Disclaimer: I do not own Servamp or any of the characters
"Black Cat?" Mahiru sat up in his bed and rubbed his tired eyes. He felt that something was wrong and turned to the cat. It would always sleep next to him but it wasn't in its usual spot now. He spotted the cat curled up in the corner of his room and walked towards it. As he moved closer, he could see that it was shaking violently and its fur was standing up.
"What's wrong?" He spoke softly to it but it hissed at him in return. Black Cat was usually docile and sweet so he didn't know what suddenly made it aggressive. Mahiru wasn't sure if he should touch the cat or not. He thought of going to ask Kuro for help but he didn't want to leave Black Cat alone either. He noticed that it was scratching at its ears. "You're going to hurt yourself. Is something bothering you, Black Cat?"
Mahiru reached out to soothe it but then he quickly recoiled when it scratched at his hand. He moved away from Black Cat quickly when it began to transform. It turned into a lion and began to frantically roam around the small room. He stepped backwards to dodge its claws and he swore when his back hit a wall. Black Cat continued to destroy the room at random and Mahiru didn't know what to do. He shouted sternly, "Stop this, Black Cat!"
He stiffened when the lion turned its dark eyes to him. It was the first time he felt afraid of the creature since he married Kuro. Even though he was afraid, he couldn't bring himself to attack Black Cat with his fire. He doubted his clouds could protect him either so he didn't know what he should do. Mahiru's heart was racing as the lion bounded towards him. But, at the last moment, Black Cat turned away from him and ran out of the room, breaking the door in its haste.
Fear and shock still seized his body so Mahiru couldn't move and he sank to the ground. He stared at the door and took several deep breaths. Despite how unsteady his legs felt, he forced himself to stand when he saw Kuro walk into the doorway. Kuro was in front of him in moments and looked over him worriedly. "What happened in here? I heard a crash. Did Lily scare you again or—"
"Something's wrong with Black Cat," Mahiru rushed to explain what happened. His mind was still racing so he didn't know if he was making any sense. He was still confused by Black Cat's sudden change in demeanour but he ran past Kuro to chase the creature. "Did you see what direction he went? Something happened to him. We need to find him before he hurts himself or someone else."
"Wait, Mahiru!" Kuro tried to stop him. He could see how shaken Mahiru was after he was attacked by someone he trusted. He didn't know what made Black Cat become feral but he knew how dangerous it was. "You stay here where it's safe. I'll go after him. Black Cat is my shadow and I can sense him so it'll be faster if I go after him by myself."
"I'm going with you! Black Cat is my friend and I need to make sure that he's okay. We're just wasting time arguing so just take me with you." Mahiru countered and took Kuro's hand to drag him forward. They ran down the hall and followed the path of destruction Black Cat left. He frowned at the ruined garden but he forced himself to focus on finding Black Cat.
They ran out of the cave and Mahiru's eyes desperately scanned the trees for Black Cat. It could transform into any animal so he didn't know if it was still a lion or something else. Kuro could sense his dread and squeezed his hand reassuringly. The tension in his shoulders loosened a little but not entirely. Mahiru was grateful that he had Kuro with him. "We'll find him, I promise."
The two jumped when they heard a tree crashing to the ground. Kuro pulled him towards the sound. He still had reservation about taking Mahiru into a dangerous situation but he knew that he would only follow him if he forced him to return to the cave. On the other hand, he was all to familiar with how reckless Mahiru was in the name of protecting others. He could only keep Mahiru by his side and protect him.
Black Cat was trashing his body against the trees and scratching aggressively at its ear. While the other souls ran from the lion, Mahiru could see that one woman didn't. She stood in front of Black Cat and strummed her lyre as she sang softly. The siren's song was tranquil but it made Black Cat winced in pain. Strings shot out from her lyre and restrained the lion.
"Let him go!" Mahiru slipped his hand from Kuro's before he could stop him. He placed himself between the woman and Black Cat. He summoned his fire to burn the strings holding the lion. While he never took his eyes off the woman, he could hear Black Cat collapse behind him. He had to question why she would enter the Forest of Ash while she was still alive. "What do you want with Black Cat?"
