#and now Fushimi must beat them all

[ridiasfangirlings]

Misaki got cursed to turn into a dog who can't talk like a human. The only way to break it is for someone to recognize him as a human and specifically realize his real identity. If the spell isn't broken after 24 hours, he turns into a real dog. He tries going to Homra cause his clan would know it's him, right? Anna wasn't there, unfortunately so no one else did. He knew Anna would know so he searches for her and instead crosses paths with Fushimi...

At least Fushimi doesn’t have to kiss him, I guess XD Imagine Yata gets transformed into a little red chihuahua by some Strain (The Little Mermaid Strain, who transforms you and takes your voice and the curse can only be broken by someone realizing who you are). Yata’s freaking out that he’s been turned into a dog, imagine him running around yapping and people keep yelling at him to go away. He decides okay, be cool, it’s fine, he’ll just go to Bar Homra and Anna can tell everyone who he is. He manages to get to the Bar without getting run over by a car and imagine him just prancing in, Kusanagi looks up as the bell above the door rings. 

Yata’s already looking around for Anna when he suddenly gets picked up by the scruff of the neck and finds himself face to face with Mikoto. Yata’s tail immediately starts wagging so fast it’s just a blur, as he’s like ‘Mikoto-san will definitely know me, even like this!’. Yata’s heart is immediately broken as Mikoto asks whose mutt this is. Totsuka chides Mikoto lightly to put the dog down, King you don’t hold adult dogs that way. Kusanagi thinks the dog must have come in off the street and Totsuka says it’s too bad Anna isn’t here right now, she would have liked to see the dog. Kusanagi says to take the dog outside as Yata’s just heartbroken, internally crying because he’s gonna be a dog forever.

He’s dragging himself along the road outside of the bar trying to figure out what to do when he bumps into something. Yata looks up as he hears a tongue click and there’s Fushimi looking down at him all ugh, a stupid stray mutt. Yata growls at him all you stupid traitor get out of my way, Fushimi makes a shooing motion with his hand as he tells Yata to beat it. Yata huffs all I don’t take orders from a traitor but then it dawns on him that Saruhiko should recognize him right. He starts barking and like grabs onto Fushimi’s coat, pulling on it. The rest of the S4 alphabet squad are watching this like aw he likes you Fushimi-san, Fushimi pulls a knife as he’s like go away stupid dog. Yata’s determined though, imagine Fushimi even throws a knife and Yata catches it perfectly in his mouth. 

The squad are kinda impressed, like maybe this dog is meant for Fushimi. Fushimi snaps at them to get back to work as he tries to take the knife back but Yata’s all smug like ha you can’t catch me, you don’t get this back until you recognize me. The S4 boys go back to their work as Fushimi goes after the dog on his own. Fushimi grumbles that he doesn’t have time for this and maybe he’s about to just let the stupid dog have the knife when suddenly the Strain he was hunting appears. Fushimi grins and ignores Yata as he goes after the Strain, Yata’s like wait Saruhiko this guy looks dangerous you shouldn’t do this alone. He’s looking around for Fushimi’s subordinates but no one’s nearby, Yata decides okay just this once. The Strain has like the ability to make duplicates of himself and so Fushimi’s being outnumbered, that’s when Yata uses his nose to sniff out the real Strain and bites them on the ankle. Fushimi hears the Strain yell and pins the Strain down with his knives, causing all the duplicates to disappear. 

Fushimi gives this heavy sigh and sits down, tired out and annoyed. Yata walks over and drops the knife at his feet, Fushimi glares at him like I’m not going to thank you. Yata looks at him, unaware that his tail is wagging hopefully. Fushimi sighs and puts a hand down for Yata to sniff but instead imagine Yata raises a paw and kinda bumps it against Fushimi’s knuckles instead. Fushimi looks at him curiously and then murmurs ‘Misaki…?’. There’s a flash of light and now Yata’s just sitting there in front of Fushimi, both of them looking kinda bewildered. Yata realizes he’s back to normal and cheers, behind him he hears this ‘heh’ and Fushimi grins as he’s like you really are a stupid chihuahua huh Misaki. Yata’s like what did you say and Fushimi says he doesn’t know what happened but if he’d known he was helping Yata he wouldn’t have done it. Yata’s like yeah well I wouldn’t have asked for your help either. He pauses, about to go and suddenly all awkward, and then Yata mumbles ‘but still…thanks, Saruhiko.’ 

[itsuki-minamy]

"K - RETURN OF KINGS" (Novel)

CHAPTER 10: THE WORLD REVOLVING

* List of Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

Sukuna Gojou hates Fushimi Saruhiko.

He hates his face and attitude. He doesn't like his background. He hates his abilities. Everything Fushimi does makes him angry. He didn't even want to breathe the same air, but as a Ranker, he was there and was allowed to be next to Nagare.

However, Iwafune...

"This is your first junior, right? Please be nice."

With that, he pushed Sukuna's back.

Sukuna pouted, but he still followed Iwafune's words. He didn't mean to be nice to him, but since he was breathing in the same place, he had to confirm the other person's "standing position". For what purpose did that man come to "this place"? It is Sukuna's responsibility as a J-Ranker to know that.

Fushimi stood motionless outside the "secret base". In front of him is consecrated the "Dresden Slate", a relic that is a source of supernatural powers and signifies the victory of "Jungle".

Sukuna shouted a provocative voice behind him.

"What do you think? It's the "Slate" that your former king lost and we took."

Fushimi looked at Sukuna for a moment, then immediately looked back at the "Slate". He responded vaguely.

"Not at all. He has nothing to do with me."

He was irritated by the nonchalant response. Sukuna stood next to Fushimi and looked him straight in the face.

"It doesn't matter. Now that you've become a Ranker, you're also a player and one of the operators of this game. Ah, but don't get carried away, okay? Just because you beat my record for fastest rank promotion and you rose to the ranking in a short period of time..."

Fushimi snorted. When he looked back at Sukuna, there was a hint of contempt for the boy.

"Oh, what? Are you upset because your score has been changed? You're a very troublesome child."

Blood rushed to Sukuna's head.

"What...?! What do you mean?!"

He must have been a figurehead. However, Sukuna's shyness refused to acknowledge that with all his might. He gritted his teeth so hard that he made noise and looked at Fushimi.

"You were able to get this far quickly because you used Hirasaka! I don't like playing games that depend on people like that!"

U-Rank Douhan Hirasaka and Sukuna had some kind of connection. Sukuna was able to promote to Ranker thanks to her help. He did not trust Hirasaka, who often betrayed him, but even so, Sukuna did not dislike her.

He did not like the fact that Hirasaka had fully supported Fushimi's promotion in rank.

Whether he knew Sukuna's subtleties or not, Fushimi maintained his natural tone.

"Who trusts people? But if it's a "tool", then I'll use it. I used to use dark weapons."

Sukuna realized that strength was gathering around his temples.

When he woke up, he was in front of Fushimi with a long staff. Sukuna said with a smile on his face.

"Hey, why don't you play against me once? Let's bet 10,000 points. I'll give you a big handicap."

"Huh? It's troublesome..."

The surprised words were cut in half.

Sukuna's long staff produced an electric blade. Anyone can see the battle posture. Nagare and Iwafune are behind them, but there is no sign of stopping them. It is still within the expected range. Or did he anticipate what would happen and try to persuade him to talk to Fushimi?

"I won't kill you. We're mates, right?"

In the end, the reason why Sukuna was not convinced was because he doubted Fushimi's strength.

"Jungle" is a world of the law of the fittest. Strong players rise, weak ones crawl to the bottom. That's clear.

Fushimi Saruhiko is probably a "good" player. He scored points efficiently and reached the top of the leaderboard as the fastest. But if he wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sukuna and the others, he will need more proof than that.

A test of strength.

Tension ran through Fushimi's body. Seeing that, Sukuna smiled. A frail but well-behaved boy is beaten and falls to the ground. Nothing is more pleasant than that. To see that, Sukuna put strength into the hand holding the scythe.

"Hey! What are you idiots doing?!"

At the same time as his sharp voice, a severe pain rained down on his brain.

Sparks spread in the depths of his eyes and he barely stopped his faltering consciousness. When he turned his tear-filled vision forward, Fushimi was also crouching with his head in the same way.

The man who hit the two of them, Mishakuji Yukari, put his hands on his hips and spoke in a tone like that of an older brother scolding his younger siblings for being messy.

"Stop fighting among yourselves. Internal disputes are not beautiful."

"Why... did you even hit me?"

"You and your damn brute force, Yukari..."

Fushimi and Sukuna complained, but Mishakuji responded with a wink.

"It's not that fights between friends are prohibited, but now is an important time, so I want you to be a little more aware."

Sukuna looked at Mishakuji resentfully, but said nothing more. He knew in his head that what he said was true.

Mishakuji looked at the "Slate". Silently, but surely, the relic pulsed. Just as the heart pumps blood, the "Slate" creates, sends and circulates unknown energy. Mishukaji said as he looked at the situation charmingly.

"Soon the slate will bloom. At this rate, it should be close."

"The new stage created by Nagare is about to begin. I am ready."

"So be careful, Sukuna-chan. Besides, wouldn't it be more spectacular to fight in the next scenario?"

"Hmm." Sukuna snorted, still, he was convinced. It was just as Mishakuji said. It's okay to let Fushimi understand after moving to the next stage. When the time comes he will clarify the matter.

"You saved my life."

Muttering softly, Fushimi looked at Sukuna with irritated eyes. Still he didn't say anything. His sullen silence is proof that he understands the power difference between him and Sukuna. Feeling somewhat satisfied with that, Sukuna turned on his heel and walked towards Nagare, who was silently watching over them.

As he looked at that, Fushimi let out a silent sigh.

"Sukuna-chan is a boy after all."

Mishakuji said that while he laughed.

"But he is strong, you know? He is still far from being a sophisticated beauty, but in terms of power, he is on par with me, or even stronger. Even if he asks you to fight him again, refuse."

Fushimi looked at Mishakuji with dull eyes.

"...Don't worry. I don't have any hobbies that make me sweat in vain."

He then directed his attention to Sukuna, who was talking to Nagare.

While he is having a friendly conversation, Sukuna nudges Nagare on the shoulder. Kotosaka spreads his wings and shouts something, while Iwafune watches with a wry smile. Fushimi has belonged to several clans, but this is a sight he has never been able to see in any of them.

"Two kings, two clansmen, and a bird. However, they interact with each other equally, even with the two "Kings". It's a strange place."

The "King" is special. Although there are differences of degree, everyone respects them and that is why they keep their distance. To Fushimi, that was what a "King" meant.

That's different with "Jungle". The "King" is powerful, but he is just one of your allies. Sukuna and Mishukaji treat them as equals and the "Kings" naturally accept it. The J-Ranks were strangely friendly to the top of the green clan, who struggled for profit and sometimes got into trouble.

"Really? From now on, that kind of era will come. It's time for each and every one of us to have our own power and live from our own strengths and responsibilities without being controlled by anyone."

Saying that, Mishakuji smiled as if he could see Fushimi's heart.

"I think that suits you, right?"

Fushimi then looked away. Mishakuji is much more troublesome than Sukuna, who wants a showdown. Hiding that thought, he also turned on his heel and began walking in a different direction than where the "Kings" were.

+++++++++++

And then the "King" finished his calculations.

Scattered around the room are all kinds of blank papers, notebooks, copybooks, and straw paper. No, it would be more accurate to say it was a blank slate. The pieces of paper were filled with countless symbols, formulas, and memos, reminiscent of a paranoid madman's hospital room.

The "Silver King", Isana Yashiro or Adolf K. Weismann, tapped the last mathematical expression with the tip of his pen several times and then threw the pen away.

Resonant hammer effect according to the second law of the basic theory of research in physics W. Research continued privately by Claudia Weismann, a researcher who was once touted as a "two-headed genius" along with Adolf in the Third Empire. Shiro interpreted it, arranged it, and came to a conclusion.

"...This is the only option, eh?"

He meditated, no one heard the murmur. Kuro and Neko were gone. That's why Shiro could talk to himself without hesitation, looking at the sepia photo on the dining room table.

"Lieutenant, sister... I'm sorry."

Shiro... Adolf's firm decision is to put an end to a dream.

70 years ago. Dreams they shared together.

The dream that Adolf, Claudia and Kokujoji started together, and that they had together, will end with their own hands.

Shiro closed his eyes and endured the pain in his chest that little by little came out. That pain will probably never go away. He will continue to live with that pain. That resolution was already set within Shiro.

The method of happiness they once found.

Therefore, he will destroy it.

Just as he was thinking that, the intercom rang.

"......?"

Shiro stood up and headed towards the door. Kuro and Neko wouldn't have called the intercom, and Kukuri should be in class right now. He opened the door wondering who had come.

The girl standing there looked at Shiro with red eyes and muttered.

"Hello."

Shiro rolled his eyes and asked the girl, Anna Kushina.

"Anna? Why are you here?"

Eyes that seemed to see through everything darted to Shiro's face, then to the back of the room.

"Because I felt like I should come."

Just from that, Shiro understood why she had come here.

"...Thank you."

"No."

Shiro then invited Anna into the room.

There was nowhere to step in the room, which was full of documents, but without changing her expression, Anna bent down and picked up one of them. Anna probably couldn't understand the notes, which were a mix of Japanese, German, and mathematical formulas.

Still, she stroked the paper and muttered to herself.

"Destroy it."

Shiro nodded silently.

"Yes. I thought about it a lot, but it seems like that's the only option."

"Yes."

Anna said nothing and stared at the paper that described how to destroy the "Slate".

Seeing Anna makes Shiro feel suffocated.

The "Slate" has disrupted many lives. The "King" would be the best example of this. Reisi Munakata. Suoh Mikoto. And if Anna Kushina had not existed in this world, her lives would have been completely different. He doesn't believe she could have lived a normal life, but at least she could have lived as a human being.

If the "Slate" had not existed, Anna would never have awakened to her supernatural powers. A man who tried to wake up the "King" took her family. She should have been able to live an honest and modest life.

What changed that definitely was the "Slate", and it was Shiro who discovered it.

Shiro tried to open his mouth. He felt that he had to apologize to Anna. Nothing will come back like this. But, at least if he didn't do that, he wouldn't be satisfied.

At this moment, Anna murmured.

"There were good things and bad things..."

The look on Anna's face as she silently stared at the paper seemed nostalgic for something.

"...Thanks to the "Slate"."

"......"

Shiro held his breath for a while, then made up his mind and asked.

"Isn't it because of the "Slate"?"

"There is that too."

Anna recognized it easily, but she still gave a slight smile.

"But I'm sure that a lot of things happened even without the "Slate". That's why I don't want to blame anything or anyone. I think we should think for ourselves and live our lives to the fullest. That's why I came."

With that, Anna straightened her back and lowered her head towards Shiro.

"Thank you for finding the "Slate". I'm sorry it had to be destroyed."

Looking into Anna's sincere red eyes, he felt the pain in his chest suddenly ease.

He thought his dreams were sins.

He was convinced that he had committed a great sin that twisted the lives of many people.

It was still true. The past cannot be changed with a girl's impressions. What he has done is before his eyes and Shiro must take responsibility for it.

Still, Shiro was certainly saved by Anna's words.

Adolf, Claudia and Kokujoji aspired to people's happiness. He could think that the days the three of them spent together in Dresden were not a mistake at all.

"...Thank you."

Saying that with a hoarse voice, Shiro also bowed his head. Anna nodded and then silently looked back at the note he had written about his dream and how to destroy it.

+++++++++++

"What do you mean?! I can't believe you're going to fire the Captain!"

Slapping the desk, Awashima raised an angry voice.

Prime Minister's Office. Normally, the moment a voice like this was raised, the SP would intervene and restrain the owner of the voice.

Awashima also fully understood that the other party was the leader of a country and that such an attitude was not appropriate for her.

Although she understood, Prime Minister Samukawa's weak smile irritated Awashima to the point that she made her lose her sense of reason.

“Hmm.” Exhaling deliberately through his nose, Prime Minister Samukawa folded his hands on his desk.

"It literally means that. Munakata-kun took responsibility for the incident that occurred at Mihashira Tower on Christmas Day and I made him resign from his position as head of the department. In other words... he is fired!"

The proud expression on his face is characteristic of politicians who have defeated his political opponents.

"Guh.", Awashima gritted her teeth. Although she knew that it was useless to say it now, she couldn't help but say it.

"Prime Minister, what authority do you have to do such a thing...?!"

"I have authority. The enforcement authority that "Scepter 4" has was granted to the "Fourth Branch of the Family Records Division", a division of the Office of Legal Affairs. After all, you are all public servants. We have the obligation to obey the orders of the State."

"But...!"

Prime Minister Samukawa looked pitifully at Awashima, who was still trying to reason with him.

"The reason why he has been able to look so proud until now is because of the great power of Kokujoji Daikaku's "Tokijikuin" clan. It seems that Munakata-kun had intended to take His Excellency's place without realizing it, but what was the result? The secret treasure that "Tokijikuin" had been guarding for almost 70 years was stolen in just two months after being placed under Munakata-kun's control. I would have to say that he is not qualified."

Awashima remained silent.

The loss of "Scepter 4" was a foreseeable future. With the passing of the "Golden King" Kokujoji Daikaku, who created the "System of Seven Kings", the privileges of supernatural beings were slowly being usurped by most others. It's going to be bad. Munakata's defeat will only accelerate this trend.

His place is gradually being erased. Feeling as if her feet were collapsing, Awashima clenched her fists.

"Munakata-kun has already accepted his dismissal as boss."

Prime Minister Samukawa's next words left her breathless.

"That's all..."

"He also seemed to know exactly when to retreat. In that sense, he is truly a "King". If you are a confidant, why don't you sacrifice yourself for the "King"?"

Prime Minister Samukawa's smile clearly contained mockery, but Awashima didn't see it.

If Munakata had wanted to resist, he could have done so. Although he has lost his power, the "System of the Seven Kings" lives on. There is no doubt that "Tokijikuin" is responsible for maintaining the system. If he had wanted to avoid the humiliation of being fired from the boss's position, he could have done so.

Munakata did not. Awashima still didn't know what that meant.

"The other members will wait until further notice. This is your order."

Prime Minister Samukawa held out a piece of paper with a proud expression on his face. Awashima accepted the paper with trembling hands, it was clearly written as "Standby Order".

"This piece of paper..."

"This paper is important because I value formality."

After saying that, Prime Minister Samukawa laughed out loud.

At the same time, inside the Scepter 4" camp.

"Damn, what do you mean they fired the Captain?"

Domyoji shouted as he kicked a chair in the bathroom.

Just five minutes ago an email arrived from the capital's upper echelons announcing Munakata's dismissal and the order to stay away. "Scepter 4" was definitely a state-owned organization, but was actually allowed to operate as a semi-independent unit. Although he worked closely with the capital and the country, he never gave up taking orders. Furthermore, the dismissal of the head of the department was an unexpected event.

"The Captain hasn't shown up... Can you forgive me for something like this?"

Akiyama admonished Domyoji, who was still in bad shape.

"Calm down, Domyoji."

Benzai analyzed that calmly as he crossed his arms.

"So far, the government has never interfered with "Scepter 4" in such a forceful manner... but does it have anything to do with the fact that the top government seems to be in contact with the Greens? Now that Fushimi-san is has allied itself with the Greens, things I don't want to believe are happening one after another..."

"What are the Captain and Fushimi-san thinking?!"

Undirected anger is probably the flip side of anxiety. This was a feeling shared not only by Domyoji but by all the members present there.

Since their defeat at the Battle of Mihashira Tower, opposition to "Scepter 4" had become visibly stronger. In contrast, the Green Clan has expanded to the surface world and is now showing strength to reach the upper levels of government. Simply put, “Scepter 4 is becoming a "loser".

However, amidst all that, there was one feeling that the members shared.

"I don't think the Captain will get rid of his responsibility. Maybe he has his own reasons for doing so?"

It was Kamo who muttered to himself. Enomoto, who was next to him, nodded his head.

"Oh, that's right. Until now, the Captain has always solved problems in ways we never imagined. I'm sure this time too..."

"Yes, but... what kind of method is that?"

There is no one who can answer Domyoji's counter question.

It is thanks to Munakata's leadership that "Scepter 4" has been able to overcome so many difficulties. His transcendental perspective, however, is so transcendent that his subordinates often do not understand him. Munakata's move was beyond the comprehension of those who were not kings.

Still, even though it was difficult to understand, Reisi Munakata was the "King" of them.

Akiyama looked at the other members and said clearly.

"I don't know what the Captain is thinking, but "Scepter 4" and Reisi Munakata will not end like this. The time to act will definitely come. So let's wait until then. I think that is the meaning of the Captain's silence."

There were no words, but the members of "Scepter 4" nodded silently.

They have their cause, even if it is humiliated and repressed by the State. Only they knew that there was nothing shady about it.

+++++++++++

Anna looked up at the blue sky and let out a quiet sigh.

The winter air is cold and her breath is white. However, Anna's eyes cannot capture that color. The blue sky and white breath blend with the monochrome background, making it impossible to see anything but a vast ocean of color.

Anna's color blindness is something she was born with. She can't recognize colors other than red. Her family was distraught about it, but Anna was fine with it. Precisely because she couldn't recognize other colors, the red color reflected in her eyes was particularly vivid and beautiful.

If it weren't for those eyes, wouldn't she have been chosen by the "Slate"?

If it weren't for the "Slate", she wondered if she would have been able to see the most beautiful red in her eyes.

With that in mind, Anna opened the door to enter HOMRA.

"Ah, Anna. I'm glad you're home."

Kusanagi, who was on the other side of the counter, let out a relieved voice, and Yata, who was sitting on the couch, asked.

"Anna, where have you been?"

"I went to see Yashiro and the others."

"I would have accompanied you if you had told me. There is a lot going on right now!"

Anna felt a little surprised by Yata's dissatisfied words. She is now the "Red Queen". "Jungle" won't mess with her unless there's something really wrong.

Maybe in his mind, even though she is the "Red Queen", she is still a helpless girl who lost her parents, left her aunt and came to this place. Anna is part of his family, the youngest child they must protect.

Then Anna smiled slightly and said.

"I'm sorry."

"Mmm... oh."

Yata was probably aware of that too. He scratched his cheek in embarrassment and turned to the side. Then, Kusanagi said.

"By the way, Anna... Munakata-san, it seems that something terrible has happened."

"Yes."

She heard the news from Shiro that Reisi Munakata had been fired as head of "Scepter 4". She doesn't know much about politics, but she could intuitively understand that things were not going well. The weakening of the social power of "Scepter 4" means that "Jungle" is on the offensive.

"I never thought that a "King" could be fired by his country. This sudden incident seems to have caused quite a stir within "Scepter 4". The members have also been told to wait and it is unlikely that they will be able to leave their base. It seems that the most important person, the boss, has not shown up. I hope Seri-chan is okay."

Kusanagi sighed softly. The current brain behind "Homura" is definitely Kusanagi. His eyes probably see a more detailed perspective.

"At the party Seri and I attended, hosted by "Jungle", there were quite a few people who looked like they were government officials. I guess the government chose green over blue. If this continues, the world will turn green."

"I guess that's why."

It was Yata who muttered to himself. His expression was depressed, as if he was thinking about something. However, Anna could feel dark red anger swirling deep in his chest.

"Yata-chan?"

"So Saruhiko abandoned the sinking ship and betrayed it again, this time turning to the greens."

He clenched his fists tightly and the words he spat out were tinged with deep anguish. Yata and Fushimi knew each other before joining "Homura", and their relationship was off limits to other people. Not even Anna knew how Yata felt about Fushimi, who had betrayed him repeatedly.

"Misaki..."

Yata looked back at Anna, who looked worried. He then slowly got up and walked towards the exit of the bar.

"...I'll go look around again."

After watching Yata leave, Kusanagi sighed and changed the subject.

"Anna, what happened to Shiro-san?"

Isana Yashiro's investigation to counter the "Slate" stolen by "Jungle". Now that "Scepter 4" is out of power, his research could be said to be the only trump card against "Jungle".

Anna hesitated for a moment before telling him the result.

"Anna?"

Kusanagi murmured in disbelief, and Anna took the step and opened her mouth.

"...Yashiro's investigation has been completed."

"Well, then..."

Anna nodded resolutely in Kusanagi's eyes.

"He will destroy the "Slate"."

Those words were serious and little by little they permeated the silence of Bar HOMRA.

The destruction of the "Slate". They knew this was his trump card. It is also said that only Shiro who is the researcher who discovered the "Slate" can do that.

However, both Anna and Kusanagi were unsure if it would really be possible. For them, as supernatural beings, the "Slate" is something that "exists" there unwaveringly, just like heaven and earth. Is it possible to destroy heaven and earth? What will happen? It is still difficult to predict.

But it has to be done. Otherwise, the world will be plunged into chaos that will resemble destruction.

Kusanagi murmured slowly, as if he was fully aware of the weight of his words.

"...I see. Shiro-san finally found a way to do that."

"Yashiro has decided to destroy the "Slate" which was the shape of Yashiro's dream."

Kusanagi looked at Anna in silence.

"Anna, are you okay with that?"

Anna put her hand on her chest and mumbled a little.

"This red is important to me."

Anna's eyes can no longer capture the red that lives inside her.

It was something that once resided in a certain man. A red flame that burns silently while containing the power to destroy everything. The red color reflected in her eyes was so beautiful she could stare at it forever, and the warmth she felt when she touched him was surprisingly soft.

Kusanagi is also one of the people who was attracted by that warmth. She lowered her eyes and nodded.

"...Yes."

"The "Slate" took a lot from me, but I still love this red. This red saved me."

There is nothing false in the words she conveyed to Shiro at that moment. The "Slate'' took her family from her and then gave it to her. If it was thanks to the "Slate" that she was able to meet "Homura", then it must have been a blessing.

"Anna..."

Looking at Kusanagi who looked worried, Anna said resolutely.

"But it's okay to lose that."

Images of the members of "Homura" appeared in her mind.

Some of them were people she would never see again. Every day she spends with them is a treasure for Anna. Memories never fade and remain beautiful forever. However, what will happen if the world is exposed to unprecedented chaos due to the "Slate"?

Those who are present will also be caught in the confusion. And the memories are only in the past. Whatever future she has with them will disappear.

"For a long time, the only thing I could do was "see" my destiny. But now it's different. If the destiny of the "Red King" is destruction, then I will destroy the destiny that will harm the people I care about."

Anna believes that is her mission after awakening as the "Red King". Anna Kushina's role was discovered by herself, not because anyone told her.

Seeing Anna's determination, Kusanagi also nodded silently.

"...I see. I guess I've been waiting for this moment ever since I found those documents in Germany."

"Yes. All that's left is..."

Just as she was about to say that, the doorbell rang.

When she turned around, she saw a young man standing at the entrance of the bar. His casual clothing, a simple shirt and pants style, was something she had never seen before. Is this a sign that he has gone from being a public figure to a private person? Anna spoke the young man's name.

"...Reisi."

Reisi Munakata, the man who had broken away from "Scepter 4" and had come to be known as the "King of the City" gave Anna a slight nod in return.

