The Sequel of “If Life Followed To Death”

Jani_chan · The Sequel of “If Life Followed To Death”

Titled: “Voice Of The Past”
By: Jani_chan
Rated: R

It had been a long time since Hisoka had found out how Michiru died. She continued to search for herself, upon his wishes, and could often be seen trying something new with her appearance. Some days she’d walk in with some strange outfit, other days she’s have a new hairdo. She’d even let the Hokkaido girls have their way with her at some point. But more recently, she seemed t have taken to wearing black. Nobody could tell why, but they didn’t argue with it. Soon came the day where Hisoka asked Tsuzuki about getting a Shiki of his own. Tsuzuki’s pleasure at the request was evident in everything he did that day. Michiru soon questioned Watari about the cause of Tsuzuki’s excitement. When she was told, she immediately asked if she was going to get a shiki of her own. She seemed so excited that she was sent with Hisoka to the imaginary world to search for a Shiki all her own.

As soon as the two crowlike creatures appeared (seemingly from nowhere) she studied them. She wasn’t afraid. She’d come beyond the distrust of the people around her and was now more curious as to what they two looked like than questioning her trust in Wakaba. But before she could get a good look at them, they suddenly changed to look like humans with wings. The pattern of the wings caught her gaze and she followed it until flowing white cloth covered it. One of the crows had long, snowy white hair that moved wildly about his head with the slightest breeze. The other had short hair, black as pitch and both were adorned with the jewels and apparel of one very important. They held staffs and there were red tattoos around their eyes, which Michiru remembered had protective powers, but she didn’t know from what. They stood solemnly, staring own at the shinigami around them. But then, one of them smiled, staring down at Wakaba.

“So, Miko, you wish to enter through the gate of the imaginary realm?” it was the one with the white hair who spoke. Wakaba grinned up at them.

“Kojiro!! Kotaro!!” she said, “long time no see!! Looking good!!” Michiru was still caught by the wings of the two Tengu. They may have looked like crows, but she still found them quite beautiful. As it was explained to the two that she, Hisoka, and Tsuzuki were going to go to the imaginary world for a shiki hunt, she continued to stare at those wings. One of the Tengu turned and looked at her and she caught herself blushing as he smiled. The dark haired one seemed more serious than the white haired one (she refered to them like this because she couldn’t remember which name went to which Tengu) though neither of them seemed as unpleasant as the Tengu she’d been told about in the stories from her childhood. She looked away from them and at the floor. When the explanation was over, the two discussed their thoughts over the matter for a few moments before agreeing that as long as Tsuzuki was there, everything should be fine. They both lifted their own staff and there was a bright light. Before she knew it, she was hovering over what seemed to be a huge city.

“Welcome,” said Tsuzuki, “to the imaginary world.”

Jani_chan

I just wanted to let anyone who may be intereted know that I have not forgotten about this fic. But things have come up and I have reservations about finishing it the way I was going to before. Thank you for your patience (if you actually wanted to read it) and I'm very sorry for the delay.

Jani_chan · I'm finally continuing xp

Michiru halfway listened as Tsuzuki spoke on about the shiki, the different kinds, summoning, and capturing. Butterflies flew around them and she found herself interested in a particular one with wings of bright blue and black. It brought her to a mindset where she wanted to stop thinking and follow, chasing like a small child in a flower field. Of course, she continued to sit, watching it flutter away.

"Anything else you two want to know?" Tsuzuki asked. She looked at Hisoka, who stood and stretched, obviously wanting to hurry up and get going.

"None from me," he stated. Tsuzuki looked at her with a grin and she shook her head, standing as well. She dusted herself off and Tsuzuki began to walk. Walking to where, she had no idea. He jabbered on about something, but as usual, she was paying attention to Hisoka. He was watching the area around him, looking like he wanted to see everything closer, fascinated, yet at the same time, he stayed Hisoka, calm, and forcefully unemotional. Nothing new from him. She looked away, scanning the buildings around her. She got a strange feeling from it, as though it was alive and watching them. They walked for a while until Hisoka finally spoke up.

"Tsuzuki," he said, "do you have any idea where we're going?" Tsuzuki turned around with a nervous grin.

"I... Sure I do... if we go this way then we'll.... no, that way.... and then....." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "sorry, Hisoka." Hisoka grimaced.

"I thought so," he said, "let's split up, we'll find something faster." Tsuzuki blubbered for a few moments, but eventually they were all off on their own, wandering away from each other. Michiru walked for a while until she found herself in a courtyard looking area. The ground was grassy, but there was also a dirt area off to the side. She walked over to it and sat down on a large rock. She knew she wouldn't find anything, so instead she picked up a stick and began to draw in the dirt. It was a picture of Tsuzuki, however lack of real detail it was. Suddenly, a shadow covered her picture and she looked up in surprise.

laustic

I'm glad that you updated this story. I'm looking forward to reading more of this fic.

Jani_chan

"Hey," said a kind, yet stern female voice, "that's a pretty good drawing you got going there." A pause, "you're definitely not from around here.... are you a shinigami?" Michiru nodded, standing. "What's your name?" She paused, placing her fingertips to her lips. After a moment, the woman seemed to get it. "Oh well," she said, "I think you might want to head this way. Most shinigami start out in Tenku, though you've gotta watch out for traps." Michiru was careful as she followed the woman, wondering who she was. She didn't seem familiar at all, her long black hair mostly up, but falling wildly. It was almost beastly, yet at the same time, beautiful. "My name's Suzaku," she said, "I've never seen--" She broke off as Michiru gawked at her. Suzaku? This was Tsuzuki's fiery Suzaku? Why did she find that amazing. Without speaking, Suzaku turned, spotting a black figure with a mask in the distance. "TOUDA!!!!"

