Author's note: Thanks for reviewing. :D
In a place so dark, a man with golden hair laid tired on the floor. Up above, a bluish-green majestic dragon, intruded into the darkness. Scales as strong as diamond, eyes as commanding as a General, the dragon descended and curled in front of the sleeping man. The dragon closed its eyes and took his humane form. A waterfall of blue hair flowed gently behind him as his scales transformed into a legendary and ancient but powerful and impressive war set. A sword was hanging off his belt as the blue haired man tilted his head to look at the sleeping human. "Nakago..." he whispered softly yet it echoed off the darkness. Touching the planes of the sleeping one, the dragon-man sighed painfully. "My son, wake up. Open those crystals of yours..."
Ayuru jerked and immediately, the guest took a step back. Groaning quietly, he stretched his taut muscles and growled soundlessly. Everywhere hurt and ached. Despite the strong protestation of his body, Ayuru still forced his legs to stand and carry his body while his eyes slowly opened. He was waking unwillingly and Ayuru could only be sure that the low rumbling was the one that woke him just like in the past when he was womanising. It was the same voice that changed him from an active womanizer to an active hermit. Blinking the last blur of sleepiness away, Ayuru blinked in surprise. In front of him, was a man so cold yet warm and strangely familiar. A man who sent out a commanding aura, a dangerous man yet Ayuru felt his soul at ease. There was something about this familiar yet unfamiliar man that set his heart in calming beats. He felt peaceful in the presence of this man. Finally, overcoming the silent elation he felt, Ayuru gave a soft smile of gratitude, he asked quietly but curiously, "Who are you?"
If the man heard the question, he showed no acknowledgement. In fact, he walked forward and stretched a hand. "There is something I want to show you. Come with me, Nakago, my son."
Friendly or not, Ayuru was enraged. "Why is it that no one can understand that I could never be Nakago?" Ayuru roared as his face contorted in utter fury. Familiar or not, Ayuru hated to be accused by anyone or anything. He would never again subject himself to be the topic of false gossip. Never again. In his heart, he bore a little guilt for shouting at the man that soothed his soul but...
"Not Nakago?" the man asked carefully and incredulously. He tilted his head and took a closer look at Ayuru. "It cannot be that I'm wrong but I shall check. Stay still." Ayuru nodded numbly despite the rage that still flowed hotly in his veins. It was only because the man was able to soothe his soul that he allowed the man the chance to check. The blue haired man flicked out his finger to touch Ayuru's cold forehead. Locking eyes with Ayuru, shock registered briefly but vividly in his turned-frosty blue eyes. "No! It cannot be." Ayuru frowned as the man staggered backwards as if he saw a demon behind him. Letting out a strangled cry of rage and pain, the guest transformed into a dragon of brilliant diamond scales before he began cursing, "To imprison his true self in an icicle fortress and lock his memories away. To force him to be lesser than what he's worth..." His whole body began glowing in a bright blue light that slowly enlarged into a ball of light after which he disappeared. A dangerous warning echoed in a low rumble, "I will make heaven pay. I will tear it asunder. I... promise."
Ayuru frowned, swayed weakly before darkness consumed his being again. Nakago and I... what is the link that binds us together?
"Ayuru..." A call into the darkness as Ayuru easily swiped the call away.
"Ayuru..!" A persistent hiss. Ayuru growled as he turned away from the call and ventured deeper into the darkness. Who am I? What am I?
"AYURU!" A shout, a shove and Ayuru fell off his bed roughly. Sitting up, he blinked and rubbed his eyes, he turned frowning at the irritating alarm clock. A lopsided grin drew lazily across that charming face of a black-haired, grey-eyed prince. Snickering lightly, he shifted his weight onto his other leg, "Oya, oya, Ayuru-kun. Why the venomous glare?"
"What are you doing here, Ryo? Just because you aren't working, doesn't give you a special privilege to be waking me up," Ayuru drawled as he shook his silky mane before he walked past his cousin.
Clicking his tongue in a reproving manner, he glanced to his wristwatch in a deliberately slow manner that he was sure would make his cousin watch his every action warily. "Just because you aren't working, it doesn't give you a special privilege to be waking up late."
"Precisely because I'm not working, I'm waking up late."
