Kyoko sat in the clinic, fidgeting. She was supposed to be resting, but her nervous energy could not be stifled. She should be working, or doing something rather than just sitting here. More than anything she wanted to be with Kanae, which she knew was impossible until the warrior was out of intensive care.

Unable to stand it any longer, she swung her feet out of the bed. As they touched the floor, the door opened and Kyoko stiffened, expecting a physician to come in and chide her. Instead she was surprised to see a familiar smile.

"Shin!" said Kyoko, relieved it was just him. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see you of course!" said Shin animatedly, closing the door behind himself. He sat in a chair by her bed. Some of the nervous energy started to fade as she sat back down. Talking to someone was still better than doing nothing.

"Shouldn't you be cheering on prince Kuon?" asked Kyoko.

"Should I?" asked Shin, a serious expression on his face.

"Yes." said Kyoko, matching his serious tone. "He needs the support of his beloved cousin!"

"That's not the adjective I think he'd use to describe me." he responded, a smile replacing her serious look. Kyoko gave a laugh, smiling at Shin's attitude. Then her mind returned to where it had been before he came in. Back on Kanae's health.

Shin must have noticed her change in attitude. He leaned forward in his seat, the undertone of humor gone in his countenance as he gave her a soft smile.

"I was helping with Kanae's treatment." He said. "When I finished, Lory asked me to guard you."

"How is she?"

"Honestly, better than we could have hoped." Said Shin, and Kyoko's heart leapt at the small hope.

"None of the darkness appears to be sticking to her soul." He continued, appearing to be amused with something. "Even her essence is 'straight forward no nonsense.' But it's still too early to say if there'll be any side effects. We're going to continue to monitor her status for a few days since no one knows what to expect. This has never happened before."

Kyoko felt her eyes grow hot. She quickly bent her head towards him, in a gesture of gratitude. "Thank you so much for helping her."

"Don't do that." Said Shin. "We're family. It's only natural I help out my own. Besides, Kanae owes me a favor. I can't let her become all dark on me."

Kyoko felt herself stiffen at Shin's words. She was reminded of Kuon's words from earlier, where he had told her that people cared about her. She had taken Shin's repeated instance that they were siblings as part of his friendly nature. Had she been mistaken? Did Shin truly care for her as a member of his family?

She bowed her head even lower.

"Thank you." She said.

"Oi, I just said…"

"Not just for Kanae." Said Kyoko, raising her head. Her heart again felt full, unable to take so much happiness and fear in one day. "For saying that I was family…"

Shin stared at her, then started laughing.

Immediately Kyoko's heart sank. Shin was mocking her. He hadn't meant what he said. How many times was she going to open her heart before she learned that people didn't-

"Of course we're family!" said Shin, smile wide as his face. "Heck, if a certain cousin of mine doesn't marry you then I'll disown him for being an idiot."

Kyoko's body flushed with several different emotions, embarrassment the most prevalent. She kept her face neutral however, determined to not let Shin's idle comments give her hope.

"Shin, you really shouldn't-"

Kyoko shivered, a darkness seemed to spread over her.

Shin jumped to his feet, drawing out the hilt strapped to his side and forming a light sword. He grabbed Kyoko by the arm, pushing her behind him as a wall of dark runes formed up where she had been sitting. They lit in a dark haze, fusing together to create a dark portal. An all too familiar figure stepped through the black, raising a lazy hand in greeting.

"Yo."

"You!" shouted Kyoko, more annoyed at this point than anything else. Had he just walked out of a portal and just greeted them by saying Yo? "Just what is your deal? Can't you get a different hobby than stalking me?"

"What the little lady said." Said Shin with a head jerk towards her. "I've had warts less persistent than you."

"I find myself unable to stay away." Said Reino with a shrug. "It's not every day I find something as fascinating as you little kitten."

Kyoko shivered. Was that supposed to be a compliment? Because it just sounded creepy.

"You can stop with your spells by the way." Said Reino, covering his mouth in a yawn. "I'm not here to fight."