(^^;;;;; short, I know.... but I'm working in intervals....)

laustic

I don't care if it's short, I'm just glad that you're posting more of your fic! Looks like Suzaku will be blowing up at Touda. He better watch out Wink

Jani_chan

Michiru hurried after the woman, not knowing where else to go. She was surprised when Suzaku attacked, drawing from... nowhere it seemed... a huge blade that seemed to be bigger than Michiru herself. She made a mental note never to make her angry before she spotted Tsuzuki and Hisoka, hurrying away from the battling form moving toward them. Right then, there was a pause and Suzaku rushed by her, dropping her sword. "TSUZUKI!!!" she squealed. "I MISSED YOU!"

laustic

Yeah! You wrote more! I love how Michiru made a mental note about not making Suzaku mad. I can't wait to read the next part.

Jani_chan

Watching only for a moment as her coworker was tackled, she looked at Hisoka. He looked thoroughly displeased. She found her mind wandering. He was much happier here than he had ever been while he was alive, though he couldn't be blamed. And he was close to this Tsuzuki. She liked Tsuzuki and all, but she still felt the love for Hisoka that she'd sworn to hold forever. Did it matter though? Forever would likely come and go before she could make Hisoka fall for her. He used to love her, when they were children, but that was likely because she was the only one who would pay him any mind. But now he had friends. The kind of friends that she didn't even know the true meaning of. She shook her head suddenly as the shiki began introducing themselves. Rikugo, Kijin, Tenko, Genbu, a pot-like creature that didn't seem to have the ability to talk, Touda, Taimo, Kochin, Suzaku, Byakko, Tenku, and Soryuu. When had they all gotten there? She cursed her own lack of attention, her eyes traveling over the faces of the shiki until they stopped on the one nearest her. He was richly dressed in blue, with long blue hair that shined like a silk curtain as it traveled down his back. His fan moved away from his face as he turned from Hisoka, who was glaring at him. Then he spotted Michiru, not having seen her before. Her eyes stuck on him, her heart stopping for a few moments in recognition. Tsuzuki looked at her.

"Michiru!" he said, "there you are! Come over here and---" she put her hands on her face and ran to hide behind anyone who would stand between them, namely, Byakko. The white tiger was surprised and looked at her.

"Are you okay?" she huddled in that spot, just not wanting to go near that Soryuu. The tiger looked at the dragon. "You're scaring her!" he scolded, then pet her on the head. The dragon merely grimaced. He couldn't help that he had a scary face.

laustic

This is so cool Smile

I see Michiru wants to get in between Tsuzuki and Hisoka and that certainly will be interesting to see her try.

Jani_chan

Suzaku lifted a hand in the air, Byakko leading Michiru to Tsuzuki and Hisoka's side. The chatter slowly died. "Tsuzuki's new partner is a very important guest," she said, "so... LET'S PARTY!!!" From somewhere, some cried for sake and Tsuzuki and Byakko cheered. Hisoka just looked more annoyed. Michiru didn't care what happened as long as that blue haired man stayed away from her. She wandered off to the side, staying within yelling range, but out of the way. They were more interested in Hisoka since the empath was Tsuzuki's partner. She didn't mind a lack of attention. She just wanted to sit. For some reason she felt drained. She was silent as the party went on, until a flash of blue hair walking up to her caught her attention. He turned quickly, eyes wide with fear. The form stopped, lifting his hands in a silent motion of 'I mean no harm'. "I'm sorry," he said, "I didn't mean to startle you." This wasn't the one they called Soryuu, though he did have the man's appearance. Could he be his son perhaps? She relaxed slightly and he moved forward again. "It's Michiru, right?" he asked. She nodded. He offered a hand, remembering Tsuzuki doing this as a sign of friendship. "I am Kijin, the son of Soryuu." She took his hand gingerly. He certainly acted different from his father. The shiki sat down next to her on the rock bench. He watched the goings on for a short time before speaking again. "You don't have to be afraid of my father, you know," he said, "he looks scary, but he won't hurt you." She shook her head and put her chin into her palm. He had no idea... Kijin was silenced again for a time.

"Is that scar why you can't talk?" he asked. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. Nobody else seemed to notice, and the scar had lightened to near nothing. "So... if it disappears fully, will you be able to again?" She simply stared at first. She didn't think she'd ever speak again. Not that she wanted to. I was her voice that had gotten her killed in the first place. She shook her head and looked away. Kijin's eyes were curious, but he knew he couldn't ask her anything that would require a vocal answer. He stood again. "When you get your voice back, I'd like to hear it.... so you should visit here." He looked back at her with a sweet smile. She wasn't sure what to do about this. She wasn't going to get her voice back. Why was he insisting that she would? He headed back toward the group of shiki and two shinigami, a tiny little girl with blue hair bouncing a ball to him. He caught it and bounced it back to her, patting her head when she spoke to him.

laustic

Hee, I just love the party that the shiki threw for Hisoka. Who knew that they know how to have a good time Smile

Also, I found the conversation with Kijin pretty interesting. Thanks for posting!

Editor

Oh I've been reading these parts. I liked the first path but loved each one more as it went along.

It brought her to a mindset where she wanted to stop thinking and follow, chasing like a small child in a flower field

That was nice I really caught her wonderment at that. Michiru doesn't seem to have a very long attention span in this story, but her focus on Hisoka and her gentle absorbtion of the things around her make it an almost loveable traite.

