Eurobeat and BL enjoyer*✧ ✰ ｡*

It is a beautiful evening, and one redhead visits the floral shop. After wondering for a while, Ioriko thinks it is time to let Kyoko know she might be more than serious about her.

After paying for the large bouquet of red roses, Ioriko leaves the shop while daydreaming about the Kusanagi heir’s reaction, and nothing seems to exist for her in this world. At that moment, she feels the warmth in her chest and respires.

On her way, she notices an expensive sports car with darkened glass stopping by the love hotel that Ioriko has bookmarked for tomorrow’s date with her adored Kusanagi and declaring her feelings.

Of course, it’s one of these arrogant men who lures naïve ladies by promising them mountains of gold and then deceiving them. The redhead stops and rolls her eyes.

Noticing a tall, handsome, dark-haired man leaving the car and keeping the door open for his passenger, who looks awfully familiar, freezes Ioriko in the same spot.

Apparently, it’s the same Kusanagi heir that she knows well. However, it’s unusual for her to wear anything feminine, like dresses, high-heels, or even make-up and hair accessories.

So, seeing Kyoko in an azure dress and white coat with a fur collar, gorgeous make-up, and red ground cherry lipstick that her mother probably helped put for her and a snow-white lily hairpin feels unreal like witnessing a princess.

The sight of this charming knight taking the princess’s hand and her nodding makes Ioriko remain dumbfounded, and her fingers and eyelid twitch involuntarily.

Certainly, all the red-haired dreams and the world shattered into tiny pieces as if someone had broken the pink glasses and destroyed that beautiful illusion that blinded her.

When that man wraps his arm around her shoulders and prompts her to go, the brunette’s timid face makes Ioriko lower her head and feel like something painful is stuck in her throat.

Of course, she realizes that eventually, the Kusanagi heir would have followed the orders of her clan and given birth to a new successor.

On the other hand, Ioriko doesn’t understand why she even feels like her heart is clenched and squished just by witnessing the inevitable. The inevitable of her adored Kyoko being taken far away, like where the sun was taken by the forest.

As the couple enters through the glass gate, the redhead clenches her teeth and fists, and her knuckles turning pale from the tension.

Suddenly, she harshly tosses the carefully picked bouquet. “WHORE!”

However, the least she cares about is becoming the center of attention, even for a moment.

As the salty tears run down her cheeks upon spitting a deadly curse that stings harder than any venom, she wipes her face.

Lastly, with her hung head as she has sold her soul and sniffs, she slowly takes her leave until her step fastens and grows into running.

Although her destination is not her cold and unloving apartment. That place can wait until the morning. Besides, no one waits for her there. So, as if anyone notices her missing. Or so Ioriko decides to while on her way to the nearest bar, where she could drown her sorrow and let her restless heart howl.

On the next day, in the Kusanagi’s room. It’s already a night, but no matter how persistently Kyoko calls her partner, there is no response.

More so, it’s not her call is hung or her hearing the polite robot operator telling her that the received is unavailable.

Surely, it doesn’t put her at ease. Right now, she only hugs her knees and deeply sighs while sitting on her bed.

How many times has she called Yagami already? Even her phone lists more than fifteen calls through this day just for this woman.

Kyoko switches the tabs to the messaging app, hoping she missed a notification from her. Unfortunately, aside from the texts from her partner and a few old ones from her disciple or her friends, there is not a single new message from Ioriko.

For now, she crashes out on her bed like a tired cat and hugs her pillow.

When she lowers her gloomy eyes, she murmurs. “I wonder if she is fine… I hope that you’re only busy or leave your phone charging. Please don’t tell me you’re dealing with something difficult on your own again. I won’t call you a stupid woman if that makes you notice me. Just don’t put your life at risk and be safe… That’s all I ask for, Yagami.”

After closing her eyes and tightening her embrace, she picks her phone up and starts typing another text saying ‘If you see this message, please call me ASAP. I need to talk with you about something important.’

Besides, she doesn’t care if she sounds desperate or clingy. All she wants is her partner’s voice. That’s all she asks for. At least, it might be the only thing that could reassure her.

Lastly, she gathers all the prayers to all the gods she could think of and clicks the send button, hoping to receive a response.

After a few more hours of restless night, Kyoko’s eyelids become heavier as she stares at her phone in the night drawer and expects it to vibrate at any time. Thus, without noticing, she falls into a deep slumber.

However, the very little that she knows, her partner may eventually reply, unfortunately for her, not the way she believes or prays for the stars and the moon.

Another day, another unsuccessful attempt to reach Ioriko. Today, instead of long, intense ringing, her calls are immediately rejected, and she hears the same annoying rejection noise.

It doesn’t help the brunette that her text messages failed to be sent and she notices Ioriko has blocked her everywhere they have been connected.

Does she have any issues with me? What’s her problem? As if I ever did anything wrong with her. Or at least not recently. Kyoko holds her chin while anxiously walking in circles in her room.

“I swear… If she also changed her home address, I won’t forgive her!” She bites into the nail of her thumb and narrows her gaze.

With her phone placed in her jeans pocket, she makes a hasty exit from her room.

Dashing through the hallway, putting on her leather jacket and biker’s helmet, Kyoko doesn’t bother to warn her parents before leaving.

That’s right, at the moment, she doesn’t even care about the heavy rain or getting scolded. After all, Yagami might be in great danger. Therefore, she has to save her whether she wants it. Or so the brunette is determined while rotating the motorcycle handlebar and making her steel horse roar like a beast that no natural force can shut down.

However, all it will take is one miscalculated move.

Eventually, on the lonely road, the brunette notices the traffic light switching to the red and immediately pulls the brakes.

As the tires squeal, her steel horse throws her, and she flies forward for a couple of meters.

During that moment, all her life flashes through her shocked amber eyes while she cannot move a single muscle.

Suddenly, she harshly hits the asphalt on her side and grunts.

As she rolls for another couple of meters like a rag doll, she feels like her entire body is beaten like a punching bag.

As soon as she lies on her stomach, the Kusanagi heir painfully groans and shakily pushes herself to half-lie. But her poor attempt at that ends with failure.

Thus, with a loud splashing, her upper body hits the cold ground, and her fingers twitch.

That’s no good! But if I could get into my bike... Kyoko tries to push herself again and turn her head.

Apparently, her steel horse is resting on the side with no damage.

It seems her aching legs refuse to listen to her and make her drop like a baby deer who cannot stand properly yet. Despite that, she realizes that in such a state, she might as well abandon her trustworthy motorcycle and crawl the rest of her way.

But before that, the helmeted Kyoko touches her jeans pocket where supposed to be her phone.

Feeling that her pockets are empty, the brunette gasps.

“Shit!…” She whines and slams her weak fist against the asphalt.

Even if she is left on her own with her beaten body, she refuses to give up and forces herself to stand up while showered by the never-ending rain that soaked her until the last straw.

Several minutes later, trembling like a withering leaf, Kyoko stands on her feet. Thus, while leaning against the nearest building walls and ignoring her wounds and bruises, she wobbles toward Yagami’s apartment.

Some time has passed. Finally, after the longest and most exhausting walk in her life, Kyoko reaches the door of Yagami’s apartment.

When she leans against the wall, she enters the code of the needed apartment and is now greeted by the approving beeping sound.

At least she still lives there. So, wait for me, Yagami.

Before the door locks again, Kyoko gathers her strength to open it and pushes herself inside.

One thing is for sure, she exhales at how this corridor is lightened, dry, and quiet, unlike the gloomy weather outside.

Even if it is dry and the heating is on, the brunette feels her wet clothes are sticking to her like a second skin.

As Kyoko takes a couple of steps like a wobbling shot animal, she leaves the water traces where she goes.

For now, she meets another great challenge. That’s right, a simple and well-known staircase now looks as if it has hundreds of times more unnecessary steps.

Of course, the Kusanagi heir understands she may not climb them in such a state. Neither does she want to disturb the other residents and possibly have them call the police or ambulance on her. That will cause more problems than use for her.

Turning her head, she notices the elevator and decides to use it instead, hoping she won’t encounter anyone apart from one important person.

After pressing the summoning button, the unpleasant cold sensation soaks through her clothes and reaches her skin, making her shakily respire and tremble.

Rubbing her arms does not warm her up, but only drains the gathered water and splashes it on the floor.

Fortunately for her, it takes less than a minute for the elevator to arrive and announce its presence with a beeping.

When she drags herself into it, she leans against the nearest wall and enters the needed floor. Lastly, all that is left is to wait until she reaches her destination.

Finally, the beeping and open elevator notifies her that she is on the right floor where one redhead lives. Without waiting, she gathers her remaining strength to leave it.

Just as the elevator door closes, her knees give up on her, and she pitifully whimpers like a dog.

