Disclaimer: I do not own Magi, its story, or the characters. That right belongs to the amazing creator, Shinobu Ohtaka. I do own the idea(s) and OC's that are contained within this story. And hope that you as read respect that. Please don't use the OC's without my permission, as she has been with me since I was 6... On a different note, she and her other half are starring in another of my stories.
Author's Note: Also, I reply to all signed in reviews. Sorry to those who are guest reviewers, but do please continue to enjoy this story.
Affray [uh-frey] noun:
a public Fight; a noisy quarrel; braw!
Synonyms: altercation, fracas; ruckus
6 months after Ren Kouen arrives on samon island.
Year 1, Month 6 (November), Day 24
General POV
Two sets of pink eyes watched in morbid fascination. Neither to be surprised at what they were witnessing. Just that it was happening in public, in the middle of the village. Where they had a rather large audience.
"I am not doing this to imprison you. It's for your safety." Kouen snapped
It caused a collective gasp from those gathered. From those gathered. All while a low growl came from Lunaria who was turning a peculiar shade of red in the face.
Her continued silence was only furthering Kouens anger and causing his countenance to look almost demonic. He always had such reasonable control of his emotions; thus, his temper rarely reared its head. But that control had slowly been slipping since the girl arrived — More So since the harvest festival two months ago. Though none had dared, ask what had happened after the two left, after it had been brought up that first time.
That had been a mixed bag of reactions, which might have started the feud going on. Each had responded very differently. Kouen had shut down saying nothing but some quiet time and sleep. Lunaria had practically glowed. Claiming Kouen had danced with her. Happy. Only to have Kouen tell her it was nothing but dance and to not make it into more than it was because it had been to humor her.
An abysmal choice of words. As that shut Lunaria down quickly. It almost felt as if the air was freezing. The anger and hurt radiating from her small body were almost physical enough to be touched. Having left everyone there extremely uncomfortable.
"Really? Because it seems your Highness, if I'm nothing more than a burden," Lunaria claimed. "An unwanted one at that. Meaning I'm an inconvenience."
The crowd flinched back at her words. They were harsh. And what had been going through most of their heads. Thoughts everyone was smart enough not to voice it aloud. And from what they could see as Kouens face went from shock to bordering on barely constrained rage proved Lunaria had hit the nail on the head.
"Quit being unnecessarily dramatic, Lunaria, "Kouen said, his voice going Calm.
This had his two brothers and the two healers stiffening. But none of them dared to move and intervene. Each knew what had happened that night. And the next having found the pair asleep in separate blankets, fully clothed, snuggled together.
Further indicating nothing had happened that night. Through actions said dynamics had changed between them.
"Trust me, your highness, I'm not dramatic... yet," Lunaria hissed.
The crowd stepped back as they heard the sharp intake of air from Kouen, who narrowed his eyes at the girl. While Lunaria just tilted her chin up in open defiance. She was challenging him, as her eyes glittered with a seemingly dangerous light. That was at odds with her quiet and sweet-tempered personality.
"You are acting like a spoiled child. And you need to stop it, along with addressing me that way," Kouen bit out, clearly not liking being called by his former title. "Because you are becoming a burden with this little attitude."
The moment the words were said, everyone could tell it was regretted instantly. The way Lunaria's head dropped, body stiffening than sagging. The damage had been done. As they watched her step back, putting distance between her and kouen.
"Lun-, "Kouen started to say, only to stop as Lunaria shook her head violently.
"Don't tell me you did not mean to say it. You are the type of person who will speak their mind honestly," She said her voice cracking. "I know you speak the truth. I hope you feel better now."
They could only watch as she turned and ran. Lunaria didn't stop when Kouha called her name. Some had seen the tears in her eyes, unshed. Everyone felling a mix of emotions.
Kouha's POV
He felt a bit torn between staying and following, with a quick look at his older brother, Kouha took off after Lunaria he did not like seeing those tears in her eyes. It fueled his anger as he pushed through the crowd, eyes spotting her as she made her way through the huts towards the dock. Instantly he knew where she was going.
Slowing his pace, he made his way through the huts. Exiting the village to see the flash of the oddly colored short skirt Lunaria wore disappear into the Jungle. Keeping his pace the same, Kouha knew she'd need a few minutes to cry in privacy, not relish in being covered in snot and tears again. It was disgusting.
