Chapter Text
———
It’s a chilly but comfortable evening in Hokkaido. Mountain Teine was covered in its usual silky, paper white snow; the forest on it looked like it was straight out of some fairy-tale. The only sounds heard on the entirety of the mountain was the rustling of the soft wind.
The Fubuki family, they're a very strong and unique family. The father of the family was sick which made him unable to work, but fortunately, he had two strong and young sons that would always help out!
- awwh! Come on, Shirou! You don’t have to take it to her today… She can also come get it herself! - a low, masculine voice complained.
The owner of the voice had spiky, light orange hair with little “devil horns” above it, his eyes had a green smoke color. He was wearing a drizzle(greenish-blue kinda) colored hanten, under the hanten he was wearing a white kimono with dark gray hakama pants made out of a thick material to keep warm over the kimono, on his feet he had light-colored kakezori (boots from leather, designed to provide insulation against the cold. On top of that he was wearing a light creme scarf around his neck, the longer remaining part free-flowing on his left side.
- Oh, Atsuya.. Don't be like that! It’s dangerous for her to walk all the way here.. It’s practically four hours just one way - The guy named Shirou replied.
His hair is short, frosted periwinkle with spikes facing downwards, his eyes were the same grayish-green color as his younger brothers, Atsuyas. He was also wearing a white kimono with dark blue hakama over it, the whole outfit was topped with a black hanten and on his feet he had black kakezori
- Plus, I don’t think you’d want to see her here, would you?
- Well.. uhm.. That’s besides the point! At Least let me come with you! The journey is wayyy too long and tiring for you to go alone! And what if you run into a bear? Without me there, you’ll be doomed! - Atsuya tried protesting, gripping Shirous right hand with both of his hands.
He knew that his objections and suggestions to go with him were futile, but he also knew that he would miss his brother while he was away, and he was worried that Shirou might get in trouble. He would never admit it out loud though…
- Oh, don’t worry about it, I promise I’ll be fine and I’ll be back before you know it . - The light purple haired boy tried reassuring his younger brother as he shook his hands off and leaned down to pick up a basket full of wood.
He knew exactly what his brother was thinking and he wished he could take him too, but he was sure that Atsuya would get tired during the long journey and wouldn’t be too happy to meet a certain person either..
- Besides, you need to take care of mom and dad while I’m gone, alright?
- ugh.. Okay, fine.. That is a good reason to stay.. But you have to promise me to be back as soon as possible! Get it? And, stay safe. - The younger one knew that arguing with his brother was completely pointless, especially in situations like these. He put his hands on his hips and gave Shirou a glare that said ‘you better get back without a scratch’.
- Yes, yes.. I know, I know. You don’t have to worry about it. I’ll get back in one piece - Shirou reassured again, putting the basket on his back and strapping it to ensure it won’t fall off. He patted Atsuyas head and gave him a warm smile before walking away while giving a small wave off.
- The sooner I leave, the sooner I'll be back! Tell mom and dad I went to give wood to the Shiratoyas and that I love them!
With Atsuyas lips turned into a thin line and a wave back, Shirou went off on his few hour journey, leaving his parents and his brother to take care of himself. He knew they could all manage, obviously.. But he still felt worried. He had a bad feeling about leaving, but it had to happen one day finally, he’ll be gone for only like less than ten hours, depending on his walking speed, so it’s okay!
He kept slowly walking down the steep side of the mountain since it was the fastest route down, he knew how to get down it safely anyways so it wasn’t a big deal. While walking down he could hear the peaceful sounds of the wind, his footsteps in the snow, the wood hitting against itself and the basket, and occasionally small sounds of breaking sticks under his feet while taking steps. Shirou always enjoyed taking hikes on the mountain, it was extremely relaxing and calming. He even tried to convince Atsuya to go with him sometime, but the orange haired boy found the activity ‘too boring’ and ‘not thrilling enough’..
