Pinkshuchan: LALIHO! Hey, this is Pinkshuchan! I apologize for the cliffhanger last chapter. Here's the next chapter of Prince of Damonen. Enjoy!
Chapter 25
Water Typhoon
Hiroki could not believe his eyes. A moment ago, he was face to face with the Water Typhoon, a deadly monster made entirely out of water. Now, standing in its place, was what appeared to be a tall, handsome human man. A tall, handsome, naked human man. The man was staring down at himself, trying to observe himself in every angle he could try. Hiroki himself couldn't stop staring at him, for never had he seen what appeared to be a monster turn human before his very eyes aside from himself.
This man was quite tall, slightly taller than he knew Akihiko and Miyagi were, and definitely had a bit of muscle on his body. He kept brushing his long raven hair out of his face as the look on his face showed that it was slightly annoying him, and it didn't help that it was getting soaked by the rain. But what had to be the most shocking about this form was that while the body itself could be deadly, it was this man's face, filled with childlike innocence, which felt off. Indeed, it was crazy that this could happen. Was this a dream? No, it was insane to imagine this in one's head.
The man, after getting a good look at himself, glanced over at the half demon, who still stared at him. Hiroki still couldn't believe it was real. His mind was processing too much with every single event that he just couldn't take it. He collapsed to the ground, rendering himself unconscious. The young man kept staring at him; an expression of confusion on his face. He walked over to the unconscious half demon and caressed the wet furry cheeks of the lion head. Whatever was going through his head was a complete mystery.
Morning eventually came and the rain had stopped; everything soaked. Akihiko found himself waking up to the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Misaki, still asleep, was snuggling close to the silver haired man. The latter looked around the area, recollecting the memories of the night before.
The two lovers held each other for a while when they felt small drops of water. Confused, it wasn't until the drops grew heavier and turned into a rain shower that they knew they had to get out of it.
Unaware of where they were running, Akihiko dragged Misaki in a random direction. They ran as fast as they could, finding nothing until they finally found a cave. Desperate to escape the rain, they ran inside. They both sat down to try to catch their breath as they took shelter under the rocky ceiling.
"I think this place may have a problem with storms," Akihiko pointed out, "Though considering that it rains a lot in a continent that is surrounded by water, it kind of works."
Misaki had a look of worry on his face. He lowered his head. "Why does it always rain like this? When it rains, it's like a sign that says that the sky is crying over something or someone. It has this aura of depression. I've seen rain many times during some of my most depressing times; my parents' death, when my village was destroyed, when my brother was taken from me. Ah, I'm not trying to make myself look like I needed to be pitied or anything! It's just something I've always noticed. And maybe it's not just with me, but it must rain a lot during someone's most depressed time. I'm pretty sure that everyone in my village felt that same depression as the rain fell."
"They probably did," the silver haired man agreed, "But it's best to not think too hard on these things. For now, it's best to think of good things, even if it is raining. Just think that you'll eventually be reunited with your brother. That's why you've got to stay alive."
"Staying alive to save my brother is pointless if people keep risking their lives to protect me from everything," Misaki sounded calm but his body was still trembling. "Remember what I said before? He always put my happiness before his own. I mean, he is happy. But it seemed like it was his responsibility to overprotect me from the world and live happily every day."
"Well, don't you?"
"It's not that I don't. But I always felt there were things missing. Everyone had to force themselves to talk cheerfully to me but they fear what my brother would do if they hurt me. With my parents gone I never got to experience that warmth again like I did those years ago. I guess I just found myself feeling lonely," He looked back at Akihiko with a nervous expression. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to ramble on like this!"
Akihiko chuckled and held the young princess close. "It's fine. I don't mind listening to anything on your mind. I like to listen. But Misaki, please remember that at this moment, you're not alone. If you ever need someone to talk to or if ever you're in trouble, you only need to call me. I will always be there for you, because you're never a burden to me. You're the one that lights up my own lonely world."
Before Misaki could say anything, Akihiko began kissing him. Startled by the sudden act, the princess slightly pushed him away. "Wh-What were you thinking of doing? Someone may see us."
