Chapter Text
The past few days have been… complicated to say the least. With the revelation that Atsushi was a tiger the government, the underground, and anything in the middle became a mess. The Armed Detective Agency hasn’t been more active than the usual but has informed the Gifted Special Operations Division and now they have more information about him, which could potentially track down where they have been for the past 8 years. The underground organizations have been allying with one another since apparently a foreign organization put a bounty on Atsushi’s head. They are still trying to figure out why they want Atsushi for, Shiguma is trying his best for the past couple of days, but it’s hard to touch high-ranking mafioso without getting killed. Speaking of which, the Port Mafia has been keeping an eye in their own territories because there were reports of Atsushi walking around Yokohama. To say the least, Atsushi is hiding, he desperately wants to go outside but knew that would be a stupid thing to do.
He has restrained himself from going out and instead, he spends most of this time in the highest point in the tower, where he can see the beautiful ocean and feel its cool breeze. It helped a little bit.
“Atsushi,” Tatsuhiko said while putting his arms around his beloved. “I hate seeing you like this.” Atsushi moved so he could fit better around Tatsuhiko’s form, while their height difference is 7 cm it’s actually closer to 10 because of Tatsuhiko’s usage of high heels. “I know you hate feeling trapped because it reminds you of the orphanage,” he squeezes harder “but I can’t let you out. It’s not safe.”
“I know,” he said as he put his head closer to his husband’s neck “I can’t go outside on my own. I would like to go out with you or with Shiguma by my side. You are the only people I trust” a small pause and he turned back to the ocean “I know you wouldn’t sell me out or put me in danger.”
Shibusawa looked at Atsushi with a small pause, but he soon smiled “We can arrange a going out, but don’t go ever alone, understood?”
Atsushi smiled “Of course. I’m already asking for something that may cause trouble.”
“Don’t break your back about it.” He kissed Atsushi lightly and sweetly “It wasn’t your fault. You got tricked into it.”
“I am still dumb.”
“No, you are smart. You are just kind, so people take advantage of you. You need to be careful, my love.”
“I will, my world."
~~~~~
One could say the best thing about living in Suribachi is how much people are used to weird sights. The city was created by a research facility that exploded if the rumors are to be believed. There were also the sightings of the past Port Mafia boss and similar explosions that also caused damage. That’s without the mention of the frequent gang fights and occasional gifted battles. There been a tower in the middle of the slum it may look weird, but nothing that would be too strange or wouldn’t be explained by just saying “ability users live there”, which is the case. It also doesn’t help that all three ability users living there look ethereal compared to the surroundings. All of them have white hair, pale skin, and perfectly white clothing which is impressive on its own. They stand out, and many people are scared of them but just as many people feel safe. The Shibusawas will never attack first, and will actually help people, especially the two younger ones. They will give food if needed or any other services if it wasn’t too intrusive or felt threatened by the person.
Everyone in Suribachi knew that no one should ever hurt them, or do anything dangerous around or to them. Years ago when they just moved to the area a gang saw the youngest walking around and was taken by the group. In less than a few hours that group no longer existed. Stories similar to this one repeated for several weeks until the Shibusawa Family created their own reputation that could rival the Army Detective Agency or the Port Mafia’s. Although they were no way near as aggressive, the Agency mostly did contracts and had a strong policy against killing, but usually, that resulted in torture. It wasn’t uncommon for gang members to say “they are stronger and even more brutal than the Port Mafia itself”. That is not to say that the Port Mafia is anything you should sneeze at. They are still the biggest criminal organization in the city, with the biggest territory, and with the most connections outside of the whole of Yokohama.
Even when Suribachi is a neutral territory, many Port Mafia members originated in this part of Yokohama. The executive Nakahara Chuuya was part of a Suribachi-based-group named The Sheep. The fearsome silent rabid dog Akutagawa Ryunosuke grew up in the slums until he was picked up by Dazai Osamu. There are even some rumors that the Port Mafia boss, Mori Ougai was based on Suribachi for some years. It is the perfect ground for new organizations and members of the underworld to raise, and The Shibusawa family wanted to keep it that way. They wanted to keep it a neutral ground, even though many gangs believe they should take over the territory to keep them safe and without any danger of the Mafia to come and start controlling everything. Like right now.
