神々から、死すべきへ: Kamigami kara, Shisubeki e (1x1 Me and Azuneko, R, Mature, Private)

[azuneko]

The sound of an alarm awoke the annoyed yet determined male. Ryo rolled out of bed and went to get ready. He didn't have morning classes so he had time to sprint on over to the shrine. As he showers and made his way back to his room a voice called out to him. It was his mother. She looked up the stairs and huffs. "You better be home early today. We have somewhere important to be." she said. Ryo could care less as he was sure it was something religious. His family had been very religious since he was young. To be honest at one point he was too. Though that changed a long time ago. He gave her a slight nod but didn't plan to be home unless there was nothing to do.

 

He returned to his room and got dressed. Once ready to go he made his way to hi nightstand. Picking up the book he glanced in a nearby mirror. His scarf neatly in place. Ryo smirked a little as he dashed out the house and headed to the shrine. He would wait all day if he had to until that guy arrived. Standing at the bottom of the stairs he realized that maybe he should have paced himself. He would be tired out after climbing them

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko had fallen asleep, still in his tiger form. He didn't stir one bit as the presence of another makes it's way to the base of the shrine steps. His breathing was steady and slow, and it was obvious he was fast asleep, the warmth of the sun making him very comfortable. He wouldn't even notice the point when the human made his way up the stairs, nor stepped foot onto the holy ground. Only when a cloud passed over the sun, blocking it's warmth, did he open his eyes, and see the human standing there.

 

He freezes, his eyes wide, but after a moment he gets to his feet, stretching the way cats do. He yawns, sharp teeth bared fully as his mouth opens wide. After regaining his composure, he looks to the human, noticing it was the guy from the other day. What did he want? He roles his eyes, and stroll towards the shrine, where he changed appearance, and went back out, now human once more. "What do you want?"

[azuneko]

Ryo took a deep breath as he ventured up the stairs. After what felt like a lifetime he reached the top. He looked around for the male from yesterday. He knew he lived right across from here but he felt it might be creepy if he went to knock on his door. As he walked around he soon noticed a tiger. He was slightly freaked out as it seemed to match the one on the cover of the book he was holding. He knelt down to see if it was real or not. He wasn't close but just at a distance. Ryo stares for a little impressed by the tiger's beauty. "Its more breathtaking in person than on the cover." he mutters before noticing it awaking.

 

Taking a few steps back Ryo watched the tiger get up and walk away. He was about to follow after it but then suddenly this man showed up. He frowns a little as he looked at him. "I really think you should have this book. Its my way of apologize for being rude. Just as you did yesterday with my scarf. Also did you see a tiger just now?" he asked him

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko moves forward, looking at the book in the other's hand. The loos up into his eyes, a confused look in his own. "I told you, I don't...ugh, whatever." He reaches out to accept the book, his finger brushing against Ryo's for a moment, but it only lasted for a second. When the other asked about seeing a tiger, Byakko decides to play the confusion card. "Tiger? What tiger? The only living creatures here are you, me, some birds, and other woodland creatures. I don't know what you've been doing to think there was a tiger here..."

 

He grins. "Maybe it was a sign?" Byakko grips the book in his hand, and a second later, the book vanishes, reappearing on a table within the shrine. Might as well hold on to the book for now. "We've run into each other so often...would it be alright if I asked of you your name? I'll tell you mine first." He pauses, grinning even wider now, two of his front teeth sharp, like a cat's, sure his name would click some sort of memory in the other male's brain. "My name is Byakko." His blue eyes glint with mischief.

[azuneko]

Ryo was relieved when the other took the book. He really didn't wish to read it or look through it. It was more of an impulsive buy if anything. His gaze drifts to the side a little as he looked at the other. "Eh, never mind what I said. I probably was just seeing things due to the lighting around here with the trees. I should know better than to think a wild tiger would just be sitting around here." he said rubbing the back of his neck. He had done what he came here to do so he was just about ready to leave. Ryo saw no point in staying longer.

 

As he was thinking to leave the male asked him his name. Ryo figured there was no harm in telling the other his name. He smiled a little as he was about to hear the other's name. Upon learning it something clicked. It was a very familiar sounding name. He blinked and then pointed. "Oh wow you really are a religious guy. To have yourself named after a deity must be odd for you. It is however a very nice name for someone like yourself. It sort of matches your personality." he said as he glanced to the side. He felt the book he had given the other was even more of a perfect thank you gift. "By the way, my name is Ryo Kamikaze. Its nice to meet you."

