When Kuon arrived in his father's study, he noticed a strange pedestal in the center of the room. It was made from a white rock, intricate designs and runes carved into the sides. The top wasn't flat like most pedestals. Each corner was raised slightly to flank the also elevated center, where a single crystal rested. Kuon had never seen something like it before. Hirotaka was hovering by the device, rocking back and forth in excitement despite the bloodshot tired eyes.
With a push off Kuon's shoulder Rosa soared over to her perch by the king's desk. The man himself sat there, raising a hand to stroke the phoenix's feathers.
"There you are." Said the king. "I'm glad Rosa was with you. I wondered where she went."
"What is this about father?" said Kuon, noting that Lory was there as well. The duke was sitting at the side of the room, hand slowly tracing his beard as he stared at the white pedestal.
"This is what I wanted to show you." Said Kuu, gesturing at the device that held everyone's attention. "Archmage Hirotaka here had just begun explaining it to me, if you could start over please."
"Of course your majesty." Said Hirotaka, "This here, is what I call an inhibitor. You may ask, what exactly it inhibits? Well, I've programed it to inhibit specifically the dark djinn and its followers."
"Are you saying it can stop dark magic?" said Kuon, shocked. As far as Koun know they had yet to find a way completely suppress light magic or arcane, let alone dark magic! Some of the most complex magical circles could come close, but there was always a weakness that could be exploited.
"Not entirely." Said Hirotaka. "Just really strong surges of magic. It stops most dark spells from fully activating. Take the seeds for example. It can't destroy them, but if an infected person is within the active range of the inhibitor, it can dampen the effects of the seed and prevent it from sprouting. At least theoretically."
"Theoretically?" said Kuon. "So you have yet to test it out?"
"I just finished not two hours ago." Said Hirotaka, looking proud, despite the unkempt appearance. Kuon doubted the man had slept since the ceremony. "It's succeeded in dampening the aura of the relics, and all the data adds up. We just need to make a few last adjustments, increase the range of its influence and there we are. A solution to the dark seeds and the invisible blight!"
Kuon couldn't help being impressed. The threat of the dark seeds had been hanging over them for the past few weeks, a trap just waiting to be sprung. They might have the relics that created and activated the seeds, but they couldn't be sure there weren't other relics with the same ability. As far as the reports had gone, there hadn't been an increase of seeds being planted in people, but they still didn't have a way to remove them.
If this device truly could stop the seeds from sprouting and turning people into dark beings, it could save thousands of lives. That was assuming it did what Hirotaka said it did.
"This is just a prototype?" said Kuu, obviously impressed with the device, he had come out from behind his desk, examining the inhibitor with admiration. "Do you think it can keep the accursed out entirely?"
"We have no real way of knowing." Said Hirotaka. "Not unless we can find an accursed and ask them to try getting near its influence."
Kuu's quick glance towards Lory caught Kuon's attention. If he hadn't been paying attention, he wouldn't have noticed Lory's slight tilt, the closest to a shake of the head they could get without Hirotaka noticing.
"That being said, I think having the prince here will help us determine if it makes a difference against the accursed." continued Hirotaka. "Since he has a half formed contract with the Djinn, it's the closest we can get to seeing how it effects the accursed."
Surprise and terror flooded into Kuon as he turned to his father, irritated. "You told him about the contract?"
"Hirotaka was the one that discovered what it was." Said Kuu smoothly.
"Right." Said Kuon, letting his spike of anger fade. "Well, nothing's changed since I walked in this room, so I don't think it works."
"That's because it's not activated." Said Hirotaka. "It's very fragile when it's working, and I didn't want to break it on accident. Here."
Hirotaka rolled back his sleeves before placing his hand on either side of the platform. Light magic began channeling from his core throughout the whole device. The light started in the center, the crystal clearing until it became almost completely transparent, overflowing with light that seeped into the grains, spider webbing down the sides. An intangible force pushed out from the center, shimmering just on the edge of being seen as it spread out. The force reached Kuon, and then pressed through him.
Kuon inhaled sharply, feeling as if he had been deluged in water. His senses sharpened, his eyes cleared as some of the dark fog over his heart lessened. The light magic inside of him flexed, stirring from their oppression and eagerly drinking in the new aura.
The others had felt the difference as well. The worry lines on their faces lessened, but judging by their reactions it hadn't had to same impact as it had on Kuon. They were watching him.
"Tell us Prince Kuon." Said Hirotaka. "Can you feel it's influence on your contract?"
