It was strange how after the attack everything went back to normal. The day after the failed ceremony, Kyoko was working in the clinic like always, keeping the peace among the frantic patients. There were a few more people in the clinic due to nervous break downs and the like, but other than that, nothing had changed. Kyoko threw herself into her work, trying to keep her mind off the scene she had witnessed. It had reminded her a little too much of when Kanae's essence had almost been destroyed by the djinn.
"What do you think about all of this?" asked her current patient, a large woman with a ruddy face. "The accursed somehow managed to kill off our champions, and it happened right here in the castle! I'm trying to convince my husband to move, I'm so anxious."
"There are dangers everywhere." said Kyoko simply, pulling out one of the bottles and mixing it with a powder. "It's better to stand and fight them then to run away." She handed the mixture to the woman. "Here, swallow this. It should help calm your stomach, but don't eat for an hour. If that still doesn't work, then you should inquire after a soother or perhaps try other areas of medicine and therapy. It could be a symptom of nerves that won't go away until your mental health is looked after."
"I wouldn't be surprised." Said the woman, swallowing the mixture. "Blah, that didn't taste very good. With all the things that are happening, I wouldn't be surprised if we all had weak stomachs."
Kyoko didn't answer, bringing the woman to the front and biding her goodbye. She then busied herself with her paper work and her records for the next patient. It kept her mind occupied so she didn't worry about other things. Like how in the world the accursed had managed to kill most of the champions, or how Kuon had once again been unresponsive, body spasming right before her.
There was a knock at the door and Kyoko looked up.
"Duke Takarada." Said Kyoko "You're back."
"I am." He said, walking into her office. "I hope you don't mind if I stop in between your next appointment."
"Not at all." She said. "Please, sit."
Takarada took a seat in one of her chair, giving a little smile. It had exhaustion lined around the edges, but it was a happy smile nonetheless. He had probably been up all night, trying to save the champions that had survived.
"You've come a long way Kyoko." He said. "Now you have your own office and your own loyal clientele. It's rewarding to see where your efforts have brought you."
"I couldn't have done it without your help Duke Takarada." Said Kyoko. "Had you not hired me and put your faith in me, I would not have had this opportunity."
"Yes well, it's foolish to not nourish something that has potential." Said Takarada. "I'm actually surprised that you're here today. I thought for sure you'd have gone to check on Kuon."
"Why would you say that?"
Lory shrugged. "People in love usually aren't very level headed, but you've always been a disciplined one so I guess I shouldn't be surprised."
Lory pulled out a cigar, lighting it with a flick of pulse magic from his finger. He took a drag of the tobacco and blew out a column of smoke. This all went unnoticed by Kyoko - who normally would have scolded him for smoking - as she was completely frozen.
"S-sorry Duke Takarada," said Kyoko, her voice shaking. "But I t-think you just said something outrageous."
"Did I?" said Takarada, seemingly unbothered by her stuttering. "You may not see yourself as level headed, but you are, especially for your age."
"No, I'm talking about the other thing."
Lory smirked. "Oh? Am I wrong then? Are you not in love with Kuon?"
Kyoko wanted to slap her hands on her desk and shout 'yes!' but that was more likely to give away her feelings than hide them. How would Lory know about them anyway? Maybe he was guessing.
"What makes you think I'm in love with Prince Kuon?" she said, grasping at straws.
Lory gave her a look, one that took on the appearance of a parent patiently teaching a child an obvious life lesson.
"Kyoko my dear, I'm an old man. I've seen a lot of young people fall in love in my time, and I pay particular attention to those that are around Kuon."
So... she had been obvious. Kyoko bit on her bottom lip, knowing it would be useless to try and deny her feelings. If Lory could tell she loved Kuon, it meant others might have figured it out as well. First Setsuko, and now Lory. She needed to be better about hiding them.
"Just please don't tell him." She muttered, feeling completely miserable.
The seconds ticked by, Kyoko inwardly squirming at the silence. Eventually she peaked up to see Lory staring at her, the cigar forgotten in his fingers as it dripped ash onto her floor.
"You still see love as a weakness." Said Lory. "What's so bad about falling in love?"
Kyoko looked away, the disappointment too hard to see in his face. He just couldn't understand what it was like. To have her father die, then have her mother throw her away. Her young self had still craved affection, pouring all of that love and attention into Sho. He had been her world. Her entire life. Her everything.
To have the one that embodied her whole world throw her away without a second thought… there were no words to describe it. She never wanted to feel like that again.
"It leaves you vulnerable." Said Kyoko. "I don't wish to be betrayed again. Is that so bad?"
"It is, and it isn't." said Lory. "But what about your friends? Kanae, the Ishibashi boys? Aren't they in a position to betray you as well?"
Kyoko clutched the fabric of her pants tightly.
"It's different." Said Kyoko, voice low. "They don't turn you into someone despicable."
She could see it in her head, the times where Sho would flirt with other girls when they were young. The way he had draped his arms over their shoulders, the burning jealously she had hidden behind a fake smile.
