Archive of Our Own

In ancient books, there are stories written about the existence of demons and how they roam the lands of Japan bringing great terror and devastation to the humans.

Even now in modern times, there are paintings, old letters, and even tales passed down from different generations of mothers and grandmothers to share with the youth. Although this information had changed with time, with its different versions and cluttered additions of details, many ought to believe that it is not real.

Demons are not real. But even as humans, they have their demons living within.

~~~

At a young age, Michikatsu’s parents were killed, leaving the young boy as an orphan. But it was only a few days later that he was adopted by an odd man. However, instead of being called a son, Michikatsu was told that they shall see each other as siblings.

“My name is Yoriichi Tsugikuni. I am your older brother. From now on, I’ll take care of you.”

Michikatsu desires to have parents. He felt envious to see other kids walking hand to hand with their parents every time. But having this isn’t so bad at all, he thought . After all, his older brother is a man with a kind heart who cares for him immensely more than any other parents do with their child. His brother’s love is so immense that not a minute goes by without them being separated.

The two siblings would sleep next to each other, sit next to each other, walk together hand to hand, take a bath together, and everything else together. No one can separate the two brothers whatsoever. They’re like magnets, always attached. Those who know of them, they’d say that wherever one of them was, the other was sure to be within arms reach or perhaps even in the same room. Of course, the only time they are separated is when Yoriichi needs to go shopping to provide them with food and necessities.

As time passed, the relationship between them got smoother, more comfortable, and safer. It was extremely peaceful… Until Michikatsu became sixteen years old.

~~~

Michikatsu was nine when he heard the word “school.”

He didn’t know what it was back then, but he had eavesdropped during a trip to the nearby local park with his older brother, holding hands with him. The area is quite empty which helps provide a peaceful mood. They sat on a bench, eating snacks together and sharing some stories when a family of three sat next to them.

Michikatsu was the closest to the family, so he could hear what they were talking about…

“I heard you got a perfect score on Arts at school yesterday,” the mother would say in a delighted tone.

Her son would perk up happily. “Yeah! My best friend got a high mark, too!”

And then Michikatsu’s older brother would put his attention away from the family, telling him that they should go home with an excuse that it’s about to rain. But as soon as they arrive home, Michikatsu somehow seems to make a grave mistake to ask a specific question that is certainly quite innocent for a young and curious child.

“Big brother,” Michikatsu calls. “What is school?”

Yoriichi froze, halting his movement in the process as he was about to twist the door handle open so that they could get in.

But Michikatsu barely notices, too focused on munching on his snack he has yet to finish.

“The boy beside us mentioned a best friend, too. What is that?” Michikatsu quickly added, “I mean, I know what a friend is, but is a ‘best friend’ a special name to call someone?”

After a whole minute of silence emitted from the oldest and a swirling mess of confusion from the youngest, the door finally opened and Yoriichi let himself in first. “Let’s go inside before I answer your question, okay?”

The young boy merely nodded in response, noticing how silent his older brother has become.

When the two went in, Yoriichi told Michikatsu to go sit on the couch. The youngest was confused about it but did not disobey. He sat on the couch, making himself comfortable as he waits for his older brother patiently, not worried even the slightest bit at all.

Finally, Yoriichi arrives, sitting closely next to the youngest until their legs touch. Unexpectedly, Yoriichi circles his arm around Michikatsu, pulling the young boy close. “Michikatsu… I shall thank you for being honest, or for considering telling me such a thing. Now can you tell me what I told you? Those words. The one you promised me to keep those words at all cost.”

Those words.

It’s like an oath. A promise. It has been drilled in Michikatsu’s head almost every single day, reminding him of their bond as brothers. Admittedly… the one he finds annoying to be reminded of and yet cannot deny his older brother about it nor complain. “I promise to tell you everything in full honesty from what I did, said, heard, and even what is happening around me.”

With that, Yoriichi smiles warmly. His fingers comb Michikatsu’s hair in a way that is gentle and sweet, which is enough to make Michikatsu quite proud to cause that reaction since Yoriichi usually wears a neutral face. “That’s right, which is why I made a snack for you for being such a good boy.”

And indeed, the snack came out from Yoriichi’s other side, revealing it to Michikatsu which caused a happy reaction from him. “Dango!”

