#phantawrites

The day had been going as usual. He made sure his reports were up to date and checked on his virtual machines; everything was working as it should. He was about to go home when he realized that he had forgotten to do the day's most important task- check in on experiment A-009.

March gets back out of his car with a big sigh. He already had been working overtime, so doing the regular check-up would just make him get home even later, maybe at 10 PM or so. It’s not like they’re paying him anything for staying late, he was on a salary after all.

Depressed, he goes into the building once again.

-

Something didn’t feel right. March was a pretty logical person, didn’t believe in many fantastical things such as ghosts. But he felt like a ghost was going to jump at him at any moment, the paranoia dulling all of his other senses. It was like each time he took a step, someone behind him took a step too, but it wouldn’t make sense. The security guards would have approached him by now if they noticed him, their rounds being pretty predictable. However…

Suddenly, a loud alarm rings over the whole corridor. “Wha-” The alarm was usually a sign of either a simulacrum, an intruder, or… a breach.

He rushes into the right wing of the building; where they keep the subjects for experimentation. That place had the best security of the whole place, however, if the alarm was a breach then this would be the first place he’d go to.

As he runs towards the wing, he notices the distinct lack of security guards or even researchers, despite the loud alarm there is no sign of life anywhere. And then he finally realizes, there’s a reason why there is no one. No one alive that is.

The stench of blood is the first thing he notices, the metallic smell making his eyes water, bile rising towards his mouth. Seeing the corpses of those who he could call his co-workers, their organs all splattered around the floor…

Recalling the procedure of what to do in the unlikely situation of a subject breach, he takes out his phone and calls his boss, unsure as to what else to do. If he continued to see the experimentation rooms there was the chance he could be mangled to death- just as the people that were there before him.

He runs away, without realizing what latched onto him.

-

It wasn't until 6 AM that he was finally able to leave the interrogation room.

The company didn’t want to get the police involved in the incident, so they relied on a private security company to recall the events and count the losses. He, of course, was interviewed.

Trying to be as helpful as possible, he recalled the events of the breach. The Alpha subjects were missing and had been the main instigator of the whole ordeal. Meaning that… if only he had done his checkup on the Alpha subjects, in experiment A-009, this wouldn’t have happened.

☆My favorite game of all time is Fire Emblem Awakening, but I also really like Botw/Totk

☆I love art and rigging in Live2D, I mostly do digital art but sometimes traditional

☆My favorite manga is Chainsaw Man and my favorite anime is Detective Conan

He was in love with Adonis, his beloved kouhai.

But he didn't want to corrupt such a pure soul with his damned hands, Adonis would be better off with someone else, someone better, someone that could love him and cherish him.

Rei wasn't that person.

That was his mantra. Each time he looked at Adonis his heart clenched, painfully reminding him how unreachable he was.

Today was another one of those days, Rei was resting on a bench hidden between the trees, dozing off.

"Sakuma-senpai?" Rei opens one of his eyes, finding himself with Adonis in front of him.

"Adonis-kun? What may you be doing here? It's quite the remote location on EnSquare." He pats the other half of the bench, gesturing for Adonis to come and sit.

"Well. I had just noticed that you hadn't eaten lunch yet. So I got some food for you." Adonis hands him a bento. Rei opens it and sees it is mostly red meat. "You haven't been taking your iron supplements, so make sure to eat lots of red meat."

"Adonis-kun, what did I ever do to get such an attentive kouhai? Ahh, you're going to make this old man cry~" Rei turns his head the other way, acting as if he was crying. He surely was red like those tomatoes he likes so much. Adonis was just so... amazing. "What about you? What did you eat?"

"Mm." Adonis freezes for a moment. "I... completely forgot to eat." 

"Oh? You scolded me for not taking care of myself yet you, yourself, hadn't eaten? Ahh, this reminds me of when in the last supper Jesu-" Adonis looked at him with confusion at the sudden rambling, and as to not torture him anymore Rei stopped. "Well, I think there's enough food for us both, don't you think?"

