Kanae didn't know how Kyoko did it, but she had yet another admirer. Honestly it didn't make sense. Kanae had always imagined Chris as a proud person that hated failure and being made fun of, yet here the man – or woman in this current case- was walking beside Kyoko, treating her as not only an equal, but opening up to her.
"It's not as hard as you would think." Said Chris with a shrug. "The morons are so convinced that fighting is only a man's job that anything strange in your behavior gets attributed to personality quirks."
"Even though you and your brother used to work together?" said Kyoko. "Don't they remember that?"
"It's been long enough that most don't know or remember. We worked in a small group at the time since it was hard to find people that were open to the idea of relying on me. Once we had a good group, we didn't associate much with anyone else."
"I still think it's ridiculous." Said Kyoko in a huff. "If Kanae can be accepted than I don't see why they wouldn't be alright with you."
"I'm not universally accepted." Said Kanae.
"It's just easier." Said Chris. "On my family, on everyone."
"Except you." Said Kyoko.
"And why don't you stop being a physician and take up poetry?" said Chris pointedly.
The two women exchanged a look before bursting into giggles. Once their laugher had subsided, Chris nodded down a hallway.
"My room is this way." Said Chris, lifting her sleeves and wrinkling her nose. "I want to get out of these as soon as possible."
"I think you look wonderful." Said Kyoko, her eyes shining in delight. "I wish you would dress like this more often.
Kanae expected the woman to scoff or roll her eyes at the comment. It's what Kanae herself would have done. Instead, Chris, or at least Chiori gave a laugh, a genuine expression of delight.
"Maybe another time." Said Chris, waving at them. "I'll see you in class."
Chris walked away, Kyoko waving happily after him… er her... After the spy was out of sight, Kyoko turned to Kanae, her entire face lit up in happiness. Kanae recognized the expression, mentally bracing herself. It still wasn't enough and she almost jumped in shock as Kyoko did a magnificent twirl in the air.
"I'm so happy." Said Kyoko, skipping around. "We got the pearl back, I made a new friend, and Chris doesn't hate me anymore!"
"Delightful." Deadpanned Kanae. "Don't drop the pearl from your spinning."
Kyoko stopped in mid twirl to quickly reached inside her beaded pouch. After a second of rummaging, she found the pearl, pulling it out to examine it. The girl gave a sigh of relief.
"Don't scare me like that." Said Kyoko.
Lory had asked them to deliver the pearl to Hirotaka. He would have done it himself, but he was completely distracted with arresting and changing places of spies in the palace before the accursed could react. He was going to be busy for a while, and knew he could trust Kyoko and Kanae to bring the pearl to Hirotaka. Something he couldn't say about all his spies.
Kanae had a feeling Lory was being extra cautious. The pearl was supposed to be a secret yet the accursed had somehow found out about it and the plan on how to retrieve it. Only those close to Kuon would have had all those details, and a certain part of this had Kanae thinking.
"Did the prince tell you who he talked to about the pearl?" said Kanae.
Kyoko pursed her lips in thought, thinking. "I know he told a few people."
"Did he tell Shin about it?"
"I don't know. Why do you ask?"
"Do you remember the maid Shin was flirting with the other day?" said Kanae. "The one with blonde hair and puffy lips?"
Kyoko stared at her friend, incredulous. "I didn't realize you were paying such close attention to the women Shin was courting."
"I don't." Said Kanae, firmly. "I just happened to recognize her. She was the same maid that was arrested for stealing the necklace and telling Chris the plan."
"What are you saying?" said Kyoko, obviously not liking where this was going.
"I'm just saying it's suspicious." Said Kanae. "Shin is very close to Kuon, then the maid he flirted with shows up the next day as the person that stole the necklace. It can't be a coincidence."
"Yes, but this is Shin we're talking about." Said Kyoko. "Putting his personality aside, have you felt his aura? It's full of warmth and light. He can't be working with the accursed."