"No one will come," the silver haired man assured his princess, "Not in this weather." He continued his earlier act and continued kissing the chocolate haired boy. The latter was still nervous on the whole matter and still struggled a little bit in trying to push the older away. However, the pleasure became too much for him and he eventually closed his eyes and let himself get swept away in the kiss.
But the silver haired man had other plans. He gently held Misaki down to the ground and began placing kisses on other places of the princess' body. A moan escaped the rose petal lips followed by a request to stop. Akihiko wasn't going to follow that request, as he could tell by the way it was said and the moans before and after it that it was only a half hearted attempt.
While placing kisses all over the princess' body, he began stripping the clothes soaked from the rain off and exposing all of the beautiful silky skin that was kept hidden. The silver haired man leaned back to admire the radiant body below him before leaning forward again to hold his beloved princess in his arms. "You must be cold after getting wet from the rain," he spoke softly, "Allow me to warm you up."
"But you're also soaked," Misaki reminded him, "How would you-!"
Not another word needed to be said, for as soon as Misaki pointed that out, Akihiko moved back and stripped himself of his clothes as well. The princess, who never got a good look before, was staring in awe at the other's body. That body was the body of someone who had spent many years fighting and had developed some strong muscle as a result. Misaki was jealous with Akihiko's size and build and yet he felt like preferred to be held in those arms, to be close to that gorgeous chest. Maybe he really was…
His thoughts were interrupted by Akihiko's smirk. "Like what you see?"
Misaki blushed and turned his head away. "What makes you think that?"
Akihiko chuckled and returned his position close to his princess, hovering over the soft lithe body. "You could say you're not interested, but," He moved his hands down the silky chest until he reached the area he wanted to touch. "This part here seems to be honest."
The princess wanted to deny this when he felt a shocking stream of pleasure flow through him. Another moan left his lips. He didn't want to admit it out loud but he wanted this; he wanted Akihiko's cold hands to caress him everywhere. He wanted to feel the silver haired man inside him as he holds him close and kisses him.
"Misaki," Akihiko continued, "I can't hold myself back any longer."
And with no more words, he positioned himself and entered Misaki. The princess gasped upon feeling the pressure he only felt once before when they did it in Erden. Akihiko held the young boy close as he made love to him, whispering sweet words of love and devotion. The latter was in tears from the feelings overpowering him. His mind was blank from any other thoughts; he only thought of the silver haired man's cold hands, his scent, his deep soothing voice, their synched heartbeats. Not before long, they reached their climax, trying to catch their breaths, and laid next to each other, falling into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Those memories fresh in his mind, Akihiko gave a sincere smile as he looked down at the slumbering princess beside him. Those soft facial features, that slim figure, that long flowing hair, those gentle breaths. The silver haired man couldn't help himself as he reached his hand to caress that soft rosy cheek. Once his hand made contact, long eyelashes slowly fluttered open and doe like emerald eyes looked up at the older man. Akihiko smiled.
"Good morning," he spoke softly.
Misaki began moving his gaze everywhere as he slowly sat up with a groan. Memories coming back to him, emerald eyes widened as they searched for his clothes, snatching them and used them to cover his nude body as much as he could, despite how little they could cover. His cheeks grew flushed upon remembering and tried his best to avoid any eye contact.
"Um…" He couldn't properly think of what to say. He looked down at the clothes he was holding close to him to cover himself up and began changing into those clothes. "We should probably get back to the others. They might be worried."
Akihiko didn't want to ruin this precious moment that he was having with his beloved Misaki, but he knew the latter was right. They had to go back sooner or later and it probably would be best sooner if they didn't want to cause a commotion. They got themselves dressed, making sure their clothes were dry, and headed back to the village.
They reached the village and headed to the hut they were supposed to stay in for the night to see Miyagi just stepping out. The older man gave a sigh of relief as he saw his two companions.
"Where were you two last night?" he asked, "Was everything okay?"
"Don't worry," Akihiko assured him, "Everything is resolved now. All four of us are a team; we need to trust one another. And with that in mind, we can handle whatever comes our way, even the Water Typhoon."
Miyagi nodded. "That would be best," His eyes glanced around them. "Where's Hiroki?"
Akihiko eyed the older man. "He's not with you?"
"He said he was going to get fresh air and he never came back."