He could still feel his curse there, but it was weaker. Much weaker. The inhibitor had managed to dampen the darkness while simultaneously bringing out the light, all without hurting him in the process. It was incredible.
"Well?" said Hirotaka, breathless with anticipation.
"It works." Said Kuon.
The archmage let out a whoop in delight, all smiles as he clapped his hands together in joy. Kuon felt himself smile as well, the expression mirrored in his father face.
"Excellent work Hirotaka." Said Kuu. "How long will it take for you to make one that can cover the whole palace grounds?"
"Hmm, maybe a few days." Said Hirotaka, putting a finger to his lips in thought. "Less if I had a powerful light magic user to help."
"And what about one that covers the whole city?"
"An inhibitor that covers the whole city?" said Hirotaka. "That would be near impossible."
"It doesn't have to be just one." Said Kuu. "It can be multiple, linked together to protect the city in one solid shield. What do you think?"
Hirotaka was thinking, mumbling to himself as he sorted through the problem. It was an enormous task, and one Kuon would have thought impossible. But he saw the determination in his father's eyes, feeling himself slightly foolish for not even considering the possibility.
"Yes… I think we could do it." Hirotaka was saying, making movements with his hands. "It would take a few more chamber, bigger power source… Never have we linked together something like this, but we won't know unless we tried."
"I leave you." said Kuu. "Do not disappoint."
"Of course not sire." Said Hirotaka.
"Excellent." Said Kuu. He clapped Hirotaka on the shoulder, his expression clear and laughing. "Also, keep this a secret. We don't want the accursed finding out about it and targeting the inhibitor. I want you to start immediately. Well, after you get some sleep. You look dead on your feet."
"Rest? When I have such a grand project in front of me? I must start work immediately."
"I insist." Said Kuu. "Don't make me have Dyrus escort you back."
The man chuckled, but eventually relented, allowing him to be escorted from the room. Kuu was beaming, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet as he bid goodnight to Hirotaka. Then he turned to the other two.
"Finally, we have a break through!" Said Kuu. "We can start defending the kingdom from the accursed magic."
"It is quite extraordinary." Said Lory, whose mustache twitched as he smiled. "I think this will end up helping us a lot more in the future than we realize."
It was extraordinary. An incredible discovery and achievement for them in defending against the accursed. Spells like this inhibitor were complicated magic, but well worth their many issues.
The king turned to Kuon, his smile lessening when he saw his son's face.
"What is that look for son?" said Kuu. "Isn't this great? We're finally gaining an edge to the accursed."
"I'm wondering father." Said Kuon. "Wouldn't we benefit more if we didn't keep the inhibitor a secret?"
"What do you mean?"
"For starters, Hirotaka can get some more help." Said Kuon. "More help means more inhibitors, and more quickly."
"It also means the accursed finding out about it." Said Kuu. "It would be better that they don't know what's stopping their magic from working."
"Except they will figure it out." Said Kuon, nodding at the inhibitor. "I can sense it, and not with my light magic." The dark inside of him could feel it, like the blazing sun scoring exposed skin. The closer he stood, the worse it burned. It wouldn't take long for the accursed to work out where or what was causing them issues.
"Can you now?" said Kuu, some of his mood fading. "The we'll have to find a way to cloak that as well. Maybe see if we can tweak one of the spells the shadow guard use."
"I doubt it will work." Said Kuon. "We can try, but it would be better to expand our defenses, help the people. And at least, we will know where the accursed will strike.
"You want to use it as bait." Said Lory, who was watching the conversation with interest. "You want to lure the accursed to the inhibitor and destroy them."
"Exactly." Said Kuon. "The accursed have continued to evade us, and we don't know where they are or when they will show up. We know where a few bands of dark followers are, but we don't know their main goal, other than the destruction of the kingdom in general. If we have this inhibitor up, at least we can anticipate where they will attack next. They can't change a city into a battle field in an instant unless they destroy the inhibitor."
"I don't know…" said Kuu. "If we kept it a secret, we could prevent the accursed from ever finding out about it after we come up with that cloaking spell…"
"I seriously doubt we could." Said Kuon. "We've too many spies among us. Hirotaka will need help, officials will need to be alerted, guards will need to be assigned. It raises too many questions. It would be better to use what we have instead of waiting for a spell we might not be able to invent."
