Before we start...
Thanks GakupoGoneGhost for staying on board so far!
Also, thanks to everyone that followed this story and suffered the big hiatus. It might not be the best piece of literature around, but I had fun with it. And for a first fic, I guess 20+ chapters isn't bad.
Barring any catastrophes or random attacks of inspiration, next chapter should be the last one.
XXI
Gyuugan seemed as white and worn down as it had been when Kaito left for the south. He and Gakuto were observing the shoreline from the deck of their swaying ship. It was close to midday, and the docks were buzzing with activity.
"Do you wish there was a crowd of fans waiting for your arrival, Master Kamui?" Kaito inquired with a smile. He was feeling much more rested, now that Ao's life wasn't being poured into his skull every night. Ever since the revelation of Yuuma's betrayal, the nocturnal parade of unsettling images had completely faded, for whatever reason.
"Not with this appearance, scum. I have an image to maintain," Gakuto replied, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear.
"You'll find the house well stocked to remedy that, I think. Gakupo received several coffers worth of clothing and jewelry from the bigwigs of the city, not to mention all the gifts from merchants and the like. Everyone wanted to see him perform."
"I'm not surprised," Gakuto stated, swelling with pride.
"The house is in that sector." Kaito pointed out the posh residential neighborhood close to the castle. "I intend to drop you there, and then make a visit to the college. If you want anything from the shops, please let me know."
"Why would you go to a college? Can you even read, scum?" Gakuto raised an eyebrow.
Kaito looked away rolling his eyes, but ignored the jab. "Gakupo made friends amongst the students. I've been thinking, maybe they can help me track some useful information in the college archives. Maybe some way to contact him, to know he's alright?"
It went further than that in reality. Kaito also wanted to know if there was any reference to Yuuma in the historical records. Any scrap of information that might explain his behavior. Maybe a secret alliance with Danzaku Ama, or a personal vendetta against Ao or the mages. Despite how pointless it was to be bothered about it, the impulse to know more was strong.
Gakuto accepted his plan with an approving nod. "Yes, the sages might know how to summon my son back. Once he does, we'll build an even more glorious theater here."
Masao and Rion came down to the college entrance to meet Kaito, surprise and curiosity liberally mixed in their faces.
"Is Gakupo ok?" Masao asked anxiously as soon as the greetings were out of the way. "Please tell me he's ok!"
Tone it down, kid. Kaito's first instinct was to feel extremely annoyed at the hyperactive student, but in this case his excessive energy and love for Gakupo would serve him well.
"I don't know." Seeing the youngsters' disappointed expressions, Kaito hurried to add, "That's why I need your help. Do you have free access to the college archives?"
"The archives? Most of it, except the dean's personal collection …why?" Rion asked.
"I want to search for clues on how to contact Gakupo. Anything regarding Meu Rehn and their native realm might be useful. "
Rion and Masao looked at each other.
"Young sir, young lady, if you intend to let your visitor come in, please do so. The gatehouse is not a proper place for extended conversation," the guard at the gate interjected.
"Ah, right! Please follow us," Masao caught himself, and motioned Kaito to follow them across the stone courtyard into the main building. Several winding corridors later, the trio plopped down on a bench in the corner of a long study hall. Other students graced Kaito with a few glances with varying degrees of interest, but no one openly questioned his presence.
"Look, I heard that mixed bloods like me could be taught to use magic like a full blooded mage," Kaito started in a subdued tone. He studied the faces of Gakupo's friends carefully, and noted something interesting: Rion seemed as surprised as it could be expected, but Masao just waited for him to continue, only tensing when Kaito's eyes remained fixed on him.
"What?"
"You knew this already," Kaito surmised. "How?"
"Masao? Where did you hear that?!" Rion looked at her classmate suspiciously.
The youth began to stammer, looking at anything in the room but them. "I…I was researching magic in the archives."
"And?"
"Um, I found references to some studies done during the late Imperial period, but- but the books were in the dean's collection, so…"
"So you broke in," Kaito completed the sentence. Masao's face went completely red.
"Masao, you could've been expelled! What were you thinking?!" Rion grabbed his upper arm by the tunic, shaking him a bit.
"I just-I wanted to know more about him," the student started in a meek voice, but suddenly he bristled, as daunting as a wet puppy. "I'm not giving up on Gakupo, you hear me? I won't lose to you!"
Oh, forget Yu and his armies, now I'm intimidated, Kaito thought with amusement. Out of the corner of his eye, he observed that Rion was trying very hard not to laugh. "Look, help me contact Gakupo and I'm sure he'll be very happy to choose between us," Kaito replied waving a hand.
Masao clearly resented Kaito's flippant tone, but nodded after a moment.
"Did you find anything I can use, some words of power...or, I don't know, a potion recipe or something?" The former bandit hesitated. After all, it had taken Gakupo himself to activate the spell that showed him the past. What if direct contact with a Meu Rehn was required? But perhaps that meant he already have been changed, and all he needed to do was to learn how to control the magic.
"There were some songs and dances." Masao scratched his head, thinking back. "According to the books, spies were sent to the Spirit City and they watched the Meu Rehn perform sacred ceremonies to transform the mountain," the student whispered.
"Great, did you copy all of it down?"
"Um…no, why would I do that? I just returned the books to their places and sneaked out," Masao replied, looking at Kaito like he was a lunatic.
It took all of Kaito's self-control not to slap his own forehead. Instead, he rubbed the skin between his eyebrows. "I need to see those books, then."
"There's no way the dean will grant an outsider permission to see them," Rion pointed out.
"Who said anything about permission?" Kaito smiled and reached for a lock-pick in his pocket. "I'm ready for some light reading."
"Hey, the guard knows that we let you in. We'll be in trouble if you get caught!" The girl looked around as if expecting the guards to show up at any second, but nobody else in the study hall seemed too interested in their conversation.
"That's why I'm going to leave, and then you can let me in through another door in secret. I'm sure there must be some other way for students in a festive mood to go in and out of the college," Kaito explained calmly.
"….Maybe." this time around, Rion was the one to blush, probably thinking of some late night activities her tutors wouldn't approve. Masao turned to her wide-eyed, which earned him a shove. "What are you looking at, dummy?!"
"Yeah kid, it's rude to stare," Kaito guffawed. "While I'm engaged in my scholarly pursuits, can you two check on some historical records for me? I need information on the last Minister of Justice of the empire, Yuuma son of Yama. Will you do that for me?"
"We can try," Masao replied, visibly confused.
"I'll explain later. Give me a small tour of the archives and the surrounding area before you let me out," Kaito requested.
It was rather thrilling to be back on the job, all things considered.
The best thing about academic types is how neglectful of security they are, Kaito thought contently, observing the walls of the dean's private library. They were covered from floor to ceiling in shelves, simple and worn pieces of furniture full of antique tomes. In the center of the room, there was a long table with a series of crystal cases over it. Each one displayed a book in its own velvet cushion. Even without close inspection, it was clear they were extremely valuable. Kaito's fingers were itching, almost begging him to take a souvenir or two. Alright, I need to focus, he told himself mentally.
Following Masao's instructions, he quickly collected the books he needed and stashed them in a small satchel. One of them was in one of the crystal cases, so it wasn't going to take long for the dean to notice its absence.
"Sorry, but I really need this," Kaito whispered to the grim old man in a portrait over the door to the next chamber. It was likely a previous dean, and he seemed distinctly unhappy with him. Turning his back to the portrait, Kaito opened the window and escaped towards the roofs. It was easier than to brave the corridors below and risk running into a guard or a student past their curfew.
The college's architecture seemed almost tailor-made for this sort of exercise. Kaito nimbly jumped and climbed, enjoying the evening air. None of the guards down below let their gaze raise about ground-level, like silly little ants. Kaito knew better than to grow overconfident before he left the scene, but he still allowed a big smile to adorn his face. He felt extraordinarily happy, yet unhurried. He would eat a filling dinner, get a good night sleep, and examine the books in the morning.
And then, he would see Gakupo again.
High above the city streets as he was, he recalled the day of the play, and Gakupo's mad escape towards the mountains. Well, now he was on the verge of learning secrets he had hoped to possess since he was a child. Perhaps he could learn to traverse the air like the mages did. Who knew what the limit to this power was? For a single instant, he saw himself back in the imperial throne, enveloped by the light of magic. Gakupo sat by his side, smiling with adoration as he watched Kaito rebuild Eto into the shining center of the world.
Kaito stopped on a stone ledge, next to a stone gargoyle. Both of them peered down at the street outside of the college with similar expressions of befuddlement. What was that, just now? His enthusiasm was getting the better out of him. And yet, he still felt excited. All the doubts he had harbored during his trip seemed to have vanished. The truth about the past was almost completely uncovered, in all of its ugliness. And yet, Kaito now knew that Gakupo hadn't lied to him: deserved or not, he had his forgiveness. He just needed to truly become a 'good man'.
"I have to admit though, good men usually don't steal priceless books", Kaito whispered to himself. "But I'll return them as soon as possible." With his conscience momentarily mollified, he continued his escape.
