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Ichihoshi's back meets the door with a loud thud. He slams back hard enough to force the lock undone, causing the door to swing open and have him tumble onto the ground. As he collides onto the earth pain shoots throughout his body, red staining the grass. His body yearns for rest and to remain here, but he can't stop. He has to keep moving. Despite his body feeling weighted down, he forces himself to his feet. With the adrenaline running through him, Ichihoshi is able to stand and move as his life depends on it.
Because it does.
Every step is trembling and limp, feeling as if his legs are going to give out on him any second. A hand grips his arm in an attempt to conceal a fresh wound. There are plenty more that stain his body, but this one is the deepest and has yet to stop bleeding.
With a shaky breath, he wills himself not to look back. He doesn't want to confirm his fears and catch sight of Kidou with a bow in hand and a silver arrow aiming right at him. The image of him makes the werewolf move faster, hoping that the seer hasn't had the time to prepare another arrow. Or worse.
Under his naivety, Ichihoshi decided to agree to Kidou's last wish of wanting to speak with him. He is the reason for his life coming to an unexpected end, so the werewolf figured that he should honor his wish.
Everything was normal, at first. Tea was offered in silence and then condescending praise of their tactics to get him to be chosen. An apology was mumbled out, but Kidou did not accept it. Ichihoshi wasn't surprised. Despite the tense conversation, the werewolf had let his guard down. After all, what could a seer do to a monster?
He learned the hard way just what a determined seer could do.
Before he could excuse himself, Ichihoshi was met with an arrow aimed at his heart.
"If I'm going down, then I'll take one of you with me."
Those terrifying words had been uttered moments before his fingers let the arrow fly. If it weren't for his instincts, Ichihoshi would have been dead. While the arrow missed its mark, it still pierced his flesh. As blood dripped down from the fresh wound, the werewolf howled out in excruciating pain. A normal weapon hurt, yes, but there was something that could do more damage.
Silver.
Kidou got his hands on silver and his intentions were as clear as his words. He would kill a werewolf before his own execution.
A short game of cat and mouse (or hunter and wolf) was pursued within Kidou's household. It was a terrifying game on the werewolf's end as silver stunned his movement. An arrow wasn't his only weapon. If the small throwing knives weren't used, it felt like more silver littered the seer's home.
This was never meant to be a friendly chat, it was meant to be a murder scene.
With some luck, the werewolf managed to escape. And although he did, the silver in his system remained, poisoning him with every breath taken.
The thoughts are fresh in his mind and Ichihoshi only wants to push those images out of his mind. He doubts he could ever unsee the moment he caught a glimpse of Kidou's eyes and the emotions they held. Bloodlust, anger, hatred. For now, he knows he has to focus on surviving and keeping his distance. It wouldn't be long until the seer is called to meet his end.
Nosaka had convinced the village that Kidou was the werewolf. While some disagreed, he brought along sound arguments with planted evidence. Whatever Kidou defenses brought up were promptly shot down with a compelling lie. The only one who could see through them was Kidou himself.
After a majority's vote, it was decided that he would be the next victim.
Whether or not that fact is comforting, the werewolf can't decide. It's nice to know that his main enemy will be gone, but killing never sat right with him. Even now he isn't sure if he likes the thought of Kidou gone.
Those worried thoughts are tossed out as his body feels as if it's about to collapse. The fear of being caught by Kidou, or anyone else, forces him to keep moving. If anyone asks what happened- what would he say? Lying isn't his strong suit and trying to tell a convincing tale in this state is hopeless. Everyone knows werewolf wounds, claw marks, and bites upon a body. And what he wears is nothing like that. A hunter would know these marks and be able to piece together his identity.
A whine escapes him and the temptation to simply fall and let the ever-growing darkness consume him. It's tempting and he nearly gives into it. But he can't.
He hates this. Hates being alone. Hates having to struggle and hide. Hates that he can't do anything, especially in this state. He wishes that he were stronger and could handle himself. Then maybe he wouldn't have fallen for Kidou's trick. Maybe he could have changed to protect rather than kill. But it's too late to wish for that.
Ichihoshi hisses out in pain as an injury throbs, he isn't sure which one at this point. The silver is going throughout his system and slowly killing him from the inside out. His body heals quickly, a perk of being a werewolf, but against silver? There is a chance he isn't going to make it.
