The ground exploded around Kanae, who dodged around it, avoiding the debris. There was no need to tax her arcane shield more than she should. Instead she activated shadow step, her speed increasing as she avoided each successive blast.
One explosion hit the ground in front of her, but she kept pushing, running straight through the dust the spell had left behind. As she cleared the other side, her attacker's face came into view. He was surprised she had chosen to push straight through the magic. Her spear swung around, clashing hard against his sword. She thrust her spear next, but was blocked easily again. Unfortunately for him, her shadow step was still active, and another attack came just as fast, the afterimage of her first jab disappearing. She plunged her spear straight into his chest.
The man's image disappeared.
He had been an illusion as well.
Kanae realized her mistake, spinning around. The ground beneath her feet lit up, and she was forced backwards. The circles began to explode, magic lighting up with each step she took. Her foot brushed against the edge of one.
The force of the blast pushed her backwards, doing no real damage. It did cause her to stumble, legs scrambling beneath her to regain balance. Her attacker wasn't going to waste the opportunity. He was in front of her a second later.
Kanae threw all her magic into her arcane shield. The man expected the defense. His magic hammered into it and shattering her shield. His sword followed, swinging straight for left side. He was too close to block with her spear, and her magic wouldn't stop him in time.
The spear dropped from her hands.
She channeled and wove a spell into her palms, forming a protective shimmering layer of magic. Her hands snapped up and caught the sword right before it landed. They clashed, the sword hovering an inch from her hands. The split second of surprise was all Kanae needed. She kneed the man hard in the stomach, the attack enhanced with magic.
He was pushed a few feet back, gasping and clutching his stomach. Kanae hovered a hand over her spear, the weapon jumping back into her hands with a snap.
"I call foul play." Said the man, holding up a hand in surrender. He was still partially bent over, somewhere between laughing and wheezing. "Ouch. Woman, you can't drop your weapon in a match."
"Don't give me that, you pull stunts like this all the time." Said Kanae flatly.
Shin shook his head at her, still chuckling. "The rules don't apply to me. Still, you're getting better. It does help that you're a cheat."
He was talking about her ability to copy spells. She just rolled her eyes, not bothering to explain that it was as much a hindrance as a help. Too many spells knocking around in her head was distracting and sometimes made it hard to decide what she should do next.
The two of them were in the training room again, finishing up some sparing. The room was full like always, but they had managed to secure their usual place for training. The day she realized they even had a usual spot was the day Kanae swore to get away from sparing with Shin. So far she had yet to find a way to implement said plans. The idiot was persistent, and she still had trouble finding others to spar with her.
"Don't pretend you're offended." Said Shin, finally recovering from her attack. He strolled up next to her, sheathing his sword. "I've got you figured out. You only pretend to be annoyed with people. You actually find them endearing."
"Wow." Said Kanae, pretending surprise. "It took you ten seconds before you said something stupid. That must be a record."
"See, there is it again. You are in complete denial."
"Denial of what exactly?"
"Of this." said Shin, pointing at her and then him. "Of the obvious attraction between us."
Kanae looked at him as if he were completely insane.
"You can't even defend yourself." Said Shin, taking her silence as assent.
"Because it was so stupid I couldn't speak." Said Kanae, revealing some of her irritation. "Attraction is the furthest things on my list of things I feel for you."
"Ah, but it's on the list." Said Shin, eyes twinkling. "What could those other things be then? Admiration? Respect?"
"Annoyance?"
"Only because you don't know how to express your feelings for me." Said Shin. He closed the distance between them, invading her space as came closer. Kanae automatically leaned back, not liking how close his face was to her. Or how it made her chest constrict.
"We make a great team." Said Shin, a gleam in his eyes. "Admit it, you are attracted to me."
Kanae shoved him in the chest, away from her face.
"You're full of it." Said Kanae "You're a good partner for sparing, I will give you that, but that is as far as my feelings go."
"If you say so." Said Shin, humoring her. That irritating smirk was still on his face. Kanae had the sudden desire to slap him. Instead she began collecting her things to leave. It also allowed her to hide the slight pink coloring her cheeks.
"What about Hiou?" said Shin suddenly. "How's that going? I've noticed that he hasn't come back here since that day."
Kanae stalled, the change in topic catching her of guard. It was only a split second, then she kept moving.