Today a large number of Port Mafia members have been walking around Suribachi, surprisingly Chuuya or Akutagawa are not here. One would expect they would be here as they are familiar with this part of the city, they would be ideal for whatever the mafia was doing today, but it’s mostly grunts and low-members. Sigma and Atsushi noticed that rapidly and informed Tatsuhiko who had some of his followers also inform him about the situation. The followers heard that the Mafia is looking for “a white tiger”. Atsushi said he should be relocated immediately, but Tatsuhiko denied it. He doesn’t want him to go anywhere. He wants him to stay in Suribachi. The city is a neutral ground and the Mafia knows it, that’s why there are only low-members, they are more disposable if a gang member thinks they are threatening their group and because they are grunts, they are not the smartest and will attack or be reckless. They will be perfect lab rats to know what will happen if there was any mission to take Atsushi. If they try to act more like detectives and try to find “the white tiger” by interrogating people, many will say they were rumors of a kid in white with a tiger claw appearing a few nights ago. If pressure further they will say the Shibusawas have it, but The Family is notorious for killing everyone if they threaten something that is theirs.
As if it was a television show, gunshots started to be heard outside of the tower. Sigma turned to the nearest window and saw what all three suspected, some grunts decided to get near the entrance of the tower and were shot down by the followers.
“I think that is not that they aren’t smart, they just don’t listen to the rumors,” Sigma noted turning back to the others.
“Rumors are a great tool in front of the right people,” Tatsuhiko said nonchalantly.
“Which is why they know it’s us. Most rumors will think it’s a kid in a white tiger paw. We are always in white. White hair, pale skin, and white clothing that we never change.” Atsushi mentioned, just saying out loud what they all knew.
After a moment of silence “You should go out, Atsushi-kun.”
Sigma and Atsushi turned to Tatsuhiko, just screaming confused.
Predictable.
“You are thinking too much, my dear Atsushi-kun. You will get worried over nothing. You are safe. We will try to find out why they are after you. We know the Agency is after you because the government got complaints about a tiger roaming Yokohama. Why should the Port Mafia care about that?” He went and kissed his husband’s forehead. “Sigma-kun will stay by your side all the time so you will be safe. I and the followers will try and interrogate and find out why the Mafia is so interested in a white tiger.”
“Tatsuhiko, we know more than anyone that they are after another ability user or for the bounty on my head. I know you are trying to make me feel better, but there’s no need to sugar coat it.”
Interesting.
“... You are right, in part. The Mafia does like gifted people to be in their organization, but they don’t generally look for ability users without a reason. Why the sudden attention on you? That’s what interests me.” He didn’t mention the bounty because it was pretty obvious the amount of money would be ridiculous if even the Mafia is interested in it, and that is the more likely reason, but what if it wasn’t. What if they found out about his tiger ability and could use it as another human weapon… one that would never break because of his regeneration ability… maybe they are other rumors about Atsushi… Shibusawa doesn’t want his Atsushi to taken from him.
“Um, Tatsuhiko-san, are you envious?” Sigma said and after a few seconds of silence, Atsushi started to laugh.
“For course he is.” Atsushi says putting his arms around Tatsuhiko’s neck “I am his, he doesn’t want me for anyone else. He is possessive and he doesn’t want me to be stolen.”
Sigma slightly chuckles “Then I’m envious too, I don’t want anyone to take you away.” he says and he puts his arms around Atsushi who chuckles in return.
“You are the only exception Shiguma. You are the only one who he will share me with.” Atsushi replied comically.
“I’m honored,” Sigma says and smiled wide at Tatsuhiko.
“... That’s because you are a good kid, Shiguma-kun. You will never steal Atsushi-kun for yourself.” He humored the other two and they only laughed.
~~~~~~~~
The next day Atsushi and Sigma went out. They were alert of any Port Mafia members, but overall they went knowing that one of Tatsuhiko’s employees will stay nearby in case something happens and call for help if needed. They barely changed their clothing and little effort in covering their face. Atsushi was wearing light makeup, which he knew Tatsuhiko hated but it did help to hide he was a man and removed his cape, something he personally didn’t like, but it helped him stand out less. Sigma parted his hair so part of his white half is not as noticeable and ditched his long coat. It didn’t make him pop out as much as Atsushi’s cape, it was just a nice day out and he could enjoy it more.
They were walking around in Yokohama proper, the coast was always Atsushi’s favorite part, he never understood why he was so fond of the ocean, but now knowing he was in part tiger he couldn’t shake up the idea that tigers like to swim, he also would enjoy the water…. But he is not the greatest swimmer himself so, who really knows.
Atsushi was enjoying the view of the sea from the rails that separate the walkway from the ocean while Sigma was a few feet behind him resting on a bench. “It’s getting late nii-sama, I think it’s better if we go back soon,” Sigma said and Atsushi didn’t even notice when he moved to his side, he was too enthralled by the sight. Atsushi loves seeing the ocean during sunset, Tatsuhiko always said there was no reason to see the real thing when Atsushi’s eyes were much more beautiful than the real thing. But his little brother is right, it’s not safe since the Mafia and the underground organizations become even more active during the night. He straights up from the rails, ready to do back home… but he couldn’t. His hands were unable to separate from the metal tube.
