you should eat something.... and drink. You two didn't eat much this morning."

Hisoka looked away. "I'm feeling to ill to be hungry... I'll sleep more." He felt defeated at the moment. "Did you... see what we were doing?"

Terazuma's face turned red and he looked away, nodding slightly. "I... I did...."

Hisoka heart sank. "You're not... disappointed in me are you? I mean... we're in love. This is what happens when we're in love right? I feel so ashamed... I... I really thought we were alone." He couldn't look at Tera right now.

Terazuma shook his head. "N-no," he said, "don't be ashamed. I always knew it would happen, I just didn't think I'd see it.... and... what he was doing.... watching you...." the man shuddered.

Hisoka sank to his knees, falling into tears. "There has to be a way to fix him. He can't be sane! How long Tera?! How long do you think he's been doing that?! I'm so sorry that you saw! I didn't want anyone to see!"

Terazuma moved to the floor with him and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders. "It's okay, Hisoka," he said, "he won't be able to anymore. I've designated the best place for you and Hijiri as the topmost tower. Watari usually uses it for astronomy research, but he's moving those things since he rarely uses them. There are only two rooms up there. A bedroom and a bathroom. That way, you'll be perfectly safe."

Hisoka burried his face in Tera's chest. "I'm a prisoner in my own home! What about my things? My clothes? How are we going to move all that? Am I going to live there for three more years?"

Terazuma shook his head. "It's only temporary," he said, "we'll have survants bring your clothes up there, but you'll have to use the royal bath now because we can't get up there with buckets of water."

Hisoka shook his head as he sat back. "If there's water already in it I'll take a cold bath and if not I'll just not bathe. There's too much of a risk of him attacking me in there. I knew about the secret passage behind my mirror in my room but I had no idea the mirror in my bathroom was two way. I mean he's had to have been doing that almost every day for who knows how long...I mean I'm a normal man... if he was watching Hijiri and I he was probably watching me alone! Who knows what kind of passages he knows about."

Terazuma frowned, but nodded. "There's water there. And Hijiri will be staying up there with you. Guards will be posted at the stairs so nobody will be able to get in. But it's still only temporary. We're going to search every room top to bottom and find one that is safe enough for you and is on a low enough floor for you to be comfortable. I think you may even enjoy the room.... if you give it a chance. You'll enjoy it more when it's not your bedroom, but... it's for the best."

Hisoka sighed deeply and nodded. "I think... I want to go back to sleep for a little while... is that okay?"

Terazuma patted him gently on the head. "You do that," he said, "I have to go deliver these messages, but Tsuzuki will be right outside guarding."

Hisoka brushed away his tears as he stood and climbed back into bed with Hijiri. He felt strange doing this now, knowing that at least two people saw a display of trusted affection. He wrapped his arm gently around Hijiri's waist and closed his eyes. "Wake me... when it's time to go to the new room."

Terazuma nodded and patted the boy gently on the head, then left. Hijiri snuggled close to Hisoka, a murmur slipping through his lips. "Hisoka."

Hisoka sighed happily to be next to him and kissed his cheek. "I'm here. Sleep more." And with that, he fell asleep holding close to Hijiri.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[color=darkgreen]Several weeks later, the two were sitting up in this tower room, Hijiri's arm and the rest of himself fully healed. He was looking through the room with the prince. It was an odd room with many femanine things, such as dresses, small dolls, and lace around every turn. Apparently, the last person to live in the room was female. Hijiri was sitting on the big blue bed and looking through a book he'd found. "I wonder whose room this was," he said.

Hisoka shrugged. "It could have been my mothers. But she was always more interested in crystals and jewelery when I knew her. I'm not sure. I love this window though. I can just barely see the ocean outline over the forest from here. Have you ever been there?"

"The ocean?" Hijiri said, "definitly. I love it there. Do you like it there?" He set the book in his lap without closing it.

Hisoka's gaze never left the softly foaming waves in the distance but smiled saddly. "I haven't been off palace grounds. Except for my mothers funeral because they refused to hold mass here in the castle."

Hijiri's eyes widened momentarily. "You've never been to the ocean?" he said, "oh wow, I'll have to bring you there one of these days then. And once you're a good enough swimmer, I'll bring you to my secret hideout." Hijiri ignored how childish this sounded, grinning.

Hisoka chuckled softly. "Hijiri's HQ ha? is it that small island out there?" He pointed to an island with a mass of palm trees and grass growing on it probably a mile off shore. "I didn't realize I was this close all this time or I'd have pushed going."

Hijiri walked over to the window and looked out, still holding the book. "That?" he said, "no, it's too visible. People have probably been there and back many times. To reach my secret hideout, you have to be able to swim as deep as I can."

Hisoka's eyes drifted back inland for a moment and he smiled softly. "Let's go to the beach tomorrow shall we? it's like a map from up here. if you look right there." He pointed to a familiar looking cliff. "That's the cave and the water fall and the second branch of the river where we swim heads straight out to the ocean." He traced his finger along the glass pointing out the break in the tree line. "We can follow it there and back."

Hijiri smiled. "Sounds good," he said, "I could use some time outside after what's been going on. I have the feeling you could too."

Hisoka nodded. "I find it odd though that suddenly Muraki's attacks have stopped, and my father hasn't even tried to see me. I'm afraid this may be the calm before the storm." His eyes drifted back out to sea. He took up his spy glass and opened the window, focusing on the island.

Hijiri grimaced. "I fear you are right," he said, moving behind Hisoka and wrapping his arms around the boy's weist, "but at least now I can protect you if anything happens." His head leaned on Hisoka's shoulder.

Hisoka put his spy glass down with a sigh. "I almost wish you wouldn't. My heart couldn't take another four weeks without you again. I was so worried about you. And those first few days. Oh gods, I thought you were going to die."

Hijiri made a face. "Do you really think you can get rid of me that easily?" he asked, kissing the prince's cheek lovingly.

Hisoka looked up at him. "You just... can't understand Hijiri. I went to Tera for protection and comfort and almost lost you over it. I was terrified when you told me to stay with him. I know now that you were drugged but at the time I didn't realize that. If you're hurt again like that... I'll have to rely on him and I don't know if I can take it if you think that of me again."

Hijiri mused over this. "I can't guarentee to you that I won't be injured again, Hisoka," he said, "I can promise to give you my all, but I can't tell you that I won't ever be injured like that. But now I know that you and him are more like father and son than anything else. I'm fine with that. There's nothing wrong with you having an actual father figure." He touched his forehead to Hisoka's, closing his eyes. "I know fully now what I only knew partially then."

Hisoka held closer. "Thank you. I... I look up to Tera. I wish he had been my mothers choice." Then he realized he hadn't told Hijiri. "If I tell you something... you have to swear not to tell another soul."

Hijiri's eyes glowed with curiosity. "I'll keep any secret you tell me," he said, "and don't try to tell me you're a eunich because I know very well of otherwise."

Hisoka laughed hard at that. "No Hijiri, I'm not a eunich." He stopped laughing suddenly and closed his eyes. "When I told you what's been going on was not as bad as it seemed... it's because he's not really my father... not by blood.."

Hijiri's eyes widened. "He's not?" he said in surprise, "are you serious?"

Hisoka nodded. "My father is actually a doctor in the village. She went to him when she found that the king couldn't get her pregnant."

Hijiri wasn't sure what to say. "You could have left all of this ages ago," he said, "you could have been free of your father's harassment...."

Hisoka shook his head. "I need to be king. Besides where would I go to? I've been raised into this life. I'm nobility. I can't just live anywhere. I mean I'd have nothing but the clothes on my back."

"Do you know what your real father's name is?" Hijiri asked, curious.

Hisoka sighed. "Only the last name. Konoe. He was an old friend of mothers when she first came here."

Hijiri's eyes widened. "Konoe???" He said in surprise, "are you serious?"

Hisoka blinked. "You mean you know him?"

"Know him," Hijiri said, "he's the one who brought me here to the castle!"

Hisoka's eyes widened and stared into Hijiri's eyes. "What?!"

"I guess that he'd heard from someone that there was a young boy at the brothel, he sent someone to buy me," Hijiri thought back, "He taught me normal chores and normal ways of life and then he sent me here to live."

Hisoka was stunned. "I...don't know what to say."

"You've never ever met him either...." Hijiri was rather awed.

Hisoka shook his head. "He was at the funeral but that's the only time I ever saw him. He came up to me when I was getting back into the carrage for the ride hime and gave me this, with his condolances." He lifted the shirt sleeve of his left hand. On his wrist was a small bracelet. "It was my mothers."

"I'd like to meet her..." he said, kissing Hisoka's wrist.

Hisoka bit back tears. "I wish she were still alive."

"Can we visit her grave one of these days?" he asked.

Hisoka was silent. "I.... I've never done that I don't know where it is."

"You don't know where it is?" he said, surprised.

He shook his head. "Father wouldn't tell me. I haven't been aloud off palace grounds since."

Hijiri shook his head. "That's no good," he said, "how can you rule your people if you don't know them??"

Hisoka frowned. "However father manages I suppose... which I'm sure is why he sucks so hard at it."

"I'll hold my tongue," Hijiri said, "but isn't there any way you can get out and learn about your people?"

Hisoka shook his head. "Not until my father is locked away or well again..."

"Don't hate me," he said, "but I hope for the first and don't believe the second can happen."

Hisoka sighed. "It's the mask Hijiri. If we find a way to destroy it eventually he'll be normal again..."

"Are you sure?" he asked, "I don't know much about magic, but.... well... this kind seems kinda irreversable."

Hisoka nodded. "You couldn't have known him when he was normal but I remember clearly. It started with the mask and it made him drink. When he wasn't wearing the mask he wasn't drinking."

Hijiri looked at him with sad eyes. "And he wasn't looking at you the way he does now?"

Hisoka shook his head, closing his eyes as tears welled up in them. "I don't know. Maybe it is because I look so much like her and he wants me to be her so badly that he believes I am? When she was around he certainly didn't."

Hijiri shook his head. "I just don't know what to think, but if it's what you believe, then I won't fight you on it..... do you have a plan?"

Hisoka sighed. "Not at the moment. I really don't know what I'm going to do."[/quote]

[color=darkgreen]"Well, no matter what you choose, I'm always right here beside you, okay?" he kissed Hisoka's cheek.

[color-green]Hisoka kissed his hand gently and laid his head in Hijiri's lap, closing his eyes. "I want to know what he meant though. I mean I'm pretty sure I know but..." He sighed. "Will you help me with something?"[/color]

Hijiri caressed Hisoka's hair lovingly. "Anything for you," he said.

Hisoka opened his eyes for a moment and stood as he saw count. The man lifted a blowgun and shot Hisoka in the throat with something. Hisoka jolted, pulling a tiney dart from it as count spoke. "I've decided that you're going to be my bride." Hisoka's eyes slid closed and he crumbled to the floor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hijiri's hands were shaking Hisoka's shoulders. "Hisoka?" he said, come on, wake up... don't you think we should get some food? It's morning."

Jani_chan

Hisoka opened his eyes with a start and sat up, staring around the room. "Where is he?! How can you think of food at a time like this?! Aren't you worried about me in the least?!"

Hijiri's eyes widened. "I'm.... sorry?" he began, "who do you mean? And... what do you mean 'a time like this'?"

Hisoka stared at him. "My father! He came in and he said he'd decided to marry me and then he knocked me out with a dart from a blow gun! You mean you didn't fight him off?!"

Hijiri stared at him. "Hisoka," he said, "you fell asleep in my lap... your father never came in here." He was quite confused.

Hisoka's eyes widened. "But I only closed my eyes for a few seconds! And you didn't say anything when he came in or try to help me or... I don't understand! I couldn't have been dreaming!"

Hijiri shook his head. "I didn't say anything because it never happened," he said, "I'm sorry Hisoka, I had no idea you were having a nightmare, I would have woken you if I had."

Hisoka fell back with a soft sigh, settling himself. "Oh gods ... that ... I really was dreaming?"

Hijiri nodded. "You were," he said, "you know I wouldn't sit and watch if he tried something like that."

Hisoka sighed heavily. "It was so real ... you're right, maybe we should get something to eat. We ... well can we go to the cave today? We haven't been riding in so long."

Hijiri nodded. "Sounds good," he said, "I could use some fresh air."

Hisoka stood from the bed and unlocked the door. "Lady Rika will fix us breakfast."

Hijiri nodded. "Sounds good," he said, "in all honesty, I'm surprised that my stomach didn't wake you."

Hisoka chuckled as he waited for Hijiri to catch up. "Hey ... Hijiri ... can ... can I ask you something kind of embarssing?"

Hijiri's head tilted to the side. "Sure," he said, "what's up?"

Hisoka breathed deep. "Well ... I can do something for you if you do something for me when we get to the cave..." He hoped Hijiri caught the intent behind that. "I ... trust you to go a little further and I feel guilty that I didn't do anything in return the last time."

Hijiri blushed slightly. "I'll do anything for you," he said, "but... don't feel guilty. There's no reason for that."

Hisoka blushed even more. "Either way...i don't want to do anything in this palace ever again..." He looked away. "I'm scared. Even... even Tera saw us because he was fighting with father and I'm convinced Tsuzuki did too because he's always with him."

Hijiri nodded. He knew what selfconsciousness was like, however little he felt it, and he didn't want Hisoka to feel that way at all. He kissed the boy's cheek. "Come on," he said, "let's go get some breakfast."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It felt good to be in the cave again. It seemed as though it had been forever. "It's so nice here," Hijiri said, stretching after the ride.

Hisoka nodded with a small smile as he started toward the far wall to place the candles so they could see. Hisoka set them up around the cave and went back to Hijiri. "Hijiri... you don't think it's wrong what we did do you?"

Hijiri shook hie head. "No way," he said, "it's a physical way of showing eachother that we're in love. That, and if it was wrong, humans would pop out of holes in the ground, don't you think?"

Hisoka chuckled slightly at this. "I guess... I just feel dirty because there were at least two people who saw us. I was always taught that it's something that should be saved for marriage only and that no one should know your doing it. And while I guess I don't mind us not being married... I do mind them seeing it. Now Tera knows I'm not a little boy anymore and I don't want to become dull in his eyes. I always want him to see me as pure... even if I'm not."

"Coming from one as impure as me, this may not be worth much, but I don't think he could ever see you as anything else. He looks at you as though you were his own son and apparently cares about you a great deal. And the one who should feel dirty is the one who was watching us. He's the one who did something wrong, not you or I." He wrapped his arms around Hisoka's shoulders lovingly.

Hisoka sighed and rested his head on Hijiri's shoulder. "I really want to go all the way with you... but I'm also really scared of it. Will you help me get over that fear?" He looked up into Hijiri's eyes. "Slowly? Not all at once?"

Hijiri smiled at him, leaning down to kiss his lips. "As slow as you want me to go," he said, fingers beginning through that soft hair.

Hisoka closed his eyes as he began to relax. "Where do you think a good place to start is? I mean you've already touched me... and... well what comes after that?"

Hijiri barely needed to think and for once he thanked his training. "Well," he murmured against Hisoka's lips, "you did want me to show you my oral talents, no?"

Hisoka blushed maddly at this. "Y... yes... if you don't mind I mean..." He was beginning to feel quite warm in the area between his legs. "Kiss me a bit more first though. That's the first time anyone's made it hard. And it should be hard for that shouldn't it?"

Hijiri's answering grin was almost devilish. "You will be," he said, licking Hisoka's bottom lip and sucking on it some. His kiss was hot and passionate, but slow and gentle. It trailed down and up his neck, then sucked at his earlobe gently.

Hisoka let out a soft moan. "Hijiri... what can... I do for you in return?"

Hijiri lay the tip of his finger on Hisoka's lips. "Hush for now," he said, "I want to show you pleasure..." His tongue tickled over the soft earlobe and Hijiri's hand caressed down the prince's back, holding them closer."

Hisoka closed his eyes, getting into the feel of everything. Soon his member was standing at full mast and he pulled away from Hijiri. His eyes told the brunet to undress him and take him to the floor but he didn't speak.

Hijiri's hands traced over Hisoka's light frame and he slowly untied the boy's vest, throwing it onto the floor, then he untied the shirt ties, the soft fabric soon following the vest. Hijiri kissed his way down Hisoka's torso, leaning him onto a boulder for support. He paused when he got to the boy's navel, taking a moment to lap at it.

His eyes slid closed again and he gasped at the feeling. If it was possible he hardened even more and he was sure Hijiri could feel the heat coming from the area. "T... touch me." He begged softly.

Hijiri's hands went above his head and his fingertips ran down Hisoka's chest, lightly moving up and down his sides before grasping the tie to Hisoka's pants. Before they were even tugged down, Hijiri mouthed at the appendage through them, one hand tracing up the blond's inner thigh.

Hisoka cried out softly, cheeks flushing pink again. He felt his knees buckle slightly. He was aroused to the max and every touch of his skin anywhere on his body sent chills to the area of arousal.

Hijiri tugged open the front of Hisoka's pants, letting the boy out to stand at full attention. He smiled slightly and leaned forward, the licking the tip and watching to see how Hisoka reacted.

Hisoka held his breath. He'd never felt anything like that before. Suddenly his knees gave out completely and he fell to them, too much sensation running through him to stand anymore.

"You gonna be okay?" Hijiri asked, wondering at first if he'd done something wrong. He'd never gotten a reaction like that before.

Hisoka caught his breath. "Sorry it's just... oh gods, everywhere you touch me... it goes straight between my legs. Feels too good to stand."

Hijiri's grin was even wider now as he leaned forward, touching his lips to Hisoka's and applying some pressure to his shoulders so he'd lay back on the floor. He licked again at Hisoka's neck. "Comfy?"

Hisoka attempted to open an eye but Hijiri's fingers and lips were sending wave after wave of chills through him and he nodded with a soft moan.

Over Hisoka now, Hijiri's teeth grazed along a collar bone, then he sucked momentarily at a nipple, hand rubbing at the boy's hips. one of his palms was dangerously close to the blond's extremity, but he didnt touch it, no way. His mouth would do the amusing this time.

There was, to say the least, quite a bit of moaning and writhing comeing from the blond. He'd never been in such a state before and his senses were attacking him from every direction. He could smell Hijiri's unique sent, hear the sound as Hijiri's lips and fingers brushed over his skin, taste a bit of blood from where he'd just bit his lip to hard, and feel everything ten times over. Though his eyes were closed bright flashes of color burst before him with every touch.

finally, Hijiri once again reached his destination, the tip of his tongue tickling around the base, then slinking down to test the flavor of the silky sacs between his thighs.

