"Escape Plan"
Title: “Escape Plan”
Author: Trinity
Fandom: Kamen Rider Kiva/Kamen Rider W
Pairing: Tsukiyomi/Philip, with hints of Jiro/Yuri, Wakana/Kirihiko, and Tsumeko/Zanki
Rating: PG-13
Notes: With the exception of Jiro, Yuri, Satoru, Megumi and Mitsuhide, the other members of the Fujimori-Aso family are the creation and property of my dear friend Lissy. The Kurenai-Nobori family, with the exception of Masao, belongs to me and all other characters belong to their specific canons.
Summary: When Tsukiyomi discovers the truth about what the Museum is really using Philip for, she becomes determined to save him. But the question is… how?
Fujimori Tsukiyomi wasn’t sure what she would find when she entered the Narumi Detective Agency, but she was somewhat surprised to find a young woman and a young man who looked like a film noir detective sitting there, talking quietly amongst themselves. She knew from Philip’s description that the young man was his former partner, Hidari Shotarou and the woman was Narumi Akiko, the chief. She wasn’t sure how they got her number, but since she’d been asked to come there, she came. “Um… excuse me…” Tsukiyomi began, looking somewhat younger than her 18 years. “…But is this the Narumi Detective Agency?”
Both heads snapped up and looked at her before she decided to continue. “I’m Fujimori Tsukiyomi, Philip’s fiancé. I was told to come here for a meeting.”
“Is Philip-kun all right?” Narumi Akiko asked, leaping up and running over to Tsukiyomi, guiding her to Shoutarou’s desk. “How is he? What are they doing to him?”
“Hello.” Shotarou looked somewhat embarrassed at Akiko’s outburst, but he stood up, bowed and straightened his tie. “I’m Hidari Shotarou, a private investigator. I’m glad you came. I wasn’t sure if you would make it out of the Sonozaki home and all the way here without them asking you too many questions.” He paused. “Philip and I… we were partners before the Sonozaki family took him back. I am sure they blackmailed him somehow…”
“They told him as long as he came back, you and Akiko would never be harmed.” Tsukiyomi had been told some of the details by Philip, who was also known as Sonozaki Raito, but out of fear, he hadn’t told her much. “I wasn’t able to get much else out of him. He’s always afraid that his father or oldest sister are listening in on us.”
Philip had only recently learned of who he truly was and just as quickly, the Sonozaki family and the Museum moved to take him back. Tsukiyomi, knowing through her brother in law, Kurenai Masao, exactly what kind of family she was getting tangled up in, made the decision to stick by Philip, no matter what. It was then that Tsukiyomi had received an email asking her to contact Hidari Shotarou and Narumi Akiko at the Narumi Detective Agency. Intrigued and hoping to learn more about the Sonozakis, the Museum and their plans, she went to go meet with them.
Tsukiyomi bit her lip. “I don’t like Rhyubee-san and Saeko-san… they remind me of spiders, always waiting for their prey to wander into a trap.”
“You may sit down if you wish. I’m sure you have lots of questions.” Shotarou sighed. “I know your time here may be short, so I’ll try to explain as much as I can.”
“I’m only monitored when I’m with Philip.” Tsukiyomi replied as she sat down in front of the desk. “Mostly, I am left to my own devices.”
“Good... now, where to begin….” Shotarou sighed.
“He’s being used as a tool?” Fujimori Yuri, the matriarch of Tsukiyomi’s Wolfen family, the Fujimoris cried as Tsuki flopped into a chair in the sitting room, surrounded by her seven older siblings and her parents. “How are they doing it?”
After Shotarou had told Tsukiyomi exactly what the Museum was using Philip for, the creation of Gaia Memories to be sold, the youngest member of the Wolfen Royal family had almost flown into a rage, her instinct to protect her mate coming out in full force. She had become determined to help save him from his family’s nefarious plans. So, she went to the only people she knew could help her: her family.
“I don’t know how they do it, but I know this isn’t the first time. When Shotarou-san and his boss broke Philip out of the Gaia Tower, they were using him in the exact same fashion, taking advantage of the special ability given to him when he fell into the Gaia Fountain and died, only to be revived as its avatar. It’s a horrible, evil thing and I am going to stop them.” Tsukiyomi was shaking with anger. “Philip is not theirs to use in such a fashion!”
“You cannot act rashly, Tsuki.” Fujimori Jiro, the formidable Wolfen King and patriarch to the Fujimori family, came to embrace his youngest daughter. “These people are powerful and dangerous and if they’re using Gaia Memories, they’re an especially dangerous threat. I know Philip is your fiancé…”
“He’s more than that, Daddy.” Tsuki murmured. “He’s my mate. I’ve felt it. He looked at me in my true form and he wasn’t scared or upset. He looked at me with love and fascination. That’s why I can’t… I won’t… he is not theirs to be used to corrupt people!”
“You have to be careful, Tsuki-chan.” Aso-Nago Megumi, the eldest daughter had to add her two cents in. “I know you want to protect him, but you have to take into consideration that they will do very drastic things to keep him if he’s so integral to business.”
“Can you blame Tsukiyomi for wanting to protect her mate?” Satoru, the second oldest of the Fujimori sons asked. “I was the same way when I found out that Sakomi was being abused by her husband.”
“Yes, but Toru-niichan, you were able to save Sakomi-san.” Tsukiyomi said.
“I had to break her husband’s neck to do so.” Satoru replied. “Tsuki, you’re only 18 and you have barely come into your abilities. With this family, you’re playing with fire.”
“So, what am I supposed to do? Sit there and let them continue? I don’t think so!” Tsukiyomi sprang from her chair and pointed a finger accusingly at her older brother. “If none of you will help me, I’ll do it myself!”
“Hold on there, Tsuki-chan.” Older sister Akane moved to keep a fight from breaking out. “No one is saying that you sit back and let this happen. We’re just saying that you should think this through before you do something that will get you killed.”
“You know, you could make it so that he’ll be bad for business.” Akane’s twin, Tsumeko, smirked, fingering one of her violently red braids. “If you do something rather drastic, but appropriate if he’s your mate, they won’t be able to use him.”
“What are you suggesting, Tsume?” Oldest son, Mitsuhide was fanning himself nervously.
“Tsume-neechan, don’t think that way!” Takeshi, the third oldest after Mitsuhide and Satoru cried. “You can’t tell Tsukiyomi to do that! She’s too young and it might not even work!”
“If anyone else has any better ideas, I’d like to hear them.” Tsumeko replied, shooting her brothers dirty looks. “Otherwise, Tsuki, there is a very simple solution to your problem: Turn Philip Wolfen.”
“Turn him?” Tsuki looked thoughtful. “But will it even work…”
“Philip-kun is still human, yes? There’s a human heart in there, isn’t there?” Tsumeko inquired. “Well, either way, as long as he is alive, you should be able to turn him Wolfen. If you turn him, not only will it strengthen the bond between the two of you, it will also make him unusable to the Sonozakis.”
“Tsuki’s much too young to consider something like that!” Megumi scolded.
“She’s eighteen. I would hardly call that too young to make her own decisions.” Tsumeko shot back. “And it was a suggestion. Tsuki came to us for help and all the rest of you seem to be interested in doing is reminding her of how dangerous these people are. Have we all forgotten? The bond between us and our mates and how strong that bond is? Tsuki is no different from the rest of us. Her instincts tell her to protect him and I’m telling her a way she can.”
“Do you think it will work, Tsume-neechan?” Tsukiyomi’s mind had zeroed in on the possibilities of turning Philip and it was the best idea she’d heard in a while.
“I know it will work.” Tsumeko smiled at this. “It’s the perfect plan.”
The more Tsumeko spoke, the more everyone listened to her and the more her idea made sense. It was the perfect way to break Philip out of the Museum’s grasp.
“Tsukiyomi, where have you been?” Sonozaki Kirihiko, husband to second daughter Wakana stepped out of the shadows around the front door of the Sonozaki estate as Tsukiyomi came home later that night. “You missed dinner.”
“I had dinner with my family.” Tsukiyomi narrowed her eyes at Kirihiko. She didn’t appreciate the third degree. “Unlike you, I still have my family who misses me. Where is Philip?”
“He is not your concern right now. You should be more concerned about Saeko and Father.”
Angry at Kirihiko’s arrogance, Tsukiyomi felt her Wolfen anger flare. She stepped as close to him as she could, growling softly. “Philip is ALWAYS my concern. I want to see him and I want to see him NOW.”
Kirihiko glared back at Tsukiyomi, but something in her expression softened him a little. “You sound like Wakana when she’s worried about him, too.” He remarked. “I find the devotion the two of you share touching, but I must warn you… you may not like what you are about to see.”’
“Kirihiko…”
“Follow me.” He was going to regret this so much.
What Tsukiyomi saw when she was taken to where Philip was being kept while he was working; she almost turned and ran out of the room. It had taken her Wolfen senses a while to adjust to the large room, but when she did she wished that she could unsee that was there before her.
Philip was in some kind of tube filled with light, his body apparently hooked up to all kinds of machines, his mind stuck in an endless loop of lookups. The smell of it made Tsukiyomi want to puke and the sight of him being used this way tore at her heart.
Suddenly, as if he sensed her, his eyes opened slowly. “Tsuki…” She heard him whisper, reaching out for her.
Kirihiko had to stop her from going any closer. “Don’t.” He murmured. “The system installed around him will kill you if you try to free him.”
“Let me go!” Tsukiyomi fought against Kirihiko, trying hard to hide her strength. “Let me go!” She was trying very hard not to cry as she screamed, kicking.
“I shouldn’t have brought you in here…” Kirihiko, unlike Saeko, still had humanity in his heart. The devotion Wakana and Tsukiyomi felt for Philip touched something in him and while he tried to shield Wakana from what was truly going on, he found that he could not hide such things from Tsukiyomi. “I don’t want either you or Wakana to see this…” He couldn’t stand to hear Tsukiyomi sobbing. “Tsuki, come…”
“No!” Tsukiyomi broke loose from him and rushed to the tube, ignoring the security system, shifting forms into her Wolfen body and pressing her paw to the glass, almost touching his hand. She kept making strange noises, almost like she was crying.
