User blog:Akasha1908/Ikutachi X Barbatos: Episode 4 (Tales from the AGG Mansion)

Barbatos lay with Rhongomiant in his arms, unable to sleep for the guilt eating away at his heart. Luckily for Barbatos, the sleeping Anima was no fool. What they’d just done had nothing to do with love or relationships, and Rhongomiant knew that. It did not, however, change the horrible, gut-wrenching remorse Barbatos felt for what they’d done.

As gently as possible, Barbatos extricated himself from Rhongomiant’s embrace. He sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair. Despite his anger towards Ikutachi, he couldn’t help but be worried about him. Those bruises on his wrist, the fear he’d seen in his eyes the moment Rhongomiant pointed them out; something was definitely wrong. Had Yukimura done that to him? If so, he’d slit the Divina’s throat…

He sighed in frustration. Why had he been so quick to throw him out? He should have listened to what Ikutachi had to say, but his anger had been so raw and intense that he’d let it get the best of him. In hindsight, he wished he’d at least found out where those bruises had come from. Angry as he was, he didn’t wish to see Ikutachi physically hurt.

“What’s the matter?”   Rhongomiant asked sleepily. He’d slid over to where he sat, placing a kiss on Barbatos’ bare hip.

“Nothing.”   He said with a forced smile. “I can’t seem to sleep is all.”

“Hmm, I have a feeling it’s more than that.”   Rhongomiant sat up, sliding a hand up Barbatos’ bare back. His fingertips lingered on his neck, playing with the hair at Barbatos’ nape. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’d rather not.”   Barbatos replied honestly.

“Then perhaps I can take your mind off whatever it is that’s bothering you.”   Rhongomiant climbed onto Barbatos lap; straddling his waist. “I will help you forget whatever thoughts are plaguing you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant leaned forward, placing a kiss on his cheek. When Barbatos didn’t resist, he continued. Each kiss was light as a feather; soft yet filled with the promise of something more. Barbatos could feel himself slip under Rhongomiant’s spell; his anticipation building until their lips finally met. Barbatos ran both hands up the Anima’s back, pulling him forward and deepening the kiss. Gripping the Anima tightly, Barbatos lifted him up and laid him gently on the bed. For a while, he was lost in the moment. Rhongomiant had that affect. He was beautiful and enticing, and he had an experience that few of Barbatos’ past lovers never had. In fact, he was almost as good as Ikutachi…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             And just like that, the moment was shattered. Barbatos broke their kiss, releasing Rhongomiant at once. He stumbled away from the bed, leaving the Anima breathless and wanting.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What’s wrong?”   Rhongomiant asked, reaching out for Barbatos.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I-I can’t do this.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I think it’s a bit late for that.”   Rhongomiant replied, his tone a mixture of frustration and mild amusement.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I know.”   Barbatos replied, running both hands down his face. “And I’m sorry for that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Shall I leave then?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos hesitated. “No, I’ll go.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But this is your room.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, I know, but it would be too cruel to send you away like this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant sighed, standing to his feet. “Well, I have to admit this is a first. I’ve never been kicked out of a lover’s bed before. And in the middle of the night at that.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I feel terrible, Rhongo. Please forgive me. I didn’t mean for things to turn out like this. I really like you, it’s just…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant held up his hand. “There’s no need to explain anything to me, Barbatos. I knew what this was when you approached me.”   He walked over to him, standing on his tip toes and placing a kiss on his cheek. “If I gave you even a moment’s worth of peace, then I have no regrets.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos watched as Rhongomiant dressed; unable to think of a single thing to say. He’d used him, but despite that, the Anima thought no less of him. Just as he was about to leave, Barbatos stopped him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Thank you for understanding, Rhongomiant.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">               “There’s no need to thank me.”   He replied, smiling sadly. “But if I may, I’d like to say something before I leave.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Sure, anything.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Go to him. Whatever it is you think you can’t forgive, it means nothing. You love him, and no matter how hard you try to fight or forget him, you will fail. Especially since he loves you, too.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You’re wrong.”   Barbatos snickered softly. “He’s made it very clear he holds no love for me.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Then he lied. Any fool can see he adores you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I don’t see it, and I assure you there is no bigger fool in the world than I.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Rhongomiant laughed softly. “Trust me, Barbatos. Iku-san loves you.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “How can you be so sure?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He stared at Barbatos, his blue gaze filled with longing. “Because it’s impossible not to love you.”   Rhongomiant pulled open the door. “Take care, Barbatos. I wish you both nothing but happiness.”   And with that, he left the room.

