Hi there. Thank you for still coming for this story :) Abyss007, glad you love it ;D yes, it's different but not irrelevant, you'll find further explanation later :p also Saeko ;) Niknak, glad to know that :) thank you, I'll try make this one awesome too ;D Rufy, haha like that, kind of that ;D thank you, I hope you can find your answer here ;)

Chapter 6

"What the…she…" Kai was losing his word.

"She's kissing you. And I must say it shocked me."

Kai whirled and found Kiku standing behind him. Arm crossed over chest, a grin on face. "I…" He broke off striding into stair. He was embarrassed. A girl just kissed her. On the lips!

He stormed into his room slamming door behind. He started to pace. "How could she just…just..." He grunted. "First, she hugged me. It's insane enough and now…" He stopped. His heart was beating fast, and he was blushing. "Okay, calm down." He exhaled and inhaled but the feeling wouldn't leave his mind. It was soft. It felt good, if he must say the truth. Nevertheless, it upset him.

"That's my first kiss." His jaw dropped at the realization. Unconsciously he brought hand up to his mouth. 'My first kiss. She'd stolen my first kiss'

"Nononono," he said, resuming his pacing. "This can't be happened…this can't…she had kissed me…she had kissed me…SHE'D KISSED ME!"

The Queen was standing in front of her mirror. She smiled as she watched Kai freaking inside his room. It was cute, she thought. 'I should have worn lipstick. Perhaps next time' Brushing finger over lips she smiled wider. She waved hand and the sight disappeared. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. The smile slowly vanished.

She approached window. New moon was hanging in the clear sky. She saw group of birds. They spread wings flying toward the castle. Suddenly it stopped abruptly, or precisely hitting something. There was a glow of yellow light. The birds made sharp and pierced sound flying away.

In normal eyes it didn't exist. But it was there: the barrier.

The barrier surrounded the castle so no one can go in and out. Particularly her. It had been set to keep her inside the castle. It was a punishment, according to the present King, and there was no way it would break. Even a spell.

If she has her power back, it would be a piece of cake. She could remove the barrier with her magic. However, she couldn't use it. She could still move thing- a damn basic magic, she thought dismally –but wasn't able to cast strong spell. She looked over the dark forest.

Twenty years.

She had been imprisoned for twenty years, abandoned by everyone.

'All was their fault' She let an audible sigh and leaned against window frame. Her mind then drifted to Kai. She was confused. She had tried every way she thought: touching, hugging and kissing. But she didn't feel her power rise. Undoubtedly she had taken pleasure on them, very much, but she was disappointed that it didn't bring any power.

"It must be there. He had raised it before. What's going wrong?" She looked down at the metal bracelet on her right wrist. She dropped hand down and stared out.

Kai had no magic.

Now she was sure.

Morning sunrays passed through curtain giving soft orange light inside the room. Kai was lying warmly and peacefully under blanket. It was past midnight he finally could shut eyes but around dawn he had dream. A very weird dream. The Queen had been in his dream. As if kissing him in reality wasn't enough, he had it again in his dream. (She had kissed him two times!) He never had such kind of dream before. He found himself breathing a little faster. The dream kept him awake for a while until finally he fell into sleep.

He rolled to lie on side. His eyelids rose slightly and he saw silhouette. Someone was sitting on the bed. He blinked. His eyes widened and he jerked up.

"Good morning," the Queen said with smile. She looked stunning as ever in violet velvet dress.

Kai pulled blanket up to his chest. "What on earth are you doing here?"

"As a matter of fact, I've been waiting for you to wake up. Do you know you're snoring?"

Kai dropped his jaw. "You're sneaking into my room. It's a crime."

"This castle belongs to me," the Queen said.

"It doesn't mean you can sneak into guest's room," Kai said. "Wait, how long have you been here?"

The Queen put palm on mattress. "For a while. You were mumbling too. What is it?" She tilted head to recall. "You say: 'it's soft'."