“Not now… Not until I see you.” The brunette pushes herself to get up while her chest painfully bloats.

However, after forcing herself to walk toward the door of Yagami’s door and harassing the bell button, her vision blackens before passing out.

Unknown time amount passes by.

Eventually, Kyoko regains consciousness and feels something warm and soft wrap around her.

Is it the hospital bed? Did someone call an ambulance? Why?… The brunette wonders with her shut eyes and is surrounded by the darkness.

Aside from that, her head is lighter without heavy luggage, such as her helmet. Did any of the medical staff remove it?

But why is there a wet flannel on her forehead? No professional medic leaves that thing on, right?

For now, as the frustration corrodes her chest, Kyoko shakily opens her eyes and groans.

The first thing that she notices is a blinding bright light on the ceiling that makes her narrow her gaze.

A moment later, she shuts her eyes and shakes her head, accidentally dropping this little piece of cloth.

With a wet noise hitting a carpet, Kyoko rolls on her side and stretches her arm to pick it up.

However, she is stopped by a strict, familiar voice. “Leave it. I’ll tidy this up later.”

When Kyoko lifts her gaze, she notices the red-haired woman sitting behind the coffee table, with her arms and legs crossed on the chair.

Even with the annoyed and unpleasant look on Ioriko’s face alone, Kyoko lowers her shoulders and quietly apologizes.

But for now, the brunette sits and glimpses around. Apparently, she is in Yagami’s living room and resting on her couch, which is covered in a couple of layers of bedsheets and a blanket. More so, she wears the same outfit as before leaving her home.

Despite that, Ioriko lifts her head and narrows her gaze while tapping her upper arm. “What are you doing here? Or did you come all this way to sabotage me, Kusanagi woman?”

Clearly, her ice-cold tone and eyes pierce the Kusanagi heir through her soul. She can swear that Ioriko’s pupils are narrowed like a cold-blood reptile’s, looking down on her victim. And how she might be only missing a split flickering tongue.

Grasping the blanket, Kyoko lowers her guilty eyes and tightens her lips. “What… What are you talking about, Yagami? I just wanted to see you.”

“Now you did. Should I call an ambulance to make you leave my sight?” The redhead responds in a bitter tone.

As Ioriko indifferently picks up her phone from her pants pocket and unlocks it, the brunette’s desperate voice makes her lift her gaze.

“Wait! Urgh…” Kyoko extends her hand toward her. However, her further words are cut by her sore body and piercing pain around her chest.

Although her curling and her face twisting in pain, it doesn’t affect Ioriko.

Now, she browses through her phone without removing her eyes from the screen. “Then, do you prefer I call your fiance? Fine. Just make it quick and tell me that bastard’s number.”

While panting and carefully hugging herself, Kyoko gives a questioning look. “Fiance? What you talking about? You’ve been acting weird recently. Just what happened to you, Yagami?”

Ioriko cracks a sarcastic smile. “You still have some nerves to play dumb, you wicked harpy. Perhaps I should just throw you outside so that neither you nor anyone would bother me.”

After fixing her hair, she turns her head away. “Don’t worry. I did nothing to you while blacked out. Besides, I’m not interested in a taken woman.”

It only makes the brunette even more confused about her unwelcoming behavior.

Upon remembering her date a few days ago, Kyoko averts her gaze and makes a quiet ‘oh’ sound.

When she fixates her guilty eyes on her, she confesses. “About that… As soon as I return home, I wanted to talk about this, but maybe you’ve been too busy to pick it up.”

While resting her head on her knuckle, Ioriko raises her eyebrow. “You are full of yourself, as usual. Why do you think I want to hear how it went or when you are getting married?”

After managing to half sit, Kyoko objects. “You don’t understand me.”

When the red-haired woman facepalms, she gets up and approaches her partner.

After roughly grabbing her t-shirt, Ioriko brings her closer. “This is where you’re wrong. You know what happens when a man and a woman visit the love hotel. So, you won’t fool me. A married woman, but still wanting to fool around with others? Don’t make me laugh.”

The brunette feels her temperature dropping, and she gasps at Ioriko’s words.

When she looks down, she takes a deep breath.

Kyoko rests her palm on her chest and declares with teary eyes. “You’re wrong! If you are thinking that I slept with that man, you are wrong! You stupid idiot! Nothing ever happened between us! He only took to a dinner at the fancy restaurant and gave me the flowers…”

When she covers her face, she sniffs and sobs. “Even if he took me to that place, apologized him to him because I couldn’t do it or force myself.”

Her partner’s pathetic state makes Ioriko narrow her gaze and growl. Despite that, she carefully lowers her down and listens to her story.

Kyoko adds, with no lively light in her eyes. “So, I’m surprised how even after that, he still offered to drive me home. Of course, I knew that Mom and Dad would be upset that their arranged date for me had failed, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell them that with this body I’m infertile and won’t be able to physically continue our bloodline. Even if Mom asked me what was wrong, all I could tell her I already like someone else and how I thought if it could kill off my feelings, then I can fulfill my duties as a successor of the clan.”

Without facing her, Ioriko only sits next to her partner and facepalms. “You are really a stupid woman. You know that, right?”

The brunette exhales and whispers. “I don’t care.”

But for now, Ioriko lectures her. “You had a chance to have a bright future that your parents wanted. Even then, you still blew it away. Well, it’s not that it’s like my business. At least thanks to you, I break through the sickness that you blinded me. So, get well and next time we meet, you’ll sing your swan song.”

Just as the redhead is about to get up, she feels arms wrapped around her.

Certainly, it bewilders Ioriko, and she tries to remove her arms from her. “Let me go, you fool!”

“NO!” Kyoko protests while clinging to her.

The redhead only frowns and scolds her. “You stupid woman, where is your pride and dignity that your clan has?”

“I don’t care about that! Just don’t leave me. That’s all I want.” The brunette argues and presses her head against her lower back.

After closing her eyes and respiring, she adds. “Perhaps it’s the divine intervention or retribution for hurting you. So, I’m sorry if I upset you.”

Understanding it is a futile effort to fight her rival in such a state, she turns her head and continues lecturing her. “Tsk. So, you caught my delusion too? You are truly unbelievable. You understand that you will be disowned and punished for seducing women and, on top of that, someone your clan has despised for centuries, right? Even your feelings are fruitless and you will be nothing more than a disgrace.”

Cracking a sarcastic smile and baring her teeth, she adds mockingly. “I can bet that either your parents or any other Kusanagis will lynch me because of how you ended up in such a state and strayed away from the straight path. Unless this is what you have planned all along? Either way, you cannot stay here any longer.”

This remark stings the Kusanagi heir’s heart, and she tightens her lips.

Kyoko remains stubborn and asks in a more serious tone. “Then what do you want me to do to prove to you that I care about you?”

Despite that, Ioriko grinds her teeth and spits out bitter words. “Leave. Weaklings like you disgust me.”

“But you could just simply call the police or ambulance if you didn’t want to see me. Besides, if you really wanted to break up with me, you should just say so before.” The brunette explains in a gloomy tone.

At first, Ioriko chuckles and grins like an idiot. But with her palm, she covers her face and starts laughing like a madwoman.

Kyoko merely sighs, as this behavior doesn’t surprise her, and she waits for her partner to cool down.

Soon, Ioriko bends and holds her head. “You are delusional. How can you break up with someone with whom you’ve never been in a serious relationship or had anything in a first place?”

Despite her partner’s words crushing her, the Kusanagi heir states. “... But you act like you wanted to make a move on me, right?”

Ioriko frowns and facepalms. “It’s not any of your business! Besides, even you wanted to cut it off before it started.”

After picking up her phone, she pokes it at her rival without looking at her. “Here. Just call whoever you want to pick you up.”

A few moments after receiving no response or reaction from the Kusanagi heir, Ioriko closes her eyes and sighs.

The brunette reassures her. “If you want to get rid if me that badly, you should just throw me outside. Don’t worry, I’ll take all the blame.”

Finally, the redhead escapes Kusanagi’s embrace and pushes herself up. “We’re leaving. So, get up.”

Seeing Kyoko lowering her gaze and following the given orders annoys her.

More so, her struggling at the most basic task slowly gets on her nerves and makes her want to throw Kyoko over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

But for now, Ioriko only crosses her arms. “You should stay home if you are sick. However, since you are sick, I’ll leave your bike at your place tomorrow.”

While half sitting, Kyoko cracks a bitter smile. “Good luck searching for it because someone else may already find it. On the other hand, it was still in a fine condition after that asphalt flight.”

“The hell you mean? Or is it just one of your stupid jokes?” The redhead raises her eyebrow.

