AN: Greetings once again people! This chapter has plenty of Kantarou Haruka interactions so I hope you'll have fun reading! Please if there are any confusing arts or some parts that you just can't accept, tell me right away! I'd greatly hear out either praises or criticisms ( not that I am expecting any praises…it's kind of impossible I suppose…with me and my complicated writing..) Just state them properly. Anyway again, I encourage you people to read on and especially to review! I hope you readers here are generous enough to give me reviews, else I may just not update anymore. Seeing as how my efforts will be just put to waste…sigh…Another thing, sorry if I somehow tend to narrate things in a boring way and if they came out very very lengthy, and also if there are plenty of boring stuffs sometimes, but trust me, I'm doing the best I can to make my story interesting and appealing to you people. So please anyone, inform me if I'm actually progressing or becoming worst, through reviews. Once again, thank you minna-san!
Disclaimer: Tactics isn't my property sadly…Anyways, let's get on with the good stuff, shall we?
Chapter 2: Contact
"Kantarou…"
"Haruka…"
The taller ebony-haired man slowly unfolded his delicate black wings, all around them, feathers continued to float as it furthermore give the illusion of being in heaven…a black and dark heaven…With Haruka, it doesn't matter where they go. As long as he remain by his side, thought Ichinomiya Kantarou, with a dreamy expression on his face. A black heaven. Sounds illogical. How could inferno ever merge with heaven? How absurd.
The young folklorist closed his eyes gently, very much aware of Haruka's proximity that he could practically feel the heat of the tengu's slender body. They stood face to face, Kantarou's head bowed low, eyes remained closed, it appeared as though he was expecting for something. On the other hand, the previously clueless ogre-eating tengu, now understood what his master was asking him to do. But can he do it? Is he ready to show emotions? To form an emotional attachment with a human despite his unpleasant experiences from his late master? Can he allow himself to take another risk, to indulge into something so uncertain? Can he stand it if he will be tricked, deceived, betrayed yet again by the very least expected person he never thought would be capable of doing?
However, despite the strong voice inside of him ordering him with great sinew to decline, to not let himself submit, to not allow himself to become a slave, a human's slave, his body still continued to disobey. Yes, his stubborn and reckless body versus his prudent and egoistical mind. At this moment, the latter seemed to be losing but it is not ready to give up yet.
"Haruka…"
Kantarou continued to lock eyes with his beloved ogre-eating tengu, the symbol of his life's only miracle, the sole source of his will to live, the embodiment of his hopes, dreams, desires, everything!
"Yes…I will make you mine…mine only…"
Haruka, on the contrary, only remained motionless and stiff, his arms hanging limply on both sides, without the least bit of intention to move and to encompass his master in his very own arms. Why would he do that anyway? What good will it bring? Yes, it will only raise false hopes, since it is impossible, not to mention indecent, for someone like him who doesn't even fall under the same classification of organism with his master. Yes, a human and a youkai or any other creature for that matter, simply cannot form a bond with each other, incongruity is one reason, take for instance, the difference in their life span. Yes, it will only cause inevitable pain and bring about unspeakable disasters and unpredictable catastrophes beyond imagination, heavy sins even.
"Haruka, you are mine…mine only…I will make you…"
"Kan-chan!"
Youko's shrill cry of her master's name abruptly terminated Kantarou's fantasizing as the silver-haired lad's eyes immediately shot open, he jerked upright, suddenly feeling dizzy and groggy. For a moment there, he can't seem to find the strength to support his own weight as he found himself falling and loosing balance upon attempting to stand on his feet.
Finally as he managed to overcome the aftermath of the shocking wake-up call made by the loud fox demon, his usually gentle and amiable expression turned into a grumpy and outrageous one that he practically showed sharp fangs. However, as a perfectly normal human being, he doesn't possess such. Oh let's not forget about the dripping acid drool that is supposed to accompany beast fangs. Suddenly, in the midst of the folklorist's irritation, a rather funny thought, which was inappropriate at that moment, crossed his mind. Somehow, he was thinking, would Haruka possess such if he by some reason turned back to his true and original form? He hoped not, if so there'd be trouble if they—they what? Good gracious! Don't even think about it! Else it might bring forth a terrible misfortune! Sigh, Kantarou and his secretly malicious thoughts.
