A couple of twists and turns later, they wound up, for all intents and purposes, in a corner, their backs to a brick wall. Miku pressed up against it, teal eyes darting everywhere. Not that it would do much good in their state. A feeble voice in her head whimpered. Not now. Miku gritted her teeth. She could almost feel her pulse from the pressure within. Her head throbbed in time. Her heart leapt with every breath, agonizing.
By the gods' good graces, Rana hadn't screamed yet. Rin and Len were itching to move, their heads peeping out of their little alcove time and time again. Meiko only frowned deeply. Whereas the woman was spurred into action upon so much as a stray leaf falling, she now stood as stoic as a stone pillar.
Weak giggles from Rana were carried by the wind, a result from Luka actively indulging the young child, in an attempt to bribe her into relative quiet. Luka's lips were pulled tight in a frown. It was an odd sight, that. The mirthless laughter petered out, the stagnant silence descending upon them once more. Children were perceptive, after all.
Something flickered in the periphery of Miku's vision. A glimmer of light in the shadows coalesced into a familiar figure of a woman.
Lily appeared from the darkness. Her eyes barely rested on them. An appraisal was scarcely needed for their current state.
"You figured it out too."
"Chika told us," Miku breathed out.
Lily glanced pointedly at Luka holding Rana, "Was that the price for it?"
Miku let pinched brows convey her displeasure at the question.
"Her name is Rana," Luka said.
Thankfully, Lily did not question it further, seeming to understand.
Dregs of exhaustion built up like a hidden current, beneath the thrum of nervous tension Miku's body exuded.
Miku cleared her throat, tried to act like a leader, "Why are you not with Kaito?"
It had long been their arrangement. Either Rin and Len, or Lily would accompany their leaders of state, serving as their last – and most crucial – line of defence.
"I'm to stay by your side from now on," Lily recited verbatim, her dark blue eyes focused yet betraying a gaping absence, "Kaito sends his well wishes."
The other sentence went unsaid. Kaito was ready to sacrifice himself to ensure her freedom.
Miku fought to suppress the fresh, rising swell of panic. Things could not be so dire. Not after the war. Not after her parents. Not her last confidant. All the pieces needed to rebuild were right there, awaiting assembly. To fall now was nothing but an insult to all the time spent. Yet, her highest ranked general was telling her to flee. Miku grasped at embers, brought on by desperation clouding her mind.
Luka pressed her lips together, "Meiko, Lily, prepare our men."
Miku blinked. Was Luka seizing control just like that?
Luka undid the golden badge at her waist, pressing it into Meiko's palm. The woman fixed her eyes on her but kept it, in mute acceptance of her burden.
"What?" Lily levelled a glare at Luka, "What do you think you're doing?"
A pause.
Luka met Lily's questioning scowl halfway, albeit with a flinch. Meiko and Gumi stiffened but none made any move. It would do no one any good for a fight to break out.
"I know I have no power over this," Luka said quietly, "You two do."
"Soldiers only follow their commanders. In that case, it is you."
The lowly, deferential tone Luka took on reminded Miku so much of their first meeting once more. But Miku caught the glint of perseverance that got Luka to where she was now. Perhaps… Miku held on to those sparks, cupping her hands tight.
"Where are you going with this?"
Seeing as Lily was about to argue further, Miku cut in, her voice tense, "Hear her out. It costs little."
That was a lie. Anyone could tell that time was of the essence, that the window of opportunity would close should they wait any longer. Lily eyed her. Thankfully, her will was not challenged.
Another pause filled the saturated air. Lily eventually yielded.
Luka did not show the slightest hint of her victory. She once again gave ample pause, her words under careful consideration.
"We may yet be able to turn the tides in our favour."
Miku would have been less surprised if lightning struck her down, amidst a clear sky.
Luka hurried on, her words in a rush.
"We need to act like we are more than we are. Kick up swathes of dust, light more fires than required, cause a cacophony. In the darkness, all is not so clear. They are ready to ambush us. They are not ready to be on the receiving end."
