Shadow

When Noshiko left, weak, mortal and helpless, Nogitsune barely restrained himself from wringing her neck as a parting gift. She was an unfortunate nuisance that had doomed him to years of hunger. But one thing cooled his anger toward her considerably: it was thanks to Noshiko that the fox had been lucky enough to meet Stiles. He didn't hold back a low, satisfied laugh as he broke the kitsune's tail, feeling the control of the Oni being transferred to them. The seven demons that embodied the power of the biakko. It was almost like spitting in Inari's face: he was using the light kitsune's magic to bypass the goddess' words. There were different feelings raging inside him, but the best part was that they were far more multifaceted and varied than the usual thirst for pain and rage that had grown stale and stale over centuries of lonely existence. - Is that the smell of triumph, foxy? Or are the peppers on the windowsills still confusing my senses? - Nogitsune grinned, stretching his lips in a wide smile. - Proud, - Stiles rebuked softly, chuckling and sensing how pleased with himself and the situation the spirit was. - Now let me out before Scott does something stupid. - Wolves are stupid by nature, - Nogitsune bared his teeth, glaring at the pack and taunting them, but no one fell for his provocation. The pack had stood aside, not interfering in his and Noshiko's argument after Allison's failed attack, but now they were whispering, close together and looking more focused than they had an hour ago. Maybe they'd been able to collect their thoughts and map out a plan of action while Nogitsune and Stiles dealt with Noshiko. - We want to talk to you, - Scott corrected himself when Lydia's elbow jabbed into his side. Derek looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here, and the guilty glances he cast in Stiles' direction gave the latter a strange, uncomfortable feeling in his chest. - I'm sorry I didn't even bother to listen to you, Stiles. I... Everything we know about Nogitsune spoke against him. I got scared and acted rashly. - It's a simple human defect to give in to fear and become reckless, - Nogitsune replied lazily, listening to Stiles with a sigh and separating their bodies, - but I'm pleased that the glory goes before me. - More like not fame, but bad word of mouth, - Stiles muttered, kneading his neck with a quiet crunch and hissing, - and don't forget that I'm human too. - He stood to his right, lightly touching the back of his hand with the palm of his hand. - You're not just a human, you're my human. - Why don't you stop flirting and we'll get back to business? - Lydia said nonchalantly, noticing with a chuckle the blush on Stiles's cheeks. Scott looked confused by their easy, casual conversation, the careless flip-flopping of phrases, but Allison, on the other hand, was staring at the couple with a look of understanding along with displeasure. Ethan crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back against the wall behind him-he wasn't happy about this turn of events, but he wasn't going to say what he thought, remembering that his and his brother's place in the pack was still precarious. Aidan stood beside Lydia, looking calm and collected. Isaac was at the far end of the room, tasked with removing the peppers from the windowsills and hiding the kanima poison so as not to provoke a conflict with Nogitsune, which he was not happy about, grumbling quietly to himself. - The incomparable Lydia asks us to pay attention to her, - the fox said, squinting at the girl and turning to Stiles. - Isn't this what we've been dreaming of for years? - I think we've come to the conclusion that it's in the past, - Stiles said cautiously, realizing that Nogitsune wanted to own him undividedly, and having nothing against it. - Now, stop it. - He gave Nogitsune a hard look, turned his head slowly, and looked at Scott, overcome. - I understand, man. I'd be scared too if something like that happened to you. - But you wouldn't have tortured him, - the spirit cut in, not wanting to forgive so easily. - We didn't torture him! You know that perfectly well, - Allison looked at Nogitsune angrily. - You just want to drive a wedge between us. - You're doing