Kuu continued to consider. Kuon could understand his father's hesitance to use the inhibitor especially when it's benefits and defenses were still in its early stages. It was a general truth that you didn't want to use magic that wasn't completely explored yet, and it sounded like there was a lot to the inhibitor that had yet been considered. It would be better in the optimal situation to continue the tests and release it when it was fully ready, but it was a luxury they couldn't afford. Besides, they could lure in the accursed at the same time and finally get a hit against them.
"What do you think Lory?" said Kuu, looking to his friend.
"It's worth a shot." Said Lory. "It best to use our resources. If something were to happen with the accursed, and the people find out we had a way to prevent it, we would be under a lot of fire not matter what we said to justify our actions."
There was that argument as well. Kuu took their words into consideration, finally making a decision.
"I think you're right." Said Kuu. "We should seek to set up the inhibitors as soon as possible. This will have to be set up carefully and should still stay between us for now. Eventually it would be good to spread out the inhibitors not only here, but through the entire country."
Kuu went back to his desk, gesturing to Lory and Kuon to take the seats in front. Kuon sat down beside Lory, ready to finally have a solid plan against the accursed. They discussed their options late into the night, preparing what they would need to lure the accursed in.
Kyoko wasn't sure what she should do. She felt stuck, unsure of how to resolve the situation. Both Lory and Setuko's words were starting to get to her, making her dizzy with her thoughts. Was she digging herself in deeper than she had realized? She was in love with the prince, but was it such a bad thing?
Well, besides the obvious reason that it made her a horrible person, exposed her to getting hurt again and was completely pointless. What good could come from loving Prince Kuon? He was the crown prince for goodness sakes! With a harem full of beautiful women. Eventually he would have to marry to produce an heir. No matter if it was for love, or for political advantage, he would never choose her. So there was no point in her feelings. Knowing all this, it begged the question; was she letting her feelings control too much of her decisions?
The answer was obvious. Yes, it had. She wanted to stay close to him. She had been using the excuse of wanting to repay him, but it was just that. An excuse. The truth was that she enjoyed his presence. He treated her with respect, inspired her to be better, and made her feel lov- cared for! He made her feel cared for. It was a feeling she hadn't been familiar with for a very long time.
Seeing him in the gardens hadn't helped. She'd felt keenly the wall she had placed between them unconsciously, and how easily Kuon had torn it down after a few minutes in his presence. The last time she had given someone this much power of her they had broken her heart and spirit.
He was dangerous.
Unfortunately, this was not the time or place for these thoughts to invade her mind. She couldn't help it. With each meeting, the man was starting to invade her conscious.
"Are you still having trouble with it?" said Kazutoyo. He had come over to where Kyoko was, alone in the group of men. They were using a needle and thread to practice stitching up wounds. The scrap of animal skin in front of her looked a mess. They had been using an enchanted hooked needle to sew up the wound. The needle would automatically produce a thread when activated, this one imbued with light magic to promote better healing. Everyone except Kyoko had gotten the hang of it after a few minutes, moving the needle through the skin effortlessly. Kyoko could do the same thing with a normal needle and thread, but for some reason the magic installed into the needle that was not compatible with her.
"I'm trying." Said Kyoko, holding her hand over the needle again. It gave a wimpy shake, hovering in the air for a moment before clumsily threading through the skin. The thread didn't appear, and her needle went too deep into the hide.
She tried her best, but she couldn't get a handle on it. The arcane circle was supposed to make it possible for her to activate the light magic inside of the needle, which would then produce the thread. Needless to say, she was having trouble.
The rest of the group were all watching her, a few tapping their feet impatiently, others muttering about wasting so much time. She did her best to ignore them, her stomach clenching with nerves. Sweat poured onto her forehead as she forced through her magic, willing it to work. The needle just gave a twitch before falling onto the table.
Kautoyo scratched the back of his head. "Well, we'll just have to move on." He said with a shrug. "I guess we'll have to work on things that you're good at."
"What?"
"Everyone put the skins away." Said Kazutoyo. "Instead I'll hand out the next item we'll practice using."
Kyoko could feel the glares and stared of indignation on her back. She kept her head down, hands slowly bawling into fists as she tried to ignore the shame in her stomach. It had been like this all week. This was the third time they had switched tasks to practice to accommodate her.
The teacher was still ignoring the tense atmosphere and hushed whispers as he pulled out a box full of round fist sized balls. There were also an assortment of rings, no doubt programed with a spell. He passed the container to Kyoko, who took one of each and passed the rest of the stack behind her. She tried to ignore the glares.
