Disclaimer:

I do not own Weiß Kreuz or any of its characters. I just love them to no end and have a very twisted imagination. Please be aware that I am extremely poor so suing me will do you no good. Thanks.

Warning: NC-17 / Lemon Yaoi / NCS / Violence / Explicit Language

Pairings: Schuldich x Yohji / Aya + Yohji / Ken + Omi / Bradley x Nagi

FYI: { Telepathic speech } -- Inner thoughts -- [ Flashback ]

Author’s note:

The time has finally come for The Hunted to come to a close. It’s been a great joy writing this fic, and I’m actually saddened to see it end. I’d like to thank all of my fans for their wonderful support and comments throughout the course of this story. You’ll never know how much it has all meant to me.

Special thanks go to my two betas, Anney and Nev and to my wonderful friend, Nekojita. The three of you have been my constant support and motivation throughout this fic’s evolution. I thank you with all of my heart.

*takes a deep breath* Well, this is it, the commencement of The Hunted’s long awaited finale. Enjoy the angst, violence, sap, and lemony goodness that will hopefully make these last two chapters of TH an eventful and satisfying read.

Thanks to all….

Forsaken

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CHAPTER 19

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Waking up to find his lover staring out into space with his face frozen in what had seemed to be a moment of utter pain had frightened Nagi more than he could ever say. He had known almost immediately what had been happening and had felt powerless in not being able to help Bradley snap out of the vision's hold, watching Bradley's face contort into a mask of anger and fear. It was a feeling that Nagi guessed he would have to get used to now that he and Bradley were lovers. He briefly wondered, as he ran alongside Bradley, how his lover was able to live with such a ... 'gift'.

"Be ready to restrain Farfarello," Bradley commanded, as they stood in front of the door to Schuldich's room.

Nagi nodded, his face revealing none of the turbulent feelings whirling inside of him. He didn't know what the vision had revealed to Bradley, but he wasn't about to question his lover's motives. He took a step back and watched Bradley reach for the doorknob, his heart clenching in fear.

Slowly the door opened, and it took a moment for Nagi's eyes to adjust to the darkness surrounding him. As soon as he entered the room, however, two figures came into focus a few feet ahead of him. Farf ... A streak of silver suddenly arced into the air, and Nagi's eyes widened in horror. "No!" he yelled, and quickly sent out a wave of his power to stop Farfarello's arm from descending.

His hand frozen in place, a bloody knife held within its grasp, Farfarello slowly looked away from his victim on the floor and turned his head to look at Nagi over his shoulder. Nagi nearly gasped at the sadness he could see within the other man's teary golden eye.

"What have you done, Farfarello?" Bradley demanded, as the brunette went down on his knees in front of the man Schuldich had claimed for his own.

Holding Farfarello still, Nagi came to stand next to Bradley, looking down at the fallen Weiß assassin with dismay. Eyes closed, skin pale, showing no signs of even breathing, Yohji Kudou just laid there, slumped against the wall.

"Is he ... Is he dead?" Nagi asked, fearful of Bradley's answer, as his eyes took in the bloody sight before him. He didn't know what Schuldich would do if Yohji Kudou was indeed gone.

Bradley shook his head, his hands running along the harsh wound barely visible beneath all of the blood seeping out of it. "No, he's alive. But he won't be for long if we don't get him some medical attention. I have no idea how much damage has been done internally, but the amount of blood he's losing isn't a good sign."

Gods. He didn't know Kudou, didn't know what Schuldich saw beyond the blonde's beauty, but he knew what Kudou had done for Schuldich. In the short time that Schu had come to confide in him, as he had no other, Nagi had come to realize just how much his 'brother' had changed because of the Weiß assassin. The once cold hearted telepath, the man who could kill without remorse, was no more. The mask of indifference, of utter arrogance and hatred, that Schuldich had only allowed others to see, including himself, had shattered, baring the redhead's soul to those that knew him well enough to see it. Schuldich was now ... human. If Kudou died, Nagi somehow knew that Schuldich would only harbor a dark emptiness inside of him, an emptiness that only death would be able to grant mercy to. Schuldich would once again fade away into the darkness of his soul.

Nagi looked down at the blonde that had finally managed to reach the part of Schuldich that he was sure the redhead himself had thought to be lost years ago, his dark blue eyes helplessly latching onto the rivulets of blood continuing to pool on the floor. You can't die, Kudou. You can't. "What can we do to help him?" he finally managed to ask.

Bradley took off his unbuttoned shirt, quickly folding it a few times, and pressed it against Kudou's left side. Applying pressure to the wound as best as he could, Bradley turned to him, his amber-brown eyes holding a glint of worry only Nagi was allowed to see. "I'm not certain. We can no longer rely on the medical facilities we used while under Estet's employ. If we take him to a hospital, we'll surely be questioned as to the nature of Kudou's wound, something we cannot risk." Bradley turned his attention back to the unconscious man. "He may very well die here."

