The king turned from where the specter had been, striding over to Kyoko. She quickly dropped her barrier as he approached and knelt.
"Are you alright?" he asked calmly.
"I-"
Kyoko was cut short by the sounds of other people entering the room. She started, half expecting to see more Accursed, but no. It was prince Kuon, Lory and Dyrus.
The king merely glanced behind himself, frowning.
"'Bout time you all showed up." He grumbled.
Kyoko didn't listen to Lory's reply, her eyes finding Kuon. The prince was striding quickly to her, worry etched all over his expression. He knelt down, taking her face in one of his hands.
"Are you alright?" he said, eyes searching her, then they fell on her bandaged arm, narrowing. "You're hurt."
"I'm fine, I already took care of it." Said Kyoko, voice shaking slightly. Her body was still pumped full of adrenaline, not yet registering the pain.
The prince wasn't appeased by her words. He removed his hand from her face, placing it lightly below the bandages on her arm. Light shone from one of the rings on his finger and warmth spread into her arm, centering on the wound beneath the bandage.
"We'll have Lory look at it as well." said Kuon.
"First we have to help Kanae." Said Kyoko, attempting to stand up. Her legs shook and she stumbled, the prince catching her.
"Careful." Said Kuon, gently helping her stay upright. "You should probably sit back down."
Kyoko ignored him.
"Duke Takarada." Said Kyoko, turning the attention of the King, Dyrus and Lory onto her. "Can you help Kanae. The… specter tried to take out her essence."
"It did what?"
Lory's eyes darkened, turning to Kanae. He quickly knelt down, hovering a hand over her. The bracelet on his wrist lit up, a spell assessing her condition. Kyoko watched anxiously, the prince still holding one of her arms.
Lory grimaced before speaking in a sharp voice. "Kenchi, Leir. Take Kanae to the closest clinic. Send the first guard you see to call Hirotaka, he should be in stands. Tell him she's at a level 5 corruption."
The two soldiers that had survived, jumped into action, looking grateful to have something to do. One went to get a stretcher, the other moved to lift Kanae off the ground.
"Can I stay with her?" said Kyoko. She knew she wasn't a cleric and nothing but light magic could help her friend, but she couldn't stand to leave her. What if she died while Kyoko wasn't there! The thought brought tears to her eyes she tried to blink away.
"Of course you can." Said Lory, kindly. "You should go to the clinic as well to check on your arm. Kuon." Lory nodded to him. "Make sure she gets there safely and then stay with her."
"Of course."
"Don't worry." Said Lory, giving Kyoko a reassuring smile. "We'll take good care of her. We'll be right behind you."
Kyoko hesitated again, this time noticing all the people on the floor. She was a physician wasn't she? Shouldn't she check to see if she could help any of them…
"There's nothing you can do." Said Lory quietly as the two solders raised Kanae in the stretcher and started towards the coliseum clinic.
Kyoko swallowed before allowing Kuon to lead her away, a gentle yet firm hold around her waist.
Lory watched, expression grin as the group exited the room, Kanae swaying between the two soldiers. It was a miracle the woman's essence was still intact, but it was badly tainted by the specter. There was a possibility she would never be the same.
Lory examined to room, taking in the destruction the creature had caused. Dozens of men killed, corruption and darkness hanging in the air. It was enough to make anyone sick. He had hoped to prevent a scene like this from happening again. It seemed things were just as bad as they feared.
Dyrus returned into the room a second later, having grabbed some guards from the next post. They quickly spread out, securing the area and checking on those on the ground, a fruitless effort. Lory already knew what the result would be.
The Duke strode to the king who stood by the body of sergeant Jax, ignoring the flurry of activity around him. Kuu looked tired, dark lines under his eyes as he examined the runes that surrounded the body. They expanded from the chest outwards, burned into both skin and ground. Yet another site Lory had hoped to never see again.
"Your majesty."
The king glanced at Lory, then looked back at the runes.
"It's as we feared." Said Kuu, his voice hollow. "The specter was the Dark Djinn. Vaith has been resurrected."
"It's like the founding of the kingdom all over again." Said Lory with a heavy sigh. "You know there have been prophesies about this."
"Vague, hard to interpret crack pot prophesies. At least, that's what I hoped. Never did I think this would happen in my lifetime."