"Hello."

+++++++++++

It was a scene too strange to be considered a dialogue between two "Kings".

Two "Kings", a girl and a young man, are at the same counter. Blood orange juice was placed in front of Anna and champagne in front of Munakata. He didn't know what they were trying to celebrate. It's not like they were trying to congratulate him on his retirement.

After taking a sip of champagne, Munakata spoke.

"What's the point of calling me "Red Queen" out of nowhere?"

"I wanted to talk with you."

A red marble shined in Anna's hand. It was thanks to that that she was able to contact Munakata, who was active in the Battle of Mihashira Tower and whose whereabouts were unknown. The fact that Munakata also continued to possess that means that he perhaps expected something like that to happen one day. After taking a deep breath, Anna spoke clearly.

"We will destroy the "Slate"."

Even after hearing this, Munakata remained unmoved. He took a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and put one in his mouth.

"...I see. Without a doubt, that is an option that can be taken to overcome the current situation."

Kusanagi handed him a lighter while he searched for a light. He said with a slight smile in his voice.

"Are you a smoker?"

"I smoke very rarely."

Munakata transferred the light that Kusanagi had lit to a cigarette and slowly inhaled the purple smoke. He slowly let the ashes fall into the ashtray placed in front of him.

"For you, the "Slate" is like Suoh Mikoto's enemy."

"...I'm sorry. But it's not even that simple."

Suoh Mikoto. A former "Red King" and Kusanagi's best friend. If it weren't for the "Slate", he and Kusanagi would have lived very different lives.

But there's no point in even thinking about it. Even if he imagined a future that never came, reality won't change anything.

"The "Slate" made him live and let him die. That gave us and took away many things. I have no intention of destroying the "Slate" and giving up. However, I also think it should be destroyed."

Munakata exhaled smoke and responded.

"I agree that the "Slate" is a dangerous thing. However, the current development of this country is due to the "Golden King" and the great enlightenment of the country. In other words, the "Slate" system has profound roots in this country. We cannot afford to lose it."

"There's no point in saying something like that. Hisui Nagare is trying to unleash the power of the "Slate" and grant supernatural powers to all humans. If that happens..."

"Yes, we must stop it at all costs. However, if the "Green King" wishes for change and the "Red King" is determined to destroy it, then I, as the "Blue King", my goal is order. The power of the "Slate" must be exercised in an appropriate and orderly manner."

"In other words..."

Kusanagi looked directly into Munakata's eyes and said.

"Are you saying you want everything to go back to normal? You should back off and I'll take care of it this time."

"......"

Munakata did not respond. Kusanagi and the others cannot predict what his clear mind thinks. However, he had no choice but to make a judgment based solely on the materials he had.

That is to say...

"I don't think you can do that now."

Munakata's eyes flashed with a slight smile.

"Oh?"

Munakata, however, stopped the comment with just his voice. Does that mean that words that sound like those of a clan member are not enough to reach people? In that case, Kusanagi spoke from a different direction.

"Anna is worried about you too."

Munakata looked at Anna who was sitting next to him. The "King" girl watched Munakata attentively, without saying a word. Everyone already knows that her eyes capture more than just physical phenomena.

"...Your sword is already dangerous. If you overdo it, it will fall."

The blue "Damocles Down" means death and destruction. This also worried many people with supernatural powers. If the underlying cause is Suoh Mikoto, "Homura" cannot help but be related to Munakata's discomfort.

Suddenly, Munakata cleared his throat and laughed.

"Did you laugh?"

Munakata gently shook his head while Kusanagi narrowed his eyes and showed a hint of anger.

"No, excuse me. When I thought I was in the opposite position, it became a little funny."

"Opposite position?"

"I once scolded the "Red King" in the same way. It ended up being a waste of effort."

"......"

Reisi Munakata killed Suoh Mikoto.

If he had to say it objectively, it was probably the "right" thing to do. At this moment, Suoh's "Sword of Damocles" was also approaching his limit. Then, when Suoh himself took down the "Colorless King" who was acting behind the scenes, disaster finally struck. The only person who could stop the fall of the "Sword of Damocles" was Munakata, who was able to take Suoh's life.

If Munakata hadn't killed Suoh at that time, they would have died. Suoh would have been annihilated and Tokyo would have become a gigantic bay that would have swallowed millions of people.

Therefore, Munakata's actions were "correct."

If you can understand everything just because it is "right", there is no need to worry.

"Do you think you will be like this too?"

Kusanagi asked in a low voice. This sage seemed to be objectively contemplating even his own destruction.

A sinister premonition dominated Kusanagi's heart.

If the Sword of Munakata fell, who would have the role of stopping it?

"Reisi."

Suddenly, Anna opened her mouth. Munakata looked at the little "Queen" sitting next to him.

"What do you want?"

"You're not like Mikoto."

Munakata's eyes widened slightly as Anna spoke slowly.

+++++++++++

It was a windy night.

That night there were two groups of people breathing. The group on one side had uniforms painted solid blue and formed an unbroken formation. On the other hand, they were a group of beast-like people, each dressed in faded red clothes and emitting a ferocious aura.

"Scepter 4" and "Homura" are two clans that come into conflict and fight each other.

The trigger was something trivial. A Strain, who committed a robbery in Shizume, escaped and was eventually captured by "Scepter 4". "Homura" did not approve of that and demanded the handover of him, but there was no way for "Scepter 4", a security organization, to grant that request.

Until then, it could have just been a skirmish, as usual.

What was different about that night was that the "Kings" of the two clans, Reisi Munakata and Mikoto Suoh, led their respective clans.

When both sides found out about this, their tension increased. A battle between "Kings" will lead to destruction. Although they knew that, neither Munakata nor Suoh took a step back. They walked straight through the windy night.

And, naturally, it happened.

Munakata let out a cheerful voice.

"Stop, "Red King". This matter is under the jurisdiction of "Scepter 4"."

Suoh still had a cigarette in his mouth and smiled with one cheek.

"I don't know."

"Homura's" personnel officer, Izumo Kusanagi, who was attending next to him, spoke to him as if to intercede.

"I'd like to ask the Strain you captured earlier a few questions, that guy did the same thing in our territory, so I'm wondering, could you give him to me?"

He had a gentle demeanor, but the serious eyes shining behind his sunglasses told her that he had no intention of backing down either.

"Scepter 4". Vice Commander Seri Awashima looked at Munakata as if she was asking for an order.

"Captain."

"Of course, I can't just say yes. They're as annoying as ever."

Munakata said in deep annoyance as he pushed up his glasses.

Suoh smoked a cigarette, exhaled and threw the butt at his feet. He muttered casually as he put out the fire with the sole of his shoe.

"Burn them."

"Uoooh!"

The ten or so subordinates of "Homura" let out a battle cry all at once. Raising fists, stamping feet, and shouting in unison are the very voices of warriors on the battlefield.

"No Blood, No Bone, No Ash!"

Every time they scream, the red aura around them becomes stronger. It is because of this momentum that "Homura", who relies on their individual military strength and is far from being controlled, sometimes overwhelms "Scepter 4". With a fierce spirit in their bloodstream, the determination to fight until the end of their lives spreads through them like a fever.

At this moment, Munakata silently took a deep breath and muttered.

"We will advance with our sword in hand, for our cause is pure."

"Everyone, draw your swords!"

"Akiyama, ready!"

"Benzai, ready!"

Vice Commander Awashima and the soldiers standing behind Munakata drew their swords almost simultaneously. Unlike "Homura", whose power source is fierceness and drive, it was his righteousness that controlled "Scepter 4". The power known as supernatural power must be kept under strict control, and it is his responsibility to never allow it to spill over and disrupt the world. That's the power source of "Scepter 4."

"...Munakata, ready."

Munakata drew his saber a moment after his soldier and threw the tip directly at Suoh. Suoh let out a small laugh again at this act, which could be interpreted as a provocation. Keeping his eyes fixed ahead, he called to the young man next to him.

"Totsuka."

"I understand."

Tatara Totsuka responded with a soft voice that was not suitable for this tense situation and took Anna's hand. Anna turned her worried eyes towards Suoh as she evacuated to a nearby building, guided by Totsuka.

Suoh clenched his fist.

At that moment, an overwhelming magma-like aura surged from all over his body.

"Ha!"

It was an aura so dark, hot, and destructive that Awashima couldn't help but cover her face from it. If the two bright red fists hit you directly, your body will be reduced to ashes in an instant. Like the instinct of a creature that hates death, agitation ran through "Scepter 4".

Pressing down on that aura, Munakata took a step forward.

The randomly roaring red aura was stopped by Munakata's blue aura, and scattered aimlessly into the night. Munakata's appearance reminded him of a precision machine that takes everything, processes it in an orderly manner, and returns it to his ideal state.

Suoh slammed his fist into the palm of his hand.

Munakata prepared his saber.

Which one fell to the ground first?

When the people around realized it, the two "Kings" were already colliding head-on. Two colors, red and blue, collided, eclipsed each other and created a whirlpool while canceling each other out. Both clans began their own battles, centering on a transcendent battle that raged like a storm.

Totsuka and Anna watched the war between super humans from a distance.

The red marble that Anna looks at reflects what she wants to see using her sensory abilities. What is now reflected there is the image of the "Kings" engaged in a particularly fierce battle. Even though he was covered in wounds from fighting with fists and saber, Suoh was still smiling.

"Mikoto."

As Anna murmured anxiously, Totsuka next to her said in a carefree voice.

"Hey, it's okay. It's like a "hello" between kings."

Anna shot an accusatory look at Totsuka.

"Tatara, be serious."

"Ahaha, I'm sorry. But I don't think you should worry. King and Munakata-san are probably exchanging words by throwing their powers at each other like that."

"Words?"

"Yes. There's something about those people that only they can understand. They both understand things that not even me, Kusanagi-san, and Anna understand. That's the kind of relationship they have, I'm sure."

Hearing Totsuka's words, Anna looked at the marble once more.

Only a "King" understands another "King". Exchanging words and exchanging swords are the same in the sense that they clash with each other's existence. Anna was too young at the time to understand that. The young "King" egg, which had just hatched, could only observe his "conversation" through the marbles.

Fists and sabers clashed and, after a second, they separated. Landing on the roof of the building, Munakata let out a silent sigh and shook his head.

"You are a truly unpleasant man. I can't tell you how many times you have annoyed me since I became the "Blue King"."

Suoh clenched his fist and laughed.

"Ha. That's my line."

"Our power as kings cannot be used in vain as it is now."

"Who decided that?"

Munakata shrugged in response to Suoh's mocking words.

"It's not about deciding or not making a decision. It's about those who have power being responsible for that power."

"Considering that, you seem to be having a lot of fun too."

"Please don't joke."

Munakata told him to finish and raised his saber again.

"Disorderly use of force. Running without end. Destruction without regeneration. The "Fire King" certainly suits you. It burns and burns for no reason. In fact..."

"My chest is very tight."

Munakata smiled at Suoh who followed his words.

"Yes, that's it."

"Ha. That fits well!"

Screaming, Suoh kicked the ground. The saber and the fist collided again.

"The title "King of Order" suits you well. Trying to get into other people's lives with your long, boring sermons. So..."

"You make me sick."

This time, Munakata accepted Suoh's words. Suoh snorted.

"Oh, that's all."

Neither Munakata nor Suoh could remember when that started happening.

Probably from the first glance. Each denied the true identity of the other. Munakata could not accept Suoh's reckless use of the "King's" power, and Suoh did not like Munakata's attempt to impose a set standard on him. From the moment they met it was decided that the two would fight.

However, in reality, neither Munakata nor Suoh had any intention of killing the other.

No, there wasn't that. To be precise, he understood that "there is no way for this guy to die at this level". Even if the saber is swung without hesitation or the fist is thrown seriously, the opponent will not die. His opponent was a "King", a transcendent being like him. Only then could they fight with all their might without worrying at all.

Neither Munakata nor Suoh would ever admit that. However, they certainly liked the other person. Someone who wouldn't die even if he did his best.

The words they exchanged during their discussions were certainly tinged with joy.

"You always behave well, don't you feel uncomfortable?"

"Of course not. I'm not like you."

"Ha. I guess so!"

And they started again. Hit each other without the opponent dying. As they danced, scattering twin flashes of red and blue, they colored the night sky like two stars together.

+++++++++++

A sound was heard and the melted ice fell into the blood orange juice.

It must have only been a few seconds that Munakata looked Anna in the eyes. However, the past reflects that there is unequivocally something that once existed. Munakata certainly remembered even the few words he exchanged with that man.

Anna repeated it, as if she was tracking him.

"You are different from Mikoto."

A sarcastic smile appeared on Munakata's lips.

"I never thought I would be the one to be reprimanded. I thought his methods were very foolish."

Suoh Mikoto sacrificed herself for his way of life.

He never forgave the "Colorless King" for killing his subject and friend, and took his life. He did it even though he knew it would lead to his own destruction. This is how Suoh Mikoto lived his life. He did what he wanted. This is how that man described his actions.

And now he was trying to do the same.

Keep the "order". That's his way of life. Even if destruction awaits him in his destiny, Munakata continues his path without hesitation.

He just does what he wants.

"Reisi."

Munakata murmured as if to interrupt Anna's words.

"Either way, the "Three Kings Alliance" is no longer valid."

Kusanagi, who was on the other side of the counter, turned around and made a suspicious sound.

"What do you mean?"

"Yesterday, I was fired from the position of boss due to a notice from the government. From now on, I will no longer be able to work with you as clan boss."

Kusanagi looked accusingly at Munakata.

"Even if you're no longer the boss, you're still the "Blue King". The boys in blue are at a loss right now... what are you going to do with your clansmen?"

Munakata didn't have the words to answer that.

"Scepter 4" came out of his hands. It is within the framework of law, formality and the State that both the "King" and the clan are allowed to exist. Being an organization united under that belief, it was natural that it followed the orders of the State.

Munakata, as a private citizen and as "King", must do what he must do from now on. They will too. If you are a member of the Blue Clan, you should do what you think is right.

Munakata stood up. He ended up staying a long time. It was probably because Anna's words that stopped him made him feel unnecessary feelings.

"Reisi!"

Anna also stood up and called Munakata to stop him.

However, Munakata did not turn around. The time for exchanging words is over. Munakata knew that from now on only swords and power would be exchanged.

+++++++++++

In front of the tea table, Kuro was sitting with his arms crossed and a worried expression on his face.

Shiro is sitting in front of him, arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. Neko next to him did the same, crossing her arms with a perplexed expression on her face. Well, in Neko's case, she was probably imitating them. There's no way she could understand what Shiro was talking about.

However, the same goes for Kuro. Schwert control, second methodology, Weismann criticality prediction, Von Dreyf's extraordinary physics, Maelström's inertial guidance... Most of the technical terms and equations written in the large number of documents scattered on the tea table are incomprehensible. Still, he realized what Shiro was trying to do.

"This method will destroy the "Slate"."

Kuro frowned. That's because he knew firsthand that the method Shiro proposed was extremely dangerous.

"Is that really possible?"

"Until now, the destruction of the "Slate" was thought to be impossible. So this is a move that not even the "Green King" would have expected, and it is a comeback."

Shiro's words can be trusted. After all, he was the one who discovered the "Dresden Slate". If Shiro could be considered a leader in research, then they could do it.

But...

"But isn't it dangerous to do something like that?"

When Kuro said something that he didn't even need to ask, Shiro laughed as if he was worried.

"I guess the only thing I can do is get them to believe in me as a researcher."

Kuro stared at his face.

He thought that didn't answer the question. Shiro never said it wasn't dangerous. If we want to understand the underlying meaning of what he is saying, he is probably saying: "It is dangerous, but we have no choice but to do it."

Kuro doubted for a moment if he should accept that as his clan member and friend.

"Yes! Yes! Wagahai believes in Shiro!"

Neko raised her hand as if she were going to jump. Shiro gently stroked her head.

"Thank you, Neko."

"Ahem!"

Kuro tried to compete with Neko who proudly puffed out her chest.

"I believe in you too!"

The two blinked and looked at Kuro.

After feeling uncomfortable and clearing his throat, Kuro straightened his back and continued.

"I believe you. You will do what you have to do and go home with us."

That last word was all Kuro really wanted to say.

Hearing that, Shiro's eyes widened slightly. Then he smiled softly.

"...Yes. It's okay. It's a plan that includes making sure I return home alive."

Kuro's expression softened. It seems that Kuro's feelings have been properly conveyed to Shiro. If he was thinking about it that much, he probably wouldn't do anything unreasonable, so Kuro nodded his head.

"Ah, that's right. There was something I wanted to give you two."

He suddenly remembered something and took something out of his jacket pocket. He placed it on the table.

They were three coins that shone silver.

"What is this?"

Neko grabbed one of them and stared at it.

"You know, we didn't have a clan name or a clan mark. I felt a little jealous of other clans."

"I see, this is the mark of our clan."

"Wow... it's so bright!"

Neko's eyes shone, holding it up to the light as if it were the most precious treasure of all. Kuro also took the coin and held it tightly. It would be hard to say that it was proof of the bond between the three of them, but considering that Shiro put a lot of thought into doing it, that felt much deeper than it seemed.

"I would like to give the clan a name, but Kuro, could you give it one?"

Kuro's eyes widened at Shiro's offer.

"Oh, me?"

"Yes, I would like something nice."

Although confused, Kuro thought carefully. He has almost never given a name to anything, but if it is his duty, he will do his best.

"It's okay. That's right... When it comes to what we deserve..."

He looked around the room. Scattered documents and memories that Kuro and Neko gathered from all over the country. As he watched them, Kuro directed his attention to the kitchen.

The first thing that caught his attention was the rice cooker.

"...White rice."

"Eh?"

Kuro muttered to himself and Shiro tilted his head. By then the name had already been decided. Kuro turned to Shiro, picked up the coin with a determined expression, and placed it on the table with a click.

"Our clan name is "Hakumaito"!" (White Rice Party)

After a moment, both Shiro and Neko trembled at the same time.

"Eh, yes!"

However, Kuro was completely satisfied with his naming sense.

"Hmm. White rice is the center of food and the foundation of a healthy body. Bright white rice has been a symbol that has existed in the center of our hearts since ancient times. It is truly unchangeable. And above all, Shiro, this is your favorite food, right?

"Uh, well..."

Shiro seemed confused for some reason, but Neko seemed to like it. She exclaimed happily as tossed the coin.

"Hakumaito~!"

Nodding, Kuro took out a recorder filled with some words. He wanted to know what his former teacher would think of that name.

When he pressed the button, a soft and familiar voice rang.

"Happiness is wrapped in white rice."

Kuro looked at Shiro with a smug expression on his face.

Eh, Shiro laughed. He could see in his smile as if he had given up on something, but he still nodded.

"In fact, it may be perfect for us sitting around the chabudai. Very well, we, "Hakumaito", will work together and do our best!"

"Yes, I will do my best!"

Shiro looked at Neko with kind eyes as she raised her hands innocently. He put his hand on her head and said softly.

"Hisui Nagare called Neko "Ameno Miyabi"."

At that name, Kuro gasped.

Neko also widened her eyes and stared at Shiro.

She never talked about what Neko and Nagare talked about that day. Kuro and Shiro didn't dare to ask about it either. The fact that Hisui Nagare offered something to Neko and Neko rejected it was enough. Neko is her friend, a member of the Silver Clan. He didn't need to know anything more than that.

But still...

Shiro may have had some sort of responsibility. They held Neko. Therefore, it is possible that Neko has lost something.

"He must have researched and learned about Neko before she became Neko. If you ask him about it..."

At that moment, Neko tightly squeezed the hand that was placed on her own head.

"Shiro."

She called out loud and her shoulders moved. Neko's smile was as bright as the sun, in contrast to the anxious expression on her face.

"Wagahai is a cat! Shiro's cat!"

That's what she screamed.

At those words, Shiro blinked as if he had just woken up. Then he laughed lightly.

"I see. That's right, I'm sorry."

Kuro nodded as well and placed his hand on theirs.

"Neko and I are here as your friends. That's all that matters. This time, we will follow you to the end. I will not be an obstacle in your way."

"Wagahai too!"

At that moment, neither of them could follow Shiro.

A fight between "Kings". He was sure it will happen again this time. Even so, they will continue to follow Shiro. They already had a shared destiny. The three coins must never be separated again.

Shiro narrowed his eyes and almost nodded.

"Yes. Let's all go. To do that, we first need to find the location of "Jungle's" headquarters."

At that moment, something like an invisible shock ran through him.

Kuro and Neko could feel it too. However, it was Shiro who reacted the most sensitively. He instinctively held his head and fell on the table.

"Grr...!"

''Shiro?!''

''W-what happened?!''

During that time, the shocks were repeated again and again. Kuro was beginning to understand what were the waves that made the air tremble.

This is a heartbeat.

Heart beats. Blood pulse. Something is trying to send "power" while maintaining a certain rhythm.

To the ''King'', to the supernatural... No, probably, the objective is...

"...It's the "Slate"... it's Hisui Nagare!"

Holding his head, Shiro turned to the window and groaned softly.

"Finally, are you planning to start...?"

Kuro and Neko also looked out the window, as did Shiro, and saw him.

A gigantic column of light rose above the distant horizon.

+++++++++++

The pulsating waves became stronger and stronger.

The members of the ''Jungle'' clan watched with bated breath. Sukuna Gojou, Mishakuji Yukari, Kotosaka, Saruhiko Fushimi, and Tenkei Iwafune... all the J-Ranks were watching the scene.

The "Slate" is about to wake up.

The shackles that had kept it contained for more than half a century had been removed, and the "Slate" was screaming with joy.

Sound, light and power continued to pulse in harmony.

"So the time has finally come."

Iwafune's words seemed as if he had given up on something.

On the contrary, Hisui Nagare was trembling. It was as if his entire body was bathed in the heartbeat of the ''Slate'', absorbing it to his heart's content. He closed his eyes and felt the rhythm of his soul.

"Yes. It is here. The ''Slate'' will be released. We will be free. Finally..."

At that moment, a torrent of light erupted.

Explosive power surges from within the "Slate" and explodes as magma. Just as a seed grows into a bud, a bud into a shoot, and a shoot into a giant tree, the power it originally possessed is released and absorbed by the heavens.

The column of light rises from underground to the sky, shining brightly. It was a symbol of liberation and chaos. Yes, that's exactly what Hisui Nagare wanted.

''It's a revolution!''

Hisui Nagare exclaimed with excitement.

+++++++++++

Reisi Munakata watched silently.

The light emitted from the earth passes through the clouds, reaches the sky and rises even higher. It was a symbol of liberation. It was proof that the country's usual path of chaos had been contained and that the reality Munakata had been trying to avoid had finally arrived.

"Has it started yet? It saved me the trouble of searching, though."

Munakata turned on his heel and faced the column of light.

Many enemies will be waiting for him ahead. Now that he has revealed his whereabouts, Hisui Nagare must be fully prepared to defend himself. What Munakata had to defeat was "Jungle" himself.

On the other hand, Munakata is now alone. As a lone "King" without a clan, he must face him.

It was a battle that could not be won. "Jungle" is not only made up of ordinary clan members. The clan has two "Kings" and powerful Rankers that are comparable to them. It would have been suicidal for Munakata to fight alone after suffering defeat once.

But...

"I don't know how far I'll go, but I'll try to run to the limit."

Muttering that, Munakata stepped forward.

"That doesn't seem right, Munakata."

He heard a voice he shouldn't have heard.

He opened his eyes and looked back, but there was no one there. Fiery red hair and a calm beast look, nothing. Things that weren't supposed to be there were nowhere to be found.

He let out a self-deprecating smile.

"Absolutely."

If that person had existed, or they had stood together in front of that pillar... Those meaningless thoughts came to his mind. Munakata thought that his current self was not "typical" after all, so he began to leisurely walk on his account.

[a3hihi]

sun’s up 🐚

one shot

mer!omi fushimi/reader

word count: 1863

also on AO3!

Summary: You came to the beach to study the ocean, but you didn’t expect to get to know the locals this closely. Much less a local who shows up only as you dip under the water to look at coral. Much less a local who has a shark’s tail and fins, scars running up his body, and a bright smile, and oh no he’s attractive why is this happening to me.

———

“I think it’d be nice to hold you,” Omi chuckles. He pretends to not notice the blush blooming on your cheeks.

“Uh, sure,” you mumble wittily, swaying your ankles in the water, “What makes you think that?” 

At dawn, the breeze is cool at the pier, but the wood under you is surprisingly warm. Luckily, you had your swimsuit on today, camera and notebook beside you to check on the sea life. As you stand up and reach for the ropes at your side, its bristles tickling your skin, you feel a strong hand close around your forearm.

“It’s alright, I’ve got you.”

Warm honey-toned eyes smile up at you, and you find yourself wanting to pass out right then and there.

“Easy does it.”

Omi helps you step down into the sea with him until you finally plop into his arms.  You don’t know how to fall into the water with grace, exactly, but the merman seems to pay it no mind. To your relief, he laughs a little, eyes crinkled up in what you hope is delight.

As Omi keeps you in a firm hold, arms around your waist, you’re dangling in the water, motionless as the currents brush past your legs.

“You’re so cute,” he says, laughing quietly as your hands settle on his broad shoulders. Your mouth presses into a thin, wobbly line. There’s no way he’d say that unless you’d been seeing each other for a while, and you feel yourself blush harder.

“You haven’t answered my question,” you murmur, trying to avoid his gaze. To your horror, Omi softly cups your face and turns it to look at him.

It looks like he’s smiling to himself. You assume he is, because sharp teeth glint under his lips as he holds you close.

“I mean,” he starts, curiously bashful as he hoists you up so you’re face to face (earning an “oop!” from you). “Holding you just feels fun. I like it.”

“I don’t know how to process that, Omi.” 

You came to the beach to study the ocean, but you didn’t expect to get to know the locals this closely. Much less a local who shows up only as you dip under the water to look at coral. Much less a local who has a shark’s tail and fins, scars running up his body, and a bright smile, and oh no he’s attractive why is this happening to me.

Needless to say, you’re not too sure how merfolk show affection.

“Aww, come on. Trust me a little bit?” Omi teases. 

He takes a moment, working up the confidence to nuzzle your collar. 

“I like having you close like this. I know you’re safe that way, you know?”

“Point taken,” you nod, “it’s calming.”

“Besides, it’ll help you study.”

“More like the opposite.” You’re about to laugh, but Omi takes your hand and presses his lips to it and now you want to burst. Looking up at him means seeing his torso, too, and that doesn’t help at all.

“Ah… we need to get you a shirt.” You mumble, hiding your face in his neck. 

You feel his chest rumble to match his laugh. 

“Yeah? What’s a shirt?”

Omi knows exactly what a shirt is.

You lightly smack his chest. His laugh bubbles out even more, even louder, making you laugh brightly in return.

“Omi, seriously.” You try to rasp something out while you catch your breath. Concern flits in his eyes as he peers at you, lifting you slightly above the water.  

“I’m not drowning. It’s okay.” You pat his shoulder, your other hand resting on his cheek. The last thing you want right now is to startle him.