This was indeed a problem. The cinnamon haired man might've also got caught in the rain last night and went for shelter. No, even if he did he would've returned with the others by now, much sooner than it would've taken Akihiko and Misaki. Unless, of course, Hiroki went to explore farther in the island. And it wasn't like Hiroki could get off the island. After all, he couldn't swim to save his life. They figured they might as well search for him.
They split up. Akihiko went back through the way he and Misaki went to see if Hiroki went past them at the time, Miyagi searched the other way, and Misaki asked around the village. It took them quite a while before they began meeting back up. Akihiko and Miyagi were the first to meet up.
"Anything?" Akihiko asked, trying to catch his breath.
"Nothing," Miyagi replied, doing the exact same.
"Usagi! Mr. Miyagi!"
Both turned their heads to see Misaki running towards them with worry. He went to catch his breath as well once he reached them. Both older men were anxious with Misaki's own results and asked the same question to him.
Misaki shook his head. "I couldn't find him, but I found this. Isn't this his?" He reached out from behind him and held out a very familiar item.
Hiroki's gourd.
Now this was serious. A lot of trouble would happen if Hiroki didn't have his gourd with him. They continued searching, though they not only searched for the possibility of a cinnamon haired man, but also for the possibility of a man with a lion's head.
Meanwhile, Hiroki was finding himself slipping back into consciousness when he felt something disturbing happening to him. He felt someone or something forcing his mouth open and then spilling something that felt like water into his forced open mouth. Once in, his mouth was forced closed, leaving no choice but to swallow. Whatever was forcing him to drink it then let go. Hiroki found himself choking on the water like substance, rolling to his stomach while coughing and was trying to calm himself down.
When he finally calmed down, he opened his eyes and slowly sat up. He found himself to be what looked like an old hut that appeared like it hadn't been used in many years. Cobwebs filled the place and dust covered a lot of items. This lead to the major question of why he was here.
His memory reminded him of the events that lead to this point. They brought many emotions onto him; sorrow, fear, anger, despair. But the feeling he experienced the most was shock. And the memory was revealed to be the most shocking, the memory that could never be wiped from his mind, was what happened to the Water Typhoon. After all, he witnessed with his own eyes that that same creature of water managed to change into.
"… I'm glad that… you're awake…"
Red orbs widened upon hearing that. An unknown tenor voice that moved slightly slow with a struggle. Hiroki turned around to see behind him the very person he did not expect to see again.
The Water Typhoon in his human form.
Was it him that carried him all the way to this hut? Was it him that gave him that water like substance to drink? What was he? The Water Typhoon's sapphire eyes widened upon seeing Hiroki's face but found it softening shortly after with a small genuine smile. He continued to speak.
"You… looked like… you were… in need of… water…" he tried to explain, though still struggled to speak properly, "It… also woke you up. Is… that water good?"
While it was true that the young man in front of him looked innocent, it was also true that he used to be a giant threatening creature. Even so, Hiroki was agitated with the fact that someone would just force water down his throat like that. In fury, he made a fireball in his hand and threw it at the former creature, who managed not to get any burns.
"WHO THE HELL TAUGHT YOU TO FORCE WATER DOWN SOMEONE'S THROAT WHILE THEY'RE UNCONSCIOUS?!" he roared at the Water Typhoon, "I COULD'VE DIED BY CHOKING TO DEATH!"
It was then that Hiroki realized something, something else that happened in his memory. With his gourd filled with salt water, he transformed back into his half demon form. In that form, he can't speak properly and could only roar like a lion. So how was he talking now? In desperation, he looked down at his hands. They had become the same type of hands he had whenever he drank from the gourd. Still unsure, he began feeling his own face. Fur was replaced with familiar rough skin. As one more conformation, he found a clay bowl full of water and looked at his reflection. His eyes widened; it was true.
He looked human again. But how?
"You… became human… after I… gave you the water…" said the Water Typhoon, "I think… you changed because… my water was with that water…" His water? What did he mean 'his water'? The creature turned human continued. "I took the water... in my mouth… and poured it… into your mouth…"
That was what he meant? In other words, it was something as disgusting as his saliva? His saliva was what he drank along with regular water? Hiroki's face grew red as his fury built back up. Without warning, he threw more fireballs at the person in front of him. But like the first one, they were unaffective. This frustrated the cinnamon haired man more.
