by Sessha Batto
“There will be no need for that, Sasaki-san,” Yuu assured him. “Do as you wish, I won’t stop you. Yoshi was very good to me. I am sorry for your loss.”
“Don’t you dare talk about him in the past tense.” Makoto covered his eyes as he pushed the idea of Yoshi dying firmly out of his mind. “He's very strong, you have no idea what he's been through. He’ll be fine. Now,” he declared, eyes glittering, “where can I find this brother of yours?”
“We’ve stopped the bleeding and stabilized his vital signs.” The medic broke in to update them. “We need to move him to surgery.”
“I’m going with you,” the interrogator decided. “I need to make sure he's alright.”
“I will handle my brother, Sasaki-san. I’m afraid this has been brewing for some time.” Yuu headed out of the chamber in search of Takumi, the torture master too intent on his injured lover to notice.
****
That sounds like Makoto, Yoshi noted idly as he was repositioned. It must be a trick, but it isn’t going to work. I know better than to fall for that old ruse. He continued pondering the chances of the interrogator actually being in Hokkaido. I wonder what the garden looks like this time of year, his last thought as he drifted back into unconsciousness.
Makoto paced restlessly outside the operating room doors, his progression across the floor closely monitored by an increasingly worried Shouhei. “Sasaki-san, you should sit down, have something to eat. It won’t do Yoshi any good if you collapse from the stress.”
“Not until I know he's alright. I can’t lose him now. I’m here to bring him home.”
“You said it yourself, he's very strong,” Shouhei reminded the distraught man. “You’ll be headed home before you know it. Besides, Yoshi needs to be here for our wedding, he set us up, after all. I owe him everything.”
“As do I,” Yuu added as he joined them in their vigil. “Sasaki-san, my brother is in custody awaiting your judgment. My only request is that you leave him alive until after our wedding. I wish to force him to watch the ceremony.”
“Aaa,” Makoto murmured noncommittally. “What's taking so long?”
Several long hours passed before one of the medics pushed through the doors, face downcast as he approached the waiting group. “He made it through the surgery. We were able to repair most of the internal damage, but we need to wait for a specialist to try and repair his genitals.”
“What in god's name did that sick fuck do to him?” Makoto asked.
“It appears that the patient had a number of piercings, all of which were either torn or cut from his body.” The medic kept a wary eye on the torture master as he continued. “His penis, in particular, was heavily damaged. That's where most of the blood was coming from. I believe there is a chance the specialist will be able to restore most of its function, so there is reason to hope.”
“I want to see him,” Makoto demanded. “I need to be with him.”
“He's heavily sedated and has yet to regain consciousness. We intend on keeping him under until after the repairs are completed. The damaged area is very sensitive, after all, the pain must be incredible,” the doctor hedged. “It would be better if you waited here.”
“I don’t care. Just five minutes... please?”
“Five minutes,” the medic cautioned. “Don’t try to wake him. I’ll let you know when the specialist arrives.”
Makoto hesitantly pushed open the door, feet frozen to the floor at the sight of his lover surrounded by machines and hooked up to dozens to tubes and wires. He cautiously made his way over to the bed, taking a pale hand in his massive one and stroking it tenderly. “I’ll be right here, 'shi-san, I’m never leaving you again,” he assured the unconscious form. “Just come back to me.”
****
It was sixteen hours before the specialist finally arrived. Throughout those long hours the interrogator never moved from his vigil. Both Yuu and Shouhei had tried, and failed, to convince him to rest, assuring the distraught man that they would keep watch and summon him if there was any change, but he refused. “I need to be here. What if he wakes up and thinks he's alone? I could never forgive myself.”
“We’ll call you immediately, Sasaki-san,” the Shuhan assured him. “Just go next door and lay down for five minutes.”
“Once he's in surgery,” the interrogator demurred. “I promise I’ll rest then.” He turned back to the bed, hand never letting go of the one he stroked so tenderly. “The doctor will be here soon. Then they’ll fix you up good as new.”