Waves lap at your legs as he melts into your touch. You’re glad he’s reassured, swiping your thumb at the scar on his chin. 

The both of you settle there for a while, warming water curling around you.

“Sun’s up.”

As you get out of your daze, Omi beams at you, how you look in the light. 

He’s not sure how humans react to seawater, but you mentioned something about skin wrinkling. He guesses you needed this special type of clothing to stay with him for longer, and he blushes at the thought. You also needed this weird ointment— sunscreen, he thinks you called it— that wasn’t too different from the lotions some of his fellow merfolk would use to stay smooth and avoid burning. He winces at the thought.  

Omi never really paid attention to skincare and all, so he should probably take a page out of your book for this one. He tries not to smile, remembering how you’d remind him to take care of himself, marvelling at the scars he’d try to hide sometimes. It’s not like he could— at that point, after all he’d done, the lighter colored lines curved all around his body. And even if he thought his hands were too rough, you’d take them in yours, run your thumb across his knuckles.

Ultimately, he remembers the shock in your eyes, seeing him underwater. It’s not his first time seeing people from other than his species, but it was most probably yours— judging by how you spluttered and how he had to rescue you from sinking.

By the time you recovered on the shore, you had to let the truth about mermaids’ existence sink in, pun intended. The one in front of you was wide-eyed, not used to seeing a human up close— at least a human he wasn’t picking a fight with, which you would later learn was an old hobby of his. (Oops.) 

You even remembered explaining what “research” was to him, watching his eyes widen as you asked to touch his tail, pointing out how much he could help with that. Obviously, you wouldn’t let any harm come to this new friend of yours, and you assured him that your crew wouldn’t either. You vibrated with excitement at how a fairytale creature was living and breathing right in front of you (and was really cute, but you wouldn’t tell him that just yet). 

It was during that time of silent study that he tried hiding a cough, clutching his side, and you realized it was your turn to take care of your rescuer. 

As the sand warmed beneath you both, you found yourselves meeting almost every day at the same spot. What started as introductions to each other’s worlds led to you learning about each other as people. Question and answer sessions turned into showing him human books and hearing his stories. If your third time washing your picnic mat was any indication, spending time there was suddenly a relief. At the same time, Omi’s friends teased his visiting the surface more often, packing shells he hoped were “someone’s favorite.”

That wasn’t his favorite part, though.

An especially bright ray of sunlight glares at you and you swat at the air, squirming.

Omi chuckles, and you hum in interest. 

“What’s so funny, mister?” 

He smiles down at you, raising a hand from carrying you to cup your cheek again. “Like I said, you’re really cute.”

The look on your face must also be funny to him, because his smile is wide, fully proud of what’s glinting under his lips. He murmurs your name, “I’m serious!”

“Ah, uh, thank you,” you sputter, feeling warmth in your cheeks and seeing him trying to stifle a laugh.

Being like this in his arms is convenient for him, apparently— he uses the opportunity to gather you in a tight embrace.

“This isn’t too tight, right?” You wrap your arms further around his neck, waving your head in a quiet no. At the warmth of his hug, you definitely needed the support.

“You too.”

“Huh?”

“I mean! You’re cute too!” You squeak, looking up at him. Big mistake— Omi softly presses his forehead on yours, nose almost bumping yours before he pulls away.

“Thank you.”

A beat passes, and you hear the ocean all over again.

“My favorite part was confessing, you know.”

It takes some time for you to close your mouth. “What?”

“Telling you I liked you. A lot. That was my favorite part of meeting you.” He shakes his head. “You’re my favorite human.”

You really wish you don’t look like a blown-up puffer fish right now. 

“Itwasmyfavoriteparttoo!”

You snap your lips closed, and you frown at Omi’s easy, amused grin. 

“Come again?”

“I liked it too! I couldn’t stop thinking about it!” You sound like you’re arguing, proving some point in a debate, and your voice shakes with laughter at that.

“Also thank you for holding me!” you yelp, and Omi gives his most recent smile for that morning. You hope you get to see it more from now on.

“Wouldn’t want you slipping.”

The fins in place of his ears flutter a bit. You’re about to ask what’s wrong but notice the warmth rising to the tan of his cheeks. Add flustering a merman to your list of achievements.

You feel yourself moving with him, realizing he’s gliding to the side. The tail under him shifts in the water as he plants you on a nearby rock. 

“There’s a merman like me who sells potions nearby.”

You tilt your head, wondering where this was going.

“I think he can give me legs for a bit. Harmless, I swear,” he holds his hands up as you begin to protest.

“Gaining legs was never really a problem for us, I promise.” “I guess the stories I’ve heard weren’t the most accurate,” you say.

“That’s why you’re the scientist.”

The water is pleasant against your leg, cooling as it hits the rocks crusted with shells beneath you. Omi hoists himself up next to you, elbow bumping yours. The sea has his hair hang damp against his forehead, dark brown under the sun.

“Why are you doing this?” you whisper, voice fond like the crabs around you are listening in. “Is there no potion I can take? How do you know it’s safe?”

“Not that I’ve heard of.” He shrugs.

“Again, trust me a little.” There’s a glint of mischief in his eyes, and you squint. “Some of us already work on the shore, if I’m being honest.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No, I’m not.”

Omi snickers as you gawk at him. Merfolk walking on legs, on land, crossing paths with unsuspecting people. At this rate, they could even be at the aquarium or in your crew.

“I’m not surprised,” you tease, crossing your arms. “One of my coworkers is suspiciously good at swimming.”

“Uh huh.”

Omi waves his tail in the water, pointed fin stirring up invisible lines around smaller fish. “I want to see you more.” 

You scratch your nape. “I’ve always wanted to show you around the boardwalk. I think actually talking to people is a nice change of pace. You’d like the crafts they make up here,” you say, remembering the objects he’s tinkered around with underwater. He deserved better equipment.

“It’s a date.” He smiles. 

You find yourself smiling back this time. “I’d like a date.” 

You peck Omi’s cheek, and both of you feel the sun reach its peak.

[lovinga3characters]

hello! if i could request something kinda random, i was wondering if you could do a sakyo/izumi hanahaki disease au drabble or headcanons? this man is killing me with his dumbass tsundere antics and Hidden Pining -@cyrillean

MY DUDE I AM WEAK FOR HANAHAKI DISEASE STUFF 😭😭 Thank you for requesting one of my OTPs because it honestly fits the ship so well. This is the last part of a larger fic I might write but who knows 😗

Warnings: Hanahaki Disease, blood/vomit, unrequited (?) feelings, implied character death (?)

Hanahaki Disease SakyoIzu Drabble

“So... have you made a decision, dear?” His mother said, her face was neither grim nor hopeful, as if she already knew what his answer was going to be.

Sakyo wouldn’t be surprised if she did, this woman raised him after all. She knew more about him than even himself probably.

(Just like her. His lungs ached at the thought.)

“I have.” He replied brusquely, wanting to get the words out as swiftly as possible.

His mother was quiet for a few moments. “I’m glad then,” She says, not even asking. “If you can finally make a choice, then you must be doing alright.”

Her smile was genuine as she got up to leave. “I’ll be back later this week, honey. I love you.” Her voice seemed to strain just a bit.

”Drive safe, Mother. And stop bothering Fushimi about his recipes.” Sakyo huffed quickly as she walked out the hospital door.

Sakyo turned towards the window. He tried to take a deep breath but his chest felt heavy. How pathetic, he could barely even sigh in disappointment.

To his surprise, he heard footsteps coming closer, then stopping right at his door. How long had he been here, in this white room, to start thinking it was his?

“Mother, is that you? You didn’t forget anything-“ Sakyo began.

His heart skipped a beat, his heart stopped, his heart sped up, his heart raced rapidly.

It was Izumi, standing right by the doorway, as if afraid to step closer to him. He doesn’t blame her, he doesn’t have a mirror, but he could feel himself wilting away.

(It’s really her in the flesh, not a restless dream, not a hopeless wish. Not just flawless white skin, flawless pink lips, and flawless red cheeks. She’s just like his memories, just like how he remembers.)

Izumi’s normal, bright eyes were brimmed red, the bags underneath were at a darkness Sakyo had never seen, even during the harshest all-nighters. Her beautiful mouth quivered, her expression looking as surprised as he felt.

He’s never felt so much longing yet so much joy as he did in that brief moment when they made eye contact.

“Sakyo...” Izumi whispered, it seemed she wasn’t even aware that she spoke. Her voice was laced with a mixture of horror and wonder.

It made Sakyo want to laugh bitterly, if only he could. It made Sakyo want to embrace her, if only he could.

The petals tickled his throat and he swallowed quickly. Not now.

“It’s been some time.” He managed to say, fighting the urge to speak her name, fighting the urge to hurl.

His words seemed snap her out of whatever trace she was in. She was finally coming closer. The vines wanted to come up and reach out-

“I’m so sorry for not coming sooner.” Izumi said. “I would have brought something but I didn’t know if you could even handle eating my curry.” She continued, speaking hurriedly, her eyes flickering around the room nervously.

(‘Don’t apologize, I could handle your anything.’ He thought.)

“It’s alright, Director. I can manage.” Sakyo breathed out. Then he did it again, and again, and again-

“I know, but-“ Izumi started, then she cut herself off. She sat down across from him, where his mother sat a few mere minutes before. Her eyes seemed drawn to his desk, which had the many items the rest of the members of Mankai Company had brought to him over the weeks.

The silence stretched and strained, like a rubber band waiting to snap.

Sakyo broke first, as he often seemed to do around her. “Do you know who it is?” He asked instead of what he selfishly wanted to ask.

He wanted to know why she didn’t visit sooner, wanted to know how she was feeling at that very moment.

(He wanted to avoid what he had to do for just a little longer, wanted more time that knew he didn’t have.)

Izumi’s pale face became flushed and she hesitated. Then she shook her head.

(Oh, that was such a familiar color to him, white, pink, and red. His lungs were suddenly shot with pain, don’t, not now.)

Sakyo closed his eyes. He thought about Izumi’s expressions, so honest that she couldn’t even act with it. He was so lucky to see those expressions everyday, they all were so lucky.

He recalled the first and last day he saw her in his childhood, she barely changed at all even after time had passed. Her encouragement of his love for the stage stayed with him for so long, as did her happy laughter, they both rang in Sakyo’s ears.

They had twisted his fate like a growing stem, turning his life around, and making him bloom in ways Sakyo hadn’t believed was possible for him. The warmth of their friendships, the mutual love for acting, he was so grateful to her for letting him earn those.

It was all so like her and it was all so special to him. His eyes felt wet.

Sakyo smiled, “I love you, I always have.”

Then he lets it all go, throwing up so violently there’s a flood of white, pink, and dripping red. His lungs seized and he couldn’t do anything but gasp and cough. Sakyo was no longer just spitting out petals, it was all flowers, fully bloomed.

(Izumi was saying something, desperately shouting. Sakyo thinks she’s either screaming for help or for him to hang on, to stay awake.)

He can’t hear over the fuzzy rush of blood to his head, the blood that trickled down the corners of his mouth and flowed out the cuts of his throat.

Sakyo’s vision is blurry with tears but that’s probably for the best, his glasses fell off when he hunched over anyway.

(Despite that, he could tell that she was sobbing, maybe she was trying to cry out that she loved him too.)

The pain is intense, Sakyo felt like he was being ripped apart. He couldn’t breathe, yet the feeling started to numb, the sensation spread up his arms to his neck and into his face.

(Izumi held his stained hands tightly, he couldn’t feel it. The world began blending together, the white of the hospital walls, the pink of her panicked eyes, the red of his desperate blood...)

With hope and finality, Sakyo closed his eyes for a while.

(As a symbol of devotion, Alstroemeria flowers can say to a companion or loved one that you will always be there for them and that you trust in your lasting bond.)

@cyrillean I hope you cry as much as I did while writing this!

[mankai-afterhours]

a helping hand - (IzuSakyo)

⚠️ very much smut ahead 18+ pls be aware this is just self indulgent filth wee woo wee woo ⚠️

Warnings: stripping clothes, oral (female receiving), fingering (female receiving), tongue fucking (female receiving), and that's about it pretty straightforward it's just sakyo being a horny simp guys ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

---------

Izumi chews her lip, hesitating only a moment before knocking on Sakyo's door.

"Come in." Sakyo's voice says, slightly muffled through the wood.

Izumi takes a deep breath. She's about to walk in there and possibly strip naked for a yakuza in order to settle a score and save their playwright's life. She tries not to think about it too much.

"You wanted to see me, sir?" Izumi says jokingly, hoping to keep the mood light. Walking into Sakyo's room does feel a bit like being sent to the principal's office.

But Sakyo clearly isn't feeling it. His arms are crossed in front of his chest. He looks angry, quiet. Simmering.

"So, uh..." Izumi clears her throat and shuts the door behind her. "Are we going with my plan?"

Sakyo says nothing. He just stares at her. Her eyes wander around his room awkwardly, and she wishes he would quit the tough guy act, especially considering what's about to happen.

"Look, Sakyo, if this is a bad idea, I can-"

"Tell me," Sakyo interrupts her, uncrossing his arms and letting them hang at his sides. He squints. "What do you see in Fushimi?"

Izumi groans in exasperation. "Oh, not this again, Sakyo! It was just a little fantasy, it has absolutely no bearing on real life." She rolls her eyes, embarrassed that they're even still having this conversation. "Omi's hands just happened to be what excited me that night, so it's-"

"I wonder what else excites you?" He asks, his voice a bit deeper than usual.

Izumi doesn't know what to make of this. She's starting to regret offering to do this in the first place, and it must show on her face, because Sakyo changes tacks.

"Look, are you sure you want to go through with this?" He asks, getting that look on his face that he has when triple checking whether Izumi has stayed under the budget.

She rolls her eyes. "If it'll prevent you from murdering my actors, then yes."

Her sass is ignored, and she can't help feeling like Sakyo's staring at her more than usual.

Being kept under his gaze like a specimen under a microscope sets her pulse up a few notches.

"So. Should I just...?" She starts to say, reaching for the buttons at her collar.

"No," Sakyo stops her, lifting his hand. "I... um, go sit down." He gestures towards his bed, and she hesitantly complies.

Once she's sitting, his hand covers his mouth, and she realizes he's analyzing her position. "Could you lay down?" He asks.

"What? Why?" She asks, suddenly feeling wary.

"I just want to recreate it as closely as possible. What Minagi saw," he replies.

Izumi feels herself flush. But she supposes that it's only fair, given the reason this is happening in the first place. Men can be so difficult sometimes.

She huffs another sigh and lays down with her head on Sakyo's pillow. It has a clean, musky scent, barely noticable, but still pleasant.

"Now can I take my clothes off?" She asks, with mock irritation.

Sakyo stares down at her from where he stands beside the bed, his expression unreadable.

"Could I do it?" His voice has a weird tone, almost gentle.

She laughs. "Yeah, sure. Very funny."

"I mean it, Izumi." His brows draw together. "Would you mind?"

She stares back at him, her heart skipping a beat at seeing him look so earnest. He's not joking, is he?

"I, um..." she looks away, trying to decide if she would mind. Does it matter whether she takes off her clothes or Sakyo takes them off for her? She'll be naked either way. "I guess not."

Sakyo's eyebrows lift ever so slightly. "Good."

He sits beside her on the bed, and at first he stays still, raking his eyes along her body. But before long, his hands start to move.

He traces them slowly up her arms, across her shoulders, his fingers coming together again at her collar to loosen the first few buttons.

Izumi doesn't know why her heart is pounding. It's not like this is the first time she's been undressed by someone. Maybe it's the duality of his gentle fingers and the searing gaze he's pinning her with.

"I wonder how Minagi felt..." Sakyo murmurs, so quietly, Izumi almost can't hear it. "Walking in to see you laying there."

His fingers glide lower and lower, soon he uncovers her chest, revealing her bra. She tries very hard to lay still, though his stare is making her feel naked already.

"Witnessing you in the throes of ecstacy... moaning, imagining strong hands-" At this, he slips his hands to either side of her waist and giving her a squeeze. "-pinning you down..."

She must be blushing now, she can feel it. "S-Sakyo..."

Sakyo removes his hands in an instant, as if they were never there, resuming his work on her buttons. "I would have liked to see it myself."

So he was jealous, after all. Staring up at him, Izumi can't imagine Sakyo having feelings at all, let alone for her.

But he did say his attraction was purely physical...

Soon enough, her buttons are done, and he parts her shirt like a curtain, drinking in the sight of her bare torso and bra.

She starts to fidget under his unwavering stare. "Sakyo. Do you want me to take it all the way off?"

He seems to take a moment to process what she said, but then he nods. She sits up a little and sheds the shirt, leaving her top half a bit chillier than before in only her bra.

"I can do this part, if you want." She says, hastily reaching behind herself to get the clasp, but Sakyo's fingers cover hers, brushing against her back and sending chills down her spine.

"Allow me." He leans forward a bit, and in a moment, he deftly flicks open the clasp with one hand.

Izumi tries to cover her shock and embarrassment as he slides the straps down her arms. "When did you learn to do that?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," he replies, a smirk ghosting his lips.

Once her chest is bare, he fixes her body with that stare again, as if savoring the sight, and she feels herself start to get hot. But before she can remind him, his fingers are already working themselves on the fly of her jean shorts.

She lifts her hips while he pulls them down her legs and she carefully kicks them to the side, adding to her growing pile of clothes.

Sakyo then hooks his fingers on either side of her panties, and gives her another look, checking in again. "May I?"

For a yakuza, he's being unexpectedly respectful about this. She nods. "Go ahead."

He peels the thin fabric down her legs, and exhales upon seeing her cunt, completely exposed.

"Beautiful," he murmurs, his gaze unwavering as he takes in the sight before him.

Izumi can feel the heat pricking her cheeks and a spike of it goes straight to her core at the look he's giving her.

She doesn't want him to stop.

"You can, uh..." she tries to find her voice, but it comes out embarrassingly high. "You can keep going. If that'll help you feel less jealous."

She doesn't look at him, but she can feel that stare of his, boring straight through her like a laser.

"You want me to touch you?" He asks in disbelief, and she gives a halfhearted shrug, too shy to speak. "Izumi," He takes her chin between his thumb and forefinger and coaxes her to look at him. "May I touch you?"

She nods.

Sakyo wastes not a moment before his hands cup each of her breasts, squeezing gently. He dips his head down to whisper in her ear, his breath fanning her cheek. "You're so beautiful... I'm unworthy of such a sight."

His voice is deeper than usual, gravelly, and it sends goosebumps down her arms.

"Sakyo," she whispers almost reprimandingly, skeptical of such flattery.

"It's true." His thumbs brush over her nipples, circling around the pert buds. "I am unworthy of even touching such a goddess..."

A goddess? Man, he's really laying it on thick. She shifts a bit, his hands and voice affecting her in ways she didn't know were possible.

"May I kiss you?" He asks in a breathless whisper. "Not on the lips, just... on your body."

The distinction has arousal shooting to her core. Is this how all yakuza express physical attraction?

"Sure, I guess so..." she mumbles, pressing her thighs together to prevent him from seeing how much she's okay with this.

His lips press first to her cheek, then down to her neck, sucking gently on her skin. She lets out a sigh while his hands roam from her breasts down overs her stomach to hold her hips.

"Izumi..." he whispers her name in a way she's never heard from anyone before. He dips a little lower and kisses along her collarbone almost reverently.

But then his hands brush her inner thigh and she can tell he felt the wetness gathering there. She looks anywhere else in the room as she feels him stop moving entirely.

He pulls back, taking his hands off of her, much to her disappointment.

"You're aroused by this?" He asks the obvious, and she lets out a small scoff.

"Anyone would be, with the way you're acting..." she says in her defence, but he seems to pay no mind to her sheepish reply.

Instead, a new proposition leaves his lips.

"Could I give you something to fantasize about for next time?"

Her head whips around to face him. "What?"

He adjusts his glasses. "If you let me help you out, I'll forget today ever happened. Minagi and Fushimi will be completely off the hook, and we'll never speak of this again."

She considers her options. She is pretty turned on at the moment, which makes it hard to think clearly, but if this is a one time thing... and he's been gentle so far... what's the harm in satisfying the burning ache between her thighs and Sakyo's burning temper at the same time?

"Sure, okay." She agrees, giving him a joking half-smile. "My body is yours."

Those words seem to spark something within Sakyo, and in moments, he's kneeling between her legs, parting her thighs to grant him access to her aching core.

"Beautiful..." he says again, and she doesn't even have time to blush before his face is buried between her thighs. He licks a stripe up her center that makes her back arch off the bed.

"S-Sakyo-!" She gasps, gripping the bedsheets in an effort to maintain her composure.

"Tell me if you want me to stop," he replies, then begins to eat her out in earnest, his tongue and lips working beautifully together, causing a small gush of arousal to spill from her entrance.

He laps it up, bracing her legs steadily to keep her from squirming while he works relentlessly, deep throaty hums and moans escaping him while his tongue traces frenzied patterns against her swollen lips.

"Ah~! S-Sakyo..." she moans, unable to keep herself quiet as he sucks on her clit, licking up all of her juices.

She feels his finger circling around her entrance before carefully slipping inside, adding to her stimulation.

She's moaning too loudly, but she can't help it with the way his mouth is treating her. She grabs a spare pillow to press to her face, but Sakyo reaches up and bats it away. "I want to hear you." He insists before returning to her pussy, his lips and tongue writing sonnets on her clit.

She can't hold back as he adds a second finger inside her, pumping slowly in a stark contrast to his feverishly paced mouth.

She cards her fingers through his hair on instinct, tugging at him encouragingly, and he growls in response, working even harder to pull an orgasm from her.

He removes his fingers with an embarrassingly wet noise and replaces them with his tongue, easily reaching all the right places inside of her while his nose bumps hastily against her clit, sending a buzz through her with every brush.

She reaches down to help him out, circling two fingers around her clit while he fucks her with his tongue, and she feels herself throb desperately around him, her legs shaking.

"Sakyo, I... I'm close..." her voice wavers, her body arching, aching for release.

She wishes, fleetingly that he'd stick something else inside of her, but the thought is pushed aside by the building of her climax, and all too soon, her mind goes blank as she reaches her peak.

She cums on him with a drawn out cry of pleasure, feeling her walls pulse around his eagerly awaiting tongue.

Sakyo takes it all and sucks her dry, lapping up every last bit of her release with groans of his own. He doesn't let up until she finally comes down, and just when she starts to feel overstimulated, he pulls away with a parting kiss to her swollen lower lips.

"Well," Sakyo says, licking casually at his fingers. "We can consider the score settled."

Izumi huffs breathlessly, laying there seeing stars after such an intense orgasm, and is shocked at how easily he can switch to business, even with her arousal glistening on his lips and chin.

"Sure," she replies with a snort. "I'll just throw my clothes back on real quick, and be on my way, then."

Sakyo smirks. "Like it never even happened."

And that's pretty much how it goes. He carefully helps her to put her clothes back on, no trace of the desperate frenzy in his actions from only moments before.

"Give Minagi my regards," Sakyo says, seemingly back to his usual no-nonsense self.

Pretty soon, she's out his door, heading back to the lounge to help unwrap Tsuzuru, only slightly wobbly on her legs from what just happened.

If she didn't know better, she'd have thought it was all just a blissful dream.

[scarbladed-archive]

rurouni. ken.shin edition interview / ( minus the whole truth )

TAGGED BY: @fujxn ( thank you so much!! ) TAGGING: @godkilller @vantagx @dokuhai @endsviolent @unwaken @seraphblessed @cxrsedsilence @firstsavior @lunafaeris @futainokiwami @fukenzena @halved @cosmicworn @yunhuntress @sabitaxken @bladesandpottery @woerended @wrathlock @wcnderingwitch @exfujin + everyone please consider yourself tagged i lost brain of everyone so kindly think it’s everyone because it is for everyone !

1. WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

“ Himura Kenshin, that it is. ”

2. WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?  

“ Oro! Was that not satisfactory? So cold..you are.” Himura SHINTA.

3. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU’RE CALLED THAT?

“ .... you’d have to ask a rather narcissistic person he knows.” Of course, ‘heart of sword’ easily denoted his legendary skills as a warrior and swordsman - and had taken the place of something more ‘soft’ or so his shishou said. He ponders it without revealing anything but an easy smile.

4. ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN?

“ ......Oro? “ Widower more likely, slow-burn love at present, definitely.

5. WHAT ARE YOUR POWERS AND ABILITIES?

“ -- ah, this one is merely a humble rurouni, that he is. His existing or non-existing skills are irrelevant in mere conversation .

 If we were in a time of crisis, this one would mention them, if he felt it relevant, he would. Quite frankly he means no harm, nor feels it fitting for power to flaunt power - if it must be shown, it will be shown, yes?’ 

6. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR EYES?

“ Hm....? A...shade of purple, he supposes! He doesn’t tend to think about it!”A light laugh.

7. HAVE YOU EVER DYED YOUR HAIR?

“...Is it that odd? No, this one has not. Though it warrants many stares at times - red is not common in this one’s country of birth.”

8. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS?

“ This one has many reliable friends in his life. He feels he has been more than fortunate to have even one of them, much less a place so familiar now.” Best not go into wherever his brother-in-law was, much less that he was a widower by his own hands.

9. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

“ …No he does not, but he is fond of animals.” ( they made good companions in ten years of solitude and gravitating from place to place to observe the country’s condition. )

10. TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING YOU DON’T LIKE.

“ The act of murder and the taking of life along with the oppression of the weak and those not able to completely defend themselves - especially those who do it for the sake of no reason at all - it cannot be allowed. ” 

11. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OR ACTIVITIES YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

“ Hm, Kaoru-dono has many chores for this one - between making the meals he can’t say he has many!  Does perhaps meditation count? He does very much like to clean - laundry, ah, yes, who doesn’t like clean clothes when one is finished?  ” ( does giving the misguided and wicked an overpowered beat down to protect the innocent and suffering count is that valid enough reporter-dono.. )

12. HAVE YOU EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE?

“ ...Does it look like I could hurt someone with a blade like this? ” ( the less you know the better! )

13. HAVE YOU EVER… KILLED ANYONE?

“Could I kill with a blade that again, is facing this one on its edge, not your body? ” ( ....More like the hundred count as a shadow assassin in his first four months - after that, he counted, he remembered, and it was high enough as a front-line swordsman of the Bakumatsu. 

The Battle of Toba Fushimi’s end he’d long before felt he had been walking in skulls wide-awake. But of course, he’s trained himself enough to be unassuming that not even his hand twitches, but his heart stabs itself inwardly with that constant pain and his eyes feel too frayed to continue masking it seamlessly. )

14. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?

“ …He should like to be something like a bird, perhaps? A rabbit? Those are cute, are they not?  ” ( he took after his sword-style, the might and terror of a DRAGON, the protectiveness of its heart, the raw power with which none withstood it. he was more suited to be something which was feared or reviled. )

15. NAME YOUR WORST HABITS.

“ Oro... perhaps not being able to fully withstand Kaoru-dono’s food. ” Self-hatred, negligence of his life, his temper losing its control, his penchant for distancing himself subconsciously - thinking the real answers while giving light-hearted half-truths was exhausting, he thought.

16. DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE?

“ Of course. Those who seek for peace and have strong wills to protect and help others in any field of work are given my highest respects, that they are. Merely living in this world and enduring tomorrow would garner enough respect if one had a positive viewpoint.

 Even then survival is brave, to live even in great straits is to have courage in some form is it not?  Having goals is admirable as well in life. He thinks there is much to admire and care for in the human heart, that he certainly does. ”

17. GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BISEXUAL?

“ ........ Oro?! “ ( The heart attracts him, not the body. But he heavily leans towards woman, very likely to be demisexual with a strong female lean / preference, but Kenshin has never mulled on it.  He’s never really thought about it, but the loves of his life have both been women. )

18. DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL?

“ No he does not but he lives at one! The instructor is a fiery spirit she is!” ( he went to school as a child then became an unstoppable killing machine/legend/nightmare in the war that shook the foundation of his country into a new era while the people who were his commanding authorities in that war didn’t seem to mind much that he was just a boy as long as he could do thrice what a grown man could do in seconds. )

19. DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS SOMEDAY?

“ …He wonders!” ( .... to think he’d be worthy of such a thing again. when he was already so unworthy the first time. it’s painful to smile without showing anything. he adored children - and love, well....how long could he keep that up? )

20. DO YOU HAVE ANY FANS?

“ …He doubts it, and if so he’d politely ask them to not. That sounds rather strange. ”

21. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF?

“ Haven’t you heard if you voice your biggest fears all the more do they become larger in your head and more likely to you in your mind to happen? ” ( failing to protect what he loves most again. failing to protect a life. succumbing to his hitokiri nature again. traveling atonement’s path and never finding the full ‘answer’ for his sins. a woman coming to their door telling him to his face once again, like the brave, very few that he has orphaned her of a son, a husband, a relative by a hitokiri’s hands - his past hurting the ones he loved and putting them in in danger far worse than it already had. )

22. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR?

“ What this one is wearing...?” (sometimes he wears a blue gi. but it’s always this, and he’s fine with it. he isn’t very materialistic even in practicality.)

23. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE?

“ … That’s a broad question!” (a fiery-eyed kenjustu inheritor and master of the life-giving style of  kamiya-kasshin, horrible cook, vibrantly emotional, as warm as the softest morning -- and not his to have. )

24. WHAT CLASS ARE YOU?

“ Pardon? ” ( he’s confused. )

25. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE?

“ Many! He’s very fortunate that he can’t even count them on both hands! ” ( and they all knew of his past. it astounded him. )

26. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PIE?

“ Isn’t that a western sweet treat? ” ( …who can even afford that??? )

27. FAVORITE DRINK?

“ Tea.”

29. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE?

“ Wherever this one’s friends are. ”

30. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SOMEONE?

“ Are you interested in someone?” He smiles brightly, a polite but concrete dismissal.

31. WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN?

“ …Either is fine. The ocean seems more likely. ”

32. WHAT’S YOUR ‘TYPE’?

“ Hasn’t this one told you he isn’t interested?” ( female swordswomen with hearts of gold and light and goodness and tempers that could send grown men quaking or into walls (like him), who make him stand up on the brink of death just to go to where she is and see her again. types like that.)

33. ANY FETISHES?

“ You’re a little young for this, that you are.... orororo....”

34. TOP OR BOTTOM? DOMINANT OR SUBMISSIVE?

ORO!?

35. CAMPING, OR INDOORS?

“ Both is fine, he’s more familiar with ‘camping’ as you say.  ”

36. ARE YOU WAITING FOR THIS INTERVIEW TO BE OVER?

“ Well, frankly he isn’t sure why he was interviewed to begin with - but perhaps! Apologies his answers were so simple.” A smile, but of course, that was the intent all along. 

[martin-channel]

Come and Catch my Attention

Summary:

A fantasy derived from the Season 2, E2 Misaki finally realize the reason of Saru’s betrayal, and the little hide-and-seek tricks between them.

Notes:

Just Misaki's true feelings about Saruhiko from my perspective. Please don't hate my if it's not good enough. Sorry for grammar mistakes... They belong to K(Anime) and each other.

————————————————————————————————

Misaki knows.

He always knew that Saru was the one in a million kind of person. If the two of them were the characters of a fantasy novel, then Saru, rather than himself, would be the one that attracts everyone’s attention.

And now he is right there, in his blue uniform—though he never wear it properly, wearing the iconic annoying grin on his face, and with all the indolence in the world—nothing seems to attract him, they say.

That’s not true.

Except me.

Until his skating board clashed with Saruhiko’s blades, and he felt the power, not the same one that flows in his own vein, but a much stronger one-one that mixes the mighty strength of RED, and one colder, firmer one of the BLUE, running through his ex-bestfriend’s body. He always surpasses him, both in the past and in the future.

He is the only one in the world blessed with powers from both clans.

There was the clatter of his baseball bat and Saruhiko’s dagger. Of course it’s quite easy for Misaki to dodged them, but the point is-they were so close the second before, so close that Misaki can count Saru’s long and curly eyelashes.

“How was it like-Mi↑sa→ki↓? Being defeated by your own color of Red by me?”

Don’t. Please don’t say my name in that voice.

He heard once, when the clan of Red gathered in the bar and those teens sometimes talk about the clan of Blue, some with a disgust while some with disdain. When he first knew that Munakata Reishi, the Blue King, once told Fushimi.

I’m very fond of you. Fushimi-kun.

How can he say that to the face of Saruhiko? So bluntly?

Misaki tried so hard to control himself not to explode before Awashima-san, one of the two superiors of Saruhiko in Scepter4.

He remembered even this truth was told by Saru’s cousin, Aya. She wasn’t the only girl who had a crush on Saruhiko in middle school. Almost every morning Misaki had to open Saru’s locker and got drowned by love letters written to Fushimi.

After finish reading some of the letters, for a long time Misaki himself couldn’t even distinguish

His own feeling between the admiration of those girls towards Fushimi Saruhiko.

After all, he was so dazzling.

In his eyes.

Until that day, they met again on the battle field. Those battles were so common that they almost meet five times a week. Even Katsuka-san would say to Anna, with his smile--the softest smile in the world.

Everyone seems to be happy tonight.

Even now.

With five more daggers cut through his white shirt and literally pinned him on the wall-with one between his legs, two tore up his sleeves and another two just beside his cheeks.

And there was the traitor, strode towards him, within a few seconds he was standing right before him.

Without a sound the young man with dark blue eyes

Oh, f**k.

He didn’t want anyone to see this embarrassed situation, it looks like the vanguard of HOMRA was weak enough to submit his obedience to those man in blue.  

But he can’t even decide his own fate now, from this tricky angle he can’t even wave his metal bat to beat this fucking Saru.

Then he feels the icy tip of the blaze on his chin.

It was like a bomb of irritation exploded in his blood. He would love to have a battle with his enemy, anytime, and Yata-san is never afraid of pain.

But he can’t bear his opponents suddenly turn his sword’s cutter edge to the back of his blade and lies it across his neck.

We are not supposed to be like that.

“OH, shit! Stupid Saru! Stop it!!! Or I swear I’m going to beat--“

The man on top of him drowns out the rest of his words in a soft kiss.

For the first time in his life, Yata has nothing to say in a circumstance that make his mind blank and heart beats like this. Even Kusanagi-san may grin in comfort that someone can finally make Yata-chan silent for a moment.

Saur’s tongue got into his mouth and touched his, which sent a shrill down his spine, but he couldn’t help but struggle a little. The only light shed on them was from the dim street lamp. Saruhiko put himself close to the smaller with an almost hugging position, so the redheaded one can see nothing but only him.

Misaki couldn’t push him away.

His jaw was gently but firmly grabbed and lift up to gratify the wish of the taller one. He must have sunk in this kiss because he can smell only the scent of Saruhiko, he can only see the shadow given by Saruhiko, he can only feel the warm, soft lips of Saruhiko—

He can only think of Saruhiko now.

Okay, fine.

Fushimi can feel the body in his arm softened.

He lifted his eyelids surprisingly, only to find his Misaki blushed with closed eyes.

--You win, Stupid Saru.

But to be clear, I, Yata Misaki, your only and best friend in middle school, the one you should be responsible for, the vanguard of the Red King, the one who cares you the most, spare your life this round of the game.

[shibuemiyuu]

Desires - Hakuoki Fanfiction - Chapter 15

Here’s another update. 

All the editing credits goes to @impracticaldemon and @nalufever :)

Hope you enjoy :D

Chapters of the Story:

Prequel - Prologue - I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - VIII - IX - X - XI - XII - XIII - Omake - XIV

Miyuu

@hijichiweek @kirakirachiizuru

-XV-

Pant. Pant. Pant. Pant.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Do you want to take a rest?"

"No, it's okay Inoue-san. I'll be alright. Besides, we can't afford to stop."

Inoue looked at Chizuru with creased brows. They had been running for the past hour so they could be at Yodo Castle as soon as possible. When Hijikata gave his permission for Chizuru to go to the Yodo Castle to ask for reinforcements, Inoue and Chizuru didn't waste any time and soon they departed the Fushimi magistrate's office. The Shinsengumi was doing poorly and they really needed help.

Suddenly Inoue stopped and turned to Chizuru, "Yukimura-kun, I think we need to slow down."

"What?" asked Chizuru, confused with the abrupt stop.

Inoue didn't give any explanation to Chizuru. Instead he walked to one of the large rocks and sat on top of it. Chizuru wiped the sweat from her brows and took a deep breath.

"Please sit here," Inoue patted the space on his right side for Chizuru to sit. The woman forced her throbbing feet to move, slowly walked to the large rock and sat beside Inoue. Chizuru then realized how tired and weak she felt. She had been tending to the wounded soldiers of the Shinsengumi before she heard Hijikata's words about asking for reinforcements from Yodo Castle. Her little energy had been depleting fast from all the hard work she had done. She took another deep breath to calm her raging heartbeat from all the running.

Chizuru glanced at the older man next to her and gave a sheepish smile, "Thank you Inoue-san."

"Now I know why Toshi-san didn't give his permission for you to go alone. When you are set on doing something, you really don't give any thought to your surroundings; much less yourself, Yukimura-kun. Since I became a captain in the Shinsengumi, I have seen a such behaviour amongst the young recruits. And it has been my responsibility and job to look after my subordinates so they won't get reckless." Inoue gave a tender and fatherly smile to Chizuru, "And looks like you are no exception."

"Sumimasen," said Chizuru, feeling embarrassed. A red colour burst on Chizuru's cheeks.

"It's okay. Even Toshi-san and the other captains also have their own moments of being reckless. And some of them are still doing it now."

"I know." They shared a tiny smile while they remembered one of the captains (Nagakura) 'antics' of being reckless. And then, they let out a laugh remembering the glare that Hijikata gave to the brawny captain which made him let out a bucket of cold sweat because of what he had done.

"We are in the middle of a war, Shinpachi. So, please refrain from acting stupid with your-so-called bravado and not beating our other members with sparring. Or, should I also become your sparring partner?" That had happened on the first day, when the Shinsengumi arrived at the Fushimi magistrate's office. Long story short: Hijikata found Nagakura and all the second members division stretching their muscles by sparring with one another. In the end, they were the ones sent for guard duty; some of the members faces were black and blue courtesy of their sparring session.

Chizuru had regained control of her breath. Looking at Yodo Castle, her face turned solemn, "Inoue-san?"

"What is it, Yukimura-kun?"

"Do you think the people from Yodo Castle will help us?" Chizuru asked wearily, glancing at Inoue.

"They have to. We need the help." Inoue answered her, but Chizuru heard the uncertainty laced in Inoue's tone. His face also gave away the anxiousness that he felt with their situation. "Honestly, I don't want to see Toshi-san's face like the one he showed before we left." Inoue paused before he continued, "I've been with him for a long time. I know how hard it was for the man to admit we had to retreat... One loss is enough," Inoue said mournfully while he was looking at the sky.

Chizuru agreed with Inoue inwardly. She gave a small nod at Inoue's last sentence. Back then, when Sen-hime and Kimigiku visited her and asked her once again to come and join them, she had warned the young woman of this condition. "This is a war Chizuru-chan. And looking at the situation, I can say that this one isn't in your favor. The Shogunate era will come to an end. Everyone who has been backing the Shinsengumi till now will no longer be able to give their support. Either you are going to swim or sink; disband the force or be killed in the process." Sen gave a wistful smile to Chizuru, "I hope that the captains in the Shinsengumi won't be their stubborn selves and will consider the rational option rather than following what their gut told them." Chizuru didn't know what to say. She realized what Sen had told her was an indisputable fact; of the Shinsengumi's situation and of the way the Shinsengumi members would react. An unknown fear slowly crept into Chizuru's heart.

"Chizuru-chan?"

Chizuru shifted her focus back to Sen.

"Are you alright?"

"Osen-chan… Is it wrong for me to hope that they will be back safely and none of them injured? When I think that one of the members of the Shinsengumi could be wounded and for them to risk their life… It really scares me."

Sen grabbed Chizuru's hands and she squeezed the latter's hands to comfort her.

"They are my friends, my comrades, my family. I really don't want them to come to any harm. But… this war is not only a war to defend the Shogunate. Their pride…. Their belief…. The things that they have fought for from the start, their foundation… That is what this war means to them. I can't simply tell them not to be reckless. Because I know that they will not just submit their fate to the new era and not fight with all they have for their belief. If they lose this battle… I can't imagine what face the Shinsengumi will show, of losing all the things that they have fought for till now. The captains… Hijikata-san won't let their belief to end just because of the name of a new era."

Chizuru didn't want to acknowledge the fear that she had felt since first hearing about their situation. While she went and stayed in the Fushimi magistrate's office, she still hoped that the war wouldn't escalate to the worst and somehow, the Shinsengumi would win the upcoming war. But when Sen told her directly about their condition and situation, she knew then that she had to confront her fear before it consumed her fully. Not that she wanted to face it, more like she didn't have any other choice.

Sen, Chizuru and Kimigiku were standing in front of the Fushimi magistrate's office gate. The Oni princess looked at the man that stood not far from where they were; sending his sharp and cold stare straight to them. The oni-fukuchou had stated that their visit was not welcome, especially when he knew that Sen and Kimigiku's intentions were to ask Chizuru again to come and join them. The gestures of his body language; his arms folding in front of his chest, not to mention the way he stared was clear enough for Sen to get the message. To go away and never come back.

'I'll never imagine the intensity of the bond will escalate this far. Back then, even though he had showed us that he didn't like our presence, he never blatantly expressed his hostility like the way he shows us now. Something must have happened between him and Chizuru.' Sen thought, looked back to her friend. 'The fear that Chizuru-chan feels, it must be the effect of the bond.'

Sen gave Chizuru a slightly sad smile. "Chizuru-chan," Sen began softly, "The fear that you feel right now is not completely because of what will happen to the Shinsengumi. Of course, you will worry for their wellbeing and hope for their safety. I have seen firsthand how strong your bond is with the Shinsengumi after all." Sen referred to how the captains reacted when she came previously to take Chizuru away. "And surely the situation will make you feel distressed and anxious. But… this fear, this unknown fear that has crept to your heart and nearly suffocated you, it's because of what happened between you and him. And sadly, I can't tell you what you can do to lessen it.

"But I will tell you one thing." Sen narrowed her line of vision to the Shinsengumi fukuchou. Their eyes met briefly before she looked back to Chizuru. "Do you know that my ancestor eloped with a human?"

"Eh?" Surprised, Chizuru blinked with the information.

"Her name is Suzuka Gozen. She fell in love with a human by the name of Sakanoue Tamuramaro and followed him to the capital. And I, in fact, am their granddaughter," Sen said with a smiling face. "Back then the scandal was really a big one, not to mention the chaos my ancestor had caused when she eloped with a human. She was an Oni, a princess in her clan, but she chose a human to be her partner. Two different creatures, an Oni and a human, to be together was a thing that was uncommon and could be thought as forbidden to be happened. The human and the Oni were not supposed to be together, less to have a romantic relationship. And her status also was not helping. Even though at last they could be together and the fact that I am here is an irrefutable proof of their love, the things that they had to go through, the trial of their love was very hard.

"What I want to tell you is, your condition and my ancestor's condition are the same. The two of them were also in your condition when they went through all their trials." Sen referred to Hijikata and Chizuru's bond. "But, instead of letting worry and fear consumed them, they chose to let one feeling to overcome all the anxiousness and it was what allowed them to endure the trial till the end."

Sen gave Chizuru a knowing smile and gave another gentle squeeze. "You told me that you love him. Hold onto that feeling and let it lead you to support the Shinsengumi and to support him. Your love is not doomed to failure. I just hope that you will tell him about the situation that happened between you and him, Chizuru-chan." The princess spoke to her friend with a solemn and serious tone, "I have told you that this is a life and death situation. If somehow, he dies in the upcoming war, and leaves you behind…." Sen shook her head. "You know what I mean."

Chizuru nodded and gave her friend a promise that she would try to find a right time to tell Hijikata about their bond in the near time…. Hopefully.She hugged Sen and sent her friend and her bodyguard away after that.

Thanks to Sen's words, the fear that she felt at first subsided. Not entirely, but at least it wouldn't haunt her and she could give her full support throughout the war. She poured out her love into the support which she gave to her friends and family…for the man who she loved dearly with all her heart.

But even then, her love was not enough to support the Shinsengumi winning the war. The look on Hijikata's face when he had to give the order to retreat had made her heart clench in pain. It was like she could feel the pain that Hijikata felt at that moment; which was true because of their bond, but she didn't know about this information and would learn about this in the future.

"If only Isami-san is here, instead of me…. Yodo Castle will surely lend us their reinforcement if Isami-san is the one to ask, as the Chief of the Shinsengumi. "

Chizuru turned to Inoue and the man offered her a kind yet strained smile.

"Inoue-san, you shouldn't talk like that!" Chizuru admonished the older captain. "You are one of the captains of the Shinsengumi. Hijikata-san wouldn't send you if he didn't have confidence that you will succeed with this mission."

"... You are right. If there are still ways for me to be useful to the Shinsengumi, I will do it without a second thought. Toshi-san would never send me away if he didn't have trust in me." Inoue offered another kind smile but it wasn't strained anymore. "Rather than to also look after you I guess."

"Inoue-san…" Chizuru blushed with embarrassment. Inoue chuckled when he saw Chizuru's red cheeks.

"Thank you, Yukimura-kun."

"You're welcome, Inoue-san."

"Then, let's keep our hopes up, shall we?"

"Hai."

They got up and resumed their walk to Yodo Castle without any delay after that.

---

At last Inoue and Chizuru reached Yodo Castle. The thing was, Yodo Castle no longer supported the Shogunate. They had changed their allegiance to the Imperial forces. What awaited them was a fortress, full of enemy soldiers.

Inoue had felt strange the moment they arrived and didn't see any soldiers guarding the front gate. His instinct told him to be on guard and when one of the soldiers aimed a gun from the castle's window at them, he grabbed Chizuru's wrist and dove, avoiding the bullet. They ran to the nearby forest and hid behind the trees.

Chizuru was shocked by the shot, but the older captain assessed their situation calmly. "Either they've already been overrun by the rebels, or they don't want to ally the side they think is going to lose. We need to get back and report this to the others and Toshi-san. It's clear now that they're no longer our allies. As grievous as this information is, they need to know." Inoue grimaced with his words. "It's also dangerous to stay here. The longer we stay here, the more danger I'll put you in."

"But…" The shock from the shot had made Chizuru slow on processing Inoue's words. When she fully grasped the situation, she felt dread and anxiousness come on full force. "But if we leave, then what's going to happen to Hijikata-san? What's going to happen to the Shinsengumi?!" She panicked and the look from Hijikata's face, the bitter and agony she had seen, flashed in her mind. "L-let's just try and talk to them! If we explain what's going on, I'm sure they'll understand and will help us!"

And for the first time since Chizuru joined the Shinsengumi, Inoue's kind eyes glared at her.

"That's enough!" Inoue said sternly, "I also want to go back to Toshi-san and the other with the reinforcements as much as you do! But please also understand that my job here is not only to ask for help, I also have to make sure that you are safe and protected. If something happens to you now, then I won't have a will to face Toshi-san. And that will have made me fail him twice, not being able to bring reinforcements from Yodo Castle and not protecting you."

Chizuru felt herself wilt under Inoue's angry words and glare. She realized she hindered Inoue's performance of his job. But before she could wallow in self-pity and blame herself, the older captain continued speaking, but this time the anger had subsided and had been replaced with concern.

"And it's not because of you. Even if I go by myself, I would return immediately and tell the others of this news so we can think of another plan to aid the Shinsengumi."

Chizuru could feel tears pricking her eyes. Inoue was not angry with her. His tone was not an angry one, more like a reprimand one would give a child over a mistake that the child had made.

"I understand," Chizuru bowed her head and covered her teary eyes.

"Now, let's go then."

Chizuru followed Inoue and they left Yodo Castle. They were silent on their journey back to the Shinsengumi. Chizuru didn't dare open her mouth, afraid that all that she could utter were endless apologies. Her mind had acknowledged Inoue's words, she just had to make her heart and feelings also see the logic and not feel useless or a failure-

"Don't worry about it."

Chizuru's mind snapped from her thoughts, and when she looked at Inoue, the older man was walking to where she stood. He looked at her with the same kind gaze he always had. Her feet had stopped in the middle of the road apparently. The captain had to walk a couple of steps from his previous position to reach the distraught woman.

"Inoue-san…" The tears that were welling up in Chizuru's eyes threatened to fall. She brushed them away roughly before Inoue stood at arm's length in front of her.

"This is Toshi-san that we are talking about. I'm sure he'll come up with an amazing plan and surely he will turn this whole thing around." Inoue laid his hand on Chizuru's shoulder and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Please calm yourself. If you show up and the others look at how distraught you are, it will only dampen their spirits more and that is not a good thing to happen during a time like this. Also, I think Toshi-san won't be happy to see this state of yours."

Chizuru focused on the warmth of Inoue's hand on her shoulder and the words from the older captain. 'I have to be strong! There's no time to be weak. I have to support them… to support Hijikata-san with all my strength!'

And Chizuru began to calm down and regained her composure.

"...Thank you, Inoue-san. And sorry that I can't offer any help for this situation."

"Like I said before. Don't worry about it. Who knows? Maybe Toshi-san already predicted this kind of situation and made a backup plan." Inoue reassured Chizuru again. His kind smile was still plastered on his face.

'Inoue-san's smile and hand are very comforting. Like what my father used to give me ….'

"Your smile and hand are so warm, Inoue-san. It gives me comfort and I feel like right now my father is the one that is comforting me." Chizuru felt wistful and nostalgic for her own father, Yukimura Kodou. Whatever her father had done and whoever he was, she still thought of Kodou as her father. "I recall when I was a child, my father used to stroke my head with his hand, especially when I was sad."

Inoue blinked, and his hand dropped to his side from Chizuru's shoulder. He observed Chizuru from head to toe, as if he had just seen the woman for the first time.

"A daughter, huh? ...Well, I guess it wouldn't be strange a man of my age to have a daughter of your age, Yukimura-kun."

"S-Sorry! Did I perhaps say something rude?!" Chizuru panicked and fumbled her words when she realized that she might have offended Inoue.

"No, no! Certainly not." Inoue shook his head. "It's the opposite, actually. I would be honoured and very glad to have a cute daughter who is also selfless like you." 'The father' gave his 'daughter' his fatherly smile. Chizuru felt her cheeks blush at Inoue's words.

"I-I am n-not like what you have described me as, Inoue-san…. You have made me blush too many times today." Chizuru stuttered, fighting the embarrassed feeling of being described as cute.

"I'm just stating a fact though." Again, Inoue put his hand on Chizuru's shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Let's go then. The others are waiting for us and will get worried if we aren't back soon."

"Hai."

Chizuru and Inoue resumed their way back to the rest of the Shinsengumi; their bodies engulfed with a warm feeling for different reasons (amusement for Inoue and embarrassment for Chizuru). They hadn't walked too far when they saw some soldiers standing several feet away from them.

"Someone's over there," Chizuru muttered.

It had taken several hours for Inoue and Chizuru to arrive at Yodo Castle. By the time they left Yodo Castle, the sky was already beginning to turn red and the sun had begun to set. The soldiers they met were standing with their backs to the setting sun. They narrowed their eyes a bit because they were blinded by the light of the sun. By the time the two could adjust their vision, they saw one of the soldiers was raising his hand and a gun was aimed at them. A shot was heard.

"Watch out!" Inoue pushed Chizuru to the side and a loud groan escaped his mouth a moment later. His shoulder had been hit by the shot. He fell to the ground, clutching his wounded shoulder.

"Urgh!"

"Inoue-san!" Chizuru shouted. She tried to get near the injured captain, kneeling beside him to look at the wound.

The soldiers -turned rebels- sneered at the two from where they stood.

"Light blue robes? They are the Shinsengumi, huh?"

"We should take their heads, then later we can get nice rewards."

"That's a good idea."

There were three rebels standing before them. The three wore the same manic and mocking grins plastered to their faces. Two of them were approaching Inoue and Chizuru while their hands were drawing the katanas on their waists from their scabbards.

"You are rebels!" Chizuru said angrily, her eyes glaring at the attackers.

"So what if we are," one of the rebels answered, with a mocking tone.

"Y-Yukimura-kun…" Inoue grabbed Chizuru arms and tried to lift his body. "Don't provoke them more than necessary. Stay back." Inoue spoke with difficulty. The shot didn't hit a vital organ, but blood was flowing from the wound and the older man already felt light-headed from its loss. He realized that he couldn't fool himself; his life was nearing its end. 'At least I have to protect Yukimura-kun!'

"Inoue-san…" The older captain stood in front of Chizuru. He drew his katana and aimed the tip at the rebels.

"You have to go back," said Inoue. Each breath that he took was painful, and his body was staggering. "And please tell something to Toshi-san for me." He tightened his grip on his katana hilt and focused his eyes on the enemy in front of him. "Please tell him that I apologize for my weakness… And that I hope that he'll forgive me for not staying with him to the end."

Chizuru held back a sob that was threatening to leave her mouth. 'No… Don't say that.'

"I don't have the words to thank him enough for giving a man like me the chance to be a part of something." Inoue turned his head a bit to Chizuru and gave her one last kind smile. "Leave this to me."

After that, Inoue charged the rebels with a fierce outcry. "HAAAAA!"

"INOUE-SAN!"

Inoue attacked one of the rebels with all his might. His katana met the enemy weapon with a clang and for a second he managed to make the enemy take a step backward. But the other rebel stabbed Inoue from behind and the body of the Captain of the 6th division of the Shinsengumi went limp and then fell to the ground.

Inoue's half lidded eyes stared at the ashen Chizuru from where he lay, while he offered a last prayer that the woman would run and be safe before a last blow ended the life of the older captain.

Chizuru's body froze. Her face paled from the whole scene that unfolded in front of her. She bit her lower lip till she drew blood, but she didn't feel the pain from the cut. 'Why…Why…?'

The rebels were slowly approaching her again.