The folklorist's anger impending to erupt was temporarily suspended with Youko's next words, as if it was already the actual arrival of the feared 'terrible misfortune'.
"Kan-chan! I have horrible news! Haruka-chan…He--he—"
Haruka? What could've happened to his Haruka? Not wanting to hear any further, he closed his eyes and turned his back on the frantic fox demon, while resisting the urge to cover his ears.
"How horrible is it?"
"Haruka-chan was taken away by some big-breasted gorgeous lady a while ago! You see, since we were so fed up of having to swallow tasteless foods everyday just to satisfy our starving and not just mere hungry stomachs, Haruka-chan decided to take matters into his own hands! By that I mean he have decided to accept the strange lady's offer! Now Haruka-chan…is gone…and…and I…" Youko looked tearful now, scared even, as she feared for her master might put the blame on her. Anticipating this, she continued, as if to defend herself. "I—I couldn't stop him. You know just how stubborn he can be. I can't convince him not to go…"
The folklorist's head was pounding, his thoughts at a complete disarray, his emotions jumbled that it was impossible to determine whether he's feeling guilt or anger, regret or fury. Everything became a messy and tricky enigma, fragile and sensitive that needed to be dealt with much care and discretion. What Youko was saying doesn't make sense at all. So it was his fault that Haruka left? Because he wasn't earning enough to provide edible and nutritious food? It couldn't be that shallow! No, perhaps Haruka had learned his master's ways of gaining easy money that he decided to adapt his 'rotten' tactics in order to benefit them somehow? That has got to be it.
"Relax Youko-chan. I assure you Haruka will come back. Have you checked his room? Surely his sparkling glittering stuffs there remained untouched? And what of his old and rusty bowl? He can't possibly leave permanently without taking it with him, can he? Youko-chan, you're always jumping to conclusions. You almost had me worried there. Just relax, will you? Don't you trust Haruka?"
'Yes, that's it. Keep it up Ichinomiya-sensei. Don't get so possessive on Haruka, he was never yours to begin with. Get your thinking straight, will you? I thought you vowed never to treat him as a mere property? Don't ever take away his freedom from him!'
'I am not! That'll be the last thing I'll ever do, or better yet, that'll be impossible for me to do! Hurting Haruka and taking away his freedom? I can't even imagine myself doing that!'
'Good then, just to make things clear. Let's hope you remain that way though. Be on your guard as you never know when the enemy will strike. And when he does, the question will be this: Are you prepared to withstand the sheer torture you will be forced to undergo all for the sake of your beloved Haruka?'
"Ne Kan-chan…Kan-chan! Are you alright? Are you actually…spacing out? Then it must mean Haruka-chan was right about our food! He said we weren't getting enough energy and the right nutrition to supply our bodies that it was gradually affecting our performance, yours to be exact. Must be why recently, you can't seem to focus on finishing your articles. That is just terrible Kan-chan!"
Kantarou's liquid auburn eyes suddenly widened as he noticed the unfamiliar voice invading his head these past few days. It didn't sound like him at all, so who or what could it be? However, Youko's worried voice again caught his full attention as he quickly remembered Haruka, his only priority. But then for some reason, another strong burst of emotion seemed to have overpowered his feelings of anxiety and concern for the tengu. Something negative and quite violent that made him return to his grumpy and frustrated state earlier.
Having interrupted Kantarou's little romantic fantasy dream with Haruka was bad enough, and now upon waking up, he even found himself slapped in the face by a rather urgent dilemma. Yes, nothing could beat paranoia once it managed to seize you as it will wreck havoc in your entire system. Some breakfast this is. So that now, the usually calm and carefree folklorist found himself being attacked by countless frightening thoughts with regards to his insecurities and of Haruka's possible disappearance forever. Never mind his madly growling stomach, he can deal with that later. Haruka's whereabouts has to come first.
Kantarou further felt his world spinning as he recalled hearing the ogre-eating tengu mentioning before about his 'only temporary stay' with his master as he refused to submit himself under such a weak human. And that greatly increased the spiritualist's anxieties a thousand-fold! What will he do once Haruka decides to walk out of his life for good? It was even a wonder the legendary ogre-eating tengu wasn't asking for Kantarou to break the contract and release him.