Then she remembered another face, this one dejected, hurting, tortured by a dark past. It told her how he wasn't worthy for love. How he didn't deserve happiness. It hurt to see that pain, but what it made her feel hurt even worse.
"How can I like myself when I'm secretly happy with his misery?" said Kyoko, chocking on her emotions. "When he said he couldn't have anyone, I was glad, because it meant that even if I couldn't have him, no one else would."
She was just like all the other women who had hurt her because they had loved Kuon. Delighting in someone else's misery if it meant they were closer to being precious to him. She hated that part of herself. Despised her ugly heart.
Kyoko took a deep breath, quickly whipping her eyes to get rid of the tears that had betrayed her misery. Lory's seat creaked as she leaned forward, sympathy in his expression.
"Do not worry, I won't tell him." Said Lory. "But I hope that one day you change your opinion on love."
Gratitude swelled within Kyoko. She gave a relieved sigh, shaking her head at Lory. "I'm sorry, but I doubt that day will come. I have given my life to the study of medicine. There is no room for anyone else in it."
"Careful Kyoko." Said Lory. "Your actions and words don't always match."
"If you say so." Said Kyoko, holding out an ash tray. "And please don't smoke in my office. Or anywhere else in general."
Lory smirked, pressing his cigar into the offered tray. "There's the spunk we all know. Anyway, the point in me coming wasn't to talk about your love life. I wanted to see if you're ready for tomorrow's lesson."
"I am." Said Kyoko, greatful for the topic change. Her cleric lessons started tomorrow. She had been quite eager to finally start learning more techniques to healing. Incorporating higher level magic would make her more efficient. She couldn't wait to learn
"Just remember my advice." Said Lory. "Keep a level head and make allies as soon as you can. You should be ready for a fight."
"Don't worry Lory, I'm ready." Said Kyoko. After all, it couldn't be worse than when she had entered the harem.
Kanae was the one that lead Kyoko to her first class. The warrior had been deemed fit for service, now able to become Kyoko's official personal body guard. Kyoko was practically skipping to the arcane syndicate, annoying her Kanae with her enthusiasm. With her best friend by her side and going to her first class, there was nothing that could stop Kyoko's good mood.
"I'm so excited!" said Kyoko. "Now we can hang out all the time."
"Kyoko, I'm technically working. I can't let my guard down." Said Kanae, rolling her sharp eyes for probably the tenth time that day. They might stick if she kept doing that.
"I know, but it will still be fun!" Said Kyoko.
"I'm not going with you into the class." Said Kanae.
"You're not? Why not?"
"You'll have your shadow guard with you." Said Kanae, glancing around, not able to distinguish where he was. "And the arcane syndicate has more defenses than the general palace area. You will be safe once inside."
Instantly Kyoko's good mood shrunk. She had anticipated Kanae being there for moral support, as well as her company. The day was suddenly looking much bleaker.
"Mo! Don't wilt on me." Said Kanae. "I'll come back for you when it's over."
"Where are you going?"
"To train."
Of course she was. The woman had been taking advantage of the training grounds since the first day. She was determined to say the least.
"Well, say hi to Shin for me." Said Kyoko, trying to put some enthusiasm in her voice.
Kanae whipped her head to Kyoko, irritation evident by the tick mark on her forehead.
"Why do you think Shin's going to be there?"
"He's been there every time since now hasn't he?" said Kyoko. "Why wouldn't he be there?"
Kanae grumbled in response.
Even Kyoko, prejudice to love as she was, could tell that Shin had started paying close attention to her friend. Now if those feelings were due to a more romantic interest, she had yet to determine. Then again, some of the other men in the room also paid her attention. They had finally started sparring with her on a regular basis.
Kyoko wouldn't have been surprised if most of them had fallen for Kanae. She was pretty much amazing. Even Hiou - who appeared to hate her for some reason - would steal glances towards her during practice. Kyoko had been to enough of Kanae's sparring sessions to spot it from a mile away.
"Kyoko." Said Kanae, bringing Kyoko out of her thoughts. "Just curious, but aren't we going to be late?"
Kyoko glanced out of the window, noticing where the sun was in the sky. Her face turned white.
"Gah! I should have been there ten minutes ago!" said Kyoko, taking off down the hall. Kanae hurried to catch up.
Five minutes later, they had arrived outside of an intricate arched doorway. Had Kyoko been able to breathe properly, she would have stopped to stare at the designs and gems embedded into the entrance. The place was practically humming with magic. Instead, she gasped for breath, saying goodbye to Kanae.
"I - I'll see you - in a few hours." She gasped.
Kanae, who wasn't winded a bit, waved goodbye to Kyoko as she sprinted inside.
As she crossed the threshold, she skidded to a stop, her eyes widening at what she saw. The place was enormous, the front door leading straight into a large hallway. The ceiling was as high as the palace, tall windows reaching towards the sky that allowed the light to spill into the beautifully tiled floor. The place was busy with activity. People in different colored robes were bustling through the area, some with strange magical tools, others with scrolls and potions. Kyoko had to berate herself for not coming early to look around. Instead, she hurried through the hall, crying internally for being unable to bask in this moment.
