The Odin Sphere AU that nobody asked for…. Hahaha OTL
Pairing: Megumi Tadokoro/Ryou Kurokiba
Notes: AU (Odin Sphere inspired AU), background character death (but very seriously, a bunch of people die off-screen), OCs (for some background characters…), OOC from characters, really vague sexual content, some spoilers for Odin Sphere but it diverges sort of from the plot of the game…...
Chapter Summary: She can befriend and respect a Pooka, that is how vast her kindness is. He wonders if she can also learn to love a cursed man.
Part 1- Tiger
He first sees her, the valkyrie, when he is sent on a mission by Lady Leonora. It is only by chance, but it is the start of everything. He is sent to the Demon Lord's castle to gain intelligence on the enemy. Raginrave's kingdom is shrouded in darkness, unlike the fae's palace, and Ryou uses this to his advantage as he utilizes his powers to flit through the shadows.
Reconnaissance. She had stated with the blank smile she always wore, but Ryou still ensures to kill off as many Vanir as he can on his way up. Along the way, he is intercepted by one of the generals but defeats the drunken old fool with ease. However, before Ryou can even raise his blade to finish him off, he is forced to hide as more reinforcements arrive; he cannot afford to get captured.
But truly, none of the preceding events are very important.
It is when he has hidden himself behind one of the massive pillars in the throne room that his world tilts. A girl makes her way inside the grand hall, in a voluminous dress of dark blue silk. She is beautiful, her dark hair braided into two simply plaits. But there are plenty of beautiful beings, even in Ringford; Lady Leonora is beautiful, Lady Alice is beautiful. So why is it that he cannot look away from her specifically?
He is too far to hear what she is saying, but the woman looks down at the dress with a smile as a Pooka fiddles with the back corset. The servant's red curse mark runs all the way down to her wrists and up to her cheeks. The Pooka is a surprise in of itself; they rarely stay in one place too long, cursed as they are. Even at Ringford, they come to sell their wares and deliver meals before leaving only hours later. Ryou watches as she murmurs something to the Pooka, who claps her hands together with a smile of her own.
Their smiles fall when the King marches in with a frown on his face, glaring at the dress. They bow and the Pooka steps back as the King's voice echoes through the chamber.
"Megumi! Why are you wearing such a thing?!" he bellows, staring down at the girl. Ryou glares at the king, angry that he has ruined the happy atmosphere.
Wait… Megumi? As in the King's daughter? One of Odin's witches, as the soldiers call the two daughters of the demon Lord?
Raginrave's king confirms Ryou's suspicion when he adds. "For the King's daughter to be more invested in her image instead of battle… You could learn a thing or two from your sister."
Megumi stares down at her hands, blinking rapidly as though she is holding back tears. She replies, but Ryou is too far to hear. The shadow knight chances it, and jumps over to another pillar, closer to the other three occupants in the room. He cannot believe someone as gentle as her could be Odin's child; very few would treat the Pooka with the respect and civility that Megumi is giving to her servant.
Before Odin can reply, another valkyrie joins them, bowing to the royals before looking up at the king. "Your Majesty… The general…"
The Demon Lord sighs. "What has that idiot done now?" he grumbles, walking past his daughter without another look. His departure is completed by the slam of the door shutting behind him.
Megumi sighs, smoothing down the dress. "He didn't notice… It was mother's old dress," she states softly. Her voice is as gentle as he expected, and Ryou finds it comforting to hear. Perhaps that is why the valkyries under her command are so protective of her.
The Pooka frowns with a bow. "I'm sorry Megumi," she says. "I shouldn't have brought it out."
Megumi turns to her with a smile. "No Yuki, don't apologize," she says, putting her hand on the servant's wrist. "I'm glad to wear mother's dress!
Ryou raises his brows. Very few allow the Pooka to touch them and even fewer touch them in return. What an odd princess.
"But still," Megumi adds, touching the fabric once more. "We should go… I should change back into my armour."
The one called Yuki sighs but nods in reply, trailing behind the princess as they too leave the hall. Once he is sure he is alone, Ryou jumps from the shadows and makes his escape. But the entire time back to Ringford, all he can think about is the princess, how different she was from what he has heard of her, how gently she treated the Pooka, how wounded she looked at Odin's rejection.
Ryou hopes this weight on his chest when he thinks of her leaves as time passes.
It does not.
