[TST] Two Against The World (Roy + Rou Inari AU fic)
Part two of the epically fail grand saga.
Title : Two Against The World (Part 2 of 2)
Fandom : theskytides, AU number god-knows-what
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing : The Hijikata familiy, Hijikata Toshirou, Roy Mustang (sort of), Kondo Isao, Okita Sougo and Okita Mitsuba. Brief cameo by Miles Edgeworth, and mentions of Manfred von Karma.
Warning : Totally unneeded and unnecessary angst.
Notes : About bloody time I did this. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KAE? Annnd part one is back here!
TWO AGAINST THE WORLD: PART TWO
theskytides AU fic; 14,025 words
“You didn’t have to.”
The kitsune looked up at that, turning his head towards the teenager who was curling up around his stomach, trying not to show how much he was hurting even if he could sense it very well and very clearly. The bond between a kitsune and its Inari was strong, after all. Very strong, and wholly unbreakable. Unless through a massive intervening force from outside, the bone between kitsune and human would remain constant until death itself. That was the one thing that would never change, no matter how much his young master protested against it and hated it.
In a way, he could understand the youngster’s hatred-it was because of him did the boy get banished from the family. But still, he wasn’t going to let him just die because of this either. He had always been relentlessly following the human in the weeks he had been forced to leave from his master’s side, awaiting for the moment where he could return to his side; leaving him would be equal to seeking death, for he and his master were bonded in more ways than the human could imagine. Bonded through soul and mind, they were literally part of each other-the kitsune was sure that the boy could feel it, in the moments after he was forced to take his leave.
It felt good again, to feel whole and complete; the emptiness in him quenched as he was at his master’s side once more. The fox glanced at his master for a few more moments before turning back and responding through their mental link. It is my duty to fulfil the wishes of the human I serve, and I merely did what you wished for the most.
The human didn’t respond, but he could feel the unspoken question that hung in the air and echoing in the thoughts of his head. He decided to answer it anyway. You didn’t want to die, and you wanted to be saved. And that was what I did, as you wished.
“Stop looking into my head,” came the snappy retort, but all the same the fox could feel that his master was satisfied with the answer nevertheless-even if he wasn’t that all happy about it still. He shivered once more from the cold and his injuries; autumn already drawing to a close, and winter was soon to come. These injuries wouldn’t do well for the human in such weathers. If he had to leave the boy in such conditions… the likelihood of him surviving would be relatively low, even with the powers that had been granted to him through their bond; it didn’t seem like his master knew about them very well even if he had been making use of them unconsciously.
Silence hung in the air for a long moment after that, though the human didn’t try to move away from where he was. The fox himself glanced at his master, silent and only waiting for whatever he wanted to say or try next-as the servant, he was in no position to disobey the one who had been bonded to, but if the child’s life would be in danger before of his own foolish actions…
“Why did you come back?”
A question of all things, and one he hadn’t expected in the slightest. The kitsune looked at the boy curiously, blinking as the confusion of this abrupt question reflected in his eyes. …is there a reason why I needed to?
The child then looked at him properly this time, the demand clear on his face as he asked again. “Why did you come back, even though I already said I never wanted to see you again?! I told you to stay away from me!”
You wished to live from the bottom of your heart, the fox replied without so much as missing a beat-he needed to make his point clear, to show his master what he needed to know and had to understand. As your servant it is my duty to fulfil your greatest wishes, and that was what I simply did. You wanted somebody to protect and save you, and I simply granted that wish as requested. No more, no less.
“…” the child fell silent then, turning away once more. The kitsune knew that perhaps the answer he had just given was not the best and not what the boy wanted to hear, but it was important that his master understood this. That no matter what the human thought and wanted to believe in, it was always the deepest desires of the heart which he was most attuned to. That was how it would be, for a kitsune and the Inari it was bonded with. No secrets, no hidden thoughts-everything between them was shared, from their hearts to their souls.
While he let the boy mull over everything, the fox himself decided to change the subject to something more in the present. Winter will be arriving soon, and I have heard that the winters in this town can be exceptionally harsh. You should make sure to-
“Stay.”
He paused in his words at that, caught by surprise once more. …stay? But didn’t the boy just wanted him to stay away?
“Stay here, with me,” his master looked at him in the eye at that, a strange new emotion burning in those blue eyes-something that the fox himself did not know how to place or could place a finger on. “I can never forgive you for what you caused on me… but if you staying here means that I will survive, then that’s what I’ll do. So stay with me, and make sure I live.”
…the will to live, was it? That desire that burned so strongly, that the boy would do anything to ensure that he’d live to see the next day-the resolve to go against what his family thought of him. Rather than to let himself die, he’d live on and on the best he could in order to show that he was alive, even with everything that had happened to him. And what better way than to spite them further, by being with the one thing they feared and hated the most?
He’s learning, the fox thought to himself with a small smile, and then he lowered his head in a bow towards that child who was now turning into a man. As you wish, master.
Even without guessing, he knew that one day this boy would turn into an Inari which he would be proud to serve without question.
Hijikata Toshirou would be a force that was feared by all.
The demon of Solare.
That was the name which he came to be known as soon enough. Known as a vicious and brutal fighter with inhuman strength and stamina whose skills were reputed to be incomparable to anyone else around; though he was alone and affiliated with none of the gangs that resided in the town, he was a force unlike any other. Many have tried to kill him, but none have ever succeeded-only a few ever managed to return, and when they did the only thing they could say about the young man who went up against them was just one word.
Monster.
A monster with cold blue eyes and fought like a beast; a fighter who knew no remorse or mercy and only carved the streets with the blood of his enemies. That was how he was known as in the time to come-a beast in human skin and nothing more.
And so it was because he had come to be regarded as a beast did the rest of the gangs in Solare deal with him like one-it was said to be a battle like no other, many to just one lone individual. The fight had been harsh and intense, and though it was said that the demon was beaten down his body was never found. In fact, after that battle it was as if the demon of Solare had all but vanished from existence. There were no more tales of his fights, no more stories about him terrorizing the streets and killing all who stood before him. He disappeared just like that, and was never seen again.
But of course, the truth was never as simple as it seemed.
Don’t you wish to join them?
Hijikata perked up at the all-too familiar voice in his head, very much used to this by now-years had already passed since that day where he had told the kitsune to stay with him, and now at the age of seventeen he had grown to be a fine man indeed. Living off the backwater streets of Solare, fighting each day just in order to survive; countless fights and battles and made him turn into a battle-hardened warrior who was feared by all, but even somebody like him couldn’t withstand such a fight like the one that had almost taken him out. Annoying, really, to think that he couldn’t make his stamina last as long as he would have liked… but he supposed considering everything, things had worked out somewhat alright. Still…
He grunted slightly at the sight of the man (who had saved him, as it was) struggling to train with the kid who was apparently the heir of the dojo he was staying in now. I’m only staying here until my wounds are better, he eventually responded as he turned back to glance at the gardens outside of the training rooms. There’s no need to get all chummy with them.
Still, he did save your life and allowed you to stay and recover even though it would be trouble for him. The kitsune shifted from beside him, cocking his (Hijikata had come to know its gender pretty quickly) head to glance at the ones in the training hall. The fox himself had grown as well in the years they were together-where once it was the size of a large wolf, now it was about as big as horse. Still, the size hardly mattered to either of them; the kitsune couldn’t be seen by anyone else besides the Inari unless it wanted itself to be seen.
