Your Prince is in Another Castle: Chapter 4: Fragments and Peace
"I'm Luka.", he introduced himself to the Japanese girl. Having a day off from work, the guitarist decided to come to the park and get some fresh air. He had hoped to find a nice tree to sit under and clear his head from home life. While sitting against one of the trees, he had been drifting off until he felt a rumble of sorts. Finding it to be the girl before him hitting against the tree he had chosen to rest on. After a short back and forth, he had introduced himself.
"Yes I remember you.", from the time she visited the Liberty and happened to be able to listen to the band Adrien would play with from time to time. He was also one of the members, the guitarist, "I'm Tsurugi Kagami."
"Sorry for sneaking up you like that.", he apologized, "I saw you having a hard time with the tree.", or what remained of it.
"I was just-letting off some steam.", she replied.
"I can see.", if the tree was indication there was a lot of pent up steam to make such a dent in a once sturdy tree. Leaving grooves and scaring marks from a number of forceful slashes and thrusts from the saber of the Japanese fencer. He always thought they were a hard plastic. Though in the hand of an expert, especially one in swords, there was no doubt she was quite proficient with it. He could only imagine if she used it on a something more animate than a tree, "Did you want to talk?", he offered.
"You wish to talk to me? Why?", she questioned with a look of suspicion in her stormy blue eyes.
"Sometimes talking to someone can help more than just lashing out.", Luka offered, "I can tell your in distress. You have a song that echoes out.", like the baritone tempo of a coming storm.
"I would like that.", she seemed to agree.
And so the two sat under the tree and began to talk. It didn't take much for Kagami to unload her feelings onto the guitarist. And, as he suspected, her feelings centered around Adrien and everything that had happened.
"Though I know I am not the only one who has seen it.", she, like so many, had no doubt a number of people had seen the video and held their own opinions, "It still doesn't change what happened.", not only that he was attacked maliciously. But, that she was unable to help him.
"You can't blame yourself.", Luka said, "Sometimes one cannot blame other's for another's choices.", she commented, "I only know the action was done and by whom.", and it only fanned the flames of what could only be described as a boiling hatred in the deepest pits. With only the desire to avenge Adrien and his honor against those who tried to tarnish it. It swirled inside her with the force of a typhoon. A storm silently raging inside her and ready to be unleashed at any moment should she allow herself to let it loose, "But, I must remined myself to contain my emotions.", lest Hawkmoth akumatize her again.
"I get it.", he could sympathize with her feelings, though on a different level, "When I found out what happened to Adrien I was just so...conflicted.", for the fact that something like that could happen to someone like Adrien. Who, by his own accounts, was a kind and gentle soul. With a soft tempo that could be calming, but also have it's burst when meeting others. He would never harm someone physically, especially not assault of any kind. He had never even seen the model get mad before. Yet to be accused of not only attacking someone, especially a girl...
"When I saw the video he posted explaining the situation I couldn't help empathize with him.", even before seeing the aftermath, the bruises still healing, both mentally and physically. They told a story. A story not many get to talk about or even wanted to mention if they could. Wanting to simply bury the painful memories and unwilling to burden others, even themselves, with what happened.
"I had wondered what had happened to him.", why he had stopped coming to practice. When she couldn't contact him by phone or even social media. She had even gone to his house a number of times after her studies and practice. But, to no avail. He didn't even come to school. Only to find out he had transferred to College Voltaire via an email from Adrien under a new account username. Having been made to promise not to share the account with anyone from his former school. Especially anyone from his old class. A statement that both confused and worried her. Had something happened at the school? It must have been serious of he didn't want his classmates to know where he was or that he had a new account. And though he gave little context, he promised her that he would be releasing a statement soon, "Now knowing what he had been through.", she could understand why he had decided to keep in secret.
Especially from 'them'.
"It's hard being accused of anything. But 'that'.", it was unforgivable.
"He wasn't just accused. He was vilified.", with nothing more than words from some two-faced harlot who dared to leech off him and then do something like this, "Had I known before how vile she was I would have ended her than and there.", both literally and figurately. All but ready to take up arms and hunt the wretched rat down and cut out her tongue with her own saber.
"I can never understand why people, anyone, would go to such extremes to hurt someone else for no reason.", Luka frowned.
"There was no reason.", Kagami spat coldly, "That 'girl' has always been a nothing more than scum.", from the moment she had slithered into the city and expelled her lies. Latching onto anyone of influence to make herself look less like the slime she was.
