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<<Rough Start Arc>>
<<Their Morning Routine | Market Brawl | The Forgotten Night>>
As it goes, there were some bakemono who felt vocal about the demon Byakko being allowed to live, after a few unfortunate maimings. Some also find it beyond reproach that Kumatetsu, the black sheep of an entire city, would be put in charge of said-demon. And when given the chance, that vocalness is made known.
Yu Yu Hakusho is © Yoshihiro Togashi & Shueisha.
The Boy & the Beast is © Studio Chizu.
Word Count: 4553
Market Brawl
Late-afternoon, or for some bakemono, midday. Well, that’s still late afternoon really. But that’s small potatoes anyways. And in the dipping sunlight, the bear man Kumatetsu was practising his moves on his patio. His feet nimbly danced across the stone, his eyes focused on striking at invisible foes with his sword. Foes that all incidentally resembled a golden boar. Funny, that. “Ey, you feel like coming out and joining in? Some exercise might do you some good. Help you lose some of your ample weight fatty” he called to the doorway.
“Hrmph” came an agitated grumble.
“Look, if you’re going to keep acting like a blubberer, I’m going to have to get pretty mean with you, ya here me!” he shouted.
A low, feral growl flowed from the door, soon followed by a loud crunching and grinding noise. “Not again” the bakemono sighed, a hand to his brow as he stepped back into the house.
Parked on the floor of his house was an enormous silver tiger with a messy green mullet. His sheer enormity displayed not quite in his immense height, by the girth of his ponderous, well-fed belly. A belly that was coated in scraps of meat and animal skin as the beast chewed on what appeared to be some dried ducks. “AH!” Kumatetsu shouted, eying the gluttonous tiger and the mess of scraps around him. “YOU FAT IDIOT! THAT WAS FOR TONIGHT!” he roared furiously.
Byakko stared him dead in the eyes; it was a burning glare, one filled with contempt and defiance as he chewed on another dried duck. And washed it down with a heady gulp of liquor from a bottle. “Are you listening to me?!” the bear growled, his fur standing on ends.
The tiger continued his despicable glaring, until, he looked strange. Tilting his head, even the bakemono could hear something stirring inside the demon. It was a gurgle from deep within his core. ”BUUUUUUURRRRRRRPPPPPPP!”
A rush of wind blasted Kumatetsu, who stood there and took it all with his thinly wound patience. Byakko grinned at the disgusted look, and resumed eating whatever meat he had nearby. “Think that’s funny, huh?” the bear asked. “You really think that was funny?”
The tiger rolled his eyes as he went for another swig of drink. “I SAID “DO YOU THINK THAT’S FUNNY”?!” the bakemono screamed, his fist raised.
There was another rush of wind as his hind impeded itself in the demon’s gut, sinking through inches of blubber. Byakko stared, his eyes trembling from the surprise that that insolent bear actually struck him like that. “WELL?!” Kumatetsu roared, his fury blowing hot air into the tiger’s face.
There was a rush back as the demon belched in his face, the assault clearly having loosened something up. “Disgusting” the bakemono conceded, pulling his fist out of the damn fatass. “You’re a demon, aren’t you?” he spoke while washing his face with a dirty towel. “Well?! Where’s your pride, huh?! Where’s your spine? It’s been a month and a half, and all I’ve got is a big fat MUTE!”
There was another rush of air blasting Byakko in the face, and his shoulders noticeably hunched, his lips curling into a snarl. “Yeah? I keep seeing that. You’re getting angry, SO SAY SOMETHING! SHOUT AT ME!” the bear demanded. “SHOW SOME ACTUAL LIFE YOU GROSS FAT TUB OF LARD!”
A low growl rolled from the tiger’s throat, his body tensing up around his shoulders and pudgy neck. “Come on! Throw a punch! I dare you!” the bakemono taunted.
Byakko turned his head to look at Kumatetsu, his pupils shrunken down as vessels spread across his eyes. “Get angry with me tubbo. Fatty! LARDO! FATASS!”
Burning with rage, the tiger pulled his head away, and took a swig of booze, his body slacking. “You’re so pathetic” Kumatetsu said as he fell onto his couch/bed. “When the Lord told me I was going to look after you, I thought I’d get someone interesting. A real demon. A real life demon. Someone with real strength I could train with. And what did I get? Some big fat dumbass who’d rather eat and drink himself stupid while wallowing in self-pity. Is that all you’re gonna do, huuuuuh?” he drawled, his jaw hanging low to emphasise his words. “You going to keep going until you’re just a damn BALL?!”
Byakko snorted loudly, taking a big long drink as he simply refused to stare the bakemono in the eye. “You’re so pathetic. But, at least you can still walk. Come on fatass, you’re coming with me” the bear declared, snatching the bottle from the demon’s grasp and downing what was left.
The tiger got to his feet, his thick knees bent to avoid bashing against the roof, but still giving enough height to loom over his captor. “Got something to say?” Kumatetsu demanded. The lardy demon stared, his jaw clenched tightly. “No? Then I get last say here, and you’re helping me with the shopping, because you ate all our food for tonight. And I said it was for tonight fatty, not a light meal you can snack on” he scowled.
Choosing to ignore the taunt, Byakko made a point of gesturing that he just so happened to only be wearing a rather sweaty fundoshi. “Yeah yeah, I know you don’t have proper clothes. Which is why I’m gonna improvise” the bakemono explained as he went to a cupboard and pulled out a sheet. “I haven’t used this stuff in a while, so guess who’s wearing a toga?”
The demon’s eyes widened as he was tossed the big heavy sheet. “That’s what you were wearing when you came here yeah? A toga? You’ve outgrown your old one, but I’m sure there’s the knowledge of how to do a new one in your fat head right? Well do it in five minutes, then we go” Kumatetsu decided.
Leaving the tiger to it, the bear walked outside and sat on the bench outside, waiting. He tapped his foot every five seconds, to keep time while waiting. There was a shape seen moving in the window, and for once it wasn’t going to the kitchen. “Hmph, it’d be a first if he actually listens to me for once. Stubborn idiot. Always doing that dumb glare, but never anything else. Well fatty, time for you to earn your own damn keep for once.” “Well?!” he barked after a minute. “You done in there?”