"What about him?" said Kanae, hoping she sounded detached.
"I'm just curious." Said Shin. "I don't understand why you let him yank you around like that. It's not like you don't have a problem putting people in their place. You've got the tongue of a viper and a glare that could kill, yet you never use it on him. Why is that?"
"It's not your business." Said Kanae, straightening up. She started walking away, and cursed softly when she heard Shin follow her. She did her best to ignore the looks from the other occupants of the room as they watched him give chase. The scene was too common for her liking. Shin shoved his hands into his pockets, waltzing alongside her.
"You know what I think." He said. "I think you feel some misplaced guilt about your master's death. I think this is you allowing yourself to be punished for what happened."
Kanae stopped short. Irritation flared inside of her, mixing with guilt and shame. Then it turned into anger towards the person that had brought back these feelings inside. She kept her face carefully impassive as she turned her full attention back to Shin.
"You sure have some strange theories." she scoffed. "Are you sure you didn't hit your head a little too hard? Get a concussion? I've heard a second blow can sometimes fix that."
"Nope, still functioning." Said Shin, knocking on his head with a knuckle before looking at her in earnest. Kanae didn't like the way he was looking at her. It wasn't pity… but it still ticked her off.
"I'm sure whatever happened wasn't your fault." He continued.
"You have some strange confidence in someone you know nothing about."
"I know enough." Said Shin, leaning towards her slightly. "You're not the type to skimp out on those you care about. You came back for Kyoko after all."
A new pang of guilt hammered in her heart. She almost hadn't come back. What would have happened then? The accursed would have gotten to Kyoko, and she would be dead.
Kanae was a coward.
"Hey!" said Shin, snapping her attention to him. The open expression had gone as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Aren't you going to be late picking up Kyoko?"
Kanae glared at him. It was this idiot's fault in the first place. She spun on her heel and marched away. Halfway down the hall she heard him call after her.
"Make sure to say hi to Kyoko for me!"
She ignored him, and did her best to ignore the turmoil he had caused in her heart.
Five minutes later, Kanae found Kyoko waiting dutifully outside the arcane syndicate, completely spaced out. No doubt her head was full of cobwebs and dust. Idiot girl. Didn't she realize it wasn't safe to let her guard down, even inside the palace? Kanae didn't like some of the looks passing men were giving her. Animals, the lot of them.
"Hey!" said Kanae, jolting Kyoko out of her daze. "You need to pay more attention to your surroundings."
"Moko-san!" said Kyoko, her face lighting up.
Oh no.
"Stop trying to hug me!" said Kanae, batting the girl's arms away. "Geeze, I'm your body guard not a baby sitter. Why did I ever agree to follow you around for hours every day?"
"Because you love me and worry about me." Said Kyoko with a giggle. She had finally stopped trying to invade Kanae's bubble.
"I've never admitted to either of those." Grumbled Kanae. "So, how did it go?"
Listening to Kyoko talk about her experience in class was the perfect distraction Kanae needed. It kept her mind from other unpleasant topics. Like her master's death, the accursed, Shin, all of it.
The specter was still following him.
That was what Kuon had decided to call it. Thinking that the Djinn was following, even in this half form was too terrifying of a thought to even put into words. So he played it down to keep his own fear from spiking, knowing that would just increase the curse's hold over him.
"It's getting worse again." Said Kuon.
"The amulet didn't help?" said Kuu, walking alongside Kuon. They were between meetings, taking a few seconds of privacy to talk to each other. Dyrus and a few of his guards trailed behind them, but they were well out of earshot.
"For a few minutes, but then it came back again." Said Kuon, rubbing the back of his neck. He couldn't help a glance behind him. There it was, the hooded, half formed figure dancing in the shadow of the guards. It disappeared a second later.
"So it did help." Said Kuu.
"Not enough to be deemed worth the effort." Said Kuon. "I'm going to the library to search some more."
"Why don't we have Hirotaka look into it?" said Kuu.
"He already did, and his time is better spent in other areas at the moment." Said Kuon. The archmage was being worked to the bone to try and make as many inhibitors as possible. He had help, but the man was a perfectionist and insisted that the important things were done by him personally.