"HOW THE HELL ARE YOU ABLE TO WITHSTAND FIRE?!" he continued yelling, "IT'S FREAKING FIRE! YOU SHOULD AT LEAST GET A BURN OR SOMETHING!"
The raven haired man tilted his head a little in confusion before realizing what the question meant. "Aren't… I water? Fire doesn't… burn water."
Hiroki couldn't believe it. Shouldn't the Water Typhoon have turned completely human while gaining the same weaknesses? The latter realized this as well and began to think. "Maybe… I should wait… for more human water… to come…"
Realization hit in and the cinnamon haired man threw another fireball not to injure the former creature, but just to get his attention. "You are not to go after anymore people!" he growled, "Do you know how many people you've killed by draining out their water from their bodies?"
The Water Typhoon lowered his head upon hearing this. "I… killed people… by… taking some… of their water…?"
"Of course you did! All living things need water in order to survive! How can you not know this when you yourself are filled with water?"
"I… did not think… I would take… all… of the water… I thought… I would only… take… enough so… I could… become human…"
Hiroki calmed down a bit to hear that. "You… wanted to be human?"
The Water Typhoon nodded. "I… always… wanted… to be human… ever since my… first life… I still… have memories of… that time… though… not many… I… always had… wanted to… learn about humans… but they… all ran away… whenever I… wanted to… be friends… with them… Then… Master Ozean… came and… he did… something to me… I don't… know… what it's called."
"He destroyed you temporarily."
"Yes… He… destroyed… me…" The raven haired man gave a sullen expression, "I… don't know why… All I wanted… was to be friends… with the humans… That's why… maybe… they would like me… if I… was human too… I did not… mean to… hurt… all those people… I saw… human water… do things… to… me and… I saw… myself… become human… At least… a little… I thought… by taking… some… human water… I could… one day… be a… real human…"
"And you know how to speak too. How were you able to do that?"
"There were… two humans who… lived in… this hut… I… know my… talking… because I… listened to… them talk…"
Hiroki could say that he was impressed. For someone that was misunderstood as a monster by the villagers, he was sure intelligent. Sure, he still needed to learn how to speak without problems but didn't he just turn human not that long ago? For someone who only recently turned human, his knowledge of how to speak was amazing.
"And… what about… you?" the Water Typhoon continued, "When I… first saw you… you looked human… why… did you… look… strange?"
It shocked the half demon that the Water Typhoon would know that. Then again, they did meet during the storm, but it still surprised him how the water creature easily recognized him. "It was because I always drank water from the place I come from in the gourd I always carried around. But ocean water got in the gourd from the storm and I couldn't drink it, thus turning me back into that form."
The Water Typhoon lowered his head. "So… it was my fault… that you became… that form… I saw… danger… on a boat… and wanted… to help… but… I… let my… anger… out… I'm… sorry…"
Now Hiroki felt bad. He could sympathize with the Water Typhoon. After all, they both had something in common; they both had been misunderstood as monsters, though the water creature had it worse. He went through thousands of years of being feared. That had to be a tough life in general.
"Well, what's done is done," the cinnamon haired man sighed as he scratched his head, "After all, it's not like you can change the past. As long as you don't do anything like that again, we should be good," He eyed the creature turned human suspiciously, "You will stop doing anything like that again, right? No draining water out of other beings and you are to be careful when you are helping people?"
The Water Typhoon nodded with a big grin on his face. "Yes! I… will not… hurt people… again! I… will be… good… and… make Master Ozean… happy… with me!"
"Good!" Hiroki was glad they got that settled but once his gaze went lower, he glowered at the Water Typhoon, "And now we focus on another problem; PUT ON SOME DAMN PANTS!"
The nude young man tilted his head in confusion. "Pants? What's… pants?"
Hiroki gave a face palm as he began searching around. Now he knew what that sorceress woman from back then felt like when Hiroki himself roamed around in the nude. Surely the people who lived in this hut had an extra pair or something. He was not sure if he did find a pair that it would fit the giant of a creature turned human but it would be better than nothing.