Farfarello suddenly pushed against Nagi's hold, and Nagi shifted his worried gaze toward the white-haired man. Sadly, he watched as Farfarello tried to curl into himself, pulling at his immobile arm as he did so. After a few moments, the hand still under Nagi's hold suddenly went limp, and the knife fell to the floor.

"The angel must sleep or he will not reach the Gates of Heaven. Do not interfere in his calling," Farfarello whispered, as he pressed his face against the floor, hiding from Nagi's view. "It will only prolong his pain."

Nagi frowned in confusion at Farfarello's words. Was that regret and even pity lacing the other man’s tone? How can that be? Farfarello had deliberately sought out to kill Kudou. Why then would the man feel remorse over what he'd done? Why the hell am I trying to understand him? Nagi asked himself, as he gently slackened his hold just enough to allow Farfarello to lower his arm down to the floor.

He spotted the other knife Farfarello had been holding and Nagi pushed at the blade until it skidded next to the bloodied one that had been dropped. Giving another mental push, the two blades flew across the floor, imbedding them halfway into a wall a few feet away from where he stood.

Footsteps suddenly echoed in the hallway, and Nagi turned in time to see Schuldich run through the doorway. The telepath was panting, his beige blazer and black pants rumpled and torn, his face bruised, and Nagi could see a faint trail of blood coming from the corner of Schuldich’s mouth. What the hell happened to him? Concerned, Nagi moved to approach the redhead, but when Schuldich’s gaze focused behind him, his concern turned into cold fear, as he saw a look of pure rage bleed into Schuldich’s evergreen eyes. Oh, no.

VVVVVV

Dammit! Where did he go? Aya asked himself, as he ran through the hallway, his eyes darting side to side, desperate to find any sign of the telepathic bastard. After a few more minutes of futile searching, he stopped running and leaned against wall, his breathing harsh and fast, as he tried to gather his senses.

He had been moving on instinct and adrenaline, not thinking of the consequences of just throwing himself into his enemy's territory without backup, without an inkling as to what awaited him beyond the darkness. He had been solely focused on Schuldich, his only connection right now to the man he loved ... to Yohji.

But now that connection had been lost, leaving Aya lost and disorientated something even in the worst circumstances he never allowed to happen. How could I have lost him? Fucking hell! Shoving his hands into his red mane, Aya tried to collect his thoughts, breathing deeply as he did so. Think and focus. Think and focus, dammit. If he didn't calm himself down, Aya told himself, he would never be able to track Schuldich down and find Yohji. He had to stop being an idiot and start using the skills he'd acquired as a trained assassin.

Lowering his hands to his sides, Aya pushed himself away from the floor and went down on one knee to the floor. His violet eyes looked intently at the wooden panels below, his nose took in the shifting of air, his ears sharpened, listening for the slightest sound, as Aya's mind, his whole being became centered, locked onto its surroundings, allowing nothing to get past its focus.

A sound suddenly registered to his left and Aya remained still for a few moments, before he straightened and began to move toward it. Entering yet another corridor, Aya began to run, his hearing and mind still locked onto the now mounting echoes coming from somewhere ahead of him. A bead of sweat trailed down the side of his face, running into the collar of his dark trench coat, as he came to a sudden decision and reached into his pocket.

Taking out the small communicator from within it, Aya placed the device over his ear. He pressed the tiny button on its side, releasing its thin metal mouthpiece, and proceeded to contact his comrades. He could not rescue Yohji on his own, and it was time for him to stop acting like an ass and accept the help he could only trust Omi and Ken to provide.

"Bombay, this is Abyssinian. Do you copy?" Static fizzled through the connection and Aya tried once again to reach his leader. "Bombay, this is Abyssinian. Do you copy?"

"I copy, Abyssinian," Omi responded, his voice sounding a bit distorted. "Confirm your location."

Aya could hear the anger in Omi's voice and he sighed inwardly, knowing that the younger man had every right to be upset with him. Aya had disobeyed orders, had severed communications, and had infiltrated Schwarz's safe house without backup or even a decent plan. If he managed to get out of this alive, Aya was certain that he was in for some serious reprimanding.

Still running along the hallway, Aya proceeded to reveal his location and was surprised to realize that Omi and Ken were already on their way.

"Did you honestly think I'd stand by and let you get yourself or Balinese killed by your stubbornness?" Omi asked him, his tone cold and unyielding. But before Aya could respond, Omi ended the tense conversation. "We will arrive in approximately twenty minutes. Try to stay alive until then, Abyssinian. Bombay out."

A grin played at Aya's lips. Yes, Omi was definitely going to make Aya regret his stupidity.

Footsteps echoed, resounding along the walls, as Aya ran with unwavering speed and stamina. His face set, his eyes hard like glittering amethysts, Aya was determined to find his love. His only goal, his only thought, was to free Yohji from the Mastermind, to bring Yohji back to those that truly loved him.