Kyoko explains while averting her guilty and frustrated gaze. “You can say that after that I lost my phone and couldn’t get on my bike and walked all my way here. So, take it as you wish.”

Realizing what her rival might have been through before getting to her door, she rubs her temples and groans. “You are truly an idiot and trouble-maker woman…”

Narrowing her gaze and clenching her teeth, she adds. “Well, it cannot be helped, then. However, do not think that I’m doing this because you mean something to me. So, don’t get any weird ideas, got it?”

“What are you talking about, Yagami?” Kyoko tilts her head as she watches her partner standing in front of her.

However, just before she says anything else, Ioriko bends and grabs her hand before throwing it over her shoulder.

As the red-haired woman gets up with her, Kyoko does her best to suppress these painful groans.

Even then, Ioriko wraps her arm around her waist without removing her serious look from her. “You’ve been through worse, so you’ll also easily endure this. Then you, finally, be able not to see me for a good time being.”

Of course, Yagami’s change in her heart confuses the brunette.

Nevertheless, Kyoko softens her gaze. You might be using such cruel words and acting like your blood is cold as ice, but I know you are a kind person, Yagami.

While heading toward the corridor, Kyoko is more than certain her partner is making sure that she is comfortable in whatever place she is taking her.

Lastly, she closes her eyes and warmly smiles while leaning on Ioriko.

It is a cloudy night, and the rain has nearly calmed. Although the tension still lingers under the heavy weather.

After Ioriko sits Kyoko in the back seat of her car, she gives her phone to her.

When the redhead closes the door and gets into the driver’s seat, Kusanagi asks. “Why are you giving me this?”

As she stars and revs the engine, she indifferently glimpses at the front mirror. “To call your family, friends or whoever to bring you more of the necessary stuff and know where you are going.”

“Why are you doing this, Yagami?” Kyoko rests her head and turns it.

“You need to be checked if you have any broken bones. And it would be handy if the doctors will check if you haven’t hit your head too hard as well.” Ioriko explains in a mildly irritated tone while driving toward her destination.

After a pause, she adds. “Besides, I’m not interested in taking you down in such a poor state because that would be a cheap and tasteless victory.”

At that moment, the Kusanagi heir only makes a quiet noise. “Oh…”

As the glass cleaners swiftly wipe the front window, Ioriko confesses. “So, I’m doing this not because I have any feelings toward you or care about you, but because next time we meet, you will face me as equal, with of us not needing to hold back.”

“But that is…” The brunette objects. However, she immediately holds back from finishing. It isn’t anything different from how we’ve been before. But this time, you might be giving me a chance in the future, right? If so, then I only need to win you.

Meanwhile, Ioriko raises her eyebrow without hiding her annoyance. “What’s wrong? If you have anything to say, just say.”

The brunette only shakes her head and smiles. “No. Nothing. I just been thinking loudly.”

Ioriko rolls her eyes and exhales while stirring the wheel. “It’s surprising how you can still use your empty head.”

In the end, Kyoko feels comfortable enough to use this as a chance for her partner leaving an open spot for her teasing. Besides, it’s entertaining for her to get any reaction from a genially grumpy woman like her.

Thus, their trip to the hospital became even shorter, and without noticing, they arrived. However, Kyoko senses Ioriko might not bring her flowers or visit her. Despite that, she doesn’t want to force her partner to do anything for her. Besides, she is certain that Ioriko will be waiting for her discharge.

Soon enough, the Kusanagi heir regains her consciousness… and perhaps not in the most pleasant way one would expect. Apparently, somebody is poking her cheek, and strangely familiar voices are talking about something between themselves.

“Hey, hey, look! She is waking up.” One of the female voices comments while continuing to poke her with her finger.

“Oi, be careful! What if she’ll jump on you?” The other voice responds.

Thus, Kyoko, finally, shakily opens her eyes while groaning. However, as soon as she notices countless clones are gathered around her while studying her like some picked fallen stray animal, she becomes alert and tries to get up.

Unfortunately, her attempt ends with failure, and she whimpers. A second later, she turns her head and realizes that her hands are tied behind her back, not with a simple rope but with a sturdy metal wire. More so, her ankles are restrained by the same material.

Upon quickly scanning her surroundings, she guesses she might be brought into an old, spacious storage, which is outside the city. But for now, Kyoko narrows her eyes and frowns. “I thought you were all gone… Just where am I and why did you bring me here?”

As she glares at her look-alikes, a couple of braver versions of herself step in. One in a blue gakuran uniform keeps her hands in her pants pockets and bends.

After a brief pause, she gives a watchful gaze. “Eh? And that’s the first thing you have to say? No hi or thank you. You’re rude, Onee-chan!”

Yet, the voice of the clone in the brown uniform next to her makes her fix her posture. “You know, you shouldn’t lower your guard, Mero. She really behaves how Big Sis described the Original.”

“No shit, huh? But she acted too casually for any of us around these people. Besides, I could swear that she had That Thing. So, there is no mistake…” So-called Mero addresses her twin.

After closing her eyes and scratching her chin, she holds it and adds. “Hey, Hoki, we should keep her like this until Big Sis returns.”

However, the sudden banging on the iron gate makes all the clones lift their heads and look in that direction. Thus, one look-alike in purple rushes to the gate and asks. “Who... Who is there?”

“Who, who? It’s your Big Sis~ So, open the door.” The menacing yet chill voice speaks up.

Thus, this clone unlocks the well-protected gate and invites the mysterious person in.

Just as the familiar tanned brunette with crimson eyes wearing dark blue jeans, a bust covering several layers of snow-white bandage and an open leather jacket enters her lair, her intimidating presence alone makes Kyoko widen her eyes and gasp.

More importantly, she carries something behind her back. Without further ado, Kusanagi throws a heavy-looking large sack on the floor with a thud noise and leaves it resting against the wall. “Here. You should have enough food for tomorrow.”

A few moments haven’t passed, and a couple of Kyoko clones rush at their Big Sis brought goods and take them out before moving and placing them in the enormous closet at the end of the storage.

But for now, ‘Nagi raises her eyebrow and rests her palms on her hips while staring at her girls surrounding one restrained and struggling brunette. “What did you get there?”

When her gaze turns to the twins in blue and brown, she makes them immediately fix their backs and look at her with obedient eyes. “Hoki, Mero! … Don’t tell me you two brought another one of you.”

After she closes her crimson eyes and rubs her nape, she sighs. “I swear… She probably just got lost, and you are already treating our new family member like this.”

“But, Big Sis, you must see it by yourself!” Mero objects while making big eyes and places her hand on her chest.

“That’s right! The way she lashed out at us… We had to defend ourselves, even if she might be the Original.” Hoki responds.

For sure, such an honest confession puts a smug feline look on ‘Nagi’s face, and she crosses her arms. “Hoo~ Ye better be not lying, ‘cos then I would have to punish you.”

After she fixes her hair, Kusanagi approaches their caught-up little prey, who only stares back with her stubborn amber eyes and silently growls at her.

When Kusanagi gets close enough, Hoki gets behind Kyoko’s back and lifts her until her upper body rests on her lap, while Mero grabs the hem of her t-shirt and exposes her stomach. “Here. There is no mistake that she might be Original. She even has That Thing too.”

Of course, such a gesture bewilders the Kusanagi heir, but all she can do is endure this humiliation and not let them enjoy her suffering.

At the moment, ‘Nagi only squats closely to the indignant brunette and holds her chin while squinting her eyes. After lowering her gaze, she delightfully smirks at the spotted belly button. “You’re right… That’s the same good-for-nothing original.”

As Kyoko’s eyes and the tanned brunette’s one meet up, her heart skips a beat. When she turns her head away, Kusanagi roughly holds her cheeks and forces her to look at her.

“What’s the matter with you? Did a cat get your tongue? Hey, say something.” The tanned brunette addresses her with a strangely sleepy look while her other hand grasps her partner’s shoulder.

Instead of saying anything, the Kusanagi heir closes her eyes and remains silent.

Such a reaction entertains ‘Nagi and makes her chuckle. “Being shy, eh?”

After a brief pause, she taps her new plaything’s cheek. After lifting her eyes, she commands the twins while keeping a poker face. “Hoki, Mero, I’ll take her over from there. You two, keep your home safe while I’m gone, okay?”

“Y-yes!” a couple of Kyoko’s look-alike respond in unison.

When Kusanagi picks up the speechless Kyoko and throws her over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, she announces to everyone. “Girls, don’t get bored without me, okay? Your Big Sis just gonna exchange a couple of words with your original. See ya~”

As the clones bid a farewell and wish for her safe return, ‘Nagi cracks a proud smile while gently slapping her partner’s bottom. “They’re a bunch of good girls, don’t you agree? So, that’s what you have left to die.”

