http://clampfix.fanworks.net/x-fix/betrayal0.txt </head><body><pre>The recent discussions about Dragons switching sides over on the CML sent my brain into another multi-parter spin. I'm starting off with a short prologue first. I'll appreciate any comments and suggestions. Thanks. All characters are property of CLAMP. Standard disclaimers apply. --- Betrayal (Prologue) An 'X' fanfic Presented by Alison Koh Kamui slowly opened his eyes. His surroundings were a hazy blur. Struggling to reorient himself, he flinched a little from the sunlight shining brightly through the bedroom windows. Gradually the room took on a more familiar shape as he heard a familiar voice by his side saying, "I'm glad you're awake." "Sorata?" Kamui asked as the figure of the Kouya monk progressively came into focus. Sorata nodded in affirmation. Kamui scanned through the worried faces surrounding his bed. Sorata was immediately by his side. Standing close behind him was Arashi and Yuzuriha. Near the end of the bed stood Karen and Seiichirou. With much effort and strain in his voice, Kamui asked, "Where's Subaru?" "Subaru-kun has been watching over you the entire night, so I asked him to take some rest this morning," Sorata explained. Kamui tried to get up but Sorata placed a palm on his shoulder to stop him. "Don't move," Sorata continued, "You've had a very bad fight with Fuuma. Fortunately we managed to reach you in time. You'll be needing a lot of rest and recuperation." Fight with Fuuma? Yes, it was something like that, Kamui thought and frowned as he realised he could not recall the details. Obviously, he had come out at the short end of it as usual. "What about Fuuma?" Kamui enquired. This time it was Arashi who answered, "He left the moment the keystone collapsed, but not before inflicting some serious injuries on you." Another keystone collapsed, another kekkai destroyed. At this rate, the Dragons of Earth were already on the verge of winning the war. Kamui cursed silently under his breath. "I would suggest that you do not try to challenge him again until you have fully recovered," said Karen, "We might not be so lucky next time. Meanwhile, leave things to the rest of us. Individually, we may not be Fuuma's equal, but I am certain we can come out with a plan as a group." She then walked closer to the bed to help adjust Kamui's blanket. Planting a kiss on his forehead, she said, "Now go get some sleep." Kamui nodded, feeling the weariness washed over him again. The fully drawn curtains plunged the whole room into darkness, which was exactly how Subaru wanted it at the moment. He had much time to think through the matter as he watched over the sleeping Kamui throughout the previous night. There was something he had meant to do for a long time but did not. That was until he saw Sorata carry home the seriously injured form of Kamui, back from another failed battle with Fuuma. He understood immediately that Kamui might not be able to survive another fight with Fuuma, and if Seishirou got involved as well... No, what he was planning to do might just buy the Seals enough time. Except that none of the Seals could possibly forgive him after that, especially Kamui. "Subaru, are you still trying to lie to yourself?" he asked himself. Subaru sighed as he understood his other more important reason to take that path. Kamui and the Seals were just an excuse. He wanted to do this, or rather, had to do this because it was probably the only way he could realise his true wish. With his mind set, Subaru launched the shikigami into existence and sent out the message. Seishirou put the freshly lit cigarette to his lips as he waited patiently for his companion to break the silence. They were both standing on the roof of a tall office block in one of the few earthquake-free regions of Tokyo. The silence continued for a few minutes until Seishirou finally put out the expired cigarette and addressed the younger man, "So, Subaru-kun, since you're the one who arranged this meeting, care to tell me what it's all about? I'm a rather busy man to stand here all day long." As if willing himself for control, Subaru finally spoke, "I have a proposal to make." "Ah! So this is not a revenge trip after all," Seishirou smirked, "Go on. I'm listening." "I offer you..." Subaru paused for a moment before finally continuing, "I offer you myself." "This is interesting," Seishirou chuckled, a glint of menace tinkling in his good eye. --- 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>