[First and foremost, I must apologize for the extremely late update. I've been very busy and things haven't been letting up as much as I had anticipated. Regardless, I now have a better schedule arranged this year and I do plan on making updates to this story more often. Still, those updates will be sporadic. Just not six months later sporadic.
Anyway, here is chapter 2! Enjoy!]
Cheers filled the chamber in response to Kuuya's speech. With the abundant joy and pomp permeating even the most discouraged of folks, the Shakukopolu now found their reason to continue. As the praise continued to flow, Kuuya found that the little speech helped her realize that all was not lost and their conquest would soon be completed. Once the noise dissipated, the soldiers were ordered to return to their stations and prepare to change their positions by tomorrow. The generals followed suit, each of them vacating the main hall. Now with Kuuya, Hien, and Genjimaru remaining, Kuuya approached them with Sakuya following her. She tried to gauge the reactions of both of them, trying to see the affect of her speech. Neither Genjimaru or Hien made their emotions apparent, leaving Kuuya to galvanize them even further. "Our fear will be over. Now is our time to take back what's rightfully ours. The Shakukopolu will finally be known as the master race!"
"Sire…do you believe that this conquest will be easy?" asked Hien.
"We clearly have the advantage. With the right strategy, Kunnekamun will have taken over nearly half the world within the coming days"
"Even so, we do not know what lies ahead. Attacking without caution will be suicide"
"Do not worry, Hien. I'm sure Tsugiharu will be cautious with his strategy, just as I'm sure that you will lead our army with clarity and pride"
"If that is your wish, then so be it" replied Hien.
"I am counting on you, Lord Hien. You now have full control of our army. The responsibility will be more than you expect, but I know that you will do fine" Kuuya looked over to Sakuya who remained a good distance away from all of them. "Isn't that right, Sakuya?"
"Oh! Y-yes!" she stuttered.
"I thought so. And you, Genjimaru? Do you agree with my judgment?" Genjimaru nodded and remained silent. He knew Kuuya was hiding something, which Sakuya reflected. Kuuya slowly caught on and eventually started to back off "Excellent! We will begin phase one of our plan at dawn. Until then, you all have leave" said Kuuya as she began walking out. Once she left, Genjimaru sighed and looked towards Hien.
"This war is proving to be difficult for her. Even now, she appears less confident of herself" said Genjimaru.
"Regardless, it is her decision. Our mission to spread Kunnekamun's influence will bring peace" Hien replied.
"Peace through war contradicts itself. You know better than that"
"For the Shakukopolu, do you see any other way? Our acceptance depends on our ability to take what rightfully belongs to us"
"Do you want peace? How do you think war will result in peace?"
"That doesn't matter. What truly matters is that we will no longer be at the mercy of others, Genjimaru. These Shakukopolu genes…you should know better than anyone that we depend on conquest to live. We were born for slavery, naturally weaker than every other race. What are we good for? Being weak? The Evenkuruga do not have that reputation"
"Again with that argument? Need I remind you that you have the same precious Evenkuruga blood you care so much about flowing within you?"
"I am aware…but this Shakukopolu blood dilutes it. The Evenkuruga part of me is insignificant…"
"Hien-"
"But the Avu Kamuu…it makes me feel more Evenkuruga. With it, I have power, power to show my strength. Don't you get it, Genjimaru? I am incapable of being a true Evenkuruga on my own accord. These accursed Shakukopolu genes are holding me back!"
"Quit while you're ahead, Hien. Power isn't everything. You'd do well to learn that"
"Do you think it's fair for us to be this limited? What do you know about weakness!?" he yelled, grabbing his grandfather by the collar. "Have you ever felt oppressed in your life? Do you know what it means to be weak?!"
"Take your hands off me, Hien. Now"said Genjimaru as he glared down to the shorter Hien.
"Damn you, Genjimaru! Why did you have to sleep with her!? Why couldn't you find someone stronger than a damned Shakukopolu!"
"Enough of this, Hien!"
"Hien, please stop!" Sakuya cried as she tried to pry Hien's hands away from Genjimaru.