The guard at the front gave her instructions where to go after he had made sure she was checked in. They apparently made note of anyone that came into the area. Kyoko went down a separate hallway with a row of doors, counting them as she walked and completely unaware of the few stares she attracted.
Ah, here it is.
Kyoko pushed the door open a crack, peering inside. The room wasn't terribly large, but it comfortably fit a long table and fifteen chairs, all except one filled with an occupant. Each person present was male, and each was paying attention to the one at the head of a long table. The man had short light colored hair that flared out a bit. He sported a short cropped beard, and a long white robe tied around the middle with a gray sash. That must be Kazutoyo Anna, her instructor.
And he was looking straight at her.
"Ah good, here she is." Said Kazutoyo.
Kyoko froze as everyone in the room turned to look at her. None of the gazes were kind, and more than a few were displaying obvious annoyance or anger. Kyoko hurried inside, meaning to slip into the last open seat as quickly as she could, but Kazutoyo stopped her plan.
"Come on up here." He said, motioning to the spot next to her.
Swallowing her trepidation, Kyoko walked to the front of the class, aware of the eyes following her. When she reached the front, she quickly gave a hurried bow.
"I'm really sorry I'm so late!" she said. She would have said more on her incompetence, but Kazutoyo interrupted her by grabbing her by the shoulders and spinning her around to face the class.
"Don't worry about it." He said good naturedly. "Now, I'm really glad you're here because I'm excited to start this class. We've got a lot of cool things happening that haven't been tried before."
"Ah, right." Said Kyoko, a little taken off guard by the man. Why wasn't he scolding her for being late? He still had his hand on her shoulder, keeping her by his side as he smiled, oblivious to the dark looks they were getting from the men.
"This here is Kyoko Mogami." Said Kazutoyo. "She's our resident physician, just got her license and taught by Lory Takarada himself. As you all know, this class is unique in that we are full of many different people, each looking to serve the kingdom in some way during this war against the accursed. Some of you are warriors, others are blacksmiths, but each of you may be in a position where medical assistance will be needed. This will be a crash course on the most common medical emergencies you may have on the battle field. Now, since none of you are physicians, Kyoko here will be able to help you out if you have any questions, so be sure to get to know her."
Kyoko's head was spinning by the end of the speech. She knew it would be a group of people looking for a crash course on healing with light magic, but she hadn't known she was expected to be an assistant through this. What was this man thinking? No one in the room appeared happy to have Kyoko as an authority figure. She knew the prejudice against women was tough, and this was just going to make it worse.
Desperate to find an ally, she searched for someone that at least didn't look like they wanted to kill her. Then she found one. It was a feminine looking guy with dark hair that split down the middle. He had a slender yet firm build, a vest over his sleeveless shirt. They made eye contact, the man giving Kyoko a kind smile.
Target spotted.
Kyoko was then allowed to sit down, taking the last seat in the front right. There were a few snickers and crass comments about being a concubine, but she chose to ignore them.
For the next few hours, Kazutoyo reviewed the basics on medicine and the human body. Kyoko already knew all of this, concentrating on the parts where he included tidbits about magic. She opened the book Kazutoyo had given them, making notes on things she didn't understand or needed to study further. She also began to form a strategy on how she would approach the group. Instinctively, she knew making allies would be just as important as actually learning in this class.
A few hours later, Kazutoyo called the class to a close.
"That will be all for the day!" said Kazutoyo. "We'll start some hands on in the next class but continue to review the basics. Also, Kyoko, I would like to have a word with you before you leave."
Kyoko's heart sank as everyone began to rise from their chairs, getting ready to leave. How was she going to make friends and apologize when she had to stay behind? Kazutoyo was oblivious to her plight, eagerly motioning her forward to engage her in a one-sided conversation.
"Now, since you can't use light magic, we've got something planned for you." He said. "As the rest work on learning about what they're doing, you're going to be experimenting with the newest arcane circle."
"Okay." Said Kyoko, barely able to keep up. The man talked a million miles an hour.
"There are actually two magic circles in each device, one made of arcane and the other of light." He continued. "The AMC acts as a substitute to manipulate the chambers in the LMC. You'll have to manually shift between the chambers, so it requires some skill in manipulating pulse magic. Each tool you use will have this same arcane circle programed into it, which will then act as proxy for you to activate the light magic inside the second one."
The more he talked, the more her heart sank. What in the world was he explaining? She only knew the very basics of magic, most of her experience from personal experimentation. These terms were all foreign to her. This wasn't at all what she had expected to be learning.
Luckily most of the men had stayed in the room, either talking to each other or grabbing books to study.
Kyoko turned her attention back to Kazutoyo as he was just finishing up his spiel.
"-up to you to tell us how well it works. It's still in its beta and you're one of the first we're trying to incorporate into practical use. Do you think you can handle it?"
"Yes." Said Kyoko, unsure what she was getting into, but determined all the same.
"Excellent." Said Kazutoyo, beaming at her, oblivious to her internal panicking. "I'll be expecting great things from you Kyoko."
