Something Real -- Chapter 13 (Final)
Chapter: 13 (Final)
Pairing: Sakumoto, Ohmiya
Genre: AU, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Plot = mine. Arashi = not mine.
Summary: Sho gets introduced into the dangerous world of the fey -- where not everything is what it seems.
----------------------
It was a week later when Sho awoke. Jun was curled at his side in bed, facing him, with Sho lying flat and stiff as a board. The early morning sunlight was trickling through the window, slowly stirring Jun from sleep. As his eyes opened, he was startled to find Sho’s staring open as well, and sat up quickly.
“Sho!” Jun shouted first with delight, then again with apprehension. “Sho?”
Sho gave no indication he saw Jun, or even heard him. He simply stared at the ceiling.
“Sho.” Jun begged, tugging on Sho’s arm. “Look at me.”
When Sho didn’t, Jun pulled Sho into a sitting position and gripped his face with his hands. “Sho!”
Sho stared at Jun this time, and he gasped - his eyes were completely blank, lifeless. Jun let out a strangled sob, before opting for silent tears instead.
Nino, Aiba, and Ohno burst in through the door.
“What is it? Is Sho awake!?” They yelled, and seeing Sho awake and sitting up, Aiba cheered and grasped him in a warm hug.
When Sho didn’t respond in kind, Aiba pulled away, confused. “Sho?”
Nino noticed Jun’s tears, and looked frantically at Sho. The three friends, seeing Sho unmoving and unblinking, registered reality. “Oh no,” Nino breathed as Ohno pulled Jun to him in a comforting gesture, making Jun sob harder.
“He didn’t just erase Sho’s memory - he completely wiped it.” Ohno stated sadly. Aiba let his tears fall freely as he continued to stare at his lifeless friend.
“Maybe we can make him remember? Maybe we can remind him how to be alive again?” Nino asked desperately, moving to Sho’s line of eyesight. He began to try to teach Sho their names, angry tears forming when Sho continued to sit, unresponsive. Nino grabbed a nearby vase and flung it against the wall in rage, the vase smashing into a hundred pieces and water flying everywhere. Sho didn’t even flinch.
“Oh, Sho.” Nino cried, dropping to his knees in defeat.
“I won’t give up.” Jun said, moving away from Ohno and closer to Sho. “Nino’s right. It may take forever, but I’m going to continue to try to reverse this.” He grasped Sho’s hand.
Aiba seemed startled out of his silence at that. “I almost forgot about the King!” He said, rushing out of the room. Aiba had put himself in charge of the Light King’s recovery for the past week, and the King had been doing very well under Aiba’s care. He still couldn’t get out of bed on his own yet, but Aiba would carry the frail old man around if he wanted to leave his room, and gave him the best attention, filling the King in on what had happened since his kidnapping.
“Sir! Your Highness!” Aiba said, rushing into the room. “Your son is awake!”
The Light King stirred, reaching a hand out to the wolf-man. “Bring him to me.”
Aiba stared at the ground sadly. “I’m sorry, your highness, but he’s not himself. Junichi didn’t just wipe away Sho’s memories of the Realm. He completely erased Sho’s mind. It’s like he’s…empty.”
The Light King was quiet for a moment, but then held out his hand again. “Then take me to him.”
Aiba seemed uncertain, but he couldn’t disobey his kindly old king. He scooped him up and brought him into Sho and Jun’s room. Nino clung to Ohno as Jun caressed Sho’s cheek, speaking to him softly. Sho made no response.
As the Light King entered, everyone bowed. The despair and sadness was palpable in the room. Aiba brought the King over to Sho, and he reached his hand out, grasping Sho’s chin. The Light King forced Sho’s blank eyes to meet his as Jun and the others held their breath. Jun prayed desperately that the King would snap Sho out of this.
But nothing changed, and the King let Sho’s chin fall back down, still lifeless. “I cannot fix this.”
Jun closed his eyes in pain, tears falling once more, as he rested his forehead against Sho’s shoulder, still grasping Sho’s hand.
“But I think that you can, Dark Prince.”