"Quiet, Sakuya!" yelled Hien with his gaze still locked on Genjimaru. "So, are you going to answer me or not?"
"This is your last warning, Hien. Stop this now" muttered Genjimaru.
"You abandoned her! You left her all to herself raising your child…my mother! What does that say about you, Genjimaru? You're considered the paragon of the Evenkuruga and here you are having a child out of wed–"
*WHAM*
Hien winced back, holding his jaw and keeping his gaze locked on his grandfather as Genjimaru wiped his hands "I have to say, your head is quite hard"
"You…" Hien muttered, coddling his face.
"Evenkuruga have honor and loyalty. It's much more than power. Have you forgotten what I've always told you? Are you willing to abandon your honor in your quest for power…even knowing you are going against your own beliefs?" There was no answer. "You know, even though you are much older than Sakuya, she's far more mature than you're being right now. She is loyal and has honor, unlike you"
"Taro…how can you say that?" began Sakuya. "Knowing that I am defying Kuuya right now"
"Hmm…how so?" asked Genjimaru as he walked towards Sakuya. "I know you're hiding something from me" Sakuya sheepishly nodded her head. "As I thought. Tell me"
"I-I…uh…well, it's just"
"Yes?"
"K-Kuuya told me that…that I have to become a pilot"
"What?"
Even Hien stopped rubbing his jaw enough to care. "She did what? What the hell is she thinking…"
"It's what she wants…and even though I told her no…a part of me wants to do it" said Sakuya as tears began rolling down her face. "If I don't accept…what will she think of me?"
"Sakuya…not you too" said Genjimaru
"No…it's not that. I just want…to be loyal to Kuuya…"
"You must think of yourself too"
"B-but…"
"Ask yourself…is it what you really want?"
"I…I don't know…"
"Have you spoken to her about it?"
"She insisted that I become one…but…but I really don't want to…I just want this war to stop!" she yelled, kneeling to the ground. "I hate it! Everything! All of this fighting…even you Hien keep fighting! When is it going to stop!? Please! Make it stop!" she cried while running out of the chamber. Now left alone, Hien and Genjimaru exchanged looks with one another.
"Is this really how things are now?" asked Genjimaru.
"I'll speak with Kuuya"
"What?"
"I said I'm going to speak with Kuuya" said Hien as he left without so much as looking at Genjimaru. It wasn't long before he reached the main hall and began dashing towards Kuuya's room. (Of all people she wants involved in this war…why Sakuya?) he thought as he passed by wandering guards, many of them whistling and jeering at him as he narrowly avoided them at each passing. (What is she trying to accomplish? She knows Sakuya can't do much with the Avu Kamuu). As he reached the final stretch, he was finally stopped by the nearby guards before he could go any further. Quite the inconvenience, to say the least. "Let me pass, I have business with Kuuya"he said, trying to sidestep around the entourage.
"This late?" said one guard as he stroked his chin. "Strange, she doesn't arrange meetings this late"
"Regardless, I must pass" said Hien
"Whoa, calm down, buster" said the other guard. "Supreme Commander or not, you gotta know there's boundaries"
"That's why I am here"
"Eh?"
"Kuuya requested that I come here to receive top secret information. And since you two are so keen on not letting me pass, I'll let you in on a little secret" said Hien as the two guards drew near to listen. "Are your ears ready? Good" he said as he found an opening and made his way through. Before any of them could speak, he turned back and smirked. "Every second we waste, the enemy has time to prepare for a counter attack. Unless you want to live to see the end of this war, I suggest you follow our Emperor's orders" he said as opened the door and went inside. As he looked around, everything was quiet, save for the light sound of snoring that came from the nearby desk. (Genjimaru was right. She's usually more mindful than this) he thought as he slowly walked towards Kuuya. "Your highness" he spoke softly, trying to wake her up.
More snoring.
He cleared his throat, but to no effect. Slumber proved too much for Hien to break. "SIRE!" he yelled, instantly breaking Kuuya from her sleep.
"AHH!" she yelled, nearly tipping over her own chair. "Who…who's there?" she muttered, still caught by the delirium.