Kirihiko was shocked. She hadn’t even been given a Gaia Memory yet! But this form… it was no ordinary form.
“Let him go.” Tsukiyomi, or at least, it sounded like her, growled, her paw still pressed to Philip’s hand. “Please, Kirihiko… let him go.”
“I can’t.” Kirihiko could almost feel Tsukiyomi’s sadness and as she turned back into her more recognizable form, Kirihiko decided to help her. “I want to help… but I can’t let him out.”
“I’m okay, Tsuki…” Philip’s voice was faint. “Kirihiko-san, please take her out of here before she does something rash.”
Tsuki had to be dragged screaming out of the room. A short time later, Kirihiko destroyed the security footage, deciding to keep Tsukiyomi’s secret. However, later that night, Tsukiyomi fled the Sonozaki estate. She couldn’t stay there another minute.
Instead of going to her parents’ home, she went to the dojo where her elder sister Tsumeko lived with her paramour, Zanki. She had to be with someone, just not her parents.
Zanki, the mirror image of Jiro, slid open the rice paper door and was surprised to see a crying Tsuki standing there. “Tsukiyomi-chan…”
“I need to see Tsume-neesan.” Tsukiyomi wept. “Is she awake?”
“What do you mean she’s gone!?” Kirihiko’s wife, Wakana was horrified. “What were you thinking, Kirihiko?”
“She demanded to see him.” It wasn’t much of an explanation, but it was the only one he had. “So, I took her to see him. She… she flipped out and ran off. I had to drag her away because she was hysterical.”
“You never took me to see Raito.” Ratio was Philip’s actual name, but he preferred using Philip. “Why not?”
“I don’t want you to see him that way… the way Saeko and Father are keeping him… I can barely look at him. I should never have taken her there. Wakana… she loves him. She was crying… I… I couldn’t stand it.”
“I want to see him.” Wakana didn’t believe Kirihiko’s words. “Take me down there. I want to see my little brother.”
“Wakana, please… I don’t want you to see him like that. It’s… it’s not right.”
“Is it… is it really that bad?” Wakana asked in a small voice. “What are they doing to him down there?”
“Using him like the tool Father believes him to be.” Kirihiko wasn’t proud of this and wished he could have taken Wakana and gotten out when they both had the chance. “It’s not something I think you should see.”
“Kirihiko!” Wakana put her foot down, despite her uncertainty. “Take me to see Raito. I want to see my brother.”
He never could say no to his wife.
“Zanki, would you go make some tea for Tsukiyomi and start a fire, please?” Tsumeko put a warm blanket around her younger sisters’ shoulders and handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes with.
Zanki, who’d hastily thrown on a robe as he and Tsume had been sleeping nodded and went off to another part of the dojo to go make the tea. As the rice paper door slid shut, Tsuki let out something that sounded like the cry of a wounded animal.
“Kirihiko saw me!” She confessed. “He saw me change forms!”
Tsumeko was horrified. “How did he see you!? What happened!?”
Tsukiyomi sniffled. “When I came home from Mom and Dad’s, Kirihiko was waiting for me, when I asked him where Philip was, he told me it was no longer my concern. I demanded he take me there…oh, Tsume-neesan, it’s awful! They’re using him as though he’s another computer making Gaia Memories!”
Tsumeko swore at this, unable to stand seeing her youngest sister in hysterics. “Those bastards!” She raged. “He’s not a tool!”
Tsukiyomi continued to weep. “But... Kirihiko... he’s different. He... I think he destroyed the security footage to protect me... I don’t understand what’s going on...” She paused to take a few deep breaths. “They keep him in a glass tube, hooked up to machines and use him to make Gaia Memories. It’s like he’s a science experiment! I wanted to free him, so I went through the security systems and my body shifted forms to protect me from harm. That’s how Kirihiko saw me...” She sniffled. “...How...how can they use their son like that? He’s... he’s a human being, not some kind of weapon!”
“It’s okay, it’s okay...” Tsume embraced Tsuki tightly. “It’s all right...”
“Is something wrong, Tsume?” Zanki had returned with hot tea and cups. “They didn’t hurt her, did they? Her boyfriend’s family...”
“No. They’re up to far worse than just that.”
Kirihiko was convinced that he would never get out of the Sonozaki family alive at this rate. He and Wakana were staring at the glass tube Philip was encased in and Wakana was just on her knees, staring.
“I should have just insisted that you not come down here.” He murmured.
“...Raito...” Wakana whimpered. “Is he...”
“If he’s in pain or not, I can never truly tell.” Kirihiko knelt beside his wife and stroked her hair. “He hides it well if he is.”
“I thought it was like it was before... he was free to move about as he wished before.” Wakana was horrified. “Why do they have him hooked up to machines like this?”
“I don’t know.” It was something only Rhyubee had the answer to. “We...we should leave.”
“I can’t leave him like this, Kirihiko!” Wakana wept, trying to make herself stand. “I... I have to free him.” She pulled out her Claydoll memory and was about to use it when Kirihiko stopped her. “Raito needs me!”
“We have to leave.” Kirihiko knew that if he got rid of the tapes Rhyubee and Saeko would get suspicious and start asking questions. “Wakana, it’s not worth it.”
“Is that what you told Tsukiyomi?” Wakana was trying to yell, but her voice wasn’t letting her. “No wonder she ran away!”
Just as Kirihiko was about to drag her out of the room, another voice cut in. “Well, well... what have we here?”
It was rapidly becoming clear to Tsumeko that no amount of convincing would get Tsukiyomi to return to the Sonozaki estate. Not even the ever-present threat of losing Philip for good would get her to return. In fact, it wasn’t until Zanki’s dojo got another visitor that she would listen to anyone on the subject.
“Tsume...” Zanki came into the small room where Tsumeko and Tsukiyomi sat in stony silence. Tsuki was sipping tea and Tsumeko looked as though she might throw her hands up in frustration. When her head turned towards her lover, he spoke more. “...There is someone here to see Tsukiyomi.”
“I hope this visitor has better luck in talking sense into Tsuki than I’ve been.” Tsumeko muttered.
Zanki stepped over to the side, revealing a tall woman, dressed in a trench coat and fedora, black glasses covering what must have been her eyes... save for the fact that her face was heavily bandaged. “She says her name is Shroud.” Zanki explains. “She would like to speak to Tsuki-chan in private.”
“I don’t want to talk to anyone.” Tsuki spat.
“Do you want to save Philip or are you content to let them use him as though he’s just a tool?” Shroud asked, her voice cold with anger. “What kind of fiancé are you?”
“Who do you think you are?” Tsukiyomi actually threw her cup at Shroud, who barely managed to duck the hot liquid. “How DARE you...”
“You are the one who ran away!” Shroud yelled and Tsume and Zanki took that it was a cue to leave. “I thought you loved him... that you wanted to marry him.”
“I do want to marry him!” Tsukiyomi cried, but then she bit her lip. “But... they’re using him like a tool. You didn’t see how he was. He was trapped in some tube of light, hooked up to machines, being used like he was some kind of piece of machinery. I... I couldn’t look at him that way. And they told me he was no longer my concern. Philip is my MATE. He is ALWAYS my concern.”
Shroud was silent for a moment. “So, they are using him that way...” She mused. “I should have gotten him away when I had the chance. Damn you, Rhyubee...”
There was a trace of sadness in Shroud’s voice and something in her scent made Tsukiyomi decide to sniff her. There was something familiar in Shroud’s scent... books, secrets... something that linked her to...
“You...” Tsukiyomi was surprised. “You’re his mother, aren’t you? You smell like him.”
“How did you figure that out? What are you?” Shroud was apprehensive.
“It doesn’t matter how I know it.” Tsukiyomi replied. “Why are you here?”
“Because... you are my son’s only hope. You are the only one who can free him from the Museum.” Shroud sighed. “I don’t know what you are... but I know...”
“I’m a Wolfen.” Tsukiyomi felt like she could trust this woman. “It’s a kind of werewolf.”
“I see.” Shroud remarked. “That explains how you figured out who I was.”
“That and your words... they’re the words of a mother.” Tsuki paused. “But why me? Why do you need me to help save Philip?”
“Because of your bond with him.” Shroud said. “He doesn’t remember being Raito and I would have preferred it stayed that way but the Museum just HAD to find him...”
Tsuki bit her lip and then remembered the conversation she had with her family earlier. “Well... there is a way I can free him, but because of my age, I’m not 100% sure if it will work.”
“Tell me.” Shroud came to sit beside her, all fear and apprehension gone. They’d formed a tentative trust, united through their love for Philip. “Tell me what the plan is and I will do whatever I can to help you.”
Kirihiko’s heart dropped when he saw Saeko standing not too far behind him and Wakana. He knew it was only a matter of time before they were found. Saeko narrowed her eyes.
“What are you two doing down here?” Saeko asked, reaching into her pocket to pull out the Taboo Memory. “You’re not bothering Raito, are you?”
“Wakana demanded to see him.” Kirihiko replied. “I could not refuse her.”
“Oneesama, what bullshit is this!?” Wakana finally got to her feet and started to yell. “Why is Raito hooked up like that? You and Father said he’d be free to come and go as he pleased, just like he was before. He’s not just a tool for Gaia Memories!”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Wakana.” Saeko didn’t even bat an eyelash at her younger sister’s outburst. “He is a tool. We need him. We also can’t have a repeat of what happened to the Gaia Tower.”
“Think of Tsukiyomi!” Wakana yelled. “Think of her feelings!”
“She is of no importance to our cause.” Saeko waved her hand dismissively. “She’s only still alive because Father is fond of her. If it were up to me, she’d be put down like a dog.”
Wakana gasped and Kirihiko clenched his fists. “Saeko, you selfish, self-righteous, arrogant bitch!” Kirihiko let out his full anger at his ex-wife, knowing full well he was playing with fire as he did so. “She is not some animal to be killed! She loves Raito! And when she saw what you were up to, she fled! But be warned. You met her family...”