Jani_chan

((Thank you for all of the wonderful feedback! You've inspired me to try harder! <3))
~~~~~~~~~~~

Looking around at some point, Hisoka saw that Michiru had fallen asleep, curled up on a rock bench off to the side. He had no idea how she could sleep in this noise. He had to wonder if she was deaf along with mute sometimes, with the odd way she could ignore things even hecouldn't. Of course, she was much more passive than he, and most certainly less interesting to the ever jabbering shiki. He didn't know if he should feel sorry for her or not for being left out. He turned away to dodge out of Suzaku's way, but stopped when he felt something that didn't fit into the party around him. Fear. No. Terror. Coming from Michiru. He looked over again, suddenly realizing that she was shivering slightly. He didn't dare go near her. Her nightmares... were enough to make him hit the ground like a pile of stones, out like a burnt light bulb. He looked for Tsuzuki, who was nowhere in sight for whatever reason. He found the man jabbering drunkenly with Byakko. "Tsuzuki," he said, then jabbed his thumb in Michiru's direction. If she got much worse, then.... he paused. The girl was still sitting up, shaking as she (thinking she was unnoticed) rubbed tears from her eyes. Tsuzuki frowned and made his way to her side. "Michiru?" he said, surprising her, "nightmare?" She nodded. "Will you be okay?" She nodded again, though less sure about this one. "I wish you could tell me what's going on in your head," Tsuzuki said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, "it would be so much easier to help." She shook her head, pulling away. She didn't want help. It would be better off if he didn't care. Not that she could tell him this. He patted her on the head and walked off again, accepting a drink from Suzaku.

From the group emerged Tenko, chasing her bouncing ball and giggling joyfully. Michiru caught the ball and bounced it back to the blue haired girl. There was a tiny cheer from the likewise Lilliputian. "Will you play with me?" she asked, big blue eyes begging. Michiru gave a smile and nodded, kneeling on the ground to bounce the ball with her. Every once in a while she would accidentally miss the ball or drop it and make such a face that Tenko would nearly die with laughter. Her joy caught the attention of the other shiki and most had to smile at the adorable display. Kijin turned to Tsuzuki.

"Is she always like that with children?" he asked. Tsuzuki shook his head.

"I wouldn't know," he said, "we don't see children very much in meifu."

"This is what she was raised for," Hisoka said, "she was trained to be a mother before she was old enough to think about being one." Kijin seemed surprised.

"A groomsbride?" he said, "how do you know so much about her if she can't talk?" Hisoka frowned and turned away.

"Because I am the one she was supposed to marry," he said.

Michiru looked up after catching the ball, blushing as she realized she was being watched. Soryuu, off to the side, had a fond glint in his eye. After all, the girl, despite being terrified with him, was being so kind to his daughter... almost motherly. He may have had his differences with Tsuzuki's new partner (such as the total and utter destruction of his world and people) but the girl was someone he didn't mind. She had to have been the sanest human he'd ever met.

laustic

This is getting so good and I don't know, I just like the way Hisoka explained to the others about Michiru.

Editor

Now I've read that last chapter not only is this making more sense, but it's getting hotter, you have a geuine and sincere writing style that isn't difficult to get into, nor does it waste words and I'm liking how good you are at making this interesting. I still feel so sad for Michiru....and Hisoka too....gods how must he feel. Thanks for uploading, looking forward to more.

Jani_chan

Watching Hisoka from behind Tsuzuki, Michiru found herself curious about the process of finding a fitting shiki for a certain trainer. First, there was an odd ceremony-like gathering of what seemed to be Tsuzuki's more used Shiki; Touda, Soryuu and his ever-present children, Byakko, and Suzaku. Then they ran some tests, asking Hisoka for his birthdate and a few other things. He was best suited to a water shiki it seemed. Had Tsuzuki explained the different elements of shiki, or was she putting it together in head as she went along? It didn't really matter to her as she couldn't tell her birthdate. She couldn't tell anything. She wondered if there was a way to get the information without coming out and saying it.

When Hisoka disappeared without warning, she looked up at Tsuzuki in surprise but he was calm.

"You should really give some warning before you do that," he told his shiki. Soryuu gave him a look and he cowered slightly.

Jani_chan

Michiru looked away from the shiki, still unable to help the fact that she was terrified of him. To her surprise, she found herself facing Rikugo.

"Hello," he said, "you remember me, right?" She nodded. "Good, it's time for us to start." He motioned to the side, silently telling her to follow. She just stared. Rikugo looked at Tsuzuki. "Did you not tell her of her tests?" he asked. His master frowned.

"I don't like those tests," he said, "they're painful. And I don't see why you can't just use her birth date." Rikugo mirrored his frown.

"Unfortunatly, there are more factors than just the birth date to put into it," he said, "none of us know her well and without her input, it's impossible to tell."

"Still," Tsuzuki said, "isn't there any other way?" Rikugo shook his head. "But she's my friend. I don't want her to be in pain." The astrologer shiki looked at Michiru.

"You want a shiki, right?" he asked. She nodded. "It's either you take your tests, or talk, to get one. If you do neither, you cannot try for your own shiki." She frowned. She really wanted a shiki of her own. She started off in the direction he'd motioned, preparing herself for anything. The hallway was long, but soon she and the shikigami had reached a room filled with odd instruments and charts and things she'd never seen the like of before.

"This is where your tests will be taking place," he said, "just sit over there and we'll start in a few moments." He watched the young girl sit in a seat of metal plated in gold. "I warn you though," his tone turned somber, "Tsuzuki was right when he said that it hurt." Michiru clenched her fists and nodded, ready to do anything to be like Tsuzuki... no.... better than Tsuzuki. Was there any way to catch Hisoka's eye? No... his heart?

Jani_chan