"That's…that's nothing," Kai said nervously. Perhaps about the kiss, he thought. The Queen looked back at him. "You shouldn't be here anyway."

"Why? I've disturbed your sweet dream."

Kai's eyes widened. "I…definitely, have no dreams." The Queen raised an eyebrow. "Not your business." She let out chuckle and straightened up. "Anyway, why are you here?"

"I want to see you," the Queen said with smile.

Kai couldn't make a reply for it. He averted her gaze. "I have the door locked last night, how did you get in?" He looked back when she raised a hand.

"With one snap I could be anywhere I want." Then the Queen snapped her fingers. She disappeared with smoke. Kai jumped in surprise when the smoke formed on his other side. The Queen was sitting next to him.

"Impressive?"

Kai rolled his eyes and said, "I hate this land." The Queen chuckled. "So every lock in the castle is useless then."

"Exactly." The Queen grinned.

"No privacy, great." Kai sighed. The Queen kept staring at him. "What?" He felt uneasy with her sitting on his bed after their kiss last night. 'She had kissed me' He palmed face.

"Are you okay? You're blushing." The Queen leaned closer and said, "Thinking of something exciting?"

Kai shivered. She had an eyebrow up and one-sided small. He averted her gaze moving slightly aside. "N-no…nothing in particular." Finally the Queen rose to feet.

"Jiro will go with you," the Queen said. "I need to ask you to keep everything secret. You'll tell nobody about me or this castle. Nobody."

Kai frowned. "Why?"

"I'll be waiting for you here," the Queen said and disappeared with smoke.

"Hey!" Kai called but was left alone. "Of course, you can go in and out as you wish." He sighed and got out. He dressed up and found Kiku waiting for him. He had breakfast first before following the black knight. He was disappointed, for his surprise, that the Queen didn't show herself before his departure.

They climbed the staircase Kai had found the other day. Jiro was holding torch in hand leading the way. They walked in silence. For a while Kai could only see stone wall as they walked down the spiral staircase. The air turned slightly chilly. "Where are we going?" Kai said. Jiro didn't reply him. "Shouldn't we go outside? I could only see wall and wall. No doors here."

"You're not gonna see anything."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Once again Jiro replied him with silence. He sighed. Finally they reached the bottom but he couldn't see around. It was the base. Jiro walked onward and set the torch on wall. He then noticed a door. Jiro turned to him.

"I can't let you see the way, so you're going to sleep from now."

"Wait a sec," Kai said, confused. "You're gonna knock me out again?"

"I can't risk you reveal it to someone else," Jiro said.

"I won't tell anyone," Kai said. He was feeling offended. Jiro stepped to his front. He looked very serious.

Jiro said, "This castle doesn't exist. Nobody's supposed to come in or go out. Nobody's supposed to know its existence."

"That doesn't explain anything to me," Kai said. It was very quick. When he loosened his attention, Jiro had stepped to his side. He felt quick pain from the base of his head. Then he lost unconsciousness.

Jiro caught Kai's body. He lifted it to his shoulder and opened the door. It was a long and dark corridor before him. He took torch, walking through the corridor. It ended at a stairs. He shifted Kai's body and climbed up. A metal door waited for him. Next to the door was a lever. Trying to hold Kai steady on shoulder, he pulled the lever down. The door swung open heavily. He walked through after pulling the lever up. The door once again creaked and shut.

The other side was a dim lit room. Spider web hung from the ceiling. It had only an old and dusty coffin at the bottom. He walked past the coffin toward entrance. He headed his horse and laid Kai on the horse. He then mounted, spurring the horse. The horse neighed running out the old cemetery heading toward forest.

Knock on door woke Kai. He got confused at his surroundings. He was inside a room, smaller than the castle's but decent nonetheless. A set of table and chair was next to bed. Small closet and coat stand at the other side. He sat up in time when the door swung open. A young woman entered in. The tavern's woman.