"Tsubaki commanded me to fetch away the hound of Sleepy Ash." She said in a flat tone, as if she didn't have the most dangerous task imaginable. Most people were too afraid to enter Sleepy Ash's forest, let alone kidnap his loyal beast. What shocked Mahiru more was that the Olympian Tsubaki had given her the labour when Kuro had stayed uninvolved in the war.
"I'm not going to let you take him." He didn't enjoy fighting and his control over fire was still weak but he strengthened his resolve. Mahiru wanted to stop her quickly and peacefully so he tried to burn the strings on her lyre. He cursed lightly when the strings simply mended itself and the best he could do was block her attacks from reaching Black Cat again.
Kuro knew that Mahiru's power had a limit and he was worried that he would strain himself. He quickly manipulated the trees to attack the woman and distract her from Mahiru. He gestured for him to take Black Cat away while he fought and he hoped that Mahiru would listen to him for once. Shadow gathered around his hands until it materialized as claws. "Leave and tell my brother that my decision won't change."
In answer, she strummed her lyre. The song became a shrill cry and Kuro had to cover his ears. A siren's song couldn't entrance an Olympian but it could still hurt him. He dashed in front of her and used his claws to destroy her lyre. He forced the instrument from her hands and kicked it away from her. Then he grabbed her shirt and shoved her against a tree. Kuro raised his claws, "Why did Tsubaki send you?"
"I already told you. I am to capture Black Cat." She spoke in an even voice even when facing an Olympian. "But if the task becomes too dangerous, I must kill him."
Kuro's heart dropped when she began to sing a familiar chant. He quickly let her go and turned to Black Cat. A dark shadow circled the lion and he rushed to pull Mahiru away from it. While his back was turned, she took the opportunity to escape but Kuro didn't bother to stop her. The spell she cast could very well destroy his entire forest.
"Black Cat, what's wrong?" Mahiru asked worriedly. He ran his hands over its fur to find any remaining strings that could be hurting it. Black Cat began to transform but Mahiru didn't step away from it, wanting to help it. It became a three-headed hound that was as large as a building and Mahiru was forced to back away from it. He gasped when Kuro pulled him away from the beast moments before it would've been crushed him by its paw.
"That woman used a spell to force Black Cat into his Cerberus form. He's probably still under her song so he can't hear us." Kuro quickly explained. He used his vines to restrain Cerberus the best he could. Usually, he could force it back into its cat form with a command but he knew that trying would be pointless when it couldn't hear him.
"Is there something we can do?" Mahiru looked up at him. The expression Kuro gave him told him that there wasn't a way to reverse his transformation.
"Stay away from him, Mahiru! There's nothing you can do to stop him." Kuro screamed and hugged him against his body to keep him from approaching Black Cat again. The three-headed dog rampaged and he knew that the only way to stop it was to kill it. He placed his hand on the back of his head and pressed his face to his chest so he wouldn't see anything. "I'm sorry."
"No! You can't, Kuro!" He could easily guess his intention when he felt Kuro gather his power. Mahiru struggled out of his arms and pushed him away from Black Cat. He couldn't let Kuro hurt it but knew that he had to contain Cerberus and stop it from destroying the forest. He bit his lip as he tried think of a way to do so without hurting it.
Mahiru raised his hands and created walls of fire around them. Kuro stood on the other side of the flames and he couldn't remember being more afraid. The fire didn't allow him to pass and he could only watch them. He wanted to protect Mahiru but he had to trust him.
He struggled to maintain such a large flame and he could feel his body burning but he ignored the pain. If he lost control, he could accidentally burn the forest to ashes. He wrapped the wall around them to make a burning cage that restrained Black Cat further. The hound instinctively flinched away from the fire and growled at the cage it found itself in. Cautiously, Mahiru walked closer to Black Cat.