Hisoka cried out at this, not expecting this area to have much if any feeling at all. His fists clenched with the intense pleasure and he began to pant.

Hijiri lifted his head for a moment, seeing Hisoka's fists clenching. If he kept that up, he'd claw into his own hands. He grabbed Hisoka's shirt and vest, still licking at the boy, and he put the garments into the boy's hands. Then, he took one sac into his mouth, placing his concentration once again on pleasure. He sucked gently, tongue lapping and tickling at the ball.

Hisoka was greatful for the fabric and began to moan and whimper softly. He couldn't understand why he felt this way yet he seemed no where near finishing, but he almost wished he wouldn't finish.

Hijiri took the other ball into his mouth, cheek rubbing against the hardened treasure crying for attention. Not just yet though. He would give it all the attention it needed.... as soon as he was done playing.

Hisoka squeezed the fabric harder, growling now almost. He was still panting and his body was shivering. "It.. aches." He groaned this, speaking of the hard member Hijiri's cheek was teasing.

Hijiri's mouth left him, but his head stayed down. "Let's see if we can remedy that," he said, his breath traveling farther down to places he wouldn't touch yet. The tip of his tongue traced carefully up the underside of Hisoka's member, tickling here and there until he came to the head, once again licking it, this time with a bit more force behind it. "You taste good," he murmured, his words hot on Hisoka's skin.

It was at this moment Hisoka melted to him completely. "Hijiri... I love you! So much!" These words were gasped out.

Hijiri grinned before taking the head into his mouth carefully and sucking gently. His hands were still on the boy's hips, rubbing gently. Then his head moved, up and down dangerously slowly, taking more in with every downward motion.

Hisoka began to settle into deep sounding moans. His senses were still on fire but a great deal of relief came with Hijiri's mouth over his member.

Hijiri pulled his mouth off of the boy for a moment, wanting to kiss his thighs. They were so soft, and their twitching was mesmerizing. "I love you, Hisoka," he said and rather belatedly to Hisoka's earlier words, kissing the soft skin. Then he began to suck again, only a little harder this time, one hand moving to the boy's member.

Hisoka gave a happy sigh at his words but soon found himself in too much pleasure to pay attention to anything else. His moans and cries increased.

Hijiri's Head moved lower on the shaft, hand begining to slowly stroke up and down. Then he stopped, licking it from base to tip again, and then plling it back into his mouth.

He began to whimper for a moment. all time and thought had gone completely from him along with his ability to speak. He found he wasn't able to control his release the way he usually could and suddenly he was finishing with a near scream.

The only warning Hijiri needed was the tremor in Hisoka's lower body. He relaxed his throat, taking in all Hisoka had to give. When there was nothing left, Hijiri lifted his head and looked at the panting boy. He saw that his upper lip was white and became worried. He lifted him and sat him against the rock he'd been leaning against before. "Are you okay?" His voice was quite low due to the way he'd been sucking on the boy.

Hisoka opened his eyes for a moment. "Too much..." But he didn't finish this sentance and suddenly he fell limp with a soft sigh, his eyes sliding closed.

Hijiri's eyes widened instantly. "Hisoka! Hisoka!!" He tapped the side of the boy's face. Had he killed him? No. He was shivering. Hijiri grabbed his own riding cloak and wrapped it around them, pulling Hisoka's body close to his own. His heart was beating too fast in panic as he clutched the blond. "Hisoka," he murmured into the boy's hair, "Hisoka....."

He moaned softly as he began to come around but didn't open his eyes. "So...tired."

"Wharn me next time," Hijiri said, relief and now slight annoyance in his voice, "you scared the hell out of me! I thought I'd killed you for a second!"

Hisoka let out a slow whine. "It's... not my fault. I didn't do it on purpose."

Hijiri kissed him on the top of the head. "I know..." he said, "I just worry about you." He squeezed the boy closer.

Hisoka sighed softly. "I... can't even begin to describe what I felt. Everything was just too much. I've never been that aroused before. Everything was doubled." He never did open his eyes and instead nuzzled his face against Hijiri's chest. "If it okay if I go to sleep for a little bit?"

"I don't mind," Hijiri said, all annoyance having faded away now that he knew Hisoka was okay. "Sleep all you wish and I'll be waiting for you when you wake."

Hisoka curled his hands between himself and Hijiri. "Sorry... I guess I owe you again."

Hijiri relaxed, leaning his head on Hisoka's shirt, which was still balled up on the floor. "Don't worry about it," he said, "just sleep." He kissed the boy on the top of the head.

Hisoka sighed contentedly, feeling safe and soon fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few hours later, Hijiri woke Hisoka by shaking his shoulders. "Hisokaaaaa," he said, "wake uuuuup, it's past noon!"

Hisoka woke with a start. "What?! What is it?! Is he here?!"

"'He'?" Hijiri said, then shook his head. "n-no, but it's past noon. I wanna go to the beach."

Hisoka sat up. "The beach? How far away is it? Can we make it there before dark?"

Hijiri nodded. "We can, but we have to leave now because at this rate, we won't make it back to the castle until sundown."

Hisoka stood slowly. "My... legs are tired." He looked out, grabbing his clothes.

Hijiri made a face. "Do you want me to carry you?" he asked.

Hisoka blinked. "I thought we'd take the horses. Can....can you carry me all the way to the beath?"[/quote]

[color=darkgreen]"I can carry you to the horses," Hijiri grinned at the blond.

Hisoka pulled on his clothes with a smile. "I'd like that. I'm really sorry I left you like I did though... was it bad?"

Hijiri kissed Hisoka softly. "I'm okay," he said, "this time I was concentrating too much on pleasuring you to really feel it, though I did have to take a small dip in the river."

Hisoka wrapped his arms around Hijiri's neck and kissed him softly. "Tell me how and I'll do my best to make it up to you. I'm sorry I scared you. I really hadn't meant to pass out like that."

Hijiri grinned. "Just kiss me again and let's head for the beach," he said.

Hisoka smiled softly and kissed him deeply. "Carry me to the horses?"

Hijiri nodded and did just that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once they were at the path that led to the beach, Hijiri grinned. "We're almost there," he said to the prince.

Hisoka snapped out of his daydream and looked around. In the distance he could hear a strange sound that he'd never heard before. "Hijiri... what's that sound? It's scaring me." He bid his horse a little closer to Hijiri's and took the brunets hand.

Hijiri grinned. "Nothing to fear," he said, "that's the ocean. Can you smell the salt in the air?" He took a deep breath through his nose.

Hisoka sniffed slightly. "That's salt? And that sound is the ocean? I didn't know it had a sound. Are you sure that's the ocean's sound?"

Hijiri laughed. "Of course I'm sure," he said, "come on, I'll show you." They reached the sand and Hijiri jumped off of his horse, holding his arms out to Hisoka to help him down.

Hisoka leapt softly into Hijiri's arms and stood close to him. "It's louder now."

"That's because we're closer, silly," he said, "there's no reason to be scared." He pulled Hisoka across the beach, heading for the water.

Hisoka didn't understand why it was so noisy. At the currect spot there were only gentle waves lapping at the shore. "Hijiri..." He looked up at him, not realizing that a rather large wave was headed right for them. "It's so gentle, why is it so loud?" Without warning his feet began to get sucked into the sand and he screamed, grabbing onto Hijiri. "What's happening someone's got me!"

Hijiri tried to pull Hisoka out of the way of the wave, but lost his balance when the boy grabbed him. He fell to the sand just as the wave crashed down on them.

Hisoka screamed as everything went dark, not realizing he was under water until he choked on the salty liquid. He flailed, unable to find up. He kept running into sand everytime he turned to get out. He couldn't find Hijiri because his eyes stung.

Hijiri wrapped his arm around Hisoka's weist, dragging him close and trying to find a way to get out of the wave before it forced them out into the water. As it pulled back, it took all of Hijiri's strength to dig his feet into the sand and bring them out of the water. When the wave was gone, Hijiri dragged Hisoka to the dry sand, coughing the whole way. "Hiso---- ka..... are... are you... alright?" he wheezed and coughed up some water.

Hisoka hit the sand, caughing as well. "My eyes burn! I don't understand! I was starting to get sucked in!" He'd swallowed more water than had been trapped in his lungs.

Hijiri coughed again. "That's the salt from the water," Hijiri said, "Come on, let's get back to the horses where the fresh water is so we can wash them out." He forced himself up, then lifted Hisoka to bring him back to the horses.

Hisoka clung to Hijiri's arm, tripping over himself and dizzy from not being able to tell up from down in the water. He was sopping wet and now sobbing. "i'm sorry!"

Hijiri patted the boy's head softly when they got back to the horses. "It's okay," he said, "are you alright? not half drowned I suppose?" He handed the boy a flask of fresh water to clean out his eyes.

Hisoka washed out his eyes, blinking away the pain and tears. "It just took me completely by surprise. That really hurt." He handed it back to Hijiri.

"Water can do that," Hijiri said, "as long as you didn't inhale much of it, you should be okay." Hijiri looked between them. "We can't go back now. We're soaked."

Hisoka dropped to his knees. "I don't really want to go back right now. I screwed up sure but we've only been here a few minutes. Besides... I may get sick on the way home, I swallowed at least a mouthful when I screamed..."

Hijiri grimaced. "I think there's a storm farther out, which would explain the huge waves. But how about we go up to that rock and see if the sun'll dry us off?" He pointed at a cliff jutting out over the water that had no grass and no dirt. Just a very big rock.

Hisoka nodded and stood. "Sounds good. I'm sopping wet."

Hijiri led the boy to the rock and looked out over the water. "I knew it," he said, "sea storm a few miles out. Luckily, it's not headed or way."

Hisoka looked out at the swirling black clouds in the distance and was very grateful it wasn't headed for them. "So does this mean we can spend the night on the beach?" He looked hopeful. He didn't want to go home. He wanted to dive into the waves with Hijiri and swim away with him where they would both be safe for the rest of their lives.

Hijiri looked at him. "Are you sure that's wise?" he asked, "I mean... we didn't tell anyone that we were coming here."

Hisoka frowned. "It's not like anyone's going to come looking for us. We're at the top of the tallest tower..." He looked really disappointed. "I don't ever want to go home again."

Hijiri frowned. "I'm sorry," he said, "but I don't mind at all. It'll be nice to sleep with you under the stars." He kissed Hisoka's cheek.

Hisoka brightened conciderably and threw himself into Hijiri's arms. "Thank you so much!" He snuggled close against Hijiri's wet clothes.

Hijiri laughed, kissing the blond. "But I want to show you something, okay?"

Hisoka blinked a moment, eyes wide with curiosity. "What's that?"

Hijiri grinned. "Wait here and see," he said, beginning to strip off his shirt.

Hisoka was worried. "Wait here? Where are you going without your shirt?"

Hijiri put a finger to his lips. "That's a secret," he said, then kicked off his boots.

Hisoka sat down, watching and wondering briefly if Hijiri would strip nude... "oh... okay."

Hijiri left his pants on and waved at Hisoka, "be right back," he said, and ran at the edge of the rock, leaping off and sailing far into the air over the water.

Hisoka was scared to death. "Hijiri!" He ran to the edge just in time to see the brunet's feet disappear under the water.

Hijiri had disappeared. He didn't come back up even three minutes later.

Hisoka was holding his breath, terrified. Had Hijiri just accidently killed himself? Could he get home, would he jump in and kill himself too?

Without warning, strong arms wrapped around Hisoka's upper body, his arms locked to his torso.

Hisoka screamed, struggling to get free of the embrace. He turned as he did and his widened. "Hijiri?!" But before the brunet could respond his eyes slid closed and he began to fall with a soft sigh.

Hijiri caught him. "Hisoka!?!?!?" His voice cracked slightly with the surprise before he sighed. "That could've gone better." He tapped the boy's face. "Hisoka?"

Hisoka moaned softly as he began to come around. "Hi... jiri..."

"Hisoka?" Hijiri said, "are you okay?"

Hisoka fell into tears, burrying his face into Hijiri's wet hair. "I thought you were dead! You were gone for so long! Where did you go?! Do you have any idea how bad you scared me?!"

Hijiri frowned. "I'm sorry," he said, "I told you I'd be right back. And I wanted to grab something for you that I've been meaning to give you for.... years."

Hisoka began to sob. "But you were... gone for... five minutes! No one... can hold their breath... for that... long!" He looked into Hijiri's eyes. "What do you mean years?! You've only known me for three months!"

Hijiri shook his head. "I wasn't holding my breath for that long," he said, "I took a breath when I reached the bottom. That's where my secret place is. And yes, I've only known you for three months, but I've seen you before then. I've been at the palace for around ten years. I've seen you many times. I always thought that you were beautiful. I always wanted to be friends with you and try to get to know you, but I've been trained to not look you in the eye. I was told never to assume that the prince or king would ever even give me a second glance because you would be more interested in everything else and I was merely a stableboy and would be of no use to you. But I still wanted to give you this, just to let you know that no matter what, I'd always be loyal to you. I guess that even back then I was in love with you." He dangled a pure white shell in a chain before Hisoka's nose, an emerald green marble embedded into it.

Hisoka blushed maddly as he looked at it. "It's beautiful. I was always told that I shouldn't talk to you because my blood was different. I didn't understand what that meant for many years. I almost wished they had attacked me sooner. So I could be friends with you first... I feel strange moving so fast but at the same time I want to move faster."

"Blood, pah," Hijiri grimaced, "they just didn't want you getting your pretty self anywhere near us filthy commoners. Thay wanted you to be like your father and rule from everyone else's information, without knowing your people." Hijiri wrapped the chain around Hisoka's throat lovingly. "It looks good on you," he said.

Hisoka dried the remnants of his tears. "It does. But you and I are going to help change that right? My people are very angry with me right now because my father has not only raised taxes he's been telling everyone that I've got a male lover..."

Hijiri's grimace turned into a snarl of disgust. He held his tongue, but his thoughts were quite evident. He hated the king more than anyone else he'd ever known.

Hisoka sighed and looked away. "I want to go into the village one of these days but I'm afraid they'll hurt me... you'll protect me though won't you? We'll go together and show them we can rule wisely." He rested his head on Hijiri's shoulder. "I love you so much..."

Hijiri nodded. "I will stay beside you forever," he said, his hand tracing over his cheek and lifting those beautiful green eyes to his own. "I swear to you that I will give you every part of myself andwill always strive to be right next to you. Even in death." He kissed him lovingly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hijiri kept his arm around Hisoka's weist so the boy wouldn't fall off of the horse as they approached the castle. They'd spent the night on the beach, wrapped in the blankets from the horse's saddles. They'd awoken to the sun having barely risen, New sounds on the shore. Some fishermen had been heading out to the water for their catch. Hijiri had introduced Hisoka as a ritch man's son and a very dear friend of his and the men had been very nice, offering a fish or two, which were turned down. But Hijiri's thoughts were brought away from this as he saw Terazuma, staring at them with fury as they got closer. "Uh oh," Hijiri murmured.

"WHERE WERE YOU!?" Terazuma demanded, red faced and livid.

Hisoka jolted awake at the sound. "Tera? why are you so angry?"

Terazuma's eyes flashed. "'Why are you angry'?" he repeated, "WHY!?!?!? Well, highness, it might be the fact that the young prince and one and only heir to the throne just disappeared for a night without telling his father of any knights or advisors where he went! The castle has been in an uproar!"

Hisoka whimpered, tears springing to his eyes. "My father isn't in his right mind and being stuck at the top of the tallest tower like some enchanted princes, I didn't think I'd be missed!"

Terazuma let out a sigh. "Next time, at least tell me? This is a request as your friend. Not as a knight or a caretaker."

Jani_chan

Hisoka whimpered, tears springing to his eyes. "My father isn't in his right mind and being stuck at the top of the tallest tower like some enchanted princes, I didn't think I'd be missed!"

Terazuma let out a sigh. "Next time, at least tell me? This is a request as your friend. Not as a knight or a caretaker."

Hisoka closed his eyes. "I will... I'm sorry I caused trouble. I just really needed to get out. I think I'm losing my mind.

Terazuma nodded with a sigh. "Anyway... what happened to you two? you look like you were soaked and air dried...." he paused as he got closer, "Hijiri, did you take him to the ocean?" The boy bit his lip.

"Er...." he started, wondering what Hisoka wanted to tell.

Hisoka smiled softly. "I... sort of begged him to spend the night there. I'm afraid my first encounter with a wave scared me and I got... really wet."

Now Terazuma seemed to forget his anger and he began to laugh. "I can imagine," he said, "I'll bet you had to drag yourselves from the water with all of your strength. There was a rain over the ocean yesterday and last night." Hijiri had relaxed and decided to dismount, leading the horse with Hisoka still on it.

Hisoka nodded. "But once I dried off I really liked it. I want to go back. Maybe you could come with us this time?"

"I look forward to it," he said. Hijiri looked up at the man.

"Why were you looking for us?" he asked, "you never do anything needlessly." Terazuma looked away. "What don't you want to tell us?"

"Am I so easily read?" the man asked, still not meeting their eyes.

Hisoka stopped Hijiri from leading the horse any farther and dismounted. "What is it Tera? Has something happened?" The fear was evident in his voice.

Terazuma turned to the boy. "I'm afraid to hope, that's all," he said.

He looked up into Tera's eyes. "My father? Is he better? Is he the one who wanted to find me?"

Terazuma nodded. "One of the ones," he said, "you haven't seen him since what happened in your bathing room and since then, he hasn't worn the mask as much. He doesn't seem to remember much about the time when he wore the mask nonstop. It's as though it changed him..."

Hisoka felt slightly dizzy now. "He... wants to see me?" He closed his eyes. I won't go alone. Hijiri will come with me or I will not see him."

Terazuma nodded. "He requested Hijiri come along as well," he said, "he told me that Hijiri needs to be fitted."

Hisoka blinked. "Fitted? For what?" He was happy that Hijiri would be with him though.

Terazuma's eyes were proud. "A knight must have the proper apparel, right?" Hijiri paused, mouth dropping open in shock.

Hisoka's eyes widened. "Knight?! But he's not been trained and we haven't gotten his horse yet and... well I mean it's wonderful but... why?"

Terazuma grinned. "Many of the knights here know him well and believe in him. They won't disagree if he's made a knight without a horse. Hasn't he proven himself to you?" The man raised an eyebrow at Hisoka.