Kuu's eyebrows were threatening to merge with his eyes. Kuon's father had been beside himself with worry when he had learned Kuon was being followed by the specter. The fact that Kuu couldn't see it meant it wasn't the real Djinn, but it was some form of him at least. And any form of the Djinn was dangerous. They'd been trying everything to reduce the influence of the curse, but so far only two things had helped.
"Do you plan on seeing Kyoko again this evening?" said Kuu.
"Yes." said Kuon. He'd been receiving help from her almost daily for the past few weeks.
"I'm sure you're glad for an excuse to go see her." Said Kuu, a shadow of a smile peeking through his gloom. "Not that you should need one."
Unfortunately, Kuon did. The girl couldn't comprehend the idea that Kuon would ever visit her because he wanted to spend more time with her. She'd even berated him for neglecting his other friends to see her. Ever the uphill battle with Kyoko.
"Take Rosa with you as well." Said Kuu, looking around. "Or at least, if I find her. She ran off again. I'll send her your way as soon as I see her."
"Thank you father."
Rosa was the other presence that banished the shadow from Kuon's mind. Neither she nor Kyoko were a permanent solution as both had duties elsewhere, but they would have to do until Kuon found something better.
Somehow, his goals were regressing instead of progressing.
Kuon spent the next three hours buried in the stuffy back corner of the library. Rosa had appeared halfway through, trailing Yukihito and Shin. They had both been caught by his father and "gently persuaded" as Shin had put it.
The search had been completely fruitless. With every tome and gem he sifted through, his irritation grew. There was nothing in these books that they hadn't already tried. Yukihito kept removing his glasses to rub his eyes then lean closer to the faded pages. Shin was more of a hindrance than a help. He was surrounded by piles of book that weren't at all related to the djinn or curses, occasionally spouting useless pieces of information.
"Do you think Kanae would like imported chocolate?" said Shin suddenly.
"What?" said Kuon, jarred from his reading. "Why would you give Kanae chocolates?"
"Kuon my dear cousin, have you seen her?" said Shin. "Talk about a classy woman. Even Yuki thinks so. Too bad I claimed her first."
"I'm not sure she would appreciate the comment about being claimed." Said Yukihito dryly, a little pink on his cheeks.
"Wait a moment." Said Kuon, turning his head to Shin. The book he was reading left his mind as he concentrated on his troublesome cousin. "Are you actually pursing Kanae?"
"Of course." Said Shin, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Kuon rubbed his forehead in exhaustion. "Shin, I usually don't comment on your habits with women-"
"Says Mr. Harem over here."
"-but please leave Kyoko's friends out of this."
"What makes you think I'm not serious?" said Shin.
Kuon didn't bother answering such a stupid question.
"Could you please return to the task at hand?" said Kuon, going back to his book. Unfortunately, Shin didn't listen. He went over to bother Yukihito, plopping a large book in his lap.
"What about an exotic flower?" said Shin "All women like flowers."
Kuon blocked the conversation from his head, adjusting the lamp to get a better look at the faded words. It was describing the accursed and the relics. While he had already read dozens of books like this, he persevered, hopeful its pages would offer something new.
"Records referencing the accursed are believed to be as old as the founding of the Kingdom of Ashuron. We are not aware of any record referencing them before the Principium Era, the surviving texts are fragmented and often use words we have lost through the ages. The most prolific writings we have are from the Great War, where the king meticulously documented the relics that were destroyed during that time. This cataloging of captured and destroyed relics continued through the years. We can see this in the detailed descriptions in the Free Magic Period, and the ten relics that were documented throughout the kingdom and four of these relics were found and destroyed, and in the Hizernak war, where another two were discovered and their masters killed. (For a full list of captured relics see chapter 17 pg. 2,578) The location of the last four relics-" "Kuon, look at this!" said Shin, suddenly in front of his face. Shin thrust a book under Kuon's nose, knocking the other to the floor. Kuon watched it fall, resisting the urge to throttle his cousin.
"Shin, I'm not helping you pursue Kanae." said Kuon.
Shin scoffed. "No, I'm not talking about Kanae. Look. Check out what this says."
Infinite patience. That's what it took to deal with Shin some days. Kuon decided to humor his cousin one last time and glanced over the pages. In the center was an ink sketch of a pearl. It was black with white and red stripes going through it, though a note at the bottom indicated that the pearl was a more metallic color.