With a ruffle of feathers, the phoenix flew down to stand beside the king. Rosa glowed faintly, her body growing and change shape. Soon, in Rosa's place stood a beautiful woman with long orange hair cascading down her back. It was the reflection of Kuu's heart, the image of his wife.
"Every king must face trials during his rule." said Rose, her voice light and ethereal, different yet the same as the queen's. "This just happens to be you and your son's."
"And people say I have the goddesses luck." muttered Kuu. "They're obviously not paying attention."
"Your majesty." Said Lory calmly. "I think it's time to let people know of the Accursed."
"I know. It's not like we can hide it at this point."
Kuu extended a hand over Jax's body. Magic began to form, soft flecks of light hovering over the circle. They grew, warming the place and erasing the runes and darkness that emanated from them. Kuu closed his hand, the lights retreating and leaving behind the cleared area, softly glowing from the aftermath of purification.
"Let's go." Said Kuu, turning away from the body. "We'll leave the rest to captain Dyrus. We need to find out what happened from Kyoko and Kuon."
Kyoko felt sick. She couldn't help fidgeting, ignoring the grumbles of complaint from the physician that was sewing up her wound. The healing from Kuon had taken care of the pain and stooped most of the bleeding, but it was still a bad cut. Her forearm would probably be sore for a while.
A hand rested on top of hers. She looked up to see Koun, giving her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry." He said. "Kanae is a fighter, I'm sure she'll be fine."
Kyoko lowered her head, nodding. It wasn't just Kanae that was bothering her. Her mind was still in shock from what she'd seen happen to that guard, watching his essence being taken from him. She shuddered at the thought of the Djinn doing to same thing to her friend.
The hand on top of hers gave it a squeeze. Kyoko grimaced, returning the gesture to let the prince know she was alright. His concern for her helped her nerves.
The door to the private clinic room opened.
Kyoko sprang to her feet when she saw it was Lory, yanking her hand from Kuon's and ignoring the disgruntled exclamation of the physician tending her wound.
"How's Kanae?" said Kyoko. "Is she going to be alright?"
"Don't worry Kyoko." Said the Duke. "We've got the head cleric looking at her. She's in good hands."
He hadn't answered the question. She knew enough about calming frantic patients to recognize when evasive strategies were being used on her.
"Duke Takarada." Said Kyoko firmly. "Please don't patronize me. I want to know the truth."
Lory glanced at the physician in the room.
"Would you excuse us? I can finish up the bandaging."
The healer gave a bow, leaving the room quietly. It was then that Kyoko realized someone else had come in after Lory. Her eyes widened, her concern for her friend momentarily forgotten.
King Kuu and Rosa stood inside the clinic room, though Rosa appeared to be much smaller than before. Surely she hadn't been small enough to stand perched on King Kuu's shoulder like she was now? The king turned to Kyoko, having just finished greeting his son.
"Lady Kyoko." Said Kuu, approaching her and smiling. "I'm sad that we had to meet in this way, but I'm glad to finally have the chance to do so. I've heard so much about you from Lory and my son."
Kyoko's face went red, suddenly feeling very small compared to the man - the king - that stood before her. Though the years were obvious on his face, they added to the maturity and wisdom that he exhibited. His light brown hair was slicked back, a few stray strands framing his face. If a person could be judged just on appearance alone, all you could see was kindness and strength from his bearing.
Two seconds later, his words registered in her brain.
"It is an honor to meet you your majesty." Said Kyoko, who stooped into a curtsy. Or at least she tried. In her hast, her balance was off and she stumbled forward. The king caught her shoulders and her face turned several shades brighter.
"I'm sorry." She blurted out, but the king just chuckled, helping her steady herself.
"There's no need to be so tense." Said Kuu. "A patient should rest. I don't think Lory is done with you yet."
Kyoko nodded mutely, sitting back down so Lory could continue his work. The king then gestured to the Phoenix.
"And this Kyoko," Said Kuu, "is Rosa, though you two have already met."
"We have?" said Kyoko, confused. Rosa gracefully jumped off of Kuu's shoulder. During her decent, her form shifted and changed, becoming a familiar one.
"It was you!" said Kyoko, stunned at the person before her. "You saved me from Naomi."
The Ren ghost nodded. "I sensed that you were in danger and sent a projected version of myself to get you to safety."