The second time he meets her, Megumi, it is at the tail end of a battle. He is wiping out the few straggling Vanir left, using his shadow powers. There has been some chest pain he feels after use, but he knows Lady Leonora and Lady Alice have high hopes for the weapon.
"I will face him," Megumi's voice cuts through the battlefield like an arrow, and he turns to see her. She is in the tradition valkryie armour, though there is a white clover pinned to one side of her hair, the emblem of her father, and denoting her to be a princess. Here in the light, Ryou can now see that her hair is a midnight blue, as opposed to the black he thought originally. Her wings, attached at her hips and used in gliding, are the same shade of dark blue. Her golden eyes glow with protectiveness, standing in front of her valkyries like a mother bird.
And she is a strong opponent, dancing away from his attacks, and using a combination of her gliding and her crystal spear in a piercing air attack. Any thoughts that Megumi may be a pushover because of her gentle heart are thrown out at the battle. She is a worthy opponent, but not as strong as himself, and he pins her to the ground with his blade at her neck.
He should kill her, he must kill her. She is the enemy of Lady Alice. But something stays his hand. Because when he stares down at her, Ryou sees the girl who blinked back her tears after her father's rejection, he sees the princess who treated a destitute servant with as much kindness she would a sister, and he sees the girl who lost her elder sister in battle tonight but still had to stay strong for her troops.
"What are you waiting for?" she says with a glare, meeting his eyes. "Kill me. How long do you plan on pinning me down here?"
The princess says the words, but she cannot hide her fear from him. She trembles; Ryou would barely notice it if he was not presses against her and could feel her body shake. He jumps away from her and instead disarms a valkyrie attempting to come to Megumi's rescue.
"Leave," he orders, facing away from her. "The battle is over; any more death would be a waste… Go bury your sister, princess."
He leaves, ignoring the pounding in his chest and the calls for him to stop.
It is not until he is near to the fae camp that he notices the blue feather; it had gotten stuck between the poleyn and greave of his black armour. Ryou pulls out the feather, a flight feather by the looks of it, and rolls the shaft between his fingers, glancing at his unexpected prize. He slips it into the pouch strapped to his thigh, and feels oddly lighter than usual.
The fae are a lascivious lot; they partake in many celebrations after a victory. The one they won today is especially worthy of festivities; they have killed the elder of Odin's daughters, the valkyrie Ryouko.
Ryou never participates; he has never found mindless sexual gratification very necessary. Isn't it more important to do such an activity with someone you are attracted to? The fae always whisper that it must be a human thing.
But tonight, in the darkness of his room, Ryou imagines Megumi as they were in battle, with him pressed against her, her body trapped between his. He remembers her bare shoulders and her soft skin, and the small birthmark on her collarbone. He recalls her armour made of light fabric, the slip of bare skin on her thighs between her heavy leg armour and her dark leather skirt.
Ryou closes his eyes and runs his hands up and down his shaft, imaging her voice and her golden eyes, and her bare skin pressed close to him. He wonders if all her feathers are as soft as the one on his desk, and if her pale skin blushes as red as he thinks.
He wipes his essence on an old tunic and throws it in a basket for the servants to deal with. He pretends that it was only due to the adrenaline of battle that he did such a thing.
There is a small compartment in the armour of all the soldiers of Ringford, on the underside of the chest plate, right where the heart would be. It is used to keep loved ones close, and usually soldiers put a picture of their family, or a lock of hair of a lover.
Ryou's compartment has always been kept empty, for he has never had any sort of trinket from his family. But he now keeps the feather hidden in the compartment, and for some odd reason, the armour feels stronger than before.
Ryou has always known his weapon is special; it is a Psypher, a weapon created of crystallized souls, feeding on death to give its users power. But when Death's henchmen come for him, he knows his power is much more than just that.
"Who are you?" he growls, lifting his blade at the decaying creature.
"I simply take the chosen to the underworld," it replies, tapping its scythe against its shoulder. "She awaits you. A contract binds you to Queen Miyoko of the Underworld and she is now expecting you to make good on your promise."
Ryou snorts in derision. "I know of no such contract."
Its cackle grates on Ryou's nerve. "Gwahaha, you think the darkness you control is your own?" it asks with another cackle. "Only those bound to death have such a power. Someone pledged your soul in return for the dark powers in the blade. The power that once strengthened you has now rotted your body and mind… Now, as per the agreement, give me your soul!"
