Title: Fast Forward to the Stars
Author: Shouhei-kun
Fandom: Nurarihyon no Mago
Pairing: Yoru (Night!Rikuo) and Rikuo Nura (Day!Rikuo)
Rating: T (SHONEN-AI)
Disclaimer: I own nothing from Nurarihyon no Mago. I only own the plot! I hope you guys enjoy the ride anyway!
NOTE (PLEASE READ): This fanfic is AU. No incest or anything. They totally live on separate worlds. And yes, this is SHOUNEN-AI. No flames or anything of the sort. I've already warned you.
CHAPTER 11 – INNER BEASTS
"Nurarihyon, together with his Hyakki Yako, fought against Hagoromo Gitsune's forces in Kyoto," narrated Natsumi behind the curtains through the microphone. "It was a battle unlike any other. They clashed with full force…" Whilst the narration, the battle was ongoing. Swings and slashes… hits and blows… supernatural powers and abilities used to their fullest extent… debris here and there… It was a fight truly of epic proportions.
The audience watched in awe. The actors and actresses up in stage gave their all. It was their first time up on stage, and they wanted it to be memorable and treasured forever .
"And in the end, Nurarihyon's Hyakki Yako won against the dark forces of the fox yokai…"
Nurarihyon was battered, bloody, bruised and everything else from the one-on-one battle against the cunning Hagoromo. But he'd stop at nothing to save his beloved YoHime. The fair maiden sat inside her confined quarters in silence. She was nervous, but she believed in Nurarihyon. She knew deep in her heart he would come and save her. She looked up to him. He was powerful. And handsome. And charming. And pretty much everything else. He loved her, right? And… what about her? Did she feel the same way? Couldn't it be more obvious?
Her head snapped up the moment the door slid open. Her eyes shone brightly. Walking inside was Nurarihyon, wearing his trademark smirk. She ran up to him, surprised of his wounds. She was about to use her healing powers on him when he suddenly held her hand.
"You're safe now, YoHime," said the sodaisho, oozing of confidence.
"A-Ayakashi-sama," YoHime stammered as her heart thudded wildly, her cheeks beet red.
"And I promise you always will be," Nurarihyon went on. "Stay with me."
Down the platform, Wakana smiled widely. Behind that innocent and simple smile, she mentally squealed in glee. "Rikuo's such a good actor!" she thought to herself.
YoHime averted her gaze from the sodaisho and mumbled something inaudibly.
"Huh?" Nurarihyon blinked. He swore he heard her say "yes", but he was unsure.
"…I said yes," YoHime said, a little louder this time. She felt like her cheeks were about to burn of abashment, which the sodaisho found amusing, and cute.
Kiyotsugu, the director of the whole play, who was behind the scenes, did a fist pump in utter triumph. "Our play's perfect!" he thought to himself proudly. He was sparkling from all the happiness and excitement. Literally.
Natsumi, on the other hand, loved the chemistry between Kana and Rikuo. Were they made for each other or what? She was too indulged in the play she almost forgot to narrate the ending for the play. "And so…" she started, but was rudely interrupted when someone made a scene. He hid his identity with a Tanuki mask, a body of an unconscious person slung over his shoulder. He stood at the edge of the balcony. People in the audience gasped and murmured, panicking for the boy's safety. But they didn't know he didn't need concern or worry, for he had all he needed…
"Oh, Nurarihyon," called a taunting and awfully familiar voice.
Nurarihyon— Rikuo's eyes widened, aghast. "That voice…" Rikuo recognized the style of the unexpected villain's short black hair. It was none other than— "Tamazuki-senpai!"
"Look who I got," Inugamigyobu Tamazuki said in a playful singsong voice. He referred to the person over his shoulder… or a yokai to be specific.
Rikuo gaped in shock when he realized who Tamazuki was referring to. "Yoru!"
The audience were overwhelmed by Tamazuki's presence. They wondered who he was… the mumbling were almost as loud as a hive of bees ready for a counterattack to those who dared attack its residence.
"If you want him back," Tamazuki began, "then come and get me. If you can." He obvious challenged the chocolate hair. Rikuo couldn't and wouldn't back down. It was about time he redeemed himself. Tamazuki then faded into the shadows, cackling. "Make haste, for I wasn't innate with patience!" A declaration of war. Just what Rikuo needed to make his blood boil.
"That's it!" Rikuo was fuming. Even Kana could feel his fury, which made her nervous. He drew out Yoru's Nenekimaru. Thankfully, no one knew it was a real arsenal against yokai. He didn't even feel he was on stage anymore. He just needed to desperately save Yoru… and fast.
"R-Rikuo-kun?" Kana whispered.