"Thank you very much for helping me! But... how did you know I was in danger?"
"Don't expect her to give you a straight answer." Said Kuon, "Sometimes I wonder if she knows how she knows things."
Kyoko accepted the answer silently. She noticed that Kuu and Lory were looking at Rosa in shock, evidently surprised at something. They sent her and Kuon a couple curious glances.
"Kyoko." Said Kuu slowly, pointing down at the phoenix. "Rosa takes the form of the one you hold most dear in your heart. If you don't mind me asking, why is she in this form for you?"
"Oh this, this is Ren, a fairy prince." Said Kyoko happily. "I met him when I was seven. I only saw him for a few weeks before he had to leave, but he holds a very special place in my heart." Kyoko smiled at the memories that surfaced, thinking of the confidence Ren had given her. "He helped during some of the hardest times of my life. I will forever be grateful to him."
Then she remembered something.
"Kuon says he knows Ren." Said Kyoko. "Is it possible that you two know him as well?"
"Yes, we do." said the king. "Me and Lory are very well acquainted with him in fact."
Kyoko's heart simultaneously soared and plummeted. Any news about Ren made her happy, but she was also jealous that they claimed to have a close relationship with Ren. A part of her even wondered if Ren remembered her. She banished the thought immediately. No, she should trust Ren and what he had said. He did care for her, there must be a reason why he would stay close to the king and not with her. Well... King Kuu was a king so that was probably why.
The king shared another significant glance with Kuon who shook his head so slightly that Kyoko almost didn't see it.
"I'm sorry Kyoko, but I'm going to have to ask you another question." Said the king, changing the topic.
"You want to know what happened." Said Kyoko, immediately catching on.
The king nodded.
"Dyrus informed me of his side of the story. I'd like to hear your's and Kuon's."
The memories began to fill her mind, the horrible events dampening her mood. She looked to Kuon for strength. He met her gaze, the hand returning to take her own. Normally she would have been alarmed at the contact and the frequency that it kept happening, but shock and weariness were a great way to numb certain emotions. All she felt was gratitude for his presence and willingness to support her. To anchor her to this world with the simple contact.
"First I'd like to know." Said Kyoko, turning her attention to the Duke. "Kanae. What's going to happen to her?"
The Duke studied her for a moment and she could tell he was trying to decide what to tell her.
"I've talked to Hirotaka." Said the Duke finally. "It's… hard to say. We've never had something like this happen before. With time, her body will make a full recovery, that I can say. On the other hand, I can't say the same about her soul or essence. I honestly don't know what the results will be."
She might not be the same person when she awakes. That much Kyoko understood without him saying. When your soul or essence was damaged, it changed you. While Kyoko was glad that Kanae would survive, her stomach churned knowing that Kanae's very soul might not recover.
Kyoko took a deep breath. She turned her attention to the King, determined to tell him all. To give him everything she knew so that he could find the Djinn and stop it from doing this to anyone else. She took another steady breath, then began her tale, starting with when she had noticed the spell on the ground.
Some ten minutes later, Kyoko finished her side of the story, her throat dry and eyes misty. It had been hard to recall when she'd watch Kanae attacked by the Djinn, but she'd made it through the tale without crying.
The king had taken up a seat, listening attentively to her story without interrupting, for which she was glad.
Kyoko then listened as Kuon told his story. How he felt something was wrong and found Kyoko cornered by Reino, then how he and Lory had arrived at the next scene. By the end, the King had leaned back, rubbing his eyes in a tired motion. Kyoko could see the weight of these events on the King's shoulders as he took them upon himself.
"Father." Said Kuon, once he had finished. "Did you know that the specter was the dark Djinn?"
"We suspected." Said Kuu, "But we couldn't confirm without me or Rosa actually seeing him."
Kuon fell silent, a tight expression on his face. Kyoko immediately thought about the curse that The Djinn had placed on the prince. She had a million questions, one of them wondering what exactly had happened to him to get that curse.
"Your majesty." Said Kyoko cautiously. "Do you mind if I ask a question?" She still wasn't comfortable speaking out of turn in front of him.
"Of course Kyoko."
"Didn't you get him? The Djinn and the two Accursed. Didn't you destroy them?" They had been swallowed by both the king and Rosa's magic after all.