Yoriichi chuckled at Michikatsu’s unbridled excitement. “Now, now… Don’t eat too much.”

It was only after the day has ended, being embraced in Yoriichi’s arms to sleep for the night, that Michikatsu’s question has not been answered.

~

When Michikatsu became twelve, so many efforts has to be done.

He learned to be secretive. He learned to lie. All because of curiosity.

One day, when Yoriichi was cooking something in the kitchen, with loud sizzling and crackling noises emitted from that room to celebrate Michikatsu’s twelfth birthday, that is the day when Michikatsu’s curiosity and a sense of clandestineness had entered his mind like never before. It came out of nowhere. He has never done such a thing before, especially without his older brother’s presence nearby, but there was this sudden and unknown urge that made him do such a thing.

He was in the living room sitting on a chair, playing with a Rubik's cube, when he spotted a T.V. remote control sitting on the table. It wasn’t supposed to look tempting to take. But for some reason, it did. Michikatsu eyed the kitchen area, where his older brother is currently busy cooking food for them, he let that urge run free, taking control of his actions.

Michikatsu stood up, his footsteps light. He snatched the remote control from the table and stared at it.

He isn’t allowed by any means to use the television. His brother had told him that. Using the television is strictly prohibited for him, and if he is to use it, then consequences are bound to happen.

Of course, Michikatsu had never broken any rule applied by his older brother. He was a good kid who follows Yoriichi’s every word since he is expected to do so at a very young age. There’s not a day where he did not follow the rules. But… just this once?

Michikatsu studied the remote first, then eyeing at the red button that seemed to tell him that this was the one mostly being used due to the faded paint of the white circles inside the red button. And with his heart pounding loudly out of nervousness or perhaps… fear? A feeling he is experiencing for the first time, he allows himself to push the button with his thumb.

It happened in an instant. He jumped in surprise when the television before him flash in white, a blinding light shone around the area, and sudden movements were occurring inside that screen. Michikatsu gasped at the magnificent sight, most especially at whatever he had done.

Luckily, the cooking noises overpower the sound emitted from the T.V. as it appears that there are people talking and music playing on that screen. Michikatsu focused and waited for a whole minute listening to any sound if his older brother may come marching here. However, it was only the sizzling, popping, and metal clinking noises that gave a sign that Michikatsu wasn’t caught at all.

So, he stared at the television, drinking in at whatever he is seeing at the moment with awe and surprise. He could barely understand how this functions, but all he cares about is the fact that this thing can do wonders with just a mere click of a button.

Unfortunately, he is new.

When he was young, he and the other kids weren’t supposed to be exposed to gadgets or any screens in the adoption shelter, and even now, his older brother also used the same practice. Whenever they have to go outside together, Yoriichi is sure to avoid places where large screens and gadgets can be seen. So whenever they go outside, they’d often go to places that are rural areas or older structures for sightseeing, and just places where gadgets are not to be seen.

Now, Michikatsu is first introduced to this. And he doesn’t know what to feel about it.

When he realized later that no people is living inside that screen, he decided to hear whatever it is being talked about.

“Stop it! Let’s just break up. I don’t want to do this anymore!”

“Oh come on, I still want to talk with you.”

“No! I have to go to school. I can’t bear talking with you right now.”

“And who do you want to talk with, hm? Your stupid, lying best friend of yours!?”

Michikatsu realized the sizzling noise slowly died down, and like an instinct, his thumb pressed the red button abruptly and quickly placed the remote on the table, properly aligning it, and sat back down on the chair. While doing this, he noticed how fast his heart was beating to the point even his breathing was hurried.

He moved his body to the side so that if his older brother walks in, he wouldn’t see his face first.

And indeed, Yoriichi came into the room. “Michikatsu!”

“W-What?”

“I’ve finished. The cake is done, too. The food is already served,” Yoriichi’s tone is brimming with gentle elation. Yoriichi is supposedly good at observation. He has keen senses. So, it is much to Michikatsu’s surprise that his older brother hasn’t noticed how odd and twitchy he has become. “Come on, let’s go blow the candles.” Even when Michikatsu’s back is on him, he could feel the smile form on his older brother’s face.