it without me, - the fox said lazily, not even looking at the girl, who didn't answer and raised her chin, clenching her fists angrily. There was actually a tense, uncomfortable atmosphere in the room, and Stiles didn't know how to break it. His friends looked at him as if he were a stranger, not coming close and keeping their claws at the ready. They shifted their gaze from Nogitsune back to him and looked puzzled, frightened, hesitant. Emotions were mixed, but one thing was clear: no one liked Stiles' new companion. And Derek's murderous look and the bitter curve of his lips completed the picture. - I suggest we get acquainted first. Like normal people, - Stiles decided judiciously. Nogitsune already knew all his friends and acquaintances, but they didn't know the fox as such.       - It's absurd, but it might help with bridge-building, - Lydia nodded and held out her hand first, looking at Nogitsune with an appraising squint. - Lydia Martin, but I'm pretty sure you know more about me than you should. - We can be friends, Lydia Martin, - the fox grinned, squeezing the other's palm gently in return. He hadn't forgotten who had broken the rowan circle and saved the day. - And your name? - The girl asked when her hand was released. Goosebumps ran down her back when Stiles' doppelganger touched her, and she was sure it wasn't out of fear. No. His cold, dry skin felt like it was burning with the power beneath it, and his gaze was so heavy and ancient that her throat constricted, preventing her from taking a full breath. The spirit looked up at her, tapping its foot on the floor and folding its hands behind its back. - Nogitsune, - the fox said briefly. - Isn't that your kind of thing? Like a kitsune or a werewolf. - Lydia looked at the two of them with interest, lingering on the figure of Stiles, who stood with his arms crossed over his chest, watching their dialog intently. - I've read that when Nogitsune gains a master, it takes his name as well. Does it work the same way in your case? - It's hard to explain. - Nogitsune ran his hand through his hair in a gesture so typical of Stiles that Lydia tilted her head disbelievingly, trying to get a better look at the fox. - I didn't take Stiles' name, but I became him in a way. Just as he has become me. We feel each other's emotions, know each other's thoughts. Stiles has my memory and I have his. But even so, I'm not him. And our names are different. - The spirit looked at Stiles with his usual crooked smile. - My name is Nogitsune, because I am one of a kind. That's my species and my name. - It is a strange name. You need something less catchy to live among us like a normal human, - Lydia remarked practically. - My first name was taken by Inari and I am no longer entitled to it, - Nogitsune shared aloofly. - It doesn't matter what I call myself afterward. Names are empty. - As empty as your supposed good intentions? - Allison threw in, hating how easily Nogitsune got under Scott's skin and even Lydia's. A little introduction with Noshiko - and a flimsy, but still trustworthy, trust - was in his pocket. - We're getting tired of your anger, little Argent, - the fox growled menacingly. His expression - cold, but with visible displeasure - was completely similar to Stiles' at the moment. - Does it bother you that I'm a murderer? Well, I've killed so many that I can't even remember the approximate number of people who've fallen by my hand. I have done and not done so much that your pathetic minds can't even remember my every transgression. - Nogitsune shifted his gaze to Stiles and his eyes became detached. - Before Noshiko summoned me... I was in the Republic of China during the Nanjing Massacre and did nothing to save mortals - I relished the pain that came from the beaten, the wounded, the raped. I just watched the killing contest as the officers placed bets on who would be the first to slaughter a hundred Chinese with a sword, as they slaughtered them as if the prisoners were only animals, nothing more. I walked among them, watched, sated, and did nothing to stop this mayhem. - And in truth, Nogitsune didn't care that the familiar pattern of violence no longer evoked regret, guilt, or fear in him. He didn't care, but the