"We're going to be looking at drawing poison." Said Kazutoyo. "Now this spell doesn't use light magic, since for some poisons the light magic interacts with it in strange ways. It safer to just use arcane since there is no healing being done."
Kyoko slipped the enchanted ring on her finger, the familiar spell comforting.
"Now, this requires some practice a not a little bit of technique. Kyoko, could I have you demonstrate it for me please?"
"Me?" said Kyoko, surprised and also alarmed.
"Of course, you were the one that save Prince Kuon when he was poisoned, and without a spell to assist you as well." Said Kazutoyo, his face showing no sympathy. At that moment, Kyoko realized the man was not oblivious. He was testing her, seeing if she had the ability to do it. This was her last chance to prove she deserved to be here.
"Go ahead and demonstrate for us."
Slowly, Kyoko stood from her seat, turning to face the class as she placed a fingertip on the ball in her hand. She took a breath, and then channeled. The magic flowed easily through her, reaching through the gem and into the ball. As she drew her finger away, a mass of yellow liquid followed, hovering in the air before she placed it carefully in a small vile on her table.
The spell was not an easy one, and should have generated some admiration at least. Instead, the whole group rolled their eyes, unimpressed with the one and only spell she had successfully completed.
"Excellent!" said Kazutoyo, the only person in the room that looked pleased. "Now, since this one is so difficult, I'm going to be roaming the room and providing tips. Kyoko, feel free to do so as well since you already have this one mastered."
Yeah, no, that wasn't going to happen. Kyoko could just imagine what would happen if she tried to give any of these people corrections. As Kazutoyo walked away, she could hear a group of the boys behind her muttering darkly.
"Talk about a one trick pony. It's irritating when people use their position to get by in life. She has no talent whatsoever."
Kyoko stiffened, choosing to pretend like she couldn't hear them. Unfortunately, it was impossible with how loudly they were talking about her.
"This is taking forever. We keep having to change because of her incompetence."
"I bet she's used to being spoiled, not caring about how she is inconveniencing everyone. She didn't even apologize to us for being late the first day."
Kyoko couldn't take it anymore. She spun around in her seat, bowing her head quickly in her seat.
"I really am sorry for being late." Said Kyoko. "I-"
A stream of bright orange liquid spattered in Kyoko face. Her hand flew to her eyes, pressing hard. It burned! The substance had gotten into her eyes and she had to bite back a cry of pain.
"Oh, my bad." She heard the man say. There was no sincerity. He was not sorry. The others beside him laughed cruelly, offering up their own insincere sympathies.
"I guess you need a better teacher." she heard one say.
That was it. She didn't deserve this kind of treatment, even if she had made it inconvenient for everyone. They were as bad as the harem.
Kyoko used her magic to pull all of the liquid off of her, tossing it back into it's vial in a solid stream before turning back to face the front of the class room and ignoring the rest of the taunts.
"Aw, don't be mad sugar. It was an accident."
She ignored them, blinking the tears from her eyes. They were still burning from the substance, but another type of burning had started within her, spurred on by their taunting. These people didn't care that she was sincere in her desire to learn, they didn't care that she felt guilty for slowing them down. They had no desire to see her as a person. If that was the case, then she would fight with what they did care about: Results.
The class ended half an hour later, most of the men only getting a vague idea of what they were trying to do. The spell was not easy to replicate. Kyoko stuffed her small purse with several different magical tools, hopeful to get some practice. Kazutoyo had given her permission to practice with them since she was having a hard time.
As she walked from her desk, she nearly ran into Chris.
"Excuse me." Said Kyoko. "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"It's alright." Said Chris, good natured like before. "I'm sure your eyes weren't happy with the abuse they received earlier."
Kyoko felt her heart melt. Even if Chris was being fake (like she strongly suspected), it was still nice to have someone express sympathy towards her situation.
"I'm just frustrated with the whole thing." She admitted. "I know I'm better than this. I just can't figure out this new spell."
Chris gave a shrug. "Well, it seems like you know better what you should be doing then. You performed the poison withdrawal so easily, it makes no sense that the other spells didn't work. Maybe you should just figure something else out yourself."
"That… would be interesting." Said Kyoko, an idea slowing forming. It would just require some more studying, maybe a change in the circle. She'd been trying to work with it for so long she hadn't considered messing with the magic. If it produced the same results, would it be bad for her to change it?
A small slowly spread across her face.
"I think I have an idea." Said Kyoko. "Thanks Chris!"
She hurried away before Chris could say anything, excited. Maybe, just maybe she would be able to turn her situation around.