"Another one and after that we'll get a big reward for killing the enemy of the Emperor!" Manic laughter followed, after the rebels said what was in their minds.

Tears were flowing from Chizuru's eyes. Tears of anger. She gritted her teeth hard and slowly got up from her kneeling position. She drew her kodachi and pointed the tip at the rebels.

"You abandoned your comrades when you saw that they were going to lose the war. And you dare to call yourselves warriors. Samurai. None of you deserve to be called samurai!" Chizuru's eyes turned gold and her hair turned white. The rebels' eyes widened a bit.

"W-What's this?!" yelled one of the rebels in fright. "What kind of creature are you?!"

"Tch! A Shinsengumi is still a Shinsengumi. Just kill it and we'll still get the reward!" shouted the other rebels.

"HAAAAAA!"

Chizuru braced herself and prepared to defend herself with the blade in her hand. But a figure dashed from her behind and slew all the rebels in one swing.

"AAARRGGHHH!"

The rebels fell to the ground, blood flowing from their mouths and pouring from their wounds. The figure that had slashed them with his katana swung his blade once more to get rid of the rebels' blood and sheathed his blade in its scabbard. He turned, and a pair of golden eyes met another pair of the same color.

Chizuru eyes widened at the person, the Oni in front of her. "...Kazama-san…" She reverted to her human appearance. Her hands dropped to her sides, still gripping her kodachi.

"I told you before that Oni and human can't coexist. You've seen for yourself how that ridiculous fantasy of yours has brought you to this unfortunate event. Where is that human, the Shinsengumi captain who dared enough to say to me that he would protect you, huh?" The mockery in Kazama's tone was something that Chizuru expected. But it surprised her that Kazama was the one who had helped defend her from the rebels. It never occurred to her that the one to save her would be him.

"Ariga-"

"Surely, you have changed your mind about staying with this shameless and useless creature, haven't you?" Kazama cut Chizuru off when she wanted to thank him. He approached Chizuru confidently. In a quick motion, he was beside her already and his face was just an inch from hers. Chizuru gulped and took a step backward. "The humans are failing. I know you are a smart woman. It's time to leave them and join me, to be my bride." Kazama's face was getting nearer Chizuru's.

"L-Living with the Shinsengumi is not ridiculous," stuttered Chizuru. She tried to sound brave and convincing. "They have been protecting me, and even though this event is an unfortunate one, I won't leave and will stay with them always." Chizuru stared straight into Kazama's golden eyes. Determination reflected in her eyes. "I won't join you or anyone else."

'Certainly not to become your bride. Never.'

Kazama straightened his body and stared back at Chizuru, his face void of emotion after another rejection.

"I see that you still care for these human… for these insects."

"Wha-"

"And looks like my thought of you being a smart woman is mistaken. Only a foolish woman would reject my kind offering as many times as you have." Kazama added in haughty tone, "Or have you been poisoned while living with these insects?"

"Shut up!" Chizuru could no longer listen Kazama's insults about the Shinsengumi.

"What? Why are you so angry?" One of Kazama's eyebrows lifted. "Don't tell me that you are this upset just because of this insignificant man?"

"Shut up!" Chizuru took several steps back, distancing herself from the male Oni. She raised her hands and pointed her kodachi at Kazama. "I considered them as my family. You have no right to be bad-mouthing my family!"

"Family? You really have weird taste to have ever considered these insects to be at the same level as the oni," scoffed Kazama. "Really, I'm disappointed."

"Kazama-san, I'm grateful that you saved me from those rebels. Can you please leave now? You don't have any more business here after all."

"Who said that I don't have any more business here? My business is not finished yet." In the blink of an eye, Kazama had narrowed the distance between them, and next thing Chizuru knew, her hand had been struck, making her drop the kodachi. Kazama grabbed her wrist and held it in tight grip. "You are my business."

"Let me go!" Chizuru tried to pull her wrist from the Oni's grip but her strength was no match for Kazama's.

"I'm only interested in taking you with me. Your value as a pureblood oni woman is very high. It was never my intention to kill those rebels. I could care less which side they took and what their role was. For me, humans are all the same. They were just getting in my way and killing them is a bonus for me." Kazama pulled Chizuru toward him and their faces were nearer than before. "I thought that with all the things that happened around the humans, you would realize that it's no use to be around them again. And I can easily convince you to come with me."

"Whatever happened around the humans, around the Shinsengumi, will not make me leave them ever! Nor will I come and join you! Please let me go!" Chizuru spoke vehemently. She wriggled her wrist to loosen Kazama's tight grip. Suddenly, Kazama released his grip and made Chizuru fall hard.

"I really hate when someone tries to go against me. And you, that's exactly what you always do." Kazama was annoyed. "Or should I educate you to never again go against my words?"

A shiver ran through Chizuru's body. The oni in front of her had showed her nothing except that he was arrogant and selfish. She didn't want to imagine what he would do to educate her. With how pushy and perceptive Kazama was, she was afraid that the oni would know about her situation with Hijikata; about their bond. Even though Sen had told her that no one would ever know about the bond except the two persons who had made it, her gut was telling her that Kazama would somehow figure it out on his own. Making Kazama angry was not a thing that she wanted to do.

"I'd rather die than let you do whatever you want to do to me!" stated Chizuru fiercely.

"Would you?"

"Don't test me!" Chizuru brought her kodachi, which she dropped before, and positioned the blade in front of her neck. Slowly she got up from the ground, her eyes didn't leave Kazama's hard stare.

Kazama narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable.

"Why are you so adamant about rejecting to be with me? Is it so abhorrent for you to be with me?" Chizuru almost blinked, didn't believe on what she just heard.

"What are you talking about?" asked Chizuru, confused with the unlike-Kazama words.

"Something must have happened between you and the humans. Something that makes you so adamant about not leaving them. Something crucial that involves a life and death situation." Kazama spoke his thoughts out loud.

"Kazama-san, what are y-"

"Did you bond with one of them?"

Chizuru's eyes widened. Her hands dropped to her side. Cold sweat dripped from her body. She wanted to say something to refute Kazama's accusation, but her words were caught in her throat.

'How… how could he come to that conclusion?!'

Chizuru's reaction was enough for an answer.

"Who?" Kazama said the one word in a dangerous tone.

"..."

"WHO?!"

Kazama launched himself at Chizuru and grabbed the woman's upper arms, his nails digging into Chizuru's flesh. "Tell me who he is or I swear I will kill all the humans that you have interacted with."

Chizuru was contemplating how she should reply to Kazama's inquiry. But before she could think any further, a blade flew by her side, aimed at Kazama's shoulder. Kazama dodged the blade and released Chizuru from his grip.

"Release her." A commanding voice came from the figure that walked toward them. A voice that Chizuru had wished and longed to hear since the rebels attacked her and Inoue. It's was so ironic that the owner of the voice came at the time when he shouldn't have come.

Chizuru turned her head to look at her behind. Her heart was beating furiously inside her ribcage. She was very afraid of the upcoming confrontation: of what Kazama would do; of what would happen to him. One name escaped her trembling lips.

"Hijikata-san…"

To be continued

Note: And now... Kazama knew about the bond. What will happen next? Hijikata and Kazama fight on the next chapter won't be as simple as Kazama mocked the Shinsengumi and he got angry because Hijikata grazed his cheek. It will be more complex, I can assure you that :)

See u on the next chapter ~~

[rubldus]

♡(ŐωŐ人) // i was obligated

Send ♡(ŐωŐ人) to meet our muses’ lovechild! || ACCEPTING

Fushimi x Yata (4/4)

Name: Fushimi Hana (伏見花)

Physical appearance: She has long, bright orange hair that she keeps pulled up in a ponytail, and sky blue eyes. She’s petite and wears reading glasses, and she can most always be seen wearing some shade of blue.

Personality: A very outgoing and easily excitable person (much like Misaki), Hana has a deep and very passionate love for what she cares about. From Saruhiko, she maintains an endless unquenchable curiosity. She’s protective of the ones she loves and strives to keep an air of happiness amongst her family and friends. 

That being said, she loves dearly her little family, all of them: but she’s daddy’s little princess. She loves her dad like nobody else, and he saves a soft spot just for her. Her big brothers are pretty up there too however, and she’s constantly being smothered by them. She’s very spoiled but is very careful not to take advantage of their tendency to spoil her, and doesn’t like using it to get what she wants. She’s her family’s god-sent little angel and if anything happened to ruin her innocence they might just kill a man. Not just her parents and brothers, but all of HOMRA and Scepter 4 too. They’re all very protective. 

She lacks patience for those she considers ‘bullies’ and is always the first one to jump on people who pick on others. Her admiration and adoration of ‘heroes’ create her views on certain things to be slightly warped. She doesn’t always understand things and looks at the world through rose colored lenses.

She’s a child prodigy and, if believable, is even smarter than Koji. She taught herself to read and was speaking in whole sentences before she was a year old, writing in full sentences by four, and reading war and peace by age five. 

The most prominent part of her personality, however, is her desperate longing to be part of Scepter 4. Her parents say NO to clan joining of any kind, but she thinks her dad is literally superman, and sees Scepter 4 as superheroes that protect and help people. She wants to be a part of that. It’s the one thing in the world she’s been told no to and won’t give up on or stop pursuing. In fact, it’s something she’s wanted from a very young age. She asked for a toy saber for the very first birthday she could comprehend doing so, and every one thereafter was a common theme- toy police stations, gymnastics, sword fighting lessons from Munakata, boxing with Kusanagi, blue clothes, etc. 

With continuous begging and pleading, Saruhiko eventually signed her up for fencing because he can’t say no to her, and her new favorite thing became training with him. He doesn’t go easy on her however, because he wants to deter her from wanting to join the blues. Even so, she was amazing at it right away (of course) considering whose daughter she is. She still hasn’t been able to beat her dad, but she’s managed to best Hidaka and Enemoto once or twice- which is pretty impressive considering they’re on the special squad. It’s hard for her dad to get irritated about it, because she gets so proud of herself and she always comes to tell him excitedly about what she’s learned and how many matches she’s won- always with the goal of getting to spar with him. But her dad is clever, and he makes getting to spar with him extremely challenging to try and prevent her getting to practice, and his rules are ‘only once she beats x person can she spar with him. And if she loses she’s gotta do it all again.’ She isn’t discouraged though- nothing can make her discouraged because she’s stubborn like her ‘mom’ and really wants to spar with her dad. 

Her parents tend to really beat themselves up because they screwed up so badly with the other kids. That’s why she’s their little angel. It’s not just because she’s their only girl, its because she’s a really good, sweet, kind hearted kid. Sure, they might’ve fucked up with the others, but then there’s Hana- who picked up only the good things, like her Misaki’s friendliness and excitability and high energy, and Saruhiko’s intelligence and sense of reading people and desire to watch over the people he cares about, and even his curiosity and desire to learn that Niki tried so hard to stomp out. She’s sweet to other people and good at socializing and she loves to help others. She’s their insurance that they have to be doing something right.

First love: Gojo Hibiki (五條響), eleven years old. The biological child of Mishakuji Yukari, left as an infant with one Sukuna Gojo who reluctantly kept and raised him. His father isn’t in the picture and his current whereabouts are unknown. He was named Hibiki- meaning ‘echo’- because that was how Sukuna felt about this child- just an echo of Yukari that he didn’t want, the fact only becoming more true as Hibiki grew older and proceeded to resemble his dad more and more. Hibiki sort of raised himself as a result, Sukuna making it a point to almost always be out of the house, put him in school/daycare/whatever until super late, and never really look directly at him. Therefore, Hibiki understood he wasn’t wanted from a very young age and now maintains that mindset as he moves through life, keeping almost completely to himself. He also goes to a not so great school with not so great kids, but it isn’t an issue for his guardian and frankly, for him either. 

He met Hana one day while walking home from school, when he saw a bunch of older kids ganging up on an old man. He was going to keep walking- but then this kid in blue came up behind him and started muttering about how ‘he had seen it too’, was ‘there to help’, etc. and ‘on three’ they would go. And then, before he could stop her, this tiny little girl with a bow in her hair bounded out and started smacking the boys with her bag. Stupefied for a moment, he told himself it wasn’t his problem..but then he saw one of the kids coming up behind her and, unable to stop himself, rushed forward and joined in. Eventually, the older kids left: but not before he and Hana were both beat up. He got up to leave but was shocked to see Hana laughing, and even more shocked when she grabbed his hand, smiled up at him, and introduced herself with a ‘good job’! The old man interrupted them, offering them some popsicles from his convenience store as payment, and Hibiki somehow managed to find himself sitting on the grass in one of the city’s parks- eating ice cream next to a strange girl whose eyes sparkled while she talked. 

She told him about herself, and her family, and how she wanted to join the blue clan. He sat quietly with her, and finally told her his own name. She replied with ‘that means echo, right?’ and his response was ‘because i’m only an echo of someone else.’ To which she looked at him, smiled, and declared all at once that the ‘ki’ in his name meant heart, so he must have had a big one, and she was going to call him that. He stared at her a moment before she asked him what he wanted to do with his life, using her popsicle stick to mimic sword fighting. Nonplussed, he told her he didn’t know quite WHAT he wanted to do. It was when she stood up and matter of factly stated that she was going to ask him ‘again tomorrow’ to see if he’d figured it out that he became interested in Fushimi Hana.

( Oh, and it should be mentioned that Saruhiko and Misaki are completely unaware of their friendship, but if they knew then there would be QUITE the issue. After all, both are quite #AntiHanaandAnybody and even more #AntiGreens and most of all #AntiSukunaandYukari )

Future: After a long while of some form of skinny love, the two ended up officially dating during their freshman year. Being the whiz she is, Hana kept burning through assignments levels above her grade with no issue, and was able to finish university by the time she was eighteen. Hibiki wasn’t stupid by any means, but he wasn’t the prodigy she was either. So he finished up school in the typical amount of time and opted out of higher education after high school. Instead, he and Hana- after lots of begging to her family on her part- eagerly joined Scepter 4 at nineteen as their simultaneously most enthusiastic and promising new recruits. Rare though it was for them to get field assignments, (Hana’s overprotective father worked in the same building, after all, and his prerogative was the utmost safety for his daughter. Anything beyond desk work and intel gathering through computers was intercepted as often as possible by him) once in awhile something slipped through and Hana and Ki approached it as partners and equals (Fushimi/Gojo, ready!) and made quite the reputation for themselves while doing so.

At twenty-three, after a close call involving a strain that left Hana partially blind in one eye and Ki lacking two fingers on one hand, relief and adrenaline brought forth a mutual decision for marriage and ‘the highest form of partnership, permanence!’ according to Hana. Her parents put up a huge fight in their disapproval, as did her brothers- but they were married all the same, a sweet outdoor winter ceremony in the snow, themed white and blue- which they and all their guests wore. All of their friends and family attended, and it was a beautifully simple event per the couple’s request. 

With twenty-seven came the unexpected arrival of their first and only child, a sweet little lilac haired boy called Yuki (ゆき), meaning ‘happiness’. 

[fromwinnipeg2everywhere]

Autumn in Japan

It’s been hard finding motivation during the endless lockdowns here in Manitoba, and one of the things that I have slacked on is keeping this page up to date. I was under the impression that nobody read this blog, but recently I found out that at least one person does and that is enough inspiration for me to keep going.

Our last international trip prior to the pandemic was in November 2019, to Manila and Japan, probably around the time when the pandemic was getting started in Asia. We visited with family and friends for a week in Manila, then flew to Japan and stayed there for a week and a half.

Our first stop was Osaka. First, I’d have to say that flights to Japan from Manila are unbelievably cheap, relative to what we must pay for flights here in Canada. We paid about $150 CAD per person for our Cebu Pacific flight and we were told that this is not actually a good deal. I’m not sure that I can even get to Saskatoon from Winnipeg at this price! We stayed at an Airbnb in Osaka, and the apartment was very spacious and conveniently located near Namba Station and Nipponbashi. We stayed in Osaka for 2 nights, but we enjoyed our short stay. We walked around Dotonbori for our first night and had ramen at Ichiran. The following day, we set off early for Nara to beat the crowds and get some alone time with the deer. Shortly before lunch time, the tour buses started arriving, and that is our cue to get back on the train to Osaka. We went to Kuromon Market for lunch and basically ate everything we could get our hands on – otoro (fatty tuna), matcha ice cream, Kobe beef, tako tamago (baby octopus), crab meat and tofu. The food was reasonably priced and fresh. We went back to the Dotonbori area for dinner. I’m not quite sure I get the appeal of this area. I like big cities and crowded places, but I couldn’t find myself connecting with this area. It was just a bit too flashy and busy for me.

The following day, we took the 11am train to Kyoto. It was a little confusing to find which ticket to buy but the attendants at the train station were very helpful. Once we got the tickets figured out, the next challenge was figuring out which platform and which train to take. The train ride to Kyoto was very crowded, so thankfully it wasn’t too long, just about an hour and a half. As soon as we landed in Kyoto, we had lunch at Ippudo and walked around the Nishiki Market while waiting for our check-in time for our Airbnb. Our Airbnb was not centrally located, everything is expensive in Kyoto and this was the most reasonable accommodation we could find. We did have a grocery store next to us, and one of my favourite things about Japan is that you can buy good, cheap meals at convenience stores and grocery stores. They have affordable bento boxes, with lots of variety. Walking around a grocery store or convenience store in Japan is an adventure. There are so many interesting and unfamiliar snacks, and even the ones that you are familiar with, you will find some unfamiliar flavours in Japan. I could survive on grocery store sushi and Calbee chips in Japan, and of course, their beer.

After a quick rest, we walked to the Ninenzaka area to visit the Yasaka Pagoda. The area is very charming, and I think this is what comes to my mind when I think of Japan. Everything looked very traditional, even the stores and cafes. We also had a chance to go to Kiyomezu-Dera at night to see the pagodas and the gardens lit up. We were very fortunate to come to Japan during the fall season while the leaves are changing colours. I’m sure this place would have been beautiful anytime of year, but it was breathtaking with the bright red and yellow leaves. The following day was an early day. We left the apartment at 4:30AM to catch the first train to Fushimi Inari. It was still very dark by the time we got there which was good for hubby because he was able to take some photos before the crowds came. There was really a very a small window of opportunity to enjoy something to yourself when you are in a touristy place. I was able to climb the summit by myself, which was a very peaceful and introspective experience, and because we got there so early, we still had plenty of time to go to other places for the rest of the day. We went to Eikan Do right after Fushimi Inari. Prior to coming to Japan, we were very worried that we were too early for fall colours, but fortunately, some of the leaves did turn colours the week we were there. I can’t even imagine what it would have looked like had we come a week or two later, but it was so pretty that even the crowds didn’t dampen my mood.

Our last day in Kyoto started early again. We took a cab at 5:30AM to go to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The cab fare came to about 3300 Yen ($40 CAD), but we did get a “free” flashlight to use. The cabbie was probably wondering why we’d go to the bamboo forest while it’s still pitch dark, but clearly, we weren’t the only ones with that idea because when we got there, there were already a few photographers set up. We got there at a perfect time as the sun was just starting to rise, and it bathed the bamboos in a very soft light. It felt very peaceful and surreal at the same time. The area around the bamboo forest is surrounded by mountains in fall colours. We walked along the riverside and just enjoyed the perfect weather and the view. At 9:00AM we hiked to the Monkey Park. It was a long and steep climb, but you’re rewarded with amazing views of Kyoto, and at the end of the climb, you get to hang out with local monkeys. They are in their natural habitat, but you can feed them. What is cool about this experience is that you get to feed them while you’re the one in a cage and they get to roam free outside. After the hike down, we went to Kinkakuji and then back to Ninenzaka to buy some souvenirs, and then back to the apartment to pack.

The following day, before leaving for Tokyo, hubby and I walked to Ninezaka again at 5:30AM to try and take pictures of the Yasaka Pagoda without the crowds. It was still dark when we got there but there were already about a dozen or so photographers setup. We stayed about an hour and then had to leave for Tokyo. We took the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Tokyo. The trains were very sleek and fast, and I got a bit of motion sickness from it, but nothing that a Gravol couldn’t fix. Enroute to Tokyo, if you sit on the left side of the train, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, albeit very briefly. We ended up lost and confused at Shinjuku Station trying to find the bus to our hotel, but a kind man not only gave us directions, but walked us to our bus station. It wasn’t a short walk so that was an extremely kind gesture that I hope I can someday repay to lost travelers here in Winnipeg. We rested for a bit then headed to Shibuya Crossing for the evening. I was feeling very overwhelmed on my first day in Tokyo. The trains were packed, the stations were packed, the streets were packed even as it neared midnight. I can’t even imagine what this experience would be like post-pandemic now that we have introduced the fear of crowds into our lives.

Our second day in Tokyo was a designated shopping day. We took the train to Akihabara and spent the day there. We went to Yodabashi, Uniqlo, and we were even able to do a side-trip to the Ueno Royal Museum to catch their Van Gogh Exhibit. Our last day in Tokyo was a very rainy day, so we spent it again indoors shopping. In the evening, we got to experience eating at a “sushi train” place. For 2300 YEN, we ate 14 plates of the freshest sushi we have ever had in our lives. It’s probably considered “fast food” sushi so I can’t imagine what fine dining would be like there. We will save that for next time! Tokyo was a little bit too busy for me. The maps are also deceiving in that I didn’t find it walkable at all. I enjoyed looking at the cute knick knacks at the stores, but I think for next time, I would stay longer in Kyoto. The one thing I do regret is cancelling the day trip to Mount Fuji to go shopping instead. I just couldn’t face the prospect of another early day catching trains and buses, and we weren’t quite sure if we would even see Mount Fuji because I heard that it is usually covered in cloud. However, that morning, when we were having breakfast at our hotel, we could see Mount Fuji, completely cloudless.

I really enjoyed travelling to Japan. Out of everything, I really enjoyed the food most of all. Although we stayed for a week and half, we only did get to enjoy the cities for a maximum of three nights, and I think next time, we would focus our stay in one city and really get to relish the experience, instead of rushing from one place to the next. With the scarcity and inequitable distribution of vaccine supply, it’s hard to imagine when we can travel to Asia again and I’m super grateful that we were able to go, right at the cusp of when everything was about to fall apart. I think, at that time, our attitude was don’t sweat about some of the things we are missing because we would always get the chance to go back anytime we want, but the last year and a half has shown us how very wrong we were.

[ridiasfangirlings]

saruhiko and misaki are a pair of ghosts haunting a house, and every day they try to outcompete each other in scaring whoever comes in

Somehow I imagine Fushimi was haunting that house first and then Yata shows up and they start competing with like a ‘loser has to leave’ thing, except oh no now they like each other. Like Fushimi’s been haunting this old townhouse for many years, when he was a child he lived there with his shitty parents and then died young. He carried such a deep grudge though that he became a ghost and he’s been haunting the place ever since, the only thing he vaguely enjoys is scaring away people who try to move in. The house pretty quickly gets a reputation as haunted so lots of people are always trying to sneak in, at the same time because it’s such a fancy old house every now and again some rich person will try to move in and Fushimi scares them away.

One day Fushimi’s idly hanging around the house when he spots this red-haired kid standing in front of the door. The door is closed and the guy looks confused, Fushimi assumes he must be lost and looking for shelter for the night and this guy will be fun to scare. Fushimi starts moving a few random objects, enjoying how the guy starts to freak out and yell. Fushimi finally jumps out from a wall and the guy screams and falls backward…phasing straight through the closed door. Fushimi gets this disgusted look like what a ghost who’s scared of other ghosts, the guy is like wait what the fuck I’m a ghost.

It turns out Yata was hit by a car while skateboarding and now he’s a wandering ghost. Yata’s all bummed like well this sucks, Fushimi shrugs and is like that’s how it is, go find somewhere else to haunt this place is mine. Yata doesn’t see why they can’t both haunt this place, it’s huge and anyway he doesn’t know where to go. Fushimi has no interest in having a roommate, especially one who can’t even handle being scared, Yata probably couldn’t even scare away a little kid. Yata insists that he could too scare someone, Fushimi scoffs like you’d probably run away screaming yourself. Yata’s like oh yeah well I bet I could scare better than you, and if I do you have to let me stay. Fushimi’s like fine if you want to fail horribly go ahead. So now they’re both on a mission to see who can scare intruders the worst, Fushimi has to up his game to beat Yata while Yata figures things out pretty quickly because he’s not going to let Saruhiko beat him this easily. At some point they don’t even notice that they’ve stopped actively competing and are working together more and that Fushimi’s stopped telling Yata to leave, and Yata’s started thinking of this place as ‘our’ home. 

[itsuki-minamy]

“K - THE FIRST STORY”

CHAPTER 7: THE BLUE KING (Complete)

* K - The First Story (List of Chapters) * Projects & Chapters

Translation: Naru-kun Raws: Ridia

When he woke up as the "Blue King", Munakata's first impression was "I see."

He understood it and became convinced that he was a "king". There was no shame or fear.

Since he was little, he had been thinking about who he was and what he should do.

It can be said that the confusion has cleared up after becoming the "Blue King". Munakata, who was wondering who he was, found a way out when he received the answer: "I am the King."

After becoming "king", he was not mistaken for anything. Even if something doesn't go according to plan, it doesn't upset his emotions and, as an "event that didn't go as expected," he figures out where it should fit and puts things on top in an orderly fashion.

Just except that man is involved.

Munakata was sitting in a tea room set up in his office and thinking about it.

He wondered if he was confused now.

Certainly he is a bit confused. When his emotions are altered, Munakata calmly analyzes his spirit.

Now, in the basement of "Scepter 4", finds the "Red King" Suoh Mikoto. At the moment, the suppressor's hand of different ability is still, but it amounts to a rest. His intention was to stay there.

Yes, if he really wants to stop the royal authority, the royal authority itself must continue to lay down with all its might. Interestingly, as Suoh playfully put it, he stayed for 14 hours. However, even if it was done, Munakata and Suoh's powers are almost the same. It is impossible for Munakata to always beat Suoh, and it is only an act that increases the risk of the swords of Damocles falling.

So, what to do?

Before the red clan finds the "Colorless King" who is Totsuka Tatara's assassin, Munakata must find him first. What will happen to the Weissman deviation from the "Red King" who would have lost the brunt of the revenge? And how likely is it that the man will quietly stop exercising his power and choose a way to hide, even if it is a grain of sand? It is unknown if he is or not, but at the moment there was no other way to do it.

There are other ways, except for Suoh Mikoto's survival condition. However, Munakata has no intention of giving up.

He will not die and, of course, no innocent will die, and the case will be solved. He keeps thinking and acting because of it. It was because he judged that he was "the right thing" as the "Blue King", and at the same time, because of the personality of the human being named Reisi Munakata.

Munakata exhales slowly and opens his eyes.

When Munakata reached for a tea utensil to calm his mind and make tea, the office door was hastily slammed.

"Captain! The Yuishiki (Wisdom) System" once again caught the alleged assassin of Tatara Totsuka!"

Enomoto, a member of the special task force, reported with a short breath. Munakata lifts his eyes with an "Oya."

