A/N: Thanks for reading and not laughing at the idea… ah, too late for that. It's finally updated after so long…
Reminders this story is AU. Really, really AU.
Mitsugi? Where did that come from? On the summary it says RitsuxMio, yea? :3
Personally, I had a lot of fun writing this chapter ヽ(゜▽ ゜)ノ Consider this an introduction chapter of sorts lol
Disclaimer: I don't own K-on. Look what happened to it…
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Hunt 1 – Pounced
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A brown and blue dot darted across the setting sky, its grey shades melting into the forest immaculately. Small black eyes flickered about, trying to detect any possible danger while searching for its master.
The leaves rustled. The small shape tilted its head, wary. It quickly dove down to avoid an arrow that barely grazed past its feathers.
Gurgled choke.
The bird blinked curiously as the archer dropped from the canopy, his throat slit with streams of blood soaking his shirt.
"I'm here," a cool voice called out. There was another surprised grunt and frantic choking. Another hidden archer was grabbing at his neck desperately, trying to struggle out of the steel wire wrapped fatally around his throat.
The strangling confines tightened with a simple jerk. The archer's neck drooped forward, his life snuffed.
The bird took no notice of all this and flapped its wings, landing onto a shadowy figure's arm.
"Welcome back, Ton-chan," garnet eyes gazed at the dove fondly, a small finger stroking the cooing bird's beak.
The dove's master removed the dead archer from the branch with an indifferent kick. A cold glint was apparent in those blood-like orbs as the body landed onto of the previous one with a soft thump. The steel wire was retracted with a casual pull. Eyes narrowing, the figure twisted to the side the exact moment a bullet shot through the branch. But there was no second shot; the target was no longer on the branch.
A kodachi was already buried deep into the gunner's heart.
The dove's master pulled out the short sword slowly and flicked the blade, getting rid of the crimson liquid staining the steel before sheathing it. Without anything to hold him up, the gunner simply dropped onto his dead comrades below.
"Ambushing me is impossible ne, Ton-chan?"
The dove cooed again, snapping its beaks as if in agreement. Then carefully, the speaker unclasped the small green shell that hung on its neck like a necklace. After muttering something incoherent, the shell began to emit a frequency audible only to its master's ears.
"-quickly, Nakano-dono, General Akiyama had ordered us to return to the castle. Lord Kotobuki had been murdered. The treaty was null. We will try our best to bring Hime-sama back to the castle. We had also sent a message to Miko-sama. This might be too late but please, go help General Akiyama-"
Nakano Azusa tapped the shell, biting her lips. With a graceful leap, she landed onto the lower branch of the next tree, louder than necessary. The leaves rustled again. Several figures materialized on the branch in front of her, as if summoned by her landing.
"You called, Nakano-dono?"
The youngest but well-renowned and most ruthless kunoichi of the Nakano Clan nodded curtly. She relayed the message to them and, as if they knew their designated jobs already, the figures then vanished without a trace. Satisfied, Azusa twirled her kunai and sank its tip into the green shell, carving a small symbol.
"Deliver this to Ui, Ton-chan. If you just take this to Yui-sama, she won't know what to do with it, even though I'd already taught her many times. Heck, she's the one who gave you to me," Azusa muttered irritably, tying the shell necklace on the chirping dove's neck. It pecked its owner's finger affectionately, earning a light laugh from the usually serious kunoichi.
"Go, Ton-chan. I'll be fine. I'll track down Mio-sama. I hope…no, I just know she'll be fine."
Cooing again, the turtle-dove took flight, its spotted, cinnamon wings and blue-grey feathers blending into the now fathomless sky.
Azusa glared at the crimson moon, its unnatural color giving her own eyes an eerie glint. Growling softly, the petite kunoichi bit into her thumb with her sharp fang and allowed the blood to flow. Quickly, she smudged the red onto her cheeks like paint. Black, triangular ears flickered, listening for any disturbance in the air.
Satisfied that there were no more assassins, she wrapped her long scarf around the lower part of her face. Taking a huge breath, Azusa jumped.
