Title: Turning Point [part 4/7]

Author: Enigma

Series: Earthian

Written: May, 2002

Rating: NC-17

Pairings: (Kagetsuya x Chihaya) (Messiah x Chihaya) (Kagetsuya x Chihaya x Messiah)

Category: Yaoi Angst Romance Action Violence Language Threesome Lemon. AU-OOC. Giftfic.

Archive: fanfiction.net [author: "E-sama the Llama"] ; also at Yanagi-sen's page: http://willownymph.1accesshost.com/www.1accesshost.com/home%20page.htm

Warnings: yaoi, angst, romance, action, graphic violence, excessive bloodshed, rough language, Chihaya-torture, science fiction touches, three-way lemon, friend insertion, AU-OOC. Giftfic for Yanagi-sen.

Spoilers: Contains spoilers for the entire 4 episode OVA series. Note the timeline diverges from that of the anime after Chihaya and Kagetsuya encounter Messiah in the bar in "Final Battle" and is set four months after that point. Also, please note that the author is completely ignorant of the manga series and if he has made errors based on that lack of knowledge, he is deeply apologetic and hopes the reader can still enjoy the story in spite of them.

Disclaimer: "Earthian" is the property of Yun Kouga. All original characters featured herein (including: Willow, Rhino, Hyena, and Gorilla) are © Enigma, 2002, and are not to be used without permission. This unauthorized and unpaid work of fanfiction is intended for entertainment only; kindly do not sue me.

Notes: Can a violent turning point in the lives of Kagetsuya, Chihaya, and Messiah help them find a way to blend two couples into a trio while they still have the chance?

*****

The momentary quiet within the bank whose floor was awash with a veritable sea of blood was broken by a soft, pain-filled sigh as Chihaya floated back into awareness and found himself gently cradled in Willow's arms as she urged softly, "See? I told you that the Lord's angels would help us."

Amethyst eyes filled with confusion and a pain so profound that it was almost more than he could bear, the raven-haired youth answered tiredly, "I should've known someone would come for me." He looked away from the woman who smiled sweetly at him despite her torn lip seeking the faces of those he loved and he lifted a reddened wrist in supplication as he called out quietly, "Kagetsuya? Messiah? Is it really you?"

Both responded immediately to the soft plea, relief and worry mixed in equal parts in their eyes.

Kneeling in front of Willow, Kagetsuya reached out to carefully brush his fingertips through blood-smeared black hair and he asked gently, "How badly are you hurt, Chihaya?"

The depths of love and devotion in his partner's verdant eyes brought a wave of warmth to the smaller angel's heart. Despite the sheer torture he was experiencing from numerous broken bones, internal injuries he was only then becoming aware of, and the hideous gaping wound on his face, he smiled as best he could and responded without answering the question, saying, "I'm so glad you're here, Kagetsuya. I was afraid I'd never see you again." His soulful violet eyes flickered over to the ebon-feathered form that had sunk down beside the white-winged one and he added with an exhausted sighing moan, "And you, too, Messiah. I thought I'd lost you both forever."

"Never, Chihaya," the amber-eyed synthetic angel vowed. "You shall never be alone as long as Kagetsuya or myself live."

Seeing a hint of understanding growing on the injured youth's bloodied yet still sweet face, the blond angel reinforced the message by saying, "*Together*, Messiah and I will see to it that you're never in danger like this again, Chihaya. You are far too precious to *both* of us to risk losing you."

Astounded amethyst eyes widened and despite the pain involved, Chihaya lifted his head from where it had rested against the petite woman's supportive form and he turned towards each of them as he asked in amazement, "Do you mean it? You two have finally stopped fighting enough to agree on something?" He wanted to ask more, but the ill-considered motion triggered a resurgence of pain and he moaned piteously and fell back into the woman's embrace fully.

Without hesitation or discussion, Kagetsuya and Messiah both nodded in unison.

Then the forest-green-haired being reached out so that he, too, could caress his smaller lover's skin gently and he spoke quietly saying, "We no longer have cause to disagree, Chihaya. But, please answer Kagetsuya's question. How severe are your injuries?" The worry and fear in his eyes warred with the love that was there along with something new which astounded the injured youth even further. The synthetic angel's amber orbs contained a respect for the white-winged angel who had not dropped his hand, thereby making a physical connection of sorts among the threesome even as Chihaya gazed at both of them.