Hijikata glanced back over quietly at the people inside, the expression on his face impassive. As much as he was thankful in a way for having the man (Kondo Isao, if he recalled the name correctly) saving him, at the same time he would have preferred if he spared the other some trouble. Even beaten and battered, he was still known well in the streets as the Demon of Solare-no good would come out of it if anybody associated themselves with a person like him. Really, he couldn’t help but wonder just why the man was doing all of this when he knew in the first place just how much trouble he would cause.
It’ll be better if I stay away from them-the teenager started in response, but then a voice from down the corridor made him stop before he could finish.
“Ah, Toshirou-san, is it?”
Okita Mitsuba came from around the corner and had spotted him, and the sight of her made Hijikata pause instantly as he stared and blinked at her. The woman smiled as she came closer, a basket of folded clothes in hand. “I hope you’ve been enjoying your stay here so far. Are you injuries better now?”
“…somewhat,” he replied, blinking once more.
Mitsuba smiled upon hearing that answer. “That’s good to know, but please make sure to continue to take care of yourself-you’re still healing, so opening your wounds again wouldn’t be a good idea.”
All Hijikata could do in return was to nod once more, and the woman smiled a little wider at that. “I’ll see you later for dinner then, Toshirou-san.” With that said, she moved off once more, walking past him and down the corridor towards wherever her destination was. Hijikata watched her until she went around the corner and disappeared from his sight before transferring his gaze back onto the kitsune who seemed to be laughing at him just through the glint that was in his eyes.
“Don’t even start,” he growled before the fox could even say anything.
The kitsune only laughed.
Pain was something that Hijikata was long used to and could bear easily, but there were something about these injures that felt different-not in the bad way, but strangely in the good way. He felt… refreshed, in a way, though he wasn’t that all sure just exactly why he felt that way. Maybe it was because of the things that had happened earlier and the man who was with him.
This is the first time I’ve seen you this satisfied, the kitsune remarked from his side, four tails swishing behind as the fox ever loyally followed his master.
Hijikata only shrugged as he continued to walk, hardly minding the ache from the welts on his hands or from the injuries that his earlier fight was giving him. “It was a good battle, that’s all.”
He could feel the fox’s amusement bubbling from the back of his mind at that statement, but did nothing else except to reply neutrally. If you say so.
The Inari paused in his steps, turning back round to glance where he had been just a few minutes earlier. The light of the setting sun was strong, casting dark shadows from the surrounding trees and buildings that were around. A breeze blew by, ruffling his already unruly hair and cooling the sweat that was sticking onto his skin. It had been a while since he felt this good, admittedly. Hijikata did his best to suppress the smirk that came onto his face. Kondo Isao, huh… at least he seemed like an interesting guy to hang around with.
I heard that, you know.
“Shut up,” the teenager retorted automatically as he turned back around and started to move once more. “And we’re going to sleep early tonight-I want to be in time for morning practice.”
The kitsune turned his head around to look at his master with a look that seemed to be something close to incredulous, but soon turned amused and the fox shook his head while he made his way to catch up with the human. If that’s what you wish, master.
It was without a doubt that the days ahead were going to be most interesting indeed.
The next few months spent with Kondo and the dojo he was in was… pleasant, in a way, at least for his master. The kitsune had a good idea about the reaaons, of course-the teenager had spent the last few years with nothing but only his own company and the constant fights that he got himself involved in. To actually be able to get along with people who for once wasn’t out for his master’s blood was quite nice, and even if the teenager would never say it the fox himself could sense that the other was appreciating their company and the comfort it provided him with. Though things were never so easy to obtain, let alone keep…
He watched as the young boy known as Okita Sogou stomped away after his latest successful attempt to get back at his master before turning towards the teenager, remarking quite simply. He must not like you a lot.
“That won’t be the first time,” Hijikata muttered back darkly, just loud enough for the kitsune himself to hear.
The fox watched as his master bent down and started to pick up the dried vegetables that had fallen out from the basket he had been carrying-the result of Sogou’s prank-feeling apologetic that he couldn’t help himself. Being invisible like this meant that he only had the barest of physical communication with the world, and only the Inari would be able to properly interact with him. He supposed he could assume a human form, but it would be rather awkward to explain the sudden presence of another person here.
“Ah, Toshirou-san.”
His master looked up at the call of his name, and the fox himself instinctively backed off so that Okita Mitsuba was (unknowingly) standing at the spot where the kitsune had been at just a few moments ago. The teenager instantly paused in his task, getting up so that she didn’t have to turn her head down to look at him. “I thought you were making dinner.”
Mitsuba laughed quietly at that. “I was on my way.” She then noticed the vegetables that were on the floor and frowned slightly, shaking her head. “Did Sou-chan cause this again? I’m sorry, I already told him not to do these things to you…”
“Its fine,” Hijikata returned with a shrug, inclining his head slightly. “Don’t worry about it.”
The woman sighed softly, offering the teenager a sympathizing look. “I’ll make sure to tell Sou-chan later not to do this again to you-he’s just not used to your presence yet, I suppose…”
“You don’t have to,” his mater returned again, bending down to quickly pick up the last of the vegetables that were on the floor, placing them back into the basket before passing it over to the other. “I’m pretty detestable in these places, after all.”
Mitsuba smiled sadly upon hearing those words, shaking her head once more. “They just haven’t seen you for who you really are, Toshirou-san.” She then looked at him, smile turning into something brighter while adding on. “You have been nothing but a kind man.”
The kitsune could feel the swirl of emotions from his master there and then, the confusion and uncertainty that he felt-along with something else entirely. The teenager paused slightly, hesitating for a moment before numbly letting go of the basket he had been holding. “…make sure you wash them before cooking.”
Mitsuba only smiled once more as she took the basket into her hands, nodding at the words. “I will keep that in mind, Toshirou-san. I’ll see you at dinner later.” That said, she made her way past him and towards the direction of the kitchens.
The fox turned to look at his master, smiling slightly in amusement at the embarrassed tinge of red on his cheeks. He would have remarked on it, but the teenager gave him that look and the kitsune knew that it was better for him to not say a word. But still… it was nice, to see that in spite of all that had happened, his mater was still human and could still be normal-loving and to be loved… it was good that the other could still feel that, and could feel it for another. It seemed that at least despite everything, things might perhaps turn for the better for his master. That was good enough for him. As long as his master was happy, so would he.
The night was beautiful-and if he could, Hijikata would be appreciating it. But now his mind and heart were too troubled at what had just transpired a few hours ago, and even though it already well into the early hours of the new day the eighteen-year-old was still not sleeping, instead letting the time pass around him as he sat at the corridors of the quarters he was granted with and stared quietly at nothing in particular. He didn’t need to see anything, when he was already seeing something in his mind’s eye, replaying a scene of a few hours ago over and over again in his head and wondering If he had made the right decision.
Why are you only hesitating now? came the ever-familiar voice of the kitsune as it materialized from where it had been, now sitting beside him with its four tails lying across the floor. Hijikata couldn’t bring himself to look at the fox, instead opting to stay within the visions replaying in his mind.
“With you, Toshirou-san; I want to be by your side.”