Slowly, the irritation evaporated as he began to read with fever.
The book outlined the properties of something called the Kuro Pearl: It was rare, found in the bottom of the ocean, known to repel dark magic, used in many ways, as a charm or part of a potion. However, the paragraph concluded, what it has been found most effective in is subduing the effects of dark curses.
"This is…" said Kuon slowly.
"A solution to your problem!" said Shin happily. "Or at least something that might help. And you thought I wouldn't be helpful."
It was a great start that was for sure. This was the first item they had found that had a natural resistance to dark curses.
Kuon rubbed his chin in though. What was the best way to go about retrieving this pearl? It wasn't native to Ashuron, that much was obvious since it was only acquired at the bottom of an ocean. Not exactly something he could find easily, and it might be more time than it was worth.
Kuon turned the book over, looking at the front pages. He found what he was looking for. The book wasn't from Ashuron. It was a list of mystical creatures and items from the Aquiteris kingdom. No doubt a present to one of the older kings from generations passed. That meant that kingdom might have more information on it.
Ever since the disastrous ceremony, their relationship with Aquiteris was not stellar. Most of Ashuron saw them as two faced, promising aid, then pulling out when things got hard. But with the inhibitors being announced today, it was likely Aquiteris would be willing to offer their help again. Maybe they could bring the pearl with them in the process.
"I think I have an idea." Said Kuon, closing the book as he stood. "I'll trust the two of you to clean up this mess." He gestured to the piles of books that littered the floor. Kuon and Yukihito had been placing most of their books back in their slots unlike Shin who had taken down books without rhyme or reason.
"That's not the best way to say thank you." Said Shin.
"90% of this mess is yours." Said Kuon. "Don't make Yukihito clean all of it."
That was probably what was going to happen anyway. Shin was likely to slip away when Yukihito wasn't paying attention. Kuon shouldn't have to scold his cousin, especially since the man was older than him, but sometimes he felt like he was dealing with a kid.
Kuon tucked the tome under his arm as he headed towards the conference room, pausing for a moment as Rosa jumping down from her perch and rested on his shoulder.
The large double doors were open, the military and political officers mingling about as they talked. Obviously their meeting had just concluded. He spotted his father, talking with one of the Woods family representatives.
Kuon ignored the looks he pulled from the others. Some of the whispers were no doubt about the curse. The rumors were still circulating, despite no proof being shown for such a claim. It might be true, but it was still gossip for many. The new hot topic was the presence of Rosa on his shoulder.
The sight was becoming more common and many officials were unsure what it meant. Some speculated it was for extra protection. Others thought it was a sign he was soon to be chosen as the next king. Still a few thought it was to suppress his curse.
All three were probably right.
Kuon reached his father, just catching the tail end of their conversation. Kuu seemed satisfied, a smile of determination on his face as he talked to the official.
"-everything you'll need. I'll be sending you any updates as we get them." Kuu was saying.
The other man bowed his head, leaving the king with his thanks. Kuu now turned to his son, beaming at him.
"All goes well son!" said Kuu happily, clapping his hands together. "This is a huge step for Ashuron. I'm glad we decided not to keep the inhibitor a secret. This was the moral boost these men needed to start fighting against the accursed!"
Kuon smiled at his father's enthusiasm. They must have just finished revealing the inhibitors to the king's court.
"I'm glad to hear it." Said Kuon. "I take it everyone agreed to station one in their cities?"
"Of course, they're clambering over each other to secure them." Said Kuu. "We'll probably get more people volunteering to become champions. We've agreed to hold another ceremony in a few days with those we have, but it will be a private one."
Hopefully this one wouldn't have the same results as the last one. Jelly still hadn't woken up, and the Matsuni boy was still dazed. He was recovering a little more every day, but he wouldn't be battle ready any time soon.
"I doubt anyone from the Shimada family will volunteer anytime soon." Said Kuon. "Father, have you seen Lory? I need to ask him a favor."
"He was here somewhere." Said Kuu, looking around. "Don't know what happened to him. What do you need?"
"It's about-" Kuon started, then stopped when noticed someone coming towards them. Someone that immediately made him warry.
Masato was walking towards his brother, his countenance beaming in delight.