It's harder to fight than ever before, and his body feels pain at the slightest movement, but Ryou manages to defeat the creature. Betrayal burns down his body as he returns to Lady Alice, but she assures him that death will not be able to reach him as long as he has his weapon.
"After all," Lady Alice states. "They may want your soul, but if you continue to defeat them with the very power they gave you, there is nothing they can really do. Besides, we did it so you could be stronger, to prove to the others that a human could stand equal beside us."
It still hurts to know he was sold off without his knowledge, but Ryou accepts Lady Alice's words. He owes them this, for raising him, and caring for him like their own.
Lady Alice's grandfather, the great king of the forest, passes in battle against the demon king. Officially, Erina is the heir but she is arrogant and young, and many feel that Lady Leonora would be better suited as the next ruler.
A civil war pulls the kingdom apart. Lady Alice dies in the initial struggle.
Ryou body feels weaker with each day that passes, but he continues to fight to help Lady Leonora to the throne. But it is obvious that the power is weakening his body more than ever before. He loses to that brat Erina.
He pulls his broken body and runs to the inner sanctum, hoping to warn Lady Leonora. However, she too is wounded, lying against the pillar, glaring at him as he enters.
"Lady Leonora," he gasps out, his throat burns from simply speaking.
"You worthless fool," she hisses, clutching her hand at her bleeding side. "Breaking down like this. The only reason I let you stay was so you'd protect Alice, and you couldn't even do that. I should have found a replacement to take your psypher."
"What, what do you mean? What the hell do you mean?" he hisses out. "Just what was I to you?"
Lady Leonora laughs, bitterness tainting the sound. "You…You were a tool, to prove our might to Ringford. To show them that just because we were the branch family didn't mean that we were worth less."
No… it would not be so. Lady Alice was always forcing him to join them, to act like a family.
"No, Lady Alice-"
"Don't fool yourself, human," she cuts him off with a gurgled cough, blood dribbles from her mouth. "To both of us, you were nothing but a pawn."
With those words, Lady Leonora fades into a burst of phozons. It is different than when humans or Vanir die, the fae leave no physical form behind.
The underworld's guides come back for him.
This time, he does not bother fighting.
The Underworld is a dark place, with monsters and the dead hiding in every corner, waiting to feed upon an unsuspecting living. Ryou does not know why he lives despite being in the realm of the dead, the damned blade still by his side.
He does not fear death; he has been the harbinger of it for too many for him to fear his own. But to die after living an empty life, no meaning other than to be a tool- he may as well have not been born at all.
Ryou thinks of Megumi, the valkyrie, and her kindness.
He wonders… if she can befriend and respect a Pooka if she can also learn to love a cursed man.
The feather in his chest plate seems to warm his body, and he finds the strength to continue.
To find the exit and join the living once more.
The Queen of the dead must have once been a beautiful woman. Her face and most of her upper body has retained the skin, though what skin remains is a deathly while and one arm is solely bone. Her purple hair is cut short and her eyes are narrowed as Ryou enters her chamber.
"Men are the stupidest creature of all," queen Miyoko states as he enters.
He decides to humour her. He needs to figure out her weakness first anyways. "And why is that?"
"Because men are the only ones prideful and stupid enough to pledge their souls to me for power in life."
"I didn't," he says with a glare.
"No," she replies before laughing darkly. "Yours was even funnier. Your guardian created the contract for you! However, your insolence will still not be forgiven-a mere man coming here and trying to kill me with the very weapon I give power to, what stupidity."
A spirit arrives, halting the conversation. It leans close to the queen, whispering in her ear. Queen Miyoko's face twists from arrogant disdain to true disgust. "That uncivilized cow!" she yells as she slams her hand against the wall, the rock cavern trembling at her strength.
The queen glares down at him, and Ryou glares back. "As much as I hate you, there is someone I hate even more," she mutters before tilting her head at him. "I have a proposition for you, wielder of the cursed Psypher. There is a man I want you to kill for me, and in return, I shall free you of the shackles that rot your body."
"Remove it first," he demands in reply. "If I can't fight at full strength, I will lose to whoever it is you are sending me to kill."
Miyoko chuckles. "Do not take me for a fool, who would give the prize before someone completed the deed?" she says before lifting her hand towards him. "I will, however, lessen its effects on your fragile human body for now. Kill him and then I will remove it completely."