His body finally stops moving. A door blocks his path, a familiar one. Nosaka's. He isn't sure what drove him here, it may have been instinct or the subconscious fact that he's the only one the werewolf can turn to in a time like this. He lets his head rest against the door. He waits and breathes and tries to regain some composure but the fear is still coursing through him. He is so terrified of Kidou that the fact that he may not survive hardly hits him.
Icihohshi raises his head and bangs against the wooden door. It doesn't take long for Nosaka to answer and when he does, Ichihoshi doesn't notice the flash of fright in Nosaka's eyes.
"Nosaka..." Ichihoshi breathes out and his body falls against his. Nosaka doesn't hesitate in catching him. His hands firmly grasp his shoulders as he tries to hold him steady.
"Ichihoshi, what happened?" Nosaka is calm, oddly so. Although if you were to listen closely, you could hear the slight panic in his voice and the racing of his heart. The seer doesn't wait for an answer and pulls him inside before locking the door.
"I...I went to see Kidou..." It sounds so stupid now that he says it aloud. Why go meet the man who was trying to get you killed? Especially after locking in his death? "I wanted to...respect him...I didn't expect...this..."
Nosaka is silent and doesn't urge him to continue. He can put together what happened on his own. Kidou lures in a werewolf with a sweet promise that nothing could go wrong only to betray him. It makes something stir inside of him; anger. The reassurance that Kidou couldn't do more should calm him, but it doesn't.
Should he be prepared for more? If Kidou planned this without his knowledge, who is to say he didn't plan anything else? As unsettling as it is, those worries have to be pushed aside for the time being. Right now, Ichihoshi needs him.
Nosaka leads the werewolf into the living room and helps settle him onto the couch. Ichihoshi is glad that his body can finally rest and sinks into the cushions. He lets out a sigh of relief before a whine as pain strikes him.
Assessing the wounds is easy. Cuts from blades, a hole from an arrow, and possibly more hidden underneath his clothes. Even a touch of silver could harm a werewolf and it seems that Kidou used that to his advantage.
"Nosaka...?" The werewolf's face is flushed yet pale. He breathes heavily and nearly gasps for air. Even as he calls out his name it sounds as if he's on his last breath.
"Hm?" He replies while he inspects a cut.
"I'm...sorry. I didn't- shouldn't have come here, but..."
"You must be okay enough if you're intent on apologizing."
The teasing comment is lighthearted but laced with worry. He figures it might help ease him with some normalcy. The seer departs only for a moment to gather a first aid kit. Gauze and spray are used and he's glad to find the bleeding stopped. The only thing he's left to worry about is his biology. This is meant to help humans, not werewolves. It could assist in healing the outside of his body, but with silver running inside, he wasn't sure if medicine could work on him. It pains him that he didn't have the knowledge to help with his wounds, then again he never thought a day like this would come.
"How are you feeling?" Nosaka asks while taking his hand in his.
"Better..." Ichihoshi mumbles out, still wishing to sleep yet afraid he wouldn't wake up if he did.
"Good." A pause. "I don't want to bring more bad news, but it's best we leave. Tonight."
"H-Huh?!"
"Be still. I can't have you moving too much." Nosaka runs a hand through his hair. A part of him wishes that his wolf ears would pop up so he could play with them. He wants to see his flustered face, see him smile. He hopes he can.
"If Kidou did this to you, I can't trust what else he may have planned. If he's willing to go this far then he can do worse. The sooner we leave, the better. Asuto can come with us. He'll be in danger if he's left here alone."
Ichihsohi looks up to him with questions running through his mind. The most important one is- where would they go? Yet the question doesn't leave his lips. He's too tired, too weak to worry about everything. He just wants to keep conscious and stay alive. So, he squeezes his hand, weakly, and shuts his eyes.
'I trust you. Whatever you decide, I'll go with you.'
They are unspoken words that Nosaka hears loud and clear. Nosaka doesn't smile but places a kiss against his forehead.
~...~
The overcast day fell to darkness and the mood had yet to turn for the better. With escape as the only option and little time to spare, it leaves little for optimism. Even Nosaka, who could normally think of numerous outcomes, found few alternatives to work with.