"Brother, this is a fantastic discovery." Said Masato, shaking the king's hand with gusto. The man was all smiles, looking as if all life's problems had been solved. "Who would have thought you and Hirotaka had such a device up your sleeve."
"All the credit goes to Hirotaka." Laughed Kuu. "That man is determined."
"I'll admit; I would have thought you'd keep something like this a secret. You've kept it so quiet until now." Said Masato, a gleam in his eyes. Kuon caught the double meaning the sentence. Masato had not been told about the inhibitor until today with everyone else. He was taking a subtle jab at Kuu.
Masato continued. "Yet here you are revealing it so openly. While I would normally disagree, I think this was the right choice. The accursed have already been ahead of us in the past. It's best to show our resources and bring the people hope."
"It was actually Kuon who persuaded me to be open with the device." Said Kuu, nodding to Kuon. "We figured they would do more good in the open than in secret."
"Did he now?" said Masato, now turning to Kuon. "Good work boy. You've got the making of a leader inside of you."
"It was merely a suggestion." Said Kuon.
"A good king knows when to listen to good words of advice." Said Masato. "So, which party will I be moving out with?"
There was a slight pause as Kuon and Kuu exchanged glances. His father looked as confused as Kuon felt. Masato noticed.
"The installing parties." Said Masato, as if it were obvious. "You need some powerfully light mages to start those inhibitors. And to protect them I might add. You are assigning me to a caravan are you not?"
Immediately red flags started going on in Kuon's head. It warned him that sending Masato with a caravan was exactly the wrong thing to do. Was he going to lure the accursed to the location of the inhibitor and take it out? Or did he have other plans? Whatever it was, Kuon did not like the idea of Masato going with an unsuspecting party to install an inhibitor. Kuon kept the suspicion off his face, though he did notice Kuu flinch.
"We don't have a definitive list yet." Said Kuu. "And I doubt I'll be putting you on it. I'll need you here to assist me with security."
"But it seems like all but one of the parties has the light users they need." Said Masato, his grin finally starting to slip from his face. "And I'm sure the Shimada family wouldn't mind the extra protection after their losses."
"Actually…" said Kuu slowly, glancing at his son. "I was hoping to see if Kuon would be willing to journey with them. It would be such a good opportunity for him. To be seen leading and protecting the people. It would really boost moral for them to see their own crown prince out there protecting them."
This was the first Kuon had heard of this, but he didn't comment, watching Masato. The man's energy was gone, calculating as he measured his brother. After a tense moment, Masato finally sighed.
"I'm glad to see you've finally learned to be wary brother." Said Masato. "But now you must also learn to trust. You can trust me. I want to help."
"And you can." Said Kuu. "By staying here with me. As I said, I need your help on security. Don't want to leave our inhibitor exposed to the accursed do we?"
There was a pause.
"If that is what my king commands of me." Said Masato, giving a stiff bow. "But I do not have to agree with it."
Kuu didn't respond. For a moment the air was tick with the unsaid words. The underlying tension that was always present between them coming to the forefront. Then Masato left with much less energy than he had arrived with.
Once Masato was gone, Kuon stepped closer to his father, lowering his voice. "Why do you think he wanted to go with the caravans?"
"I'm not sure." Said Kuu, brows drawn together. "But whatever it was couldn't have been good. I don't feel any better having him here, but I can't send him off either."
"Can't do anything without some risk. Do you really expect me to go with a caravan?"
"I've been thinking about it." Said Kuu. "But it looks like it might actually happen. Is that alright with you?"
"It's fine."
In truth, it would do him some good to be out of the palace. Kill some dark creatures. See the sun. The palace was becoming increasingly stuffy with each day, his only solace found in Kyoko's presence.
For a moment he basked in the memory of recent interactions. Where he had let some of his restraints go. He was determined to close the distance between them, even if it made her embarrassed. It was almost silly how such a thoughtful person like her was unused to affection. Well, he did have an ulterior motive behind such attentions.
"I'm going to find Lory." Said Kuon. "I need to talk with him."
"I'll give you more details about the trip later." Said Kuu. "Trust my brother to put me back in a bad mood." The last part spoken more to himself then to Kuon.
He found Lory a minute later. The man was talking with his son, discussing the best options for protecting the city here. The duke noticed Kuon and motioned him over.