"We are severely outnumbered!" Lily growled, "We can't take them, even with the jump on them – "
Miku's own teal eyes danced with a faint light, "But they don't know that. You wish to coerce Kyo into freeing us, is that correct? The belief that we held on to the legacies of war, ready to act at a moment's notice, would be enough to deter the man from trying."
A cryptic smile settled on Luka's features.
"I fear to be more ambitious than that; I – We – wish to annex Kyo's territories."
Miku stood at the foot of the main palace. Their largely diminished party, now only with Luka, Rin and Len, was at her side, biding their time. Miku met her eyes with Luka's. They were the crux of it all.
A lone flare arced through the air.
Bright lights burst forth, gray smoke curling around the sharp tears in the darkening sky.
Confusion rippled through the crowd. Mystified court officials entering the palace had their eyes trailing after its path. Collected senior generals barked orders in response, focused on where the flare originated. Frantic new recruits were fixated on it, trading hushed whispers as they rushed by.
Miku took a deep breath.
Miku linked her arm with Luka's. Luka leaned towards her, warm, solid, real. They shared a look again, nothing else passing between them. Relief seeped in, like a quiet tide lapping at sand. Miku would have trusted no other with this. Rin and Len pushed open the doors for them.
Luka launched into listless prattle upon their entry.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself, dearest. It did take us so very long to get here."
Miku hummed in acknowledgement. Her voice refrained from taking on an unbearable squeak.
Their voices echoed in the vast grandness. Lanterns replaced natural lighting, bathing them all in a golden glow, shadows twisting across their features time and time again.
They walked in step, their pace slow and languid. The kneeling officials were parted, cut down the middle of the room. They made their way unabashedly down said path. Miku felt Kyo's keen eyes on her, despite his lounging on the throne. The officials knelt at his feet slighted their heads towards them as they passed, seeing nothing more than a lingering swish of cloth.
Miku maintained a doting gaze on Luka. There was no need to trouble herself with those beneath her.
By now, word would have reached Kyo's ears.
He halted them halfway to the throne.
"To what do I owe the delight of your presence?"
Luka let out a giggle, "Is it not obvious? Our gratitude."
Kyo raised an eyebrow, imploring her to continue further.
Luka stilled, ready to reply. Miku gently guided Luka forward. They were not here to deliver a report, especially below the podium. In response, Luka let out a soft, pretty sigh, sharing something akin to an exasperated look with Miku. Miku let out a low chuckle.
Luka began, "I suppose I will have to explain it to you at length."
They reached the base of the podium now. Rin and Len did not follow them any further.
"We were informed of your…proceedings."
Kyo's auburn eyes flashed. Neither Miku nor Luka stalled, approaching the steps with no resistance. Miku carefully assessed the officials. None tried to apprehend them. Either their status made them wary to act, or they posed so little of a physical threat that none saw reason to stop them. Either way, it played to their advantage.
He frowned, "I do not know what you speak of."
"You like playing games, hm?"
Despite the dangerous wording, Luka's words were accentuated with a teasing lilt. Miku invariably felt her heart race.
Luka soothed, her voice silky soft, "Come now, do not play coy with us. Really, you did us a wonderous favour."
Kyo focused on Miku, evidently pinning her to be weaker-willed.
"Hindrances are better cleared sooner than later," Miku shrugged, "Our advisors were of such."
They now stood on equal footing. Even with their slight frames, they imposed on Kyo, chipping away at the little distance separating them – now nothing more than a low table serving as his desk. Indeed, with Kyo still seated down, they were a good head taller than him in height. Kyo eyed them far more warily than before. His eyes darted between the both of them, unable to discern their elaborate ploy at hand.
"Does our countenance surprise you?" The twist of Luka's lips was cruel, "How freeing it is to be rid of those bothersome fellows."
"It appears like my informants were mistaken," Kyo drawled out.
