"Congratulations!" cried Kyoko, throwing herself towards Kanae. The warrior held up a hand, pressing her palm to the girl's forehead to prevent her from getting any closer. It wasn't that she hated Kyoko. She just didn't want to be knocked down again. Kyoko had been waiting for her to come out of arena after the award ceremony, her attempt to sneak attack Kanae foiled by her enthusiasm.
"Calm yourself." grumbled Kanae, still holding Kyoko by the forehead. "I enjoy breathing so I'd rather you didn't crush me thank you."
Kyoko finally relented, sticking her lip out as she pouted. Movement behind her caught Kanae's eyes. Another person was walking towards them, smiling politely at Kanae. If the blonde hair and tall stature wasn't enough to identify him, the elaborate clothes and trinkets did the trick.
Kanae's first impression of the prince close up made her think of an obelisk. His height automatically made you feel smaller, emphasized by his straight posture and a subtle strength radiating from him. Thought perhaps most wouldn't notice that last detail. Kanae was more sensitive to magic the average person.
"Ah, prince Kuon." said Kyoko, smiling at the man. She took his wrist, tugging him forward enthusiastically to stand in front of Kanae. "May I introduce to you by best friend, Kanae Kotonami!"
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Kanae." said Kuon, voice deep and polite.
Kanae quickly bowed her head in a formal salute. "You honor me your highness. The pleasure is mine."
Though Kanae had technically know Kyoko was a concubine to the prince, the knowledge hadn't completely sunk in until this moment. She felt awkward acting so formally. This was not the class of people was used to.
"Please, no need for formalities." said Kuon. "A friend of Kyoko's is a friend of mine. Actually I wish to commend you for your skills. You're just as talented as Kyoko described."
Kanae raised her head, carefully arranging her expression to remain neutral. The pleasant stream of easy complements made Kanae wary. She never trusted smooth talkers.
"Thank you." said Kanae. "It was an honor to take place in the tournament."
The prince's smile didn't reach is eyes. He was studying her, probably trying to decide if she was worth his effort to be polite to. Kanae stared back, her expression completely smooth. Let him deduce what he wanted from her.
"We were watching in the stands." said Kyoko, her voice breaking the slight tension. "We were all cheering for you of course."
"Hey, and what about me?" said Shin, popping out of nowhere. He rested a casual arm around Kyoko, leaning slightly into her. "You promised to cheer for me, remember?"
"And so she did, until the last fight." said Kuon, deftly removing Shin's arm from Kyoko's shoulders and guiding her around to the other side of him. "Isn't it enough for you to have most, if not all the woman in the stands cheering for you?"
"It's all about quality, not quantity." said Shin, wagging a finger at Kuon. "Though, I guess you've figured that out only recently haven't you?"
Kanae watched the exchange, eyes narrowing. It hadn't escaped her notice how quickly Kuon removed Shin's arm from Kyoko, or the slight change in the still polite smile affixed. The prince appeared to be territorial with his concubines.
Kyoko appeared to be unaware of his possessive gesture."I'm so glad your plan worked. Erik looked really surprised when you guys took off your disguises."
"It was your plan, actually." Kanae reminded. "I didn't think it would work."
"But it did work." said Shin, clapping a hand on Kanae's shoulder, who quickly shoved it off. He kept the momentum going, casually placing both hands behind his head as if that was his intention. "All's well that ends well. I haven't played a good prank like that in a long time."
The prince let out a barely disguised snort. "A long time? Your sense of time is off if you think a few hours is considered a long time."
Rather than discouraging him, the comment seemed to do the opposite. Both he and Kuon started bickering, throwing accusations at each other in quick succession. Based off of the snippets she heard, it would be in the best interest for her self preservation to never trust anything Shin handed her.
"But that spell at the end." said Kyoko, ignoring the conversation going on beside them. "That was the same spell the stone colossus used wasn't it? Where did you learn it?"
It was an innocent enough question. The problem was the answer. Kanae didn't like publicizing her ability, even to her friends. It gave her an edge, allowing her to throw people off if she used it correctly. It wasn't that she didn't trust Kyoko, but some habits were hard to break. From the conversation going on beside them, she saw Shin give her a side long glance, a raised eyebrow asking a silent question. Would she tell the truth, or was she going to cover it up? Kanae would like to know how Shin found out about it in the first place.