Yuu caught his fiancé's eye and shook his head sadly. Good as new wasn’t the likely outcome and they both knew it. The shadow wolf would be lucky to regain any feeling in his badly damaged penis, and both men shuddered at the thought of suffering something similar.
“Sasaki-san,” the Shuhan spoke up. “I feel particularly responsible for this. I bought the rings and rods he was wearing and convinced him to wear them. If not for my selfishness he would not have suffered so. Can you ever forgive me?”
“You had no ill intent, Shuhan-sama,” Makoto said. “Although I must admit I wish your relationship with Yoshi had been of a more formal nature. He means the world to me. I’m afraid I’m more than a little jealous.”
“I am sorry,” Yuu replied. “Oonishi-san never told me he was involved with someone. I didn’t realize until recently. Yoshi only told me when I sent word to the Mochizuki no Shuhan. I would have spent my life alone if not for his help.”
“Shouhei told me he set you two up,” the interrogator noted.
“It was more than that. I never would have been open to any relationship. Yoshi helped me come to terms with the things my father did to me... and the things I did to others,” Yuu explained. “He helped me find my peace.”
“He's good at that,” Makoto agreed. “He seems to have a surprising knack for knowing what other people need, too bad he doesn’t have the same insight into his own life.” He turned back to the bed, squeezing the limp hand gently before settling back to wait. “I’m here, sweetheart.”
****
The shadow wolf struggled towards consciousness... not really sure if he wanted to know where he was, but determined to try to escape if he could. He cracked open his eye, struggling not to scream as bolts of pain rippled through his lower half, and warily peered at his surroundings. This looks like a hospital, but looks can be deceiving. He glanced down the length of his body, disturbed by the cage raising the blankets over his groin, yet not ready to face the reason for it, his mind skittering away from thoughts of what had been done to him.
Makoto yawned and stretched, rising awkwardly from the chair he’d been slumbering in to walk across the room and splash some water on his face. He turned back to the bed to resume his vigil, heart soaring when he locked eyes with a suspiciously narrowed mismatched pair.
Yoshi cautiously cracked open both eyes, studying the familiar figure carefully, looking for any deception. “ko’to,” he croaked.
“Don’t try to talk,” the interrogator cautioned as he rushed to the injured man's side. “Here, would you like a sip of water?” He carefully filled a glass and added a straw, twisting it so the prone man could sip. “You need to lie still, don’t try to sit up. You’ve had several surgeries, and I’m afraid you’ll need more. Some can wait until we get home, though. I came to get you. I killed the Mochizuki no Shuhan, you’re free. Please come home to me. I can’t stand being without you anymore.”
“Wha?” the shadow wolf managed, gesturing toward the raised blankets.
“I won’t lie to you, the damage was severe. There was extensive internal injury, your urethra, prostate, rectum and intestines were badly torn, they had to remove one of your kidneys and your bladder is heavily bruised. Most of that damage has been repaired. But you may require an additional procedure or two down the road, and I’m afraid you’re off active duty permanently, the risks are too high with only one kidney. The external damage,” Makoto faltered, wiping a hand over his face to compose himself
before going on, “the external damage was substantial. The bastard ripped out your frenum piercings and cut out the rings through the head of your penis. Initial repairs have been made but you’ll need several more surgeries.”
The interrogator watched the injured elite closely, prepared to act if he showed any signs of panic. “I see.” Yoshi quietly shut his eyes and swallowed hard. Internally he was reeling. If he understood correctly, the chances of his making a complete recovery were slim and he silently mourned everything he’d just lost. Including you, he decided ruefully as he studied the interrogator, I can never be what you need now.
“Do you need something for the pain?” Makoto asked anxiously, seeing the shadow pass across the pale visage.
The shadow wolf merely shook his head wearily before shutting his eyes and retreating, once more, into the relative solace of sleep.
****
The Nakamura no Shuhan and his companion waited patiently in the large reception hall, placidly ignoring the bustle of preparations around them. “Ah, Kai-sama.” Hideaki rose to greet his fellow leader, “Congratulations on your impending nuptials. Where is Yoshi-senpai? I want to give him my best wishes as well.”