An alarm broke through the quiet room, making Keito stir from his dream. He slowly opens his eyes, sunlight seeping through his vision. He grunts, turning off the alarm and stretching.

He looks at his side, Eichi nor Rei had awoken from the noise, however, Wataru was nowhere to be found. He could hear him singing from the kitchen, already preparing breakfast.

Keito sat up in bed, his disheveled hair falling into his eyes as he tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. He slips his precious glasses on, today choosing some sleek blue ones. 

The familiar routine was playing out before him. Wataru was always the early riser in their shared apartment, he wasn't even sure if the other slept at all. Keito had gotten used to the sound of his cheerful humming and clinking of dishes. Also the nice smell of food, he wondered what Wataru had made today.

Keito glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand, which showed the time as 7:30 AM, the perfect time to start your day. Keito decided to make the most of it and get dressed.

The apartment was cozy and quite big for all of them, it was a well-kept space for the four of them, each showing their personality in the decorations surrounding them. As Keito dressed and made his way to the kitchen, he saw Wataru cooking soup and singing to his doves.

"Ah, Keito, dearest~ I see you've awoken! Always the early riser." Wataru sang with a smile.

"When do you wake up anyway? I can never feel you leave the bed." Keito asked as he started to help Wataru by setting the table.

"A magician never reveals his secrets~" Wataru laughs, placing a bowl of miso soup on the table.

They sit down to eat, Eichi and Rei wake up and head to the table. They both were still in their pajamas, Keito couldn't help but think his boyfriends were cute.

"So what's the schedule today?" Keito asks as he eats.

"I have to go run with Otogari-kun in about an hour," Eichi says-

"I'm so jealous you get to spend so much time with Adonis-kun~ Don't take my kouhai away from me~" Rei whines pathetically.

"Don't be needy, or else he'll leave you," Eichi replies.

"Oioioi~" They continue to bicker throughout the whole breakfast, and before he can think about it his phone sends him a notification that it is almost 8 AM."I should get going soon. I have that meeting with Anzu and the design team at 9 AM," he mentioned, a touch of regret in his voice. He loved these mornings with his partners, but duty called.

"Have a nice workday, love." Eichi gives him a soft kiss and Keito can feel his love shine through it. "I'll see you for lunch?"

"Yes, I'll be there." He says while putting a coat on 

"Have a good day at work!" Wataru hugs him.

"You too, and make sure they don't work Eichi to the bone." Keito jokes as he grabs his coat and prepares to leave, Rei joins to bid him farewell- "You try to take breaks, okay?" Rei said, wrapping his arms around Keito's waist.

With the last round of hugs and kisses, Keito headed out the door and down the hall to the elevator. He sighed, he wished he could have more time to spend with his partners... they always brought him joy, excitement, and a sense of belonging that Keito had never felt before.

His heart felt full of love, and he carried that warmth with him as he stepped into the bustling city, ready to face the challenges of the day.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eichi was late, it was already lunch-time but it seemed that Eichi was still working. He hadn't received a message from him yet, he probably was in a meeting. Keito couldn't help but feel a bit dissappointed as he sat in the restaurant they had planned to meet for lunch.

He glanced at his watch, wondering how much longer Eichi would be busy. Keito was pretty patient and understanding, however he did get a little frustrated when things didn't go right.

Keito decided to order some meat-based dishes, Eichi loved them, he sighs again, wondering when he'll come.

Suddenly, somone sits beside him. It was Rei and Wataru.

"Hey. darling, we came to join you for lunch." said Rei. "Hm? Where's Eichi?" Rei says with confusion.

"Haah, he hasn't come yet, and he's not answering his  phone...:" Keito said dissappointed.

Rei, ever the mischiervous one, couldn't resist teasing. "Maybe Eichi is late because he's planning a surprise, don't you think?"

Wataru, equally playful, added. "Yes, he's probably orchestrrating a grand gesture to make up for his tardiness."