"Nothing has changed at all… I simply serve a new master now," Ryou mutters to himself before looking up at the queen. "I accept. Who do you want me to kill?"
Miyoko smirks, her violet eyes narrowing. "You will go down in history, Ryou, as the man who killed Demon Lord Odin."
The King of Raginrave is powerful, but he is also old and his endurance is not strong as it could be. Ryou's powers return to him rapidly throughout the fight while the king stumbles after a short bout; the Queen has made good on her promise. Before Ryou can make the final strike, however, the old man raises his hand in peace.
"Lay down your sword, Shadow Knight," Odin states. "I admit my defeat and shall leave this place."
Ryou pushes back a lock of dark hair that fell on his face during the fight. "You really think I will let your survive after we've fought?! You doddering fool, I'll show you that such leniency has no place here!"
"If you desist, I will take you from the netherworld," the King bargains, though he retains the calm, detached tone he used previously, as though what Ryou's reply is will not particularly matter. "I know of a route that lets me move freely from this place. Unless you'd rather stay here and rot, remaining Miyoko's servant forever?"
Ryou wishes to see Megumi again; that had been the reason he barged into that skeleton queen's fortress in the first place.
"I have made no pledges," he says before nodding. "Your terms, I will accept them."
The first time he came to this castle, he came an interloper, now Ryou sits at the king's table as a guest. Such a funny turn of events. Ryou searches for any sign of Megumi, or even her servant, Yuki, but cannot catch even a glimpse of either of them. Soon, Odin waves everyone away until it is only the two of them, glaring at one another.
"Shadow Knight," Odin begins, his voice a deep rumble. "The King of this nation has recognized the power you hold, Will you not listen to this request?"
Ryou does not have time for this. It's obvious Megumi is long gone from this place. Perhaps she is in one of the battlefield camps. He stands and turns away from the king, calculating the fastest route to the battle site.
Odin's giant fist slams the table, the sound echoing in the great hall; Ryou glances over at the fuming king. "Wait! What arrogance you have when speaking to a king!" he growls before taking a deep breath to calm himself. "I can compensate you. I shall bequest you one of my castles to you. It is small and old, but it is well furnished and in a neutral region between nations, a lawless zone, if you would."
Not what he wants nor needs.
At Ryou dismissal, the King adds another prize. "In addition, I shall reward you with a magic spear," he tempts. "You must have seen it in battle, 'tis a work of art. It is far superior to any other psypher."
"That is your daughter's spear," Ryou says, glaring at the king.
"She will no longer need such a weapon," Odin replies cryptically.
The shadow knight glares and shakes his head. He has no need for another psypher when he already possesses one.
Odin growls before standing up and stomping over to the knight, narrowing his eyes at the insolent brat. "You stubborn fool, is this still not enough for you?" he snarls, hands twitching with desire to pull out his weapon. "Then what about my daughter? Will my daughter Megumi be enough for you?!"
That gives Ryou pause. If Megumi is given, it could be an opportunity to prove to her he is worthy. He will not force anything, of course, but to have her see him as more than just an enemy, as a potential suitor…
"What do you ask of me?" Ryou asks, keeping his tone flat. It will not do to look too excited.
Odin chuckles. "Now you show interest," he comments with a sigh. "I have a target for you. Hind, the vicious dragon that lives at the peak of the Northern Mountain, king of the skies."
Ryou narrows his eyes at the Vanir. "If I kill this beast for you, you will give me your daughter?"
"I swear, on my honor as a king," Odin replies with a hand to his chest.
"What is it that you seek?" Ryou questions, one hand on the hilt of his weapon. "Should I just kill it without knowing why?"
"That is nothing you need to concern yourself with."
There must be some ulterior motive. Hind has always remained neutral during the war and Ryou cannot see him choosing sides anytime soon. But the chance to have Megumi with him, love him, give meaning to his once empty life, pushes Ryou to accept the offer.
"Do not forget your promise Demon Lord," Ryou states before exiting the great hall. He must prepare; the mountain is not an easy place to journey to, and to kill a dragon is no small feat.
He cannot afford to fail this mission.
Ryou stabs the dragon in the heart, and cuts downwards, disembowelling and killing the beast once and for all. His hands are stained with blood again. He hopes it is for the last time; task completed, he will now live in peace with Megumi, in the castle he's won from Odin. Something glints from within the dragon, and Ryou carelessly pushes his hand into the wound and pulls out what is inside. He raises his brows at what he finds; a gold ring with a large cats-eye in the centre, flanked on either side by an inlay of tiny diamonds. It is a fine piece of jewelry- Ryou pockets it and plans to present it to the princess when they meet.