"Kuon my boy. What can I do for you?" said Lory.
"I'd like to use a secure relaywell." Said Kuon, lifting the book slightly. "I think I've found something that can help my curse, but it's native to Aquiteris and I was hoping to ask Konoe about it. See if he could get someone to bring it here."
"I'm glad you found something." Said Lory. "Can I see it?"
Lory took the book, Kuon showing him the page it was on. Lory read over the text for a moment, Kouki reading the passage as well over his shoulder.
"Not a permanent solution, but it is something." Said Lory. "I'm sure Hirotaka would be able to use its full potential."
"That's the plan." Said Kuon, taking back the book.
"We did plan on having Konoe come back down after the inhibitors were set up." Added in Kouki. "You can tell him the good news. Hopefully they will consider giving us assistance once again."
"Here, I'll have Sebastian get you a secure relaywell." Said Lory, subtly motioning to a shadow near the wall. "You can use my office to make your call."
"I'll do that then." Said Kuon with a bow.
It was the end of the day, and Kyoko once again found herself sitting in Kuon's room. Their roles were reversed however, as she was the one providing Kuon with help this time. He had asked for another massage to help with the curse. His day had run long, and it was only after all his meetings that he had time. They had just finished, Kyoko stepping back as Kuon took a breath, eyes closed.
"That feels better, thank you." He said.
"It's not a problem Prince Kuon."
Kuon opened his eyes, focusing on her with a smile.
"I'm sorry for making you come so late." He said.
"It's alright your highness." Said Kyoko with a shrug. "I'm become resigned to the whispers."
That, and the other concubines' evil glares. As the prince grew busier, he had less times to stop by the harem and give any of them attention. They were feeling neglected and envious of Kyoko who got to see the prince so often.
"How are your lessons going?" Said Kuon, his change of conversation bringing Kyoko from her thoughts.
"They're going really well." Said Kyoko, her heart swelling with pleasure. She moved to sit by Kuon on the chair, settling herself into the cushion. "Yesterday we learned to use light magic to detect areas of inflammation and pain. We had someone come in and we examined their spine. The magic was able to indicate the stress point at the bast of their neck. It was so interesting to visualize what exactly was going on without any invasive testing."
"It sounds like you're enjoying yourself." Said Kuon, smiling softly at her. She couldn't help returning with her own shy smile. With every passing day she was enjoying her classes more and more. It was all thanks to the spell Kuon had helped her construct. He always asked her about her classes when they talked. At first she had been hesitant to say much, not wanting to waste his time, but he had kept asking questions, gently pulling the information from her. She had come to realize that he was genuinely interested in hearing her ramble about her studies. Many times their massage sessions ran long because they ended up talking about things afterward.
"I am." Said Kyoko with a happy nod. "A lot of the other students have started asking me questions about the class. I'm really happy they're starting to see me as a fellow classmate."
"Have they now?" said Kuon, and his expression changed slightly, almost cautions. "Is it always about class topics, or about your own life?"
"Both I think." Said Kyoko putting a finger to her lips in thought. "They're just curious how I managed to become a physician and how I taught myself magic." She grimaced. There had also been quite a few nasty questions about her 'nightly' activities with Kuon. Some of those included words she'd never repeat to anyone, let along to the man in question.
Kuon gave a hum in response, but didn't answer. He had that guarded face again, like he was trying to hide something from her.
"What is it?" she said, raising a brow at him. "You have something to say?"
"If you think hard enough you'll know what it is." Said Kuon smoothly.
It took a moment to click, and when it did she rolled her eyes at him.
"They're not trying to court me Prince Kuon." Said Kyoko in exasperation. "How many times do I have to tell you? They're just curious. I'm the new girl in the organization. Once the novelty goes away they'll calm down."
"What about Maru?" said Kuon. "Has his attention towards you gone down at all?"
"That's just Maru's personality"
The man had been coming up to Kyoko at almost every lesson, practically bouncing up and down to talk to her. It was cute, but he was just curious. There was nothing else to his attention.
The prince didn't look convinced. He never did when this topic was brought up, and it almost always was when they started talking about her classmates. His expression would stiffen, his smile would falter, and his tone would lose its warmth. She wondered why he even bothered talking about it if it caused him such distress.