Keito smiles at them, appreciating their efforts to lighten the mood."Well, whatever it is, I hope he doesn't push himself too hard, I wouldn't know what to do if he got hospitalized again... I'd rather have him safe and healthy."

Just as Keito finished speaking, Eichi walked into the restaurant, looking a bit disheveled and carrying a nervous air around him. He apologized profusely for his tardiness and explained that he was busy.

Keito, always understanding, reassured Eichi with a warm smile. "It's okay, Eichi. I know how hard your work must be. Let's enjoy our meal now":

Eichi, always grateful for his understanding, reached across the table to hold Keito's hand. "Thank you for being so patient, I promise to make it up to you. After this I want you three to follow me somewherre."

"Oh?" Wataru's eyes shined with recognition, as if he already knew what was going to happen, Rei and himself being left in the dark.

As they finished their meal, Eichi's demeanor shifted from nervousness to excitement. He couldn't contain his anticipation any longer. "Alright, everyone, finish up. I have a surprise waiting fo us."

After a short walk, they arrived at a charming, intimate park. It was a serene oasis in the midst of the bustling noise of the city.

The park was adorned with a vibrant tapestry of roses and hydrangeas. Amidst the lush blooms, Keito noticed the exotic presence of birds of paradise and lupins, lending an air of enchantment to the scene. Soft, twinkling fairy lights encircled a quaint gazebo, which Eichi guided them towards. In the center of the gazebo, a dainty tea set awaited, complete with a delicate teapot and matching cups. Plates of delectable treats, including macarons, chocolates, and cake, tempted their taste buds. They were utterly mesmerized by the sheer beauty and thoughtfulness of it all.

Watary couldn't hide his excitement any longer. "Eichi! this is amazing~! You've truly outdone yourself!"

Rei nodded in agerement, his eyes filled with delight. "It's like a fairytale come true."

Eichi smiled, a hint of nervousness returning as he faced all of them. "I wanted this to be a special day for us, a day were we can just focus on each of you." He gets on one knee. Pulling out a small red box from his pocket. He coughs. "That's why, I want our relationship to be forever reminded with a vow, a vow to be together throguh illness and death. I may not have enough time to spend with you, but I promise I'll love each of our moments together. Will you marry me?"

Tears formed in Keito's eyes, he was quickly overwhelmed with happiness by Eichi's proposal. Wataru laughed in joy and Rei had a hard time hiding his own tears. Suddenly, Wataru hugged Eichi, and so did the rest. "Yes, Eichi, a thousand times yes!" they say.

After a while of hugging and crying, Eichi put a ring on each of their hands. They were all modeled after roses, with expensive jewels in it, but they all had different colors of gems, mirroring their personalities.

Keito's was shaped in a lotus shape, and was green with pink accents. Wataru's were birds of paradise with a blue gem. And Rei's was roses with a blood red gem.

"While we can't get legally married, We can have a private wedding alongside our loved-ones. Otogari-kun actually was helping me make this proposal in the morning..." Eichi says bashfully.

"To be honest... I also was planning a proposal, I have the rings at home, it was supposed to be this weekend." Rei said laughing. "I'm just so happy."

They all laugh together, Wataru was also planning to give them some sort of memento, and Keito was considering if that was part of the next step. They all seemed to have the same idea, but Eichi was the first to take a step.

"Shall we enjoy soime tea, then? I'll go call Otogari-kun to tell him everthing went well."  Eichi went to call Adonis, while Wataru sent photos of his ring to the oddballs, who were surprisingly supportive of this, at least this time. Rei contacted UNDEAD about it and Kaoru was specially emotional, tearing up over the announcment.

Ever since Ark was born, he was promised a bright future.

“You shall defeat great Evil, and become King of Aetheria,” The Great Prophet told him.

The current King, his father, was pleased with this news, so he favored him over his other children.

He had seven siblings, yet none of them were fond of him. He was completely alone for most of his youth, having only maids to talk to and the daily meals with his father.