"How do we know that aura's not fake?" said Kanae, her voice lowered. "The accursed have done the impossible before. Maybe they can fake light magic as well."
Kyoko shivered, obviously liking this idea even less. Kanae wasn't too fond of the idea either. If she was honest with herself, Shin wasn't completely intolerable. Personal feelings aside, if the accursed could cloak themselves that well, then there was no way of knowing who was an ally and who was an enemy.
"With that thinking, everyone is a suspect." said Kyoko. "I don't think Shin is a dark follower. He's a good person. He's probably just involved with gathering information. It would explain why he knows so much."
"Maybe." Said Kanae, unconvinced.
The comment seemed to hit a nerve. "Do you really believe that Shin could be working with the accursed?" said Kyoko. "After all that he's done for us. How he helped me against Reino, helped Kuon with the curse and watched over you while you were healing."
"What?" said Kanae, turning her head sharply. Kyoko put a hand over her mouth, but the damage had been done. Kanae couldn't erase what she had heard.
"What do you mean he was assigned to watch over me?" said Kanae.
"I d-didn't say anything like that." Said Kyoko, not making eye contact.
Kanae stared for a moment, before leaning back and smirking. "Fine, then you can tell Lory to get a different body guard, one you can trust better."
Kyoko was immediately a mess. She grabbed Kanae, jerking her so hard that she nearly dropped her spear. It took a moment for Kyoko to stop wailing before the warrior finally calmed Kyoko down enough to talk.
"Lory told me!" Said Kyoko. "That's why he was in the training grounds so much. He was assigned to make sure you were alright after the dark djinn tried to rip out your essence."
Kanae pursed her lips, but other than that didn't externally react. Inside, she was boiling with emotions. Anger and disappointment rocketed through her system. It had all been part of Shin's job from the start. All those hours of training and messing with her. He hadn't cared.
Kanae shook her arm violently, indicated that Kyoko should let go. She did, peering at Kanae.
"You're not upset, are you?" said Kyoko.
"Of course not." Said Kanae tersely. "Why should I be? His actions make sense now. I'm relieved to hear the truth."
"I'm sure he cares about you." Said Kyoko.
"As much as he cares about any other conquest no doubt." Said Kanae bitterly. "Let's just get this over with." She began walking down the hall, ignoring her buzzing mind as Kyoko ran to catch up.
Kyoko had no idea how to clean up the mess she'd made. Kanae wasn't speaking, exuding the dangers of a volcano waiting to explode. It was somewhat scary. Kyoko berated herself for letting that piece of information slip. Lory had only told her about Shin watching Kanae because she'd been bugging the man so much about her. Now it looked like she shouldn't have said anything.
Shin obviously cared about Kanae, couldn't she see it? Sure, he might have hidden why he had initially paid attention to her but that didn't mean his later attentions were insincere. If they could just talk she was sure the two of them could work things out.
The contents of Kyoko's thoughts suddenly hit her.
Was she seriously hoping for Kanae to work out a romantic relationship with Shin? After Kyoko herself had promised never to be involved in the emotion. And hadn't Kanae said similar things to Kyoko about Kuon? How Kuon cared about her, had even said so himself yet she still couldn't reconcile the deception or Ren. Kyoko's exasperation vanished as she better understood how Kanae must be feeling.
She was angry and upset for being deceived. She was questioning his attentions towards her. She was humiliated for thinking she was special. It was disheartening how similar this situation was to Kyoko's own. This was why love was an inconvenience. It just made you more confused and set you up for disappointment.
The two of them had reached the arched entrance of the arcane syndicate.
"I'm going inside with you." Said Kanae firmly. "I don't trust this Hirotaka person."
Or anyone else it seemed. Kyoko chose not to comment her friend's renewed paranoia, leading them into the grand entryway. It was full like usual, people in colored robes and guards lining the walls.
Kyoko moved through the flow of people, heading for a particular spot on the wall. She remembered well the day she has accidently stumbled across his study. As she got closer, a hall appeared from nowhere, right between two perfectly inconspicuous doors.