Sleek, midnight coat had a maroon sheen under the moon.
The black jaguar's garnet eyes flashed.
There was no sound.
Absolute silence.
The mercenary of the darkness simply disappeared into the night.
"Daddy! Wait for me!"
"Come and get me, Mio-chan!"
A tiny girl jumped onto a tall man, who fell back exaggeratedly. "Ow, you got me!"
The girl laughed happily as the man patted her head. Such warm, strong hand.
"I love you daddy."
"I love you too, Mio-chan."
-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Shh, Mio-chan, don't worry, I'm here."
"What should I do now, Mugi? There's nothing left for me to do..."
"My father can help you, but that would mean-"
"It's fine. I don't mind dressing like this. I'm not scared anymore. Fighting with my katanas...it's all I can do anyways."
"Don't worry, Mio-chan, I'll help you!"
"Just try not to trip in the future, Yui-sama."
"Eeeehhhh, I don't trip...much..."
"Hnnff. I don't know about Yui-sama but you can definitely count on me, Mio-sama."
"You're so mean, Azunyan~"
"Thank you, everyone."
Akiyama Mio blinked blearily; the comfort and security she had felt from the dream was instantly gone. She winced as she tried to draw in a deep breath. Her hand immediately went to her wound on her stomach; she felt bandages wrapped carefully around the gash, and she wasn't wearing her haori -?
Alarmed, she opened her eyes completely, blinking rapidly to adjust to the light. She discovered that her chest bandage had been replaced too but, thankfully, she still had her hakama pants on. A fur cloak had been placed on her, so she did not feel cold at all despite wearing so little clothes.
Before she could even try to drudge up her memories, the sound of splashing water caught her immediate attention. Her hands quickly went to her waist in reflex, only to remember her swords were no longer strapped there. Feeling incredibly insecure, Mio concentrated hard, attempting to locate the source of the noise.
She spotted a figure moving in the stream not far off from where she was lying. It was clear the stranger was washing away blood from the clothes, judging from the slowly spreading maroon color flowing around the fabrics.
Mio swallowed, her eyes wide as she took in the rather beguiling sight before her. Her throat was even drier than before.
Basking under the rising sunlight was a lithe girl; her short, messy hair almost appeared gold under the light; tanned, smooth skin and lanky limbs that seemed to be compacted with power yet did not look overly muscular either. She shook herself like a dog, spraying water everywhere. She twisted the clothes and wore them without even waiting for them to dry.
It was a style of clothing Mio had never seen before - the stranger was wearing sleeveless vest that hung open, revealing her taut stomach and bandaged chest; the tunic had intricate designs with crescent moon, and was tied at the waist by a long sash; her loose hakama pants were shredded at the bottom, and she was not wearing any shoes.
Mio could not look away despite the blush creeping up her face. There were just so many factors that held her attention to this stranger.
But mostly it was because this girl was so unashamed and open about her own body. Her confidence simply boggled Mio's mind. She pulled the cloak tighter around herself, staring at the girl enviously. That's right, she hadn't taken off her armors other than during sleeping hours, had she? Mio allowed herself a brief moment to breathe freely. She almost didn't want to move, but she felt too naked without her swords.
She slowly sat up, and found herself staring into pools of amber.
Before Mio could even yelp in shock, the stranger pushed her down and pulled the cloak off her with her teeth. Flinging it aside, the girl then pressed her nose against Mio's stomach, inhaling deeply.
Though still disorientated by all this, Mio couldn't help but tremble at the rather pleasant sensation as warm breath fanned across her sensitive skin. One moment later, alarms finally went off in her head and Mio tried to struggle out of her grasp. She winced as searing pain from the blade injury shot through her, forcing her to still her movements.
The stranger growled in annoyance. Mio felt the bandages around the wound slacken and –
A hiss of pleasure and pain left her lips when a hot tongue dragged across the slash slowly, lapping away the blood seeping through the scab.