[ You don’t deserve him! You’ve never deserved him. ]

Aya closed his eyes briefly, feeling a sliver of pain run across his chest, as Schuldich’s words reverberated in his mind. Gods, he had so many wrongs to right, so much to make up for. He had hurt Yohji on countless occasions, turning away from the blonde whenever he’d felt threatened by the ever-growing feelings he could not understand or control, and Aya knew that he would never be able to find retribution for the hurt he’d caused Yohji. Even if for some miracle Yohji chose to forgive him, Aya didn't think he'd be able to forgive himself for all that he'd done. How could he, when deep down inside, Aya knew that the events that had led up to Yohji's capture were his fault? Yohji had fallen prey to Schwarz, to Schuldich, because he had been emotionally and physically drained by the heartache Aya had wrought him. He would be a fool to believe otherwise.

[ You threw Yohji away like a piece of trash, and you hate yourself for it. ]

Aya swallowed the lump in his throat, as he continued to run. You were right, Schuldich. I do hate myself. I hate myself more than you’ll ever know. But even his inner hatred, his need to punish himself for all that he'd done, could not stop him from doing what was right by Yohji, could not prevent him from giving Yohji the one thing -- the only thing the blonde had ever asked from him ...

His love.

He wasn't being an arrogant bastard in placing so much importance on himself or on the love he had selfishly withheld from Yohji. It was just the truth. A truth that he had seen firmly held within Yohji's gaze even when cold words, meant to hurt and cause hate, had come spewing from Aya's mouth towards the blonde. Gods, I have to make amends. Even if you've finally come to hate me and turn me away after all of this is over, I have to make you see that it wasn't you I hated, Yohji. That it wasn't you that I wanted to hurt. It was never you ... It was me.

Aya's eyes glittered with unshed tears, as he tried to hold back the torrent of pain and guilt fighting to break free. He refused, however, to let it consume him. Not yet. Not until he'd fulfilled his purpose. Not until he allowed the demon he had allowed to fester inside of him throughout the years as death's deliverer to reign free against his enemies.

Blood and death would once again taint his hands tonight, and for once in his life, Aya was looking forward to it.

VVVVVV

{ Yohji? Yohji? } Schuldich called out frantically yet again, as he ran through the narrow hallway that led to his room, his breaths coming fast and irregular. Gods, he felt as if he were going mad. Schuldich had never truly realized how dependent he'd become on his link to Yohji. Having it vanish, silent, unreachable, was ripping something inside of him apart.

Emotions were whirling within him, pulsating in waves of indescribable fear and dread. He couldn't think straight, couldn't gather the control that had helped him survive throughout the years. Couldn't stop himself from feeling like the lost little boy he'd once been, abused by those that were supposed to protect and love him, thrown into a world full of blood and death. Everything around him was falling apart, and he didn't know how to stop it. He needed Yohji, needed to feel him not only against his body but within his mind as well. Yohji was like a flare of light, leading him away from the darkness that had cascaded around him since the moment of his birth. To have that light just vanish the way it had….

Why, goddammit? Why can't I feel you in my mind, Yohji? What’s happened to you? He had felt Yohji's pain and had nearly fallen to his knees from the assault, feeling the pain intensify when their connection had suddenly severed. He had stood in front of his enemy, in front of the man who rivaled his place within Yohji's heart, who was trying to kill him, and had left himself completely vulnerable, not knowing what to do or how to react to the emptiness that had gripped his insides in a tight vise of terror.

[ "What you said about Farfarello ... What did you mean by it?"

"I'm not too sure about what I saw, Schu. The vision was basked in darkness. But I did see Farfarello and Kudou's images, one after the other, before everything faded into black. I warned you, only because I didn't feel ... comfortable with what I saw." ]

Schuldich almost stumbled at the memory, his eyes widening in sudden realization. Oh, gods. When he had left Bradley’s office earlier tonight, he had been on his way to secure Farfarello, a task that had been put aside first by his own misery and then by Fujimiya’s presence. Gods, he had left Farfarello without his restraints on and with only a bolted wooden door keeping him from the outside world. SHIT!

Rounding the corner, using his almost inhuman speed as he ran even faster, Schuldich’s eyes locked onto the door now only a few feet away from him. Everything around him began to fade away into black, leaving the open doorway the only thing within his line of sight. I kill you, Farf. I’ll kill you if you’ve hurt him, Schuldich vowed, as he neared the door.

Agony of the likes he’d never before experienced speared through him, twisting his insides, literally making it difficult for Schuldich to breathe, as he came up to the door and caught sight of his lover lying unconscious in a pool of blood on the floor.

In an instant, he ran toward his lover and fell to his knees next to the blonde, his frantic gaze first taking in the blood stained shirt covering Yohji's left side, before he swung his blazing green eyes toward Bradley, a promise of death whirling within their depths. "What the fuck happened?"

“Schu --“

Bradley shook his head, stopping Nagi from answering. “We're not certain. We arrived only moments before you did.” Bradley looked over to where Farfarello was still curled into himself on the floor. “Kudou was attacked by Farfarello. Nagi managed to restrain him from causing further … damage.”

