Sorry for the long no-update season. I was still thinking which path to take for the new arc. :) Juggling between two scenarios! OAO
Disclaimer: I don't own DRRR! And Kanokon as well. Guardian and Crimson Demons belong to me! ^^ Some other references are used.
Warning: YAOI and some violence. Swearing and sexual themes are also employed. Not for children who are not familiar with Shounen-Ai. OOC!
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Itazura no Inutachi
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After Lingerin fails to silence Shinichi, the lovers begin yet another battle with the Master of Tengoku Foxes… only to get pinned down as the eight-tailed fox runs on rage again. He has also whispered words to Izaya… reminding him of his weaknesses and helplessness to rise victorious.
The thought of having Vorona dead shatters as she emerges as a lilac-eyed fox demon who has completely surrendered her heart to Izaya. Together, the three of them fight against the then-trembling black fox— Vorona's conversion gives Izaya yet another tail to boast.
Nearing the end, Shinichi is saved by the main perpetrator of the crime, Shingen Kishitani— along with his loyal hands, Shinra and Celty. The true intentions and plans roll out and it's up to the Raira Butai how to recruit new people and battle against the Nebula head on…
The giant gate has been opened and the demons rush out silently. Ikebukuro starts to get on the brink of end again… well, after the night falls in the city.
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Itazura no Inutachi
Nothing else matters other than fun and promiscuity. Used to…
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A jagged line of light draws on the darkened skies and a roar of thunder disturbs the students within their dormitories. Classes have ended when the sudden surge of a storm washes everything in Ikebukuro. The poisoned demons are left at the school clinic while being watched over by others. Lingerin is taken to the Order's hospital along with the other exorcists injured in their mission. Vorona has joined Ran's squad in the school clinic… minutes after Izaya has left. Now that things are starting to pass and Yomi's demons are not yet in action… there are hearts to be healed.
Izaya and Shizuo lie down the bed with the blond embracing the brunet from behind. Though the apocalyptic phenomenon is in play, no one can deny themselves the need for rest. Being in the core of Yomi has a toll on both humans and demons no matter how strong they could be. And for that, the kitsune lovers tuck themselves beneath the covers and in each other's warmth.
The night before has ruptured their relationship and it seems that filling the crack would take more than words. With the brunet's back turned on him, Shizuo has his eyes closed but his mind has been running wildly. Does Izaya really mean everything that night? It is true that he did hear Izaya's sufferings as the Priestess… but is it enough for him to brush him off like some kind of insect? Does Izaya think so little of that 'love' in Shizuo's heart? Or it is because Izaya has a little knowledge of 'love'?
He does say 'love', 'to love' and 'for love' a lot… but does he even know what it is 'to be loved'?
First and foremost, Izaya was a Priestess. He wasn't allowed to cherish only one man yet to love mankind who never loves him romantically. Second, he fell for someone whom he thought betrayed him. Third, he became obsessed with pouring his love out… and never someone expected to love him back as bad as he did. Fourth, Shizuo was a toddler who adored him by vague reasons. He didn't know 'love' yet.
The silence does not show their voiceless conversation… only the hesitance of spilling their thoughts to the other. In that sense, Izaya is still scared. Can he say that all he wanted to do is to save Shizuo by cutting off their ties? After what happened after, it would have been a nonsensical reason or thought. The protection is too late and rendered useless… only causing them pain and doubt to each—
No. somehow, Izaya wants to believe Shizuo didn't doubt their relationship and his 'love' for a blond. Love, what is love exactly? Is it the urge to protect someone in every way you know? Comfort the beloved when hurt? Have nights together? For sure, Izaya hasn't experience a right 'love'. That connection that used to be between him and Shinichi is an understanding of kindred spirits that are trapped in their own duties and what they are expected to be. It isn't 'love' one way or another… as how Izaya would perceive 'love' to be.
But is his perception right? First and foremost, Izaya was a Priestess. He was raised to 'love' humans in a way that he sacrifices himself for them without them 'loving' him in the same way. Second, Shinichi 'loved' him for another reason which is world domination; thus, it is a false notion. Third, he never had someone to concentrate his 'love' on so he ended up spreading it all over humans. Fourth, he has chosen a toddler to bear his ultimate vision of 'love'… but he is already a complete demon. Is the human version way better? Is there such a thing called the human version of 'love'?
He can seek help or advised from an ultimate lover, Saika… but then again, Saika is a demon and a weapon. For sure, its perception of 'love' will be far more complicated… or not. Because all he ever understood about Saika's 'love' is infecting humans with it through its blade.
Izaya then slowly shifts to face the ceiling… dwelling on thoughts that he never knew circulated both of their minds. Shizuo's grip on the hem of his shirt tightens as a sign that he is still awake and feeling the demon's actions. Izaya moves his head to face the blond— his hot breath brushing Shizuo's face…
"Shizu-chan… I'm so sorry."
