Chapter Text
“Showtime!” Tsukasa shouted, his voice ringing through the empty audience seats. His words echoed, bouncing off the rows of every seat bathed in the golden glow of the stage lights. Beyond them, the night stretched endlessly, the stars barely flickering through the darkness.
With a satisfied grin, he turned back toward the music player near the stage’s edge, switching it off with a soft click. Even if there was no audience, no roaring applause, it didn’t matter. He had to be perfect.
Tsukasa Tenma had always dreamed of being a star–an actor, a performer whose name lit up the world. But that dream, like everything else, had been interrupted by the invasion of witchcraft. A cruel, unpredictable force that changed the world forever.
But even with that shadow looming overhead, Tsukasa refused to stop. If anything, this made it more important to keep going. To hold onto the light–just like a star.
A sudden sound–clapping, light yet deliberate–pulled him from his thoughts. Tsukasa snapped his head towards the noise.
“Practicing again, big brother?”
Saki Tenma’s voice rang sweet and familiar, her giggle cutting through the quiet night. Relief flooded through Tsukasa–thankfully, she wasn’t a witch. Or anything dangerous for that matter.
He let out a dramatic sigh, placing a hand on his hip. “Oh, yes! I am!” He flashed her a grin, puffing his chest out. “I have to be perfect for my precious little sister, after all!”
Saki giggled again as Tsukasa hopped down from the stage and ruffled her hair.
“Anyway, the others were looking for you,” she said, brushing her hair back into place. “Said it’s important.”
“I’ll be right there! Just need to do a few more rehearsals!” Tsukasa beamed.
Saki rolled her eyes but waved him off. “Alrighty, see ya!”
As she walked off, Tsukasa turned back towards the stage, sighing contently. Just a little more practice! Then, everything would be perfect.
He clicked the music player back on and leaped into motion, redoing every step, refining every mistake. His body moved instinctively, rhythmically, almost like breathing–
Until he froze.
Something–or rather, someone–sat among the empty seats.
Tsukasa’s heart skipped a beat. The boy was young, around his age, sitting unnaturally still. The dim lighting made it hard to make out the details, but Tsukasa could see just enough: longish purple hair with streaks of cyan, an unusual color.
A stranger.
His body tensed. He slowly let his arms fall to his sides, eyes narrowing. “Who… is–”
“Oh, sorry,” the boy suddenly spoke, standing up. His voice was soft, yet confident. “Did I scare you?”
Tsukasa stiffened.
He reached back, blindly hitting the stop button on the music player without taking his eyes off the other. Then, he cautiously walked off the stage, nearing the boy. As he got closer, the first thing he noticed was that the stranger was… taller. A few inches, maybe. The second thing he noticed was–
Yellow eyes.
Glowing yellow eyes.
Tsukasa swallowed, trying to shake off the shiver running down his spine. The boy’s expression was gentle, but something about him felt… different.
“Yes,” Tsukasa finally scoffed, stopping in front of him. “You did.”
The boy looked down at Tsukasa, tilting his head slightly in amusement.
“I truly am sorry,” he said. “I just thought the way you performed was… mesmerizing.”
Tsukasa’s breath hitched.
Mesmerizing?
No one had ever called his performances that before. Not even Saki.
“R…Really? You liked it?” Tsukasa asked, barely containing his glee.
The boy chuckled. “Well, of course. There’s no entertainment around here, and you seem to know what you’re doing, hm?”
No entertainment? What does that mean? Does this guy live in gray or something?
But none of that mattered. Tsukasa had his first audience–an actual spectator who genuinely enjoyed watching him! Even if it was just one person.
“Of course I know what I’m doing!” Tsukasa grinned, striking a confident pose. “I’m going to be a star!”
The boy giggled again, his amusement deepening. “You seem confident.”
“I am confident!” Tsukasa corrected, hands on his hips. “What’s your name?”
“Rui Kamishiro,” the boy answered, smiling. “And you?”
