"What did you actually plan for your birthday, Satoshi?" Daisuke asked. Satoshi shrugged and muttered a 'Dunno'. Krad frowned at the lack of response. He stared at Satoshi, searching for something in Satoshi's stance and face. Satoshi fidgeted under Krad's scrutiny.
"What?" The word came out a bit harsher than meant to be and Satoshi cringed. He didn't want to speak in that tone to Krad; Krad didn't do anything to deserve the backlash of all the stress piled onto Satoshi.
"What's wrong, Satoshi? Are you okay?" Krad asked, concerned. Krad didn't bother to feel hurt. There was something wrong with Satoshi and Satoshi always comes first. Krad's feelings will always be second compared to Satoshi. This is how Krad feels for Satoshi.
"Nothing." Satoshi murmured, looking away. Daisuke saw that this moment was private and excused himself, saying something about joining Dark in searching for some painting materials downtown. Krad and Satoshi didn't waste any attention on Daisuke as he softly closed the door, as if afraid the slightest sound would cause someone to explode.
Satoshi expected Krad to say something along the lines of 'Don't tell me nothing's wrong'. That was what most stories would say, right? And since life could be considered a story, why would Krad say something else? Satoshi certainly didn't expect Krad to ask again the question, patiently.
"What's wrong? Please, tell me." Krad pleaded, or at least it sounded like pleading to Satoshi. He wasn't sure. What kind of tone was pleading? Satoshi was snapped out of his musings when Krad stepped closer and half-embraced Satoshi and half-held his arms. Krad had leaned down and his face was less than a foot away. Satoshi could see the worry in Krad's eyes and he sighed. He leaned towards Krad's chest and eased the tension in his shoulders that was there recently.
Sigh. "It's just… Hiwatari keeps on trying to kill me. Remember that time in the garden when I was leaning on the statue? It almost fell on me. I bet he made the statue unsteady on purpose." Satoshi sighed again. "I don't want him to take over my parents' hard work." Satoshi unconsciously pushed himself further into Krad's warm hug. He didn't see Krad frown.
"I remember. But luckily I had pushed you away, ne?" Krad smiled down at Satoshi, but he frowned again soon after. "What do you mean you don't want him to take over? Aren't you concerned for your own life?" Krad pulled away enough to look into Satoshi's eyes. "Please don't act like some reckless fool and get yourself killed. I need you." Krad didn't want to say love, yet. Love was such a strong commitment. Krad… knew he loved Satoshi… But, what if Satoshi didn't feel the same?
Satoshi could see emotions flash in Krad's eyes. Satoshi could identify worry and slight anger. But some feelings, Satoshi couldn't understand. Satoshi could see some joy from holding Satoshi in his arms in Krad's eyes and some jealousy that Hiwatari is most of the time in Satoshi's mind. Satoshi narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not a reckless fool." Satoshi bit out, offended. But he wasn't really hurt. Maybe it was a tad bit mocking? Satoshi didn't really know. He didn't really ever tried joking much, before.
When Satoshi saw Krad's hurt expression, he playfully smiled, showing that he was merely joking, nothing serious. When Krad was still unresponsive, Satoshi sobered up.
"Don't worry, Krad. I'm fine. I have you, don't I? You're enough motivation to keep on living. I-" Satoshi was about to say he belongs only to Krad, but he was afraid such a declaration would be too much for Krad and be a bad influence onto their relationship.
Krad almost smiled at Satoshi's attempt at cheering Krad up. Almost. Krad didn't felt like letting Satoshi off the hook, yet. And what was Satoshi about to say? Before he cut himself off? Krad moved one of his arms that were around Satoshi's waist (when did they move there when they were hugging?) and tilted Satoshi's chin up with it.
"You, what?" Krad breathed against Satoshi's lips. The warmth cascaded against the pouty lips and the reddening cheeks. Satoshi was blushing and Krad was damn well proud of himself for causing the ever-growing redness.
