Diclaimer: K project belongs entirely to GoRa
Note: This one is inspired by Enigmatic Feeling – Ling Tosite Sigure. Warning for spoiler of K:Missing Kings movie. And warning for character death. This is totally not a happily ever after fic, so don't read it if you're having a bad day.
"I will do it when time comes."
"I decline."
A pair of ruby eyes gleamed under the dim light of setting sun just outside the window coming through the window. "I won't do it for you. It would be to protect my friends and the city Mikoto and I loved."
Munakata shut close his eyes with a relaxed smile and put down the teacup cradled in his hands. He inhaled deeply, ingraining the relaxing smell of green tea inside his office into his memory. As if to mirror his behavior, the current Red King, who was still inexperienced in wielding her Sword of Damocles and its fiery flame, copied his example and remained silent as she lowered down the teacup in front of her. She was waiting for an answer patiently. And the situation felt ironic for Munakata. He had never imagined that one day he would be able to sit down peacefully like this, conversing with the leader of Red Clan like it was a normal thing ever since Suoh's regime.
A year ago, the little princess of HOMRA was crowned as the new Red King after a certain mishap with Green Clan. At first, the sight of new, beautifully majestic Red Sword of Damocles brought fresh sting of a death of certain friend (or lover, but no one had to know but him). His heart bled, cried unshed tears again when he was in solitude. But time healed the wound; no matter how severe it was, even if the wound closed with ugly scars, but it somewhat healed because life must go on. Just like how time would not stop even a blink for the lamenting Blue King, no matter how much he beseeched. In fact, as he suspected, time, was no longer his luxury; something he no longer could afford. The Dresden Slate had begun to count down his time. As the consequence of his duty two years ago during the winter in Ashinaka Academy, his Sword of Damocles began deteriorating and kept running down the hill without brakes, without mercy. It was leisure process with his self-restraint, but every night he could hear a faint, haunting sound of its cracking. A broken vase, no matter how the artist tried to mend, the water would still leak out from the cleft. The water that had been spilled had no way to return back to the vase. The process was simply irreversible, unstoppable until the water ran out and there was nothing left but a hollow vessel.
He intended to keep it to himself. It was unnecessary to worry his Clansmen at such premature stage. They were still amidst the chaos and the time for him to resign from his duty was still distant. The Third King was still young, even if she was gifted with wisdom. But experience was to be gained and learned, both in battle field or strategy in handling crisis, and thus she was still not mature enough to take a full role as a King. He watched over her, aiding her if only absolutely necessary so she would not tread the same destructive pathway like her previous beloved king. He secretly hoped that she would also be the one to replace his position as one of lead figures of this country in the future. He was quietly preparing her to be ready for such heavy duty although it hurt him because her tiny shoulders were so frail. They were not meant to shoulder the weight of the world. Not just yet.
But he had no choice. The Silver King may have returned and took over the role of previous Gold King, watching over the development of the country behind the scene. But there was no way he could do everything on his own. Just like how he usually supported the Gold King in leading this country, the Silver King would certainly need that assistance as well. When Blue King was gone, another pillar for the country's order would vanish, and before that time came, he should find someone befitting to take over that role until a new Blue King and appropriate leader of Scepter 4 was appointed. Someone, who loved this city and wished to protect the inhabitants; someone who possessed a strong heart and benevolent at the same time.
Without doubt, Kushina Anna was certainly his best candidate.
She was sweet and valued her friends more than anything else. She had tasted pain first-handedly and how it hurt her, thus she would never misuse her power to inflict pain to others. Once she was completely able to yield her devastating Aura and her mental and intelligent matured enough to make the best decision as a King, it would be the moment for him to step down.
But time had not come. At least, he wished that the harbinger of death would not find him first before that awaited moment arrived.
Thus, for that very reason, he would never allow the little princess, no, little queen of HOMRA to assume the role as his death messenger. He had envisioned her with so much future to take care of. She would be the vanguard of this country, and he would not be the one that shackled her down with the burden of ending his life.