Jun registered the words with shock, looking up to meet the King’s eyes. It was Aiba who voiced Jun’s thoughts, however.
“What do you mean, your highness?”
The Light King’s gaze penetrated Jun’s, his words weighing heavily. “If you are my son’s true love, then you can bring him back.”
Jun’s breath hitched in his throat. He could bring him back? Jun’s heart soared. He could bring him back!
Then the full meaning hit him hard. True love. He had to be Sho’s true love. He knew Sho was his - there was no doubt - but what if he wasn’t Sho’s?
“If you are not his true love, then he will forever stay as he is.”
“What must I do?”
“At the next full moon, you must prepare your magic. The spell you used to take away his memories - that spell must be used in reverse, as you did once before. Do you remember?”
Jun touched his lips. “I kissed him.”
“Indeed. You kissed him, and his memories returned, because you had taken them. Now you are trying to return memories you did not take. There is more magic involved, more delicate measures. But the idea is much the same.”
“The next full moon is tomorrow.” Ohno said. “Is there enough time?”
“Yes.” The Light King replied. “We must begin at once.”
The four men immediately began preparations while the Light King explained what was to be done. It was simple. Jun had to kiss Sho at night when the moon was full, putting his “mind wipe” magic spell in reverse. Jun needed to have a strong reserve of magic to fight Junichi’s spell, so he sat quietly in the middle of the floor, storing his magic inside himself. Nino, Ohno, and Aiba would take turns allowing Jun to take some of their magic. Sho never once moved from his bed.
When the time came, Ohno gently touched Jun’s shoulder, awakening him from his meditation. Sho had fallen back asleep, and for a moment Jun allowed himself to look at his peaceful face. He was skinnier than before, having eaten nothing until forced, and was clearly not himself. But the boyishness was still there, hidden in his face, and Jun’s love was still overwhelming.
With everyone watching with bated breath, Jun kneeled beside the bed and grasped one of Sho’s hands - a now common gesture for Jun. He stared at the closed eyelids, whispering, “I said it once before, and I will say it again. Come back to me, Sho.”
And with the moonlight lighting the room, he closed his eyes and kissed him.
The Light King never said how long the kiss was supposed to last, but Jun didn’t give it a thought. He simply reveled in the fact that he was once again kissing Sho, a thrill he never got over, even if Sho was asleep and lifeless. Within himself, he opened all the magic he had been storing, mixing it with his love and pouring it into Sho.
Jun didn’t even know how long he let his lips linger on Sho’s, but it felt like a lifetime and a second all at once. Jun opened his eyes and gazed at Sho, using both his hands to grasp one of Sho’s own now, praying nonstop.
But Sho didn’t make any movement or any response. He glanced back at the Light King for some kind of sign - was he supposed to wake up immediately, or would it take another week? But the Light King dropped his gaze in sadness and defeat.
Sho should have woken up by now. Jun had failed.
Jun turned back to Sho’s sleeping form, put his head down and cried, heartbroken. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t been able to save him. He couldn’t believe he wasn’t Sho’s true love. He couldn’t believe he was Sho’s death sentence, for in this state, Sho might as well be dead.
That was when Jun felt a hand on his head, combing through his hair comfortingly, as his friends gasped. He pulled his head up enough to turn his red rimmed eyes to the source, but things were blurry through the tears. Blinking them away, he found Sho staring back with love, his hand the one caressing him.
Jun couldn’t breathe. “Sho?”
Sho simply smiled before saying, “Don’t cry.”
Jun immediately pulled Sho to him in joy, hugging him like he would never let go. “Sho! Oh Sho!” Jun said between sobs, unable to say anything else. The others immediately rushed over, everyone crashing together in a giant teary mess.
Once everyone had more or less calmed down and relocated to the dining table in the kitchen, happy smiles on their faces, Sho asked, “What happened?”
Jun filled him in as the others occasionally interjected.
“You should’ve seen him, Sho-chan!” Nino teased. “He was fretting about being your one true love like a girl!”
“Oh, like you wouldn’t do the same with Ohno!” Jun retorted with a smile, before giving Sho a serious look. “Honestly, though, I was worried. I felt like dying when I thought it hadn’t worked.”