"Not exactly." said the King. "That was not the Djinn's true body. It was merely a shadow, much like the one you saw of Rosa earlier."
"Also, those two escaped through a portal before my fire could reach them." Said Rosa, who was still in her form as Ren. "They are no doubt hurt, but definitely alive."
The King stood up, coming up to Kyoko, eyes warm and comforting as he gave her a smile.
"Thank you for telling me all this." He said. "I know it was a hard ordeal for you, but thanks to this, we gained some valuable information we can use to protect the kingdom."
"It is the least I can do your majesty." Said Kyoko. "I'm sorry for losing the pendant."
"Nonsense." Said Kuu. "You were very brave Kyoko. Many would be unable to move in the Djinn's presence, let alone act against him and his followers."
It was a small comfort, but it did make her feel a little better. She had lost the pendent, but that didn't mean they had wholly lost this fight. Hopefully the information truly would help the king in his fight against the Accursed.
"I'm sure you have many more questions." Said Kuu. "But I hope you can hold off your curiosity for a little longer. Due to the sensitivity of the topic, we may not be able to answer any of them for a while."
Kuon looked as if he was going to say something, but Kyoko cut him off.
"I understand your majesty." Said Kyoko. "This is a battle above my current understanding, but I hope that my involvement in this will allow some leeway. If Reino was indeed telling the truth, and the Djinn has some plans that involve me, I think I deserve to know enough to keep myself and others around me safe." Namely people like the Ishibashi boys who guarded her. If she knew what to expect, she could be more cautious when dealing with the Accursed.
Her request was a bold one, she knew it, especially in front of the king, but she also knew her involvement in this. For some reason, her connection and friendship with the prince had put her in the direct line of sight of the Djinn. She had become a part of this without meaning to.
"Don't worry Kyoko." Said Lory, her attention turning the Duke. "We will take every precaution in this matter. If we feel there is something you should know, we will tell you. But first we have to ask. Knowing the Djinn's plans for you are related to the prince and your life in the castle, do you wish to stay here?"
Kuon's hand in hers twitched, and she could feel him grow still beside her. No emotion showed in his face.
He caught her eye, expression changing to a small, albeit sad smile and a nod. She understood the unsaid message. The signal that her would support her decision, whatever it was, but the hint of fear in his features just served to strength her resolve. After seeing the Djinn and the things it had done, Kyoko's answer hadn't changed. In fact, it had solidified.
"I'm not sure what I might contribute to all this." Said Kyoko, eyes now on her and Kuon's clenched hands. "But if I can assist in some way, I will. My answer has not changed from the first time you asked me that question Duke Takarada, and I doubt it will ever change. This has become my home, and I won't abandon it."
The tension in the room softened. Kuu's face broke out into a smile, and he laughed, the difference between the serious man and this jovial gesture astounding. No longer before her was the brooding king with the weight of the would on his shoulders. Instead she saw a confident excited man, brightening the room with his cheer.
"You were right Lory." Said the King, still smiling. "She is a tough one. You sure know how to pick 'em Kuon."
"She was the one that jumped in front of a speeding carriage if you don't remember." Said Kuon, a light smile on his face as well. "If anything she volunteered herself."
Kyoko couldn't help the light blush on her face as the king laughed again.
"Yes, well, it's hard to picture a sweet thing like this yelling at you." Said Kuu. "Anyway, we'll have to continue this discussion another time. In case you've forgotten, you were supposed to participate in a tournament fifteen minutes ago."
The light sword finals!
Kyoko had completely forgotten about that. The events with the Accursed had eclipsed the rest of the world from her mind.
"We were able to delay the tournament thanks to a 'disturbance.'" said Lory with a small smile. "Plus we leaked that the king would be arriving late. It should make everyone more agreeable to waiting, but we can't put it off for much longer. We have to start in the next fifteen minutes or reschedule the whole thing."
"Do you think it's wise to still host the event today?" said Kuon.
"If anything, it's more important than ever to host it." Said Lory. "The majority of the kingdom does not know about the Accursed and will not know for some time. It is important for them and for other nations to see our strength and have confidence in us. If we delay, it could send the wrong message. As unpractical as it seems, it's actually become more important because of recent events to prevent panic from spreading."