"I think your being a bit mean to scum.", at least people knew it was scum and it couldn't help being scum. This girl, Rossi, was something one a different lower level of vile if that's how she decided to operate, "Now because of her the whole city has become a discord.", with harmonies going out of whack and converging into a growing medley of revenge and mixed emotions, "I don't think there's a person in Paris who hasn't said a mean thing about her.", save for maybe children. But, never the less he had heard a lot of comments. Negative ones. Whether it be on the streets of the city or even in his own home. When word of what happened to Adrien at school, and by his own classmates, had reached mainstream his mother exploded like a cannon on full blast. She, like him, was shocked and appalled at what had happened. Then when she was called to the school to pick up Juleka, his little sister, after being suspended. She let lose on her in a way he had never seen.
Though he couldn't blame her for being upset. It was a mystery that none of them got akumatized that night after Anarka scolded her daughter with the bass of a captain would a disobedient crew member. And in the end sent her to her room with full orders that she was being confined until further notice. Taking away her phone, computer, and even her guitar. Basically, she was grounded.
"I want to feel bad for my sister.", but he only felt even more disappointed in her, "My mom went to the school to talk about her behavior. Apparently she's been bullying other students to.", if not directly, she had been pointed out by students who had encounters with her class. Especially when concerning the Italian girl. Who had not issues of throwing dirt and pointing fingers at other students for one reason or another. And her and her other classmates jumping to her 'defense'. Which amounted to basically throwing accusations and ganging up on the random student. When it turned out the student was innocent. Much of it being students having sense enough to ask questions about the girls various stories she would continuously tell. And if she found herself against the wall and about to be exposed, she would make up some lie about being bullied and play the victim. Which only seemed to escalate over time to the point even some of the adults were buying her stories. Especially when he heard about the times the girl had been absent from schools. The longest being over a month without anyone ever checking with the parents. Believing she had been out traveling with her mother or doing charity work.
"Honestly I don't know what anyone saw in her.", even from just a glance Kagami could tell the girl wasn't, as one would say, all put together. She tried too hard to be nice and come off as a kind person. And her stories made her more suspect since she constantly told a new one every time. Putting herself in various situations with various figures that couldn't possibly be real if one actually took time to think about it. In her opinion the girl came off as desperate. Seeking attention through false means and believing she could lie her way out of any situation. All while leeching off the accomplishments and deeds of others. Contributing nothing and trying to play the poor victim if she couldn't get her way. And being allowed special treatment because she claimed to have disabilities or was doing work outside of school that hindered her work. If Kagami missed practice her couches notified her mother and checked in. This girl missed weeks worth of school and nothing was ever done to figure out way. Had Kagami actually gone to the school other than fencing training her mother would have someone's head for allowing such an act of nepotism and ignorance to happen.
"I only met her once or twice.", he couldn't say the exact number, but it was 'enough' in his opinion. Her entire tone was synthetic. That one the surface seemed okay, but underneath there was a hidden subliminal tone. A tone that wanted not to synch with others, but rather change them. To make them work only for her tone and hers alone. Warping them until they played a singular note of her choice. A haunting melody that could only end in a clash.
And end it did. Taking the other's with it.
"I wish I never had the misfortune of meeting her at all.", name and all, "And if I see her again.", no court would convict her and if so, it would be worth it just to bring her to ground in dozens of pieces.
"I don't think anyone is going to see her again.", at least in a public setting that wasn't in court, "After getting arrested no one has seen her.", she was taken to the police department and no one had seen or heard from her since. Many people had gone to the department trying to get a glimpse of her if she exited. Waiting for their chance. From the media, protesters, and regular citizens. He passed by the station now and again on his routes and saw people practically camped out there. It was a bit unnerving. But, understandable in a sense. And of course the growing number of Adrien fan's turned akuma's.
"So I've heard.", Kagami would be lying if she said she wasn't following the case very closely even before she was arrested. Having prepared to take matters into her hands herself. Prepared to confront her and her gaggle of sheep on if needed. She did not care. She would use the full weight of the Tsurugi family on them all for the sake of her friend. But, someone had beaten her to the punch and Rossi had been arrested. Which she regretted being absent for, even with the aid of pictures and videos. Which she did not reply a number of times as Italian girl was hauled away. The look of stunned shock of one who had been caught, "Even if she was thrown in the deepest cell underneath Paris it would be too good for her.", that included being damp, dark, with rats crawling on the floor. Until she was forgotten and left alone.
It wasn't enough.
"You wouldn't be the first to think that.", or the last, "Honestly I don't think any punishment would help the situation.", the damage was done. Her lies ruined so many people's lives and caused disharmony among others where it should never have been, "But, it would be a start.", in a long process of healing, "Speaking of which..."