A savage roar echoed from the house, startling the wandering chickens. “Yeah yeah, keep roaring you spineless tubbo” the bear snorted as he resumed his tapping. “Has he roared before? He snarls and growls, but never really roars. Maybe I’m finally getting to him.” “I don’t have all day!” Kumatetsu called after the second minute.
There was another roar, once again frightening the chickens that scampered away from the house. Tapping every three seconds, the bear’s patience was wearing out. Five minutes was a lifetime, what was taking him so long. “Are you ready ye- Finally!” he snapped as Byakko came out.
Well, part of him did, as he seemed a little stuck in the doorway. Squeezing through, his belly was proving a challenge to squeeze through. And Kumatetsu had tears in his eyes as he laughed his ass off at the big dumb demon getting his ass stuck. That was, until the creature snarled, and with some force smashed his way through. The bear’s jaw slackened not at the attempt, but at the two round cuts in his house. “You fat idiot!” he growled.
Byakko snorted testily and folded his arms, as if waiting for the stupid bakemono to take a look at him. And after a few angry stomps and some incomprehensible whining, he did so. “Not… bad” he shrugged.
The tiger had made decent use of the sheet, though instead of a toga it was more like a sling for his gut, holding it up with ample fabric with his bellybutton just barely poking out. It did at least go down enough to cover his modesty, which was close enough. “Close enough. Now come on, I need to get food before the markets close” the bakemono explained.
Byakko shrugged, and quite moved noticeably slowly as he followed Kumatetsu. It irritated him to no end that the bastard was doing that on purpose, slowing them down more. “Quit dragging your feet. I know it takes a lot of effort to move them, but pick up the pace!”
The tiger smirked, but still obliged as he enjoyed a bit of fresh air, and some fear. Everyone they passed gave a wide berth to the duo, a fearful look on their faces. Byakko couldn’t help but flash his fangs at some of them, just to hear them gasp and move away further. “Tch, it’s like they’re scared of you or something” Kumatetsu said while picking his nose and stomping about.
It was so dumb that they were scared; just look at him! He was over a tonne of fat, and was only a danger on sharp inclines. People thinking he was a threat were out of their damn minds. And this went on, all the way into the markets too. The other bakemono were practically leaping over the stalls to get out of their way in the narrow walkways. Kumatetsu ignored this idiocy, while Byakko relished in the pronounced sense of fear these weaklings were showing. It didn’t help near the end of the trip when they stopped for some meat, where trouble started to brew. For while Kumatetsu was haggling over some dried ducks, the tiger’s eyes wandered out of boredom. And without a second thought he plucked some hanging meat. “Uh!” the stall owned gasped, catching the bear’s eyes.
“Hey! Put that back fatass!” he barked.
Byakko defiantly smirked as he licked the lot; it was almost seductive in his tongue action before chomping one in half. “That idiot. How much for those things?” Kumatetsu groaned.
“I-it’s on the house” the owner squeaked as he backed away.
“Seriously? Come on, how much for what the fat idiot’s eating already? I can pay for this” the bear bakemono insisted.
“And with what? Your soul, Kumatetsu?”
“Eh?” Kumatetsu grunted, turning to his right.
Flanked by a large number of bakemono in blue uniforms was a golden board wearing a white furred jacket and loose pants, his hand tightly gripping the katana at his waist. “Why did you bring it here? Everyone’s terrified of that thing” the boar pointed out.
“And they’re being stupid. This fatass is about as scary a jack-in-the-box Iozen. I’m surprised even you’re scared of him” the bear scoffed.
“After all the damage he did when he invaded our home, how can I not be on guard? Or has he corrupted you into thinking that’s not even an issue already?” Iozen demanded.
“Corrupted? The hell are you even talking about?” Kumatetsu said while picking his ear. “He’s just a useless fatty, that’s it” he explained, ignoring the look of hatred attempting to kill him from behind.
“Demons are beings of darkness. They’re corruptors” the boar bakemono asserted. “They take what is good and pervert it into something unholy!”
“The only thing he’s converting is food into more of his widening ass Iozen. You’re being overdramatic” Kumatetsu asserted, before a smile stretched across his face. “Or, are you just jealous that not only has the Lord considered me a potential successor, but that he also put me in charge of the demon?” he inferred with shit-eating grin.
Iozen grit his teeth angrily, his sword arm trembling. “I’m concerned for the people of Jutengai when there’s a demon around, and the only thing between him and them is someone as immature as you!” he angrily answered.
“And yet the Lord thinks I’m mature enough for this job. Cause so far it looks like I’m doing a pretty good job. Nobody’s been maimed right?” Kumatetsu pointed out.
“And that’s a good measure of success to you?” the boar said in exasperation. “I don’t know why the Lord thought he was best in your hands, when his head would have done better on a pike” he spat.
“That’s pretty violent for you Iozen. It’s not a good example you should be setting for those kids of yours” the bear scoffed.
“And what would you know about kids Kumatetsu?! I’m raising my children to know what is right and what is wrong. And that… thing behind you, is very much wrong” Iozen explained. “Your actions are a perfect example of that” he added.
“And what’s that supposed to mean, huh?” the bear demanded, his fur flaring.
“Many people have heard you screaming at all hours of the day, and your manners have clearly gotten worse since you’ve acquired this charge. To anyone sane it’s clear you’re growing unhinged. And it’s not like you had far to fall, but that demon is clearly being a negative influence on your body and mind” the boar elucidated.
“I am NOT UNHINGED!” Kumatetsu shouted in an unhinged way. “If you had to put up with a giant baby for all this time, you’d get pretty angry yourself.”
“And a good job you’ve done with that “giant baby” too Kumatetsu. Since your “putting up” has done little for his figure or his own manners! All that hard work and you’ve ended up with an obese mute who sees fit to plunder the markets like a misbehaving child.”
“It was just a couple ducks, and I offered to pay” the bear pointed out.
“Teacher” a buffalo from behind Iozen spoke up.