Below, an official visibly flinched, clear even in the dim light.
Luka brandished her fan in a flourish, snapping it open. By then, a few guards below jolted forward, probably mistaking it for a dagger. Luka hid her face with it. A dark giggle escaped her. Those guards blanched.
"Insolent."
Was her single comment.
Miku stroked the small of her back, registering the miniscule tremors, placating her beloved, "They don't know any better."
Luka sighed again.
"Very well. Shall we extend some courtesy then?"
"Let me," Miku continued with her gentle touch, "You have toiled long enough."
After all this time, Kyo finally sat up straight, addressing them with a fiery glint in his eyes. Perhaps he didn't appreciate having to look up at them.
"I formally apologize for their behaviour. They will be reprimanded and-"
Miku mused aloud, tilting her head towards the decorated ceiling, "I believe it is more a case of a crooked roof supported by slanting pillars."
Kyo was on his feet, seething at the accusation. He glowered above them, allowing his yawning shadow to slither down the stairs. A gust of wind picked up. The candleflame trembled violently, sending jittering shadows everywhere. Kyo's auburn eyes burned stark against the darkness, his mop of brown hair glinting gold. Like a dragon, Miku realized. His officials continued to cower, unmoving. Miku's blood pounded in her ears. None witnessed Kyo so angered in this lifetime.
"What are you two implying?"
"If you dare scheme against us again, we will not hesitate to raze you to the ground."
Miku's eyes burned with what she hoped was cold fury.
Kyo scoffed, "I have no use for empty threats."
A faint buzz permeated the back of Miku's mind. A small smirk danced on Luka's lips behind the gentle sway of her fan. Her dark blue eyes felt like torrents; undercurrents ready to tear him apart. A thrumming cloud shrouded the palace. Miku's heart skipped a beat.
It was time.
Those clouds built up to a thunderstorm, crackling with thunder. Miku registered the signature clang of metal against metal, angry roars more reminiscent of beasts than human, dull paced thudding that somehow rose above the rest. Meiko and Lily made good on their promise.
So, this was war, huh?
"I suggest you reconsider your options," Miku merely said.
A messenger flew into the palace, disregarding the officials on the floor, near trampling them in his haste. He bolted up the podium, a scroll in hand. To Kyo's credit, he had not changed his stance. Yet. He glowered at them, white fangs glinting. Miku's stance remained neutral. The dragon of before was more a serpent with feet.
"Excuse me," Kyo retrieved the scroll, retreating behind one of his golden screens.
The screens provided little reprieve. His shadow was like a black ink stain on pristine paper, each morph and twist under her and Luka's watchful eye. He knew this, too. Although, he could help it no longer. Tremors were amplified by the firelight. Whether from despair, rage or fear, Miku did not care. Miku was certain of this: Kyo was at least cowed.
A crucial shift, like mountains splitting to form a chasm, settled in the palace. His officials raised their heads at last to watch their king flounder, panic scorching their every move, braver ones leaning to speak with their neighbours. They dared not act though. Without a weapon – those being forbidden in the main palace – with no chance of surprise, with Miku and Luka's status at hand, they probably believed Miku and Luka would smite them before the attempt was over. All these were visible to Miku's eye. The design of the podium was intended for it, no doubt.
The tides had turned.
Kyo's looming figure slipped out from his retreat. His eyes spat with frustrated fire, licking at his complacent demeanor. Pride arose within Miku. They were the victors here. They bested his underhanded tactics. They had the bargaining power.
Luka snapped her fan shut.
"Let us begin negotiations, shall we?"
As Miku contemplated the map in front of them, moving pins and pieces, Miku realized their façade might have gone a little too far. In the time it took for a stick of incense to burn down, they had Kyo roll out a map of his kingdom, claiming land where they desired. Of course, it didn't really matter in the end. Neither of them wished to cause further unrest, expend strained resources.
