http://clampfix.fanworks.net/ss-fix/journey.txt </head><body><pre>I guess this could be considered an S/S fic. Inspired by the December 2000 and January 2001 Asuka issues. All manner of C&Cs are welcome. All characters are property of CLAMP. Standard disclaimers apply. --- Journey's End An "X" Fanfic Presented by Alison Koh <I am floating,> he thought. Slowly he opened his eyes and blinked twice, adjusting his sight to the darkness infused with a welcoming glow. <Where is this place?> "We meet again, Subaru-kun," a familiar baritone voice spoke, "I'm glad I waited." He turned around and saw the tall figure of the man he had only been holding in his arms seemingly moments before, but in a very different time and place. "Seishirou-san?" The assassin smiled, "Yes." "But you're dead...I killed you..." Tears began to well in his eyes as he remembered the limp body gradually turning cold in his arms. The life of the man he loved, taken away by his own hands. Seishirou replied, "Isn't this what you've always wished for? Now we can be together. No more Sumeragi or Sakurazukamori Clans. No more Dragons of Heaven or Earth. No more...pretense." "Yes. We can be together," Subaru whispered. His heart felt lighter and much happier. In the realm of the dead, they did not have to pretend anymore. The enmities of life were in the past. "Let us go then," Seishirou said. "Where?" "Where the dead goes. This is the realm where the dying passes by to get to the other side. I used whatever powers I had left to wait for you here. Because I knew you would come soon after. You are too kind for the cruelty of the real world." He offered his hand to the Sumeragi who grasped it gladly. They journeyed in silence. Subaru was a little surprised that they were the only two entities in this place. Perhaps reading his companion's thoughts, Seishirou answered, "The dying have to endure their own personal journeys to the Afterlife. Perhaps it is because our spirits are linked in some way that had allowed me to meet you here." Subaru nodded. In a strange way, it made sense, because Seishirou was special to him. He had not realised how "special" until the moment he finally plunged his fist through Seishirou's heart. After some time, he could see a light in the distance. As they drew closer, the light grew brighter. "We shall be there soon," Seishirou assured, "Once we step through the gateway, there shall be no return." <No return.> Subaru pondered lightly on those two words, amused by their implications. Where would he want to return to? Life? It held no more meaning for him. Not with Seishirou dead. As they prepared the final journey towards the Light, Subaru thought he heard someone crying. He turned around and was surprised to see a young boy, probably about nine or ten, huddled on the ground with his back to him. Intermittently, sounds of sobbing emanated from the boy. Subaru paused in his steps. "Do not stop. We will be there soon," Seishirou spoke as he held on to Subaru's hand, trying to drag him forward. "Wait," Subaru begged. In a gentle motion, he pulled his hand free from his companion and walked towards the boy. Seishirou calmly said, "That is only a part of your memories in life. It is not real." However, Subaru was not listening, fascinated as he was with the vision of the sad lonely child. The boy did not seem to notice his approach though. He continued to cry as he muttered softly, "Please...don't die...don't leave...me...please..." Curious, Subaru knelt down beside the boy. He reached out a hand and turned the boy around to face him, and he gasped aloud. Two violet orbs shimmering with the glassy moistness of fresh tears stared back at him. It was a familiar sight, one that he had once seen within the depths of the heart of a fragile youth, burdened with the destiny of the world on his frail shoulders. The boy was Kamui. Yet the child continued with his crying, not recognising Subaru. "As I've said, it is only a memory. We have to go now, Subaru-kun. We cannot tarry too long," Seishirou urged rather insistently. Subaru nodded and stood up. He had to leave, before the rest of his memories returned. Memories that he wished to bury with his life. He felt sorry for what Kamui was probably going through now, but he was certain the rest of the Seals would be there to help him. However, as Subaru turned to leave, something caught hold of his right hand. He looked down and saw the vision of Kamui holding onto his fingers gently. The boy was still mumbling to himself. "Please don't die, Subaru...I need you...Everybody is dead...Please don't leave me..." Something in those words tore at Subaru's soul. He whispered, "I'm sorry, Kamui, for putting you through this. But I can't help you anymore." The little fingers slipped from Subaru's as the boy returned to his mourning. Knees drawn up with arms folded tightly around them, the boy lowered his head and continued to cry, "Subaru...I'm so scared...The bridge is falling...Where are you...?" <The bridge...