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">_________________________________________

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Mira made her way towards the Master’s private kitchen, humming softly to herself. She was always the first daemon up in the mornings. Since she was the one who ensured the household never got too out of control, it was her job to see that each day got off to the right start. Part of that was making sure her Master had a fresh cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Master Akasha slept on the far side of the mansion; at the point furthest away from where the daemons slept. She didn’t want her daemons to feel like they were children in need of supervision, so she sought to give them their own privacy while maintaining her own. And since it did get crazy on the daemon side of the house from time to time, the arrangement seemed to work wonderfully for both parties.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Mira was walking past the Phantom wing of the house when she caught sight of a hand poking just outside its main door. She paused a moment; first calling out to whoever it might be. When there was no answer, she went to investigate. She pulled open the door, gasping loudly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Iku!”   She cried, dropping to her knees beside him. “Are you alright?! Can you hear me?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             She shook him gently, her heart sinking when she felt his ice cold skin. She pressed her head to his chest, sighing in relief at the faint sound of his heartbeat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Help! She screamed. “Someone help me!”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">*

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi could hear Mira screaming; hear the fear in her voice. Was he the cause of her fear? He wanted tell her to calm down, but it was too much trouble to speak. He was tired. So very tired.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             His heart hurt. He ached in every part of his body right down to the bones. Was this what a broken heart did to a person? If so, why on earth would anyone be foolish enough to fall in love? He wanted it to stop. The pain. The sadness. He needed to find a way to purge all these newfound feelings of his. He wanted to be the free and emotionless vessel he’d been before Bar…   He mentally choked on the name. If he had the energy, he would have laughed. He couldn’t even think of his name without feeling like someone was ripping out his heart.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Stop.”   He whispered weakly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh thank, God!”   Mira cried. There were tears in her eyes as she pulled him into her lap. “Hang on, Iku. Help will come!”   She was rubbing his arms trying to get him warm. “Have you been here all night?! What happened?! Who did this to you?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Make it stop.”   Ikutachi whispered again. His vision was blurred by the tears building in his eyes. He groaned weakly, wondering how he could possibly have any tears left after all the crying he’d done.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Make what stop?”   Mira asked, wiping away the tears running down his face. “Tell me and I swear I’ll do whatever I can.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             When he didn’t respond, she screamed for help again, but still no one came.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Iku, I’m going to have to leave you to get help!”   She was panicked, her voice shaking with terror.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No.”   Ikutachi whispered, grabbing her hand to keep her from leaving. “Stay. Don’t leave me alone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Please.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">               “O-okay.”   She conceded. “But let’s at least try to get you to your room. Do you think you can stand?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No! Don’t take me back there!”   He wheezed, trying desperately to escape her grasp.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Ok ok, calm down.”   She held him tightly, trying to comfort him as best she could. “I promise I won’t take you there, but I need to get you out of this hallway. You’re ice cold and practically naked.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Mira looked up and down the corridor. She looked like she wanted to scream for help again, but, to his surprise, she didn’t. Instead she climbed to her feet and set about lifting him up.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Where are you taking me?”   He asked, unable to resist her help.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Somewhere safe, just hang on.”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">_________________________________________

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             The entire house was in a quiet uproar when Barbatos finally made his way downstairs. He caught sight of Sasuke and Sazio, and decided to ask them what was going on.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Hey, what’s going on?”   He asked the two of them.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s bad, dude.”   Saizo said, biting his thumb nail. “Mira found Ikutachi this morning half dead in the hallway. Not sure what happened, but from the sounds of it, he’s really sick. Like, might not make it, sick.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos was stunned silent. He reached out for the nearby wall, his knees nearly buckling.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">               “Master is with him now.”   Sasuke added. “She even called for Professor Yata. It has to be something terrible if he is here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Where is Iku now?”   Barbatos managed to get out.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “He’s in Master Akasha’s room.”   Saizo replied. “Mira managed to get him there all by herself. Strong little thing. Apparently, he didn’t want to go back to his room. Something about…   Hey where are you going?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos was moving the moment Saizo told him where Ikutachi was. How had he become so ill? When he’d seen him last night, he appeared fine. Was this related to the bruising on his wrists?