“I am not concerned about that freak show she calls a family.” Saeko snorted. “She’s just getting in our way. We are the chosen family... and she’s not worthy.”
“Not to Raito, she’s not!” Wakana pulled out her Claydoll Memory. “To him, she means the world and he loves her. I love her as though she was my own little sister. She’s more than worthy, Oneesama... and she doesn’t deserve to be slaughtered!”
Fearing that Wakana would get killed if she tried to take on her formidable older sister, Kirihiko pulled out the Nazuca Memory and got in front of his wife. “If you’re going to fight anyone, Saeko, it’ll be me. I won’t let you hurt Wakana.”
“Well, either way, I’ll be ridding myself of a husband.” Saeko was about to press the button on her Gaia Memory when something silver colored dashed out of the darkness and knocked Saeko down.
“What the hell...” Saeko spat, only to see that the Taboo memory was by a silver and black colored claw half hidden in darkness. When she reached for it, it was snatched away by a claw and the figure slowly stepped out into the light.
“A dog am I?” Came a deep, angry growl as something that looked like it came out of a nightmare of some kind, stepped into the light. “You psychotic bitch... how DARE you... how DARE you...”
Wakana screamed.
The claw belonged to something that looked a lot like some kind of mutant werewolf. It was silver in appearance, standing on two black legs, a golden horn protruding from its forehead. There were two fierce red eyes shimmering from a canine face and it was rather feminine in its appearance. In one clawed hand, it was holding the Taboo Memory.
“What are you?” Saeko yelled as Kirihiko held on to Wakana protectively.
“Oh, I’m sorry.... you don’t recognize me in this form.” Saeko and Wakana did not, but Kirihiko did. But he said nothing, preferring to keep her secret. There was a shimmer of light and a very angry Tsukiyomi was standing there, eyes a blazing golden color, fury clear in her expression. The Taboo Memory was clutched tightly in her fist “Now do you recognize me, you selfish bitch?” Tsukiyomi’s tone was one of pure venom and hate.
“YOU!” Saeko was either horrified or enraged, it was hard to tell. “What are you?!”
“Put simply, I am of the proud Wolfen race... a werewolf if you will... and if there is one way to get on a Wolfen’s bad side, it’s to mess around with her mate.” Tsukiyomi then managed to effortlessly crush the Gaia Memory in her hand. “...Oopsie, I broke your Memory. So sorry about that.” She tossed the remnants of it away. “Now, where were we? Oh, yes...” Tsukiyomi’s face twisted into a wicked smile. “I was about to kick your ass.”
“You selfish brat!” Saeko spat, managing to get to her feet. “I should have killed you when I had the chance.” She launched herself at Tsukiyomi, only for the formidable girl to knock Saeko aside, sending her into a nearby wall. She’d had enough of the eldest Sonozaki daughter and her arrogance and willingness to use her brother as a tool. It all ended tonight.
“You and your father use Philip as though he is nothing more than a tool by which to make money from and somehow I am the selfish one?” Tsukiyomi made a noise with her mouth and then moved over to the console that controlled the machinery that held Philip captive, muttering to herself. “It’s only because I don’t like to kill that I’m leaving you alive. I may be Wolfen, but unlike you, I’m not heartless.” She bit her lip thoughtfully and punched some buttons on the console. “I’m taking my fiancé. Kirihiko-san, it would be wise for you to take Wakana-san and leave this place.”
“Why would you say that?” Kirihiko asked.
“Because...” Tsukiyomi paused. “Don’t ask questions. Just take Wakana and leave. You want to save her and yourself? Then leave.”
There was a loud beep and the tube lowered, opening up and giving Tsukiyomi access to her love. Sighing in relief, Tsuki went to unhook him. “Philip... are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“Tsuki, what are you doing?” Philip’s voice was incredibly weak.
“Getting you the hell out of here.” Tsuki replied. “You’ll be safe with me from now on.”
“But...but...”
“Shush, darling.” Tsukiyomi, to the shock of Wakana and Kirihiko, managed to hoist Philip into her arms and she stroked him gently. “It’ll be okay.”
Wakana stood in shock for a moment before she finally spoke. “Can we... can we come with you?”
Tsukiyomi, the semi-conscious Philip, Kirihiko and Wakana left the Sonozaki estate just in time to see it burst into flames sometime later. It took them over an hour before they reached the Fujimori Manor, smelling a bit like smoke, looking like hell and basically so tired that they almost collapsed entirely.
When Yuri saw her daughter, and her companions, she nearly went into a frenzy trying to clean up and make the place more hospitable for them. “What on earth happened?!”
“Mom, it’s a long story and I’ll tell you everything later, but right now, Wakana and Kirihiko need a place to sleep and I need to put Philip in a bed. He’s a lot heavier than he looks.” Tsukiyomi sighed.
“And what’s this I hear about the Sonozaki estate catching on fire?!” Yuri had a habit of fretting whenever one of her children brought home people who were injured.
“Mom!” Tsukiyomi was tired, running out of patience and she had to put Philip down. “A bed for my fiancé, please.”
Philip slept for the next week. Tsukiyomi, occasionally joined by Shroud, kept constant watch at his side, waiting for him to wake. Whatever Saeko and Rhyubee had done had taken a toll on Philips’s body and left him in a near comatose state. Tsuki feared that he would never wake, the damage too much for his mind and his body.
Her constant vigil worried her parents, especially Jiro, who would often stand in the doorway of the guest bedroom. He would watch Tsukiyomi for as long as his heart would take it. Sometimes, he would bring her food, other times, he would sit with her and Shroud for a while. The room was always silent, save for the muffled sounds of Shroud’s weeping.
One morning, Wakana joined Tsukiyomi.
“Kirihiko and I are leaving soon.” Wakana murmured. “We’re going to go to Kyoto or some place… someplace far from here.”
“You’re not staying?” It was the first words Tsuki had spoken in days. “Why?”
“We want a fresh start, away from the ruins of our lives.” Wakana replied. “We also want to give Raito his space… if he ever wakes.”
“He will wake.” Tsukiyomi would not be swayed. “His body needs to heal and recover. But mark my words, he will wake.”
At that point, something in Philip’s scent changed and his hand slowly reached out to grasp Tsukiyomi’s hand. There was a slow inhale of breath and he whispered, “Tsuki? Neesan?”
Tsukiyomi’s eyes widened and Wakana let out a gasp, her eyes filling with tears.
“Raito!” Wakana cried.
Slowly, Philip’s eyes opened and he turned his head to face his older sister and his young love. He gave them both a tiny, but warm smile. He was struggling to move his body more, but his body seemed to refuse, wanting him to rest. He did, however, manage to squeeze Tsukiyomi’s hand in reassurance. “How long... how long have I been sleeping?”
“Philip! You’re okay!” Tsuki almost cried with joy. “How do you feel?”
“Surprisingly well rested.” A pause. “Do your parents have anything to eat that isn’t raw meat?”
Wakana did begin to cry then, leaning down to the bed and wrapping her arms around her brother as much as he could. “Raito... I was so worried. Tsukiyomi came to free you and she brought you here and you passed out and stayed that way... we thought you would be like that forever....” She sniffled. “I am so glad that you woke up...”
“I’m alright, neesan...” Philip sighed softly. “Thanks to Tsukiyomi.”
“Don’t thank me entirely. I had help.” Tsukiyomi smiled and kissed Philip’s hand. “Either way, I am so glad to see that you are okay.”
He smiled. “Me too.” His fingers stroked her cheek and when his stomach growled, he turned a light pink. “…Seriously, though. Do your parents have anything else to eat?”
In her joy, Tsukiyomi forgot all about the idea she’d been given to turn him until several days later. The two of them were outside in the gardens, lying on the warm grass and reading. It was very typical of how they’d spent their days recently. Since Kirihiko and Wakana had left, for Paris of all places, they were enjoying their time as “just the two of them”. In some ways, they felt closer than ever before. Philip was finally free of his oppressive family and free to live his own life.
When Tsuki thought about it, she remembered that had been what Shroud had wanted. She had wanted her son to live his own life. Shroud had seemingly vanished after the vigil she and Tsukiyomi had kept over Philip, only leaving behind a note that had read, “Take care of my son, Tsukiyomi-san. I am counting on you.”
Tsuki never did get to ask how Shroud wound up so bandaged in the first place. In the long run, it was probably something she didn’t wish to talk about and wherever she was, Tsuki hoped it was somewhere she could be happy.
As they were outside reading, Philip closed his book for a moment to look at her and then ask her a question. “Tsuki, is it true that humans can become Wolfen?”
“Well, yes, actually.” Tsukiyomi was surprised, but pleased that he had brought the topic up. “Mom used to be human before Dad turned her. You could say she feels more Wolfen than she ever did human. Why do you ask?”
“I was doing a lookup on Wolfen again and I realized that most of the information I was finding had a lot to do with Wolfen legends… which makes sense considering the Wolfen were considered to be all but extinct. One of the legends explains where werewolves came from, among other things and it got me thinking… “
“Thinking about what?” It was always incredibly dangerous whenever Philip began thinking about something because he had a huge tendency to be a bit of a runaway train and get so focused on what he was looking up that he would focus on nothing else.
“Tsuki, what if I told you that I wanted to become Wolfen?”
Tsuki’s mouth fell open in shock and then she was reminded of the conversation she’d had with her family only a week or two earlier in which Tsumeko had brought up the idea of turning Philip Wolfen so he could no longer be exploited by Saeko and Rhyubee. She’d almost completely forgotten about said plan and hadn’t even been actively thinking about it until he said something. She bit her lip for a moment. “Well, that’s the first step. You have to want it.” She murmured. “Truth be told, when I saw you hooked up like that… I went to my family to ask them for their advice. Tsume-neesan told me I should turn you Wolfen so you would be, as she put it, ‘bad for business’. That’s why I came to break you out. I was determined to turn you, but I couldn’t do so with you in such bad shape. A Wolfen bite, particularly the marking bite, is not dangerous, but… you needed to regain your strength and rest.”