Moments after, Odin and a retinue of warriors arrive to the mountain top. The king's arrival is a surprise; Ryou wonders if the king believed he would die while combating the dragon; how stupid of the Vanir.
"I have fulfilled my promise," Ryou calls out, wiping his bloodied hand on the corpse of the dragon. "It is now time to keep your end of our deal."
Odin walks forward, glancing down at the beast before opening his massive hand at Ryou. "The ring. I am its rightful owner," he states in low rumble.
So, that is what the demon lord was truly after. Ryou wonders what is so important about the ring in his pocket. It is a beautiful trinket, but hardly worth the life of a dragon.
"I've no idea what you are speaking of," Ryou replies, shrugging. "I was told to kill a dragon and I killed a dragon. I've seen no rings."
It is obvious that the king does not believe him, but with no proof that Ryou is lying he cannot openly say anything. "You have indeed kept your end of the bargain," he states through clenched teeth. "I was born a king, and I must continue to act like one. Although my opponent may be arrogant and disrespectful. The spear, the castle and… the other thing is yours, as per our agreement."
Odin throws a map and a set of keys at the former knight. "The map will show you the location of the castle. The keys are proof you need to verify it as yours," he says before turning away from Ryou. "Megumi is asleep. I cast a spell upon her for disobeying my orders. The one who awakens her will receive her undying love. The spell will compel her to act in such a manner."
Ryou clenches his sword tighter, narrowing his eyes. "How can you treat your own daughter as an object?" he asks, his voice low. "To trade her off like a trinket?"
"Who are you to say anything? Did you not accept my deal knowing she was a prize to be won?" Odin replies blankly. "She is my daughter. I shall treat her as I wish. Now go, she lies sleeping in your castle."
The castle lies in the middle of the Polar forest, at the very fringes of Raginrave, isolated from all. The castle is empty, and larger than Ryou expected. He explores each room and finds them well furnished, and the kitchen well stocked.
He finally finds Megumi in the Solar of the castle, on the top floor, laying on a massive bed that faces out to a terrace. Her hair is loose from her braids, blue hair reaching down to her chest, and she wears the dress he saw her in the first time, her mother's dress. He brushes his hand across her cheek and runs his ungloved fingers through her hair.
A tray clatters to the floor behind him, dishes shattering, and Ryou jumps to face the foe, drawing his weapon.
It is the Pooka, her skin sallow and her aquamarine eyes wide in shock. "Sh-Shadow knight," she whispers, trembling. "Wh-What are you doing here? Ge-Get away from the princess!"
Ryou sheathes his blade and stares down at the servant. "I am the master of this castle now," he replies. "Odin rewarded me for killing the dragon."
"But that means," she says with a gasp. "Odin gave Lady Megumi to you?! The enemy soldier?!"
"And what are you doing here?" Ryou asks, though he doesn't particularly care. The servant most likely is no longer getting paid, so he wonders why she stays.
"I'm staying with her," she argues, glaring. She runs over to the other side of the bed, gripping Megumi's small hand. "I will not let lady Megumi get used."
They fall into a tense silence after that, glaring at each other. Finally, Ryou speaks up. "I am Ryou. You should call me that instead of shadow knight."
"It's Yuki. But you'll probably just call me Pooka or something," she mutters before frowning at him. "Has Ringford finally abandoned you? For you to work under Odin?"
"I am no longer tied to that place," he replies with a glare.
Silence once more. It is obvious that Yuki cares for the princess; at least that is one thing they both share.
"Hey," she says, her orange hair bobbing with her nod. "Are you hungry? Since you are….married? to lady Megumi, I guess I can make you something to eat."
"You're not going to poison it or anything are you?" Ryou asks, tapping his fingers on the bed, ignoring the warm feeling when the pooka mentions marriage between himself and Megumi.
Yuki lets out an offended squawk. "Of course not! We pride ourselves on our cooking, you know?" she says with a jump, running to the door. "You…aren't going to do anything to her, are you?"
"Don't you think I would have done it already if I was going to?" Ryou asks.
"I guess… Also, get yourself out of that armour! It's freaking me out!" Yuki says before running off.