Shin, who had obviously been getting ready to attack, paused. His face was drawn in an expression Kyoko had never seen him wear before. Even when he faced Kuon in that mock battle he had never looked like that, eyes sharp with a coldness that extended through is whole body. None of the normal round open nature was present. Instead, he was surrounded in the commanding aura of a warrior.

He was surveying something Kyoko couldn't understand and he must have found something in Reino as the man scratched the bottom of his chin with a lazy finger. Shin's stance relaxed slightly, but the firm grip on his light sword remained.

"What are you doing here Reino?" said Shin, voice hard.

"Why am I here? What do I want? Get the hell out!" Said Reno, leaning against the bed with his same bored look on his face. "I've heard them all, could you at least be a little more creative with your questions?"

"You can either answer my question, or I ram this sword into your gut."

"Once again, not very creative."

Shin's stance shifted, another spell forming around his hand.

"Calm down Shin." said Reno patronizing, still not looking alarmed. "I know how good you are at stabbing things, but I'm serious. I didn't come here to fight."

"Then why did you come here?" said Kyoko. "Come to gloat over your handy work?"

"Why, I came to play a little game." He said. Energy started showing in his countenance at the mention of a game. That could not be a good sign. Last time she had seen that look he had tried to force the dark seed into her. Shin still hadn't relaxed the spell in his hand, obviously still debating on using it.

"Being a dark bringer of death is such a boring job," Reino continued. "so I thought I'd come have some fun. You guys do a good job of keeping me entertained."

Her irritation bristled at the comment.

"A person's life is not your play thing!" she shouted, furious. "You're just a twisted sick man who deserves to be put down like the rapid dog that you are!"

Reino 'tisked' at her shaking a finger in her direction. "So much anger." He said. "Oh well, that's too bad. Because if you had won, I would have given you some information that would have stopped a lot of deaths."

Now that made Kyoko pause. The comment had also peaked Shin's interest as well.

"You'd better start talking Reino." Said Shin. "What do you know?"

"I'm not talking to you Hizuri." Said Reino. "I'm talking to Kyoko. She will be the one to decide if she plays the game, not you."

"How do we know that you're not lying? Or that the game is not rigged?" said Kyoko.

"You don't."

Kyoko's head spun, fear churning in side of her. I just promised prince Kuon I'd be less reckless. She thought. I... can't be reckless again.

"Oh and I forgot," said Reino, casually examining his fingernails. "The information will also save prince Kuon from certain death."

He said it so naturally, as if he was talking about the weather, the smirk on his face the only indication he felt otherwise. He was obviously relishing her reaction as the blood drained from her face, the words sinking deep into her already confused soul.

Kuon was in danger. She couldn't find it in herself to believe Reino was lying. What would be the point in doing so? To mess with her? To mess with Kuon?

"You're lying." she heard Shin say.

"You don't believe me? Fine then, I guess I'll leave."

Reino raised his hand to make a portal.

"No!" cried Kyoko, dodging out from behind Shin. He hadn't expected her to move, his arm only just stopping her from reaching Reino.

"Kyoko, you can't-"

"I'll do it. I'll play your game." Said Kyoko, ignoring Shin.

The malicious gleam in Reino's eyes grew larger. He lowered his hand, the motion slow and deliberate.

"Good girl." Mused Reino. "Then here's the game. I'm going to give you some of the facts of our plan, and you have to tell me what we're trying to do. Once I've finish, you have ten minutes to tell me what the end goal is."

Kyoko gave him a weird look. "That sounds too easy."

Reno's face turned to one of mock hurt. "Don't say it like that Kyoko, we spent a lot of time making this complex plan. Oh and I forgot." He pointed at Shin. "If the Lord gives any input then I'll just kill everyone myself."

"Kyoko-" started Shin,

Reno flicked his wrist, sending Shin careening sideways into the wall, hitting his head. He slumped to the floor, not moving.

"You're not in this boy."

"Shin!"

Kyoko rushed to his side and knelt down, checking his pulse and breathing. He appeared stable, just knocked out.