“So, it’s true!” His eyes widened. “A human can be turned Wolfen?”
“Well, of course, it’s true.” Tsukiyomi murmured. “But, I’m… I am not sure if I can do it to you. As far as Wolfen go, I’m fairly young. It might not work… and I don’t think you’re strong enough yet. You need more rest.”
“But… when I’m ready… will you try?”
“You want to? You want to be turned?”
“What I want, Tsukiyomi…” He took her hands in his own and squeezed them gently. “…Is to be with you for as long as I can. I don’t think I can do that if I remain as I am now.”
“But you… you fell into the Gaia Fountain and became reborn as its avatar. Technically speaking…”
He pressed her warm hand against his chest, beneath his Windscale pendant. “Do you feel that?”
She did feel it; it was his heart beating. Carefully, she nodded.
“If I can still breathe and walk and talk and be sitting here with you, I am still alive… still a human being… a human being who is very much in love with a Wolfen princess.” He kissed her hand then and Tsuki’s heart did a little flip in her chest. “At least think about it, Tsukiyomi.”
“When you’re stronger… I’ll do it.” She promised.
A warm spring day came, several months later, and in the large gardens of Fujimori Manor, a small party stood assembled to watch a wedding. It was the day Sonozaki Raito became Fujimori Philip and Fujimori Tsukiyomi finally took a mate for her own. For the Fujimori family, it was a day of joy and celebration.
It was also the day that Tsukiyomi would deliver on her promise to Philip and turn him. He had finally grown strong enough to endure the transformation and on their wedding night, she would formally induct him into her family.
So, here they were. Tsukiyomi wearing a custom-designed Haus of Kurenai creation inspired by Disney’s The Princess & the Frog, and Philip in a formal suit. As the vows were said, they held hands and looked into one another’s eyes.
Wakana and Kirihiko had returned from Paris and Wakana just watched with a starry eyed expression, smiling. Yuri, looking like the proud Mother of the bride she was, rested her head on Jiro’s shoulder and Jiro’s arm was draped around her. The two of them shared a smile as Tsukiyomi and Philip kissed one another, cementing their newfound bond as husband and wife.
A warm breeze blew as everyone got to their feet and clapped, throwing white rose petals as the two of them ran down the aisle together, hand in hand, laughing and crying.
At the sight of her youngest daughter so happy, Yuri just burst into tears.
The crowd seemed to part for a moment and Tsukiyomi spotted Shroud among the onlookers. Shroud was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, waving as she watched her son. Tsukiyomi waved at Shroud cheerfully, wishing the woman could take part in her son’s wedding, but knew that she would keep her distance.
“I love you, Tsukiyomi-hime.” Philip whispered, as they were lead to their carriage, kissing her hand as she stepped in.
“And I love you…Raito.” She kissed his cheek, tossing the bouquet over her shoulder for her sisters to fight over who caught it.
That evening, up in the private mountain home Yuri and Jiro had given to their youngest daughter as a present, Philip was relaxing in a bath, reading a book. Tsukiyomi sat in the bedroom, brushing her long hair, thinking of the conversation she’d had with her mother.
“Mom, Philip wants to be turned.” Tsukiyomi murmured, coming into her mother’s room, needing advice. “And I have no idea what I’m supposed to do.”
“He wants to be turned Wolfen, Tsuki?” Yuri was surprised. “Who gave him such an idea?”
“The Library in his brain.”
Yuri had never been able to understand how Philip had a library in his brain, but she decided to ignore this fact. She knew that Tsuki was in desperate need of advice. “So, has his body healed enough to accept the bite?”
“I don’t know yet, but when he is strong enough, I want to turn him. The thing is that I don’t know how or what to do. I’m not like Satoru-niichan. I don’t know how I can turn a human Wolfen and I don’t want to ask Dad.”
“Well, the important thing is that he wants it.” Yuri replied, gesturing to Tsukiyomi to sit down. “The second most important thing is that you have to bite him.”
“Where? Where do I bite him?”
Yuri sighed and wondered how in the world she’d avoided telling Tsukiyomi about Wolfen mating rituals. Carefully, she began to explain the exact nature of turning a human into a Wolfen. To her surprise, Tsukiyomi was taking notes.
Tsukiyomi pulled out some dental floss and began to floss her teeth, making sure there was no meat or anything stuck in them. She had to make sure her teeth were clean and perfect. Tonight was a special night.
She didn’t have to bite him on the neck like her father did to her mother. She wanted to bite him somewhere more personal, but then again, she wasn’t sure if it would work.
“Tsuki…” Philip’s voice was soft as it came from behind her. “Why are you flossing?”
“All the better to bite you with.” She smiled at his reflection. He looked utterly adorable in his deep green robe, drying his hair. “Did you enjoy your bath?”
“Very refreshing.” He came over to kiss her cheek. “So, all done flossing?”
“I had to make sure my teeth are in top condition. I don’t want to give you an infection.” She kissed him warmly then, smiling and touching the Gaia Memory she wore around her neck. “So…now that you’re all refreshed….”
He wasted no time. “I’m ready.”
“Once I do this…” Tsukiyomi had to be firm. They’d made love for the first and final time as human and Wolfen before he insisted he was ready. “…There is no turning back. Are you sure this is what you want, Philip?”
“Yes. I am positive. This is what I want.”
She made him lie back before nuzzling his face lovingly, kissing and lapping at his neck before she bore her fangs and bit down into his neck.
The bite caused him to cry out in pain, and she held him close, soothing him. “It’s all right. Childbirth always hurts.”
Once Tsukiyomi had bitten him, Philip fell into a deep sleep. She cared for him for through the night and when he woke up, his eyes blazed a beautiful burnished gold.
“Are you okay?” She asked.
“You smell like orchids.” He remarked, running his hand through her hair. “Your hair feels soft… kind of smooth…” He inhaled. “The world…it feels different.”
“Orchids. That’s a new scent.” She murmured. “Your eyes are beautiful. Such a gorgeous golden color. It suits you.”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “I can still go into the Gaia Library…it feels like I have more access to more things than I ever had before.” He paused.
“What are you looking up?”
“Wolfen mating legends.” He smiled and she saw a flash of teeth. “Perhaps now would be a good time for me to live up to the nickname Shotarou gave me: a runaway train of knowledge.”
“Perhaps now would be a good time for me to show you MY knowledge for a change.”
He raised his eyebrow, but that was all he could do before she pounced on him.
The next few days were full of wonder and exploration for Philip and Tsukiyomi. Tsuki taught Philip the basics of Wolfen behaviors: how to hunt, a tentative mastery of his new senses and how to control the urges that now burned in his veins. She knew that it would be a while before he had complete control. It may take years. But for right now, she had to teach him what she knew so she wouldn’t accidentally unleash a monster on the world.
But Philip was not like he was when he was under the influence of the Fang Memory. Somehow, becoming Wolfen freed him. Of what, Tsuki wasn’t sure. But she did know that turning him was a good thing. In a way, it made them closer.
Being outside was second nature for a Wolfen. The woods were a familiar comfort, full of warm smells and a comfortable surrounding. Philip was learning the ropes, and he enjoyed seeing the world through brand new eyes. Deciding to take a break from making love all over the house, Tsukiyomi took her husband out for a walk around the secluded property. As it was springtime, the forest and gardens seemed to just be exploding with color.
“It’s beautiful out here.” Philip murmured. “I love the color.” He watched in amazement as cherry blossoms swirled around them, some landing in Tsukiyomi’s hair. “It’s like looking through the world in high definition vision.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Tsukiyomi replied. “I’ve never not known not being a Wolfen. It’s all I know.” She slipped her hand in his.
“That’s okay.” Philip replied. “I’m glad I’ve had you to teach me.” He smiled at her and then pulled her into his arms for a kiss, pressing her against a tree. They kissed warmly for a long moment, cherry blossoms swirling around them. He paused against her lips and whispered. “I love you.”
“I know.” She smiled and felt their hearts and fingers entwine, losing themselves to the kisses. Before they knew it, they’d once again lost themselves to the pleasures of the flesh. Somehow, they wound up lying on the grass, warm and happy.
“I could get used to a life like this.” Philip remarked. “It’s something I’ve never known before, this life of freedom. Free to roam around, to do as many lookups as I want… to make love to you as many times as I want… Just…” He sighed. “…freedom. It feels wonderful.”
“I’m glad.” Tsukiyomi had always known that, even with Shotarou, Philip had never truly been free. He’d always been wary of the Museum trying to take him back. It bothered her that this was the first taste of true freedom he’d ever had, but at the same time, she was happy that it was with her. “Don’t let yourself drown, though.” She laughed, curling up on his chest and sighing. “I don’t want you getting carried away by all this freedom.”
“You sound like Shotarou.” He chided her playfully. “Always concerned for me. I’m not their tool anymore and I plan to use my powers for good.”
“You mean, go back to being a Kamen Rider?” Being a Kamen Rider was something of a tradition in her family. Her maternal grandmother had developed the IXA Rider System, after all and her parents had used it her brother in law, Nago Keisuke and her elder sister Megumi. “Go back to Fuuto?”
“Actually, I was going to stay here and work for your father in law, Nobori Taiga. Before we got married, he offered me a job at D&P.” He replied. “Taiga-san promised me that I would be free to move around as I pleased and that I would be paid well for my services. I would get to use my brain for good and have a nice job. He told me it was perfect for me, since now I have a wife to support.”
“That was kind of him.” Tsukiyomi sighed. “Philip…I’m glad… I’m glad I met you and I’m happy that you’re my mate and I’m even happier that you’re free.”
He kissed her hand softly and dew her close to him, understanding what Jiro had once told him about the bonds between Wolfen and their mates. He understood the bond now, just like he had when Tsukiyomi had first shown him her true form, the beautiful moon-colored Wolfen body.
Finally, Philip was content. He had things he never thought he would never have: love, family, acceptance and finally, his freedom.
For Philip, at last, life was perfect.