What a peppy Pooka.
There is a small library in the castle. Ryou spends a week there, trying to find the way to awaken Megumi but the books are of no help. Yuki makes him food and some clothes after finding out he only has the clothes on his back. She also spends time making dresses for Megumi, humming along as she does so. The Pooka is outgoing, forcing him into conversation, usually about the sleeping princess, about what she likes, her favourite food. Yuki is warming up to him.
Every night he comes up to the Solar, to watch Megumi, sometimes holding her hand. The more he learns about her, the deeper he falls.
"She won't wake up, no matter how long you stare at her," Yuki says one night, bringing up a cup of tea for the knight.
"I know. It must be the spell," Ryou replies, not looking away from the princess. Megumi is as she was a week ago, looking as though she's just gone down for a small nap.
"Yes, but if you kiss her-" Yuki cuts herself off with a gasp, covering her mouth with her hands.
"Oh? So that is how to wake her," he says, looking down at the princess.
Yuki jumps in, sliding her body over Megumi. "You can't! You can't!" she shouts, blocking him even though he has made no move towards her. "The princess, she disobeyed the king's orders to lessen the pain in his heart. Regardless of what she wants, she will be forced to love a total stranger. But that is too cruel! Why should she have to be punished for being kind?!"
Ryou sighs. "Indeed, it is," he says with a nod.
Yuki looks up, wiping her tears with a hand. "That means you won't kiss her?" she says with a watery smile before frowning. "But, didn't you come to take Megumi away?"
"I would," he starts, trailing off. He should be honest with himself, with her. Pooka or not, Yuki is a friend now. "I would like her to love me… But not in this way. We must search another avenue to break the spell."
Yuki nods with a grin. "Ye-yeah!"
"Why did you not tell me? About the spell?" Ryou asks, searching of his armour. He will most likely have to infiltrate a place to get the knowledge of intricate magic Odin used.
Yuki looks down at her hands. "I thought…. Because you were so fond of her, you'd kiss her right away if I told you," she replies softly. "And… Megumi's really kind, I don't want her to be taken advantage of like that."
"Hmm," Ryou murmurs before glancing over at the Pooka. "Where would be the place to start? To break Odin's spell?"
"Volkena," Yuki replies, glancing down at the princess. "Fire King Onyx is said to be older than the largest tree in the world. He has knowledge from eons past, and his library is said to the biggest in the entire realm. But… the Vulcans are not welcoming of outsiders, and they have no love for humans…"
Ryou pauses from lacing on his wrist guards. "Well, there is nothing I can do about that," he mutters. "She needs to be woken… You will take care of her in my stead, won't you?"
Yuki nods, the curse mark creeping upwards as she smiles. "Of course! And after we wake her, I'll even put in a good word for you, Ryou!"
Ryou rolls his eyes but chuckles.
Lava flows like water in Volkena, and the heat makes Ryou sweat beneath the armour. He holds his original psypher in hand, though he did momentarily contemplate taking the spear, he changes his mind once he realizes that it is Megumi's. Besides, his weapon does not drain him as much as it did before.
The trek to the fire king's palace is difficult even without Vulcan soldiers attacking. There are creatures Ryou never expected to see; creatures made of fire and lava, and the heat itself is a constant danger to him. Onyx's kingdom is in the centre of the volcano's core, built of black volcanic rock and resembling the temples of old.
"Who comes here?" A Vulcan warrior shouts, her white hair styled into a high ponytail.
"I am Ryou. I come seeking wisdom from King Onyx," Ryou replies, brandishing his sword. "If you do not let me pass, I will force me way in."
"The stench of death," a deep voice cuts in, and Ryou's eyes dart over to see a young man with shoulder length white hair that contrasts sharply with the fire-red environment. He is topless, much more suited to the climate here. "You are the shadow knight… Vulcans, step back. You are no match for him. "
On the stranger's head is a thick band of gold, a large onyx in the centre. "Fire king Onyx," Ryou replies with narrowed eyes. He is younger than he expected him to look.
"Oynx is but a title, you may call me Hayama," he states, his green eyes assessing Ryou. "What brings you to my kingdom? I've no quarrel with Ringford."
"I come to seek your… guidance," Ryou states after considering his situation. He hates to ask for assistance, but he's got no magical capabilities himself. "To break a spell cast by Odin."
Onyx, no, Hayama, raises his brows. "How… interesting," he states. "Then, come in. Let us discuss this spell of yours."
