Mirror Image

Chapter 28: The Days in the Life of King Len

Mikuo and Luki stood atop the rooftop of the Capitol's main traveller's inn. It was one of the tallest buildings of the city, though it's height couldn't begin to compare to the large buildings of Rin's world, Mikuo thought feeling a bit envious of the fact. Laying on the cool snow covered roof, he decided if he ever had the chance to go back to that mirrored world, the first thing he'd do is stand aloft one of those beautiful glass buildings, on the ones that seemed to reach the heavens.

Mikuo stared up at the sky, watching the great white clouds slowly pass through the blue-grey atmosphere. Luki soon joined him, both boys wordlessly agreeing to live in a moment's peace before the coming storm.

"Nice day today," mused Mikuo.

Luki grunted in response. It was true though, it was around this time of year when winter was at its worst. Mikuo and Luki had received word of the winter storms blowing over cities such as Suzumiya, Hanoi, Luki's hometown, and even in the empty Rojin village. The Capitol seemed to be the only city in Yamis immune to all the winter chaos. It seemed as though the Capitol was truly was blessed.

After a moment's silence, Luki spoke up. "Hey..." he began.

"Hm?" Mikuo turned his head towards his friend.

"I've been curious for a while now, but why didn't you bring Rin back to the rebel army when she escaped imprisonment? Is it because of Kaiko―"

"No," he said sharply. "It isn't like that at all."

"Then what?" he asked, trying to conceal his growing frustration. He was beginning to get sick of all the secrets his friends were hiding from him. He liked to pretend it didn't bother him, but it did. He realized it ever since he began travelling with the original trio, noticing their careful speech and awkward manner, these traits were especially visible with conversations directed towards Rin.

"When we were still travelling together, I gave Rin specific orders." Mikuo started, hoping he wouldn't regret telling his older friend his true intentions. "If she ever were to get tangled up with the King, which was still a great possibility for any of our members, she was free to escape the weight of the rebel army."

Luki sat up. "You mean...you just let her walk away from the rebellion force?" He shook his head. "What were you thinking? You were the one who brought Rin into the rebel army, why were you so keen on throwing her away?"

Rin stared at him shocked and disgusted at Mikuo's statement. 'I can't just get up and walk away from this Mikuo, I won't. You know that.' She shook her head, sighing. 'Sometimes I just don't understand how you think. You were the one that wanted me to join the rebel army, yet this is the third time you've tried convincing me to leave.' Mikuo snorted, but the sound was dry and emotionless through both boys' ears. "Rin said the same thing." He paused, hoping to change the topic without his knowing. "You two are a lot alike. It's a shame you didn't interact more. You two would have been great friends."

"Mikuo."

He breathed a frustrated sigh. There was no getting past Luki. "Fine," he spat. "The truth is I was guilty, okay?" He bit on his quivering lip, and before Luki could interject, he continued. "I pulled her away from her calm, war-free world and brought her into this hell. I told to join the rebel army, and she accepted with no complaints. She was so noble, and I had no idea why. I was guilty because I knew, if I was in her place I'd never willingly return to this hell-hole, so I pushed her away.

"Apparently, she had her own goals for coming to this world, but that didn't lessen my guilt in the slightest. I wanted her to be apart of the rebel army, but at the same time I didn't, so I promised I'd protect her, but I couldn't even do that. Do you know how that made me feel?" He placed his arm over his eyes, and for a moment, Mikuo thought he'd cry. Reminiscing about any part of his past would always drown Mikuo with great waves of emotion. I never had the right to say I loved her!

"Even then, Rin's will didn't waver. Aside from losing her sight, do you know what she worried about? Being useless to the rebel army." Mikuo turned away. He took a deep breath, calming himself. "Do you know why Rin agreed to my command?" He asked quietly.

Luki shook his head.

"Because I told her I would let her became a symbol of hope. It was an idea I took from my father." His eyes lowered. "I never thought it would happen, but it did. Rin was the only one taken away, and Kaiko was killed." He choked up a bit, refusing to say more.