Even so, the paranoid silver-haired lad still felt no definite assurance of his hold over Haruka, thinking the latter's patience is merely as thin as a strand of his ebony hair, fragile and can easily be broken by a simple tug. Sometimes, Kantarou even wondered what might be keeping Haruka here with him? What with the tengu's detachment from them at times, giving them the feeling of knowing very little about him and his past life, as was made evident by his frequent visits to the roof and of the constant inexplicable longing in those dark eyes of his? So sad yet empty at the same time. How could you even call that expressionless when it seemed to give off an air of sorrow and despair?
'Why…Why is he always acting so distant with us…Am I…not enough? Isn't he satisfied of being with us? Of being with me?'
Perhaps it has something to do with the ogre-eating tengu's memory lapse. Yes, it has got to be it. Kantarou could still remember their previous encounters with Minamoto Raikou and his group who seemed to be very hot on Haruka's trail. Almost as if desperate to make him regain his memories so that he may be restored to his powerful form of which is his true self. Raikou seemed quite bent on defeating Haruka.
Haruka.
Was that even his real name? For all he knew, he was just the one who gave the silly name itself which was the very reason why the ogre-eating tengu's powers became limited in the first place, that half of his usual strength was sealed away by that name given by Kantarou himself. It even caused the tengu to lose his memories along with the pain and anguish of his dark past. But maybe, that was somehow a good thing to do. It was better to lock away bad memories to eventually forget them entirely, right? That way, it wouldn't bother you any more, it wouldn't harbor further painful feelings like regret, guilt, depression, grief, etc. etc. It was just the right thing for Kantarou to do, right? Or was it really?
Suddenly, the confused folklorist recalled Youko's words to him before, on that critical moment as he was torn in between two decisions. At that time, Kantarou can't seem to take any more of Haruka's long absence that he began to realize his very mistake.
"You're always good at running away! You know that is just cowardice! Confront your problems for a change! Escaping won't solve it!"
"Haruka-chan is just too stubborn. He was adamant about his decision to stay there. He doesn't care how long it takes for you to realize what should be done."
"Haruka-chan won't ever take the initiative to see you Kan-chan! It's time you learn to do that yourself!"
"You have to do something! Please bring him back! He's waiting for you in there. You can't just run away forever! You can't pretend you're fine when in fact you're not!"
"You're only human Kan-chan. Your life span is limited compared to Haruka-chan, that is why, please don't waste your time. Spend it with him while you still can."
'Stop! Stop it! I don't want to remember those days! That was the old me, now I will no longer tolerate that weakness of mine. This time, I will be the one to search for Haruka myself. I will definitely bring him back. And about my life span, let's just talk about that later. I don't want to think about that for now.'
Kantarou, engrossed with his internal battle, didn't notice the fox demon as she quietly left the room. Youko understands her master, words need not be said. She knew just how valuable and indispensable Haruka is and will ever be to her master, just as Haruka and Kantarou were to her. Yes, she cares for them both.
The spiritualist meanwhile, remained oblivious to Youko's silent thoughts as he continued with his own.
'I promised Haruka I will stay by his side no matter what! He even warned me of the possible comeback of his memories which will probably endanger those around him and trigger his more beastly side. But still, I am not afraid and I never will be! Haruka is Haruka! That's his name and his name will stay. I don't care about his past or of what he truly is. For me, Haruka will always be my savior, the legend that ignited the dying will of my heart to live. And for that, I will never ever abandon him.'
Now brimming with determination, he stood up to his full height, fists balled tight, he will find Haruka even if it means searching every nook and cranny, probing around houses, yes he have to look thoroughly! Judging from Youko's description of Haruka's kidnapper, despite the fact that Haruka wasn't abducted at all considering he went of his own accord, Kantarou can tell the lady should not be underestimated. Who knows what she might be doing to Haruka by now? Strangling him with her legs perhaps? Or maybe she'll go even as far as hide him inside the refrigerator just so he won't be found? Who knows what sort of hideous place Haruka was probably being kept locked up by now?
'Haruka…I'm coming to save you…' was Kantarou's last thought before stepping out of the house.