After a longer while of getting down the mountain and walking a few more minutes he finally arrived at the village of Sapporo. The village was a traditional and a cozy looking place with houses and another buildings all over the place. The boy was walking further down the streets of the locality, greeting different people while doing so with his usual gentle smile. After a few minutes he finally arrived in front of the house he originally planned to go to. He walked up to the door and knocked, waiting for an answer.
It took only a few seconds for a girl with pinkish, shoulder-length hair and teal eyes to open the door with a wide grin. She was wearing a white kimono with a blue flower pattern, with an additional creme hifu over it to insulate against the cold. She also wore a yellow obi (sash) to secure her kimonos. The girls' footwear consisted of getas, paired with thick, light-colored socks for extra warmth.
- Ah! Shirou! You’re finally here! Geez, I was thinking you forgot about us.. - The girl, whose name was apparently Nae, scolded Shirou for the amount of days it took for him to deliver the promised material.
- I know, I know.. I am very sorry, Nae.. Buuttt.. To make it up to you I brought more wood than usual! We alright now? - His tone was clearly apologetic, bowing his head a slightly, tiny bit as a sorry.
- Okay, okay! Don’t bow your head like that! Come on, get in! It’s late and it’s dangerous for you to walk at night, especially with all the.. Demons… - Most of the sentence sounded confident and persistent, all of it except the last word, ‘demons’.. Which sounded.. Pretty unsure to say the least. Almost like she wasn’t sure if she should talk about it, only to be met with the sound of Shirou chuckling.
- Pfftt… haha! Demons? Oh Nae, you always had a wild imagination, but I should get going. I promised Atsuya to ge-
- Please! Just stay the night! It is really dangerous to walk up, or even down on the mountain anyways! I’m sure Atsuya would understand that - The girl quickly cut the latter off, grabbing his hands between hers. Her tone was almost pleading for him to stay.
Shirou sighed and looked down at his cupped hands. He couldn’t help but worry at the usually bubbly girl's tone; it was definitely unsettling for her to act this way. After a few more seconds of looking down, the boy finally, but reluctantly nodded and responded with a slightly loathe, but still gentle tone.
- Alright then.. I wouldn’t want to make the princess upset after all, would I?
- Nope! You would not want to do that! Now get in and get comfortable! - Nae was clearly excited about his response, she was practically beaming with happiness. She held his hands slightly tighter and pulled him inside the cozy building.
The periwinkle haired boy slightly stumbled as his friend pulled him inside, not expecting the sudden movement at all.
He was still worried about leaving his family for the night, but what could go wrong? He knew there was a very small chance of a bear showing up to their house, since bears usually stay inside their dens most of the winter, but what if?..
Shirou tried to push the thought to the back of his head as he took the basket off his back and put it next to the door and headed to the guest room with Nae guiding him, as if he didn't know the way already..
Shirou, Atsuya and Nae were friends for a long time, they've been hanging out for a few years. Even though Atsuya would pretend to be annoyed by Naes constant cheerfulness and he clearly saw her as some sort of a rival, but even with all of those opinion, Atsuya enjoyed spending time as the three of them and Shirou knew it, which is why he slowly started to regret not taking Atsuya but oh well, he’ll be fine.
They finally arrived at the ‘guest room’ that Shirou and Atsuya would always sleep in. It was more like their personal bedroom rather than a guest room but hey, it’s more comfortable that way and who’ll forbid the rich? The Shiratoya family is one of the richest families in the village, which makes their house pretty luxurious for Shirous standards, meaning exactly comfortable situations like these. That’s one of the benefits of being the chief's daughter's friend.
Nae handed Shirou a dark colored nemaki with floral patterns and took out a yellow futon for him to sleep in.
- Go get changed and come join us to eat! My mom is doing some late night gardening tonight so she probably won’t join us - After saying those words with an enthusiastic tone, the pink haired girl left the room to start preparing dinner.
Shirou didn't reply verbally, but he nodded in response. There was a single question in his mind though.. What kind of gardening work could Naes' mom do during this time? It’s too cold for anything to grow, at least the plants that the Shiratoya family grow shouldn’t really be able to grow.. Maybe she meant that her mother went to the market for some vegetables? Or maybe she went to some kind of secret pantry they had? The only pantry he knew about was the one on the same plot as the house, but maybe they have their own secrets? Whatever, it’s no big deal, they’re allowed to have their own secrets. He has more important things to worry about anyways.