Lastly, the tanned brunette lifts her hand and waves without looking back before taking her leave, while Kyoko patiently waits to whatever place she may be taken and would use her chance to escape. Besides, taking care of these clones before they cause any trouble can wait a bit longer.

Some time has passed. After reaching her destination place, ‘Nagi picks the keys from her pocket and unlocks the rusty metal door. However, just before entering, she stops and checks on the brunette. “Oi, you’ve been so quiet all this time. Did you fall asleep?”

Instead of arguing with her kidnapper, Kyoko remains calm and closes her eyes. “Release me now, and I let you go off the hook this time.”

Suddenly, the Kusanagi heir silently gasps and frowns as ‘Nagi harshly slaps her bottom. For sure, her reaction makes the dark entity laugh. “Where are you rushing? Do you have a date or something tonight?”

After receiving no reply from her partner, ‘Nagi makes sure she won’t fall off and puts on a serious look. “Well, I didn’t plan to have any guests. But the more, the merrier. Let’s go.”

Thus, as the iron door closes behind them, this couple is surrounded by the pitch darkness in this freezing, echoing room. Whatever this place is, it doesn’t put Kyoko at ease even a bit.

However, her further thoughts are interrupted by the tanned brunette’s igniting her palm. While she watches the orange flame tracing and reflecting on the cracked and peeled paint wall, she hears a loud clicking.

Thus, the hanging light bulb reveals the true face of this place. As this couple goes deeper into the basement, Kyoko begins to struggle and even kicking with her feet upon noticing the dark, splashed stains on the walls and the burns. Although, her poor attempts only amuse the tanned brunette.

“Come on, now. We already here~” Kusanagi addresses her in a playful tone.

Soon, she puts down Kyoko and sits her like a doll against the wall. But for now, she squats next to her and smirks like a feline while brushing away the hair from her partner’s face, who growls at her like a small wounded animal.

“Just what do you want from me?” the Kusanagi heir speaks out without removing her eyes from this dark entity.

‘Nagi ignores her question and comments. “You know, you haven’t changed since our last encounter.”

After exhaling through her nose, she kneels and leans close to the brunette. “Not even a bit. Same annoying and whiny woman that acts like the entire world turns around her.”

When she narrows her gaze and tilts her head, she holds Kyoko’s chin and comments in a mildly annoyed tone. “I don’t get it… How come That Woman with the purple flame is so obsessed with you?”

Kusanagi only cracks a mocking smile. “Well, we have all night ahead, you know. So, why don’t we see it by ourselves?”

Kyoko only shakes her head. When she gets rid of her opponent’s hand, she calmly backfires. “I dunno what kind of business you have with Yagami, but you better leave her alone! Or else -”

“Else what? Are you her little pet or something?” ‘Nagi chuckles and smiles like a Cheshire Cat.

Suddenly, she grabs Kyoko’s t-shirt and brings her close. “Listen. Now, cry. Cry all you want, but your tears won’t work on me, you stupid cuckoo bird!”

After a brief pause, she aggressively slams the brunette against the wall, making her gasp and grunt.

While Kyoko’s face twists in pain, she shakily respires and groans. “You bastard… Untie me and face me fair and square!”

Such a response irritates the tanned brunette, and she presses her lips. When she clenches her palms into fists, she sends a harsh slap across Kyoko’s cheek, making her turn another way.

The Kusanagi heir only widens her eyes, feeling her stinging cheek, and remains dumbfounded.

Meanwhile, ‘Nagi only wipes her palm into her thigh and yowls. “Who do you think you’re talking with? At least I am not the one who breeds like a crazy bitch on heat and then leaves a bunch of your spawns for anyone else to raise while you continue to live with no shame and sing like a cuckoo bird… Disgusting. Tsk. If only these NESTS workers sprayed you before spoiling you in their sanatorium. It cannot be helped that a bunch of idiots forgot about it...”

At the moment, Kyoko shakily closes her eyes and bites her lip as she can feel her guts twisting and something stuck in her throat. Yet, she interrupts the dark entity’s speech. “Shut up… You know nothing about this, you fool.”

Kusanagi only raises her eyebrow and backfires in a louder voice. “Huh? Did you say something? Or did I hurt your feelings, princess? You know, many of these clones have gone through a living hell and were slaughtered, and you still have the audacity to whine when you had the best of your life.”

These words pierce like arrows at Kyoko and give her flashbacks of being restrained to the examination table like a defenseless little animal crying for help just for these wicked scientists to grope or cut her while injecting various drugs.

Even reliving these traumatic experiences alone makes the Kusanagi heir shakily respire and stare into the void while unable to hug herself. Despite that, she opens her amber eyes and softens her gaze while avoiding facing her kidnapper and seeing her vulnerable side. “Is this why you brought me here? Do you want me to apologize to these clones?”

The tanned brunette only grins and proudly announces. “You bet your ass you will! And you’ll become our doormat. But not now… Not until I am done with you!”

When ‘Nagi grabs Kyoko’s throat and picks a switch knife from her pocket, she brings the tip of the sharp blade close to her chest. Lastly, she grins like a delusional maniac and adds. “Let’s see how rotten you are from the core~”

Meanwhile, the Kusanagi heir faces her without a single sign of fear or having nothing to lose. Hell, even if she is on the verge of death, she keeps a calm face and slowly blinks.

Slash! As the knife tears the brunette’s t-shirt, it exposes her worn black sports bra and well-built body.

Despite that, Kyoko stubbornly stares at Kusanagi as her gaze alone warns that she will accept even the worst torture from her executioner. Even the sharp blade in her opponent’s hand moving down to her belly doesn’t threaten her.

This reaction entertains the dark entity, and as her crimson eyes blaze with madness, she addresses her plaything. “I could simply open your guts and wrap your intestines around your neck as a decoration. However, it would be boring, don’t you agree?”

When her palm slides from Kyoko’s neck and rests on her shoulder, she lowers her knife to the ground. A moment later, she arches her back and strokes her cheeks while making purring-like noises.

Even when their eyes meet and the dark entity starts rubbing her thigh, the Kusanagi heir stares into this demon’s eyes and listens to her twisted talk. “You know, I could treat you with a nice and slow knife massage or boil you alive by your own flame. But I’ll be kind and let you decide whichever you prefer~”

However, thanks to the suspicious flat bulge in her partner’s pocket, Kusanagi makes a small thrilling noise. “Hoo~ What do you have there? Let me see.”

When Kusanagi picks up a phone, she unlocks it and looks through her contacts until one name catches her eye.

“Yagami, eh? Hmm, how did you get her phone number? Well, it’s not important now.” Kusanagi says with a smug look.

Just as she is about to press the call button, Kyoko frowns. After gathering strength in her upper body, she pushes her down.

After ‘Nagi grunts and is tackled down by her captured plaything, she hisses. “You bitch!…”

When she grips her upper arms, she tosses Kyoko away and yells. “JUST WAIT FOR YOUR TURN!”

As the Kusanagi heir hits the cold ground, she groans and curls into a ball. Unfortunately for her, she immediately and painfully moans after receiving a powerful kick into her stomach.

More so, her whimpering and her pathetic face don’t intrigue ‘Nagi at all.

After the tanned brunette removes the dust from her clothes, she murmurs. “Tsk, you stupid, annoying woman… But don’t worry, I’ll let that woman with purple flame to learn how she wastes time on such a low-life as you. Just you wait and see~”

While Kusanagi presses her phone against her ear and patiently waits for Yagami to pick it up, she forces Kyoko to lie on her stomach and sits on top of her.

Finally, as she hears the redhead answering, she imitates the Kusanagi heir’s voice. “Yo! How ya doing? Listen, I’m bored as fuck. So, why don’t you come to play with me?”

Suddenly, Kyoko turns her head and desperately screams. “Yagami, don’t! It’s a trap!”

“Kyoko?… Where the hell are you?!” the redhead asks without hiding anxiety.

However, just before Yagami says anything, ‘Nagi cracks a nervous smile and yowls as she pulls Kyoko’s hair and yanks her head. “Shut up!”

While Kyoko closes her eyes and hisses in pain, Kusanagi is delighted by Ioriko’s raging tone behind the phone call. “You bastard… Get your hands off Kyoko! Where are you hiding, you coward?!”

Lastly, the tanned brunette says in a suggestive tone while keeping her plaything under her claw. “Now, now~ Don’t be impatient, my dear. I know you cannot wait to meet me, but let me tell you where you can find me. So, listen up ‘cos I won’t repeat twice...”

After a while, the slammed wide-open door makes the tanned brunette, sitting next to her cornered prey, immediately turn back. For sure, seeing one enraged redhead glaring down at them sparks the excitement in Kusanagi’s crimson eyes.