"It's okay, Black Cat. The siren is gone and you don't need to be afraid anymore. I know this isn't you so please transform back." Mahiru slowly moved the roof of the cage down to force Black Cat to lower its head. His legs shook when the beast snarled at him but Mahiru walked closer to it. It tried to bite him as he did so. Still, he closed the space between them and wrapped his arms around its neck.
"You're not a monster, Black Cat. She forced you into this form but you're stronger." He spoke softly to Black Cat and stroked its neck. Mahiru found a few strings among its hair and burned them without hurting it. Once the last string was gone, he could feel it slowly relax beneath his hand. Dark shadows were released from its body as it became smaller. Mahiru made sure to keep his arms around Black Cat securely even as it shrunk. Soon, it became a small kitten in his arms.
The moment he released his fire, Kuro rushed to his side. He touched his arms and Mahiru grinned up at him triumphantly. Then he closed his eyes and slumped into his arms. If Kuro wasn't immortal, he would say that Mahiru scared him enough to lose centuries of his life. Kuro was relieved when he felt his pulse and knew that he was merely asleep. "You really are a troublesome husband."
He knew that Mahiru must've been exhausted. He never had to summon so much fire in a short amount of time before. But he still cradled Black Cat securely in his arms while he was sleeping. Kuro looked down at him and he was conflicted about waking him so they could walk back to the cave. With a sigh, he lifted Mahiru into his arms and walked towards the cave.
Mahiru rested his head against his shoulder and unconsciously leaned into his warmth more. Holding him felt strangely right to Kuro. He couldn't explain why he suddenly felt protective of him. Kuro saw how strong he was only moments ago and that showed that he could protect himself. He remembered how afraid he was for Mahiru when he faced Cerberus and his heart tightened. He leaned down and softly kissed his hair. "What are you doing to me?"
Mahiru's mind was hazy and his body felt heavy when he woke up. The sound of flipping paper sounded like thunder to him. He could barely bring himself to open his eyes. He groaned as he sat up and a black cloak slipped off his shoulders. Mahiru recognized that it was Kuro's and instinctively looked around the room for him. He was a little confused when he found himself in Kuro's room instead of his own.
"You're finally awake." Kuro set aside the book he was reading and went to sit next to him. He still looked a little pale so he gently nudged his shoulder and made him lie down again. He leaned over him and pressed his hand against his cheek. "But you're still a little hot. Your body isn't ready to summon fire like you did. You're lucky the fire didn't burn you alive."
"Your hand feels nice." Mahiru hummed and closed his eyes. "Did you carry me back? Wait, that's a stupid question. Of course, you did. Thank you. I hope I wasn't too heavy."
"Don't apologize. I'm an Olympian so it wasn't too bad. Just go back to sleep and focus on recovering your energy." Kuro brushed his bangs from his sweat soaked forehead. His light touch seemed to make Mahiru happy so he continued caressing his hair. "Black Cat destroyed your room so I hope you don't mind sleeping here for a while."
"Where is Black Cat?" Mahiru tried to sit up again. But moving so quickly made him a little dizzy and he was grateful that Kuro helped steady him. "Is he okay?"
"He's fine." Kuro reassured him and nodded to the corner of the room. The cat was curled into a ball and Mahiru stiffened, remembering how he found Black Cat in a similar position that morning. But it was completely still and Mahiru bit his lip. He slid off the bed and slowly made his way to it. He saw its ear twitch so he knew that Black Cat sensed him but it didn't move.
"Are you sure he's okay?" Mahiru knelt in front of the cat but it didn't crawl onto his lap like it usually would.
"He just feels guilty for what he did and he's sulking. Just give him time." Kuro said as he sat next to them. He saw several emotions cross Mahiru's face and he knew he must be feeling conflicted towards Black Cat. He was a little surprised that Mahiru reached out his hand to the cat and let it sniff his hand. When it began to lick his hand, he gathered it in his arms.
Mahiru didn't say a word but he continued to pet the cat in his arms. At first, his hands were a little hesitant but they both became more relaxed. Kuro was a little surprised that he still treated Black Cat kindly. Most people would be afraid of it after witnessing its Cerberus form. It purred apologetically and Kuro scratched its ear. "He says that he's sorry for hurting you."