“Okay!” And just like that, nervousness and fear were replaced with excitement and happiness at the thought of blowing the candles.

However, he can’t shake away that strange and unknown feeling embedded deep within his heart. He had done something wrong. He broke the promise. And he doesn’t know how to feel about that… yet…

He has another feeling that he might break the same promise from now on. And he can’t stop now.

~

As many months go by, the more Michikatsu developed a reserved attitude. He started to realize that he’s been keeping secrets, being so tight-lipped about telling things he was supposed to tell to his older brother. Even going so far as lying.

When the two are outside in the backyard, Michikatsu would lean on a wall that is separating his house and the neighbor’s, and listen to their conversation from them if he could. His neighbors are often loud. Their T.V. would be on high volume to the point that even people from next doors can hear it.

At first, when Michikatsu was young, he thought that the voices are coming from the neighbors themselves. But now that he has seen first-hand what a T.V. can do or function, it wasn’t too long before he realized it’s the television talking. So, he took a big risk.

Once Yoriichi decided they could play around the backyard, turmoils of emotions would fill Michikatsu immediately. When they are outside, right away, Michikatsu would act. He’d go lean on the wall and listen to the T.V. talking until or before Yoriichi notices his odd action. Of course, since he isn’t allowed to know about the television, he knows what he’s doing is the wrong thing to do.

But he can’t help it. Television is a good source of information. And indeed, it feels illegal. Because he isn’t supposed to know something when his older brother is not telling him, since he’s gathering knowledge from another source.

Michikatsu knows he’s getting riskier. But… I just can’t help it.

This continues for many more days.

More pretense. More lies. More tricking. More to hide. More intense feelings.

But for some odd reason, Michikatsu was not guilty. It felt good in a way because for once in his entire life, he finally knows what it feels like to have something for himself. It provided him a sense of control and independence, and he intends to keep it despite experiencing such a thing for the first time. Although there are moments when Yoriichi started to assume things or even be suspicious about him, Michikatsu has turned out to be a great keeper of his secrets.

And what’s better about is that Yoriichi will never think of it as an odd thing. He couldn’t figure it out right away as he always thought that Michikatsu is a good kid. Since he never witnessed Michikatsu’s wrong actions, he always assumes that his little brother is an angel.

But that is what Michikatsu is trying to picture himself. All for the sake of his secrets to be kept.

The more this continues, the more Michikatsu became cunning. And the more he continues these sorts of actions, the more he learns about the world as a whole.

Ever since his birthday, he intends to learn a lot more than he ever could. That day, Michikatsu had a new goal that he wishes to achieve. And it all started because of the remote control and the television.

Indeed, he doesn’t regret it one bit.

There are many obstacles he faces along the way, starting with his older brother. The main issue.

It was only how many days later that Michikatsu realized how his older brother is constantly at his side or even in the same room. Yoriichi is never far away. Since Yoriichi can see what Michikatsu is doing, it would certainly hinder his understanding of the world, making things more difficult than ever. Not only that he couldn’t do anything, but Michikatsu is still expected to do things that satisfy his older brother.

However, ever since that T.V. incident… it’s like Michikatsu has opened his eyes for the very first time. It’s like his twelfth birthday has awakened something in him, causing a massive change that can never be undone.

Michikatsu, with a changed perspective of life and welcomed realizations he had ignored before, moved on throughout the days by studying his older brother. Now that he has somewhat grown quite aware or perhaps even smarter, he opts to learn about his older brother first if he can’t find himself learning about the world.

The discovery will lead to a fate Michikatsu never wanted.

He didn’t think that a mere observation would also lead to a twist of events.

~

Yoriichi Tsugikuni. A man who adopted Michikatsu as his own, yet preferred a relationship as siblings rather than a father and a son. He loves to be with Michikatsu at all times. He seldomly goes outside, only when in need of food or other necessities shall he has to go out. The only thing he prioritizes is Michikatsu’s wellbeing. And…

He always looks young.

Michikatsu realized this recently. Yoriichi never seems to age or grow old. In fact, it’s like Yoriichi is still in his late adolescents. Though he never mentioned his age, as time moves on, the man appears to be younger than he usually is.