"Oh he'll be fine" said Reino, "He'll probably be up and shouting before the end of our game. So! Shall we start?"

Kyoko felt more vulnerable without Shin, but she stood tall and answered.

"Yes."

For Kuon I must win.

A smile curled on Reino's lips. "Naomi has been spreading seeds specifically around the stadium." He said. "Seeds sprout from negative emotions Today is the climax."

Kyoko was waiting for more, but nothing came.

"Is that it?" She asked panic rising in her.

"Yup, should be plenty honestly."

Her mind was reeling trying to make sense of the information. Why spread seeds around the arena? Hatched, no, sprouted by negative emotions. Did that mean they were dormant usually? So something to set them off….

"You're going to attack the stadium?" she said hesitatingly.

"Nope, nothing that overt."

Nothing overt, so the Accursed weren't going to show themselves. Then it had to have to do with the tournament its self. Maybe the gamblers that lost would be mad enough to make them sprout? Maybe if prince Kuon lost?

"You're trying to make prince Koun lose." She said.

"How would we do that?" Reno answered.

Kyoko had no idea.

"The seeds affect light magic?" She tried

"Nope"

What then what was it? She thought hard.

"That's five minutes." Said Reino, "Poor Kuon is halfway dead."

She shivered at the image, batting away her panic and concentrating on the task at hand. She had to concentrate. Had to think and win. What else did she already know?

Kuon is cursed. If he's hit by a light sword...

Her eyes widened at the thought. If Kuon was hit, then people would see he was cursed. The citizens would be scared, lose faith, possibly flee in terror. That had to be it.

"You're going to have Koun get injured by a light sword!" she said. "That will induce panic and people will turn."

"Good girl." Said Reino, a dark smile in his eyes. "You're almost there. Just one more detail and you've got yourself a prince."

Think Think Think! She was frantic.

"2 more minutes." Reno's words seemed far away.

How were they going to have Kuon lose and get hit by a light sword? He was one of the best, which meant he didn't lose. He wouldn't get hit, not when he had spells to protect him. He had told her of all the small barriers they had placed inside the sword gem to make sure even if he was hit it wouldn't matter…. His gem.

"You rigged his sword!"

Reno's blinked, then the grin inched upwards across his face. "You never cease to amaze me Kyoko. Are you sure you don't want to join us of your own free will?"

Kyoko ignored him. "I was right?" she asked sweat dripping down her forehead.

"Yes you are." Said Reino. "But don't party too long or this information will be useless and here." His hands went towards his necklace. Kyoko shied away from him, but Reino didn't summon a seed. Instead he unclasped it and handed it to Kyoko.

"A bonus." He said, his eyes locked onto Kyoko, daring her to deny what he had offered.

Hesitant, she stepped forward, covering her hands with her veil before holding them out. The pendant fell. Immediately she felt cold. The dark energy was so strong that even with the small barrier that she almost dropped it, but she held on, wrapping her veil completely around it.

"Why?" She asked, stepping away and turning to survey the man before her. The man that made absolutely no sense. "Why are you doing this? Helping us?"

"I've told you, I'm bored." Said Reino with a shrug. "And on top of that," He stood up and winced visibly, at the same time Shin stirred and grabbed his light sword. "I'm about to quit being an Accursed. Figured the last thing I do before I leave should be to give those controlling pricks the middle finger."

"That sounds like the least heroic reason you could possibly do this," said Kyoko. "But thank you."

"Don't screw it up!" Said Reno with a grimace. He raised a hand and Kyoko flinched as the dark magic converged, swallowing Reino for the last time.

Koun stood on the stage, head held high as the crowd and hot sun drowned out his thoughts. Hidehito was eating up the attention, waving at the crowd with a wide grin. Kuon didn't wave, instead doing his best not to show how tired he was.

The day's events had taken more out of him then he cared to admit. Between fighting Reino and worrying about Kyoko, he had spent a great deal of his mental and physical energy. This fight would test him to the limit.