role of victim would be good for gaining trust. Stiles looked at him with an understanding look and wrinkled his nose slightly in distaste as he began to play along: - Because you couldn't, - Stiles began, trying to lie as little as possible while putting what Nogitsune was doing in a more favorable light. Scott would never accept it if Stiles showed how cruel a fox could be. - Inari has endowed you with a need for pain. It's not your fault. - You know we could live without pain, little fox, - Nogitsune looked at him softly and a little playfully, feeling the sweetness inside more than ever before. Stiles understood him half-heartedly, and sometimes in scraps of thought. - This is exactly what Inari wanted to do! Making you a monster, knowing how painful it would be to realize you were one. If there's a monster among us, it's her. - Stiles clenched his fists, truly angry. Horrifying images flashed before his eyes, full of screams, burning agony, unbearable grief, the stench of death, suffocating cruelty-all the things Nogitsune had to put up with in order not to suffer from the hunger that tore at him from within, the deep need... Inari did punish Nogitsune in the worst possible way: she gave him the illusion of choice. He could have refused to absorb the pain - it wouldn't have killed him, even if it would have brought horrific suffering. He could have refused, but he didn't, unable to endure the thirst for all eternity, and that choice - an unfair one - made Nogitsune think he had chosen to be a monster himself. But Stiles saw that Inari had given him no other choice. - You'll be my salvation, Stiles, - Nogitsune closed his eyes, mentally turning to the couple. To his only hope of salvation, to his love. - Or we could fall even lower together . - Sometimes I think it can't get any lower,- Stiles looked at the fox reproachfully, feeling the guilt gnawing at him for lying to his friends again. - You'd be surprised. Stiles rolled his eyes at his dramatics. - Could you stop communicating mentally? Not everyone can hear you, - Isaac broke the heavy silence, having finally finished cleaning up. He watched their silent interaction with curiosity. - And I realize that it's unlikely we'll ever fully understand you... Nogitsune, - Isaac hesitated for a moment before he decided to continue, - but if you're not going to kill me here and now, I'm willing to put up with your presence. Stilinski is obviously crazy about you. - That's nice of you, - the fox smirked, nonetheless pleased at the turn of events. Derek growled softly, drawing attention to himself. - I will never put up with what you did to Stiles, - he said softly, looking into Nogitsune's eyes. Derek was the only one who fully understood exactly what had happened between the fox and their friend. - And I will never trust you. I will tear you to shreds if it means Stiles can be free. But for now... I think you can stay. You know, keep your enemy close so you can sink your claws into his neck if necessary. - It was like an admission that we were friends, - Stiles smiled, touched by that concern, though not fully attracted by it. If Derek had ever taken Nogitsune away from him... Stiles didn't want to think about it. - Don't relax, Stiles, - Lydia smiled thinly. Her eyes were sharp as she watched Nogitsune. - We'll be keeping an eye on you. - It's a fair precaution, - Nogitsune smirked mockingly. - You should tell the sheriff everything, - Scott looked at them glumly. - He has a right to know. Stiles groaned softly, burying his hand in his hair and leaning against Nogitsune with his whole body. His shoulders slumped. - What's wrong, Stiles? - Scott smiled hesitantly. - I was just thinking about the two of us walking into the house and Dad just freaking out. - Stiles waved his hands, nearly hitting Nogitsune on the nose with one. - I don't have the money for Aiken's house. I'll spend all his savings on treatment, then he'll get well and kill me. Then he'll be sad. You will resurrect me, won't you? - He looked at Nogitsune and he smiled lovingly. Lydia looked away awkwardly, feeling that she had intruded on something strictly personal. - I'll bring you back to life the second your heart stops. - And it sounded like a vow.

