First week of school, over. Ugh. I think this is going to be my least enjoyable year yet. Anyway. Celebration!chapter.

I didn't answer this before, but Sakuya-san: I noticed in reading the comics Homurabi actually speaks in a mix of modern and Classical Japanese. I felt like playing around with that in this fic. :)

Chapter Three - Day After Night

He had come as quickly as he could after hearing word. Now he stormed down the hall, black robes flying wildly behind him. Some of the attendants were trying to hold him back, telling him to wait, that the king would see him soon, but he ignored them, almost trampling a few. He knew the way to the king's chambers. Reaching them, he threw open the door and stepped in.


"I've come, Ryuuko," he said shortly.


Slowly ruby eyes turned from where they were gazing out the window to look at him. There was a long silence, in which the two exchanged a glance. Then one of the attendants came in, gasping for breath and bowing profusely.


"Your Majesty, I'm so sorry, he just pushed through and –"


"It's fine." Ryuuko's voice was as warm as ever, but there was a distance, a sadness to it that stabbed Shirogane painfully. "Please excuse yourselves."


They looked bewildered, but followed his request and left, shutting the door firmly. There was another long silence before Ryuuko said in a quiet, choked voice, "Thank you for coming so quickly, Shirogane."


"You know all you have to say is 'come' and I'll be here as soon as possible." Shirogane crossed the room to stand in front of Ryuuko. There, he knelt down, looking up at the king. The young, handsome face looked absolutely tortured. Shirogane whispered, "I'm so sorry about her."


The spinel eyes closed painfully, and Shirogane saw his opposite king working to hold the tears back. The silver-haired king reached up, gripping Ryuuko's shoulder tightly, but comfortingly. At length, the younger said, trying to keep himself under control, "I knew it would happen… she knew it would happen… I knew the risks of it." A weak smile. "I guess that's why we were advised against it."


"Even so." Shirogane paused. "What about the baby?"


As he had hoped, Ryuuko smiled broadly through his tears. The young king called, and the door opened. In response to the bowing attendant, Ryuuko said warmly, "Send for Aine."


They left, and Shirogane felt his heart beating faster. Only a few minutes later, a young woman came in, carefully carrying a small bundle. She placed it into Ryuuko's arms as if it were a most precious, sacred jewel, then backed away into a far corner. Shirogane jolted to his feet, eyes wide, as Ryuuko carefully pulled the blankets back to reveal a small, slightly-squashed-looking round face.


"Shirogane… this is Akira."


The newborn was asleep. Shirogane felt himself trembling with joy, with awe, as he gazed at the little miracle. The serene smile on Ryuuko's face, the likes of which Shirogane had never seen… he couldn't help but smile himself, feeling tears rise to his eyes.


"Ryuuko, he's gorgeous."


"Thank you. You don't know how much your words mean to me."


He wanted to touch… there was something surreal about this tiny being. Ryuuko must have understood, because he asked, half-laughingly, "Would you like to hold him?"


He was so delicate, Shirogane was afraid he would break him, so he shook his head. But hesitatingly, he raised a hand to stroke the wisps of cloudlike hair settled on the prince's crown. His fingertips barely brushed the strands, which were silky and fine, that glimmered the colour of amber autumn fire.


"Shirogane, you look almost as if you've never seen a baby in your life."


"Just… this boy… Akira, you said?"


"Akira. For he is the day that came after the night."


"Akira… is…"


The baby shifted and made a small noise, and slowly those eyes opened. Pure, brilliant, deep silver eyes were revealed. As he saw them, Shirogane felt a strong shock pass through him – he jerked back, but was unable to look away.


"Shirogane…?"


Akira couldn't see him… but Shirogane could. His words left him in a strangled, awe-struck whisper, as he gazed deeply into what he saw in those stormy pools.


"He is… most brilliant…"

.oOOo.

"Is that… a village up ahead?"

"A town, actually." Shirogane let out a sigh, but followed it up with a smile. "We can eat and sleep properly tonight."

Akira looked at him inquisitively. "How long have you been doing this travelling thing, Shirogane?"

"Ten years."

"T-ten years?!"

"Ten years," Shirogane confirmed cheerfully.

"And it's always like this?! Walking for weeks at a time with no place to rest in between?"

"It's not usually like this. Usually there's only about a week's travel between places with inns. You just happened to be living in a place a bit far away. I'm supposing no one in your village ever really went to town then, did they?"

Akira shook his head. This would be a new experience then. "While we're there, why don't we see if we can't get a sword for you."

"A sword?"

"I see no harm in adding swordfighting to our lessons." Besides, Shirogane knew they couldn't keep eluding soldiers for long, especially when they were so far from the capital. He could fight well enough to defend both himself and Akira, but he always worried about what might happen if they got split up. Akira was managing his magic fine, but not well enough to be able to fight any enemies off. Even without good sword training, a sword on its own was a better weapon than fists.

"You're really going to."

"Yes."

"Why go through so much trouble for me?"

"Because I'm your guardian."

Suspicion lit in Akira's eyes – Shirogane had seen it flare up every now and then. He knew he couldn't hide what he knew forever. But how could he know when Akira was ready to hear it? He was hoping that whatever memories the boy might still have would come out on their own first. Then it would be easier to explain. If Akira could remember even a few moments of Ryuuko, it would leave the gate wide open for explanation. Without it, though, Shirogane had no idea when the boy would believe him, and when the boy would be able to handle the truth.

"Can I ask where we're heading?" Akira asked after the silence had continued for a bit. As Shirogane glanced down at him, he added, "You've never told me. Do we have a destination, or are we just wandering?"

"We're heading for the royal palace."

He stopped – Shirogane followed suit, studying Akira's face carefully. Shock, surprise… but not even the faintest light of remembrance.

