Chapter 6: Instincts
That night, the trio slept together in the single bed. Keigo would often twitch and shake during the night, but one comforting squeeze from either Touya or Kio would settle him.
When morning came, blue and red eyes blinked open at the same time. They stared at each other for a while in a confused sleepy haze, before memories from the night before came flooding back. They looked down at the sleeping boy in their arms, hearing his even but shaky breaths. Touya checked his bandaged hands which were still curled around Kio's. From what he could see, they looked a lot better than yesterday.
He glanced up at Kio, nodding his head towards the bathroom. Kio hesitated, eyes lingering on Keigo's small form, before gently unwrapping his wings from around them. He tucked the blankets around Keigo, keeping him nice and warm before he followed Touya into the bathroom. He kept the door slightly ajar so he could hear if anything happened to Keigo. Touya watched his sharp eyes snap to the door every 5 seconds, before prodding at his cheek to get his attention.
"Are you ok? You're acting a bit weird. I mean, I know you're worried about Keigo and everything but-"
Kio cut him off with a shake of his head. He ran his hands through his bed hair, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.
"No, you're right. I feel weird, like, I just gotta keep you and Keigo close to me. I gotta protect you guys. It feels strange."
Touya could see the confusion and distress swirling in his eyes. He reached a hand out, intending to comfort his friend when they heard Keigo whimper softly from the bed.
Kio's pupils shrank to little slits before he was out the door and by Keigo's side in an instant. He ran his fingers through the blond locks and held his hand. He watched as the crease between Keigo's brows softened, body shifting into his touch before he fell back into a relaxed sleep.
Touya watched with bewilderment as Kio basically disappeared from in front of him and appeared by Keigo's side. He watched him soothe Keigo, taking note of the way his wings curled around him protectively.
Touya sighed, chalking it up to some animal instincts, before turning to make his way back to the bathroom to freshen up a bit. Unfortunately for him though, he stubbed his toe against the doorway, a small yelp of pain escaping his throat.
Before he could fully register what had happened, Kio was on him in an instant, looking him over with frantic eyes, wings beating lightly behind him. Furious clicks left his throat as hands wandered Touya's face, looking for potential injuries. Touya stood still, not quite understanding what was happening, before waving at the hands around his face.
"Hey! Hey, I'm alright, I just stubbed my toe is all."
Kio stepped away, hands frozen in the air. His heart was beating unnaturally fast, every fibre of his being telling him to take Touya and Keigo and tuck them away where they could be safe from the danger. But they weren't in danger? They had already dealt with the problem, they were fine now. But it was still dangerous, there must be a problem...there has to be, otherwise, he wouldn't be feeling like this...
Touya watched Kio step back, blue eyes filled with worry. His red eyes looked as though they were glowing, the pupils narrowed to mere slits. He saw his chest heaving with heavy breaths, becoming more frantic and body beginning to tremble. Touya stepped towards him, seeing him become more distressed just standing there, and cupped his face with his small hands. Red eyes snapped towards him. His heart clenched painfully at the fear and confusion in them before he wrapped his arms around him, bringing him forward into a comforting hug. Kio basically collapsed in his arms, trembling hands grasping the back of his shirt.
"I'm sorry, I don't know... I don't understand what's happening..."
Touya shushed him, his own big brother instincts coming into play as he ran his fingers through messy black hair. He guided him back towards the bed, laying him gently beside Keigo, who turned and cuddled into his side. Touya saw his pupils dilate ever so slightly seeing Keigo safe by his side. He did mention wanting them close didn't he?
Deciding they didn't have to be up for another few minutes, Touya climbed back into bed beside Kio. He stretched out slightly, before shuffling closer to Kio's side, resting his head on his shoulder and throwing an arm over him and Keigo. He felt warm wings wrap around them, a cloudy haze filling his mind as sleep invaded his eyes. Just a few minutes, he told himself with a small yawn, closing his eyes and letting darkness wash over him.
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"We're gonna be late!"
Ok, so 'a few minutes' had somehow turned into an extra hour and now all three boys were scrambling to get ready on time. Touya kept a close eye on Kio, who appeared to be back to normal, but he still saw the way his eyes would narrow if either he or Keigo would stumble ever so slightly. A soft sigh left his lips, if it was just instincts acting up then he'll be fine, right? Shaking his head, he focused on just getting ready on time.
Keigo, meanwhile, was clueless about the events that took place this morning. Of course, he noticed Kio's strange behaviour but chalked it up to him just being worried about his injuries. Touya and Kio had to help him get ready, changing his bandages and even helping him with his clothes. Usually, he would crack a joke, but this time, he appreciated the closeness. Some part deep inside of him wanted to stay close to Touya and Kio, they were warm and safe, it was better to stay close.
Touya was currently the only one not running on animal instincts, but he wasn't complaining. Not when Keigo and Kio pressed together while walking down the halls. When Keigo clasped his hand tight and Kio wrapped his wings around them. It was the most affectionate contact he had gotten in a while and if it helped satiate their instincts too, he would gladly go along with it.
They stayed, basically glued together for most of the day, only separating when it was time for individual training. The commission members, of course, noticed their strange behaviour, but as long as they completed their training and followed orders, they couldn't care less about what they did.
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The problems started weeks later.
Keigo and Kio were officially back to normal, not being driven by their instincts anymore. Keigo's hands had healed nicely thanks to the constant attention and care by Touya and Kio, although there were a few scars left behind. It had also become normal for them to sleep in the same bed. After the days were their instincts were running wild, they couldn't quite bring themselves to sleep alone again and agreed to just sleep together, curled around each other in a bundle of warmth. It usually ended with Touya in the middle, since he radiated heat, with Kio's wings draped over them and Keigo's feathers scattered around them.