“I don’t care. You’re no concern of mine.”
Is it really so bad to have somebody else to depend on? questioned the fox once more, its head turning to regard its master as the question was asked. You’ve been here for the last few years already-surely it couldn’t hurt-
“I can’t let her be dragged into my life,” Hijikata returned, cutting the kitsune from its speech. “I’m going back to Bellcius to serve under the Ivona government-there’s no telling what might happen.”
Even so… the spirit started somewhat cautiously, Even so, there’s no harm in letting yourself have somebody to rely on. It would be good for you, young master.
The teenager only snorted quietly at that. “You’ll always be around though, won’t you? You can’t leave me, and I can’t leave you. So why would I need anybody else when I always have somebody with me?”
There was a long, notable pause after he had said those words, the pause long enough that it made Hijikata wonder what was wrong and turned his gaze towards the kitsune. The fox was still there, still visible, but there was a sudden solemnity within him, a strange sort of expression crossing its features-an expression the teenager couldn’t really name, and didn’t really know at all. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something-to say anything, even if he wasn’t sure what-but then the kitsune gazed at Hijikata and spoke before the human could.
I am but your servant, young master, it started to say, voice carrying a weight within them. I am here only to serve and protect, but nothing else. There is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy what you seek because of me.
A frown crossed Hijikata’s face there and then. “It’s not about you.”
Then what is it?
“…” the teenager found himself unable to return the question with a proper response, and only fell into an uncomfortable silence, glancing down to the ground.
The kitsune let himself wait for a few minutes before standing up from where he had been sitting, straightening as he glanced at his master. Do not hesitate on things that are precious to you, young master-you will regret it when the chance passes by you.
“What are you-” Hijikata started to ask after those puzzling words were said to him, but he blinked and the kitsune was gone.
It was the day of her funeral, but Hijikata couldn’t bring himself to attend it. He didn’t deserve it.
While the rest of the dojo was out attending the funeral, the nineteen-year-old only stayed behind, locked up in his own room and doing nothing but staring at the walls, mourning over all the chances he had lost with her death. Maybe if he had said yes that night, perhaps things would have changed; maybe if he had agreed, she wouldn’t be dead now. If only-
I told you that you would regret it.
Hijikata turned around just enough to see the kitsune appearing from the shadows of his room, blue eyes glittering oddly as it regarded its master with a quiet look. As I said, you should have not hesitated when the chance was there. Now this is the consequence of your actions.
The human felt a heavy lump forming at the back of his throat, and his voice betrayed the feelings he was trying to hide as he croaked out. “…did she die because of me?”
There was no real response, at least not immediately-the fox first walked over to where his master was sitting, settling somewhere in a spot both behind and beside him, not in a direct place of the human’s immediate vision. She was fated to die sooner or later-I had just hoped that you wouldn’t have regrets before she did.
A sudden stop came upon Hijikata then when he heard what the kitsune said. She had been fated to die, no matter what? So even if he had said yes, it would be useless…? Then what was the point of it in the first place? Why did she have to die? Everything wouldn’t have a meaning then no matter what, since she would die no matter what-
…she would die no matter what…
“Her death…” he started, voice now suddenly very, very quiet. “Did she die… because of me?”
The surprise was more than obvious in the kitsune’s voice. What?
“She died because of me, didn’t she?” the teenager started to speak, his voice raising higher and going quicker with every word, every painful realization that came to him. “Just like my twin brother-the one that died when I was born and caused everybody to turn against me back in the family. She died because of me, of… of this curse I have.” It was all because of him, because of the power of the Inari he possessed-it was because of this, because of all of this that she was dead. It was all his fault-
It is not your fault! came the sharp retort from the fox, voice laced with an emotion unlike anything else Hijikata had ever heard. You being an Inari has nothing to do with her fate!
“But there is!” Hijikata returned, almost shouting back. “Because of me-because of you-because of us, she’s dead!” He glanced down, staring at his hands now as a silent, unspoken fear thudded in his chest. “I’m cursed.”
Young master-the kitsune tried to start, but the human cut him off.
“I don’t deserve her,” he started, voice now quivering, revealing the sheer vulnerability that he had now. “I don’t deserve anything… I don’t deserve to live. This life is not meant for me.”
The fox was silent for a moment after that, but then he reached out with a paw towards his master, and as he did so the paw rippled, fur rippling like water as the color paled and receded, claws shifting into slender human fingers as the kitsune abruptly changed. Bones cracked as they shifted, muscles pulling and pushing as they changed and by the time the fox was able to reach where his master was, it was no longer the kitsune it usually was, and Hijikata froze when he felt arms winding around his waist, and heard the gentle, familiar voice that spoke from his shoulder.
“Don’t blame yourself, Toshirou-san,” now came the voice of Okita Mitsuba. “It has never been your fault.”
“You-” the teenager started, although his mind properly clicked then and he realized what had happened. Instantly his shock turned into anger and Hijikata violently threw the transformed kitsune off him, snarling out with all the ferocity and rage he could muster out there and then. “Don’t insult her memory, kitsune! Know your place!”
Already transformed back into his original form, the fox only glanced at his master, blue eyes having that odd glimmer once again as it spoke. I meant no harm-I was trying to help.
“You’re not her,” the human breathed back, anger still lacing his voice. “You can never be her.”
The kitsune lowered his head at that, both eyes closing now. I understand that.
After all, he was just the servant of the Inari. Nothing more, and nothing less. It could never be anything more than that, regardless of anything. His only purpose was to serve.
His assignment had been given, and today was the first day of his service in the Ivonian navy. Of course, Hijikata himself could care less about the nation that had screwed him over, but he had resolved himself to serve and aid Kondo for as long as he lived. In order to help with his dream, and in honor of the memory of the woman he had loved from the bottom of his heart. He knew this was what Mitsuba would have wanted, to see a peaceful state where the people could live without fear and worry. For that dream, Hijikata would give his life to make it happen.
So as much as he loathed it, the newly-appointed boatswain of the Victoria II was going to have to do his duty, and live to see through his job to the bitter end. It was the least he could do, really, after everything.
Walking up the gangplank to board the ship, Hijikata caught sight of two figures on the deck, a fact that made the man momentarily confused. As far as he remembered, he was the only one assigned to this ship; there was no reason why there needed to be two people taking him in. Then again, knowing the idiots in the government they might have wanted to just scare him a bit with theatrics like these. Well, it certainly wasn’t going to work.
“About time you arrived,” came the snappish tone of the maroon (more pink than maroon, really) wearing, silver-haired officer who seemed quite irritated at the sort-of late arrival of the boatswain. “Had you been one more minute late, I would have just started the tour and introductions with the other recruit.”
Other recruit? the new officer wondered, turning his head around to look at the other person beside him and instantly stared when said other person turned back to stare at him… or rather just stare at himself, for Hijikata swore that he was looking at what was nearly a mirror version of himself.
A twin.
“He was posted at the last minute, which might be why you seemed so surprised,” the officer spoke up again, seemingly having noticed the stunned features on Hijikata (as well as the similar features, but he didn’t comment on that). “You two can introduce yourselves first then, before we continue.”
His doppelganger nodded at that, and then smiled as he turned to face him properly and opened his voice to introduced himself, and Hijikata found himself shocked once again when he could only all too easily recognize that voice-for it had been the voice he had been hearing in his head alongside his own for all these years.