"The suspicious child is still moving while he was caught in "Yuishiki's" surveillance net several times after being caught passing from the school side to the mainland side under the connecting bridge of Ashinaka High School!"

"Is he still hiding at Ashinaka High School? Awashima-kun reported that the suspect did not belong to the school, but even though he was not a student, he made Gakuenjima a hiding place. Is there any reason why he could?"

"What about you, Captain?"

Munakata got to his feet quickly.

"It's a dispatch. Let's set up a siege net so the suspect won't notice it. Keep the suspect in a place that doesn't involve the general public, not even in battle. Fushimi-kun will be in charge of personnel. Awashima-kun She was scheduled to go home today, so sorry, call her back as an emergency."

"Understood!"

Enomoto greets him and hurries.

Munakata looked out the window. The rain washes the window pane and the other side sinks into darkness.

"A mysterious boy. Let me show you your true identity."

Munakata pulled up his glasses and stood alone, adjusted his shoes and left the office.

++++++++++

He couldn't see the downcast boy, and he said something to cheer him up.

As he looked at the boy, who seemed to have recovered a bit, Kuro gently touched the sheath of the "Kotowari" sword entrusted to him by his master, Ichigen Miwa, with his left hand.

It is true that he cannot kill him until it is determined if the new "Colorless King" is good or bad. Ichigen Miwa would never punish based on suspicion.

But more than that, Kuro knew that he had placed himself on this boy's shoulders. Seeing the confused and trustworthy boy, he wanted to be purely useful.

If, after investigating the truth, it turns out that the boy is really the culprit and has lost his memory, could he kill him?

(Ichigen-sama. I will keep my promise. I am prepared to carry out the mission that Ichigen-sama gave me to the end, even if it costs my life.)

But this guy... at least this guy in front of him, he's not evil. Even if this boy's past may be that of a sinner, now that he is anxious because he cannot understand his past and his true identity, he is an ordinary person who loves and appreciates his friends.

(Will I be able to find the true identity of this boy's past, and if it turns out that he was evil, can I forget his appearance in front of me and cut him off? I wonder if I am a mature and weak-hearted person who thinks about such things. Ichigen-sama…)

He wanted an answer from Ichigen Miwa and he wanted to press the button on the tape recorder.

However, at that moment, a strong light fell on Kuro and the boy.

Suddenly, the strong white light hit his eyes, and Kuro covered his face with his arms. At the same time that they knew that the night lights were all on at once, they realized that they were surrounded by darkness.

"God of the night sword, Kuro! And his accomplice!"

A woman's voice with a clear pitch flew through the speaker.

A stretched-back woman, dressed in a blue uniform, stood at the edge of the stadium with members who seemed to be her subordinates. "Scepter 4", Lieutenant Awashima Seri.

"We are 'Scepter 4'! According to Article 2 of the Special Phenomenon Management Act, we will take them into custody!"

Awashima holds up a PDA and projects his "Scepter 4" membership card into the air with a hologram to prove his identity.

"Wel,l uh... I don't know what's going on, but I'm sorry..."

"We refuse!"

After being dragged away and interrupting the boy who apologized for not understanding the meaning, Kuro said that out loud.

Awashima must have expected resistance as a matter of course. As soon as she stepped on the procedure, she changed the air she was carrying for a combative one and touched the handle of her sword.

"Everyone, draw your swords!"

Under Awashima's command, the members of "Scepter 4" lined up in a row draw their sword one after another.

"Awashima, batto."

The sword that carries blue light is gently drawn. The spirit that overflowed from Awashima's body was a bit different from the other members. Feeling that it was quite well done, Kuro was ready. He takes a step forward to hide the restless boy behind him.

Defeat Awashima while he protects the boy and breaks the siege of other members of "Scepter 4." The world was distorted when Kuro was slightly frowned upon under difficult conditions.

When he realized it, the view of the stadium had disappeared, and Kuro and the boy were in the middle of the jumbled intersection in front of Shizume Station.

"What's going on...?"

The boy leaked a confused voice. The empty night stadium suddenly became a crowded city during the day. It seems like he was dreaming during the day, but if he looks closely, he can see that there are members of "Scepter 4" behind the crowd, and they are also surprised and confused. If it is a "dream", then the city scene he is looking at is a dream.

Kuro remembered this feeling, chasing the boy in Gakuenjima and being teased by Neko.

Kuro was at the mercy of the illusions that were unleashed one after another.

So this is it.

Neko ran in from the other side before Kuro searched her. The boy rolls his eyes at her.

"Oh, Neko."

Neko emerges from the crowd, shaking her long hair and exposing her naked and white body, just like when they first met. She quickly took the boy's arm and ran to guide him. Kuro also followed them silently and ran through the crowd.

A phenomenon like they suddenly moved to a different place, "Scepter 4" was confused by the appearance of a large number of ordinary people, this was a perceptual interference caused by a person with abilities, and it seems that they realized that the people passing by were not real human beings.

The members lined up at the place where the exit "should be", and began to put a shield with their blue power to not let the boy escape.

"The exit is over there."

He consults with Neko.

"Yes! Beyond that blue boy!"

After that, she turns into a kitten to make it easier to escape. Kuro gave a visual cue to the boy, jumped up alone and knocked down the members who raised the shield.

No matter what fallen limbs they were, Kuro ran in the direction that seemed to have a way out. The boy and Neko also immediately follow Kuro.

However, a blue slash attack passed in front of him as if he was going, and Kuro, who was running in front, took a step forward and stopped. Immediately the blade of the sword passes over the tip of his nose.

The blue bar was sharp and straight. There was a deep straight crack in the concrete, but it was not destroyed. It was a sharp force that accurately pierced only the target.

Kuro turns towards the direction the bar was released. As expected, Awashima was holding her sword.

"I'll take care of this! Go protect your place!"

Awashima gives the instructions while she looks at Kuro. The fallen limbs quickly recovered and attended.

After all, it seems that the fight is inevitable, and Kuro took an offensive stance, holding "Kotowari's" sheath with his left hand. Behind the scenes, the boy's annoying breathing sounds.

"Back off."

Amid the phantom crowd, Kuro confronts Awashima.

Whether the woman with the sword is standing or the man with the sword is holding it, the phantom passersby walk without worrying about it. Kuro disappeared from his consciousness.

"Draw your sword, I don't care."

Awashima makes a cheering gesture with her jaw, as he keeps his sword in his sheath. But Kuro doesn't move.

"This sword is not to cut you."

"If so, you will be cut off by someone like me!"

Awashima closed the distance in one step. The distance between the two instantly disappeared, and Awashima's sword, radiating a blue glow, pierced the place where Kuro stood. Kuro jumped at that moment. He kicked the surface of the street with his landing foot and Kuro made his way to Awashima. He didn't draw his sword, but he swung a fist with Colorless power. The opponent is a strong fighter. He shook the fact that she was a woman out of his head and shook his fist mercilessly, but Awashima squirmed and shook it.

Awashima, who flew up and took distance, fired another slash from a distance. The blade of blue light came flying, but during the period of the sword, the trajectory of the cut is changed by the power of spatial manipulation in the right hand.

It is a retreat.

Neither attack has reached the other yet. She didn't feel like losing, but there was something that was a bit difficult for Awashima as it was still a fist. It is not good to have a long-term battle.

Still, he had no intention of overtaking her. This sword cannot be drawn due to Kuro's circumstances.

That's something to scoop and shake only when Miwa's mission is accomplished.

Even though it was at Kuro's waist, it was not Kuro's sword, but Miwa Ichigen's sword.

++++++++++

As he listened to reports of what was happening inside the stadium, Munakata sipped relaxed tea.

Traveling to the assigned place in the specially equipped command vehicle is a good thing, as he can enjoy the tea he missed at the office. The field in the rain has a strange atmosphere.

The sound of the rain hitting the umbrella is not bad either.

"You are missing a deciding factor."

Fushimi said from inside the command vehicle. Munakata replied with a "Hm."

There is no distinction between private time and public time for Munakata. If the fights are every day, bedtime is for the well-being and order of the greatest number of people. Members who know the nature of Munakata are no longer surprised that Munakata brews tea and drinks on site.

"Please go to work now."

He is not surprised, but Fushimi says that with a slightly displeased voice. Munakata said "Hm." Again.

The situation inside the stadium that can be heard is quite interesting.

A crowd that suddenly appeared, what appears to be an extraordinary sensory interference ability.

Awashima, who has the best sword skills of "Scepter 4" except for Munakata, and Kuro Yatogami, a vassal of the predecessor "Colorless King" who fights more than equal without drawing his sword.

And the boy who is suspected of killing Tatara Totsuka, who claims to be the new "Colorless King" protected by them.

The night sword god, Kuro, is unlikely to serve the new assassin king, even if the "Colorless King" has been replaced, even if the person with the unknown perceptual jamming skill is left behind.

Munakata also learned about Kuro Yatogami's story. He is a vassal called "loyal dog" who has sworn "allegiance" to Miwa Ichigen.

Why is he doing this? Was there any instruction from Miwa Ichigen in his life?

Munakata remembers the "Colorless King", Miwa Ichigen, that he once saw.

He was a kind man dressed in Japanese clothes. He seemed to be ill and had a dream related to it, but he also sported an aura that was more than compensated for. He had a mysterious dignity, a power opposed to violent power, it can be said that his figure generated confidence.

The unique power of that "King" was "prediction". Certainly, he was an impressive person with eyes that looked through everything.

"I wonder if this situation was also foreseen."

Munakata muttered, carefully placed the empty tea bowl on the floor and stood up.

++++++++++

Awashima's cut was intercepted by Kuro.

Awashima began to show annoyance at Kuro, who continued to deflect the attack when he was slimy from space manipulation.

She can feel the movement of the muscles throughout her body, the blue light that envelops her body becomes brighter and the hand holding the sword gains more power.

Along with the exhalation of smoke, she put force on the blade and launched a cut through space.

"This is not a problem!"

The blue bar turned into a grid and attacked Kuro. In a deadly attack similar to a throwing net, Kuro also put his luck in his right hand.

Attacks with such a wide range are difficult to deflect from the trajectory.

He extended the power of the colorless extraordinary ability in his right hand in a way that made the palm huge, caught the bar in a grid shape from the front, and canceled it later with a countermeasure.

With that impulse, Kuro kicked the ground.

When he gets close to Awashima, who had a gap right after launching a big move, he tries to punch with her.

The color of his mind changed.

Horribly, Kuro stopped moving.

A blue sword hovered over the ghost town of Shizume.

A mysterious, majestic giant sword that is made of mineral, but has an organic atmosphere.

"The sword of Damocles!"

The landscape around the sword began to distort into blue like a paralyzed image. The blue distortion constantly spreads around the sword and erodes the world of lies created by Neko.

Slowly, a man walked under the sword.

He was approached by a man with glasses and a fearless smile, with a blue light pouring out of his body. He was a man with beautiful eyes, but there was a terrifying horror hidden behind his eyes.

Kuro took a deep breath and involuntarily stepped back and braced himself.

The "Blue King" Reisi Munakata.

Munakata approached in front of Awashima and stopped.

"Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, I was able to understand the situation."

"Huh."

"Let's go to work, because Fushimi-kun is loud."

Munakata's bottomless eyes turned to Kuro, the boy, and Neko in the form of a kitten that the boy is holding in his arms.

Munakata looks at them with interest for a while, then laughs and takes a step forward.

As soon as Munakata's foot stepped on the surface of the street, a blue distortion spread out from under Munakata's foot. He repaints the surface of the street blue with the force of the water that overflows and spreads suddenly and spreads through the air. The "correct world" appears from the blue distortion.

The scrambled intersection at Shizume disappears into a wet lawn, and the clear daytime sky turns into the rainy night sky.

Neko, the kitten the boy was holding, turned into a human girl.

"Nya!"

Neko, who has reverted to her original form, hides behind the boy as if she is scared to see Munakata's figure.

"I see, there is an unknown third person involved, a Strain? It exerts a force in a specific area centered on itself, and interferes with the perception and recognition of humans in it at the same time and manipulates it freely. It is a dangerous ability."

Munakata quickly raised a hand. The bustling and bright city of Shizume, which had been disappearing, completely disappeared, and returned to the original stadium at night when it was raining.

The members who gained power with the appearance of the "King" set out to capture the boy.

Before the swordsmen, the boy raised both his hands to show them that he was not harmful to them. Neko next to him, she imitates him without knowing why.

"Um... do you want to join us?"

The boy said that looking at Kuro.

Kuro makes his expression steep and takes off the unpleasant situation in front of him.

The "Blue King". He is not an opponent that he can fight and win against. However, it is difficult for three people to escape. Neko's ability is effective for subordinate clansmen, but not for the "Blue King".

However, if only members other than a "King" are involved, there is a strong possibility that they can escape with Neko's power.

Kuro rolled his eyes on one of the subordinates.

"I'll stop him. You defend yourselves."

The boy made a confused voice, but Neko showed an understanding demeanor. This guy is stupid, but he's such an easy-going guy that he doesn't refuse what is important. Assuming he could take the boy and escape, Kuro quickly glanced at the members blocking the exit.

He activated his extraordinary ability, grabbed the head of one of the two limbs blocking the exit and used his ability to withdraw his body from the exit immediately. The member whose head was grabbed by the strange hand, was thrown against the other.

"Let's go!"

The breakthrough has opened. The boy was still confused, but Neko grabbed the boy's hand without hesitation and ran out the exit made by Kuro.

Kuro stood in a position to protect the exit where the two of them came out on their backs, and looked at the colorful limbs at a glance. Awashima calmly orders her subordinates outside to block the entrance passage.

Munakata was smiling an amused smile.

"I see. So you chose to sacrifice yourself."

As if swallowed by Munakata's intimidating feeling, Kuro inadvertently grabs the handle of the sword.

"The celebrated sword, "Kotowari"."

Munakata narrowed his eyes and looked at the sword at his waist that Kuro touched.

"The seventh king, the 'Colorless King', the sword of Miwa Ichigen. It is a good idea to cut me with this sword, but you decided never to take it out except to fulfill Miwa's mission."

However, ashamed of himself that he lost his temper and touched the handle of the sword, Kuro removed his hand from the sword and attacked Munakata.

The attack was evaded without raising an eyebrow.

The lower part of the palm, which was stretched over and over without rest, could be easily avoided. Munakata, who was still in a position with his hands folded behind him, even seemed to be waiting for the moment to remind him, watching the childish ruckus.

Munakata's room for maneuver increases Kuro's impatience and increases the number of attacks to desperately eat him.

When the bottom of his palm, which was pointed at his jaw, cut across the sky, his cheeks stretched. His face was fine, so he hit it with a flat hand.

Instead of punching, a slap that does not recognize the other as an opponent fighting on an equal footing damages self-esteem more than the cheek.

Gently biting his back teeth, Kuro jumps up. Munakata avoided the spinning kick that tried to hit him and dodged it with minimal movement, and grabbed Kuro's head that was landing with his palm.

"Did you get it? I'm saying you still lack."

Putting strength into the hand that grabbed his head, Kuro feels pain when he seems to hear the sound of the piercing of his skull. He suddenly tried to reach for the sword again. He heard Munakata say satisfactorily: "Okay."

He realized what he was trying to do and stopped his hand.

Munakata frowned at the scene.

"You are an indistinguishable child."

From under Munakata's palm, Kuro stands up.

As if to shake himself off, Kuro shakes his head with all of his might. He could easily remove her hand from him. No, he was separated.

Is he playing or testing him?

Gritting his teeth, Kuro challenges Munakata again. He slaps the palm of his hand, fires a kick, and keeps shaking, biting and killing the sense of helplessness that seems to sprout, whether Munakata's move doesn't crack one bit, or there is a gap.

Munakata removed the sword from his waist and swung it slightly like a guard stick to attack Kuro. Kuro puts the scabbard on the protruding arm and moves it, grabs the kicking leg.

At the moment when Kuro was slightly unbalanced, Munakata, who turned around slightly, hit him hard with the sword sheath.

Even though it didn't seem like he had put much effort into it, the blow was strong, choking Kuro's breath and his spine screaming at him. He managed to drop it.

"You can't help being so stubborn."

Speaking in a sighing voice, Munakata seemed to give up on Kuro drawing the sword from him and turned to attack. He used the sword that was still in the sheath to push it out, and used the tip and body of the sword to throw it where Kuro avoided it.

His world spun around and he slammed into the damp ground without being passive. He jerked to his feet, lost his sense of balance for a moment, swallowed the ironic blood that had spilled from his mouth just now.

"God of the night sword. Let's finish the game here."

For Munakata, it was just a play.

He didn't reward him, but he didn't throw it away, and Kuro took off Munakata and rushed in with a loud voice.

"I refuse!"

With power in his right hand, he struck head-on. Munakata stood upright and no longer tried to dodge it. Just before Kuro's fist reached Munakata, Munakata moved only his right hand. He defeated Kuro's attack with his sword sheath with a thin layer of blue power.

He could see the black night sky as he flew out and raindrops kept falling. The view changed, and this time the green grass moved closer to his eyes and slid away as he rubbed his face against the ground.

Shortly after getting up, he felt weight and pain on his back. Munakata's boots were trampling on Kuro's back from above his arms that were spinning behind him. His internal organs were compressed and an involuntary voice leaked out.

"Well, let's move on to the main topic."

Munakata said that with a calm voice that he couldn't believe he was trampling on people.

"You stayed to face me. It's a wonderful personal sacrifice. Is that boy the Lord you serve now?"

Kuro lowered his head and didn't reply.

"The "Colorless King". The seventh and weakest "King". Although he is not a powerful entity in himself, he is a clown "King" who has the property of controlling the balance of power between "Kings". In other words, one of the most vigilant for me. That boy is the new "Colorless King" who replaces Miwa."

Munakata leaned over and approached Kuro, touching the back of his neck.

"Please answer."

The hand that touched Kuro's head is full of power. Kuro was small.

"My master Ichigen-sama said to examine it."

"Well, what is your decision?"

Intent on opening the gap, Kuro taps Munakata's foot on his back and leaps like a spring. However, the moment he turned to Munakata, Munakata's sword sheath calmly pierced Kuro's groove.

"Guh… No one will lay a hand on him until they can identify him."

"I see. That may be your intention."

The tip of the sword sheath pointed at Kuro's throat. Kuro didn't move, didn't change his expression and looked towards Munakata.

The sword at the throat twitched and Kuro's jaw lifted.

"As long as he maintains such a warm situation where he is neither good nor bad, you can join the guard as the 'Black Dog'. He couldn't ask for a stronger worse. It's easy to fool yourself and the people around you with that Strain girl. We may be in on that boy's trick. Don't you think?"

For some reason, Kuro felt a bit weird.

His whole body hurt a lot. He has the feeling that he is doing it, he is protecting him until he is in that state.

"That could be it. The only things that come out of his mouth are lies and a constant laugh. That's the kind of person he is."

"Is it worth risking your life for such a man?"

Kuro relaxed his expression and smiled a selfish smile.

His job is to identify it and he cannot give it to "Scepter 4". That's true, but it doesn't make sense that Kuro himself is restricted by "Scepter 4". After all, he realized that he believed him and protected him because of his personality.

Kuro opened his mouth to reply.

The lights shining in the stadium suddenly went out and darkness fell before Kuro spoke a word.

++++++++++

The boy was dragged by Neko and ran down the hall of the stadium. The members of "Scepter 4" who come to catch them are defeated by Neko's illusion, and Neko's detection ability finds a path without people and points to the exit.

Escape, escape.

(Oh I'm just running away.)

Escaping from "Homura", escaping from Kuro, escaping self-suspicion, escaping from facing the truth and trying to surrender, and now again, he is leaving Kuro where he's trying to escape from.

(Are you running away?)

Feeling scolded by someone, the boy stopped.

"Shiro, hurry!"

Neko rushed over, turning to the boy who stopped and stopped moving.

"I'm sorry, Neko. After all, I can't escape."

"Why?!"

The boy turned to Neko.

"Neko. Please help me. I will return to rescue Kuro. With your cooperation, I am sure I can do it."

You are a director. Do you understand the production? It's about decorating and coming up with various things to make it look "like this." Even if you are not strong, you must be strong, and if you are not a king, you must do your best to look like a king.

The boy told Neko like that and told him his strategy.

First, he turns off the stadium lights. He really didn't have to turn it off, because he didn't have time to search for a power source. Neko's power made it seem like there was no electricity.

Next, the boy appeared in the public seats of the stadium with a small emission of light. This emission of light is also Neko's power. All the people with mysterious powers are glowing in various colors, so she decided to make the boy glow as well. She enveloped him in a colorless light.

From the public seats in the high place, he can see the stadium.

Kuro looked hurt, holding on weakly, his clothes ripped and kneeling. The hair that he was always tied up is also frayed and falling out.

The boy frowns when he realizes that he has caused an unreasonable battle.

Among the members of "Scepter 4" who were upset when the lights went out, Munakata stared at the boy without moving.

"Oh, did you forget something?"

"Idiot! Why did you come back?!"

Kuro, who started to get up in a hurried voice, was knocked down by the sheath of Munakata's sword and fell to the ground. He looked painful and the boy frowned.

"Oh, I guess I can't abandon my friends, right?"

The boy smiled as he scratched his head, Munakata raised the edge of his mouth in a laugh and pulled up his glasses.

"I see, so you shared your destiny again. What a noble gesture, but it doesn't make sense."

"No, it's not that it doesn't make sense."

"What?"

The boy clasps both hands imitating the movement of thanking for the food.

"Kuro, I'm sorry! I've been lying to you! Actually, this is who I am!"

The boy slowly releases the combined hands. Then, a small sword-shaped illuminant appeared between the boy's hands, as if it was a substitute for a business card.

As it grows, it rises upward, becoming a powerful sword and shining brightly on the boy.

Everyone in the place looked at the sword with a shocked face.

The Sword of Damocles Colorless.

(It's false.)

"Kuro... can you hear me?"

While everyone's conscience was focused on the boy's sword of Damocles, the boy borrows Neko's ability to speak with Kuro's conscience. It is a pseudo-telepathy that makes Kuro recognize that "the boy is speaking directly to his head".

"From now on, I will make a momentary hole in the 'Blue King'. Follow him and flee the place."

The boy smiled and unleashed the vibration of "King" power from his body.

Munakata erased the fringe of his expression and developed blue power with a serious face. To receive the boy's power, he turns his palm towards the boy and focus the power on it.

However, the moment the boy's power and Munakata's power came into contact, Munakata looked on suspiciously.

Kuro correctly captured that moment. He jumped from under Munakata's legs onto his back and struck Munakata's side with his fist.

The blow went straight to Munakata, who was aware of the boy. He didn't stagger, but his glasses flew off.

From the place where the glasses fell to the ground, Kuro ran out and slipped between the stunned and useless members.

The boy took a breath. Then the boy's body disappears as if he is melting in the night breeze. The boy who appeared in front of the people from "Scepter 4" was a ghost made by Neko. The real boy would hide behind the public seats and observe a number of situations. He exchanged a quiet "high five" with Neko who was hiding next to him, and we also began to move to escape.

He went through the passage of the stadium while he hid with the power of Neko. As he ran, he heard the sound of destruction and the voices of various men. The boy turns his foot in that direction.

"Kuro!"

Sure enough, he saw Kuro running while he defeated the members of "Scepter 4."

When Kuro notices the boy, he stops and waits for the boy and Neko to catch up.

Kuro's appearance seen in the immediate vicinity seemed to be more damaged than when he saw him from a distance, and the boy tried to hold his breath and say thanks and apologize.

However, Kuro controls the boy who is about to open his mouth and turns to the front.

"Save the talk for later. Let's go."

"Yes."

"Nya!"

It was not difficult to break the siege without the "Blue King" and the main force.

They escaped the stadium, shook off their pursuers, and finally stopped and breathed into the back alley away from the scene.

Kuro staggered a bit and knelt like a broken thread.

"Hey, hey, are you okay?"

"It's nothing serious. I'll be back in two minutes."

The boy was in a hurry, but Kuro said that in a calm voice.

Maybe "Scepter 4" is also closing in on the police, the sirens of police cars have been heard for a while.

The three of them were silent for a while in the dark and gloomy alleys, bathed in unstoppable rain.

The boy looked up at the sky. The sky seen from the back alley was like a thin, unreliable crack. The falling raindrops reflected the light that filtered through the building's windows and sometimes sparkled.

The boy caught the raindrops on his face and turned around looking into their eyes.

The three of them ate a delicious breakfast prepared by Kuro and a lunch box. He thought he could prove his alibi. He found a bloody shirt. Kukuri told him that she didn't know him. He did not have a family home. He lost sight of Isana's existence, the one he believed in. He was cornered by the "Blue King", but Kuro protected him. He knew what he could do with Neko's power.

The boy lowered his eyebrows and smiled. He spoke gently to Neko to show her that he had no intention of blaming her.

"You know, Neko… you were great a while ago."

Neko shook her shoulders in surprise. She looked down with an anxious and crying face.

"The people in blue were amazing, but the sky suddenly cleared up, the landscape around me changed and a lot of people came out. And you helped us."

"What do you mean?"

It's not always how Neko wants it, she said that quietly and backed away.

The appearance of being afraid of something makes him want to leave it as it is. But the boy can no longer escape.

"The 'Blue King' talked about how you can interfere with people's senses, was that what he was talking about?"

"It's not just about hallucinations and hearing. She can even manipulate memories."

Kuro was silent for a moment and slowly stood up.

"What do you mean?"

"This girl can implant false memories in your mind, making people you just met believe that they are old friends."

The boy came to mind, all the faces of the friends he made in Gakuenjima. They kindly called him "Shiro", shared the side dishes from the lunch box and laughed together.

Although he was a friend, Kukuri said on the phone that she did not know the boy. That was true of Kukuri, who had fallen outside of Neko's range of abilities.

"Oh... I see. I understand. The story finally connected... So, Neko."

The boy turned to Neko with a smile on his face.

"It's like my amnesia, heal it a bit. Then it will be clear if I am the bad king they are chasing, right?"

Kuro was pleased that he led the way to the truth, but he remained bumpy, then said...

"If you are found to be the evil 'King', I will kill you on the spot."

"Well... that's correct."

"It's life threatening. Why don't you think about it and calm down a bit?"

"I'm calm. I…"

The sound of rain is strengthened. For some reason, Kuro had a confused look.

"It's okay to talk about the matter after we've escaped from this place for now..."

The boy smiled bitterly. He seems like he is a kind person who tries to give the boy an escape route, even though he is trying to find out. Honestly, he is happy for that kindness. However, he already felt that he had "escaped" enough. He thought that he shouldn't run away anymore.

"I'm tired of it. For the moment, this place is for the moment. Even if I extend the conclusion as usual, there is no way forward. If I don't clarify it here and now, I'm not going anywhere."

Ever since he met Kuro, he has been engulfing himself in smoke. However, Kuro continued to face the boy seriously. He should reward that honesty. The boy said in his own words, the conclusions he had drawn seriously and his feelings.

"I don't know what kind of person I was originally, and no matter what I did in the past, I feel like now I have to take responsibility."

"What good words… they don't fit you."

The boy laughed.

