I have to thank Dragon of Winter Nights for the inspiration for this chapter. If you're reading this DoWN, I'm still waiting for the next chapter of Protecting You, which was the inspiration. Hopefully, I didn't rip of Kuregu; I really tried to make this new guy my own.

And thanks to angelwing for the first, and only... review this story has thus far.

Disclaimer: duh

Chapter 2: Promise of Change

Ryuuzaki absentmindedly swirled the red liquor in his glass, having completely forgotten he held the crystal glass as he stared at the mahogany surface of his desk. No thoughts crossed his mind as his eyes slightly flicked back and forth, trying to draw his mind's attention. He didn't stir when a soft tap hit his door.

"Come," he said flatly.

Lilia peered into the room. "The Lord Rajin is here to see you, love."

He nodded and she left the door ajar, only to return a moment later. Ryuuzaki didn't look up as a steely haired man entered and slowly crossed the room to stand on the opposite side of Ryuuzaki's desk. The man's heavy black cloak covered one shoulder and slowly billowed behind his steps. His heavy green-velvet suit hugged his tall form and accented the silver glint off the sword hanging from his belt. He looked coldly down on Ryuuzaki as he still swirled the crystal glass.

The man's black eyes narrowed and he turned with military stiffness toward Ryuuzaki's liquor cabinet and poured himself a draft.

"Please, by all means, help yourself," Ryuuzaki said, trying to mute the sarcasm. He didn't have time to be worrying about the Reformations, which Lord Rajin had undoubtedly come to remind him of. If the Guru was dead… He couldn't put a finger on the emotion clouding his mind. It was as if he was in mourning, having lost a son and the shock had yet to hit him. All would be clarified and put to rest when Commander Vision arrived with what he claimed were the Guru's remains.

"Thank you, I think I will," the man said tersely before he sniffed the bouquet then downed the glass like a shot. He put the glass quietly on the tray beneath the cabinet and turned toward Ryuuzaki. "I understand these are trying times, for all of us. But the people expect certain actions from you, my Lord Ryuuzaki. Actions you have neglected as of late," he paused then added, "with no fault of your own. Please do not misunderstand me, I mean no disrespect. To have finally had a suitor for your daughter, an heir to the Ryuuzaki clan, and then to have him publicly executed!- I can see where that would steal a man's steam.

"But the masquerade is over and your daughter is safe within the manor again," he leaned in over Ryuuzaki's desk, "the Reformations must recommence."

"Cannot the King see to the Public Protection Council? I have family mattered to attend to at present."

Rajin narrowed his black eyes and lifted his nose. He took a seat, perching on the edge of the chair. "My lord," he said lowly, "the King only has so much influence over the people. Their allegiance is not yet won. One slip and the riots will start again. He'll be dethroned in a single hour and then they will come for you… me… and our fellow Lords."

"Then perhaps you should invest more of your wealth in food stock for the people's benefit rather than your horses," Ryuuzaki growled.

"I could say the same about toward your taste in spirits." Rajin's voice rolled from his throat like quiet thunder. He lifted his nose again, straightening his back, and peering down at Ryuuzaki. "Irregardless of our private expenses, the time for faith has passed."

Ryuuzaki cut his eyes up at Rajin. He knew exactly where this conversation was going before the next word slithered from Rajin's tongue.

Rajin continued, the resolve in his eyes as steely as his long hair and as unrelenting as his posture, "It is time the people face fact. This fairytale of an immortal being watching over Cephiro in the Pillar's passing was ingenious on your part, but it is time to wean the masses. Any man or woman with a descent education could see through it from the beginning.

"The former Councilman would have made this withdrawl process difficult, but his untimely death, I believe, may yet serve the greater purpose. As I'm sure you're aware, having Tenaga in place as Councilman still tied the fairytale to the foundation stone. Now that a new Councilman will be elected, the reality movement will be a natural phase for the people."

"Just how do you propose we 'wean' the people from the one source of hope they have had for nearly a decade?" Ryuuzaki growled lowly, trying to restrain the malice in his voice.

Rajin had never been a visionary, except in any way that would have suited him personally. He had no imagination, but his financial supplementation had been quintessential. The only factor that kept Ryuuzaki from blocking all other words that left Rajin's mouth was the fact that he stayed throughout the rioting period, despite the fact that he had a perfectly safe summer house on Depthi.

Ryuuzaki didn't care what direction the Reformations took with this so called 'image' the people had been clinging to. He knew that if the Guru was still alive, if his worst fears hadn't come to fruition, then Umi's wedding day would ensure the people knew the truth. He could wait for the unveiling… There was no doubt in his mind the Guru would remain on Cephiro, make it his home, and denounce his responsibilities as Eosye Kespa.

One thing troubled him about the latter. He knew nothing about how Eosey Kespa were chosen, or how they could dodge fate, only that they had to chose one ultimate goal to live for.