“The name’s Roy Mustang, ranked sub-lieutenant just like you.” A smile. “I hope we can get along well.”
Suffice to say, Hijikata did not take very well to the kitsune not only just assuming a human form, but also worming his way into the navy and now somehow posing as an officer working with him. He questioned, of course, there was no way he couldn’t question this entire thing, but all he got was that irritating smile and a response of ‘I’m only doing what’s the best, young master’ in a voice that no longer echoed in just his head but everywhere else now.
It was seriously frustrating.
Still, the fox had done it all, and the Inari was only stuck with it with not much of a way to change this situation around otherwise-and besides, from the work that the kitsune (Roy Mustang now, with the name the fox gave to himself to spontaneously) managed, he was quickly regarded as a valuable crew member of the ship and it was clear that he wasn’t going to leave any time soon. Just a few months had only passed since the start of their assignment, but Roy (it was hard to think of him like that now) had all but settled himself finely into the ship and the crew.
Now this was the third mission they were on ever since their assignment to the ship, and things had been going quite fine for both of them -that is, until the enemy suddenly had backup from seemingly nowhere and Hijikata who had been on his own had found himself cornered by the enemies he was supposed to face.
“A tad overzealous, aren’t we?” cam the voice of one of his opponents, who was only all but grinning as he watched the boatswain backing into a corner. Hijikata swore under his breath, tightening the grip he had on his katana as he tried to figure a way out-it was many against one, but if he just made the right moves and knew when to attack he should be able to get out of it-
Get down!
Without thinking, Hijikata instantly obeyed the familiar voice in his head, and moments after he had done so the world around him had just exploded into fire without warning, strong enough that the man swore he could just melt right at the spot. He looked up to see the scattering remnants of the people who were trying to kill him just seconds earlier, blinking when he saw the figure of the kitsune-of Roy appearing from the flames, looking relieved that Hijikata had not been hurt.
“It is good that I got here in time,” he spoke, sounding very much relieved as he helped his master up, giving him a once over before adding on. “I need to bring you back to the ship so that you can rest. You’re exhausted.”
The human was only silent as he stared quietly at the other, eventually turning away and muttered out something that was just barely audible to even the kitsune’s sharp hearing. “You didn’t have to.”
A smile was all that he got in return. “You are my master, and it is my duty to serve you no matter what.”
Without knowing, years had passed on their time on the Victoria II, and life had been relatively stable. Life wasn’t going to be good, but it wasn’t wholly bad either-Hijikata remained to work on the ship, as had the kitsune, and they continued to do their work alongside the other crew members and the first mate Miles Edgeworth. Even with all the recent ups and downs things still were manageable, but then suddenly things started to take a turn for the worse and in spite of the kitsune’s assurance, Hijikata couldn’t help but be worried for reasons that weren’t related to himself. There was the worry, and then concern, and then god-knows what happened and then now suddenly-
Everything was just flooding his mind now, memories a jumble as Hijikata tried to figure out where things had began and where things had gotten complicated. Where did it all start? Where did he start to care again, to feel after he told himself that he wasn’t supposed to? Just when did he suddenly start to worry and concern himself with others, when he told himself before that it was something he should never do again? When had he started to love again, when he thought he could never do it again?
So many questions, and yet none of them had an answer he could make out in his head. Everything was just so confusing now, just as confusing as the note that was half-crumpled in his hand, half-smudged now from the sweat in his palm that had soaked itself into the ink of the paper. But still, the words were readable enough-although Hijikata didn’t need them now to recall what the words on the paper were.
Commander Miles Edgeworth chooses death.
Even him too… the man thought to himself as he grit his teeth, telling himself that he was not supposed to care. But he had cared when Edgeworth was arrested, and he had cared when he was running around Bellcius helping the reporter to find evidence of von Karma’s crimes. He had cared when he all but shouted in the courtroom, snarling death threats to the people who were against him. He had cared, and he had loved. But even after all that, even after everything… it was still too late.
“It’s not your fault,” came the voice of Roy, of the kitsune who was now more human than the fox he had first met all those years ago. “You did all you could already. This decision was his choice.”
“He should have-I could have-” Hijikata tried to start, but only found his voice failing him when he needed it the most. Biting the inside of his cheek, the Inari shook with the effort of not to cry, not to show the pain that had already hit him thrice in his life. But even when he didn’t show it openly, the kistune could feel the pain as keenly as if it was his own-that was how strong their link now was, so intense that even he could feel these emotions, this hurt that refused to go away. Roy looked at his master, seeing the broken, battered and just painfully vulnerable state of the man who had tried to be strong no matter what. Now though, there was nothing strong about him-just a man full of hurt and pain, of sorrows and regrets.
Without really thinking , he reached out for his master-still human-and moved closer to him, until they were side by side. With one hand holding onto one of the human’s arms, he brought his face forward so that he could place a small kiss on his master’s foreheand, kissing him like a brother would do to his own sibling, a gesture of comfort in order to soothe the pain and hurt he felt and sensed from the one person he could ever bring himself to care for all this time. His master, the Inari who had nobody else but him to depend on all his life, ever since their first meeting.
The kitsune had expected himself to be pushed away after that gesture (a gesture that even surprised him, because such human actions were not like him), but instead of that the opposite happened-Hijikata just clung on tighter, refusing to move even an inch as he trembled still, trying to stifle the sobs that refused to stay silent.
“Stay with me,” he breathed out, and the kitsune knows that it’s a command, even if his master is on the verge of breaking down and desperately holding on with everything he had not to do so. “Don’t leave.”
Bowing his head, he shifted around so that his master could properly rest against him, and he could loosely wrap one arm around the human’s waist, the palm of his other hand warm against the small of his mater’s back. Far from the man he usually was, now Hijikata Toshirou only seemed too small and too weak-a far cry from how he was supposed to be. But then again, the kitsune found that he didn’t mind; in fact, he was glad that now his master could trust him enough to let him be his support when he needed it, to be around to help him when he fell, like now.
So he stays with the Inari, never moving, only giving gestures of comfort to ease his hurt and pain and whispering comforting little words in his ears, knowing that once the morning broke things would be back to the way they were.
It had to.
“We’ve got a new assignment.”
Roy looked up from the papers he had been reading, a curious look crossing his face. “Have we?”
“I already said we did,” Hijikata returned with a mildly irritated snap in his voice, though that didn’t last long as he passed a file towards the other. “Starting next week we’re going to be on the Amesteris.”
“The diplomatic ship, right?” went the kitsune as he flipped through the file just given to him. “Sounds like like quite the ship. The government gave you this?”
The Inari nodded in return. “Yeah. I’ve been demoted, but I’m still a boatswain.”
“That’s one good thing, at least.” Roy looked at the file again, blinking as he looked at the current crew list. “…Edgeworth is in here.”
“I know,” came the returning grunt somewhere down the corridor.
Roy looked back up. “You don’t mind?”
“Why should I?” Hijikata’s head poked out from the corner, and he gave a pointed look right at the kitsune. “You’re around already, after all.”
Hearing that only made him smile, although he tried to hide it with a sigh and a shake of his head. “I suppose I am.”
He was a kitsune, and Hijikata was his master, the Inari-they had each other, and that was a fact that would never change no matter what may come.