Author: Trinity
Fandom: Kamen Rider Kiva/Kamen Rider W
Pairing: Tsukiyomi/Philip, with hints of Jiro/Yuri, Wakana/Kirihiko, and Tsumeko/Zanki
Rating: PG-13
Notes: With the exception of Jiro, Yuri, Satoru, Megumi and Mitsuhide, the other members of the Fujimori-Aso family are the creation and property of my dear friend Lissy. The Kurenai-Nobori family, with the exception of Masao, belongs to me and all other characters belong to their specific canons.
Summary: When Tsukiyomi discovers the truth about what the Museum is really using Philip for, she becomes determined to save him. But the question is… how?
Fujimori Tsukiyomi wasn’t sure what she would find when she entered the Narumi Detective Agency, but she was somewhat surprised to find a young woman and a young man who looked like a film noir detective sitting there, talking quietly amongst themselves. She knew from Philip’s description that the young man was his former partner, Hidari Shotarou and the woman was Narumi Akiko, the chief. She wasn’t sure how they got her number, but since she’d been asked to come there, she came. “Um… excuse me…” Tsukiyomi began, looking somewhat younger than her 18 years. “…But is this the Narumi Detective Agency?”
Both heads snapped up and looked at her before she decided to continue. “I’m Fujimori Tsukiyomi, Philip’s fiancé. I was told to come here for a meeting.”
“Is Philip-kun all right?” Narumi Akiko asked, leaping up and running over to Tsukiyomi, guiding her to Shoutarou’s desk. “How is he? What are they doing to him?”
“Hello.” Shotarou looked somewhat embarrassed at Akiko’s outburst, but he stood up, bowed and straightened his tie. “I’m Hidari Shotarou, a private investigator. I’m glad you came. I wasn’t sure if you would make it out of the Sonozaki home and all the way here without them asking you too many questions.” He paused. “Philip and I… we were partners before the Sonozaki family took him back. I am sure they blackmailed him somehow…”
“They told him as long as he came back, you and Akiko would never be harmed.” Tsukiyomi had been told some of the details by Philip, who was also known as Sonozaki Raito, but out of fear, he hadn’t told her much. “I wasn’t able to get much else out of him. He’s always afraid that his father or oldest sister are listening in on us.”
Philip had only recently learned of who he truly was and just as quickly, the Sonozaki family and the Museum moved to take him back. Tsukiyomi, knowing through her brother in law, Kurenai Masao, exactly what kind of family she was getting tangled up in, made the decision to stick by Philip, no matter what. It was then that Tsukiyomi had received an email asking her to contact Hidari Shotarou and Narumi Akiko at the Narumi Detective Agency. Intrigued and hoping to learn more about the Sonozakis, the Museum and their plans, she went to go meet with them.
Tsukiyomi bit her lip. “I don’t like Rhyubee-san and Saeko-san… they remind me of spiders, always waiting for their prey to wander into a trap.”
“You may sit down if you wish. I’m sure you have lots of questions.” Shotarou sighed. “I know your time here may be short, so I’ll try to explain as much as I can.”
“I’m only monitored when I’m with Philip.” Tsukiyomi replied as she sat down in front of the desk. “Mostly, I am left to my own devices.”
“Good... now, where to begin….” Shotarou sighed.
“He’s being used as a tool?” Fujimori Yuri, the matriarch of Tsukiyomi’s Wolfen family, the Fujimoris cried as Tsuki flopped into a chair in the sitting room, surrounded by her seven older siblings and her parents. “How are they doing it?”
After Shotarou had told Tsukiyomi exactly what the Museum was using Philip for, the creation of Gaia Memories to be sold, the youngest member of the Wolfen Royal family had almost flown into a rage, her instinct to protect her mate coming out in full force. She had become determined to help save him from his family’s nefarious plans. So, she went to the only people she knew could help her: her family.
“I don’t know how they do it, but I know this isn’t the first time. When Shotarou-san and his boss broke Philip out of the Gaia Tower, they were using him in the exact same fashion, taking advantage of the special ability given to him when he fell into the Gaia Fountain and died, only to be revived as its avatar. It’s a horrible, evil thing and I am going to stop them.” Tsukiyomi was shaking with anger. “Philip is not theirs to use in such a fashion!”
“You cannot act rashly, Tsuki.” Fujimori Jiro, the formidable Wolfen King and patriarch to the Fujimori family, came to embrace his youngest daughter. “These people are powerful and dangerous and if they’re using Gaia Memories, they’re an especially dangerous threat. I know Philip is your fiancé…”
“He’s more than that, Daddy.” Tsuki murmured. “He’s my mate. I’ve felt it. He looked at me in my true form and he wasn’t scared or upset. He looked at me with love and fascination. That’s why I can’t… I won’t… he is not theirs to be used to corrupt people!”
“You have to be careful, Tsuki-chan.” Aso-Nago Megumi, the eldest daughter had to add her two cents in. “I know you want to protect him, but you have to take into consideration that they will do very drastic things to keep him if he’s so integral to business.”
“Can you blame Tsukiyomi for wanting to protect her mate?” Satoru, the second oldest of the Fujimori sons asked. “I was the same way when I found out that Sakomi was being abused by her husband.”
“Yes, but Toru-niichan, you were able to save Sakomi-san.” Tsukiyomi said.
“I had to break her husband’s neck to do so.” Satoru replied. “Tsuki, you’re only 18 and you have barely come into your abilities. With this family, you’re playing with fire.”
“So, what am I supposed to do? Sit there and let them continue? I don’t think so!” Tsukiyomi sprang from her chair and pointed a finger accusingly at her older brother. “If none of you will help me, I’ll do it myself!”
“Hold on there, Tsuki-chan.” Older sister Akane moved to keep a fight from breaking out. “No one is saying that you sit back and let this happen. We’re just saying that you should think this through before you do something that will get you killed.”
“You know, you could make it so that he’ll be bad for business.” Akane’s twin, Tsumeko, smirked, fingering one of her violently red braids. “If you do something rather drastic, but appropriate if he’s your mate, they won’t be able to use him.”
“What are you suggesting, Tsume?” Oldest son, Mitsuhide was fanning himself nervously.
“Tsume-neechan, don’t think that way!” Takeshi, the third oldest after Mitsuhide and Satoru cried. “You can’t tell Tsukiyomi to do that! She’s too young and it might not even work!”
“If anyone else has any better ideas, I’d like to hear them.” Tsumeko replied, shooting her brothers dirty looks. “Otherwise, Tsuki, there is a very simple solution to your problem: Turn Philip Wolfen.”
“Turn him?” Tsuki looked thoughtful. “But will it even work…”
“Philip-kun is still human, yes? There’s a human heart in there, isn’t there?” Tsumeko inquired. “Well, either way, as long as he is alive, you should be able to turn him Wolfen. If you turn him, not only will it strengthen the bond between the two of you, it will also make him unusable to the Sonozakis.”
“Tsuki’s much too young to consider something like that!” Megumi scolded.
“She’s eighteen. I would hardly call that too young to make her own decisions.” Tsumeko shot back. “And it was a suggestion. Tsuki came to us for help and all the rest of you seem to be interested in doing is reminding her of how dangerous these people are. Have we all forgotten? The bond between us and our mates and how strong that bond is? Tsuki is no different from the rest of us. Her instincts tell her to protect him and I’m telling her a way she can.”
“Do you think it will work, Tsume-neechan?” Tsukiyomi’s mind had zeroed in on the possibilities of turning Philip and it was the best idea she’d heard in a while.
“I know it will work.” Tsumeko smiled at this. “It’s the perfect plan.”
The more Tsumeko spoke, the more everyone listened to her and the more her idea made sense. It was the perfect way to break Philip out of the Museum’s grasp.
“Tsukiyomi, where have you been?” Sonozaki Kirihiko, husband to second daughter Wakana stepped out of the shadows around the front door of the Sonozaki estate as Tsukiyomi came home later that night. “You missed dinner.”
“I had dinner with my family.” Tsukiyomi narrowed her eyes at Kirihiko. She didn’t appreciate the third degree. “Unlike you, I still have my family who misses me. Where is Philip?”
“He is not your concern right now. You should be more concerned about Saeko and Father.”
Angry at Kirihiko’s arrogance, Tsukiyomi felt her Wolfen anger flare. She stepped as close to him as she could, growling softly. “Philip is ALWAYS my concern. I want to see him and I want to see him NOW.”
Kirihiko glared back at Tsukiyomi, but something in her expression softened him a little. “You sound like Wakana when she’s worried about him, too.” He remarked. “I find the devotion the two of you share touching, but I must warn you… you may not like what you are about to see.”’
“Kirihiko…”
“Follow me.” He was going to regret this so much.
What Tsukiyomi saw when she was taken to where Philip was being kept while he was working; she almost turned and ran out of the room. It had taken her Wolfen senses a while to adjust to the large room, but when she did she wished that she could unsee that was there before her.
Philip was in some kind of tube filled with light, his body apparently hooked up to all kinds of machines, his mind stuck in an endless loop of lookups. The smell of it made Tsukiyomi want to puke and the sight of him being used this way tore at her heart.
Suddenly, as if he sensed her, his eyes opened slowly. “Tsuki…” She heard him whisper, reaching out for her.
Kirihiko had to stop her from going any closer. “Don’t.” He murmured. “The system installed around him will kill you if you try to free him.”
“Let me go!” Tsukiyomi fought against Kirihiko, trying hard to hide her strength. “Let me go!” She was trying very hard not to cry as she screamed, kicking.
“I shouldn’t have brought you in here…” Kirihiko, unlike Saeko, still had humanity in his heart. The devotion Wakana and Tsukiyomi felt for Philip touched something in him and while he tried to shield Wakana from what was truly going on, he found that he could not hide such things from Tsukiyomi. “I don’t want either you or Wakana to see this…” He couldn’t stand to hear Tsukiyomi sobbing. “Tsuki, come…”
“No!” Tsukiyomi broke loose from him and rushed to the tube, ignoring the security system, shifting forms into her Wolfen body and pressing her paw to the glass, almost touching his hand. She kept making strange noises, almost like she was crying.