Eyes now locked on the man who had dared harm his lover, Schuldich’s body tensed and, without thinking, he threw himself on top of the white-haired man in a blink of an eye, his fists crashing into Farfarello’s pale skin with sickening thuds.

“Schu!” Nagi exclaimed, as Schuldich continued to pummel the seemingly meek psychopath. Frowning, Nagi concentrated his power and forcefully pushed Schuldich against a wall.

“Sonofabitch! Let me go, Nagi!” spat Schuldich, as he struggled against the unseen force pinning him in place. "I'm going to KILL HIM! Let me go, goddammit!"

"Do you think this is going to help Yohji?" Nagi yelled suddenly, his voice quivering with anger. "Calm down, dammit, and think of him! He needs you, Schu!"

As if suddenly drained of his energy, Schuldich relaxed against Nagi's hold. Nagi was right. Losing his temper wasn’t going to help Yohji. Taking a deep breath and lowering his arms down to his sides, Schuldich concentrated in keeping his voice calm as he spoke. "Fine. You've made your point. I'm not going to kill the bastard." His green eyes, once again lucid and clear, locked onto Nagi, as Schuldich tried to reign in his fury. "But keep him away from me, Nagi, or I won’t let you stop me next time."

Nagi nodded, his face grim, before the slender brunette released his hold over Schuldich.

Free to move, Schuldich immediately pushed away from the wall, forcing himself to ignore the Irishman still lying on the floor, and once more went down on his knees next to Yohji. His heart clenched and he felt himself shudder in fear, as he looked upon Yohji's pale face. Yotan. "How bad is it?" he asked Bradley, as he watched the precog continue to apply pressure to Yohji's wound.

A part of him wanted to push away Bradley's hand so that he could see for himself what Farfarello had done to his lover. But the other part him, the weak and pathetic part, couldn't risk seeing the wound. Schuldich knew he would finally break if he saw it. He would either lose the already thin control he had over his emotions, turning him into a hysterical idiot, or he would go mad and truly take Farfarello's life, probably hurting Nagi in the process if the telekinetic tried to stop him. Shit, don't do anything stupid. Bradley would know what to do. Just calm the fuck down.

Bradley sighed, and Schuldich latched onto the other man's solemn gaze, a feeling of dread pooling in his stomach. But before Bradley had the chance to speak, Yohji began to stir next to him. Pain distorted the beautiful blonde's features, and Schuldich reached out with his mind, trying to take on some of the pain onto himself, his need to help his lover taking precedence above all else. Their link flared between them and in an instant, Schuldich felt a wave of intense pain wash over him; it took all of his strength not to wince from the agony clawing at him. { Yohji? Yohji? }

He suddenly felt Yohji’s mind seeking him out to him for comfort against the pain and darkness, and Schuldich immediately latched onto it, trying with all of his might to shelter Yohji from the intense pain pulsating in waves within the blonde’s body. Schuldich couldn’t deny that he was weakening; he could feel his gift draining him of his reserves. But not even his own body was going to stop him from helping his lover. He had to admit though that if he hadn’t had his ‘moment’ with Fujimiya up on the roof he wouldn’t be so bad off. Dammit, this wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t lost focus. If I hadn’t allowed myself to get distracted.

But now was not the time to ponder over his stupidity. Yohji needed him, needed his strength, and he wasn't going to fail him again. The knowledge of Fujimiya being in the mansion prickled at his mind, but Schuldich put the ominous threat aside. Yohji was his primary concern right now. Don't worry, Orchidee. We'll finish our game soon enough.

Reaching inside of himself, Schuldich continued to focus his power, lending Yohji more of his strength, as he did something he hadn't done since he'd lost his innocence and the ability to hope.

Pulling Yohji into his arms, brow furrowed, Schuldich, Mastermind of Schwarz, an unrepentant liar and a killer of countless souls, closed his eyes and prayed.

VVVVVV

"What the fuck's going on?" asked Ken, as he and Omi jumped through the broken glass panel they had come across while on the roof of Schwarz's safe house.

Peering through the dark corridor, senses flaring, trying to determine if they were alone and undetected, Omi walked cautiously along the gray colored wall. "Abyssinian must've entered this way. You saw the scrape marks on the roof."

Aya had drawn his katana and from the looks of the area surrounding the panel, the redhead and fought long and hard against his opponent. He had seen no blood, however, so for now, Omi wasn’t overly worried about his friend. As long as he knew that the other man wasn't suffering from an injury, Omi knew that Aya could take care of himself ... At least, that was what he was trying to tell himself.

"Can you track him?" Omi asked his lover, as he pressed his back against a wall, holding his crossbow tightly in his hand and looking at Ken expectantly. After all, Ken was second only to Aya when it came to tracking their enemies with speed and accuracy. Omi could only hope that Aya had left a trail for them to follow.