"Please excuse my rudeness, sire" he said, kneeling. "But I have urgent business to discuss"
"Can it wait until morning?" Kuuya yawned as she stretched her arms. "You should know better than to show up into my chambers unannounced"
"I am aware of that"
"What is this urgent business, Lord Hien?"
"Sakuya told me that you plan to make her into an Avu Kamuu pilot"
"Oh? Yes, I spoke with her earlier today on that. Is there a problem?"
"Sire…isn't she your friend?"
"Of course she is"
"Then why are you putting her in danger?"
"I am not. She'll be safer if she rides an Avu Kamuu. If she knows how to defend herself, then it will be much easier for her"
"No, it is more dangerous. She doesn't know how to operate one and it takes a long time for a pilot to become adjusted to the controls. And if she cannot sync with it properly…then there is no telling what could happen to her"
"You don't understand, Hien. I want to keep her safe. I value her…she's like a sister to me. Wouldn't you want to do the same?"
"Sire…I must ask you…please reconsider your decision"
"I…I cannot. I want her to be safe. If our plan does not succeed, then at least she has the chance to defend herself"
"I will ask you again. Please reconsider"
"My decision is final, Lord Hien"
"Why is it so difficult for you to understand?!" he yelled, losing more control with each passing second. "With Tusukuru's power, do you expect her to last long? If something happens, they won't hesitate to kill her. Genjimaru and I won't be there to protect her if that happens. Then what? Are comfortable sending your friend into battle knowing that each encounter could possibly be her last? You cannot allow her to fight. Our resources are wearing thin as is and spending more time to train new pilots will only make matters worse. Our army needs to focus on those who know how to fight. Sire, I will not sit idly by and watch you send her to her death! You cannot-"
"ENOUGH!" screamed Kuuya as she banged her fists. "GET OUT! LEAVE RIGHT NOW!"
"Sire-"
"You've said enough! I don't want you in here anymore! Get out!"
"Very well" Hien muttered as he left without saying anything else. Now outside, he immediately slammed the nearest wall he could find to help quell his frustration. (Dammit!) he thought. (I must do something…but what? It's only a matter of time until she starts her training. There has to be a way I can stop this.) As he walked towards his room, the idea hit him. There was a way he could keep her safe and take her away from this danger. (Genjimaru…) he thought. (I'll prove to you that I'm worthy of being an Evenkuruga!)
Elsewhere, Genjimaru stood by his post, trying to find a way he could persuade Kuuya to stop this war. But with each plan, it was immediately left with failure. Besides, there was little he could do in the grand scheme of things. He could only interfere so much before it became treason and with his sins weighing heavily on him, he wasn't sure if he could bear anymore. (There is only so much I can do…) he thought. (Kuuya has come so far ever since she took the throne. She wants to prove herself to everyone…even it means war. But…for someone so young to be put in such a situation like this. The world on her shoulders…and there is so little she can do. Even with the sins I have made during my life…I am willing to expend any chance of redemption I have to stop her. I do not have much time left…but they're only children…and to have this much hardship at this point in their life…no, I must act.) Soon, he could hear the pattering of footsteps drawing nearer. (Unfortunately, I cannot think now. I must protect my children.) As the steps grew louder, a figure was closing in. (Hien? He's back so soon?) Once Hien came into his line of sight, Genjimaru sensed something was different about him. A quick glance of his face showed much more determination than usual, something that surprised Genjimaru. (Something isn't right.)
"Genjimaru" Hien said sternly. "Take Sakuya and get out of Kunnekamun"
"What? Are you insane? Do you know what would happen if we fail?" Genjimaru yelled.
"I am well aware of my choice. You should know that better than anyone"
"But what about you? Don't you know what would happen if everyone finds out that you set this up?"
"What happens to me does not matter. My destiny has already been set. It is something I cannot deny" Hien said as he walked towards Genjimaru. "I know she will be safer elsewhere. I know what Tusukuru is capable of and if they plan to release that monster on Kunnekamun, she will not be spared"
"Hien…are you sure this is what you want?"