"I want you to kiss me?" It was more of a question than a statement. Satoshi was now nervous by Krad's sudden change in attitude. And dare he say it; Satoshi was excited by this change. Krad's lips curled, forming a seductive smirk that could've made any girl quiver (but will it be in fear or in lust?). Krad complied without making any sort of verbal agreement. He simply leaned down and pressed his lips against another pair, soft and pouty, perfect for kissing.
And great kissing, it was. Krad slipped the arm back to where it was resting earlier, around Satoshi's waist. Krad's lips didn't stay still; they moved in circles, rubbing themselves against Satoshi's, coaxing him to open his mouth instead of trying to kiss Krad back. (Though it does feel nice, if Krad does says so himself and he does.)
After a few more seconds of coaxing (and breathing through the nose), Satoshi finally opened his mouth wide enough for a tongue to slide in, or in this case, Krad's tongue. At first, Krad's tongue felt like being a toothbrush and began to playfully move around Satoshi's teeth and gums, before it got bored and the real fun began.
Krad's tongue patted Satoshi's tongue and began to teasingly circle it. On top of Satoshi's tongue. Under it. Top. Under. Krad's tongue repeated its motions several more times, teasing Satoshi, before it gave up and tugged Satoshi's tongue into Krad's own mouth. Satoshi understood and tentatively entered Krad's mouth. Once it was there, Satoshi was surprised when Krad began to suck on Satoshi's tongue, as if trying to get all the saliva off. But it was a nice surprise. Really nice.
Now, Satoshi was getting some action and he'd appreciate some privacy, please. Krad says 'peace out'.
Time unpredictably went by fast and Satoshi's day of birth approaches. It turns out that the whole town was making an once-in-a-lifetime festival dedicated to the one, the only: Satoshi Hikari. The festival would have everything from free things, to game stalls, to unlimited food. The townsfolk were obviously waiting for Hiwatari to be cut off from so much power (that brings power and authority). Even though Satoshi isn't really known as being a kind, realist, no one can really say anything bad about him (except for Hiwatari, but who cares about him?) since Satoshi rarely left his mansion.
Currently, our favorite genius is at the town's public park, where people had planned one of those kiddy birthday parties where a bunch of kids around a decade old run around giggling. A birthday banner hung between two large trees and several lunch tables were brought together where gifts sat on the benches and food on the tables. Satoshi, meanwhile, was standing afar, leaning against a random tree, observing everything.
Children were running around, blowing bubbles, playing tag, conversing, whatever they do, about ten feet away. Satoshi tried to ignore the girls a few years younger than him that were giggling and pointing at him. No doubt they were another group of fan girls. Oh, how Satoshi loathed them.
Daisuke, Dark, and Krad were nowhere to be seen. Where were they, Satoshi wonders? The trio had left earlier, saying they had an errand to run and that they would be back shortly.
They hadn't left, had they? Satoshi knew that they had a journey to make, but if they could wait five months or so, surely they could wait longer? But what if something urgent happened? Sweat trickled down his temple and no one knew if it was because of worry or the hotness of the summer day. Since it was one of the last summer days till fall, the sun wanted to get out its last rays of warmth.
"Sato-kun!" A loud, cheerful girly voice shouted into Satoshi's ear. He winced and quickly turned around and scooted away. A girl was standing in front of him. She was blushing and had a lot of make-up on. Satoshi knew for sure that this girl in front of him has a crush on him (not to sound conceited, of course). And if she has a crush on him, this could mean trouble. Satoshi did have a boyfriend, y'know. But she didn't know that. She's making Satoshi uncomfortable.
Satoshi didn't know what to do if this girl decides to confess to him. Should he be polite and say that he doesn't like her that way? Or should he be mean and say she wasn't his type and that he's gay and he already has a boyfriend?
"Ano… (Um…) Sato-kun." Satoshi shivered, and not in a pleasant way, either. "I-I r-real-lly l-like y-you." She stuttered out. Her happy demeanor deteriorated quickly, as she fears rejection from her crush.
Satoshi frowns. He feels like going a semi-mean way to reject her, though he knows he'd feel guilty later. "First of all, don't call me Sato-kun. Second, I'm sorry, but I can't accept your feelings. I'm gay and I'm already in a relationship." It would make Krad happy to hear Satoshi admit he had a boyfriend if Krad was here. But he wasn't, so he didn't know.