"It's.. nothing special." sighed Kanae, resigning herself to her fate. "I learned it from when the demon attacked us. I can instantly memorize magic circles and spell formations that I've seen before. With practice, I can recreate them."
"Fascinating." said the prince, his eyes widening as he turned to listen to their conversation. "Demons like the sand colossus use dark runes and magic in their spells. How did you recreate the spell using arcane magic instead?"
"I translated it." Obviously she thought in her head. "I know enough dark runes that I was able to recreate the spell using arcane runes instead. It wasn't an exact replica, which was probably why Shin was able to get out of the pit, but it's at least very similar."
"Interesting." said the prince, appearing thoughtful. Then, a second later his head whipped up. "Wait, you said when you both were attacked? Do you mean that Kyoko was attacked by a stone colossus?
"Yeah, while we were traveling here last month."
A dark flicker crossed Kuon's eyes. It was subtle, but Kanae hadn't missed it.
Someone cleared their throat beside Kanae. She glanced around, noticing a man with glasses had approached the group. The part in the middle helped to frame his face, an open expression of delight in his hazel eyes. "Kanae, Shin. Why don't we go talk to the event organizers about your winnings? Prince Kuon and Kyoko can wait for us until we come back."
"Aye aye Yuki." said Shin giving the man in glasses a mock salute. "We'll meet you guys at the entrance."
Before Kanae could even protest, she found herself being lead away, trapped between the two men as they marched away. She glanced over her shoulder, catching a glimpse of Kyoko in conversation with Kuon. She seemed happy, talking to the prince who's expression... had softened? What was that about?
A strange giggle to her side made Kanae turn her attention to the new stranger beside her. He was wearing a silly grin that definitely did not suite a man his age.
"Could you be any more obvious?" said Shin, rolling his eyes.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." said the man, pushing up his glasses, face changing to a look so serious it was comical. He noticed Kanae staring at him and gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry for not introducing myself properly. I'm Yukihito."
"Kanae." she said, her brain working. "Forgive me, but were you trying to get Kyoko and the prince alone together?"
The guilty expression on Yukihito's face told Kanae she was right. Shin let out a snort beside her.
"I told you it was obvious."
"So let me get this straight," said Kanae, ignoring the chuckling man and glaring at Yukihito. "You are purposefully trying to push my friend into forming an attachment to your prince? To what end? So he can seduce her and take away her innocence?" There was no way in heck Kanae was going to let that happen. Why were men always such pigs?
"N-no that's not it." said Yukihito, waving his hands in front of him. "Well, I do want them to spend more time together and get to know each other better. I can't exactly tell you since it's not my business to tell what exactly is going on..." his voice trailed off as Kanae loomed over him, his words just making her angrier. She was about to turn back and take Kyoko away from these idiots when an arm wrapped around her neck pulling her back. Kanae tensed, immediately trying to pull the arm off of her.
"You're just making it worse Yuki." said Shin from behind her, his arm still around her neck. "Just let her figure it out. She's a smart girl."
"Get, off!" said Kanae. Thankfully he released her. She took a few steps back, glaring at the two men. At least Yukihito looked a little guilty. Shin just looked amused.
"Look, why don't you hang around for a bit." said Shin. "Judge for yourself what you see. Then you can yell at Yuki all you want. He actually might like it."
Yukihito groaned, placing hand over his face. "Please stop making up weird rumors about me sir."
"There's a party tonight in the palace." continued Shin. "It's private party for only those specially invited. Though I'm sure you could get in since you're friends with Kyoko. Plus you just got second in this prestigious tournament. Why don't you come with and observe her situation there?"
Kanae hesitated, considering the two men. As much as she hated to admit it, she was worried about Kyoko living in the palace. The prince aside, dealing with nobility and other high people in society could become difficult very quickly. She had figured that out herself after dealing with them many times, but would going mean anything? It's not like she could do anything for Kyoko if she wasn't satisfied with the situation.
"I think Kyoko would appreciate you being there." said Yukihito. "This is her first major party since being in the palace. I know she's nervous, though she tries to hide it from everyone."
Kanae hesitated, quickly becoming swayed by Yukihito's sincere concern. What real harm would there be in going to see how she was doing? Besides, there would probably be some great free food.