"You didn't mean to and I'm not angry with you." Mahiru held the cat up so they were eye levelled. He gave it a reassuring smile and said, "We're all safe and that's what matters. So, you don't need to feel guilty or sad. I still think that you're a very special cat too. You were being controlled by that siren but you were able to break free."
With his words, the anxiety the cat felt was gone and it relaxed in his arms. It yawned and Mahiru did the same. He stood and walked to the bed. He placed Black Cat on the pillow and collapsed next to him. Mahiru had to admit that he was still exhausted. "I guess it's time for both of us to go to sleep."
"Look at you two." Kuro had a wry smile on his face as he placed his cloak over the two. The cloak's power would protect them and help them recover. Mahiru placed his hand over Kuro's as he started to pull away. But it wasn't his hand that stopped him from moving but his soft eyes. He sat on the cloud and adjusted his hand around his. "What is it?"
"Aren't you going to rest too? If you want, you can sleep with me. I made this bed for you, after all." Mahiru pointed out and Kuro replied jokingly.
"Inviting me to share your bed? I thought you were tired." Kuro laughed when he saw his cheeks become pink. He pulled his cloak up to cover his blush. Mahiru realized how his words could be misinterpreted but he knew that Kuro was teasing him from his sarcastic voice. He pouted at him when he recognized the playful gleam in his eyes.
"By the gods, Kuro! I didn't mean it like that and you know that." He lightly hit him. His body was still weak so his slap did nothing but make Kuro chuckle a little. Mahiru laid back on the pillow and adjusted the cloak around him. "But I don't want you sleeping on the floor again. This bed is big enough for the two of us so you can sleep here once you finish your work."
"I can't believe you're worrying about me when you're the one that should be resting. Just go to sleep." He said in a light voice and Mahiru nodded. He closed his eyes and he was asleep in seconds. Kuro made sure not to make a sound or wake him as he pushed himself off the bed. He returned to reading his book on the floor but he couldn't concentrate on the words.
He had a barrier preventing Tsubaki from entering his forest but his followers could still attack him. The others that attacked him in the past weren't nearly as powerful as the woman and he had to worry about that fact. Kuro remembered how the siren was able to force Black Cat to become Cerberus. Only the Olympians knew how to cast such a powerful spell and he knew that Tsubaki must've taught her how to use it.
Kuro glanced at Mahiru sleeping and he made a silent promise to protect him. He thought that helping Mahiru would help him atone for all his past mistakes. But it seemed like he was only putting Mahiru in more danger. He sighed heavily to himself and set aside his book, knowing that he wouldn't be able to get any work done when he was so distracted.
He took a blanket and leaned against the wall. Mahiru said that he could sleep next to him but he decided that it would be better to use the floor. It wasn't that he didn't like Mahiru but he found that he was beginning to like him far too much.
"Please, slow down, Lichtan. I just recovered and you're dragging along like this. This is no way to treat an Olympian." Hyde grumbled as they walked through the town. Despite how he complained, he smiled as he followed Licht. Flying would be faster but Licht said that he wanted to walk through the town. He didn't tell him directly but Hyde knew that he suggested they walk because he was still healing.
"Stop whining and hurry up, Shit Rat." Licht looked over his shoulder and glared at him. "You said that you were going to take me to the Forest of Ash but you're walking behind me."
"I enjoy the view." Hyde grinned at him and chuckled at how his face became flushed from anger and embarrassment. He kicked snow into his face before he continued down the road with a huff. As he stomped forward, Licht told himself to ignore Hyde's words and laughter. The man was a famous flirt and it was said that he had many partners.
I love you, my sweet Ophelia. The words Hyde said in his sleep echoed in his mind and he stopped walking for a moment. Considering his reputation, he didn't think Hyde had ever been in love before. Licht remembered how he almost kissed him and touched his lips. He couldn't explain how the thought made him feel and quickly forced himself to focus on saving Mahiru.