"If I'm not being too forward, can I ask you a favor?"
"Hn?"
"I know this might be a bit much, but could you give my apologies to Adrien.", like many he had not seen or spoken to the young man for quite sometime. Inquiring only a few times when he seemed to just vanish. Even among some of his once closet's friends, "That I'm sorry he's going through this and that if he ever needs someone to talk to that I'm here when he needs me.", just to talk to.
"I will let him know.", Kagami nodded, "Though we do not meet often, I can communicate your message.", she believed that Adrien would like hearing from a friend and knowing he had more support.
"Thank you Kagami.", Luka gave a small, but sincere smile.
After their talk Kagami had offered to take Luka home. An offer he happily took. Allowing the two to talk more and get a bit more acquainted. His mother was out running errands, leaving him to watch the boat in her absence. As he stepped on board he spotted someone on deck. His little sister, Juleka, was mopping the deck. One of her many chores/punishments, their mother had given upon Juleka's suspension and the meeting at the school with the member from the school board. Now she was on permanent cleaning duty. She would have to clean the deck, wash the dishes, wax the floors, and any other chore their mother could think of. She was also grounded from doing anything remotely considered fun. Which included leaving the boat without permission or being escorted by either himself or their mom. All and all she was stranded.
With a silent sigh Luka made his way across the deck. Passing by his little sister without a word as she continued to mop the deck. The tension between the two was, for the most part, stiff and awkward. While Luka had taken to giving his sister the silent treatment, Juleka looked as though she had wanted to say something. But, fretted away without a single word. Her mood after she was sent home had become shrouded. Becoming more secluded than usual. He didn't think she said a single word, outside of answering questions, since she's been home.
Usually at this time Luka, being the big brother he was, would try to help coax the words out of his sister. Providing comfort and support to her. But, again, he was conflicted. What could he possibly say? If Juleka needed to talk she was going to have to do it of her own will.
Going to one of the chairs on deck he picked up his guitar, that was resting on the side, and sitting down began to tune the instrument. Strumming the strings to create a slow, but light rhythm. He had a tune on his mind and decided to practice with it. Not even a two minutes into playing he heard the sound of footsteps approaching, but he didn't stop playing. He felt the gaze of his sister on him, but didn't miss a beat on his guitar and after a moment of silence someone finally spoke.
"I'm sorry.", Juleka said in a tired, yet meek tone. But, her brother didn't stop his playing or replay to her sudden apology, yet she continued, "I know you don't want to speak with me.", he hadn't since she had been suspended from school, "But I...I can't take this.", the silence. The tension. How Luka wouldn't even give a single word towards here unless it was to relay a message from their mother. Nothing. It was like she was invisible, "Can you please just...talk to me? I really need someone to talk to.", she hadn't spoken to anyone, not her family, especially her friends and classmates, or anyone else. Nothing but silence and chores.
Luka halted his playing and exhaled.
"What do you want to talk about?", he questioned not in concern or even much interest.
"Anything. Everything. I don't know.", she had so much going on in her brain she didn't know where to begin, "I just want things to go back to the way things were."
"I think we both know that is not going to happen.", Luka commented on the realistic of her desire for things to just return back to normal, "I don't know if you understand the situation right now, but you and your classmates are in big trouble."
"I know but...why can't it just be over?"
"That's not how life works.", he shook his head, "Sometimes things don't just go away because we don't like it. You can't just want to change something once it's been done.", there wasn't any magic to return things back to normal. Not this time.
"But, I didn't do anything.", she defended.
But, Luka didn't seem amused, "You and your classmates accused someone of assaulting someone else. With no proof you tried to vilify someone and attacked them for no reason.", he reminded, "Honestly I don't know what I'm more disappointed of. You trying to defend your actions or not taking responsibility as if this was just some childish prank or misunderstanding."
"But I...we...we were just trying to defend someone."
"If someone had accused you of something so morally abhorrent and heinous, you would be upset.", Luka said, "Especially if those accusation led to you or someone innocent getting hurt.", which it did.
"Wouldn't you have done the same thing if someone told you someone else hurt them?", Juleka pointed out.
"If someone did do something like that to you I would expect you to come and tell me.", Luka said, "Like you should have done before.", instead of taking matters into her own hands without even a shred of evidence or concrete proof.
"I...maybe.", she rubbed her arm, "I didn't know..."
"As bad a time as your having, I believe there's someone else who feels a lot worse than you.", Luka stated, "Need I remind you Adrien was sent to the hospital. His reputation was dragged through the mud. And now you and your class are complaining because no one is amused by what you did.", and acting like everyone turned on them for nothing.