Luki turned away deciding to give his friend a moment to himself. As this happened, he thought back to all of Mikuo's motivational speeches and propaganda posters, which usually consisted of Rin of Kaiko. They were two main prospects of their fast growing army. Kaiko was used often used to fuel hatred in the rebel's hearts, and Rin was used, as Mikuo stated: a symbol of hope. Even while under The Dark Lord's clutches, Rin was still alive after all.

Luki glanced back at his broken friend. Despite being in a weakened state, he believed his friend was truly frightening. He surely deserved his title of leader of the rebel army. To be able to twist their circumstances for their desire and gain the upper hand was a fearsome talent.

He shook his head, deciding this wasn't the time to marvel nor fear Mikuo. He needed support, even if Luki wasn't particularly skilled in giving it. "Hopefully, Rin's already living safely in a land far far away." He said staring distantly at the King's magnificent palace.

Mikuo raised his arm away from his face, and followed his gaze. "...Yeah."


Rin held a beautifully decorated glass vase, absently wiping on the object with a clean white cloth. She assisted the other maids, Leona and Tonia with their duties. Tonia stood in the far corner, dusting off an old portrait of the first King of Yamis, while Leona swept the floor. The atmosphere was heavy and awkward. There was no denying the fact. Rin's fight with the blonde foreigner was still unresolved, and as calm and cool as her sister acted, she knew Tonia had taken offence to Rin's words as well.

Rin realized offering to assist the two girls in their work may not have been one of her smartest ideas. If she'd known things would be so awkward, she wouldn't have spoken up in the first place. She just wished they'd just refused her request earlier on. But then again, who were they to say no to the their dear King Len's personal guest? Well, that's the title Rin and Len settled on anyway.

She sighed. It had been a week since Len and Rin had formed their little bet, and so far, Len seemed to be the one gaining the upper hand. He'd been gone all week due to political affairs in some neighbouring country. Rin had asked to go with him, but he was quick to refuse. When she asked when he was planning on returning, he had said it was none of her business and slipped away from her reach once again.

Was Len always like this, she wondered, was there a possibility that Len saw her as a potential threat? Before Rin could dig deeper into the thought, Len's valet approached her, leaning into her ear and whispered something incomprehensible to the other Manchester maids.

Rin's eyes widened in delight. "He's here?" The vase she held slipped away from her grasp, shattering to the ground. "Ah..."

Leona breathed an exasperated sigh. "Just go."

She frowned. "I'm sorry." She gave the two girls a small bow before following the valet outside to the palace gates.

A large silver carriage entered through the palace's golden gates. The carriage pulled up towards the entrance of the palace, stopping by Rin and the valet that stood beside her. She watched as Len tiredly exited the coach, yawning widely. "Damn that Usee," he muttered under his breath. "...wouldn't know how to take control of his own damn kingdom if his life depended on it."

The valet bowed. "Welcome back, your highness."

"Yeah, thanks," he replied. He was about to walk inside, when he stopped in his tracks. "Ted?"

"Yes, your highness?"

"What is she doing, dressed like that?"

The valet turned to look at Rin, his eyes widening in shock as if he hadn't notice her till now. "I apologize, your highness."

Rin looked between them. "Did I do something wrong?" She asked before staring down at her own clothing, not really seeing the problem. Had she done something wrong? All she did was borrow an extra maid outfit from Tonia. The dress she'd worn previously was not to her liking, it was too over the top and got in the way with her every movement.

"Of course you did something wrong." He pinched the space between his eyes, already frustrated, and it had only minutes upon his arrival. "Don't you understand anything? I wont be rumoured for having a lowly maid following my every move," he spat. "Go back and change, and when you're finished, meet me at the second branch of the palace."

She blinked, unaffected by his rude words, but surprised by the invite. "Where are we going?"

He looked at her as if she were an idiot. "You're going to stay by my side, aren't you?" he said with a raised brow. When she nodded, he continued. "Well then, it isn't as though I'm changing my schedule for you now, am I." He clapped his hands, ending what was beginning to feel like a one-sided conversation. Just as Rin was about to turn to walk away, Len stopped her. "And Rin,"

She paused. "Yes?"

"Don't even think of speaking to anyone but me," he said. "Sasari knows if my regular meetings end up becoming disastrous because of you."