"Kana-chan," said Rikuo, his expression serious. "Tell them… It's some sort of cliffhanger… it's up to their imagination who the victor will be…"
Kana feared for the worst. Rikuo wouldn't kid around like that. This must be the real deal. She kept it to herself and nodded bravely. "U-Understood." Just as she said that, Rikuo was assured she would keep her word, and jumped from the stage, running past the audience. The oblivious people thought it was another gimmick. They didn't know anything.
Wakana, on the other hand, felt concerned. "Is that Yoru-kun?" she mumbled to herself as she looked back at her son, who fiercely exited the auditorium. She had never seen Rikuo that angry before. She knew he wasn't acting…
"So Yoru was here all along?" Rikuo thought, frustrated. "Damn, I should have known! He must be here to protect me again…" He shook his head, running faster. The exit to the campus was a few meters away. "I've depended too much on Yoru that I didn't even think about his own wellbeing! How stupid can I get?" He bit his lip. He was almost out. "Enough worrying. It's time to get a move on. I'll save you this time, Yoru!" He kept on sprinting, as if there was no tomorrow. His peripheral vision spotted something jumping from roof to roof. There! Tamazuki!
"Stop! Tamazuki!" he shouted. He didn't bother with the formalities. He wasn't his senpai in the first place…
Rikuo followed Tamazuki on foot. He wasn't some yokai who had the ability to jump from roof to roof easily. Tamazuki or any other yokai would have been the world's greatest practitioners in parkour. But no, they had to use it to flee. It was so unfair.
Finally, the raven hair settled on a place. An abandoned building not so far from school. Excellent.
Rikuo panted heavily as he ran through a flight of stairs. But the thought of Yoru kept him going. He wasn't going to give up that easily. His eyes widened when he came upon the true form of Tamazuki: he resembled his father, wearing the Tanuki mask, his hair slightly pink. His sleeveless robe was white, and underneath it was a purple robe.
Yoru was still knocked out cold. It was going to be Rikuo's first ever battle with a yokai alone.
And hopefully not his last.
Rikuo was helpless against the yokai, who overpowered him in every way. The chocolate hair managed to dodge and evade some of his attacks, but was eventually hit, sending him flying across the isolated room. He hit the wall hard, face first. The impact was so great, it created a small crater behind him. He swore he heard his ribs crack just now… hopefully not.
He felt light-headed and tired and weary… but he still wasn't going to give up. He needed Yoru to wake up. His humane movements were so slow to the yokai he couldn't deliver a blow to him. Only a yokai could defeat another yokai, unless he was some onmiyoji. He made a mental note to take it into heartful consideration. He stood on his two feet firmly, holding the handle of Yoru's Nenekimaru tightly. His forehead was already bleeding, hence his dizziness.
Tamazuki smirked as he paced around the chocolate hair with slow steps. "Does it hurt, Nura-kun?" he said. "Yoru-kun is hurt way more than you."
"What did you do?!" Rikuo shouted, a lot more infuriated. Tamazuki didn't make sense.
"What did I do? No, no, no," he shook his head, smiling snidely. "What did you do?"
Rikuo became utterly bewildered. "What're you talking about—"
"You betrayed him, Nura-kun. Right before his very eyes."
"When the hell did I ever—" He felt a twinge of pain. His head throbbed. His condition became a million times worse now. "My head feels like it's about to explode!" Then a sudden realization struck him. "Oh wait… I haven't actually told Yoru about the play!" Huge mistake. "Damn it. And Tamazuki used it as an advantage." His legs were getting wobbly. He could hardly move now. He hoped Tamazuki wouldn't notice it. "I think I could collapse anytime now…" Never in his life did he feel frightened. "Wake up, Yoru!"
Clang! Clang! Ching!
Sounds of the sword clashing against another hard surface… it was too familiar. The crimson eyed yokai slowly opened his eyes, the back of his neck sore. But that wasn't important. Rikuo's head was bleeding! Seething freely! And he was even fighting with Tamazuki nonetheless.
Was it because of him?
"Damn it," Yoru thought, and his jaw clenched. He shot a glance at Tamazuki, who pushed Rikuo back so hard, he flew across the room again, but this time, Nenekimaru flew out of his grasp also. The crimson eyed yokai's eyes widened.
Meanwhile, Tamazuki had cornered Rikuo against the wall, smirking triumphantly. He couldn't help but let out a laugh. This sight was too amazing for him. "You look so much like Nurarihyon in that get-up, it's as if I'm actually fighting him. But you're obviously a lot weaker. You were fun to play with though." Rikuo narrowed his eyes at the yokai. This is it, isn't it? "Let me put you out of your misery." He raised his arm. "Goodby—" Without warning, the tip of the Nenekimaru was mere centimeters from his neck.