"I'll be fine, don't worry." Said Kyoko. "You know I refuse to fall in love again, even if by some miracle one of them is interested in me."
He still didn't look convinced.
"They're at least treating you with respect I hope." Said Kuon, and Kyoko was grateful he had allowed the topic to drop.
"Most of them." Said Kyoko. There was one person was giving her the cold shoulder. It wasn't blatant, but so different from their initial treatment that she recognized it. She tapped a finger against her thigh in thought.
"There is someone I am worried about." Said Kyoko, "His name is Chris. He was the only person friendly to me at the beginning, but now… every time I talk to him, it feels like he wants to do nothing but run away. I wonder if I insulted him."
"Chris?" said Kuon. "As in Chris Amamiya, Dyrus's son?"
"I never connected to two names, but I think so." Said Kyoko.
Kuon pondered for a moment.
"Interesting." He said. "I'm surprised he's giving you trouble, especially considering his background."
Kyoko tilted her head at Kuon, not understanding. He noticed the gesture and smiled.
"Chris had a twin sister, Chirori." Said Kuon. "They were close and determined to take over their father's line of work as the captain of the royal guards. They were talented, in both fighting and magic. Yet, as you know, our society does not look kindly on women in those sorts of roles. Chris's sister got a lot of grief because she was a female and he would often defend her in any way possible."
That made a lot of sense. Chris had always looked distinctly unhappy when she'd been bullied. But then if he had encouraged his sister to keep her goal as a royal guard, why did he have this subtle anger towards Kyoko?
"What happened to his sister?" said Kyoko.
"There was an incident." Said Kuon. "They were both on a mission and the sister died. Chris hasn't been the same after that."
Kyoko couldn't help drawing the parallel between her and Chiori. They had both choses careers that were not friendly on females. Chris may resent Kyoko for trying to break the norm, since the same action had claimed his sister's life.
"Do you think he resents me because of what happened to his sister?" said Kyoko.
"I'm not sure." Said Kuon,
Kyoko bit her lip in worry. Now that she had an idea of what was going on, she felt the need to talk to Chris. To reconcile their misunderstanding. He had been the first to give her support, and while it was obvious he had done so to lure her down a path of destruction, she still wanted to make things right. Perhaps even give him some peace of mind on the whole situation.
"It's getting late." Said Kuon, putting his hands on his thighs and standing up. "You should return to your room."
Kyoko agreed, picking up her stuff. She wanted to stay longer. To find any excuse to spend more time with Kuon, but she fought down the feelings. She was becoming spoiled with his presence.
"Kyoko." Said Kuon. "Before you leave, can I ask another favor of you?"
"Sure, what is it?" said Kyoko, cursing herself. She was not happy for any excuse to stay longer!
"I think I've found something that can help my curse." Said Kuon. "It's another temporary fix, but it will help."
"Really? That's great!" said Kyoko, excited. It had been too long since Kuon had managed to make much headway in his curse. She could tell it was eating at him, mentally and physically. He put up a good front, but with each treatment, she could feel the exhaustion piling on.
"The thing is, It's not native to Asuron." Said Kuon. "One of the diplomats from Aquiteris will be bringing it with them in a few weeks. I'll still be traveling with the company to help set up the different inhibitors and patrolling the borders. Could I have you retrieve it from him when he arrives?"
"Sure." Said Kyoko, happy to help. "But, why do you need me to get it?"
"Just an extra precaution." Said Kuon. "I haven't told many people about it. You're one of the few people I trust completely."
Kyoko felt as if Kuon had shot her in the heart. Why would he say that? Didn't he know those types of words were poison. They were already effecting her brain, making her face heat up and happiness bubble in her chest. Oh, she was so far gone.
"I'm glad to hear that your majesty." Said Kyoko. "I'll promise to bring the item back to you!"
Kuon chuckled, no doubt amused by her enthusiasm.
"I don't doubt you will." Said Kuon. "I told Konoe that he would recognize you by the necklace and short dark hair. He should arrive in a week." He nodded towards the door. "I'll have Rosa send you back. I told Kanae to go a long time ago. I didn't want her to lose anymore sleep."
"Did you?" said Kyoko, looking towards the phoenix. She was grateful he had thought of her friend. Rosa came to stand by Kyoko, slowly shimmering and turning into Ren.