The return home was uneventful. Kaito couldn't help but feel a bit proud that he hadn't lost his touch, even after all this time. He easily avoided the patrols of guards (no sense in attracting unnecessary attention), and arrived to the house just in time for dinner. Surprisingly enough, there were several calling cards and invitations lined on the table at the entrance, proving that there were already rumors circulating about Kamui being in town.
The man himself was sitting in the dining room, with a cup of liquor in his hand and a relaxed expression. Evidently, he had sent the servant Takumi out to get him tincture, because his hair was back to perfect and shiny black. He was wearing one of the many outfits Gakupo had been gifted, an extravagantly decorated lilac robe, matching the ribbon in his hair and the necklace circling his throat. He even seemed to be wearing makeup, mostly to hide the effects of aging. It was a good look for him.
"Go wash up and come back, scum. I hate eating alone," Gakuto exclaimed curtly upon noticing Kaito in the doorway.
"Um, sure," Kaito replied. I wonder if he uses that tone with his underlings all the time.
When Kaito returned, the meal dishes were already placed on the table, giving out steam. He sat across the master artist, feeling extremely awkward. Why was the man looking at him like that? Gakupo said this blue and white silk outfit suited him, so Kaito wore it to match the ambiance and Gakuto's level of elegance. Perhaps he was overdoing it?
"I suppose you look slightly better when you give two seconds of thought to your appearance," Gakuto noted with a disapproving frown. He continued to assess Kaito, like a cook appraising disappointing fish in an open market. "What happened to your face?" The artist poked his own cheek lightly.
"This?" Kaito touched the scar under his eye, puzzled. Why the sudden curiosity? Gakuto had never bothered to ask him anything personal before. "It was in a fight, a couple of years before I met Gakupo. The other guy ended up worse." He smiled, hoping the strange atmosphere would dispel.
On the contrary, that only made the artist scowl further. "Savage!" He sipped again from his glass and added, "I suppose I should be thankful that someone of your talents was there to help my son, though." Lips pursed, he considered Kaito for a few seconds before shaking his head.
What in the world is he thinking? Kaito wondered, more intrigued than offended.
Finally, the man placed the cup on the table and crossed his arms. "I've arrived to a decision."
"Oh?"
"I'll allow you to continue to live here with us. Unfortunate as it is, this age of violence requires the presence of men such as you in the retinue of a household."
"I'm so flattered."
"I'm not finished." Gakuto glared at him, perhaps wishing to do some savagery of his own. "Don't presume yourself to be anything more than an employee. Your relationship with my son is inappropriate, and you will not pursue it any further."
"May I point out that this is his house? I'd say he decides who lives here. Besides-" Kaito started to say in the most disrespectful tone he could muster.
"He'll obey my orders, like the good son he is," Gakuto cut him off. "Now, did you get the information you needed in the college?"
Kaito blinked. Did this powdered snob really think he could boss them around? Even if Gakupo accepted his commands out of filial duty, Kaito was in no obligation to do the same. Not to mention, it was a rotten way to treat someone that had risked his neck to get him out of imprisonment. With so many impertinent responses running through his mind, Kaito was having trouble deciding which one was his favorite. But the thought of Gakupo's unhappy expression stayed his tongue, at least for the moment.
Gakuto smoothed his hair. "Look, scum. My son is beautiful, talented and sweet-natured; I can hardly blame you for your interest in him. But see it from my perspective for a moment. You don't have money or lands, power, or even an honest trade. What will his patrons think of my son if he settles down with someone like you? Just be happy you get to serve him and tell me how things went in the college, please."
"I've got a couple of books that might be useful," Kaito answered, mustering his patience.
"Just some books? Did you tell the leader of the college you were there on my behalf? …I assume not, given your expression." Gakuto sighed. "I'll go personally as soon as possible, then. Unfortunately, I have an appointment with the triumvirate tomorrow."
Truth be told, Kaito hadn't even considered using Kamui's name to be granted an audience. That kind of power wasn't part of his usual set of tools, after all. But it was too late now.
"Eat your food, scum. It's getting cold," Gakuto commanded, unbothered by Kaito's silence. It was, at least, an order the younger man could accept without hesitation.
The rest of the dinner was sprinkled with Gakuto's questions about the influential people of the city, which Kaito struggled to answer. It had never been in his plans to disentangle the net of political influence and alliances each family and guild had, nor had he ever broached the subject with Gakupo. What does it matter to scum such as myself? Kaito thought more than once, hiding his bitter smile behind his goblet. If you find me so unworthy, why even speak to me?
The next morning was fresh as water from a mountain stream. The spring flowers of the garden seemed to be engaged in a fierce competition to be the most fragrant and vibrant. The leaves were similarly beautiful, each and every one lustrous and eye-catching against the dark soil.