Already hunched down on his knees, Ken placed a gloved hand on the floor and remained still for a few anxious moments. Just when the silence was becoming unbearable for Omi, Ken stood up and motioned with his hand for Omi to follow him. Thankful that Ken was on Aya's trail, Omi obediently followed, allowing Ken to lead the way.

His true blue eyes focused on his lover's back, noting how straight and strong it looked. Omi couldn't help but admire the view and felt a rush of heat unexpectedly run through his veins. Was it the adrenaline coursing through him or the fear he was experiencing causing his heart to pound against his chest, making him almost reach out to feel the warmth of his lover's skin beneath his touch? Or was it because it turned him on to see his boyfriend so commanding and sure of himself?

Savage and brutal, swift and relentless, Ken was truly a fierce warrior when he wanted to be. It was almost disconcerting at times to see his lover lose his semblance of humanity whenever they were on a mission, trying to survive against the odds. Ken was so different in those situations, acting so unlike himself that Omi at times had a hard time remembering that there were two sides to his lover's persona.

Not that he himself was any different. Omi knew for a fact that his personality underwent a similar change during missions. He was colder and relentless, feeling no mercy or regret, using his knowledge and skills to Weiß's utmost advantage and with an efficiency that proved him to be one of Kritiker's best agents. But although he knew it was a necessary ... adjustment, Omi hated the entire process, hated the need for it.

What he hated most, however, was how he felt 'after' the mission was completed. Nothing he did was ever forgotten or forgiven. It didn't matter to him that the lives he took were to fulfill a greater purpose, or that the blood he'd shed belonged to murderers, to people with no morals or honor. A life was a life, and it was hard, more than hard, to convince himself that what he and the others did in the name of justice were not acts of hypocrisy.

Ken suddenly stopped in front of him, and Omi snapped out of his thoughts in time to prevent himself from bumping into the brunette’s back. Omi almost groaned. Why am I thinking about this 'now'? He had to concentrate on what he was doing. He was in Schwarz's territory and couldn't afford to let his guard down, not even to doubt his own purpose in life. "What is it?" he asked, watching Ken intently.

Ken didn't look at him, instead his lover stood stiffly in front of him, his fists clenched at his sides, as far as the gloves covering them would allow. "I hear something ... but I'm not too sure ...," Ken moved suddenly toward a stairway that apparently led to the floor below them. "Come on!"

Omi frowned, but didn't hesitate to follow quickly behind Ken. On alert, his eyes roaming around him, Omi's grip tightened unconsciously over his weapon, as they hurried down the stairs. Further and further, they walked into Schwarz's lair, and Omi could sense the danger looming over them, pushing at his senses, telling him to hurry and find his missing friends.

Moving along the barely lit corridor, the stairs fading away behind them, Omi could only hope that Aya and Yohji would be found soon, before it was too late.

VVVVVV

Voices. He could hear muffled voices echoing around him. Yohji frowned, unable to fully understand them. What’s going on? Who the hell’s making all of that noise? Yohji struggled against himself, trying to dispel the haze he was under. Something was pushing at his senses, trying to pull him forward, and it was annoying him. Was he asleep? Was that why he felt as if he were under a ton of bricks? Wake up and find out, dammit. But it was easier said than done. What the hell?

Then, as if a switch had been flicked on, memories rushed at him, and Yohji’s mind recoiled from the onslaught. Farfarello … I was fighting Farfarello and he … Pain suddenly bloomed inside of him, rushing through his veins, consuming him in a world of agony. He cried out within the darkness surrounding him, as physical and emotional pain intermingled, plunging him head on into reality.

{ Yohji? Yohji? }

Yohji winced in pain, as a familiar voice registered clearly in his befuddled mind. A pair of strong arms wrapped around him, lifting him, and Yohji hissed as his injured side protested the movement. “Hurts,” he managed to whisper hoarsely and nearly sighed in relief when the hold around him immediately slackened.

“Sorry, Yotan,” Schuldich apologized, his voice full of concern. “Just try to hang in there for me.”

Unable to speak past the pain, Yohji nodded and pressed his face into Schuldich’s solid chest, trying to find shelter against the agony wracking his body. Gods, he hurt. His side was throbbing relentlessly and Yohji desperately wanted to cry. It wasn’t very ‘manly’ of him to have such thoughts, but right now Yohji didn’t give a damn.

“Where can we take him, Brad?” he heard Schuldich demand, and Yohji belatedly realized that they weren’t alone.

Forcing himself to open his eyes, Yohji blinked several times before he was able to focus his gaze. His eyes caught sight of Crawford sitting to his left and he could see that the man was pressing something against his side. His green eyes locked onto the bloodied shirt the brunette was using to obviously stop him from bleeding to death, and Yohji had to force back the sudden urge to vomit. Gods, there's so much blood. So much ... Am I dying? Yohji looked up, gazing into Crawford's serious amber-brown eyes, and knew, even before the other man spoke, that the answer to his question was not a good one. Shit.

"Schuldich ... We have nowhere to take him."

"What?" Schuldich asked quietly, his tone cold and deadly.

