A/N:
My current Monochrome Factor work in progress, (Original Title)Demons Love! Eh...the current title now is Devils Love(?)...I have several suggestion at the end, unless you all want to add to that. I was going to put it as a one-shot and hoped to finish it, but I gave up after a while. So...ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I do not own Monochrome Factor, it rightfully belongs to Kaili Sorano-sensei. But I do own the OC characters here.
Warning: Slight OCC, Female Akira, language and suggestive themes that is not good for the heart. OC's are also included.
Pairing: Shirogane x Ryuuko x Female Akira.
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Part 1: The Greatest Tetrad Kings of All Demons
Far from the Northern icy kingdoms, in the Western side where the summer and winter are long while the spring and fall are short. Within the thick forest that even the harming sunlight cannot reach, a society and kingdom for the creatures of darkness themselves, and most of all, a capital for the various races of demons gather around. Their lives no different from humans when it comes to etiquette or a criminal, shady or earnest, evil or good in each other eye, no different their lives are from mortals.
The capital, known as the Imperial Capital in the Western Kingdom.
To the citizen, this capital is widely known for the Four Kings of all Demons to gather here twice a month to discuss. Or in better terms, it was a hang out and catches up on their personal, daily problems.
In a grand bedroom, through the better term would be simple due to the plain brick walls, vintage blue rug from the door leading to the steps of where a elegant design of a King size bed, couple of drawers spread out in the room and a small round table with two chairs close to the window. One of the chairs occupied by a stunning demon, his appearance around mid-twenties and his pale skin contrasted his long messy raven hair fell cascaded across his snow white mantle hung against his back and kissed the cold stone floor. One leg crossed the other, his left gloved hand lay on the table while his right arm, elbow leaned on the smooth marble surface while his hand cupped the right side of his sharp featured face. Ruby eyes flickered amusement, joy, and sadness as the raven haired man stared at the small photo in his hands.
The photo was taken at the scene of a small town within the South. In front of a stall was the raven haired demon himself smiling with a hand on a young woman shoulders with striking similar features as him, and there was his old friend, Shirogane, long silver hair and icy blue eyes that didn't seem one bit amused by the frown on his mix of feminine and masculine pale face adding to his arms crossed. But since it was the raven haired man staring into this photo, he could tell that Shirogane didn't want to be left out at all and kept close to them both.
The raven haired man could only give a soft sigh and smiled fondly.
Yes, those times were precious despite the pressure around them.
"What are you doing here, Ryuuko?" A smooth and deep masculine voice spoke out of nowhere.
Ryuuko jolted when a pair of strong arms wrap around his shoulder tightly into a hug. Hot breath tickled his ear and the raven-haired demon had to suppress a shiver going up his spine. Faintly, his vision caught silver locks against his cheek and heard a short silence meaning that the silver haired demon is looking at the photo in his hands.
"If you are wondering, Shirogane, I'm looking at the photo where the three of us were together one time." Ryuuko answered politely.
"I see that now…You miss her, don't you?" The silver-haired demon questioned, feeling Ryuuko shoulders tense a bit.
"Obviously…" Ryuuko replied after a moment of silence.
Shirogane bit his lower lips, knowing where this conversation is going and quite feared Ryuuko outburst if he carelessly spoke about this subject.
"I hope she's still alive…The last time we met and talked a civil conversation was the border between the North and the West Kingdoms in an abandoned village." Ryuuko continued when Shirogane is silent.
"After that, Homurabi idiotic child, Nanaya chose the worst possible time to target her…" The raven haired demon trailed.
"She should've accepted our offer." Shirogane bluntly put. "That was her fault."
She was here.
Where she wasn't supposed to be no matter how many times she told herself not to come to this secret place that was neutral between the two countries of demons and humans.
Dead tree's cover the scenery, inch after inch of snow piling up very slowly. The frigid air frosting their skin very lightly as the two great demons approach the brunette very slowly. The loud crunch of their shoe colliding with the snow was loud enough for her to hear. Still, the brunette didn't turn around and only clung to her ragged brown cloak for warmth. Ruby eyes and icy blue stare at the young woman, who watched the white flakes fall down ever so silently, even the simplest movement from her was graceful in their eyes as she was angelic herself.
A fallen angel, Ryuuko would describe.