"The only question that remains." Said the king. "Is if you think you can fight. You already used a lot of energy today fighting Reino. Do you want me to step in for you?"
"No. I can fight." Said Kuon immediately. "I'll think of it as a warm up for this battle." Then Kuon glanced at Kyoko before looking back as his father. "Can you just give me a few minutes with Kyoko first? I'll be out soon."
What does he want to say to me? Thought Kyoko, not noticing the smug look Kuu gave his son.
"Of course." Said Kuu. "We will wait for you outside. There are a few things I must see to as well."
The phoenix changed back to her original form and went to rest on Kuu's shoulder. Kuu inclined his head in goodbye to Kyoko, who managed to jump up and curtsy properly this time. Him and Lory left, closing the door behind them.
Kyoko let out a breath, placing a hand to her chest. Her heart was sill hammering slightly from the stress of meeting such important people.
"That was intimidating." Said Kyoko. "Your dad is amazing. And Rosa, she was absolutely beautiful! To be able to converse with the guardian of our kingdom. It's like a dream come true."
"You'll get used it to." Said Kuon with a small chuckle. "I'm sure you'll be talking with them more often now that they're back."
Kyoko couldn't help smiling as well. Sure, it would take time for her to relax, but she doubted she'd ever get over the bright and soothing aura the two exhibited, especially Rosa's. It was different from anything she had ever felt, but it was also stunning in its uniqueness.
"How's your arm feeling?" Kuon asked.
"It's fine." Said Kyoko, moving it gingerly. "They put some salve on it so it doesn't hurt. I don't think it will hamper my work or anything."
"And how are you doing?"
She knew he wasn't talking about her physical health.
"To be honest." Said Kyoko. "I'm more freaked out how calm I am about all this. I think… ever since I saw Aya's body, I've been mentally preparing myself for something like this. It's scary, but I think I'll be fine."
She turned to look at Kuon. "And how are you doing your highness? You seemed… shaken for a moment before fighting Reino."
Kuon studied her.
"Yes, I was a little shaken." He said. "I'm fine now, but I need to ask something of you."
"What is it?"
Kuon's expression became firm, a subtle undertone of anger poking through his expression.
"Please don't do something so dangerous again."
Kyoko blinked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"When you saw Naomi in the hall," said Kuon. "You shouldn't have taken the pendant. You should have turned around and ran the other direction."
"But if I hadn't, then Hidehito would have been infected with a dark seed." Said Kyoko. "Besides, everything turned out alright in the end."
"But you could have gotten badly hurt." Said Kuon. "I'm wondering if you're just stubborn, or if you don't put as much value in your life as you should."
"Stubbornness is a trait we both share." said Kyoko. "But of course I value my life."
"No, you don't." said Kuon, his anger visibly rising. "Did you not think once of how the rest of us would feel if you had gotten hurt? Do you not realize how important you are to so many people in the palace?"
"I may have discovered a new medicine, but I doubt that my talent is anything so extraordinary that I couldn't be replaced."
"I'm not talking about your medicinal skills!" growled Kuon, and a new expression colored his features. There was an urgent, fearful force to his words. They spilled from him, tumbling out in a desperate plea. "I'm talking about the people that care and love you for who you are. Maria, Lory, your guards... even a few of the concubines. Those people that would miss you and cry if you had gotten hurt in the same way you're worried about Kanae. Do you not realize how much they care for you?"
Kyoko opened her mouth to retort, but nothing came out. The words were seeping into her, filling her with a warmth so kind she felt a sob rising to her throat. She had never dared to hope that anyone would mourn her departure. Even if it was a mistake on his part in their regard for her, just the idea of Maria or the Ishibashi boys crying for her made her heart ache. It had been years since she had indulged in that kind of fancy.
Kuon's expression softened, turning his head towards the opposite wall.
"I'm sorry for yelling," he said, voice low. "But I want you to understand how dangerous that was. Don't ever do something like that again."
"I can't promise that."
Kuon's head snapped back to her. He opened his mouth angrily, most likely to argue again, but Kyoko cut him off.
"No, listen. You're right. I was rash and I don't value my life as much as I do others." It was a habit she had spent years making after all. "But even then, I wouldn't have been able to stand there and do nothing when I knew I had to ability to help. It was the same with when you were poisoned and it is the same now. I know it is dangerous and I now realize that there are people that care for me, but that just makes my resolve stronger."