There were still a lot of questions Licht had and he turned back to glance at him. Hyde was standing in front of a food stand. He must've felt him staring because he looked back at him. Then he held out a fresh loaf of bread to him. "Hey, you hungry, Lichtan? Eating something warm is perfect in this cold weather."
"I don't want anything from you. Didn't I just tell you that we need to find the Forest of Ash quickly and save Mahiru. Who knows what Sleepy Ash is doing to him right now?" Licht said restlessly. Seeing how anxious he was, Hyde ripped off a chunk of the bread and slipped it into his mouth. He chewed the bread and its sweet taste calmed him a little.
"You always did like sweet things." Hyde smiled down at him but Licht frowned at him in return.
"Stop acting like we're close." Licht rolled his eyes but he continued to eat the bread he held out to him. Then, he took out his coin purse and he handed the stall owner a few drachmas. He didn't want to owe the god anything so he tried to pay for the bread himself. Hyde quickly took his coins before the stall owner could. "Give that back, Shit Rat!"
"Keep your money. This stall owner was giving me his bread as an offering." Hyde explained but Licht didn't look happy with his answer. He took a few more coins and handed them to the stall owner. When Hyde would've taken the coin back, Licht slapped his hand. "What was that for? I'm getting us supplies for our journey and you hit me."
"I hit you because you were being an idiot. If I want to give him money, that is my choice. I don't like taking things from people for free when they already have so little. An Olympian like you wouldn't understand." Licht ended softly and tore his eyes from his. He bought several more food from the vendor. "Is this enough money?"
"You really are an angel." Hyde would've teased him and called him a fool but he saw a rare strength in his blue eyes. He decided to let the issue be because he couldn't possibly win against Licht. He ruffled his hair briefly before he backed away from his glare. "I'm going to check out to the next stall so catch up when you're finished."
"Don't you dare leave town without me!" Licht called after him as he waited for the man to give him his change.
"Sir, you don't need to pay me. I did intend to give him bread as an offering. We need to keep him happy or else he will destroy our town." The merchant whispered harshly so Hyde wouldn't hear them. It was easy to see how afraid the man was of the Olympians. The snow falling around them was a constant reminder of the gods' power. He was shocked when he saw Licht openly argue with Hyde.
Licht glanced to where Hyde was purchasing a pan flute. He had an attractive smile as he played a lulling song. The storm plaguing the town died a little in reaction to his song. While the sight of an Olympian playing a humble instrument was foreign to others, Licht wasn't shocked by it. During his time with Hyde, he had seen many sides to the Olympian.
"I'm not afraid of him and you don't need to be either. He says he doesn't value human life but he isn't the type to go out of his way to destroy a village for a petty reason. So, don't waste your time placating him with your offerings." Licht found himself defending Hyde. "You shouldn't be relying on gods anyways. Learn how to survive on your own skill and you can endure even an Olympian's wrath."
Licht took his bag of food and ran to where Hyde was waiting. He had a small grin when he reached him and he raised a brow at him in question. He realized that he must've overheard them and quickly brushed past him. "Stop smiling and take me to the Forest of Ash already!"
"I'm sorry, I wasn't able to bring you Black Cat." The siren said apologetically but Tsubaki smiled kindly at her. He had always been kind to his followers and they were grateful to him in turn. While he gave her the dangerous task, he neither expected nor wanted her to give her life to accomplish it. That was why he taught her the song of Cerberus.
"We are happier that you returned, Otogiri. I'll make you a new lyre later. For now, let us eat and celebrate, everyone! With Cerberus gone, it'll be easier for us to enter that forest and destroy it." Tsubaki started to leave but he stopped when she shook her head.
"I stayed and watched to make certain that Black Cat died. He didn't. There was another god with Sleepy Ash and he broke my spell over him. Furthermore, he used fire to do so." Only an Olympian could use fire and Tsubaki thought over the implication. "I didn't recognize the god but it seems like he is important to Sleepy Ash."
"How interesting." Tsubaki mused to himself with a smile. "Maybe he will be a better pawn than Black Cat."
Woooo, I got a chapter finished~