Kyo did not need to know that, however. Miku headed their discourse, Luka maintaining a disinterested eye on the shifting landscape. Miku could easily guess that Luka was committing the map to memory, to make any changes to their escape route if necessary.
The raging storm outside long quieted, courtesy of the message Kyo bade to Lily and Meiko. Miku pursed her lips together. Only a bit longer before they had Kaito saved, leaving this godforsaken place.
Miku tilted her head back up. Her neck ached from pouring over the map. She shared a glance with Luka. Luka gave an affirmative nod.
Miku spoke, "Since we are both satisfied, we will deliberate no more."
Kyo tucked the map away with a stiff word of assent.
Luka played with a lock of her pink hair falling over her shoulder.
"I assume that this foolishness will no longer be repeated?"
Kyo gritted his teeth, "With all due respect, we incurred no damage. I cannot say we committed any foolhardy acts."
Luka paused, a smile curling at her lips again. To anyone else, the woman seemed amused. Like a favourite pet performing a failed yet amusing trick. Miku felt a shiver go down her own spine. To Kyo's credit, he managed to keep the beginnings of a scowl to just that.
Luka let out a pleased hum.
"Let's be sure that remains so. Consider this your single and final warning."
"Shall we go then, Miku?" Luka turned to her, linking their arms once more, "I suppose we will have to dispose of those two later."
"Patience," Miku chuckled, recovering, "They may yet hold some value."
They walked in step, leaving the main palace. At the door's ledge, Luka halted for a moment. Miku's eyes traced back up her features, made sharper by the shadows flickering across. Adoration brewed in her chest, like a fine wine left to ferment, mellow on the first touch of her lips, rich by the time it reached her throat.
"Oh, and the child of my bloodline comes with me."
Luka's words were cold and tinkling, the chime of silver bells. That left no room for conciliation. Another flurry tore up the crowd. They walked again. Luka's tremors grew more apparent as she pressed into Miku's frame, like the ice in her words affected her more than anyone. Miku kept her up.
"My liege?"
Kaito stared at her from where he was, the greeting fervent, coloured in disbelief. Sat in front of him was a pitcher of wine, untouched. Steam wafted out of a teapot, a single cup set out for himself. He had simply awaited the impending doom on his own. Miku wanted to hug him and cry.
"We leave now, Kaito."
Although there was no need to drag Gackupo away, kicking and screaming, Miku found that she might as well have constituted that in favour of convincing him to leave voluntarily. Miku restrained herself from whispering angry threats in his ear, letting Kaito do the work for her. Miku leaned back into Luka. Luka fiddled with Kaito's empty cup. Neither spoke. The walls had ears, after all.
They left the guest house flanked by Rin and Len. Miku spotted their telltale twitches whenever Kyo's soldiers came too close; far too often, themselves surrounded on all sides by Kyo's soldiers. Miku minded it less. Luka seemed unconcerned. They walked separately, their arms untwined. The loss of her warmth was the more disorienting change. Their way out was peaceful, albeit rushed.
They lost the extra, unwanted guard once they left the gates.
Meiko and Lily received them a few paces off from the gates of the main palace. A small battalion awaited their arrival. Torches shed light on the troop. At once, Rin and Len sprinted toward flaxen gold. Like chirping birds, they gave Lily the rundown of events. Lily's lips upturned a little. Gumi had a word in Meiko's ear, leaning over to translate. Meiko nodded an acknowledgement. The baby in Gumi's arms gurgled. Stone-faced, resolute Meiko extended a finger to the bundle. Rana grasped it tight in her fist, cheerily giggling. Miku hid a smile. Luka's delegations did them good.
Lily came forward. She clapped both Miku and Luka on the shoulder. Miku almost buckled under the force while Luka let out a strangled gasp. Knowing Lily, she probably would have given them a hug as well, permitted they had the time. Gackupo eyed Lily cautiously, perhaps mistaking her actions for assault and fearing for his life.
Lily grinned, wide and wolfish at Gackupo. Miku raised an eyebrow. Why did she deign to use her infamous intimidation tactic on him?
"Hello advisor," Lily's smile did not falter as she turned on Kaito, as proper a greeting as she'll ever give the man.
"Lily – "
Lily wasted no time in physically dragging Kaito onto a horse.
Luka and Gackupo stared after them. Miku snickered. They trailed after them. Gackupo then shifted his focus on the tiny bundle when they got closer. His jaw slacked. Gackupo whipped his head around at the turrets overhead, as if it would start raining arrows at this insult. Gackupo set his jaw. He scowled at the child, then at Gumi, as if he held them personally responsible for all that occurred tonight.
Miku frowned, her tone sharp, "We're leaving now."
Miku swung on her own horse in a fluid motion. Meiko gave her horse a loving pat before helping Luka on; Meiko herself chose to ride another one. There was no complaint from any of them. Even Gackupo was complacent for once. They melted into the night without another word.
For her sake, Lily explained what they had done, as wind whipped into Miku's face.
"We're spread out now cause we had to give them the illusion that they were surrounded. And, sorry for the dust on everything – Meiko had the idea to get sticks tied to our horses' tails, kicking up even more of it. We might have ruined our supply of pots and pans. The troops might have destroyed them by banging them on each other."
Miku suppressed a smile as Lily regaled the grand plans they made to follow Luka's decisions. It seemed the woman enjoyed it more than the usual of blood splattering the grounds.
"We'll regroup then finish setting up camp. Rin and Len are gonna take off first to scout ahead – "
At this Miku craned her head around and sure enough, the blonde twins were nowhere to be seen.
"It's their first time leading their own troop but it's our men so no trouble there. Me and Meiko corroborated what we knew – she had the exact placements of the watchtowers and I knew the paths to sneak around them," Lily paused in afterthought, "We might have to incapacitate them if things get bad."
"How long would it take for them to catch up?"
Lily frowned. That was all the answer Miku needed.
To take the more inconspicuous route led them right into the mountains, where fewer soldiers were stationed. The valley would be the shortcut through it, though that left them open and vulnerable to attack. It was also the long way round to Miku's kingdom. The same went for the cities; chances of them getting caught were astronomically higher.
"Did he buy your bluff?"
"Mostly. I'm just worried he'll decide to change his mind halfway," Miku admitted.
Adrenaline pulsed in her system. Torches lit the road up ahead. Sleep was an afterthought, even amidst the exhaustion dragging her down. The pale moon glowed overhead. Miku couldn't tell much between the shifting masses of people. The ragged breathing of man and beast pulsated around her, broken by Lily or Meiko's shouted commands. This, Miku learned, was very much a welcome reprieve. Miku's head spun, a niggling part fixated on the present while the other tried to figure out their future steps. Although it was far from Miku's first time on foreign soil in the midst of a war, rarely, if ever, was she in this magnitude of danger.
"We did agree on the changeover of some cities he had. Because it was so rushed, I think the outskirts may be left open. Kyo will want to get his officials out of there first and they'll be occupied."
"He'll be watching our movements."
"He will," Miku conceded, "But he has eyes everywhere else already."
This was his kingdom, after all.
Kaito hadn't spoken a single word, all too focused on the single task of riding his horse. A bemused chuckle left Miku's lips, the first of the night. Kaito, however, evidently kept an ear out for their conversation.
"That appears sound, my liege."
Kaito's horse kicked a pebble. He then dedicated the rest of his time worrying about the state of said horse. Miku smiled again.
"We'll figure that out when we set up camp for the night," Lily said.
Lily's gaze snapped back to Kaito to make sure he was alright.
Similarly, Meiko circled Luka like a hawk. The subtle crevice was there. Luka made no attempts at further conversation, even as Gackupo prodded at her. Gackupo backed off in the end, moving to pester Gumi. Not more than a sentence left Gumi's lips at one time. Meiko's glower was unmistakable.
Miku promised herself to deal with the man once they rested.
