Chapter 2 - Festival of Darkness

The palace was bathed in a bright light. Thousands of candles lit, revealing the multitude of guests and servants moving about and socializing. Musicians, performers dressed in numerous colours, swirled and played joyful music. The floors were covered with crimson carpets, pillars and walls decorated with fine paintings, gold and statues.

Usually this was not allowed, however ignoring the circumstances, both man and lady were allowed to attend. Wearing their finest silk robes, jewelry and perfume, they littered the whole court yard and every inch in the palace. Fathers would be busy in having his son be acquainted with the highest ministers. Wives introducing their daughters in hope for marriage. Young men would be flirting shamelessly with ladies who would giggle behind their expensive fans. This of course, included the princes who decided they themselves didn't want to miss out on the opportunity in hopes of getting a concubine.

Suddenly the sound of the gong could be heard and the crowd hushed into silence.

'Introducing her highness, second wife of his imperial majesty, Asakura Honoka Heika and her son, first prince of his imperial majesty, Asakura Damu.'

The crowd watched as the first prince and his mother appeared. He was a tall handsome man with dark brown hair braided down his back. He looked stern, and unwilling to attend the party.

The guests bowed before resuming their conversations while concubines and young women immediately began swarming around them both. The mother leaned toward her son, whispered something before dodging the women and apparently heading off towards where the wine was located leaving her poor son with his newly founded fans.

Yoh laughed. 'I guess you weren't kidding when you said he formed his own fan club.'

Hao chuckled along with him as they both leaned on a balcony observing the party downstairs. Suddenly something caught Hao's eye.

'Will you look at that!' Hao whistled.

'What?' Yoh piped, curiosity kicking in. 'The jewelry? The amount of people? The women? Don't tell me it's the boobs! I didn't know you were into this stuff!' Hao punched him.

'No, the food! They even have western delicacies! Not to mention the wine, imported half way across the globe!' Hao could feel his mouth watering as he watched a long line of servants carrying out dishes of food out from the kitchens. He didn't waste a moment. 'Well I'm off! Enjoy the party ototo!' Hao called before disappearing.

Yoh sighed, so much for quality time with his brother. Now he has to find a way back downstairs since his brother has the map of the palace. Not to mention, he is terrible with directions! Today was a bad day.

.:l~*~l:.

'Tamao' Anna said, breaking the silence that hung between her chamberlain and herself. 'We are lost.' Tamao went pale.

'No! Ojou-sama I reassure you we are not lost! We are just exploring the deep and mysterious unknown parts of this palace!'

Anna twitched. Well at least she was far from the noise and mob of people. On the other hand, her feet hurts from walking so much and the many layers of her clothing was starting to weigh her down. Then there was Tamao, squealing and panicking on top of her voice. What was that word again? Oh yes...'Useless' she thought.

Tamao was so hyperventilating so much she did not notice until she bumped into him. Nor did she notice she was falling until the man caught her in his arms. Realization fell on Tamao as she apologetically raised her head to look at her savior. Tamao has seen a lot of handsome men in her life before, but this was definitely something else.

The quite surprised Yoh held the young lady in his arms. She looked like a balloon going as pink as her hair.

'Are you alright?' he asked.

Stuttering, Tamao stammered some long blurred sentence.

Beep. System Shut Down. Reboot request denied. Beep.

Tamao fainted.

'H-hey! Ojou-sama?' Now what? Looking around for help, he spotted Anna, who was busy trying to lift her garments off the floor.

Yoh's breath stopped. It felt as though someone had dropped a pile of books on him. Rosy lips, creamy skin and golden hair. That was when the Heavenly divine music started playing. However what captivated Yoh was her eyes. Mysterious, cold but brought a sense of warmth at the same time. He could lose himself in that pair of eyes.

Yoh was speechless. The great prince, rendered speechless by a pair of eyes. At that moment, Anna lifted her head, finally shifting her attention from her garments.

Yoh's breath hitched in his throat. He forgot all about the fainted girl in his arms. He forgot all about where he was and what was happening.