“Tsukasa Tenma!” he proudly declares, as if he were famous.
“Nice to meet you, Tenma.” He extended a hand.
Of course, Tsukasa shook it without hesitation–only to immediately take note of Rui’s hands. Cold. Freezing.
His grip was rough, his skin covered in faint scratches and burns. What kind of person had hands like this?
The two let go, their gazes locking.
“What brings you here, Mr. Kamishiro?” Tsukasa smirked.
“I’m assuming we’re the same age, so no need for honorifics,” Rui replied. “I was… gathering flowers.”
“Flowers?” Tsukasa raised an eyebrow.
“For tea,” Rui said quickly. But there was something off in his tone, almost hesitant.
Now that Tsukasa got a closer look, he noticed Rui’s outfit–his large coat filled with pockets, a strap of small glass jars hanging from his waist.
Suspicious.
“Well that’s–”
Then it hit him.
His team.
“Aw shoot! I have to go!” Tsukasa gasped, turning on his heel.
Rui simply smiled. “It’s okay. I’ll see you around.”
Tsukasa ran, but something about Rui’s words stuck with him.
That wasn’t a casual farewell.
That was a promise.
Tsukasa burst through the door, gasping for breath, his chest rising and falling as he hunched forward, hands on his knees. “Sorry I’m late! Something–huff–turned up.” His voice wavered, still catching up with the sprint he had just made back to the place.
Mizuki Akiyama, perched casually on the armrest of a worn-out couch, perked up immediately. Bright, cheery and ever-inquisitive, she was the first to speak.
“It wasn’t a witch, was it?” She asked, tilting her head with playful curiosity. Her shoulder-length hair, tied to the side with a ribbon, bounced as she leaned in.
Tsukasa, still out of breath, shook his head. “Huh? No…”
“An imp?”
“No.”
“A warlock?”
“...no.”
Mizuki paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Uhh… I ran out of words.”
Akito approached, arms crossed, expression unimpressed. Unlike Mizuki, he wasn’t amused.
“Then what was it?” he demanded.
Tsukasa swallowed. Akito looked irritated–not just because Tsukasa had arrived late, but because Tsukasa was suspicious.
“He… he was just a regular boy,” Tsukasa muttered under his breath.
Silence.
Akito’s eyes narrowed. “Did he have irregular-colored hair?”
Tsukasa’s breath hitched. He didn’t like where this was going. “...Yeah?”
Akito’s stare hardened. “Let me guess, he was super tall too?”
Tsukasa scowled. “So what if he was–! He seemed regular enough to me…”
Akito exhaled sharply. “Right. And those just happen to be the most common traits for witchcrafters.”
Tsukasa felt his stomach drop.
He should’ve known. Of course, Rui fit the description. Akito had spent years studying the enemy, recognizing their habits, their tricks. If anyone would know, it was him. And yet–why did it feel wrong to agree?
Why did he feel the urge to argue? And why did he–
I forgot my music player… he internally curses himself, cutting off his previous thought. How could he forget something so important?
“You did WHAT, Tenma?!”
The door slammed open, and Ena stormed inside, her sharp glare locking onto Tsukasa like a dagger.
“He totally talked to a warlock… and forgot all our procedures!” Mizuki calls out.
“I didn’t know!” Tsukasa blurted, a bit too desperate. “Swear! He was really kind… and liked my performance and–”
“That’s what they want you to think!” Mizuki cut him off, throwing her hands in the air. “They’re nice until you fully fall into their trap and then– boom! Wam! You’re a goner!” She acted out an exaggerated death scene, collapsing onto the couch as if struck by an invisible force.
Tsukasa’s fists clenched. Are they all really like that…?
“Well–”
“Cut it out.” Akito’s voice was firm. No room for argument. “There’s no justification. You agreed to join us, so you follow the rules. Those who participate in witchcraft are not our friends, Tsukasa.”
Tsukasa’s chest tightened.