She was about to enter the hall when she stopped.
Something was wrong.
She could feel it, oozing from the corridor like a disease that polluted the air. This was different from her previous experience. Instead of beckoning her, this aura was screaming for her to move. To run. Her eyes fixed on the door to Hirotaka's study. It was open, but she couldn't see anything else. Should she go and see if Hirotaka was alright?
"Kyoko, what's wrong?" said Kanae, standing beside her. "Can you not see the corridor?"
"Something's not right." Said Kyoko, swallowing. She took a step forward, then stopped as she remembered something Kuon had told her.
"Do you not realize how important you are to so many people in the palace?"
Kyoko swallowed, hard. It had felt like ages since she had heard Kuon say that, right after the attack with the Djinn. He had berated her for running after the dark follower, Naomi. Kyoko had promised to consider the feelings of those that cared for her before doing something dangerous.
The words, sweet as they were in that moment took on a different tune for her now. He had counted himself in that group of people that cared for her. He wanted her to be safe. That fact was indisputable, and it was his concern that made her stop.
Now was not the time to put herself in danger. She wanted to see if Hirotaka was alright, but it would be better for someone else to check first. She needed to be cautious.
"Shadow." Said Kyoko. She knew he was close by. "Could you check the corridor for-"
Something exploded out of the study. It tore through the doorway, brick and motor flying as the thing hit the other side of the wall and fell to the ground. Kyoko took a step back, horrified as she recognized it as a human. Then something else emerged from the broken door frame.
It moved slowly, tall and shrouded in tendrils of smoke. It was human in form, the arms and neck elongated. Every inch of it was covered in a strange metallic armor, the plates layered one on top of another. In the cracks, a purple gleam was visible, running like veins through its entire body. A mask of layered stone grew from its face, no eyes visible. Long claws were curled around a staff. It seemed to be made of the same metal that was covering the creature, topped with a purple stone.
This creature turned to face Kyoko. Its mouth, the only portion of flesh showing, stretched back, impossibly so to reveal long wicked teeth.
In the second it took for her to take in the thing's appearance, both Shadow and Kanae were in front of her, weapons out.
"Get her out of here." said Shadow, twin cutlasses in hand.
Kanae grabbed Kyoko, pulling her back through the chamber. A loud roar echoed though the room, the pressure in the voice making Kyoko flinch. People stopped walking, looking around in fear and surprise, unaware of what was about to happen. Their stalling made a thick human blockade for Kyoko and Kanae's retreat
"Move!" Yelled Kanae, gesturing with her spear. A few moved out of the way, but most were too confused to listen.
There was a loud blast followed by screams. Kyoko stumbled from the shockwave and looked back.
The monster was standing at the entrance of the hidden corridor, the entire area in front of him devoid of people save Shadow, who was crouched in a defensive position. He must have deflected the attack but it was hard to tell. Magic hung in the air like electricity, trailing from the blast radius. There were bodies everywhere.
Now people were moving. They were screaming, pushing against one another in fright to get away. Kanae's hand was squeezing Kyoko's so hard it hurt as she tugged Kyoko through the press of people. More blasts sounded a second later. Kyoko didn't look back this time. She could sense the magic behind her. Dark, light and arcane rocketing though the air.
A spell hit the ceiling ahead of them. People ran to avoid the debris. Kyoko was too far away to be in danger, but also too far away to help those that couldn't retreat fast enough. Her heart ached as she heard the screams of pain and fear. Her blood was racing, the atmosphere filling her with terror.
Someone elbowed Kyoko hard, and she was pushing into Kanae. The warrior grabbed Kyoko by the middle, still trying to run.
Something flew overhead. It was the creature. Large leather wings had sprouted from its back. It landed high on the wall, clawed feet perching on a dais. Dozens of spells shot towards the creature as it jumped from perch to perch, dodging the barrage and deflecting them with its staff. The item trailed purple smoke that seemed to suck in the light around it.