***

- There's two of you, - Peter said, a little too calmly. Stiles only looked at him phlegmatically, feeling Nogitsune run through his hair. There was still no way they could go home and talk to their father. Stiles was afraid of his reaction, which was a fair enough fear. Everyone slowly dispersed when it became clear that no one intended to kill anyone else, and Stiles and Nogitsune were left in the silent company of Derek. No one thought of Peter, who was practically a fixture in the loft and could drop by at any moment. He did, in fact. - Derek, you see it too, don't you? - Peter turned to his nephew, but he couldn't stand their silence. He was sitting at the kitchen counter reading something. - Get out, - Derek replied laconically, not even looking up. Peter sighed doomedly, not wanting to argue with the stubborn werewolf, but also feeling extremely curious. - Curious to know what had happened. It doesn't seem like a routine situation, - the man said. - We can explain it to you, if you want, - Nogitsune offered lazily, watching Peter, who looked in his direction, squinting his eyes and obviously thinking hard. - We? You mean Stiles and Stiles? You found the shifter? You got cursed by a fae? Did someone piss off a witch? - Peter kept going over and over the options, not seeing the confirmation on the faces of his interlocutors. - One of you is a golem? Did Stiles have a secret twin brother? Stumbled upon a duplicate artifact? - Take a deep breath, dude, - Stiles lifted his head, looking at Peter almost with admiration. - If I'd known before that you knew so much, I'd have stuck to you for the rest of your life, despite your creepiness. - I know more, - Nogitsune snorted unhappily at his words. - That's why I said "before", - Stiles rolled his eyes, then looked at Peter and grinned widely. - Meet creepy wolf, this is my new slippery friend. Nogitsune smiled and roughly pulled Stiles' head back by the hair, pulling his face closer and looking straight into his eyes. - What a flattering characterization, Stiles. - Pleased to meet you, - Peter cut in when Stiles didn't say anything back to Nogitsune's teasing, too mesmerized by the smooth skin and dark eyes across the room. - Peter Hale. - I've heard about you, - Nogitsune nodded, letting Stiles go, - and it's a pleasure to finally meet you. - To be honest, I'm surprised that you're not lying, - Peter was confused by his friendliness. - Few people like to meet a psychopathic killer, as they call me around here. - Another killer might appreciate meeting someone like you, - the fox smiled thinly, causing Peter's eyebrows to raise high. - Have you two decided to become friends? Why, of all the people in this damned city, was Peter the most attractive to you? He tried to kill me! - Stiles was rightly indignant, but clearly joking. - Well, you set him on fire. I guess you two are even. - Nogitsune closed his eyes for a second, and then looked straight at Peter, showing his glowing silver irises. - Do you understand now? - He asked curiously. Peter took a step back, looking at them surprised and incredulous. He turned back to Derek, looked at Stiles and Nogitsune again, opened his mouth, but shut it quickly. - I think he knows, - Stiles remarked cheerfully. - What, only Nogitsune has gray eyes? - Not only, - Nogitsune said calmly, taking his eyes off Peter's surprised stare and stroking Stiles's mussed hair. - Some hippogriffs can have gray glowing eyes. Water dryads also have silver eyes, but they all tend to be female. The others are not as significant, and their eyes do not glow. It's not so hard to realize that I'm Nogitsune and not a dryad or a feathered hippogriff, - the spirit concluded, glancing at the silent Derek, who didn't intervene but was clearly listening intently. - I never thought I'd see Nogitsune in such a peaceful setting, - Peter finally said, looking at them with curiosity and his usual calculating expression. - Well, we are the epitome of chaos. Trickster, troublemaker, anarchist. We are the opposite of calm, - the fox shared with a sigh. - Everyone remembers only our inspirational antics, but no one will even mention how we've been following caravans for almost a century. Feeding off the brigands we killed and staying out of the wars rumbling around, - Stiles snorted, unhappy with their dark reputation. - Or that case with Michelangelo! We barely saved that sculpture. That young, clumsy fool almost ruined his greatest masterpiece. - It's disrespectful to talk that way about an illustrious master of the arts. - Don't blame me, - Stiles chuckled, remembering the way Nogitsune had spoken to the "renowned master of the arts" about his hands growing out of the wrong place. - You've had more interesting turns of phrase than that. - That's a lot of things to pick up after living with mortals for thousands of years. - Are you saying we corrupted you? I think it's the other way around. - I've already been called the demon tempter. You'll have to do better than that. Stiles grinned and looked at the fox with incredible tenderness. - Your reputation has been in need of a little tarnishing for some time now. You're too pathetic and gloomy - let's fix that. - I am an ancient malevolent spirit that feeds on pain. - Yesterday you ate a bucket of my chocolate ice cream. Evil spirits don't do that. - Stiles's sly gaze shifted to Peter, who was watching them intently, and became much less warm. - I like seeing the stunned look on your face. Peter slowly moved closer and sat down in the chair opposite the colorful couple. He looked at the twins and licked his lips, sensing the danger that rippled from them and the deep, sacred bond that enveloped them in the most unfathomable, profound way. He leaned back against the padded backrest, trying to look casual and relaxed. He was going to elicit from them whatever they would let him find out.