Rin rolled her eyes, heading back inside the palace once Len had shooed her away. Rin walked up the large circular steps on her own, her small steps echoing throughout the halls. She smiled, glad she was finally beginning to find her way around the large palace. She had yet to discover every secret hidden within the pretentious home, but she was satisfied, for now.

Rin entered her room, untying the laces of her maid uniform. She slipped away from the maid attire, and wore Kaiko's blue dress. Looking at it, she felt a minor stab of guilt pierce her heart, as she realized that she still hadn't returned the dress to her friend. She knew Kaiko had been limited in clothing, especially during their travelling days, but Rin clung on to the blue fabric, the dress soon becoming one of her favourite wears.

Rin straightened out the ceases on her sleeves as she stared at her sword and small daggers resting by her bedside. Along with her dress, Rin has asked for her confiscated possessions to be returned to her immediately, and now as the King's personal guest, the staff had no right to refuse. The title had many advantages, but she wouldn't let them go to her head. Rin would never forget her original goal.

Rin walked over to the night table. Picking up one of her daggers, she wondered if she should take one with her. Not that there was any need for one of course, there were always guards on duty. Everywhere she turned, there was always one staring her down with suspicion. The palace had to be the safest place in all the land. Still, she felt more assured knowing she could protect herself.

She nodded to herself. She would bring one with her. She wouldn't tell Len of course. She knew he didn't trust her with a weapon, so she would hide it in the dagger holster under her skirt.

Rin dashed down to the second branch of the palace, where Len stood on the far left, by two huge blood red doors. He crossed his arms, his face bearing an an annoyed expression as usual, but he seemed more refreshed than before. "You took longer than expected."

"Sorry," she mumbled.

He shook his head, not bothering to address her insolence. He'd have to put up with her for a year after all. He couldn't be bothered with every little thing Rin was sure to annoy him with. He walked ahead, watching as Rin followed him, just two steps behind him. He stopped in front of the door, knocking on it lightly with his signature lullaby knock. Of course, the door immediately opened, and he and Rin entered the room.

Members of his government, along with generals and other military leaders sat by a long velvet red carpet leading to Len's throne. They bowed in his presence, just like they did in every one of their weekly meetings. Len didn't acknowledge them, though Rin seemed a bit intimated at the fact that fully grown―older men―could prostate so easily to a child so young.

Rin stood by Len's throne. She felt a bit awkward as the meeting began. There were quite a few members she recognized from the ball, and they certainly recognized her as well. They stared at her, shocked to see her alive.

Rin decided not to listen into the meeting. It wasn't as though they spoke about anything that benefited the rebel army. Len spoke only about the continued exploits of his people, and other malicious plans that Rin expected to hear from The Dark Lord.

She hated it.


The days carried on normally. Well, as normal as a royal's life could get. Rin stood by Len's side throughout her every waking hour, but, much to her disappointment, Rin wasn't getting through to her mirror-image. She barely had the chance to speak with him. There was always someone talking to him, or he was the one speaking to someone else. When they would sit in his study, Rin decided to use the opportunity to converse with him, but he was too absorbed with his paperwork, and her speaking to him only broke his concentration.

Rin sighed. Wasn't there anything she could do? Every second that passed, was a second wasted with her passing opportunity. The days were moving so fast, and Rin was getting nowhere with her bet. How could she get Len to open up to her, to befriend her? Rin, who had spent most of her life alone and as an unsociable being was clueless when it came to the topic.

She stared at Len. He sat by his desk, stamping documents with his official royal seal. She supposed any relationship began with trust. Trust? How could she get Len to trust her? He saw himself as a higher being, and Rin, a rebel. His enemy.

There was a knock the door. Len looked up. "Come in."

Rin turned from her chair, watching as the valet, Ted, entered the room.

"What is it?" Len asked, turning back to his work.

"Your presence is requested tonight's meeting."

Len paused just as he was about to stamp another document. "What are you talking about? It's only been three days since the last meeting."

The valet seemed uncomfortable, just as he always was when he himself wasn't in sync with current situations. "I'm not sure, but I've been told the meeting has been rescheduled. It's urgent."

Len's brows knit, for a moment, unsure what to do, until he sighed, annoyed. "Well, it looks like I'll have to go see what this is all about." He sat up, moving away from his desk. "Come, Rin."