"I'm sorry, but he's already taken." A deep, baritone voice rumbled into Satoshi's ears as strong arms wrapped themselves around Satoshi. Satoshi turned a bit and saw Krad's golden locks. Satoshi smiled and turned back towards the girl in front of Satoshi and Krad. Looks like Krad had heard his comment after all.
The girl was red from embarrassment. She didn't know Satoshi was already taken. After all these years of stalking, she still didn't know about the important facts of her beloved. Mentally, she scolded herself. What's the use of knowing exactly what color code Satoshi's hair was if she didn't know he hit for the home team?
"G-gom-men, n-ne. (S-sorry.)" The girl muttered as she bowed in apology and scampered off. She was probably raised in a respectable family that made her learn real Japanese. Too bad those types don't really interest much people.
"Stop scaring people, Krad." Dark laughed as he walked to the blond and the victim in his arms. Krad gave a look to Dark that said 'so says the guy who hides in the shadows and suddenly jump out'. That wouldn't have made sense if it weren't for the fact that Dark did that earlier when they were shopping for Satoshi's gift. Speaking of Satoshi's gift…
"Say, Sato-kun? Do you want to open your gift now or later?" Krad asked as he nuzzled Satoshi's neck, either unaware or not caring that people are watching and staring. Dark laughed at Krad's lack of 'self-respect' as some mother said as they pulled their children away from them. Daisuke frowns but looks toward Satoshi to wait for his answer.
"Later would be fine. I'm afraid I might lose it if I open it now." Satoshi said as he kissed the area underneath Krad's earlobe. Satoshi felt Krad shudder and he nearly smirked. He held it in though, knowing humiliation was something Krad did not appreciate in front of friends like Dark.
"Lose it? Satoshi, you're a responsible person. Why would you lose our present that Dark, Daisuke and I chipped in for you?" Krad murmured as he kisses Satoshi's neck. Dark laughed as Satoshi almost blushed. He walked away with Daisuke saying something like wanting to see the cake. Krad nibbled a bit onto the skin, but Satoshi twisted away.
"I don't want a hickey." Satoshi murmured as he shivered. He felt disappointed that Krad wasn't kissing his neck anymore, but a hickey was not something he wanted to show everyone on his birthday. Being out of Krad's warm, comforting embrace made Satoshi visible to the wind and the wind took advantage of it. Nature blew its breaths against the suddenly cold Satoshi. Shivering, on an impulse, Satoshi backed up against Krad's chest. When he felt Krad's arms on Krad's sides, he grabbed them and placed them around his own waist. Afterwards, he turned around to face Krad. He leaned up and kissed Krad's cheek. This all happened on impulse and when Satoshi remembers where he is, he starts blushing once again.
"I'm afraid the girls would be jealous that your gift would be treasured so much." Krad smirked. Satoshi blushed. "They might try to break it and if not, they might put it somewhere where I can't find it when they give me their own gifts." Satoshi said as he remembered Krad's questions. Krad nodded in understanding and dipped his head in for a kiss or more again. But this time, it wasn't the neck that was the recipient; it was Satoshi's lips.
Chaste and soft. The kiss was like. And for that, Satoshi was grateful. Any more and he'd be afraid he'd suggest Krad to go back to Hikari Mansion to 'continue'. Some more personal time occurred while girls compared gifts. Soon, it was time that the party started. A rumor has it that Satoshi will give a speech during the party. Hopefully, it won't be too long.
-o.o-
"…taxes lower. Blah blah blah." No one knew for sure what Satoshi was saying. For some reason, it seems like there is a rule where speeches will always be tuned out, intentional or not 1.
The end was near, everyone knew, by the tone of Satoshi's voice. When he finally stopped, enthusiastic claps met the ears of Satoshi. He knew the audiences weren't really clapping for the things he had said, but that the speech was finally over. Such rude, disrespectful people. It wasn't even that long. Half an hour was not long at all.