Hisoka sighed deeply. "Hijiri proved himself to me three months ago when he saved me from being kidnapped. My father on the other hand up until just now has shown nothing but contempt for Hijiri and I'm concerned about his motives for doing this."

"I told you," Terazuma said, "he's changed since he started taking off his mask. He's like his old self.... before your mother's death."

Hisoka closed his eyes. "How much does he remember anyway? Do you know if he remember's pleasureing himself to my private life?"

Terazuma shook his head. "No idea, but I'll bring you two there and you can see for yourself, okay?"

Hisoka nodded, taking Hijiri's hand and followed Tera inside.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once in the king's quarters, all the way on the opposite end of the castle from his room with Hisoka. The king stood, rushing to them. "Where have you been?!" he sounded more like a woman with a heart flutter than a king, "I've been so worried!" He didn't touch the boys, but looked at them carefully, "Are you wounded? Did they maime you? Oh, I was so scared!"

Hisoka stepped back into Hijiri's arms, staring confusedly into his fathers eyes. "What do you speak of? We went to the beach for the night."

"I got word that Muraki's men are searching for you," he said, "I was afraid they might have caught you while you were out.... are you sure you're okay?"

Hisoka wanted to scream. This was infurriating. "That stopped two months ago after Hijiri injured himself saving you're worhless life." His voice was more bitter than angry but the fear showed brightly in his eyes.

The king stared at Hisoka. "Worthless?" he said,pouting suddenly, then he whimpered sadly, "your words are wounding!" He was dramatic, as usual. Hijiri rolled his eyes.

Hisoka growled. "You've wounded me in the last three months than my words ever could. If you truely are in your right mind finally you need to face your actions."

The man stared into his son's eyes, suddenly seeming to realise that the boy was serious. "Hisoka..." he said, the name he hadn't said since the queen's passing, "oh gods.... tell me what's going on... what happened?"

Hurt, anger, fear... it all gushed out of him as he began to cry. "Tera has been acting as my protector from you! You accused me of sleeping with him! Then you..." He couldn't finish. He turned away from him and burried his face into Hijiri's neck. "You tell him Hijiri. Oh gods, I can't even look at him."

Hijiri grimaced at the man. "You've been treating him more like a toy and a potential lover than you have a son," he said, distaste ringing in his voice, "you're lucky you don't remember because if you really care about him, you'd be sick. Personally, I don't care if there was something ailing you. It's going to take a lot to forgive.... if I'm able to forgive you at all." The king simply stared, heart turned to ice by the look in the brunet boy's eyes.

Hisoka looked back at his father, saddness and fear vieing for a place in his eyes. "As far as I'm concerned unless you find a way to redeem yourself I have no father. There are things you've done to me since you started wearing that damn mask that have made me sick! Now all the sudden you're normal again?! I don't believe it! What's your motive for knighting Hijiri?"

The king's eyes widened. "For.... well... I wanted to keep it as a surprise, but I'm planning a wedding... your wedding, Hisoka. I had your mothers gowns altered into robes for you."

Hisoka blinked. "What? You mean you'll knight him and then we'll marry? But my friends, distant family... no one will be there, I've had no planning..."

The king bowed his head. "I'm sorry," he said, "I thought you'd be happy." Hijiri wasn't sure what to say. Married? So soon? Hewas happy, but felt as though there was a catch.

Hisoka fell to his knees in tears. "This is all too much at once! Are you normal again?! Really? I can't tell! I'm terrified of you! And now you're telling me you've been planning my wedding to a man you've professed to hating! Do I want to marry Hijiri? Yes I do. More than anything. But i'm not even seventeen yet!" He let his head fall into his hand as he sobbed. He was so confused and scared.

Hijiri glanced up at the king, as he'd gone to the floor alongside Hisoka. He wanted to take Hisoka away from him, but Hisoka wouldn't budge. The king spoke. "How can I prove it to you?" he asked.

Hisoka looked up and pointed to the accursed object on the table. "Destroy it! Burn it, take a mallet or a sword or anything you have to do to take away it's control over you! Because of that damn mask you raped me! I don't ever want that thing around you again!"

The man looked at the mask on the table, then tossed it onto the floor toward them. "Since it has caused you so much pain, I'll let you destroy it," he said.

Hisoka stood slowly, body shaking and shook his head. "I want to watch you destroy it." Somehow he feared the worst.

The king drew his sword and drove it into the floor, shattering the mask with the tip. It lay in pieces over the wood for a few moments before the man replaced the blade in his shieth, staring at the prince. "It is gone," he said.

Hisoka stared into his eyes for a moment before wrapping his arms tightly around the king, whispering through his sobs. "Please... please be my father again! Stop the insanity, I can't take much more of it! I only want you to love me like you did when mother was still alive. I was your prize, your heir... your son. Please remember that I'm your blood, not your wife!"

The king patted the boy on the head, face looking at him softly. Suddenly, there was smashing behind them.

Hisoka jumped and spun around. "Hijiri? Are you okay?" He then saw what Hijiri was doing and sighed with a soft smile. "I think it's dead, my love."

Hijiri grimaced. "Not dead enough," he said, batting the largest pieces with his scabbard so that they smashed to dust.

Hisoka for once felt content. He took Hijiri's hand to stop him and wrapped his arms around Hijiri's neck, kissing him deeply. "It's going to be okay now. You're going to be a knight and it may not be perfect but we'll get married and we'll take a long vacation just the two of us." He turned to his father. "And when we get back we can have a larger serimony right? One that I can plan for and have all my friends and everyone at?" He seemed so happy.

The king nodded. "Of course," he said, "anything you like." Hijiri stomped on the last piece larger than a square centemeter before kissing Hisoka lovingly. "All I ask is that you try on the robes," the king said.

Hisoka nodded. "Okay. Hijiri..." He looked up into the brunets eyes. "You go do what ever it is you need to be fitted and I'll wear them to your serimony."

Hijiri kissed him back, more passionatly than before, love pouring from his very being. "I'll be back then," he murmured against Hisoka's lips before pulling away. With that, he followed the knight out of the room.

Hisoka felt physical pain as Hijiri left. He hated to be parted for even a few moments. He turned finally back to the king. "I should get dressed. Did Tera tell you that I'm in the tower room now?"

The king shook his head."He said that he wouldn't tell me anything for your safety," he said, crossing his arms and looking out the window.

Looked away as well. "You can't blame him. Not with what you've done to me and to Hijiri. You have so much repenting to do you might as well go live in the church for ten years. I may eventually forgive you if you can truely show remorse...but it will take a lot more than that." He pointed to the broken pieces. "That was just the beginning."

The king nodded. "So much to do," he murmured, moving to his bed and lifting something white off of it. "You may need assistance dressing in it," he said, "I have arranged for a servant for you."

Hisoka nodded. "Have them meet me in my room with it please." And with that he dashed off to his own room, wanting to get out of his fathers.

Soon, there were a few girls knocking at his door later. When he opened the door, they bowed to him and told him that his father had sent them to help him dress. "We are to make sure that the robes fit correctly," one explained.

Hisoka nodded and stepped aside. He had mixed feelings about this. If he married Hijiri, he'd not have to feel guilty about going all the way with him. He had promised he'd not do that until he was married, but at the same time he wanted everyone he loved to be at his wedding and he was starting to understand that Hijiri really wasn't going anywhere. "Please come in. Let me know if I can assist you."

The three girls giggled. "We're here to help you highness," one said. They went to the robes on the bed. "First we need to put these on you," the tallest held up the first part of the robe. "Strip to nothing and put on the wrap first. It's easy enough to use so that you don't need us. You can go behind the partitian if you want."

Hisoka blushed maddly and took the robe from the girl, walking behind said partition and when he was dressed he walked back out.

As soon as he was away from the partitian, the girls swarmed him, wrapping clothes around him and toying with his hair, all three touching him at once, pinning things and talking and telling him to move every which way.

Hisoka was not enjoying this in the least and he decided he'd need a nap after this. They were stressing him out and he wished Hijiri would help him dress.

Soon, they were all finished, Hisoka's hair decorated and his robe fitting as though it was sewn on him, the colors matching him as though they were born on him. The girls stared, "Awwww"ing and murmuring about how beautiful he was.

Hisoka turned to the mirror and smiled. They were right and he knew Hijiri wouldn't be able to resist him. He wanted to look his best for his groom. He turned to the girls again. "When is the knighting serimony, do you know?" He wanted to see Hijiri before hand.

"Later today, I think,"one of the girls said, "but he should be taylored up by now. The seamstresses who make the uniformes for the knights are geniouses." Right then, there was a knock on the door.

Hisoka somehow knew it was Hijiri and so he flung the door open with a wide smile. "Hijiri! Look, it fits! Am I beautiful?"

Hijiri paused, staring. "Wow," he said, "I mean.... wow..." Of course, he looked stunning as well, an emerald vest over a flowing black shirt, sword and scabbard belted to his weist. And for the first time since Hisoka'd met him, his hair was neat and tidy, likely brushed by a seamstress who was obsessive compulsive. The vest brought out his eyes as they stared forward at the prince.

Hisoka smiled brightly and threw himself into Hijiri's arms. "You look so handsome! I think you should wear that for our wedding this evening. I missed you so much though!"

Hijiri ignored the girls as they "awww"ed. "Was I gone that long?" he asked.

Hisoka shook his head and took his hand. "But even a split second without you by my side feels like a thousand swords in my heart." He kissed the finger tips.

Hijiri smiled, taking Hisoka's hands in his own and letting his forehead lean against that of his love's. "You're so sweet," he said, "but are you sure you want to go through with marrying me so soon? I mean... you had big plans for the wedding, I could tell. Are you sure you don't want to tell your father to wait?"

Hisoka shook his head. "We'll plan a big wedding in the spring. For now, I'm content to know that the fight for my hand will finally be over and I'll have nothing to fear."

Hijiri smiled. "That's a very good thing," he said, "though if I had to, I'd fight for you forever." He wanted to kiss Hisoka so badly, but knew he wouldn't want to with those girls here. He looked at them over the prince's shoulder. "Was there anything else that you needed to do?" he asked politely. Rather embarassed, the girls all shook their heads and hurrie out the door, closing it behind themselves. Hijiri grinned and took this opportunity to kiss the boy, long and deep, pulling their bodies tightly together.

Hisoka sighed happily and pulled him over to the bed. "Take a nap with me? I'm sure Tera will come and get us when it's time."

Hijiri smiled lovingly. "And muss up your pretty hair?" he pressed his nose to it. "What did they put in it? It smells good."

Hisoka frowned. "Lavander oil. It smells nice but it dries oddly and takes a while to wash out. It won't budge, I promise."

Again, Hijiri kissed Hisoka, true and deep. "I love you," he murmured very lovingly.

Hisoka flopped onto the bed and streached out. "Come hold me. I feel so safe in your arms."

Hijiri did as he was told, wrapping his arms rightly around the boy. "Well," he said, "as of tomorrow... according to theory, I can legally call you my spouse..... are you my wife or my husband?"

Hisoka chuckled softly. "I don't care as long as I'm yours." He snuggled close to the brunet, basking in the warm morning light. "Hush now, so at least I can sleep..."

Hijiri did as he was told, watching the blond quickly drift off. Soon afterward, he too had slipped off to the land of dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hijiri awoke to Terazuma standing beside the bed and rapping his shieth against the bedpost. "Up!" he said. Without thinking, because he was accustomed to this, he turned and stood, bleary eyed, lifting Hisoka bridal style simply because he was there and it was better than dropping him on the floor. "S-Sir!" His voice was filled with sleep and his movements groggy. He obviously didn't remember tat he was being knighted today.... or that he would be married after that.

Hisoka let out a startled yelp, jolted awake as Hijiri lifted him. "Tera! Why did you do that?!" He pouted, squirming in Hijiri's arms. He wasn't happy about his wake up call.

Terazuma laughed. "I had to have one last bit of fun with my squire," the man said, "anyways, it's almost time."

Hisoka *humphed* and wormed his way to the floor. "You're lucky you're such a close friend, you scared the hell out of me!" Standing he crossed his arms, still pouty. "Maybe I'll go back to sleep and have you wake me gently."

Terazuma shook his head. "No time for that," he said, "you've gotta get ready."

Hisoka stopped pouting and blinked. "What? Is it time for the knighting cerimony already?"

Terazuma nodded. "It is," he said, "you are witnessing, are you not?"

Hisoka blushed and nodded. "Of course. Um... I think I am ready though..." He looked down. "Will I need anything else?"

Terazuma looked at the boy. "They really fixed you up," he said, "But there's something missing...." He stared, thinking. "Ah! That's it!" He moved to a side of the room where there was a table and a jewelry box.

Hisoka looked confused as he watched. Then he smiled softly and pulled off his necklace with his mothers wedding ring. "Tera... hang onto this for me." He dangled it out. "Give to the ring bearer after the knighting."

Terazuma turned, surprised at this. "Oh... she gave it to you?" he said. He reached out and took the chain, not touching the ring, as though he felt it wrong to. "That I will... but come here and look at this."

Hisoka nodded and stepped closer. "She gave me a lot of things in secret. Some of them I have great guilt over because others wanted them." He stepped up beside the knight, waiting to be shown what it was Tera wanted to show him.

"But they're rightfully yours because she wanted you to have everything of hers. She even asked that all of her favorite dresses get taylored into robes for you." He moved the jewelry box aside, reaching behind the table and groping for something on the other side.

Hisoka watched curiously. "She did? I didn't know of that. So she would have wanted her wedding dress to be made into a wedding robe for me? I... guess i felt bad about that."

The man yalped slightly. "Oops, forgot about that," he pulled a slightly bleeding finger out from behind the table, then something clicked and the wall popped open, a foot square piece of it dropping to the table to reveal an opening.

Hisoka looked concerned. "How'd you know that was there and what hurt you? What's in there anyway?"

The knight put his bleeding finger into his mouth. "Security thing," he said, "and your mother showed me this before you were born. Said that she would never see it and neither would anyone else. Not untill you were married." He reached in. "It can only be retrieved by someone willing to die for the prince. And your mother chose me." He pulled out his hand, clutching something in his fist, many more cuts on his hand, blood dripping slightly from his wrist. "There you go," he said, holding a small pouch out to the boy.

Hisoka covered his mouth with a hand. "Tera! You're bleeding so much!" He took this pouch from him and set it on the desk before grabbing a scarf and wrapping Tera's hand in it. "I'm so sorry!"

Terazuma gave him a look. "Sorry?" he repeated, "about what?"

Hisoka kissed the wrapped hand. "You didn't have to." He took up the pouch again and opened it but looked up at Tera. "Are you going to be okay?"

The man nodded. "I've had worse," He reached out with his good hand, pulling back the cloth and revealing a green ribbon with many gems and jewels. It was obvious why it would be hidden, it looked like it was worth the entire royal treasury.

Hisoka took it up and stared at it. "It's... so beautiful. And she wanted me to have this on my wedding day?"

Terazuma nodded. "She said that it always made her feel better when she wore it in her hair. Her theory was that there was something magic about it... though she didn't know what."

Hisoka smiled softly and tied it around his forhead. "Like a crown. Since I don't have as much hair." He hugged Tera closely. "Is it okay if I still wish you were my father?"

Terazuma nodded. "I don't mind at all," he said, "I still wish you were were my son."[/quote]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the back hallway, alone after the ceramony, Hijiri grinned and knealt on one knee before Hisoka, taking his hand. "I'm officially your knight," he said to the boy, kissing the fingertips softly.

Hisoka couldn't have more pride in his eyes. "And soon you'll be my husband." His heart was racing quickly with excitement. Sure it wasn't what he wanted but they could have that later.

Hijiri now kissed Hisoka's wrist. "You've given me so much..." he murmured against the soft skin. "What could I possibly do for you in return?"

Hisoka smirked. "Oh... you can make that up to me tonight... you know what happens on couple's wedding night."

Hijiri's face flushed slightly and his head raised to meet Hisoka's eyes. "You know that's not what I mean," he said, his own eyes wide as his face blotched.

Hisoka knelt before him, kissing his lips softly. "I know. I'm teasing you. But I really believe I'm ready. I really can't think of anything I want or don't have. I did these things for myself as much as for you."

"That means I'm getting more out of this than you," Hijiri said, "you can't think of anything you want or don't have.. I get you." He kissed Hisoka back, wanting to do nothin else than sit there and kiss him and hold him tight.

Hisoka was perfectly content with that. He closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around Hijiri's neck. "We need to do a lot more of this after we're married. I want to take at least a week of doing nothing but cuddling, making love, and holding each other."

"And eating," Hijiri remarked, his arm around Hisoka's weist, pulling him closer to himself. "Any idea when your father arranged for the wedding to start?"

Hisoka frowned and shook his head. "Tera doesn't know either. You know, I just can't shake the feeling that something's wrong though..."

Hijiri nodded. "I know," he said, "something's nagging at the back of my mind, telling me that something's not right, but I don't think I can do anything about it because I don't know what it is."

Hisoka nodded. "The same... we should go find out when the wedding is. The sooner we get this over with the safer I'll feel."

Hijiri nodded and stood, assisting Hisoka to his feet. "Let's go," he said, "where's he now?"

Hisoka frowned. "Thrown room. Setting up for the wedding party."

Hijiri nodded, "let's go then." He led the way to the throne room. When they got there, they found that there were no people there yet but for the king and the minister.

Hisoka didn't like the look of the man his father had chosen. "Father... we've come to ask when the wedding will start."

The king turned to them. "Very soon," he said, "Hisoka... you should go eat something. You look hungry. Please allow Terazuma to lead you to the kitchens."

Hisoka was confused but took Hijiri's hand beginning to lead him as well. "Okay. Well, we'll be in our room." He wasn't at all hungry actually as he'd eaten an entire loaf of bread from nerves just before the knighting.

"Wait," the king said, "I need to talk to Hijiri."

Hisoka stopped, feeling his heart sink. "Oh... okay, than I'll be in my room." He reluctantly let go of Hijiri's hand. "I guess I'll see you in a little while." and with that he was out the door.

Terazuma followed the prince. "You seem unusually displeased for the day you are to marry, highness," he said.

Hisoka sighed. "There's something up Tera. I just don't know if I buy it. I mean one day he's pleasureing himself to me and the next he's planning my wedding to Hijiri? Something is wrong here. I don't know what it is but I'm really scared. The sooner we get married the better."

Terazuma nodded. "I know what you mean, my prince," he said, "but we can't do anything against the king without evidence..... and a lot of it. I just wish I knew what he was up to."