--
"What do you wish to talk about?"
No response. The handsome ebony-haired man who spoke with such calm and perfectly controlled voice only continued to receive intense and flirtatious stares coming from the 'big-breasted gorgeous lady', as was described by Youko. This was beginning to annoy the stoic Haruka. Despite appearing calm, expressionless yet gentle, he still has a tendency to feel greatly irritated at times. But ever the mannequin, motionless and entirely nonchalant, even with the naughty hands of some captivated lady already proceeding to freely explore his body, some brave enough to encircle their arms around the unmoving man, while some even braver attempting to bring their burning lips to his smooth face (How dare they!). Heck, perhaps this guy won't even care if he gets himself raped! Apparently, that was what he had shown during he and Kantarou's previous encounters with women, or should I say girls rather. Right, Haruka should at least learn to defend himself from aggressive and flirtatious ladies hoping and swooning to get a taste of him, or should I say again, lusting for him rather? You couldn't probably blame them though, Haruka's looks, along with his body, is to die for! How come? I'll leave that to your imagination.
Disrespect be damned! Haruka wouldn't let his time be wasted on an utterly petty and gibberish matter such as this. Why did he even consider taking the lady's offer anyway? Just as what he thought, Kantarou's tactics are way too 'rotten' not to mention useless and unreliable, it was rather dumb of him to even try it. He then stood up with great remorse and without a word, proceeded to leave, not giving any acknowledgment at all. But the lady's next words forced him to stop in his tracks.
"Tell me, how do you feel about Ichinomiya-sensei?"
With her coquettish tone and the look of pure malice burning in her bright amber eyes, the ogre-eating tengu can tell the question wasn't an innocent one. Haruka then turned to face her and even managed to set aside his alarmingly growing annoyance just to confirm his suspicions. This lady apparently wants gossip and nothing else. Why hadn't he seen it sooner? He wondered what really prompted him to even follow the lady to her house, sit across from her, and tolerate her hot, intense gazes for almost the entire day now. Wait, just how long was he staying here already? Stealing a glance outside, Haruka saw the orange colored skies, a sign indicating for the sun's departure. Crap, he didn't even feel the time passing. It was like he…
"Kawaisone…Ano Ichinomiya-sensei…(Poor Ichinomiya-sensei) You just don't deserve such an awfully kind and loving master…You even dared to stay by his side despite knowing you might in some way hurt him for the days to come. What a cruel thing, one-sided love. It will only devastate those who came in contact with it. How pitiful, you better—"
In a flash, the lady found herself pinned to the wall by a pair of strong and masculine hands with its vice-like grip, her wrists easily succumbing as she was obviously overpowered by Haruka. However, she made no move to resist. She even appeared amused, not with the proximity, but by the fact that her words were actually taking its effect on the stoic tengu. Wow, funny she even thought her own approach might not work.
'This is going to be a piece of cake.', the lady thought again, smiling coyly.
"You're rather quiet, aren't you? Obviously, Ichinomiya-sensei is the loud and enthusiastic one, as was expected, in order for the attraction to take place, both parties had to have opposite characters for them to first feel intrigued and attracted with each other. After all, who wouldn't love to solve an enigma? The feeling of excitement and thrill it brings, and the fulfillment upon discovering what was behind it! Oh the joy!"
As the lady continued with her monologue oblivious to the impending violence which is Haruka and his overwhelming desire to punch the woman but still felt improper of him to do so, the latter appeared disgusted by the woman's seemingly ridiculous display of behavior. What was uncanny still, was the fact that he somehow felt different upon touching her, as if something told him she isn't human at all! But if that is so, then what is she?
"Forgive me if I may appear meddlesome, prying into your private affairs which obviously should not be a concern of mine. But I was just rather curious seeing as how helpless your situation is, I just can't stand not to interfere. So, why won't you let me help? Why not tell me all about it? You wanted freedom, don't you? You wanted nothing more than to find your past and regain your memories, all of them! I can help you! I can give you what you desire, just…say so…say it Haruka…say—"
"You know too much."