"SATO-KUN!"
"HIKARI-SAN!"
"BIRTHDAY BOY!"
People were shouting to him and Satoshi winced at all the loudness and screeches. He had already received all his gifts and endured several hours of force smiling, nodding, and being shouted at by fans (of what?). His poor abused ears might not make it if something else would happen.
Suddenly, as Satoshi was walking down the steps of the stage, he felt hands tightly grasp his shoulders. Then, everything happened in slow motion. The screams from the crowd that were excited slowly dulled away. That didn't mean that they weren't there. Satoshi was simply distracted. The hands on his shoulders had pushed him down onto the soft grass of the park. The ground had greeted his cheek, since Satoshi moved his head away in time. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a frantic looking Krad.
Krad's expression was fearful and worried. His eyes darted towards the crowd and when Satoshi looked back towards the people and the stage, he saw an anonymous person shoot a bullet to the background of the stage. (What are those called?) From another direction of the crowd, someone threw a smoke bomb onto the stage that instantly sprouted smoke. Someone screamed as another bomb (explosive, now, not too much, though) was dropped onto the stage and exploded. Bits and pieces of the ruin cut into people's skins as the invisible force pushed them back.
The screams of the townsfolk became frightened yelps as the terrorists made themselves known. A group of men stepped out of the crowd with guns raised and grenades in hand while people backed away in fear. One of them, obviously the leader, smirked maliciously as he mouthed the words "Game over" to Satoshi. Krad's body was shaking on top of Satoshi and was it another situation Satoshi would be pleased. But now, Satoshi was only worrying about Krad and his safety.
He couldn't believe Hiwatari would actually hire people to kill him, though! But you couldn't blame Satoshi for being so gullible, for all these years Hiwatari hadn't done anything threatening. Not really.
"Duck!" Krad said loudly as the leader of the group unlatched the safety hatch on his pistol. He had already taken aim and one little movement of the thumb could result in excruciating pain if not fatal wounds. The bullet shot forth with immeasurable speed and Satoshi quickly brought his head down. The screams echoed around as they ran off. The security no doubt with them.
When the bullet had lodged itself in a nearby tree, Krad hugged Satoshi closer to himself and rolled a bit farther off. Seconds later, bullet sounds were heard and hit the grass. Krad and Satoshi were breathing, adrenaline running through their veins. Hurrying up, Satoshi pushed Krad's arms away and stood up, tugging Krad to do the same. Before the group of hired assassins could attack, Satoshi pulled Krad with him to the direction opposite of the men.
"Satoshi!" Someone was screaming his name, but Satoshi didn't bother to see who it was. If this was in another situation, Satoshi would've tried to place the voice, but now wasn't the time. He had to get Krad to safety!
-o.o-
"I was afraid something like this would happen." Daisuke murmured as he peeked around a tree at the group of men. Their backs were towards him and he was thankful for the advantage. Meanwhile, Dark was behind him, muttering prays that made no sense.
"Dark, shut up! Stay quiet or help out." Daisuke didn't mean to be so harsh, but lives were in jeopardy and it's up to them to save Satoshi. Dark glared at Daisuke feebly before nodding weakly. Dark didn't want to appear weak in Daisuke's eyes, but he guess it was too late. But at least he could save some face if he helped Daisuke.
"Renaca, help Satoshi. Please! He's in danger!" Daisuke whispered as a card flew up to him. The card twirled a bit before being blown away by the wind, but Daisuke wasn't worried. Defenses were taken care of, now for the offensive.
"Solaku. Attack those men, but do not aim to kill. They are trying to hurt my friend." Daisuke murmured as another card flew up to him. Following that card came many others, but Daisuke spoke only to the card known as The Stag-Horned God. After Solaku flew towards the assassins, another card came up. One that Dark didn't think he met before. The card had said Mother.
"Master, who is trying to harm my childe? 2" Mother asked. The woman's content face in the card wrinkled with worry. She didn't move much, for she didn't want to wake the child in her lap that was sleeping. But it was obvious she wanted to help Solaku and Renaca.