Title : Two Against The World (Part 2 of 2)
Fandom : theskytides, AU number god-knows-what
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing : The Hijikata familiy, Hijikata Toshirou, Roy Mustang (sort of), Kondo Isao, Okita Sougo and Okita Mitsuba. Brief cameo by Miles Edgeworth, and mentions of Manfred von Karma.
Warning : Totally unneeded and unnecessary angst.
Notes : About bloody time I did this. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KAE? Annnd part one is back here!
TWO AGAINST THE WORLD: PART TWO
theskytides AU fic; 14,025 words
“You didn’t have to.”
The kitsune looked up at that, turning his head towards the teenager who was curling up around his stomach, trying not to show how much he was hurting even if he could sense it very well and very clearly. The bond between a kitsune and its Inari was strong, after all. Very strong, and wholly unbreakable. Unless through a massive intervening force from outside, the bone between kitsune and human would remain constant until death itself. That was the one thing that would never change, no matter how much his young master protested against it and hated it.
In a way, he could understand the youngster’s hatred-it was because of him did the boy get banished from the family. But still, he wasn’t going to let him just die because of this either. He had always been relentlessly following the human in the weeks he had been forced to leave from his master’s side, awaiting for the moment where he could return to his side; leaving him would be equal to seeking death, for he and his master were bonded in more ways than the human could imagine. Bonded through soul and mind, they were literally part of each other-the kitsune was sure that the boy could feel it, in the moments after he was forced to take his leave.
It felt good again, to feel whole and complete; the emptiness in him quenched as he was at his master’s side once more. The fox glanced at his master for a few more moments before turning back and responding through their mental link. It is my duty to fulfil the wishes of the human I serve, and I merely did what you wished for the most.
The human didn’t respond, but he could feel the unspoken question that hung in the air and echoing in the thoughts of his head. He decided to answer it anyway. You didn’t want to die, and you wanted to be saved. And that was what I did, as you wished.
“Stop looking into my head,” came the snappy retort, but all the same the fox could feel that his master was satisfied with the answer nevertheless-even if he wasn’t that all happy about it still. He shivered once more from the cold and his injuries; autumn already drawing to a close, and winter was soon to come. These injuries wouldn’t do well for the human in such weathers. If he had to leave the boy in such conditions… the likelihood of him surviving would be relatively low, even with the powers that had been granted to him through their bond; it didn’t seem like his master knew about them very well even if he had been making use of them unconsciously.
Silence hung in the air for a long moment after that, though the human didn’t try to move away from where he was. The fox himself glanced at his master, silent and only waiting for whatever he wanted to say or try next-as the servant, he was in no position to disobey the one who had been bonded to, but if the child’s life would be in danger before of his own foolish actions…
“Why did you come back?”
A question of all things, and one he hadn’t expected in the slightest. The kitsune looked at the boy curiously, blinking as the confusion of this abrupt question reflected in his eyes. …is there a reason why I needed to?
The child then looked at him properly this time, the demand clear on his face as he asked again. “Why did you come back, even though I already said I never wanted to see you again?! I told you to stay away from me!”
You wished to live from the bottom of your heart, the fox replied without so much as missing a beat-he needed to make his point clear, to show his master what he needed to know and had to understand. As your servant it is my duty to fulfil your greatest wishes, and that was what I simply did. You wanted somebody to protect and save you, and I simply granted that wish as requested. No more, no less.
“…” the child fell silent then, turning away once more. The kitsune knew that perhaps the answer he had just given was not the best and not what the boy wanted to hear, but it was important that his master understood this. That no matter what the human thought and wanted to believe in, it was always the deepest desires of the heart which he was most attuned to. That was how it would be, for a kitsune and the Inari it was bonded with. No secrets, no hidden thoughts-everything between them was shared, from their hearts to their souls.
While he let the boy mull over everything, the fox himself decided to change the subject to something more in the present. Winter will be arriving soon, and I have heard that the winters in this town can be exceptionally harsh. You should make sure to-
“Stay.”
He paused in his words at that, caught by surprise once more. …stay? But didn’t the boy just wanted him to stay away?
“Stay here, with me,” his master looked at him in the eye at that, a strange new emotion burning in those blue eyes-something that the fox himself did not know how to place or could place a finger on. “I can never forgive you for what you caused on me… but if you staying here means that I will survive, then that’s what I’ll do. So stay with me, and make sure I live.”
…the will to live, was it? That desire that burned so strongly, that the boy would do anything to ensure that he’d live to see the next day-the resolve to go against what his family thought of him. Rather than to let himself die, he’d live on and on the best he could in order to show that he was alive, even with everything that had happened to him. And what better way than to spite them further, by being with the one thing they feared and hated the most?
He’s learning, the fox thought to himself with a small smile, and then he lowered his head in a bow towards that child who was now turning into a man. As you wish, master.
Even without guessing, he knew that one day this boy would turn into an Inari which he would be proud to serve without question.
Hijikata Toshirou would be a force that was feared by all.
The demon of Solare.
That was the name which he came to be known as soon enough. Known as a vicious and brutal fighter with inhuman strength and stamina whose skills were reputed to be incomparable to anyone else around; though he was alone and affiliated with none of the gangs that resided in the town, he was a force unlike any other. Many have tried to kill him, but none have ever succeeded-only a few ever managed to return, and when they did the only thing they could say about the young man who went up against them was just one word.
Monster.
A monster with cold blue eyes and fought like a beast; a fighter who knew no remorse or mercy and only carved the streets with the blood of his enemies. That was how he was known as in the time to come-a beast in human skin and nothing more.
And so it was because he had come to be regarded as a beast did the rest of the gangs in Solare deal with him like one-it was said to be a battle like no other, many to just one lone individual. The fight had been harsh and intense, and though it was said that the demon was beaten down his body was never found. In fact, after that battle it was as if the demon of Solare had all but vanished from existence. There were no more tales of his fights, no more stories about him terrorizing the streets and killing all who stood before him. He disappeared just like that, and was never seen again.
But of course, the truth was never as simple as it seemed.
Don’t you wish to join them?
Hijikata perked up at the all-too familiar voice in his head, very much used to this by now-years had already passed since that day where he had told the kitsune to stay with him, and now at the age of seventeen he had grown to be a fine man indeed. Living off the backwater streets of Solare, fighting each day just in order to survive; countless fights and battles and made him turn into a battle-hardened warrior who was feared by all, but even somebody like him couldn’t withstand such a fight like the one that had almost taken him out. Annoying, really, to think that he couldn’t make his stamina last as long as he would have liked… but he supposed considering everything, things had worked out somewhat alright. Still…
He grunted slightly at the sight of the man (who had saved him, as it was) struggling to train with the kid who was apparently the heir of the dojo he was staying in now. I’m only staying here until my wounds are better, he eventually responded as he turned back to glance at the gardens outside of the training rooms. There’s no need to get all chummy with them.
Still, he did save your life and allowed you to stay and recover even though it would be trouble for him. The kitsune shifted from beside him, cocking his (Hijikata had come to know its gender pretty quickly) head to glance at the ones in the training hall. The fox himself had grown as well in the years they were together-where once it was the size of a large wolf, now it was about as big as horse. Still, the size hardly mattered to either of them; the kitsune couldn’t be seen by anyone else besides the Inari unless it wanted itself to be seen.