Gathering the courage, Michikatsu dared to ask his older brother about this one night while Yoriichi was fixing a broken toy. They were sitting on the floor in the living room when Michikatsu fired the question.

“Big brother, why do you look so young?”

Yoriichi’s fingers stopped, his maroon eyes slowly glancing up at Michikatsu with an unreadable expression on his face. But Michikatsu said it so innocently as he patiently waits for an answer. But as moments pass by, Yoriichi finally answered, with a slight smile on his face. “Since when did you become so curious, brother?”

Michikatsu doesn’t know how to answer that. “I just… noticed it. You still look the same when you took me away from the shelter.” He wanted to ask how old he was, but somehow, refrained himself from uttering it. It’s embarrassing in a way. They’ve known each other for so long, and yet it seems Michikatsu knows absolutely nothing about his older brother.

Big brother never celebrates his birthday… I wonder why.

“What do you mean? I always look like this,” Yoriichi resumed doing his work, not bothered by one bit of the odd question.

“Oh…” Michikatsu was not convinced.

~

At the age of sixteen, Michikatsu’s words remained true.

Yoriichi hasn’t aged a day at all. It’s concerning because this man is supposed to be a lot older than Michikatsu. However, as Michikatsu studies his older brother as years come by, Yoriichi appears to become… even younger, with almost the same body structure and age as him. It’s as if Yoriichi magically decreased his youth, from a twenty-four healthy young man, into an eighteen less-muscular man.

Michikatsu’s eyes are not deceiving him. He vividly remembers the day he was taken by Yoriichi; the day he was adopted. Because it was one of the happiest moments in his life since it was a reminder that he can be loved and that he is still given a chance to have a family. He remembers Yoriichi’s appearance and body structure at that time, and it was no mistake about it that he used to have a leaner, more muscular, and slender body.

But now…

I’m just being stupid. I’m the one who’s growing. I’m the one who’s developing. Michikatsu thought as he studies himself in a full-body mirror.

It’s just strange.

It is strange. Now that Michikatsu is more mature and knowledgeable, all thanks to the news and information he gathered from listening to the television or radios or the loud conversations from his neighbors secretly, he can identify just how odd his older brother has become.

Not only that Yoriichi looks like a teenager or almost share the same body structure as him, but his attitude is strange as well.

Every night, even now, they would sleep next to each other. And during those nights, Yoriichi would whisper those… words that sent chills down his spine.

Obsessive words that Michikatsu doesn’t know how to feel about. He doesn’t even wish to repeat them or recall them.

He’s willing to bet that it has been occurring ever since he was adopted. He found out about this whole unhealthy obsessive mutterings on the same day he discovers what television is. On that particular night, lying on the bed with his older brother beside him, he couldn’t help but overthink that spectacular discovery, allowing his thoughts to roam long and hard to the point that he realizes his older brother is still very much awake in the middle of the night.

He discovered two things on that same day… The world is more massive and more mysterious than he thought or expected, and this man beside him is still a stranger.

Yoriichi would nuzzle his nose on Michikatsu’s hair, and tighten his embrace. It is indeed comfortable to be in each other’s arms, and admittedly, it helps Michikatsu feel safe and warm when Yoriichi’s strong arms are wrapped around his waist with their legs entangled. Being engulfed by a bigger physique felt nice. But for the very first time… it was that night that Michikatsu would realize too many things. Gone are the feeling of warmth and comfort as his brother would say those words. Replaced with confusion, and even fear. It would leave Michikatsu to question his life. Even as he pretended to sleep, trying desperately to ignore them, those good feelings will never return.

Suddenly, everything that involved his brother opened something.

Whispers emitted from his older brother every night. Reminders and promises are to be repeated every day. Restrictions or rules are to be applied daily. The older Michikatsu has become, the stranger it has turned out to be.

All those things he used to be okay with, now aren’t.

He’s old enough to know that his older brother is trampling his mindset, using his youth as something easier to control. And now that he knows whatever Yoriichi is doing to him is wrong and evil, it couldn’t be helped but create a new goal of his…

Achieve true freedom.

~

Sixteen years old Michikatsu decided to rebel. He had enough.

When Yoriichi told Michikatsu it was time for them to bathe, that is when Michikatsu boldly said the words that are sure to change everything.