Moreover, she was a memento of Suoh Mikoto. He had promised that he would watch over Mikoto's friends, especially Anna. By all means, she was too precious to be stained or damaged because of his failure to die voluntarily when his Weismann level failed him. Then again, he would never tell that as well. His feeling was simply for his own to listen; there was no need to chain this innocent girl with his emotion.
When his death arrived, it would be delivered by other's hands. Even if there would be no one to do so, he would personally be responsible of his own life before the Sword of Damocles could claim the earth along with his body. The Blue King had enough resolution to deliver the final blow to his own best friend, rival and lover. It would be a child play for him to get his own demise.
He slowly opened up his violet eyes and stared straight into those attentive crimson orbs. They were still focused on him, gently prying for his soul to be bared before her. However, Munakata persistently closed his heart to her. He adjusted his glasses, straightened his back as he answered, "I appreciate the offer, but I have to politely turn you down."
Anna seemed like she wanted to argue with him, but Munakata put his finger on his lips, silencing her effectively. She lowered her eyes, trying to hold back her anxiety from spilling out of her lips. "Killing another king will put quite a burden to your Sword of Damocles. When that time comes, the only death claims would be my life alone."
"But the reason for your condition is because…" She trailed off weakly. Even when she had accepted Mikoto's death, the sudden flash of happy memories she once shared and the crashing pain followed would stop her in the middle of her sentence. "The least I can do is to grant you the same end with him; a quick death. I should stay by your side during that last moment, just like what you've done for him."
Munakata was taken back with her confession and it would be a lie if he was not touched by her purity. Maybe for once, he would not have to walk down the path of a King on his own. Nevertheless, in the end, he would be the one that leave the pedestal first, deserting the young queen on King's thorny path alone. The thought of it became unbearable.
"This is my retribution. You have nothing to worry about but mastering your power and uniting HOMRA back together to its previous glory." Munakata smiled gently. This time he allowed himself to express his compassion. It was strange for him, but he felt no need of pretense of a cold, distant king in front of her, like he usually did when he crossed path with Suoh. Her presence was more than adequate to bring in the harmony inside him. In the depth of her eyes, he could find a trace of Suoh that he loved very much and it calmed him. Not the insanely aggravated Suoh when he was too indulged in his fury and need for revenge, but the gentle Suoh when he was surrounded by his friends or when he enveloped Munakata in his embrace under the warm blanket.
However, there was no relief inside her eyes, but sadness. She scooted closer to him and rested her hands on his folded ones on his lap. Anna bit her lower lip as she fought back a little tear. "It would be much easier if I can hate you or if you are evil."
As a response, Munakata moved his hands and squeezed her petite hands in his, "You should just hate me for taking him away from you. However, I will say this to you that I enjoy your companionship, as well as this alliance between Red and Blue Clan that I have never imagined for it to take form."
Anna glanced up to find the gentle violet ones and she nodded involuntarily. She breathed out as she spoke that it came out like a whisper of dying wind, "Then please don't die, Blue King."
"Do not be concerned. I'm checking my Weismann level on regular basis." He released her hands and leaned back. "I have avoided using my Aura unless necessary."
Suddenly a knock on the door made them jolt a little in surprise and both of them instinctively directed their eyes on the closed mahogany door of Munakata's office. When the blue-haired king had reverted back to his collected mask, he chimed, "Come in."
A thread of golden peeked through the slit of open door. When Awashima had stepped inside, another man followed behind her, with his eyes hidden behind the stylish black eyeglasses. "Pardon the intrusion, Captain. The HOMRA's advisor has come to pick up the Third King."
Anna abruptly stood up, smoothing the creases of her skirt with her hands with a transparent joy in her childish feature. Meanwhile, Munakata barely moved away from his seat, simply watching at the arriving guest with his usual business smile. "Welcome, Kusanagi. You are just in time. We have just finished our short meeting."
"As far as I gather, the meeting you speak of seems to be more like a friendly conversation to me." Kusanagi shrugged with little smile without a tone of malice, despite his words.