Sho put his forehead against Jun’s, staring deeply into his eyes. “You should never doubt that. You are definitely, forever and always, my true love.”
Nino coughed, snapping them back to the present.
“So, father…can I call you father?” Sho asked, hesitant, addressing the man across from him.
“Yes, my son. I am sorry for all of this. I fear it is all my fault.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! It’s no one’s fault.” Sho replied.
“No, I did wrong. My Queen had already passed away when I fathered you, and I wanted to bring you back to the Realm. I feared, however, how you would be received, since you were not born of the Queen and were only half-Fey. I decided to keep you out, but sent protectors to watch over you.” He gave a smile to Aiba and Ohno, and then to Nino. “I thought that the less you knew, the better, so I didn’t keep a close eye on you. I kept myself away. For that, I am truly sorry. I should’ve done more for you. Perhaps this wouldn’t have happened if I had.”
Sho opened his mouth to protest once more, but the Light King held up his hand. “All has ended, so there is no use dwelling on what could have been, I’m sure. But now, we have a new problem.”
Confused looks were on everyone’s faces. “What do you mean, father?”
The King’s eyes went to Jun’s. “You are in love with a Dark Prince - now the Dark King.”
“I am not like my mother or brother.” Jun stated defiantly. Was the King going to reject them, after all of that?
“I know. I am not concerned about that. What concerns me is that this has never happened before - Light with Dark. We have always been at odds with each other. But the two of you - you could bring the kingdoms together. You could unite the Realm as one.”
“But father, I am just a prince.” Sho said, still confused.
“I am naming you Light King now, Sho.”
Everyone gasped.
“But you’re still alive!”
“Yes, but I am drained, and I am old. It is best for you to take it, if you want it.”
Sho was shocked. King? Now? He looked at his father’s kind face, glanced at his friends reassuring smiles, and met Jun’s loving gaze.
“I’ll do it.”
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It was right after Jun and Sho’s official coronations as kings (and Sho’s official acceptance of being Light Fey) that peace finally seemed to settle. Many creatures who had before stayed hidden now came out freely, including the unicorns that Jun lied about killing. It was harder for Dark Fey to cooperate, but Jun was a persuasive person. The creatures of the Realm stopped messing with the real world as well, something Sho oversaw immediately.
Jun and Sho built a new castle, for both Light and Dark Fey, where they could live together. Nino and Ohno lived together in Ohno’s cottage, which now stayed permanently near the castle. Aiba came and went as he pleased, visiting less and less when he fell in love with a wood nymph.
Morning dawned on the unified Realm with joyful light. Jun groaned at the sun, snuggling closer to Sho, trying to shield his eyes from the intruding beams of light. Sho laughed sleepily, nuzzling Jun’s hair, and Sho could feel Jun’s smile on his chest.
“Everything is so perfect right now.” Jun mumbled into Sho’s chest. “I’m afraid it will be spoiled soon.”
“Well, it doesn’t help that Nino is convinced that his vision of me saving my father must be for the future, since it didn’t come true like it was supposed to this time.” Sho yawned as Jun pulled himself up so that he was face to face with him.
“Let’s not talk about Nino.” Jun said, wrapping his arms around Sho.
“Mmm, let’s not talk at all.” Sho replied, kissing Jun in that sleepy morning way that Jun adored.
Jun responded in kind, but Sho pulled away after a moment. “If I don’t stop now, you’ll never get out of bed.”
“Only because I don’t want to let you out of bed.” Jun replied, pulling him in for another kiss, much deeper this time.
Sho chuckled, before saying, “Well, who am I to deny my King?”
“Exactly,” Jun growled, happiness radiating from his every pore.
After everything, they were determined to live happily ever after, enjoying and living in the moment. And they did live happily ever after.
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A/N: The end! Did I go overboard on the Fairy Tale stuff? It just kind of came out that way...anyway, the story didn't quite turn out like I had planned, but I hope it was enjoyable nonetheless. Thank you to everyone who's been reading, and especially those commenting! I appreciate it all!! :D
Pairing: Sakumoto, Ohmiya
Genre: AU, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Plot = mine. Arashi = not mine.
