Episode 43

Over the space of three seconds Taylor felt his dreams crumble.

No, no, no, NO! his brain screamed. First was the numbness of Callie's death. And then the fact that Yuki - weak, powerless Yuki - was engaged in a furious Oragi battle before him.

I can't even fight like that! Taylor realized. Not only had Yuki taken someone he fancied, he had proved himself far worthier than Taylor. Losing a girl to an inferior idiot was acceptable - but this, this ...

Taylor balled his hands into fists. Alec ... Callie ...

In the middle of the hall both boys were a blur of movement and crimson droplets.

This must end NOW!" Bishop screamed, "HERE!"

Yuki calmly blocked a forward blow; Bishop's palm streaked upwards and a corresponding streak of falling bricks and disintegrating mortar appeared in the side of the hall.

"You're not going to last long, Bishop." Yuki said.

"And you?" he shot back, "How many gallons of blood have you lost? Wrists cut like that -"

Yuki did not answer. He knew that was a non-issue - his body could replace the blood as fast as it bled out of him. But he knew that once his body's stores of iron ran out ... no matter. He still felt well.

The main door crashed open, revealing a girl with silvery hair and an elfin face. "Bishop," she commanded, "The Janus is being moved. You're needed."

Bishop tore himself away from Yuki, yelling in anguish. "Get the hell out of here, Qari! I have unfinished business!"

You want a court martial?" Qari yelled back. "I don't care what personal business you're on, your duty is to your country!"

Yuki eyed Bishop, hands on the ready. "Face me like a man." he hissed. He could still remember the way the police found the family ... he could still remember the photographs and the blood ...

Bishop was undecided, fearful. Here lay his salvation - the boy that caused his suffering. And yet he did not want to risk a court martial - it would rob him of a proper home, a place where he belonged.

He made a choice. Spinning, he swung a kick at Yuki - this one was blocked. No matter, his hands were free. Together they forced their way past Yuki's flailing arms and sought space; this they got easily and Bishop focused his mind solely on one target ...

A crimson wave burst forth from his hands, sweeping across the hall, tearing tile and ripping grey drape. It created a gigantic vacuum as it moved; the suction making windows break and shatter; Yuki turned against the howling wind to see Alec, Jean and Chong Fen unable to move in the face of incoming death.

He flung his arms out, but even then he knew it was too late - the force was too much for any blood wall he could summon to contain -

His blood hit the crimson wave and rebounded off. It could not place itself in front of his three friends.

All is lost, Yuki thought. There was nothing he could do now but watch as they died. In a way, Yuki cursed, Bishop got his revenge.

There was a sudden eruption of searing white light. Yuki closed his eyes; the hall shook at the explosion. What's going on? Another roaring blast, an outburst of hot, howling air.

When Yuki opened his eyes the crimson wave was gone; in its place the blood droplets fell to the ground in harmless spirals.

What the hell?

"Alec?" Yuki yelled, "Jean? You guys there?"

The hall was silent without the roar of wind.

A cry that made Yuki's heart leap for joy:

"We're over here!" It was Alec, calling out somewhere beyond the smoke. "It was Chong Fen - he caused the explosions, don't ask me how ..."

"Are you okay?" Yuki called out.

"C-Chong Fen's not." came a voice that was unmistakeably Jean's. "His arm's ... his arm's ..."

The silence that followed left much to the imagination.

"Yuki!" yelled Alec. "Go after that boy - Bishon, whatever his name is ... don't let him get the Janus! We'll be okay here!"

Yuki nodded, although they couldn't see him. Bishop was right - it had to be settled once and for all. He turned heel and ran for the door.

He did not hear the footsteps following him.