Hisoka sighed and stopped, turning to him. "Will you hold me? For a little while?" His eyes were pleading. When he was scared and he couldn't have Hijiri, he turned to Tera. "I've come to you since I was really little to comfort me. I know it must be frustrating and I'm really sorry."

Terazuma hugged the boy. "It'll be okay," he said, "I'm sure it will."

Hisoka sighed deeply and closed his eyes, feeling safer in Tera's arms at the moment. "I really hope you're right."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later on, terazuma got word that the throne room was ready and it would be time for the wedding soon. He brought that exact word to Hisoka swiftly.

Hisoka sighed deeply. "Will you be escorting me?" He stood from the window seat. "Did you see where all my things went to though? I seem to have nothing but what's on my person and a servant told me they'd been moved."

"I will be escorting you," he said," but I haven't seen where your things are. I am told that you and Hijiri are getting a new and better room."

Hisoka frowned. "I wish he'd ask me these things before he does them. I wanted Hijiri to move into my room. My old room, that I miss."

Terazuma nodded. "That's something he was never good at,"the knight said.

Hisoka walked up to him and took his arm. "Shall we go?"

Terazuma nodded. "We shall," he said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they got to the throne room, it was still oddly empty but for s single and very still figure on the front pew. It was silent as death.

Hisoka frowned. He was getting scared again. He began slowly up the isle wondering what exactly had been changed and why there was only one witness. Where was Hijiri and why was his father standing in the knights rightful place at the alter?

Without warning, Terazuma was grabbed from behind and three knights surrounded Hisoka, the only opening leading toward the minister and his father. The knight cried out in surprise as he was pinned to the floor by three men.

Hisoka turned sharply to try and help Tera. "Tera!" but he couldn't get past the men. he slowly began to back away from them. "Where's Hijiri?!"

There was a moan from the front pew, where the figure seemed to be resting. The brunet head bobbed like a man who was drunk.

He turned and ran up the isle towards Hijiri as he realized that's who it was. "Hijiri!" He fell to his knees before the figure, sickened to find him tied to the pew. "Hijiri!" There was something wrong with him. He stood again and turned to his father. "You evil bastard! What did you do to him?!"

The king extended a hand toward his son. "Your wedding is today," he said, "come to your groom."

Hisoka stepped back. "Never! You are not my groom!" He tried to find the ropes knot but it was no use. He patted Hijiri's cheek. "Come on love. wake up. Tell me what he did to you. Sre you alright?"

Hijiri's eyes opened and fought to focus on the prince. "So--ka...." he murmured. But then, strong arms wrapped around Hisoka's weist, pulling him toward the altar. It was the king, the minister standing serenely with his holy book.

Hisoka screamed, reaching out for Hijiri. "Hijiri!" He glanced up, eyes pleading at the form of Tsuzuki standing beside the brunet. "Do something Tsuzuki! I know you know this is wrong! Please!"

Tsuzuki stepped forward, obviously wanting to help, but stopped, as though something was holding him back. The white robed man at the alter began to speak. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join together in holy matrimony....."

Hisoka then turned to the man before him. "You can't do this! This man is my blood father! It's unholy! And sick! I'm his son!"

"Get on with it!" ordered the king. The man shrugged slightly. "Do you, Majesty, take this boy to be your lawfully wedded wife, ...." Yeah yeah, I do, hurry up."

Hisoka's eyes widened. "How can you go through with this?! You're my father!" He slapped the king across the face, trying to pull free.

The king's eyes flared. "That's it!" He turned to the knight near Hijiri, "kill him!!" He ordered.

Hisoka screamed, trying to pull away again. "NO! Hijiri snap out of it!" Tears were beginning to fall from his eyes. "If he dies I'll kill myself before you have the chance to touch me!"

Hijiri's head was beginning to lift, but the knight had already grabbed him by the hair and was aiming the knife at his throat. "Wait," said the king, who then turned to Hisoka. "Then you will do as I say and become my wife." His fingers gripped Hisoka's hair and pulled their mouths together roughly.

His head was spinning so fast. He clutched the fabric of his fathers vest, whimpering. The words he'd spoken to Hijiri earlier echoing through his mind. 'you know what couples do on their wedding night...' More tears sprang to his eyes and he wished someone would do something to help him. To save him from this fate.

Something seemed to snap Hijiri out of his drugged stupor and he lunged forward, ropes catching and pulling the pew forward until he fell on the floor. "YOU BASTARD!!!!" he screamed out, "LET HIM GO!!! HE'S YOUR SON!!!!!!"

Hisoka pounded on the hardened chest before him and whimpered again, tears now dripping onto his robes. Finally he managed to pull away but stumbled and fell to his knees, staring up at the man. "What have you done? Have you no sanity left?"

The king grabbed the mask out of a pouch tied to hi weist. "Do you think that I have to listen to you?" he demanded, "you're my son! I have to listen to nobody!!" Then, another voice appeared as if from nowhere. "I think that this has gone on long enough," the minister bent and wrapped an arm around Hisoka and pulling him off of the floor as he held a sword against the king.

Hisoka looked up into those silver eyes, thankful but still very scared. "You... you're not really a minister are you?" He looked to Hijiri. "I'm... so sorry. I can't believe I fell for this. Hijiri please forgive me." He did not struggle in the mans arms as he felt he was about to pass out.

"A little slow, aren't we, princess?" said the man of pure white, "though, as your father's son, I'm not surprised in the least. With your mother's looks and your father's mind, you're the classic dumb blond. Too bad you didn't get your mother's mind as well."

Hisoka began to sob. "He's not my father! Let me go! I'm not stupid! I hate you!" The false minister's words broke his heart. If he was so stupid than why did Hijiri love him? "Hijiri!" He looked at Tsuzuki. "Unbind him or I swear I'll have every last knight beheaded!"

Tsuzuki pulled at something, taking the kings sword and smashing apart the chain that had tide him in place. He ran for Hijiri, cutting his bindings and then barreling over the kights before turning back to the man now backing away with Hisoka in his clutches.

Hisoka now tried to free himself of the so called minister. "Hijiri! I'm scared!"

The minister held a dagger to the boy's throat, so close that it nearly cut. "Hush, princess," he said, "or you'll be the next on the plate for my knights. The knights of Kazutaka Muraki."

His eyes widened and he screamed one last time to his love. With a soft sigh his eyes slid closed and his body fell limp.

With an unintelligable magical incantation, Muraki was surrounded by light and a white dragon arose from the floor, attacking the knights and king. Hijiri tried to rush forward, but was dragged aside by a claw. The foreign king took to the air through a window, calling upon the wings of an enormous albino raven. With the prince, he headed on his way back to his own castle, having completed his decleration of war.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hisoka awoke, he was in a dark room filled with green. He was on silken sheets and plush comforter. Curtains hung around the bed, draping around him.

Hisoka woke with a soft sigh, surprised to find that he wasn't bound. He sat up slowly, trying to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. "Hello? Is anyone here?"

A dark figure stepped out of the shadows in the corner. "You're finally awake," said a dragging voice that was like a snake's hiss, "you sleep like an angel."

Hisoka blinked, looking up at him. "Who are you?" His fear was evident in his voice.

The young boy opposite Hisoka had grey eyes and hair, but was hardly any older than the prince himself. He bowed as he answered. "Saki Muraki," he said, "son of he king Kazutaka. I am to be your host until the wedding."

Hisoka's eyes widened. "What wedding? i'm supposed to marry Hijiri." He was confused and very scared.

Saki shook his head as he moved closer. "We are to unite the kingdoms into one and finally create peace.... don't tell me you'd take your love over your people? That's quite selfish."

Hisoka shook his head. "No one told me of this. Oh gods, is it my father? Is he behind this idea?"

The boy shook his head. "Hardly," he said, "that man was going to marry you and take you for himself.... but my father is the intelligent one. He brought you here so you could be my bride."

Hisoka looked away. "I think you're confused. Not that I'm exactly complaining. Given the alternative I'd rather marry you, but he's sent knights to kill me. And he said when he saved me from my father, that I would be for his knights."

Saki shook his head. "My father is messy of mind," he said, "He likes to threaten and scare people. All those times you say they tried to kill you? They were merely supposed to bring you here to me... unscathed at that. And you for the knights? No. It would be like giving caviar to swine." His fingers touched Hisoka's chin gently, lifting it so the prince would meet his eyes, "You are a treasure beyond all gold and daimonds, my dear."

Hisoka was shivering. "But... I love Hijiri..." He saw the intent behind those eyes. "Can a marriage not of love heal a torn kingdom?"

"It can," he said, "though... this Hijiri you speak of.... he was in the room with you while the marriage to your father was happening, right? Well then, he probably died."

His eyes widened. "NO!" Tears began to flow from his eyes. "I can't live without him!" He covered his face with his hands. "You're a liar! I hate you! Get out! Leave me alone!"

Saki frowned at him, grabbing his wrists. "You feel so strongly about him?" he said, "you have to live without him. As my wife, you won't be allowed near any one of my knights. Or any other man. You may have mistresses from the harem of course, but I won't allow you to be with a man. None but me."

Hisoka shook his head, trying to pull away. "No I won't! I hate you! If I won't marry Hijiri than I'll not marry anyone!" Finally he was able to pull free and stood, running to the door.

The door was locked, not opening for anything. Saki made his way behind the boy, wrapping his arms around the prince's weist tightly. "Don't fret, princess," he said, "I'll make you forget all about him. A little spell here, some dried herbs there and poof! no more memories... it won't hurt a bit. And I'll make sure you enjoy your time with me..." His hand slid down Hisoka's front, tightening between his legs.

His eyes widened and he screamed, violently fighting to get free, digging his nails into the fleash of the hand that was touching him so personally. "I'll never sleep with you! I'll die first!"

Saki turned Hisoka around and swiftly backhanded him, knocking him back against the door with a thud. "You'll have no choice in tha matter!" he growled, holding the boy against the door by the wrists.

Hisoka's heart was pounding. "If you bed me..." He said deadly calm. "I'll slit my wrists in the morning. I swear to you I will."

"Didn't you hear me?" Saki demanded, "I'll erase all of your memories. By the time I'm done with you, there will be nothing left of your memories of him. No thoughts for your left behind love."

Hisoka shook his head. "I don't care. Try all you want it won't work. The only way to get rid of him is to take out my heart because that's what he is. He is my life and my heart and my soul." Without warning he flung Saki back and ran to the desk grabbing the letter opener there and holding it to his throat. "If you touch me in any way ever again I'll kill myself. I can't stand you or your father! You make me sick!"

The boy reached out, well out of arm's reach and never taking a step. The letter opener suddenly became red hot, as though it had just been in a flame.

Hisoka screamed in pain, dropping it. His hand was scorched and bleeding, the heavy scent of burned fleash in the air. He well ill as he looked at his hand but suddenly his eyes slid closed and he dropped to the floor.

Jani_chan

The older prince moved to the boy's side and lifted him back onto the bed., sitting next to him. "Soon, my angel, soon you will be mine and nobody else's." He traced his fingers through the boy's hair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hisoka awoke, he was in the same room, and Saki had fallen asleep with his arm around the prince's weist, their bodies pressed close.

Hisoka lifted his hand to see how bad it was, finding it didn't hurt at all. He was startled to find that there was nothing wrong with it. His hand rested beside him again. He was afraid to move or breath. His heart began to race again as tears formed in his eyes. He knew Hijiri was alive. He could feel it in his very being and he wanted nothing more than for this arm wrapped so tightly around him be Hijiri. But he knew with great dispair that it wasn't.

"Your heartrate has picked up again," Saki said, "you just have to realize that I won't hurt you if you cooperate." The arm stayed tight around him.

Hisoka shivered. "You try being forced to marry your father and then kidnapped and told the one you love is dead." But still he didn't move. He was afraid to. "Somehow I don't see you as the type to be gentle with me either way."

There was a nibble on his ear. "I don't love," he said, "so I could never be in your situation. And my father is incapable of forfeiting his own masculinity to be my bride, so that's out of the question. And I could prove how gentle I am if you gave me the chance." His hands were beginning to move lower, arms too strong to break free from.

Hisoka whimpered. "Could you at least respect my desire to stay pure until married? Save it for our wedding night?" His voice was pleading. He hated the idea of marrying Saki but something in his heart told him that Hijiri would save him before that happened so he decided he'd play along for now.

The boy paused. "I see... so that's how it is, huh?" he said, "though.... how pure can you get with that commoner in your bed?" He raised himself so he was leaning over Hisoka, hands on the boy's shoulders as he looked into his eyes.

Hisoka stared up into his eyes. "That's not the point. I swore to my mother that I'd keep myself for my spouse. In this case my husband. I can't break my word to her. She's watching me every second of my life and I don't want to disappoint her. Who my lover is makes no difference."

Saki continued to look down at him. He nodded. "I'd heard that the queen in the north had a beautiful son and since I was young I always wanted to see you," he said, touching Hisoka's face, "now I know that it's true. It's quite the shame my father failed to bring the woman into his own court. But now at least I get to succeed where he failed."

Hisoka closed his eyes tightly. "You'll... wait won't you? Until we're married?" His eyes spilled tears. He wished Hijiri would be there. "Please... please don't hurt me like the knights did. Please."

Saki paused. "If I did, I don't think that my father would forgive me..... right father?" he turned, looking at a man who hadn't been in the room before. King Kazutaka Muraki stood to the side, watching them. He shook his head at his son.

"I didn't bring him here to be your toy, Saki," he said, "so keep to his wishes." Saki moved away from Hisoka, to the window by the side of the bed.

Hisoka breathed a sigh of reliefe. "Thank you." He sat up slowly. "Where shall I stay and how long before I wed your son?"

Muraki considered for a moment. "You may stay in my favorite tower," Muraki said, "under guard until the wedding day. One week. That is all I give you to bring yourself to forgetting about your love. Do not hope for rescue or escape. You will mary Saki."

Hisoka looked away. "Very well." Another tower... another forced and unwanted marriage. "Saki tells me he's dead anyway... I'm simply grieving and I don't ever want my father to rescue me... he'll just rape me again..." there was a bitterness in his voice but all the while in the back of his mind he knew Hijiri was alive. He knew his love would save him... he just hoped it was before he was forced to sleep with Muraki's son.

Muraki shook his head. "No, no," he said, "he's quite alive. But your father ran him out of the castle with orders for his head on a spit. He's probably headed here, but I have my knights on the lookout for him."

Hisoka's eyes widened for a moment before he burst into tears. "Please! Don't kill him! Why do you torture me like this?! If this is how I am to be treated I'll die! I hate both of you!" He burried his face in his hands, sobbing uncontrolably.

Saki looked at his father in disgust. "You just had to tell him, didn't you? You couldn't just sa he was dead and then kill him?" Muraki shook his head.

"I don't believe you should start by lying to him," he said, "those kind of things tend to come back and bite you in the ass." He turned to Hisoka, "If we don't kill him, he will continue to come after you. He'll likely recruit the help of the local band of thieves or something of the such."

He sobbed harder at this. "Than let me talk to him! I'll tell him I don't love him, send him away! Anything just don't kill him! My heart will break and you'll have nothing but a dead shell for a son in law!"

Saki shook his head. "In all honesty, that's really all we need," he said, "the people won't care if you lose your mind. The kingdoms will be joined. No more wars. Besides, if you do, then there'll be a good excuse for me to get a lover on the side." Saki fell back as though an invisible hand had slapped him.

"Shut up," Muraki ordered, "I can't let you meet with him, my future son-in-law. If you do, then he will try something. I know my son."

Hisoka's tearful eyes widened. "What?! Hijiri isn't your son!"

"He is," he said, "though he has no idea. Since his mother left here about 17 years ago, he couldn't trace back the clues to the castle. I am the one who was with her when she got pregnant. Because of her loyalty, there were no others."

Hisoka felt dizzy suddenly. "But she died a whore in a brothel. What could have made her run from you like that?" He wasn't sure he wanted to know.

The king's eyes hazed for a moment. "She missed her homeland and went to see her brother," he said, "someone she called Terazuma. She went to see him and disappeared." He paused, "you say she died in a brothel?"

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "My most trusted knight... is his uncle?!"

Muraki turned slightly, "she did mention that her brother was a knight." From the table near the window, there was a moan of displeasure.

"If you're so interested in him, why don't you marry him?" he asked, "it's obvious he doesn't want me, and I've got an eye to make the brunet mine." Muraki gave him a look.

"He's your brother," he said, "and you'll do no such thing."

Hisoka shivered. How could Saki even think of such a thing. "I... feel sick." His stomach was threatening to come up his throat at the thought. "Please, take me... to my room."

Muraki took up Hisoka, lifting him from the bed and to his feet. "You," he said to Saki, "keep yourself out of trouble or I'll send you back into the black pit." He lead the boy from the room.

Hisoka looked around as he walked. The place was like a white coffin. No sunlight, no color... silver and white. That's all everything was. "You think he can handle running a country? Do you not care that he'll likely kill me and then destroy this kingdom? And mine?"

Muraki shook his head. "Not if all goes as planned," he said.

"What plan? You can't make him sane." Hisoka was taking over his mothers excilent dictatorship skills at the moment and trying to slowly manipulate Muraki.

"You'll see," he said, "there are many things I have to do within the week. Just keep in mind... you won't be seeing your knight again. Whether he lives or dies is completely up to me."

Hisoka closed his eyes. "All I care about is that he lives. I have a bond with him. I know that he's still alive just as I know if he dies. I've promised myself and him that should he die, I will kill myself. so if you want me to live and to marry your son, than you'll keep Hijiri alive." His tone was deathly serious.

"Such loyalty and devotion," Muraki said, "just like your mother. You're lucky. You're not like your father at all."

Hisoka scoweled at this. "He's not really my father."

"Well, that's fortunate," he said, "but let's not let that be known. They might take your right to the thrown away from you. You wouldn't want that, now would you?"

Hisoka growled. "Those who would may burn in hell along with him. I am the only one who can save that kingdom. I will not forfeit nowmatter what it takes to keep the thrown."

"In that case, it would be better to marry Saki than some street trash you met in the horse stables," Muraki said, "how could something like that possibly make a good king?"

Hisoka growled. "You have no faith in your own son? He's more than capable which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for that piece of trash back there. He's not in his right mind!"

Muraki stopped in his tracks. "Is he so much better than Saki?" he asked, looking into Hisoka's eyes.

Hisoka nodded, all the confidence of a king in his eyes. "He's been among the people, he knows what they need, what they want, and what's best. If you truly want these kingdoms to thrive, you need a strong and ableminded king. Hijiri is both that, and extremely loyal to me. He'll do whatever I say."