It only took him a few minutes to get fully changed, the clothing was cozy and pleasant to wear, like always.
Even before leaving the room, Shirou could smell the rich and savory aroma that he recognized as the smell of hot top that he so much loved. He loved the smell of the fragrant broth and the scent of fresh herbs, along with how the whole meal tastes.
The green eyed boy left the room and followed the scent to the dining area, where Nae was almost done making a hot pot. That’s odd. Nae is the only one here. He knew that Mrs. Shiratoya wouldn’t be joining them, but the fact that the girl's father was also absent made him feel curious. Maybe he’ll be joining later, he probably had some chief business to finish up.
- Shirou! You changed fast! You got very lucky today, it just so happens that today we were supposed to have a hot pot, your favorite! - The teal eyed girl exclaimed, putting her hands on her hips and feeling more than proud about the coincidence.
- Oh, yes. I can smell it! Are you sure you don’t have some sort of superpowers that predict stuff? Hmm? - The guy asked, sitting down at the spot he would always sit on whenever he’d eat here.
- Oh, don’t be ridiculous now!
- Me? Ridiculous? You’re the one who was talking about some demons just when I arrived
At the mention of the demons, Naes innocent smile falters for a second and she gulps. It was clear that something was on her mind, maybe she was even upset that Shirou didn’t take her seriously? Why would he though? She was saying complete nonsense. He was sure it was just some kind of an excuse to make him stay longer, so why did she seem so uneasy?
It didn’t take long for Nae to quickly compose herself back to her natural self. She put on her wide grin again, waving her hand dismissively.
- Right, right.. Don’t bring it up like that! Let’s just start eating, it’s late enough already.
Upon saying that, the girl served her friend soy sauce and chili oil mixed into a small dish, along with chopsticks and took her own seat around the hot-pot spot.
The hot pot was filled with all kinds of food, for example potatoes, shrimps, udon noodles, napa cabbage, and more.
The two of them quickly clapped their hands together, saying their thanks for the meal and started eating. What Shirou thought was odd is that there was only enough food for one person to eat right now and have a bit of leftovers for tomorrow, well, not enough for leftovers now that he’s eating too. Why wasn’t there food for three people? Or even two?? It’s like Nae knew her parents wouldn't even come home when she was making it. Whatever, it’s nothing to trouble his mind for.
They finished their meal in a comfortable silence, without exchanging any words except for Shirou complimenting Naes cooking skills to which she replied with ‘Hip hip hooray! I’m glad you liked it!’ and almost jumping from joy.
After swiftly cleaning up after their meal, they both said their goodnights and headed to sleep.
Shirou couldn’t sleep though.
For some reason, the boy's mind was too occupied with the fact that something might be wrong. Why did he think that though? He spent nights like these away from his home lots of times already. His gaze was fixated up on the ceiling as he laid down. He could hear the faint sounds of the wind blowing outside; it was calming but also unnerving.
It took him a few twists and turns in his futon before finally calming down and peacefully sleeping. He deserved the sleep after a long day, right?
After a calm and sweet sleep, Shirou slowly opened his eyes, rubbing them slightly before sitting up and stretching his arms. The only sound he could hear was his quiet, still sleepy groan. He felt like he could stay here all day, but no, he couldn’t. He won’t hear the end of it from Atsuya if he doesn't get back soon. He’ll probably have to put up with his brother's criticism for not coming back for the night anyways.
The periwinkle haired boy looked to the side at his clothes that were hung up. He sighed before standing up and changing into them, gently folding the nemaki he wore to sleep and putting it to the side. He did the same with the futon before leaving the room, noticing that no one was home. Odd. Did Nae leave for something important? He was hoping to thank her for taking him in for the night, but I guess that won’t be the case.
Shirou headed for the door, ready to leave when he noticed a small package with a little note next to it. He shot a glance at the note, only to notice that it was handwritten by Nae which made him read it whole.