It's the remainder of the village against three. A seer and two werewolves, one of which is deathly injured and could barely walk. While the seer could speak and charm others with his words, he could not win everyone's favor two nights in a row. Chances of survival are slim, especially when the hunters and gunsmans are still alive.
So, when night fell, it was time for a wolf hunt.
The plan was to leave earlier, but with Ichihoshi injured they were forced to wait. Nosaka was grateful that Asuto didn't argue with his idea and helped watch his injured partner while he prepared for their departure. A map dictated that there is another town south, but it would take a day's trip. It may prove risky, but once they make it out of the vicinity of the village, they would be in the clear. He doubts that the others would venture too far from home to chase a werewolf. But as long as they remained here, they were all fair game.
The darkness that was once their ally now betrays them. Stumbling through the woods, the three trekked through the overgrown world around them. It's easy to navigate the familiar areas, the secret hideaways that they used to meet, but the further they go, the more unfamiliar terrain obstructs their path.
Ichihoshi leans himself against Nosaka, using the human to help him walk. The silver remains in his system, but his condition isn't as fatal compared to earlier. Walking proves difficult and his body is still heavy, but rest has helped him recover. And when his werewolf half came out, it helped heal the outer wounds, mending flesh yet leaving scars. He does his best to remain strong, but it's obvious how weak he is.
The escape so far is tense. Every little movement puts them on edge, every darkened corner leaves them worried about a surprise attack. It gets worse when Nosaka notices another presence, one that is following them.
Asuto picks up on it. The werewolf sniffs the air and lets out a low growl. Nosaka never thought he would see the normally sunny boy look vicious, well as vicious as he could be. Despite being a werewolf, the features don't make him look like a predator.
"If it's Gouenji or Endou, leave them to me," Nosaka says as a reminder while he protectively stands in front of Ichihoshi.
They would be the hardest for the werewolves to deal with. While upset with losing a dear friend, they may take their anger out on them. But would they be willing to kill another human? Nosaka would take the risk if it came to it.
The seer mentally prepares for an enemy, but when he hears Asuto's growls halt and his tail wags, his mind is put at ease. He knows the sign- it's an ally.
"Kirina!" Asuto chirps before the boy even makes himself known. And when he does reveal himself from the darkness, Asuto practically throws himself onto him.
"Asuto!" Kirina smiles and laughs as the werewolf nuzzles against him. "You're okay! I was getting so worried about you."
"Sorry," he says and his ears fall. "I wanted to tell you what was going on, but there wasn't any time."
He recalls Nosaka rushing into his home and giving a brief explanation of what was going on. It had all come so fast, that he hardly had the time to process it, not to mention gather what he needed for their escape. When it all hit him, he was left to help with Ichihoshi and his wounds. And before he knew it, night had come.
"I know. I'm glad a spirit helped me." A little wisp flies around Kirina. Another one follows after, circling above his head before settling down and floating beside him. Kirina smiles at the two wisps, those he calls friends.
"I don't mean to intervene," Nosaka interrupts, a part of him hating to break up the reunion. "But we have to keep moving. I'm certain you know why."
"Yeah..." Kirina frowns and looks at Asuto. The werewolf's face falls, and his tail stops wagging. "But I want to help." He looks to Nosaka with determination. "I can't just leave Asuto out there with you."
Nosaka smirks slightly. He had an idea of what Kirina is to Asuto from the moment he spouted his name. The psychic is just like him. And it's nice knowing that he isn't alone when it comes to protecting the werewolves.
"He's safe with me. I promise," Nosaka replies. "Four travelers might be too much for one group. Tonight isn't a peaceful one."
Silence falls amongst them and the air feels colder, daunting. One mistake could cost them their lives.
Kirina wants to come along, but he knows Nosaka is right. He almost suggests splitting up, going with Asuto, but not after he catches sight of Ichihoshi. The poor werewolf would be unable to defend himself. Asuto could protect him- them.
"I want to help," Kirina states. And an idea flashes in his eyes. "I can distract the others. It's not much, but it's something, right? If I can make a false trail and lead them elsewhere, it can buy you time."
"And if they catch you lying?" Nosaka questions. It's not a bad plan, but Kirina has to be willing to play the part.