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Itazura no Inutachi
Rei Haruno —Sakura no Imooto
Chapter 36: Nightly Serenity
…
"I'm so sorry…" He apologizes once again. He then moves to turn to Shizuo and clasp their bodies together, "I know what I did was wrong… and I knew I should have told you everything. I was stupid…" Izaya wraps his arms around Shizuo's neck and pulls the blond to his chest, "I thought I can protect you. Again, I was wrong."
"I'm never used to an apologetic Izaya…" Shizuo smiles out of the raven's sight and then he holds the fox demon tighter, "He used to be so cheeky and mischievous. I missed that part of you, Izaya. I know you have… no, somehow, the world found its way back to your shoulders. But it's not a reason to become what you used to be. But if you're happier that way, I just wish that you don't turn out to feel like a different person… even just to me."
"Ahahaha… Sorry, Shizu-chan. I can't help but to feel all gloomy with all of this…"
"Gloomy. But you have me now, Izaya. Don't store everything inside you. However how heavy it is, I'll help you. You're not the only person loving here. I have my own fair share and quit stopping me to act on it. I'm not your lover just for you to have someone you pour your love to, or someone to stand beside you. I'm here to help you and protect you as well…"
The blond then blushes strongly, "Though self-sacrifice somewhat seems to be the ultimate form of 'love' to you demons, I will never ever forgive you for leaving me alone. Just like what happened when your sisters first attacked the city… I will never ever forgive you if you do that again. Even if it's for my sake. I want you to stay here by my side always and through everything… like… sharing a strong… marriage."
"Is that a proposal, Shizu-chan?"
"Humans can never marry demons. But I'm not completely one now so… maybe… we could…"
The red-eyed fox demon chuckles loudly and pulls on the blond closer… until his chuckles turn into loud cries. He clasps the two of them tighter at every cry and he seems to suffer in a nightmare without sleeping at all.
It is the same rapture he felt when Shinichi told him about dreaming about a life with him. Though they were all lies to begin with or not, these are all devastated. Now, the same feeling haunts his heart… but a lover of a different being. Shizuo Heiwajima is indeed a human and maybe, things will be different. Why only now? Why is he hesitating only now? The fox loosens his embrace on the blond and then he whispers, "Thank you. Please take good care of me, Shizu-chan…"
Maybe, all along… he really needs to learn about 'love' all over again.
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Itazura no Inutachi
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The bubbles get lifted by thin milky arms and the owner playfully blows them to the face of the man before her. The man twitches at the sudden shrouding of the popping white before he chuckles at the woman, "Oh, I'm very sorry. Have I been spacing out, Celty?"
The Dullahan nods and she clears her arms from the bubbles, "Are you still thinking about Shizuo?" Shinra then chuckles normally, "Don't make it sound differently, Celty. It's disgusting…" Yet he makes a sad face as he stares at the bubbles surrounding him, "Though, yes. I am still regretting how things went. It would have been easier if he didn't get involved with Izaya-kun…"
Celty then stares again at the former exorcist's face. It is supposed to be a somewhat erotic bath together to relieve Shinra from his sadness… but she ends up digging more. Shinra and Shizuo had been together since middle school and they seem to have shared a beautiful and satisfactory friendship. And knowing so, she couldn't blame him for feeling so bad…
And to think that he should kill the blond…
"Shinra, you said you also have a divine sword of your own. What is it called? How'd you get it?" Celty attempts to avert the topic and then Shinra chuckles, "Ahahaha, you don't have to hide the fact that you want this talk about Shizuo to end. I'll help you… I don't want to talk about it as well after all." A simple yet meaningful gaze comes from Shinra and then he speaks, "My divine sword doesn't like appearing when she doesn't want to. She will cut me if I do that. Unlike other divine swords, mine is something no one can control… even me."
Celty makes a surprised hum and then the man chuckles, "She takes on any form and only acts on your will. As long as you wield her, your swordsmanship doesn't matter. So I seldom take her out for some swiping." Shinra then smirks and eyes at the woman… "My divine sword is Renai… the one called the twin of Saika."
"Twin of Saika?" Celty twitches and then he strokes at his chin, "Based from what I have heard, they only regard Renai as the twin of Saika because of their similarities. Renai takes control of the holder's actions, can morph into any blade… and practically infects the demons with holiness. One cut from Renai can cause a demon to burn from that wound. Renai whispers into me as well… like love is righteous, love is eternal… for I am love and the cleanser of souls."
"Wouldn't it be insulting to think that you had Renai as your divine sword because you cannot fight with a sword well?" Celty speaks in complete curiosity and then Shinra chuckles, "I can hold a sword just fine. The only catch in me wielding Renai… is that Renai's blade turn out to be blunt for everyone else who has possessed her. She used to be deemed as a useless divine sword until I brought out the weapon in her."