Chris watched as Kyoko ran off, a small smile of satisfaction tugging at his lips. He saw the hope on Kyoko's face, and he knew she wouldn't disappoint. She was sure to do something reckless and try and change Kazutoyo's spell. He was interested to see what kind of failure she would present tomorrow.
"What was that about?" Kazutoyo had come up to him motioning towards Kyoko's retreating figure. "She was in such low spirits the whole class. Did you say something to her?"
"Not really." Said Chris. "She was complaining about the spell, saying she could come up with something better."
"Did she now?" said Kazutoyo, now frowning.
"Yes." said Chris. "She wanted my opinion about changing it, and I told her it would be a bad idea, but she just looked more determined after I said that. She ran off before I could say anything else."
"She's too full of herself." Said Kazutoyo, "I won't give her special treatment because she's Duke Takarada's favorite. I'm disappointed in her skills so far. If she comes having changed my spell, I'll excuse her from the class, no matter what the duke says."
Chris had to fight to keep his smile down. It was exactly what he wanted. He quickly excused himself from his instructor to go join the group of men waiting for him. They were idiots, but they were better than nothing, currently bragging about bullying the girl in class. So uncouth.
"All she's doing is riding the coattails of Sho's discovery." Horiuchi was saying, wavy blonde hair swept over his eyes. He held himself with an arrogance that only self-important nobles could project. "Just because she presented it, she's the dukes favorite. Not to mention how she ensnared the prince to get free benefits. I don't care if they said she saved his life, she's obviously just a whore."
"You can't be too harsh on the girl." Said Chris, fake smile affixed like usual. "Maybe there are circumstances we don't understand, and she can't use light magic. This has to be hard on her."
Horiuchi let out a short. "We saw you talking nicely to her. I'd give it up. I doubt she spreads her legs for anything but the prince. Woman don't belong anywhere else but the bed chamber."
Chris felt his smile twitch, but didn't say anything. The group continued to bash on Kyoko, Chris staying in the back as they continued. The longer they talked, the more irritated he became about the whole situation.
Sweat was pouring down Kanae's face, her body slick as she moved smoothly through her forms, pushing her muscles to work faster and harder than before. She relished in the aching burn a good workout provided. Her body and essence had healed, back to full capacity and more through careful attention.
Her breathing slowed as she finished her exercise, letting her spear settle to her side. As she loosened her braces to let the air cool her wrists, her attention was pulled to the side of the room where her friend sat. Kyoko's head was buried in a book, her eyes narrowed, lips silently moving as her hand drew small pattern in the pages. Everything spoke of intense concentration, as well as intense distress.
Kanae walked over to Kyoko, leaning her spear against her shoulder as she waited for her to notice. The woman didn't, continuing her all-consuming intense study.
"If it's so hard for you to understand." Said Kanae. "Why don't you just ask your teacher for help?"
It took a few seconds for Kyoko to register the words, appearing surprised to see Kanae so close to her before returning to her book.
"I already tried. He doesn't understand what I can't understand. I have to figure it out myself."
"Then what about another mage?" said Kanae. "Aren't there lots of those in the arcane syndicate?"
"Plenty, but it's a new combination of circles and magic. They don't understand it any better than I do."
Which just made the whole thing that much more absurd. How could they expect a complete novice like Kyoko to pick up on an advance spell? Circle or not, any time a new spell came out it had its bugs that made it sometimes impossible to manage. Maybe that was the point, to use Kyoko as a beta tester. Unfortunately, it meant her value at the syndicate was being measured off a product doomed to fail.
"Stupid puffed up idiots." Said Kanae. "They purposefully gave it to you to test, since they don't have anything invested in you. You can lose face, and they gain more results. I'd quit just to deny them the satisfaction."
"They're not like that." Said Kyoko, finally looking up. She put the book down in her lap, hands resting on the parchment. "Kazutoyo seems genuinely interested in seeing me succeed. They could just test it somewhere else if testing it was their goal. Besides, I don't plan on quitting-"
"Thought you would say that." Interrupted Kanae. "You still hung up on that guy then?"
Kyoko's eyes flashed with an emotion before being carefully concealed again. Her voice was carefully level as she answered.
"I have many motivations for learning more about healing. He is but one of them."
"And the one that drives you most?"
Kyoko didn't answer, chewing her cheek in thought. Kanae recognized she wouldn't get anything more out of Kyoko from that end. The woman was still angry with Sho, which Kanae didn't fully understand. There was probably more to the story then Kanae knew since her friend did not seem to be one that held grudges easily. Kanae on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to wring the necks of all the men in that class, plus some of the other concubines in Kuon's harem. And these people were supposed to be nobles?