"He will, huh?" Muraki said, "and do you listen to him as well?"

Hisoka blinked. "He's... never asked anything of me... but I suppose that would depend on what it was."

Muraki made a face. "So he'd die for you without asking for anything in return?" he demanded.

Hisoka looked away. "That's what love is Muraki. It makes you sacrifice everything to make that special person as happy as they can be. I would die for him and not ask anything in return."

Muraki stared at him for a moment. "You would....." he paused, then wrapped an arm around Hisoka's weist, touching his palm to the boy's forehead. "Sleep," he murmured.

His eyes widened for a moment but soon he fell completely limp with a soft sigh, having no idea what happened to him. In his sleep he murmured softly. "Hijiri..."

Muraki stared at him for a moment. "So much like your mother...." then he carried the boy away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hisoka woke again the sun was barely rising on a new day and all was quiet. There weren't even birds to give him a song to wake up to. It was as quiet as death.

Hisoka sat up, head turning instinctivly to the sun as though he were a morning glory. He hated to be alone but at the same time he didn't want anything to do with the people in this castle.

There was a gentle knock on the door and a small, timid voice. "Have you awakened, mylord?"

Hisoka stood and opened the door. "Y... yes?"

There stood a fragile looking girl around Hisoka's own age. She held a food tray out to him with slightly shaking hands. "I've brought you some breakfast, M'lord," she said, bowing aqs much as she could without spilling anything.

Hisoka took the tray from her and set it on the bed. "Thank you. What's your name?"

The girl hovered by the door, "Tsubaki..." she practically whispered.

Hisoka went back to the door. "You may go. Thank you again." Hisoka didn't like to eat in front of people and he was rather hungry.

She hurried away, seeming terrified. The rest of the hallway was empty.

Hisoka sat down after closing his door and began to eat. It was a small plate with bread, fruit and a few pieces of dried fish. He ate the fish first and then the fruit.

All was silent for a while, silent enough to make one's ears ring. That is, until heavy footsteps made their way to Hisoka's door and stopped.

Hisoka had managed to finish his breakfast, leaving only the skin of the bread which was rather hard. He grew nervous as he heard the steps. "M... muraki?" He called out cautiously. He set the tray aside but didn't move from his place.

The door opened slowly, the person on the other side unable to be seen yet.

Hisoka's stomach tightened, threatening to force the food he'd just eaten back up his throat. "Who's there?" There was only two people who would dare to open his door and he hoped it was the elder Muraki.

"Why, it's your future husband, of course," said Saki, walking into the room.

Hisoka tried to look uninterested but the immediate flash of fear in his eyes couldn't be hidden. "Good morning." His voice also betrayed his fear.

The grin on Saki's face was sickening. "My pretty," he said, "such fear of your new lover.... or is it anticipation?"

Hisoka shivered. "I told you last night... I want to wait until we're married. We don't love each other anyway, what's another seven days to you? You have the haram girls don't you?"

The older boys eyes gittered. "Oh, but you don't see... the harem girls are attatched to my father... not myself. I am not allowed to touch them."

Hisoka seemed frozen. He couldn't move for fear. "I still see no need for you to dishonor my wishes." He tried to sound forcefull but his voice was more like a mouse than anything.

Saki grinned more. "Because I want to?" he said, striding forward toward the blond haired boy, the door closing behind him.

Hisoka wanted desperately to run but his fear kept his to his spot. "I... don't want to sleep with you. You'll hurt me. I've never made love before." He was terrified, flashes of the knights torturing him for hours ran through his mind. He knew this would end the same way, only he'd not have Watari and Tera to comfort and mend him. He was truely alone here.

The boy took his by the shoulders. "The only way to get used to it is to do it," he said, grey eyes staring into Hisoka's emerald ones as he licked his lips.

Hisoka began to panic, his voice and body trembling. "I'd rather get used to it after we're married!" He pushed Saki away and ran for the door, his feet finally working only to find the door locked. He pounded on it. "PLEASE! LET ME OUT!" He screamed for anyone on the otherside.

Strong arms wrapped around Hisoka, one around his weist, the other hand on his mouth. "Shhh, baby," he murmured, "it'll only hurt for a little while."

Hisoka shook his head so violently he became dizzy and continued to pound on the door, screaming through the hand though no one would likely be able to understand the words if they were heard at all.

"Shhhh," Saki murmured calmly, "it'll be all over soon. You'll be all mine and your 'Hijiri' will hate you anyway for cheating on him." He licked the blond's earlobe.

He writed trying to het out of the grasp, yelling rather muffledly through the hand over his mouth. "This doesn't have a damn thing to do with Hijiri! This is my body! And I've already be scarred by two of my own knights for doing what you want to do to me! I hate you!" He then bit the hand.

In responce to this, Saki bit Hisoka's earlobe with a growl.

Hisoka whimpered in pain and let go of Saki's hand, afraid to move any further.

Saki's hand, which rested on the boy's lower belly, began to make its way lower and gripped at Hisoka's groin.

Hisoka whimpered, tears beginning to well in his eyes. "Please don't..." It was a useless plea he knew, but he tried it anyway. Saki's hand in the area it was would normally work but he was too scared to be turned on. The knights had tried that but it hadn't worked then either. Salty tears dripped onto the strong hand still over his mouth.

Saki sucked at Hisoka's neck, teeth biting into his skin. His hips pressed forward against Hisoka's rear, anticipation of lust practically dripping from him.

Hisoka began to sob. He knew there was no escape now. He took the hand that was on his groin and shook his head. "I'm too scared. That doesn't work. Don't bother, you won't make me hard no matter what you do unless you calm me down." Not that he thought Saki would care one way or another...

Saki wasn't istening. He bit harder, leaving marks, hips pressing forward harder. "I will take you," he growled, pulling the boy backward, toward the bed.

Hisoka whimpered. "Is there nothing that can change your mind? Please than... all I ask is that you're slow and gentle with me. I hurt for weeks last time."

Saki threw him down onto the bed and then was on top of him, biting his pale throat. "I remember," he growled, strattling the prince.

His eyes widened. "WHAT?! You! You weren't there how could you know what they did to me?!" He was terrified now. Even more so than before. "You said if I cooperated you wouldn't hurt me! why are you doing this?!"

Saki's grin stayed wide. "I started off by touching you, lettng you think that it was safe to love me, but I forced you over the nearest table and took you as I wished to." He licked up Hisoka's jaw.

Hisoka screamed and began to fight. "That couldn't have been you! He was too much older! And he died at the gallows along with the other one!"

Saki's mouth was beside the boy's ear. "They're not the ones who did it," he said, "they wanted to, but neither had the balls for it. I've always wanted to see you and once I did, I wanted to toy with you. So I did... in someone else's body."

Hisoka let out an ear splitting scream and pounded on Saki's chest, screaming inaudible words to try and free himself. He couldn't believe what Saki was saying. How was that possible?!

Without warning, Saki was torn away from Hisoka and thrown roughly against the wall with a crack, and Muraki was standing over the emerald eyed prince.

Hisoka lay there, sobbing, body visibly shaking. His breath was coming in short ragged jerks. He couldn't move or speak, simply stared at Muraki, thankful but still terrified. "Pl...ease..." He finally managed to choke out. "Find my...doctor and....bring him...here." He knew Tera would be out of the question but he wanted someone he knew to comfort him. He wondered if Muraki would allow this.

Muraki frowned at his son, not looking back at the prince from his rival country. "You went against my wishes," he said, "what have you to say for yourself?" Saki stood, staring at his father in hatred.

"I'm taking what's rightfully mine!" he said angrily, "I don't need you telling me what to do! He's mine!!!! Now get out of my way!!!" He charged at the man, but before he could reach the king, there was a knight in the way. He was knocked back against the wall again and within moments, the tan skinned knight with ink hair and gold eyes was bowing before the white king.

Hisoka was beginning to calm slightly. He sat up slowly and stared at the very handsom man before the king, eyes wide with fear and shock that he'd simply just appeared there.

The man lifted his head and looked at the king. "I am here to serve you, Majesty," he said, "what is your wish?" Muraki motioned to the prince.

"Watch over him," he said, "make sure that nobody brings him to any harm. I mucst punish my son." Saki suddenly fell into the shadows without warning, and was gone. With that, Muraki left the room, the dark skinned man bowing to the prince on the bed.

Hisoka's voice was shaking as much as his body was. "How...did you just appear like that?! Who are you?!"

The knight stood, looking down at the frail looking prince. Was he really supposed to protect that? What a weak little creature. "I am the most elite knight of his Majesty Muraki," he said, "I didn't 'just appear' I simply move quickly. And I am called Sagatanasu Ashitarote."

Hisoka looked away. "Sorry... I guess I just haven't gotten used to this place yet..." He said that in a way that would make one think he'd been there forever. He looked back up into the golden eyes. "Can I trust you while I sleep?"

Saga nodded. "I will follow my master's word," he said, "you will be safe while you sleep. I will be here when you wake."

Hisoka laid down quietly and pulled the covers over himself the neck, wide and fearful green eyes staring at Saga for a few moments before he suddenly lost all consciousness with a soft sigh.

Saga watched him pass out then stood by the foot of his bed, facing the door. He had the feeling that this would be very boring, but he would do anything for his master. And this was better than some of the other things he'd been made to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Hisoka awoke again, Saga was still standing here, as he had been when the boy had fallen asleep, not having moved a muscle. It was as though he was made of stone, rock hard until something happened to send him into a fight.

Hisoka continued his staring for a moment before he sat up. "Hello..." He didn't know what else to say but he didn't want to keep silent.

Saga turned and looked at him. "Good morning, M'lord," he said, "did you sleep well?" His sword dangled at his hip.

Hisoka looked away. "I guess... I didn't dream so I guess that's a good thing. What do you do around here? I mean am I supposed to just sit here all day?"

Saga stared at him for a moment. "That depends on your duties," he said.

Hisoka sighed and looked away. "I have none. I'm the prince of the peaceful kingdom of Noire. Your king has kidnapped me in order to force me to marry his son. My true fiancee is somewhere between my kingdom and this one... and I fear he may never make it."

The knight sighed. "That sounds like him," he said, "though, as the future king's future queen, you certainly have duities." He looked at Hisoka as though it was obvious.

Hisoka blinked. "I... I do? like what?"

"As queen, one has a duity as not only a childbearer (though I doubt you'll have to worry about that) but also as an advisor to the king. You must educate yourself in the ways of the people and see to it that you know what's best for them.

Hisoka's eyes widened. "I've always wanted to leave the palace but my father would never let me. Do you think Muraki would let you take me into his village? If I'm going to mary Saki I'll likely be doing all the ruling seeing he's not in his right mind..."

Saga shook his head. "Likely true, but Saki likes to draw blood. You'll also have to learn how to reign him. And leaving the castle as you are is not wise, so that will have to wait until after the wedding. Do you have any idea how you can control him?"

Hisoka sighed heavily and laid back. "I have no idea. He's stronger physically and apparently he knows quite a bit of magic. I'm so completely out of my element here. I've never encountered magic or anything like this. I miss my friends... and Hijiri..." Tears welled in his eyes. He wanted out. He'd hardly ever left his own home and now he was held prisoner in another. "Guilded cage..." He mermered.

There h went again. Saga thought for a moment. "Do you have any talents?" he asked, hoping that changing the subject would calm the feminine prince.

Hisoka snorted bitterly. "Nothing I could do here..."

"What do you mean?" Saga asked, gad to have averted tears.

"I'm really good with the bow and quiver. The head knight Terazuma has been training me in it since I was old enough to stand up on my own. I still have the little set he made for my sixth birthday..."

"Are you?" Saga seemed surprised. He hadn't thought that this princess would know anything about the fighting arts.

Hisoka nodded. "He was going to teach me the sword on my 18th birthday... but it doesn't look like I'll be seeing him again..." There was a saddness in his eyes at this thought. "Tera.... he's more like my father than my protector..."

Saga thought about this. "Most begin training from a much younger age," he said, "but of you'd really like to learn, I'll teach you." At least it would be something to do.

Hisoka smiled a little. He wanted Tera more than to learn the sword, but at the moment he needed something to get his mind off of thing. "Do you think we can do that now? I really would like to."

"Sure," Saga said, "I"ll bring you to my personal practice court. The other knights wouldn't want you in their court. We'll have to summon the maid to get you clothed."

Hisoka nodded. "We need to be careful with these robes though... they were made for my wedding to Hijiri from my mothers wedding dress."

Saga raised an eyebrow. "You must have a brilliant seamstress. We do not have one here. Perhapse once the countries merge, the two castles will come together?"

Hisoka sat up. "I can only hope... my doctor is also a very close and trusted friend and Tera could bring so much to this kingdom and you knights. He's got his own horse farm and provides each squire and page with a horse to train on."

"Wthout making them pay for them?" Saga seemed almost dumbfounded by this information. "Your knights... are very giving. What of this doctor? Is he a magic healer?"

Hisoka shook his head. "They couldn't pay for those horses. They earn them through their training. And Watari... well I don't know exactly what Watari is but no, no one in my kingdom uses magic. He's an alchemist. He uses various types of plants and things to heal. He knows a lot of medicine."

"Alchemist," Saga said, "I've never heard of one of those. Most of the people in this country know some form of magic or nother. One of the most powerful is the king."

Hisoka was silent for a moment. "I see that. I don't think I really like him but at this point I have the feeling I'll have to rely on him a great deal in the coming years."

"He seems to have taken a liking to you," Saga said, "i doesn't happen very often, but what he takes a liking to you, you won't get hurt unless the one who hurts you is wishing for a punishment worse than death. Though Saki is the one person he tends to be lenient with."

Hisoka sighed deeply. "Honestly, nowing what I do now, I wish he'd kill Saki and take Hijiri as his heir. The two of us can turn both our failing countries into a peaceful land."

"You really hate his highness, don't you?" Saga said, "though.... I can't really blame you." There was an apparent grimace on his face.

Hisoka was bitter in his reply. "Would you not hate someone after you found out you've been raped by them twice. He was manipulating my knights. When I was 13 and then again when I was 14. And now he tried this morning..."

Saga grimaced. "Were it not for his majesty's orders, I would've..." he stopped, realizing his own words. H looked away from the prince, hiding the look on his face. He hated Saki with everything in his hert, wishing fr him to die and for a new heir to be found, but the boy was protected by his own powers and his fathers.

Hisoka looked away as well. "I'm working on it. It seems as though your master really wants what's best for this country... I hope I can make him see that Saki is the worst."

Saga looked at Hisoka. "Is it true that the one you speak of is so much better than his hghness?" he asked, looking hopeful.

Hisoka nodded. His eyes and mood seemed to lighten as he spoke. "Hijiri was a stable boy when I met him. He was recently knighted and I was supposed to marry him in a few months. His heart is pure and he puts everyone before himself. I'm first in his every thought. With him, we could pull this land up into something close to perfect."

Saga shook his head. "I can't imaging a person like that," he said, "sounds too perfect. Almost fake. Are you sure he wasn't acting? People can say things and not mean them. They often lie to get what they want. How can you be so sure that he's actually in love with you and that he didn't really just want you for the power?"

Hisoka was silent for a moment before he lifted his hand. "This ring. It's the only thing of magic I've ever known. When the stone in green, the wearer of the match is truely in love. If it's any other color it's not. Both of our rings are the same green."

Saga stared. "But that's magic," he said, "I thought you didn't have any magic users in your kingdom."

Hisoka nodded. "I know. But they were given to my mother from a very close friend of hers in this kingdom."

Saga thought about this for a moment. "Your mother was lady Wakaba, wasn't she? She went to your kingdom to get married about 17 or 18 years ago?"

Hisoka nodded. "18. They were married for 2 years."

Saga nodded. "You look like her," he said, "mind you, I was a boy when she left. A page. I owe her everything. Is it true that she passed away?" He looked sad at the thought.

Hisoka shivered at this. "She went riding alone... to meet her sister at the river. But on the way home something spooked her horse. She died a few hours after we got her back to the palace. I was ten. And since then my father hasn't been the same. He acts like I'm her. So in a way I'm grateful to Muraki... he saved me from him..."

Saga nodded. "It's sad that someone like her had to die," he said, "I always..." he stopped, shaking his head. "How 'bout that sword practice?"

Hisoka sighed. "Yeah. That sounds good." He was almost certain of what Saga was going to say and he didn't want to hear it.

Saga stood outside the door until the boy was dressed, then turned as he exited. In practice wear, he actually looked like a guy. "Ready, M'lord?" he asked.

Hisoka nodded and silently waited for Saga to lead him.

At first Saga was quiet, but then he looked over his shoulder at the boy. "Many of the knights here I wouldn't trust with their own mother's virtues, so stick close," he told the prince.

Hisoka shivered and took his hand, walking close beside him. "Are you the only one in this castle that I can trust?"

Saga nearly tripped at the touch. The prince was touching him!!!! Nobody had ever touched him before... not unless they wanted to kill him that is. Fighting was his life. But he prince didn't seem to see him as... no... what was he thinking? The prince was a scared child. They cling to whatever they think will protect them. "Not the only one," he said, "but the only one you should try to trust for now."

Hisoka nodded and looked away. His thoughts were on many things, but mostly Hijiri. Something in his heart told him that Hijiri would be there before the wedding and he made up his mind that he'd give himself totally to the brunet as soon as they were alone.

When they reached the practice room, Sagatanasu handed Hisoka a wooden sword. "Do you have any basic knowledge of swordsmanship?" he asked.

Hisoka sighed and shook his head. "Sorry... I've never seen a swordfight before... not a fair one anyway." His thoughts flashed briefly to the one between one of Muraki's knights and Hijiri.

"Okay then," he said, "we start from the beginning then." He lifted his own wooden sword. "This is how you hold it-----

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After about two hours, Saga noticed that Hisoka was quite tired. "Let's rest," he said, "you work quite hard."

Hisoka nodded and set the sword down, using the wrist of his sleeve to wipe away a small amount of sweat on his forehead. "When I'm serious about something I work at it until I'm the best."

Saga set down his sword as well handing the prince a flask of wine that had been hanging from his hip. "Why do you want to learn the sword so much?"

Hisoka looked away. "Mother wanted me to be trained in the ways of a knight. But when she died my father refused to let me. I want to follow her wishes and be able to defend myself. The last time I was attacked by one on your side, he really injured Hijiri and I wasn't able to help at all."