She nodded as she got up to follow him outside. The sun had set hours ago, the now black sky enveloping the two in darkness. Rin could hardly see a thing through the dark. She had to trail Len's ever so brightly coloured robes to find her way around the area, and after a long walk, Rin and Len finally made it to their destination. Rin watched as Len knocked on the door, the two stepping inside once the door creaked open. Len looked around. His face twisted, as if unsure whether he should be angry or confused. "Is this supposed to be some sort of joke?"

The room was empty.

Rin had a bad feeling about this. "I think we should go back―"

The doors slammed shut, the heavy metal echo stopping Rin's heart.

It was a trap.

She turned to find a tall hooded figure, a man with broad shoulders and wide grin, standing by the entrance. He didn't seem to notice Rin. His attention was focused on Len and Len alone. "It's good to see you again, your highness," he greeted. In no way was it said in a friendly manner. Rin could hear the malice dripping heavily in his voice. It scared her.

Len clenched his fists. While unnerved, he kept a cool face. He had vowed never to show his enemies fear. Showing fear meant being weak, and Len was anything but so. Though he did feel foolish. It had all been so very suspicious. Weekly meetings never changed dates, even if they were, Len would have at least have been sent an official notice from one of his Cabinet members. Instead of investigating the matter like he should have done, he had just waltz with no concern for his safety.

"Who are you?" he asked. His attacker spoke as though he knew him, and Len sensed something familiar about him. Had they been acquainted in the past? There was no way he could tell with his hood covering half his face, and the disgusting raspy voice of his. "Are you a part of the rebel army? Do you work for Mikuo?"

"Maybe," he laughed. "All you need to know is that I've come on my own accord. Just knowing you're alive in your care-free world just...irks me. I have to get rid of that nagging feeling somehow."

Len lips thinned. His attacker was armed, he was weaponless. There was no way he could defend himself, even with his basic martial arts skills.

His fists shook. There was nothing he could do, but that didn't mean he would go down without a fight. Len raised his fists as his attacker drew his sword. It wasn't long before a wave of doubt washed over him. He considered pulling his arms away in fear of having his hands sliced off with with his freshly sharpened sword.

Dammit. He was scared, he thought as his attacker lunged at him. But shock soon wiped away his fear with what happened next.

Rin protected him.

The sword was only centimetres away from contact when Rin came between them, blocking the attacker's sword with her own blade. Her teeth clenched as she struggled to fight against the larger weapon. The two fought it out while Len stood back, his eyes wide with surprise. Why had she, a rebel protected him? Len usually wasn't one to be protected, he was unused to the feeling, but there was no doubt he had needed it more than ever.

Rin was beginning to gain the upper hand of the battle. She and her attacker both knew that. She raised her blade, ready to make a deadly blow on the attacker, when he gasped. "You..." He quickly pulled away from the fight, sheathing his sword as he made his escape.

"Wait!" she she said, catching a flash of his angry crimson eyes before the attacker dispersed. He was gone.

Rin and Len stood in a long and heavy silence. Rin couldn't tell if it was an awkward or stunned silence, either way, it was maddening. She looked away, chewing on her lower lip. She wondered if she should speak up.

"Um," she began, breaking the silence. "are you okay?"

He stared at her. Rin stared back, looking straight into his eyes. There was an unfamiliar gleam shining in his cerulean orbs. "You saved my life. Thank you."

It was gratitude, and something else...

He blinked, the gleam disappearing in an instant. "Well, it seems I'll have to look into this assassination attempt," he groaned. "What a bother."


Once Rin and Len had made it safely back to the castle, Len had sent Rin away to her room. He's said it was late, and there was no need for her to force herself to follow him any later into the night. Rin would have argued against him, but as the rush of the day faded away from her body, she could feel the exhaustion weighing in on her, so she complied and headed back up to her room.

After changing out of her clothes, Rin slipped under the blankets of her bed. She curled up, bring her pillow close to her chest. Her eyelids drooped as she felt herself drifting off to sleep. Her thoughts of the day began to erase, all but one. The gleam in Len's eyes. What did they hold aside from gratitude? The question stumped her.

She sat up.

Had...had it been trust?