“Takahashi-san is not my intended,” Yuu replied softly. “Allow me to introduce my fiancé, Abe Shouhei.”
“It has been a long time Abe-san. You seem happy.”
“I am happy, Shuhan-sama.” The scarred nin dropped to his knees and bowed his head. “I owe you an apology, Oonishi-san. I was one of Kobayashi-sama's personal guards. I should have seen what was happening to you. I am sorry for all of your pain.”
“Thank you, Shouhei. You have no idea how much your concern means to me. But you had no knowledge and bear no guilt when it comes to Kobayashi-sama's actions.” Hideaki pulled the burly man up with a smile. “So, am I to assume Yoshi-senpai is closeted away somewhere with Sasaki-san?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Yuu said cryptically. “If you will follow me I’ll show you to your rooms, then I can take you to see Takahashi-san.”
A short while later they were strolling across the village, people scattering in front of the pair of Shuhan as they walked along, deep in conversation. “Abe-san,” Katsutoshi began hesitantly. “Why are we headed for the hospital?”
“Call me Shouhei, please. I'm afraid Yoshi was attacked ten days ago. He won’t be leaving the hospital anytime soon.”
“Attacked?” Hideaki stopped and turned sightless eyes on the Kai no Shuhan. “I’m afraid I’ll need an explanation. I entrusted him to your care.”
“He was ambushed by my brother,” Yuu explained. “Takumi is in custody awaiting punishment. Yoshi was... badly hurt. Perhaps you should read the medical report.”
“Perhaps I should,” the Oonishi said. “Then I would like to see him.”
“Makoto has been with him since he was found,” Shouhei added. “Maybe you can get him to take a break. He hasn’t left that room in more than a week.”
“Of course he hasn’t.” Katsutoshi shrugged. “How can he? Obviously you can’t protect Yoshi.”
“Let's talk to Sasaki-san and Yoshi-senpai before we go jumping to any conclusions,” Hideaki suggested. “Yuu isn’t responsible for the sins of his brother. If Makoto is satisfied I shall be as well.”
“Nevertheless,” Katsutoshi decided, “I will guard Takahashi-san, that way Sasaki-san will be able to rest.”
Once inside the Oonishi took his time having the medical reports read to him, even going back and repeating certain sections to make sure he understood the ramifications. “I will see him now,” he announced wistfully, unwilling to witness the depths to which his talented elder had fallen.
“Senpai, why is it every time we see you you’re in some kind of trouble?” Hideaki tried to lighten the mood as he approached the bed. “Seriously, Yoshi, how are you feeling?”
“I’ve been better.” The shadow wolf searched the expressionless face for clues to his reaction. “Will you sit and talk with me a bit?”
“I’d love to.” Hideaki pulled a chair close to the bed and angled it so the injured man could see his face.
“Sasaki-san, why don't you take a break. Take a shower, have a bite to eat,” Katsutoshi suggested, throwing an arm over broad shoulders and pulling the interrogator close. “I will guard Takahashi-san with my life. You can rest without worry.”
“I’ll be back in twenty minutes,” Makoto husked. “Don’t upset him.”
“His welfare is very important to us. No one will harm him while I draw breath.”
“Thank you.” The interrogator turned to the bed to whisper sweetly, “I’m going to go get a bite to eat. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.”
Katsutoshi shut the door and stood against it, broad form barring entry while Hideaki settled back to visit with his friend. “Senpai, are you in pain?”
“I don’t like to take pills,” the shadow wolf said. “Besides, I’ll have to get used to it sooner or later.”
“The pain will fade, senpai. I read your medical report. I know of a surgeon who might be able to help.” Hideaki trailed off. “What do you need, Yoshi?”
“I need sanctuary. I can’t be what Makoto needs, not anymore. I won’t be going back with him. I can’t face seeing him every day while having to keep my distance.”
“He won’t accept that. He stayed with us for three weeks before coming here. Believe me he won’t rest unless you’re together.”