Saga nodded. He knew how that felt. He brought the boy out of doors, where they would get a pleasant breeze. It was a small inner castle courtyard with a large fountain in the middle. Sagatanasu sat beneath a tree, motioning for Hisoka to do the same.

Hisoka decided the fountain wasn't too far away and sat down by it, staring into the water for a moment at the fish. "Koy? That seems an odd choice for your master. Everything here is white... I'm surprised they're not albino."

The man looked into the water. "I don't think my master chose them," he said.

Hisoka looked up. "Oh? Who did? They're beautiful." He dipped his fingers into the water as one swam by, grazing his fingers with silken scales. "They must be someone's pets. Mine do the same."

"From what I hear, their caretaker is Miss Tsubaki. But she only took over after her sister left for your country during the time of peace."

Hisoka nodded silently and focused his attention on petting the many fish.

Saga silently wondered if Hisoka knew... Of to the side, there was a man sitting by another tree. He was staring at Hisoka as though trying to figure out where he knew the boy from.

Hisoka was so interested in the fish that he didn't notice. Softly he began to hum something. He remembered seeing his mother do this and the song just came back to him. He closed his eyes, smiling softly as a few came up to suckle on his fingers before wanting to be pet again. He wondered if they could hear him, or understand that he loved them and missed his own. "I named mine. I know it's silly to name fish... but I had four. They're named after my favorite gods of mythololgy."

Saga ws listening while cleaning his sword. "Oh?" he said, "your fish are that important to you? What are their names?" He noticed the man, but knew that if he wanted to harm Hisoka, he wouldn't try it in front of the boy's new protector. Sagatnasu was stronger than the rest of the knights combined.

Hisoka glanced back at him. "Suzaku, after the great bird of fire in chinese legend. She's bright orange and has markings that make her look like she's on fire. Especially in the morning because the sun hits the water just right and sets off orange sparkles that match her. Isis, after the Egyptian goddess of fertility and life. She has an odd black marking on her back that looks like a tilted ankh. Apep, the Egyptian god of death and evil. He's pure black and he mated with Isis but only one survived and I named their baby Anubis, god of embalming. He's a very striking combination of red and black. It looks like he's wearing a red mask."

Saga listened before growing annoyed and turning to the man. "Can I help you with something?" he demanded.

Hisoka jolted out of his calm trance and looked up in the direction of the other knight as he now saw the man. He stepped back beside Saga. "You!" he yelled out from a safe distance away. "You're the one that tried to kill my fiancee!" He was scared and angry at the same time. "It took him months to recover!"

The knight seemed very surprised. "It IS you!" He said, "the prince from the other country! So my king finally caught you, eh?" Saga grimaced. The man was asking for a fight if he thought that he could be so rue to anyone in his presence. He watched the prince to see what he would do.

Hisoka growled. "You cold hearted bastard! Don't you care that you nearly killed you're masters son?!"

The man shook his head. "The kid's a bastard," he said, "if the master really cared about him, and if he was any good, the master would want him rather than Saki."

Hisoka glaired. "He only thinks Saki is better because Hijiri was raised in a stable! And if I have my way he'll be your new king and not Saki!" He stepped out of Saga's shadow a little. "And then I'll take revenge on you for that by sending you to the gallows as my first act of cleaning up the scum in this country!"

Without thinking, the man moved forwrd toward him, but Saga stepped in the way. "If you hold any value as a knight and if the future or present king sees it fit, you will stay alive and well. Personally, I see you as nothing and would get rid of you ight here and now if this wasn't a royal courtyard. Get outof here before I decide that I don't care." The man stared up at Saga for a moment before hurrying away, practically wetting himself in fear.

Hisoka sighed deeply and looked away. "Sorry..."

Saga looked at the boy. "This boy you speak of," he said, "you said he was strong... how did he manage to get injured by tht man?" He was intregued by this boy that he'd never met.

Hisoka sighed. "He cheated and attacked when Hijiri was unarmed. He did really well fighting against the knight even having no training at all but eventually he was struck in the shoulder with a dull blade... it took over a month for Hijiri to recover."

Saga held back a wince. He was surprised that it only took a month for the boy to heal. Dull blade injuries didn't cut, they bashed, broke, and tore. The boy must have been in a lot of pain for a very long time. "He sounds like a very strong person," Saga said, half wishing the strong one was the one he was sitting with. He could think of so many converstions to have with a fellow warrior, but could think of nothing for an unblooded vergin prince. Then a bell rang in the distance and Saga lifted his head to look at the sun. "That time already?"

Hisoka looked up in confusion. "What time?" He glanced around. The sun seemed to be in an afternoon set posistion and he couldn't think of what time it could be to ring bells.

"As the future queen, you must get to know your husband," Saga told him, "He has arranged for you two to have a late noon snack. You should go get cleaned up."

His eyes widened and he shook his head, stepping back. "No! He'll hurt me! You won't leave us alone will you?!"

Saga shook his head. "I was ordered by his majesty to let nothing happen to you and he is the one I listen to. I wouldn't obey the orders of Saki if I was killed for it. I am loyal to the king and nobody else." He was stern as he said this. "You will be safe."

Hisoka sighed softly. "I have no other clothes besides my wedding robes..."

"Don't worry," said the knight, "the servants will give you new ones. I'm sure you;ll fit into some of the old clothes that your mother lift behind. Either that or his majesty will give you new ones."

Hisoka stared at him. "I... can't wear a dress... I think I prefer his majesties..."

Saga shook his head. "Your mother sometimes acted as a speaker for the king and had to dress as a man so it would be allowed. She was the one who kept peace between the countries going. That's why the fighting started up again after she died. You look about her size, so there might be something."

Hisoka nodded. "I guess I'll look then."

Saga lead the boy back to the room, and there, in the room were three dressing girls. They'd lain out on the bed a few different things so that Hisoka could try them on and find something that fit him well. The things they'd chosen were all green and creme.

Hisoka saw one of particular interest. "I'm sure they'll all fit, but I think I'd like to wear that one." It had gems that matched the ribbon he'd been given. Reaching up he frowned as he realized it was gone. He hadn't thought of it before.

Saga notied this. "What is wrong, M'lord?" he asked.

He closed his eyes. "My father had us all believing that he was setting up my wedding to Hijiri. Tera gave me something of my mothers that she wore in her hair on her wedding day. I was wearing it when Muraki took me from my castle but it's not here anymore. I don't know what happened to it but I didn't have it on when I woke. I matches that outfit perfectly and I'd be so upset if it was gone forever." Tears welled in his eyes.

Saga frowned. He'd never dressed up. Not even for his knighting. He didn't really see the point of a young man having a ribbon. But as future queen, he'd probably get many of them. The young knight wasn't sure what to say. But one of the servant girls piped up. "Ribbon?" she said, "do you mean this?" She pulled it out of her pocket and held it up. "I took it off of you while we were cleaning you up after your trip here. After a two day flight, I'm not surprised that you were out for so long."

Hisoka gasped, tears slipping down his cheeks as he reached out for it. "Why did you not return it to me until now? I've been so sad."

The girl raised a fist and bonked herself on the head. "I meant to," she said, "but it slipped my mind. So much to do...." she hurried out of he room, hoping he wasn't mad. The other girls followed, bowing before exiting the room. Saga looked at Hisoka. "I'll wait for you outside," he said.

Hisoka sighed and nodded. Once Saga was in the hallway he dressed quickly and opened the door. "Okay, i'm ready."

Saga looked him over. It was quite odd how well he fit int his own mother's old clothes. But the knight just shrugged and turned away. "This way," he said, beginning to walk.

Hisoka followed him, stomach becoming upset with nerves. "You're sure you can stop him if he tries anything?"

"If he doesn't use his magic, yes, but I want you to be aware anyway," Saga was quite blunt.

Hisoka's heart was pounding. "I don't think i'll be letting my guard down if that's what you mean."

"Good," Saga said, "I'll be standing off to the side, out of the way, but ready if he tries anything."

Hisoka nodded and continued to follow in silence.

They reached the door and Saga opened it, revealing a table in the middle of a sunlit room with huge windows. It was mostly grey, but had some white and blue scattered. Saki was sitting at the table, head rested on his hand as though in boredome.

Hisoka was quiet as he walked up to the table. "Good afternoon, Saki..."

"Hello, pretty one," he said, "I saw you earlier. Are you having my knights teach you the sword?"

Hisoka nodded. "I have to have something to do in the next six days..."

"Rather useless something for a queen, isn't it?" Saki ran his fingertip over the edge of the wineglass, watching Hisoka with a keen eye.

Hisoka sat slowly. "It is. But there seems to be nothing else to do. In my marrage to Hijiri, I was going to be the king and name Hijiri as prince."

Saki laughed. "A king and his lover the prince?" he said, "to be known by all the kingdom?" His voice was filled with amusement, "what do you want the other countries to think? Your own country? That's a rediculous idea."

Hisoka bit back tears. "Not so. It's better than what they have now!"

"What makes you think that?" Saki demanded, still looking more lazily amused than anything else.

Hisoka looked away. "My father is in total control and he's lost his mind. An insane king can only hurt the country."

Saki nodded slowly. "You think you could do better? And alongside a stableboy?"

Hisoka nodded. "He has the heart and soul of a king."

Saki laughed. "Heart and soul of a king!" he said amidst whoops of mirth. "Are you sure you're not a woman?" He leaned against the table, still laughing.

Tears welled in his eyes and he stood. "More than I can say for you swine!" And with that he stormed out the door.

Saki charged after him, on him in a second. He closed the door behind him, securin it with his magic so Saga couldn't get out. He hit Hisoka's face with a full fist and a yell, knocking him to the floor.

Hisoka screamed, falling to the floor in full sobs, holding his face. "I hate you!" He was on his feet again in a second, digging his fingers into the side of Saki's neck before biting him.

Saki yelled and slammed the prince against the wall, using his own body to crush the smaller boy into the wall. "Give me one good reason not to rape you right here and now," he rasped into the white prince's ear. "I swear I"ll make it hurt!"

Hisoka couldn't breathe or speak. He faught as hard as he could to force him off but he was quickly losing it.

Saki hit Hisoka again. "You'll be a whore for me and nothing more! You'll do no such thing as rule the kingdom! You'll only be here for your body and the athority you give me, you hear!?" Right then, the door burst open and Saga rushed out, ready to knock Saki to the next kingdom.

Hisoka screamed out, clenching his fists and closing his eyes tightly. Suddenly a bright white light erupted from his chest, knocking Saki into the far wall.

Saki hit so hard that the wall cracked and blood spurted from his mouth. He slumped to the floor, unconscious just as Muraki rounded the corner and stared around himself. "What is going on here? he demanded of anyone who would anwer.

Hisoka was shivering, standing there in a trance. "I... couldn't breath. he... said he'd rape me. I don't... know what I did..."

Muraki nodded at him. "Saga?" he said, looking at the man, who immedietly knelt in respect.

"Saki provoked him," he said, "M'lord went to leave and his Highness went after him. Closed me into the room with his magic. When I walked out, M'lord was under Saki, between him and the wall, but threw him off with light. Nearly fell back myself, sire." Muraki thought about this for a moment.

"A dismissal spell," he murmured, looking Saki over, "and a powerful one, judging by the crack in the wall." He walked to Hisoka, not touching him, but ooking him over. So much like his mother in those clothes. "Who taught you magic?" he demanded of the boy.

Hisoka was too out of it. "I... no one. I don't... understand what happened. What... did I do?" He looked up at Muraki. "The room... spinning so... fast."

The king stared at the boy for a moment, then clutched his shoulders. "Your upper lip is white," he said, then tapped him gently on the cheek, "Hey. Focus..."

Hisoka froze at the hands on him and suddenly his eyes rolled back before closing as he fell with a soft moan.

Muraki caught him with a sigh and turned to Saga. "Sagatanasu," he said, "take him back to his room and let him rest. I will tend to Saki." Saga nodded and took he prince from the king's hands, carrying him carefully up to the tower room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Through the dark of Hisoka's unconsciousness, there was a voice. "Hisoka..... hey, Hisoka.... you al right?"

Hisoka opened his eyes sharply and found himself in a black void. "Hijiri?!" He didn't see anyone. Was he dreaming?

Hijiri appeared to his side, and with him, small wooden room only bout seven feet squared, the floor dusty, the one windoe broken. A pleasant breeze blew in. "Hisoka," he said, "I've been so worried." Hijiri himself was beaten and battered, obviously having traveled a long way in only short time, his clothes dirty and bloody in a couple of places, his face tired and slightly dehidrated, but energised at Hisoka's appearance.

Tears sprang to his eyes as he threw himself into Hijiri's arms. "Hijiri! I'm so glad to see you! You're coming for me right? You won't let him marry me will you? You've only got six days left and by then I may not be alive. He's tried to rape me twice and I found out that he was possessing the knights who did before! You've got to get me out of here!" He was sobbing all of this into Hijiri's chest.

"Woahwoah," Hijiri said, patting his shoulder, "slow down. Whats this about marriage, and six days?"

Hisoka was afraid to close his eyes, not wanting to wake up. "In six days if you haven't come I must marry Saki, Muraki's insane son. I'm trying to convince Muraki to kill him. Hijiri... there's something you have to know."

"Hisoka," Hijiri interupted, "I won't let anything happen to you. It took me three days to get to the border, but I swear that I won't let anything hapen to you... I wish I could ask you where the castle was, but I doubt they're letting you out much."

Hisoka sat back and stared at him. "Hijiri, didn't you hear me?! I have to tell you! Something important!"

Hijiri looked at him with widened eyes. "What's that?" he asked, seeming worried.

Hisoka looked away. "You're father... is Muraki."

Hijiri stared at him for a moment. "...... What's that?" he asked again, as though he hadn't heard properly.

Hisoka was growing frustraighted. "Muraki is your father! I'm trying to work him into killing Saki and naming you heir."

"But... how do yo know?" he asked, "I mean, there are no records..."

Hisoka looked away. "Your mother was one of his concubines. He claims before she gave birth to you, he was her only lover."

Hijiri's eyes widened impossibly. "So I am... the son of.... a king?"

Hisoka nodded. "Yes. And if I have my way you will be king within the month."

The color drained from Hijiri's face. "Me?" Then he shook his head. "I need clues," he said, "do you have any clues to where the castle is? I need to find you!" He clutched Hisoka's wrists, looking into his eyes disparingly. "If I don't get to you within six days, I don't want to know what'll happen. Please... do you hve anything?"

Hisoka stared blankly for a moment. "Once you get across the river it's only a two day's horse ride to the village. The people there will tell you I'm sure. That's all I know." He glanced out the window. "Follow the smoke, that's from the market. I can see it from my own window so you must be close."

Hijiri nodded and pulled Hisoka close. "Just one thing... before we wake up?"

Hisoka looked out the window. "Anything."

Hijiri's fingers pulled Hisoka's chin back so the boy was looking him in the eyes. With a tiny smile, he kissed the prince lovingly.

Hisoka couldn't force his eyes to stay open. Gods how he missed that. He wrapped his arms tightly around Hijiri's neck, afraid to let go. He wouldn't pull away, even though he was losing his breath.

Without warning, Hijiri pulled away with a yell, his right arm flaring as it caught fire. He pulled Hisoka to the side, only to find that they were surrounded by it. How hadn't he smelled it? He was probably too caught up in Hisoka's kiss to think about anything else. "Hisoka!" he said oer the crackling and snapping flames, "you have to wake up!"

Jani_chan

Hisoka shook his head, trying to put out the fire on Hijiri's arm. "Not until you're safe!" There was pure terror in his voice. "It won't burn me!" He began patting at the flames around them but there were too many to keep out. "Hijiri! I won't let you die!"

Hijiri wrapped his arm around Hisoka's weist and kissed him one more time. "I'll be fine, my prince," he said, "you shouldn't stay here though." Right then, a knight knocked in the door, walking into the room with heavy feet. The fire had surrounded the two, but the knight was tall and muscular. He leapt over the flames with relative ease and grabbed Hisoka, knocking Hijiri to the floor.

Hisoka screamed, struggling against the man. Now he wished he could wake up but his worry for Hijiri kept him sleeping fast. "Let go of me! Who are you! let me to him!" He reached out for his love. "HIJIRI!"

The man's grip was tight as he jumped back. When he was at the door, he turned slihtghtly as a beam fell from the ceiling, going through the floor right next to where Hijiri was. Flames erupted from the hole in the floor and Hijiri disappeared beneath them with a cry.

Hisoka struggled even harder. "HIJIRI! NO!" He looked out towards the thick forest and screamed. "Muraki! I feel you watching! Do something!" Hot tears were pouring down his cheek. "How can you let your own son die like this?! do you want a bride or not?!" In the back of his mind he invisioned himself cutting open his wrists over Hijiri's dead body to let him know he was serious.

A rough hand grabbed his arm out of nowhere and he was jerked awake to find Muraki next to his bed.

Hisoka sat up quickly, breathing heavy and shot to the window, eyes widening in horror as he watched the smoke rise just across the river. "Hijiri!" He reached out knowing it was too far away. He then turned on Muraki, beating on his chest as he screamed. "Do something! He's going to die! Please don't let him die! Please! I'll do anything!"

Muraki paused for a moment, but then he looked out whe window, murmuring a word of incantation. Immedietly, black clouds built up and rain began lashing against the windows and over the land. Soon the fire was gone, but the rain continued for several hours after that. Muraki turned to Hisoka with a gleam in his eye. "Now," he said, "about this 'anything' you spoke of."

Hisoka's eyes grew dim as he nodded. "Anything you ask of me... no restrictions." He knew he'd be hurting Hijiri by this, but he was also saving his life. His mind was too full at the moment to truely comprehend anything and he was so overcome with reliefe that his exhaustion quickly returned and soon so did the black void he'd fallen into before... this time empty of Hijiri.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jani_chan

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When Hisoka came to again, he was in The white room and the white bed he'd first awoken in when he'd arrived in Muraki's kingdom.

Hisoka woke feeling nervous. In his heart he knew Hijiri was alright, but now he had to face his words. He was certain Muraki would want to take him all the way and Hisoka was a man of his word. Foolishly he'd said anything, not realizing at the moment that Muraki would probably ask of something sexual.

At the moment, the man wasn't in the room, but the ever present Saga sat by the window, seeming to never rest. He wasn't even paying attention to the boy at the moment.

Hisoka sat up and looked over at him. "Sa... Saga... what happened in the hall?" He stared at the still figure. "Was that... me who did that to him? Is he okay?"

Saga looked at him. "You attacked Saki... or defended yourself rather, with a dispelling power that most women are taught. one that your mother had to use every now and then and excelled at. And... so you really care enough to ask if Saki's okay?"