Before long, they had reached the designated camp site. Miku surveyed the troops, noting how they looked like nothing more than lowly bandits, with cloth wrapped around their nose and mouth. Dust clung to their clothes. They looked like they had been assaulted by a sandstorm. They immediately set to work on their camp, their movements even faster with Miku watching. Miku shook her head, left to marvel at how well both peoples worked together, even through their building exhaustion. Lily and Meiko really did well.
Miku caught a glimpse of Gackupo grilling Luka and Gumi further before they were swallowed up by the masses. That ignited Miku's spark of irritation. And unfortunately, her head lit up with a brief flash of pain. Miku sighed, deciding against tracking them down. Liking nothing more than to perch in a tree, away from the sights and sounds, Miku allowed herself a compromise in a quiet but open part of camp. No use in worrying Lily now. Miku tended to herself, keeping an eye open for any happenings. Rin and Len popped up out of nowhere, off to relay information to Lily and Meiko. Not a moment after, Lily rounded the corner. Gackupo had given up on Luka, plaguing Gumi instead. Miku rubbed her head. She could afford to rest a little longer.
By the time everyone were off to rest, save for a few keeping watch, the lights of their main tent were hung up high. A crude table was set down, maps stacked on it, pins and pieces littered everywhere, tea was brewed, the teapot just barely having a corner to itself. Miku sipped at her cup while standing. Her other hand went up to rub at a dull throb in her temple.
"So we –"
Miku was cut off by a cry from the baby lying on a pile of blankets. Miku grimaced.
Gumi tended to Rana at once. Miku couldn't fault Rana for that. Her old cot was probably more comfortable.
Gackupo, on the other hand, had decidedly panicked ever since laying eyes on Rana.
"Even the child wishes not to be here! We must return her –"
Miku breathed. In and out.
Luka was characteristically mute.
Which really didn't help now when Miku had to explain what possessed her to bring a child so fragile along their escape route. Rana had a perfectly fine life ahead as a princess of the Zola kingdom.
"Quiet," Miku gritted out.
Once the room returned to a relative state of calm, Rana's cry fading into a whimper, Miku patiently explained the price for their freedom was to bring Rana along. Kaito nodded, allowing Miku to speak at her own pace.
"It was me," Luka's voice was hardly above a wisp, "Chika helped –"
"What were you thinking?" Gackupo rounded on her.
Luka flinched at Gackupo's question.
Lily beat Miku to snapping, "Oi! She saved you so shut it and listen."
"Our relations with the Zola kingdom are ruined beyond repair!" Gackupo despaired, "Decades gone to waste!"
Miku's eyes glittered, cold and hard. Miku side-eyed the man as he continued to ramble on about their past relations. Kaito frowned. Then, Luka dropped her gaze. There was a roaring in Miku's ears, fierce and protective. Miku set her teacup down on the table with a dull clink, uncaring if it spilt over. In an action wholly unnecessary, Miku went round the table to drape her arm around Luka in comfort. Luka was shaking.
Miku readied herself to speak in Luka's stead when Luka faced him again, "There was no room for negotiation. Chika gave us warning for a single stipulation on her end. I dare say it was fair."
Gackupo quieted. Shock encompassed his face.
An odd bitterness coated itself on Miku's tongue. Treating a child like land to own, bargaining chips to win, the fine print within a contract was abhorrent in any case. Some did not see it as reason, though.
Luka perhaps sensed Miku's discomfort, pulling away.
Miku held on firmly.
Miku caught the beginnings of a swallow, the shaky breaths Luka drew in.
"Now that we are on the same page," Miku said with a pointed glare, "We have to move on to our next course of action. Lily, Meiko, please continue on without us."
Without waiting for a response, Miku left the tent, Luka stumbling after her.
The icy wind was like thin blades grazing her skin, the cold stinging. Miku shivered. She should have downed the rest of the warm tea. She licked her dry, split lips. Those patrolling acknowledged them with a nod then faced elsewhere. Miku worried her lip. The back of the tent would have to do.