When Hisoka returned, he was too displeased to notice that the only human waiting for him was Tsuzuki. The man was much easier to notice anyway what with Michiru always letting herself fade into the background. When Tsuzuki and Rikugo, who was waiting with the empath's partner, saw his new shiki, the ever boisterous Riko, they seemed piteous. He walked briskly away from them and toward... he didn't know where, he just wanted to think. He was too caught up in his thoughts to realize that if he stepped any harder, he'd be stomping like an angry child.

laustic

Cool, there's a couple of new posts! It's not good that Michiru is thinking of how she can get Hisoka. I just hope she doesn't do anything stupid like hurting Tsuzuki. As always this was great Smile

Editor

Than where's Michiru I wonder? Whoop!! Riko! Awww, Hisoka doesn't know how lucky he is to have Riko, Riko is so cool! lol nevermind 'Soka.

Jani_chan

A few days went by and every day, Hisoka went looking for a shiki that he felt would assist him properly. Tsuzuki was growing worried. Hisoka was a power hungry young shinigami and if he continued searching for shiki just for their power, then he would likely get hurt. His heart skipped a beat when he heard the empath asking Suzaku about Kurikara in the Fuuyu desert.

"You are not going to go after Kurikara!" He slammed his hands against the table, his amethyst eyes throwing out a warning. The empath jumped in surprise.

"I never said-" he began to argue.

"I know you better than anyone else," Tsuzuki said, "you wouldn't have asked to hear about it if you weren't interested." Hisoka couldn't hold in the grimace that appeared on his face.

laustic

"I know you better than anyone else."

God, that has to be one of my most favorite Tsusoka quotes. It's actually pretty cute how Hisoka denies the truthness of this statement. He'll eventually learn Smile

Thanks for posting this new chapter!

Jani_chan

(I don't have the books with me, so I've stopped completely following it at this point and am just trying to get the story going XD;;;; sorry for my impatience)

There was nothing Hisoka could say to him though, so he rushed away, out of the room and to the open grounds where a gentle breeze was swaying the plants all around. Riko was following him. They didn't stop until they were at the top of a cliff nearby Tenku. Hisoka sat, staring out silently. Riko eventually got bored and started to sing. Hisoka couldn't figure out where he'd gotten that tiny, cactus sized microphone, but he was too annoyed to argue. Tsuzuki may have been older, but he certainly didn't know everything. Why was it that when Hisoka didn't care less, he acted like his usual idiotic self, craving only food and attention, like a small child, but when something was important to Hisoka, he'd become serious and act like he knew everything!? It wasn't fair for him to act like that! It wasn't!!! He sighed, half listening to Riko's "singing".

"CAN YOU DIG IT!?" came the cactus's cry. The empath was too out of it to argue.

"Yeah," he said, though it more of a moan than a cheer. Riko gave him a look.

"C'mon, Hisoka," he said, "when you power down, I feel it too." The boy only sighed and looked away.

"Don't worry about it," he said, "you can't get much weaker than you are." He'd never seen a cactus pout, but he guessed he was seeing it now.

"That's so mean," he said, then his attention was averted, "Whatcha doin'?" he asked. Hisoka had unfolded a map and laid it out on the ground.

"I'm trying to figure out where the Fuuyuu desert is," he said, looking over the map on all fours, placing rocks he found on all the desert areas of the map. Riko let out a cry of surprise.

"Why would you wanna do that, amigo!?" he asked, "there's nothing there but sand and-"

"I want to meet Kurikara," Hisoka interupted, not liking the fact that everyone was telling him not to go there. "I will go and make him my shiki." Riko moved closer, looking at the map, then at Hisoka.

"What do you need him for?" he asked, "you've got me." he grinned at the blond, receiving only a disbelieving look in return. He frowned.

"So meeeaaannn," he said. Hisoka ignored him.

"I should probably start here," he said, pointing to one of the deserts, and then taking the rocks off of the map to look at it again. Riko looked at it too, then just sighed and smiled. His master was so stubborn.

"Well, I'll go too then..." he said. Hisoka looked at him for a moment before unzipping his backpack.

"Climb in here," he said, "it'll be easier for you to travel this way." Riko nodded with a grin and hopped in.

"Alrighty there, amigo!" he said as Hisoka pulled on the backpack, "we're off!" He folded up the map and looked out over the cliff at the world around him. This was going to take a while.

Without warning, the ground seemed to open up and he was swallowed without even the chance to cry out and was surrounded by some strange energy. It called him into all different directions, trying to pull him every which way at once. He became dizzy, not knowing which way was up or down. Then, all he knew was the blackness of his own mind as he fell into unconsciousness.

laustic

The Hisoka/Riko scene was so cute Smile

Jani_chan

Back in Tenku, Rikugo had sent Michiru to bed to rest from the most recent tests a few hours before. Now she sat up from the bed in a panic, sweating and gripping the sheets. Tears ran from her eyes unchecked as she rushed from the room. Were there anyone there to see her, they'd have known that she was terrified, despite the fact that she didn't make even the smallest of sounds as she tried to find somebody to tell. Though.... how would she tell them? She had to do something. She couldn't just sit there. She had no idea what had happened, but she somehow had felt Hisoka cry out. Where was he? What had happened? She could only remember visions of the small cactus called Riko, a bright light, the feeling of falling, then darkness. If Hisoka was hurt she could never forgive herself.

When she finally reached someone, sweat was dripping along her skin, hidden only by the tears still falling down her face. She'd run into Byakko, who was talking to Kijin. They were both shocked to see her, especially in such a state.

"What's wrong?" Byakko asked automatically, forgetting for a moment that she couldn't tell. For a moment she clutched her chest, staring at them. Without thought, she felt herself murmur something slightly, a mere whimper of a sound. But with the whimper came her power, striking out to show without vision exactly what she'd seen before waking. Kijin stepped back slightly, while Byakko fell back against the wall behind him, both with wide eyes. Her face was begging, pleading with them to do something to help Hisoka. The tiger slid down the wall, seemingly in shock. He'd been hit rather hard by her thoughts, having had much less ability to block her out. Kijin's mental shields had gone up only a moment before she'd resorted to using them, barely able to predict her. The blue haired shiki looked at the tiger.