Kyoko clenched her fists. "I won't stand by and do nothing. I would wish to become someone worthy of the affection you claim they hold for me. "
Kuon stared at her, incredulous for a few moments. He tried to speak a few times, rubbing his face and muttering in frustration. Eventually he shook his head, saying "I give up. I don't know why I even tried."
"As I said, we're both stubborn." said Kyoko with a smile. She let her face slip into a more somber expression, feeling shy. "But thank you for your words. I... will keep in mind their concern for me the next time I decide to do something rash."
Kuon studied her for a moment, one hand still over his mouth. Kyoko bit her lip under the scrutiny.
"I guess that's the best I'm going to get out of you." he said, standing up and gazing down at her. He smiled, the sudden softness of his expression startling Kyoko. It highlighted his eyes, making them shine in the low lamplight with an emotion that made her heart thump.
"I include myself in the group of people that would mourn your loss." said Kuon, and for a brief second, Kyoko saw pain reflected in that kind smile of his. "So please. For my sake, take care of yourself."
"O-of course!" said Kyoko, hear heart beating like mad. "The same goes for you as well. I would be upset if something happened to you."
Kuon was surprised, then chuckled, shaking his head at some thought he must have had. He reached forward, brushing his fingers through her hair. Kyoko's breath caught in her throat, a familiar sensation stirring within her heart.
"Wish me luck in the finals." he said, unaware of the turmoil he had caused inside of her. "I will visit you and your friend afterward."
"Of course." said Kyoko, mouth dry. "Best of luck..."
Kuon's hands linger in her hair for a moment - or maybe she had just imagined it- then he was gone.
Kyoko stayed where she was, unmoving for a minute. Then slowly, she closed her eyes, leaning her head forward onto bawled fists. Her good mood drained away, leaving her feeling empty.
She had heard it. A moment ago, the last lock on her heart had broken. She knew herself, and she knew this wasn't just some shock induced affection created from the adrenaline of the situation. It was something that had been simmering under the surface for a while, just waiting for the right kick to spill the whole thing. Now it had escaped, unable to be restrained and locked down again.
Kyoko was wholly and completely in love with Kuon Hizuri.
Kuon walked briskly down the hall, spotting his father talking to a healer. The king noticed his son approaching and quickly finished his conversation. The healer walked away as Kuon approached.
"Where did Rosa go?" asked Kuon, noticing the phoenix's absence.
"Who knows." Said Kuu with a shrug. "She didn't tell me and just took off. If I had to guess she went to scout out the area for the Djinn. We can't be sure they won't attack again."
"What a nightmare." Said Kuon, "Why did they have to attack now of all times? There's enough to be worrying about without the Accursed."
"Welcome to being a ruler."
Kuon took the second to look at his dad, assessing his condition. To others, he would appear resplendent and powerful, but as his son, Kuon knew he was worn out. His father was a man of peace. He had just returned from a hard bloody battle if the reports were anything to go off of. Now he had returned to jump straight back into another fight.
"How are you doing father?" asked Kuon, concerned.
"As well as to be expected." said Kuu, rubbing his temples with a thumb and forefinger. "I'm completely exhausted. Rosa kept pushing me to move quickly, certain that something was happening. I had to leave the rest of my guards behind. I'm sure they're going to let me have it when they catch up. Did you know that she didn't let me sleep last night! I only made it through because of Lory's potions and those things taste like dried dung beetles."
"If you're complaining that means you're fine."
"Nonsense. If I'm complaining, it means I'm suffering."
Kuon watched his father with a smile. He looked tired, there were more lines on his face and gray in his hair, but he appeared to be well enough considering everything.
"I assume Lory has kept you updated on everything that's been going on here." said Kuon
"Indeed." Said Kuu, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "That was her wasn't it? The one you've fallen in love with."
Kuon nodded, preparing himself for his father's teasing.
"What a good girl." Said Kuu with a chuckle. "She's got guts and seems to be very caring."
"I thought you might like her." Said Kuon. He felt a knot in his stomach release, relieved that his father approved.
"What's not to like?" said Kuu. "She sweet and she's saved my son's life! I could kiss her if Julie wouldn't get jealous. Yes, I think she'll do nicely in our family."
