Disclaimer: I do not own Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji (Wolf Girl and Black Prince) or any of the characters
Kyouya sat next to Erika's hospital bed, quietly watching her sleep. She had used almost all of her magic protecting him and it was a miracle that she held Cerberus at bay for so long. How could such a small woman hold so much magic in her body?
"Kyouya?" She mumbled and he wondered how she knew that it was him. He didn't answer her but pushed her bangs away from her eyes. It was best for her to rest and regain her magic. He checked his watch and saw that it was almost time for him to leave. After he shrugged on his jacket, he touched her forehead to find it cool to his touch.
"At least she doesn't have a fever," Kyouya moved to walk away. At first he thought of leaving but something stopped him and he went to the bed next to Erika's. He pulled back the curtain to find Nozomi and Takeru staring at him. "How long have you been listening to us? Seriously, you two are troublesome. You two better not tell Erika about any of this."
"Why wouldn't you want Erika to know that you spent an entire afternoon watching her sleep?" Nozomi asked and the pair started to laugh when Kyouya blushed. He had to wonder when the two became friends since they seemed close. "Takeru came looking for you and we started to talk. When we heard you come in, we decided to watch what you would do."
"I hope I've entertained you a little." Kyouya said sarcastically but Takeru was oblivious to it as he grinned and nodded. He scowled and hit the pair over the head, wanting to hide the awkwardness he felt. "I don't care what you two but let her rest. And you should be resting too Nozomi, you used a lot of magic too. I'm not going to have you complaining when you wear yourself out."
"Wait, Kyouya, I want to apologize to you for trying to break you and Erika up. I guess the stupid one was me all along." Nozomi laughed at himself. "No matter what I said or who I threw at you, you stayed faithful to her. I wonder what kind of love you two have to make you try to protect each other like that. I want to know what it feels like to be so hopeless in love."
"You got the hopeless part already so you're halfway there." Kyouya said with a straight face. "What made you change your mind about love? I thought you'll continue to throw girls at me."
"My Sunday girl found a boyfriend and left me." Nozomi thought back to her smile as she handed him the lunchbox the previous day. "She left me and I felt nothing. I wasn't happy or sad and I realize that I've never felt anything whenever one of them left. I just found another girl. There was nothing there to begin with, that's why I never felt anything. The wolf told me that."
"The wolf spoke to you?" Kyouya didn't want to tell Nozomi about his curse but knew that he would have to if the wolf was becoming a danger to others around him. He turned to Erika behind him and wondered if the wolf had spoken to her since he warned her to stay away from the forest.
"You must think I'm crazy for telling you this but it was the wolf that helped me realize I never loved a single one of those girls and they didn't love me. I didn't understand until I saw you try to protect Erika from the Cerberus. I saw how you looked when it tried to attack her. Just the thought of losing her made you scared but I couldn't feel anything when they left me."
"You mean I missed seeing Kyouya protect Erika with some cool spell?" Takeru remembered how Kyouya ran into the arena and thought that he had begun to care for Erika. "That's the power of love for you. I'm sure that one day you'll be in love with someone too, Nozomi, and I'll be rooting for you."
"I don't know if that day will come." Nozomi lay back on his hospital bed. "Even though I've been with so many girls, I never found that one that made me felt happy or sad or whatever love feels like. I'm kind of pathetic if you think about it. I'm scared that I'll go on feeling nothing and never meet 'the one'."
"I guess it is pathetic that you're scared." Kyouya nodded and Nozomi honestly thought that he would get some encouragement so he was disappointed. Kyouya debated what he should say to Nozomi since he looked so depressed. Telling him that love was only an illusion wouldn't help. "You shouldn't be sad since I was just like you a long time ago but now I have her."
"I'll do it! I'll become a great wizard like you and find a girl that I cherish. I'm sure the only problem is that I haven't met her yet and I'm super excited to find her now!" It shocked him how fast he could change his attitude but thought that it was better than Nozomi being depressed. "When I get myself a serious girlfriend, let's have a double date."
"That would be nice," They all turn to see Erika sitting up with a content smile on her face. He wondered how much of their conversation she heard since she had such a wide smile. She blushed and quickly apologize, "I'm sorry for eavesdropping but I was really curious about what you guys were talking about. I really love you too, Kyouya."
Kyouya felt his heart jump at her innocent smile and the feeling irritated him since he never felt it before. Trying to hide his embarrassment, he went to her side and whispered. "If you force me on a double date, I'll make you regret it. Don't say such embarrassing things so easily."
Erika leaned backwards to avoid his gaze and muttered an apology. She was happy when she heard him say that he changed since he met her since it gave her hope but knew that he most likely said for the sake of their act. She felt his hand on her head and looked up to see him stare down at her. There was something in her eyes that she couldn't read. "Thank you for saving me from the Cerberus."