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

"Hm, you could say that. I am religious. In ways... But thank you for saying I have a nice name." He smiles again, making his response to what Ryo had said seem like a riddled answer. ""And you're right...it certainly does match my personality...in more ways than one." He listens as the other told him his name, and Byakko smiles again. It was a nice name, had a good ring to it. "Well then, Ryo Kamikaze, it certainly was a pleasure talking to you, but I'm sure you have things you need to do." He bows in respect to Ryo, a soft smile still on his face.

 

When he stood up straight again, he looks straight into Ryo's eyes. For a moment he just gazes into the eyes of the other male's before looking away. He sighs softly, then looks to Ryo again. "Maybe, sometime...we could you know...have coffee, to get to know each other? I'd understand if you refuse, it's just, I don't get many visitors up here, so it gets quite lonely." He turns to walk away. "Well, just think on it, okay? I hope you will accept my offer. Good day." He walks away, and was out of sight within a few minutes, so that Ryo was standing by himself.

[azuneko]

Ryo was surprised the other seemed a lot nicer than he first thought. He guessed first impressions between them was both a bit shaky. He shrugs his shoulders a little. "You don't really have to thank me. I mean its a really nice name you have. Especially compared to some of he names I hear around me at times." he said with a light chuckle. He somewhat felt embarrassed as the other said his name. Ryo wasn't sure why but it sounded a million times sweeter than when anyone else has said it. "Oh, I almost forgot I had classes today." he said making his way towards the stairs.

 

As he was about to leave once again, he glanced back at Byakko. "Maybe we can but I can't make any promises." he said before thinking back to this morning. He knew he had to go straight home which he wanted to avoid. "Wait on second thought why don't we go out for coffee today. After my classes I will be completely free to do whatever." he said with a smile though noticed that the other was already gone. He couldn't be sure if Byakko heard him or not. Even so he could always just come back here to look for him.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko hears his offer, a smile forming on his face. For a moment he says nothing, but then his voice echoes in the air around Ryo. "Alright, let's meet at the one cafe from the other night. How about after you're finished with class?" His voice quiets, and it was obvious that Byakko was gone, the shrine now empty. He had left somehow, leaving just Ryo behind.

 

He had gone home, now sitting in a chair, holding onto the book that Ryo had given him, sighing softly. "Maybe ne day he'll agree to look at it..." he murmurs to himself, opening it and looking at the splendidly painted pictures inside, the details quite beautiful. The words were almost as beautifully written as the pictures, each letter written artistically. Setting the book down, he sighs again, then stares up at the ceiling, and eventually dozes off.

[azuneko]

Ryo slowly began down the steps. He suddenly could hear the other's voice. It was impressive how he could hear it as if it was being carried upon the wind itself. Shaking his head he walked down the stairs. He was slightly looking forward to later today. This male had a strange air about him and that struck an interest in Ryo. He headed towards the school building seeing all his friends. He walked over to the casually as they all walked inside together. He wasn't going to tell them about Byakko. He was sure they'd find it odd or assume he was playing for the other team. Either way for now he was silent about it

 

As the day progressed, Ryo couldn't think about anything else but this afternoon. As he thought about it he glanced down and noticed his scarf. He frowns a little as he sighs. He wasn't going to cancel on the male no matter what. He would just tell his mother he lost track of time. Ryo sprang up from his seat as soon as his classes were over. He didn't bother to wait around for his friends like usual. He was going to head for the cafe to await Byakko

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

By the time Byakko woke up from his nap, it was time to go to the cafe. Standing up, he stretches, then fixes his clothes before heading over to the place he'd mentioned to Ryo, arriving it seemed, before the other. He goes inside, looking around for a good tabl, before spotting one. It was set by the window, but it was in the corner, so it was out of the way.

 

He sits down, and tells the waitress who came up to wait a little, there was someone else coming soon. She agrees, and walks away, telling him she'd be back over in little while, once he was ready. Byakko smiles, and then looks out the window, resting his chin on the palm of his hand, a bored expression on his face. His eyes close a bit, almost as if he about to doze off, and fall asleep at the table.

[azuneko]

Ryo dashed down the street and sidewalks to hurry there. He wasn't sure if he'd get there first or not. Even so he didn't want to cause the other to wait too long. As he approached the cafe he slows down and takes a deep breath. He didn't want it to be apparent that he practically ran all the way there. He fixed his scarf before walking into the cafe. He looked around before spotting Byakko. A small smile upon his face as he walked over and sat across from him. "He looks so peaceful just sitting here." he whispers softly.

