DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to Sai Yukino and Kairi Yura, Kadokawa Shoten, Madhouse Studios, etc., i.e., not me.
I'm just borrowing them for a while to spin a tale
薔薇公 (ばらこう): The Thorn Prince
Chapter Six – Setting the Stage
By firewolf
Moments after he had been grabbed, Kouyuu found himself tumbling through space for nearly a minute before gravity re-exerted its hold on him and sent him falling into unfamiliar arms. "Well what do you know? It worked."
"What?" Kouyuu looked up at the man whose hold was the only thing that kept him from an undignified sprawl on the floor.
He noticed the long unbound auburn hair first. Then a strange feeling urgently made itself noticed to the bewildered man. Kouyuu stared in shock at the glowing manacles fastened about his wrists even as his senses verified the bounds which trapped his powers.
"Good, so I see this relic is working as well. I confess, I hadn't been quite sure I wasn't being cheated when I bought them off some scavengers of the Hyou lands."
"Just what the hell is going on here?" Kouyuu pushed himself away from his captor to put some distance between them. "And how did you cast a transport spell so quickly?"
"Oh, but I didn't." The man quickly closed the distance between them to pull a pin from his collar. "My men used this interesting little dohick—"
"Could I? I've never seen a transport charm befo—"
The auburn haired man found himself offering than snatching back the charm from Kouyuu's reach again. "This was unexpected, Thorn Mage." He frowned at the aqua haired scholar in annoyance. "I think I had better remove this from your presence before we speak."
Kouyuu sighed in disappointment as his captor stormed out of his cell. But as soon as the cell door slammed behind the man, he quickly rushed to the barred window where he placed three objects and two wooden finches on the stone sill before backing away.
"Live." To his great relief the trigger word still worked and the finches took on colour and came alive, shaking their feathers out as they hopped about the stone in alarm to find themselves and their master in this sinister tower cell.
"This was unexpected, but I might as well let it also be a test to appease my father's doubts." Kouyuu told his finches as they looked up at him. "I leave it to you now, my little friends."
The little birds thrilled softly to him before tapping their claws on the objects Kouyuu left on the window sill, making them shrink to a size they could easily manage. They launched themselves into the sky with their precious burdens none too soon as the heavy cell door creaked open behind Kouyuu.
The aqua haired scholar stayed at the window and stared out into the fading light of sunset, refusing to show his captor any sign of worry or fear. "Just where am I? And who are you?" Kouyuu turned at the end of his words to face this auburn haired man.
In age, he thought his captor looked no older than his uncle Kurou, but any further resemblance ended there. Where his uncle had a stern countenance which belied his kind and generous nature, this man wore boredom and apathy like jewels. However, there was a distinctly disturbing spark of interest in his eyes when he regarded Kouyuu.
"I have been most remiss in manners to you, my honoured guest.
"I am of the Sa, Sa Sakunjun."
"Then we're—"
"In the Sa province, yes."
"So why have you brought me here?" Kouyuu shook his wrist manacles at him. "Have the Sas decided to wage war with the Kous?"
"No, no, far from that, young prince; this was just a precaution. We only wished to speak with the Thorn Mage about services that could be offered."
Kouyuu was far from obtuse about what Sakunjun meant, however, he could not hold back his blurted observation after having studied the man for that long while. "But you have no magic."
Sakunjun stared at him in shock for nearly a full minute. "Wh—what did you just say?"
"You—there—there isn't any curse threads binding you for me to break." Kouyuu elaborated uncomfortably. "Not everyone has a talent for magic. It varies greatly even in the families that have magic. Shuurei has just a fraction of her mother's powers. Kou Houju sama has very little ability too.
"I see no magic ability in you."
They stood staring at one another for a long while with Kouyuu uncomfortably aware that he had just reduced his own usefulness in his captors' control. Unexpectedly, Sakunjun started to laugh quite heartedly though significantly without any element of joy or delight in the emotion.
"So even in magic our family shows little power. " He giggled in bitter mirth when he could finally control his laughter. "Father will be so thrilled. Well, we do have other plans for you as well, Li Kouyuu."
Trapped as he was against the barred window, the aqua haired scholar couldn't back away any further as Sakunjun approached to catch him by his manacled wrists. "Since your father seems accepting of marrying you to another man, we of the Sa thought also to press my elder brother's suit for your hand."
"You're mad. The Kous have already accepted the proposal from the Rans." Kouyuu glared at him. "Besides what makes you think I'd accept?"
"Oh..." Sakunjun glanced significantly behind him to the only piece of furniture in the cell, an altar like table Kouyuu hadn't yet noticed. "We were quite sure the Rans might not like to be associated with sullied goods."
Kouyuu's eyes took in the manacles hanging conspicuously at the four corners of the 'altar' and he instantly went white with fear. "Nnnooo! Nnnooo! I donwanna! I doonnwwanna!"