"But we thought we were protecting a friend.", again she tried to defend, "She was crying and looked so scared..."
"Even if you think you're doing something for the right reasons, you still have to think about the consequences of your actions and how it effects everyone else.", every action had an effect, good and bad, "Protecting a friend isn't wrong. But, when it's something serious like assaults' there are better ways to handle it. Like getting an adult, the proper authorities, anyone who could handle a situation. Not forming a lynch mob and attacking someone on emotion alone.", worse things have happened, "What would have happened if Adrien had gotten hurt even worse than he was? He had broken bones, cuts, and his eye was blood shot. He could have gone blind.", not counting the other conditions he had, "And your so called 'friend', who you claim to have defended, never even went to the police or told her parents or even visited the hospital.", that was three red flags that something wasn't right, "She got arrested and is now being charged with 'sexual harassment', along with filing a false statement.", she wasn't a victim, she was a victimizer.
Luka watched as his sister's features paled and she looked down at the ground. Shame evident.
"Apologizing doesn't erase what happened. Saying 'sorry' doesn't take back what you did. And going to a person, knowing full well you hurt him, and expecting to just be forgiven, is not only insulting. But, just as bad as having been put in that position.", because it belittled what was done and makes the other's person's pain seem minimal in comparison to theirs, "Do you think an apology is going to take a back beating him up? Is apologizing going to fix his wrist or make him trust people again? Is claiming it was a 'mistake' going to erase how you and your classmate tried to vilify him because you decided to believe the word of a stranger or someone you've known longer?"
"But we are sorry.", they truly were, "We even tried apologizing to him. On his social media, we tried calling him, and we even went to his house.", but they had been blocked at every pass, "Adrien won't even talk to us.", not even Chloe.
"Adrien doesn't have to talk to you, let alone forgive you.", and no amount of apologizing even scratched the service of their actions.
"B-But we're really sorry.", Juleka said with tired eyes, "I'm sorry. I really am.", she just couldn't say it to who she wanted to.
"Of what you did or that your getting backlash?", he questioned.
"...?"
"Are you upset because you're getting backlash or do you actually feel bad for what you did?", he repeated the question, "Because from the way it sounds your more upset about how people are treating 'you' and 'your' classmates. And not the fact you hurt someone."
"But Luka..."
The older boy shook his head.
"You don't always get to take back what you do or say. Just as you can't always place blame on anyone but yourself.", Luka said, "And while I don't approve of what your going trough, I can't say it isn't deserved.", because sometimes lessons weren't just scolding's, lectures, and being sent to your room.
"I know but...it's just so...hard.", she wiped her eyes, "Because of this everyone hates us.", they were basically pariah's in schools. No one outside their classroom wanted anything to do with them. Now they were just the akuma class. No one trusted them or ever talked to them. Except making comments and whispering behind their backs. Most of the hate came from Adrien's fan's, which made up a good amount of people in Paris alone. From young to old, and different professions, Adrien had a growing number of supporters and fans that made their loyalties known. If it wasn't more interjections by Adrien and the heroes alone they believed worse would come to them other than being isolated and practically snubbed, "The last time I was at school, someone filled my locker with glue and feathers. One of the less physical pranks, but still embarrassing to say the least. And as it continued she felt a sense of fear and nervousness. Mixed with the worry that this was happening for a reason. Just like with all her classmates. That they were being targeted. Right after Adrien had stopped coming to school.
A curse? Karma? Retaliation? Revenge?
"One day people are going to set these petty pranks aside.", they would find something else and move on, "You can pick feathers off and wash off the glue. But, actions don't exactly scrub off easily.", and lingered like a stain that people would always see, "While you might think your having a bad time with people being upset with you. Think about what Adrien is going through.", and what he was dealing with, "He got sent to the hospital. He still has bruises and wounds from the beating.", and from his livestream revealed how he was on a number of medications for his anxiety and seeing a therapist for PTSD symptoms because others assumed he was going to rehab or developed a habit or even that he was being sent to jail for a crime that didn't happen, "But, all you seem to be focusing on is how other's are treating you because you choose to act like a bully and then show no sympathy what so ever.", and now that everything was coming back on her in the worst way she wanted to drift back into her former self.
Which included coming to her older brother and expecting instant sympathy. Of course he felt bad that his little sister was upset and having a hard time at school. Yet, it was slowly eclipsed by missing the bigger picture of the situation.
"But I...I mean I do...I feel bad and..."
"What do you feel bad about?"