With a deep, agonized sigh as he forced himself to do an assessment of his injuries, the battered youth moaned and knew the tears of pain had returned to his eyes as he felt the burn of salt in the open wound which disfigured his previously beautiful face. Trying not to whimper and failing, he looked at not only his two lovers but also the concerned woman who had respectfully remained silent during the conversation she couldn't truly understand yet would not interrupt. When all three continued to gaze back worriedly, he answered in apologetic tones, "I'm sorry, Messiah, Kagetsuya, but they hurt me pretty badly." His violet eyes sank down guiltily as he admitted, "A bunch of my ribs are broken and I feel all torn up inside. I can taste blood in the back of my throat and I know it's not from my face."

The expressions of horror on Messiah and Willow's faces were understandable as the realization struck them both that he meant there were internal injuries no thanks to the severe beating he had suffered from Rhino's brass knuckle-clad fist.

They both looked shocked when Kagetsuya answered calmly, "That's all right, Chihaya. I'm fairly certain I can handle that."

Disagreement flared in the injured youth's eyes and he tried to shake his head as he insisted, "No! You can't! That's too much, even for you, Kagetsuya!" Seeing that his muscular blond partner fully intended to go through with his plan, he added more forcefully, "The amount of life energy that would require is too great! It could kill you!" [1]

With a tender smile on his face that somehow seemed sad, Kagetsuya answered truthfully, "If you died, Chihaya, I wouldn't want to live anyway. Besides, this is the only way."

"What do you mean?" Willow interjected, unable to remain silent as the being she assumed truly was from a heaven humanity had believed in for millennia spoke of his own death. In her mind, angels were immortal and eternal. The fact that three beings involved in what had seemed like professions of love were all males hadn't phased the open-minded bank manager who felt that everyone should be free to love whomever their heart chose. The idea that one of them could die, however, did.

Glancing at the woman he had neglected to thank for her clear concern and affection for his small lover, Kagetsuya answered simply, "He means this."

Without further explanation, the white-winged angel leaned forward and without dislodging Messiah's hand which cradled Chihaya's undamaged cheek, he closed his eyes and tenderly kissed the open wound where it began dangerously close to the outer corner of an amethyst eye. Moving ever so slowly, the blond visitor from another planet allowed his lips to find and caress every bit of broken skin then moved on leaving behind somewhat blood-stained yet unblemished skin in his wake.

"Oh my Lord!" The ebony-tressed woman exclaimed in soft astonishment. Blinking her moss-colored eyes a few times to make sure she was seeing things correctly, she added worshipfully, "You truly *are* an angel! Only someone from heaven could make a miracle like that happen."

Equally stunned since he'd never known of the green-eyed angel's amazing healing gift, Messiah rocked back somewhat, unwittingly allowing his hand to slip from Chihaya's face to lay limply on the youth's shoulder where its warmth couldn't be felt as well.

With a small expression of surprise that there was something he could do that would amaze his dark-haired companion, Kagetsuya continued his healing efforts even as he reached out and gathered Messiah's limp hand into his own, squeezing it briefly in reassurance before placing it back against their lover's cheek.

Grateful tears filled amethyst eyes as Chihaya sighed softly, "Thank you."

Whether the black-haired youth meant he appreciated the healing or the return of contact by them both or even the brief clasping of hands he'd just witnessed was unclear and totally irrelevant. At that moment, despite the horrendous pain his internal injuries caused, the petite angel was truly happy. He knew that somehow, someway, the two beings he had given himself to both physically and emotionally had finally come to an understanding and there was a future for them together after all.

As his now blood-covered lips made their way to the delicate angel's chin and left behind a once more flawless face, Kagetsuya felt a minute wave of tiredness pass through him. But almost as quickly as the decrease in his energy levels registered in his mind, it was pushed aside as he asked quietly, "Chihaya? Does that feel better?"

With another soft sigh, the violet-eyed youth answered, "Yes, thank you, Kagetsuya." Regret passed across his features as he lifted a hand to try to brush the crimson fluid from the blonde's lips and failed as he found it hurt too much. Letting the hand fall back down, he admitted, "But I hurt so badly inside. I really don't think you should try to heal me, Kagetsuya. It's too much."