Smacking her lips,the stranger continued to stare at the wound curiously, as if she had never seen similar things before. "Hm. Doesn't look like there's any infections. Good good." The girl then sniffed at the area a few more times, giving Mio goosebumps. "You humans are so fragile."
Familiar voice. Mio's mind prickled and broke the haze. She should have realized it earlier! That werewolf, from last night-
"Remembering things now, are you?"
Mio stared at the girl's smug grin, at those pearly white fangs, fangs that she had felt during that sudden kiss –
Blushing furiously, Mio pushed the werewolf off her, or tried to at least. The moment her hands moved, the werewolf leaped away, though still within distance, still grinning.
"About earlier…you were staring, weren't you? Like what you see?"
"What-" Mio sat up frantically, red-faced. Then she paused, wondering why her wound didn't hurt as much anymore.
The werewolf leered at her, hungry eyes roaming over Mio's exposed skin. The black-haired girl quickly grabbed the cloak to hide herself. There was just something about that mischievous grin that made it difficult to breathe. Her instinct, her warrior instinct was screaming at her to be very careful about this seemingly harmless werewolf. Having a humanoid appearance meant nothing.
"Denying? Well, not me. I know I like what I see, heh," the girl laughed at her flustered reaction.
"S-stop saying those weird things!"
The werewolf only laughed again and stood up, rotating her arms experimentally, "eck, it feels so weird to be in this form. Whatever, it's been a long time."
"What do you mean?" Though still wary, Mio's curiosity won out.
"I'm usually in my wolf form, more convenient that way," the girl flexed her arms, clenching and unclenching her fists even though she had sharp nails. She rotated her head, as if testing the strength of her neck; this made Mio notice that she was wearing some kind of necklace made up of chains.
"Well? Don't you want to know what really happened last night? About what I did?"
"You have a reason for doing t-that?" Mio really, really wished she had her armors back now. This cloak really wasn't doing anything to cover her at all.
"Oh yes," the werewolf grinned again and held out her hand. As if hypnotized, Mio took it without hesitance. With a powerful pull, the girl now had Mio in her arms.
"Call me Ritsu."
Mio's breath quickened as Ritsu's fangs grazed against her ear.
"That kiss was a contract – I will honor your wish and not go after your friends, but in return, your life is mine."
"What does that mean?" Mio couldn't move; she could have struggled out of Ritsu's loose hold if she tried, but she simply couldn't. She could feel the werewolf's heart beat through the cloak, beating so calmly in sharp contrast against her own rapid beats.
It felt like a human's, like her own.
"It means we can each get our own benefits," Ritsu slowly caressed Mio's bare arm, making her shudder in spite of herself, "You want to get back to your friends, don't you? Since your life belongs to me, I will protect you. But you'll have to do something for me…"
Ritsu inhaled deeply, resting her chin on Mio's shoulder. The black-haired girl trembled again. "You smell really good for a human…it's hard not to just eat you…tasting you will have to do."
"S-stop it!" Mio tried to pull away, but she froze after hearing…no, feeling a low growl rumbling against her shoulder.
No, Ritsu was a werewolf, not a human.
"How cute. You're all red. Humans are so fun to tease."
Furious, Mio was finally able to push Ritsu away and was slightly surprised that it actually worked...or rather, Ritsu let it happen. "Why didn't you just kill me back then, if I'm just going to be some kind of...of…toy to you!"
"Oh? Are you suggesting I should just eat you?" Ritsu continued to smirk at her.
What an infuriating expression. Mio really wished she still had more of Azusa's kunais just so she could throw them at Ritsu. "Whatever! You werewolves have hunted and eaten humans for so long, so-" Suddenly, Ritsu was inches away from her again.
"Define eat, o-great general."
Mio gulped and stared at those sharp fangs. Well, what else could it mean? Before she could rationalize her thoughts, Ritsu had already pressed her lips against hers.