Indeed, a fallen angel. From the Heavens, her wings were torn apart and were thrown into this world full of nothing more than love and hate, hope and despair, a world of black and white of tainted justice. There were too many deaths, too much blood, and too much corpses seen in this 'Holy War' of humans and demons that grow more tiring by every decade passing.
The raven haired demon could feel that Shirogane knew what he was feeling.
Once the two demons were close enough, the brunette turned her entire body to face them both. Hesitance and anticipation were clear on her soft features.
"Lord Ryuuko and Lord Shirogane…" The brunette acknowledges them in a reluctant and quiet tone.
"No need for the formalities…Akira." Ryuuko smiled softly at the brunette.
"…If you don't mind then." Akira shoulders relaxed.
"It's good to see you again, Akira." Shirogane gave a charming smile at the brunette.
The silver haired demon walked up to her, taking her slightly tan and cold hand onto his pale one and kissed the back of her hand. Shirogane was pleased to see a faint blush visible on the brunette cheeks and she pulled her hand away quickly from the silver haired demon. Shirogane stepped back a bit, faintly taking notice of Ryuuko frown.
"That was unnecessary, Shirogane." The brunette said bluntly.
"Why, that hurts my heart for your cold words, Akira!" Shirogane mocked a hurt tone.
"Idiot…" Akira muttered and glanced at Ryuuko that still is frowning.
It was the raven haired demon turns to walked up to Akira, ruby eyes glinting with slight mischief as he grabbed the brunette small shoulders and pulled her into a gentle hug. Ryuuko lips directly on the crown of her messy light chocolate hair for a few seconds despite his desire to last it longer. Ryuuko pulled away, but his hands were gripping Akira shoulder and gazed at Shirogane, who was scowling now.
"Again, that was unnecessary." The brunette squeaked her face completely red from both affections these two handsome demons given toward her.
"There would be no fun to see you blush adorably if we cannot tease you, Akira." Shirogane countered with a teasing smile.
"I agree with Shirogane, Akira. It's lovely to see your other sides when only around us." Ryuuko nodded, smiling as he hug the young woman and nuzzled his face into her messy brown locks.
"Now, now, Ryuuko…Don't hog her all to yourself." The silver haired demon chided lightly and proceeded to pull the brunette away from Ryuuko to hug her this time.
Ryuuko pouted and grab Akira wrist to tug her toward him while Shirogane narrowed his icy blue eyes and in return, tug the brunette toward the silver haired demon. This continued on for a few minutes, pulling the brunette like a rag doll and irritating Akira to the point she explodes.
"All right, damn it!" The two demons stopped to stare at their brunette, who glared at them both. "You two are about to pull my arms out if you keep up this tug-a-war! Let go now!"
The two demons instantly let go of Akira, watching her stumble a bit to regain balance. Once, the brunette herself gained some control, she glared at Ryuuko and Shirogane.
"I apologize for that action of mine, Akira." Ryuuko gave a meek apology, smiling softly and nudged Shirogane rips with his elbow.
"I'm sorry too, Akira." Shirogane slightly glared at his raven-haired lover.
The silver-haired demon about to argue was stopped by a loud sigh and both pairs of eyes stared at the brunette, who looked serious of all of a sudden.
"Apologies aside…What reason did you both called me here for?" Akira asked, expecting a straight answer from both the demons. "I know it's not for another intimate moment here."
Well, the raven-haired demon had not expected for Akira to be blunt this time. It looked like Shirogane thought the same when the demon shoulders tense slightly.
"Akira…Let us explains for a while before moving on to the main point." Ryuuko thread lightly, hopeful that the brunette wouldn't let her temper get the better.
Ryuuko relaxed when he saw a reluctant nod from Akira.
"As you know, Akira, there is rapid tension between the Crusaders and our Demonic Kingdom due to attacks from demon guilds unassociated with us. Their targets usually directed toward human villages and demons part of the Crusaders. We, the kings and the council have begun to make plans to resolve this tension yet there are rebels that defy this idea." The raven haired demon explained.
"I heard of the attacks, but your point is that you, the kings and the council want to make a Treaty?" Akira put bluntly.