“Yes?” the boar inquired.
“The demon has uhh, been eating this whole conversation” the student explained.
Both candidates turned to Byakko, who had managed to eat his way through the stall’s goods, leaving very little behind. “How are you still hungry? You ate all our food at home” the bear bakemono sighed.
Iozen shook his head as he drew his sheathed sword. “As much as I trust our Lord, I can’t allow this to continue. Not when my family and everyone else could be that beast’s next meal” he declared.
“Hey! He’s my responsibility! And you’re not doing a damn thing with him” Kumatetsu growled as he drew his own sword.
“Do you truly trust yourself to not fall to that vile creature’s influence Kumatetsu? With someone with so little experience in any kind of guardian role, how do you expect to not fall under its wicked sway?” the boar demanded. “I’m not going to allow your selfishness to impact everyone else’s wellbeing!”
“Because I always stick to my guns, that’s why. I said I’d keep him under control, and no way in hell am I going to let him “corrupt me”. But with the way you’re talking, it’s like you think you’re already the next Lord” the bear bakemono pointed out. “But if you’re so keen to try and stop me from doing my job, then let’s decide the successor now. After all, if you’re Lord you can do whatever you like with the fatty.”
“Fine then. If I can nip this in the bud before we become stung by thorns, then so be it” Iozen decided.
All thoughts of the demon forgotten, the two marched through the stalls into the open plaza. The onlookers who felt brave enough gathered, excitement rising for the fight. And among the stalls, Iozen’s students gazed in fear at Byakko. He smiled at them, and let them see his sharp teeth. He let them have a very good look at his sharp fangs as he ran his tongue along them. Twenty sheathed swords were immediately drawn, and the demon had to laugh. “Co-come with us, and watch the fight” one of the student stammered.
The tiger snorted loudly as he walked between stalls, his massive bulk breaking the wood apart as he came to the plaza, and sat himself down. Immediately there were numerous weapons pointed at him, all of them from a very safe distance. “Pathetic” he thought as he rested his head on his hand, and his elbow on his gut as he enjoyed the show.
That dumb bear had already taken off his shirt, and was employing boxing moves as he danced around that tasty-looking boar. He was showboating, which was typical of his personality. Cocky, headstrong, and arrogant. Those sorts of people made for easy meals. But this would be a good learning experience. Seeing how these weaklings fought would be useful in learning their weaknesses, and their strengths, if they had any. They were so easily riled up, since a little disrespect had already gotten the audience booing for Kumatetsu. And so easily swayed, when simple displays of athleticism via cartwheels and jumps got them cheering all the same. This fight was going to be entertaining at the very least.
And the fight began, with Kumatetsu jabbing rapidly at Iozen’s head, the boar nimbly dodging each blow with ease. They were so easy to avoid, he was just showboating. And that high kick was just lazy. “He’s showing off” Byakko thought. “Too busy trying to get him riled up, and not treating this like it’s life or death.”
And with some taunting, the bear was the one dodging now as the punches flew. And in one brief moment he cockily chuckled, before a fist turned his face inside out. The tiger scowled as his supposed warden clutched his bleeding nose, dodging more punches as Iozen’s blows came more furiously. And then another hit, more blood flying as the bear’s torso twisted about. It infuriated the demon further to watch him flail like that. For all his own bluster he was getting pummelled so soundly, followed by a counter kick to the gut. “Idiot” the tiger thought as Kumatetsu lay on the cold hard ground.
Perhaps living with that moron pig wouldn’t be so bad, but then, he’d be far stricter than the idiot bear. Enough that he’d probably tear his head off from the sheer audacity of thinking he could tell the great Saint Beast Byakko what to do! Huffing loudly, Iozen’s students held their weapons tighter as they kept a vigil on him, while also watching the fight. Kumatetsu had managed to get up and stumble like an old drunk, but was clearly in this fight. The demon watched intently as the bear’s fists were drawn to the ground, his hair flaring up. “What?!”
A wave ran up his arms, their muscles expanding dramatically. The tiger actually leaned forward to drink in the sudden bulking of the bear’s torso, his legs comically small in comparison. And the boar did the same, growing to such an obscene size. “Can they all do this?” Byakko wondered as they smashed into each other like rampaging bulls.
The force they created was enough to make the tiger’s immense flubber jiggle, the other products of the market shaking as well. It was such incredible show, and for once Byakko was intrigued. Something stirred in him, and he remained fascinated by this fight as they grappled. Kumatetsu had the advantage, that dumb pork roast sliding backwards through the crowd into a stall. “Perhaps he isn’t as weak as I thought?” the tiger figured, but then there was the chanting.
The onlookers were calling that boar’s name. Tch, hero types. How worthless, and how stupidly easy to support. He was beat, they all knew it, and yet, those cheers. There was an energy in the air, and it was all directed in one direction. The tiger grit his teeth, anger welling in his heart as that worthless pig was pushing that idiot bear back. Sliding back into the ring, he was cast to the ground, his freakish size lost. A vein was beginning to bulge in Byakko’s brow, his arms crossed tightly over his cushion-like chest as he watched Kumatetsu get up again. The freak had so much stamina, but with how drenched in sweat he was, he wasn’t going to last much longer. And why did those idiots have their swords sheathed like that? It was an utter waste of metal. Normally he’d ask, but these things weren’t worth his words.
All he could do was watch as their weapons struck each other, Iozen’s sword arm noticeably shaking from a blow. But it wasn’t enough as he went on the offensive, way too well. Byakko’s fury grew with each clumsy block that damn bear did, getting his head whacked for his sloppiness. Spit and sweat flew time and time again, the bakemono growing exhausted and even sloppier. It was too much to bear. The humiliation of it all as Kumatetsu got his again. The humiliation of those crowds cheering. The humiliation of that stupid hero type having his way. It was humiliating seeing the bear struck again. It was humiliating to see Kumatetsu groan from another blow. IT WAS HUMILIATING! “STOP EMBARRASSING ME!”
Silence filled the market, everyone having turned as Byakko rose, his body shaking harder than ever. “STOP MAKING ME LOOK BAD AND FIGHT!” he roared.