Hisoka looked away. "I feel bad... I guess." He closed his eyes. "I don't want to kill people... even evil people." He glanced back at Saga. "I don't know magic, how could I have done that?"

Hisoka whimpered slightly. "I'm still scared i can't relax!" Though he did move his hips, after a moment beginning to do this in time with Muraki's thrusts. he was torn between wanting to stop and wanting to see the whole thing through.
Saga shook his head. "Not sure," he said, "but my guess is that whether you knew about it or not, the magic from your mother's blood went into your blood. You'll have to ask the king himself about it when you get the chance. I don't know much about magic because I don't use mine." The man seemed kinder with his words than usual.

Hisoka laid back, stretching out on his side, bright green eyes still staring at him. "I owe the king a great deal now. I'm at the mercy of his words. Tell me... is he kinder to his lovers than his son is?"

Saga did something dreadfully out of character and turned beet red. "How would I know?" His golden eyes were wide.

Hisoka's eyes locked into his. "I don't imagine sex is anything personal or private in this castle. And it should be perfectly clear as to how Saki would be handling me. I owe your king a debt and i know he will chose something sexual in nature. I need to know how to prepare myself for losing my virginity."

Saga's head tilted to the side. "I wouldn't know," he said, "I'm not into men and very few have ever been into me. But didn't my master give his word that you wouldn't lose your virginity until after you were married?"

His voice was bitter. "I've learned over the years that words mean nothing from people who don't care. Besides, he said Saki wasn't alowed to sleep with me, he never made any indications for himself as well. I suppose if I can't lose it to the one I love I'd at least like it to be pleasurable and gentle." Hisoka never took his eyes off Saga and grinned. "I never said anything about you being his lover, I simply meant there's not a whole lot of care towards privacy. I'm sure you've seen or heard something."

Saga blushed again, looking away. "I try not to find out about my master's love affairs," he said, "I usually don't like them." He could have smacked himself. Blushing!? Why the hell was he blushing? How weak of him.

Hisoka nodded. "It's understandable. I don't know if I was fortunate or not that my father was too buisy with his alcohol to pay attention to the servants. Though I did once walk in on him and one of the higher knights... that wasn't pleasent. I felt sorry for the knight. He's a close friend of mine actually. Well after what happened a few months ago i'm not so sure..."

Saga once again looked at the boy. "What do you mean?" he asked, "how could you not be sure if he's friend or not?"

Hisoka looked away. "My father is a very ill man. Hijiri and I had a... special moment and unknown to either of us, he was watching. Now, Tsuzuki is with him nearly every hour of every day. You could call him more of a personal protector to my father than a knight. I was too buisy screaming at my father to realize this at the time, but in all probability he was watching too and didn't stop him."

Saga thought about this. "Your father sounds like a..." he stopped, realizing he had no right to say such a thing, then continued, "but did you ever bother to ask this... 'Tsuzuki' about it?"

Hisoka shook his head. "How does one face someone they've grown up with asking a question like that? It was hard enough asking Tera, but then Tera stopped him. I don't want to know how many people were enjoying what they saw... and even if he hadn't that time, there were pleanty of times by myself they were watching."

"Well," Saga pondered, "this is just me, but I'd feel better knowing. That way, if he wasn't and I had just been making radical assumptions, I wouldn't feel awkward around him anymore. And if he was, I'd know better than to trust him anymore. Sure, it would be sad to lose a friend, but for someone like that to be watching you.. and with your father...." It was apparent that Saga disliked the sound of Hisoka's father, rather like a protective older brother.

Hisoka sighed. "If I even ever see them again..." He never moved from his place but closed his eyes. "I just don't see a way out. If I marry Saki he'll end up killing me, accidentally or not." Tears came to his eyes. "I've always looked forward to my wedding night and now I'm scared to death."

"I don't believe Saki can be king," Saga said, looking out the window. Hw spoke slowly, anaccustomed to speaking his mind, "I believe that if he does take the thrown, the whole world will be thrown into turmoil. The present king is a man of his word at the very least. The prince is hateful and violent. No matter who he is married to, he will likely bring the downfall of everyone in all realms."

A small smile tugged at his lips. "Have you no sway over your king? Can you not tell him this? Trying to convince him of this on my own has been difficult at best. Is there anything I can bring up to him that might help my case?"

Saga stared at the boy. "A knight?" he said, "nobody can tell the king what to do. His advisor is ignored for the most part as well. The only thing the advisor does is... but nothing can change the king's mind. Either that or we just haven't seen it yet."

Hisoka frowned. "I guess I'm on the road alone. Is there a way I can see him now?"

"From what I understand, he's on his way now," the knight said, "he said you owed him a promise and he'd return soon after you awoke. I'm guessing that's what you were talking about?"

Hisoka nodded with a sigh. "Which brings me back to my first concern..."

Right then, there was a small click and the door opened. In walked Muraki, silver eyes glittering. He looked at Saga. "You are dismissed until I call for you." The man said. The knight stood, bowing and headin for the door. Just before he went out, he flashed Hisoka a look that said 'good luck'. And he was gone, the door closing behind him.

Hisoka turned to his back, staring at him. "Name it. Your price." He was trying to act regal and calm but his heart was beating almost out of his chest.

"You know what it is already," he said, "judging by the look on your face." The man walked closer, fingers trailing over the soft sheets when he reached the bedside.

Hisoka closed his eyes and laid back further. "Very well... take me."

Muraki raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" he said, "no fight?"

Hisoka glanced at him. "I figure it won't hurt as much that way. I'm a man of my word. When I promise something I mean it. I really don't want to sleep with you because I want my first and hopefully only lover to be Hijiri... but I said anything and if that is your price for saving him, that is what I will pay."

"And I believe I told you that you would keep your virginity until at least your wedding night," the man said.

Hisoka sat up. "What did you want then? You said you'd keep it from Saki, you said nothing of yourself. I guess I don't know."

Muraki gave one of his smooth smiles and sat on the bed beside the boy, running his thumb over the prince's bottom lip. "It's a bit of what you thought though..." the man leaned forward, licking the boy's cheek, "I want to toy with your body..."

Hisoka froze, swallowing his beating heart that had come up into his throat. "Okay." He'd made up his mind that he wouldn't argue. "What do you want to do?" His wide green eyes showed fear.

Muraki's fingers tangled into the boy's hair, pulling their mouths together roughly. His kiss was fierce and revealed the power in his body as the king pressed over him.

Hisoka began to tremble. He was scared but at the same time he was beginning to enjoy this. He didn't totally dispise this man, but his own insticts made him feel deep guilt.

Muraki's hands slinked over the boy's body, shirt and pants open quickly. "So soft," the man murmured fingers trailing over the prince's nipples.

Hisoka began to relax as he realized Muraki wasn't going to hurt him. "You should know..." He whispered softly as he closed his eyes. "I'm not unfamilliar with being touched like this. I'll let you do anything to me as long as it doesn't hurt."

"You should know," Muraki said, "I'm very forceful." He pulled off the prince's shirt and pants, the tie to his own pants coming undone and his member rubbing against the soft skin of the one below it.

Hisoka closed his eyes, breathing deeply. "You want me to fight you? I bruise easily." He was surprised to find that he was becoming hard. "I don't understand. You're getting what you want and you don't seem to be happy. I didn't say you couldn't be rough but I don't want you to hurt me either."

Muraki's mouth began moving down Hisoka's body to his chest. "Bruises are easily mended," he said, biting down hard enough to make Hisoka's skin turn blue, then letting off.

Hisoka whimpered clenching the sheets below him. "Why do you have to hurt me?! I'm scared enough! I hate you!"

"Hush," Muraki murmured, "I'm showing you what I mean about bruises. His tongue traced over the swollen bruise and suddenly, it was gone. "You see? They're nothing." He sucked at one of the boy's hardened nipples.

Hisoka's breath became heavy. "How... did you do that?" His eyes welled over with tears though he wasn't sure why. He began to feel slightly dizzy.

"I started learning magic when I was about half your age," Muraki explained, "I wanted to be a healer. Unfortunatly, as king, I can't do very much healing because I'm not allowed near the village. I ended up killing more than I healed. So I stay in my castle and let the people tend to their affairs. They don't need me...." he licked at Hisoka's belly button, "they hate me... blamed me for the deaths of the people my magic couldn't save...." now he was mouthing around the base of Hisoka's member.

Hisoka was fighting his urges. He didn't want Muraki to think he was eager or anything. "Why would they blame you?" His voice was getting lower as he became more aroused. "Watari wasn't blamed when my mother died. Simply there was nothing that could be done."

"When a child dies..." he paused, licking under Hisoka's shaft at his balls, "without reason, the parents need to blame something. They blamed me. I wasn't fully trained and even the healer from the castle couldn't help. I allowed them to blame me. I wanted them to. It made it hurt less... if that makes sense..." another lick, and Muraki's hands were on the boy's hips.

Hisoka panted out a moan and didn't bother to keep himself down anymore. "I see. like Tera wanted to blame himself. I understand." He moaned again after a moment. "You should... also know that when Hijiri did that... I fainted afterword."

Muraki smirked up at the boy. "He must get his skills from me," he said, tracing his tongue up the underside of the prince's member one more time, fingertips tickling slightly at the soft balls.

Hisoka took a deep breath and laid back. "I must... agree." He was too far in the zone to care much about anything right now. All his concentration was on Muraki's tongue and fingers. He clutched tightly at the sheets, his breath comeing in pants now. "After everything... I want to... talk to you."

Muraki chuckled. "You think too much, you know that?" He took the boy's shaft into his mouth, stil chuckling.

Hisoka was bitter for only a moment, the pleasure taking control of his body. "Still think I'm the classic dumb blond?" there was an 'I dare you to say yes' in the tone that told Muraki he'd be a handfull if he pissed the blond off.

Muraki laughed at this, the boy still in his mouth, then he shook his head slightly, letting the prince revel in the feel.

Hisoka glanced at the ceiling and decided to be quiet now and enjoy it. he couldn't quite understand why Muraki wanted to give him pleasure and not the other way around.

The man began to suck slightly, hand moving lightly up and down the bit of shaft that wasn't in his mouth. He found himself in wonder at the taste. This boy could be a sweet, had he not known better.[color]

[color=green]Hisoka moaned softly. He was trying to hold back but it wasn't much use. His body was beginning to tremble in spite of himself. His cheeks were flushed pink and the noises escaping his lips would have turned Hijiri rock hard by now. "A little... harder..."

Muraki did this, taking Hisoka in as far as he would go, lips touching the base of the boy's shaft. And rather lengthy and sizable shaft at that. his head moved up to the tip, then down again.

Hisoka's pleasured cries grew louder. He gave up entirely on acting like he didn't like it. His dizzyness grew with the pleasure and he wondered if this would happen every time, or if muraki and Hijiri just had a way about them. He also wondered if Muraki was doing it on purpose.

The man was surprised at the fact that the boy's arousal and the noises he was making were making him more aroused than he'd anticipated. He figured it was probably just something about him. No wonder so many people wanted him as their own. His tongue tan over the extremity quickly, his head still bobbing as he sucked harder, enjoying the prince's tremors beneath his attentions.

He couldn't stop the moans or the shivering and he was beginning into the stages of hyper arousal again. Hijiri knew what he was doing, but Muraki was better. This was something he was ashamed to admit to himself and certainly not anything he'd say to Hijiri himself... ever.

Muraki paused to focus his attentions on the head of Hisoka's member, sucking only on that and letting his hands run over the rest, but slowly, a great contrast between the actions of his mouth and his hands.

The forced pure cries from Hisoka's lips. He began to feel the tingle of everything touching him center in Muraki's mouth. "Touch me! Touch my skin!" Every touch sent chills to the area and he was getting close.

Muraki's head bobbed once again, sucking his hardest on the tasty extremity, hands running over the boy's thighs before wrapping around his hips and pulling him in harder.

His eyes were shut tight and his breath coming in short pants through his ragged screams of pleasure. "So... close!" He could feel himself beginning his release.

Muraki was ready and kept the prince in his mouth throughout. He continue sucking, draining him clean.

When he had spilled everything he sat up a little, squinting through one eye at him. "Will you... stay with me?" Hisoka didn't like waking without a pair of arms around him anymore.

Muraki nodded. "I will, but I won't lay beside you for now..... I made a promise to you... and I am a man of my word.... laying beside you would make that too difficult." Muraki streightened up, still kneeling at the edge of the bed, revealing that he was standing as prominent as his domain flag.[color]

[color=green]His eyes grew wide and he placed and hand to his head. "You're... so big!" He felt... inadiquate. "Do you... want me to help?"

Muraki shook his head. "I'll take care of it.... but...." he leaned forward, placing his lips slightly on Hisoka's earlobe. "Saki's the same size."

Hisoka gasped. The idea of sleeping with Saki frightening him even more. A sudden vision of pain laced with blood as his innocence was torn away by an uncareing and lustful man flashed into his mind and with a soft sigh, his eyes closed and he fell limp on the bed.

Muraki pulled the boy's clothes closed and moved to the connecting washroom, where he took care of himself as quickly as he could. It was a bit more difficult than he'd expected, his body crying for the unconscious boy in the next room, but soon he was finished and moved back into the room, sitting on the bed and watching the prince sleep.

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Saki struggled with his thoughts and body in his room. His father... his own father had seduced his fiancee without second thought for his son. Sure, he hadn't actually penetrated, but he'd still sucked of on the body that didn't beling to him. The image of Hisoka in extacy had hardened the older prince painfully and he'd come twice already. That was it. He was going to have Hisoka that night, whether he liked it or not. And his father was not going to stop him. He stood away from the now full basin and tied off his pants, making his way out of the room angrily.

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Back in the bedroom about four hours later, somewhere near ten o' clock, Muraki was sitting against the headboard of his bed and reading something beside Hisoka, the prince's slim form pressed against him.[/quote]

Hisoka had been very tired. He began to wake and sat up a little, blinking to see the pale figure before laying back down and snuggling close. He wanted to ignore the bad inside the man and pretend he was a loving and protective admierer. Something like Hijiri with a dark side. He didn't close his eyes though, staring out the window at the glittering stars in the distance. "How do you do it?" He spoke softly.

Muraki's eyes looked through his book still, but his hand rested on the boy's shoulder. "Do what?" he asked.

Hisoka sighed deeply and lay his arm across Muraki's stomach. "Feel no guilt for your ways? I... have all these wants and fantasies but all my life I've been told their wrong. And here it's like they're just another part of your life. Nothing special... meaningless sex. How can you separate them? Teach me."

Now Muraki set his book down. "Teach you to have meaningless sex?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

Hisoka sat up a little. "Well... yes. I mean I love Hijiri but... the more I've been thinking about it, the less I like the idea of being a virgin. He's... experienced. I want to be able to be experienced too. Without feeling like I'm cheating on him. How do you separate sex from love? I just don't understand."

Muraki looked at him for a moment, putting his book to the side completely. "Well," Muraki said, "I haven't been in love since..... well, since Hijiri's mother left for your kingdom. As of late, no physical acts on my part have had any emotion. They've just been release for my body. No matter whether your love is near or not, your body still needs it, it's healthy." He looked into those wide green eyes, "It's not something that one can teach."

Hisoka sighed. "I guess I'm afraid. I've heard really bad stories whispered from my knights that my parents had a very violent and unhealthy sex life. He was so angry that she couldn't concieve that he was very rough with her. Ultimately that's what made her decide to go to her friend. To stop him. Sometimes I don't believe he loved her at all. She gave herself to him the way I want to give myself to Hijiri and if he turns out like that than I don't want to have waisted my free life for a loveless marrage."

Muraki shook his head. "Nobody should be rough with a doll like her," he said, "she was too kind... to loving to everyone and everything. Back when she lived here in the castle, she kept lots of pets.... but.... if I'm judging the boy right, then he'll be nothing like that. He knows what it's like to be treated roughly, and wouldn't want to put some one through that. My Saki on the other hand....." the man looked away, as though pondering something.

Hisoka looked into the mans face. "I have a lot of pets. I have four koy, seven swans, ten horses... I could go on and I love them all so much. Muraki... if I'm not allowed to marry my love... than will you take me as your own and marry me in place of Saki. He'll kill me. Accidently or not. At least with you I know you'd not seriously hurt me. Not like he would. You've shown me some respect already. Please don't force me to marry him."

Muraki looked away. "I can't," he said, "I'm attracted to you, but mostly because you remind me of your mother. I don't believe in attraction to false hopes and past dreams. I do like the idea, but Saki would start a war over you. Simply because having you means power."

Hisoka looked away. "Then kill him and take Hijiri. He will only bring the downfall of everything he touches. I don't want to die before I'm eighteen and if I marry him I will. Whether I kill myself or he kills me. If you don't believe that my mother should be treated that way, and you claim I'm so much like her, why than subject me to a life of hell like that? If you take Hijiri as your heir everyone wins."

Muraki thought about this. "You have many good points," he said, "but I can't just kill him without reason. The people will think I"ve become like him. I've not sunk that low. I need a reason. I need him to actually do something worth execution. I won't just blatantly murder my own son."

Hisoka sighed. "Were we in my country his attempt at raping me would be good enough and the people would cheer. What is worthy of exicution in this country anyway?"

Muraki rubbed his head. "I don't know anymore," he said, "when my father was alive, all you had to do was disrespect him and he'd kill you. When I tried to change that, you mother was around. I only had a few years trying to save the kingdom with her helping me. When she left, everything went downhill. Nobody knows or cares for the realm laws, so they all creaed their own, self govorned tiny communities. I dowt they'd listen to me, but to kill him exclusivly and not give good reason, hey'd think I was just like my father, who killed his own wife."

Hisoka cringed at this, sitting up to stare at him. "But why?!"

"She had an affair... or rather... she forced a young man to bed her.... and gave birth to his child.... her son... Saki..."

Hisoka felt quite dizzy. "Oh gods... I..." He had no response. "That alone is cause enough. He's sick. Dementia... something. Can you not kill him for what he's done to me? He confessed that first day that he'd been possessing the two knights that raped me. Is there some law against that?"

Muraki shook his head. "That was outside of our boundries," he said, "I can't do anything about that, though I must say, I didn't know about it until you came here."

Hisoka was close to dispair. "If he attacks me again is there grounds? I'm the prince of your supposed enemy country. Surely if I'm here to talk peace and he attacks me I must be protected?"