After a bit of scourging, he finally found a pair of ocean blue knee shorts. He told the Water Typhoon to stand up and pushed the pair onto him. "Here you go; pants! Put them on!"
The former creature eyed the article of clothing with innocence and curiosity. "So… these are pants…" He stared at them for a bit before finally looking back at Hiroki. "How do I… 'put them on'?"
The cinnamon haired man growled. "Have you never put on pants before?"
"No… I… wasn't human… remember…?"
"FORGET I ASKED THAT!" Hiroki could feel himself getting stupid with talking with this guy. Surely he must've seen how someone puts on pants… and then he realized that he never wanted to think about that. Besides, who ever heard of someone changing clothes outside? He stormed over to the Water Typhoon and helped him put the pants on. Innocent with no idea on how to do anything without help; he was no different from a child.
The Water Typhoon smiled once he had the pants on. "Thank you…This… is how humans… 'put on'… pants…? The feeling is… strange… but… it's not… bad…" Hiroki wasn't listening. He was too preoccupied with his thoughts. Instead of dealing with this creature turned human, he needed to get back with Akihiko and the others and-!
Get back? With Akihiko? The memory of that moment between Akihiko and Misaki returned to his mind. It was obvious now that the silver haired man really did fall in love with someone who had to have some feelings for him. It would only hurt Hiroki if he went back, at least right this moment.
And besides, it's not like he could whether he wanted to or not. If Hiroki was here with the Water Typhoon, then that only meant that he was on the very island the creature considers his home; Water Typhoon Island. It was shocking how that tunnel led him under the ocean and onto another island in general. With the tunnel now flooded though, the only other way for him to get off this island would be to cross the ocean. However, he can't swim and he highly doubted that there would be any boats, or if there were they wouldn't make it to the other island. It would probably take the others a while to realize where he was either.
In other words, he was trapped.
"Are you… okay?"
Hiroki looked back at the Water Typhoon, who was looking at him with a worried expression. He assured the young man that he was alright, though he wondered if he could actually convince himself that it was the case. He gave a sigh. It was probably best if he made do with the situation right now and use it to clear his head. He needed a little time to accept things the way they were so he could properly help Akihiko out. Romantically or just as a friend, Hiroki wanted to help him for all the things he had done for him.
He then thought back to the Water Typhoon. Though not in the best way, he did save Hiroki from death. And if left alone, it was most likely the former creature would get himself into more trouble. Hiroki figured that it would probably be best if he taught the Water Typhoon how to be a real human. Upon being told this, the Water Typhoon lit up with joy with a big smile and sparkling sapphire eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Hiroki understood, "You're excited. I get it! Well, since we're going to be acquainted for a little bit, my name is Hiroki. Do you have a name or is it just Water Typhoon?"
The Water Typhoon tilted his head. "Hi… ro…?"
Hiroki sighed. "If it'll be a little easier for you then just call me Hiro. Don't really give a damn since I don't know how long it'll be until I leave."
"Hiro…?"
"Yeah."
"Hiro…"
"Uh-huh."
"Hiro!"
"ARE YOU JUST GONNA REPEAT THAT OR ARE YOU GOING TO SAY YOUR NAME?!" Hiroki gave another sigh, "That is, unless your name is Water Typhoon."
The former creature shook his head. "I'm sorry… Water Typhoon… is not… my name… I have… a name that… Master Ozean gave… me…"
Hiroki sat there with his arms crossed, waiting to hear said name. He had a feeling there had to be a name behind the Water Typhoon. After all, it sounded like Water Typhoon was a name given to him by people as a way to address him.
The Water Typhoon took a deep breath as he announced his name. "My name… is… Nowaki."
"Nowaki…" Hiroki echoed. A fitting name; a name that meant 'Typhoon'. But he had no time to waste. He did not know when his way off the island would come. So with no hesitation, Hiroki began teaching Nowaki on what it meant to be human. Little did he realize though the events that were to come afterwards.
Pinkshuchan: And yay! The chapter is done! So yes, we are introduced to Nowaki. Please note that I'm not trying to make Nowaki look stupid in this chapter. I love Nowaki. This chapter is just him starting out as a human. So yeah, hope you enjoyed this chapter! Read and Review!