"Ah-ah-ah!" Ryo shook his finger warningly before his cousin who looked more irritated than sleepy, "It's 3pm. Aren't you forgetting something important?" He singsong as he tapped his finger lightly against the glass surface of his watch, "You'll be late if you continue standing here, showing me nearly everything of yourself."
Late? Ayuru blinked. For awhile when it seemed he genuinely forgot about any possible appointments he had today, he cursed colourfully for the first time. Damn it, Yui Hongou was definitely making him do a lot of first-time things. "Oh darn! Ryo, what are you still standing here for? Get Gerald to prepare my car! Now, Ryo, now! Move it! Damn it, I'll not be late!" She may be able to make me do many first times, but she'll never break my clean record of attendance. Entering the bathroom, he ran cold water down his back and washed himself and was out in a record breaking time. Throwing clothes on himself, Ayuru began to comb the snags out of his hair, as if there was any, and was soon sliding off the banister of the stairs and sprinted straight out the door to his waiting jaguar. No time to lose...
"Ryo, do I look good?" So much for no time to lose... His mind snorted.
"Aye, cousin. I'm literally sweating. You look so dashing that you sent shudders down my back. Please go, lest I have nightmares of ugly people!" Ryo placed a hand over his forehead as he pretended falling faint.
Before Ayuru could reply to that insult, a gentle woman commented with dry humour, "Ayuru, my Ryo is too mean! You're indeed too handsome! I've already developed eye sores just by looking at you! If you don't leave my sight soon, I swear I'll lose my sight forever simply because my eyes cannot tolerate the sight of hideous monsters!"
Ayuru nodded and smirked. Opening his car door, he replied them happily, "Thank you Ryo and Kaen for your most insightful and honest comments. You know, I've always wanted to try to understand your obsession with makeup and accessories. After all, no amount of superficial enhancement and accessories and make up could possibly differentiate yourselves from the zombies! No, wait! Your true natural appearance makes Frankenstein one of the best looking models in history!" Sliding into his car, he slammed the door shut and scrolled down the window, "See you love-birds later! I've got to catch a rain check for now." Driving out of his private compound, Ayuru drove to meet her, the woman he promised his eventual loyalty and love to. With only one hand on the steering wheel, he scrolled through the calls and messages of his phone and he realized that she has yet to call him for the time and place.
How do I call him? I don't even know his number... Yui frowned as she kept her badminton racket and slung her bag over her shoulder tiredly. School had long ended but Yui had stayed back to play badminton to get her mind off a certain blue-eyed golden-haired man. This was perhaps the first time Yui ever felt nervous about a date. Scratch that, it wasn't a date. It was just a hang out kind of thing. He was just accompanying- no, he was following her. No, no, no! Yui's mind whined as she shook her head. He was coming along with her to buy new things for her room. Why did Miaka even agree in her stead? Yui did not understand. She could only suck it up and breathe and get it over and done with. It was the only thing she could do.
Walking down the quieter corridor, she realized the corridors were a little too quiet than the unusual. Usually, at 5pm, there would still be people loitering or kissing each other on the stairs or in classes. It was quiet and lonely. She shook her head as she continued to walk at a pace not too fast or slow as she recalled what Miaka had said earlier that day when Yui invited her to come along. "Gomen Yui-chan... I've got things to do with Taka. Gomen!" Yui frowned. Things..? Love-making most probably. Well, who was she to stop Miaka from love-making with Taka? After all, they're both lovers from different worlds that managed to overcome time and space with their love. Speaking off different worlds... How are they doing? Were they at peace in heaven? Yui thought as she nibbled her bottom lip. She will not cry, she will not mourn but she did. Her tears trailed her cheeks as she soundlessly wept and trudged forward. Such a disappointing priestess, she knew she was. She could not save even one. And she was the only priestess that did not have a prince, not that she was bitter about it nor was she seeking a prince when she entered that world. Miaka had Tamahome, Suzuno had Tatara and Takiko had Uruki. And she...? She didn't want anyone but that'd be lying. She wanted Nakago and she had a part of him. His earring. Does that mean she had Nakago?
Oh well, beat it, Yui cheered herself up. She was tired of it all and she was not going to disappoint them further by crying. She could not impose and disappoint them. If she could not save them, the least she could do was to be a priestess they could be proud of. And that would be what she would be- a priestess worthy of respect. Smiling as widely as he trembling lips could, she revitalized her low spirits and began taking larger happier strides. She felt light, happy, and confident. That was good and that was a feeling she loved most.