With a simple flick of her tongue, the werewolf pried open Mio's lips and began stroking her tongue. The black-haired girl trembled and clenched her eyes, unable to believe what was happening yet she still twirled her tongue with Ritsu's instinctively. She would feel the werewolf smirking as Ritsu pulled her head even closer to deepen the heated kiss. It became more and more forceful, hungrier and wilder -
Mio flinched when her back hit the tree, the rough bark scratching her delicate skin.
Ritsu pulled away, frowning. "Tsk, lemme see that." Without waiting for Mio to reply, Ritsu turned her around and began licking the scratch.
"W-why do you k-keep doing that?" The black-haired girl could barely talk, still trying to catch her breaths. Her mind was still frustratingly blank, and those repeated, thorough licks across her skin certainly made it more difficult to think. Her disobedient body was heating up again, and Mio could only clench her fists at her own helplessness against the werewolf.
"Hm? Don't you know werewolf saliva has healing properties?" Ritsu replied nonchalantly. She had already stopped but it didn't seem she had any intention of moving away either, like she was just staring at Mio's bare back. The black-haired girl could almost feel those fangs ghosting over back...
Healing properties...so that was why her stomach wound didn't hurt as much anymore, Mio realized, but what was with that kiss just now-!
"We should get going, shouldn't we? I thought you want to make sure the 'Kotobuki princess' is fine or something." The oppressing presence on top of her was gone. Mio turned around warily. Ritsu was on all fours, standing beside a pile of armors and clothes.
Wait, those were hers! Just when did the werewolf-?
Grinning at her surprised expression, Ritsu stood upright and swung her arms around as if trying to get used to this 'form' again, like she had claimed. "Shouldn't you tell me your name already, general?"
Injured and practically helpless, Mio knew this werewolf was her only way of getting back to her friends…to Mugi. Swallowing her guilt and distrust, and ignoring whatever the hell that was making her mind all jumbled, Mio stared straight into those amber orbs.
"I am Akiyama Mio, but you will call me Sakuno whenever there are other people around."
"Heh, Mio huh? Well, I like your eyes. You have some guts ordering me around like that," Ritsu folded her arms, tilting her head, "But I'll respect that. Must have a reason for hiding your identity, yea? You don't look like someone who can even hold a sword, yet I saw you last night, fighting as a swordsman, killing my packmates too even..." She paused, chuckling, "Yet I'm letting the killer live. Oh well."
Ritsu did not elaborate any further; instead, she tossed those armors to Mio's side, motioning her to get dressed. Mio did the best she could behind the cloak, but really there was no point – that damnable werewolf had already seen a lot already. When the last armor piece clicked into place, Mio let out a sigh of relief. She tied up her long hair into a high ponytail with a strip of fabric. This should suffice. Now, where to find a mask to cover the lower half of her face-?
"Akiyama Mio."
Even under all that layers of armor, even with her katanas by her hip, Mio still trembled at the werewolf's growl. But she felt no fear this time.
Ritsu was staring at her with a serious expression.
"Like I already said, I will protect you until you get to your friends. And in return, you will help me."
"And what would that be?" What would the werewolf want that would require her help? A mere human's help?
"I want you to get me into the Capital."
Mio frowned at the unexpected request. Even in such turbulent times, even in this vast land divided by various warring clans and greedy regency, there was one that remained the most united of all – Edo, also known as the Capital. The royal family of that province had ruled over the land for decades and centuries, never expanding their territory; but they had never lost any wars either. Edo was just in their own world, impenetrable and invincible. They were only open to outside for specific purposes, such as trades and immigrating civilians who would require certain qualifications, and any intruders foolish enough to disturb the peace will be dealt with mercilessly.
"Why?" Mio had been to the Capital a few times, accompanying Lord Kotobuki on diplomatic talks. "Why would a werewolf want to go there? You know how many demon exterminators they have, and how powerful their military is– that's why they have always been the strongest, the safest and most stable province of all."
"Oh, I know. I have good ears, I hear things."
"Then you should know better! Unless," Mio narrowed her eyes, "You want to kill the ruling family, the Tainakas?"
Ritsu only smiled. "Who knows. But a contract is a contract. You will help me."