“You know what, brother? I think I should start bathing on my own.”

He almost regrets saying that since Yoriichi stopped, his hand is about to push the bathroom door open.

But Michikatsu tries to ignore his older brother’s tense shoulders and the way his whole body seemed to stiffen. He continues bravely. “I’m old enough to shower by myself. And besides… I think I need to learn to be independent and responsible for my own person. Since, you know, I’m going to be an adult soon, and I don’t think that it would help me develop if you’re always… there. I-If anything, you’re super attached to me, always so close and oftentimes, you’d get paranoid when I’m out of your line of sight for only just a second.” Michikatsu rubbed his arms subconsciously as if trying to comfort himself. “I think it’s unhealthy? So…”

Now, Michikatsu regrets it.

Yoriichi turned around. The sight shocked Michikatsu, and his heart dropped. All of the sudden, Michikatsu couldn’t breathe as something heavy and pressuring is clouding everywhere around him. The heaviness came from Yoriichi. Michikatsu took two steps back, and it was there he realized that he was shaking. Yoriichi’s presence… what in the world!?

Yoriichi’s eyebrows were furrowed, his face firm and menacing. The hand on the door was suddenly curled into a fist. He stared at Michikatsu for a long time, a hundred emotions crossing his face before his expression ultimately darkened to the point Michikatsu’s blood ran cold. For the first time, Yoriichi appears extremely deadly, and that sight alone shows how capable he is at everything.

“It appears my attempts were futile. I have tried so hard to mold you into someone I desired and whom you’re truly supposed to be.” Michikatsu may have imagined it, but he swore he could see his older brother’s eyes change color. From brown ones to bright vermillion eyes. It left Michikatsu breathless. “I have done whatever I can to avoid certain events that may shape yourself like that, and yet it appears I did something wrong and I intend to fix it. I can’t lose you twice! I can’t lose you again, Michikatsu.”

Michikatsu had a feeling that Yoriichi had accidentally spilled some information he wasn’t supposed to say.

In a blink of an eye, the intense presence and the menacing expression Yoriichi emitted disappeared. Replaced with a blank look and a gentle voice. His eyes returned to normal. If anything, Michikatsu thought he was just hallucinating. “Let’s take a bath now.” Then, Yoriichi walks into the room, as if nothing happened.

Michikatsu is still stuck in a daze. His breathing hasn’t calmed and his hands are still visibly shaking. I definitely did not see his eyes go red. I definitely did not see those sharp teeth. I did not see anything. Oh, how he wishes he’s completely managed in convincing himself.

Even though his brother’s appearance is the center of his attention the most, it was the words that managed to dig deeper and make room to occupy his mind.

I can’t lose you… again? What does that mean? Michikatsu was utterly confused.

~

Many days have passed since that incident. It was never brought up to talk about. Yoriichi remained the same.

Always so close, always so paranoid, always there… Until Michikatsu took another investigation on his older brother once again. Since it has been concluded that that particular incident wasn’t normal. The heavy presence? The blood-red eyes? When has that been normal? Yoriichi is an enigma. He emits mysteriousness. Perhaps he truly is the source of mysteriousness.

One night, Michikatsu learned something that scares him.

He learned that Yoriichi doesn’t sleep. He had immense strength. And stupefyingly, Yoriichi heals quickly. No ordinary human does that. It sent too many questions in his mind to the point he couldn’t even rest or sleep.

The fact that he had witnessed all those, pretending he hasn’t seen anything or trying not to get caught that Yoriichi accidentally revealed something once again, is putting him on edge and in great distress.

What is he? Michikatsu mused as he lies next to Yoriichi, very much aware of his brother’s body heat pressed beside him. He has to calm his heart or else his older brother will be suspicious of him.

Michikatsu concluded that Yoriichi is like a demon… taking in a form of a human.

~

The conclusion scares him.

It scares him so much that one day… he ran away from home. When Yoriichi was out to buy groceries, Michikatsu is gone in an instant. He left everything behind. All he cares about right now is to get away as far as possible from a monster who’s named Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

Without any knowledge of where he’s going and ignoring how beautiful and strange his environment has become the deeper and farther he goes, he ran despite the lack of stamina and strength in his legs. He ran and ran until he is sure his older brother will never find him. His lungs burned and his legs are in pain. Michikatsu had never felt this kind of suffering before since he is pampered and spoiled a lot by Yoriichi. It’s intense and it’s exhausting. He wanted to sleep and drink water.