"Kyoko." Said Kanae. "I know you are determined, but there is no benefit in what you are currently doing. Just tell them their spell doesn't work."
"It does when Kazutoyo uses it-"
"-But not for you so it still has bugs. I'm sure your revenge will be just as sweet if it's delayed for a few months."
Kyoko hesitated before finally relenting.
"One more thing." Said Kyoko. "Let me try one more thing. If it does not work, then I will tell the instructor this spell is not for me."
"Good." Said Kanae. The sooner Kyoko could get out of that mess the better. She knew her friend was strong, but there was no benefit to her struggle when they were doing nothing but give the men more ammo to torment her.
A few platforms down, there was a small group of people that were steadily growing. Many in the training room lowered their weapons as they turned to see what was going on. Kanae herself was curious, noticing one person standing in the middle as he shook hands with the others. While he was smiling, Kanae noticed that some in the group looked far from happy. Many appeared distressed rather than excited.
"What do you think is happening?" said Kyoko.
"Don't know."
Curious, the two girls approached, their presence so familiar in the training room no one spared them a glance anymore. Kyoko often came with Kanae, usually bringing her books to study as well. They found that the man in the middle was Hidehito, smiling heartily and being congratulated for something.
"What is going on?" Kyoko asked a nearby soldier.
"Apparently Hidehito has been selected to be in the next group of champions." Said the man.
"Hidehito? Is the Kijima family related to any of the duke families?"
"Distantly." Said the man. "The king issued that anyone can be a champion now, as long as Rosa approves. There are so few willing to try after the last ceremony they're taking what they can get."
"Who can blame them?" said another man. "After what happened? You couldn't pay me to become a champion. I don't want to die."
"I'm more concerned about the cursed prince." Said another. "If the royal family can't protect themselves, how can they expect to protect the rest of us?"
Kanae listened closely to the men. These topics weren't new. The same gossip had been going around for the last weeks, but each time she heard it, it still made her insides churn. Too much anxiety and uncertainty made for unsteady foundation. One good push, and everything might fall. She hoped the king knew what he was doing, continuing to push for a new round of champions. It was the right move, but only if they could deliver this time.
Kyoko's own face was thoughtful, brow furrowed as she openly worried. No doubt she was thinking about the prince and how he was faring with these rumors, though she would deny it vehemently. The two were close, though Kanae wasn't sure how close. She knew of Kuon's feelings, though he had funny ways of showing it. She didn't appreciate that time where he had been distancing himself from Kyoko.
The two women got closer to Hidehito, finally able to offer their own congratulations. The man had come by on several occasions to spar with Kanae, and she was impressed with his swordsmanship.
"Thank you, I'm relieved to get your approval." Said Hidehito, grinning at Kyoko.
"Mine?" said Kyoko. "Is there a particular reason? Or are you just being polite?"
He gave her a wide smile and a wink. "I heard that the woman you lead away right before the duel was a dark follower trying to curse me. If it hadn't been for you, who knows what might have happened?"
He was talking about Naomi, the snake lady that had been trying to put a dark seed in him. Kanae honestly had forgotten about that part of the incident.
Kyoko shook her head. "It was something anyone would have done if they had known. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time."
"Maybe, but your bravery against the accursed does inspire me." He said.
Kanae resisted the temptation to roll her eyes. The man had been more attentive to Kyoko for the last few training sessions. His attentions were going straight over the girl's head, no matter how obvious they were.
"I noticed that you were studying earlier." Said Hidehito. "How are the lessons going?"
"Dismal." Admitted Kyoko, giving a sigh. "I'm stuck on the new magic and can't figure it out. I can't move forward until then."
Kanae did not like the way Hidehito's face lit up.
"Then perhaps I can help?" he said. "I am quite good with runes and circles myself."
"Oh please, don't show off when you won't have time." Said a new comer barreling into the conversation. Kanae couldn't decide if she wanted to cheer or groan at his timely arrival. He was holding a goblet, taking a drink from its contents before pointing a finger at Hidehito.
"You're about to become a champion." Said Shin, "You won't have time to do anything but protect our glorious kingdom."
"I can make time." Said Hidehito, not backing down.
"Trust me, it won't be enough." Said Shin, "I've seen this circle, and man it's a headache. Whoever made up the thing must enjoy pain."