He glanced behind him, it was Yoru, shrouded in a menacing aura unlike any other. His eyes were the color of fresh blood… maybe the color about to stain in his clothes. "Make a move, and I'll kill you," he whispered. This wasn't heroic or overprotective Yoru. This was bloodthirsty Yoru.
"My—"
"Speak, and I'll kill you," he added. He smirked widely. "…If you ever show yourself in this area again, I will kill you. If your useless minions intervene, I'll kill them... I'll kill you all." The tone of his voice convinced Tamazuki he'd really do it. Cold sweat dropped from his forehead. So cold… so… evil… "Did I make myself clear?"
Tamazuki was speechless.
"Answer me!" Yoru roared.
This side of Yoru sent chills down Rikuo's spine. "Yoru…?"
Tamazuki nodded.
"Good. Now get out of my sight, before I change my mind."
Tamazuki did what he was told obediently and had flee. That was one problem solved.
Yoru huffed, trying to placate himself. What was he then just now? Rikuo stared at him, flabbergasted and extremely anxious. Was the yokai going to vex out his anger on him too?
The crimson eyed yokai knelt before Rikuo, ripped out his sleeve and wrapped it around the other's forehead in uneasy silence.
"Yoru?"
Yoru met Rikuo's gaze. He was surprised by the tears falling down from Rikuo's eyes. This is… the very time he had seen him… cry. It was obviously because of him. He lost control…
"R-Rikuo… I…"
"I'm sorry!"
Yoru was taken aback. Why was Rikuo the one apologizing? It didn't make sense.
"I-I forgot to tell you about the play today…" he said in wheezy gasps. "And because of me, you got kidnapped and…" He was cut off when Yoru locked his lips with Rikuo's. He quickly pulled away, feeling guilty himself.
"It's okay, Rikuo. I knew deep inside you were never going to replace me."
"Then why—"
"He got me there for a second." And a second was all Tamazuki needed. "When I saw you hurt… and bloody, something inside me unleashed. I never imagined I had that kind of rage bottled up inside me." He sighed. "But I assure you, it won't happen again. I'm real sorry I frightened you."
Rikuo nodded, but was still at a loss for words. Yoru admitted he had his dark and mad side. And it was triggered all because of him. Did he still deserve the crimson eyed yokai after such an incident? He was avoiding eye contact because he was still guilt-ridden.
Yoru cupped Rikuo's chin, his crimson eyes glistening. "Look at me, Rikuo."
As much as he wanted to, Rikuo still wouldn't look at the yokai.
"Rikuo… please…" Yoru whispered. He leaned closer and kissed Rikuo for the second time. It was by far the most passionate… It was full of emotions… It wasn't forceful. And it eventually led to something more. Yoru still had Rikuo on the ropes as he started to kiss the chocolate hair's neck.
"Mn…" Rikuo didn't realize he was already drowning himself in pleasure. Yoru was well aware, but his self-control was quickly melting. That small moan urged him to bite Rikuo's neck. The chocolate hair let out a whimper, panting rather heavily. The yokai acted on impulse, and deepened his bite. Rikuo snapped his head up as a tear rolled down his cheek. But the more Yoru sank his teeth into his flesh…
Smack!
"That hurts too much!" Rikuo yelped.
It was a good smack on the head that turned Yoru back to normal again. "I-I'm sorry." Cold sweat dropped from his forehead. "It's that beast again…"
Rikuo rolled his eyes as he stood up, but quickly lost balance. Of course, Yoru was there to catch him.
"Damn, too tired…" Rikuo muttered, burying his head on Yoru's chest. Yoru smiled warmly and caressed Rikuo's cheek.
"Then get some rest," Yoru said. The mild touch of the crimson eyed yokai was the equivalent of rocking him to sleep. Now that the chocolate hair was asleep, Yoru did a systems check on him, wondering if he had any broken bones.
Luckily, none. Only big bruises and sprains. Rikuo only needed some rest to recover from those… then Yoru had a thought: was Tamazuki actually holding back on Rikuo? Maybe because back in the day, they were schoolmates, after all. Rikuo respected him, and Tamazuki acknowledged him. It was sad to see these two drift apart… But Rikuo's safety was definitely Yoru's number one priority, while Rikuo's priority was everyone else's safety, including Yoru's. How selfless.
But it could be the death of him.
Rikuo heard chatter in the background as he slowly awakened from his slumber. He felt like his brain was bumping the side of his skull, the world was spinning before his very eyes. It was a good decision of his not to sit up, since he felt like he could throw up at any moment. So instead, his eyes wandered around the room, and saw Yoru (in his human disguise? Or form? He was yet to ask the crimson eyed yokai about this) and his mother happily talking to each other. He could visualize sparkles from the two, since they obviously enjoy each other's company.