"It's Sagatanasu's job to protect you," he said, "and he's never let anyone get terribly damaged, though Saki's getting stronger. Smarter too... I'll have to....." he paused, looking at the door just as a flash of shadow crashed through it, impaling Muraki through the torsoe as the man flung the wheat haired prince to the side.

Hisoka screamed as he fell off the bed and hit his head on the desk. His vision blurred and he tried to move but he couldn't get his balance and he stumbled on himself. "Mur... aki..." He mermered as he reached out to the form on the bed. Where was Saga?

Saki walked in the door, glaring at the man of pure white dripping crimson red on the sheets. "You're planning to kill me, father?" he demanded. "I think not!" He reached toward Muraki, electricity lacing between his fingers and a black void opened around the man and he disappeared as it faded. Then, Saki focused his attention on Hisoka. "And you!" he said, "turning my own father against me for another man! I'll break you in half like a rabbit!" He leaped on the boy.

Hisoka screamed, too dazed from the head injury to even be able to fight back. "Let go of me!"

Saki backhanded the boy. Hard. With vicious fingers, he tore at Hisoka's shirt, wrapping the strips around Hisoka's wrists and tying them to the nearby wardrobe leg. He was strattling the boy so he couldn't be kicked, his fingers digging bleeding gashes into the pale flesh. "Do you really think you can kill me without a fight!?!?" the older boy demanded, seeming insane with fury, eyes wide and unfocused.

Hisoka screamed, tugging at his bonds but with no use. "Saga! Muraki! Anyone! Please help me!" He wasn't even going to answer this. Saki probably couldn't understand anyway. The weight above him was crushing.

"Shut up, wench!" the older boy ordered, "Nobody's here to help you this time!!! You're all mine!" He tore at Hisoka's pants, leaning down to bite down on the prince's collarbones and chest, leaving teethmarks and blood streaks along the pale skin.

His screams became louder and his struggling more violent. At this point he didn't care if he broke his own wrists as long as he got away. As his daze wore off he felt more pain and writhed under the older prince. "SAGA!" The knight had to hear eventually right?

Again, Hisoka was backhanded, Saki's teethmarks beginning to fizz. "You'll be dead before anyone comes if you keep yelling!" he practically shrieked, "the more you talk, the more my poison will set in!" A split tongue that he'd never shown before protruded from his mouth and licked his lips. "If you're silent, you'll stay alive... for as long as I want you to."

Hisoka wasn't sure if this was true or not but he was in a great deal of pain and he didn't want to take his chances. Tears poured from his eyes and down his cheeks. He fell absolutely still. He wished someone would save him. Anyone, Muraki, Saga... Hijiri... at the thought of his deepest love he began to cry harder. Would he ever see his shining knight again? He closed his eyes and held his image before them.

Saki grinned maliciously. "That's better," he said, opening his own shirt to reveal scars and scratch marks from what seemed to be women's fingernails. He leaned down, fingers baring roughly into Hisoka's flesh. "You're mine."

Hisoka whimpered but did not call out. In his mind he replayed every loving word Hijiri had ever said to him. This was little comfort.

Before Saki could untie his pants, white hands grabbed him by the shoulders and threw him back against the wall. It was Muraki.

His eyes widened. "Muraki!" He screamed this but as he did his wounds began to burn more and he writhed in agony on the floor trying to stop the pain and get free of his bonds.

Muraki moved to Saki quickly. The boy stared at his father in anger, "Typical healer!" he growled angrily, "caring more about the beautiful ones and healing those who they love rather than those who actually matter for the future! Are you going to kill me, father!?" He reached out, trying to grab at Muraki's throat, but Muraki was too quick.

"That's exactily what I'm going to do," he said, grabbing Saki's shoulder and neck. With a snap, the boy was gone. Muraki dropped him into a dark hole tht was similar to the one he'd been thrown into, hen rushed to Hisoka. His shirt was open and it was easy to see that his chest was perfect, as though he'd never been stabbed at all. "Hisoka," he said, "don't talk.... the poison... it'll work faster now that he's dead."

His eyes widened, a new set of tears rushing nown his cheeks but he held his breath to stop himself from even whimpering. His eyes pleaded to save him.

Muraki's hands were cool as they touched Hisoka's chest carefully. In fact, they almost seemed chill. The bites begn to burn again, the king's brows furrowing in concentration.

Hisoka clenched his nails so hard into his skin that he bled to keep himself from screaming or moving for that matter. His chest might as well have been on fire.

Sweat dripped from he snowey man over the boy. His eyes were focused as they'd never been before and suddenly, the pain died away, leaving nothing but a dull trace of ache. Muraki puffed slightly, pulling a daggar from a hidden shieth in the small of his back and slicing through the torn shirt. "Are.... you okay?"

Hisoka burst into full sobs and sat up clinging to him. His body shook and his tears were so many they soaked Muraki's shirt. "So... scared... so much... pain!" He couldn't even talk straight. "Hold... me..." This seemed to be more of a plea than a demand.

Muraki did as he was told, clinging to the boy. "He's gone now," the man said, "and with good reason. An attempted double assasination is qualification for a death sentance.... now we just have to find your Hijiri and bring him here"

Hisoka was overjoyed at this, wrapping his arms tightly around Muraki. "Thank you..." He whispered over and over. "Thank you... so much." He shivered suddenly, very cold without any clothes but for once he was far too upset to care that he was naked in front of someone. "So... cold."

Muraki pulled the boy's nude chest against his own, hoping his own body heat would warm the prince. Despite the chill of his hands, the rest of him wis quite warm from exertion. His fingers cupped the back of Hisoka's head and pulled it to rest against his shoulder.

He closed his eyes, soon falling into a dreamless exhausted sleep.

Muraki ordered servants to ready the next room over so they could rest and crried the boy there himself, wrapped in a silver velvet robe. He too fell into a fast sleep, comfortable with the biggest threat gone and Saga posted at the door from wherever the servants had found him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Muraki was still with Hisoka the next morning when the sun arose. Though, he didn't wake up until hours later. He was tired from the night before. He hadn't shown it, but removing the poison from Hisoka's body had drained him. And right after healing himself from near death made it triply as difficult. So he held on to the prince, keeping his eyes closed and letting a dreamless sleep hold him until he felt the boy start to wake.

It wasn't until late afternoon that he woke. The sun was already conciderably low in the sky. His throat felt sore and he was very thirsty. His hands went immediatly to Muraki's and he sighed softly. It was so nice to wake up to strong arms around him again. Even if they weren't Hijiri's.

Muraki's eyes opened. "Hello, Poppet," he murmured into Hisoka's ear, almost blearly.

Hisoka turned slowly in his arms to face the man. "Good.... afternoon I think." He didn't want to talk much because of his sore throat. "I... screamed too much last night."

The silver hared man opened one eye. "Does it hurt?" he asked, "I can't blame you for screaming though. Not like you didn't have good reason."

Hisoka nodded. "I'm really thirsty too." He covered his mouth for a moment to caugh and was startled to taste blood. He sat up quickly, heart jumping and pulled his hand away to see traces of it on his fingers. "Did the poison do that?!"

Muraki sat up and turned so he could get a closer look, then his fingertips toughted the prince's throat. "Hmmm..." he closed his eyes, as though feeling his way through Hisoka's throat with his powers. "A mix of everything. The screaming, the poison... the sobbing afterward. I can fix it pretty easily though."

Hisoka was scared all over again. "Please. If you can. It's not going to kill me is it? Mother was caughing up blood before she died." In that moment he seemed nothing more than a frightened child. His mind flashed back to when he was ten at his mothers death bed, watching her.

"It won't," Muraki said with unusually soft eyes. The thought of a woman he'd dreamed about for many years dying so painfully made his stone heart chip. He kissed the boy, lettin his magic settle into the wounds and knit them carefully, erasing all traces that they were there in the first place, not even leaving an ache.

Hisoka's eyes widened for a moment before they closed and was quite disappointed as Muraki pulled away. "Thank you." He looked away, returning to his normal self. Could Muraki see the disapointment in his eyes? With that single kiss, though it was meant for another perpose, Hisoka's entire body had responded and he made a split second choice.

Muraki raised an eyebrow. "Such a look," he said, "are you that insistant on me bringing you into my sheets for more than sleep?"

Hisoka blushed maddly at this. "I..." Then he looked away. "Why is it that you're so against it. I'd think you'd be jumping at the chance. I'm willing, I'm ready... what's so wrong with me that you don't like the idea?"

Muraki ran his fingers through his bangs. "Not you, Poppet," he said, "me. I made you a promise."

Hisoka looked away. "I only said that as an escape because I knew Saki would beat the hell out of me. He broke two ribs last time when he was possessing the second knight. And I didn't even know it was him!"

Muraki looked at the boy. "You're very insistant," he said, though he'd already begun to move closer.

He closed his eyes. "You represent the freedom I've never been allowed to have. I feel like I've matured two years just by being here for these last few days. I've been able to think for myself. I want to know what I'm doing my first night with Hijiri, not be scared to death and make him stop. I... don't want to disappoint him."

Muraki paused a moment, then looked at the door. "Sagatanasu!" he called. The door opened a few centemeters.

"Yes, sire?" he said, "send out the troops to find one knight by the name of Hijiri. He has dark hair, green eyes, and a rather fair complexion. After that, you are dismissed for the day."

"Yessir," Saga said, and the door closed. Muraki looked back at Hisoka.

"Have you ever considered just asking him what he wants you to do?" he asked, though he moved to wrap an arm around Hisoka, apparently wanting to take the boy right away.

Hisoka sighed heavily. "Don't talk about him anymore I'll feel guilty and change my mind. I'm sure he doesn't want a cowardly little boy for a lover."

"You're hardly cowardly, Poppet," he said, pulling the blond onto his lap, and looking into his eyes.

He stared back into the eyes. "Why do you say that? How have I shown that I'm not. I'm scared of everything... even this."

"Cowardes isn't just being afraid," Muraki kissed Hisoka's neck, "cowerdis is letting your fear rule you. You're afraid, but I don't see you running away." More kisses.

Hisoka thought about this for a moment. "My curiosity outranks my fear at the moment. You have no idea what it's like for me in my fathers home. If he's not trying to seduce me, he's hasrsh on his rules. I've never really been off palace grounds. Not until Hijiri took me to the beach. You won't tell me no and that makes me feel free even if I'm not really."

"I could tell you no," came the reply, "but that would be less fun for me. And with your father, it's understandable. Children are brought up to listen to their parents and are taught nothing else. But it's best to let children learn some things on their own. Run around and scrape their knees, fall out of trees and play in the mud." His mouth was traveling up Hisoka's jaw to his earlobe, licking it gently.

Hisoka looked into his eyes. "But... I'm not a child anymore. As dictated by his rule I was a man on my sixteenth birthday. He still thinks I'm ten though.... you don't think I'm a child do you?"

Muraki let out a laugh. "Only in a few ways, but that's only because you haven't been allowed to spread your wings." The man's arms were wrapped around his torsoe now.

Hisoka was silent for a long moment. "What ways?" His attention was devided. Muraki's kisses her making him hard already but he wanted to know.

"So talkative," he teased, running his lips over that of the prince. "It's hard to explain... something that you have to really think about. Many people have something about them that's childish, but you..." He paused, tking the time it took to place a small hickey on Hisoka's neck to think about his words. "...you just aren't knowlegdable in the ways of the world. You need to realize for yourself that you are indeed an adult. You say you are, but you still don't seem to think you are yet."

Hisoka accepted this answer, and quieted, moaning softly. He dragged his fingers up into Muraki's hair before whispering softly. "I have the feeling that before the end of this month I'll have lost that and become a true adult. I want to learn things. To leave home and see other places. I'm sick of being trapped behind stone walls. Will you help me learn about what's out there? Will you appose my father and allow Hijiri and I to leave?"

"That's not up to me," he said, "but if you wish to fullfill your dreams, you must venture out with the one you love. I will be here in my castle with assistance should you ever need it." He kissed the boy's lips. "And never let the one you love leave your side. If you truly love him, follow him everywhere, as he is willing to do for you." He pulled their chests together, bringing the blond into a deep kiss. One with no magic, but with more power than any other he could remember giving.

Hisoka closed his eyes tightly. He reveled in the feeling. His fingers brushed through the hair. 'So soft' he thought. His right hand left the hair and trailed down the chest before him, trailing down the stomach and gripping the hard shaft between the mans legs. He let go and stoaked it with feather light fingertips, deepending the kiss at the same time.

Muraki jerked slightly in surprise, butdeepened the kiss, leaning Hisoka back onto the sheets, sliding his knees beneath the boy's hips to rub their hot extremities together. There was more friction this time than the night before, the man's silver eyes flashing with lust.

Though the kiss Hisoka let out a gasp of pleasure. He pushed gently on Muraki's chest to tell him to let him breath for a moment. His fear began to melt away as his lust rose. This was the first experience he'd ever had with this emotion and he reached down, rubbing both their shafts at the same time. He hated to admit it but Hisoka liked to be toyed with. Hijiri had given him a taste and he'd secretly wished for it ever since.

Muraki's smile was clear as he let up on Hisoka's kiss, moving to kiss his neck, hips ready to enter. But he stopped, putting a single finger into his mouth up to the third knuckle. Then, he placed that finger at Hisoka's entrnce, massaging without penetrating yet.

This was an odd feeling. He liked it though and a soft moan escaped his lips. "Muraki..." this was whispered and had no intent behind it.

The man grinned and massaged a bit more, the finger pokig ever so slightly into the hole. His other hand concentrated on rubbing their hardened erections together.

He moaned again, spreading his legs a bit more to give Muraki a better advantage. He wanted to scream out that he was ready, to take him, but he didn't want to rush either. He wasn't sure if it would hurt or not and he didn't want Muraki to thrust only for him to beg to stop.

The man's finger went deeper, massaging still. "I see the impatience in your eyes," he said, "but you have to remember that you're still very new to this. If I rush, it'll turn out just like the times with Saki's knights." He sucked on the boy's nipples.

Hisoka took a deep breath. "I know. That's why I haven't said anything. I'm hoping if you do it the right way it'll feel good and not hurt at all."

"I appreciate your faith in me," he said, his voice low. Another finger joined the first, working its way around inside the soft walls of Hisoka's heated entrance. "You're so soft..." He licked at a nipple.

Hisoka moaned again, this time a little louder. "So are your fingers."

Another finger went in, this time with some slight resistance. He was slow and careful, but a little bit more give would be needed before he could fit himself in that tight hole.

Hisoka was growing a bit nervouse. That didn't hurt but it was a bit uncomfortable for a few minutes. "You'll go in slow right?"

Muraki nodded, still moving his fingers around to loosen the prince. "You're almost ready," he said, his hand letting go of their insistantly reddening members and pressing Hisoka's leg so his knee was at his ribs.

Hisoka closed his eyes. "If I ask you to stop will you?" The fear was beginning to return as they got closer to the actual act.

Muraki paused. "And if I can't?" he asked

Tears sprang to his eyes. "I don't want it to hurt! I'd only ask if it hurt!"

"Well then," Muraki leaned over the boy, kissing his chin, "tell me if it hurts and I can use my magic to make the pain stop. His fingers were finally comfortable in Hisoka. He was as ready as he was going to get. "Ready?" he asked anyways.

Hisoka took a few deep breaths to calm himself and nodded, closing his eyes again.

Muraki's fingers pulled loose and he slid the very tip of himself into the boy, moving slowly in the same ever so slight massaging motion that his fingers had been doing.

Not so bad right now. He was beginning to ease again. He wasn't sure if that would change or not, remembering Muraki's size.

Muraki went in further, wincing ever so slightly. "Tight..." he murmured.

Hisoka winced as well. It hurt a little but wasn't unbareable. "I... don't know how far in you are, but it's starting to hurt. It's okay for right now, just be careful."

"About... a fourth," Muraki said, pushing in a little more, fingers gripping the sheets on either side of Hisoka's weist.

Hisoka took in a deep breath. "You can start using your magic now." His body shivered in increasing pain. Not even the knights had been this big. He wondered if one got used to it after a while, or if he'd just never do it again, seeing as Hijiri wasn't much smaller.

Muraki's eyes flashed and warmth filled Hisoka, traveling around the area where his flesh was being spread wide, the pain deminishing to nothing.

Hisoka relaxed immediately. It was an odd sensation to him and he wondered if there would be any more pain in the morning. "Will you... kiss me?"

The man was concentrating, but he leaned down and kissed the boy long and carefully, sliding in more. Now he was about halfway in and his movements beginning to jar from lust.

Hisoka was beginning to feel pleasure now. he moaned softly, running his fingers through Muraki's hair. as long as nothing hurt he was alright. Muraki could always heal him if he was too injured.

One of the man's hands was in Hisoka's hair, the other beginning to tug on him gently. He sucked on the boy's lower lip.

Hisoka began to breath heavier, moaning softly.

Muraki's eyes flashed again and a shiver went down his spine. He couldn't hold back any longer. He thrust in all the way, Hisoka's rear swallowing him up to the his base. He pulled back and then thrust in again, hard. The boy was clenching, making it harder to get in. "Don-- don't clench.. so hard...."

Hisoka dug his fingers into Muraki's hair, clenching it tightly. "I... I'm not doing it on perpose! I don't know how to stop!" He certainly enjoyed this but he was still scared and his body was reacting on it's own.

"Re-relax your body...." Muraki said, "and move your hips some. It'll help."

Jani_chan

Hisoka whimpered slightly. "I'm scared! I can't!" He was caught between wanting to stop and wanting to see the whole thing through. Muraki's sudden course actions had startled him.

Muraki kissed him carefully. "You'll be okay," he said, "my powers are protecting you from pain. you'll be fine."

Hisoka sighed deeply. "You startled me. You didn't give me time to adjust. Stop for a minute and let me calm down."

Muraki's body shuddered as he fought with himself, but slowed down, his mouth sucking on the boy's throat. "You're..... torturous...." he growled.

Hisoka sighed as he relaxed. "You've obviously never been with a virgin..."

Muraki continued to kiss the boy's throt and chin. "I have," he said, "just none I've cared for." His hand was in the prince's hair again, pulling their mouths together.

Hisoka wasn't sure what to make of that. He held his eyes closed tightly and allowed Muraki to continue. There was a lot he would have to ask when they were through.

Muraki waited until he felt Hisoka's heart slowing slightly beneath his chest, then he began again, this time slower, though his body cried for him to release himself on this boy, pounding into him with everything he had, but he moved slow, savoring te feel of the tight rear wrapped around him. "Hot..." he murmured into the prince's ear.