"Fine." said Kanae, turning around and walking away. "Let's just get that prize money and go back."
"Excellent." said Shin, falling into step beside her. "You know... I don't think Yukihito has a date to the party."
The man in the glasses stumbled, nearly face planting onto his flushed cheeks.
"What about this one?" said Kyoko, tapping on a piece of blue fabric. "I think a cerulean blue would look good on you."
"If you think so." said Kanae.
"So a 'no' then." said Kyoko, placing the fabric back on the shelf. She tapped her finger against her lip, staring at the assortment of cloth that lined the shelf. "Ugh, I'm still not used to this kind of stuff. I wish Maria or one of the concubines were here."
Kyoko and Kanae had parted with the other men earlier, going to a store to get a dress made for Kanae. The warrior didn't have a single dress to her name, which was understandable considering her profession, but it meant that Kanae had to have a dress made for her before the party started. That didn't give them a lot of time.
Despite the haste, Kyoko had to suppress a giggle. She couldn't believe that Kanae was going to the party with her. She'd been dreading the event, scared of her first true debut into high society, but with Kanae there, she could do it no problem.
"What about this color miss?" said one of the store attendants, holding up a dark green. The lady had been walking around with them, a true blessing in their hour of need.
"Oh, that's a pretty color." said Kyoko. "What do you think?"
Kanae glanced at the attendant, sparks flying between them when their eyes met, the woman's professional smile was frozen on her face. Kyoko and Kanae were in one of the best dress stores in the area, so of course the people who worked there would be professional, even if their customer was wearing tattered and torn clothes, their boots trailing sand into the room. They probably would have thrown them out if Kyoko hadn't been wearing her necklace, indicating who she was.
"Looks fine to me." said Kanae with a shrug.
"Excellent." said the attendant. "I'll start drawing up some suggestions for the dress. Then you can come chose which design you'd like."
Before Kyoko could say anything, the attendant were gone, hurrying to get the two of them out of the store.
"You could be a little more excited Kanae." said Kyoko with a sigh. "It isn't every day you get to go to a party at the palace."
"I just hate the idea of paying so much for a dress I'm going to wear once." said Kanae.
"Don't worry about it. I still have tons of money from the allowance prince Kuon gave me. I honestly don't know what to do with-"
A short squeal came from where the attendant had just gone. Kyoko exchanged a look with her friend. They both strode over to where they heard the noise. The attendant was backing up, staring at the floor where a scorpion crawled on the floor.
"W-where's the manager." said the attendant, looking around wildly. "I can't stand bugs."
"It's just a scorpion" said Kanae, folding her arms with a huff.
Kyoko walked forward, creating a barrier around her hands with magic and scooping it up. She then turned, smiling at the horrified attendant who was looking at her as if she was crazy.
"Do you have a side door where I can put him outside?" said Kyoko.
The woman nodded, quickly skirting across the room to show Kyoko the door.
"I'll be right back" said Kyoko to Kanae, "So keep looking around."
Ignoring her friends grumbling, Kyoko followed the attendant, who opened the door before sprinting away from Kyoko, obviously still frightened by the scorpion. Kyoko couldn't help giggling a little, taking the door to step outside. It led to a side street connected to the main road which was full of people as they walked around for the festival, the hum of voices and laughing drifting down the empty street Kyoko occupied.
Kyoko unconsciously smiled. The excitement of all the people bustling down the busy street was infectious, even from this distance. She set down the scorpion, gently placing it next to one of the walls of the buildings. She was just about to turn around and go back into the store when she felt it.
The world around her came to a screeching halt. People still moved, and the sun still shone, but Kyoko wasn't aware of it. She wasn't connected to anything but that feeling. That dark, horrible feeling creeping up through her stomach, causing it to churn. This was beyond the sand colossus, beyond any other dark feeling or curse she had ever even imagined.
And it was coming closer.
Kyoko turned her head, staring at the space between the two buildings, to where the crowd was flowing through the street. Her vision blurred, focusing on that dark presence.
Then she saw it. The... thing, entered her view.
It wore a tall black robe, it's entire body covered with a hood. If there was a face beneath it, she couldn't see it, just an empty space of nothing but blackness. Ribbons like black fire flickered from the figure. It glided easily through the crowd, no one else appearing to notice it's presence.