Besides the intense training, which they were slowly getting used to, life was going alright for once. They had each other, and that was more than enough.
Until the commission decided to step in and ruin everything again.
It was during their quirk training session, which was being held outside today. Keigo and Kio were paired up together, being the only two with wings, and were practising some aerial attacks when they heard a commotion by the other side of the training grounds.
They didn't stop their movements, only glancing down at the instructor who was watching them. They only stopped when they saw her run off to the other side, where a big crowd of kids and adults alike had formed. Giving each other uneasy looks, they flew over to see what was happening. Their hearts dropped to their stomach upon seeing Touya in the middle of the chaos.
Touya was standing off against a water type quirk user, he was soaked head to toe but his arms and parts of his face looked like it had been burned badly. The skin was red and irritated, smoke rising from his trembling form.
They watched in horror as the other trainee sent a torrent of water at him, smashing into him and sending him flying a few feet away. He tried to summon his flames, but the burns on his arms told him he was at his limit. The instructors were shouting at him, telling him to use his quirk and fight back. They could see the irritation and anger grow in Touya's eyes until he finally snapped back.
"I can't! I can't use my quirk! It fucking hurts and I can barely feel my arms!"
A stunned silence fell on the crowd, nobody had ever talked back to a commission member before. Everyone watched with bated breaths as one of the men stepped forward. Touya immediately stiffened, heart beating faster and sweat coating his palms. He didn't dare back down though, staring the man right in the eyes as he stopped in front of him. The man raised a hand, running it through his hair...
...before swinging it down and slapping Touya across the face.
However, the resounding slap was drowned out by a loud growl. Two figures flew down from above, one going straight to Touya while the other stood in front of them protectively.
Touya, who had fallen to the ground, felt soft feathers surround him. He watched as Keigo dropped to his knees beside him, hands coming up to cradle his face. He ran a comforting thumb over his red cheek, soothing the dull pain. Keigo pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him into his chest. His wings came up around them, keeping Touya settled against him. They both looked up at Kio, who had his wings spread wide in a protective stance.
Kio glared at the man who still had his hand raised, low growls rumbling from his chest. The man didn't seem fazed in the slightest, lowering his hand and taking a step forward. Kio's hands clenched at his sides, growls growing louder. Everyone watched in astonishment as purple lightning began to crackle around his form, becoming more intense with every step the man took towards them.
Kio's mind was in a frenzy, instincts screaming at him to do something. To get rid of whatever had hurt his family. He felt like a string pulled too tight, about to snap at any moment.
The commission member stopped a few feet away, hands raised in a placating manner.
"Put them in their room."
The loud crackles of lightning dimmed, wings drawing in ever so slightly. Kio risked a glance over his shoulder, seeing Keigo and Touya now standing with Touya wrapped in Keigo's wings.
However, that one glance was all it took for the commission member to capture Kio, fingers extending as he used his quirk to bind him. Kio let out a surprised yelp, wings beating against his restraints.
"I'll take this one to the isolation room."
Kio growled, eyes narrowing and pupils shrinking to small slits.
"What the hell d'you think you're doing. Let me go you bastard!"
"Kio!"
Keigo and Touya stepped forward, hands reaching out before they too were picked up by the other workers. They all struggled furiously, not wanting to be separated for even a moment. They shouted and screamed as their limbs were bound together and quirk-suppressing collars were put around their necks.
Keigo and Touya were taken back to their room, managing one last look at their friend before he was taken away. They heard him calling out for them, voice breaking through sentences as he cursed the commission.
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Kio was taken to a higher part of the building. A long ride up the elevator opened up to a long corridor with a single door at the end. They dragged him down the hall, mouth clamped shut by one of the three men's' quirk.
Unlocking the door, it opened with an ominous screech, revealing a dark room with absolutely nothing in it save for a dingy little light on the wall.
They tossed him in, body thudding harshly against the floor as the binds around his limbs were removed. He glared up at the men, eyes glowing a deep, dangerous red. He opened his mouth to speak, fangs sharpened to an almost deadly degree.
"Take me back to them. They need me. I need them."
The men only snickered in response, shutting the door with a loud bang that resounded off the dirty walls. As they turned to leave, however, an unnaturally deep, animalistic growl emitted from the room behind them. Shivers wracked up their spine, feeling the threat the boy sent their way. For members of the corrupt commission, they had never felt such fear and regret in their life. Still, all they did was lower their heads and run.
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Touya and Keigo were thrown into their room, hearing the lock click shut on the other side. Their hearts were beating out their chests and tears welling up in the corners of their eyes. They sat there, staring at the door, processing what had just happened.
The deafening silence was broken by Keigo's soft chirp, tears starting to stream down his cheeks. Touya immediately snapped to attention, bringing him into his arms, ignoring the pain the contact brought. His own tears slipped down his cheeks, listening to Keigo's distressed and confused chirps as his wings flapped wildly. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, trying to ignore his own inner turmoil.
"It's going to be ok. Kio's gonna be fine, you know how strong he is. We'll all be back together soon."
He couldn't tell if he was trying to soothe Keigo or reassure himself. A bit of both probably. They held each other tightly, clinging onto the one who hadn't been ripped away from them. They fell asleep on the cold floor that night, wrapped in each other as tight as they could, yet still feeling empty and lonely without Kio by their side. It just didn't feel right until it was all three of them together.
Kio didn't sleep at all that night, mind and body overcome by instincts he didn't know he had. His mind was blank and hazy, a constant loop of "protect" and "where are they" screaming in his brain. He was confused and scared, involuntarily succumbing to his instincts. His body rampaged, tearing at the walls and ceiling, scratching at his clothes and hair.
He lost himself in that room, screaming and crying for his family, who wanted nothing more than him back by their side.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone