Author's Note: I'm back! Anyone miss me? (Joking) Anyway, here is the next chapter of Everything Burns. To those who waited such a long time, I'm sorry! So many things (*cough* school *cough*) kept me busy. I will try to update this story around two times a week since its chapters are short and I will be able to write up more of them. As for the others, I will work on them. They are not alone, I promise! Now, enjoy the next chappie!
-Naïve-
Mikoto woke up a short time later, images of burning cities flashing behind his eyelids whenever he closed them. With a groan, he started to get up but was stopped when a weight on his legs kept him from moving. The redhead glanced down to see that the teen from earlier was lying beside him, her head resting on his lap. He blinked, once then twice. Hesitating, he lifted his hand and placed it on the figure's shoulder. The Red King shook the small shoulder to wake her so that he could move but the only response he received was a quiet whine and the girl snuggled closer to him. Mikoto sighed, rolling his eyes and behind him there was a laugh.
"Mikoto," the bartender chuckled, setting down a glass. "Do you want some help?" The said man merely grunted in reply. There was the muffled sound of footsteps and Izumo came around the corner of the couch, a smile in place. The blond lifted the sleeping teen enough so that Mikoto could slip past her then set her back down. Stretching his arms with a yawn, the King strode over to the bar counter top and sat down. Izumo quirked an eyebrow in question. Before he could say anything, the teen stirred with a sleepy mumble.
"Mm. . ." She blinked rapidly, trying to clear her golden eyes. The first then her eyes landed on was the blond bartender, who surveyed her with soft brown eyes hidden by purple sunglasses. Her mouth shaped into a small 'o' before whipping around wildly as she sat up, a look of worry shaping the features. Izumo pointed over her shoulder to the stools.
"If you're looking for King, he's right over there," he said, pulling at the crimson scarf around his neck. The teen leapt off the couch and suddenly, her feet left the ground. She let out a surprised squeak. Izumo let her dangle in his grasp for a moment before eyeing her warily.
"Who are you," he murmured quietly, nearly to himself. "And why do you look so much like him?" The yellow orbs stared back at him, surrounded by a ring of white.
Creak.
The floorboards let out a moan of protest as Mikoto headed back over to the duo, all previous thoughts of a drink gone. Izumo waited a moment then glanced over at him. The girl squirmed, noticing the new addition to the small group.
"I'm still waiting for an answer, y'know," Izumo said, his accent covering the words. Mikoto grunted and stuck his hands into the black jacket pockets. The young woman hung her head and mumbled something. Izumo frowned. "What was that? I couldn't hear you so please speak up."
". . . Suoh Mikoto," she muttered again, avoiding their gazes. The blond nodded.
"Yes," he replied patiently. "Now, why do you look like him? Are you his long-lost sister or something?" Mikoto stifled an amused chuckle. A hint of red colored the teen's colorless cheeks. She shook her head.
"Suoh Mikoto," she repeated, more firmly this time. The redhead reached over and flicked her on the forehead and the girl jerked back as far as she could go while being held up.
"You already said that," he grumbled, growing annoyed. "If you don't answer. . ." He raised a hand and it spontaneously combusted into flames. Behind the dancing blaze, something in the golden eyes sparked. However, the girl just stared at his hand, captivated. Izumo glanced back and forth between the two and shook his head.
"We're getting nowhere," he groaned and threw her back onto the piece of cushioned furniture. Mikoto narrowed his eyes and reached for the girl, all intent of burning her clearly in his scorching gaze. Izumo stopped him, his hand snaking out to grab the other's wrist. A growl rumbled in the King's chest.
"Let go, Izumo," he snarled and his second-in-command obeyed, though reluctantly.
"Don't hurt her," the blond warned. "The last thing we need is to rush anyone to the hospital." Mikoto sneered, a touch of vehemence pulling at the corners of his mouth.
"No need," he whispered, causing Izumo's gut to twist. "No blood, no bone, no ash . . . remember Izumo?"
And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving a stunned Izumo behind to deal with the stranger. The man's eyes flickered to the teen, expecting to see horror written all over her face but was greeted with an even scarier image.
She stared after the Red King, the last remnants of his crimson flames still reflected in her golden gaze, a familiar smirk curling its way up her lips.
Suddenly, Izumo felt cold and he shuddered, knowing it was only the beginning.
The madness of the Red King envelops in flames all who hold the throne. . .
Author's Note: For those who think that Mikoto is OOC and a bit too much on the sadistic side this round, here is my explanation: Mikoto, as the Red King, struggles with controlling his power and not hurting the people he loves. Therefore, I believe that a darker side of him would come out sometimes, especially when he was angry or annoyed. When it does happen, he would revel in his power and enjoy fighting (especially other Kings). I hope that this makes since and that I wasn't the only who noticed this in the anime/manga! Thanks for reading and please drop a review!