Kyoko couldn't move. Her mouth had gone dry, her body hot with adrenaline. Her mind was screaming at her to run, to get away from whatever this thing was. But she couldn't, unable to move except to shake in fear.
Why was everyone acting so normal? Couldn't they see that thing in their midst? Couldn't they feel the evil this thing emanated?
The creature suddenly stopped. It's hooded face tilted towards Kyoko.
Panic shot through Kyoko. She lunged for the nearest barrier, hiding behind it. She clamped a hand over her mouth, forcing down a whimper. Tears of terror sprang to her eyes. She didn't dare breathe. Her body was on red alert, every inch of her tense, waiting.
She had no idea how long she stayed there. It could have been hours for all she knew. She didn't dare move until that thing left.
Slowly, the dark feeling dissipated.
The world's sounds and warmth come back in a rush, returning Kyoko to earth.
Kyoko let out a long breath, her body relaxing. She held up a hand, and watched it shake uncontrollably as her body freaked out from all the adrenaline still coursing through it. What in the world had that been? Never had she ever been so scared in her life. Whatever that thing was, it was evil, and she hoped she never saw it again.
Kyoko placed a hand on the crate she had hid behind, using it to push herself up. She groaned as her legs protested, the muscles angry at her for the position she had put them in for so long. Idly, Kyoko rubbed her arms, attempting to return some feeling to them.
"Hmmm, now that's interesting."
Kyoko jumped, spinning around so quickly she nearly tripped.
A man with long silver hair stood before her, head tilted as he examined her with obvious interest. He wore an open vest, a single dark gem hanging from his ear. If his scrutiny and sudden appearance wasn't enough to freak Kyoko out, the strange aura she felt around him was. It just felt wrong. Her instincts, which were already on edge, told her this was not a good person to approach.
"You could see it couldn't you?" said the man, his eyes curious in a predatory way. "That thing in the dark robe. Not many can do that."
"I- don't know what you're talking about." said Kyoko, her voice a horse from stress. "Excuse me." She moved to walk back into the store, intent on getting away.
A hand shot out, slamming against the wall blocking her path.
Kyoko froze.
"Now see here." said a voice in her ear, sending shiver up Kyok's spine. "We were just getting to know each other. It's rude to just walk off like that." Kyoko squeaked as she felt cold fingers one the base of her neck, playing with strands of her hair.
Perhaps if she wasn't still in shock from that strange creature, she would have shoved this man away, or set her grudges on him while yelling profanities. But instead she just stood there, frozen in place.
"Now, let's have a look at you why don't we?" she heard him say. "Hmmm, such a pure spirit, but with such a bleak space of your soul. How did that happen I wonder?"
Kyoko jerked her head towards him, somehow managing to become even more panicked. What was this man talking about? His gray eyes shone like his silver hair, when they met hers she froze again. Such a sharp gaze. It was as if he could see into her very soul...
"Perfect candidate." he said, as if mentally checking off a list. "Should be interesting to see what you become."
Finally, Kyoko found her voice. "I don't..."
She trailed off, watching in fascination as he reach for one of the necklaces that hung from him. He held up what appeared to be an obsidian rock caged in gold wires, waving a hand in front of it. The pendant shimmered, a dark mass of something leaving the stone and resting in the man's hand. He held it up, one eye on Kyoko as she stared at the thing.
"Now don't move." said the man, stepping forward. "This may hurt a little."
Kyoko's body moved, backing up until her feet ran into the wall of the store. Her eyes were glued to the thing in his hand. It felt like that robed figure from earlier, except more subdued.
"No.." she whispered, the thing only inches from her. "Don't... "
The man reached forward, the mass of evil entering inside her body.
Kyoko gasped, her body immediately flaring in a white hot searing pain. She stumbled forward, knocking past the man as she flung herself to the ground. Fingers dug into the hot sand as she dry retched, her body physically rejecting what he had put into her. Sparks of pain shot out from her heart to her whole body. It hurt so much.
Then, as suddenly as it was there, it was gone.
Kyoko breathed a large shaky gasp, stumbled to her feet and wiping the sweat and bile for her mouth.