He wished he had never said anything at all. He could’ve lied. Said he had been practicing longer than expected. Said he had gotten distracted. Anything but this.
Now they were losing trust in him over one mistake.
“...I understand,” he said quietly, lowering his gaze. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Akito hesitated. His voice softened just slightly. “I’m not your father, Tsukasa. I’m your friend. You don’t have to talk to me like that.”
Mizuki suddenly tackled Tsukasa from behind, almost knocking the wind out of him.
“Hey, let’s all just forget this, ‘kay?” she said, squeezing his shoulders. “Just don’t make the same mistake! I believe in you!”
Tsukasa let out a small sigh. A light smile forced its way onto his face. “...So, what’d you guys want to talk about earlier?”
“We already resolved it,” Akito shrugged. “Mostly about safety. I wanted you to help my sister train since she’s new to combat, but Mizuki filled in.”
“Oh. Okay!” Tsukasa pretended he wasn’t relieved.
He stretched his arms, yawning. “Well, I’m getting sleepy. I’ll see you all tomorrow…”
“Goodnight, Tsukasa!” they called after him as he left the room.
Their laughter and chatter faded behind him, leaving only silence.
But the silence wasn’t comforting.
As he entered his bedroom, Rui had instantly corrupted his mind.
Was he really a warlock? They’re supposed to be dangerous, even deadly. But he was so nice, and seemed to really enjoy what Tsukasa has been working hardest towards! Why should he instantly hate someone like that just because they don’t match the “norm”?
How could someone like that be his enemy?
Tsukasa shook his head, confusion and frustration rose inside of him.
“Why does it even matter?” he muttered, flopping onto his bed with a groan.
But what if he really is evil?
What if he tries to hurt Saki?
There are many stories of witchcrafters attacking humans, luring them in with kindness only to reveal their true nature. What if Rui was just like that?
But that forms another question; why are they different? We must hate them since they have more knowledge than humans–? It hurt Tsukasa’s head to think about so many questions at once.
Finally, one more thought rose above the rest; I want to see Kamishiro again. I need to ask him that question. He kept repeating in his head. How? When? Right now? …Right now. Right now, right now, right now, right now… Tsukasa jumps out of his bed, throws some shoes on, and quietly darts out of the place.
“Kamishiro?” Tsukasa calls out, cupping his hands around his mouth to make his voice louder. He made his way closer to the stage, feeling foolish but unable to stop himself.
“Kamishiro–? Hey! Are you here!?” Tsukasa yells out, his voice echoing through the woods, then fading into silence. No response. It was stupid of Tsukasa to think he’d be outside in the middle of the night. Tsukasa sighed, turning around to leave and–
“GAH–!” He yelps. Rui was standing right behind him. “Th-the hell!? Don’t do that! Nearly gave me a heart attack–” Tsukasa quickly blurts out, his heart pounding as he tried to regain his composure.
Rui simply smiles at him. “You called?”
Tsukasa focuses on his face more. “Well… yeah. But you didn’t have to creep on me like that, jeez…” He swallows hard, trying to recollect his thoughts. Taking another shaky breath, and feeling the night air press heavy against his chest. It was dark, so dark he could barely see, but he’s looking into Rui’s eyes, and they really are glowing, Tsukasa swore they did. He took one last deep breath and spoke:
“You’re a warlock, aren’t you…?” His confidence faltered the more he looked at Rui, waiting for any expression. But there was none. And it made him panic more. He’s done for, he’s mad and he’s going to strike Tsukasa any moment now. He already knows where he lives, he’ll get all his friends next and–
“That’s all you have to ask?” Rui spoke blankly.
The question threw Tsukasa off. “W-we…well…I–” Tsukasa was terrified, despite the fact nothing was happening. He expected an outburst, or maybe even some kind of spell.
“You’re one of those who judge from just the title?” Rui’s tone wasn’t accusing or annoyed; he still kept a calm and blank voice. It frightened Tsukasa more than if he just lashed out. He does not know what this boy is feeling at all.