Her only response was to laugh nervously. A few of the men came up to talk to the teacher, so she was able to back away without getting caught again. She scanned the room quickly, her heart leaping when she saw the kinder looking man was still there. Almost everyone was already gone by this point, the last few meandering out of the room.
"Um, excuse me." Said Kyoko, hurrying to him.
The man stopped, a few of his friends pausing as well.
"I'll catch up." He said to his friends, who left, each throwing Kyoko a disgruntled glance.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you." Said Kyoko.
"It's alright." Said the man. "What can I do for you"
"I just wanted to apologize for coming late." Said Kyoko, giving another bow. "I didn't mean to inconvenience you."
To her luck, the man continued to smile at her. "It happens. I'm glad you were able to make it, but I have to ask. Why come single me out?"
"Well, you seemed the easiest to approach." Said Kyoko with a nervous shrug. "I would like to apologize to everyone else, but they left so quickly…"
"Well, you are a female physician." Said the man. "And I haven't intruded myself have I? My name is Chris Amamiya."
"It's nice to meet you." Said Kyoko, shoving down a sinking feeling in her stomach. Something felt off. "I look forward to working with you."
"And I as well." Said Chris, something twinkling in his eye. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to catch up with my friends."
"Of course, see you." Said Kyoko, raising her hand to a wave.
Chris left, reaching his friends. As she watched, they greeted him by slinging an arm over his shoulder, saying something that made them laugh. The sinking in her heart grew as she realized what had made her so uneasy. Slowly, she lowered he hand, her smile disappearing as well.
This scene, of someone being kind to her then returning to laughing friends, was familiar to Kyoko. She had seen it first in the harem, back when she had started to make friends. It reminded her of a certain concubine that hide behind a mask of being a good person, secretly resenting Kyoko and eventually spreading lies to get her kicked out.
She prayed her instincts were wrong.
Kanae was waiting for her when she left the arcane syndicate. Kyoko didn't even spot her at first, so gloomy that her vision was blocked by her bad spirits.
"Hey, Kyoko. Are you in there?"
Kyoko jerked from her cloudy thoughts, blinking up at her best friend.
"Oh, Kanae! I didn't see you there." Said Kyoko. "How was training?
"Nothing to report." Said Kanae, eyes on Kyoko. "What about you? It doesn't look like it was very fun."
"Not at all." Sighed Kyoko. "I was late and couldn't apologize properly. Then the teacher wants me to be more of an assistant helping the others and then I didn't understand half of what he was saying about magic! I feel so behind!"
"You'll figure it out." Sid Kanae with a shrug. "You always do."
It would be nice to have that sort of confidence in herself. It looked like she'd have to do some major self-studying before her next class. Maybe she could ask Lory to suggest her so good books. Then there were the other students in the class. Would they eventually accept her?
The harem quarters were noisy by the time she returned. She said goodbye to Kanae at the door, barely walking into the room when she heard someone shout.
"You're all just pathetic! Just leave if you can't take it. I'll gladly help you pack!"
That sounded like Yumi. What was she yelling at everyone for this time? Kyoko headed towards the open arched room. As she suspected, Yugi was scolding a group of concubines while others muttered and gossiped around her. Kyoko caught tidbits of the argument, catching on that it had to do with Kuon and some girls considering leaving.
"But what if it's true?" one of the girls was saying, standing up to Yumi. "I don't want to be cursed."
"Then just leave." Said Yumi, drawn up to her full height. "It shows the depths of your feelings. I don't care if Kuon is cursed, I plan to stay by his side."
Kyoko's insides turned cold. What? How did they know about Kuon's curse? The noise became unintelligible to Kyoko as she hurried out of the room, scared that she might be asked her opinion about it.
If the concubines knew about his curse, that meant others did as well. Could it have already spread through the entire palace? What was Kuon doing? Was he going to be alright? She knew he was sensitive when it came to his curse. Should she go find him?
Someone was walking towards her. She quickly slipped into a room, desperate to have time to think. They passed by, speaking in hushed whispers.
"I heard he got it straight from the dark djinn."
"Oh gosh, do you think he'll change?"
"It's a mark of darkness, there's no way it won't affect him. I don't know if I want to stay here."
The voices faded as they turned down the hall, but Yumi's loud voice could still be heard. Kyoko bit her lip, wondering how it could have gotten out. Did someone they knew leak it? Or was it someone that Kuon had told. Or maybe it was from the tournament. Apparently the curse had slipped through for a few-
"Could you close the door please?"
Kyoko jumped.
She wasn't alone. Someone else was in the room. Setsuko was sitting in a pile of cushions, a book held open by her long fingers. She wasn't looking at Kyoko, attention on the pages in her hand.
"Ah, sure." Said Kyoko, closing the door. It shut out Yumi's voice, leaving the two of the in silence. For a moment, nothing but he occasional sound of Setsuko turning the page disrupted the quiet. Kyoko watched, a new set of questions filling her head.
"Well." Said Setsuko after a while. "What is it you want to ask me?"