"What the hell was that!" yelled Kyoko, the pain bringing her back to her self. She wasn't scared anymore, just really pissed. She glared at the man, who was just staring at her, one eyebrow cocked.
"You purged it." he said, sounding confused. "But you can't use light magic. Huh. How did that happen I wonder?"
"Go away before I call for the guards." snapped Kyoko. She moved to stride past him, going for the side door. A hand grabbed her wrist, forcing Kyoko to turn around.
"Who exactly are you missy?" he said, "Not just anyone can purge a pod, or see that thing. Why don't you tell me exactly how you did that?"
"Let go!"
Kyoko struggled, trying to wrench the creeps hands from her, but his grip was strong. She began to form a spell to knock him back, but it was shot down by a pulse from him. She couldn't escape. He pulled her closer, Kyoko letting out a small 'eep.'
"Get away from her!"
The man looked up, his expression turning from interest to irritation. He dropped Kyoko's arm, quickly backing away. A spell fell where he had been a second earlier, scorching the ground.
Kanae appeared, planting herself between Kyoko and the creep. She raised her spear, the tip leveled at the man. A second later, Yuusei appeared, his sword drawn.
"Kanae. Yuusei." cried Kyoko, relief spreading through her.
"Please step back Lady Kyoko." said Yuusei, fury coloring his voice as he glared at the strange silver haired man. "Let us take care of this."
"How annoying." said the man, letting out a sigh. "Why are you guards always making things more difficult?"
The man cast a glance around at them, his eyes landing on Kyoko.
"We'll have to continue our talk another time, Kyoko" he said. "Until then."
"You're not getting away." growled Kanae as she stepped forward.
The ground beneath the man shone, a magic circle springing to life. It emanated a dark aura, flecks of shadows flickering as it engulfed him. Kanae and Yuusei both cried out, charging for the man. He sunk through the floor, disappearing before their weapons could reach him.
"What the heck." said Kanae, tapping the ground with the butt of her spear. "I thought teleportation magic wasn't possible."
"Apparently it is." said Yuusei, looking troubled. His head snapped towards Kyoko, hurrying over to her and sheathing his sword. "Are you hurt? I'm sorry, I didn't know you'd gone outside."
"I'm fine." said Kyoko, brushing off his concern and walking to where Kanae was still studying the ground. Her friend's face was scrunched in concentration, eyes squeezed shut.
"Dang it." muttered Kanae. "I didn't see the whole thing. I can't figure out how he did it." Her raven haired friend then looked at Kyoko. "Are you alright? What did Reino do to you?"
"Reino? Is that his name?"
Kanae stared at her.
"Kyoko, that man is famous. He's in the top three of the most wanted. There's a huge bounty across the entire kingdom for his head! Reino is very dangerous. I didn't believe some of the stories circling around him, but if he can use teleportation magic... I'm more inclined to believe them."
Kyoko frowned. What was such a scary man doing in this area of town where security was tighter?
"What happened?" said Yuusei, who had come to where they were standing. "He didn't hurt you or anything?"
"Not exactly..." said Kyoko, placing a hand on her heart. "He... tried to put some sort of dark spell on me."
Kyoko was spun around as Kanae took hold of her shoulders, staring at her in horror. "He did what! Where! What exactly did he do?"
"I-it was right here." said Kyoko, her hand still on her heart. "But... I think he said I purged it. I'm not sure. It just hurt for a second... then it was gone."
Kanae examined her for another few seconds before her expression turned sour.
"We're going to the palace right now." she said firmly, taking Kyoko's wrist and leading her down the alleyway.
"But.." started Kyoko, but Kanae cut her off.
"He'll be back, he said so. Right now the safest place for you is in the palace. It's protected by enough spells and guards that you should be safe there."
"Alright.." said Kyoko, not bothering to tell Kanae that something had actually gotten inside the castle and killed a concubine. There was no need to worry Kanae with that at the moment. Though... she vaguely remembered hearing something about a Specter being the thing that had killed Aya. Now that she thought about it, the magic she had felt around Aya's murder scene had been very similar to that black hooded thing. Was it possible that the creature she had seen in the street had been the Specter they talked about? Did Reino have something to do with all of it?
I knew it was going to be dangerous thought Kyoko, remembering about her conversation with Lory. He said that the Accursed were returning. Did I just run into two people, or things associated with it?