"Wait, Lord Onyx, is it wise to let him in?" a vulcan asks, furrowing her brows.
"The Shadow Knight would have forced his way in whether you tried to stop him or not," Hayama replies. "'Tis simpler this way."
Ryou narrows his eyes at his welcome but follows nonetheless.
Yuki was correct. The Fire king holds a mountainous collection of books, scrolls and tablets from ages past, and Ryou gazes at the grand library in awe.
"Hardly seems the place to hold so much," Ryou comments, eyes darting around the hall. "Since all this is so flammable."
"I'm careful with my possessions," Hayama replies blandly before gesturing the knight to a seat. "So, what is the nature of this spell?"
"They're asleep," Ryou replies in a flat tone.
"Ok. I will need more than that. If all they are "is asleep" I would just tell you to wake them up."
Ryou growls at the King's annoying personality but stops his anger. "They are in an enchanted sleep," he adds on. "I have been told if I kiss her, she will awaken… but I would find another way."
Hayama stares down at him, furrowing his brows. "You know how to awaken them and yet you will not do this," he mutters. "What sort of arrogance is this? Is she so repulsive that you'd rather venture all the way here than to kiss her just once?"
Ryou slams his fist on the table. "No! She is as radiant as the sun!" he growls. "I just can't kiss her!"
Hayama smirks at his response, and Ryou has doubts that this king can even help him. "And why is that?"
God damn, he wants to punch this arrogant bastard. "If I do, she will fall in love with me, regardless of what her heart truly wants," Ryou mutters, glancing down at the table.
Hayama's eyes widen for a brief moment before he presses a hand against his eyes, shoulders shaking. Ryou wonders if the king is crying but soon hears the laughter the king makes. "You thought- hahaha- You thought that if you kiss her she'll fall in love with you?! Hahahah!" the fire king's laugh echoes in the great hall.
The king's laughter turns bitter and then dies down completely. "There is no spell or magic in this land that can control a heart," he explains, running a hand down the spine of a book, eyes far off in thought. "Not a single thing can manipulate it so, to make someone fall in love with another."
At Ryou's unconvinced stare, the king continues with a shrug. "If it was so, do you not think every person forced to an arranged marriage would bang down the door of a sorcerer to make themselves fall in love? Duty is duty, but it is truly a horrible feeling to be bound to someone you have no feelings for."
Ryou sighs, relief on his face. "So… A heart cannot be manipulated… Good," he says to himself, standing. "I thank you for the advice. I shall take my leave now."
"What will you do? She will not love you even if you awaken her," Hayama calls out. "She may even flee, shadow knight."
"I never wanted to force her into anything," Ryou replies, turning his head back to face the king. "Only an opportunity to show her my love."
Hayama watches the shadow knight leave his kingdom, the vulcans bowing as he goes. "If that is the case," he murmurs, responding to the knight's parting words. "You are certainly braver than I."
He comes to Megumi with a light heart, knowing that his kiss will not force her mind. He makes the trek back to the forest as quickly as he can, dodging the enemies instead of fighting back, as he usually would.
"Hey! You look happy!" Yuki calls down from the terrace. "Did you figure out a way to wake Megumi?"
"Yes, I have," Ryou replies, looking up, attempting to keep his face blank.
Yuki sees right through it; some ways, she reminds him of Lady Alice, when she was younger. "Well, what are you waiting for, come up here then!"
Yuki leaves the room with a wink, stating that she will "leave the lovers in peace" and prepare some food for when Megumi awakens. Ryou stares down at the prone figure, palms suddenly damp with sweat.
Why is he so nervous?
Ryou leans over her, pushing a strand of navy blue hair from her face. What will she think when she sees him as she awakens? Would she hate him? Flee forever, as Hayama warned?
"Such musings are pointless," he says to himself, glancing down at her, so peaceful in her magiced slumber. "No matter how you react…. Even if this only brings me pain… I want… I want to hear you speak my name…. and to see you smile at me, even for just a moment… Then, I will be able to live."
Ryou leans down and presses his lips upon hers, and they are as soft as he dreamed of.
Then he prays, prays to all the gods that he never believed in that she will awaken herself, without a curse to force her to love him.
Yup…. This will be two parts… This is way longer than I thought it'd be.
Odin Sphere is a great game and I hope everyone plays it!
Thank you for reading!