In the faint lamplight, they stood shivering. Miku's teal eyes burned, herself reflected in those deep blue irises. Luka's breaths made warm white puffs. Miku slowly, gently reached up, entangling her fingers in Luka's hair, her thumb tracing the shell of Luka's ear. Luka choked. Luka leaned into the touch, eyes falling shut. Luka's bubbling panic finally frothed over. Miku was willing to barter the day's events did nothing to help.
"You were wonderful today."
"We're safe now because of you."
"I really do love you."
The last was a fragile whisper against Luka's cheek, Miku's lips ghosting across cool and dry skin. The last was a precious secret clutched close to them, nestled firmly against their chest. The last was sealed between them, as if it would slip from their grasp, fluttering into the night air.
Luka's eyes reddened. A faint flush arose. Her pink hair took on the glow of moonlight, smooth as polished jade.
Miku couldn't tear her gaze from Luka.
"Chika…"
"I know."
Even with Luka's attempt at absolving Chika of responsibility, it was not unheard of to take one's anger out on the concubines. Luka trembled.
"And Rana…"
"We will care for her."
Rin and Len would love a little sister. Meiko would act as a surrogate mother. Kaito would surely open up to her as time went on.
"I do not wish to be like her."
The sentence, short, abrupt, even, spoken with quiet resignation.
Did she –
That was the first time Luka openly voiced her discontent with the woman. Miku brushed her thumb tenderly across Luka's cheek. It wasn't an invitation to continue on; it was assurance that it was enough. Miku didn't need to guess who Luka was referring to. Truth be told, as uncomfortable as Luka being able to mirror the Empress Dowager perfectly was, Miku had the reassurance that wasn't who Luka was.
Luka reached to play with Miku's own teal hair. Luka's eyes dipped to her fingers twining with the feathery hairs at the back of Miku's head, fingertips drifting to her neck. Miku shivered, this time at the touch.
"You disliked it too."
Quiet, fearful, the slightest hint of betrayal.
Miku retracted the hand on Luka's cheek, easily looping both around her waist. Luka rested her head on Miku's shoulder. Luka's free hand grasped at Miku's back.
"I did," Miku admitted, yet pulling Luka close to her.
Luka swallowed.
"But that is my problem alone. Kyo couldn't call our bluff because of that. And, once I stopped thinking of the Empress Dowager, knowing it was an act, I liked it," Miku pursed her lips, her face flushing, "It was impressive."
"If I continue to choose to act that way…"
"I will not object," Miku said, "I'm in no place to judge."
Miku recalled the empty promises she made over the years. Miku exhaled deeply, as if she could release those with it.
"I love you."
Upon their return, Miku glanced at the new pieces on the map. Nothing seemed to have shifted since they last were inside. More colourful than chess pieces but far less intricate, roughly detailing the status of the terrain. Miku scooped up the yellow pointers and pinned down the cities they negotiated, checking with Luka to make sure she didn't misremember.
Luka bent over Miku's shoulder. She also took the pointers from Miku's raised, open palm, helping her. Gackupo blanched as each was set down. Kaito nodded in mild approval.
They weren't big cities, those. Scattered near the border, in the few plains between the mountains were cities that thrived on ore and other precious materials. The few times they actually went to war against the Zola kingdom, the mountains proved too hard to conquer for them. Now serving a direct bridge to Miku's kingdom, they could bypass this problem.
"Lily, Meiko, what do you think?"
Miku bit the inside of her cheek to hold in a yawn.
Faded glowing circles illumed the corner of her eyes. Miku blinked to rid them of the pins' glare.
Miku gulped down her tea, hoping it roused her tired body.
Miku caught Luka's concerned gaze, which she returned with a smile.