“So, you really came~” The dark entity says in a thrilled tone while watching Yagami taking step by step down the stairs. When she sits unconscious, Kyoko, like she is her precious doll, she proudly displays her like her masterpiece. “Look, I was so waiting for you for so long that I couldn’t help myself but to kill some time.”

As she wraps her arm around the Kusanagi heir, who is stripped to her underwear and covered in cuts and dried blood, she holds Kyoko’s cheeks and makes her face Yagami. After she respires, ‘Nagi adds without removing her amorous eyes from Ioriko. “I met this little kitten and decided to play with her. However, she was no fun~”

As she delightfully smiles and strokes her partner’s side, she confesses nearly in a singing voice. “Not fun at all. Hell, she cannot even handle her own flame and passed out when I showed her a more interesting way of using it.”

For sure, seeing her long-time rival ending up like this boils the redhead’s blood. When she lowers her head, she silently growls. “I’ll make you fucking pay for this…”

After ‘Nagi gets up and thrusts her chest forward close to Yagami, she keeps her hands in her jeans pocket. “Eh? What’s that?”

Suddenly, Ioriko launches a powerful punch into Kusanagi’s stomach, making her groan.

Even when the tanned brunette hunches and covers her stomach, she cracks a smile while panting. “I missed you too, darling...”

Yet Yagami ignores and removes her long coat. After all, her partner’s well-being is more important, and how she got into trouble can wait until she wakes up.

Just as she bends down and is about to cover the resting Kyoko, Ioriko becomes alert.

“Don’t ignore me!” Kusanagi yells as she charges at the redhead with the flaming punch.

Fortunately, Ioriko’s reaction is quick. Thus, she sends the crescent-slashing strike. As the blood splashes like a fountain, the tanned brunette hits the ground and grunts.

“I’m… I’m not done yet!” Kusanagi yells as she shakily leans on her elbow and tries to get up.

Meanwhile, when Ioriko covers her injured partner with her long coat, she turns her head and gives a deadly glare to ‘Nagi. “You still hadn’t enough?”

After the redhead leaves Kyoko’s side, she ignites her palm and steps forward to her fallen enemy without hiding her murderous intentions. “I’ll show you what happens when anyone dares to touch someone who belongs to me!”

In the end, Ioriko unleashes the wave of the purple flame at ‘Nagi, who shakily stands and holds her arm. “Go and die!”

Some time has passed. One brunette is awakened by the stinging sensation when the warm water spray and wet clothing wash over her. Of course, that unexpected burning pain all over her body makes Kyoko whimper and sigh, even if she is still too weak to resist whatever force is assaulting her.

After lifting her elbow and covering her face, Kyoko slowly opens her eyes and spots the redhead holding the shower head in her hand aimed at her while lowering the white, small towel soaked in a barely visible light tone of red.

“Yagami? How?… What are you doing?” The brunette asks while dumbfounded at her partner. When she lowers her gaze and realizes that she is sitting in the bathtub without a single piece of clothing, her cheeks are dyed the same color as Ioriko’s hair, and she immediately covers her breasts. “You! What are you up to, you stupid pervert? If wanna take me down, then at least do it without using dirty tricks!”

Instead of arguing with her rival, Yagami only rolls her eyes and sprays warm water on her face. Besides, it secretly amuses her how Kyoko, at the moment, is not so different from a domestic, trouble-maker cat that needs to be washed.

When Ioriko sighs and turns off the shower, she grabs and tosses a large towel at her soggy feline. “Here. Can you do it by yourself?”

Meanwhile, the brunette only stares with her big eyes and tilts her head to the side, without being able to figure out what her partner wants from her partner’s motives.

For sure, her rival’s curiosity like a cat’s makes Ioriko turn her head and cover her face, along with feeling the heat rushing to her cheeks. After a moment, she grips the towel and starts drying the Kusanagi heir’s hair.

At first, Kyoko struggles for a moment, but as soon as their eyes meet and she sees her mildly concerned look, she lowers her hands and allows her to do as she pleases.

When Yagami closes her eyes and sighs, she adds. “I swear… it cannot be helped that I have to do it when you’re like this. But you better not get used to it, got it? It’s the first and the last time, you idiot!”

At the moment, the brunette only silently nods and entrusts her body to Ioriko. More so, when her long-time rival dries her, she seems to be careful doing so and busy studying whatever part she is working on.

‘At least it’s not life-threatening or serious. Thank goodness…’ Ioriko wonders while checking on the injuries on the brunette’s body. For now, she closes her eyes and silently exhales.

“What is it with that look on your face, Yagami? Don’t tell me that someone is worrying about me?” Kyoko cracks a playful smile and addresses her partner.

“Hmph. If you can still talk like this, then you’re more than fine.” The redhead backfires. When she finishes her current task, she swallows the saliva and wraps the towel around her rival’s shoulders.

“Come. We need to cover your wounds.” Yagami briefly orders before leaving her side and searching for one item on the shelves.

When Kyoko lifts her arm, she fixates her eyes on the cuts and responds. “It’s okay. There is no need for that.”

“And then they may get infected and I won’t be able to face like an equal, Kyoko.” Ioriko responds as she picks up the first aid kit.

As the redhead approaches, Kyoko hangs her head and hugs her knees. “But what about that dark entity who has the same flame as mine? I’m sure that woman might keep you entertained more than me.”

“What are you talking about?” Yagami asks as she opens the first aid kit. When she picks up the scissors and the roll of medical clothing and bandage, she gives another command. “Show me your arm.”

After the brunette does what she has been told to, she softens her gaze and tightens her lips while avoiding her partner. “But I will never reach the full potential of my power… I don’t think that I want to now.”

Ioriko only raises her eyebrow while treating Kyoko’s injuries. Nevertheless, she further listens to her.

“You know, when she kept me in that basement, she told me that my ancestors used our flame to do the really awful things to punish others… if not to take anyone’s lives.” The brunette confesses.

After a few moments, she inhales and shakily respires before continuing. “She even shown it to me that with concentrating her body heat into her palms alone can be dangerous. And trust me, even if she only been just playing with me, but it hurt… It hurt that I could swear she’ll boil or burn me from the inside whatever place she was touching me.”

When Ioriko finishes working on her arm, Kyoko forces herself to offer the other one and adds, no matter how something is stuck in her throat and preventing her from speaking. “No wonder why NESTS workers and some people in the past called me a freak or feared me… As if they knew already, since I was a child, that I was a monster with a power that can only make others suffer.”

As the redhead’s face darkens, she is done working on her partner’s arm and lowers her head. “And you believe in that bunch of nonsense, Kyoko?”

After a brief pause, she covers her eyes and briefly chuckles. “Hmph. Just because some discounted knock-off told you that you’re going to take her word seriously? Don’t make me laugh.”

Suddenly, Kyoko widens her eyes as Ioriko places her hands under her armpits and lifts her like a kitten while her towel barely hangs on her. While the redhead wraps her arms around her and takes her out of the bathtub, the brunette closes her eyes and clings to her.

But for now, Yagami’s hand slides on her rival’s lower back, and she whispers into her ear. “I’m not interested in anyone aside from you. Do not forget it because you belong to me, Kyoko.”

This confession gives her pleasant goosebumps and makes Kyoko’s heart skip a beat that all she can do is quietly call Yagami’s name.

More so, she starts making purring-like noises when the redhead strokes her hair and adds something in a nearly mute tone.

Just before Kyoko says anything, Ioriko bends and wraps her arm around her thighs, lifting her like a wounded princess.

When the brunette clings tighter to Ioriko, she addresses her while keeping her indignant yet blushing face. “Oi… What do you think you’re doing, Yagami?”

“I still have a lot of unfinished business with you. Besides, I need to mark you so that no one will dare lay their hands on you. So, you’re going with me.” The redhead responds with a smug look and heads towards the door.

In the end, even if that doesn’t sound too promising, Kyoko lowers her gaze and murmurs while being carried. “You better not try to drop me or else…”

On the other hand, she doesn’t really mind whatever Yagami has planned for her. Besides, even if she can feel deep inside that her partner may ask her to stay tonight, she is fine with her rival’s company. More so, she can swear that Ioriko’s presence strangely comforts her.

It’s been two weeks since Akira was brought into the ruthless killer’s lair. However, it seems the silver-haired woman is already used to living here.

Besides, aside from having a safe shelter from the rain and wind, Akira recently receives new clothes from the red-eyed swordsman. Of course, if one could call more or less a fancier lingerie like that during their playtime... Although, it was a nice variety after wearing these oversized shirts all the time.

Nevertheless, a few days ago, Akira was surprised that Shiki hadn’t bullied her in her own way during a small incident. Apparently, after taking the shower and climbing out of the bath, she felt something warm running down her thigh.