The supposed-to-be bespectacled man chuckles as he raises his hands a bit… having a bright light shining between his palms. The light then thins out and becomes a medieval-looking sword, "For Renai's blade sharpens… with your will to kill for love." Shinra then gets up and swings the sword around… only to aim at Celty's neck- the man's eyes devoid of darkness and shines with a peculiar light.
"How about you, Celty Sturluson? How much blood can you handle for love?"
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Itazura no Inutachi
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"…The night is pretty still considering what looms over, huh?" Ran speaks as he stares at the magnificent moon from the corridor. The sky has cleared up shortly after the series of thunderclaps yet dark clouds litter around the bright moon. The school is closed down due to the time but the exorcists supposedly staying at the clinic are hanging around the empty corridors far away. Though her body is still weak, Mikage chooses to be with them and answers, "It's like the calm before the storm. The Order must issue an evacuation for all of Ikebukuro."
"Tch, I guess they would… after putting a sentence on our actions. I can't believe we have been ordered to follow them… and now, we're getting sentenced to death because of Izaya Orihara." Ran then smashes the innocent railing— his words earning Mikage's gaze. Haruna stands beside them and then she calls forth a sword from her crystal powers, "…It is as if they have already abandoned us. But Mama will never abandon me…"
They turn to her and the young girl speaks with her gaze locked at the moon, "I have lost a place to belong to. I can only seek Mama for a refuge. Though I have to shed my being an exorcist away, I shall do so…" She then disperses the sword and then she turns to them, "I do not care if I have to serve the eight-tailed kitsune with the name of Izaya Orihara… as long as I am at my Mama's disposal."
"What do we know about Orihara, anyway?" Mikage whispers as she sinks to the railings, "He has foreseen this. And the things that monster spoke of confuses me. Is Izaya Orihara… the Priestess of Tengoku?" The male hisses and sighs, "Who is the Priestess of Tengoku anyway? I have read about her in the books and she's all legendary and shit, right? But…"
"The Priestess of Tengoku, the savior of the whole town, and the most legendary of all Shamans existed. However, she wasn't just a shaman. She was also the greatest omyouji who had tamed the Killer Princesses and the woman who defended Tengoku against the most powerful demons." Mikage lets a small smile through until it falls into a sad expression, "It was reported in books that she died with glory. For that, the Ryuugamine Omyoujis followed her way in protecting the place against the demons…"
"But why the hell she turned into a male kitsune?" Ran turns to her and then Mikage can only sigh… "I don't know… but he spoke of betrayal of the Order that has done to him…"
"Listen to me, Mikage-chan. The Order never knows the limits of betrayal. The moment you deviate from a single thing they know, they will abandon you and kill you! It doesn't matter if you can help them find demons or something. It doesn't matter what you have done for them. We might have different situations but trust me, the Order will kill you."
"Tch. Why don't we just leave it like that? Sorry for opening it up."
The wind blows again as if whistling to those who could have heard it while the three exorcists stand in silence. Not knowing which step to take next, they end up consulting with the soundless feel of the night breeze brushing against their faces. First and foremost, it is their fault for being too close to the Raira Butai. Second, they end up helping each other through every trial demons gave them. Third, Izaya Orihara is pretty influential and charismatic… they could not defy him the least…
However, worrying about such things might be quite useless by that time. They have something else better to do. The biggest gate of Yomi has been popped open and who knows how many and what kind of demons had gone out to the human realm. As exorcists at heart, they need to protect people. And doing this duty might have become an occupational hazard for them… whether they stay as exorcists or not.
"Izumii, Sharaku, Niekawa…"
The three called beings turn to a side to see the female fox standing at a distance. She is in her casual attire and has her uniform neatly folded and tucked being her arms and chest. Even her badge is detached from the uniform and her weapons have been taken out as well. The exorcists look at their former colleague and then the Russian woman speaks, "Can I have a word with you?"
"Douglanikov…" Ran speaks as he and Mikage straighten to entertain her. Vorona walks nearer and then she whispers as the winds blow gently upon them, "Due to known circumstances, I have been dismissed from the Order. I will be leaving your squad, Izumii." She hands her things to the man but Mikage takes them instead, "…No offense but… why didn't they kill you for being a demon?"
"My Dad… did something to convince them to just let me go." She whispers yet again and then she speaks, "Your trials were only moved to make way for the investigation of the gates. They also need more hands in suppressing demon activities. In this dark night…" Vorona looks out to gaze at the looming moon, "We don't even know how many are dying… in the darkest alleys, the remotest houses… places all away from the eyes of the Order."