One thing was certain. Kyoko hoped she never saw Reino or that creature ever again.
Away from the busy bright bustle of the main roads, the streets became dimmer, the dregs and poor of the city coming together to form a community. Like any large city, these were the back roads, the dark allies, the places most people didn't dare venture for fear of being robbed or worse. All sorts of thieves and murders slunk around these parts, bars and Inn's littered with the worst of folks. You had to keep an eye on your purse, and another on your back if you wanted to live.
It was near one of these back allies that a single figure glided through the streets, their fellow degenerates shying back as they recognized him. They slipped into a bar, walking straight to the back where the bartender nodded them through. Stopping in front of the door of a private room, he tapped a finger on the door frame, a dark rune appearing and shining for a moment before disappearing.
Reino walked into the room closing the door behind him. There were several people already inside, each of them looked up when he entered. He counted them quickly, noting a new addition to the party as well as an absence of one.
Three people physically occupied the room, two men and a woman. Another person, their imaged completely covered with a large cloak was present via hologram produced by a gem laying on the ground.
"Well, look who decided to show up." said the woman, sitting on one of the tables. Her legs were crossed, the split skirt slipping away and revealing long thighs. He barely gave her a glance, already well aware of what she would be wearing. A typical revealing bra embroidered with gems and silk. She wasn't the type of woman he was interested in. Completely boring and predictable.
Reino threw off his cloak, plopping down into a chair and leaning back.
"Clam down Naomi." said Reino, faking a large yawn. "I'm here before the boss. That's all that matters."
"Naomi's right Reino." said Sozen, glancing at a gold watch on his wrist. "You're half an hour late. We've been waiting for you."
Reino smirked. Trust the businessman to be picky about time.
"I was distracted." said Reino, with a shrug.
Yellow slitted eyes narrowed at him."Oh.. has something caught your eyes?" said Naomi, biting her lip with a pointed canine and leaning in towards him. "That's unusual. What was it this time? A King scorpion with two souls? Or perhaps a new poison that turns a person inside out?"
"None of your business." said Reino smoothly. "Besides, what are you doing here anyway?
"Are you curious?" said Naomi, cocking her head at him and smirking. "I'll tell you, but it will cost you."
Reino glanced at Sozen, who answered "She's being promoted as a reward for her loyalty. She'll be included in the rest of the plans from now on."
"You're no fun." pouted Naomi. "You need to learn to relax. I'm quite adept in that area if you need some help."
"Careful." said Reino to Sozen. "She's quite the little snake in bed. If you don't watch yourself she'll swallow you whole like the half breed that she is."
Naomi hissed, standing up tall and threatening. Twin weapons slid into her hands, chain links clinking as she did so.
"Would you like to repeat what you just said?" said Naomi, "Or should I lop that pretty little head clean off?"
"Enough."
Naomi started, slipping back to her original spot as the owner of that voice appeared. It came through the walls, slipping through it as if it wasn't there. Immediately Reino fell to his knee's, his other companions doing the same. Even as a servant of the dark and a fellow member of the Accursed, Reino couldn't help shivering slightly in the presence of their leader, the Dark Djinn. The hooded figure surveyed them for a moment before speaking again.
"Rise." it said. "We have much to discuss."
Reino returned to his seat, the others doing so as well.
"Gin is dead."
A ripple of surprise swept through the room. Even Reino perked up. Gin had been one tough guy, and surrounded by lots of powerful creatures to boot. How had that happened?
"He's dead?" said Sozen, glaring at the man here by holograph. "Weren't you in charge of that part of the plan Grey? How could you let that happen?"
The holograph turned to Sozen, irritation evident even they couldn't see the face of the man.
"The king turned out to be stronger than we thought." said a deep voice. "And I couldn't intervene without raising suspicions. It's partially Gin's own fault for bringing so much attention to himself."
"I'd heard that the whole army had been wiped, but I didn't think it was true." sighed Sozen. "I guess we're going to have to start over with that part. We need to quickly find someone to inherit Gin's Relic and start churning out pods again."
The holograph figure hesitated. "The king has Gin's Relic."