Kirihiko was shocked. She hadn’t even been given a Gaia Memory yet! But this form… it was no ordinary form.
“Let him go.” Tsukiyomi, or at least, it sounded like her, growled, her paw still pressed to Philip’s hand. “Please, Kirihiko… let him go.”
“I can’t.” Kirihiko could almost feel Tsukiyomi’s sadness and as she turned back into her more recognizable form, Kirihiko decided to help her. “I want to help… but I can’t let him out.”
“I’m okay, Tsuki…” Philip’s voice was faint. “Kirihiko-san, please take her out of here before she does something rash.”
Tsuki had to be dragged screaming out of the room. A short time later, Kirihiko destroyed the security footage, deciding to keep Tsukiyomi’s secret. However, later that night, Tsukiyomi fled the Sonozaki estate. She couldn’t stay there another minute.
Instead of going to her parents’ home, she went to the dojo where her elder sister Tsumeko lived with her paramour, Zanki. She had to be with someone, just not her parents.
Zanki, the mirror image of Jiro, slid open the rice paper door and was surprised to see a crying Tsuki standing there. “Tsukiyomi-chan…”
“I need to see Tsume-neesan.” Tsukiyomi wept. “Is she awake?”
“What do you mean she’s gone!?” Kirihiko’s wife, Wakana was horrified. “What were you thinking, Kirihiko?”
“She demanded to see him.” It wasn’t much of an explanation, but it was the only one he had. “So, I took her to see him. She… she flipped out and ran off. I had to drag her away because she was hysterical.”
“You never took me to see Raito.” Ratio was Philip’s actual name, but he preferred using Philip. “Why not?”
“I don’t want you to see him that way… the way Saeko and Father are keeping him… I can barely look at him. I should never have taken her there. Wakana… she loves him. She was crying… I… I couldn’t stand it.”
“I want to see him.” Wakana didn’t believe Kirihiko’s words. “Take me down there. I want to see my little brother.”
“Wakana, please… I don’t want you to see him like that. It’s… it’s not right.”
“Is it… is it really that bad?” Wakana asked in a small voice. “What are they doing to him down there?”
“Using him like the tool Father believes him to be.” Kirihiko wasn’t proud of this and wished he could have taken Wakana and gotten out when they both had the chance. “It’s not something I think you should see.”
“Kirihiko!” Wakana put her foot down, despite her uncertainty. “Take me to see Raito. I want to see my brother.”
He never could say no to his wife.
“Zanki, would you go make some tea for Tsukiyomi and start a fire, please?” Tsumeko put a warm blanket around her younger sisters’ shoulders and handed her a tissue to wipe her eyes with.
Zanki, who’d hastily thrown on a robe as he and Tsume had been sleeping nodded and went off to another part of the dojo to go make the tea. As the rice paper door slid shut, Tsuki let out something that sounded like the cry of a wounded animal.
“Kirihiko saw me!” She confessed. “He saw me change forms!”
Tsumeko was horrified. “How did he see you!? What happened!?”
Tsukiyomi sniffled. “When I came home from Mom and Dad’s, Kirihiko was waiting for me, when I asked him where Philip was, he told me it was no longer my concern. I demanded he take me there…oh, Tsume-neesan, it’s awful! They’re using him as though he’s another computer making Gaia Memories!”
Tsumeko swore at this, unable to stand seeing her youngest sister in hysterics. “Those bastards!” She raged. “He’s not a tool!”
Tsukiyomi continued to weep. “But... Kirihiko... he’s different. He... I think he destroyed the security footage to protect me... I don’t understand what’s going on...” She paused to take a few deep breaths. “They keep him in a glass tube, hooked up to machines and use him to make Gaia Memories. It’s like he’s a science experiment! I wanted to free him, so I went through the security systems and my body shifted forms to protect me from harm. That’s how Kirihiko saw me...” She sniffled. “...How...how can they use their son like that? He’s... he’s a human being, not some kind of weapon!”
“It’s okay, it’s okay...” Tsume embraced Tsuki tightly. “It’s all right...”
“Is something wrong, Tsume?” Zanki had returned with hot tea and cups. “They didn’t hurt her, did they? Her boyfriend’s family...”
“No. They’re up to far worse than just that.”
Kirihiko was convinced that he would never get out of the Sonozaki family alive at this rate. He and Wakana were staring at the glass tube Philip was encased in and Wakana was just on her knees, staring.
“I should have just insisted that you not come down here.” He murmured.
“...Raito...” Wakana whimpered. “Is he...”
“If he’s in pain or not, I can never truly tell.” Kirihiko knelt beside his wife and stroked her hair. “He hides it well if he is.”
“I thought it was like it was before... he was free to move about as he wished before.” Wakana was horrified. “Why do they have him hooked up to machines like this?”
“I don’t know.” It was something only Rhyubee had the answer to. “We...we should leave.”
“I can’t leave him like this, Kirihiko!” Wakana wept, trying to make herself stand. “I... I have to free him.” She pulled out her Claydoll memory and was about to use it when Kirihiko stopped her. “Raito needs me!”
“We have to leave.” Kirihiko knew that if he got rid of the tapes Rhyubee and Saeko would get suspicious and start asking questions. “Wakana, it’s not worth it.”
“Is that what you told Tsukiyomi?” Wakana was trying to yell, but her voice wasn’t letting her. “No wonder she ran away!”
Just as Kirihiko was about to drag her out of the room, another voice cut in. “Well, well... what have we here?”
It was rapidly becoming clear to Tsumeko that no amount of convincing would get Tsukiyomi to return to the Sonozaki estate. Not even the ever-present threat of losing Philip for good would get her to return. In fact, it wasn’t until Zanki’s dojo got another visitor that she would listen to anyone on the subject.
“Tsume...” Zanki came into the small room where Tsumeko and Tsukiyomi sat in stony silence. Tsuki was sipping tea and Tsumeko looked as though she might throw her hands up in frustration. When her head turned towards her lover, he spoke more. “...There is someone here to see Tsukiyomi.”
“I hope this visitor has better luck in talking sense into Tsuki than I’ve been.” Tsumeko muttered.
Zanki stepped over to the side, revealing a tall woman, dressed in a trench coat and fedora, black glasses covering what must have been her eyes... save for the fact that her face was heavily bandaged. “She says her name is Shroud.” Zanki explains. “She would like to speak to Tsuki-chan in private.”
“I don’t want to talk to anyone.” Tsuki spat.
“Do you want to save Philip or are you content to let them use him as though he’s just a tool?” Shroud asked, her voice cold with anger. “What kind of fiancé are you?”
“Who do you think you are?” Tsukiyomi actually threw her cup at Shroud, who barely managed to duck the hot liquid. “How DARE you...”
“You are the one who ran away!” Shroud yelled and Tsume and Zanki took that it was a cue to leave. “I thought you loved him... that you wanted to marry him.”
“I do want to marry him!” Tsukiyomi cried, but then she bit her lip. “But... they’re using him like a tool. You didn’t see how he was. He was trapped in some tube of light, hooked up to machines, being used like he was some kind of piece of machinery. I... I couldn’t look at him that way. And they told me he was no longer my concern. Philip is my MATE. He is ALWAYS my concern.”
Shroud was silent for a moment. “So, they are using him that way...” She mused. “I should have gotten him away when I had the chance. Damn you, Rhyubee...”
There was a trace of sadness in Shroud’s voice and something in her scent made Tsukiyomi decide to sniff her. There was something familiar in Shroud’s scent... books, secrets... something that linked her to...
“You...” Tsukiyomi was surprised. “You’re his mother, aren’t you? You smell like him.”
“How did you figure that out? What are you?” Shroud was apprehensive.
“It doesn’t matter how I know it.” Tsukiyomi replied. “Why are you here?”
“Because... you are my son’s only hope. You are the only one who can free him from the Museum.” Shroud sighed. “I don’t know what you are... but I know...”
“I’m a Wolfen.” Tsukiyomi felt like she could trust this woman. “It’s a kind of werewolf.”
“I see.” Shroud remarked. “That explains how you figured out who I was.”
“That and your words... they’re the words of a mother.” Tsuki paused. “But why me? Why do you need me to help save Philip?”
“Because of your bond with him.” Shroud said. “He doesn’t remember being Raito and I would have preferred it stayed that way but the Museum just HAD to find him...”
Tsuki bit her lip and then remembered the conversation she had with her family earlier. “Well... there is a way I can free him, but because of my age, I’m not 100% sure if it will work.”
“Tell me.” Shroud came to sit beside her, all fear and apprehension gone. They’d formed a tentative trust, united through their love for Philip. “Tell me what the plan is and I will do whatever I can to help you.”
Kirihiko’s heart dropped when he saw Saeko standing not too far behind him and Wakana. He knew it was only a matter of time before they were found. Saeko narrowed her eyes.
“What are you two doing down here?” Saeko asked, reaching into her pocket to pull out the Taboo Memory. “You’re not bothering Raito, are you?”
“Wakana demanded to see him.” Kirihiko replied. “I could not refuse her.”
“Oneesama, what bullshit is this!?” Wakana finally got to her feet and started to yell. “Why is Raito hooked up like that? You and Father said he’d be free to come and go as he pleased, just like he was before. He’s not just a tool for Gaia Memories!”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Wakana.” Saeko didn’t even bat an eyelash at her younger sister’s outburst. “He is a tool. We need him. We also can’t have a repeat of what happened to the Gaia Tower.”
“Think of Tsukiyomi!” Wakana yelled. “Think of her feelings!”
“She is of no importance to our cause.” Saeko waved her hand dismissively. “She’s only still alive because Father is fond of her. If it were up to me, she’d be put down like a dog.”
Wakana gasped and Kirihiko clenched his fists. “Saeko, you selfish, self-righteous, arrogant bitch!” Kirihiko let out his full anger at his ex-wife, knowing full well he was playing with fire as he did so. “She is not some animal to be killed! She loves Raito! And when she saw what you were up to, she fled! But be warned. You met her family...”