"Yes, my plan will commence soon. I want you to take Sakuya and leave once I give you the signal"
"Tell her"
"I…"
"You will probably never see her again. If she is that important to you, at least speak with her one final time"
"…Very well" Before Hien could escape his grandfather's sight, he felt a hand fall atop his shoulder. "Do not try to stop me, Genjimaru"
"If we're alive when this is over, we have much to discuss"
"I will hold you to that deal…Taro" said Hien as he continued walking off. Once he returned to his quarters, he was still trying to think of a way to fix all of this. Consequently, it seemed to end up the same way every time he would think of something. Is it possible that the upcoming events would happen no matter what? Or, was there something that Hien did not consider? Whatever it was, it still eluded him. He then sighed and walked over to the window. The nature outside filled him with nostalgic feelings. It was enough to make Hien think of the impossible, the times with his friends before the war. A time when his world was free of worries. But now, those times were gone. He knew that it would be meaningless to delve in the past. Hien didn't care, he wanted to remain ignorant for as long as possible. He then heard the door creak open. Turning around, he saw that it was Sakuya, knelt to the floor and her head lowered. Surprised at this behavior, Hien tried to figure out what was going on.
"Sakuya...what is the meaning of this?" He asked. There was no response from her. He walked closer to her. "I don't understand why-" but before he could finish, Sakuya grabbed his leg and held it tightly. He could feel her trembling. Hien remained speechless.
"I want him back..." She whimpered.
"Who?"
"You" she said, raising her head.
"Me?"
She lowered her head.
"Yes...I want my brother back..."
"I'm still here"
"No...you're not the Hien I remember...you aren't as kind and gentle as he was. He had wisdom and shared it with us whenever we needed it. He would always play with me whenever I had no one else to play with. He would always be there with me when I was alone. He was there to hold my hand whenever I needed the support the most. But now…you've changed. You're not the same Hien that I knew. Please…bring that Hien back to me. I beg of you..."
"Sakuya, I-"
"Bring him back to me. I want him back!"
Hien remained quiet. He looked at Sakuya, trying to figure out why she was acting this way. He then looked at his hand. He knew that innocent blood would always be on his hand, no matter how many times he would repent.
"The Hien that you once knew...he's...he's no longer here..."
As soon as he said that, Sakuya began screaming and punching his leg. Hien began to lose his level-headed demeanor. The sight of his sister like this made him feel immense pain in his chest. It was a mysterious and constricting pain of which he never felt before. Perhaps it was his heart? He couldn't stand to see her like this anymore.
"Sakuya...am I one to deserve pity?" He said quietly. Sakuya looked up at him. She noticed that Hien had tears flowing down his cheeks.
"Brother?" She sobbed. "Are you...crying?" Sakuya stood and looked up at his face. She never seen her brother like this before. He grabbed her and held her as tight as he could.
"Sakuya...all of this time I've tried to make things right...but I was never able to. I've always tried to be like Genjimaru, but I've always failed…I feel so useless! Is it because of my Shakukopolu genes?"
"Brother..."
"Why? Why must we live this way! If I had been born an Evenkuruga, then everything would be easier for all of us! I-I just feel that I'm going to lose you...and I couldn't bear to see that happen. I want to protect you, always...but like this..."
Sakuya closed her eyes and caressed his head gently. She then began singing
"Sakuya…what-"
"Shh…Please…rest…" she said as she continued singing.
The sun has fallen in the sky, dear
The moon has cast its pallid glow
The world is you and I, dear
Of silence, so quiet, so low
The moths have spread their wings, dear
It's time to go to sleep, dear
Sweet dreams be yours, now
Let there be not a worry, not here not now
This world's for me and you, dear
Though we seem a universe apart
I'll always be here, dear
Like I have been from the start
And you and I
Can gaze up at the sky
Of stars infinite above
And like always
I'll whisper tender nothings
Of love
Ahhhh
The moon has kissed the stars, dear
It's time to go to sleep, dear
And as sweet dreams may take you
Remember that I'm here
I'm always here
[Credits for the lyrics goes to Rin-Fang. Thanks a lot for letting me use them! You do not know how much they helped!]