Hijikata glanced back over quietly at the people inside, the expression on his face impassive. As much as he was thankful in a way for having the man (Kondo Isao, if he recalled the name correctly) saving him, at the same time he would have preferred if he spared the other some trouble. Even beaten and battered, he was still known well in the streets as the Demon of Solare-no good would come out of it if anybody associated themselves with a person like him. Really, he couldn’t help but wonder just why the man was doing all of this when he knew in the first place just how much trouble he would cause.
It’ll be better if I stay away from them-the teenager started in response, but then a voice from down the corridor made him stop before he could finish.
“Ah, Toshirou-san, is it?”
Okita Mitsuba came from around the corner and had spotted him, and the sight of her made Hijikata pause instantly as he stared and blinked at her. The woman smiled as she came closer, a basket of folded clothes in hand. “I hope you’ve been enjoying your stay here so far. Are you injuries better now?”
“…somewhat,” he replied, blinking once more.
Mitsuba smiled upon hearing that answer. “That’s good to know, but please make sure to continue to take care of yourself-you’re still healing, so opening your wounds again wouldn’t be a good idea.”
All Hijikata could do in return was to nod once more, and the woman smiled a little wider at that. “I’ll see you later for dinner then, Toshirou-san.” With that said, she moved off once more, walking past him and down the corridor towards wherever her destination was. Hijikata watched her until she went around the corner and disappeared from his sight before transferring his gaze back onto the kitsune who seemed to be laughing at him just through the glint that was in his eyes.
“Don’t even start,” he growled before the fox could even say anything.
The kitsune only laughed.
Pain was something that Hijikata was long used to and could bear easily, but there were something about these injures that felt different-not in the bad way, but strangely in the good way. He felt… refreshed, in a way, though he wasn’t that all sure just exactly why he felt that way. Maybe it was because of the things that had happened earlier and the man who was with him.
This is the first time I’ve seen you this satisfied, the kitsune remarked from his side, four tails swishing behind as the fox ever loyally followed his master.
Hijikata only shrugged as he continued to walk, hardly minding the ache from the welts on his hands or from the injuries that his earlier fight was giving him. “It was a good battle, that’s all.”
He could feel the fox’s amusement bubbling from the back of his mind at that statement, but did nothing else except to reply neutrally. If you say so.
The Inari paused in his steps, turning back round to glance where he had been just a few minutes earlier. The light of the setting sun was strong, casting dark shadows from the surrounding trees and buildings that were around. A breeze blew by, ruffling his already unruly hair and cooling the sweat that was sticking onto his skin. It had been a while since he felt this good, admittedly. Hijikata did his best to suppress the smirk that came onto his face. Kondo Isao, huh… at least he seemed like an interesting guy to hang around with.
I heard that, you know.
“Shut up,” the teenager retorted automatically as he turned back around and started to move once more. “And we’re going to sleep early tonight-I want to be in time for morning practice.”
The kitsune turned his head around to look at his master with a look that seemed to be something close to incredulous, but soon turned amused and the fox shook his head while he made his way to catch up with the human. If that’s what you wish, master.
It was without a doubt that the days ahead were going to be most interesting indeed.
The next few months spent with Kondo and the dojo he was in was… pleasant, in a way, at least for his master. The kitsune had a good idea about the reaaons, of course-the teenager had spent the last few years with nothing but only his own company and the constant fights that he got himself involved in. To actually be able to get along with people who for once wasn’t out for his master’s blood was quite nice, and even if the teenager would never say it the fox himself could sense that the other was appreciating their company and the comfort it provided him with. Though things were never so easy to obtain, let alone keep…
He watched as the young boy known as Okita Sogou stomped away after his latest successful attempt to get back at his master before turning towards the teenager, remarking quite simply. He must not like you a lot.
“That won’t be the first time,” Hijikata muttered back darkly, just loud enough for the kitsune himself to hear.
The fox watched as his master bent down and started to pick up the dried vegetables that had fallen out from the basket he had been carrying-the result of Sogou’s prank-feeling apologetic that he couldn’t help himself. Being invisible like this meant that he only had the barest of physical communication with the world, and only the Inari would be able to properly interact with him. He supposed he could assume a human form, but it would be rather awkward to explain the sudden presence of another person here.
“Ah, Toshirou-san.”
His master looked up at the call of his name, and the fox himself instinctively backed off so that Okita Mitsuba was (unknowingly) standing at the spot where the kitsune had been at just a few moments ago. The teenager instantly paused in his task, getting up so that she didn’t have to turn her head down to look at him. “I thought you were making dinner.”
Mitsuba laughed quietly at that. “I was on my way.” She then noticed the vegetables that were on the floor and frowned slightly, shaking her head. “Did Sou-chan cause this again? I’m sorry, I already told him not to do these things to you…”
“Its fine,” Hijikata returned with a shrug, inclining his head slightly. “Don’t worry about it.”
The woman sighed softly, offering the teenager a sympathizing look. “I’ll make sure to tell Sou-chan later not to do this again to you-he’s just not used to your presence yet, I suppose…”
“You don’t have to,” his mater returned again, bending down to quickly pick up the last of the vegetables that were on the floor, placing them back into the basket before passing it over to the other. “I’m pretty detestable in these places, after all.”
Mitsuba smiled sadly upon hearing those words, shaking her head once more. “They just haven’t seen you for who you really are, Toshirou-san.” She then looked at him, smile turning into something brighter while adding on. “You have been nothing but a kind man.”
The kitsune could feel the swirl of emotions from his master there and then, the confusion and uncertainty that he felt-along with something else entirely. The teenager paused slightly, hesitating for a moment before numbly letting go of the basket he had been holding. “…make sure you wash them before cooking.”
Mitsuba only smiled once more as she took the basket into her hands, nodding at the words. “I will keep that in mind, Toshirou-san. I’ll see you at dinner later.” That said, she made her way past him and towards the direction of the kitchens.
The fox turned to look at his master, smiling slightly in amusement at the embarrassed tinge of red on his cheeks. He would have remarked on it, but the teenager gave him that look and the kitsune knew that it was better for him to not say a word. But still… it was nice, to see that in spite of all that had happened, his mater was still human and could still be normal-loving and to be loved… it was good that the other could still feel that, and could feel it for another. It seemed that at least despite everything, things might perhaps turn for the better for his master. That was good enough for him. As long as his master was happy, so would he.
The night was beautiful-and if he could, Hijikata would be appreciating it. But now his mind and heart were too troubled at what had just transpired a few hours ago, and even though it already well into the early hours of the new day the eighteen-year-old was still not sleeping, instead letting the time pass around him as he sat at the corridors of the quarters he was granted with and stared quietly at nothing in particular. He didn’t need to see anything, when he was already seeing something in his mind’s eye, replaying a scene of a few hours ago over and over again in his head and wondering If he had made the right decision.
Why are you only hesitating now? came the ever-familiar voice of the kitsune as it materialized from where it had been, now sitting beside him with its four tails lying across the floor. Hijikata couldn’t bring himself to look at the fox, instead opting to stay within the visions replaying in his mind.
“With you, Toshirou-san; I want to be by your side.”
“I don’t care. You’re no concern of mine.”