"Close, but you are missing the mark." Shirogane smoothly spoke. "We plan to arrange a marriage between a member of the Crusader and one of the Kings. "
The silver-haired demon would be lying if he weren't smug right now at the expression of horror visible on their brunette face. It seemed that she catch on quite fast.
"Wait…You are not thinking…" Akira trailed slowly, watching very closely to both demons expressions to find that they were serious. "No way…Marriage…Why not a Treaty?"
"There are several reasons, Akira dear." The silver-haired demon smirked.
"The most common reason is that an arrange marriage between two most influencing people can bring a stronger bond, a Treaty can only last as for about I don't know…A couple of decades before it can be ripped or burned?"
"Another reason is that, Shirogane and I are attracted to you, Akira. As you are one of the Crusaders, there won't be any arguments if we let our relationship be public." Ryuuko quickly added, stepping in between both Akira and Shirogane.
The raven-haired demon swore he saw an illusion of a tiger emitting from Akira murderous aura and appear she was close to letting out her wrath on Shirogane. Ryuuko would not like to watch this scene that is close to be unfolded soon.
"Never…Marriage…Too soon for me to think about that…" The brunette shoulders shake, trying to control her rising anger.
"You are over couple decades old, Akira. " Shirogane interrupted her, waving off her glare. "You are at the perfect age for marriage."
Now Ryuuko definitely had to hold Akira back by her arms to stop her from charging at the smirking silver-haired demon and tear him from limb to limb. The raven-haired demon whisper soothing words and eventually, the brunette calmed down and stopped struggling, letting out heavy breaths. Ryuuko arms slide under and wrap around Akira slim shoulders, much to Shirogane smirk replaced by a frown.
"Akira, you have to understand…We already agreed to this and we need your agreement along with the Crusader Leaders as well for this to work." Ryuuko calmly explained, slowly releasing the brunette. "I know this seemed too soon for you, Akira…But Shirogane and I feel that you are prepared for this."
"Prepared?" The brunette raised an eyebrow, scowling.
"Yes." Shirogane nodded.
"You mean to tell me you never bothered to ask my opinion before you all went ahead and chose a low-ranking member as both your bride?" Akira voice shake, earning confusion from both demons. "You both didn't even ask if I was prepared for this marriage!"
"Well, I'm sorry about that." Shirogane apologize, sarcasm dripping in his words in mock apologies.
The silver-haired demon icy glare freezes Akira where she was, Ryuuko casting a warning look at Shirogane.
"I could care less about most humans, even if they were near their deaths, burning in agony, suffering from despair or given a slow death." The silver-haired demon sneered.
Shirogane walked up to Akira, who took a step back when a strong pale hand gripped her forearm tightly. Not sparing a glance to Ryuuko protest and dragged the terror stricken brunette till their noses were brushing against each other. The silver-haired demon red lips breathing against Akira rosy, plump ones.
"The only reason I agreed is because of you, Akira. You may be quite troublesome, reckless and naïve, but that's the trait I like about you…"Shirogane confessed, his tone became deep and sharp. "Either you will agree or there will be a full-scale war between Crusaders and the Demonic Kingdom itself. Causalities will happen, because you didn't agree to a marriage with the two demons you fell in love with due to this incredulous thought of not prepared for marriage here."
The silver-haired demon smashed his lips against Akira soft ones roughly. The kiss almost hungrily, predatory for its prey the brunette thought.
"Shirogane, enough!" Ryuuko voice edged with irritation snap them out of it.
Shirogane pulled away and a loud shriek of pain of his hair being tugged was enough to turn around to glare at Ryuuko, holding a fistful of his silver locks. Akira, herself slightly dumbfounded and blushing madly at the kiss stare dumbly.
"That wasn't funny, Ryuuko."
"I wasn't laughing, Shirogane." Ryuuko smirked, letting go of Shirogane silver hair.
The silver-haired demon only shrugged, rubbing his scalp where the pain hit him and watched Ryuuko walked up to Akira. The brunette snapped whatever dazed she was in and put on a scowl.
"As Shirogane said, there will be a possible war if the other side does not agree to the terms we put. But, we want to know before we talk to the leader of the Crusaders what you have to say about this." Ryuuko ruby eyes stared into Akira teal ones, anticipating a positive answer.
"I…I…" Akira stuttered, finding the snow interesting all of a sudden.