“Fatass” Kumatetsu gasped, before turning to an equally distracted Iozen.
Sensing his chance, he swung, but was blocked again. And the demon fought back any desire to cheer this as they kept going, a decisive blow one hit away. And then came that cocky smile, and Byakko facepalmed as that cocky face took the blunt end of a sword.
Flying to through the air, the sweat-drenched bear was a split second away from hitting the ground. “Enough! This fight has concluded!”
Iozen paused as a foppishly-dressed rabbit had materialised between him and Kumatetsu, his hands out as he separated them. “Lord” the boar gasped, and bowed.
Everyone else followed suit, while Byakko glared at the damn bastard who had tied him to that idiot bear. “What are you doing? You know it is much too soon for this fight. I haven’t even decided what sort of god I wish to become yet” the rabbit said chidingly.
“Lord, I hesitate to question your decisions, but why did you decide that Kumatetsu would be the best caretaker of the demon after all the people it hurt? It pains me to say this, but he simply can’t handle the responsibility of managing such a dark force” Iozen insisted.
“I’ve… managed it… this far” the bear groaned as he struggled on the ground.
“Indeed he has” the Lord mused, appearing by Kumatetsu and regarding Byakko carefully. “He certainly seems well-fed and tended too” he chuckled.
The tiger scowled, but angrily folded his arms. That damn rabbit was important, if he even made a single expression they’d try to hack him to pieces. “But he’s simply too dangerous to be kept with Kumatetsu, or with any place that isn’t a cell. Will he take responsibility for it when it rampages?” the boar pleaded.
“I will take responsibility. I said that Kumatetsu needed to grow if he wished to be my successor, and if no one wanted to be his pupil, then a demon would have to do” the rabbit said with lofty airs.
“And then what happens if the beast goes wild?”
“Then I’m sure Kumatetsu will handle it. It is his duty, after all.”
“Why are you placing so much faith in him?” Iozen begged, but found the Lord missing.
“This fight is over. Disperse everyone” the rabbit declared in the midst of the crowd.
The bakemono milled away, their crowds thinning and the Lord nowhere to be found, having vanished when a doe had walked between them. Dissatisfied, Iozen put his jacket back on and addressed Kumatetsu. “I do not know why, but be grateful that the Lord has so generously placed his faith in you” he said, then he returned to his students.
Kumatetsu groaned in pain as he got up, only to find a shadow looming over him. Staring up, he found an enormous silver belly that just so happened to have a tiger attached to it. And that tiger was glaring intensely at him. “Got something to say?” the bear grunted, spitting out some blood.
“That was pathetic” Byakko answered.
“I’m not here to impress you” Kumatetsu growled.
“You reflect on me. And you’ve reflected poorly” the demon explained.
“You’d need at least three mirrors, before you could be reflected on fatty” the bear teased.
“We are going to talk about that later” Byakko stated as he switched all the shopping to one hand.
And with the other, he scooped up the bakemono and slung him over his shoulder. “I can walk!” Kumatetsu insisted, banging on the demon’s flabby shoulders.
“You can stagger. And I want to go home. There’s a bottle of sake I have unfinished business with” the tiger explained, carrying the groceries and his keeper back home.
The bear flopped about in the demon’s rough steps. “So you’re talking now huh?” he asked.
“You’ve angered me enough that I can’t hold back any longer. If you get yourself hurt, fine. I don’t care. But if you’re fighting for me, I expect you to win” Byakko explained.
“Who said I was fighting for you? I just wanted to fight Iozen” the bear sighed.
“And you failed in a tremendously pathetic way. If I were him, I would have eaten you purely for insulting me with your pathetic performance” the tiger snorted.
“You used pathetic twice” the bakemono pointed out.
The demon roughly shifted Mr. Critical about, his face running into one of many silver back folds. “Don’t criticise my diction when I’m criticizing you” Byakko stated.
“Hmph” Kumatetsu grunted, staying quiet until they got home.
Carrying the battered bear bridal-style, the tiger regarded the couch for a few seconds, then just dumped the bakemono on the floor. He grunted in pain on impact, before lamely crawling onto the couch, his back to the dumb brute while the food was left in the kitchen. Byakko stared at the pathetic jerk, and grabbed a bottle. “Here” he said, presenting it to Kumatetsu.
Rolling over, the bakemono eyed the bottle with suspicion, but still grabbed it and popped the cork. “Thanks” he said, drinking from it.
The tiger grunted as he popped the cork off his own bottle, and camped on the ground. They drank in silence, not really focusing on each other. “Your fighting was sloppy” Byakko commented.
“Criticising me more?” the bear snarled. “I was there, I know what happened.”
“You’ve got a long way to go to beat Iozen” the demon added.
“What’s your point?”
“I’m invested now. He’s insulted me, and I don’t let insults stand without punishment. So you better train, because when you have that real fight, I want to see him eat dirt” Byakko decided.
“Hmph. Are you saying you’re going to train with me?” Kumatetsu scoffed.
“I know about fighting. I may help you if it pleases me. But for now, you’re on your own” the demon answered, guzzling his booze.
“You’re selfish” the bear snorted.
“That makes two of us” the tiger smirked.
“I’m not your friend.”
“I am not yours either.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
“The toga wasn’t bad. But if you’re going to come out and show your ugly mug more, I’ll need to get you some proper clothes.”
“I don’t care.”
“I figured, with your figure wide ride.”
“Grrrr!”
<<Their Morning Routine | Market Brawl | The Forgotten Night>>
As it goes, there were some bakemono who felt vocal about the demon Byakko being allowed to live, after a few unfortunate maimings. Some also find it beyond reproach that Kumatetsu, the black sheep of an entire city, would be put in charge of said-demon. And when given the chance, that vocalness is made known.
.:Rated general for:.
>Belching
>Fighting
Yu Yu Hakusho is © Yoshihiro Togashi & Shueisha.
The Boy & the Beast is © Studio Chizu.
Word Count: 4553
If you enjoyed the story, feel free to comment and fave, I'd really appreciate it.