"That was a powerful spell you used to repel the Cerberus." Nozomi remembered the bright light he saw surround Erika and Kyouya. "I've never heard you cast a spell but I'm sure that I've never seen a shield spell that focuses on light. Only a person as great as you could create such a spell, Kyouya."
"You used magic?" Erika's eyes widened and she took his face into her hands. She peered at him closely to see if he was pale. She wasn't a healer but she tried to find any sign of fatigue in his face. Embarrassed and nervous, he pushed her away roughly. "You can really make yourself sick because of your curse. Why would you do something like that just to protect me?"
"Idiot!" Kyouya covered her mouth but knew that it was too late. She realized she mentioned his curse in front of Nozomi as well and stumbled over an apology. He ran his hand through his hair and considered what to do next. "I didn't use a spell. It was this that protected you."
Kyouya gently touched the necklace around her neck. She never took it off the necklace since he gave it to her and he was glad for it since it saved their lives. He found himself staring at the necklace and thinking, at least you didn't lie to me about this one thing.
"But is Kyouya really cursed," Nozomi asked in a hushed voice and Erika knew that it was impossible to lie. Kyouya read her thoughts as well and thought it was best to tell him since he heard the wolf's voice. While he didn't know everything about his curse, he owed him an explanation. Making sure no one could over hear them, he told Nozomi about his curse.
"Erika and I are only pretending to be a couple so she could stay in school and help me." Kyouya ended and Erika felt a little disappointed that he summarized their relationship so blatantly. Nozomi was confused as well since there was nothing fake about the expression he saw the previous day. "I don't think I have to tell you to keep this a secret."
"Of course I will," Nozomi nodded.
"Erika!" The door slammed open when she was about to thank Nozomi. The force of it made Erika jump into Kyouya's arms and he instinctively placed his arm around her. He was shocked to see her parents standing in the doorway. Her mother ran to her before he could step away and she threw her arms around Erika. "We heard what happened. Are you hurt?"
"We're going to move you to a private hospital immediately," Erika's father cut in. "I told you that this magic business is no good. Once our family's doctors tell me that you're healthy, I'll take you back home where we can take care of you. This would've never happened if you married a suitable man like I wanted you to. I already have a list-"
"Father, no!" Erika protested quickly. "I'm okay, so please don't tell me that I have to leave this school. I'm not going to marry some man you choose for me. I love Kyouya and I want to learn more about magic! I don't care what you say so you can't force me."
"No one's going to take you away from this school," her mother stood by Erika's side. Kyouya didn't know what to say as he watched the family argue since he knew anything he said would only make the situation worst. He didn't know why her father was so insistent on Erika finding a husband but the idea irritated him more than he thought it did.
"I beg your pardon but I think that Erika should rest." Kyouya faked a friendly smile and stepped between Erika and her father. "Arguing won't help her heal. I don't want to tell you how to run your family but, from what Erika told me, she's much happier being a wizard than being a housewife. She's very talented and if it wasn't for her, we wouldn't have been able to seal Cerberus."
Erika's heart leapt at his words. It was so rare of him to acknowledge her abilities and hearing those words made her feel happy. Feeling more confident, she turned to her father and was able to speak more calmly. "I love magic and Kyouya so I'm not going to leave either for a man I don't know. Kyouya needs me right now and I can't leave him."
She reached out and clutched Kyouya's hand as she waited for her father's answer. Even if those words were only a lie when she entered the school, she truly loved Kyouya and wanted to be with him. She was surprised when she felt him tighten his hand around her even though he didn't say anything further. At the moment she thought his hand was all she needed to pull herself forward.
"I need to talk to the doctors about moving you to a private ward." Her father didn't address the issue further and walked out of the room. Even though it was little, it was more than Erika expected and smiled to herself. Even though he could be controlling at times, she knew that he loved her and wanted to keep her safe.
"I feel like this is my fault." Her mother sat on the bed and sighed. "I was hoping that he'll approve your learning magic if he sees you participate in the competition. Today was the last day for the competition and I convinced him to watch it. When we got here, we heard about the incident and rushed over to the hospital. I'm sure your father's just in shock but I have wonderful news for you."
Her mother smiled secretively and Erika wondered what she wanted to say. "The council was so impressed by you and that Nozomi boy that they're letting you both into the advance program. Your father can't say that you're not a great wizard now since you help contain that Cerberus. I'm so proud of you for following your dream and finding someone you love."