Summary: Sho gets introduced into the dangerous world of the fey -- where not everything is what it seems.
----------------------
It was a week later when Sho awoke. Jun was curled at his side in bed, facing him, with Sho lying flat and stiff as a board. The early morning sunlight was trickling through the window, slowly stirring Jun from sleep. As his eyes opened, he was startled to find Sho’s staring open as well, and sat up quickly.
“Sho!” Jun shouted first with delight, then again with apprehension. “Sho?”
Sho gave no indication he saw Jun, or even heard him. He simply stared at the ceiling.
“Sho.” Jun begged, tugging on Sho’s arm. “Look at me.”
When Sho didn’t, Jun pulled Sho into a sitting position and gripped his face with his hands. “Sho!”
Sho stared at Jun this time, and he gasped - his eyes were completely blank, lifeless. Jun let out a strangled sob, before opting for silent tears instead.
Nino, Aiba, and Ohno burst in through the door.
“What is it? Is Sho awake!?” They yelled, and seeing Sho awake and sitting up, Aiba cheered and grasped him in a warm hug.
When Sho didn’t respond in kind, Aiba pulled away, confused. “Sho?”
Nino noticed Jun’s tears, and looked frantically at Sho. The three friends, seeing Sho unmoving and unblinking, registered reality. “Oh no,” Nino breathed as Ohno pulled Jun to him in a comforting gesture, making Jun sob harder.
“He didn’t just erase Sho’s memory - he completely wiped it.” Ohno stated sadly. Aiba let his tears fall freely as he continued to stare at his lifeless friend.
“Maybe we can make him remember? Maybe we can remind him how to be alive again?” Nino asked desperately, moving to Sho’s line of eyesight. He began to try to teach Sho their names, angry tears forming when Sho continued to sit, unresponsive. Nino grabbed a nearby vase and flung it against the wall in rage, the vase smashing into a hundred pieces and water flying everywhere. Sho didn’t even flinch.
“Oh, Sho.” Nino cried, dropping to his knees in defeat.
“I won’t give up.” Jun said, moving away from Ohno and closer to Sho. “Nino’s right. It may take forever, but I’m going to continue to try to reverse this.” He grasped Sho’s hand.
Aiba seemed startled out of his silence at that. “I almost forgot about the King!” He said, rushing out of the room. Aiba had put himself in charge of the Light King’s recovery for the past week, and the King had been doing very well under Aiba’s care. He still couldn’t get out of bed on his own yet, but Aiba would carry the frail old man around if he wanted to leave his room, and gave him the best attention, filling the King in on what had happened since his kidnapping.
“Sir! Your Highness!” Aiba said, rushing into the room. “Your son is awake!”
The Light King stirred, reaching a hand out to the wolf-man. “Bring him to me.”
Aiba stared at the ground sadly. “I’m sorry, your highness, but he’s not himself. Junichi didn’t just wipe away Sho’s memories of the Realm. He completely erased Sho’s mind. It’s like he’s…empty.”
The Light King was quiet for a moment, but then held out his hand again. “Then take me to him.”
Aiba seemed uncertain, but he couldn’t disobey his kindly old king. He scooped him up and brought him into Sho and Jun’s room. Nino clung to Ohno as Jun caressed Sho’s cheek, speaking to him softly. Sho made no response.
As the Light King entered, everyone bowed. The despair and sadness was palpable in the room. Aiba brought the King over to Sho, and he reached his hand out, grasping Sho’s chin. The Light King forced Sho’s blank eyes to meet his as Jun and the others held their breath. Jun prayed desperately that the King would snap Sho out of this.
But nothing changed, and the King let Sho’s chin fall back down, still lifeless. “I cannot fix this.”
Jun closed his eyes in pain, tears falling once more, as he rested his forehead against Sho’s shoulder, still grasping Sho’s hand.
“But I think that you can, Dark Prince.”
Jun registered the words with shock, looking up to meet the King’s eyes. It was Aiba who voiced Jun’s thoughts, however.