Kaito walked towards the center of the garden, carrying the books and a bundle of rolled papers in his arms. He crossed the small lawn of grass, enjoying its wet touch against his bare ankles. His destination was a small pond, surrounded by a couple of stone benches and some trellis with wisteria. It wasn't exactly the setting one could expect for magic weaving, but he didn't have a dungeon full of mysterious artifacts and a bubbling cauldron at hand.
After placing his cargo on a bench, he sat down and started examining the bundle of papers. It was a short note by Masao and several pages full of research about Yuuma, and it had arrived first thing in the morning from the college.
The note read: 'Here's all we could find. I hope you find it of use. Have you heard? Several tomes are missing from the archives; the whole college is in uproar. I pray that they are returned soon.'
"At least the kid is wise enough to be discreet about it," Kaito whispered to himself. He put the note aside and examined the pages, covered in a mix of Rion's and Masao's handwriting.
Yuuma was the only heir to two prestigious bloodlines long associated to imperial governance. His mother died soon after his birth, drowned in confusing circumstances. Like the visions of the past informed Kaito, Yuuma's father passed away due to illness, when he was only 15.
"Prime age for becoming a minister," Kaito said aloud while shaking his head.
Next, the students had compiled a small list of his accomplishments as a government official, but the real point of interest came later.
Yuuma married a daughter of the governor of Danzaku Ama only weeks before the revolt started. Naturally, at the time the ceremony had been carried out in secret, and the bride whisked in and out of the capital disguised as a maid. By the time the armies marched into the capital, she was safely home in the traitorous city-state, pregnant with twins. The minister himself disappeared during the siege of the imperial palace and was presumed to have died during it. One branch of his descendants still controlled the city-state, while another spread to southern Eto. One of the most infamous members of the second line was the deceased tyrant of Koume, Yu.
Kaito stared at the page with incredulity. Even Rion was aware of how distasteful a coincidence it was, going by the comments hastily added to the margin, asking if this was why he had asked for the information.
He put the papers aside with a grimace, and began to investigate the stolen books. There was a lot of conjecture in them, almost drowning the few credible details. Those bits of information had been obtained mostly during the late Shion period by underhanded means. There was some debate whether the imperial family had been involved in any way, but the rumor was that a female Meu Rehn, Lady Yukari, had been captured two generations before Ao by an unnamed family of importance in the court, and forced to participate in their experiments with mixed bloods.
"How could they 'force' her?" Kaito began to flip pages, impatiently. He soon found the answer, when he turned the page and found himself staring at a hurried sketch of a plant. It was the main ingredient of a concoction that made the mages very susceptible to suggestion, according to the text. The exact details on how to brew it were only known to the ones that carried out the experiments.
Kaito rubbed his face. The noxious smell of the potion Akano and Yu used to try and control Gakupo was still fresh in his mind, unfortunately. The conclusion was fairly easy to draw. Somehow, they knew how to prepare the mind-altering drug.
Setting aside the book, he took a steadying breath. Then, he opened the next one, the tome that had been in display in the center of the dean's library. It was a copy of the results of the clandestine studies on Meu Rehn and their magic, by way of spying, kidnapping and defilement of their dead. What a priceless treasure this is, Kaito thought nauseated. But it could become the key to harnessing the power Gakupo awoke in him.
He examined the contents, trying to focus on the task at hand. He stood up and began to move slowly, mimicking the dance described on one page. According to the spy's report, a group of Meu Rehn shaped the stone of the mountain into a beautiful palace with it. With some difficulty, he deciphered the musical notation used to record their song, and began humming.
Could this really help him? Gakupo didn't need any weird ceremonies to jump around or slash enemies. Same for the times Kaito's mind wandered into the past.
"The past...," he whispered. From everything he knew, it seemed very likely that Yuuma had ordered the Envoy's assassination. It was a gross injustice to leave that unaddressed. The young minister had perished without seeing the fruits of his treason, but he still had won in a way, given that his descendants still ruled the center of the revolt. It left a sour taste in Kaito's mouth.
The wind began to pick up. Kaito continued tracing circles, and during one of them placed the book back on the bench without stopping. There was something hypnotic to the dance, the repeated movements and measured steps. He felt taut like a string on a musical instrument, all of his body vibrating slightly to an unheard melody. He closed his eyes and sang, and the notes came to him across impossible distances, a wave of sound overcoming all rational thought. All he knew was the urge to change things, to shape the world into something new.
Kaito opened his eyes to fire and destruction. There was a tower in front of him, still beautiful despite being surrounding by the horrifying spectacle of a palace in flames; a voice uncannily like his reverberated in the air, coming from the ground floor of the structure, cursing and yelling.
And between Kaito and the building, a youth with rose-colored hair stood staring back at him, as shocked as he was.