Yohji knew Schuldich was trying to remain calm, but he could feel how the arms embracing him trembled. Schuldich was scared and so was he. He didn't want to die, but Yohji knew the choice was not his. His mind was fuzzy, his hearing was off, and his body felt like dead weight. It was obvious that his body was shutting down, slowing to a stop with every drop of blood he was losing.

"Listen to me, Schuldich. We no longer have access to the facilities we used in the past. Estet is no more and the same is true for any of its allies. We have no ties, no connections, to help us."

Schuldich's face twisted in fury at Crawford's words. "Then we'll take him to a fucking hospital!"

"No we won't!" Crawford argued, his tone no longer as calm as it was before. "The authorities would have to eventually be called due to the nature of Kudou's wound. It is too huge of a risk to take him to a hospital and you know it."

"Do you think I give a fuck about that? He's going to die if we don't get him some medical attention, and I am not going to let that happen, goddammit! So either help me or get the fuck out of my way!" Schuldich bellowed, as he glared daggers at Crawford.

"You fool!" Bradley argued. "Are you even taking into account what will happen to your precious Kudou if his identity is discovered? If he is connected to us or to Kritiker in any way?"

Schuldich's face grew pale, his arms unconsciously tightening around Yohji. "That's not going to happen. Kritiker more than likely erased Yohji's identity ... his past. There's no way anyone could figure out who he really is."

"What if you're wrong, Schu?"

Unable to stay quiet while the two men argued over his fate, Yohji spoke up. "He's ... right ... Schu."

Surprised by Yohji's words, Schuldich eyes flew to Yohji's face. "What?"

Pain ran along his side like fire, making Yohji wince as he spoke. "There's ... no guarantee ... that I ... wouldn't be ... found out."

"Dammit, Yohji, I'm not just going to let you die."

"I won't … not if you get help." Yohji swallowed, knowing that what he would say next would serve to infuriate the redhead even further. "Call Weiß."

As predicted, Schuldich's face transformed into a mask of rage. "The fuck I will!"

"It's the only solution," Nagi suddenly said, from behind Schuldich, as the solemn brunette come closer to them. "If you don't call them, Schu, he's going to die."

Schuldich lowered his face toward Yohji, causing his flame colored locks to fall over his face like a curtain, blocking him from everyone's view. Yohji could see his lover's face, however, and his heart twisted as he saw anger and fear contort the German's handsome visage. It pained Yohji to know that he was the cause. Gods, I really do care for him.

{ I care for you, too, Yotan, } Schuldich's voice whispered in his mind, startling him. { Please ... There has to be another way. Don't make me give you up. I can't, Yotan. I can't. }

Yohji raised a shaky hand up to Schuldich's face, willing the limb to make contact with his lover's skin. When he finally felt warmth spreading across his fingertips, Yohji took in a shuddering breath of relief. { The choice ... is yours, } Yohji projected his thoughts, the words coming slowly even in his mind, as he tried to concentrate beyond the pain and cold creeping into him. { Save me ... or let me die. }

Yohji knew he was being cruel, that he was forcing Schuldich to make an agonizing decision. But what other choice did he really have? He was dying, his life slowly draining from him. Turning to Weiß was the only plausible choice left to them in order to save his life. Dammit, Schu, don't let me die.

Yohji's hand began to tremble against Schuldich's face as his strength waned, causing it to lower, but it didn't fall back down to the floor. Slowly, he realized that Schuldich's large hand had stopped its decent, holding it close to the telepath's cheek once again. Yohji blinked, as Schuldich's face began to blur before him, a sure sign that he was about to pass out again. Damn.

"Yohji? Dammit, stay with me, Yohji! Yohji!"

Yohji knew Schuldich was calling out to him, but he could not adhere to Schuldich's pleas, as a feeling of numbness washed over him, spreading through him with an intensity that Yohji knew could only signify death. Was it already too late to save him? Inwardly, Yohji laughed bitterly at the realization. But the laughter was short lived. Regret suddenly paved its way into his mind and heart, making him wish for a chance to say good-bye to his friends ... to tell Aya how much he still loved him ... to find the energy to touch Schuldich's mind one last time. But as his eyes began to close, Yohji guessed that it wasn't meant to be. Figures.

As the world began to fade around him, Yohji curiously wondered what Hell would look like.

VVVVVV

"Yohji!"

Bradley didn't know what to do for his friend, as he watched the blonde within Schuldich's arms suddenly go limp. It hurt him, more than he’d thought possible, to see Schuldich in so much distress. Dammit, he has to decide now. "Schuldich --"

Frantic eyes snapped up to his face. "I'll call them, dammit. I can't let him die." Schuldich took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. { But I need to be alone. I can't have any distractions around me. It'll be hard enough trying to concentrate with Yohji like this. }

{ Are you sure? } Bradley asked, somewhat reluctant to leave Schuldich alone. He didn't want to ponder over what Schuldich would do if Kudou did indeed die.