Kuro's hesitation was only for a moment. The next time he looked at the boy, his eyes were full of determination. Kuro touches the handle of the sword.

"It's okay."

"Very good, everything settled. Do it, Neko."

The boy laughed as Neko cowered fearfully. Kuro also turns his serious eyes towards Neko.

"Undo your spell completely. No tricks."

Neko's eyes trembled.

++++++++++

Neko was confused. She was more confused and lost than ever.

Neko thought that she had "the power to really lie". Then, she with that power, she made the boy and the people around her believe in lies and she made them a "truth", and she stayed with the boy "like a white cat".

But Neko's lie didn't turn into "truth". The boy seems sad because the lie was still a "lie". He smiles at Neko, but the boy is really sad. Neko got it.

Neko has been alone the entire time. She has been wandering alone for a long time, so long that she cannot remember when she was a lonely stray cat.

It was a little better after she came to Gakuenjima and made it her territory. There weren't many people who bully cats and it was easy to steal food from the coffee shop. The man in the coffee shop would immediately get angry saying "thief", but even if he raised his fist, he didn't actually hit the cat.

If she doesn't want to anger him, she simply leaves the island and goes to the nearby cafe "Yamadaya", where usually goes to school people, and the cat-loving merchant helps her. Even the people of Gakuenjima were quite interesting to see. She also thought that everyone preparing for the festival was funny.

However, since Neko was a cat, she was alone looking at people who seemed to be having fun from outside. Even if the people there didn't intimidate Neko, she was scared, so she didn't want to get close to them.

Just the boy. Neko wanted to get closer to him, and stay by his side forever.

(But Shiro is sad, even though I am Shiro's cat. It would be difficult if he lost the "true". I can no longer hold on to a lie out of selfishness.)

Neko closed her eyes.

(I don't like Shiro being sad. Therefore, I will return the "true" before Shiro became Shiro.)

Neko banishes the false memories she implanted in Shiro.

It was a lie to be a student of Gakuenjima.

It was a lie to be friends with Kukuri and the others.

The boy's memories were also a lie. What Neko saw in Gakuenjima and what the boy's own memory related in a spongy way to make him look like this.

His name Isana Yashiro was also a lie.

Neko met the boy who had fallen from the sky.

That day was a cold night.

Gakuenjima was relatively safe and comfortable territory that Neko found during a long journey, but cold winter nights were no different than anywhere else, and Neko wanted a warm and soft bed. She got into the gym and curled up on the mat.

Suddenly, the roof of the gym cracked with a loud noise and something large fell.

Neko was amazed, jumped up and flew away.

It was a child who had fallen.

At the boy who fell on the gym mat, Neko panicked and lifted the hair from all over her body, curled her back and raised her ears and tail to look bigger, and puffed up her entire body.

The boy got up slowly. He lifted his half body onto the mat and looked mysteriously around him.

Whether it was a demon or a monster, Neko was even more intimidating.

"Hm? Hey… what about you?"

The boy spoke to Neko in a soft and somewhat relaxed voice, despite the ridiculous appearance of going through the ceiling and falling. He apologized to the intimidating Neko and lowered his eyebrows.

"Ah, were you surprised? I'm sorry."

The expression of the boy who scratched his head and smiled like he was in trouble was so gentle that Neko suddenly didn't know what to do.

The boy's eyes looking at Neko were deep and soft. Neko was confused by the eyes that seemed to absorb all of Neko's fear.

He was different from a cat-loving person (that scared her) that has a desire to stroke a cat all over her body. Her alertness melted and disappeared, his gaze seemed to catch Neko. Neko stopped threatening him and gently approached the boy's heart.

Neko's power begins when she touches the other person's heart. She touched his heart and assembled the parts and memories of him, giving it the shape she wanted.

There were many blank spaces in the heart that Neko touched, and in those spaces the feeling of "loneliness" rolled without protection. She felt that it was very similar to Neko's heart shape.

The boy looked at Neko with a kind smile.

Neko was afraid to approach the boy. The boy did not hesitate to approach, he just approached and showed his willingness to accept her.

Neko dares to jump onto the boy's arm. The boy took Neko and caressed her with a soft hand.

(Hot.)

The boy's hands were hot. It was someone else's temperature, which she felt after a long time.

In the gym at night, when the moonlight pierced through the perforated ceiling, the moment she felt the boy's body temperature, she felt as if were the two of them alone in the world.

The boy who made Neko recall his memory, was confused.

He certainly remembered the moment when he became "Isana Yashiro". It also means that the memory of him as "Isana Yashiro" started from that moment. He also remembered that he for some reason broke the roof of the gym and when he fell he ran into Neko.

However, the previous memory is still pure white.

"This is the end? What are my memories before this?"

"This comes first! Shiro fell from the sky!"

"It's over...?"

Kuro also seems confused.

"Wagahai found Shiro! Wagahai picked Shiro up! That's why Shiro's mine! Shiro's from Neko!"

Neko appeals with all her might from him. But she can't convince him here. What the boy needs is the truth before he becomes "Isana Yashiro".

"I wonder if I can remember what happened before Neko found me. I want to know that."

"So... will Shiro disappear somewhere? Will Shiro no longer be Shiro?"

Neko said that while being filled with anxiety.

However, the boy smiles. Isana Yashiro was a non-existent person. But still, the fact that Neko called him "Shiro" was not a lie. The boy's existence won't go away.

"Okay, because I'm Neko's Shiro, right?"

Speaking proudly, Neko smiled again.

"Then I'll try!"

The boy's body was exposed to strong winds.

The hem of the boy's hair and clothes were violently fanned by the cold, strong wind. It is a high place. He was in a very, very high place. The sky where the stars are scattered was near. The air felt thin. In such a place, the boy clung to somewhere with just his arm. Somewhere? Things that fly in the sky. It was not an airplane. It was not a helicopter. That was an airship. The boy barely clung to the floor of the airship's open hatch, his legs swinging in the air.

A great laugh was heard.

There was a man standing in the hatch, looking at the boy and laughing.

A white man with long silver hair blowing in the wind.

He looked at the boy with a distorted smile, lifted one leg slightly and kicked him.

"Goodbye."

The boy who was knocked down falls. He could hear the roar of the wind cutting off his ears. The silver-haired man quickly walked away, and when he thought that he could see the full image of the airship, it soon became smaller and farther away, the sky was far away, a tall building was reflected on the edge of the field of vision. He then he hit his back against something and broke it.

Suddenly, the boy opened his eyes.

The boy's consciousness, who made a brief journey through the memories, quickly regained his sense of reality. Whether in the cold air behind the rainy alleys or in the brief, but shocking memories he remembered, the boy winced.

"Now... who was he?"

Neko eagerly looked at the boy, and Kuro also turned his eyebrows and dropped his hand on the sword's handle.

"Shiro...?"

"What happened? Do you remember something?"

The boy couldn't answer immediately and looked at the sky silently. A ship "flying" crossed the narrow sky between the buildings.

++++++++++

Inside the airship, the man was humming a song.

The airship was quite comfortable. However, he lay down on the couch placed on the large floor and looked through the monitor.

Many photographs were projected on the monitor located on the ground.

"I wonder if the chaos has been reduced well."

Looking down at the ground, he laughed deep in his throat. When he rolled over on the couch and lay down, his long silver hair flowed softly from his shoulders and fell to the floor.

"But I don't like you, Isana Yashiro. Why are you still alive?"

The images on the floor monitor were of a boy with a red umbrella.

[norihisahyuga-archived]

The hermit manamidou

Kyoto Fushimi loses the Inter-High and Midousuji Akira promptly disappears. There had been true concern on the faces of the team when they had all come together for the final ceremony, and after all is said and done— Komari accepts the second place medal on Midousuji’s behalf— Manami ferrets out the fox-faced first-year to ask where his senpai had run off to.

“I don’t know, truth be told.” Komari fidgets with his fingers and his hair and his headband, looking more uncomfortable and out-of-place than Manami has ever seen him look. The two of them had not been well-acquainted, but they had an understanding. “He vanished after the race. I tried to find him, but my efforts were all for naught. Ishigaki-san has already called three times to ask if any of us have found him yet, and none of us have.”

“Did he just leave?” Manami racks his brain, trying to think of where Midousuji could have gone off to, where someone like him would find… Whatever it is Midousuji must be looking for.

Komari shrugs again, helpless. “I don’t know. His bicycle is missing and none of us are fast enough to catch up with him if he just took off. I was told he threatened to go back to Kyoto last year, but he returned of his own volition. No one tried to chase him down.”

“Thank you.” Manami rests a hand on Komari’s shoulder, trying to do his best to reassure the younger boy that everything is going to be fine even if he has no proof of this yet. “If he hasn’t turned up by the time it’s dark, I’ll go looking for him myself, okay? I promise.”

For some reason, this eases the tension in Komari’s shoulders. “Thank you, Manami-san.”

By the time full darkness comes, Midousuji has still not turned up. Manami thought this might happen; he might not have taken himself all the way back to Kyoto, but he had gone missing for an extended period of time. Darkness is what allows Manami to cheat; no one can see him when even the moon is covered by clouds, and he takes advantage of this as he leaves the rest of Hakogaku to rest. Only Izumida knows what he plans on doing, and Izumida had given him his blessing as long as Manami promised him he would not let anyone see him.

Hiding the truth from his team is worthless, after all.

The night air is chilly beneath his wings as he spreads them wide and surges up into the air, climbing as quickly as he possibly can so he can get the best view of the ground beneath him. He has limited power now— you don’t walk out of heaven with everything you had before intact, after all— but he has his sharp eyes, still, and he uses them to comb the trees beneath, the ground and roads as he beats furiously at the air with his wings.

Midousuji has not left the area, of that much he is certain. As to where he has gotten to, Manami is uncertain. He should have asked Komari for more details, like there might be a place where Midousuji would sneak off to in order to lick his wounds in peace, but Manami doubts that Komari would know such a thing. Ishigaki would have known, but those who Midousuji allows close to him never seem to have the same hand of information about him. Komari has seen nothing less than his senpai’s strength and determination. Of that, Manami is certain.

So he relies on his own eyes and his own instinct and uses what failing power he has to stretch for the aura he knows that surrounds Midousuji at all times, desperate to find something, anything. He knows Midousuji can take care of himself, but no one should have to.

He finally lands at the mouth of a cave carved into the mountainside, one he knows not to be too deep because he had explored it on his first day when he had been bored and getting to the team ontime felt like a chore. It calls to him now and even though his eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, he can see the soft flickers of yellow that tell him he made the right choice.

“You can’t just run away after a race like this and scare everyone,” Manami says, folding his wings around himself against the chill as he walks into the save. “Midousuji—”

“I knew you would find me, so I didn’t care about the others. I knew you would calm Komari down so he didn’t get upset.” Midousuji is curled into a small ball, his legs pulled up tight against his chest, his arms folded around them tightly. When he peeks at Manami above the tops of his knees, his eyes are impossibly dark, almost black. “Congratulations on victory.”

Manami falls to his knees in front of Midousuji and lifts his hands, doing nothing with them until Midousuji lifts his chin, enough of an assent that Manami feels confident in resting his hands on Midousuji’s shoulders. “Congratulations on second. You did an amazing job.”

“Not enough of one, though. Clearly.” Midousuji runs his fingers through his hair, almost pulls at his bangs. “I worked so hard and in the end, it was for nothing.”

“Is that why you came all the way out here by yourself?” Manami asks. “Self-flagellation? I would have expected that out of me, not you. You know, you didn’t place high at all last year and this year you got all the way to second. Together, we threw Sohoku off the top spot. You should be proud of yourself and your team. I know I am.”

Midousuji laughs and shakes his head but says nothing when Manami’s hands climb a little higher, closer to his throat. “I am dissatisfied, Manami. I told you long ago that only victory would please me, and we did not win. We came close, but we did not win.”

Manami clicks his tongue. “To be fair, Kuroda and Ashikiba have been working together longer than you and Komari have been. To be able to get that close against two seasoned partners is impressive just the same. No reason to beat yourself up about it.”

His fingers climb up from Midousuji’s slender throat to his face, freeing his fingers from his hair so Manami can smooth the hair back into place and ease the ache that must have built up in his scalp from the pressure. Midousuji is always too hard on himself, and Manami knows this better than anyone else. He sees the way Midousuji pushes himself that few others are privy to, and he tries to do only the best he can with this information. If Midousuji is intent on throwing himself into the fire to get to the top, Manami will be there to pull him out of it. He had made that decision long ago; maybe it was instinct, old habits refusing to die at all.

His kind are known for watching over humans, after all. It had been their entire purpose in life.

“Manami…” Midousuji closes his eyes as Manami cradles his face in his hands, feeling how cold his skin is. He must have been out here for a very long time, then. Had he come on foot? His bicycle is nowhere nearby. "You really did come all the way out here to find me.”

Manami scoffs at him. “Of course I did. What do you take me for? When Komari said you still hadn’t come back, I came looking for you myself. I had to wait until it was dark so no one would see me. Can’t exactly cloak myself anymore since I don’t have that ability.”

Midousuji looks at him then, quick and sharp; he bares his teeth in the slightest of grins. “I suppose even with winning, there are things you lost that you can never get back.”

“Exactly. There’s nothing I could do to get any of those abilities back.” Anyone else might have been offended at Midousuji’s words but Manami has lived too long to care that much about it. He shifts further still, then sighs. “Look, put your knees down. You’re freezing. If you’re intent on sitting here in the dark, then at least let me keep you warm with my wings.”

He should be expecting Midousuji to surge up like an ocean wave and knock him backward, but he doesn’t, for some reason, and finds himself on his ass a moment later with Midousuji crawling into his lap, long arms wrapped around his shoulders. It might have frightened anyone else to have him suddenly so close but Manami is used to this; this is who Midousuji is as a person and he wraps his arms around Midousuji once he’s settled against Manami’s chest, then blankets his body with his wings. Against the soft white underwides, Midousuji’s golden aura flickers more brightly and Manami sighs in relief.

Midousuji tucks his head in against the side of Manami’s neck; his nose is cold but the breath he exhales against Manami’s skin is warm. “What are you going to do if one day you can’t find me?”

“That’s never going to happen. I’m always going to be able to find you no matter what.” Manami rubs his hands up and down Midousuji’s back. He doesn’t have Komari’s magic touch but Midousuji’s muscles soften beneath his fingers just the same. His presence must be comforting to Midousuji; the thought makes him smile.

Midousuji hums against his throat and settles in closer to him, curling his long and lanky body to fit into Manami’s arms like a puzzle that should not fit together and yet does. Still in his Kyoto Fushimi cycling kit, Midousuji has so much cold exposed skin; his arms and legs must feel almost numb to anything after so many hours out here and Manami hates to think of what might have happened if he had not been here to find Midousuji. Maybe he should sit Komari down and teach him about Midousuji’s favorite types of hiding places just in case.

“Manami,” Midousuji murmurs against his neck, and Manami hums in answer. “Would my mother have gone on to heaven, do you think?”

“She would have, I’m absolutely certain of that.” Manami’s throat hurts at the question and his eyes sting; Midousuji only mentions his mother when his barriers are down, and they rarely lower at all, much less fall. “She was warm and kind and gentle, so she would have. She’s probably watching over you now. Most parents did watch over their children.”

Midousuji is quiet after that, allowing Manami to hold him and rub warmth and feeling back into his arms and legs. The cave is colder and damper than the world outside of it but Manami’s wings protect Midousuji from all of that, keeping him warm and dry and safe. It would be pointless to have so many of them if they were good for nothing more than flying.

It must be an hour or so before Midousuji sits back, his eyes heavy and his limbs slow and sluggish. “I’m exhausted. We should go back now.”

It turns out that he did walk. Manami scoffs to himself at the thought and scoops Midousuji off of the forest floor, waiting for Midousuji to settle against his chest before he catches the air beneath his wings once more. It takes more effort with another person but he pushes himself through the strain and heads back for the hotels that have been housing them during the Inter-High. With the race over, everyone will be heading home this evening or tomorrow morning, but this late at night, everything is dark and quiet.

Manami lands a decent distance away from the hotel where he knows Kyofushi is staying and walks Midousuji in through the front doors and to where he knows the room that Midousuji shares with Komari is. He doesn’t even have a chance to knock; Komari swings the door open with a relieved expression within seconds. He looks like he waited up all night.

“You really did find him, Manami-san. I’m so grateful.” Komari runs a hand down Midousuji’s back, no doubt checking the tenseness and strain in his muscles, an almost supernatural ability he possesses. “Bring him inside. You look tired, too. Do you want to stay in our room?”

Midousuji’s arms tighten around Manami’s neck before he can answer. “He is.”

Manami doesn’t argue with him, just nuzzles his face into Midousuji’s neck and smiles.

[chilly-territory]

K ~ Four Seasons of K: Endless Rain

The fifth, and latest for the moment, story from the 4 seasons of K series. The original Japanese text is kindly provided by blueseraphima.

Endless Rain by Raikaku Rei

On that day, it started to rain in the afternoon.

"The weather forecast promised no rains today, yet look at this. You can never be too careful in this season," said Akiyama, having just come back to the HQ and trying to sweep rain droplets off his soaked uniform. "Ah!" Benzai next to him suddenly let out a loud exclamation at the words barely out of Akiyama's mouth. "This is bad, I left my futon out to dry this morning! Apologies, but I need to drop by the dorm real quick!" Flustered, he sped off through the rain in the direction of the dorm.

Fushimi, watching his fast retreating back out of the corner of the eye, thought, 'Don't show up at work without having taken care of your futon first then!'

Another day brought another rain.

"We haven't seen a minute of clear weather these past few days, have we," Kamo noted with a sigh, watching from the window of the HQ the gray sky expelling torrents of rain on the world down below.

"Agh," Doumyouji, busy writing a report - an activity he hated with passion - groused out mournfully, crumpling the sheet of paper into a ball after evidently making a mistake, then taking another one and wrapping it around the first, making a makeshift Teru teru bouzu. "It's soggy and damp and wet and moist day after day, and it's depressing the hell out of me! And thanks to these humidity levels my hair gets all curly!"

Tossing a glace at Doumyouji who puffed out his cheeks as he tugged at the ends of his hair, Fushimi combed through his own mane of curling hair and thought, 'I share your sentiments alright, but finish the damn report already!'

Another day, another rain.

"Fuse! We've got a serious problem! The roof in our room is leaking!" Enomoto, who had retired to his room early, came rushing back to the dining hall of the dorm with a panic-stricken face.

Fuse, who was busy consuming a second helping of curry they had for dinner, grimaced, groaned and got up. "Ugh! You gotta be kidding, anything but that! It's been raining for ages as it is, why make it even worse...!"

Watching Fuse and Enomoto hurriedly leave the dining hall, having an emergency council on how to counter the leak and repair the roof as they went, Fushimi thought to himself, 'It's high time this worn-out sty of a dorm had some rebuilding.' This wish was closely followed by another thought. 'I seriously can't remember this damn rain letting up even once these past few days,' he pondered as he lightly bit at the spoon after carrying a spoonful of curry into his mouth.

Yet another day, and it still rained.

"Dispatch on rainy days really rains on your parade," Gotou murmured with feeling, rocking in Scepter 4's transport van bound for the scene of an accident.

They couldn't exactly tote an umbrella around for dispatches, so their uniform would get thoroughly soaked, and there would be no sufficient time to wash and dry it. On the days when Scepter 4 had dispatches, the hall of men's dorm was a sorry sight: it was full of soaking wet uniforms hung out to dry, and the odor coming off the wet boots left out to air was not pleasant, to say the least. Today would be another day like that, most likely.

Except suddenly the rhythmical beating of the raindrops against the car stopped, and Hidaka, who was looking out the window, couldn't help making a surprised noise, "Huh? Is it me, or it looks like the rain actually let up?"

Fushimi lifted his head and, like Hidaka, saw a bright dry world through the window. Only, unlike Hidaka, Fushimi felt that something about it was off somehow. Rather than the rain stopping, it looked more like it rained only in the area around their HQ, while these parts saw no rain at all recently. In fact, the ground was perfectly dry. They weren't even that far away from the HQ, so it looked like the rain tormenting them was a very localized phenomenon.

Having arrived to their destination which enjoyed fine weather, the squad sorted out the case, then got back into the van to head back. When they arrived to the HQ, drizzling rain still was there, enveloping the area.

'This rain is strange, no?' Fushimi thought to himself.

Yet another day with the rain showing no signs of abating anytime soon.

"This rain is somewhat strange, don't you think?" Awashima remarked, arms folded across her chest as she gazed out the window.

It was right after the assembly of the special ops squad, and Doumyouji was the fastest to react to her words.

"I couldn't have agreed more! It may be the rainy season right now, but rain not letting up even for a second is unheard of!" "Well... It does feel like this rain has lasted longer than in your average year, but we’re in the rainy season, after all," Kamo commented with a sour look on his face and folded arms.

Akiyama frowned and looked out the window. "But according to the weather forecast, it's supposed to be sunny today..." "Lately, weather forecasts are unreliable, off the mark more often than not," Benzai let out a long sigh.

Enomoto fiddled with his PDA and, cocking his head to the side, informed the present, "Except it looks like it's actually sunny in the Shizume town today?"

The screen of the PDA Enomoto held out for everyone to see displayed a real-time feed from the Shizume town. Unlike the gloomy gray skies over Scepter 4's HQ, the sky it showed was bright blue.

Hidaka tilted his head in puzzlement. "We sure see a lot of strangely localized phenomena like this lately. Just the other day, it was raining here, but when we drove a little distance away, it was suddenly all sunny." "Actually, guys, doesn't it look to you like it rains non-stop only around our HQ?" "Hey, you’re making it sound like this place is cursed or something though?" Fuse responded to Gotou's remark, and Awashima's brows suddenly jumped up.

"...Maybe it IS cursed," she said, dead-serious, and Fushimi threw a sidelong glance at her, pushing up his glasses. "Are you being serious?" "Whether the cause is a curse or not aside, I do suspect that what we're seeing here is condition beyond the realm of normalcy."

Hearing her answer, Fushimi didn't say anything, just took out the tablet he held under his arm and pushed a few buttons. On its display, a comparison of the weather conditions in the area around Scepter 4's HQ with those of the other metropolitan areas appeared.

Fushimi, too, had his suspicions regarding the recent onslaught of rain, so he did some research on the subject in his free time.

"Indeed, since the beginning of the rainy season, in the area around our HQ it rained every single day, no exceptions. On the days when in the metropolitan area it was sunny or simply cloudy, here, within the radius of 500 meters from our HQ, it unfailingly drizzled."

Yes, that was really strange, if you thought about it. But then again, with the time of the year being the rainy season, rain, light or heavy, was bound to fall anyway, and Scepter 4 was rather busy with their everyday work, that's why, even if the strange rain clouds surrounding Scepter 4's HQ did bother Fushimi somewhat, until now he ignored the subject in favor of more pressing matters.

Having studied the information Fushimi provided, Awashima's frown deepened, while the other members started making a fuss.

"For only this area to be under the constant onslaught of rain, we must have one hell of a rain man among us." "Oh whoa," Doumyouji grimaced. "A rain man..." Kamo murmured and averted his eyes, signs of being shaken on his face.

Benzai saw it and didn't let it slide. "Kamo, you don’t happen to be a rain man, by any chance, do you?" "Well, not exactly... but on the days when I have important plans, the probability of rain gets high, and sad as it is, rain did ruin my plans to take my daughter to an amusement park or to picnic a few times..." "Kamo, get a grip! It's not your fault." Kamo dejectedly hung his head low, but Akiyama took him by the shoulders and shook him encouragingly. "That's right, no need to mop, Kamo~! I'm a pretty powerful sunny man myself, so next time you wanna take your daughter places, I don't mind going with you!" Doumyouji clapped Kamo on the depressedly slumped back.

Kamo shook his head listlessly. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I'll pass. ....If this ceaseless rain is my fault, I sincerely apologize..." "No, no, no need for the drama, Kamo-san. Because you cannot possibly have the power to encase the HQ in rain!" Fuse protested in half-annoyance, and Enomoto gave a pronounced nod at that. "That's right, Kamo-san. If anything, the enigmatic doll Gotou bought some time ago is more likely to have the power to call forth rain!" "Ah! That doll! The one that looks like a black cursed Teru teru bouzu! Hey, Gotty, didn't this endless rain begin right after you brought it here?! That must be our offender!" "Hm~m, true, I bought it about the start of the rainy season. What can I say, I fell for it at first sight." "Gotou, you bastard! Because of you, we have a leak in our room's roof!" "Hidaka, Fuse, calm down. I only mentioned that doll to provide a simile. There's no way Kamo-san or that doll are the cause of this rain."

Awashima, who stood pondering entirely different possibilities a little to the side of the clamoring men engaged in an unproductive search of the offender, turned on her heel and left the room, arms still folded across her chest. Fushimi followed after her without a word.

"...Lieutenant, what's your opinion on this?" He asked quietly as the two walked side by side down the hall.

Awashima answered just as quietly with the same pensive look she had adopted earlier, "Attributing this situation to the effects of a so called rain man or a cursed doll doesn't appear realistic." "Yeah, figures," Fushimi responded indifferently.

For a few seconds, they walked in silence as Awashima seemingly weighted whether she should voice her other thoughts on the matter or not. Having made up her mind, she added, "...But what if it was a strain's doing?" "A strain's? So you're suggesting we're dealing with a strain with a power to call rain, and said strain subjected our HQ to this non-stop bad weather? ...What for, though?" "When you put it like that, this guess does seem unrealistic, after all," Awashima shrugged her shoulders slightly. "It's hard to call realistic, I have to agree with you on that. And on the off chance that it indeed is a strain’s doing, there is hardly any ground to claim harm sustained from the act. It's the rainy season, after all. So I do find the idea of wasting time and manpower on investigating this possibility unreasonable, especially considering that we hardly have any to spare, but... if it's an order from my superior officer, I will look into it though?"

It was said curtly and emotionlessly, but Awashima let out a little chuckle, hearing Fushimi's answer. "Then look into it for me. Since like me, my competent and capable subordinate, too, seems to be concerned with this matter."

*

Through precise measurements of the probability deviation values and subsequent exclusion of the "blue" within the HQ, traces, although minuscule, of the power of someone other than the troops - that is, most likely a strain - were detected.

"We're really dealing with a strain lurking in our HQ?" Awashima's eyes went wide after Fushimi's report.

Fushimi, face sour as ever, dragged his fingers through his hair. "Yes, they are lurking on the premises, there can be no doubt about it. A strain with a really low ability score is present in the courtyard of our station."

As one would expect, it was still drizzling, yet Awashima and Fushimi stood side by side under the rain without umbrellas. Before them, there stretched the courtyard of moderate proportions. There weren't many places to hide there though, only the thicket of French hydrangea blooming bright blue could really pass as one, and combing through it even at a lazy pace would take no more than 10 minutes, and naturally, the two had already conducted a thorough search of it.

In the dead silence, only the sound of raindrops hitting the ground could be heard.

Awashima smoothly placed a hand on the sheath of her saber hanging about her waist. Neither took an umbrella with them specifically to be able to draw their sword as fast as possible should the need arise.