“I am not concerned about that freak show she calls a family.” Saeko snorted. “She’s just getting in our way. We are the chosen family... and she’s not worthy.”
“Not to Raito, she’s not!” Wakana pulled out her Claydoll Memory. “To him, she means the world and he loves her. I love her as though she was my own little sister. She’s more than worthy, Oneesama... and she doesn’t deserve to be slaughtered!”
Fearing that Wakana would get killed if she tried to take on her formidable older sister, Kirihiko pulled out the Nazuca Memory and got in front of his wife. “If you’re going to fight anyone, Saeko, it’ll be me. I won’t let you hurt Wakana.”
“Well, either way, I’ll be ridding myself of a husband.” Saeko was about to press the button on her Gaia Memory when something silver colored dashed out of the darkness and knocked Saeko down.
“What the hell...” Saeko spat, only to see that the Taboo memory was by a silver and black colored claw half hidden in darkness. When she reached for it, it was snatched away by a claw and the figure slowly stepped out into the light.
“A dog am I?” Came a deep, angry growl as something that looked like it came out of a nightmare of some kind, stepped into the light. “You psychotic bitch... how DARE you... how DARE you...”
Wakana screamed.
The claw belonged to something that looked a lot like some kind of mutant werewolf. It was silver in appearance, standing on two black legs, a golden horn protruding from its forehead. There were two fierce red eyes shimmering from a canine face and it was rather feminine in its appearance. In one clawed hand, it was holding the Taboo Memory.
“What are you?” Saeko yelled as Kirihiko held on to Wakana protectively.
“Oh, I’m sorry.... you don’t recognize me in this form.” Saeko and Wakana did not, but Kirihiko did. But he said nothing, preferring to keep her secret. There was a shimmer of light and a very angry Tsukiyomi was standing there, eyes a blazing golden color, fury clear in her expression. The Taboo Memory was clutched tightly in her fist “Now do you recognize me, you selfish bitch?” Tsukiyomi’s tone was one of pure venom and hate.
“YOU!” Saeko was either horrified or enraged, it was hard to tell. “What are you?!”
“Put simply, I am of the proud Wolfen race... a werewolf if you will... and if there is one way to get on a Wolfen’s bad side, it’s to mess around with her mate.” Tsukiyomi then managed to effortlessly crush the Gaia Memory in her hand. “...Oopsie, I broke your Memory. So sorry about that.” She tossed the remnants of it away. “Now, where were we? Oh, yes...” Tsukiyomi’s face twisted into a wicked smile. “I was about to kick your ass.”
“You selfish brat!” Saeko spat, managing to get to her feet. “I should have killed you when I had the chance.” She launched herself at Tsukiyomi, only for the formidable girl to knock Saeko aside, sending her into a nearby wall. She’d had enough of the eldest Sonozaki daughter and her arrogance and willingness to use her brother as a tool. It all ended tonight.
“You and your father use Philip as though he is nothing more than a tool by which to make money from and somehow I am the selfish one?” Tsukiyomi made a noise with her mouth and then moved over to the console that controlled the machinery that held Philip captive, muttering to herself. “It’s only because I don’t like to kill that I’m leaving you alive. I may be Wolfen, but unlike you, I’m not heartless.” She bit her lip thoughtfully and punched some buttons on the console. “I’m taking my fiancé. Kirihiko-san, it would be wise for you to take Wakana-san and leave this place.”
“Why would you say that?” Kirihiko asked.
“Because...” Tsukiyomi paused. “Don’t ask questions. Just take Wakana and leave. You want to save her and yourself? Then leave.”
There was a loud beep and the tube lowered, opening up and giving Tsukiyomi access to her love. Sighing in relief, Tsuki went to unhook him. “Philip... are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“Tsuki, what are you doing?” Philip’s voice was incredibly weak.
“Getting you the hell out of here.” Tsuki replied. “You’ll be safe with me from now on.”
“But...but...”
“Shush, darling.” Tsukiyomi, to the shock of Wakana and Kirihiko, managed to hoist Philip into her arms and she stroked him gently. “It’ll be okay.”
Wakana stood in shock for a moment before she finally spoke. “Can we... can we come with you?”
Tsukiyomi, the semi-conscious Philip, Kirihiko and Wakana left the Sonozaki estate just in time to see it burst into flames sometime later. It took them over an hour before they reached the Fujimori Manor, smelling a bit like smoke, looking like hell and basically so tired that they almost collapsed entirely.
When Yuri saw her daughter, and her companions, she nearly went into a frenzy trying to clean up and make the place more hospitable for them. “What on earth happened?!”
“Mom, it’s a long story and I’ll tell you everything later, but right now, Wakana and Kirihiko need a place to sleep and I need to put Philip in a bed. He’s a lot heavier than he looks.” Tsukiyomi sighed.
“And what’s this I hear about the Sonozaki estate catching on fire?!” Yuri had a habit of fretting whenever one of her children brought home people who were injured.
“Mom!” Tsukiyomi was tired, running out of patience and she had to put Philip down. “A bed for my fiancé, please.”
Philip slept for the next week. Tsukiyomi, occasionally joined by Shroud, kept constant watch at his side, waiting for him to wake. Whatever Saeko and Rhyubee had done had taken a toll on Philips’s body and left him in a near comatose state. Tsuki feared that he would never wake, the damage too much for his mind and his body.
Her constant vigil worried her parents, especially Jiro, who would often stand in the doorway of the guest bedroom. He would watch Tsukiyomi for as long as his heart would take it. Sometimes, he would bring her food, other times, he would sit with her and Shroud for a while. The room was always silent, save for the muffled sounds of Shroud’s weeping.
One morning, Wakana joined Tsukiyomi.
“Kirihiko and I are leaving soon.” Wakana murmured. “We’re going to go to Kyoto or some place… someplace far from here.”
“You’re not staying?” It was the first words Tsuki had spoken in days. “Why?”
“We want a fresh start, away from the ruins of our lives.” Wakana replied. “We also want to give Raito his space… if he ever wakes.”
“He will wake.” Tsukiyomi would not be swayed. “His body needs to heal and recover. But mark my words, he will wake.”
At that point, something in Philip’s scent changed and his hand slowly reached out to grasp Tsukiyomi’s hand. There was a slow inhale of breath and he whispered, “Tsuki? Neesan?”
Tsukiyomi’s eyes widened and Wakana let out a gasp, her eyes filling with tears.
“Raito!” Wakana cried.
Slowly, Philip’s eyes opened and he turned his head to face his older sister and his young love. He gave them both a tiny, but warm smile. He was struggling to move his body more, but his body seemed to refuse, wanting him to rest. He did, however, manage to squeeze Tsukiyomi’s hand in reassurance. “How long... how long have I been sleeping?”
“Philip! You’re okay!” Tsuki almost cried with joy. “How do you feel?”
“Surprisingly well rested.” A pause. “Do your parents have anything to eat that isn’t raw meat?”
Wakana did begin to cry then, leaning down to the bed and wrapping her arms around her brother as much as he could. “Raito... I was so worried. Tsukiyomi came to free you and she brought you here and you passed out and stayed that way... we thought you would be like that forever....” She sniffled. “I am so glad that you woke up...”
“I’m alright, neesan...” Philip sighed softly. “Thanks to Tsukiyomi.”
“Don’t thank me entirely. I had help.” Tsukiyomi smiled and kissed Philip’s hand. “Either way, I am so glad to see that you are okay.”
He smiled. “Me too.” His fingers stroked her cheek and when his stomach growled, he turned a light pink. “…Seriously, though. Do your parents have anything else to eat?”
In her joy, Tsukiyomi forgot all about the idea she’d been given to turn him until several days later. The two of them were outside in the gardens, lying on the warm grass and reading. It was very typical of how they’d spent their days recently. Since Kirihiko and Wakana had left, for Paris of all places, they were enjoying their time as “just the two of them”. In some ways, they felt closer than ever before. Philip was finally free of his oppressive family and free to live his own life.
When Tsuki thought about it, she remembered that had been what Shroud had wanted. She had wanted her son to live his own life. Shroud had seemingly vanished after the vigil she and Tsukiyomi had kept over Philip, only leaving behind a note that had read, “Take care of my son, Tsukiyomi-san. I am counting on you.”
Tsuki never did get to ask how Shroud wound up so bandaged in the first place. In the long run, it was probably something she didn’t wish to talk about and wherever she was, Tsuki hoped it was somewhere she could be happy.
As they were outside reading, Philip closed his book for a moment to look at her and then ask her a question. “Tsuki, is it true that humans can become Wolfen?”
“Well, yes, actually.” Tsukiyomi was surprised, but pleased that he had brought the topic up. “Mom used to be human before Dad turned her. You could say she feels more Wolfen than she ever did human. Why do you ask?”
“I was doing a lookup on Wolfen again and I realized that most of the information I was finding had a lot to do with Wolfen legends… which makes sense considering the Wolfen were considered to be all but extinct. One of the legends explains where werewolves came from, among other things and it got me thinking… “
“Thinking about what?” It was always incredibly dangerous whenever Philip began thinking about something because he had a huge tendency to be a bit of a runaway train and get so focused on what he was looking up that he would focus on nothing else.
“Tsuki, what if I told you that I wanted to become Wolfen?”
Tsuki’s mouth fell open in shock and then she was reminded of the conversation she’d had with her family only a week or two earlier in which Tsumeko had brought up the idea of turning Philip Wolfen so he could no longer be exploited by Saeko and Rhyubee. She’d almost completely forgotten about said plan and hadn’t even been actively thinking about it until he said something. She bit her lip for a moment. “Well, that’s the first step. You have to want it.” She murmured. “Truth be told, when I saw you hooked up like that… I went to my family to ask them for their advice. Tsume-neesan told me I should turn you Wolfen so you would be, as she put it, ‘bad for business’. That’s why I came to break you out. I was determined to turn you, but I couldn’t do so with you in such bad shape. A Wolfen bite, particularly the marking bite, is not dangerous, but… you needed to regain your strength and rest.”