"Can you stand?" he asked. Byakko's head turned slowly to him before nodding slightly, not very sure, but confirming anyway. "Good," he said, "I'm going to give the news." He hurried away. Michiru knelt on the floor, still sobbing, wondering of there was any way to help.

When Byakko regained himself, he tried to assist her back to her room, but she was more worried about Hisoka than sleep. She forced him to bring her to where Kijin had gone.

laustic

Well, we certainly can't accuse Michiru of caring too little. It is interesting that she can sense Hisoka, well, vaguely at least. I enjoyed reading this little piece quite a bit.

Jani_chan

Hisoka sat up quickly from his sleep with a gasp. His breath came hard in his chest, sweat pouring down his face. That dream... he hadn't had it in so long... where had it come from? Before he could really think about his dream, he noticed the area surrounding him. Everything was sand. No matter where he looked, that was all he saw. He lurched to his feet, looking into his backpack, then around himself, terror causing bile to rise up in his chest.

"Riko!?" he called, "Riko!!! Where are you!?!?" He jumped into the air, lifting from the sand to search for the cactus shiki. They must have been separated by the--- whatever it was that brought them there. It must have been a worm hole. He cursed under his breath. He'd thought that having the small shiki in his backpack would make it easier to keep track of him. Now he was stuck in some desert all alone. As he thought the last word, he nearly choked. Alone.
"Riko!!" he called again, heart beginning to pound again, "Riko!! Where are you!?!?"

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

Tsuzuki was with several shiki and Michiru, though she wasn't paying much attention to the things around her. She seemed lost within her own mind, stuck in thoughts that she could never tell them. Every now and then she would put her hands over her ears as though to block out a loud noise, but everyone close to her was near whispering, and when they stopped talking, one's ears would ring do to the silence. Byakko looked at Tsuzuki.

"What is her connection to Hisoka?" he asked, "how is it that she knows something's wrong with him even before our computers and powers? And I have the feeling that she has an idea of where he is.... or at least what he's feeling right now." He peered at the man with curious eyes. Tsuzuki nodded.

"I'm not really sure of it myself," he said, "but it seems to be because of her ESP. She's connected herself to his emotions somehow. She's always known how he feels, even before he does sometimes. But she only seems to do anything about it when she thinks he'll get himself into trouble. Though... he doesn't pay her much mind, really. Not since she first came to us..." he stopped talking, his heart still breaking apart with fear for the boy they spoke of. He was so worried that he felt his stomach twisting within him. He chewed on his bottom lip. Kijin pressed a hand to his master's shoulder.

"We'll find him, Tsuzuki," he said, "I'm sure of it." Tsuzuki gave a small, and rather forced, smile of thanks, his amethyst eyes swimming in barely restrained tears.

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

Hisoka hit the ground in a temple as the sun began to fade. "Riko!" His voice held an edge from calling out so much in such dry air for so long. "Riko!" There was a crumbling movement behind him and he spun. "Riko!?" It was a small rock, crumbling from the wall and hitting the ground. His heart wanted to break. He slumped to the ground, sitting in the sand with his jacket wrapping around him. He'd never imagined it being cold in the desert, but it was getting very chilly. He wrapped his jacket tightly around himself, shivering slightly. Being alone had never bothered him before. Of course, when he was younger, he'd create friends to play with, imaginary people who wouldn't hurt him with their non-existent emotions, who he could be happy to laugh with. But now that he'd had people around him who cared about him, who were careful with their emotions, he wanted them back. He wanted to be with Riko, who may have been annoying, but he was someone to talk to, someone who cared about Hisoka, however overzealous he was. The empath shook his head, feeling the pressure behind his eyes that usually meant tears. Dammit! He wasn't a little kid! This wasn't something to cry about!! He shivered again as he leaned his chin onto his knees. Nothing to cry about......

laustic

Tsuzuki's concern for Hisoka is always so endearing to read. And I liked how worried Hisoka is for Riko. Riko may get on his nerves sometimes but we all know that deep down Hisoka does care. Another great read! Thanks for posting Smile

Jani_chan

((Rar! Got a new job and life is getting in the way at the moment, but I'm really trying! Though I don't know if anyone still comes here anymore T-T Our poor forum... so lonely T-T))

laustic

I what you mean about real life getting in the way Sad

I still come here often but no one seems to be posting anymore.

Jani_chan

(haven't typed in ages, sorry if it's awkward)

When Hisoka awoke, he found himself moving. Was this a camel? He stared around himself, the wide desert surrounding in a vast sea of sand. "Where am I?" he wondered aloud, "where are we going...?"

"We are headed for Kurikara's temple," said a voice, the camel's head turning to look at him.

"HISOKA!!" cried an overly enthusiastic voice, "YOU'RE AWAKE!!!" Hisoka blinked. A talking cactus. He tried to push away, surprise overcoming him.

"A-a talking cactus!?" he exclaimed, "and camel!? What's going---" then he remembered where he was. "Oh... Riko." His heart swelled. He'd finally found him. Of course... he would never tell this to the plant shiki. He'd never hear the end of it. Somehow the thought reminded him of Tsuzuki and he inwardly shook himself, scolding his own mind for such thoughts. He was supposed to be angry with Tsuzuki! "Did you say that we were going to Kurikara's temple?" he asked. The camel nodded slowly.

"You did say that you wanted to go there, right?" it asked. Hisoka thought about this.

"That's what you came here to do, right?" asked Riko. The empath nodded.

"It is," he said, "I... didn't actually expect I'd get this far... especially not so soon... but it's what I said I'd do... and I'll do it." And they rode on.
~~~~
After a time, they came to a temple, broken down and worn with much age, it looked like something from a book, as though it shouldn't be seen by his own eyes. He climbed off of the camel.