"Aah Yui-chan!" Sakura smiled jubilantly as she linked arms with a tired but happy Yui, "Come on, let's go! There's a super duper first- rate hottie! Well, he's not a cutie like Miaka's Taka, but he's definitely a hottie!" She winked at a confused Yui who arched an elegant eyebrow.
"Who?"
"Come and you'll see!" Sakura was a lady with shoulder-length black hair that curled gently at the ends. Her eyes always twinkled with child-like elation and mischief. To stop singing praises of her without sounding perverted, Yui summed up that Sakura was kind of like a princess- a snow white incarnate. Needless to say, Sakura already has a prince and her marriage was in a few months time. Sakura's prince was handsome to say the least but Yui felt Nakago was way more good looking. Alright, so that was a little bias considering that Nakago was Yui's definition of male perfection.
"Hai hai," Yui sighed as she kept pace with an excited Sakura easily.
"You know, he's been standing under the umbrella since half past 3," Sakura gushed as the ladies went down the stairs as quickly as their legs could carry. While they made their exit out of the campus, Sakura filled her friend with information, "And he's been ignoring every single girl that ogled him shamelessly and guys who admired his frame in awe. Talk about loyal. I think he's under disguise though, because he's too much a hottie to not be a celebrity!"
Yui simply shook her head and sighed in defeat. If it was Ryo again, she'd definitely tell him to stop it. It was downright embarrassing! She looked at her watch and smiled ruefully, it was half past 5. Whoever went out at half past 5 in the evening? Yui shook her head. After seeing who this so-called-hottie she'd just go home and forget about today's appointment. Truthfully, she was looking forward to it but unforeseen circumstances seemed to work at odds against her. Oh well. Perhaps he wasn't that serious when he asked her out. Perhaps he was like those usual boys who asked her out and then quickly backed out at the last minute claiming all sorts of urgent appointments after finding out that she was not offering sex. Yui sighed again. Then again, Ayuru is a busy man considering his high post and all that, so perhaps, he had other prior important engagements and so, he probably stood her up? Well, no point thinking and pondering and getting all upset since there was hardly a reason to be. It wasn't like he was her boyfriend and it was not a date but she was his chosen bride. Doesn't that at least count for something? But then again, he couldn't be serious choosing her as his bride-to-be when she had nothing to offer him. She definitely could not offer him the tangible things like wealth? She did not really have good, nice curves nor did she have any attractive aspects. She was absolutely not cute! Well, that sums it all. She probably got stood up so... Yui smiled painfully, she'll just return to her apartment and study for the upcoming test.
"Yui..?" Sakura looked at her friend and waved a hand in front of Yui's face to snap her out of her reverie. "Yui..? Is anyone home?"
"Huh? Oh, you were saying?" Yui smiled easily although it was a fake smile, as long as no one knew, that was fine.
"The hottie is looking at you!" She squealed as she gave Yui's hand a squeeze, "Talk to him! I'm sure he's dying to talk to you! I'll usher everyone away!" She kissed Yui's cheek, hugged her and skipped away to perform her traffic police job- shooing everyone away from the scene. There were some whining but not everyone dared to go up against Sakura. After all, her boyfriend was one of the higher-ups in one of the famous Yakuza gangs in Kyoto.
As soon as they were alone, Yui looked at Mr Hottie. He wore a black leather coat on top of a white silk dress shirt that was opened from his midsection upwards. A simple black pair of leather pants and boots. A pair of black gloves, a black flat hat that covered part of his face, a black pair of sunglasses and a black umbrella. If he was not on her school campus grounds, Yui probably thought he was going to a funeral. He was Mr Black Hottie. Yui squinted and saw strands of golden hair peeking from beneath his hat. It can't be...
"Done inspecting me, darling?" he drawled and Yui felt her heart skip a beat. When did he come forward? When she continued remaining quiet, Ayuru chuckled lightly, "I take it that you haven't got enough of me? Feel free to observe me until you're satisfied." He crossed his arms across his chest with the umbrella closed and held close to him.
"Ayuru..."