His father was somewhere in the stands, those eyes weighing heavier on Kuon than the other thousands that decorated the stands. This was the moment to show his father that he could do it. He could become a great king and step out of his shadow. He wasn't going to let the curse destroy him.

He placed a hand over his heart. Over the trinket Kyoko had made for him.

The crowd alerted Kuon that something we happening. The volume of the chatter, impossible as he thought it was, increased and he turned to see what the cause of the disturbance was. He blinked, wondering if he was imagining things. There was Kyoko, running towards him, a few guards tailing her, looking torn between stopping her and not wanting to make a scene. Her hair was flying out behind her as she ran, face flushed.

"Prince Kuon!"

Kyoko threw her arms around his neck. The prince was too shocked to react, standing awkwardly as his body stiffened.

What in the-

Kyoko pressed her face against his cheek, and Kuon felt his body tremble. This was the last place he wanted to lose control, in front of the entire kingdom. What was this woman doing? Her hot airy breath reached his ear…

"The gem in your sword is faulty." She whispered. "It will break. That's why they've been spreading seeds in the coliseum. They want the seeds to activate through your death by a light sword…"

The words sobered Kuon, bringing him back to earth with an unpleasant drop. If his gem was truly faulty like she said… oh gods.

The gem had dozens of spells installed into it to protect him from the light magic. Intricate barriers that would prevent him from suffering damages from a hit. If his sword and barriers failed-

I can't do this thought Kuon. The risk is too great. If the curse is exposed, then the kingdom will be damaged.

His heart hurt. He didn't want to quit; be he knew he must. If he tried to fight with the faulty sword, it would fail, and he would doom the kingdom to a grim accident. He could see it, thousands of citizens fleeing in terror, changing and being forced to become dark creatures from the seeds within them. And Kuon would have brought it onto them.

The only option was to forfeit the match. The citizens would be upset; the coliseum would be filled with the moans of the disappointed to crowds. The question was, would it be enough to activate even one seed? Just one seed, and the domino effect would start, spreading the chaos through the crowds.

What should he do?

A hand grabbed his own. He snapped his attention to Kyoko, taken aback by the fierce expression on her face.

"I believe in you my prince." Said Kyoko, voice full of confidence. "I know you will not let the people of your country down."

Then she reached up, placing a hand against his cheek. Her face moved even closer to his, then he felt the sensation of her soft lips as she kissed his cheek

"For good luck." She whispered.

Kyoko pulled away, her face a brilliant red before sprinting off the platform.

The crowd was whooping and cheering, but Kuon could hear none of it. He was stunned, a hand reaching up to touch where she had kissed him, a heat emanating from the spot.

"Ahem."

The judge caught his attention, and Kuon quickly registered his surrounding again. He walked up to the center stage, a new energy filling him with every step as Kyoko's words and lips danced in his head.

"That was quite the show." Hidehito with a wink.

Kuon smiled his glittery smile, unfazed.

The two broke apart, taking ten steps apart before turning again to face each other. The air was heavy in the heat of excitement, but he couldn't feel it, all his previous fears gone now. He knew what he needed to do.

The judge barked at them to summon their light swords. Hidehito pulled out his hilt, light extending from the silver steel and forming his blade.

Kuon pulled out his own hilt, then hesitated.

He pried the corrupted gem from the hilt and tossed it aside. He channeled, summing his light sword without the aid of a gem.

"Just what is that boy doing?"

Kuu was in shock. Why had his son just thrown aside the gem installed into the hilt? Did he have a death wish? Those spells would save his life if something went wrong.

He placed his hands on the arm rest with the intention of standing up, then paused. Kuon had raised his eyes towards Kuu. The gaze was steady, signaling him to back down. Reluctantly, Kuu sat back in the seat. The last thing he wanted was to create a scene and disrespect his son.

But something was wrong, that much was obvious. What had Kyoko said to make Kuon act like this?

Kuu couldn't leave to find out. Everyone would notice if the king left his place in the stands while his son was fighting. Who knew what sort of rumors would sprout from that. So the king was left with no choice but to sit in the stands and watch as his son fought a battle that could potentially kill him.

