Nostalgia | Dazai Osamu

36| Rue

Atsushi P.O.V

Akutagawa had summoned Demonic Armour within seconds of Francis reply.

My eyes were almost burnt by deep red as his coat turned into a wrapped piece of armour that almost covered him from head to toe. Red jagged streaks ran through the strong black wrapping looking like glowing trails of bloodstream, radiating his demonic energy. I had seen this side of Akutgawa before, but not in some time. I knew this brought his defence up, and from fighting him in the past, we were at an advantage.

Well, he was.

I watched as he blocked a swift swinging kick to Francis surprise. Even Francis had misjudged the brutality of Rashomon, and he didn't know what ruthless beast was coming to hurt him. Akutagawa was certainly capable of slaughtering such a man...But I couldn't help but wondered how many people his selfish murderous hands had killed all to feel sorrow for his strength.

I had to try and set things straight- I would not have him saving Yokohama.

I close my heavy eyes, inhaled, blocking out the mayhem that surrounded me.

Tiger, grant me strength once again. Just like last time.

I felt my soul connect with the white tiger, my hands and forehead resting on the soft fur on his muscular body, making me feel like I was made of starlight. I felt his energy, his presence flow into my body and into my blood that fuelled me like a roaring bonfire.

The Tiger and I... we will save Yokohama!

I opened my glowing yellow eyes, cobalt blue was raging around me. My arms and legs hand changed their anatomy to those of the Tiger, granting me his physical strength. I flexed every muscle, feeling the power I now had control over.

I was ready for this fight.

No matter what it would bring.

My eyes locked into the golden blur of Francis who was busy in combat with the red glow of Akutagawa, like an art piece coming alive. I pounced forward, swiping at Francis, now hesitation. He skimmed it with a single bend, making me collide into Akutgawa.

"Get out of my way, Were-Tiger!" He shouted hoarsely, shoving my shoulder. I elbowed his chest, allowing him to skid metres from my body.

"You got out of my way!"

I finally had the chance to face Francis on my own without any set backs. He snarled at me, beckoning me to tempt his strength. I didn't hesitate to lung and swipe my razor claws at him, only to find a result in Francis diving away from my arms each time.

Akutgawa had crashed in, breaking mine and Francis heated fight. I grunted in frustration at his irrational move. Why couldn't he just keep out of this?!

"Oh, Dazai-san my ass! You're even more worthless than me!" I shouted, feeling a rumble in my throat. I couldn't help but snap at the man who decided to kill for pleasure.

"Nonsense! You're even more worthless." Akutgawa snapped back, his brows furrowing and I imagined a snarl under the armour wrapped around his jaw. For a second, I thought we were going to turn and switch our target to each other for I really was tempted to start digging my claws into him, asking him who he thought he was. Why did I have to be stuck with him? Why did he have to poke his nose into everything?!

"This is amusing!"

We both pinned our gazed into Francis, resing on the floor contently. Wait...Did I really trip him over?!

"You're both very much alike." He added, a chuckle in his voice.

What did he say?!

Akutagawa and my eyes had widen in utter disgust. More rage erupted inside me that I didn't know I was capable of making. How could he believe that we had... something in common?