 

He wonders just how long the other waited. He looked to be asleep after all. Before Ryo could say anything to let the other know he was there; his cell rang. He reached into his pocket to see who it was. No surprise to him that his mother was calling. He sighs as he slid fed the ringer and placed it back in his pocket.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

He had indeed dozed off by the time Ryo had arrived and sat in the seat across from him. However, the sound of the phone going off woke him up instantly. He opens his eyes, and blinks a few times, smiling at Ryo, his smile a tiny bit sleepy. Yawning, he takes a deep breath, holds it, then exhales slowly before speaking up. "You want anything? I waited to order, until you got here." He smiles, scratching the side of his face.

 

The waitress walks up to them, smiling. "Can I get you anything?" She asks. Byakko looks over at Ryo, then to the waitress. "I'll have a cup of tea, Earl Grey. Extra milk, and a side cup of cream." He smiles sweetly at her, and she blushes, her cheeks a faint pink. "Alright. And you?" She turns to Ryo,nd when he ordered, she leaves. "So...how was school?"

[azuneko]

Ryo sighs softly before glancing up at Byakko. "Looks as if you had a wonderful sleep there. Sorry for makin you wait so long." he said before the other asked him what he'd like. As the waitress took the male's order he thought for a moment. "I'd like a half fat, no foam latte steamed to a hundred two heat. Please and thank you." he said ever so polite. He then turned his attention towards Byakko after she walked away. "Eh, don't ask me about that. You sound like a parent or something." he said jokingly.

 

He noticed his phone ringing again. He decided to just turn it off completely. He wasn't one to ignore a call but this one was one he didn't plan to answer any time soon. Ryo focused his attention back to the male. "So I have been meaning to ask but do you own that shrine or something? I mean I can easily find you there but it looks so worn down."

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

"Hehe, sorry. Just curious, ya know?" He didn't mean to sound like a nagging parent. But he could tell the other was joking, so smiles. He could tell Ryo's phone was ringing again, but the other male didn't want to answer it for some reason, and turns it off. He raises an eyebrow, but doesn't question the other's actions. His business was his own.

 

He looks to Ryo's face when he asked about the shrine, if Byakko owned it or something. Going on saying it was worn down. Byakko decides to tell the truth, though he doubted Ryo would believe him. "The shrine was built...for...me..." He grins, knowing almost full well the other would think he was joking. But he wasn't. "It's the Shrine of Byakko: The White Tiger of the West. Maybe what you saw, the tiger, was Byakko himself."

[azuneko]

"No need to apologize. I mean anyone would be curious about someone's day even they didn't attend school." he said as he sighs. Ryo thinks a moment. "Besides I should apologize for have such an annoying phone. This is suppose to be just us talkin for a while." he said as he gripped his scarf a little bit. He was really curious to have his questioned answered.

 

Ryo's eyes widen a little. He then chuckled lightly. "You almost had me there for a minute. For a split second I almost believed that lie about the shrine. As I said before things like spirits or gods don't really exist. I have first hand experience to know that no matter how much one prays to a so-called God or deity nothing will come of it. Though to each their own I suppose. If you believe there's some special being at that shrine then good for you. I suppose everyone needs something they can believe in once in a while." He said

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko simply smiles at Ryo, listening to what he had to say. What the other make said was quite interesting. Did something happen, to make Ryo not believe? That's what Byakko began/to think as he listened to Ryo talking. "Yes, you're right. To each his own..." He smiles again, and pauses as the waitress appeared to the table with their drinks. "Can I get you anything else?" She asks, blushing slightly still. "No, nothing for me right now, thank you." If Ryo didn't order anything, she keaves them be.

 

He takes a drink, savoring the flavor, before setting his glass down and looking at Ryo. He hesitates, but decides to go with his plan, not sure if it would work as he hoped it woukd. But who knows? Maybe Ryo would agree. "So, I have an offer to make you. Please, hear me out." He pauses, and takes a deep breath, before continuing. "I would like to show you something. I don't make this offer to just anyone. But, if you'd like to see something...interesting...come to the shrine next week, on Wednesday, at midnight. I know there is break next week for school, so it shouldn't be a problem.But, if you come, just go to the shrine, and wait there. You'll see something amazing. You won't regret it, I promise. And don't worry, it's nothing weird, or me just setting you up to get ambushed, I'm not like that."

[azuneko]

Ryo found the other to be very amusing. He was still an odd person to him but one he didn't mind spending time with. His gaze moves towards the waitress who returned with their drinks. At first he was thinking of ordering something but decided against it for now. He could alway take something to go if he got hungry at any point. "You sure can make girl blush huh. Is that a natural talent?" he asked teasingly.