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After thinking over Rhongomiant’s words for the remainder of the night, Barbatos had decided to talk to Ikutachi. If there was any merit to what his friend had said, then Barbatos owed it to both himself and Ikutachi to try again. But now…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Fear gripped him as he made his way to Master Akasha’s room. He shouldn’t have been on that side of the mansion without permission, but he was beyond caring. He needed to see Ikutachi. As he approached his Master’s room, he saw Mira talking to Pioneering Medic. The glasses-wearing Divina was the mansion’s on site physician.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Barbatos, what are you doing here?”   Mira exclaimed, blocking the door. “You know you’re not supposed to be…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Get out of the way.”   Barbatos said, cutting her off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Keep your voice down!”   She snapped, standing her ground in front of the doorway. “Iku’s resting and Master says no visitors!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Get out of the way!”   He repeated.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Her eyes widened for a moment, and he could sense her hesitation, but it was not enough to make her move. “I can’t let you in. Not without Master’s permission. Plus, we don’t know what’s wrong with him. He could be contagious. Do you want to get sick, too?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Mira, I’m going to ask you to move one more time. If you refuse, then I’ll move you myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos could hear the harshness in his tone, but there was nothing for it. Mira took a step back, exchanging looks with the medic.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I think we best do as he asks.”   The medic said. “I don’t really see any harm at this point. Ikutachi won’t last much longer. We might as well start bring everyone in to say there goodbyes.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             His heart stopped. He felt it. For a full 5 seconds it didn’t beat. Barbatos pushed past the two female daemons, bursting through the doors to Master Akasha’s room. His eyes immediately went to where Ikutachi lay. Sitting on the bed to his left was Master Akasha; Professor Yata standing at her side. His Master looked down at her watch, then back up at him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You’re late.”   She said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’m sorry, I was…”   He stopped, blinking in confusion. “Wait, what? How did you know I was coming?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I know everything that goes on in this house.”   She replied matter-of-factly. “Professor, this is Barbatos. He is Ikutachi’s lover.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Barbatos. I am sorry it had to be under such terrible circumstances.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos nodded in response, but he couldn’t focus on anything but Ikutachi’s pale form lying completely still on the bed.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What’s happened to him?”   He asked, moving immediately to Ikutachi’s side.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “We’re not entirely sure.”   His master replied. “But Professor Yata here has come up with a plausible cause for his current condition.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s just speculation really.”   The professor said.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Tell me.”   Barbatos insisted.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Professor Yata exchanged looks with Master Akasha before answering. “I wish there was an easier way to say this, but we are beyond hope at this point. Ikutachi is dying.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “That’s not possible.”   Babartos replied in a hushed voice. “I just saw him last night. He was perfectly fine!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Professor Yata sighed heavily. “Then whatever happened occurred after you saw him. About what time was that?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Uh, around 1:30 am, I think.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I was afraid of this. He’s deteriorating more rapidly that I thought.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Did something happen between you two?”   Master Akasha asked. “Did you do something that might have brought this on?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Of course not! I would never hurt Iku. Now tell me what’s happening to him!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Again, we’re not sure.”   Professor Yata emphasized. “But it appears that his life force his draining from his body.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Then stop it.”   Barbatos commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “It’s not that simple.”   Master Akasha interjected. “There is no physical damage to his body; internal or external. There’s no bleeding to stop and no wound to stitch. Whatever is going on is happening because of Ikutachi. He is the only one who can stop it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “He’s doing this to himself? What the hell for?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “That’s what we’ve been trying to figure out.”   Master Akasha continued. “He was still partially conscious when Mira brought him here. He kept saying ‘make it stop’ over and over before he lost consciousness.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">   “I cannot say this for certain.”   