"I guess it was fate," Erika smiled shyly and looked at Kyouya. She might've casted her spell wrong but it brought her and Kyouya together. She wondered if the paper had shown the image of another student, if she would be able to attend the school. Her life was different because of him and she wondered if he felt the same way. "But it was really magic that brought us together."
Kyouya tried not to scoff since it would give away their act. Erika's eyes glowed as she spoke to her mother and he could easily see the love in them. It was almost laughable how he was the only one that could see the truth. Feeling like an outsider, he turned away. "C'mon Takeru, we should leave and let these two rest."
"Are you going already, Kyouya?" Erika tried to sit up but fell against the pillow again. His brows furrowed for a moment but she didn't know what it meant. She didn't want him to leave since she felt more relaxed around him. "I was hoping that we might eat a cake together to celebrate being in the same class now. It could be a coffee cake since you don't like sweet things."
"I don't think you should be eating cake right now," Kyouya sighed. He placed a gentle hand on hers so she wouldn't look away from him. "You need to focus on your health for once. The doctors said that your body was in pretty rough shape and you might have to stay for a week. It'll only be longer if you put unhealthy food into your body."
"A week?" Erika took the calendar next to her and started to count the days. Her face became pale and she looked at Kyouya, dejected. "I'm going to be stuck in this hospital for Christmas?"
He didn't understand why she was so sad over a pointless holiday but seeing her sad moved something in him. He found himself wanting to see her smile since it was so rare he saw her sad. "I'm sure Sanda will understand why you have to give her a present late."
"It's not just the presents. I really wanted to spend time with you." Erika admitted. Her wish was so innocent and he wondered how she could be so sincere. "At least I'll get out the day after so I won't be missing it by too much. But I want you to get your present on time! I hid it under my bed so you can ask Sanda to get it for you. It's a shame I won't get to see you open it."
"Do you know if they let people visit on holidays?" Kyouya asked, shocking Erika. She didn't think he would go out of his way to visit her on a holiday. Then she remembered that he was most likely saying so for her mother's sake. "My father is busy so I'll be home alone anyways. I should leave now since visiting hour is almost done."
Kyouya smiled but his eyes were cold. She wished that she could take some of that pain away but she knew he wouldn't speak to her about his family. She knew that he wouldn't open himself to her easily so hoped that her present would allow him to do so. He looked lonely as he left and she hoped he wouldn't spend Christmas alone.
Erika looked out the window, hoping to see Kyouya but she could only be disappointed. She hated being forced to stay in a room over the holiday but she took comfort that she wasn't alone. Picking up the calendar, she marked off another day. Christmas Eve.
Her parents and friends came to visit her for the day but Kyouya hadn't so much as called. She wondered if he would even stay true to his words and see her on Christmas. Erika didn't have much faith that he would in the beginning but was still disappointed. The snow began to fall harder, "I hope Kyouya's warm at home. He says that he'll be alone…"
It was almost midnight but she found herself unable to sleep. Erika felt well enough but the doctors insisted that she stay for another night. She was glad that she was able to convince her parents to let her stay in the hospital near the school by saying him that she felt more comfortable being near her friends. But Nozomi was sleeping now and she was left with her thoughts.
Despite her weak legs, she pushed herself away from the bed and walked to the window. Erika wanted to see the people arriving better though she knew that not many people came to the hospital during the night except the nurses and doctors. Sitting on a chair, she looked up at the stars and remembered the romance novel her mother gave her when she was young.
Erika touched the heart charm and smiled to herself. Even if Kyouya didn't give her anything for Christmas, she was content with the necklace. It protected her from the Cerberus and she wondered who gave it to him since the spell cast on it was too advanced for Kyouya. If he had something so powerful, how could anyone curse him?
"I wish you would tell me more." Erika pulled her legs closer to her chest and whispered her request even though she knew Kyouya wouldn't be able to hear her. She kept her lineage from him but she didn't want secrets between them. Looking at the snow, she was reminded of the ice she saw reflected in Kyouya's crimson eyes. "I wish I knew more about you."
"What you want from him is an illusion." Erika's came back from the edge of sleep and looked up sharply at voice. She recognized it even though she only heard it a few times before. She scanned the ground and her eyes met with the amber eyes of a wolf. She clenched her teethes since her gut told her that it had a connection with Kyouya's curse.
"If Kyouya won't tell me, I'll find the answer myself." Erika stole a blanket and a pair of shoes before running out of the hospital. She was glad that she didn't run into a nurse on her way out. The wolf seemed to be waiting for her when she ran out into the cold. It ran from her though, "Mr. Wolf! Please wait. I know you have something to do with Kyouya's curse!"