When she lowered her gaze, she closed her eyes and sighed at the bright crimson blood, not knowing what to expect from Shiki. More so, that sensation of a small velociraptor tearing her insides and her thighs’ flesh with its sharp teeth made her hug her stomach and bend while slowly but deeply breathing.

Despite that unbearable pain, Akira forced herself to climb back into the bathtub, and after reaching the shower head, she turned it on and allowed the warm water to wash her down, hoping it would distract her.

Soon enough, she lifted her head upon the opened door. A moment later, she only gave an exhausted look to her partner, who wasn’t so glad to stumble across the bloody scene.

More importantly, judging from the dark-haired woman approaching her with a mildly irritated face, Akira understood it may not end.

On the other hand, it was not something that she could control. Or so the silver-haired woman wondered while turning her head away and imagining Shiki’s judgmental red eyes looking at her.

Meanwhile, the red-eyed swordsman silently studied her partner with her poker face on.

“Hmph. So, this is how it is... Clean yourself before I return.” Shiki briefly ordered her before turning her back and taking her leave.

After several minutes, Akira finished drying herself, and her partner returned without empty hands.

Surely, she hadn’t expected to see her usual white shirt, a couple of other items like a pair of underwear, and something wrapped in a flat, square package.

After closing her red eyes, Shiki handled them to her prized possession. “Put them on.”

For sure, the silver-haired woman only looked at her with her confused, big blue eyes. Yet she didn’t give into confusion and did what Shiki asked her.

Even when they returned to the fearsome swordsman’s bedroom, Akira understood she had to make it up to Shiki. After all, it was a natural part of her routine to end their day and have private time together.

However, when the blue-eyed woman threw her arms around Shiki’s shoulders and pressed her body against hers, she widened her eyes at how this woman cushioned her tilted chin and smirked like a feline. “Does a puppy want to play? However, you need to endure for a few more days until it’s gone. Besides, I’m not interested in training a mindless sex slave that only leaves a mess after her.”

These words genially bewildered Akira, who was only pushed on the bed and tucked under the sheets. In the end, after the dark-haired woman removed her black leather pants, she joined her adored pet and hugged her from behind while taking most of the space in bed. A moment later, she rested her head on Akira’s shoulder.

For sure, that sensation of Shiki’s hair tickling her neck made her silently sigh. More so, it eventually helped her cramps in her lower half to calm down.

Thus, even during these recent days, the silver-haired woman was secretly delighted that Shiki stayed in her apartment much longer and only left to get food, water, and some other necessities for her, like a mother cat bringing something to her baby cub.

But for now, Akira only stares through the window and waits for her partner to return.

Unfortunately, aside from the never-ending heavy rain outside, there are no signs of Shiki coming back soon, even if she has promised that she won’t take long.

‘What if something bad happened on her way? Just come back safely, you fool...’ the silver-haired woman wonders while resting her palm on the window and shakily closes her eyes.

However, even after waiting for a couple of hours and with the storm growing stronger, Akira remains alone. Despite that, she refuses to rest and continues protecting her master’s fortress.

Suddenly, the thunder strike alerts her, but not as much as hearing something heavy dropping near the entrance door.

“Shiki!” Akira panics before rushing toward that sound.

Soon enough, she nearly drops to her knees when she sees one familiar swordsman soaked ‘til the last straw and shakily leaning on her trustworthy weapon to get up while deeply breathing. A second later, a black trash bag catches her eye.

No matter what is inside of it, it doesn’t concern Akira. After all, there are more important things at the moment. Thus, after approaching the dark-haired woman, she bends down and places her hands under her armpits.

“Leave. I can get up on my own.” Shiki protests.

“When you barely can move? Stand up and I’ll leave.” Akira immediately backfires and removes her hands from her partner.

Just as Shiki attempts to get up, her sword slips under her. Yet Akira’s reaction is quicker and catches the dark-haired woman in her tight embrace.

When she places her palm on her partner’s forehead, she widens her eyes and gasps at how it is burning hot compared to her cold skin.

Instead of wasting any time, Akira starts dragging Shiki toward her bedroom. However, it’s easier to say than have it done because the once ruthless Grim Reaper of Toshima is now nothing more than a cat refusing to move from the same spot.

Of course, she would appreciate Shiki putting minimal effort into coming into the bedroom. Besides, she is not so lightweight fellow. On the other hand, if she wasn’t sick, she would probably let this swordsman lie on the ground until she had enough. Or so the silver-haired woman ponders and sighs.

Meanwhile, Shiki lifts her trembling gaze and makes a smug look, despite feeling every bone in her body is aching and may break. After all, there is nothing more entertaining than her dear pet looking after her owner during her last moments while making such a serious face. But for now, she closes her crimson eyes while feverishly respiring and groaning.

After laying Shiki on the bed, Akira briefly wonders where she should start. That’s right, it might be one thing to undress one if they wore dry clothes and another one when they are as soaked and sticky as a second skin.

After she climbs on the bed, she starts with her partner’s upper clothes.

Even such a simple task of removing shoes requires the silver-haired woman to hold Shiki’s leg with her thighs while pulling it with her hands. Nevertheless, a leg after a leg, and she takes care of it.

For now, she moves to the red-eyed swordsman’s zipper of her leather pants and belt. Fortunately, Shiki lifts her bottom and remains silent without making unnecessary comments. Despite that, Akira feels the heat rushing to her cheeks.

It’s not her first time seeing Shiki naked, but even in a moment like this, she cannot help herself but be shy by undressing a ruthless killer whose life is at her will. More so, even if, now, these red as bloody gem eyes are in pain, for the silver-haired woman, they are so captivating and making her heart skip a beat.

When she nervously swallows the saliva and inhales, she holds onto Shiki’s dark leather coat without removing her blue eyes from her. “It would be helpful if you could sit.”

Meanwhile, the dark-haired woman replies with her usual arrogance. “When did you learn to behave so boldly?”

“And you still act like this even when you’re about to die? … Don’t make me to use your katana, you idiot.” Akira immediately backfires while keeping her serious look.

Instead of arguing with her prized possession, Shiki only turns her head away while leaning on her elbows and keeping her proud face. “Hmph. Are you that badly worried about your owner, puppy?”

As Akira lowers her coat from her shoulders, she closes her eyes and responds. “Think as you wish…”

Thus, upon grasping the hem of her turtle-neck t-shirt, the silver-haired woman lifts it and reveals her partner’s well-built body, along with her battle scars and the soaked medical bondage covering her large bust.

“You’re cold...” Akira softens her gaze while brushing her palm against Shiki’s wet skin before continuing her hard work of peeling this woman out of her outfit.

Meanwhile, Shiki returns her gaze and studies how, despite Akira being nervous while undressing her, she refuses to give up. Surely, such an effort only continues to amaze this woman, who has seen everything.

When the silver-haired woman carefully pushes Shiki onto the bed, she takes her partner’s gloved hand into hers and brings her lips close to her fingertips. Suddenly, she widens her eyes as the red-eyed swordsman tries to brush it off.

Unfortunately for her, Akira’s grasp is tighter, and no matter how she refuses to admit her defeat, she narrows her gaze. “I can handle it on my own.”

The silver-haired woman remains silent and pulls long leather gloves. Lastly, she tosses them on the ground along the resting pile of clothes and returns her gaze to her lover’s chest. “I cannot leave you like this. So, I’ll end this quickly.”

Even if Shiki is aware of what Akira has planned for her, she only closes her eyes and accepts her demise while her chest bloats. After all, perhaps it’s the divine retribution for showing her weak side and having high hopes that she can tame this stray dog that sparkled something in her. More importantly, in the end, her adored pet turned out to be a wild canine that would bite into the same hand that would feed her.

But for now, when she opens her tired eyes, her gaze follows her prized possession as she leaves her side and searches for a specific item in the drawer.

Even when Akira approaches her while carrying her combat knife, Shiki keeps her poker face. Thus, when her prized possession sits on top of her and points the tip of her blade at her chest, the dark-haired woman cracks a smile and slowly closes her eyes while waiting for the finishing strike.

Slash! And the blue-eyed fighter’s combat knife tears the layers of medical bandage at once. A second later, with the sound of a fallen blade and her breasts released from the tight clothing, Shiki opens her eyes wide-open and notices Akira with her lowered shoulders staring at her and explaining in a calm tone. “It would have taken ages to unwrap it. So, there…”

When her beloved pet pulls out the remains of the medical bandage under her and climbs off her, she pulls the blanket under her and covers her. “You better not try anything stupid or else…”

And with these words, the silver-haired woman gets up and walks toward the closet. However, no matter how thoroughly she seeks for something, she only exhales and slams the closet doors before rushing to the bathroom.