Sakunjun's eyes went wide in shock as the young man he was holding transformed before his eyes. The irises of Kouyuu's eyes seemingly shrank to tiny grey rings, and his voice changed to take on the pitch and quality of a terrified child. "Please?! Please?! I'll be good. I can do this on a bed with whoever you want. I won't fight. I can be nice on a bed. I can. I really can. Please?! I donwanna be on the table. I donwanna! Please?!"
The unexpected child like plea did it for Sakunjun. And he released Kouyuu's wrists so that he could gather the younger man in his arms.
"Calm down child. I'm not the scoundrel that my brother is." Sakunjun murmured softly into Kouyuu's hair. "I'm not going to hurt you. I was only teasing you.
"It was in bad taste, but all the same I meant only to tease you. The Sa are not so suicidal as to incur the wrath of the Kou Clan by raping the son of the Clan Head."
He stroked Kouyuu's hair and back soothingly, willing the boy to stop trembling and slowly regain his senses. This really was most unexpected. Then again, Sakunjun also recalled the tales he'd once heard of the abandoned child Kou Reishin picked up. He wryly admitted that he never gave a single thought to consider what the boy's life was like before the Kous took him in. And Sakunjun took no joy in frightening a boy already this badly damaged from childhood trauma.
Feeling something bumping quite violently against his hip, the auburn haired man's eyes widened in alarm to see the leather pouch tied to Kouyuu's belt moving about as if it had something alive within it. He remembered then one of the foremost stories about the Thorn mage.
Ryuuki gulped at the clear statement from Kou Reishin. Even from the dais, he could see the faint red glow of carefully restrained power surrounding the Head of the Kou Clan. Ryuuki was more than a bit wide eyed to wonder why Reishin dono was being so polite.
"Your Black Wolf insisted I seek your leave to operate here." Reishin threw an annoyed glance at the man standing behind him.
The entire court practically shuddered at the idea of allowing the angry father free reign to investigate his son's abduction. It was a common thought that Kiyou wouldn't stand a day longer if Reishin Dono didn't find his son quickly. Still, there were those among the officials who were jealous of or disgruntled with the power that the Kous held.
"Your Majesty! It would be unprecedented to allow a private citizen free sway to investigate a private matter."
"Reishin Dono, please reconsider. You should not be investigating this on your own." A more diplomatic official interjected before Reishin could turn his head to locate the man who objected. "We have channels and skilled investigators who could probably do this less—disruptively…"
"Oh, I can be subtle and controlled." Reishin said sweetly as he turned to face this particular official. The man practically leaped to his feet before turning to stare in horror at the huge spike of earth which was emerging from the chair he had been sitting on.
"Kou Reishin!" A masked man in yellow robes stood to catch his attention. "We are not your enemy. Please reign in your temper, old friend."
The Kou Head swung around; his every expression seemed to indicate his intention to yell at the man, but when his eyes fell upon the masked man, his expression softened and calmed. "Kou Houju… well met, I see you still like this mask as compared to the last batch I sent you."
A slight nod was his only reply. "We have proper authorities, Reishin."
"Your Majesty?" Shuuei turned to Ryuuki anxiously.
"We would—"
"The Emperor's army shouldn't be involved in the private matter of a kidnapping of the Shogun's 'bride'." Fortunately for the speaker, he had hid himself well among the numerous officials.
The court erupted into bedlam as this seemed to mark the start of many officials speaking and arguing at the same time. It was into this chaos that the rest of the Kiyou resident Kous and the Rans arrived to find Emperor Ryuuki desperately trying to call his subjects to order.
Accusations suddenly started to flow as a question was raised as to how someone as powerful in magic and sorcery as the Thorn Mage and the Head of the Kou Clan could have failed to stop the Thorn Mage's abduction. The Rans, unexpectedly, were roped in as well and questioned about how the 'ordinary' brother in the family managed to avoid the famed magical traps of the Kous' estates to even meet with Reishin's son; that perhaps the Rans possessed some secret on how to thwart the magic used by the Kous.
Through all this, Shouka kept a firm hand on Reishin's shoulder, trying to keep his brother calm while despairing at the wasted time the officials were causing in their useless posturing and arguments. Catching the commotion starting up near the Emperor's podium, he turned Reishin's attention to it in time for him to catch Ran Shuuei declare quite loudly to his protesting brothers that he was going to walk out and begin the investigation himself if the whole lot of idiots didn't stop wasting time.
"Maybe I could like this boy after all." Reishin murmured in reluctant approval.
A movement from Seiran then prompted a larger smile on the Kou Head's lips. The silver haired imperial guard was creating a fire ball which was growing in size and intensity in an effort to catch the attention of the arguing idiots. However, the event which finally stole everyone's regard and caused the ruckus to die down was the sudden throwing open of the doors to the court which herald the arrival of a white and a pied finch.