"From here there is no turning back," the camel said, looking Hisoka in the eye, "are you sure about this?" The blond nodded.

"I am," he said. Riko grinned.

"You're so stubborn, Hisoka," he said, "but... I'm with you!" Hisoka almost grinned at this, but held it in, turning toward the temple. He could feel the power radiating from the building itself, revealing that the being within was a great one indeed. He began to make his way toward the door.

"Halt!" cried a voice. To the side there was a large broadsword, floating several feet in the air. "Master Kurikara is busy smithing! He is not to be disturbed!" Hisoka stared for a moment.

"A smithy?" he murmured to himself. Apparently the sword heard.

"Of course!" it cried, its voice annoyingly loud, "my master has created the greatest swords in all of history! Likewise, he created myself to get rid of rodents like you who mean to bother him!" Hisoka realized right then what the sword had planned.

"Wait!" he said, "I'm not here for trouble! If you want me to wait I will!" but the sword wasn't listening. It flew at him, its rather blunt point looking particularly deadly in the glinting desert sun. He stepped back, not ready for this at all. He cried out in surprise, but then, in a swirl of dust, the sword was stopped. There before Hisoka knelt the being the power was emanating from and he knew without question that this was Kurikara. But at the same time, he couldn't believe it.

"I don't remember asking you to do this," said the shiki in a commanding tone. the sword's voice stammered.

"I-I'm sorry!" he stuttered, "I was just-"

"Go away," Kurikara ordered, and almost immediately, the sword disappeared into the temple.

"What the heck!?" he cried as the miniature shiki stood straight, not even reaching the height of Hisoka's own shoulders. "A kid!?" The small face immediately changed from contemplating to displeased.

"If you automatically judge by appearances you are really a child," he said to Hisoka, "now what do you want?" Hisoka frowned at what he said, but brought himself up to his full height, which may have been shorter than Tsuzuki, but he was still taller than Kurikara, despite the fact that meant nil on power level.

"I'm here to challenge you," he said, "to be my shiki." There was no response at first, then Kurikara sighed.

"And here I thought that there wouldn't be any more of you people," he said, "you'd better head back the way you came then." Hisoka's jaw dropped in displeasure.

"You're not even going to give me a chance!?" he cried. Kurikara barely even paused.

"I don't like humans," he said, "if you want to live, just go back." Hisoka rushed after him, reaching for his shoulder.

"I've come here to challenge you!" he said, "be a man and answer my challenge you bastard!" Before he even knew it, the diminutive form had turned and his body was overcome with a horrendous pain that made it impossible to even cry out.

laustic

That was fantastic! I really do love how you're blending canon material into your fic. I think it always adds an interesting twist.

Jani_chan

(lol! It's mostly because I remember little bits and pieces, but not all of it. Thank you though. Glad it's going well so far.)

Miles away, two crow tengu, the very ones who had let Hisoka, Tsuzuki, and Michiru into the imaginary world. They both turned as they felt the crushing power of Kurikara through the air. They stare in the direction it had come from.

"I wish I could say I'd imagined that," said the on with the white hair, Kotaro. Kojiro shook his head and ruffled his wings.