She called after the animal as she chased it. She wasn't athletic and the distance between them was growing quickly. Erika didn't know if she had the energy to cast a spell but she pulled out her wand and lifted her hand in warning. "Stop, I just want to know how to lift his curse! But I swear if you do have something to do with Kyouya's curse, I won't forgive you."
It ran faster and her suspicion was confirmed. The wolf wouldn't run if it wasn't afraid of her threat. But she couldn't ask it any further question since she was quickly growing out of breath. Erika stopped to regain her breath and, surprisingly, the wolf came back. It nudged at her hand and she sat in the sand so she could look into its eyes.
"Who are you?" Erika asked despite not being able to understand its answering howl.
Kyouya woke with a start and found himself covered in sweat. He swore at the world and forced himself to stand, to do anything but sleep. He didn't know why but he dreamt about his family more often and it always ended with him alone in the snow. He still felt cold even as he ran his hand under warm water. "Damn, I'm pathetic."
He vaguely remembered hearing a howl in his dream and wondered about what woke him. Kyouya rubbed his temple when a dull ache began to form. Trying to take his mind off his memories, he took a book to read. He looked out the window and thought he saw two children in the snow.
"Are those kids stupid playing in this storm?" Kyouya scowled. In the past, he would've let them be and let their parents deal with them but he found himself shrugging on his coat. They were strangers but he found himself caring about their safety. He walked out into the snow and called out to them. "Hey, get back to your house before it gets colder."
"So scary," A small cry caught his attention and he saw that one of the children was being chased by a boar. The boy was trying to calm her but she didn't seem to notice him as she ran like a chicken without its head. Kyouya was worried about the boar until he realized that it was slightly transparent. The girl thought it was real and continued to cry.
"Help!" She fell into the snow and Kyouya started to walk towards her until he saw the boy reach her first. He hugged her but his movements were awkward and she continued to cry so he wondered if the pair knew each other. "These scary creatures from Momma's story book keep appearing and chasing me. Why are they chasing me?"
"They're not real, they're just illusions. Don't tell me you don't know that you're magic." The boy's jaw dropped and so did Kyouya's. She continued to whisper that magic was scary and Kyouya found himself pitying the girl but stopped himself from approaching them. "Magic isn't scary. It's whatever you want it to be. Look, I can use magic to make you smile."
The boy drew a magic circle and summoned a puppy from the ground. It was weak and small but it made the girl smile as it snuggled against her leg. Slowly, the illusion of the boar faded as her smiled grew wider. "I'll teach you magic so you can make others smile too. How about we meet here again next Friday? I need to go home soon since my parents have something important to tell me."
The girl nodded with a small smile. Watching them, Kyouya felt as if there was something familiar about the pair. He couldn't see them clearly because of the snow. Remembering what made him leave his home, he went to usher them home before they caught a cold.
Before he could call out to them again, the boy started to run towards him. Kyouya didn't understand why but a cold shiver rushed through him when the boy's body passed through his. He turned sharply to see that the boy was running towards a wolf. The boy hugged the wolf and Kyouya scoffed. "It's been a long time since I've been fooled by your illusion."
"This isn't an illusion," it spoke to him. "At least not one created by me."
Kyouya finally noticed that the wolf was crying a body over its back. When it moved, he heard a soft bell and the snow began to slow. He could see the person clearly now. "Erika! What did you do to her? She has nothing to do with this so leave her alone."
"Cold heart, covered in ice." It repeated instead of answering him. "You will know nothing but the storm, until you can see a sweet illusion for what it truly is."
Kyouya winced as he woke. He found himself in his bed and groaned as he looked at the clock and find that it was only six in the morning. He didn't know if the wolf had been a dream or an illusion created by the wolf. The witch's action had been less predictable and he was beginning to worry about what its intention was.
"I'll get rid of this curse and never think of shit like love ever again," Kyouya renewed the vow he made when he was first cursed. His thoughts drifted to Erika and looked at the calendar then to the present she gave him. Sanda gave it to him but he hadn't opened it yet. He told her that Christmas was silly but she went through the trouble of finding him a present.
It was still early in the morning and he wondered how many kids were already up, eager to open their presents. Kyouya could easily imagine a young Erika being one of those kids. He promised to visit her on Christmas but it was still early. He avoided visiting her since he didn't feel comfortable watching Erika and her mother interact, especially during the holiday.
"But I did promise to visit her and I have nothing better to do," He said to himself when he looked at her present again. Kyouya wondered if he could avoid her parents if he visited her early in the morning. With that thought, he put on his jacket and headed to the hospital.
I love Christmas and think that winter has a lot of romance in it even though there's a lot of coldness too (the perfect season to compare to Kyouya). Now that I think about it, I realized that a lot of my fanfics takes place in winter.