"We're supposed to find them here, yet we found nothing. ...In which case, should we assume that we're dealing with a strain possessing a perception manipulation ability?"

Awashima's voice had a grave ring to it. Although Fushimi's investigation only detected very weak ability levels, so long as it had been confirmed that they were dealing with some kind of supernatural phenomenon, Awashima was adamant about not letting her guard down.

"Such a possibility is not completely out of question, I reckon. If they're throwing our senses out of whack, it's faster to have the Captain come h---"

"Did you call?" A voice came from behind the two, interrupting Fushimi mid-sentence.

Startled, Fushimi and Awashima whipped their heads in unison to look over their shoulders, finding Scepter 4's Captain, Munakata Reishi, standing there with an umbrella in hand and a faint smile on his lips.

"Captain..." "I heard you were looking into the reasons why it has been raining only around our station lately."

Since it looked like their superior had been fully aware of all the particulars, Fushimi forewent explanations and only gave a short "Yes" as his reply.

"And you have determined that the strain responsible for this endless rain is hiding in the courtyard." "That's right. So Captain, to your eyes, do you see any strains here?" Cutting the annoying small talk, Fushimi went straight to the point and asked only what he wanted to ask.

In reply, Munakata humphed and smiled, "Yes, I do. And they should be perfectly visible not only to my eyes but to you two's as well, I daresay." "Huh?" "Captain, what on earth do you...?"

Munakata took a few steps forward, making his way between Awashima and Fushimi, and pointed a long slender finger at a single leaf of the hydrangea tree.

"The one you are looking for is here."

On the leaf Munakata indicated there was a snail. Said snail traveled across the leaf in slow crawling rolls, basking in the incessant rain as it did.

"H-Huh...?" Fushimi couldn't help the dumb-sounding interjection that escaped his mouth.

Awashima, too, looked on with her mouth agape, apparently speechless.

Wildlife exhibiting supernatural properties, or, in simple terms, strain animals did exist, and that knowledge was nothing new. In fact, Scepter 4 itself was taking care of a strain horse kept on these very premises, and a few other similar cases had been reported.

Still, it came as a complete surprise that lower creatures like land snails could possibly be strains. Moreover...

"So are you really saying that this puny snail keeps bringing the rain on our heads?" "Wh-What he means by that, sir, is that the detected ability readings were exceedingly weak. If they belong to a snail, it would explain why they were so low, but at the same time, I find it very hard to believe that it could possibly have the power to control weather..."

Seeing Fushimi and Awashima's bewilderment, Munakata smiled lightly. "Controlling weather is quite a bit of an exaggeration, I must say. Let's see... Perhaps, we should call it a power to attract desired condition according to the holder's wishes to the extent possible."

Back straight, Munakata gazed down at the snail, and it was impossible to guess from the expression on his face and his tone that his next utterance was actually addressed to a snail. "I commend your admirable effort to turn your ideal of how the world should be into reality. However, unfortunate as it is, it is in conflict with the world we desire. We will advance with sword in hand - and I will have to override your power now."

Munakata's fingertip, engulfed in faint pure blue glow, tapped the snail’s head lightly.

Fushimi and Awashima could only watch in silence, still not over their shock. No visible change took place, and the two could find no words to say.

Except, a short time later, the endless light drizzle became even lighter, until the sensation of raindrops falling on the two's shoulders and heads disappeared. Fushimi and Awashima, mouths still gaping, threw their heads back to look up at the sky. No rain fell on their upturned faces anymore.

"You gotta be kidding me..." "The rain stopped..."

"Yay!" a familiar voice could be heard from a fair distance away.

A glance in the direction revealed the members of the special ops squad, who all had disappeared somewhere for the duration of the break time, walking towards their superiors. Doumyouji, eyes on the blue sky peeking from the rifts between clouds, pumped both fists in the air.

"It really is clearing~!" "What are you all doing here?"

Being called out by Awashima, Doumyouji, leading the procession, ran up to her, looking positively delighted. "We~ll, earlier, we all decided that Gotou's cursed doll is bad news, so we used the break time to take it to a local temple to hold a service for it. And, while we were at it, we also had Kamo, who was worried he might be a rain harbinger, undergo an exorcism rite. And what do you know, it worked!"

'Was it me...? Was it really my fault, after all...?' Kamo tormented himself, looking markedly miserable behind the excited Doumyouji; Akiyama and Benzai, flanking him, had strained smiles on their lips.

Gotou looked as detached from the world as ever, while Hidaka insistently appealed to him, "Don't bring weird things into the dorm anymore!"

Enomoto and Fuse, greatly troubled by the roof leak in their room earlier, sported refreshed expressions on their faces.

"Oya, a rainbow," Munakata said, having folded his umbrella and now looking up.

In the blue sky above the HQ they hadn't seen for quite some time, the 7 color arc of the rainbow was distinctly visible.

"...So which one was the true cause, I wonder?" Awashima said quietly so that only Fushimi could hear her.

Fushimi gave a little shrug. "That's anyone's guess... But well, either way, the rainy season isn't over yet, so it will rain again soon enough."

Tossing a passing glance at the temporary clear sky, Fushimi turned on his heel, fully intending to get back to his regular duties.

[scepterofstardust]

two, four, six, eight.

It’s Day 5, comedy time. I guess at some point I should give you guys a break from the heart wrenching things I usually come out with. Honestly, these are so dumb but I laughed really hard writing them, and if you laugh too, then my work’s done. Here’s some moments from Sarumi’s first dates.

External: AO3

DATE TWO.

Their first few dates were, as Yata would describe it later, interesting.

Fushimi met him at a restaurant the second time (not too expensive that they couldn't afford it, but enough to mark the occasion). He was wearing a black t-shirt under a grey cardigan, with dark skinny jeans. It really did look amazing on him, if Yata felt like admitting it.

(He didn't.)

The usher sat them down at a row of tables and brought them water. Yata bit his lip, trying to tell himself there was no use in being nervous. Fushimi, as always, seemed unaffected, but something about the way he kept tapping the rim of his glass gave him away.

"So, this was a long time coming, huh?" Yata said, wanting a conversation to fill the awkward silence. Fushimi looked relieved at the opportunity.

"Yeah, I guess so." Fushimi was smirking a little, and Yata squinted at him.

"What are you smirking for, Saru?"

"Nothing, just-"

"Saru, I swear to God, if you're about to bring up another embarrassing story-"

"No, I would never." Yata continued to glare at him, unconvinced. "I just think it's funny how-"

"Stop."

"How when we were in middle school, you were embarrassed to so much as set eyes on a girl, and you had to practice kissing-"

"Oh, shut up."

"And now you're on a date with-"

"A nuisance?" Yata offered, putting a hand to his temple.

"A guy," Fushimi finished with a laugh. "All that for nothing, huh?"

"I...hate you."

"You keep saying that, but for some reason, I don't believe you."

"I will leave right now if you bring up the kissing thing one more time."

"Alright, I digress," Fushimi relented, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "We can talk about something else."

"Great. How was work today?" Fushimi looked at the ceiling, exasperated.

"That was weak. You're making it sound like I'm a forty year old father of two with a newspaper-"

"Yah, you're too dramatic," Yata protested. "I was just asking. Being that your job could put you in mortal danger, and all that."

"It was uneventful," Fushimi said with a shrug. "Mostly just paperwork today. The only interesting thing was the Captain nagging us to play Words With Friends."

Yata choked on his water. 

"You play Words With Friends?! Oh my God, I'm going to tease you about that forever-"

"I don't. Everyone else does. They've been bugging me to join the game for almost a year. I don't out of pity."

"Pity?"

"I've seen the screenshots. I'd have them all beaten in under 24 hours."

"Oh, you're too kind," Yata snorted. 

"I know." Fushimi answered. A moment later, he trailed off, eyes on something off to their right. Yata followed his gaze to the couple sitting a table away, an older man in a suit and a woman in red who were clearly wealthy.

"What are you looking at?"

"That man has been staring at us since we sat down." 

"Has he really? What's his damage?" 

"Don't know," Fushimi replied, turning back to face him. "But I don't like it. Two can play at that game."

As their date progressed, Fushimi managed the feat of being fully present and also evaluating the man beside them. After almost two hours of that, he finally twisted around, expression blank.

"Excuse me, sir?" The man looked up, giving Fushimi a once over that made Yata straighten up.

"What?"

"Pardon me, I just wanted to ask why you've been spending half your time with that lovely date of yours staring at me and my friend." Fushimi managed to look completely calm and disinterested, and Yata fought the urge to giggle. Oh, he was so good at harassing people.

"What are you talking about?" The stranger had the good sense to pretend he didn't know what he meant. Fushimi raised an eyebrow.

"Come on, let's not play games. Why are you staring at us? I want to know." The man's date looked at him nervously, but he ignored her.

"Don't get all defensive. I was just being curious."

"Curious enough to spend two hours checking us out? Explain that to me." Fushimi's eyes were challenging, boring a hole right into him. The man shifted in his seat, brow furrowing. 

"You two are quite the strange sight, is all." Yata's mouth dropped open. Fushimi went deathly still.

"So, you don't approve."

"Why are you asking me that? Are you gonna get all mad at me? Can't you take a little criticism-"

"So, that would be a no," Fushimi interrupted flatly. 

"Yeah, so what?" The man fired back, combative. His date tried to shush him. Fushimi smirked at him, holding his ground.

"Well, I'm terribly sorry to be the cause of your discomfort. If your allergy to homosexuals is fatal, I suggest you move elsewhere or seek medical assistance." Yata started laughing but turned it into a bout of loud coughing. The man went positively red.

"Who do you think you are, kid? Do you even know who I am-"

"No, and I don't want to," Fushimi chuckled. "Sit down, little man. Eat your dinner." With that, he turned back to their table, taking a drink of water. The stranger was left fuming, and Yata couldn't resist grinning at Fushimi.

"I love it when you blast someone who isn't me."

"You'd better find it attractive," Fushimi said, picking up his fork. "It's one of my best attributes." 

"I sure do," Yata muttered into his water glass.

They returned to their conversation, and ate all their food. They'd just called for the bill when they heard the man scoffing, and when Yata turned to look, he was pointing right at them. Saruhiko clenched his jaw and threw his napkin on the table.

"Oh, that's it. This asshole is not gonna point at us."

"Uh, Saru? What are you doing?"

"Nothing, Misaki," Fushimi bit out, yanking at his sweater sleeve.

"That isn't your 'nothing' face. That's your 'I'm about to commit murder' face."

"You know me too well," he replied. A second later, Yata saw him flick his wrist. He barely caught a flash of metal, and a beat later, there was a crash. The table a few yards over gave way, two of the legs falling down, and it tilted all the way to one side. All the food and wine flew off it, and directly onto the offending stranger. He swore loudly and stood up, stains all over his (probably expensive) suit. Yata gaped at Fushimi, who was gazing at the scene, eyebrows raised in feigned surprise.

"How unfortunate," Fushimi commented as if the man couldn't hear him. "These tables must not be as sturdy as they appear. We'd better leave before that happens to us, Misaki." With that, he stood up and casually started towards the exit. Yata followed after him quickly, hiding his smile behind his hand. Once they passed through the doors, Yata cackled, bending over halfway. Fushimi's shoulders shook as tried to hold in his laughter. 

"Oh my God," Yata crowed breathlessly. "I can't believe you brought a weapon to our date. Was that a fucking knife?"

"Yes. Better safe than sorry, right?" Fushimi seemed infinitely amused as he twirled his keys around his fingers. Yata wiped at his eyes and shook his head.

"Oh, man. I should've known something like this would happen with us."

"Of course. Wouldn't be us if there wasn't violence involved," Fushimi pointed out. "I had four more, just in case."

"How the hell-"

DATE FOUR.

Their second date was notably lacking in violence, but the urges to strangle did appear every so often.

They were sitting on a park bench eating ice cream. Fushimi looked more relaxed this time, even smiling once in a while. It made Yata a little too excited

"Hey, let me tell a joke," he suggested. Fushimi's expression grew dubious, but he didn't object. Yata finished licking his spoon off and sat forward, trying not to giggle.

"What do you call it when someone kills their friend?" Fushimi narrowed his eyes.

"Is this foreshadowing?"

"What? Of course not. What do you think the answer is?" Fushimi scraped his spoon around the bottom of his cup and raised an eyebrow.

"First degree manslaughter?"

"Geez, you're no fun. Try again." Fushimi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I'm going to regret this, but, I'm going to say I don't know." Yata opened his mouth to say the answer, but he started laughing too hard. 

"It's..." He covered his mouth with his hand, looking at Fushimi with childish anticipation. 

"Just say it," Fushimi insisted, leaning back in his seat. "I can tell it's going to be terrible."

"It's homiecide." Fushimi's eyes went wide in horror, and Yata burst out laughing again. 

"You're the worst," Fushimi got out, stunned.

"That's hilarious and you know it," Yata wheezed, clutching his stomach.

"Remind me why I'm dating you again?" Fushimi quipped, throwing his cup in the trash can with a scowl.

"Because you love me," Yata proclaimed dramatically, "and you wouldn't trade me for anything in the world-"

"No, I don't think that's it," Fushimi deadpanned, tapping his chin in mock thought. 

"Saru!" Yata smacked him on the arm.

"Tell another joke and I'll stab you," Fushimi threatened, pointing at him.

"Violence is never the answer," Yata intoned seriously.

"Says the one who owns a baseball bat to hit people with," the other boy hissed.

"You brought a KNIFE to our date! Multiple knives!" 

"I don't trust the general population!"

DATE SIX. A few weeks later, they went out to see a movie. It finished pretty late in the night, so naturally he offered for Fushimi to just come home with him instead of driving him back and then turning around to go to the dorms.

He didn't realize what he was in for.

Saru was so cute.

Yata had made up the couch for him with extra pillows and a thin blanket (he didn't tell him, but it was actually from their old apartment; it was the specific kind that Fushimi liked since he got too hot while he slept and anything else was just an annoyance. Yata had kept it, for whatever reason. Definitely not because he hoped he'd need it again.) They both said their good-nights and Yata went to bed. He woke up in the middle of the night and went out to the kitchen to get a glass of water. On the way, he stopped in his tracks, speechless. 

Fushimi was curled up like a cat, knees tucked in. The blanket was up to his shoulders, and his chest rose and fell with even breaths. His arms were curled instinctively around the pillow, hugging it close. Without his glasses, he looked so much more innocent, dark lashes brushing his cheeks and lips parted. He looked so peaceful, none of that defensive harshness in his face. Yata thought his heart was melting. He shook his head, trying to snap himself out of it. He tried reminding himself that Fushimi was prickly, that he'd once stabbed Yata in the shoulder and made him bleed, anything. But he wouldn't stop lying there, being adorable. Yata couldn't resist a picture, whether it was to tease him with later or just to prove that a peaceful Fushimi actually existed.

He really should have remembered that he had his flash on.

One heart attack (and a few bruises) later, the pictures on Yata's phone were not pleasant. Instead of the serene image he'd been trying to achieve, he had a demonic, blurry nightmare. Fushimi's eyes were wide in rage, the flash making his pupils show up red. His hair was sticking up all over the place, and he was snarling at the camera.

Yet another beautiful memory.

DATE EIGHT.

Neither Yata or Fushimi liked to think of themselves of needing to be useful. It was true, for them both, of course. Yata loved being HOMRA's vanguard, loved the undeniable purpose of it, loved the rush when he was able to help his family. Fushimi liked to have a problem to solve, liked to be able to do what no one else could, liked when the Captain only came to him. But he would never admit that. He couldn't help himself, though.

It started out innocently enough, when Yata asked him to reach a dish high up in the cupboard. Fushimi mocked him by moving it down shelf by shelf. 

"Can you reach it now? How about here? But it looks like you should be able to-"

"Shut the fuck up," Yata growled, swatting at his arm. "You want dinner, don't you? Then give me the damn plate." Fushimi smiled angelically and did so. His boyfriend scowled and took it, turning away to stir the pot. Fushimi looked away from him and observed the different shelves in the cabinet. His gaze fell on the one that Yata couldn't quite reach, and he grinned.

"Is the dishwasher done?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Should I put stuff back since we're about to make more dishes?" Yata turned around incredulously.

"You...what?"

"I'm serious."

"Okay, weirdo that's done nothing but complain about chores in the over a decade that I've known him," Yata retorted. "Go for it."

"I have to keep our relationship exciting somehow, don't I?" 

"Hey, Saru," Yata called from the kitchen the next day.

"Yeah?" Fushimi answered absentmindedly, focused on his report.

"C'mere for a sec." With a sigh, his boyfriend trudged into the kitchen. 

"What is it?"

"Can you get that stack of plates? I must've put them up there by accident." 

Fushimi glanced nonchalantly at the dishware and tried not to laugh. He'd moved the plates out of his reach yesterday, just to see what would happen. He picked them up and set them on the counter.

"Here you go, damsel in distress," he teased. Yata whacked him as he walked by, making him chuckle.

Fushimi kept it up over the following weeks, moving something subtle but that would eventually have to be used farther back into cabinets and onto the next shelf up. Partly, it was because it was funny that Yata didn't notice. Partly, because it meant Yata had to call for him. As much as he hated to say it, he liked being needed. So even if he was in the middle of work, he'd get up to fetch the dishes.

Eventually, of course, he was found out. Yata caught him moving an entire stack of bowls one night and scolded him, but when Fushimi sheepishly told him why, he softened up and just told him not to do it again. 

Every once in a while, though, he still asked Fushimi to get things down, even if it wasn't necessary. It was the least he could do.

Besides, Yata thought it was cute.

[its-love-u-asshole]

I’ll See You Soon [fic]

Pairing: Fushimi Saruhiko/Yata Misaki

Rating: T

Summary: Written as an epilogue for Shaking in My Skull. 

It's always said that good things never last, but for them, the statement couldn't be more untrue.

Note: 2nd day entry! I had the sudden inspiration for this verse again, so yay for random epilogues lmao. Thank you to @emeraldwaves for checking this over!

AO3

"This is a rather big favor you're doing for them you know. I'm surprised."

Are you truly?

Despite the words, the tone was calm and pleasant, much like the room around them as they waited. Waited for the next step of a journey, one which Munakata knew wouldn't end, and shouldn't. Maybe that was why he felt the corners of his mouth lift softly, his eyes fixating on the clear depths of water below as the overseer of change sat beside him. Yet Nagare's voice held no criticism, no objections, as Munakata had predicted.

All was as it should be.

Munakata chuckled, his bones and eyes finally feeling the weight of exhaustion brought upon by several centuries at his post. He would rest soon.

Somehow, he'd never dreamed of being okay with this, with retirement, but the knowledge his throne would be well cared for dulled his worry. Perhaps, he thought, a permanent vacation was just what he needed. He closed his misty eyes for a minute, letting the resolve settle slowly into his being, the yoke of hell's guardian falling off his shoulders as if it had fully served its purpose.

Munakata opened his eyes again, though the mistiness was still there, and couldn't help but thank Mikoto for dragging him along to the afterlife by his side. Munakata guessed things did work out how they were supposed to in the end.

Which brings me back to this...

"Favor you say?" He asked with fondness, knowing the truth deep down, just as much as he had that first day, when two determined youths had ventured out on the Return together. "That's where you're wrong."

Nagare said nothing, only pulled away from the pool with a nod of amusement. Yes, he already knew the answer as well, and Munakata gave a fuller laugh this time, letting it echo off the meeting room's walls to blend with Mikoto's heavy breathing behind him as the angel snoozed.

Exactly as thing should be...

After all, favors were kindnesses given beyond the usual.

No, what he was doing...this was precisely what he owed.

--

The sounds of his heart monitor beeping were becoming normal by now, fading into the rolling of stretchers and medicine carts, drowning into the chatter of nurses and doctors alike. For most people it would probably be annoying, maybe ominous or sinister. Not for Yata.

He smiled slowly, his eyes managing to blink without succumbing to tiredness. It was hard, but he wouldn't leave without--

"Misaki..." The voice came from the bed right beside his, weak and barely there, but to him it was as calming as ever, capturing his attention in an instant. Misaki smiled wider, turning his head, though his muscles protested. Whatever, it was worth it.

Despite all the years he'd spent looking and thinking about Saruhiko, seeing his face never got old, no matter how old they actually got.

Misaki chuckled at his own joke, eyes sweeping over the body in the other bed. Saruhiko's hands were still at his side, toil worn and wrinkled, curled in on themselves from a life full of paperwork and overtime. Yata knew if the other stood, his posture would be god awful too, after his countless hours hunched over his computer. Dumbass.

As if sensing his thoughts, Saruhiko squinted at him, the crows feet under his eyes being accentuated by the expression, his glasses slipping slightly down his nose. Yata laughed, and while it quickly turned into a cough, it didn't make it any less pleasurable. Saruhiko's eyes flashed in amusement, the bright blue hues as vibrant as ever. Beautiful, analytical, piercing. So very Saruhiko.

Yeah, totally worth it.

"Yes?" Yata's voice was hoarse, struggling, and at that moment he figured he must look the same as Saruhiko. Saruhiko, with his rough, sagging skin and white hair, the perfect picture of old age. Funny, Yata never considered his appearance as he grew older, how far they'd come, until now, sitting right on his deathbed.

No doubt he had receding hair just the same, aching joints and bad posture to go with them. He laughed again, feeling unbelievably alive from the realization alone.

Ninety-two years, not bad huh, Saru?

Yata felt his eyes water, and he doubted it was from his body aches. Not bad at all.

Saruhiko licked his dry lips, shaking his head as he glanced up at the ceiling. "Do you think they planned this?"

It took a second for Yata to realize who he was referring to, but when he did, he couldn't help but feel a weird surge of gratefulness. "Probably, knowing them."

"How cheesy."

"Are you complaining?"

Yata felt his heart stutter when Saruhiko smiled at him, probably both from the emotions it elicited, and the fact his time was almost up. His eyelids felt heavy, his thoughts scattered, but when he finally passed, he wanted Saruhiko to be the last thing he saw.

The last face he saw before he died, the first when he opened his eyes.

He didn't doubt Munakata and Mikoto putting this together, not letting Yata spend even a day without Saruhiko. Not to mention the date...

Perfect.

Saruhiko reached a quivering hand across the small space which separated their beds, as if sensing the impending fate as well. Yata gripped it as tightly as he could, keeping it against his chest as his heart pounded and skull shook from the effort of keeping himself alive. Just a bit more...

Saruhiko finally answered him, his voice cracking and fading slowly. "No...I'm..n-not. Misaki..."

The tone was as scolding as it could be, and Yata could nearly hear the implied meaning there. "Idiot, you'll see me soon. Sleep."

Sleep huh...you too Saruhiko...you should sleep...

Yata felt his grip on the other's hand slacken, and he fought against the urge to drop it, using the last of his energy to keep it close to him. As if he'd let Saruhiko pass through a door alone ever again.

Sleep...and I'll be here when you wake up. 

Yata smiled, feeling his vision spin out of use, his lungs giving up as the two monitors in the room went haywire, and the last thing he could make out was Saruhiko's eyes closing, the grip on his hand tightening.

And then there was nothing.

There was silence.

A complete absence of noise.

Still and steady...

.

.

.

Yata Misaki. Age ninety-two, born on July 20th, died on the night of August 14th.

Fushimi Saruhiko. Age ninety-one, born on November 7th, died on the night of August 14th.

.

.

.

Saruhiko opened his eyes, seeing nothing but the blurred edges of walls around him, shining white. Blinding white, giving off the illusion of a never ending hallway. Same as always, he thought.

He was lying on the floor, his limbs frozen like in ice, and he slowly began twitching each finger, working to his arms and legs with practiced ease. The room remained hazy, and without faltering, he reached up, removing his glasses until the room bloomed into clarity. His skin felt smooth, his muscles strong, his body able, as if he hadn't aged a day since he was twenty years old.

The thought made something nostalgic inside him stir, and he wondered why he was surprised in the slightest. He gave an amused smile at the ceiling, reaching up to thread his fingers through his long dark hair, feeling the lack of a receding hairline, basking in the mobility of his joints.

He wondered if this was a gift too, being given back his youth, though he didn't care to question it. He had more important things on his mind, and he turned his head to the side calmly, ignoring the distant paranoia beating in his heart, telling him he'd woken up here alone.

No, he knew better these days.

Misaki's eyes were bright and glowing, as they'd always been. That had never changed, even with age. The amber color warmed Saruhiko to his toes, the love and fierceness he associated with those eyes threatening to melt him on the spot.

Misaki...

The other was staring at him in wonder too, his face youthful, his hair back to the same fiery color as before he hit sixty, and Saruhiko reached forward to run his hands over it, down Misaki's cheeks and lips, like he held the universe in his hands. Well, he sort of did. Misaki was his universe, had helped him build and strengthen his world until it was big enough for them to share.

Saruhiko's fingers settled on the redhead's lips, feeling them lift up into a huge smile, and it was probably that which made Saruhiko lose his control. He surged forward, catching Misaki's lips with his own, the kiss firm and all he'd ever wanted. Somehow, he'd never gotten tired of it.

Misaki pulled away with a snort, but his watery eyes gave his real emotions away. Saruhiko, for once, didn't feel the need to comment, probably because his eyes stung too. "I look that good huh, Saru? No more wrinkles..."

Please...

Their foreheads bumped together as Saruhiko shook his head, reveling in the silence around them, something which had once unsettled him to no end. Now it was a reminder, telling him his time with Misaki would never truly end. "No. You always looked good to me."

Misaki's eyes widened for a brief second, the tears in both their eyes building, before the redhead pushed back on Saruhiko's head with his own. It was all they could think of to deal with the emotions raging between them, and eventually, Saruhiko's tears spilled first. Both of them laughed regardless, no unhappiness or discontent to be found, and they clung onto each other a moment after.

The force of the hug had them falling to the floor again from where they'd sat up, but they didn't mind. Nothing would ruin this.

"I missed you Saruhiko."

"We were apart for a few minutes, tops."

"Doesn't matter," Misaki sniffled. "You idiot."

Saruhiko couldn't feel pain anymore, but he swore he felt his skin sting from how hard Misaki gripped him, and he wouldn't give it up for anything.

I missed you too. I love you.

How silly it was, given how long he'd been apart from Misaki in the past, for months, maybe even years as he faced the unthinkable. Saruhiko shook his head, smiling to himself. Guess it doesn't matter now.

For that point on, they'd get through everything somehow, like they'd always had.

Together.

"Hey Saru," Misaki said, pulling away with a laugh. The redhead reached up to wipe his tears away, a small smirk settling on his face. Saruhiko hummed in response, returning it. "I think we're late."

The statement actually managed to catch Saruhiko off guard for a second, but soon he was rolling his eyes, taking in the plain white room once more. Once late arrivals, always late arrivals, that much was true.

Saruhiko leaned forward, capturing Misaki's lips again in a quick kiss before he heard a door open behind him as if beckoned, and he heard the familiar sound of a cane clicking on the floor.

Saruhiko smiled at Misaki as the redhead offered him his hand, and Saruhiko took it gratefully, ready to face fate's next endeavor.

"Yeah, I guess you're right."