“I found you, weretiger” it was all they heard. Sigma and Atsushi turned around to the source. They have never heard that voice, but they have seen that face.
Ah, Akutagawa Ryuunosuke. He seems to use his ability to keep both of them in place. Atsushi notices now that his wrists are tight against the rails with black material, and Sigma was wrapped by the ankles… He didn’t seem to notice until now by his expression of full with terror. Which is warranted. Akutagawa has quite an impressive kill count and record of violent acts… wait.
“... I believed you had a record of killing every target you had, Akutagawa-san. Why do we get special treatment?” Atsushi said. Sigma seemed more terrified than ever, but he was always a very anxious person in moments of stress, not like he was any different. His heart is beating a thousand miles per hour, but he needs to put a brave face, for their own sake. He needs to stay strong for his little brother.
“The Boss asked for you.” Not a lot…. Well, that explains the silent part of the Silent Rabid Dog nickname.
“Mori-san asked for us?”
“No. Just you.” Akutagawa formed an extra black tendril that appears behind his just as black coat and is rapidly going towards Shiguma.
“SHIGUMA!” Atsushi screamed as he turns around to face what happened to his family. Only to see him in the ground.
The position that Sigma is in it right now doesn’t look comfortable in the slightest. He is in a posed in a way that his head and neck are touching the floor, but his back and legs are not, and he is essentially in his tippy toes. One arm is completely touching the soiled while the other one is in a curve position making only the palm of his hand being flat on the concrete. All of his weight is being put in his head and neck, and just part of his shoulders and a hand. Atsushi could hear Sigma whimper a “help” just loud enough for him to hear it, but Akutagawa couldn’t. He had to do something, now! He put his right foot on the rails and ripped the part that connected his hands to the rest of the structure. He grabbed the textile that attached him to Akutagawa and pulled forward. With the same leg, he heel push kicked Akutagawa is the stomach, and as he predicted Akutagawa was sent back a short distance, fell to the ground, and started coughing and spitting out blood. Atsushi knew the rabid dog’s medical history, he knew his past training with Dazai Osamu, he knew that kick was a shitty thing to do, but he wasn’t willing to get Sigma hurt. Sigma doesn’t have a regenerating ability as he does.
Shiguma relaxed, and let his back and feet touch the ground and was trying to get up. “Nii-sama, what now?” He asked, concerned, and panicking he was being helped by Atsushi, and honestly, he didn’t know what to do. While Atsushi was reaching his still connected hands to help him, they felt their ankles and wrists get tighter, they heard loud coughs and splotches of blood hitting the pavement. Shit, they ran out of time. Atsushi felt as he was being brought up above the ground, at some point the metal bar that connected his hand together was ditched and thrown in the ground making a loud “clang” sound. “NII-SAMA USE YOUR NAILS” Atsushi looks down to see Sigma only to watch as Akutagawa throwing him using his ability like for sort of whip, making Sigma hit a wall nearby and plopping into the floor… he wasn’t moving.
“OKAY THAT’S DOES IT!” Atsushi screamed as his long black claws appeared and to both of their surprise and shock, they were able to cut through Rashomon and he rapidly felt into the ground and started to run towards Sigma. He found his little brother in a fetal position with his hands covering the back of his neck. “Shiguma are you okay?!” He put his hand of Sigma’s shoulder as he trying to see his face.
“We need to get out of here.” He said in a broken voice. There were no serious injuries on it, what a relief.
“I know, don’t worry I will-” Atsushi couldn’t finish his sentence as he was being dragged across the pavement by his foot.
“NII-SAMA!” He tried to go after him, but it was useless. He couldn’t stand up. He was in so much pain. His hands and cover in red and cuts and he’s more than sure that his back was in a similar condition. He wished he had Atsushi’s regeneration ability.
Akutagawa dragged Atsushi towards him and as soon as he could, he put his weight on Atsushi’s stomach. He probably deserves it from what he just did. I mean, the man still had blood coming out of his mouth. “I don’t know how you cut Rashomon, but it’s not going to happen again weretiger.” Droplets of blood felt into Atsushi as he said this.
By now the little cuts he could have gotten from being dragged across pavement are completely healed, and Atsushi knew that with Sigma gone from Akutagawa’s priorities, he would exclusively focus on him and could actually focus on just fighting the black dog of the mafia and not worrying of Sigma getting hurt. “Want to bet, Tiangou?” Akutagawa, in response, kicked Atsushi’s face with the same leg he was using to keep him down… perfect. With Akutagawa’s weight off him, he rapidly took his chance and moved from under the mafioso. Sure, the kick hurt, but nothing he hasn’t felt before, and it certainly he wasn’t going to waste his chance just because of mild pain that will go soon enough. Akutagawa immediately starts attacking Atsushi, who somehow is faster than a highly trained mafioso “I guess the records were correct, you are aggressive.”