Is it really so bad to have somebody else to depend on? questioned the fox once more, its head turning to regard its master as the question was asked. You’ve been here for the last few years already-surely it couldn’t hurt-
“I can’t let her be dragged into my life,” Hijikata returned, cutting the kitsune from its speech. “I’m going back to Bellcius to serve under the Ivona government-there’s no telling what might happen.”
Even so… the spirit started somewhat cautiously, Even so, there’s no harm in letting yourself have somebody to rely on. It would be good for you, young master.
The teenager only snorted quietly at that. “You’ll always be around though, won’t you? You can’t leave me, and I can’t leave you. So why would I need anybody else when I always have somebody with me?”
There was a long, notable pause after he had said those words, the pause long enough that it made Hijikata wonder what was wrong and turned his gaze towards the kitsune. The fox was still there, still visible, but there was a sudden solemnity within him, a strange sort of expression crossing its features-an expression the teenager couldn’t really name, and didn’t really know at all. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something-to say anything, even if he wasn’t sure what-but then the kitsune gazed at Hijikata and spoke before the human could.
I am but your servant, young master, it started to say, voice carrying a weight within them. I am here only to serve and protect, but nothing else. There is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy what you seek because of me.
A frown crossed Hijikata’s face there and then. “It’s not about you.”
Then what is it?
“…” the teenager found himself unable to return the question with a proper response, and only fell into an uncomfortable silence, glancing down to the ground.
The kitsune let himself wait for a few minutes before standing up from where he had been sitting, straightening as he glanced at his master. Do not hesitate on things that are precious to you, young master-you will regret it when the chance passes by you.
“What are you-” Hijikata started to ask after those puzzling words were said to him, but he blinked and the kitsune was gone.
It was the day of her funeral, but Hijikata couldn’t bring himself to attend it. He didn’t deserve it.
While the rest of the dojo was out attending the funeral, the nineteen-year-old only stayed behind, locked up in his own room and doing nothing but staring at the walls, mourning over all the chances he had lost with her death. Maybe if he had said yes that night, perhaps things would have changed; maybe if he had agreed, she wouldn’t be dead now. If only-
I told you that you would regret it.
Hijikata turned around just enough to see the kitsune appearing from the shadows of his room, blue eyes glittering oddly as it regarded its master with a quiet look. As I said, you should have not hesitated when the chance was there. Now this is the consequence of your actions.
The human felt a heavy lump forming at the back of his throat, and his voice betrayed the feelings he was trying to hide as he croaked out. “…did she die because of me?”
There was no real response, at least not immediately-the fox first walked over to where his master was sitting, settling somewhere in a spot both behind and beside him, not in a direct place of the human’s immediate vision. She was fated to die sooner or later-I had just hoped that you wouldn’t have regrets before she did.
A sudden stop came upon Hijikata then when he heard what the kitsune said. She had been fated to die, no matter what? So even if he had said yes, it would be useless…? Then what was the point of it in the first place? Why did she have to die? Everything wouldn’t have a meaning then no matter what, since she would die no matter what-
…she would die no matter what…
“Her death…” he started, voice now suddenly very, very quiet. “Did she die… because of me?”
The surprise was more than obvious in the kitsune’s voice. What?
“She died because of me, didn’t she?” the teenager started to speak, his voice raising higher and going quicker with every word, every painful realization that came to him. “Just like my twin brother-the one that died when I was born and caused everybody to turn against me back in the family. She died because of me, of… of this curse I have.” It was all because of him, because of the power of the Inari he possessed-it was because of this, because of all of this that she was dead. It was all his fault-
It is not your fault! came the sharp retort from the fox, voice laced with an emotion unlike anything else Hijikata had ever heard. You being an Inari has nothing to do with her fate!
“But there is!” Hijikata returned, almost shouting back. “Because of me-because of you-because of us, she’s dead!” He glanced down, staring at his hands now as a silent, unspoken fear thudded in his chest. “I’m cursed.”
Young master-the kitsune tried to start, but the human cut him off.
“I don’t deserve her,” he started, voice now quivering, revealing the sheer vulnerability that he had now. “I don’t deserve anything… I don’t deserve to live. This life is not meant for me.”
The fox was silent for a moment after that, but then he reached out with a paw towards his master, and as he did so the paw rippled, fur rippling like water as the color paled and receded, claws shifting into slender human fingers as the kitsune abruptly changed. Bones cracked as they shifted, muscles pulling and pushing as they changed and by the time the fox was able to reach where his master was, it was no longer the kitsune it usually was, and Hijikata froze when he felt arms winding around his waist, and heard the gentle, familiar voice that spoke from his shoulder.
“Don’t blame yourself, Toshirou-san,” now came the voice of Okita Mitsuba. “It has never been your fault.”
“You-” the teenager started, although his mind properly clicked then and he realized what had happened. Instantly his shock turned into anger and Hijikata violently threw the transformed kitsune off him, snarling out with all the ferocity and rage he could muster out there and then. “Don’t insult her memory, kitsune! Know your place!”
Already transformed back into his original form, the fox only glanced at his master, blue eyes having that odd glimmer once again as it spoke. I meant no harm-I was trying to help.
“You’re not her,” the human breathed back, anger still lacing his voice. “You can never be her.”
The kitsune lowered his head at that, both eyes closing now. I understand that.
After all, he was just the servant of the Inari. Nothing more, and nothing less. It could never be anything more than that, regardless of anything. His only purpose was to serve.
His assignment had been given, and today was the first day of his service in the Ivonian navy. Of course, Hijikata himself could care less about the nation that had screwed him over, but he had resolved himself to serve and aid Kondo for as long as he lived. In order to help with his dream, and in honor of the memory of the woman he had loved from the bottom of his heart. He knew this was what Mitsuba would have wanted, to see a peaceful state where the people could live without fear and worry. For that dream, Hijikata would give his life to make it happen.
So as much as he loathed it, the newly-appointed boatswain of the Victoria II was going to have to do his duty, and live to see through his job to the bitter end. It was the least he could do, really, after everything.
Walking up the gangplank to board the ship, Hijikata caught sight of two figures on the deck, a fact that made the man momentarily confused. As far as he remembered, he was the only one assigned to this ship; there was no reason why there needed to be two people taking him in. Then again, knowing the idiots in the government they might have wanted to just scare him a bit with theatrics like these. Well, it certainly wasn’t going to work.
“About time you arrived,” came the snappish tone of the maroon (more pink than maroon, really) wearing, silver-haired officer who seemed quite irritated at the sort-of late arrival of the boatswain. “Had you been one more minute late, I would have just started the tour and introductions with the other recruit.”
Other recruit? the new officer wondered, turning his head around to look at the other person beside him and instantly stared when said other person turned back to stare at him… or rather just stare at himself, for Hijikata swore that he was looking at what was nearly a mirror version of himself.
A twin.
“He was posted at the last minute, which might be why you seemed so surprised,” the officer spoke up again, seemingly having noticed the stunned features on Hijikata (as well as the similar features, but he didn’t comment on that). “You two can introduce yourselves first then, before we continue.”
His doppelganger nodded at that, and then smiled as he turned to face him properly and opened his voice to introduced himself, and Hijikata found himself shocked once again when he could only all too easily recognize that voice-for it had been the voice he had been hearing in his head alongside his own for all these years.