The noise in the Emperor's court quickly faded into silence as all eyes were drawn to the finches flitting over their heads, darting about as if they were seeking someone. However, to Reishin's surprise, Kouyuu's finches didn't go to him but instead flew to the Emperor's podium where they circled a stunned Ran Shogun.
Long used to and trained in his reaction to the birds' arrival, Shuuei held out his hands palms up. The birds swooped down to drop three objects onto them before alighting on one of Shuuei's shoulder guards.
"My son shows you his favour."
Shuuei dragged his eyes away from the three objects growing in his hands to see his fiancé's father and the Black Wolf approach him. The expression on Kou Reishin's face made him gulp, but his sensei's eyes were kind as they regarded him over the Kou leader's shoulder.
Feeling the objects stop their growing, Shuuei obligingly showed his treasures to the two men as he tried to understand what Kouyuu had sent him. He had in his hands, a writing brush, a hand mirror and a small block of wood upon which was a picture of a phoenix painted with an ink that shimmered and changed colours in the light.
At Shuuei's invitation, Reishin snatched up the mirror and spoke Kouyuu's name sharply, causing the mirror's surface to glimmer and shine. At Shuuei's curious expression, Reishin kindly offered an explanation.
"During the war, we made these for each of the children so that we could keep an eye on them. Kouyuu took his back when he turned sixteen."
Behind them, Shouka felt a trickle of sweat roll down his neck as he sensed his daughter's eyes throwing daggers at his back. He knew that he would be hearing of this once they were home. For now though all attention was rightfully on the shimmering light which emerged from the mirror's surface to hover in midair before them.
It did not take very long for the shimmering shapes to take form and let their audience gaze upon the image of a tall auburn haired man hugging an obviously terrified Li Kouyuu in his arms. Shouka and Reishin cursed softly when they saw the glowing shackles fastened to Kouyuu's wrists. It was a painful reminder of the Kou/Hyou Clan war when the Hyous had used shackles like that to bind the powers of their captives. They knew then that Kouyuu was truly helpless in his captor's control.
"Sa Sakunjun." Shou Taishi growled unhappily when he identified the auburn haired man for everyone.
Kou Houjo noted the way Kou Reishin snapped out his fan with the mention of the man's name. Clearly, he could see there was more to the story than met the eye. The Black Wolf's eyes narrowed at his brother as well, but this was not the time to confront the issue. Not when they could all see Sakunjun remove a pin from his belt to prick his captive's finger.
As they watched, Kouyuu's frightened eyes slowly lost the light of fear and began to droop before his body went completely limp in Sakunjun's arms. The man scooped him in his arms and turned to quickly lay Kouyuu's clearly unconscious form on an altar like table near them.
A cry of alarm almost escaped Reishin's lips when he noticed the shackles attached to the corners of the table. However, the Sa man only stayed by Kouyuu's side long enough to arrange his body comfortably on the table before he flung himself away from his captive's side.
The reason for his rapid disengagement made itself known with the fountain of thorny vines which erupted from the small leather pouch that was attached to Kouyuu's belt. Sakunjun apparently moved none too soon as the vines whirled about Kouyuu's body like a storm before encasing him in a cage of thorns and roses.
Shouka let out a sigh of relief before turning his attention to Shuuei. "The Briar will protect the Kou Prince from harm. It is now up to you to bring him back safely, Ran Shuuei."
At first, Shuuei blinked at his sensei in clear surprise for that statement. Then he heard the muffled squeals of delight from his sister-in-law, half-sister, and adopted sister. It made him blush bright red at the realisation of this very public revelation, drawing a bark of laughter from Seiran.
"You do know this will very likely be immortalised in story and verse among the women-folk, don't you?" Seiran slapped Shuuei on the back while he gave Shuuei and the other smiling ladies a conspiratorial grin.
Reishin was about to impatiently demand to know what the amusement was for when his brother leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "Reishin, the Briar will allow Ran Shuuei to reach your son for the same reason I was allowed to meet my wife all those years ago."
The spark of understanding finally dawned upon Reishin as he stared at the blushing young man before him who still held the other two 'gifts' from his son in his hands. And upon whose shoulder guard sat Kouyuu's beloved finches which were apparently glaring at him rather impatiently.
Letting out a deep sigh, Reishin took one last longing look at his son lying seemingly asleep within his cage of thorns. Then he rubbed his thumb over the surface of the mirror before holding out the now dormant mirror to Shuuei. "Hold it in your right hand, think of my son then speak his name and the mirror will show him to you. Rub your thumb across the surface to end the spell."
"Reishin sama?" Shuuei was so surprised at the offer he was almost afraid to accept the mirror.