“Hey, Shirou! I’m sorry if you woke up and didn’t see me, I had to leave to take care of something. I made you some onigiri if you decide to leave before I get back! Enjoy!”
Shirous eyes slightly softened more than usual after reading the note. Man, he really had to find a way to thank Nae for all of this next time. He put on his shoes on his feet and the now empty basket on his back before grabbing the bag with food into his hands and leaving, making sure to close the door securely after doing so. He was making his way outside of the village, greeting the few, mostly older, people that were outside at this hour. It only took him a few more minutes to fully leave the village and get on the trail that would lead him home.
The hike up the mountain was equally as peaceful as the hike down. The boy heard the same snow crushing sounds from underneath his feet. His back obviously felt lighter now that he got rid of the heavy wood and thank god! It would be so tiring to walk all the way up with such weight.
He was slowly walking while eating the onigiri that Nae had prepared for him prior. It was honestly delicious and gave him a lot of energy to keep walking up.
It took him a few hours to finally get close to his house. He took a small break 10 minutes just before finally getting there, guessing he would need a lot of strength to listen to Atsuyas complaints. He sat down under a tree on a big rock, finishing the onigiris up. He was really excited about finally seeing his family again, maybe they could even make a hot pot and spend time together tonight?
After fully regaining energy, Shirou stood up and started walking up again. The last 10 minutes of his hike he started walking a little bit faster, obviously to get there quicker.
He finally saw his house, his home in the distance. His gaze softened as he looked at the building where he grew up. He slowly took off the basket from his back and held it in his hand as he walked closer. So many good memories and so many more good memories to happen. Or so he thought.
Shirou slightly furrowed his brows and narrowed his eyes as he saw the door to his house widely open, something red spilled under the said door and a piece of fabric laying on it. As he got closer, he could detect a metallic smell, something that smelled close enough to.. No. It can’t be.
Shirou dropped the basket as he started walking faster and faster, finally running to his house. He was hoping he was wrong. He had to be. His senses are just deceiving him, they had to be.
Shirou felt his eyes slightly water up as he got closer. He was breathing shaky and heavily by the time he got to the door, slamming his arm on the side of the door as he looked down at the corpses of his family. His eyes now wider than ever. He felt his breathing get faster and faster as his vision blurred even more and more by every second. Shirou barely walked up to his parents and kneeled down, grabbing their hands. So cold. Their hands were so cold. They weren’t breathing anymore. They were gone. At least one limb each was missing. He wanted to scream out their names, hoping they would wake up when he did, but no words came out of mouth; the only sounds were shaky whines that sounded close enough to ‘ no.. no.. ’.
That was until he looked at Atsuya. Shirous vision was too blurry to notice anything else than a light orange spot and another light green spot to the side of the orange on. He crawled over to his brother, shaking. His baby brother, he had so much ahead of him. He couldn’t leave him. Not like that. Not his brother.
The next thing Shirou knew, he was running down the steep side of the mountain he was just walking down yesterday, instead of a basket filled with wood on his back now there was his younger brother, he was still warm. Atsuya was alive, Shirou knew that. Atsuya had to be alive, Shirou hoped that. He was close to dying, but he was alive. He has to get back to the village and find a doctor as soon as possible, right now. He needs a doctor right now.
How could this happen? Did a bear actually attack? What are the chances? How could something like this happen? While he was peacefully sleeping like a baby. The worries before his calm sleep weren’t in vain, but he ignored them anyway. How could he? How could he ever forgive himself if not even his brother survives?
- D-Don’t worry At-Atsuya! I-I…I’ll save you, you’ll be okay, I pro-promise! - Shirou's voice was extremely shaky as he spoke.
He was trying to reassure his brother, even though he couldn't hear him. No. He was trying to reassure himself. At the current moment he tried to reassure himself the most that his brother will be alright.
He kept running down, almost falling multiple times. He was holding Atsuyas legs with his hands behind his back and Atsuyas arms were hanging on his older brother's shoulders. He kept running and running, stumbling multiple times and breathing more heavily than ever. His chest felt like it was exploding every breath he took, but he didnt care.