As Ark grew older, the weight of his destiny pressed down on him more heavily with each passing day. The prophets didn’t specify any kind of date, so he could only live in the fear he would never meet everyone’s expectations. Because of this, he spent his entire time training his swordsmanship and learning how to be a good King, meanwhile, his siblings enjoyed the riches of life, being able to do whatever they pleased.

They may be jealous of his destiny, but all Ark wanted was a normal life. No kings, no isolation, no destiny.

Ark longed for a genuine connection and companionship. But the prophecy loomed over him like a shadow, reminding him of the solitude that accompanied his predetermined path. That was until the day came.

It was a normal day, he was speaking to his father over lunch when suddenly a guard came interrupting their meal.

The guard, out of breath exclaimed: “It’s here! It’s free! It escaped, it’s free!”

His father got up from his seat. “Is it- is it the prophecy?” He said with glee.

The prophecy.

This could only mean that his time has come, his time to save the whole Kingdom from certain doom, seal the great Evil in the Tower of Babel, and become King. It was time.

Adrenaline rushes to his veins, being unable to concentrate on what his father and the guard are saying. He hadn’t seen his Father as happy as he was right now, he didn’t care about how many people suffer, he just wanted Ark to become powerful and make the Kingdom even richer.

Ark holds back tears, making sure to not show any fear.

“Where is it? The great Evil.” He asked with a strong voice.

“It appeared at the south of Sanduria, in a small Leporian village.” The guard replies. “It would take two months to get there.”

“By that point, the great Evil may be already coming our way… So it might take less time than anticipated.” His father exclaimed. “Oh my son, you will make me proud.” He puts a hand on his shoulder, Ark suppresses a flinch. “Go get prepared, you’re leaving tonight, you have a legend to make.”

-

Everyone in the castle was moving, it felt suffocating. So as the maids prepared all the necessities he’d need for the week, he went to the gardens, sitting in silence. The prophecy foretold that when he went into this adventure, he’d go through countless hardships, but eventually would win against evil and seal it forever. He’d marry and have kids… He’d be a gentle, but fierce king.

He didn’t want that at all, but he knew it was his destiny. 

He senses that someone is coming near him, so he turns around and sees his youngest sister.

“Ruth, what are you doing here? Don’t you have lessons to take care of?” He wasn’t close to any of his siblings, but he had a soft spot for Ruth, since she never antagonized him, instead always being quiet and looking at him from afar.

“Lord Ark… I- I-” She trembled, holding something in her hands. “I have a gift for you.” She extends the gift towards him and leaves running. Confused, he looks at the gift. It was a book, not one he was familiar with. Although, he wasn’t much of a reader, much less a mage. What was the purpose of this gift? Hoping it wasn’t cursed, he opens it.

“Hm…?” It wasn’t a spell book or anything like that, it was a herb atlas, explaining what each wild herb and flower did, which berries were poisonous, and also had some facts about certain animals. This was some sort of encyclopedia, then? Despite his arduous training to become a hero, he had never been taught about survival. He had never seen anything like this, and it was completely hand-written and with drawn illustrations. His sister had done this?

“Ruth… You have a good future ahead of you.” He was content, knowing at least someone in the world cared about him enough.

“May the Goddess bless you!” All the knights shouted in formation, today was the day he was leaving. He had everything he could wish for inside the carriage that was waiting for him. He was standing beside his father, with a magic backpack, a royal cloak, a steel sword, and finally… the encyclopedia, which he left close to him.

“Today marks the day that the future Hero, Ark of Aetheria, will embark on his journey and defeat evil for good! All praise the future King!” His father shouts.

“All hail Ark! All hail Ark!” He listens to the people chant in unison, and with a heavy heart he takes his first steps. He notices Ruth in public, looking at the book on his hip happily. He smiles at her, making her avert her eyes.

As he enters the carriage, he can’t help but be uneasy. It was his duty to defeat evil, it was his duty to save everyone. But he didn’t feel ready, he wasn’t even a hundred years old yet! Just thinking about going on his first adventure outside the Kingdom made his stomach churn.