"That brush—is my son's most prized possession. That he sent it to you was a message to me that he trusts you, and that I should too." Reishin allowed reluctantly. "So—my son's safe return is apparently solely in your hands now, Ran Shuuei. Can he depend on you?"
Shuuei stood straighter and he solemnly met Kou Reishin's eyes as he accepted the mirror. "Yes, he can depend on me, Reishin dono. I will bring him home."
Reishin held Shuuei's eyes for a moment before he finally nodded and waved to the finches which sat on his shoulder. "If it is not obvious, I will instruct you now. My son's finches will lead you to wherever that—scoundrel has him imprisoned.
"The wooden block—is the Phoenix Pass. The most authoritative travel pass created by the Kou Clan. This particular pass is unique since it was made by my son's own hands and for that reason the paint will shimmer and glow in different colours. Whomever you show it to will not only allow you passage, but its added charm will ensure they are also obligated to assist you on your way."
Seiran stepped forward then. "While this quest is yours alone, Shuuei, my squad will escort you as far as the borders of the next province. We will also ensure that no more Sa soldiers have been left behind to discourage pursuit.
"When you reach the Sa province, you should approach the Governor, Rou Ensei. Present yourself to him and he will know you as I had written to him of you. He will do all he can to assist you."
"He is not alone." The Minister of Finance also stepped forward. "If you would carry my greetings to his Assistant, Tei Yuushun, my old friend will help you as well."
"You may carry my greetings as well." Reishin added reluctantly after a surreptitious pointed poke from his brother. "Yuushun better understands the mechanisms of the Sa Clan."
"The Kous are not the only ones to offer gifts and assistance." Ran Ryuuren also stepped forward, extending the Dragon Flute to his brother. "I feel that you will be in need of magic, Aniue. This was crafted by the Hyous, and I have a sense that it will be of use to you in this quest."
"Ryuuren?" Shuuei stole a glance at their frowning elder brothers before facing the young genius. "This is a Ran Heirloom—practically your symbol of authority."
"It is, Aniue. And therefore, I now temporarily bestow that authority upon you as well." Ryuuren grinned at him. "Between this and the travel pass from the Kous, you will have far fewer obstacles to face."
"But if—if I—"
"Do not speak of it, Aniue. Please." Shuuei's younger brother pressed the Dragon Flute into his hand. "If it brings you peace of mind… the flute will be restored to me if—anything should happen to you. But I'm expecting you to personally return this, Aniue."
Shuuei firmed his hold on his brother's gift. "I will see you again, Otouto."
"Still, while friends and allies are important, there must be times you will have to stand alone, Ran Shogun." The Emperor gestured for Shuuei to approach as he also beckoned a guard forward while walking around his desk.
From the guard, Ryuuki accepted a sword in a midnight blue scabbard, upon whose pommel was etched a pair of Irises, and offered it to Shuuei. "We would arm you, Ran Shogun as We offer you Our favour with the Sword of the Iris Warrior. Will you accept it?"
The Court immediately erupted in whispers as the officials reacted in disbelief for the sudden bestowing of gifts to this disinherited Ran. The fact that Ran Ryuuren was lending an heirloom of the Rans to him also clearly marked his continued favour in the Ran Clan.
And it was especially shocking that the Emperor would take the Sword of the Iris Warrior from the vaults and give it to one who was without an affiliation to a clan. An ordinary citizen had never been gifted the use of the sword before. However, that also made Ran Shuuei a very powerful ally for his Majesty who would have no worries about a trusted advisor with possible split loyalties.
Shuuei carefully tucked away the objects Kouyuu gave him into a sleeve pocket and the Dragon Flute into his belt before he approached the Emperor's dais to look at the legendary sword which was offered to him. He met Ryuuki's eyes which were filled with bright hope and invitation, understanding in its gaze that Ryuuki had intended to give him the sword all along and that was therefore why it had been so readily on hand.
"I accept, your Majesty." Shuuei knelt to offer obeisance to his Emperor. "And I would pledge this sword in your service."
Unexpectedly, when Shuuei's hand touched it, the sword briefly glowed with a cold blue light and a faint image of a deep blue Iris momentarily appear above his head. The smile on the Emperor of Saiunkoku grew wider as he nodded in satisfaction.
"Like your brother, I too believe you will need tools of magic to aid you. This sword, like Byakou and Kansho, was also made by the Hyous. May it serve you well."
"Your Majesty..."
Ryuuki smiled brilliantly as he reached out a hand to touch Shuuei's clasped fist. "Rise then, Ran Shogun. You have a mission to retrieve your fiancé, and to present your 薔薇公 (Thorn Prince) to Our Court."
To be continued
And this is all that I've managed to complete. Hopefully, the next part won't take me too long to finish.
Encouragement is welcomed :)
Thanks for reading.
Cheers, firewolf