"I have a bad feeling," was all he said. In a silent agreement, they both headed toward Kurikara's desert prison, worry heavy on their hearts. "Miko asked us to make sure that he stayed safe..."
~~~~~~~

laustic

I don't have much to say, but as always this was very good and I enjoyed reading it alot.

Jani_chan

Kurikara stared down at the immobile human child curled on the ground at his feet. "You lived," he said, sounding mildly surprised and slightly impressed, "your defenses are much more advanced than I thought. But look what I've done to you. Your wounds will rot and decay on your bones and you will go insane from the pain. When it all goes to its very worst, then you will die. Or that's how it could happen. I might as well kill you now and keep you from your own insanity." He waved a hand and his sword reappeared. "Kill him," he said. With barely a reply, the sword sung through the air toward Hisoka, but without warning, there was Riko.

"NOOO!" the cactus screamed, but was then cut off. Hisoka's head lifted just in time to see the cactus's form flattening to the ground, water splashing him in the eyes and face, getting him soaked. His hat fell near Hisoka as the screaming ended. The empath was in shock. He stared at the hat for a moment, deaf to Kurikara's words.

"That idiot," the shiki was saying, "thinking that he could protect you from me. Such a low level shiki couldn't have a hope against me. What was he thinking?" He lifted his hand to order another attack.

"Stay away from him!!" came a commanding voice from the air. Kurikara looked up to see two crows.

"Crows?" the small shiki said, "are you here to bother me as well?"

"We are here for the child!" The one with the white hair called at him.

Hisoka had taken up Riko's hat, his insides boiling. His mind was leaving him. The pain was making his wounds numb. His burning green eyes looked up at Kurikar, deaf, blind, senseless to everything but him. Someone was screaming. Was that him? Was it him screaming in that anguished voice? He was moving, charging the shiki, his only thoughts on causing him pain. But then it all stopped, the white haired crow having caught him, hitting him hard.

"I am sorry, Hisoka," said the winged tengu, "this is for your own good." Hisoka's anger, pain, anguish, everything faded away into blackness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

laustic

Oooh, this is very good!

Jani_chan

Michiru woke, back at Tenku, sweating and crying. Nobody was there. But she felt detached. She'd felt like this before, but in her tiredness she couldn't figure out why she felt like the world had fallen out from beneath her feet. She stood weakly and wandered from the room. Why did everything seem so quiet? Was she really awake? There was practically no sound anywhere. Tenku's palace had never been a loud place, not unless there were multiple shiki in one area. But there had always been bird song, and the occasional servant to Soryuu walking around and doing their duties. But there was nothing at all today.

She walked for what seemed like ages before she came to a room with the door open. Looking in, she found herself looking at the blue haired guardian of the north, just setting down some papers he'd been looking at and rubbing the bridge of his nose. This time, because he wasn't looking her directly in the eye perhaps... or maybe because he wasn't looking at her at all... she wasn't afraid of him. She watched him for a moment before her vision darkened and blurred. Her eyes were suddenly seeing a deck that overlooked a forest. Soryuu, wearing something completely different from before, was looking out over the land with a sad face. Without warning, a knife appeared in his back and he fell to the floor, pain and shock on his face. Without being able to control herself, she cried out, even as she came out of the vision to see the startled shiki before her with his papers. She rushed forward, crying again.

"MASTER!!" she shrieked, tossing herself forward to hug his waist, "please don't die!!" She was sobbing enough to hinder her breathing, while the dragon shiki was too surprised to do anything but stare at her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

laustic

OMG, I can't believe you left us hanging like this! Please update soon.

Jani_chan

When Hisoka awoke, he was in an unfamiliar place. For whatever reason, he felt as though he was high above the ground. The thought was swept away however as pain suddenly blotted out his mind, body burning and stinging. He shrieked in pain, unable to even feel fear. He twisted and writhed, trying to get away from whatever it was hurting him. He fell out of the bed he lay in, but whatever was hurting him followed, beneath his very skin. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to get his mind to think of something other than pain. Anything. His cries became words, though he had no idea what they were. His conscious mind was buried by the unconscious, nightmares revealing themselves in his wakeful state. Hands reached for him and he jerked away, only making the intensity of his torture become racking agony. There were too many voices around him for him to concentrate on anything, his mind was going to explode, his body ready to melt into any surface it was touching, the pain too much to bear. Soon, he was gone again, mind sending him back into that blessed blackness and numbness that made his cries fade away to nothing.

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

(rather short... gotta hit the hay -_-)

laustic

Wow! The imagery here is quite vivid and so much like a nightmare. You really got how lost and probably scared Hisoka is.

Jani_chan

In Kurikara’s palace stood the blue haired dragon Soryuu and the worried eyed figure of Tsuzuki beside him. They’d hated coming to the fire dragon, even if it was for Hisoka, but Tsuzuki was determined to go to the ends of everything for the boy, be it in the living world, Meifu, or the imaginary world within the internet. Soryuu didn’t like this, as he didn’t like Hisoka at all, but Tsuzuki was his master, and as much as he disliked it, he had to listen. Kurikara was ridding his front door of a pair of bloody wings that looked frighteningly like crow’s wings. Tsuzuki saw them and his brows furrowed without thought.

“You’d better not have done anything to the gate guardians!!” He threatened, forgetting for the moment that his threat was completely empty. The black haired dragon turned, looking at them.

“Soryuu,” he said, tilting his head to the side, as he completely ignored the human at his side, “long time no see.” Soryuu solemnly nodded, noting every change in his mortal enemy.

“Your hair has gotten longer,” he observed aloud, ignoring Tsuzuki’s complaining about his topic of conversation. His mind was emptied of thoughts of the man’s young mute companion as he saw that the other dragon’s hair would drag over the ground if he let it down, and it shone like darkened lacquer in the hot desert sun. The other dragon grinned widely.

“It has,” he said, a hint of gloating in every motion. He knew what Tsuzuki didn’t. For a dragon, the hair was the symbol of power; the longer, healthier, and shinier the hair, the more powerful the dragon. How much power had Kurikara gained in his years of exile and imprisonment? Silently, they tested at each other, their draconic powers each pushing at the others mental and physical shields, the fight unseen by the human who had accompanied Soryuu. The unseen battle stopped when Tsuzuki’s voice broke the silence.

“Where’s Hisoka!?” he demanded, less fierce than he’d meant to be, seeming more worried than anything else. Kurikara shrugged.

“The boy?” he said, now seeming less cocky, more annoyed, “I wouldn’t know, he was chased out a while ago.” Tsuzuki’s eyes widened.

“Chased?” he near choked out. Kurikara was a cruel creature, so the shinigami’s heart was threatening to burst with the fear in his chest. Kurikara waved a hand in the air, choosing not to say anything more on the topic. Soryuu frowned and turned away.

“He’s not here, Tsuzuki,” he said, “let’s go.” He began to stride away, but Kurikara spoke up as he did.