"Before you marry her off to anyone, don't forget that she needs to consent."
"Well of course she'll consent." Said Kuu in a huff. "Who wouldn't want to marry my wonderful perfect son?"
A cursed, childishly jealous son that was being stalked by the Accursed? Who could resist?
"Though I am curious." continued Kuu. "Did you two really meet when you were younger? And you told her your true name too! It's like it was all meant to be."
"Please don't bring that back up again. As I told Shin, she doesn't know that Ren was me and I'd like to keep it like that."
"Is that why decided to make her your concubine? Did she steal your heart when you were a child?"
Kuon resisted the urge to plant his face into his hands and moan. What he wouldn't give to have parents who didn't act like thirteen-year-old children when it came to romance.
A part of Kuon was honestly shocked that Rosa appeared as 'Ren' for Kyoko. Usually Rosa took on the appearance of the person the individual loved. Since Kyoko didn't feel romantic love for anyone, Rosa was probably reflecting the one that held the biggest place in her heart. Had Kuon really make that big of an impact on her as a child?
A strange part of him was envious of his former self. The Ren that she knew was long gone, grown up and turned into this mess, but a small part of him also leapt at the idea. At least he was important to her in one form or another.
"I found out after I made her a concubine." Said Kuon, bringing himself out of his thoughts. "Anyway it doesn't matter. I don't plan on letting anything come of it."
"So you say." Said Kuu.
His father caught his glare, chuckling at him.
"At least one good thing came out of this trip." He said, knocking Kuon's forehead with a knuckle. "I'm glad to see you're doing better."
It was a statement, not a question. The last time his father had left, Kuon had been a wreck, the curse eating away at him. Just thinking back on the things he had said and done made him cringe. Yes, compared to the last time they had parted, Kuon was doing and feeling much better.
"Kuon." Said Kuu, voice low, a tiredness entering his countenance. "We're going to find a way to remove your curse. You won't be bound to its darkness forever, so you need to stop denying yourself happiness. Don't let her slip through the cracks."
Kuon shook his head. "Until I remove this curse I won't bind myself to anyone. She deserves that at least."
Then there was the little problem of her being completely against falling in love again. That was probably going to be as difficult as removing his curse. She didn't see him as anything other than a friend.
"If that's how you feel, then I won't pester you." Said Kuu. "But remember this son. One day, you may be too late, and you'll regret every moment you didn't take advantage of. Now come. Let's get you to the tournament. I'm excited to see how much you've improved."
Happy one year!
I've been writing this story for one year as of this last Monday. Holy cow! Where does the time go? It's actually very exciting. This story has forced me to write more than I have ever written in my life, helping me learn a LOT! And of course I wouldn't be here without my lovely readers and reviewers! I look forward to this new year with you all. :D (Ty guest for your belated BD wishes. XD)
So far Shin is destroying the polls. XD
SingingAngel327 : "Btw, are you going to make Kuu as gluttonous and loving Kyoko as much as the manga?" No idea. This arc is almost done and I don't have the third arc outlined yet. But thanks for the reminder!
SweetieSakura: "how come Kyoko can see the dark djinn when no one else can?" Who knows? we haven't addressed that yet, but it is most likely linked to the same reason that the Djinn is after her. (hint, it's Kuon). And I like replying to questions in the chapter instead of PMing in most cases since others might have the same question. :D
chainedheart999: "why the evil gang got such a useful teleport spell while our protagonist party needs to run or walk?!" It's just a quirk that Reino possesses. The spell hadn't existed before Reino got it from his contract with his relic/the Djinn, but he is the only one that can use it, if you haven't noticed. (Honestly it's hard to navigate a story when there is such an OP spell like teleportation. It's part of the reason Reino can keep popping up like weed. Doesn't he take a hint?)
Side note: More explanations about the Relics, Accursed and the Djinn are coming up later.
And yup, that was as close as a confession we will get from Kyoko for a while. But poor Kuon is also unaware of the weight of those words 'cause he's a dope.
Thank you all for your kind words. I know I probably sound like a broken record but I seriously mean it. After every release, my sister and I go through the new reviews over the phone, reading them to each other and listening to your comments/questions/and suggestions. They encourage us in a way I think only other authors can understand. I hope to continue to live up to your expectations and mine this coming year. :D
-Blushweaver