"Hmm?" Ayuru looked down at his bride and smiled. He liked how she called his name. She soothed him like the mysterious blue-haired man that visited him in his dreams. They soothe him.
"I thought..." Yui trailed off as she broke eye contact with him and looked down. She doubted him and he was waiting for her for 2 hours in the pouring rain? Was it despicable of her? Or was it okay for her to do that to him considering that Tetsuya usually was late?
"That I stood you up?" he continued her unspoken words with a grim look, "I'll be honest; I nearly forgot about it but well, at least, you didn't have to wait." He smiled easily at her, took her hand and guided her to his silver jaguar. "Come on, there's a lot of things I planned today and I hate my plans to go wasted."
Yui looked at the gloved hand the covered hers. He held her hand as tenderly as Nakago did. Their hands were of the same size. Was their warmth the same? She couldn't tell since Ayuru's hand was gloved. Was he injured? Or was he simply wearing the gloves for the sake of wearing it?
"Hey, I know you're mad that we're an little more than an hour behind schedule but are you really not going to talk to me?" Ayuru asked as he started the car.
"I... I wasn't paying attention." Yui was dazed. She felt that a lot since he came into her life. And she thought about him a lot too. Coincidence? Not a friendly one, Yui thought since her heart still beat for Nakago.
He sighed. "You could at least say you were not going to talk to me instead of shooting me down, saying you were ignoring me. Darling," he touched her chin and kissed her nose, "you are impossibly honest... and I like it."
Flushed, Yui stubbornly turned away and looked at the window only to hear his light chuckles. He just pecked me on my nose. No, he kissed me on my nose. Touching the tip of her nose, where he kissed her lightly, she blushed harder. Her heart started beating quickly as she remembered how soft his lips were on her nose. Sure, she kissed him before but she wasn't taking special note of his lips then. It was as soft as Nakago's...
Slowly, she turned to look at him and noticed how he was staring at the road determinedly. He had Nakago's fierce drive and determination. His jaw set, his grip on the steering wheel firm. He was just like Nakago on the warhorse. Yui knew if she touched him now, she would know the difference between Nakago and Ayuru. There had to be a difference.
Reach out and touch him.
Yui gripped her shorts as she fought the temptation. What would he think if she just reached out and touched his face? If she was honest, she really wanted to touch his face not only to see the difference between him and Nakago, but because she really wanted to.
Just reach out and touch him.
Yui felt her right hand tremble. She really wanted to but what if she distracted him? What if after she touched him he wasn't Nakago? Then what? Would she scream 'Fake!' or 'Fraud!' and jump out of the car? What if he felt like Nakago? Then what?
Just bloody touch him!
Yui gulped and raised her hand. She will touch him. She had to touch him. Her hand was edging closer and closer...
"Hey, whe-?" Ayuru peeked at her and saw her hand was moving close to his own hand. Slowing down, Ayuru turned to look at her in a puzzled look. "Darling, are you cold?"
Cold? Yui frowned and shook herself awake. Cold? She looked at her fingers and found it lying close to his gloved hand. Oh for the love of Seiryu! Was there something wrong with her nervous system? Touch face not fingers! Yui's mind roared as she smiled sheepishly at him. "Uh, yeah, a little."
"Right..." Ayuru was not buying it, Yui knew but he wasn't in the mood to ask further questions. Turning off the air-con in the car, he shrugged out of his coat easily, he placed it on her lap and he removed his gloves. "Wear the coat and give me your hand." Wrapping the coat around her, Yui smelt his scent- strong, minty, masculine scent. Her right hand held tight by his bare hand, Yui knew he had Nakago's scent and hand. "Next time, darling, if there's anything you want, ask me; and if it is within my power, I'll give it to you."
"Sweetheart, move in with me for now," Ayuru abruptly suggested as they walked past rows of beds, bed covers, pillows and their covers. The salesperson was kind enough to leave them alone but he did imply that they looked very much like a newly-wed couple.
Yui looked at Ayuru in surprise as if he just suggested the most outrageous option in the world. What was he implying? That her apartment was too horrible for her to live in? That arrogant man. "I've got an apartment and it's good enough for me!" she retorted hotly and he laughed mirthlessly.