A few minutes of the ruckus and the sounds of the various things flying around in the bathroom have passed. Once again, the blue-eyed woman storms out without hiding her frustration.

Yet something small squeezed and dripping in her hand while getting close to her catches Shiki’s eye.

When Akira is close enough to the weakened swordsman, she brushes her wet hair from her face and places a cold, wet small towel on her forehead. “It’s not much, but please endure it for a bit longer.”

For sure, even seeing how the once fearsome woman is now fighting for her life clenches her heart and makes her tighten her lips and shortly whimper.

Nevertheless, Akira immediately turns her back and leaves the bedroom.

Thus, after reaching the corridor, Akira looks down and spots the same black trash bag that Shiki dropped and her katana earlier.

She wouldn’t bring anything useless or nasty from the Toshima’s streets, right? At least, hopefully, she didn’t. Or so Akira thinks to herself while squatting and tearing this bag.

To her surprise, seeing her fixed and neatly folded former clothes leaves her dumbfounded. “Shiki, you...”

When she picks them up, she warmly hugs them and lowers her head. “As if you knew that something bad may happen to you… You stupid, reckless fool.”

A couple of moments later, she lifts her head and unbuttons her white shirt before changing into what her partner has brought for her. After a few minutes, when she zips her jacket and puts on the hood with fur edges, she picks Shiki’s trustworthy weapon and leaves her apartment.

Some time has passed. After the silver-haired woman returns to the lair of the fearsome killer, she opens her jacket, revealing the goods she brought, and lowers her shoulders.

“Good. So, hopefully, you haven’t run away while I was gone.” Akira sighs while checking on the water bottle and the box of paracetamol before heading to the bedroom.

Fortunately, to her relief, the dark-haired woman is taking a nap while fighting back against the fever.

But for now, when Akira removes her jacket and approaches her, she places her hand on the small towel resting on her forehead and softens her gaze.

After she removes the warm towel, she gently strokes her forehead and cheeks. “Just a little bit and you should get well…”

Instead of receiving the wanted answers, Akira only closes her eyes and sighs at Shiki’s soft groaning and her unusual whimpers during her sleep. “Just hang in there.”

After a couple of minutes, the blue-eyed woman soaks the small towel in cold water and carefully sits her partner, who is as fragile as a doll, in her hands. Lastly, she leans closer to her and taps her cheek. “Hey, wake up.”

Finally, Shiki shakily opens her sleepy crimson eyes and cracks a tired smile. “What is it with you and that look on your face?”

“Take it.” The silver-haired woman gives her a couple of pills and a bottle of water while supporting her back with her arm.

Even the most basic task, like holding things, is challenging for the most powerful woman in Toshima, and a few moments later, her shaky hand drops it instantly.

For now, Shiki lowers her head and grinds her teeth while grasping the blanket. A moment later, she addresses her adored pet while avoiding facing her in her weak voice. “Leave. You are free to go. So, why are you still there?”

However, Akira only picks up the dark-haired woman’s dropped items, and when she takes the paracetamol and a good gulp of the water, she keeps it in her mouth. After she places her other hand behind her partner’s head, she closes her eyes and brings her face close to Shiki’s. When she presses her lips against hers, the silver-haired woman’s tongue tries to get inside her.

For sure, it shocks Shiki and makes her silently whimper, but she has no choice but to invite Akira. Even when she opens her mouth, and while water and medicine rush into her, she instinctively swallows it while a few drops run down through the corners of her lips.

More so, even if she wanted, she cannot remove her face when her prized possession buries her fingers into her hair and strokes them. Fortunately for her, as soon as she takes the final sip, Akira withdraws her face while keeping her lover in her caring embrace and catching for air.

After wiping the water from her and Shiki’s face, Akira fixates her blue eyes on her and replies. “As if I ever will. Even if throw me away, I’ll come back to you no matter what.”

Such an honest confession bewilders the red-eyed swordsman, and she whispers in a nearly mute voice while the heavy raindrops tap the window. “… Akira.”

Meanwhile, Akira gently allows her partner to rest on the bed and tucks her under the blanket. After she drains the wet, cold towel, she folds it and rests it on Shiki’s forehead. “Listen. You’re not allowed to leave. Not until you’ll get better. Then you can do what you wish with me.”

But for now, the silver-haired woman leaves the bedroom for a while to check if their apartment is locked and if they run out of necessities for tonight. Besides, tomorrow’s worries can wait. Thus, by then, Akira would hunt the same way as Shiki does every day.

An hour passes. Finally, the silver-haired woman can rest against the bed frame while hugging her partner’s trustworthy weapon if anyone dared disturb Shiki’s long rest.

More so, it cannot be helped that she would need to sacrifice her own comfort until her partner recovers. At least that’s a small price she has to pay. Or so Akira convinces herself while she sits on the floor and does her best not to fall asleep.

However, Shiki’s voice makes her lift her head immediately. “What are you doing down there? You’ll catch a cold down there.”

“Says who?” the blue-eyed woman backfires.

“Hmph. How adorable of my little puppy worrying about her owner~ However, I will let you jump on the bed and snuggle under the blanket. Undress and get into a bed.” The dark-haired woman responds while smirking like a cat.

Of course, it might be useless to argue with Shiki in her current state. Or so Akira decides as she sighs and starts removing her pants.

When she climbs on the bed without bothering her partner, she curls into her usual spot and throws a blanket over her.

Suddenly, she widens her eyes when a pair of arms wraps around her. Even when Shiki presses her body against her and rubs her cheek against her neck, Akira swears she can hear a thrilled noise from this large feline.

‘At least you seem to be recovering fast…’ The silver-haired woman ponders. In the end, she unconsciously places her palm on Shiki’s head and carefully strokes her hair.

However, it seems her partner doesn’t mind it. Or perhaps she is already slumbering. Who knows?… Either way, even the rain outside may not answer her questions. She doesn’t mind it. Besides, she secretly feels glad that this reckless woman is finally safe and under her care. Or so Akira decides when closing her eyes and calling it a day.

Somewhere in an unknown place and time. Soon, one redhead slowly regains his consciousness while groaning.

Despite the terrible headache, he places his hand on his forehead while his chest bloats.

Right now, Iori feels numb pain over his body as he was beaten by the sandbag.

Upon opening his eyes, Iori uses his elbows to get up unsteadily.

Is it finally over? What the hell happened this time? He didn’t simply pass out when the curse had worn out, did he? Iori wonders as he stares at the bloody ground with his dull, empty gaze.

Suddenly, the redhead widens his eyes and whispers while leaning on his elbow. “Kyo…”

After turning his head, he freezes in the same spot and stares at Kusanagi lying next to him on his stomach without facing him.

More so, there are scratches across the brunette’s entire back, as if a feral beast attacked him earlier.

When Iori kneels next to Kyo, he repeats his rival’s name while shaking his shoulders. “Kyo!”

Unfortunately, he receives no response or reaction from the fallen Kusanagi.

As his fingers sink into the brunette’s shoulders, he lowers his head and grinds his teeth. “Shit…”

Lastly, Yagami addresses his partner in a desperate voice. “Just stop joking around and wake up already! Hey…”

After he rolls Kyo on his back and notices his pale, lifeless face and bloody torn t-shirt, along with the damage on his chest alone, his heart instantly drops to his heels.

There is not a single healthy spot left on Kyo’s upper body or even the flesh.

More so, the beast’s claws dug deep until they had torn the muscle tissue and exposed the rib cage dyed in red.

At that moment, the longer Iori stares at him, he breathes deeply while his palms twitch.

That lingering sensation of grasping someone’s life at his fingertips and hearing a loud heartbeat inside his head makes the redhead shiver and swallow the saliva.

Despite hating the after-feel of the once warm blood dripping from his fingertips, the redhead senses that someone deep inside him was smiling with their satisfied snake eyes and praising him.

Even if he refuses to check on his hands, Yagami understands who is the monster that assaulted his partner.

It doesn’t matter if that overgrown, vengeful snake took control over his body and used him as a mere tool, because it won’t change the fact that he was the one who cut Kyo’s life thread.

Suddenly, the redhead clenches his palms into fists until his nails sink into his skin and lowers his head.

When Iori grabs the brunette by his jacket, he yells at him without facing him. “HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? WHY YOU HAVEN’T DONE ANYTHING TO PROTECT YOURSELF, YOU FOOL?”

After receiving no answers from Kyo, who lowers his head to the side like a rag doll, Iori pitifully whimpers. “Why?…”

For now, the redhead bites his lower lip until the dark crimson liquid runs down and carefully lowers his partner.

Lastly, he pulls the brunette into a tight hug while barely holding back from sobbing. “Kyo…”

As Iori puts his hand behind Kyo’s head and sinks his fingers into his scalp, he closes his eyes and rests his head on his shoulder.