“That's because he doesn’t truly comprehend the situation. All I’ve ever been good for is pleasure, and now I’m not even fit for that.”
“You’re an extremely talented ninja,” Hideaki pointed out.
“Who's permanently relieved from duty,” Yoshi retorted. “The risks are too high now that I’ve lost a kidney. I am a man without a purpose, a liability.”
“I doubt Sasaki-san will ever consider you a liability. Besides, who was it that told me I had value beyond my comprehension. You are certainly no different. You’re a brilliant man, senpai. I’m certain you would be considered an asset in any tactical or strategic planning position, regardless of your fitness for field duty. Service is not all about assassination.”
“The problem still remains, pleasure is beyond me now,” Yoshi insisted. “Makoto deserves more. I never was good enough, it's just more obvious now.”
“Now you’re being ridiculous.” Hideaki wrinkled in nose in displeasure. “Honestly, senpai, do you even listen to what you’re saying?”
“Do you?” Yoshi shot back angrily. “Do you have any comprehension of what this is like? There's a huge metal dildo in my ass so it will stay open as it heals... or so they tell me, I can’t feel it. My dick looks like someone tried to sew hamburger back together, and an hour ago I found out they’re probably going to remove my balls.” He dropped his eyes to his lap and continued grimly. “I’m not a man, I’m a thing.”
“I watched you with Kazuki before he died,” Katsutoshi rumbled. “You stayed with him long past the time he was able, or willing, to have sex. Why didn’t you leave him?”
“That was different,” the shadow wolf retorted. “I wasn’t with him just for sex.”
“Makoto isn’t with you for sex either,” the swordsman growled. “He loves you, you idiot. He wouldn’t care if you were in pieces, and he’ll chase you if you try to leave.”
“I don’t care. Sooner or later he’ll want more than I can give him and it will kill me to watch him go to someone else for pleasure. He’d come back, I have no doubt, but I will not be an obligation. The last thing Makoto needs is a jailor, no matter how much in love he fancies himself.”
“I’ll ask again. Would you have let yourself be pushed away?” Katsutoshi pressed.
“That was different, Kazu needed me,” Yoshi insisted. “I will be fine on my own.”
“No you won’t,” Hideaki retorted. “You would survive, I have no doubt, but you’d be far from fine. No one who cares about you will allow that. In any event you have no choice in the m
atter at the moment. It appears you’re confined here until you heal.”
“Yare, yare,” Yoshi muttered. “I won’t be an invalid forever.”
“Hopefully you’ll regain your senses by then.” The Shuhan turned his head when the door opened and Makoto strode in carrying a large tray.
“I brought you some miso soup.” The interrogator carefully positioned the bed tray and deposited the food. “Please try to eat some of it, I know it's one of your favorites.”
“I’m not hungry right now,” the shadow wolf mumbled. “Maybe later. It was nice seeing you Hideaki, Katsutoshi, but right now, I’m a little tired. I’ll talk to you both later.”
“We will be back, senpai,” the Oonishi announced, daring the elite to try and keep them away. Yoshi merely turned his head and shut his eyes, retreating into his own thoughts and ignoring the three men now exchanging worried glances.
“I’m going to see them out, I’ll be right back.” Makoto stepped outside to address the visitors.
“You need to keep an eye on him,” Katsutoshi rumbled as soon as the door shut. “He thinks he has nothing to offer and you’d be better off without him.”
“Well then, I’ll just have to convince him otherwise,” the interrogator decided. “He doesn’t understand how I feel.”
“Just don’t hurt him,” Hideaki cautioned. “None of us will allow that.”
“I love him,” Makoto insisted. “I would never hurt him.”
“More dangerous words have never been spoken,” the Shuhan murmured cryptically before bidding the interrogator good night and heading for his rooms. Makoto merely watched the pair head down the corridor before plastering a smile he didn’t feel on his face and heading back inside.
****
It was evening two days later when a party from Kobayashi shuudan finally reached Hokkaido and the gates of Kai stronghold. “See, Sou, you were worried about nothing,” Daisuke said with a smile. “We didn’t have a single problem on the way here.”