“The name’s Roy Mustang, ranked sub-lieutenant just like you.” A smile. “I hope we can get along well.”
Suffice to say, Hijikata did not take very well to the kitsune not only just assuming a human form, but also worming his way into the navy and now somehow posing as an officer working with him. He questioned, of course, there was no way he couldn’t question this entire thing, but all he got was that irritating smile and a response of ‘I’m only doing what’s the best, young master’ in a voice that no longer echoed in just his head but everywhere else now.
It was seriously frustrating.
Still, the fox had done it all, and the Inari was only stuck with it with not much of a way to change this situation around otherwise-and besides, from the work that the kitsune (Roy Mustang now, with the name the fox gave to himself to spontaneously) managed, he was quickly regarded as a valuable crew member of the ship and it was clear that he wasn’t going to leave any time soon. Just a few months had only passed since the start of their assignment, but Roy (it was hard to think of him like that now) had all but settled himself finely into the ship and the crew.
Now this was the third mission they were on ever since their assignment to the ship, and things had been going quite fine for both of them -that is, until the enemy suddenly had backup from seemingly nowhere and Hijikata who had been on his own had found himself cornered by the enemies he was supposed to face.
“A tad overzealous, aren’t we?” cam the voice of one of his opponents, who was only all but grinning as he watched the boatswain backing into a corner. Hijikata swore under his breath, tightening the grip he had on his katana as he tried to figure a way out-it was many against one, but if he just made the right moves and knew when to attack he should be able to get out of it-
Get down!
Without thinking, Hijikata instantly obeyed the familiar voice in his head, and moments after he had done so the world around him had just exploded into fire without warning, strong enough that the man swore he could just melt right at the spot. He looked up to see the scattering remnants of the people who were trying to kill him just seconds earlier, blinking when he saw the figure of the kitsune-of Roy appearing from the flames, looking relieved that Hijikata had not been hurt.
“It is good that I got here in time,” he spoke, sounding very much relieved as he helped his master up, giving him a once over before adding on. “I need to bring you back to the ship so that you can rest. You’re exhausted.”
The human was only silent as he stared quietly at the other, eventually turning away and muttered out something that was just barely audible to even the kitsune’s sharp hearing. “You didn’t have to.”
A smile was all that he got in return. “You are my master, and it is my duty to serve you no matter what.”
Without knowing, years had passed on their time on the Victoria II, and life had been relatively stable. Life wasn’t going to be good, but it wasn’t wholly bad either-Hijikata remained to work on the ship, as had the kitsune, and they continued to do their work alongside the other crew members and the first mate Miles Edgeworth. Even with all the recent ups and downs things still were manageable, but then suddenly things started to take a turn for the worse and in spite of the kitsune’s assurance, Hijikata couldn’t help but be worried for reasons that weren’t related to himself. There was the worry, and then concern, and then god-knows what happened and then now suddenly-
Everything was just flooding his mind now, memories a jumble as Hijikata tried to figure out where things had began and where things had gotten complicated. Where did it all start? Where did he start to care again, to feel after he told himself that he wasn’t supposed to? Just when did he suddenly start to worry and concern himself with others, when he told himself before that it was something he should never do again? When had he started to love again, when he thought he could never do it again?
So many questions, and yet none of them had an answer he could make out in his head. Everything was just so confusing now, just as confusing as the note that was half-crumpled in his hand, half-smudged now from the sweat in his palm that had soaked itself into the ink of the paper. But still, the words were readable enough-although Hijikata didn’t need them now to recall what the words on the paper were.
Commander Miles Edgeworth chooses death.
Even him too… the man thought to himself as he grit his teeth, telling himself that he was not supposed to care. But he had cared when Edgeworth was arrested, and he had cared when he was running around Bellcius helping the reporter to find evidence of von Karma’s crimes. He had cared when he all but shouted in the courtroom, snarling death threats to the people who were against him. He had cared, and he had loved. But even after all that, even after everything… it was still too late.
“It’s not your fault,” came the voice of Roy, of the kitsune who was now more human than the fox he had first met all those years ago. “You did all you could already. This decision was his choice.”
“He should have-I could have-” Hijikata tried to start, but only found his voice failing him when he needed it the most. Biting the inside of his cheek, the Inari shook with the effort of not to cry, not to show the pain that had already hit him thrice in his life. But even when he didn’t show it openly, the kistune could feel the pain as keenly as if it was his own-that was how strong their link now was, so intense that even he could feel these emotions, this hurt that refused to go away. Roy looked at his master, seeing the broken, battered and just painfully vulnerable state of the man who had tried to be strong no matter what. Now though, there was nothing strong about him-just a man full of hurt and pain, of sorrows and regrets.
Without really thinking , he reached out for his master-still human-and moved closer to him, until they were side by side. With one hand holding onto one of the human’s arms, he brought his face forward so that he could place a small kiss on his master’s foreheand, kissing him like a brother would do to his own sibling, a gesture of comfort in order to soothe the pain and hurt he felt and sensed from the one person he could ever bring himself to care for all this time. His master, the Inari who had nobody else but him to depend on all his life, ever since their first meeting.
The kitsune had expected himself to be pushed away after that gesture (a gesture that even surprised him, because such human actions were not like him), but instead of that the opposite happened-Hijikata just clung on tighter, refusing to move even an inch as he trembled still, trying to stifle the sobs that refused to stay silent.
“Stay with me,” he breathed out, and the kitsune knows that it’s a command, even if his master is on the verge of breaking down and desperately holding on with everything he had not to do so. “Don’t leave.”
Bowing his head, he shifted around so that his master could properly rest against him, and he could loosely wrap one arm around the human’s waist, the palm of his other hand warm against the small of his mater’s back. Far from the man he usually was, now Hijikata Toshirou only seemed too small and too weak-a far cry from how he was supposed to be. But then again, the kitsune found that he didn’t mind; in fact, he was glad that now his master could trust him enough to let him be his support when he needed it, to be around to help him when he fell, like now.
So he stays with the Inari, never moving, only giving gestures of comfort to ease his hurt and pain and whispering comforting little words in his ears, knowing that once the morning broke things would be back to the way they were.
It had to.
“We’ve got a new assignment.”
Roy looked up from the papers he had been reading, a curious look crossing his face. “Have we?”
“I already said we did,” Hijikata returned with a mildly irritated snap in his voice, though that didn’t last long as he passed a file towards the other. “Starting next week we’re going to be on the Amesteris.”
“The diplomatic ship, right?” went the kitsune as he flipped through the file just given to him. “Sounds like like quite the ship. The government gave you this?”
The Inari nodded in return. “Yeah. I’ve been demoted, but I’m still a boatswain.”
“That’s one good thing, at least.” Roy looked at the file again, blinking as he looked at the current crew list. “…Edgeworth is in here.”
“I know,” came the returning grunt somewhere down the corridor.
Roy looked back up. “You don’t mind?”
“Why should I?” Hijikata’s head poked out from the corner, and he gave a pointed look right at the kitsune. “You’re around already, after all.”
Hearing that only made him smile, although he tried to hide it with a sigh and a shake of his head. “I suppose I am.”
He was a kitsune, and Hijikata was his master, the Inari-they had each other, and that was a fact that would never change no matter what may come.