"Are you serious?" Naomi stood up, anger emanating. "It's not bad enough that that we lost Gin? Now you're saying that we lost the catalyst as well? How are we going to activate the pods? You couldn't have screwed this up more if you tried."
The cloaked figure's stance became more stiff. "You have not yet been blessed by the master. So until you hold proper authority to speak as you wish, I would advise you to hold your tongue."
The woman flicked her tongue at him, the forked end catching the light, muttering "Touchy" under her breath.
Reino let out a short laugh, examining his nails "I think the 'touchy' on is you. Weren't you expecting to get promoted with Gin's relic?"
Naomi shot him a venomous glare, and opened her mouth, but Sozen cut in."So this means that the only generator we have is Reino's." His glance at Reino spoke exactly what he thought about that. "That's hardly comforting."
"You forget Kemo." said Reino, jerking his head towards the only person who hadn't spoken since Reino had entered. A large man sat on the side of the room, covered in hair and large muscles. Dark dangerous eyes turned to Reino as he spoke, the usual hint of wildness and barely suppressed ferocity concentrating on Reino who ignored it. "His relic might not be a generator, but he's still got his own breed of monsters he's cooking up beneath the king's nose. We're not completely at square one."
"We will continue with the current situation as planned." said the Djinn, breaking into their conversation. "Gin's death sets us back a bit, but it's still manageable. Only a few things have been altered."
It's form rippled, changing and shrinking. In a few seconds, Reino was staring at the form of the young woman he had just harassed this afternoon, except with a slight difference. The golden eyes were now brooding, her whole demeanor dark and dangerous. Reino raised an eyebrow.
"This woman, her name is Kyoko." said the dark Kyoko, "She's a concubine to Prince Kuon. You are not to touch her."
That made Reino sit up. Since when were there people they couldn't mess with besides Prince Kuon?
Reino heard Sozen mutter something under his breath, but Reino ignored him.
"Why?" said Reino, genuinely curious. "What does she have to do with all this?"
"She plays an important part." said the Djinn. "It's imperative she stays alive at the moment."
What a vague answer. Thought Reino. This 'Kyoko' just kept getting more and more interesting.
Reino sat back, examining the girl's appearance as a dark Accursed being. Especially when she looked like this, he found himself very interested in corrupting her.
"Reino." said the fake Kyoko, and there was irritation laced in it's voice. "You will oversee the spreading of the pods like you were suppose to, and you will do it right. Naomi will be going with you to make sure everything gets taken care of."
"Why bother?" said Reino with a shrug. "If I need a babysitter then why send me? Naomi can take care of it herself."
Naomi straightened in her seat, the gleam of glory bright in her eyes, eager to please. But before she could say anything, the Djinn cut her off.
"No." it said. "You will be there Reino. We need you to make the portal to enter the waiting room." The eyes narrowed. "This is your last chance Reino, if you mess up again, there will be consequences."
"Yes yes," said Reino lazily.
The meeting continued, going over the finer points of the plan and making sure everything was set. The conversation rolled over Reino as he mused over what to do next. He was lazy, but he wasn't dumb. There was a reason Naomi was being allowed at this meeting and was going with him. She wasn't going replace Gin. She was his, Reino's replacement, meant to take over once he was gone. Judging by the Djinn's new plans, Reino had messed up one too many times for it's liking.
This mission wasn't a last chance. The group just needed his power to fulfill the assignment, then they would kill him and give his relic to Naomi. It would take her a week to 'change' after merging with it, and they didn't have the time for that. So they kept Reino alive, to kill him immediately following.
Reino tapped a finger against the chair, thinking instead of listening to the rest of the plans the Accursed were discussing. He couldn't escape, not from the Djinn. It would always know where he was. No, the only thing he could do was have as much fun and wreck as much possible. The only question was, who or what was he going to mess with?
Thank you for taking the time to read this story! And a special thank you for all those that encourage me through reviewing and such. XD
So here's Reino. He'll add a fun new part to the story I hope.
Many have wondered about why the stone colossus was after Kyoko in the previous chapters. Well, I know it's been a while, but you can figure out the answer if you can remember past events. (Hint: Read Lory's perspective in chapter 7. That should get you on the right track.) Don't fret if you can't figure it out. Eventually the point will be addressed again.
Now I'm off to do homework that's due in an hour and a half. XD
-Blushweaver.