Suddenly, Shirou felt his brother's arms move by themself. He almost felt relieved if only Atsuya didn't suddenly dig his nails into his shoulders. It hurt, alot. Almost as if the younger guy suddenly grew sharp claws.
Shirou yelped at the sudden pain and fell down on his stomach, slightly rolling down the side of the mountain until hitting a tree. He hit the side of the tree with his back, laying on his side with his eyes shut and gripping his chest. He felt the cold snow under him, touching the side of his cheek but he didn’t care. The biggest pain he felt right was the pain of the marks that Atsuya left, how did he even manage that? He slightly sat up and opened his eyes; they were hurting like hell right now.
Shirou was in so much pain.
From every exhale sending a sharp pain in his body, to his legs being sore.
His vision took a few seconds to unblur, only to see his brother standing on his legs. He was.. Standing.. He was standing! He was okay!
- A-Atsuy-...! - Shirou was abruptly cut off by the orange haired boy pouncing at him with a growl, baring his fangs. Wait, fangs??
Shirou grabbed a thick and long stick that happened to be next to him and positioned it so that Atsuya bites on the stick instead of biting into him.
Both guys were heavily panting as they stared at each other with wide eyes. There were still heavy tears in Shirous eyes, and Atsuyas eyes were filled with hunger.
The orange haired guy had furrowed eyebrows as he stared down at his brother, he looked at him the way he never had before and that scared Shirou, making him almost shake.
What was going on? Did Atsuya turn into a demon that Nae was talking about? That’s impossible. Atsuya is a human, he’s not a demon. Demons aren’t real. God. His baby brother must’ve been in so much pain. He’s covered in blood, he was watching his parents get brutally murdered a few hours ago.
The purple haired boy's teal eyes started to twitch as he stared at his brother with an apologetic look. He’s sorry. So, so sorry. He wasn’t able to save his parents, but he had to save his brother. That is the least he could do now.
- Atsuya, it’s gonna be okay! I p-promise! Hang on, calm down! It’s gonna be okay, I’ll save you! I’ll keep you safe! Okay? Just hang on just a little bit more! P-Please! Ha-Hang on! - The older brother's arms were visibly shaking from the pressure as he yelled out the pleas to his brother. Atsuya was simply too strong.
He shoots his eyes shut, trying to focus on not letting his younger brother bite him rather than his expression. Suddenly he felt something wet and small fall on his cheek. He quickly opened his eyes again and looked up at Atsuya. He was weeping.
Atsuyas earlier sharp and angry glare softened, his eyes full of tears instead of hunger. Shirou himself wanted to cry again, but held it in. For his brother's sake.
There was a sudden movement of Shirou pushing Atsuya away from the tree and shielding him with his body.
Just before Shirou fully pushed his brother away, a swordsman jumped at them. He would almost hurt Atsuya if Shirou didn’t react fast enough, which only caused the ends of the older brother's hair to be cut off.
The purple haired guy could feel strong wind behind him as the swordsman appeared, which was unusual for this part of the mountain. He quickly sat up, taking his brother into his arms and holding him tight, looking up at the swordsman.
The swordsman had long, aquamarine hair put up in a ponytail on the back of head, his bangs covering his left eye. The light brown eyes of the man were darkly staring at the Fubuki brothers, or more specifically - at Atsuya.
The aquamarine haired guy was wearing something that looked similar to some kind of uniform. It had a buttoned up shirt with gold buttons, a white belt and his pants were the same color as his shirt - dark teal. On top of the uniform laid a white haori, whose ends were fading into yellow and white wind wave patterns.
The older guy's gaze seemed to darken every second by just looking at them. His eyes narrowing with each breath and almost insulting Shirou just by looking at him. After a few seconds of only hearing the wind around them blow and Shirou and the mysterious man staring at each other, the aquamarine guy spoke up with a clearly irritated tone.
- What the hell are you doing? Why are you trying to protect this demon ?