Fuda #40 [video]

[idealism]

[Tsuzuki has wanted to avoid making this video, but he doesn't see any other way. During the weeks since Hisoka came back from his abduction, he simply hasn't fared well. He's even gotten worse, which made no sense. Now that it's gotten to the point where he can't leave the house any more, he's quickly running out of options.]

This might sound like an odd request, but... I know we have several healers in town. Who are the strongest ones?


[He looks over his shoulder to make sure Hisoka is nowhere around.]

....I suppose doctors could work, as well. The bottom line is, I need help.

Comments

[idealism]

Okay. I'm here.

[He takes Hisoka's hand, quietly offering support. The sooner they talk about this, the better.]

[cynicism]

[He squeezes the offered hand.]

Say I don't make it through this. I might be able to see what branch of meifu reaches this far. I'll have a week until I have to come back.

[idealism]

[His heart hammers, bordering on painful. He doesn't want to talk about this.]

Why do you say that? You don't think you'll... die, do you?

[cynicism]

[He gives Tsuzuki a long stare, bleary eyes trying to convey the seriousness of the situation. He's lost weight, skin a sickly yellowish color, dark circles growing under his eyes.]

I think we need to talk about what happens if this doesn't get better.

[idealism]

[He ducks his head like a kid. It's been impossible not to notice how Hisoka's been wasting away, and he was skinny to begin with. But it's also been something he's determined not to comment on. Until now, that is. He squeezes Hisoka's hand.]

It sounds like you've thought about it for a while.

[cynicism]

I don't have a lot else to do these days.

[idealism]

[Ouch. He pulls Hisoka hand up, so he can give his knuckles a small kiss. It's just to show that he's there for him, that he understands that particular feeling.]

....Maybe you get sent home instead of to the other place. Have you thought about that?

[cynicism]

If that was the case, why hasn't anyone mentioned that before?

Don't you see, Tsuzuki? This could be our chance. If I cross into the underworld, Meifu's so close.

[idealism]

No shinigami has died here before. That may be why.

[He looks thoughtful, trying not to think too closely on the fact that Hisoka will die.]

Then what? How will you contact them?

[cynicism]

Don't know. I don't know what kind of resources will be available.

[idealism]

If you're able to find rice paper there, do you think you'd be able to use ofuda spells?

[cynicism]

I think I can try.

Can you teach me how to make your messenger birds?

[idealism]

There's only one way to find out.

I think you'll be able to make them just fine.

[cynicism]

[He nods once, ultimately slumping against Tsuzuki's body for his effort.]

Yeah.. Just.. Show me now? ...I'll practice it later, I think...

[idealism]

[He doesn't want Hisoka to die. It's terrible that he's suffering and that there's nothing he can do to help him. If he could, and it would help him, he would have taken on the curse himself.

But since he can't, Tsuzuki strokes his wing tenderly.]

Sure. It's not so hard as long as you remember the combination of words.

[cynicism]

Sure. ..Just draw it for me here?

[The wing is drooping even after the touching, lacking the strength to puff out the way it normally might.]

[idealism]

[Tsuzuki takes it as a hint to lift the wing himself, so he can groom the feathers.]
Just keep in mind, when you write yours, your messenger won't look like mine. All messenger shapes are unique to the person who creates them.

[Sitting up straight, he picks a paper strip from his pocket, but he isn't too sure where he put his brush. Does that mean he has to get up?]

[cynicism]

I think yours suit you. [Another slow blink. It's hard to stay conscious for this long.]

...It reminds me of Suzaku.

[idealism]

... Thank you.

[His vision grows misty because of tears. He's grateful for what Hisoka says, but it makes the coming loss unbearable. Tsuzuki tries to smile, resting his cheek against his hair.]

I bet yours will be wonderful. Maybe it will look like a dragon. Or a wolf.

[cynicism]

[He returns the smile. It's the only thing he can think to do that would encourage Tsuzuki. His partner needs smiles.]

I'll let you know when I come back. I'll.

[His head slumps.]

..tell you.. all about the underworld.. here.

[idealism]

[Tsuzuki doesn't need smiles. He needs is Hisoka. That is why he grows worried when he sees that his partner struggles to pay attention. Tsuzuki brushes the hair away from his eyes, holding his cheek so that he won't hit himself if he faints.]

Hisoka. There's something I need you to promise me. Do you hear me?

[cynicism]

[His voice is quiet and faraway, as if it comes from a place further away than his throat.]


i hear you.

[idealism]

If you run into some trouble there, retreat. Don't attack anything if you have a way to escape.

[He hugs him close.]

Please come back to me in one piece.

[cynicism]

yeah.

course i will.

can't die if i'm already dead.

[idealism]

I mean it.

If you're gone longer than a week, I will come get you.