Fervent back-and-forth ensued. Gumi slipped into her role naturally as the mediator to Lily and Meiko. Miku tried to keep track of it, not entirely understanding of all the nuances they raised, nor of the…choice vulgarities Lily spewed. Miku traded a glance with Luka again. She wasn't quite affronted or appalled with the language, moreso at a loss of words as they continued. A faint flush appeared on her face at Miku's intent scrutiny. Miku grinned.
Were they talking about old feuds? Miku shook her head. Lily spoke with vigour and conviction, blue eyes glowing. Meiko appeared to match her word for word, though quieter, she smirked at the retelling of one of Lily's failures. Thank the stars they weren't truly at each other's throats.
None stopped them. They were the most familiar with all the intricacies of war. That was recognized by all.
By the end, they settled on a route towards their acquired cities. They only needed to break through attacks from the watchtowers – if there was any – and with full knowledge of their vantage points, sneaking past them would not be a difficult issue. Miku, Kaito, Luka and Gackupo agreed.
A goodnight to all those present later, Miku left for bed with both her mind and body cocooned in a lazy warmth. The cold did little to properly stir her. With her mind eager to rest, any lingering anxiety was dispelled. Luka and Gumi cradling a sleeping Rana were by her side.
"I suppose I should leave you two alone?" Gumi teased in jest.
"Hush!" Luka looked away, mortified. A moment later, Luka added, "Not in front of Rana."
Gumi shrugged. Miku tried to reign in her laughter at the flimsy excuse.
"Don't worry, she's staying with me tonight," Gumi raised an eyebrow, "Don't tell me you want her."
"I – " Luka floundered for an appropriate answer. Her words faltered.
Even if Chika had entrusted Rana to Luka, none of them truly had experience – nor were ready – to raise her.
"Thank you, Gumi."
With that, Gumi retired to an early night – as early as the small hours could be. Miku walked Luka to her tent. Small scraps of affection were shared between them, like passing hidden notes. Their linked arms, slow but light steps, Miku hummed a tune under her breath. Despite everything, Miku was almost giddy with relief. Perhaps she was more tired out than she thought.
The pale moon glowed, stark in the sky. Luka's eyes darkened. Luka bent down, pressed her lips to Miku's cheek, swift and firm. Miku had the urge to grab her and kiss her on the lips. Scandalous. Miku found she didn't quite mind. She had not the courage here though.
They traded goodnights again.
Miku was alone. She shivered, the cold biting. The wind whistled past.
Alone, but protected.
Her chest thrummed with warmth. She should return to bed herself.
Moonlight caught on all those of the earth. The densely packed tents, raised flags, upturned stones, dewy grass, all were bathed in the cool luminescence. Miku granted herself another indulgence, back to the open area. Miku's own teal hair skewed further to a blue.
The faded glow at the corner of her eyes re-emerged. Miku tilted her head to the side. It came into the centre of her view. Gumi's hair had the sheen of vibrant leaves. She faced away from her, sat on the dirt in front of a tent.
Miku took a pace forward, with half a mind to approach the distracted girl. She halted.
Gumi had a letter clutched to her chest. She brushed the flat of her thumb against the paper. The manuscript Miku couldn't quite read, only certain it was of Luka's tongue. A stark red seal at the end. Another rolled-up scroll was discarded at her side, one of Luka's court. Sorrowful eyes, as clear as translucent jade, gazed at the moon. The moon united those separate; a lingering reminder of what they shared, that they were all of this world. Something clicked into place. Miku's teal eyes burned. Her body was cold.
Miku left.
She will ask her later. For now, Miku permitted Gumi's mourning, herself all too familiar.
For now, Miku tucked herself under her blankets, burrowed as much she could into her makeshift bed on the ground, and slept through that one long night.
Author's note: Apologies for the hiatus! School and everything got to me but things seem to cool down/are looking up today. I was really worried about how this chapter would come out and although not really my intention, procrastinated with it. It has been the hardest to write, personally because all the existing factors of chapters past were gathered up and displayed here. I can't play 4d chess like this lol. Thank you for reading and as always, I welcome all feedback!