“What do you mean, your highness?”
The Light King’s gaze penetrated Jun’s, his words weighing heavily. “If you are my son’s true love, then you can bring him back.”
Jun’s breath hitched in his throat. He could bring him back? Jun’s heart soared. He could bring him back!
Then the full meaning hit him hard. True love. He had to be Sho’s true love. He knew Sho was his - there was no doubt - but what if he wasn’t Sho’s?
“If you are not his true love, then he will forever stay as he is.”
“What must I do?”
“At the next full moon, you must prepare your magic. The spell you used to take away his memories - that spell must be used in reverse, as you did once before. Do you remember?”
Jun touched his lips. “I kissed him.”
“Indeed. You kissed him, and his memories returned, because you had taken them. Now you are trying to return memories you did not take. There is more magic involved, more delicate measures. But the idea is much the same.”
“The next full moon is tomorrow.” Ohno said. “Is there enough time?”
“Yes.” The Light King replied. “We must begin at once.”
The four men immediately began preparations while the Light King explained what was to be done. It was simple. Jun had to kiss Sho at night when the moon was full, putting his “mind wipe” magic spell in reverse. Jun needed to have a strong reserve of magic to fight Junichi’s spell, so he sat quietly in the middle of the floor, storing his magic inside himself. Nino, Ohno, and Aiba would take turns allowing Jun to take some of their magic. Sho never once moved from his bed.
When the time came, Ohno gently touched Jun’s shoulder, awakening him from his meditation. Sho had fallen back asleep, and for a moment Jun allowed himself to look at his peaceful face. He was skinnier than before, having eaten nothing until forced, and was clearly not himself. But the boyishness was still there, hidden in his face, and Jun’s love was still overwhelming.
With everyone watching with bated breath, Jun kneeled beside the bed and grasped one of Sho’s hands - a now common gesture for Jun. He stared at the closed eyelids, whispering, “I said it once before, and I will say it again. Come back to me, Sho.”
And with the moonlight lighting the room, he closed his eyes and kissed him.
The Light King never said how long the kiss was supposed to last, but Jun didn’t give it a thought. He simply reveled in the fact that he was once again kissing Sho, a thrill he never got over, even if Sho was asleep and lifeless. Within himself, he opened all the magic he had been storing, mixing it with his love and pouring it into Sho.
Jun didn’t even know how long he let his lips linger on Sho’s, but it felt like a lifetime and a second all at once. Jun opened his eyes and gazed at Sho, using both his hands to grasp one of Sho’s own now, praying nonstop.
But Sho didn’t make any movement or any response. He glanced back at the Light King for some kind of sign - was he supposed to wake up immediately, or would it take another week? But the Light King dropped his gaze in sadness and defeat.
Sho should have woken up by now. Jun had failed.
Jun turned back to Sho’s sleeping form, put his head down and cried, heartbroken. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t been able to save him. He couldn’t believe he wasn’t Sho’s true love. He couldn’t believe he was Sho’s death sentence, for in this state, Sho might as well be dead.
That was when Jun felt a hand on his head, combing through his hair comfortingly, as his friends gasped. He pulled his head up enough to turn his red rimmed eyes to the source, but things were blurry through the tears. Blinking them away, he found Sho staring back with love, his hand the one caressing him.
Jun couldn’t breathe. “Sho?”
Sho simply smiled before saying, “Don’t cry.”
Jun immediately pulled Sho to him in joy, hugging him like he would never let go. “Sho! Oh Sho!” Jun said between sobs, unable to say anything else. The others immediately rushed over, everyone crashing together in a giant teary mess.
Once everyone had more or less calmed down and relocated to the dining table in the kitchen, happy smiles on their faces, Sho asked, “What happened?”
Jun filled him in as the others occasionally interjected.
“You should’ve seen him, Sho-chan!” Nino teased. “He was fretting about being your one true love like a girl!”
“Oh, like you wouldn’t do the same with Ohno!” Jun retorted with a smile, before giving Sho a serious look. “Honestly, though, I was worried. I felt like dying when I thought it hadn’t worked.”
