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It was his third day in a row staying late at Jouin. Yuzuru could never find an adequate spot in the dorms to properly study, so he’s taken to using Jouin’s library. He was making his way to the stairs when he heard a piano from father down the hallway. The school should be vacant by now, it was too late for the students on clean up duty to be lingering. He furrowed his brow and followed the sound.
He rounded the corner of the hallway and reached the music practice room. Peeking his head in revealed one Hikaru Fumiaki, practicing on the baby grand piano. Yuzuru and Fumiaki were pretty well acquainted, with the latter going out of his way to talk to Yuzuru when he had the chance. He was nice and thoughtful, and apparently a great piano player to boot. Yuzuru couldn’t help but stand in the doorway and listen to the other boy practice. Jouin had a great music program, with a good handful of students getting into the school on music scholarships. Maybe Fumiaki was one of those students. Despite being one of the only people who could put up with him, Yuzuru found he barely knew anything about Fumiaki.
Yuzuru took a step into the doorway and leaned on the frame. Creaky floorboards were what alterted the other boy to Yuzuru’s presence, and his head shot up in surprise. He met Yuzuru’s gaze and looked a little embarrassed.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but stop and listen to you play,” Yuzuru spoke up. “You’re really good.”
Fumiaki glanced towards the clock on the wall. “Ah, thank you.. I hadn’t realized it had gotten so late. I hope I wasn’t disturbing you or anything.”
“Not at all. I was just finishing up some work in the library.” Yuzuru cocked his head in the direction of the library. “Do you play often? I never knew you were musically inclined,” He smiled.
“Well, I am in the music program here…” Fumiaki trailed off. He began to pack up his sheet music into his bag before continuing, “I have a recital next week. I’ve been staying late to practice, since the dorms don't have any good rehearsal spaces,”He pushed the bench out from the piano and got up.
Yuzuru quirked an eyebrow. “Recital? Is it open to an audience?”
“Yeah, it is. It’s at Toppan Hall next Thursday if you were wanting to come.”
“I just might have to make time to go. I’d love to see you actually perform.”
Fumiaki smiled. “I’ll look forward to seeing you, then.” He slung his bag over his shoulder. “We should probably get back to the dorms. Walking around Tokyo late isn’t too good of an idea.”
“Yeah, things have been crazy here recently,” Yuzuru nodded. “Want to walk together?”
He was the key to saving Tokyo. He held the Knowledge of the prime minister of Japan— no, the literal god Tsukuyomi. Yuzuru felt dizzy where he stood.
“Yuzuru Atsuta.” Koshimizu’s voice startled him out of his thoughts. Dazai and Hikaru had left the meeting room while he wasn’t paying attention.
“Yes, sir?” He wasn’t sure if he should bow or not.
“We have much to discuss about the logistics of becoming a Nahobino. Would you be able to stay a bit longer today?”
Yuzuru nodded. “Of course sir.” Back when they were with Bethel, Yuzuru dedicated pretty much all of his time outside of school to the cause. Miyazu’s condition had been getting better, and he didn’t feel guilty leaving her home alone. She was 17, after all. Plus, he always had his ringtone all the way up in case she called. Lately, though, Yuzuru hadn’t found himself worrying about Miyazu being in Da’at. She seemed fine in the fairy village.
Koshimizu smiled. “I’m glad someone like you is the bearer of my Knowledge. Your work for Bethel has been invaluable, and since The Saint’s passing…,” He paused, “Just know that I’m proud to bring about the creation of a new world with you.” Koshimizu grasped Yuzurus' shoulder firmly. “You and I are the only ones capable of doing so.”
Yuzuru met his gaze nervously, though he tried to not let it show. “What about Hikaru? Would we need two Nahobino to take the throne?”
Koshimizu’s expression grew grim, “Not necessarily. Two Nahobino would guarantee our victory, but just one is more than capable.” He cast his eyes downward. “There is always the chance that he rebels.”
“I understand, sir. As.. your Knowledge,”The phrase felt weird on his tongue, “I intend to do whatever I can to bring about your new world.” His hands balled into fists. The world was at his feet, and he was prepared to step off the edge if need be.
“Yuzuru Atsuta, this will be our world.”
Being a Nahobino did not feel like what he expected. When he saw Hikaru’s new form, it looked just like him but… better. He had expected himself to be in control, with Koshimizu existing somewhere inside his mind, based on what Hikaru had told him. Now, in this form, Yuzuru was relegated to the back of the mind while Koshimizu took control. It really wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
Are you okay, Atsuta?
He heard a voice echo within his headspace. Koshimizu. Words don't come easy when you are technically without a physical form. He imagined himself, talking into the darkness of their mind. The dam blocking the flow of his words had been broken.
“Yes, sir.” He suspected that Koshimizu could tell already, with their bodies being fused and whatnot, but was simply asking for Yuzuru’s sake.
Good. Our first challenge is him.
The gaze of their body fell on Hikaru. Yuzuru felt his heart—metaphorical heart— twist. He didn’t want to fight him. Why couldn't he just listen to Koshimizu? He knew how to protect everyone, including Hikaru. Now, they have to hurt him.
Do not let your feelings get in the way of our goal. It is far too late for that.
“I know. I promise, I’m dedicated to our cause,” Yuzuru half pleaded. “Can I even do anything? Or are you the one in control here?”
It is my divine right to challenge Susano-o. I’m sorry, Yuzuru Atsuta, but I only need your Knowledge.
Figures. Once again, Yuzuru is the lapdog for whoever tells him what to do. Fitting that his partner is Hayatarou. He shuts down this train of thought, in case Koshimizu is privy to his conscience.
Do not be discouraged. You are invaluable.
Without warning, their body spoke. It was not him willing the words to come out.
“Brother.. You would betray me?” Their voice sounded like a muddied mess of Koshimizu’s and his own. Yuzuru couldn’t help but recoil. This was not his brother. This didn’t seem to be his fight. Words not belonging to him echoed once again, “And Hikaru….. I thought you were to be trusted.”
Yuzuru is realizing where he went wrong far too late. Their new world, the new Tokyo, was never to protect humanity. It was to bring Tsukuyomi back to power with the myriad gods.
“I seek to create a new Tokyo. Those who shall oppose it will receive no mercy!” Yuzuru couldn’t stop the words from coming out, no matter how hard he willed their mouth shut.