Professor Yata added. “But I believe Ikutachi has experienced some sort of physical or emotional trauma that he cannot, or will not, process. He’s essentially lost the will to exist, and, whether intentional or not, he is letting himself die.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But if we know what is wrong.”   Barbatos said frantically. “Then surely we can figure out a way to help him stop it”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “There was one option.”   Master Aksaha replied. “But the problem is time. We were going to ask the Elixir of Life for help, but she is currently out on a crew assist. At the rate Ikutachi is fading, she will not be able to make it back in time to save him.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “There has to be something else!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “There is nothing else, Barbatos.”   Professor Yata replied solemnly. “At this point we’d have to figure out a way to replace the life force he is losing. From what Aka tells me, there are no daemons in her employ capable of doing such a thing. If I were you, I would spend what time you can with…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Succubus!”   Akasha exclaimed suddenly, cutting off the professor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What?”   Barbatos and Professor Yata asked in unison.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I can’t believe I didn’t think of her sooner! Don’t you see, she is a daemon solely in the business of life forces?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “True.”   Barbatos replied in confusion. “But I thought she only consumed them.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Professor Yata cupped his chin thoughtfully. “You may be on to something, Aka. If the succubus is capable of removing a life force, then it can be assumed she is capable of replacing it.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But you have not claimed Succubus.”   Barbatos reminded his Master.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes, but my sister Joruri has! She’s close enough that this could work. I’ll go and bring Succubus back here.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I’ll go with you.”   Barbatos said quickly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “No.”   She replied. “Stay here with him. Just in case.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “But…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Your master is right.”   Professor Yata said in agreement. “We need to give Ikutachi something to hold onto here in the physical world. I believe you are the anchor he needs. I will go with her instead.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Master Akasha smiled reassuringly at them both, then hurried from the room. Professor Yata stepped forward, placing his hand on Barbatos’ shoulder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “You must reach him. Keep him with us as long as you can.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “I will.”   Barbatos replied firmly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Professor Yata nodded once, then left the room as well. Once they were alone, Barbatos sat on the bed. He looked down at Ikutachi’s pale face, gently stroking his cheek.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Iku, can you hear me?”   He took Ikutachi’s hand, bringing it to his lips and placing a chaste kiss on his knuckles. “Whatever it is you’re feeling; whatever it is you think you can’t handle, I’m here now. We can figure it out together, but first you have to come back to me.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">He laid down in the bed next to Ikutachi, gently pulling him into his arms. His breathing was shallow and his eyes remained closed. Barbatos didn’t have to be a doctor to know that the professor was right. Ikutachi would not last much longer. Barbatos had to figure out a way to keep his beloved with him…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Do you remember the first time we met?”   He began, hoping Ikutachi could at least hear his words. “It was the night of a full moon, and you were outside barefoot in the snow. I asked you why you were there; do you remember what you said?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Barbatos waited, not really expecting a response, but hoping one would come. After a few moments he started again.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You said you were speaking to the moon and told me to leave you alone. I know you don’t believe me, but I honestly didn’t mean to laugh. Your answer was just so unexpected that I couldn’t stop myself. I remember asking what the two of you were talking about, but instead of responding, you just walked away.”   Barbatos frowned. “Now that I think about it, I’m pretty sure you knew I was going to chase you. In fact, I think I knew that you knew.”   He chuckled softly. “Luckily, I didn’t care. I wanted you too much to worry about things like pride or vanity.”   Barbatos placed a kiss on the top of Ikutachi’s head, inhaling the scent of his silken hair. “You were so beautiful that night; the way your skin glowed in the moonlight. I wanted to touch you so badly, but you were so cold to me. I never told you this, but I almost gave up. Almost…”   He closed his eyes, remembering Ikutachi’s image from that night. “Such foolish thoughts were forgotten when you finally looked at me…   I swear, nothing could have prepared me for the first time I looked into your eyes. All it took was that one look and I was lost forever. I knew in that moment I would love you for the rest of my life.”   He opened his eyes, hugging Ikutachi tightly. “So you see my love, you cannot leave me. Not yet. I still owe you eternity…”