Kyoko smiled wryly. She'd been gathering her courage to ask Setsuko a couple of questions, wondering how to start.
"Did you hear the rumor?" asked Kyoko.
"The one about Kuon being cursed?" said Setsuko.
"Yes."
"I already knew about his curse." Said Setsuko smoothly, her eyes briefly glancing at Kyoko before returning to her book. "And judging by your reaction, you did as well."
"You knew about his curse?" said Kyoko, surprised.
"Of course." Said Setsuko. "After all, both of us lost something precious that day."
"What?"
What did she mean? Kyoko knew Kuon had gotten the curse from the dark djinn, but she didn't know the circumstances behind it. Had Setsuko been involved?
Setsuko closed her book with a snap, Kyoko not flinching. The concubine sat up in her cushion as crossed her legs, expression bored.
"Are you interested in me and Kuon's past together?" she said. "Jealous for a man we aren't chasing are we?"
"And what's wrong with wanting to know more?" Said Kyoko. She had been curious for some time about his past, but couldn't summon the courage to ask him. The most she knew was that the Djinn had given him the curse five years ago.
Setsuko hummed in response, a smirk on her face. The seconds ticked by, Setsuko's eyes taking in Kyoko as if she were sizing her up. The intense scrutiny was enough to make Kyoko squirm, but she kept her eyes level, stood her ground, and ignored the gnawing feeling of self doubt growing in her heart.
Finally, Setsuko seemed to reach a decision.
"Fine, I'll tell you a little more." Said Setsuko, sitting back in her cushions. "The same day that Kuon got his curse was the day I lost my entire family."
"Your entire family?" said Kyoko, surprised. "You're an orphan?"
"That's right." continued Setsuko. She didn't seem troubled by the fact one bit. "Five years ago, some men got in, caused a bunch of problems, then were taken care of. It was a relatively small attack, but the few that were effected had their lives changed forever. Some even say that it was Prince Kuon's fault in the first place that the palace was attacked."
Kyoko digested the information, scrunching her brow in worry. If people blamed Kuon for the break in, he probably blamed himself as well. He might even feel bad for causing Setsuko to lose her family, which may have been why he kept her in the harem.
"You'd better stop what you're thinking." Said Setsuko, bringing Kyoko's attention back to her. "I see that look of pity in your eyes. I wasn't sad to lose my family that day. They were horrible people, and I'm glad they're dead."
"How can you say that?" said Kyoko. She might have problems with her own mother, but she had never wanted her dead. In response Setsuko let out a snort.
"My dad was a tax collector that extorted money from the public." Said Setsuko. "He also drank, had many affairs, which in turn caused my mother to blame me and my siblings for their failed marriage. Every day was hell, but I was so dependent on their destructive love that I couldn't handle their deaths."
Setsuko was no longer looking at Kyoko, eyes distant as she recounted her past.
"Kuon found out I was the only one alive and came to ask forgiveness. Instead I thanked him, and from there things escalated until I became his concubine. We were perfect for each other, both lost in our misery and self-hatred."
Her eyes slid back to Kyoko, narrowing in a dark gleam.
"Me and Kuon share a bond no one else can understand." She said. "You think you've helped heal him, supported him? You know nothing."
Kyoko balled her hands into fists, clenching her jaw. It was time to stop backing down from Setsuko.
"So what if you understand him best? It won't stop me doing what I can to help." Said Kyoko. "Besides, you're from a noble family are you not?"
"I am." Said Setsuko. "Is that important?"
"No, it just means neither of us are the one in Kuon's heart. So this quarrel between us in pointless." Said Kyoko. Kuon had told her long ago, when she was disguised as Bo, that he had started to fall for a girl that was a commoner. Since Setsuko was from a noble family, it meant Kuon wasn't in love with her.
Setsuko let out a short laugh. "I wonder how your mind works sometimes." Said Setsuko. "But you are wrong. There is a point to this quarrel, you just don't have the insight to see it."
There was a loud sound from the corridor, making Kyoko jump. It seemed like things were getting a little out of hand. Setsuko gave a sigh, getting to her feet and walking toward the door. She paused, looking at Kyoko.
"At the end of all of this, only one of us can stay by his side." Said Setsuko. "If you want to be the one, you need to stop lying to yourself."
"I've already told you, I'm just a friend." Said Kyoko.
"Your actions and words don't match. Make a choice Kyoko, I'm getting impatient."
Then she left.
Kyoko didn't move, slightly dazed. The last comment had hit her like a slap. That was uncannily similar to what Lory had told her, that her actions and words didn't match. Which was completely ridiculous! It wasn't as if she had given up her dream of becoming a great physician to help Kuon. Like she would have been willing to do for Sho.
Kyoko squeezed her eyes shut, her frustration growing. Between the accursed, her trepidation from her cleric lesson, and Setsuko's taunting, her exhaustion was growing. It was too hard to worry about all of this at once. She couldn't deny that hearing about Kuon's past with Setsuko had made her unhappy, especially about their bond. How could Kyoko compete with something like that? Especially someone as low and worthless as she.