“Leaving already?” he asked, though it sounded more like a statement, “aren’t we mortal enemies, sworn to be at one another’s throats for all eternity?” Soryuu ignored him, continuing away as Tsuzuki begged him to stay, wanting more information from the shiki. With a growl, the smaller dragon shiki changed his tactics. “Are you going to fix these wormholes? Or can’t you figure out how? Let me guess, you’ve been asking your ‘god’ for help with them? This so called ‘hero of the imaginary world’? How do you even know that he’s real?” At this, Soryuu turned around, nearly knocking Tsuzuki to the floor.

“How dare you—” he began, but Kurikara was still talking.

“I mean, after all, he is a god,” he said, “with all of his power, he should be able to fix all of these problems without much effort, right?” Soryuu’s growl of anger was less animalistic and more the growl of an immortal creature that was so close to god that they’d touched hands.

“HOW DARE YOU INSULT THE GREAT GOD OF OUR WORLD!!?!?” he was ready to fight now, his power crackling around him in his anger. Now Tsuzuki was fighting to keep him away from the other shiki. They stared each other down until Tsuzuki resorted to his final option.

“Soryuu!!” he yelled, his voice more demanding than it had been in a long while, “I command you to stand down!” The shiki’s power faded and he looked disgusted as he did as he was told. Kurikara made a face.

“The great Soryuu,” he said, “turned into this… I have no business with you. Leave.” He turned and began to walk away. Tsuzuki looked at him.

“Kurikara,” he said, his eyes softening. The shiki turned slightly.

“I still refuse to be your shiki, if that’s what you wish to ask,” he said. Tsuzuki shook his head.

“Why did you start the war?” he asked. The shiki paused for only a moment before continuing his walk away.

“Leave,” he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

laustic

That was awesome ^_^ I enjoy every minute of this fic and I can't wait for the next part.

Jani_chan

When Tsuzuki and Soryuu returned to Tenku, they found Byakko waiting for them, looking distressed. Tsuzuki was the first to speak.

“What’s wrong?” he asked as soon as they were close enough to talk normally.

“Michiru’s gone,” Byakko said, his tone grim. Both shinigami and shiki’s brows furrowed at this, confusion and worry becoming stronger.

“I thought she was sleeping?” Tsuzuki asked. Byakko shook his head.

“She was found before wandering the halls,” Byakko nodded at Soryuu, remembering that it was him who’d found her and called for servants to bring her back to bed saying that she seemed ill. What he didn’t know was the fact that she’d spoken or how she’d addressed Soryuu. The dragon shiki hadn’t told anyone. He’d assumed that she was half asleep, walking with her eyes closed and something had triggered her outburst. Maybe instead of seeing him she truly did see an old master? He mentally shook himself out of his thoughts as the tiger shiki continued, “and when we brought her back to her room she was crying and seemed about ready to scream, but… Michiru never screams, so of course she wouldn’t. The servant who’d led her to bed went off for some help, not knowing what to do. But when I followed her back, Michiru was gone. We’ve had the servants search Tenku, but there’s nowhere she could be.” Tsuzuki wrung his hands for a moment.

“You’re sure?” he asked, his voice wobbling ever so slightly. Byakko nodded.

“We think she’s going after Hisoka,” he said.

laustic

Excellant work! I love the impact the short chapters tend to have. It makes everything so exciting.

Jani_chan

Wandering aimlessly, Michiru had no idea where she was going or what she was doing. She had no sense of herself at all, her mind a confused fog of memories and thoughts that she couldn't decipher. Was she in a forest? Were there any buildings around her? She had no idea. All she knew was that she was walking far and long, following a swiftly breaking thread as fast as her tired body would let her.

Flying overhead was a large bird… or was it? White hair and beautifully tanned skin were attached to the crow’s wings and long sleeves billowed out from the empty arms as the tengu flew his fastest in the direction that Michiru had come from. Her mind only half registered him, the invisible pull from who knows where still too strong for her usually small attention span to be caught.

The tengu flew as though Kurikara himself chased him, though the rest of the sky was empty, even of clouds. He focused on a spot in the distance. The spot that was the largest city in the imaginary world, where Soryuu and the twelve resided within Tenku. He knew that was where he would find Tsuzuki, the partner of the boy he'd saved. Of course, he had yet to hear from his brother, which made him worried as well, but after being chased by that damned sword for so long and then delivering the young shinigami to his elders, he'd received orders to go tell whomever it was who was to look after the boy. Tsuzuki needed to know where the empath was. Despite his orders, he burned to search for Kojiro, his darker, quieter half.

When he finally reached Tenku, he found that it looked mostly empty, yet the building itself was emitting an angry hum, disliking the course of events that had come to light. Following the sound, he was able to locate a servant who told him where he could find Tsuzuki and his shiki. They were in an inner chamber where there was a meeting room that had gone long unused until this day. They were fighting over what to do next. Tsuzuki was focused on Hisoka, bringing up Michiru only when he needed the extra leverage for his argument. Kotaro wasn't surprised at this. He had a far stronger bond with the green eyed youth than he did with the silent girl. Right as he entered the room, eyes turned to him, some angry, some surprised.

“I can bring you to Hisoka,” he said before he could be questioned. Tsuzuki stood, but Soryuu growled.

“We have more important things than that boy,” he said, glaring at the tengu who'd dared mention that child whom he hated so. Tsuzuki turned and glared at him in return.

“Hisoka may be none of your concern,” he said, “but he is mine!” He rushed from his seat, ready to follow the bird to the ends of the imaginary world for the empath. Kotaro, only too glad to have someone willing to rush with him, turned and left in a flutter of feathers. Soryuu threw down an ink block with a roar, sending several servants scurrying. The shiki scattered, some wanting to follow Tsuzuki, others going out to investigate the wormholes that were popping up like mad all around them.

laustic

I'm thrilled with Tsuzuki's reaction to Soryuu's "We have more important things than that boy." I love how vocal he is for his concern over Hisoka.

Jani_chan

Tsuzuki followed the crow without a word, looking straight ahead, not caring where the was at all. Of course, without warning, Kotaro slowed down. Tsuzuki glared at him without realizing it.

“What is it?” he demanded. Kotaro pointed downward.

“Look,” he said. The small treeless clearing where he was directing his attention held the thin body that could just barely be recognized as Michiru. Tsuzuki cursed slightly and made his way to the ground. He wanted to go after Hisoka, but he couldn’t just leave Michiru behind. Kotaro frowned. “We can bring her with us,” he said, “my people won’t be happy, but they will live.” Tsuzuki nodded as he lifted her off of the ground and moved into the air again. The girl was out cold, her face pale and lips blue as though she’d been walking through the snow or had drowned herself, though there was no body of water anywhere near the area and it was a quite warm day.

laustic

Oooh, this is getting strange (in a good way of course!).

Jani_chan

"My people will care for her," Kotaro said, "we'd better hurry..." Tsuzuki bit his lip and nodded, suddenly feeling terribly worried for Hisoka. When something was so wrong with Michiru, that usually translated to something being wrong with Hisoka. The shinigami and tengu flew fast as they could, Tsuzuki clinging to the young woman who was shivering in his arms. Soon, the nest was in sight... though the nest was only a term for a village... a very large village...

laustic

Oh awesome update! Late is better than never Smile

The Sequel of “If Life Followed To Death”

I'm finally continuing xp