“So, it’s true!” His eyes widened. “A human can be turned Wolfen?”
“Well, of course, it’s true.” Tsukiyomi murmured. “But, I’m… I am not sure if I can do it to you. As far as Wolfen go, I’m fairly young. It might not work… and I don’t think you’re strong enough yet. You need more rest.”
“But… when I’m ready… will you try?”
“You want to? You want to be turned?”
“What I want, Tsukiyomi…” He took her hands in his own and squeezed them gently. “…Is to be with you for as long as I can. I don’t think I can do that if I remain as I am now.”
“But you… you fell into the Gaia Fountain and became reborn as its avatar. Technically speaking…”
He pressed her warm hand against his chest, beneath his Windscale pendant. “Do you feel that?”
She did feel it; it was his heart beating. Carefully, she nodded.
“If I can still breathe and walk and talk and be sitting here with you, I am still alive… still a human being… a human being who is very much in love with a Wolfen princess.” He kissed her hand then and Tsuki’s heart did a little flip in her chest. “At least think about it, Tsukiyomi.”
“When you’re stronger… I’ll do it.” She promised.
A warm spring day came, several months later, and in the large gardens of Fujimori Manor, a small party stood assembled to watch a wedding. It was the day Sonozaki Raito became Fujimori Philip and Fujimori Tsukiyomi finally took a mate for her own. For the Fujimori family, it was a day of joy and celebration.
It was also the day that Tsukiyomi would deliver on her promise to Philip and turn him. He had finally grown strong enough to endure the transformation and on their wedding night, she would formally induct him into her family.
So, here they were. Tsukiyomi wearing a custom-designed Haus of Kurenai creation inspired by Disney’s The Princess & the Frog, and Philip in a formal suit. As the vows were said, they held hands and looked into one another’s eyes.
Wakana and Kirihiko had returned from Paris and Wakana just watched with a starry eyed expression, smiling. Yuri, looking like the proud Mother of the bride she was, rested her head on Jiro’s shoulder and Jiro’s arm was draped around her. The two of them shared a smile as Tsukiyomi and Philip kissed one another, cementing their newfound bond as husband and wife.
A warm breeze blew as everyone got to their feet and clapped, throwing white rose petals as the two of them ran down the aisle together, hand in hand, laughing and crying.
At the sight of her youngest daughter so happy, Yuri just burst into tears.
The crowd seemed to part for a moment and Tsukiyomi spotted Shroud among the onlookers. Shroud was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, waving as she watched her son. Tsukiyomi waved at Shroud cheerfully, wishing the woman could take part in her son’s wedding, but knew that she would keep her distance.
“I love you, Tsukiyomi-hime.” Philip whispered, as they were lead to their carriage, kissing her hand as she stepped in.
“And I love you…Raito.” She kissed his cheek, tossing the bouquet over her shoulder for her sisters to fight over who caught it.
That evening, up in the private mountain home Yuri and Jiro had given to their youngest daughter as a present, Philip was relaxing in a bath, reading a book. Tsukiyomi sat in the bedroom, brushing her long hair, thinking of the conversation she’d had with her mother.
“Mom, Philip wants to be turned.” Tsukiyomi murmured, coming into her mother’s room, needing advice. “And I have no idea what I’m supposed to do.”
“He wants to be turned Wolfen, Tsuki?” Yuri was surprised. “Who gave him such an idea?”
“The Library in his brain.”
Yuri had never been able to understand how Philip had a library in his brain, but she decided to ignore this fact. She knew that Tsuki was in desperate need of advice. “So, has his body healed enough to accept the bite?”
“I don’t know yet, but when he is strong enough, I want to turn him. The thing is that I don’t know how or what to do. I’m not like Satoru-niichan. I don’t know how I can turn a human Wolfen and I don’t want to ask Dad.”
“Well, the important thing is that he wants it.” Yuri replied, gesturing to Tsukiyomi to sit down. “The second most important thing is that you have to bite him.”
“Where? Where do I bite him?”
Yuri sighed and wondered how in the world she’d avoided telling Tsukiyomi about Wolfen mating rituals. Carefully, she began to explain the exact nature of turning a human into a Wolfen. To her surprise, Tsukiyomi was taking notes.
Tsukiyomi pulled out some dental floss and began to floss her teeth, making sure there was no meat or anything stuck in them. She had to make sure her teeth were clean and perfect. Tonight was a special night.
She didn’t have to bite him on the neck like her father did to her mother. She wanted to bite him somewhere more personal, but then again, she wasn’t sure if it would work.
“Tsuki…” Philip’s voice was soft as it came from behind her. “Why are you flossing?”
“All the better to bite you with.” She smiled at his reflection. He looked utterly adorable in his deep green robe, drying his hair. “Did you enjoy your bath?”
“Very refreshing.” He came over to kiss her cheek. “So, all done flossing?”
“I had to make sure my teeth are in top condition. I don’t want to give you an infection.” She kissed him warmly then, smiling and touching the Gaia Memory she wore around her neck. “So…now that you’re all refreshed….”
He wasted no time. “I’m ready.”
“Once I do this…” Tsukiyomi had to be firm. They’d made love for the first and final time as human and Wolfen before he insisted he was ready. “…There is no turning back. Are you sure this is what you want, Philip?”
“Yes. I am positive. This is what I want.”
She made him lie back before nuzzling his face lovingly, kissing and lapping at his neck before she bore her fangs and bit down into his neck.
The bite caused him to cry out in pain, and she held him close, soothing him. “It’s all right. Childbirth always hurts.”
Once Tsukiyomi had bitten him, Philip fell into a deep sleep. She cared for him for through the night and when he woke up, his eyes blazed a beautiful burnished gold.
“Are you okay?” She asked.
“You smell like orchids.” He remarked, running his hand through her hair. “Your hair feels soft… kind of smooth…” He inhaled. “The world…it feels different.”
“Orchids. That’s a new scent.” She murmured. “Your eyes are beautiful. Such a gorgeous golden color. It suits you.”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “I can still go into the Gaia Library…it feels like I have more access to more things than I ever had before.” He paused.
“What are you looking up?”
“Wolfen mating legends.” He smiled and she saw a flash of teeth. “Perhaps now would be a good time for me to live up to the nickname Shotarou gave me: a runaway train of knowledge.”
“Perhaps now would be a good time for me to show you MY knowledge for a change.”
He raised his eyebrow, but that was all he could do before she pounced on him.
The next few days were full of wonder and exploration for Philip and Tsukiyomi. Tsuki taught Philip the basics of Wolfen behaviors: how to hunt, a tentative mastery of his new senses and how to control the urges that now burned in his veins. She knew that it would be a while before he had complete control. It may take years. But for right now, she had to teach him what she knew so she wouldn’t accidentally unleash a monster on the world.
But Philip was not like he was when he was under the influence of the Fang Memory. Somehow, becoming Wolfen freed him. Of what, Tsuki wasn’t sure. But she did know that turning him was a good thing. In a way, it made them closer.
Being outside was second nature for a Wolfen. The woods were a familiar comfort, full of warm smells and a comfortable surrounding. Philip was learning the ropes, and he enjoyed seeing the world through brand new eyes. Deciding to take a break from making love all over the house, Tsukiyomi took her husband out for a walk around the secluded property. As it was springtime, the forest and gardens seemed to just be exploding with color.
“It’s beautiful out here.” Philip murmured. “I love the color.” He watched in amazement as cherry blossoms swirled around them, some landing in Tsukiyomi’s hair. “It’s like looking through the world in high definition vision.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” Tsukiyomi replied. “I’ve never not known not being a Wolfen. It’s all I know.” She slipped her hand in his.
“That’s okay.” Philip replied. “I’m glad I’ve had you to teach me.” He smiled at her and then pulled her into his arms for a kiss, pressing her against a tree. They kissed warmly for a long moment, cherry blossoms swirling around them. He paused against her lips and whispered. “I love you.”
“I know.” She smiled and felt their hearts and fingers entwine, losing themselves to the kisses. Before they knew it, they’d once again lost themselves to the pleasures of the flesh. Somehow, they wound up lying on the grass, warm and happy.
“I could get used to a life like this.” Philip remarked. “It’s something I’ve never known before, this life of freedom. Free to roam around, to do as many lookups as I want… to make love to you as many times as I want… Just…” He sighed. “…freedom. It feels wonderful.”
“I’m glad.” Tsukiyomi had always known that, even with Shotarou, Philip had never truly been free. He’d always been wary of the Museum trying to take him back. It bothered her that this was the first taste of true freedom he’d ever had, but at the same time, she was happy that it was with her. “Don’t let yourself drown, though.” She laughed, curling up on his chest and sighing. “I don’t want you getting carried away by all this freedom.”
“You sound like Shotarou.” He chided her playfully. “Always concerned for me. I’m not their tool anymore and I plan to use my powers for good.”
“You mean, go back to being a Kamen Rider?” Being a Kamen Rider was something of a tradition in her family. Her maternal grandmother had developed the IXA Rider System, after all and her parents had used it her brother in law, Nago Keisuke and her elder sister Megumi. “Go back to Fuuto?”
“Actually, I was going to stay here and work for your father in law, Nobori Taiga. Before we got married, he offered me a job at D&P.” He replied. “Taiga-san promised me that I would be free to move around as I pleased and that I would be paid well for my services. I would get to use my brain for good and have a nice job. He told me it was perfect for me, since now I have a wife to support.”
“That was kind of him.” Tsukiyomi sighed. “Philip…I’m glad… I’m glad I met you and I’m happy that you’re my mate and I’m even happier that you’re free.”
He kissed her hand softly and dew her close to him, understanding what Jiro had once told him about the bonds between Wolfen and their mates. He understood the bond now, just like he had when Tsukiyomi had first shown him her true form, the beautiful moon-colored Wolfen body.
Finally, Philip was content. He had things he never thought he would never have: love, family, acceptance and finally, his freedom.
For Philip, at last, life was perfect.