Anna froze. She slowly tried to register the scene before her.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Analysis Complete. Tamao in the arms of the opposite gender. Beep. Tamao dead fainted. Beep. Beep. Beep. BEEEEEEP

'Uhhh...' Was all Yoh managed to get out of his mouth when he noticed the lady approaching him at a super fast paced. Before he could even react a full blown 360 degree slap came flying his way, landing on his cheek! Yoh felt his face stinging as he fell to the ground.

'You perverted son of a -! How dare you lay your filthy hands on none other than my chamberlain!' said a terribly furious Anna. Crouching Anna took a look at Tamao for any wounds or bruises. The last thing she wanted was Tamao being touched by any part of the male anatomy.

Yoh groaned, as he sat up. Rubbing his cheeks around, feeling the spot already heating up. Upon inspection of Tamao that she was indeed ok, only then did Anna shift her attention back to the naughty pervert. She watched as the man rose and began dusting off his clothing, looking politely confused at what had happened. Heaven he didn't see that coming.

'Wait, something's off here. A misunderstanding?' Tamao looked perfectly fine other than the fact she was beet red. 'Wait a minute, last time Tamao swelled up like a balloon was when she met Hakushi-san, that weird doctor's apprentice...Oh gosh, please don't tell me it was something Tamao did again!' Anna tried clearing her thoughts.

'I-uh.' Yoh coughed slightly. 'You- well- I see you're fine so I'm sorry for my disturbance, I'll be on my way now. Have a good day.'

Anna was startled. He wasn't angry! This man was completely different than the others she had met. Perfect posture, polite tone, gentleman like attitude and not to mention the gorgeously hand stitched unifor-. 'The crown prince!' Anna suddenly realized and quickly collapsed into a deep bow. How could she not have recognized! Oh and dear Kami-sama she had slapped the prince of all people! Well at least Tamao wasn't awake or she'll never let this down.

'My apologies Denka. I was known for my sharp tongue, forgive me.' Yoh was slightly taken back.

'No, please rise.' He stepped forward to assist her. 'By any chance, uh-'

'Anna. My name is Kyoyama Anna, Denka.' Yoh coughed slightly.

'Er, yes, Kyoyama-san, um, I didn't ...your chamberlain ....bumped......oh dear, what was that word again?'

'A misunderstanding?'

'Yes! That's the one!' Yoh sighed, finally relived. Anna tried to repress a small laugh. This man was truly queer. He was definitely not a man of words yet the way he says everything holds a small relaxed and humorous tone to them. Warmth? Or maybe perhaps sincere. Or even honesty? Anna recoiled. Really, she barely knew this man and yet here she was trying to think up words to describe this weird phenomenal. 'Tamao, this is all your fault!'

'Kyoyama-san? Perhaps if you do not mind, may I inquire if you were...lost?'

Anna sighed, with slight embarrassment. 'Yes, Tamao had lost the map of the palace.'

'That's most unfortunate. Well surprisingly I'm also in the same predicament.' Yoh replied sheepishly. 'Do you not enjoy parties?'

'No.' Anna burrowed her brows together. 'There seems to be many people attending today who does not have proper etiquette.'

'Patience is not everyone's best virtue.' Yoh chuckled and picked up the still unconscious (and drooling) Tamao off the ground. He winced slightly when his muscles started protested. Was he that unfit? On the other hand he hasn't been doing a lot of exercise but rather studying.

Suddenly from the main courtyard of the palace, loud cheers, yelling and clapping could be heard. Anna shuddered. She was cluster phobic, didn't like the noise and her feet was starting to hurt. Yoh being perceptive as he usually was did not fail to notice her tired form.

'Would you like to join me for tea while we wait for this young lady to awaken?' Yoh asked, with a small hopeful smile.

Anna pondered. Looking into this man's eyes she saw no lies but a simple request. Well, she liked tea and her aching feet could use a bit of relaxation, this was better than going back to the party at least. Slowly and carefully she answered, 'Of course Denka, it would be an honor.'