A spell hit the stand the creature was on, making the thing lose balance. It flipped midair, pushing against the wall. It's trajected path headed straight for Kyoko and Kanae.
The warrior pushed Kyoko back, whipping her spear in front of her, magic forming at the tip. The creature noticed the attack. Its staff descended.
The two met in a loud crack. Kanae grunted as she was pushed back a few feet.
The monster attacked again, this time with magic. Kanae batted the spells aside, spear twirling in a blur of hands.
Something shot from the side, and Shadow arrived. His swords slashed across the creature's chest causing it to roar and retreat backwards, two long gashes on its side. They didn't look deep, but they were oozing dark purple smoke.
Kanae ran to Kyoko. The woman reached for her, hands outstretched as something it her. The spell slammed into the warrior.
"Kanae!" yelled Kyoko, horrified as she watched her friend, collided with the debris.
Kyoko scrambled to Kanae, ignoring the sounds of the fight around her. Kanae was already propping herself up with her spear, blood dripping from her shoulder. Thank goodness she didn't look to badly hurt. If she could stand that was good. Kyoko's relief was short lived. Kanae had raised her head, eyes suddenly widening in fear.
"Kyoko duck!"
The command came too late. Kyoko felt something wrench her from behind. She flew backward, her back scraping against rubble and stone as she hit the ground. She squeezed her eyes shut against the pain, opening them slowly.
The creature was looming over her.
Kyoko froze, complete terror rooting her in place. She could see the individual rivets of its armor-like skin, the blood and bile dripping from its mouth. Its soul was as dark as its appearance, overflowing with corruption. Kyoko had to choke back her gag reflex, so close to the filth.
The creature came closer, a low hum like insect wings vibrating through the whole thing. Dark smoke flowed from the creature's hand, reaching for her.
Something shot from Kyoko. The kuro pearl hung, gleaming in the air between her and the creature. The darkness flew from the creature's hand, swallowed in a swirl by the pearl. It flashed twice, then burst into a thousand pieces.
Kyoko cried out in surprise, her voice lost in the wail from the creature. It shrank back from Kyoko, cradling its hand, the surface seared off by magic. An acrid smell assaulted Kyoko's nose, making her eyes water. She scrambled backwards, keeping an eye on the thing as it slowly recovered, turning to face her again.
"Stay away from her!"
Light sliced into the air. The creature dodged, but wasn't fast enough. The magic cut through its arm, severing a limb from body.
Shadow was there, advancing on the creature. He was between Kyoko and the thing, spells swirling around him, the tails of his head warp flapping in the wind. Shadow shot the same spell from before at the creature. The thing jumped into the air, shooting spells at them with its staff.
Light suddenly sprung up around the creature. Dozens of runes and circles trailed the air, trapping the creature inside a cage of light. The creature shot back and forth inside the cage, hollering in anger. The magic shone a soft yellow glow, humming in power as it grew.
"Are you alright?"
Kyoko swung her head around.
"Hidehito." Kyoko cried out in relief.
He was overflowing with his new power, hands out as he controlled the spell. The power seemed to be radiating from a ring he had on his finger. His face was screwed up in concentration, but he tried to smile as he reassured Kyoko. "Don't worry Lady Kyoko, we've got this."
The light magic enveloped the creature. Kyoko squeezed her eyes shut, the radiance was too intense. She could hear the agonizing screams of the creature as it took the full brunt of the attack. Then there was a burst of power.
A long wailing sounded, echoing through the room. It was followed by a crash, and the distant sounds of wings flapping in the air.
Slowly, Kyoko opened her eyes.
The creature was gone, but in its wake, it had left ruin. Smoke and dust hung in the air, rubble and bodies coating the floor. Moans from the injured and scared sounds as they cried out for help. One of the large windows had been broken, panes of colored glass still falling. Small fires dotted the room, already being put out by others. Kyoko stared and stared, hardly able to believe the sudden disaster.