"What if I refuse?" Mio spoke calmly, her hand already on the hilt of her katana.
"Oh but you will, just like how you were so sure I won't just devour you last night," Ritsu was showing her fangs again, whether it was meant to intimidate or just show her amusement.
"Touche," the general relaxed her stance. "Alright. Now, shouldn't we get going? News must have spread already. Our province might get invaded any time."
"Heh, quit acting all tough. And just get on, you won't be able to walk and it'll take too long for your wound to heal."
"What-"
Blinking, Mio found herself riding on the back of a massive wolf or, specifically, Ritsu in her wolf form.
The general gritted her teeth. She had no choice. Ritsu was a werewolf who had lead a pack – yet she could transform, something only bitten humans could do. So what was she? A pureblood? Or a former human?
No, it wasn't the time to think about this. Mio only had to endure Ritsu's presence until they find Mugi. The blonde princess was everything to Mio; Mugi was there for her whenever she needed the sister-like figure. Mio swore she will return the favor, especially when Lord Kotobuki's death was her fault.
Werewolves had killed her parents, and even after Mio herself had exacted her revenge upon them, that hollow hatred was still there.
She will never change her views about these bloodthirsty creatures.
Wait for me, Mugi.
"Onee-chan?"
A girl wearing flower kanzashi hairpin didn't seem to notice that someone was calling her. She continued to munch on the dango sticks, which she…took from the offering altars. Why not, she figured, she was the miko after all and it was the thoughts that counted right? All these yummy snacks would just go to waste if no one ate them. So she was doing a good thing!
Encouraged by her own logic, she took another one and bit into the dumpling. Ooo, red-bean flavor this time! If only there was tea to go along with it.
"Onee-chan, you got some of them on your cheek and sleeves."
The brunette turned around, blinking innocently at her younger sister. Indeed, the furisode kimono sleeves were speckled with sauce, but the miko was not particularly concerned about it.
The other girl was wearing a simple black smock and a dreamcatcher necklace decorated with blue-grey feathers. She looked exactly like the miko, except her hair was tied up in a short ponytail.
Hirasawa Ui wiped her sister's cheek with only fondness. "Mou, Onee-chan, people would get mad if they find out you eat the offerings."
"Heheh," Hirasawa Yui only laughed dazedly, "But they are so delicious! Try some too, Ui!"
Before the younger sister could reply, the dreamcatcher began to glow. One of the feathers floated and pointed in a particular direction.
"Onee-chan, we should hurry!" She grabbed the miko's hand and pulled her out of the room.
"Uuuaaa I haven't finished eating yet~" Even though she was complaining, Yui's eyes were like steel as she followed her sister into the forest near the shrine.
Sure enough, large bear-like Cyclopes broke out of the fog and lunged for them the moment they neared the trees.
Ui took out a ceremonial tanto hidden beneath her robe, ready to cast a spell, but Yui held out her staff and stopped her sister. Ui nodded in understanding and backed down, though she still stared at Yui worriedly.
The miko's face was a look of pure concentration. A light enveloped the staff and it formed into a dragon-like shape at one end. The Cyclopes were deflected by an invisible barrier that formed around the two sisters. The light-dragon then spread out its wings, growing longer and sharper until the whole form solidified; that staff was now a deadly trident-like spear, with the middle blade held by an ornamental dragon's fangs.
Twirling it expertly in an intricate pattern, like dancing almost, cursive symbols began to appear in thin air, glowing brightly.
Just as the Cyclopes were about to dive for them again, Yui held the trident-spear horizontally, then flipping it vertical with a jerk.
White light slowly enveloped the creatures, who only grunted in confusion. Once they were completely enshrouded, Yui nodded and turned away from them. Then the light dispersed, revealing docile-looking bears. Her weapon was now a short staff again and was returned to its place by her hip.
Ui gazed at her sister in awe, only to break out of her trance when Yui tripped and fell head first onto the grass.