It’s already dark. Despite the sweat dripping down on every part of his body, the cold wind blew harshly on him which caused an intense chill to run down on his skin due to his smaller frame and thin clothes he has.

Michikatsu couldn’t even think straight as he stumbled his way into a building, unaware of his surroundings.

When he saw a wall, he immediately went to it and slump down, then plopped to the floor with a thump, finally having something to hold himself up without being seen by the people roaming around. With his breathing erratic and his heart thundering incredibly fast, he thought he was about to pass out.

Suddenly, a shadow looms over him. Michikatsu nearly had a heart attack when he looks up.

It was an older man. Not an elderly, per se, but a grown man carrying something quite heavy in his arms. Michikatsu stared up at him, growing quite nervous and afraid. The man seems shocked at Michikatsu’s presence, before composing himself right away, clearing his throat. “Good evening.”

Michikatsu could only blink.

The unassuming man tilted his head questioningly. “Uh… can you move, please? I got to get inside that door you’re blocking.”

Michikatsu immediately realizes that he isn’t leaning on just any wall at all. He quickly scrambles away, embarrassed. “S-Sorry…”

“Ah, it’s okay,” the man says with a small smile. “You see these piles of books I’m carrying? It’s pretty heavy and I need to rest my arms immediately or else they’d numb. Would you mind twisting that doorknob for me?”

I’m talking to a person… for the very first time in a very long time. The last time he had a conversation with someone else was from the adoption shelter. He can’t remember his parents, but he does remember talking with other people before he was adopted. Michikatsu gulped, blinking in awe and nervousness. He doesn’t know what to do in situations like this, especially with other strangers since all he has communicated with was his older brother. Once again, he felt himself… progress.

Michikatsu reached out, twisting the door knob and opening the door. The man went in and said his thanks. Michikatsu could only stare at the man as he walks in.

Unexpectedly, the man turns to look Michikatsu in the eye. Michikatsu braces himself, inhaling deeply. “Do you want to stay here for the night?”

What?

“The library is closed around six. Right now, it’s seven p.m. And yeah, you can stay here,” the man shrugs. “I’m a staff member, just cleaning up some mess these damn students did not bother to clean up.”

There are unfamiliar words Michikatsu couldn’t help but point out. “Library? Staff… member?” Students?

The man’s brow lifted in confusion, an amused smile on his face. “What?” Then, his eyes traveled around Michikatsu's self, like he’s finally seeing the young teen for the first time. He made a concerned expression. “Oh my! You must be cold out there. Come on, now. Get in.”

With visible reluctance, Michikatsu stood up with aching muscles, and hesitantly took a step in.

When Michikatsu was ushered in, the man placed the thick books on a table and said. “Wait here. You can sit on the chairs if you like. I’ll just get some blankets from the storage room, okay?” Then, the man walked away hurriedly, leaving Michikatsu with his thoughts.

He sighs, going to a chair and sitting on it. He hasn’t planned things out.

Michikatsu ran away because he was afraid of his older brother. Because he had seen things he just knows aren’t normal for a human. He certainly was not hallucinating, nor was he a crazy person. He had seen it in his naked eyes. He happen to walk by and saw his older brother lifting a fridge with a mere hand, cleaning the dirt hidden underneath it. He witnessed a phenomenon, when just as he was about to get hit by a jar placed on a shelf due to a strong earthquake, he was pushed away, his brother taking the hit for him. The jar broke into pieces, wounding Yoriichi with the sharpness of the glass, causing so much blood to drip on the floor… And the next day, he’s completely healed as if nothing happened.

But the one characteristic Michikatsu is more afraid of is Yoriichi’s attitude. That intense love. That obsession. The clinginess. The control. The restrictions. That deadly presence. And that glowing red eyes. How he chose to ignore those obvious signs when he was young, is a question even he doesn’t know.

Right now, as much as he wanted to explore and discover what he missed throughout those isolated years, all he wants is comfort.