"Well, she is quite a pleasant company. It is inevitable." Munakata said, brushing off his cynical comment nonchalantly. Anna had finished primping her vermillion-colored dress and tugged the hood of her scarlet coat. Just before she whirled around to run toward her guardian, she slightly bowed down, "Thank you for your hospitality. I will take my leave then." They might have equal standing as kings, but Munakata was still her senior in term of age that she found it more appropriate to show courtesy.
Munakata made a hummed noise in approval and smiled at her sweet manner. He had always liked children after all, especially good-mannered one like she was. "It's my pleasure." He gestured at Awashima who was standing beside the blond advisor. "Please lead them to the front door."
She made a curt salute to him before leading the young queen and her Clansman the way out of Scepter 4's HQ.
"How is Kushina Anna?" Reishi started randomly. A glass of wine was on his hand. His mind was still clear, despite the amount of poisonous ethanol running in his system. Nevertheless, he could feel the tension leaving him, which was not wise considering that his nemesis was sitting just one-arm length away from him. But they were on a public bar by accidental encounter (However, their encounters were too often that it was more proper to scratch the 'accidental' word. He still would not accept it, because it sounded as if he agreed that there was something between them.) Surely Mikoto could show some moderation from violence, right?
Mikoto chuckled, smiling with the glass of whiskey on his lips, "The almighty Blue King has a soft spot for children. Who would have known?"
"It's irrelevant. I'm just thinking of her welfare, considering her past. The world is still full of danger, Suoh." He says, staring at his glass.
"I won't let it happen." The Red King interjected, while the fire of determination flared in his amber eyes. Reishi hummed noncommittally, "I know. You always protect your Clansmen."
Mikoto was quiet for a moment and put down his glass on the marble bar table. He turned his chair until he faced Reishi with his head was propped on his elbow. The Blue King felt his gaze, so he tilted his head and stared back quizzically, "What?"
"You always watch my back, I know."
"Someone has to, because you have no self-restraint, you barbaric man." Reishi took a sip of his wine. Mikoto only made a sound of agreement, to Reishi's annoyance.
"I can watch your back too. Still got one slot open on the list." Mikoto offered solemnly with his finger trailed the surface of his glass. A list of persons to look after, he thought. Mikoto knew that he didn't have to and Reishi would not need him to, with Blue Aura and a long row of Blue Clansmen to shield him from danger at all times, but he wanted to.
Reishi watched him with feigned incredulous look, deciding not to take it seriously, "I thought you had your hands full already with those kids of yours. Mind your own business, Suoh." He was curious what had brought on such idea in Mikoto's head, but he settled on not knowing. Ignorance is a bliss, people said.
The red-head heaved a sigh, dropping the issue. "Well, the offer is still on if you change your mind." His answer baffled Reishi. He had assumed that the latter just made a random comment or empty flattery to tease him like he usually did. But the genuineness on Mikoto's expression confused him. He could not tell if the Red King was serious or just frankly teasing. Mikoto then put down the money on the table, a little bit too much for his own drinks. He left his stool and put his hands on his pockets, waiting for Reishi expectantly.
Reishi narrowed his eyes suspiciously as his sight fell on the money, then to the amber eyes, "What?"
"You can pretend for the rest of the night that you don't want this. But it will save time a lot if we can just go to hotel. Aren't you a busy man?" Mikoto explained with a shrug.
Reishi was quite tempted to splash his precious wine on Mikoto's face and refused him with a snarky comment, just to get him down from his high pedestal. But it had been a while since he spent the night in Mikoto's arms and the stress and tension from his work were absolutely suffocating him that he longed for a release and the offer was coincidentally there. He could always blame it on alcohol if the latter brought it up for indulging without much resistance.
"I am," A smile crept to his lips before he could stop himself. "But I wonder how long will you need to entertain me? I don't have all night to accompany you." Reishi asked with sarcastic sultry voice as he leapt off the chair and leant forward until their hot breath mingled and their lips nearly touched.
"We'll see." Mikoto smirked conceitedly, locking his eyes on defiant violet ones with implicit promise. "It didn't take half an hour to draw moans from you last time."
Reishi stiffened and looked deadpanned as he curtly argued, "I was drunk."