Sho put his forehead against Jun’s, staring deeply into his eyes. “You should never doubt that. You are definitely, forever and always, my true love.”
Nino coughed, snapping them back to the present.
“So, father…can I call you father?” Sho asked, hesitant, addressing the man across from him.
“Yes, my son. I am sorry for all of this. I fear it is all my fault.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! It’s no one’s fault.” Sho replied.
“No, I did wrong. My Queen had already passed away when I fathered you, and I wanted to bring you back to the Realm. I feared, however, how you would be received, since you were not born of the Queen and were only half-Fey. I decided to keep you out, but sent protectors to watch over you.” He gave a smile to Aiba and Ohno, and then to Nino. “I thought that the less you knew, the better, so I didn’t keep a close eye on you. I kept myself away. For that, I am truly sorry. I should’ve done more for you. Perhaps this wouldn’t have happened if I had.”
Sho opened his mouth to protest once more, but the Light King held up his hand. “All has ended, so there is no use dwelling on what could have been, I’m sure. But now, we have a new problem.”
Confused looks were on everyone’s faces. “What do you mean, father?”
The King’s eyes went to Jun’s. “You are in love with a Dark Prince - now the Dark King.”
“I am not like my mother or brother.” Jun stated defiantly. Was the King going to reject them, after all of that?
“I know. I am not concerned about that. What concerns me is that this has never happened before - Light with Dark. We have always been at odds with each other. But the two of you - you could bring the kingdoms together. You could unite the Realm as one.”
“But father, I am just a prince.” Sho said, still confused.
“I am naming you Light King now, Sho.”
Everyone gasped.
“But you’re still alive!”
“Yes, but I am drained, and I am old. It is best for you to take it, if you want it.”
Sho was shocked. King? Now? He looked at his father’s kind face, glanced at his friends reassuring smiles, and met Jun’s loving gaze.
“I’ll do it.”
------------------------------------
It was right after Jun and Sho’s official coronations as kings (and Sho’s official acceptance of being Light Fey) that peace finally seemed to settle. Many creatures who had before stayed hidden now came out freely, including the unicorns that Jun lied about killing. It was harder for Dark Fey to cooperate, but Jun was a persuasive person. The creatures of the Realm stopped messing with the real world as well, something Sho oversaw immediately.
Jun and Sho built a new castle, for both Light and Dark Fey, where they could live together. Nino and Ohno lived together in Ohno’s cottage, which now stayed permanently near the castle. Aiba came and went as he pleased, visiting less and less when he fell in love with a wood nymph.
Morning dawned on the unified Realm with joyful light. Jun groaned at the sun, snuggling closer to Sho, trying to shield his eyes from the intruding beams of light. Sho laughed sleepily, nuzzling Jun’s hair, and Sho could feel Jun’s smile on his chest.
“Everything is so perfect right now.” Jun mumbled into Sho’s chest. “I’m afraid it will be spoiled soon.”
“Well, it doesn’t help that Nino is convinced that his vision of me saving my father must be for the future, since it didn’t come true like it was supposed to this time.” Sho yawned as Jun pulled himself up so that he was face to face with him.
“Let’s not talk about Nino.” Jun said, wrapping his arms around Sho.
“Mmm, let’s not talk at all.” Sho replied, kissing Jun in that sleepy morning way that Jun adored.
Jun responded in kind, but Sho pulled away after a moment. “If I don’t stop now, you’ll never get out of bed.”
“Only because I don’t want to let you out of bed.” Jun replied, pulling him in for another kiss, much deeper this time.
Sho chuckled, before saying, “Well, who am I to deny my King?”
“Exactly,” Jun growled, happiness radiating from his every pore.
After everything, they were determined to live happily ever after, enjoying and living in the moment. And they did live happily ever after.
-------
A/N: The end! Did I go overboard on the Fairy Tale stuff? It just kind of came out that way...anyway, the story didn't quite turn out like I had planned, but I hope it was enjoyable nonetheless. Thank you to everyone who's been reading, and especially those commenting! I appreciate it all!! :D