I don't want to compete for his heart. She told herself. I fell in love, but I don't want anything to come of it. Their relationship does not matter to me.
Something was following him.
Kuon couldn't see it, but he could feel the eyes watching his every move. It made the hairs on his arm stand on edge.
He turned to confront the shadow, but there was nothing there. Just inky blackness that stretched endlessly.
He kept walking, ignoring the trepidation growing in his heart.
The thing was getting closer.
Kuon increased his speed, hoping to outrun it. The thing still gained on him, inching ever nearer. His feet were pounding down the endless corridor, unable to escape.
"Kuon."
Kuon jerked awake, almost falling out of his chair. He blinked, momentarily confused at what he saw.
"Oh, it's you." Said Kuon.
Rosa stood next to him, taking the form of Kyoko as she watched him with that eerie stare. He straightened, groaning as the pages of the book he had been using as a pillow stuck to his arms. How long had he been asleep? The better question was how long had he been in the library?
"Did you have a bad dream?" said Rosa. "You were twitching in your sleep."
"Was I?" said Kuon, straightening some of the scrolls he had knocked over. "I don't remember. Maybe."
He'd awoken too abruptly to remember anything, though he had a vague feeling it had not been pleasant. He shrugged, rolling out another scroll and suppressing a yawn.
"You should take a break." Said Rosa. "You've been here all day and you didn't sleep last night."
"Did dad send you here to say that?" said Kuon.
"I came to check on you. You learned a lot in the past twenty-four hours about your destiny. I was curious what your reaction would be to all of this."
"My destiny." echoed Kuon. He still had some mixed feelings about what he had learned. While he was overjoyed that the phoenix had chosen him to be the next ruler, he still wasn't sure if her decision was the correct one. It was one thing to assume he would be the next king and another to actually be told he should be the current king. While he didn't have the crown, he already felt the weight and expectations falling on him. His father had become so beloved by his people and brought peace to the land. He wasn't sure if he could match up to that legacy. He never had been.
"You doubt yourself." Said Rosa.
"Can you read my mind now?" said Kuon smoothly.
"Every king at one point doubts themselves." Said Rosa. "It's the burden of the crown. It's in these moments of doubt that a king shows what they are truly made of."
Hopefully Kuon wouldn't be one of those that crumbled. He seriously wondered why she had chosen him to be the next king.
"How do you chose who will be the next king?" said Kuon. "I can think of many light users that have more experience with leadership than me." That, and there had been some kings in the past that had been downright awful. Kuu's father for example. The man had been a warmonger.
"I don't know why; I just know who." Said Rosa. "Though the years, I have observed a few trends, and sometimes the king's true worth is not apparent until decades after his rule, but each has a purpose and a reason for being chosen."
The answer hadn't helped his self-confidence. He took it however, as it was.
Kuon gave a tired sigh, removing the garnet from the rectangular stand the scroll sat on. The words on the scroll disappeared, no longer supplied by the history in the gem. He placed the red garnet carefully in its labeled box, taking another slightly smaller one out and placing it in the space the other had vacated. Instantly the runes on the gem lit up, the light dispersing through the different ridges before reaching the scroll. Black inky words appeared, now depicting the text inside this gem.
It spoke of the history of Hikari Hizuri and his battle against the Dark Djinn. Portions of it were faded out, the spells inside the gem having eroded over time. Kuon had delved into the oldest histories of the library, desperate to find a hint on how he could remove the djinn's contract from himself. He scanned through the scroll, learning new tidbits of history, but nothing that could help. It had been like this all day.
Kuon scrunched his eyebrows, turning to the phoenix that was still standing by his table, not making a sound.
"Rosa, has anyone ever been able to break a contract with the dark djinn?"
"I've heard of it being done with another djinn, but never with Vaith." Said Rosa. "He is a special case, a djinn of destruction and granted special powers from dark forces you can't understand."
"Is it possible to break his contract in the same way?"
"It is not." Said Rosa.
Well there went that option. He should have asked this question a long time ago, but had been afraid of the answer. Rosa saw the disappointment on his face.
"Just because it has not been done, does not mean it cannot be done." Said Rosa.
"So you know a way to remove the curse?" said Kuon.
"No. But I am sure there is a way, maybe even more than one. I believe you will find the one that suites you best."
Kuon couldn't help a wry smile. Typical vague answer, but if Rosa believed it possible it most likely was. He would unearth it eventually, but sooner would be better than later.
Kuon suddenly became very cold. He felt something dark brush against his heart. He gave a shiver, recognizing the feeling for what it was. The contract again stirring within him. Kuon was unable to resist glancing behind himself, unsure if he'd see the djinn watching him again.
It wasn't.
"I think you're right." Said Kuon, standing up and putting away the gem. "I need a break."
His thoughts were turning too dark for his own liking. It wasn't good for his sanity to be holed up in this dark cramped windowless corner of the library all day. He quickly stuffed the scrolls and storage gems where he had found them, careful with the more delicate ledgers. Then he grabbed a lantern, making his way out of the maze of shelves.