“Do you ever shut up?” his attacks become faster, harder to predict, yet Atsushi just keeps dodging them. This infuriates Akutagawa even more. His attacks become different than just piercing the ground trying to hunt the mantiger, they become demons trying to eat him, long and thinner needles coming out of the ground, and big balls of spikes coming from the sky smashing the ground, but Atushi evades all of them. Akutagawa is getting madder by the minute, why is he evading him. Why is he not fighting? Does he think he is not worth fighting and he just trying to outlast him? Does he think he can beat him without using his ability? Does the fucking mantiger think he is THAT weak?! “You are an ability user! Use it!”
Truth to be told, Atsushi knows he can transform into a tiger, but that doesn’t mean he knows how to do it. He only knows how to control his claws, but that because before realizing it was part of his tiger ability he thought it was a special version of his regeneration as they become longer, thicker, and harder to break. Even though he knows how to control them or if he knew how to turn into a tiger, he still wouldn’t use his ability to battle anyway. He has ripped people’s limbs with his bare hands and teeth before when he and Tatsuhiko or Shiguma raided bases together. He has never really needed to fight las an animal. He already fights like a beast, even in his human form. “You are a man! Fight like one!” Was all he thinks to say, especially after noticing Akutagawa was barely moving. He has just standing in a single place barely rotating on himself while he was throwing attack at him. Rashomon was doing all of the work… Oh…. He can use that. “But if you insist”. He says as he dashes towards Akutagawa, who he has essentially circle this whole time, with his claws behind him.
Akutagawa smiles in response, rather wide and unnatural like he doesn’t do it often, and several dagger-like tendrils go straight for Atsushi. He can feel the cuts and pierce of his flesh, it felt like nothing he has ever experienced before. It felt like the skin around him rather than been slashes, it’s being separated from the rest. It felt like it was being taken away... Getting eaten…Atsushi is scared... his regeneration is not acting as fast as it should…. It hurts…. Atsushi doesn’t like pain. He doesn’t want to feel it.
So, he doesn’t feel anything. He doesn’t feel his claws ripping Rashomon apart as if it was an old rag. He doesn’t feel his fits connecting to the barrier Akutagawa created to stop him. He can hear the shattering, but can’t feel himself breaking it. He can’t feel his fist connecting to Akutagawa’s cheek. He can see Akutagawa hitting the floor and barely able to get back up. He can see Akutagawa has blood coming out in his mouth once again. He can feel his legs moving on their own as he gets closer to Akutagawa but doesn’t feel the black coat as he lifts him by the collar.
He could feel his throat moving as he says those words, but he can’t really feel when he decides to throw Akutagawa into the ocean.
The shore is not that deep. He knows he will hit a rock or something underneath the surface. He doesn’t care though. He hurt his body…. He hurt Sigma.
“Shiguma!” He turns and runs towards his little brother. “Are you okay?!” As he sees him laying flat on his stomach while in the ground.
“I am okay, although my body does hurt,” he says his head now turned to face Atsushi. While it’s probably not the best, he really doesn’t know if anything is broken or badly damage in his back all he knows it hurts. “...Nii-sama, we need to go back. Let’s go home, please.” He says as he slightly moves and raises his arms towards his big brother, who gently carries him on his arms. It’s a little awkward because Shiguma is taller than Atsushi, but he is not that much heavier than he is. Although trying to carry someone without touching their back or using it as support it’s not the best. All he could do is to trot away from the scene.
~~~~~
Walking through the bridge that connects Suribachi from the rest of Yokohama, Atsushi sees someone familiar. Atsushi beams and Sigma turns to see and is relieved. Atsushi trots a little faster.
“Atsushi-kun, Shiuguma-kun, you are alive,” Tatsuhiko says once they are close enough. “The followers informed me you were attacked by Ryuunosuke Akutagawa.”
“Yeah, we were heading back when he came… for me… I put Sigma in danger, and caused him pain.” He felt Sigma’s arms around him getting tighter… it was no longer to keep him from falling… it was a hug.
“You managed the situation as well as you could, nii-sama, you should be proud.” He said softly into his ear, but it wasn’t a whisper. He just didn’t want to be too loud and hurt his brother’s hearing.
“As well as I could is not good when you end up getting hurt.” He says touching Shiguma’s head. He just wanted to hug him, but it will cause more unnecessary pain.
“Come on,” Tatsuhiko said and he was trying to get Sigma out of Atsushi’s arms. Sigma and Tatsuhiko are definitely closer in height, but Tatsuhiko is better built than Sigma, so he can carry him more comfortably...he was carrying like a baby sleeping in a shoulder. Atsushi smiled and stayed by their side. Tatsuhiko offered his elbow so Atsushi could put his hands around him, and so he did and walked home in comfortable silence.