"Thank you. Goodnight Prince Kuon."
Then came her favorite part of these meetings. The part that made her heart both ache in happiness and in fear. The action that was soon becoming a ritual when they departed from each other.
Kuon gently cupped her face with a hand, leaning down to press a chaste kiss on her forehead.
"Goodnight Kyoko." He breathed, beaming.
A stupid grin was on her face as she walked back, practically twirling to her room.
It was official, she was spoiled by Kuon's attention to her. Even thought it would never lead to anything romantic, she enjoyed every second. The concubines had a right to be jealous. She was so shameless. She couldn't even be mad at herself for it.
"Thank you for sending me back Rosa." Said Kyoko, remembering her manners. "You didn't have to."
"I serve the royal family, and it was the prince that requested this of me." Said Rosa, her voice a soft tenor that Ren's had been. She was still in Ren's form. "And I would like to see you safe as well."
Rosa? The guardian of the kingdom also wanted to keep Kyoko safe? She couldn't help basking in that thought for a moment, happy with the phoenix's concern though it was too good to be true.
As she came down from her fantasies, she turned her attention to Rosa. A question had been bothering her for a while, but it wasn't something she could ask in front of Kuon. This would probably be her only chance to speak to the demi god without interference.
She quickly made sure there weren't any guards nearby. Once she knew they were alone, she addressed the phoenix.
"Rosa, why do you still take the form of Ren around me?" said Kyoko. "You're supposed to look like person I cherish most, and while Ren is very important to me…"
She trailed off, not wanting to admit out loud her feelings for the prince.
The phoenix tilted her head at Kyoko.
"I took this form because I thought you would be more comfortable with it." Said Rosa "I can change if you'd like."
Kyoko opened her mouth to ask what she meant, but Rosa was already changing. The person that appeared left her gaping, mouth now open in slack jawed shock. For Rosa had transformed smoothly into Kuon. It looked just like him, everything from his well-defined jaw, to his strong imposing stance. Even the firm gaze was steadfast. It was a perfect replica, save the flaming orange hair and eyes.
"I thought it would be less confusing to not take this form." Said the Kuon clone.
Kyoko squeezed her eyes shut, telling herself that this wasn't Kuon, it was Rosa.
"You're right, please change back." Said Kyoko quietly.
She waited a few seconds, then opened her eyes slowly. Ren was back. The small bright boy looked up at her with curiosity.
"I upset you?" said Rosa, frowning.
"No, you just surprised me." Said Kyoko with a little laugh, placing a hand over her still beating heart. "I'm just glad that you didn't transform into Prince Kuon the first time we met. Otherwise he would have figured out that I…"
Kyoko trailed off, a thought coming to her from deep within her subconscious. It was an impossible, wild thought. Yet she grabbed hold of it, her mind tearing into the suggestion with panic. The idea was so horrible that it made her whole body stall in fear.
"Rosa…" said Kyoko slowly. "Is it possible for you to project multiple people from one person's heart?"
"It is not." Said Rosa. "I only project the image of the one person most important to you."
Oh…
OH!
Kyoko's heart was beating so hard it hurt, her head buzzing.
"Is there ever an exception?" said Kyoko, "What if you care for two people the same?"
"It is only ever one." Said Rosa.
Kyoko's legs gave out from under her. She slumped against the wall, doing her best not to fall. her eyes stared blankly at nothing as her worked against her own will, putting together the pieces with dread.
Kuon was the one Kyoko loved.
Rosa only transformed into one person, yet she could switch between the Ren and Kuon.
That meant Ren and Kuon were the same person.
A million thoughts flew through her head. 'Why' and 'how' echoed more than the others, but out of every panicked thought that scrambled for her attention, one stood out brightest among the others. The sink horror and realization the Kuon would know. He would know that Ren was him.
Which meant he knew how Kyoko felt about him.
Thanks for reading.
And thank you bunches for your reviews! Lots of bunches and hugs! Love and hugs! Kisses and hearts!
What a horrible place to leave a chapter.
As for the theories on Chris, I will not correct anyone. I've given enough hints that you should be able to figure it out, but for those that haven't yet, I'll stay silent so you can enjoy the discovery. Plus, I think half of you don't trust me.
-Blushweaver
Don't trust her.
-Imouto