A few minutes have passed, and he immediately opens his eyes and lifts his head upon hearing a weak sigh.

While tears gather in his eyes, Iori whispers in disbelief. “Kyo?”

Unfortunately, he doesn’t have enough time to comprehend what is happening or to react to the new threat.

Thus, as Yagami’s back harshly hits the ground, he grunts.

But for now, he only observes Kusanagi moving like being attached to the invisible strings and sitting on top of Iori.

“What are you-?” the redhead addresses his partner before his voice is cut off by Kyo, who puts his ice-cold hands on his neck and crushing his throat.

While his face twists in pain, he desperately catches for air.

After Iori manages to grasp his partner’s wrists, he stares at him with a stubborn gaze.

As the crushing pressure against his throat increases, he can feel that his eyeballs may pop out at any moment and his strength slowly leaving his body.

Meanwhile, Kyo only looks down on him with dead, expressionless eyes, with showing no emotion - no anger, no joy, no hatred, no nothing.

Finally, the brunette speaks up in a robotic voice. “You… I have no use of you anymore. Why don’t you join him if you like him so badly?”

Suddenly, Yagami gets alerted upon realizing who is pulling the strings. While his palms tremble, he frowns and groans. “The hell?... Leave... Leave Kyo out of this... Leave him alone, you... you bastard…”

Unfortunately for him, his vision starts blacking out, and he releases the brunette’s wrists.

However, just before Iori lets out his final breath, a pair of enormous yellow snake eyes appear in the sky and narrow their irises while fixating on him.

Suddenly, Iori opens his eyes and sits while gasping and grasping his throat.

But for now, while he breathes deeply, he removes his palm from his neck and lowers his gaze.

“Was just a dream?” the redhead murmurs while staring at his clean palms.

After looking around and noticing the familiar brunette curled under the blanket, he closes his eyes and exhales while lowering his shoulders.

Certainly, seeing the peacefully slumbering Kyo makes him feel as if a heavy boulder was pushed from his chest and, perhaps, secretly happy that he won’t need to deal with him.

After all, this Kusanagi can be nosy and worry too much where he shouldn’t. So, it is for the better if he knows less. Either way, it may take a while to go back to sleep. Besides, taking some fresh air outside may help him to distract himself. Or so Yagami reminds himself when he gets up and makes sure he won’t wake up his partner.

Lastly, before leaving the bedroom, Iori turns his head and checks on the sleeping brunette, who is completely unaffected by his surroundings.

Several minutes have passed. It is a serene night that not a single living soul dares to disturb the silence.

Only gray smoke reaching for the moon and disappearing into the starry sky reveals that someone is restless during such a night.

A second later, a mild breeze blows and carries away the smoke of the lit cigarette that rests between Yagami’s pale fingers.

While Iori leans on the balcony’s parapet, he lifts his head and stares at the moon with tired eyes, unaware of his surroundings.

Suddenly, Iori is nearly startled by someone gently placing their hand on his shoulder and a familiar voice from behind. “There you are, Yagami.”

As soon as he recognizes to whom it belongs, the redhead closes his eyes and sighs. “What are you doing here?”

After getting close to his partner, Kyo faces him. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking this?”

A second later, the brunette asks without hiding his concerned gaze. “Did anything happen? You were even calling my name during your sleep.”

For sure, it makes Yagami turn his head away.

But for now, he responds in an irritated voice. “Tsk. You worry too much, you idiot. I just needed to get some fresh air. That’s it. So, go back to bed, or else you’ll catch a cold.”

After Kyo smiles and shakes his head, he hangs his head down and comments. “In the middle of the night? You know, I’ve never seen you so eager just to get up and go for a smoke.”

“There is a first time for everything.” Iori immediately backfires.

When the redhead takes the cigarette and inhales until it burns and reaches the filter, he deeply exhales while listening to his partner’s voice. “Is it? Then, can you say it again right in my face?”

Suddenly, Iori drops the cigarette and widens his eyes as Kyo presses his palms on his cheeks, making him turn his head.

At that moment, he remains speechless and stares into Kusanagi’s serious face.

As the brunette softens his gaze, he confesses. “You are a terrible liar. So, I’m not letting you go until you say what is bothering you.”

Instead of showing that he is cornered by a demanding feline like Kyo, Iori takes his hand and lowers it.

But for now, he replies while keeping a straight face. “As if that was any issue to begin with… It’s fine already because since you are standing here.”

Such an unexpected answer catches Kusanagi off guard, and as the heat rushes to his cheeks, he covers his mouth with his elbow. “Wha-? What is it with you using corny lines?”

When Kyo lowers his elbow, he complains in a shy voice. “You only want to get away and keep your problems to yourself, aren’t you?”

Yet, the redhead adds. “But you are warm and breathing. More so, you still behaving like this. So, it’s more than enough to know that you are still alive and not killed by anyone else or…”

Unfortunately, he doesn’t finish the sentence as if the words are stuck inside his throat.

After Iori covers his mouth and steps back, he turns his head away and looks at the empty street.

When the redhead realizes he almost told too much, he frowns and grinds his teeth.

Meanwhile, Kyo only gently calls his partner’s name. “Yagami?”

Just before the brunette takes a step forward, Yagami pushes himself from the balcony wall and rushes to leave without facing his partner. “Forget it! It was nothing more than a dream.”

Fortunately, Kyo’s reflexes are faster, and he wraps his arms around his partner from behind. As he rests his head on his shoulder, he closes his eyes and sighs. “I see… So, that’s what bothers you.”

After a brief pause, the brunette opens his eyes and speaks up in a softer voice. “However, I know you long enough that you would never do this. You’re simply not that kind of person. You know, even if you wanted, you had way too many chances. But somehow I’m still here with you.”

However, instead of listening to him, Iori places his palm on his partner’s head and tries to push him away.

Unfortunately for him, the brunette is too stubborn, and not only he doesn’t move a bit, but he also rubs his cheek against his neck.

In the end, Yagami understands that his effort to get rid of too nosy Kusanagi is useless, and he accepts his fate of ending up in this large feline’s embrace.

But for now, Kyo continues reassuring him. “Even the other you… Well, just because you sent me and Shingo to the hospital ONCE that one time, we both survived.”

When the redhead lowers his eyes, he objects. “But it doesn’t change the fact that you could have died, you fool.”

Yet, Kyo only calmly explains. “The other you only managed to assault me because I got distracted by Shingo’s sudden panicking. Otherwise, I would have knocked you out as any other time your blood boiled. Either way, I’ve only ended up walking with having a black eye and torn lip for a while. So, it wasn’t any big deal or something. You know, I was more relieved learning that you passed out without being harmed or hurting anyone.”

As his hug tightens, the brunette lowers his blushing gaze and adds in a nearly purring voice. “Besides, the other you recently become fond of me and because of that, it’s easier to approach him. Even last time when you went on Blood Riot, I even managed to ride him, but he decided to push me on my fours and fucked me like an animal for a while ‘til he passed out, you know.”

Meanwhile, Iori starts silently growling and frowns. Yet, he tries to remain patient and replies while his fingers dig into his partner’s arm. “You are asking so badly to sleep on the couch for a week, aren’t you? If so, you should say so and I’m not stopping you! As if I care about your antics and affairs, you stupid perverted idiot! So, let me go.”

Eventually, the redhead escapes from his partner’s embrace and is about to leave the balcony.

However, Kyo catches his hand and refuses to let him go. For sure, it makes Yagami stop and turn back.

But for now, the brunette addresses him in a strict tone. “Not until you’ll hear what I have to say.”

When he closes his eyes and sighs, he opens his amber eyes and continues. “Listen, ‘cos you are completely missing my point. Then, you can do as you please.”

After a brief pause, Kyo gets close to Iori and rests his hands on his chest while fixating his loving eyes on him. “First, I have no interest in taking advantage of you when you are taken over by that curse. However, this is the best way I can make sure that I can make sure that you won’t get harmed.”

But for now, he lowers his gaze and grasps his chest. “I don’t like how that stupid snake dares to screw with your body. I just hope it rolls and twists from anger while watching every single moment when you go Blood Riot and how I handle you until you return to me. So, if I was afraid that you’d kill me or do anything I would hate, don’t you think I would be fine with letting you or the other you do what you want with me? Hell, I would -”

Suddenly, Kyo widens his eyes as a couple of arms wrap around him until their bodies touch.

Finally, as the loving hand strokes his hair, the brunette only closes his eyes and gently whispers his partner’s name.

Lastly, the redhead closes his eyes and sighs. “What am I supposed to do with you?”

Thus, neither of them says a word and enjoys this peaceful moment while being illuminated by the platinum moonlight.