Rajin quietly surveyed Ryuuzaki before continuing, measuring his options, Ryuuzaki's expression and body language. "A simple lie to bridge the transition," he said finally. "The people do honestly believe this farce, and it has kept them quiet. We shall release a statement, signed by the Guru, of course, that he has fulfilled his duties to the planet and its people. He will state that he has complete faith in the Reformers and thus he has left for a new world in need of his services and guidance."

Ryuuzaki shook his head, "Any man or woman with a decent education would find the flaw in that immediately. You forget, the Guru spoke at Clef's execution. It is not in his character to say anything straightforward, and even less would believe he would leave in the wake of the Councilman's execution, when the only service to protect the people has no leader. He has presented himself as a logical man, though he never speaks logically."

"So you think the people will not find comfort in such a statement? You believe they will not be relieved to find their own destinies may finally be shaped with their own hands?"

Ryuuzaki shook his head. "That change must be gradual as well. Princess Emeraude has not yet been gone more than fifteen years. In years of her absence, the people have seen that their hearts are filled with nothing but fear and resentment."

"We shall have to explain her disappearance as well shant we?"

"Again, a suspicious turn. To come out with the truth after so many years…"

"Sorcerers, politicians, and the greatest minds of Cephiro never had time to ponder on the nature of her disappearance. As I recall, the sun set that night on the Old Cephiro then we all woke up to a red sun rise and perdition ever since-"

"This is something we must discuss with the Lords and his majesty," Ryuuzaki interjected. Rajin clenched his jaw. "I will not be persuaded until I have heard all opinions." He added in a low rumble, "and I will not be persuaded in my beliefs, even then. Good day, Rajin."

Rajin stood stiffly, the muscles in his arm clenched, and gave Ryuuzaki the slightest of nods before turning on his heel and marching to the door. He paused with his hand on the knob and turned to look at Ryuuzaki. "We have much to discuss when the Lords convene," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Ryuuzaki clenched his teeth then let his breath out in a hiss after Rajin's cloak slithered around the doorframe and out of sight. "I hate that man…"

The light in Rajin's eye vanished as soon as he left Ryuuzaki's study. His features turned dark and his eyes were empty. The mechanical march of his feet took him to the head of the grand stair and something made him stop. He lifted his chin and surveyed the room, finding Umi and Hikaru staring at him from the passage on his right. Umi glared coldly and he smiled; if his crooked smirk could count as a smile. "Milady," he said as he bowed his head. "Taking your servant for a walk?"

Umi stormed up to him, "You will mind your tongue when you speak to my friends!"

"Since when do you befriend the house help?" She swung at him but he caught her by the wrist. He jerked her in close until his pointed nose was almost touching hers. "Be mindful, milady, Cephiro is still in a state of chaos. I would think twice before raising a hand to an ally." He leaned in close to her ear. "I guarantee your father will need all allegiance he has within the next few days. He has surprisingly few where it matters."

She yanked her arm out of his grasp and stared at him wide eyed. "My father has been the leader of the Reformations for years," she said lowly, her voice shaking. "Cephiro will not turn on him, now or ever!"

Those were the words she believed, but the confident gleam in his eyes made her doubt.

Rajin's smirk broadened and he slowly circled around her, then made his way to Hikaru. "And you, little urchin," he breathed as he slowly walked around behind her. "Just because your fiancé currently holds the Councilman title, doesn't mean he will hold it after the election." He paused behind her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "What do you think will happen? If Lantis fails to win the vote?"

"He won't," Hikaru said, but her voice nearly caught in her throat.

"Lantis has never been seen by the people. He merely followed in Clef's footsteps. Now… Clef is dead-"

"I think you've said your peace," Umi growled.

"Yes," Rajin said after a pause, "perhaps I have." The smirk wouldn't leave his face as he slowly descended the stair.

"King Ferio will hear of your treachery," Umi said.

"Treachery?" Rajin mocked without turning. "Promises of change are hardly treachery, nor threat." He put his hand on the grand door and pushed. Light poured down on him, gleaming on his steely hair. Umi would have sworn she saw him turn and grin, but his features in silhouette were impossible to tell. "Good day," he said as he let the door close behind him.

Umi watched the door close, determined to tell her father, then remembered the unspoken threat. What if her father really wasn't as popular as she believed? She knew he had allies, powerful allies, but Rajin had made them sound like paper dolls. And he hardly blinked when she mentioned King Ferio. He practically promised Hikaru that Lantis would be voted out of office.

Hikaru walked up to Umi and wrapped her arms around her, shaking. Umi put her arms around Hikaru, both of them wishing to substitute each other for the safety of their lover's embrace.

Not my style is it? Such a short chapter. But this one pretty much told me it was done when I got to this point so I said: "okay, I won't fight it."

REVIEWS PLEASE!! I don't care if it's just to give me a cookie. The more reviews I get will dictate how quickly I get the next chapter up. And I promise, the real plot will be revealed in the next chapter.

Silvanus16

signing out...