"Every circle is a headache to you Shin." Said Hidehito dryly.
A few listening to the conversation chuckled at the comment, Shin holding his hand up in silent surrender.
"True, I am inept, but it might be better if Kyoko tries getting help from her instructor first. He was in the research group that constructed it in the first place."
Kyoko opened her mouth, no doubt to say she had already tried that, but Kanae shot her a quick glare. Kyoko got the message and snapped her mouth shut. It was better to stop Hidehito's attentions as soon as possible. Kanae did not approve of the man, or any when it came to Kyoko's heart.
"Or, maybe you can get my cousin to help you." Said Shin, his eyes shining in delight at the idea. "He's almost an expert himself on runes. There would be no harm in asking."
Their conversation was interrupted at that point as more people came to talk to Hidehito and Shin. Kanae took Kyoko by the arm, gently leading her away from the crowd. Kanae didn't trust that many people around her with weapons. It was too easy for something to occur in the confusion. That, and she wanted to leave before Hidehito could call them back and try to get private teaching lessons with Kyoko.
She did send Shin a small glare, who made a motion of catching something in the air. He then pressed his lips to his hand and then opened his palm in Kanae's direction.
"You're welcome." his lips read with a grin.
"I will kill him one day." grunted Kanae.
Kyoko gave her a confused look as someone stepped in front of their path.
"So barbaric, openly talking of murdering a man." Said Hiou, glaring daggers at Kanae. His sword was strapped to his hip, expression frowning and glowering and glaring at Kanae. No change in the usual. "No doubt you will do the deed yourself, a foul mercenary with no honor. I wonder how many such jobs you took in the past."
What was this boy's problem? Kanae couldn't understand his constant hostility towards her ever since their first duel, heck even before that. He seemed hell bent on ridiculing her every second he could get.
"I don't understand why you feel the need to throw your weight around every time you see me." Said Kanae. "Have I done something to offend you?"
An incredulous expression crossed Hiou's face before it schooled back into anger. "When I thought you couldn't be more offensive. Pretending ignorance while so unashamedly insulting our family. Just seeing your face makes my blood boil."
Kanae blinked in confusion for a moment. How had she insulted his family? She had never had a quarrel with them before Hiou… and then it hit her. She suddenly felt hot, heat rising through her whole body.
Did they know? Was it possible that they knew the circumstances behind her master's death? They would blame her if they did. She would if she were in someone else position. Her heart ached at the thought of disgracing her master to his family.
"Please." Said Kanae. "Let me explain."
"Explain what?" said Hiou, whose voice was starting to attract attention. "So you can twist your words and further insult us? No I don't think so."
Kanae felt a hand on her arm. Kyoko was now pushing her slightly back, mouth drawn in a hard line with her attention on Hiou.
"Kanae would never purposefully insult your family." Said Kyoko, obviously angry. "You don't know her, and you are too quick to judge."
"Too quick to judge am I?" said Hiou, his voice lower now, arms crossed so tightly around his waist. Kanae suspected they were there to keep him from throwing spells at them. Just when she thought he might explode, the boy relaxed, letting his arms falls by his side. The anger was still there, but in better control.
"The next time I see you, we'll have a proper duel." Said Hiou, his words coming out muffled between his grinding teeth. "You'd better prepare yourself."
Kanae didn't answer, letting Hiou walk away, shoving through a few that had stopped to watch the confrontation. The sight was too common for many to take notice, but unfortunately a few had. They were already talking about the future fight between Kanae and Hiou.
"What a little brat." Huffed Kyoko beside her. "I can't believe how hostel he is towards you, and he's supposed to be your master's grandson? I worry for their line if that's their future. His brother's much nicer."
Kanae said nothing, trying to block out certain images. Certain memories that stirred unpleasant feelings in her chest.
"Kanae?" said Kyoko, her face coming closer to Kanae. The irritation was gone, now replaced with concern. "What's wrong? You don't look as angry as you usually do."
Kanae's eye twitched, effectively bringing her out of her mood.
"That's a strange way to cheer someone up." Said Kanae.
"Did you need some cheering up?" said Kyoko, her eyes now alight in delight. "Should we get some chocolate? Or maybe go to your chambers and do each other's hair? I will be your most secret confidant to all of your worries!"
Kanae shook her head, keeping her mouth from twitching into a smile. The girl had too much energy. It had served as the perfect distraction.
"There is no time for idle chatter." Said Kanae. "You need to figure out how to use this new magic, or else quit. You did promise."