The man returned with a thick blanket folded in his arms. “Sorry if I took too long. I’ll just move the tables and chairs to make it comfortable for you to lie down, okay?”

Michikatsu helped the man in arranging the area, moving some chairs away while the man unrolled the futon on the floor. After a few minutes of cleaning up the place, the man released a sigh. “That should do it. I’d grab some water for you.” He pointed to something behind him. “If you want, you can go get a book to read while I’ll try to find some food in the storage room.”

But this caused Michikatsu to flush in embarrassment and shame as he struggled to find the right words to explain his pitiful situation. “Sorry, but I can’t… read.”

It’s true. Michikatsu was not exposed to reading and writing. His deceased parents left him before they could teach him, and he didn’t stay at the shelter for too long since Yoriichi adopted him right away. At a young age, he doesn’t know what ‘school’ or ‘books’ or even ‘friends’ are. His brother did not bother teaching him anything. He was too enclosed. Caged. By his supposedly-loving older brother. Yoriichi Tsugikuni may not be his brother by blood, but he did show qualities as a family by any means… it’s just that, it became far too much.

The man merely blinked in surprise. “O-Oh…” The two were greeted with silence for a short while, the only sound was the ringing of their ears as they stared at each other. “Well, I can teach you.”

Michikatsu’s chest expanded in disbelief, surprised at those kind words. It was truly unexpected.

This man provided him a stay for the night, food and water, and now some lessons? This man is too kind and nice. Michikatsu, for the first time once again, felt happiness that was done by another person who’s not his older brother.

“Why not teach you everything, right? If you learn how to read and write, you’ll see things beyond your imagination.” The man said with a delighted grin plastered on his face. “I can tell you want to be independent. You want to change into a different person. And I want to improve my skills in teaching since I desire to be a teacher.”

Michikatsu could only stare at him, listening to those tempting offers that sent chills down his spine. The man continued. “You get to choose your fate. Other unfortunate people might not.”

The teen lowered his head in thought. The man is right, Michikatsu mused. If I learn how to read and write, it would mean seeing what was hidden from me. So, with a resolved look, Michikatsu eyed the man with a shaking voice. “W-What’s your name?”

The man happily responded. “Kujan.” He asks, “and what’s yours?”

“My name is Michikatsu.”

The man lifted his hand out for him to take. “Pleasure to meet you, Michikatsu. I’m going to help you be back on your feet.” Then, he eyed his waiting hand. “Now, if you shake my hand, then our deal is set.”

Michikatsu’s heart is heavy from joy, he’s beaming with happiness. He thought he was about to cry. “Please,” he raised his own palm, reaching out––

Blood sprayed everywhere on his body, from his face down to his feet, dripping heavily to the floor. Michikatsu merely blink, and all he saw before him was Kujan’s hacked-off arm.

“Arrghh!!”

Kujan’s blood-curdling cries echoed the room, kneeling on the floor, quivering in pain and agony. He holds his amputated arm, fat tears making their way down his cheeks as he eyed the bloody mess happening to him. “W-W-What…” He continues to groan out loud with great suffering, falling to the ground and breathing heavily.

It all happened so fast, like a bolt of lightning hitting the ground. Michikatsu and Kujan were simply standing there, and all of the sudden, Kujan’s arm got cut off and blood is pooling everywhere.

While all of this is happening, no one noticed an uninvited individual appearing in the room.

“Michikatsu.”

The said teen trembled in fear, releasing a wavering breath as his name was mentioned. The voice came from behind him, and he is too frozen to turn around and look.

“Michikatsu, look at me.”

No… no…

Kujan kept screaming in pain, choking in saliva and blood. His life is to end here if no one will help him. I have to move. I have to move! And yet, here he stands.

Michikatsu has yet to process what was going on. His heart is pounding fast. His legs felt weak. All the hairs on his body are standing, sensing the ominous presence from behind. His breathing is so rapid that he can’t help but whimper.

He’s scared. So scared.

The newcomer suddenly felt so close. “Brother,” a palm touched Michikatsu’s shoulder, and he yelped. He turned swiftly, taking a step backward out of fear, but the floor is glistened with blood, making it slippery. Michikatsu slipped, and another shout escaped his lips. He fell to the ground painfully, his lower part of the body now drenched with blood.