"Onee-chan! Are you ok?" The younger sister quickly helped the fallen girl to her feet. Even though her face was full of dirt, Yui still smiled happily, "They are all purified, Ui~"
Indeed, the bears seemed rather grateful as one of them approached them tentatively, to show it meant no harm. Yui laughed and patted its head. The bear licked her hand in return.
"But Onee-chan, the fog hasn't cleared yet," Ui glanced at the still-glowing dreamcatcher, signaling that there was still 'darkness' in the vicinity.
"Oh, that one…can't be purified," Yui replied sadly, "can you at least try to talk to them?"
"I'll try."
The young shaman was unable to do as her sister had asked when an agonized roar shot through the silent forest. The mist vanished immediately, revealing the dead body of a massive, reptilian bear. There was a translucent form standing over it, holding a bloody kodachi sword.
"You are too lenient, Yui-sama. Creatures like them should be exterminated if they had already succumbed to darkness."
"You never know if you don't try, Azunyan," Yui whispered reproachfully, staring at the crimson liquid dripping from the blade.
The kunoichi did not reply. Gradually, the projection faded and the kodachi dropped onto the grass with a muffled clang. A small dove descended onto Ui's waiting hand as the symbol carved on the shell stopped glowing.
"Azusa-chan brought an urgent message, Onee-chan-"
"Ton-chan!" At Yui's call, the dove hopped onto Yui's shoulder and pecked her cheek, where bits of sauce still remained. "Did Azunyan treat you well?"
The dove cooed in affirmative. Yui smiled lightly, "good good, she's softening up! Eh, how do you work this thing…" She fumbled with the green shell, lost.
Ui helpfully tapped the shell at a few places in a certain order. The Hirasawa sisters could only listen in horror, about the death of Lord Kotobuki, and that their dear friend Akiyama Mio was missing. Just what will happen to the province they live in, now that the ruler was gone?
"But Mugi-chan hadn't returned to the castle yet! Something must have happened to her. We need to get to Mugi-chan! She's an awesome archer and all but Lord Kotobuki just… no, she needs someone with her! Ui, where's Nodoka-chan? We need to pack up!" Yui's soft eyes were hard again. They must bring along as many weapons as they could on this long journey. An excellent alchemist like Manabe Nodoka can make many in short notice, no problem.
"She's probably at the church, discussing things with-"
Patting the bear's head one last time, Yui pulled Ui's hand and ran.
"Let's go~!"
And so the hunt was on.
But who was the hunter? And who was the hunted?
A/N: short chapter? Well, it's only an intro of the cast XD (I will get to you, Mugi...)
Even with all that going on…I've decided to keep this fic T. I mean, I can't have two M stories running. That would be…rather difficult ^^;;;
I'll try to use as little Japanese terms as possible, but Yui will be referred to as 'miko' from now on, even though she doesn't wear traditional miko garments. And Mugi will be referred to as 'hime' instead of 'princess'. Self explanatory ^_^. As for clothing, I fail at description =_= some terms are at the bottom.
Before anyone asks, Azusa is not some… 'werejaguar' or anything. It's ninja transformation technique! Σ(゜□゜(゜□゜*)
Criticism, complaints or even just random burst of laughter(?) is welcome!
Oh, I dug out the epic-fail sketches I did for this fic wayyy back in August…view them at your own risk ^^;; Link on profile. Their clothing may be subject to change…but I'm lazy and lack creativity, so maybe not :P Feel free to change them X3
Background Info/Terms
Furisode (swinging sleeves) – a style of kimono that has colorful patterns with long sleeves
Kanzashi – hair ornament…to simply things, it's hairpin that is said to have mystical powers that ward off evil spirits…or demons 8)
Kodachi – short sword, same size as wakizashi…um, it's too long to be a dagger and too short to be a katana.
Dreamcatcher – a willow hoop with webs woven on it, and usually decorated with beads and feathers :3
So far we have: Mio (swordswoman); Ritsu (werewolf); Yui (miko); Azusa (kunoichi); Mugi (archer); Ui (shaman); Nodoka (alchemist)…