"Sorry for interrupting, but I need to tell you dinner time," she said. "Actually, you can have it anytime, there's no…"

"How do I get here?" Kai asked.

"Your friend got you here," the woman said. "The trip beat you and you need rest, that's what he says. Oh he's paid for tonight, saying will pick you up tomorrow noon."

'Must be Jiro. He owes me a favor' Kai got out of the bed. "I'm sorry but I need to meet my friends."

"You don't need dinner?" the woman said. Kai shook head. "All right then, have a nice meeting." The woman flashed smile and went out.

Kai put boots on heading downstairs. The tavern wasn't crowded; only three patrons enjoyed evening drink. He left tavern going straight to Asahi's place. Finally he found her house. He saw her walking toward the house holding woods in hands. As soon as she noticed him, she put the woods down approaching him.

"Kai," Asahi said, surprised. "Where have you been? You made me worried, you know?"

"I'm really sorry," Kai said. "Let's get inside and I'll tell you." He helped her with the woods. After setting the woods at kitchen, he took chair to sit. Asahi was waiting.

"So, where have you been these days?"

"I kind of got kidnapped," Kai said. Asahi's eyes went wider and said, "You're kidnapped!?"

"But I'm all fine," he said to calm her. "You see?"

"Who did it?"

Kai shifted in his chair. He didn't prepare the explanation yet. He had but the Queen wanted him to say nothing. Before he could start Hinata stormed in. She turned to her human size and began to rumble.

"I couldn't find any tracks," Hinata said in frustration. "I've asked my friends in the forest but they have no clue. The old owl says nothing unusual. Where the hell is he?"

Asahi pointed finger at Kai and said, "Right behind you."

Kai forced a smile. "Hi."

"You!" Hinata put hands on waist. "Where on earth have you been!? For fairy godmother's sake we've been worried after you're gone, we've looked through the forest but couldn't find you, we thought you're lost somewhere, or worse got eaten by chimeras!" She sucked a sharp breath leaning against table. "Oh let me have a breath."

Kai grimaced. "I'm so sorry for making you worried. That's why I'm here now, to let you know that I'm fine."

"Should I say welcome back and throw a party?" Hinata said. Asahi poked her side and she added, "I'm sorry, didn't mean that. I'm happy you're here and look all right."

Kai nodded. "I'm glad to see you again."

Hinata took a chair. "Okay I'm ready for the story. Shoot."

Kai chuckled at the fairy's bossy. "As much as I want to tell you but I'm afraid can't."

"Why?" Asahi said. Hinata said, "Don't let me use my wand Kai."

Kai sighed. "I've promised her not to tell anybody."

Hinata raised an eyebrow. "Her? Hmm..." She leaned against chair, arms over chest.

Asahi said, "I heard her."

Kai hit his head with palm. The girls seemed won't let it slip away. "Fine, I'll tell you. But you have to keep it secret." Asahi and Hinata nodded. "You remember the girl I met in forest? I've been staying at her place."

"You're living in a girl's house?" Hinata said.

Kai gave a look. Asahi said, "He's staying with us."

"Oh right," Hinata said and turned to Kai. "What's about this mysterious girl you've kept bumping to?"

"She offers to help me back to my world," Kai said.

"She did?" Asahi said. Kai nodded. "How? Is she a powerful witch?"

"I guess yes," Kai said. "But I have to do favors in return." He watched as Asahi's face went rigid.

"Of course magic comes with price," Asahi said. She turned to Kai, "I think you better don't get yourself in any deal, particularly if it relates to magic. Trust me, it brings no good."

Hinata nodded. "Agree. It sounds suspicious."

"But she doesn't look suspicious," Kai said. Extraordinary indeed, he thought. "Besides, if it isn't her then who will help me?"

"I will."

The three didn't notice the sudden green smoke. Saeko approached them. She looked regal as usual. Her gaze immediately fell on Kai. "You must be Kai?" She froze for a moment as she felt power from him. It was a strong power.

"Yes," Kai said. He felt uneasy somehow.