Schuldich closed his eyes and rested his head slightly against Kudou’s. { I'm sure. Just go. I'm going to contact Fujimiya. }

Bradley raised a black eyebrow at Schuldich’s choice. { Why Fujimiya? }

{ Because he ... loves Yohji. He'll do anything necessary to ensure that Yohji lives, } Schuldich smirked, { Besides, he's already here. }

Bradley barely managed to hide his surprise. Fujimiya was here and he hadn't foreseen it? Bradley's eyes narrowed, as he noticed, for the first time since Schuldich had ran into the room, the shape the telepath was in. { I see, } he responded, unsure of his feelings at the moment. It wasn't the first time his 'gift' had failed him, but for some reason, anger was building up inside him. He was getting very sick and tired of Fate playing with him and those that depended on him. { Are you certain you can handle him? }

Schuldich grinned, as he closed his eyes. { Yeah. Now, get the hell out of here. }

Knowing it was time to go, Bradley allowed Schuldich to hold the now blood damp cloth against Kudou's side. He stood up and quickly moved to where Farfarello was lying on the floor. Pulling the Irishman to his feet and helping him stay upright, Bradley placed the other man's arm over his shoulders and walked over to Nagi, intent on walking out of the room. But just as he reached the doorway, Bradley paused and drew in a breath, coming to a decision that had been long overdue.

With his back to Schuldich, Bradley threw down his gauntlet, challenging Fate head on, and issued one final warning. A warning that could very well change the path Schuldich was destined to follow, for better or worst. { When you confront Fujimiya remember what you hold dear to you, Schuldich. Don't allow your anger or your jealousy to cloud your judgment. Kudou's life depends on both you and Fujimiya. }

Once that was said, Bradley walked into the hallway, forcing himself to do what needed to be done. It was hard, so hard, for him not to look back, to not turn around and tell Schuldich exactly what the future held for him. But Bradley knew better than anyone that he couldn't.

Logic warred against his heart, an internal battle that was beginning to wear him down, and a part of Bradley wanted to once again be the cold, emotionless bastard he'd once been. He didn't want to feel this pain eating away at him, making him feel as if he'd failed Schuldich and the others in every possible way.

"Are you alright?"

Bradley blinked back to the present and looked over Farfarello's head to gaze into Nagi's concerned eyes. In an instant, Bradley's doubts, his fears, his anger at having become ... human, disappeared. Idiot, what were you thinking? he chided himself. How could he ever regret what he'd come to learn? He had too much to be grateful for. No, Bradley thought, his eyes softening, as he looked into the eyes of the man he loved. He could never regret finding his heart. "I'm fine. Don't worry."

"What were you and Schuldich talking about, Bradley? What is he planning to do?"

Sharp as always, Bradley said to himself, not in the least surprised by Nagi's questioning. "Abyssinian has infiltrated the mansion. Schuldich is planning to confront him in hopes of saving Kudou's life."

Nagi's eyes widened. "But he could get killed. Didn't you see him? He's in no shape to go up against anyone right now." Nagi paused a moment. "Dammit, he already fought him, didn't he? That's why he looks the way he does." Panicked eyes locked onto Bradley's. "And on top of that, he's lending Kudou some of his strength. I know he is. Bradley, we can't let him face Abyssinian on his own."

When Nagi began to turn away, Bradley stopped him with a vehement shake of his head. "Do not interfere, Nagi. This is for Schuldich to resolve alone."

Nagi frowned, but did as Bradley commanded, continuing to walk alongside Bradley. "What have you seen?"

Bradley smirked bitterly. "More than I asked to see and less than I needed to know."

Nagi turned his face away in obvious frustration, as they approached Farfarello's room. "I really hate it when you speak in riddles. It annoys the hell out of me."

"That makes two of us," Bradley mumbled, as he reached out and opened the door leading into the practically empty room. He allowed Farfarello to drop onto the floor as he told Nagi to turn on the light. Light flooded the room, as Bradley stared down at Farfarello. As if sensing his cold gaze on him, the white-haired man raised his head slightly, looking at Bradley with a dazed expression on his pale face.

Bradley suddenly felt his anger return full force, directed not only at Farfarello but at himself as well, for failing to understand what that one glimpse of the future involving his subordinate and Kudou had been trying to tell him. The sound of a slap resounded along the walls, as his hand connected with the Irishman's already bruised face.

"Bradley, don't."

"He deserved it," Bradley answered his lover coldly, not once looking away from Farfarello's half-turned face.

"You're right," Farfarello slurred, as he turned his head and faced Bradley's icy gaze. "I deserved that ... and more."

"What the hell were you thinking?" Bradley demanded in a voice that was eerily calm. "Despite your insanity, I know for a fact that you are no fool. You knew how important Kudou was to us ... to Schuldich, yet you deliberately chose to ignore that fact and attacked him. Why, Farfarello? Why in the hell did you do this?" Bradley knew that he wasn't going to get the answer he was seeking, but he couldn't stop himself from asking anyway.