"They won't. If they do...I could blame a friend." He glances at a wisp that seems to take offense to his words. It floats around in a buzz but ultimately returns to his side. Kirina apologizes to the little flame and it sparks.
Nosaka looks at the wisps. Another psychic would be able to decipher what the wisps say, but he's the only one that remains. It would all come down to his ability to persuade the others. The look in his eyes says he can- will do it.
"Very well." Nosaka walks over to Kirina and slips a piece of paper into his hand. "Hold this over a flame and it should reveal where we'll be heading."
Kirina smiles as he grips the paper in his hand. He carefully tucks it away before looking at Asuto. The werewolf has puppy dog eyes, not liking the fact that they will have to separate once again. The psychic pulls him into a tight embrace.
"I'll find you, okay? I have my friends to help, so don't worry, Asuto. And...please take care of them."
"I will."
It lifts Asuto's heart, although the blissful moment doesn't last. Footsteps and rustling bushes are heard. They're not going to be alone for long. Nosaka urges them to move and Asuto's heart breaks a little seeing Kirina disappear into the woods.
"He'll be fine," Nosaka reassures and Asuto's ears perk up. "They won't do anything to him."
With the reassurance, Asuto is eager to keep moving. A newfound resolution to reunite with Kirina ignites. Unfortunately, while it may drive him, Ichihoshi runs out of energy. He says he can keep moving, but Nosaka decides they should stop for the night. If he's right, they should be just outside the village.
Once camp is set up, Ichihoshi immediately falls asleep with his head on Nosaka's lap. Gray eyes gaze down upon him, his gaze falling on his chest to see it move. He's still breathing, still alive, although weak. But that's what matters. Too concerned with him, he doesn't hear the other werewolf calling his name.
"Nosaka? Nosaka?"
"...Yes?"
Asuto opens his mouth to speak, but stops. His eyes fall onto Ichihoshi before looking back to Nosaka.
"Ichihoshi...is going to be okay, right?"
"He will." Nosaka sounds confident. He doesn't doubt that he will, but it's hard to truly say in his fragile state. "I took care of his wounds as best I could. But silver does things to a werewolf, I'm sure I don't need to explain that to you. Give him a few days to recover."
Nosaka pauses. Something Ichihoshi told him clicked in his head. Something Kidou said.
"Did Kidou come after you too?"
Asuto blinks, eyes going wide before shaking his head. "N-No! I haven't seen him all day!" He squeaks out.
"Really?" Nosaka muses. It's a blatant lie, but...Nosaka lets it slide for now. Asuto wouldn't team up with Kidou, not when the other seer wanted him dead too.
But if they did meet, why is Asuto unharmed?
The question only brings more questions and this isn't the time to worry. Once they're safe, he'll inquire more about it.
"We should both sleep. We're far enough that they won't come looking for us."
Asuto lets out a breath and nods. He glances back from whence they came. His gaze longing for a certain figure to appear yet doesn't.
"He'll keep his word," Nosaka comments. "He made his way to us as we were leaving, he'll do the same. We just need to be patient."
"Thank you, Nosaka," Asuto says softly with a smile.
The werewolf finds a spot next to the couple and settles himself down. He falls asleep shortly after, leaving Nosaka on his own.
The seer lets out a breath, letting his face fall once they're both sleeping. He didn't have the time to be concerned over Ichihoshi earlier, but not when it all sets in. How he could have easily lost him after thinking they were victorious. He'd gotten ahead of himself, forgotten how vengeful Kidou could be, and, as punishment, he nearly lost his precious wolf. It's not something he would normally have allowed, but the taste of victory was sweet enough to blind him. Now, with a clearer mind, he would ensure that would never happen again. He couldn't dare to lose Ichihoshi.
Fingers run through the werewolf's blue hair. An ear twitches as it passes by. The seer looks up at the darkened sky, stars hidden behind foreboding clouds. If he were to try and see something tonight, he doubts the vision would be clear.
Nosaka shuts his eyes and takes in a breath. He lets himself relax and mull over this eventful day. An enemy was lost, an ally was gained, their home was abandoned, and will soon be starting anew. As long as Ichihoshi remains beside him, he didn’t care what it takes. He would find a way to live peacefully with him.