Saeko curled lips up. "My pleasure to finally meet you. Asahi has told me about you." She kept eyes at Kai.

"Nice to meet you too ma'am," Kai said. "You just say that you can help me."

"I did yes." Saeko stepped to his side. "It surprised me though, since it didn't happen for long time." They gave confused look and she continued, "A portal to another world rarely opens. Even a powerful witch, including myself, can't open it every day."

"You can't open it?" Kai said.

"I didn't say that," Saeko said. She took his cup from table, peering at it. "In fact, you can return tomorrow."

"Really?" Kai said. He couldn't hide his excitement. Asahi and Hinata grinned. "Tomorrow?"

Saeko said, "Tomorrow."

"But…" Kai broke off. He had promised the Queen to return to the castle.

"But?" Saeko said.

"Is it possible if it's the day after tomorrow?" Kai said.

Saeko lifted an eyebrow. "I'm afraid no. As I say, it needs a powerful magic and I'm not sure my power would be enough after tomorrow."

"I can wait," Kai said. He leaned head back when Saeko bent and looked into his eyes.

"I won't be so sure if I were you." Saeko's tone was low, somehow menacing. "Every world has its own rule. You aren't from this land. Either you'll be a treat or it will be yours."

Kai was confused. It wasn't like he owns something that could threaten everyone. Apparently Hinata had the same thought. She said, "I don't see why he'd become a treat." At Saeko's sharp gaze, she continued, "But it makes sense, perfectly." She moved closer to Asahi.

Saeko looked back at Kai. "Sooner you leave the safer you are."

Kai nodded. He looked down when she offered the cup. He took the cup but it suddenly broke cutting his finger. Blood started to make red line over the cut. He was about to put it inside his mouth but Saeko caught the hand. She wiped the blood clean with handkerchief and said, "Forgive my careless."

Kai pulled hand off. "It's all right."

Saeko straightened up. "I will meet you tomorrow morning at my place. Asahi will show you."

Kai turned to Asahi and got a nod. He looked back at Saeko. "Thank you."

"My pleasure to help," Saeko said flashing a smile. "You need not to worry. You'll be soon back to your place, safely." She turned to Asahi and Hinata. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

Kai watched as the witch disappeared with green smoke. He blew a breath. "Wow, that's your teacher? She's quite something."

Asahi chuckled. "Told you."

"So you're leaving," Hinata said.

"I guess." Kai tilted head. He was smiling on the outside but his mind wandered. He would leave without saying goodbye to the Queen. And he didn't feel happy about it, for his surprise.

"Hey, you okay?" Asahi said.

"Yeah, 'm fine." Kai smiled.

"Let's have a party then, farewell party," Hinata said. "What do you say?"

Kai said, "Here?" Hinata and Asahi nodded. "You don't have to do that."

"We'll be missing you," Hinata said. She approached Kai to give a hug but Kai lifted hands to stop her. "I'll save it for tomorrow then."

"Let's get it started," Asahi said and rose to feet. "But I haven't prepared dinner yet." She turned to Hinata. "You do cooking, don't you?"

"Cooking?" Hinata patted her chest. "Of course I do. Though it ends up not really well sometimes. Almost burned my house, twice."

Asahi leaned to Kai and muttered, "I'll need your help." Kai chuckled and nodded.

"I can help you too," Hinata said following them toward kitchen.

The Queen was having dinner in silence. It was her usual but tonight she felt it different. The chair at the other end was empty. He only stayed for two days but already marked his place in the castle. She brought spoon to mouth and chewed silently.

She wondered if he was happy to meet his friends. Jiro had sent her a message saying Kai was in his friend's house. And for her dismay, it was a girl. Perhaps she should take a peek. Later, she thought.

She sighed in boredom.

"Is everything okay?"

She didn't notice Kiku standing behind her. "Yes. You can leave." Kiku then excused herself. She laid spoon down and sipped her beverage. She decided to return to her room.