Tsukasa shifted uncomfortably under Rui’s gaze, seeming to pierce straight through him.
“...So you…are?” Tsukasa stammers. And his heart is pounding. This is the end. He thinks in his head over and over.
Rui tilted his head. “What’s it matter to you?”
Tsukasa is shaking at this point, he clenched his fists, trying to steady his voice.
“What…? Your kind–”
“My kind,” Rui interrupted, “are just people. People with talents and fears… just like yours.”
Something in Tsukasa’s chest twisted at that. “They kill us! It matters more than your monster heart would know!” The words felt wrong as he said them, but he forced himself to continue. Even if he didn’t really want to say that. It’s like he had to. It’s the rules, it’s the way it’s supposed to be. Witchcrafters and humans can’t be friends, it has… always been like that.
Rui’s face softened with a frown, disappointment flickering in his eyes. “...I really thought you were more understanding than that, Tsukasa,”
Tsukasa looks away, unable to meet those piercing eyes. And using his first name in a situation like this stung. It frustrated Tsukasa so much. His teammates were right, these beings just act nice to lure you in, they put the blame on you. That’s what’s happening, right? That’s the only possibility.
“Don’t…call me that. We don’t– we aren’t friends. I shouldn’t even hold a conversation with you.”
“We do not kill.”
“You– Yes you do! I know it–!” Tsukasa aggressively points his trembling finger at Rui, not that it would do anything, but it made him feel less awkward. “My performances… that’s a lie, right? You… didn’t mean that.”
Rui just stared at Tsukasa deadpanned. Maybe an expression of disbelief was planted on his face, but Tsukasa wouldn’t have noticed in the dark. All he really could see of him was his shining, gold eyes. Rui never responded, instead he threw something onto the ground. A cloud of thick smoke filled the area, forcing Tsukasa to cough and cover his face. The strong scent of the smoke potion burned his throat.
“A-Ack!…it smells terrible…” He chokes out, now unable to shake the feeling of something heavy settling over him…
When the smoke cleared, Rui was gone, vanished as if he’d never been there. Tsukasa stood there in the dark, breathing heavily and his chest tight, disappointed that Rui managed to get away so easily.
He loudly exhaled, now slowly walking back to the place his teammates are in. His footsteps heavy as he replayed the scene in his head.
Had he really just argued with a warlock? The first guy to compliment his work? A being who is way stronger than Tsukasa could ever be?
Doubt and regret started to gnaw at Tsukasa.
But, it’s fine. There shouldn’t be any regrets. They’re the enemies. No redeeming qualities from them. None at all.
Then why does he feel so bad? It was never really Tsukasa’s thing to lash out at anyone like that. Sometimes it just slips. It’s not like he wanted to.
He doesn’t feel bad for only Rui specifically, he feels bad knowing witchcrafters have the same feelings humans do, just like Rui said. They’re all alike in a way, why are they even enemies?
Am I seriously the only one who wonders this…? He thinks, now entering the place, shutting the door behind him, and going through the process of slumping onto his bed again.
He’s exhausted. His room is so painfully boring that it is also exhausting.
His desk in the far corner is messy and has materials and stationery items scattered all over it, and next to it is a wardrobe for his clothes, obviously. There’s nothing on the walls, except for a few posters he and Saki made together, and the lonely window on the wall next to his bed. Tsukasa is always so busy doing practice, he doesn’t bother with decorations.
Tsukasa groans and shoves his face into his pillow, only thinking about Rui, Rui, Rui. Still clueless on how the tall boy even feels, and if the murder rumors from witchcrafters are true then…
He doesn’t want to think of that.
Yet, unfortunately, you can’t control your mind. The best way to make it stop is by sleeping.
Well, first praying you can sleep with those thoughts in your head.
Everything is fine. My friends won’t be hurt, why would a witchcrafter even go after them? They haven’t done anything bad, I just have to protect myself. But what if he wants to torment me and kills everyone I love? What should I do? What should–
Knock knock.