Giving the lady one last threatening glare, he let go of her wrists then proceeded to leave once and for all, even though his mind was telling him to stay and to inquire further as to how this mysterious lady came to know so much about them, him particularly. But no, not now, not yet. He have decided a long time ago to fully play his role of being Kantarou's 'companion', and that meant keeping no secrets with each other. He trusted Kantarou enough to know he'll comply. The feeling is mutual indeed, for both of them. So for now, he decided to head home and inform Kantarou of what he was about to come face to face with.
--
"Where the heck did that idiot run off to? I'll really make sure he receives a rough scolding of a lifetime from me this time around! I am his master for crying out loud!"
The-feeling-is-mutual my butt! Heck, with this kind of reaction Kantarou was displaying, it clearly showed his lack of trust for the other! Or maybe he was just overcome by his anxiety of losing Haruka?
Youko meanwhile, could only sigh as she continued on with her chores. Behind her, even without getting the visual of her master, she could tell he's probably walking to and fro, throwing his hands up in exasperation, his adorable face contorted in frustration, his forehead very wrinkled, oh how he appeared so upset indeed! What with the time and still Haruka remained nowhere to be found?
"Youko-chan, tell me! Where else did I miss? We searched everywhere right? And still no Haruka! I can't believe how—how—"
Youko unceremoniously tossed the sponge aside as she heard the sound of a door opening, signaling for a person's arrival, or someone rather, she only wished it wasn't either Sugino or Moo-chan, or even the both of them! The last thing she'll ever need is to have a pair of immature adults fighting over an absurd youkai by the name of Moo-chan.
"H-Haruka!"
Kantarou blushed hard as he unintentionally blurted out the tengu's name, and also because of the fact that he was supposed to be scolding Haruka, not staring at him speechless and almost teary-eyed. He even fought the urge to run straight to Haruka and give him a bone-crushing embrace! Oh he's getting desperate. Upon realizing that, he quickly deleted those thoughts and forced himself to remain focused. Yes, focused and calm. Cool and—wait a minute, just what the hell was that tiny red mark on Haruka's neck? Was that a—
"Kantarou, we need to talk…" came the usual low and composed voice, and as his eyes were currently closed, Haruka was unable to see Kantarou's angry face, seriously angry face that is. As he remained oblivious to all these Haruka headed straight to his room, loosening his tie in the process as he suddenly felt it quite choking him. Meanwhile, the infuriated folklorist made no move to follow, his head bent low, his expression now out of view as his bangs were covering it. Youko cringed, feeling a disastrous war about to break out soon. Yes, soon as Haruka opens those sleepy eyes of his…
"Kantarou, what's wrong?"
He's quite dense, isn't he? Apparently, Haruka forgot about how late he was able to come home and of how he suddenly disappeared earlier without a word, which bound to make Kantarou worry definitely. And now he returned with a kiss on his neck? Well, what do you expect to get?
"W-was that a kiss?"
Finally, the silver-haired lad mustered the courage to ask such. After all, he was pretty desperate to find out how he got it anyway. Now whoever you are lady, make sure not to show yourself to Ichinomiya Kantarou here, or else, that'll be the end of you.
Startled with the sudden unexpected question, Haruka opened his eyes only to be met by Kantarou's accusatory glare.
"Kiss? What kiss?"
He continued to ask calmy.
'Oh no you don't. I am in no condition to argue with you.', thought the ebony-haired man.
"That kiss!"
Haruka confirmed what Kantarou said as true with the look of shock on Youko's face. Apparently, something was done to him by that witch that he was unaware of and unable to resist. It appeared as though the lady was trying to ruin them, him and Kantarou, to ruin the still progressing relationship between them. But what could her motive be? Is she somewhat related to Minamoto Raikou? Was this another of his doing as mastermind? Oh how Haruka is getting so fed up of Raikou and his boring not to mention annoying schemes.
To make matters worst, Kantarou mistakenly took Haruka's silence as a 'Yes, some lady just can't keep her hands off me and I didn't mind' that he fled to his room without waiting for Haruka's response. Ever the turtle, the ogre-eating tengu was somehow lost in thought that he was unable to answer his master immediately. And now, this gave way for doubts to arise. Then of course, further misunderstanding will follow. But what Haruka doesn't get is this, what the hell is bothering Kantarou? It can't be just because of a mere 'kiss', or can it?