Market Brawl
Late-afternoon, or for some bakemono, midday. Well, that’s still late afternoon really. But that’s small potatoes anyways. And in the dipping sunlight, the bear man Kumatetsu was practising his moves on his patio. His feet nimbly danced across the stone, his eyes focused on striking at invisible foes with his sword. Foes that all incidentally resembled a golden boar. Funny, that. “Ey, you feel like coming out and joining in? Some exercise might do you some good. Help you lose some of your ample weight fatty” he called to the doorway.
“Hrmph” came an agitated grumble.
“Look, if you’re going to keep acting like a blubberer, I’m going to have to get pretty mean with you, ya here me!” he shouted.
A low, feral growl flowed from the door, soon followed by a loud crunching and grinding noise. “Not again” the bakemono sighed, a hand to his brow as he stepped back into the house.
Parked on the floor of his house was an enormous silver tiger with a messy green mullet. His sheer enormity displayed not quite in his immense height, by the girth of his ponderous, well-fed belly. A belly that was coated in scraps of meat and animal skin as the beast chewed on what appeared to be some dried ducks. “AH!” Kumatetsu shouted, eying the gluttonous tiger and the mess of scraps around him. “YOU FAT IDIOT! THAT WAS FOR TONIGHT!” he roared furiously.
Byakko stared him dead in the eyes; it was a burning glare, one filled with contempt and defiance as he chewed on another dried duck. And washed it down with a heady gulp of liquor from a bottle. “Are you listening to me?!” the bear growled, his fur standing on ends.
The tiger continued his despicable glaring, until, he looked strange. Tilting his head, even the bakemono could hear something stirring inside the demon. It was a gurgle from deep within his core. ”BUUUUUUURRRRRRRPPPPPPP!”
A rush of wind blasted Kumatetsu, who stood there and took it all with his thinly wound patience. Byakko grinned at the disgusted look, and resumed eating whatever meat he had nearby. “Think that’s funny, huh?” the bear asked. “You really think that was funny?”
The tiger rolled his eyes as he went for another swig of drink. “I SAID “DO YOU THINK THAT’S FUNNY”?!” the bakemono screamed, his fist raised.
There was another rush of wind as his hind impeded itself in the demon’s gut, sinking through inches of blubber. Byakko stared, his eyes trembling from the surprise that that insolent bear actually struck him like that. “WELL?!” Kumatetsu roared, his fury blowing hot air into the tiger’s face.
There was a rush back as the demon belched in his face, the assault clearly having loosened something up. “Disgusting” the bakemono conceded, pulling his fist out of the damn fatass. “You’re a demon, aren’t you?” he spoke while washing his face with a dirty towel. “Well?! Where’s your pride, huh?! Where’s your spine? It’s been a month and a half, and all I’ve got is a big fat MUTE!”
There was another rush of air blasting Byakko in the face, and his shoulders noticeably hunched, his lips curling into a snarl. “Yeah? I keep seeing that. You’re getting angry, SO SAY SOMETHING! SHOUT AT ME!” the bear demanded. “SHOW SOME ACTUAL LIFE YOU GROSS FAT TUB OF LARD!”
A low growl rolled from the tiger’s throat, his body tensing up around his shoulders and pudgy neck. “Come on! Throw a punch! I dare you!” the bakemono taunted.
Byakko turned his head to look at Kumatetsu, his pupils shrunken down as vessels spread across his eyes. “Get angry with me tubbo. Fatty! LARDO! FATASS!”
Burning with rage, the tiger pulled his head away, and took a swig of booze, his body slacking. “You’re so pathetic” Kumatetsu said as he fell onto his couch/bed. “When the Lord told me I was going to look after you, I thought I’d get someone interesting. A real demon. A real life demon. Someone with real strength I could train with. And what did I get? Some big fat dumbass who’d rather eat and drink himself stupid while wallowing in self-pity. Is that all you’re gonna do, huuuuuh?” he drawled, his jaw hanging low to emphasise his words. “You going to keep going until you’re just a damn BALL?!”
Byakko snorted loudly, taking a big long drink as he simply refused to stare the bakemono in the eye. “You’re so pathetic. But, at least you can still walk. Come on fatass, you’re coming with me” the bear declared, snatching the bottle from the demon’s grasp and downing what was left.
The tiger got to his feet, his thick knees bent to avoid bashing against the roof, but still giving enough height to loom over his captor. “Got something to say?” Kumatetsu demanded. The lardy demon stared, his jaw clenched tightly. “No? Then I get last say here, and you’re helping me with the shopping, because you ate all our food for tonight. And I said it was for tonight fatty, not a light meal you can snack on” he scowled.
Choosing to ignore the taunt, Byakko made a point of gesturing that he just so happened to only be wearing a rather sweaty fundoshi. “Yeah yeah, I know you don’t have proper clothes. Which is why I’m gonna improvise” the bakemono explained as he went to a cupboard and pulled out a sheet. “I haven’t used this stuff in a while, so guess who’s wearing a toga?”
The demon’s eyes widened as he was tossed the big heavy sheet. “That’s what you were wearing when you came here yeah? A toga? You’ve outgrown your old one, but I’m sure there’s the knowledge of how to do a new one in your fat head right? Well do it in five minutes, then we go” Kumatetsu decided.
Leaving the tiger to it, the bear walked outside and sat on the bench outside, waiting. He tapped his foot every five seconds, to keep time while waiting. There was a shape seen moving in the window, and for once it wasn’t going to the kitchen. “Hmph, it’d be a first if he actually listens to me for once. Stubborn idiot. Always doing that dumb glare, but never anything else. Well fatty, time for you to earn your own damn keep for once.” “Well?!” he barked after a minute. “You done in there?”
A savage roar echoed from the house, startling the wandering chickens. “Yeah yeah, keep roaring you spineless tubbo” the bear snorted as he resumed his tapping. “Has he roared before? He snarls and growls, but never really roars. Maybe I’m finally getting to him.” “I don’t have all day!” Kumatetsu called after the second minute.