Rosa followed, transforming into a phoenix and following him over head. The demi-god may not be a good source of idle chatter, but she did at least have some social tact when it came to revealing who Kuon loved most. It could potentially be embarrassing as well as dangerous for others to learn of his feelings for Kyoko.
The day had progressed further then Kuon had anticipated, the sun already starting to set quietly behind the horizon. He replaced the lantern, taking to the lighter corridors. He wasn't sure where he was going, his feet taking him down corridors. He did, however, notice the occasional glance or whisper that followed him as he passed servants and nobles. Those whispers could have been about anything, but he knew that more than a few were related to the rumors that he had been cursed.
Leaving the library had been a good and bad idea. Good to no longer be left alone with only his thoughts, bad because he now felt every stare as if they were looking into his soul.
He needed to escape.
Kuon left the palace, making his way towards the extensive gardens. With the sun almost gone, the yellow rays highlighted the plants in strange patterns, shadows and light dancing with each other in the twilight. He took to one path, letting his feet guide him as his mind wandered. Rosa came to rest on his shoulder, surprising him for a moment. She had never perched there before. The weight was comforting to Kuon.
He continued through the gardens, enjoying the coolness of the late night air. He pushed aside a low hanging branch, then froze. Someone else was crouched in front of a flower bed, head turning as they heard him approach.
"Kyoko." He said.
The woman stood, knees sullied from kneeling in the dirt. For a split second, emotions flitted across her face before her composure became neutral, neither friendly or closed. It puzzled him. Kyoko usually had a naturally open air to her after they had become closer.
"Good evening Prince Kuon." Said Kyoko. She opened her mouth to say something else, then closed it again. Instead she smiled, the expression not reaching her eyes. Something was obviously wrong.
A tense moment fell between them. Kuon didn't know what to say. All the recent events were filling his mind, unsure how to broach the subjects.
Slowly, the forced smile slipped from Kyoko's face, turning to concern. She let out a sigh, this gesture looking genuine.
"Every time I see you, I feel like you have another burden on your shoulders." Said Kyoko. "And I'm not talking about Rosa."
Kuon glanced at Rosa, before smiling at her attempt at a joke.
"You see through me too easily Kyoko." He said. "Though I believe the talent must be mutual. You look troubled yourself."
"Who wouldn't be after yesterday?" said Kyoko with a shrug.
"How are you handling it?"
"Well enough." Said Kyoko, who now had her eye on him. "What about you?"
"Well enough."
She frowned, evidently not pleased with his answer. He wasn't pleased with hers either.
"I'm so glad that after this traumatizing experience, the both of us as doing so well." Said Kuon dryly. "Really, we are amazing."
Kyoko let out a snort, a true smile ghosting across her face. The small expression brought a little peace to Kuon's heart. She then glanced at Rosa, becoming nervous.
"Prince Kuon, can I ask a favor?" she said.
"What is it?" said Kuon.
The woman became more anxious, shifting uncomfortable. It sparked Kuon's curiosity.
"Um, if you wouldn't mind…." Said Kyoko, "I was wondering, well…" She took a big breath, now looking at Kuon with determination, her face turning slightly pink as she nearly yelled. "Can I hug Ren!?"
Kuon stared at her for five seconds before what she said clicked. When it did, he stared for another five seconds.
"What-" he started, then Kyoko hurriedly interrupted.
"I meant to say- do you think I could hug Rosa as Ren? I don't know if it's appropriate for me to touch the phoenix but I was just thinking that I would like to see Ren again."
"Oh." That's what she had been thinking. Kuon had to suppress a blush when he remembered she didn't know he was Ren.
Then his mind began working, connecting what she had and hadn't said. He looked behind her towards the flower bed, recognizing the semitransparent blue flowers. It was the crystal aster, the flowers she visited only when she was deeply troubled.
"You'll have to ask Rosa." Said Kuon, his suspicions on her mental state confirmed.
Kyoko turned her hopeful expression to the phoenix, who regarded Kyoko for a moment before descending. She became the miniature version of Kuon with orange hair and fair skin, an innocence he had long lost still in his countenance.
Kyoko's expression brightened, hurrying to Rosa before dropping to her knees. She buried the phoenix in a hug, and huge smile on her face. Rosa returned the hug with a loose grip, no doubt unused to the sensation. Kuon briefly wondered if the phoenix had ever been hugged before in her long life. Kyoko stayed there for another moment, before releasing Rosa, her smile even brighter now. The light was back in her eyes, practically shining in joy. She let out a little laugh, rubbing the back of her head nervously.
"Thank you. I really needed that." She said.
"You must have been really troubled." Said Kuon.
Kyoko gave another shy laugh as she beamed at him. The light from the sun hit her just right, shining through her hair as she shone with her own inner light.
"Yeah, I came out here to recharge my energy and now I feel much better."
It was official, she was adorable, smiling so brightly in the gardens. It was a breath of fresh air to see her, looking so peaceful and happy among the greenery. He really wanted to hug her as well.