"What does your heart say, Akira?" The raven-haired demon gripped Akira chin with his thumb and index finger and gently tilted Akira head to face him.
"…Let me think about it." Akira answered after several silence later.
There was an audible groan of irritation from Shirogane and a small frown upon Ryuuko face. Apparently, they didn't expect this answer from their brunette.
"She had her reasons and I respect them." Ryuuko countered back, mumbling a "…if only Nanaya didn't choose the worst time to target her…."
Shirogane sighed, taking a sip of tea and put the cup down on the table. He had taken a seat earlier across from Ryuuko while discussing their main love subjects: Akira.
"Shirogane, I know you are irritated at Akira choice of words to think about the marriage…We can't just force her and have her feel uncomfortable about it." Ryuuko ruby eyes stared into Shirogane glaring blue ones.
"Force her, you say?" The silver-haired demon growled. "There was nothing forceful; she should've followed the first thing that came into her mind which was to agree to the marriage."
"Still, Shirogane…"
"Also, I'm irritated because of how lenient you are-"
Shirogane words were interrupted when Ryuuko gloved hand slammed the table. Silence hung the air, the silver-haired demon expression was pure shock and Ryuuko is scowling. The raven-haired demon sighed and rubbed the bridge of his noise, ashamed of himself for letting his emotions taking over that moment.
"I respect her choices, Shirogane. " Ryuuko repeated in an eerie calm tone.
Silence came between the two demons once again. Shirogane, wary now and know he shouldn't say anything to make his lover go into a rage. Ryuuko continued to organize his thoughts together and would not look at the silver-haired demon at all.
"If you both are done with your lover quarrels, I would suggest that you two should have the courtesy to notice a guest entering." A deep, masculine voice broke the silence.
Both silver and raven haired heads turned to stare at the door. A tall, lean and well-built young demon with long, flowing red hair and the bangs pulled back to reveal the black diamond tattoo that matched his strait black jacket that split on both sides to reveal his white loose pants. Acid green eyes stare at the two demons from where he was, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed and graced upon his face was a scowl of annoyance.
Behind the crimson haired demon was a younger, timid looking demon, shorter by a few inches with sublime lime colored short hair. The bangs short on one side while the other was longer reaching his cheek. He wore a formal white rochet (1) laced with gold and golden edges, the dark green shoulder cape were also lined with gold at the edges that matched the young demon golden eyes. There was a shy, nervous smile from behind the crimson haired demon at the tension of the hair.
"Homurabi, "Ryuuko nodded at the crimson haired demon before turning his attention to the lime haired demon "and Shisui. What brings you both here?"
There was a snort from Shirogane, "Most likely to annoy us…"
"That would be lovely to do at this time, Shirogane, but Shisui and I have more urgent business to attend to." Homurabi rolled his eyes at the silver haired demon comment.
"Don't you even dare, Shirogane." Ryuuko gave a warning stare at Shirogane, who was about to retort something and possibly start a fight with Homurabi.
Shirogane opened his mouth to only close it again. He sat back down, and crossed his arms to grumble more quietly. Ryuuko had snapped at him, Homurabi annoying presence, and the smirk on Homurabi didn't help settle the rising irritation for the silver hair demon either.
"Now…Would you like to answer my question, you two?" The raven haired demon sighed and stares at the two younger demons.
"Really, Shirogane is becoming too much today..." Ryuuko thought, glancing at his silver haired lover.
"Question?" The crimson haired demon repeated before he nodded, remembering that Ryuuko indeed asked them earlier. "Oh right…"
Before Homurabi had a chance to talk, the timid lime haired demon spoke up first with a reassuring smile that the news wasn't bad.
"Lord Ryuuko and Lord Shirogane, as you may hear from rumors of travelers and merchants alike, and you both may not quite care for the festivities. The Northern Kingdom Coronation ceremony had ended five days ago and they say that the new ruler is quite…" Shisui trailed off to find a suitable word.
"Impressive." The crimson haired demon finished, growling slightly at the fact Shisui had answered before him.
"Not what I was looking for, but close enough." The lime haired demon nodded in approval.
"So?" Shirogane asked in a gruff voice, obviously not caring. "They have a new King, they are rebuilding the Kingdom that was lost several decades ago, and they are weak even if there are Crusaders present."