There was another roar, once again frightening the chickens that scampered away from the house. Tapping every three seconds, the bear’s patience was wearing out. Five minutes was a lifetime, what was taking him so long. “Are you ready ye- Finally!” he snapped as Byakko came out.
Well, part of him did, as he seemed a little stuck in the doorway. Squeezing through, his belly was proving a challenge to squeeze through. And Kumatetsu had tears in his eyes as he laughed his ass off at the big dumb demon getting his ass stuck. That was, until the creature snarled, and with some force smashed his way through. The bear’s jaw slackened not at the attempt, but at the two round cuts in his house. “You fat idiot!” he growled.
Byakko snorted testily and folded his arms, as if waiting for the stupid bakemono to take a look at him. And after a few angry stomps and some incomprehensible whining, he did so. “Not… bad” he shrugged.
The tiger had made decent use of the sheet, though instead of a toga it was more like a sling for his gut, holding it up with ample fabric with his bellybutton just barely poking out. It did at least go down enough to cover his modesty, which was close enough. “Close enough. Now come on, I need to get food before the markets close” the bakemono explained.
Byakko shrugged, and quite moved noticeably slowly as he followed Kumatetsu. It irritated him to no end that the bastard was doing that on purpose, slowing them down more. “Quit dragging your feet. I know it takes a lot of effort to move them, but pick up the pace!”
The tiger smirked, but still obliged as he enjoyed a bit of fresh air, and some fear. Everyone they passed gave a wide berth to the duo, a fearful look on their faces. Byakko couldn’t help but flash his fangs at some of them, just to hear them gasp and move away further. “Tch, it’s like they’re scared of you or something” Kumatetsu said while picking his nose and stomping about.
It was so dumb that they were scared; just look at him! He was over a tonne of fat, and was only a danger on sharp inclines. People thinking he was a threat were out of their damn minds. And this went on, all the way into the markets too. The other bakemono were practically leaping over the stalls to get out of their way in the narrow walkways. Kumatetsu ignored this idiocy, while Byakko relished in the pronounced sense of fear these weaklings were showing. It didn’t help near the end of the trip when they stopped for some meat, where trouble started to brew. For while Kumatetsu was haggling over some dried ducks, the tiger’s eyes wandered out of boredom. And without a second thought he plucked some hanging meat. “Uh!” the stall owned gasped, catching the bear’s eyes.
“Hey! Put that back fatass!” he barked.
Byakko defiantly smirked as he licked the lot; it was almost seductive in his tongue action before chomping one in half. “That idiot. How much for those things?” Kumatetsu groaned.
“I-it’s on the house” the owner squeaked as he backed away.
“Seriously? Come on, how much for what the fat idiot’s eating already? I can pay for this” the bear bakemono insisted.
“And with what? Your soul, Kumatetsu?”
“Eh?” Kumatetsu grunted, turning to his right.
Flanked by a large number of bakemono in blue uniforms was a golden board wearing a white furred jacket and loose pants, his hand tightly gripping the katana at his waist. “Why did you bring it here? Everyone’s terrified of that thing” the boar pointed out.
“And they’re being stupid. This fatass is about as scary a jack-in-the-box Iozen. I’m surprised even you’re scared of him” the bear scoffed.
“After all the damage he did when he invaded our home, how can I not be on guard? Or has he corrupted you into thinking that’s not even an issue already?” Iozen demanded.
“Corrupted? The hell are you even talking about?” Kumatetsu said while picking his ear. “He’s just a useless fatty, that’s it” he explained, ignoring the look of hatred attempting to kill him from behind.
“Demons are beings of darkness. They’re corruptors” the boar bakemono asserted. “They take what is good and pervert it into something unholy!”
“The only thing he’s converting is food into more of his widening ass Iozen. You’re being overdramatic” Kumatetsu asserted, before a smile stretched across his face. “Or, are you just jealous that not only has the Lord considered me a potential successor, but that he also put me in charge of the demon?” he inferred with shit-eating grin.
Iozen grit his teeth angrily, his sword arm trembling. “I’m concerned for the people of Jutengai when there’s a demon around, and the only thing between him and them is someone as immature as you!” he angrily answered.
“And yet the Lord thinks I’m mature enough for this job. Cause so far it looks like I’m doing a pretty good job. Nobody’s been maimed right?” Kumatetsu pointed out.
“And that’s a good measure of success to you?” the boar said in exasperation. “I don’t know why the Lord thought he was best in your hands, when his head would have done better on a pike” he spat.
“That’s pretty violent for you Iozen. It’s not a good example you should be setting for those kids of yours” the bear scoffed.
“And what would you know about kids Kumatetsu?! I’m raising my children to know what is right and what is wrong. And that… thing behind you, is very much wrong” Iozen explained. “Your actions are a perfect example of that” he added.
“And what’s that supposed to mean, huh?” the bear demanded, his fur flaring.
“Many people have heard you screaming at all hours of the day, and your manners have clearly gotten worse since you’ve acquired this charge. To anyone sane it’s clear you’re growing unhinged. And it’s not like you had far to fall, but that demon is clearly being a negative influence on your body and mind” the boar elucidated.
“I am NOT UNHINGED!” Kumatetsu shouted in an unhinged way. “If you had to put up with a giant baby for all this time, you’d get pretty angry yourself.”
“And a good job you’ve done with that “giant baby” too Kumatetsu. Since your “putting up” has done little for his figure or his own manners! All that hard work and you’ve ended up with an obese mute who sees fit to plunder the markets like a misbehaving child.”
“It was just a couple ducks, and I offered to pay” the bear pointed out.
“Teacher” a buffalo from behind Iozen spoke up.
“Yes?” the boar inquired.
“The demon has uhh, been eating this whole conversation” the student explained.
Both candidates turned to Byakko, who had managed to eat his way through the stall’s goods, leaving very little behind. “How are you still hungry? You ate all our food at home” the bear bakemono sighed.
Iozen shook his head as he drew his sheathed sword. “As much as I trust our Lord, I can’t allow this to continue. Not when my family and everyone else could be that beast’s next meal” he declared.