He takes a deep breath as the carriage starts, and thinks about the plan of action his father had defined.

After getting a brief explanation from Rei as to what was happening to him Wataru made his way out of his room and into the kitchen. He was incredibly famished, he felt as if his stomach was eating itself. Wataru doesn’t remember having a good relationship with food, it was always something he tried to ignore and neglect. Eating in front of people was impossible, he just couldn’t stand it, but now he felt such hunger that he didn’t mind if people even looked at him.

The kitchen didn’t have many essentials, he couldn’t find a single spice. There wasn’t running water and even though it seemed like someone had bought groceries not too long ago there wasn’t anything that caught his eye. He takes out a jello-making kit from the cupboards, rainbow jelly was his favorite food, and always brought good memories… Memories he couldn’t recall at the moment.

Wataru notices Keito looking at him with an irritated face. Wataru feigned ignorance and continued making his jello. That was until Keito puts a hand on his forehead, then sighs.

“Why are you cooking? You know that doesn’t really do anything in your state, right?” Keito asks with annoyance.

“Hm? Whatever do you mean?” Wataru felt a bit out of place, he was supposed to know these people, but his head felt so foggy it was hard to think.

“You’re a demon, demons don’t eat.” Wataru looks at him flatly. “Demons need to consume energy from other ways, although I guess it’s not uncommon for demons to eat for pleasure. You know, because of the whole gluttony instincts.”

“Then why am I so hungry? Mayhaps I should take a bite from your flesh to satisfy myself?” He tries to tease, it felt natural to reply like that.

“In your dreams.” He flicks him on the head. “But you’re not too far off. Demons don’t need to eat but they do need to… well, gather energy. There are many ways to do so, but the most common is to steal life energy from a living being. In our case you can’t feed off of Rei, because you both are connected. If you’re feeling hungry I can’t imagine how Rei must be feeling right now. But since you also cannot have contact with the human world I think our best chance is for you to consume part of me.”

“Oho! So I wasn’t too far off from reality? I really must be such a genius in this whole demon thing, aren’t I?” He stores the jello in the fridge with a smile. “How is this supposed to be done? Do I just bite you?” He tries to mask his nervousneess with a confident expression, but he’d rather be anything but what he was right now. 

“Mm… I guess that could work. There are other ways to do it but I guess that one is pretty simple.” He then lets his shirt hang from his shoulder, showing his neck to Wataru. “Do you know about vampires? You have to do the same, just pierce the skin and then suck. It will taste bad at first but once you reach the soul it should be a different flavor.”

Wataru wasn’t thrilled, he didn’t like to harm people, much less physically. And even less of a person he didn’t know that much about. But the constant feeling of emptiness and weakness overcame that ethical dilemma, he has to do it- no, he needs to do this. He approaches Keito, and he feels himself drooling. He lets his mouth touch his skin, and an animalistic instinct flooded his system. He just wanted to eat, to eat, to tear and eat him right here. 

As his fangs pierce Keito’s flesh, his mouth gets full of an iron taste, it felt so warm and while he didn’t like the taste at first, it was so intimate, so fulfilling. Before he knew it he was sucking evevn more and more, and suddenly the flavor or iron stopped and was replace by the wonderful taste of something sweet and addicting. It was like a green matcha mochi, so earthy and delicious.

He needed more.

Before long, he feels a push against his chest. He separates hismelf from Keito and sees his face. It was painted in a deep red blush, panting. Did he over-do it?

“Ah, Keito. Are you okay?” He felt like an animal, how could he have let his instincts consume him this way? Think with your brain, not your dick, Wataru.

As Keito catches his breath, he sees the mark left behind. The bruise on Keito’s pale skin made him feel… weird. Weird feelings he never would have guessed could come from him. Why did Keito look so attractive?

“Haah… You were hungry alright.” Keito recollects himself, adjusting his glasses. “God, it’s been so long since I’ve had to do something like that. Remind me to never get close to another demon, I don’t think I could handle it.”

“Sorry~!”