The grip on the arm rest tightened, fingers digging into the stone work.

"Sebastian." Kuu said in a low voice, knowing Lory would have stationed him near Kuu. "Get Lory and tell him to find out what is happening. That is direct order from your king."

The only confirmation he received was a soft rustle of something behind him.

Kouki Takarada, who was sitting near the king glanced at him.

"Did you say something your majesty?"

"No." said Kuu, forcing his grip on the chair to relax, eyes glued to his son. "Nothing at all."

Kuon returned his gaze to his opponent after making sure his father wouldn't interfere. He could do this. He had to do it. They had fallen into the Djinn's trap, only able to escape by fighting it head on. It wasn't going to be easy. Already he felt light headed from the effort of sustaining the blade.

Hidehito's face turned into an ugly glare.

"Are you mocking me Kuon?" he said,

"Not at all." Said Kuon simply, only just realizing how this looked to Hidehito and everyone else. He had just thrown aside his gem, a move that indicated how far above Hidehito he viewed himself. The gesture was both an insult and a taunt. Even the judge looked shocked.

If Kuon lost, Hidehito wouldn't receive the splendid victory he wanted. People would claim Kuon had been at a disadvantage and thus hadn't fought to his full potential. But if Kuon won, Hidehito would be disgraced by the loss against such a weaker opponent. There was only one way for Hidehito to fight without losing face. Kuon just had to push him in the right direction to make sure it happened.

"How about we just keep it simple?" said Kuon. "No fancy spells or shows. Just a battle between our individual strengths."

"It's not my fault you're a bull headed prick." Said Hidehito, raising his sword.

"No, but even you wouldn't be happy with a win like this."

The man hesitated, then glanced at the judge who had yet to start the battle. The sound of the crowd was becoming louder as the citizens watched, not understanding what was going on.

"I deserve an explanation once this is over." Said Hidehito. He dug his fingers into the clasp, wrenching his emerald out before tossing it aside. His blade lost some of its splendor as it dimmed. "I want to know why you insisted on treating this fight with such contempt."

Kuon didn't answer.

This will have to be a quick fight. Thought Kuon. The light magic was burning hot inside him, battling with the cold sleek darkness that twisted his gut. Being around even the remains of dark magic had not helped. The curse was stirring, reacting to something within and around him.

The judge indicated for the announcer to begin the battle. He raised a hand, the cheers of the crowd rising with it, then bursting as it fell, starting the fight.

The distance closed in an instant, both men propelled by their magic. Their blades met midair, a metallic clang ringing out as Kuon pushed against Hidehito with his strength. The man stumbled back, not expecting Kuon to be so aggressive in the first blow. Kuon's sword blurred, striking at Hidehito in a burst of speed.

The ground erupted beneath him, pillars of sand and stone shooting up. Kuon was forced back, losing sight of Hidehito behind the wall. Kuon cursed. He didn't have time for this.

He blasted the wall with an arcane spell, the sand scattering through the air.

Something moved to his right.

Kuon pivoted, instinct taking over as he dodged one, two, three pulse shots, the fourth one batted away by his sword. Then came Hidehito shooting towards him.

Off balance, Kuon propelled his body with pulse magic, attacking at the same moment. His sword went clean through Hidehito's hip, a shot that would have crippled him in a real fight. He had moved quickly, but he hadn't been fast enough to escape the reach of Hidehito's sword.

The tip of it grazed Kuon's arm.

Pain sliced through him, severing something within Kuon. Fire shot everywhere though his veins, the soul unable to distinguish where it had come from. All it knew was that light had touched the darkness, and it howled in agony.

Kuon let out a gasp, his sword blade becoming dimmer. The magic surged within him, fluctuating as he struggled to control it. Light and darkness began to tear into each other, seeking for dominance over the other. One sought for comfort and healing, the other fueled his adrenaline and rage. Rage at Hidehito for injuring him.

As quick as the feeling had been there, it was gone a second later, leaving him slightly dazed. What had that been?