"Oh dear, I did didn't I?" said Kyoko, her eyes widening. "Ahh, who should I get to help me? I'm so lost!"
A relieved sigh exited Kanae as she allowed Kyoko to ramble, letting the sound wash over her in an indistinct chatter. She kept her eyes firmly on Kyoko, not allowing them to wander to someone that had stood nearby during the whole conversation with Hiou. He was the last person Kanae wanted to see her vulnerable, especially since he was already attempting to gain her attention. She didn't need another person like her master or Kyoko, breaking down her walls and making themselves precious to her.
Kyoko's head hurt from all the information she had crammed into it in the last six hours. It was a jumbled mess, so thoroughly tangled she could no longer find an end to start unraveling it. She knew what she needed to do, but she didn't have the knowledge to do it. There was no use. She couldn't do this alone. She needed help.
Unfortunately she had procrastinated, and it was now dark, so late that most people would be asleep at this time. There was only one person Kyoko felt comfortable waking up as such an ungodly hour. He was also the last person she wanted to see right now due to her extra sensitive awareness around him at the moment.
Great.
So her choices were to buck up and face him, or go to class tomorrow and get kicked out.
Not much of a choice actually.
Kyoko pulled herself off the ground, scooping up her books and stowing them away. Her knees groaned in protest from the stiff position she had been folded in for the last few hours. Kneading her sore legs, she grabbed a lantern, walking down the now quiet harem quarters to the entrance. Her light revealed a few guards at the entrance. The one in charge raised an eyebrow at her.
"Going to the prince's quarters tonight Lady Kyoko?" he said.
"How did you know?" She hadn't even said anything yet.
The men gave knowing chuckle but didn't answer. Kyoko was lost, but brushed it aside to ask for someone to accompany her there. The man waved at a guard who came up and accompanied her down the dark corridors. As she walked, she couldn't help being reminded of the last time she had wondered these halls this late at night. She'd been accompanied by Hikaru and Setsuko, trying to save Prince Kuon's life.
The thought didn't help her mood. With each step, she grew less sure about her decision. What if he was asleep? What if he was angry at her for waking him up? What if he told her that if she couldn't figure it out then she wasn't cut out to be a cleric? It made her feel ill.
All too soon, they were at the entrance to Prince Kuon's room. The guard stood back, not saying anything as he patiently waited for her to knock. Kyoko raised a hand, then paused.
Did she really want to do this? Would Prince Kuon really agree to help her? She could just see his face, devoid of sympathy as he crossed his arms and sneered at her for not being able to figure it out.
Gahh!
Kyoko quickly curled up into a ball, banging her hands against her thighs as she screamed into her legs, the sounds swallowed by her pants. Her internal panic completely eclipsed the started cry of concern from her guard.
Why was this so hard? Why was she being such a chicken when it came to the prince? She wasn't here because of her feelings. She was here to get help for her lessons. They weren't influencing her actions. Not one bit.
Her head snapped up, arms still circled around her knees as she glared at the door as if it had caused her some personal hurt.
"I'm not influenced by my feelings." She said to the door. "Frankly, you're the idiot that can't understand th-"
"Kyoko?"
Kyoko shot to her feet, hairs raised and every alarm in her body going haywire. She nearly blacked out from the blood rushing to her head. When her vision cleared, she saw Kuon and Yukihito walking towards her, both with confused expressions on their faces.
Thanks for reading!
Writers block is a thing! And it should be shot. I honestly don't know how I wrote this stupid long chapter, but I powered through it, cursing my story with every page. Who writes 200,000 plus word stories on FF? Crazy people, that's who. (Have I ranted about this before? I think I have.)
Anyway, I do thank you all for reading and reviewing. Truly, I keep this gong 'cause I know there are people who enjoy the story and want me to continue. You all keep me motivated and help me to improve.
Blue raging fire, I'm right there with you. I've been writing this story for so long I don't know what I'll do with all the extra time when it does end. Maybe actually write something to be published…
MyuPanChan, you ask all the right questions! All shall come to light eventually. JMichiyo, I have never played assassins creed, but I can totally see the shadow guard looking like that.
And guest… I have to ask. When you said "The simplified story Kyoko told Maria was read in today's in mass" were you talking about church? Because I definitely stared at that for like… five minutes trying to figure out how I felt about it. A mixture of flattered, disbelieving and confused. How the heck would this end up in a church mass?! Lol.
See you all later! Any changes in updates will be on my profile page.
-Blushweaver
I Imouto have read this chaprter.