“Hey! He’s my responsibility! And you’re not doing a damn thing with him” Kumatetsu growled as he drew his own sword.
“Do you truly trust yourself to not fall to that vile creature’s influence Kumatetsu? With someone with so little experience in any kind of guardian role, how do you expect to not fall under its wicked sway?” the boar demanded. “I’m not going to allow your selfishness to impact everyone else’s wellbeing!”
“Because I always stick to my guns, that’s why. I said I’d keep him under control, and no way in hell am I going to let him “corrupt me”. But with the way you’re talking, it’s like you think you’re already the next Lord” the bear bakemono pointed out. “But if you’re so keen to try and stop me from doing my job, then let’s decide the successor now. After all, if you’re Lord you can do whatever you like with the fatty.”
“Fine then. If I can nip this in the bud before we become stung by thorns, then so be it” Iozen decided.
All thoughts of the demon forgotten, the two marched through the stalls into the open plaza. The onlookers who felt brave enough gathered, excitement rising for the fight. And among the stalls, Iozen’s students gazed in fear at Byakko. He smiled at them, and let them see his sharp teeth. He let them have a very good look at his sharp fangs as he ran his tongue along them. Twenty sheathed swords were immediately drawn, and the demon had to laugh. “Co-come with us, and watch the fight” one of the student stammered.
The tiger snorted loudly as he walked between stalls, his massive bulk breaking the wood apart as he came to the plaza, and sat himself down. Immediately there were numerous weapons pointed at him, all of them from a very safe distance. “Pathetic” he thought as he rested his head on his hand, and his elbow on his gut as he enjoyed the show.
That dumb bear had already taken off his shirt, and was employing boxing moves as he danced around that tasty-looking boar. He was showboating, which was typical of his personality. Cocky, headstrong, and arrogant. Those sorts of people made for easy meals. But this would be a good learning experience. Seeing how these weaklings fought would be useful in learning their weaknesses, and their strengths, if they had any. They were so easily riled up, since a little disrespect had already gotten the audience booing for Kumatetsu. And so easily swayed, when simple displays of athleticism via cartwheels and jumps got them cheering all the same. This fight was going to be entertaining at the very least.
And the fight began, with Kumatetsu jabbing rapidly at Iozen’s head, the boar nimbly dodging each blow with ease. They were so easy to avoid, he was just showboating. And that high kick was just lazy. “He’s showing off” Byakko thought. “Too busy trying to get him riled up, and not treating this like it’s life or death.”
And with some taunting, the bear was the one dodging now as the punches flew. And in one brief moment he cockily chuckled, before a fist turned his face inside out. The tiger scowled as his supposed warden clutched his bleeding nose, dodging more punches as Iozen’s blows came more furiously. And then another hit, more blood flying as the bear’s torso twisted about. It infuriated the demon further to watch him flail like that. For all his own bluster he was getting pummelled so soundly, followed by a counter kick to the gut. “Idiot” the tiger thought as Kumatetsu lay on the cold hard ground.
Perhaps living with that moron pig wouldn’t be so bad, but then, he’d be far stricter than the idiot bear. Enough that he’d probably tear his head off from the sheer audacity of thinking he could tell the great Saint Beast Byakko what to do! Huffing loudly, Iozen’s students held their weapons tighter as they kept a vigil on him, while also watching the fight. Kumatetsu had managed to get up and stumble like an old drunk, but was clearly in this fight. The demon watched intently as the bear’s fists were drawn to the ground, his hair flaring up. “What?!”
A wave ran up his arms, their muscles expanding dramatically. The tiger actually leaned forward to drink in the sudden bulking of the bear’s torso, his legs comically small in comparison. And the boar did the same, growing to such an obscene size. “Can they all do this?” Byakko wondered as they smashed into each other like rampaging bulls.
The force they created was enough to make the tiger’s immense flubber jiggle, the other products of the market shaking as well. It was such incredible show, and for once Byakko was intrigued. Something stirred in him, and he remained fascinated by this fight as they grappled. Kumatetsu had the advantage, that dumb pork roast sliding backwards through the crowd into a stall. “Perhaps he isn’t as weak as I thought?” the tiger figured, but then there was the chanting.
The onlookers were calling that boar’s name. Tch, hero types. How worthless, and how stupidly easy to support. He was beat, they all knew it, and yet, those cheers. There was an energy in the air, and it was all directed in one direction. The tiger grit his teeth, anger welling in his heart as that worthless pig was pushing that idiot bear back. Sliding back into the ring, he was cast to the ground, his freakish size lost. A vein was beginning to bulge in Byakko’s brow, his arms crossed tightly over his cushion-like chest as he watched Kumatetsu get up again. The freak had so much stamina, but with how drenched in sweat he was, he wasn’t going to last much longer. And why did those idiots have their swords sheathed like that? It was an utter waste of metal. Normally he’d ask, but these things weren’t worth his words.
All he could do was watch as their weapons struck each other, Iozen’s sword arm noticeably shaking from a blow. But it wasn’t enough as he went on the offensive, way too well. Byakko’s fury grew with each clumsy block that damn bear did, getting his head whacked for his sloppiness. Spit and sweat flew time and time again, the bakemono growing exhausted and even sloppier. It was too much to bear. The humiliation of it all as Kumatetsu got his again. The humiliation of those crowds cheering. The humiliation of that stupid hero type having his way. It was humiliating seeing the bear struck again. It was humiliating to see Kumatetsu groan from another blow. IT WAS HUMILIATING! “STOP EMBARRASSING ME!”
Silence filled the market, everyone having turned as Byakko rose, his body shaking harder than ever. “STOP MAKING ME LOOK BAD AND FIGHT!” he roared.
“Fatass” Kumatetsu gasped, before turning to an equally distracted Iozen.
Sensing his chance, he swung, but was blocked again. And the demon fought back any desire to cheer this as they kept going, a decisive blow one hit away. And then came that cocky smile, and Byakko facepalmed as that cocky face took the blunt end of a sword.
Flying to through the air, the sweat-drenched bear was a split second away from hitting the ground. “Enough! This fight has concluded!”