"His adoptive father, Hiwatari." Daisuke said quietly as he watched the progress of the God and Goddess of his cards. He forgot the saying, 'Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn' and didn't know how much a mother's protective instincts is.
Mother was surprised. His own father would try to harm his child! No one should harm children, much less their own parents. That man shall pay. Fury burned in the tiny eyes of the card and the other Tarot cards backed away, as if fearing Mother would burst into flames from the heat in her eyes.
The card swirled around to meet her non-human companions. The image in the card changed as Mother gently eased her child onto the tree's trunk where the roots held him. Mother Nature will take care of him while Mother will protect her other kin. She stood up, proudly and strongly. She was prepared for anything.
A loud BOOM! echoed across the park as another grenade was thrown. Daisuke cursed, worried for Satoshi, Krad, and his cards. Another flame rose in Mother's eyes and the cards knew there was no stopping her.
"Daisuke-sama, forgive me. But I have to do this." Mother stated firmly. The cards behind her nodded. Daisuke sighed and told them to do as they please, so long as no one (meaning the cards) gets hurt. Though the cards were afraid of the strong, parental instincts, they knew Mother had a perfectly, reasonable cause to have vengeance.
"Let's go." Mother yelled loudly and strongly.
-o.o-
Thanks to the loud explosives, no one heard the cards' shouts and battle cries as they circled the field. Satoshi and Krad were running from tree to tree, hoping for some shelter while trying to think of some plan of escape. But with this entire running, they were both too distracted to think about anything except run from the men.
Suddenly, when Satoshi was about to run to the next tree, something, a card? flew up to him. From the back, Satoshi could tell this wasn't your average, playing cards. Instead, the back was a wooden door. Like a door to a future. A Tarot card. Satoshi was confused. What was a Tarot card doing here? Much less a magical one too at that.
"Are you Satoshi, young one?" The card asked with a female voice. But the word female doesn't really suit it, not really. It was like bell chimes, with all the beauty and calming ability. Satoshi snapped out of his thoughts and nodded suspiciously. Under closer inspection, Satoshi saw a woman in a blue dress. The title for her on the card was The Crescent Moon Goddess.
"Yes." Satoshi murmured. Meanwhile, Krad silently stood up straighter and shook Satoshi's arms. He whispered something into Satoshi's ear and Satoshi instantly remembered that he had to take cover before the next shower of bullets/grenades came. Pushing the card aside, Satoshi jumped towards the next tree witlessly.
Renaca sighed. "Such fools, these humans. Daisuke-sama is just…" Renaca sighed again. When Krad and Satoshi was behind her, she lifted her hand and conjured up a magical force field meant to protect them. Despite the fact that this type of situation is pretty serious to humans, Renaca just couldn't understand the incompetence of humans. Couldn't they just create a shield? Renaca shook her head in disappointment.
Blasts and tiny projectiles bounced off the barrier, creating a quick light every time something hit. The barrier pulsed when something more dangerous came to the shield. Out of the smoke from all the weapons, the card saw the group of men advance towards the shield. Where was Solaku?
-o.o-
Solaku didn't know how to help out Daisuke-sama's friends. He never did understand human weapons and technology, much less pistols and grenades. He knew he had to do something soon and in the meantime; he'll simply strengthen Renaca's shields. Solaku waited for the surge of magical energy before figuring out a plan.
Human's weapons such as pistols (guns) and grenades have never come in contact with magic, before. And Solaku has always heard his Daisuke-sama say that non-magic objects should not be meddled with magic. And vice versa. So if Solaku put some magical pressure on the guns and grenades, perhaps he can break them?
"Grenades are explosive. So if you tamper with one, it'd probably explode in your face." Daisuke explained a long time ago.
Solaku frowned. The memory suggested that Solaku shouldn't force magical pressure on bombs, but guns are probably okay. Grenades have rings you have to pull in order to activate. Those assassins probably won't pull the ring later.