"Kyoko." The voice was calm and steady, as if scared to surprise her.
Kyoko blinked several times, Kanae's face coming into focus. Her tall ponytail was askew, dirt and blood smeared onto her face. She was kneeling beside Kyoko, one hand placed firmly on her shoulder.
"Are you hurt anywhere?" said Kanae.
Kyoko took a deep shuddering breath. "I'm fine." She said. "You were hit. Let me see."
"I'll live." Said Kanae, her attention shifting. Shadow was approaching, joining Kanae as he knelt in front of Kyoko. Without asking, the man reached forward, dark eyes fixed intently on Kyoko. He placed gloved hands on either side of Kyoko's face, channeling.
Kyoko felt the magic flowing from him, assessing her condition thoroughly. She let him, still recovering from the shock. A moment later, the magic receded and he removed his hands.
"Just a few scrapes and bruises." Said Shadow, deep voice gruff. "You were left unaffected by his dark magic. You were lucky."
"No I wasn't." said Kyoko quietly. "It was the pearl. It absorbed the attack and shattered."
Shadow's expression darkened. "We will need to report to Duke Takarada." Said Shadow. "Come."
"What about everyone that got hurt?" said Kyoko quickly, eyes pleading towards Shadow. "I'm a physician, I should be helping them."
"You're a victim." Said Kanae with impatience. "You need to be treated."
"So do you." Shot back Kyoko. Her whole body was shaking now, but she still wanted to help. She had to help!
Kanae and Shadow shared a look, one that said they were trying to figure out a way to get her to agree to leave. How ridiculous! She was right here and she was perfectly able to work.
"Kyoko." Said Kanae firmly. "It's not safe here. The creature got away and it looked like it was after you. If it returns, you will be putting everyone here in danger."
"But..." said Kyoko, deflating, grasping at straws. "What about Hirotaka?"
"Let the guards and emergency team handle the details." Said Kanae. "You need to recover."
Kyoko wanted to fight back, but she couldn't. The events had finally caught up with her. That she had again almost been hurt. They were right. Staying here would put more people in danger. And if she was honest with herself, she didn't feel too great.
"Fine." Said Kyoko quietly. "I'll go."
She had just remembered that the pearl was gone. As in completely gone. The thing that was supposed to save Kuon from being taken over by the curse was gone, and it was her fault.
Kuon rolled his shoulder, wincing at the stiffness, but glad the damage was minimal. A dislocated shoulder was a small injury considering the fight they'd just had. The land around them was scattered with bodies of sand wurms and undead creatures.
His company had happened upon a large nest of the monsters, Kuon participating in most of the exchange. He'd managed to escape any injury until a stray sand wurm had popped up beside him a launched him into the hardened rock.
"No other pain or problems?" asked the physician, who'd just popped his shoulder back into place.
"It feels fine, thank you." Said Kuon.
"Good, I'd still recommend you let your muscles rest and refrain from straining it."
Kuon agreed to do so, letting the physician go so they could attend to other injuries. The battle had been one of their largest so far, and they had sustained a few loses. Still, considering the size of this nest it was a good outcome.
Kuon stood with the intention of checking with the rest of the party when one of his officers came up to him.
"Your highness." Said the man. "We've just received a transmission."
"Who is it from?" said Kuon.
"One of Duke Takarada's relaywells."
"Did he leave a message, or is he still waiting?" said Kuon. They always tried to keep the channels between the wells open so they could communicate.
"Someone is waiting, but it's not the duke." Said the man. "He had to leave but said he would leave someone to wait until you could respond."
"I'll go see them now." Said Kuon. "Tell Iouri I'll expect his report after I've finished my conversation."
The man placed a fist to his chest in a salute, indicating he understood. Kuon walked past, heading towards the one tent they current had set up. A man stood guard by the entrance. Kuon pushed back the flap of the tent and entered the small area.