"You're right. We need to do everything to close the gate… but how?" Mikage speaks and then Ran hums, "Even with our ranks, we can't even deal with those high-level demons ourselves. What more of having the whole Science Department against us. Tch, I knew it. I can recall that name but I don't know where." The women turn to their leader and he whispers, "Shinra Kishitani. The youngest Top First Class exorcist who wields the blunt blade of Renai. However, there were rumors that Renai sharpens when he uses it… like becoming sharp enough to cut through the hardest shells of demons…"
"I don't care who we have to fight. As long as we can, we will protect humanity from them." Vorona clutches at the railings and then she turns to them, "I know you guys had taken the termination order as a warning… but would you still work with the Butai?"
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Itazura no Inutachi
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The clock's hands silently tick more and more as the twin sisters sit upon their beds… Mairu staring off at a distance. It is the same night everyone takes a rest despite the phenomenon at play. The stillness of the night makes it perfect for the vessels to talk. Atop their beds in the nurse room where the green-eyed kitsune used to rule over, the twins realize something.
Kururi the turns to her and she calls out, "Mairu, reminisce? (What are you thinking about, Mairu?) The bespectacled girl then turns to the busty twin, "Namie-san… I can't feel her anymore…" the one asked then nods and she touches her chest, "Similarities. (I have the same feeling.)" The twins get off their beds and they walk away from the nurse room. The chilly wind kisses their skin yet they fail to shudder…
"Do you remember the first time we met her? I can barely remember her worried face when she saw Iza-nii fully wounded from everything we did. But despite her fierce and chilly attitude, she was a great mother." Mairu cringes at the task at hand… it was never a demon's way to reminisce about the dead. Despite the absence of confirmation, they regard the death of Izaya's half siblings.
"Seiji also visited us once in the mansion when Iza-nii left for Shizu-nii. I never thought the girl they met once was the overseer. She also granted him massive power ever since he turned to a kitsune. Though it seems that Namie-san doesn't know anything at all…" Mairu keeps on talking until they reach outside the building- Kururi answering, "trickery. (That's why we were able to trick her.)"
"I will miss the two of them…" Mairu chuckles and then Kururi grips at her twin's hand, "Shinra Kishitani despicable. Pets annihilated. (Whoever owns that villainous Shinra Kishitani and all of them must be killed.)" Mairu reciprocates the grip, "Though he used to be their friend, he must be… along with those who wants to overthrow humans in this beautiful city."
Kururi reaches out her free hand up as she lifts her face to the sky— as if holding the moon, "Izaya-nii-san huge hindrance. (Izaya-nii-san should stop them at all costs.)" Mairu smirks and mimics her twin, "Like what he did to everyone who tried…"
"Righteous priestess…"
The wind blows gently on both of their faces yet they feel a presence behind them. The twins turn to the man standing behind them and then Mairu speaks, "Oh, Macchan." The Inugami then walks to them, "I couldn't feel Namie-sensei's aura anywhere. Where is she?" The twins look at each other and then Mairu speaks, "We couldn't either. But everyone's back and I don't think they had left someone down there."
"Shizuo-nii-san four tails (Shizuo-nii-san's tails grew to four)." Kururi whispers and then Masaomi looks away, "I see. What happened down there? I mean… shit. If only I could have known someone would betray us like that…"
"It's all in the past now, Macchan. We should just think of a way to not let them take over Ikebukuro. I mean…" Mairu looks back at the big moon, "This city is pretty! We can't let it go to waste! And… Iza-nii will love us if we… protect this place…"
Masaomi twitches and then the twin sister joins Mairu in loving the moonlight. The Inugami looks up at the looming celestial being and then he whispers, "It feels so gloomy… with the gate to Yomi open like this. I'm sure all the strongest demons could have gotten out of Yomi…"
"Yomi gloom (Yomi is indeed a gloomy place)." Kururi speaks and then Mairu chuckles, "You don't have to worry about those. Iza-nii is now an eight-tailed fox and he has a new follower!" Masaomi turns to them and then he chuckles, "But we all know Izaya takes his power from every human around him… those who rely on him for salvation. Betrayal of a friend will surely decrease his power and confidence…"
"Nii-san loved (Nii-san is loved)." Kururi then walks to Masaomi's other side and the twins snuggle his arms. Kururi lays her chin on his shoulder and Mairu does the same— whispering to the Inugami, "Shizu-nii is the world to him now. As long as they are together, he will be forever invincible. And besides, this phenomenon will arouse the interest of the Ruler to take Ikebukuro under his wing…"
"Favorable (It's favorable)." The Inugami twitches at the sudden change in their aura and then Kururi whispers the word 'favorable' for quite some time. Mairu then joins her in chuckling with their eyes glowing brilliant snow and sky…
"At this rate, Iza-nii will have to kill him and become the new Ruler… like what we always want him to be…"
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End of Chapter 36
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Thanks for reading! Please review! Sorry for the really long hiatus!