<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">______________________________________

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             It was too late. By the time Akasha retuned with Succubus, Ikutachi was already gone. Even after Barbatos felt Ikutachi breathe his last breath, he couldn’t bring himself to let him go. So he lay there, holding Ikutachi’s lifeless body close.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             He felt a hand touch his shoulder. “Barbatos, I’m so sorry.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos remained silent, for he could find no words to express how completely and utterly heartbroken he was.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Have we missed it then?”   A shrill voice asked loudly. “Is he dead?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Succubus!”   Akasha snapped.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “What?”   She asked, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. “It’s a legitimate question.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Rude much?!”   Mira whispered loudly from the doorway.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Master Akasha glared at the Phantom, but she did not address her. “Mira, please escort Succubus back to her Master’s home.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “As you wish, Master.”   Mira answered.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Escort me back?”   Succubus frowned. “For what? I thought you wanted me to save this guy.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “We are too late.”   Professor Yata said. “Ikutachi is already gone.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “How long ago did he die?”   The succubus asked. “Was it recent? Or has he been gone a while?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos turned to look at the daemon for the first time since she’d come into the room. “What does it matter?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             She rolled her eyes. “It takes time for death to settle in. If he’s still relatively fresh, then I can probably bring him back.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Such a thing is possible?”   Professor Yata asked.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Sure.”   She said with a shrug. “I’ve brought back loads of people.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“You have?”   Master Akasha asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Umm, yeah. I used to accidently kill people all the time before I transmigrated. I didn’t want to keep pissing off my Master, so I learned how to clean up my messes.”   She popped the gum she was chewing loudly. “And since tossing the bodies in the lake with a rock tied to their legs isn’t considered cleaning up after yourself, I had to figure out a way to put some of it back. You know, just enough to get the hearts beating again.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “By ‘it,’ you mean chi?”   Professor Yata asked.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Duh! What else would I be talking about?! Now do you want me to pump this guy full of life, or not?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Yes.”   Barbatos answered quickly. “Please.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Succubus walked over to the bed, staring blankly at Barbatos. “You gonna move?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh, sorry.”   Barbatos said, moving out of her way.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Not so fast lover boy.”   She said, grabbing his arm. “I need to feed if I’m gonna to do this.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Feed?”   Barbatos asked quizzically.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Geez, you guys are slow!”   She took the gum out of her mouth, sticking it on the bed post. “If I’m going to give him chi, then I have to take some first. Now hold still.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos had never seen a succubus feed, nor had he ever been fed on by one. There was no pain; no fear. And even as he felt the life drain from his body, he felt nothing but absolute bliss. He suddenly felt light; like he was floating on air…   He didn’t even realize he was falling until he hit the floor.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Sorry about that.”   Succubus said with a sigh of delight. “It’s hard to stop when they taste good. Would you mind letting me feed on you again? Not now, of course, but sometime in the future?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Hurry up, child!”   Professor Yata commanded.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">             “Oh, now you want to rush me!”   She shot back.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Succubus climbed atop Ikutachi, mumbling something about rude old men. She slipped a hand underneath Ikutachi’s head, lifting his mouth towards hers. When they were only a few inches apart, she blew softly into his parted lips.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Did it work?”   Barbatos asked weakly.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Give me a break, will you?! I’m not even 10 seconds in!”   She took several deep breaths, repeating the process again and again. With each exhale, a small sliver of white light moved from her mouth and into Ikutachi’s.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos tried to stay awake; tried to keep his eyes open long enough to see if Ikutachi would come back to him. But the darkness was greedy, swooping in to claim him.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif""> ________________________________________

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             It was the voice that roused him from his dreamless sleep…

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “You know, I remember the first time we met, too. I don’t remember it being as magical as you made it out to be, but you certainly left an impression on me. I think it was your face I liked the most. I remember thinking I could look at it for a long time and not get bored. It sounds terrible when I say it out loud, but to be honest, I can’t think of anyone else I’ve ever felt that way about. I think that might have been the moment I started to fall in love with you, but I can’t be sure. If I knew then what I know now about love, I would have paid a bit more attention to my feelings.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Barbatos slowly opened his eyes, looking over at the source of the voice. It was Ikutachi. He was sitting in a wooden chair, his feet propped up on the bed Barbatos lay on. He was wearing Barbatos’ favorite robe; the burgundy color bringing out the flush in his pale skin. He was staring out the window as he spoke; completely unaware that Barbatos had woken up.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “You should know I never meant to leave you.”   He continued, plucking at the silk robe. “I would never hurt you like that. I know it’s not an excuse, but you have to understand that I’ve never been in love, nor have I ever had my heart broken. To experience both simultaneously was more than I could handle. There were so many new emotions I didn’t understand. I couldn’t figure out which ones to process first, so just I stopped. Stop thinking. Stop feeling. The harder I tried to block out the pain, the easier it became. I felt nothing, and it felt good. I wanted to stay like that forever, so I just… let go.”   He paused a moment, biting his lower lip. “But then you came to me. I tried so hard to come back to you then, but it was too late. I couldn’t reverse what I’d so foolishly started.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             There were tears falling down Ikutahi’s cheeks now. He wiped them away absently as he continued.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “I will never leave you again, Barbatos.”   His voice broke as the tears continued to fall. “You were right; I’ve loved you all along.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Finally, you admit it.”   Barbatos said, his voice cracking from lack of use.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi jumped, almost falling from the chair. He glared at Barbatos angrily. “How long have you been awake?!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Long enough.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi blushed, his cheeks turning a lovely shade of red. “I can’t believe you didn’t say anything!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “How could I interrupt such a beautiful confession of love?”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “But that wasn’t what I planned on telling you! I prepared a speech and everything! What I said just now was nothing more than ramblings. I was only trying to fill the silence!”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “Then you, my love, should ramble more.”

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi huffed angrily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “You can still give me the speech if you want.”   Barbatos offered with a wink.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi tried to keep up his angry glare, but he failed miserably. A slow smile spread across his face; shy at first, then blossoming like a flower in the spring. It was the first genuine smile Barbatos had ever seen from his lover, and it made his heart skip a beat.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             “How do I make you smile like that more often?”   Barbatos asked dreamily.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 320.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">             Ikutachi laughed teasingly. “I don’t know, but you have an eternity to figure it out.”