In the center was a travel sized inhibitor, one Lory and Hirotaka had kept quiet specifically for Kuon to use while he traveled. The thing had been extremely helpful in keeping the brunt of his curse dampened while he fought. Alone with the small pedestal, an even smaller basin sat among the supplies in the side of the room. A small sapphire embedded into the side of glowing, indicating that someone was waiting for him to connect on the other side.
Kuon sat down, crossing his legs and placing the relay well in his lap. With a tap on the sapphire, the water began swirling, then stilled to reveal a face he recognized. Her head was lowered, chewing on her lips in thought. She hadn't noticed him.
"Kyoko." Said Kuon.
The woman's shoulders rose to her ears, body freezing like that of a spooked animal. She slowly raised her head, inch by inch until her horrified expression was revealed to him in full. Kuon was immediately worried.
"Kyoko, what's wrong?" said Kuon. "Is everything alright? Where's Lory?"
Stiffly, Kyoko creaked her mouth open. "He's... fine." The words were said with seemingly great difficulty. "Nothing's wrong… somewhat."
"Kyoko, you're not making sense." Said Kuon, his worry growing. Kyoko was acting too odd for nothing to have happened. He kept his voice level in the hope to calm Kyoko's obvious distress. "Something happened, didn't it?"
Kyoko swallowed. Her entire body was still as stiff as a board, but her words came more easily. "There was an attack on the palace."
His hands gripped the metal basin, squeezing hard in the attempt to control his spike of panic.
"Are you hurt?" said Kuon.
Kyoko shook her head, and Kuon relaxed. Thank goodness. The last thing he wanted was for Kyoko to get hurt, but judging by her expression something had happened. Something that scared her enough to cause her to panic.
"What happened?" said Kuon.
This time he waited. He watched as the girl struggled with herself before speaking, eyes now focused downward on what Kuon could only assume were her hands. Her words were quiet, delicate, but they came without a single tremble in her voice.
"I was on my way to bring Hirotaka the Kuro pearl." She said, "We were attacked by an accursed. The monster killed Hirotaka and many others."
How did an accursed get into the arcane syndicate, and into Hirotaka's study no less? The place was one of the most heavily guarded rooms in the palace.
"Were you hurt?" said Kuon.
Kyoko's eyes flickered up before going back to her hands. "You already asked me once your highness. I am completely fine."
Your highness. His title. One of Kyoko's defense mechanisms she used when she felt uncomfortable about something. Especially when it was related to him.
"If you are fine." Said Kuon. "Then could you explain to me why you are so scared?"
Kyoko's head rose, eyes glittering with tears of distress. Kuon's heart clenched at the sight. Had something happened to Kanae? Or maybe his family?
"The pearl." She finally said. "It broke… I couldn't protect it."
Kuon didn't move.
Then he let out a long sigh, body slumping in a sudden wave of relief. It was just the pearl. No one had been hurt.
"I'm so sorry." Said Kyoko, and he could practically see her bowing in his mind's eye. "Something strange happened and the accursed creature was trying to attack me. The spell was absorbed by the gem and it shattered. I should have done everything I could to protect it. I broke the trust you had in me. I'm willing to take full responsibility for my carelessness."
Kuon raised his head, watching as she continued her slew of flustered apologies. He smiled at the sight, his heart relaxing now that he knew she wasn't in danger. Trust Kyoko to freak out about the completely wrong thing in this type of situation.
"I'm glad." Said Kuon.
Kyoko stopped mid-sentence, taken aback by his response. Her fear was thankfully chased out as confusion replaced it.
"Prince Kuon, did you not hear what I said?" said Kyoko. "The pearl was destroyed. Now you don't have any way to suppress the curse."
"I thought something horrible had happened." Said Kuon. "But you're all safe. I'm glad you were not hurt."
Pain flickered in Kyoko's expression. She quickly looked away, lips drawn into a thin line as tears started to pool in her eyes.
That was an interesting response, and one very different than the ones he had been getting from her recently. Previously, she'd smile shyly, looking both guilty and happy at the concern. It had been a small step in their relationship, but with Kyoko he had to be satisfied with those small steps. What did this new reaction mean? Was there something else that had happened since he left? What had changed?