"And many times before." His haughty smirk widened that Reishi wanted to wipe it out from his face.
"I was drunk at those times too." He answered defensively. Mikoto shrugged him off, still with that smirk on his lips with a knowing look and walked out the bar. Somehow, it felt like his loss, and it irritated him to no end. Reishi steeled himself as he followed the Red King; determined of proving Mikoto wrong.
He still ended up losing anyway. Mikoto just would not let him win. Not even once.
And he didn't have his opportunity anymore to score his win. The game had long-gone ended without the victor, without a worthy opponent to keep it going on.
Munakata wondered why he suddenly recalled that fragment of past.
Somehow the field was blurry and it felt like déjà vu. He remembered that he saw this same vision on his nightmare. The cold, hard rain that smudged his vision, the sound of dancing thunders in the jet black sky and the chillingly cruel, broken asphalt beneath him were his hints. When he forced an exhale, a white mist escaped his lips.
The rain made his messy cobalt hair felt uncomfortable as they were plastered wetly on the sides of his face. But when he tried to shove it away and tuck it back behind his ears, he realized that there was blood dripping down from the side of his temple, painting his hair with red, the vibrant red that he used to love so much. The red he had despised after the fall of Suoh Mikoto. He sighed at the sight of it and the smell of iron on his hand as well as in his stomach. He lowered his hands to his sides with resigned posture as he Munakata leaned against the clump of giant boulder, the remnants of the tower, indulging himself with the luxury to rest. It might be due to blood loss, or maybe cold, but a wave of exhaustion crashed into him and he only wanted to stop fighting the need to sleep. He shivered weakly. Even his body still fought to keep him alive by fighting the hypothermia, but it was futile. His eyelids felt extremely heavy and just when he was about to spoil himself with a fleeting rest, he heard the splashing sounds of water puddle and footsteps on the broken road from distant.
He barely managed to open his eyelids when Anna abruptly knelt beside him with a terror in her face, ignoring the water seeping into her clothes. The Silver King brushed away his coat as he lowered himself on the other side of Munakata, across the Red King. He hurriedly took off his coat and covered the wounded Blue King, hoping it would be enough shelter him from rain and keep him warm. Munakata fought a smile as he turned his head toward the concerned Silver King. "I'm sorry, Sir Weismann. I fail to bring down the Green King. But he is currently injured. You can still make it if you go now."
The silver-haired teen shook his head and smiled sadly. "You don't have to worry about that, but your health." Weismann spoke in a low voice, taking one of his hands in his, giving him a little bit warmth.
His vision was hazy but he still could clearly see the tears trickling down Anna's face along with the raindrops. Even breathing felt like a hard thing to do that he had to force out an exhale. "I guess, in the end…you fulfill your words…that you will accompany me at my last moment."
Anna shook her head gently, remaining still as her tears kept pouring down to her cheeks. She could not lie, because she had promised Mikoto that she would no longer deny the reality in front of her eyes when he entrusted the red she loved so much to her. Moreover, the dying man in front of her probably knew about his own condition better than anyone else that her white lie would probably fall into deaf ears. Despite the earsplitting sound of thunder, they could also hear the crackling Blue Sword of Damocles above them. The light inside the gem on the Sword had dimmed and crumbled into dusts, signing the natural end of Munakata Reisi and his life as a King.
"How can he hurt you?" Weismann asked with concern.
"Mishakuji…" Munakata gasped to get some air, but then the pain of his wound would make him cringe. "I was careless. He got me…when I almost cornered the Green King."
"Don't speak anymore." Anna pleaded softly as her tiny hand pushed back his bangs that had veiled his eyes, gently brushing his hairs with her fingers.
When he saw his reflection on her ruby eyes, he wondered if he had looked just like her when the blood of Mikoto was spilled on his hands and his saber. Such a beautiful existence with tragedy to adorn her gentle face, he thought. His heart clenched painfully at the sight of her; the solitary, majestic red rose in the garden of violence and blood. No matter how brutal the fire burned around her and the swords crossed to protect her, there was no guarantee that she would be free from harm with so much malice on the path of Kings. He only wished that she would still bloom as magnificent as her previous predecessors and wither gloriously and naturally, unlike him.