"The point is, Shirogane dubbed The Silver Fire." Homurabi drawled in a bored tone. "It would be rude for you both not to see what the new King is like and the Elders have demanded that we are to come along with you to make sure you will see the King."
"You both sound like you have seen this King yourself." Ryuuko observed.
"Indeed we did, "Shisui answered, nodding. "Homurabi and I were at the Coronation ourselves and even spoke to the King…She was quite solicitous and a bit apathetic."
"She?" Shirogane repeated incredulous yet intrigue at the fact. "Shouldn't it be Queen instead of King then?"
"You do remember the history of the Northern Kingdom that either male or female, the ruler would be considered a King. If the female was married, then the spouse would be a Duke or Lord." The crimson haired demon explained bluntly. "Really Shirogane, the age must be getting to you now."
"Shut your damn mouth, Homurabi!" The silver haired demon growled, his face flustered and drilling holes into Homurabi thick skull with an icy glare. "You are nothing more than arrogant brat, so either keep your loose mouth shut or I'll cut your tongue!"
Homurabi scowled, he did not like to be called a brat especially by Shirogane of all people. The threat just only added fuel to the fire as the two started to bicker like little children. Shisui, the poor soul stuck with the job of trying to calm the two reckless demons down.
"U-Um, Lord Ryuuko! "Shisui called the raven haired demon in a pleading voice. "Please do assist me here! I can't calm these two down when they start to fight!"
Ryuuko wasn't even glancing at the two bickering demons or responding to Shisui pleads for help to calm the reckless ones down. He was off in his own world of the information Homurabi and Shisui given earlier.
"They said that the King of the Northern Kingdom was a woman…Solicitous and apathetic…Can it possibly be…?" Ryuuko came to a conclusion at the same time Shisui shouted the raven haired demon name louder.
The ruby eyed demon sighed and walked over to the trio.
Apparently Shirogane was chocking Homurabi neck while the said crimson haired demon had yanked his silver locks and was close to stabbing the silver haired demon in the chest. The lime haired demon pleas were ignored when Ryuuko walked past Shisui. Instantly, the raven haired demon separated them both, hand chopping on both reckless demons heads and was satisfied hearing a loud, pained yelp.
"What the hell are you doing, Ryuuko?" Shirogane demanded, glaring at his raven hair lover.
"Lord Ryuuko that would be unnecessary…." Homurabi growled, rubbing the sore spot on his head where Ryuuko chopped him.
"Can you both please stop acting like children?" Ryuuko ordered than asked. "You both are bothering Shisui that has to deal with you're bickering."
"I'm fine, Lord Ryuuko…" Shisui smiled nervously, sweat dropping.
"Tch…" Shirogane shrugged his shoulders.
There was silence from Homurabi meaning he would stop arguing with the silver haired demon.
"As for the Elders orders, Shirogane and I will visit the King." The raven haired demon declared.
"What?!" Shirogane screeched, fuming at the decision his ruby eyed lover made. "I am not visiting a spoiled, disgusting-!"
"I want to check something." Ryuuko explained, sending Shirogane a stern stare that there will be no arguments and that he won't change his mind.
Icy blue eyes stared at ruby for a long moment before a loud sigh erupted from Shirogane, who abruptly stood up and left the room yelling:
"Do whatever the hell you want!"
"…That went well, I'm glad you caught up, Lord Ryuuko." The crimson haired demon commented after a while of silence.
"What you say intrigues me, Homurabi…" The raven haired demon simply said. "Shisui, you have business to do also in the Northern Kingdom, correct?"
"Yes, it's to help rebuild an old church, so I will be leaving first." The lime haired demon nodded, earning worried looks from Homurabi and Ryuuko. "Do not fret; I will have two excellent guards accompanying me."
"If that's how it will be, then I will not be anxious." Ryuuko answered, finding the arrangements satisfying.
Now, he just had to check on Shirogane and pack up for the trip. If he could convince Shirogane that there may be a possibility that the King is who he thought it is.
Then perhaps it will work out on the end.
A/N:
rochet (1) -A linen surplice-like vestment with narrow sleeves. The bottom, the shoulder-pieces, and the ends of the sleeves of the rochet are ornamented with lace.