"Kyoko?"
The woman hastily whipped her eyes, the pain in her expression gone.
"Lory's here." She said, her voice dead. "I'll take my leave."
Before Kuon could protest, she had stood up and walked away, her form disappearing in the basin.
"Kyoko, wait." called Kuon, but she didn't reappear.
Kuon sat back, his mood darkening. It was frustrating that he couldn't run after her. He swore to never talk to her through a relaywell again. The woman had a habit of running away any time she thought her own emotions or concerns might be explored.
A few seconds later, the surface of the water shimmered and Lory appeared.
"Sorry about the wait." Said Lory, "I assume Kyoko filled you in on what happened."
"A little." Said Kuon, voice tense. He did not like how his conversation with Kyoko had gone. "What's wrong with Kyoko?"
"Nothing." Said Lory. "She didn't get hurt."
"Then why was she acting so strange."
"Was she?" said Lory, putting a hand to his chin in thought. Then he caught Kuon's expression and gave a sigh. "You know, the point of leaving her here was so you didn't panic. I figured you'd demand to see her once you heard she was in the fight. Seems like it had the opposite effect."
"Is there something you're not telling me?" said Kuon.
"If there is, then there's a reason I'm keeping it a secret." Said Lory, frustrating as usual. "Though she has been acting strange since you left. Maybe she's just worried for you? Or feeling guilty that the pearl was lost."
"Maybe." Said Kuon. It was possible. Without the pearl, he knew he was inching closer to falling without anything to stop it. Was she distressed because of that, thinking it would be her fault if he fell?
Probably. He wanted to comfort her, to let her know he wouldn't fall that easily. Not if she stayed by his side.
Kuon closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a breath. He would worry about Kyoko later when he could change the situation. For now, he needed to concentrate.
"So, the arcane syndicate was attacked." Said Kuon. "And Hirotaka was killed."
"He was." Said Lory. "A large portion of his research was destroyed as well."
"And the relics."
"All gone."
This was bad. Very bad. If the accursed had the relics back, they could create more accursed. Each one could have the strength of an army, not including any gimmick they would gain from the contract. Throw in the ability to create and activate the seeds and it was just a matter of time before a town turned into a battlefield. It was a good thing the kingdom had managed to make those inhibitors. They were the only thing they had that could counter the seeds.
"Were the instructions on how to make the inhibitors destroyed?" said Kuon.
"I had him make me a copy." Said Lory. "But without Hirotaka, their production will be significantly reduced… We are holding his memorial in two days."
"I'm sorry." Said Kuon. Hirotaka had been a good friend to Lory, the two close despite Hirotaka enigmatic nature. The accursed had been taking many people close to Lory lately. First Uncle Tiger's death, then Jelly's injury, and now Hirotaka. "I wish I could be there."
"Do not worry about me." Said Lory, giving a tight smile. "It is the nature of life, experiencing many meetings and just as many partings. It's your curse and what to do about the seeds that we must think about next. How is your current position with the patrol?"
"We managed to track down the wurm's nest." Said Kuon. "And picked up a couple skeletal undead creatures on the way. The west should be much safer for people to travel. We haven't run into any dark followers since that group three days ago."
"It will have to be enough." Said Lory. "The inhibitors were able to make it to their destinations. I think it's time for you to come back."
Good. Kuon wanted to return as well, especially after this latest attack. His heart was still uneasy from his conversation with Kyoko.
"There's one more thing." Said Lory. "I almost forgot from all this mess, but there was some trouble getting your pearl. The accursed knew about it and had someone impersonate Kyoko to get to Konoe before she got there."
"What?" said Kuon. "How did they find out?"
"I don't know yet." Said Lory. "Thankfully the person was one of ours and we were able to resolve the issue, but getting it back will have its cost."