"Nonsense," the sea-green-eyed angel answered not unkindly. Then he glanced at the silent amber-eyed being beside him and asked with concern, "Do you understand, Messiah? There's no one we can turn to for help in an emergency like this. [2] Chihaya requires immediate treatment. This is the only way."

Understanding all too well that what he was truly saying was that if he did overreach himself and succeeded in healing their lover at the cost of his own life, Kagetsuya expected Messiah to see to it that Chihaya lived the long and happy life they both felt he deserved. Nodding solemnly, the black-winged angel lowered his face ever so slightly and said quietly, "Do what you feel must be done, Kagetsuya, and know that I shall do so as well." Lifting his bowed head back up, he then peered at him for a moment then reached out to carefully stroke the traces of Chihaya's lifeblood from his lips and he added more tenderly, "But act with care. Many tomorrows will be needed to explore the changes we have faced today."

Warmth and hope spread their way cautiously through Kagetsuya's heart but before he could enjoy it fully, the sound of ululating electronic noises in the distance registered with the synthetic angel's augmented senses. Raven feathers rustled as Messiah rose to his feet and noted the massive amount of blood present and the three corpses decorating the floor around them as he warned, "It is possible that the police have finally been alerted to the situation here. There are sirens approaching."

Immediately realizing they were in danger of being apprehended for any number of things not the least of which were being apparent freaks of nature who had just massacred three men, Kagetsuya nodded firmly and asked, "Chihaya? Do you think you can withstand my carrying you home? We need to leave."

Nodding tiredly, the ebony-haired youth answered sadly, "I'll probably pass out again, but there isn't time for us to get a car now." Tilting his head towards the woman who had held him unfailingly cradling him even as Kagetsuya had healed him, he said regretfully, "I'm so sorry I couldn't stop them, miss. They hurt you and the others and I wasn't able to help."

"Yes you did, dear," Willow smiled at him tenderly, then gave his forehead a gentle kiss good-bye before adding, "If you hadn't come, they probably would have killed everyone in the bank today. You saved us all. But before you go, may I ask you a question?"

"What is it?" Luminous violet eyes peered up at her as the injured youth noticed Kagetsuya shifting to his feet to make gathering Chihaya into his arms for the flight home more feasible.

With a small hopeful smile since she knew it was only a hunch, the woman asked quietly, "What color are *your* wings?" The look of astonishment on his face was all too evident and utterly adorable in her mind and she added, "You are, after all, another angel, are you not?"

Having never been asked that question directly by an earthian before, Chihaya glanced at the tall blond for guidance and received a smile of encouragement that emboldened him to admit, "Yes, I am, but I'm afraid mine aren't as large and pretty as Kagetsuya's or Messiah's." With a slightly disappointed expression on his newly healed face, he added, "My wings are just plain black. Like ink or a shadow." He wasn't unhappy that he was telling her the truth about himself, instead Chihaya was actually distressed that he couldn't be more attractive for his two partners.

"They are *far* from 'plain', Chihaya," Kagetsuya admonished tenderly, then he gazed at the woman and stated, "Seeing his wings is like seeing a rainbow at night. Mysterious and transcendentally beautiful, miss. Like Messiah's are." The openly admiring glance he cast upon the other winged being was regrettably cut short as the first whisper of police sirens reached his own ears.

"We must depart," the amber-eyed synthetic angel stated with more urgency.

"Then go, please, and take good care of him," Willow asked as she gently transferred the injured boy into the blond angel's outstretched arms. With a small smile, she noted how perfectly the two fit together and how achingly lovely the reality of a diminutive form being supported by a large angelic one was compared to the illustrations of thousands of years of artists attempting to capture that beauty. [3]

With a grateful nod of his head and a sad smile of apology as he realized she was going to have a lot of people refuse to believe her story of meeting actual angels, Kagetsuya turned away, inadvertently giving her one last glimpse of his massive snow-white wings. He strode quickly across the blood- and glass-littered floor towards the shattered front window pausing only briefly to make an unexpectedly petty seeming gesture of kicking Hyena's head closer to a trashcan, muttering something about putting it where it belonged.