He looked around more, and became aware that they were in his bedroom. Way to invade privacy, guys.
Yoru and Wakana turned their heads to Rikuo and shouted in unison, "Rikuo!" They were much more in common than Rikuo thought.
Wakana pinched Rikuo's cheek, and the chocolate hair flailed in stinging pain. "Geez, Rikuo. You run off the auditorium like that, and next thing you know, you trip down the stairs!"
Rikuo raised a brow, but realized it was a bluff to cover the real story, which was hard to believe by most people. Make that everyone.
"Good thing Yoru-kun was there to catch you," Wakana went on, sighing. "You always come at such convenient timings, Yoru-kun."
Yoru smiled bashfully. Yoru never smiles bashfully.
Rikuo's eye twitched and made a face at Yoru. "Hmph. He's trying to be Mr. Heroic again even though I saved his butt this time," he thought to himself. "Maybe he's actually trying to make a good impression for Mom?" He shook his head violently (read: in his mind).
"So how are you feeling now, Rikuo?" Yoru asked. The tone of his voice wasn't Yoru-like at all. He definitely was trying to make an impression on Wakana.
"Hm, I feel a lot better now." Rikuo nodded. He still felt dizzy though.
"Well, you can relax for the rest of the day. I'll buy ingredients for dinner tonight. For a spectacular performance! And a simple token of appreciation to Yoru-kun," Wakana said, beaming at the two boys.
"That's too much," Yoru said bashfully. Again with Yoru and the word bashfully: did not compute.
"Oh no, I insist," Wakana said. "Your folks surely won't mind."
Yoru immediately thought of Nurarihyon, and nodded. "Okay then."
Wakana giggled. "Take care of Rikuo for me while I'm gone, Yoru-kun." She walked towards the door as Rikuo was about to whine to her.
"Hey, wait! Don't—"
Clack!
"—leave me…"
Rikuo glared at Yoru, but it eventually faltered when he suddenly became nervous. He remembered that heat of the moment, and it made his cheeks flush bright red. They were alone together. Again. Anything could happen. He fidgeted and averted his gaze from the crimson eyed yokai.
Yoru, on the other hand, was amused. He sat beside the chocolate hair in his bed, and threw his arm around the other's shoulder, smirking. "No need to fret, Rikuo. I won't do anything. Even though it's very tempting…" Since we're alone and all, he forgot to add.
Rikuo looked like he disregarded what Yoru said just now, his hair covering his face. "Mmm… Yoru?"
Yoru blinked. "Yeah?" Was Rikuo too embarrassed again? He didn't look like it though…
And out of the blue, Rikuo gave Yoru a quick peck on the lips. He then buried his head on the yokai's chest, and muttered, "Thanks for saving me again, Yoru…" Rikuo constantly surprised Yoru with these surprise kisses of his, but nonetheless, he loved it. To return the favor, Yoru embraced Rikuo, as if he was some kind of stuffed toy. He chuckled a little as Rikuo nuzzled his neck, being rather affectionate lately. Maybe this was his token of gratitude to him?
No words were exchanged as they stared deeply at each other. It was that feeling again. The feeling that the world only revolved around them and them alone. Yoru smiled as he leaned closer, their foreheads now touching. Rikuo smiled back, a little embarrassed, but comfortable and happy.
Speaking of tokens of gratitude…
Wakana came back to ask Yoru what he wanted for dinner, and instead, she watched almost everything that happened between the two boys, her mouth an O of surprise.
Rikuo and Yoru could only stare back at her in pure horror.
A/N: Yay! I'm finally back from my semi-hiatus of this story. Actually, I already had the main idea planned out (Tamazuki kidnapping Yoru, and the battle between Rikuo and Tamazuki), but that was about it. All the other parts are all improvised and typed on-the-spot. I still hope you guys liked it though. AND LOL THAT INTENSE KISSING SCENE. I think that's gonna be as far as I can go. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO WRITE STUFF LIKE THAT, KAY?
The very new twist in the story is Wakana… finding about their relationship? I will leave you guys with teasers, like: What's gonna be her reaction? Is she gonna accept them? Will Yoru admit it to her (hmmm, knowing him, the answer's kinda obvious)? What about Rikuo? And will Yoru reveal something else to her? Oh, so many questions.
So this new arc (or saga, whatchamacallit) is gonna be all super duper fluff. Good ol' action and adventure will resume in the next arc. I'm going to do more plot developments between these two lovelies.
2412, le image cover is done by RedRegret in DeviantArt. This just fits the story so much! All credit goes to the respective artist!
Thanks again for reviewing: HikariNoTenshi-San, akira45, MegumiHana and SavageTrickster!
Stay tuned for the next update again, which will be soon!
xoxo
Shouhei-kun