It took him a good fifteen minutes before reaching a small clearing in the Jungle. The sound of splashing water echoing from the small natural waterfall that filled the pool, before seeping into a stream that flowed toward the village. He had been with Lunaria when she had found it. To his surprise.
His eyes spotted Lunaria quickly. She stuck out like a sore thumb, curled on the sandbank of the pool, head resting on her knees. Carefully he made his way to stand beside her. Knowing she knew he was there.
"I don't wanna go back," she mumbled.
Kouha stayed silent as he thought for a few seconds.
He loved his eldest brother unconditionally, and no one could question his loyalty. But he was upset at what had been said. Even he would not tell someone they were a burden like that. No, on second thought, he'd do it in a much cruel fashion.
"Then don't," he stated quietly.
When he saw Lunarias head jerk up in shock. Eyes wide as she stared in disbelief at him. Only to enjoy the slow-forming smile that lit her face up as she threw her head back and laughing. He knew she could survive not being in the hut or village. Even with her amnesia, Kouha had seen her survival skills when they explored the Jungle.
Koumei's POV
After sharing a quick look with Kouha, Koumei began dispersing the crowd and gently speaking to get them to return to their tasks. All while trying to organize and analyze his thoughts and feelings. He was angry at his elder brother. But he too understood where Kouen was coming from. So, with a heavy sigh as the last of the crowd dispersed, Koumei went to his brother.
Noticing the blank mask Kouen was wearing it was one he knew well. It was the mask he, no all of them, had worn while at court. To hide their emotions and thoughts, but still, he could read his older brother. The slight tightening of neck muscles, deep breaths told him he was both angry and at a loss, unsure.
He was touching Kouens shoulder softly to get his attention. Koumei waved his other hand to indicate they should walk. Glad when Kouen didn't balk stubbornly. Kouen fell into step with him as Koumei led them both to their hut.
The walk was shot. So, as soon as they were inside, Kouen sat in his regular chair. Koumei poured them each a cup of water. Which he noted Kouen absentmindedly took.
"You haven't acted like that since we were little kids, Kouen," Koumei admonished earning a dark glare.
Before his brother could speak, Koumei continued. "And it was a shameful spectacle. Doing that so publicly. Embarrassing not just yourself but Kouha and me... not to mention Lunaria. Who you've hurt."
His words were meant to cut. And he knew they did as he watched Kouen look at him in surprise and then shame. All while Kouen slumped in his chair sulking openly. Arching a brow, Koumei waited. He knew that Kouen would conclude. It was one of the things he admired about his elder brother why he was so loyal to him.
But in the months the girl had been there, Koumei had become attached. She was fascinating. Complex, yet so simple. Fierce and gentle, all at the same time. He'd admit if asked; he did have the start of romantic feelings for her. Knew Kouha did as well, though his younger brother was clueless.
"How...how does she get so under my skin? Make me so angry that I'd lose myself?" Kouen finally spoke, his voice showing just how lost he was.
His words brought a smile to his face. And Koumei didn't bother to try to hide the amusement he was feeling, making Kouen frown.
"I can't answer that. I'm not you," Koumei replied. Keeping himself from laughing at the sour look on kouen's face.
Kouen's POV
The sun had set hours ago, and Kouha had come home alone. He was only sparing a swift glance at him before retiring for the night. It had him on edge, and a bit worried. Though he knew Lunaria was more than capable of taking care of herself. He knew she was not staying in the village. Kouen felt it in his gut. Closing his eyes as he stood at the window. The soft, cool late autumn breeze was brushing across his face.
"Fool!"
Snapping his eyes open, Kouen went on alert. Looking around the main room, he couldn't see or sense anybody else. Scrunching his brow, he went back to looking out the window. As something told him that voice was both familiar and he'd be hearing it again. It caused a shudder to crawl down his spine.
Lunaria's POV
Two-toned ringed eyes looked up at the star-speckled sky. The pain was throbbing in their chest. With a sigh, they closed their eyes to drift off to sleep. Only to feel as if something was off. To feel as if they were not alone.
"Hello?" they thought, slipping further into sleep. Fainting hearing a hissing intake of breath they were asked who they were, unable to answer for entering deep sleep.
TBC!