With a determined gleam in his eyes, Solaku swerved forward, towards the enemy with his staff raised. His mouth formed words, no doubt spells, but no sound came out. The staff in his hands started glowing, sheen of changing colors ranging from blue to red to green. Unexpectedly (to the humans who have paused), a beam shot out and hit one gun. Soon another beam shot another gun. The process continued till none were left. Only charred pieces were left. Solaku gave a triumphant smirk and there was a glimmer in his eyes that said, "You want some more, human?"
The group of hired men scampered away, holding tightly to the grenades. One of them tripped and he looked back in fear, quickly. When he saw Solaku still watching him, his fear escalated and out of survival instinct, he pulled the ring off the grenade and aimlessly threw it at Solaku.
It missed. But the intent was still there.
Solaku knew he couldn't do much to the grenades, but he could always scare the humans. What was the phrase that Renaca always uses? Yes, piss in their pants. The smirk grew and the fallen man crawled away before standing up and catching up with his companions. The grenade exploded behind him and his own barrier pulsed in response with the force.
Solaku was tempted to bare his teeth at the foolish mortals who tried to harm his master's friend, but that would've been a stupid, barbaric act. Solaku swiftly flew over to Renaca. The humans would surely realize that Solaku never hit the grenades and would throw them at the barrier.
-o.o-
Satoshi heavily breathed. The men had suddenly stopped attacking the shield and he was worried they were trying to harm some other citizen to threaten him. Leaning onto his elbows, Satoshi surveyed the scene. Hopefully, Daisuke and Dark are okay. Satoshi looked forward and saw the group of men attacking another… card? Satoshi glanced back at Renaca and decided that he shouldn't have been surprised.
Watching the next events were sort of humorous for him, but Satoshi wouldn't tell you that. When the men were running away, Satoshi kept his eyes on the enemy instead of the card that was flying towards the force field. The card had flown past the barrier and Satoshi thought that those without any harmful intent could enter. Meanwhile, his eyes trailed the group of assassins that stopped and turned around to face their target: Satoshi.
They smirked maliciously and it looked like they wanted to come back for more. But one of them was looking afraid. It was probably the one that had tripped earlier. The few men marched forward, with the scared one standing still, shaking. The group only took one step before a smoke rose from the ground and circled around the group.
There were fearful yelps and surprised gasps and Satoshi watched on. Cards flew around and into the smoke before flying out again. There were painful yells and Satoshi feared that the cards would've killed one of them. But soon, the smoke died away and the cards flew high into the sky, circling a nonexistent circle.
One card stepped (?) forward and opened her mouth. A soft, soothing voice that usually lulled children to sleep turned vicious and vengeful.
"How dare you harm my child? For that, you have to pay!" Mother scoffed. "But it's not like my master will let me do so. You have better change and never hurt another child, else I'll come. Master's words be damned. You scorn his pity and be prepared."
With that said, the card swarmed towards one direction. When Satoshi looked towards their destination, Satoshi saw Daisuke standing up with a palm raised. The cards piled each other, on top of one another in order. Only Solaku and Renaca weren't in the cards.
The hired men were sitting on the floor, injured and tired. They couldn't move, even if they tried. The cards had caused a great deal of pain and one move, excruciating pain.
Soon, when Solaku and Renaca were sure that the men were out of it, they went back to their master, ignoring Satoshi and Krad. Satoshi breathed a sigh of relief. That was enough adventure for one day. But Satoshi was sure he could surprise Hiwatari pretty badly when he went home. After all, Hiwatari always hired the best of the best. Hiwatari would expect a dead Satoshi or a ghost one, certainly not an alive Satoshi.
"-sigh- And I thought as your boyfriend, I should've saved you. Your knight in shining armor." Krad said, sighing again.
-o.o-
1. I always try to pay attention to my teachers in school, but I always end up daydreaming and have to tune them back in to actually hear them.
2. She considers everyone her children. I apologize in advance if you feel like your God is offended.
A/N: Didn't you readers think the action on Satoshi's birthday was rather lame? I don't like Action. I can never truly write them. I don't have much knowledge of violence and the like, even if I'm only thirteen. I'm sorry if anyone feels offended about the girl confessing to Satoshi part. I'm a girl, too.