His fall was his karma, his retribution. He had slain the only man who would watch his back without question and he had failed to watch Mikoto's back. Surely, this ending befitted him. He only hoped that he would not have to meet the said man in afterlife. He had no foolish desire like asking for forgiveness. When a man died, it all ended. There should be no more to the story and he chose not to be forgiven.
He was about to fall to the abyss when a pair of cold hands slapped his cheeks firmly. Munakata was startled, inquiring the red queen why she would not allow a peaceful rest for him with tired look.
"He is watching over you as he is watching over me," She spoke softly and leant her forehead against his. He closed his eyes and allowed her warmth to slightly seep into him from the skin contact. But the moment he shut his eyelids, he found himself standing on the unfamiliar compartment. The warped room looked almost like the second floor of Homra's bar when Mikoto once invited him to his bedroom, but there was too much radiant light and everything seemed to glow in white.
The windows were open, but there was no city reflected outside; only the infinite pallid color. Just as he suspected, there was no sound carried by the wind through the window; only eternal silence. Nevertheless, the curtains gently sway and the wind blew his hair to his face. There was only a sense of tranquility inside the room. There was no wound on his body or pain for him to feel. When he turned around, there was a queen-size bed with a canopy and silk curtains to veil the occupant in the corner of the room. Before his mind could think, his feet already moved and padded down to the sole bed. When he got close and stood between the pillars, there he saw her. Anna was lying curled on her side, asleep with serene look on her face. Just when he leant down to reach out for her, a voice, which he had missed and had haunted his dreams for years, stopped him.
"Let her sleep."
Munakata whirled around on his heels, only to find the man he had feared to see, standing tall with an easy smile on his face. "I can't believe that you would come here so soon."
"Who are you?" He asked, although deep in his soul, he already knew the answer. "Suoh is long dead."
"Yeah, I am." The red-haired man confirmed, walking through past him to grab the blanket and spread it on Anna protectively, as if it could shield her from worldly pain. "This is the spirit world. She channels you to here subconsciously."
"What a weird dream at the imminent death." Munakata murmured in awe.
"It isn't. She sees your pain. Without her, you would die and go to a place I could never find, because your soul refuses to see me."
Munakata stayed silent, rejecting to meet Mikoto's scrutinizing eyes.
"I'm sorry, for everything." Mikoto started the list, with gentle fire in his eyes. "to force you to kill me, to shorten your life span, to leave you alone, to make you watch over her in my place, to make you blaming yourself, to make you hate me."
"Shut up," Munakata glowered quietly. His voice slightly cracked with mixture of unspeakable pain, bottled anger and unshed tears. He stepped away from Mikoto with unquenchable wrath swelling within him. "I don't need your apology."
"I love you." Mikoto said stubbornly, grabbing Munakata's wrist in painfully tight grasp. "Stay here."
The blue-haired king noticed the present tense he used and was bewildered for several seconds before shook his head persistently, "I can't. Not after what you've done. Not after what I've done."
"Stop saying that." The crimson-haired man gritted his teeth. "Everything is not your fault. If you deny me now, I would lose you forever. The afterlife is boundless; I won't be able to find you."
"That's what I keep saying, right?" Munakata sighed exhaustedly. He just could not believe that talking to Mikoto in his delusional mind would still be as wearing as before. "This is my punishment, Suoh."
"Then, I forgive you. Since long time ago."
Munakata tensed up and slowly lifted his head to face the enigmatic man in his life. He bit his lower lip before he forced a sardonic smile. "I refuse to accept it. And I haven't forgiven you for forsaking the world and your clan either."
"You mean, forsaking you," Mikoto stated with a flat expression. "Reishi."
Hearing his first name made him cringe as if the word could stab him physically. "Leave me alone. The sight of you makes me sick. I'm glad to know I don't have to see you anymore in the afterlife, so just leave me be."