"Why the royal palace?"

He didn't know what might trigger memories. Did he lie again? Did he reveal a bit?

"Someone I know lives in the city."

Nothing to say Akira remembered anything. Shirogane bit back a sigh.

"How old are you?" The boy was eyeing him as he asked the question. "If you've been wandering for ten years… you must have been doing it since you were my age."

"Just how old do you think I am, Akira?"

A long, calculating pause. "Never mind, you're too old. You must be in your forties."

"Forties?!" He certainly hadn't been expecting that. "What makes you think that?"

Akira shrugged, and Shirogane fought back the urge to whack him a good one. Little brat. Now they were getting close to the town. Shirogane unfastened his cloak and threw it over Akira. The boy started, then asked as the elder was refastening it at his collar, "What are you doing?"

"I don't want you seen. We need to avoid fights if at all possible. We're going to eat, rest the night, and restock, then get out. Keep your hood on."

"And that's not suspicious."

"You sunburn easily. That's the story. Stick to it."

"They'll catch on."

"If you keep flushing red every time I look at you, they just might believe it." The boy jumped, then pulled the hood low over his face, cheeks growing darker. It was cute. Shirogane tried to bite back a smile. "Let's go."

Once in the town, it was hard to keep Akira moving. The boy wanted to stop and look. Shirogane could hardly blame him – he had grown up in rather poor conditions after all – but he was anxious. The sun was dipping low in the sky, and they had a lot they had to do before they checked into the inn. His intentions were to restock, then find a sword, and then find an inn, but he had to relent when Akira stopped in front of a garment shop.

"You could use some new clothes," Shirogane said after a few moments. Akira jumped.

"No, I'm fine."

"You've only got those ones."

"You don't need to –"

"I have the money. Besides, if you stay in those we'll look too much at odds."

He could afford the boy some luxury. He let Akira pick out some clothes, adding a few of his own choices, before he paid and hurried the boy out.

"Hey, don't act like it's my fault. You wanted to buy me clothes."

"I'm sorry. Let's hurry and get you a sword. We'll have to restock in the morning."

"Why are we in such a rush?"

"Because they'll be out after sundown."

Akira blinked. " 'They'?"

"More soldiers. They usually occupy towns nearer the border like this. So we need to find a place to stay and be there before the sun sets. Step quick."

Akira couldn't argue with that. Stopping at the blacksmith's, Shirogane scanned the street. Good… an inn not too far away. He pushed Akira inside, then stepped to the counter. The blacksmith was out from the back in just a few moments. There was a pause in which he was closely observed before the man asked, "You're not from the West, are you?"

Shirogane reminded himself again to do something about his black clothes. "No."

"Good. How can I help you, then?" rumbled the blacksmith.

"I'm looking for a sword for my nephew," Shirogane said, giving the boy a look that said to just watch and keep quiet. "It's his first time holding one, but I want it to be something he can use on after training."

"All right… a light one, then. I've a few. Shall I bring them?"

"If you would."

The burly man disappeared into the back of the store and emerged a few minutes later carrying four swords. Shirogane picked them up one-by-one and slid them out of their sheaths, examining them. He was impressed… they were very good build, perfect for Akira.

"Akira, I'll let you choose."

"Me?"

"Just hold each one. You'll know which one is best."

"You've a sharp uncle." The smith eyed Shirogane for a moment. "You obviously know a lot. You a soldier?"

Akira stopped in the midst of weighing a sword in his hands, stormy eyes glancing to Shirogane. The elder felt a nostalgic shudder pass through him… that electricity that Akira's eyes sent through him.

"I was trained in the sword. Never went to battle, though."

"I see."

The boy continued looking at him for a moment, and, yet again, Shirogane wondered if Akira was just playing along. There was something in his glance that said he didn't like Shirogane's acting. But after a moment, Akira said, "I like this one."

Shirogane took it and looked at it carefully again. It was a good one, probably the one he would have chosen. "We'll take it."

"Good choice."

They paid, and again Shirogane hurried Akira down the street. The sun had dropped perilously low in that short amount of time, and his nerves were grating. He tugged down Akira's hood as they passed a couple of soldiers just a few doors down from the inn. The black-armoured men said nothing as they drew level, and Shirogane thought they were clear, but then suddenly a rough voice came:

"Hey, you two."

They froze – Shirogane felt Akira tense. He looked back as one of the soldiers backtracked, looking at him closely.

"You look familiar."

Shirogane maintained a level, cold look, not responding. The soldier glared back, then said, "Who you got there, pretty man?"

A large rough hand seized Akira's shoulder, whirling him around. Shirogane saw those grey eyes flash, widened in fear and surprise – he grabbed Akira and quickly turned him back before the soldier could get a close look, saying icily, "My nephew is very sick, thank you. If you wouldn't mind, we'd like to get to our room. He's had a long day and needs rest."

There was a tense silence before the soldier spat and left. Shirogane remained watching them until they disappeared around the corner. Then he ushered Akira on, hissing, "Quickly now."

Inside, he paid for the room and asked the food be brought up. They half-ran up the stairs into the room, where they both let out a sigh of relief as Shirogane locked the door.

"Thank you," Akira said shakily.

"Thank you, for keeping quiet." Shirogane collapsed into a chair, hand over his eyes. "It seems word of you hasn't been passed around… thank god."

Akira looked like he wanted to say something, but he waited for a few minutes before he did speak. "You haven't told me why soldiers are looking for me."

"It's not that soldiers are looking for you. It's that you'll be killed if you're seen."

"That's close enough. Tell me what's going on."

"There's no time for it, Akira."

"We have all night."

"Oh, you are a coy one."

The boy flushed brilliant red. "Quit twisting whatever I say into what you want it to be!"

Shirogane merely smiled, getting up to answer the door for their food.