 

He found Byakko to be no different from those he would normally surround himself with. As he took a small sip from his cup, his eyes met with the othe's for a brief moment. "An offer to see something interesting you say... Plus it's at midnight in such a secluded area. If this isn't a set up its more like a death wish. Though your not as much of a creep as I had first took you for so I will accept this offer. However I won't hesitate to report you to someone if you try anything weird or illegal." Ryo said taking another sip. He was curious as to what the other had to show him that he could do today.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko scoffs at the comments made by Ryo. "Well, it's great to know you don't think of me as much of a creep as before. Jeeze, you sure do have a way with words...and don't worry, I am not going to pull anything, remember, I am a Holy Man after all. I keep my word, and I especially don't tell lies." He smiles at Ryo, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. He was relieved that Ryo had agreed to come, because he had feared the other would reject his offer.

 

"Oh, and as for your question before...it's natural talent." He winks playfully, and grins. It was true. For some reason, girls at the ages between 14 and 28 often got really shy around him, blushing and stuttering, things like that. Some guys too, he had found that fact out quite recently. He didn't pay much attention to this though.

 

"So, I'll see you on Wednesday then. That's in...about five days, since today is Friday." He smiles, before taking another drink, looking at Ryo for a glance, then to the cup in his hands. He wasn't really sure what to say anymore...so he stays silent.

[azuneko]

Ryo couldn't believe he had made plans to see Byakko again. He was sure if his friends found out they would be beyond curious as to why. He even questioned himself as to why he was so eager to meet with the other. It's not as if he couldn't just decline. Ignoring logical reason for now he listened to the other talk. "Oh so your the type of guy who gets al the ladies to swoon over you. That must be nice. I wish I could have that talent. It would come in handy sometimes." he said with a light chuckle.

 

"Yeah then I'll see you then. Though I am still curious why so late. I suppose you have your reasons." he said softly. Just as he picked up the cup to take a sip; a young girl walked into the cafe and approached their table. "Here's where you've been hiding. You know mother has been calling you like crazy. You have to come home." the said said looking at Ryo. She hadn't noticed Byakko yet. "I'll be home later. I'm hanging with a friend of mine. Besides, why do I want to be surrounded by people who will only smile around mother but point fingers as soon as her back is turned. I hate being around people like that. Especially today of all days." he said frowning. The girl sighs before glancing to see this friend of his. She smiled politely at Byakko. "Excuse me and pardon my interruption. Can you tell my brother here to come home? It's a very important day and he really needs to be there." she asked

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko was about to respond to Ryo's comment when a young girl approached their table. She began to talk to Ryo, and by the manner in which she was speaking to him, Byakko guessed she was his younger sister. Byakko listens to the conversation between them, apparently something was going on that day, and Ryo was supposed to be there. But Ryo refused. This was quite interesting to Byakko, but he didn't expect the girl to turn to him and ask for his help in getting Ryo to go home.

 

He smiles a bit, not one hundred percent sure what to do, but he'd figure it out. He looks at the girl, then at Ryo, then back to the girl again, clears his throat, and speaks. "Ahem...since I'm not really entitled to tell Ryo what to do, and since all I really am is a holy guidance counselor..." He winks covertly at Ryo. "All I can really do is give a piece of advice. Ryo, if today is an important day, the wisest thing to do would be is go to this thing, despite what you wish." He then looks directly at the girl. "However, he has the freedom to do what he wishes. You shouldn't push him to do something he doesn't want to do. Ryo, the choice is yours. There is a reason for you not wanting to go yes?"

 

The look on the girls face was incredulous. She was about to speak, probably something in protest to what Byakko said, but he raises a hand, halting her from saying anything. "I've said my piece, and that's all I'm saying. Like I said before, I don't have the authority, or right, to tell your brother what to do. And to be completely honest, I don't want that right, nor do I see any need for it." He falls silent, the girl aghast with unbelief. She turns to face her brother, a frown on her face. Even so, a faint blush could be seen as she stared at Ryo.

[azuneko]

Ryo was surprised by what Byakko said to his sister. The other had a point about this so he was sure she would give up. He stares at his sister awaiting what she was about to say. "I don't know who you are mister but you're clearly not a good person for my brother to be around. As for you Ryo-nii; you really should come home. If not for mother's sake but for the sake of that scarf!!" she said sternly. Her face serious as ever. She turned on her heels and left the cafe. It gr silent real fast.