Yoh felt a small tingling up his chest. Today was a good day after all.

.:l~*~l:.

Hao felt truly in heaven when he started dining on the magnificent food. There was deer and wild boar meat, all soaked in deliciously prepared sauces. Vegetables, fruits, sake, sea foods and a mountain of rice! Not to mention the newly added western cuisine of cake, cookies, noodles! The rich aroma of food filled Hao's lungs as he began piling food onto his plate.

He had to compliment the western's system of a 'buffet' though. Providing a large area for socialization, a large table of food for anyone who's interested and socializing while eating was also available. This was a really fun banquet. Drowning himself in food he did not notice Damu approaching.

'Enjoying the party Yoh?' Damu inquired, picking up a plate for himself missing completely the menacing glare from Hao.

'The food is absolutely delicious!' Hao smiled slyly, trying a piece of squid.

'Yes, quite the food lover, are you not? Enjoy it while it lasts.' When Hao did not answer but continue to eat, Damu continued. 'Well as leisurely as you are, I'm sure you do not know of how our international trade routes have officially been closed.'

'Surprise, surprise. Trade routes have been closed for over 3 months. Well done on reaching the news now.' Hao laughed. 'Is a little peace too much to ask?'

Damu looked sympathetic. 'Well I guess anyone who has no opportunity for the crown won't be interested anyways.'

Tapping a finger on his chin Hao replied, 'Oh that's right! I heard 6th prince, Gansaku nii-san was quite the intelligent one! Guess I wouldn't have a chance against him! Absolutely not, no way!' Smiling smugly Hao continued to dive into this plate of sushi.

At that moment, the Gong rang once more and appeared the emperor's chamberlain with an imperial scroll. Everyone in the party bowed. The chamberlain began with a clear voice;

'Honored guests, ministers, Lords and Ladies. The Emperor welcomes you to the celebration of the 125th grand selection of the next candidate for the throne. He thank you for your presence in being the witness of the outcome. Regrettably his condition does not allow him to greet you personally and wishes for a sincere forgiveness...'

Murmurs swept through the crowd. It was true! The Emperor was ill.

'...Throughout the course of the next week, the emperor request you be patient as a series of tests will be given out for the possible candidates. Now the candidates, of his imperial majesty's blood and flesh, thus qualified for the selection of the throne will be; First prince, 3rd prince, 6th prince, 8th prince, 9th prince, 13th prince and 16th prince...'

Hao felt himself smile. 9th prince - and that was all he needed to hear. A burst of happiness ran through his whole body. Damu whipped his head furiously towards Hao. 'Just because you were selected, don't think you'll ever get the throne.' he sneered, disbelief emerging from underneath each word.

'...Without further ado, please enjoy your time here in the palace and the party the royal family has graciously provided you tonight.'

Then the crowd erupted. Cheering, congratulations to the princes could be heard as well as to the wives of the emperor and to those who were not selected would start sulking. Hao turned to Damu smirking and whispered;

'Of course not Damu nii-sama. After all, I am agony itself.'

Phew!

First thing's first – sorry for the late update. XD

Secondly - As some of you may have noticed, this is not how introductions are done in Japanese court. However to make this less complicated, it was just reduced to simply 'her imperial majesty' rather than the long honorific title. In addition that first prince, second prince thing................. On the last note, were there computers back then? Hmmm......Forgiveness would be appreciated. -Bows-

Anyho, 9th Prince or the number 9 - is considered unlucky in Japan because of its pronunciation "ku" which is similar to agony or torture (courtesy of about . com). Hint hint!

Edit: Throughout the series of the story Hao will be mentioned as Yoh (as seen in this chapter). Please remember they are twins and thus do have identical looks. In addition, the Prologue of this story does not follow the sequence of chapters. The real beginning starts on chapter 1 while the prologue is a brief view on what is to come. ;)

Once again, thank you for any reviews and new reviews are always appreciated!

Your comments inspire us for new creations. Thank you.

~MF