He can’t help but sob openly.

As he look up with a blurred vision, there stood Yoriichi Tsugikuni. His appearance has dramatically changed.

His disheveled hair has changed into a darker shade of red, like the color of blood. His eyes were no longer maroon but bright crimson color. Even his nails and teeth turned sharper, revealing a sight that is to behold. His expression remained the same, but it only adds to the horrifying new appearance. It’s terrifying. It’s horrendous to look at. This is the man who’s adopted him. This is the man who fed him, hugged with, chatted with, walk hand to hand with, and who loved him all the same. In front of Michikatsu… is a demon.

It frightened him so badly that he scrambles back, caring nothing about the blood smearing his skin and clothes. He ignores Kujan’s agonizing cries that are lessening down, only wanting to get away from those haunting eyes that never fail to make his heart squeeze in many emotions, specifically, fear.

Despite its color, Yoriichi’s eyes softened at the sight of his terrified brother. “Michikatsu, please stop.”

Michikatsu shook his head in defiance, crying, wailing, and shaking as he still attempt to get away. Get out. Get out!

Yoriichi merely sighed. “Even in this era, I am still a failure. Even for hundred of years, you still manage to leave my sight. And look what happens, Michikatsu. Who is this man?” His softened eyes gazed over to the man lying on the floor who is still alive, heavily breathing but is losing lots of blood. In an instant, Yoriichi’s expression became stern, a frown on his lips. Yoriichi walks closer to the man and knelt. “Speak to me. What is your name?” 

Yoriichi was about to touch the man, but Michikatsu, out of fear and nervousness, screamed out in hopes to help the man avoid a disastrous end. “Don’t touch Kujan! He’s innocent!”

However, it appears Michikatsu made a mistake as he watches Yoriichi’s hand freeze. Then, those nails sharpened, turning longer. “Muzan?”

Michikatsu gulped, thinking that Yoriichi misheard the name completely. “N-No, it’s––”

“So even in this generation, you exist!” Yoriichi snarled distastefully. “Here to take my brother again, hm?”

But Michikatsu is confused. So confused that he voiced out his thoughts. “No! I-I-I don’t understand you anymore.” His chest is still so heavy, like something heavy is pressed down on him, weighing him down. Most likely, it’s still the fear taking control of him. The form of a monster right in front of him is proof that he’s living a life full of lies with that creature! His older brother–– no, that demon, will be the one to change his life from now on, and he doesn’t know what will happen. “What do you mean with all that you said?”

He stopped. No, there was a better question.

“W-What are you!?” Michikatsu screeched out in a shaky voice.

And it was like a switch once again as Yoriichi’s personality changed. From bearing a murderous intent to a calming tone. Yoriichi looked up and stared Michikatsu in the eye, saying softly. “Michikatsu… After centuries of waiting, I’m finally given a chance to do the right thing.”

What?

“Indeed, as I have mentioned before, I am a failure of a brother. But now, I shall never make the same mistake again. Leaving you was a mistake, and I intend not to do it again. So when I learned that you were reincarnated, it was like the world had granted me another chance to make things right between us as brothers. I may have taken away the lives of your biological parents to make you my own, and it’s something I do not regret doing.”

Michikatsu stared lifelessly.

Yoriichi places his palm on his chest, right where his heart was. “You were my twin brother. We were supposed to be together forever.”

Michikatsu inhaled loudly. Is that why he looks so young? He had a stronger body before, but now he changed. His body is like mine. Is he… Is that why he made his body look just like mine? Because we were… twins? What? What!?

“Despite living for so long, I remained unrest. I was empty, I was lost. But now that you are here, finally, after hundreds of years… I felt complete once again.” The demon stood up slowly, not taking his eyes off his little brother who appeared stunned and motionless. “Run, and I’ll chase after you. I’ll continue to do so as long as I live. Forever.”

Yoriichi pricked his thumb, breaking the skin, and let his blood flow down his finger. He knelt once again in front of Michikatsu and smeared the blood on those human lips. The blood entered Michikatsu’s mouth with ease.

“Leaving you alone was never an option. Let us live life once again with new memories and more as twins, brother.”