 

Ryo looked down as he gripped the scarf that forever stayed around his neck. "I hate to leave so soon but I tuess I really have no choice. When she puts it that way....." he stopped as he glanced at Byakko. "I'll see you at midnight on the day we intended and not a moment sooner. I'm sure your curious as to what this is all about. I'll tell you then and only then." he slowly got up placing some money on the table for his drink. "I'll see you around mysterious shrine guy." he said despite knowing the other's name

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

Byakko watches as the girl leaves, then turns his attention to Ryo. A soft smile adorns his lips as he listened to what Ryo says next, nodding in understanding. "Don't worry. You go do what you need to. We'll talk more on Wednesday at midnight." A moment after Ryo got up, Byakko stands too, placing some money next to the cash that Ryo had set on the table.

 

"You're right, see you around." He moves past Ryo, pausing to place a hand on the other male's shoulder. It lasted only a few seconds, before walking away, and leaving the cafe, glancing back for a second, then walking down the sidewalk, heading towards the shrine. He climbs the steps to the shrine, and once at the top, he looks around, taking a deep breath of the clean air that surrounded the holy place.

 

'Five more days. Just five more days and I'll show him. It had to be Wednesday, because on that day, a very crucial piece is in place. The full moon...I just hope he keeps his word...' He thinks to himself, as he goes over to the well, dipping his fingers in the water, the cool liquid flowing around his skin. He sighs softly, sitting down next to the well, and dozing off.

[azuneko]

Ryo couldn't bring himself to glanced back at the cafe. He'd feel tempted to stay longer. His gaze moved down as he headed home. He decided to bide the time with thinking about Wednesday. He couldn't wait to see what Byakko had to show him. Knowing the other he was sure it was probably something religious but he didn't mind. After all the other liked that stuff. He knew he could pretend to be interested in it for a little while.

 

As he got home only a few seconds after his sister, a loud shout came at him. His mother was flipping out that he had come back so late. "I'm here right so stop yelling." he mutters as he looked at everyone there. He could already feel the cold stares of hate towards him. It's why he didn't want to be here today. His mother finally calmed down and had him come inside to celebrate the day.

[~*~FaLlEn*SnOw~*~]

It was about an hour later that he woke from his little nap, his first thoughts being how Ryo was faring at whatever thing he had to go to. Placing a finger into the water that was next to him, he waits a moment, before ice spreads across the water from where his finger was, creating a mirror like surface, much like he had done the other day. Staring at the icy mirror, he gently blows in it, and after a few moments, the surface of the ice shimmers and gets a rippling appearance, before clearing to reveal a scene to him.

 

It showed Ryo, who was now at what Byakko guessed was his home, surrounded by people, who appeared to resent him. The only person who didn't have a look of hatred, coldness, or resentment on their faces or in their eyes, was the woman who went over to him, encouraging the other to enjoy the day. Byakko made the guess that this woman was his mother. He continued to watch the scene, could tell from the look on Ryo's face that he didn't want to be there. "You could always come here...." He murmurs, forgetting that when he used his ice mirror the person he was watching could hear him speaking. So Ryo would hear what he just said.

[azuneko]

Ryo walked into his living room. He could see the properly prepared feast off in the dining room. He knew his mother might have overdone it with the cooking but that's how she was. His sister was siting beside their aunt. If looks could kill, Ryo was sure to be dead by now. He continued to stand not wanting to sit among any of them. "Oh so you finally came. Its about time. Though what should we expect from such a person with such a cold blooded heart." one of the people sitting down said. Ryo grits his teeth as this is what he wanted to avoid.

 

His mother walked over and sits down. "Now everyone is here so let us pray in remembrance." she said putting her hands together and closing her eyes. Ryo had no intention of doing so. He only wanted a way out and surprisingly he got one. He suddenly heard a voice in his head. Mostly it would have gave him the warning that he might be going insane. Though today he'd allow a spirit or even unworldly being take the credit. "If you all will excuse me. I have somewhere to be. A higher calling has summoned me." he said turning on his heels and not wasting a second to dash out the front door.

 

Once outside and about half a block away from home; Ryo stops to catch his breath. "Damn it..!! I wonder what that voice was. It almost sounded like Byakko's but that's impossible. To hear his voice in my head would mean two of one thing and I don't think so." he said to himself not trying to swing for the other team any time soon. Ryo slowly glanced back noticing no one followed after him. With a small smile on his face he decided to head to the shrine. "I wonder if he's still awake."