Inside bedroom, the Queen stood in front of her mirror. She waved hand and it showed him. He was inside a room, sleeping on bed. The blanket was half covering his body. One of his legs was out while the other under blanket. She smiled seeing his sleeping pose. He looked peaceful.

She waved hand and approached window. Tonight cloud was hanging on the sky. She leaned head against window frame. Evening breeze gently hit her face as she stared out.

Lonely.

For the first time after her imprisoned life she was lonely.

"And what makes you think that?" the King said. Saeko was hunching over a parchment on table. He leaned down to her side, feeling her perfume filled his nostrils. "You say he's just a lost boy."

"Not just an ordinary boy, I was sure," Saeko said. "I knew magic when I feel it. He has a strong, powerful one, though he doesn't seem to realize it." She straightened up. "It's him. I can't let him stay longer."

The King read the parchment. It says: I saw a sun in the sky. It shines red and bright. Its light draws every star into its side. The second line says: But then I saw another sun. It shines blue. The red sun takes the blue to its side. The third line says: And as I watch on them, the blue begins shining brighter and its presence grows bigger than the other sun. That is the beginning.

The forth line says: Then I saw a moon. It comes to the blue sun's side. It will be the savior, the protector…

There was no continuation. The parchment was ripped off.

"You suppose he's the one? A boy?" The King looked back at Saeko. "Maybe you're just exaggerating."

"I definitely am sure." Saeko said irritably. She stepped to window and continued, "I still couldn't find the other part." The parchment was her teacher's. He wrote it before died long time ago. She managed to get it from him but it was uncomplete and she had no clue where the rest is. "But it doesn't matter. Now finally I could find him and I won't let this chance slip away."

"You're gonna kill him?" the King said with hesitation.

"Of course not," Saeko said. "I just need him to leave, and never come back."

The King was relieved to hear it. He approached her. "What if they have met each other?"

Saeko snorted. "I don't think so. There is no way they can meet each other. You know that very well." She drew line over his shoulder.

The King smirked. "You're absolutely right." He took her waist. "Now can we move to our other business?"

"Later," she said in his ear. "After I'm done with my appointment, we'll have celebration."

Her seductive smile was his weakness. He sighed inwardly. "Alright then. I'll see you tonight." He then left the house.

Saeko watched as the King walked toward his guards and mounted his horse. He blew an air kiss and she lifted hand to catch it. She then walked back into the house. She took the parchment and put it inside its case. Then she laid it back inside a box and kept the box under her bed.

Now she had an appointment to go. Appointment that would solve her last obstacle. She laughed victoriously.

"Are they coming yet?" the Queen said.

"Not yet," Kiku said.

The Queen sighed and gestured her to leave. She was inside her reading room, trying to put her mind on reading. But she started to worry. She wanted to see him and she couldn't wait. She decided to get an ease and went to dining.

In dining hall, Kiku was setting plates. The Queen appeared and approached dining table. She took her chalice. Kiku poured fermented drink into the chalice.

The Queen took a sip and exhaled. "What takes them this long?"

"Got something in the way perhaps," Kiku said.

The Queen turned to Kiku, an eyebrow rose. "I'm not asking your opinion." She looked down at her beverage. "Is this new? It tastes a little different." When Kiku didn't reply, she turned to her. "I'm asking you now."

"Oh I'm sorry, I thought you want me to keep silent." Kiku made locking mouth motion. The Queen raised an eyebrow and she quickly added, "Yes, it's new wine. We've run out of the old stock. Shall I buy another?"

"It's all right," the Queen said. She pulled chair to sit.

"Your Highness," Kiku said. "Why do you take him here? I mean Kai. He'd made you angry, made you use your magic. You aren't supposed to use magic or the bracelet will hurt you, and…"

"Because I want him here," the Queen said. "Why did you ask anyway?"

"I'm worried about you."

The Queen looked up at Kiku. There was concern in her eyes. She swirled the wine. "I don't need your pity. I thought you aren't supposed to have emotion."