Kuon hesitated before opening his own arms, staring at her expectantly.
"What is it?" said Kyoko, puzzled.
"I'm waiting for my hug." Said Kuon.
Kuon had mostly been teasing her, a small part of him hopeful that he would be able to bully her into giving him a hug. What he didn't expect was for Kyoko's expression to clear in understanding.
"Oh." Said Kyoko. "Of course, how thoughtless of me."
She stood up, smiling at Kuon.
Then she didn't move.
"Umm," Said Kyoko, talking to Rosa. "aren't you going to transform into Prince Kuon's loved one?"
That made a lot more sense. Kyoko had assumed he had been talking about hugging Rosa. The Ren clone eyed him.
"Would you like for me to change form?" said Rosa.
"No, that won't be necessary." Said Kuon, holding out a hand. The last thing he needed was for Kyoko to find out he loved her by the phoenix turning into her. "That wasn't what I meant."
"What did you mean then?" said Kyoko. Then comprehension dawned on her. She gave a huff as she crossed her arms in mild indignation. "Prince Kuon, you've been hanging out with Shin too much."
"He is my cousin." Said Kuon.
"And a flirt, but a good man."
"That he is." agreed Kuon, unable to suppress a smile. His mood had brightened considerably after meeting with Kyoko. It had been an accident, but he was grateful for it all the same. A thought occurred to him, and he glanced around.
"Kyoko, where is your guard?" Said Kuon.
"Oh, Shadow is over there." Said Kyoko, pointing at a seemingly empty area of the gardens.
"Shadow?" said Kuon.
"My shadow guard. He won't tell me his name so that's the one I gave him."
Of course she had. He wasn't even sure how she knew where he was. The man was hard to spot even for Kuon.
"You're supposed to have another guard with you as well." Said Kuon.
"I know, but Shinichi and Yuusei weren't on duty and Kanae is already in bed. I didn't want some random person hovering over me. I needed time to think by myself."
She really had no idea how important it was for her to be safe. He might lose his sanity if something happened to her, especially after recent revelations. He could feel his concern and irritation stirring, making his expression turn hard.
"Kyoko." He said. "Do you not remember the part where I worry about you?"
Kyoko bit her lip, looking guilty. It actually took him off guard how quickly she backed down at his anger.
"Yes, sorry about that." Said Kyoko. "I just… needed to sort some things in my head."
His own irritation died at her expression. How could he stay mad when she looked so put out? He really had no defenses against her.
"Then would you like for me to leave?" he said. He'd send another guard to look after her.
Kyoko hesitated before answering. "No, it's fine. I feel much better now."
"Then would you like to join me?"
"Join you? Where?"
"There's a great place in the gardens to watch the sun set." Said Kuon, gesturing at the dimly lit sky. "The view always helps me calm down."
As he knew it would, Kyoko's expression brightened, her eyes telling him before she did that she liked the idea very much. Kuon held out his hand, which she took timidly. He circled his fingers around her smaller hand, grateful more than he could ever say that she had responded when he reached for her.
"Come, it's this way." Said Kuon.
They'd taken about four steps before someone came into view, walking briskly towards them. Kyoko quickly pulled her hand from Kuon's, hiding it behind her as if she'd been caught doing something wrong. Kuon internally growled in exasperation.
"My prince." Said the messenger. "You're needed immediately by the king."
"What is it about?" said Kuon.
"I'm not sure, but Hirotaka is also there. He says it's imperative that you come."
Kuon discreetly looked at Kyoko, who was now staring at the ground, her face slightly pink. He really had missed her, but he also needed to fulfill his duty as the crown prince.
"I'm sorry Kyoko." Said Kuon. "Perhaps we can visit at another time."
"Another time." agreed Kyoko, not looking at him as she nodded her head.
Something was on her mind. He wasn't sure what it was, but he doubted it was something they could discuss in a few minutes. Especially if she needed comfort from 'Ren'. She might not even want to discuss it with him. He also had some new burdens he didn't feel comfortable sharing with her yet. He wanted to. Gosh he wanted to open up to her, but he also didn't want to burden her with even more secrets.
"Make sure to remember your guard next time." Said Kuon.
Kyoko finally looked at him, eyes shining in mischief that told Kuon she was going to say something sarcastic.
"I'll bring all three of them if it makes you happy."
Thanks for reading!
So before any of you drop this because I made Chiori a guy, just... trust me. (Yes, Chris is Chiori.)
I am absolutely blown away by the support from you all. phthalo blue drew some fan art sketches and gave me permission to share them with you. (They're on my profile) So cool! Definitely check them out. If anyone wishes to share anything else they have created, please do!
Miyu Kokomi, the reason that Kyoko couldn't be corrupted by a seed was because Kuon was protecting her subconsciously with his light magic (That was the reason Reino gave). And yup LittleChomper, originally in the manga, Rosa was Kyoko's.
I feel that I can't thank you guys enough for your support. This is a long project, and it's kept going because of your support and love. You guys are awesome! I hope you all have good fortune and luck in all your endeavors and all the jazz!
-Blushweaver