"The angel was lost," answered Farfarello, his voice a mere whisper, as he broke eye contact and lowered his head, wiping away the blood once again trailing from his mouth. "I only wished to help him find his way. Nothing more."

Bradley frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "And punishing ‘God’ had nothing to do with it?"

Farfarello's head raised quickly, his bright yellow eye taking on an eerie light. "That I won't deny. The angel's rebirth will cause Him much pain. It is a show of homage I give Him with great pleasure."

"Damn you and your need for vengeance. You have jeopardized not only our lives but your own as well. If Kudou dies, so will you. It will be Schuldich's turn for vengeance and I, for one, will now stop him from extracting from you what is owed to him."

"A small price to pay, I assure you," was Farfarello's response.

Lowering his arms, Bradley almost growled at the insane fool, but he managed to control himself in time. He turned away from Farfarello and walked over to straps and chains hanging from the ceiling just above the metal chair that at times held the psychopath. He picked up the white straight jacket lying on the floor next to it and motioned for Nagi to bring Farfarello to him.

Worry was needling its way back into Bradley's mind, flooding his body with tension, as he strapped Farfarello into the chair. Even his power was working against him, for it was being unusually 'quiet', making his already mounting anxiety escalate even further. Dammit, calm down. You're no use to the others if you can't remain focused.

Taking a step back from the now completely bound Irishman, Bradley took a deep breath and pushed his worries to the back of his mind. Much was about to happen, but there was nothing Bradley could do now to change Fate's course. He had done all that he could. The rest of Weiß had more than likely already arrived and Bradley now had to concentrate on making the necessary preparations not only for their escape but also for the new life ahead of them.

Whether Schuldich would soon join the three of them remained to be seen, and until then, all Bradley could do for his friend was hope that his warning would be heeded.

VVVVVV

{ Ready to face me again, Fujimiya? }

Aya almost lost his footing at the sound of Schuldich's voice in his mind. Trying to regain his balance, he leaned against the wall behind him and took a deep breath. Once he could think clearly, Aya didn't even attempt to block out the telepath and projected his thoughts clearly. { Tell me where you are, and you'll know just how ready I am. }

Schuldich laughed weakly, and Aya's brow furrowed at the sound of it. { Come and find me then, Fujimiya. You're almost here. Just a few more feet to go. }

An image suddenly formed within his mind, revealing to Aya exactly where he needed to go, and without a moment's hesitation, he followed the path now clear in his mind. A part of him questioned the telepath's motives, but the part of him that needed to find Yohji, that yearned to make Schuldich pay for all that he'd done, refused to throw away the opportunity presented to him. He hadn't come this far to back out now.

When the door he'd seen in his mind finally came into view, Aya ran through it, katana in hand, ready to fight to the death. But once inside the room he'd been led to, Aya's thoughts of revenge scattered and his heart seemed to stop, as his violet eyes took in the sight before him. Oh, gods ... Blood. There was so much blood. “What the hell did you do to him?” Aya demanded, his face a mask of savage fury, as he held his katana in front of him. He's not dead. He's not dead!

Schuldich carefully lowered Yohji onto the floor and stood up slowly, his green eyes locked onto Aya. “I didn’t do anything to him, you bastard! I love him!” Schuldich spat angrily, as he moved to stand in front of Yohji, almost protectively. "Farfarello did this."

Aya didn’t care to hear Schuldich’s words. The man had taken Yohji against his will, had raped him and used him for his own personal gain. And now, Yohji was lying on the floor covered in blood. Anger flared anew inside of him, threatening to overwhelm his self-control, and Aya tightened his hold over his sword, as he tried to stop his hands from shaking. “I'm taking Yohji out of here,” Aya said, after he managed to calm himself enough to speak coherently, to see past his anger. “Try to stop me and I'll kill you."

Schuldich's gaze hardened, and Aya could feel the tension radiating from the other man's body. For a moment, it seemed that the telepath would force Aya's hand, but, surprisingly enough, the challenge he could see burning within Schuldich's eyes was never voiced.

"Perhaps when we have more time, I'd let you give it a go," Schuldich instead replied, his hands fisting at his sides, as he slowly moved away from Yohji, "But time is something we don't have, Fujimiya. Yohji's lost a lot of blood and won't last much longer." The telepath looked down at Yohji, and Aya couldn’t deny seeing the pain that briefly flickered within Schuldich's eyes, before their green depths once again focused on him. "I can't save him ... but maybe you can."

Aya stared at Schuldich in surprise, as the other man continued to move away from Yohji's prone form. He didn't know what to do. Was this a trick? Was Schuldich trying to fool him in order to catch him off guard? Aya looked down at Yohji and swallowed in fear at the blood covering his beloved's body. I don't have a choice but to get closer. I can't risk wasting anymore time.

"Take him, dammit!" Schuldich rasped, his tone a mixture of anger and desperation.

Unable to hold himself away any longer, Aya pushed caution aside and rushed his body forward, determined to succeed where he had once failed.

TBC....