Following wordlessly, Messiah shook his elegant ebony wings and thereby cleaned most of the blood from them not noticing or caring that it merely added to the gruesome scene which the bank had become. What had been a typically clean and neat financial establishment early in the morning had become a veritable charnel house, something rarely seen by the predominantly law-abiding citizens of Japan.

Over the coming days, the police would expend quite a bit of effort to gather the clues they would want regarding the two strange beings who had massacred the men who dared to injure the one they loved. They would ultimately fail, of course, in part thanks to the serendipitous way the blank check Chihaya had brought in to cash attached itself to the blood-covered sole of one of Messiah's shoes as the synthetic angel walked away from the corpses he'd helped create never regretting his actions.

Stepping through the gaping opening in the window, Kagetsuya smiled at Chihaya then turned his head slightly to be sure that Messiah was beside him as he asked, "Are we ready to go home now?" The tallest of the threesome reflected briefly that it felt good to say the word "home" just then and awaited his companion's response.

"Most assuredly," the amber-eyed being stated earnestly, then he frowned slightly and asked, "Kagetsuya? Forgive my ignorance of such matters, but would it not be appropriate for you to conserve your strength for healing and allow me to transport Chihaya back to our apartment?"

To the violet-eyed youth's total surprise, the green-eyed angel thought for a moment, then nodded and gently transferred him to Messiah's arms as he answered, "That's probably a good idea." With a tiny twinge of a negative emotion he immediately suppressed since he alone had had the privilege of flying with Chihaya in his arms previously, he added, "Don't drop him. If he passes out, Chihaya will feel twice as heavy."

Trying to give his companion a reassuring smile, the synthetic angel answered confidently, "There is no risk of that happening, Kagetsuya. There are certain advantages to having additional strength programmed into one's genetic construction."

Without further discussion and in plain sight of the agitated elderly man who had called the police after noticing the bank window had been smashed, the pair extended their magnificent wings and with powerful downward strokes, they were airborne.

As predicted, the pain of motion as they fought gravity and won caused Chihaya to immediately loose consciousness yet it wasn't terrifying for anyone involved.

The physical suffering caused by the injuries sustained at Rhino's evil hands would end shortly and be replaced relatively soon thereafter by a joy he'd never dared to dream of. A joy that could only be granted by the combined efforts of both of these wondrous beings as all three of them discovered for the first time that cooperation in bed was even more rewarding than it was in battle.

*****

To be continued.

Author's Notes:

[1] The way Kagetsuya's "healing kisses" as demonstrated in "The Beginning of the End" truly worked was never explained to my knowledge but after thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that he used part of his own vital energy to do it. If that was the case, it is only logical to assume that the more severe the injuries to be healed, the greater the drain and if he overextended himself he could die in the act of saving someone else. Also, since Chihaya seemed so surprised when it happened in the anime, I further assume that this is an ability that Kagetsuya alone possesses and had rarely used as opposed to a racial trait shared by all of those from Eden.

[2] Since there's no reason a priori to believe there might have been the angelic equivalent of a doctor available in Tokyo, I presumed that this was a reasonable assumption. Granted, if I ever needed a physician from Eden to be available, I'd most likely add one after much gnashing of teeth and arguing with Melpomene *or* I might just contact Norwegian and see who he would recommend. Either way, despite my earlier statement that angels were presumed to be fundamentally similar to earthians, I dare say a human surgeon might be in for a shock if he worked on Chihaya.

[3] Have you seen any of the many images of a large guardian angel, ivory wings unfurled and carrying a small child? This was what I had in mind at this point and despite the fact that Chihaya is more approximately the size of a slender teenager than a child, I fully believe it would make a magnificent vision for Willow to have witnessed. I only wish I had the skill to create fanart to share this scene with you more fully, I think it would be angst-laden considering the blood, but overall it would convey a great deal about how these two interact, ne? Of course, I'd add Messiah standing close by just to avoid losing the flavor of the story, perhaps with his hand on Kagetsuya's shoulder supportively, massive ebony wings out-swept and demonstrating the new-found harmony of the taller members of the threesome at this point.

Please be advised: Parts 3 & 4 will be posted together.

Posted 17 May 2002 ~3:15am EDT