“Yes?” Tsukasa tries to keep a steady voice.
“May I come in?” It’s Saki. A wave of relief washes over Tsukasa, he was worried Akito or Ena would’ve came in to threaten to lecture him some more. What if they had heard him yelling at that warlock? Tsukasa sits up and fixes his hair, trying to look the least miserable as possible– and now taking a deep breath. “Of course!”
And the door opened as soon as he spoke.
Saki’s hair was down, not in the usual pigtails she does, and she looked tired.
“Is everything alright? I saw your light on… plus I heard Akito and everyone talking to you earlier…” She looked pretty sympathetic, maybe Tsukasa can tell her the truth? They are pretty close after all…
“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine!” He smiles at his sister. In reality, he wasn’t too sure how to feel. He just yelled at someone who could easily end his whole bloodline.
“I’m just a bit confused…” Tsukasa adds, scratching the back of his neck.
“...About?” She sits next to him on the bed, paying close attention to what he says; almost making this more pressuring for Tsukasa.
Tsukasa takes a deep breath, deciding it’s best to be completely truthful with his dear sister. “I confronted that warlock, Rui, about…well– being a warlock.” He placed his hands in his lap and nervously fidgeted with them.
Saki slightly gasped, “Was he angry? Did he hurt you–” she quickly looks at Tsukasa’s arms.
“No–and no. I don’t know how he felt,” he sighed. “The best way I could explain was that he was… disappointed?”
“At least he didn’t hurt you…” She sounds thankful.
Yet. Is what Tsukasa wanted to say, but it's probably best to not freak out his sister.
“Yeah…at least.” He mumbled that last part. Tsukasa swallows hard, what he wanted to know most was how Saki felt about witchcrafters. He closed his hands into fists, trying to steady himself.
“Why are humans and witchcrafters against each other? Don't you wonder that?” He finally spits out.
She paused for a moment, before continuing, “I'm…not too sure.”
“Aren't we all the same? Are they even considered human? Is that what makes us hate them? Shouldn't we just hate all pets, too, then?”
Saki thought for a moment… “Well, no… They–witchcrafters–have consciousness. They have standards, feelings, they share the same form. They're smarter and stronger,” she pauses for a moment, trying to think of more words, “I guess what I'm trying to say is that–humans are jealous?”
Jealous? That was the last answer Tsukasa would've expected. How does one problem, which could easily be fixed, end up in wars?
“But don't they murder us? Don't we murder them!?” He takes a deep breath, “How'd that happen…?”
“I don't know… maybe they had an argument, and it all began there?”
Tsukasa’s heart dropped at “argument…”
Just like him and Rui.
But that answers one question: the rumors are true. Tsukasa has only heard stories from Akito. But that can't be every witchcrafter, right…?
“Then…why didn't that warlock hurt me? I'm just…so confused,” Tsukasa faces the floor, not wanting to make eye contact. Saki smiles at him.
“Well, to be fair, you have colored hair…and are tall,” she joked. Tsukasa looks at her and slightly smiles. She really does radiate happiness, and now it feels like all his stress has been lifted off his shoulders.
See? Everything is fine!
“Guess you're right!” Tsukasa chuckles. “We should get headed to bed… you also look exhausted,” he points out.
“Hehe, yeah,” she smiles, then stands up, walking towards the door. “Goodnight, brother!”
“Goodnight, sister!” Tsukasa matches her energy and giggles. She smiled back and shut the door behind her, leaving Tsukasa in his empty and exhausting room.
He lays flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling, his only thought: I wonder where Rui is. Before closing his eyes and falling asleep for the night. Too exhausted and too paranoid to even turn off the lights. Too much on his mind to have even thought of that. But, it’s fine. Saki and the others are here. To support and comfort, always. That’s what friends are for… that’s what really matters; that they’ll all get through this together.