"Good enough for you? Sure..." he replied sarcastically as he challenged her blazing stare with his own cool stare, "if you even have one that is." He turned his head up and continued walking as if they had not had any disagreement at all.
Slipping her hand out of his, Yui glared at his back. Was he saying that her apartment was not even good enough to be an apartment? Catching up to him, she tapped him hard, "Just what do you mean by that?"
"I sold your apartment." That dropped like a bomb on Yui. He dared to sell her apartment?
Touching the beds, Ayuru felt his hand sting. Turning to look at her, he frowned. "You sold my apartment?" Yui shrieked in disbelief. He sold her apartment without her consent? The cocky bastard think she'd live with him if he sold her apartment? She'd just move in and be a tenant to Miaka then!
"Didn't I say that?" Ayuru asked annoyed as he walked further. He was definitely irritated that there was hardly a bed up to his standard. He absolutely could not allow his bride to sleep on a bad bed when he's sleeping on a King size bed. It was either the texture of the bed was bad or the size was too big or small. After all, he did buy her a bigger apartment and the bed could not be too big or too small. Above all, he wanted it to be her style but she wasn't cooperating and he knew he was too fastidious about the bed. Damn it!
"Fine! I'll move in with Miaka!"
"Go ahead and stay with her," he replied coldly as he finally regarded her fully.
Great, she finally had his attention. But why did it hurt that he was nonchalant about it? Yui wondered as she held his gaze. Did she push her luck? No, of course not. She had a right to be angry that he sold her property without her consent. What of her school things? Did those things she bought with her own blood-and-sweat earned money thrown into the bins? If that's so... Yui felt another wave of anger boiling, "What of my things?"
"I only took what was truly required. They're currently at my place."
At least the things that mattered are with her. Was he jealous when he saw the picture on her nightstand?
As if he read her mind, Ayuru continued, "I took the picture of your prince too, if that's what you're worried about. Are you at ease now?"
Yui nodded slowly. Was he jealous even a little? Oh Seiryu, why am I even hoping that he would be jealous?
"I'll have your things transferred to Mrs Sukunami's house by tonight. Stop worrying unnecessarily." Ayuru sighed as he softened himself. He just could not stay angry with her. "I bought you a bigger apartment and I'm bringing you with me today so you could decide."
"What?"
"I want you to decorate your apartment to your style since it'll your apartment," he sighed as he turned away and dropped onto a bed. He was tired. He hated fighting with her. It was too troublesome, too tiring and too irritating for him.
"Ayuru.."
Looking up, he saw her smile and heard her soft gratitude. "If you're so grateful, kiss me." He said solemnly only to be playfully slapped by Yui. "Ungrateful wretch!" he murmured as he allowed her to drag him. Perhaps she wasn't ready for him yet. Perhaps there was no way he could replace the prince in her heart. Perhaps he should just give up. Ayuru shook his head. He always got what he wanted, and she would not be the first to break the record. He wanted her and he will have her by hook or crook. Just wait, Yui Hongou, you'll be my bride. Oh wait, he needed to buy an apartment... he had been so sure she'd move in with him. Damn it. If a plan is delayed, it doesn't always mean it flopped. It just means the result would be more satisfying. He never made a wasted plan. Never.
Watching Yui picking up bed and pillow covers, hugging pillows, Ayuru began dialling a friend up and spoke in a hushed voice after one ring, "Harada, get me a big apartment in Tokyo by tonight."
"Yare yare, Ayuru. You owe man, you owe me. Anyway, my men are closing on him. We should be able to confirm movement by a fortnight."
"Ah, contact Momoru. He'll be waiting by the harbour."
"Aa, Momo, eh? Poor chap can't escape then." A laughter and then silence. "Ayuru, boss, the autopsy just came in..."
"..."
"Shiro and Sheng." A barely controlled growl of anger followed the report. "Based on the autopsy done on Shiro and Sheng, it is confirmed that The Falcons are in town. Sheng died sending report- Masaki Shisho shot him."
Ayuru closed his eyes and did a silent prayer for the two fallen men. "How many?"
"One on Shiro. Clean and fast. Fifteen on Sheng." A growl. "Bastard."
"Send me the report tonight, Harada. I want to see it. Pass it to Momoru too." Ayuru killed the call and noticed that he was shaking. No, not of fear. He could soon be let into the arena. Soon but not soon enough.