"Reishi." This time, Mikoto spoke with hardened voice, echoing like a warning bell. His posture was showing his impatience, his urgency and the sight mildly surprised Munakata. The latter barely reflected such anxiety blatantly before him. "There is no time."
Munakata took a deep inhale before he finally met Mikoto's gaze with a pair of violet eyes as calm as a forgotten lake in the forest. He smiled, a little, as he uttered the words. "Set me free, Suoh. Please."
"His time is almost up, King." Another voice joined them. Even without looking back, Munakata could hear a smile in his voice. "If you want to convince him, you better hurry up."
"You don't even have to tell me that." Mikoto scowled openly at the other spirit that decided to interrupt them. Totsuka nonchalantly leaned his back against the wall near the bed, waiting for them to resolve their differences.
The ex-Red King was about to open his mouth and spoke up when Munakata put his hand on Mikoto's lips. "Don't." But Mikoto would not have it. He slapped away Munakata's hand harshly with his free hand and pulled him into his embrace, choking the latter in his tightened arms.
"I can't have you in this life. I'll be damned if I lose you in afterlife too. If you refuse me now, I'll haunt you, even in the next lives. No matter how long it takes."
"Do you have any idea, how you've cursed your own fate? Such a fool, you should just be happy to get away from me and our ill-fated bond." Munakata lightly patted Mikoto's back, telling him to loosen his embrace, but the red-haired man didn't budge.
"I gladly welcome it, even if this is a curse. Prepare yourself, Munakata Reishi, because I won't stop."
"No." The violet-eyed king curtly answered.
Mikoto pulled back with his hands on Munakata's shoulders, watching warily with a question, "What?"
"The thought of being haunted by a man like you is horrendous, if not so revolting, so I guess I should just stick around for a little longer to keep you away from trouble until you get bored." Munakata pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, smirking arrogantly. However, Mikoto snorted and smiled back in relief. "That means eternity. You think you can handle it?"
"Well, I've spent years with you around. A few more wouldn't make any differences."
"Wow, I'm happy for you guys. Please don't get too lovey-dovey in front of me." Totsuka grinned mischievously before he walked toward an exit door which only led into unlimited white beyond. "We'll be waiting for you then. See you around, Munakata-san."
"Now I wish I didn't die so soon. I deserve a longer vacation from managing this oversize egotistical child."
"Yeah, yeah, I've missed you too." Mikoto said dismissively, already on his way toward Totsuka to the only connecting door inside the room. "Go. Anna's power will lead you back."
And he walked out through the gateway into the nothingness ahead with steady strides.
Anna cracked open her glittering eyes, staring into the depth of amethyst ones with a faint smile. "Welcome back," she said, detaching her forehead from his. The Silver King watched them with confused look, but he kept still and quiet, still sitting on his knees for a moment that felt like forever.
Munakata chuckled bitterly and wispily asked in weak voice. "Was it just…a reverie?"
"No, even now he is still waiting for you." She beamed, hugging him carefully as she was being tentative of his wounds.
He tilted his head and lifted his hand weakly until it touched her cheek, although he barely felt the softness of her skin by the tips of his fingers. She leant to his touch bittersweetly and places her hand on top of his. "I'm sorry…" He wheezed pitifully. His chest faintly rose and fell with every shallow breath he took as he was already on the doorstep of death. I can't watch over you anymore. You have to walk this path alone, with all the mess I leave behind. Stay alive. Take care of my Clansmen. She could see the regret in his eyes and nod her head. She gazed at him with an unwavering, strong-willed smile although the silver tears streamed down her cheeks to fall on the coat that covered the dying Blue King and was already stained by his blood.
"Rest, Munakata-san. I'll see you in my dream too, if you're by his side."
However, before she could finish her line, the Blue Sword of Damocles already vanished into diamond dusts to the gray-colored sky without any trace left of its splendor and the cold hand in hers had lost all its power to fight the gravity. Then there was only the rumbling of thunders from distant sky and faint sob of the little queen that filled the cold air.
"Welcome back."
A sigh. "Guess I'm back."
"Guess that makes three of us now." Totsuka lopsidedly grinned. "Let's get along, shall we?"