"Everything!", she exclaimed outside her usual tone, "I'm sad, nervous, angry, and tired.", she was a storm of emotions colliding with each other, "I want to fix this, but I can't.", and she didn't know how, "What do I do?"
"You didn't want to come to me for help when you took the words of a stranger and being apart of mob mentality.", and he wasn't going to coddle her now that everything was going to be okay, "I can't stop what's happening at school or with the other students. You have to face the consequences of your actions.", and learn things couldn't just be fixed just because something she did wrong was coming back on her, "If someone accused me like your friend accused Adrien how would you feel? Would you let them beat me up or worse because someone told you a story or you thought I deserved it? Would you just take her word or actually come and talk to me?", he looked at his sister and wanted for an answer. Noting how she had again gone silent and looked to ponder the question as if it were a complex question she had not considered before and required time to think of.
"The fact you can't even answer the question makes me even more disappointed.", he frowned.
"But, Luka..."
Luka shook his head.
"Whose song are you playing? Because all I hear is someone else's.", and he didn't like it, "All I've heard is 'she told me' or 'she told us' or 'we believe her because...'", it was like a broken record, "It sounds to me that because some girl you barely know told you a bunch of stories, you automatically believe anything that comes out of her mouth without question.", as if telling stories gave her immunity from telling lies, "You never questioned once about any of her stories. You never thought to look into anything she claimed, even when it sound ridiculous.", and given the fact they were posted for anyone and everyone to see, it was a wonder the girl had managed to make anyone believe such tall tales.
"You want forgiveness? That's something you have to earn back.", not just by words alone, "Some people are owed an apology. But, not everyone deserves forgiveness.", and that was one of many lessons she was going to have to learn. She couldn't believe that just because someone was kind hearted, that they automatically would offer the same kindness again after being slighted, "This is a bitter pill your going to have to swallow.", no matter how bitter it tasted, it was something she was going to have to endure. Not just in school, but outside school. This was was a polarizing scandal that millions of people now knew about. It was on the news, in magazines, and on multimedia platforms. And the fact there was video of the attack gave a more upsetting taste in people's mouth. It created a disharmony that reverbed through the entire city and out into the rest of the world.
"Try putting yourself in his shoes.", than maybe she would learn something other than repeating what someone else said.
The days after that continued in silence. When he left the boat, giving a short glance at his sister as she continued with her punishments, he went to work at his delivery job. He didn't get any grief from his co-workers or even the customers. Who seemed more empathetic, than anger by association. He got a few glances and short comments, but nothing to scathing. Which for him was a relief when out in the city.
After delivering his latest order he was preparing to head back when he spotted something. Or rather someone. A head of gold that had captured his attention and brought a familiar tune to his heart.
'Adrien?'
Though it had been a while, he could recognize the former model. Able to find those emerald green eyes from a far as he exited from one of the cafe's. He looked to be chatting with two other individuals. One with glasses and another showing him something on his phone. It was almost reminiscent of those memories when he had happened upon the blond being released from his gilded cage of a home and allowed to come out into the city. Though sometimes brief, he remembered just seeing his face light up by just being able to be outside and do things most people did on a weekly basis. To him it was like finding a new piece of land and being able to explore it.
It was innocent.
His features were returning to normal. A few cuts and bandages here and there. He noted the wrist support on his left hand. Something he had spoken about in his confession from his stream. While it was healing he had to go to therapy for a broken bone in his wrist. While it wasn't serious, he needed to be careful while it healed. His right eye had returned to it's illustrious emerald tone, with a bandaged underneath and over his cheek. But, even so he was still the picture of perfection most had known him for. Even with some dings and scratched, his light radiated like a sun behind thin clouds.
But, he knew, even from a distance, that was only the outside view. The inside was more complex.
It wasn't the same as it was before. That once calm and humble tune mixed with an escalating tempo that wanted to break lose whenever it could. It had changed. Slowly down into a even tempo. A heartbeat slowly returning back from the brink. Yet, now surrounded with tones that wished to share their own tunes with him, had been touched by it themselves, but also guarded the healing tempo. From the old notes that once tried to drag it done and smoother it.
"He's a soft soul.", with the soft patters of piano keys that could soothe and calm the soul. But, when the right notes came along could create a tone that captivated even those that seemed cold and unmoving. Even when dealing with such an ordeal he and battling his own storms, he was still trying to keep the calm and peace even if only for a moment.
Maybe one day their songs would meet again and they would be able to create better tunes for the future. When he was ready to reach out again and he found his own beat again. A stronger song that continued to rise from the fall and play on.
But, until then...
He wanted to protect that smile. Even if only for a moment.
And he would.
...To Be Continued...