Seeing that Yui was still busy, he made another call. "Momoru."
"I heard Ayuru. Silent prayers to Shiro and Sheng. Brave men."
"Don't wait for sunrise. Get rid of the traitor Yamazaki."
"Of course. I've sent to you the report you wanted."
"Good."
"Ayuru, we need to talk tonight. Scratch that, now."
Ayuru looked at Yui and closed his eyes. Should he stop today's trip and make it up to her on another day so that he could meet with Momoru for some urgent notice? Or should he tell Momoru he was busy and risk Yui's safety? The Falcons could very well be watching him right now. Opening his eyes, he knew what he should do. He had to do it with her as his priority.
"My house. Meet you there in an hour." Killing the call, Ayuru closed the distance between him and Yui. "Yui, I enjoyed your company and I hope you do mine," he began and Yui looked at him quietly, "But I am needed elsewhere."
He's needed. Something more important. But I don't want him to go. Yui shook her head mentally. What was she saying? She lo- No, she liked his company. He was like a friend and so, she's not his ultimate and only priority. He was busy too. "Okay, next time then."
She was about to put the things she chose down when he touched her wrists lightly, "We'll get that. This won't be a wasted trip." Calling a nearby salesperson to get the things, he pulled Yui with him towards the counter. No sooner that they were safe in his jaguar and he was driving them down the road. "So... You'll be staying with Mrs Sukunami? Is there anyone living in her apartment?"
"No, she's out with Taka."
"I see. Then I want you to stay with someone," Ayuru said as a-matter-of-factly as he drove down a foreign lane, "Stay with my friend. It's no longer that safe to stay alone. Don't fight me, Yui. I want you safe."
I want you safe... "If you put it that way, it'll be fine with me."
The car took a few more turns and Ayuru finally turned into a guarded compound; he took her things and he helped her out. Ringing the door bell once, Yui noticed that Ayuru was no longer friendly and warm; he was cold, dangerous and guarded. When the door opened, Yui had a pleasant surprise. The woman looked most like Soi. Beautiful Soi. Thrusting Yui towards Kaen, Ayuru snarled, "Take care of her Kaen." Just like that, he deposited her things and re-entered his car and drove out of the compound.
"Welcome into my humble home, Yui-sama."
Yui turned to look at the woman with eyes so wide in surprise. "Soi..?"
She chuckled lightly and smiled helpfully. "The one and only." Waving for a butler, Soi pulled Yui gently to the couch that sat close to the fireplace, "I'm now known as Kaen. You will stay here with me, Yui-sama. Ask me anything Yui-sama. I know you have many questions."
"Momoru, what is it?" Ayuru regarded the bald man coldly. If there's anyone he knew who would give him the most honest answers, be it harmful or not, it was Momoru.
"There is a traitor amongst us. I replayed the instructions that were given to Shiro and Sheng." He flipped open his laptop and replayed the message that Shiro and Sheng got.
Shiro, Sheng, go to Shibuya Train Station at half past 11. Wait for further instructions.
"This came 10 seconds after the instructions were given to Shiro and Sheng. It is from the same device. Listen to this..."
Two of Harada Toshizo's men are waiting at Shibuya Train Station at half past 11. They're Shiro Takada and Sheng Hanzo. Kill them before they get to report to Harada Toshizo.
"What do you think Ayuru?"
"Yes, there's a spy amongst us. Your job for now, Momoru, is to feed Yamazaki's flesh to the sharks." Ayuru fished out a cigarette and took a deep whiff, "Tomorrow, I'd like to have lunch with you, Ryo, Kaen and Harada."
"What of Ryuuzaki and Matsuri?"
"I want Matsuri to continue watching the police movements. I want Ryuuzaki to be warned- if he is hesitant to be an ally, immediately eradicate him. "
"Very well, I will send word."
"Is there anything else, Momoru?"
"You're a greater and sturdier leader than your father is, Ayuru." Momoru closed his laptop and left without an idling. He had a job and he always did it slowly. It is always amazing to watch the prey struggle to live but it always ended the same way. They always die which is so amusing. Struggling just to die, such delight. Oh why Yamazaki? You just had to anger The King. Now I shall come to play. Prepare yourself Yamazaki. May Seiryu help protect your pathetic skin.
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