"Oh yeah, I never have any in mine," Kiku said and left.

"Did she just snap at me now?" The Queen said, disbelieved. If Kiku wasn't disappeared to kitchen she would have a word with her. She crossed legs sipping the wine.

"And what possibly could delay them? I hate waiting," she said restlessly.

Kai, Asahi and Hinata arrived at Saeko's place. It was a stone-built house but ivy and moss covered most of the surface. A staircase to entrance was barely seen between vigorous shrubs.

"It looks haunted," Hinata muttered as they walked toward back yard. "Well amazing, but haunted. You think she keeps dragon's head or chimera's inside?" she said to Asahi.

"I prefer snakes," Saeko said.

"That's awesome." Hinata gulped and leaned closer to Kai. "She's a bit scary," she whispered. Kai put finger over mouth.

Kai was thinking. Surely he wanted nothing but to return to his world but something was bugging him.

The Queen.

He wanted to see her. It wasn't like they were friends- or are they? –that he needed a proper goodbye but he didn't feel it right to just leave without say anything. After all he had made promise. And now he was going to break his promise.

They stopped in front of a well. Kai frowned. "Is that well?"

"Yes, way to your home," Saeko said.

He watched as she stepped toward the well. She was holding a small bottle in hand. It contained blue liquid. He thought better to ask. She took cap off and poured all the liquid in. She threw the bottle aside and raised arms. She started to mouth spell.

Kai watched in surprise as green smoke rose from the well. It coiled up. Then there was rumbling sounds. It started to wind around them. He stepped back at the hard blowing wind. 'What's happening?' He noticed Asahi and Hinata were trying to stand on feet.

Saeko lowered her hands and turned to Kai. "It's ready. What you need to do is jump inside."

Kai looked at Saeko, then at the well. Asahi and Hinata took his shoulders. "You should go before it's disappeared. Take care of yourself Kai," Asahi said. Hinata added, "I'm glad you have your way back home. It's really fun having you around. We'll miss you."

"Thank you for everything," Kai said. If they were guy he would have hugged them. They shook hand instead.

Kai stepped toward the well. He wasn't really exciting for telling the truth.

'I'll be waiting for you here'

He remembered the Queen saying it. She must have been waiting for him to return. 'Is she?' There was a strange feeling came upon him. It felt like a power that tried to hold him back. It grew stronger with every step. The wind blew hard against him.

He had arrived at the well. Green light lit the inside of well that he couldn't see the bottom. He felt his heartbeat increased.

"Jump."

Kai looked up at Saeko. She gave nod toward the well. He just needed a jump and he would return to his normal life. The Queen's face flashed inside his mind when he was about to take a step.

"Hurry, I couldn't hold it for the day. Now or never." Saeko said impatiently.

Kai nodded. He put hands over the wall and was ready to jump when suddenly there was roar.

"Did my stomach rumble that loud?" Hinata said. "I haven't got breakfast yet." Asahi gave a raised-eyebrow. Then Asahi said, "Worse than you."

There was another roar and soon after something stormed in. It had a strange composition of body part: head of hawk, middle of lion, wings and tail of dragon. It was at least seven or eight feet tall.

"Oh boy," Hinata said. "It's a chimera."

Kai froze. His eyes widened. He never saw such creature before. Its red eyes were looking at them. It then galloped toward them.

"Step back!" Saeko raised her hands. There were balls of fire in her hands. She aimed it at the chimera. But the magic didn't succeed. Saeko saved herself by transporting to another safe place.

Kai was watching, partly because he couldn't move. He heard screams from Asahi and Hinata. Saeko was trying to send the chimera away with her magic but failed.

Kai didn't notice a horse coming up. He was grabbed and pulled up. "Let me go!" he screamed.

"Sorry for interrupting your farewell party," Jiro said. He helped Kai to sit properly.

"Kai!"

Kai glanced over shoulder and sent an apologetic look to Asahi.

That's for now, thank you for reading :)