Iozen paused as a foppishly-dressed rabbit had materialised between him and Kumatetsu, his hands out as he separated them. “Lord” the boar gasped, and bowed.
Everyone else followed suit, while Byakko glared at the damn bastard who had tied him to that idiot bear. “What are you doing? You know it is much too soon for this fight. I haven’t even decided what sort of god I wish to become yet” the rabbit said chidingly.
“Lord, I hesitate to question your decisions, but why did you decide that Kumatetsu would be the best caretaker of the demon after all the people it hurt? It pains me to say this, but he simply can’t handle the responsibility of managing such a dark force” Iozen insisted.
“I’ve… managed it… this far” the bear groaned as he struggled on the ground.
“Indeed he has” the Lord mused, appearing by Kumatetsu and regarding Byakko carefully. “He certainly seems well-fed and tended too” he chuckled.
The tiger scowled, but angrily folded his arms. That damn rabbit was important, if he even made a single expression they’d try to hack him to pieces. “But he’s simply too dangerous to be kept with Kumatetsu, or with any place that isn’t a cell. Will he take responsibility for it when it rampages?” the boar pleaded.
“I will take responsibility. I said that Kumatetsu needed to grow if he wished to be my successor, and if no one wanted to be his pupil, then a demon would have to do” the rabbit said with lofty airs.
“And then what happens if the beast goes wild?”
“Then I’m sure Kumatetsu will handle it. It is his duty, after all.”
“Why are you placing so much faith in him?” Iozen begged, but found the Lord missing.
“This fight is over. Disperse everyone” the rabbit declared in the midst of the crowd.
The bakemono milled away, their crowds thinning and the Lord nowhere to be found, having vanished when a doe had walked between them. Dissatisfied, Iozen put his jacket back on and addressed Kumatetsu. “I do not know why, but be grateful that the Lord has so generously placed his faith in you” he said, then he returned to his students.
Kumatetsu groaned in pain as he got up, only to find a shadow looming over him. Staring up, he found an enormous silver belly that just so happened to have a tiger attached to it. And that tiger was glaring intensely at him. “Got something to say?” the bear grunted, spitting out some blood.
“That was pathetic” Byakko answered.
“I’m not here to impress you” Kumatetsu growled.
“You reflect on me. And you’ve reflected poorly” the demon explained.
“You’d need at least three mirrors, before you could be reflected on fatty” the bear teased.
“We are going to talk about that later” Byakko stated as he switched all the shopping to one hand.
And with the other, he scooped up the bakemono and slung him over his shoulder. “I can walk!” Kumatetsu insisted, banging on the demon’s flabby shoulders.
“You can stagger. And I want to go home. There’s a bottle of sake I have unfinished business with” the tiger explained, carrying the groceries and his keeper back home.
The bear flopped about in the demon’s rough steps. “So you’re talking now huh?” he asked.
“You’ve angered me enough that I can’t hold back any longer. If you get yourself hurt, fine. I don’t care. But if you’re fighting for me, I expect you to win” Byakko explained.
“Who said I was fighting for you? I just wanted to fight Iozen” the bear sighed.
“And you failed in a tremendously pathetic way. If I were him, I would have eaten you purely for insulting me with your pathetic performance” the tiger snorted.
“You used pathetic twice” the bakemono pointed out.
The demon roughly shifted Mr. Critical about, his face running into one of many silver back folds. “Don’t criticise my diction when I’m criticizing you” Byakko stated.
“Hmph” Kumatetsu grunted, staying quiet until they got home.
Carrying the battered bear bridal-style, the tiger regarded the couch for a few seconds, then just dumped the bakemono on the floor. He grunted in pain on impact, before lamely crawling onto the couch, his back to the dumb brute while the food was left in the kitchen. Byakko stared at the pathetic jerk, and grabbed a bottle. “Here” he said, presenting it to Kumatetsu.
Rolling over, the bakemono eyed the bottle with suspicion, but still grabbed it and popped the cork. “Thanks” he said, drinking from it.
The tiger grunted as he popped the cork off his own bottle, and camped on the ground. They drank in silence, not really focusing on each other. “Your fighting was sloppy” Byakko commented.
“Criticising me more?” the bear snarled. “I was there, I know what happened.”
“You’ve got a long way to go to beat Iozen” the demon added.
“What’s your point?”
“I’m invested now. He’s insulted me, and I don’t let insults stand without punishment. So you better train, because when you have that real fight, I want to see him eat dirt” Byakko decided.
“Hmph. Are you saying you’re going to train with me?” Kumatetsu scoffed.
“I know about fighting. I may help you if it pleases me. But for now, you’re on your own” the demon answered, guzzling his booze.
“You’re selfish” the bear snorted.
“That makes two of us” the tiger smirked.
“I’m not your friend.”
“I am not yours either.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
“The toga wasn’t bad. But if you’re going to come out and show your ugly mug more, I’ll need to get you some proper clothes.”
“I don’t care.”
“I figured, with your figure wide ride.”
“Grrrr!”
Category Story / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Multiple characters
Size 120 x 120px
Listed in Folders
As cute as two people one bad insult away from killing each other can be.
I agree, they have rather edgy relationship, but how it develops, it left such response in me in first place.
And I'm just being optimistic that they'll get along in next chapter.
And I'm just being optimistic that they'll get along in next chapter.
I knew it! They do love each other!
I bet they're gonna be a super cute ready-to-maim-each-other couple in all of Jutengai! Hope a foster son will bring out their caring sides more.
I bet they're gonna be a super cute ready-to-maim-each-other couple in all of Jutengai! Hope a foster son will bring out their caring sides more.
Everytime i read one of these. i remember that i need to see that movie again, i've only watched a couple episodes of Yu Yu hakusho so i didn't know Byakko's character but so far i'm really liking it and Kumatetsu's portrayal is very well done as well. Keep doing what you're doing N! I'm really liking where this is going!
Thank you for your kind words. I do plan to keep this ship sailing for as long as I can.
Near the end when they started hate bonding. Incredibly cute interaction right there.
Hiya, just wondering how often do you do commissions? Because i am very much interested.
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