> Subaru paused in his steps again. A look of horror washed over his face as the gradual realisation hit him. He turned towards Seishirou and asked, "This...Kamui...He's not a memory." Seishirou simply smiled. "But this is not his heart," Subaru added. There was a quiet desperation in his voice as he tried to make sense of the situation. His companion replied, "This is the realm of the dead..." He paused briefly, "And the dying..." "Then Kamui..." "Followed you here." Subaru was momentarily stunned. Then he remembered. Kamui had cried out to him when Rainbow Bridge collapsed. Subaru felt the briny waters choking him in cold darkness as he fell into the sea. Soon after, he vaguely recall someone grabbing hold of him, trying to bring him to the light of the surface, but he had fought against it. Somehow, he must have resurfaced as he could remember the touch of cold sea breeze whipping against his wet face. After that, he had appeared here, in the darkness. But why was Kamui here? "He jumped into the sea to save you," Seishirou explained further. "Then is he...?" Subaru dared to speak out the word. "Dead?" Seishirou chuckled warmly, "Not yet. But he will be, if he cannot or will not leave this place." "How can I help him?" Subaru pleaded. In the back of his mind, he was still fighting to understand Kamui's actions. Did the boy not wish to save his friend, Fuuma? So, why would he risk his life for Subaru this way? Subaru continued to stare helplessly at Kamui, his eyes quivering with confused emotions. Then he felt a pair of strong arms wrapped gently about him. He looked up. It was Seishirou. "You know the way, Subaru-kun. You know why he is here." "But I don't." "Yes you do. It's the same reason why you're here." Subaru froze again. "Yes, Subaru-kun. Kamui is here for you and he will choose to remain here unless you help him." "But I'm...dead," Subaru pointed out. "That is your choice. But one thing I do know. Hokuto-chan will be very angry if she knew that you died this way." "I...I killed you..." "No, Subaru-kun. I let you kill me...because I thought that was your wish." "But why?" Seishirou smiled. He turned Subaru around to face him, and then gently trace the tear-stained cheeks of the young man with his right thumb. "Because, I will only allow myself to be killed by someone I consider special." "Seishirou-san..." Subaru uttered haltingly. And then all his reservations disappeared as he held on tightly to the person he loved. Seishirou returned the embrace, holding Subaru as if he was afraid to let him go. But finally, he forced himself to release the young man, and said, "You are special to Kamui. That is why he could appear here. Now go and help him. Save the Tokyo that we both loved in our own ways, and then we can both meet Hokuto together without regrets." "But Kamui..." Seishirou laughed in amusement. "I will not be jealous, because I know that I will always be extra special in your heart. "Go now! Before it is too late." He stepped back away from Subaru, his form gradually losing its solidity. Subaru waved sadly to him, though his heart felt much relieved and happier that his wish had finally come true. Remembering the man's last words in life, Subaru whispered, "I love you too, Seishirou-san." Then he returned his attention to Kamui. * The fogginess began to clear as he slowly opened his eyes. Voices, some familiar, but generally anxious, surrounded him. "He's coming around!" someone cried out excitedly. Yuzuriha? He blinked his eyes and saw the Seals looking at him, relief washed all over their faces, as an army of medical staff hovered about him. Sorata spoke, "I thought we almost lost you." "Where's Kamui?" Subaru asked. Sorata nodded to his left. Subaru turned his head carefully and saw the boy lying on the other bed next to him, eyes closed as if asleep. Arashi frowned, "He hasn't responded yet." Subaru smiled, "He'll be up soon." As soon as those words were spoken, Kamui's eyelids began to flutter. "Subaru..." the pale lips muttered weakly, while their owner was still in a semi-conscious daze. Softly but firmly, Subaru replied, "Don't worry, Kamui. I'll help you..." ----- Dreams of Sakura Home -- http://www.starhub.net.sg/~alison X Shrine -- http://www.geocities.com/asuka_sg</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>