He didn't have much time to dwell on it. Hidehito was attacking again, taking advantage of Kuon's momentary lapse of attention.

Kuon pushed away, weaving defensive spells behind him. His opponent pushed through them, hacking at the spells with his own magic and sword. Kuon changed direction, charging instead. Hidehito was again caught off guard by Kuon's movement, managing to block the barrage of attacks. The prince kept attacking, hoping fighting for an opening.

This fight was not going well. He was being too reckless, pushing when he should bide his time, attacking when he should defend. It was not his style to duel like this, and Hidehito knew this. He could see it in the other's eyes as he blocked the attacks, angry and confused at Kuon's unusual behavior.

Their clash ended abruptly as both pulled back, taking a moment to breathe, to reassess the situation.

I'm- not sure I can make it. Thought Kuon, breathing hard. His hands were trembling, a dull ache rising through his arms and shoulders. His body was shutting down, the effort of fighting two battles taking its toll. His light blade was so blurred it barely counted as a sword. He was well past his limit.

Should he surrender? He had already felt the bite of a light sword once. It had shaken something loose within him. Something ominous. What would happen if he got hit again? Was that what the accursed were going for? Was him falling to the curse part of the plan as well?

Kuon reached up to grab the arm that had been hit, shivering. His hand brushed against something. The pendant Kyoko had given him. The one he wore in every fight.

He traced a finger around the ceramic feathers, her face and many others coming into his mind. His hand tightened around the pin briefly, then settled back down on the sword handle. He was not backing down. It was time to end this.

Across the field, Hidehito had used the time wisely. Several spells now decorated his person, shields and spells circling him to protect him from another blow. Compared to Kuon who had no defenses, it was clear who had the advantage.

"You've lost." Said Hidehito with a grimace. "I'm not sure what your game was Kuon, but you didn't win this time."

"You celebrate too early."

Kuon advanced, barreling towards Hidehito. The other signaled his spells, the light descending upon Kuon.

Above, from the right, a quick blast to deflect a stunning spell. Kuon wove shields in front of him moments before a spell would collided and shatter it, trailing pieces of arcane magic in his wake. All of his light magic was concentrated on his sword blade, willing it to last one more collision.

He had reached Hidehito. The man raised his shields, his sword lunging for Kuon. The prince made as if the block the blade, then switched directions, allowing the sword to pass unhindered.

The blade of Hidehito's sword sunk into Kuon's shoulder.

Pain, blackness, the swirling of anger sizzling in Kuon's insides. It hurt. Gods it hurt.

Kuon let out a roar of furry, pushing aside his haze and concentrating every bit of energy on his failing sword. The blade descended, crashing against Hidehito's own.

A loud crack sounded through the stadium, followed by the flashing of a thousand glittering pieces of Hidehito's light blade as it disappeared into the thick air.

Thanks for reading! You guys are so sweet! I'm going to have such a big head by the end of this story.

meowometer : "Where did you come up with that? (The plot)": I don't think I've ever answered this question when people ask me this. Woops. But it takes lots of brainstorming with my sister, studying why I like other stories, taking mental notes on personalities/events/personal struggles/places/etc, and listening to a podcast with my favorite author on how to write.

So in short, lots of hard work and daydreaming. XD Oh, and finding a good soundtrack that inspires me.

To my dear Spanish readers like Pamela, you guys are awesome! I'm not sure how you translate the story from English to Spanish to read, but I am super impressed and flattered.

I answered most of your questions in PM this last chapter since there were a lot of them. Thank you guys for your continued support! And can I just say that I love when you all thank my sister as well for her hard work? It's true! She is half the brains of this thing (and the personality of Shin.) She wrote a big chunk of this chapter since I was in major writers block mode. I had to completely scrap like three different fight scenes before I was like "Forget this! It's close enough."

-Blushweaver

Blushweaver did indeed get me to write a chunk of this chapter. It's hard BTW if you didn't know, and I am flattered at how much she kept in. I'm curious to see if y'all can tell where I wrote as opposed to Blushweaver.

-Imout