Indeed it would. If they had to compromise the position of one of their spies, it meant all the dark followers they had interreacted with would be exposed and taken into custody. Then those spies would be replaced with new ones Lory wouldn't know the identity of.
Then there was another portion of it. How exactly the accursed had known not only about the pearl, but Kuon's instructions on how Kyoko was to retrieve it. There were only a few people Kuon had told the specifics to.
"You can't keep ignoring it." Said Lory.
"Ignoring what?" said Kuon.
"Your curse." Said Lory, his voice serious. "The effects it's starting to have on you. If we don't find a permanent solution you will succumb to it. I don't want to scare you but without that pearl or Hirotaka to find a cure…"
Kuon understood. His predicament had become just that much worse. In one attack, the accursed had all but taken away Kuon's chances of surviving this. What if they didn't find way to stop it? What if it took him completely?
The blackness inside him pulsed, feeding off his grim thoughts, reminding him of its existence. The shadow that had been following him wasn't visible, but it was present, at bay only because of the inhibitor. That wouldn't always be enough. One day, even the inhibitor wouldn't be able to protect him from the curse's influence.
"You're right." Said Kuon. "I'll return as soon as possible." It was time for him to make a few changes. To face what he had been ignoring for the past few weeks.
"I think that would be wise." Said Lory, looking to the side. "I have to go, but make sure to send a message on your approximated arrival. I'll send you any information if it becomes relevant."
The connection died. The surface slowly dimmed to the normal rippled reflection of water. It showed Kuon's own face, concern etched in his expression.
He carefully placed the basin on its stand, fingers lingering. He couldn't help thinking of the first face that had appeared in its depths. The woman he had come to love with all his heart. Her warmth and support had sustained him for so long, healed him and changed his into a better person. Her sincere desire to help and serve others had inspired him, pushed him every day to be better.
Maybe it's a good thing she never noticed my advances. Thought Kuon. Since it appeared he might not get to follow through on any of them. Based on Kyoko's reaction, she too understood what losing the pearl and Hirotaka meant for Kuon.
What she didn't know was there was still hope. One last thing that could potentially save him. He just hoped that this time it answered his plea.
Kanae was leaning against the wall, careful with her scraped back and shoulder. She was waiting for Kyoko to finish her conversation with the prince in the next room. Lory had insisted in locking Kyoko in his study under the pretense of 'having someone to talk to Kuon once he answered the relay well.' Kanae knew better, realizing that it was to keep her locked in the room where it was supposedly safe. That, and assure the prince that Kyoko was alright after the attack.
The attack… The more Kanae thought about it the more her stomach twisted. This was the second time the accursed had managed to accomplish things they weren't supposed to have any access to. The first had been cursing the potential champions before the ceremony. The second had been this, attacking Hirotaka in his study. The place was supposed to have been one of the safest place in the palace.
Which meant someone close to the Hizuri's had betrayed them. Who had all the information needed to cause such havoc?
"Hey."
Kanae raised her head to see someone walking towards her with purpose. It was Shin, looking more serious than he usually did.
"You look well." Said Shin. "I heard what happened. Where's Kyoko?"
"In here." Said Kanae, nodding towards the door. "She's safe. She wasn't hurt."
"Thank goodness." Said Shin with a sigh. "Sheesh, she keeps finding herself in dangerous situations. No wonder Kuon worries about her so much."
Shin ran a hand through his black hair, not looking at Kanae as he appeared distracted. She didn't say anything else, watching him as he pondered. His eyes eventually fell onto her again, examining her for a moment.
"What is it?" said Shin, "You don't look annoyed with me."
"It's a waste of time to be angry at you." Said Kanae.
"Hmm, maybe. Or maybe you're just worried about what happened."
Kanae eyed him, considering. Her suspicions had comeback tenfold after seeing Shin here. What if she could find out more information? It couldn't hurt could it?
"Do you know what the current situation is?" said Kanae. She already knew what had happened. Her and Kyoko had been receiving reports so that Kyoko could relay the information back to Kuon, but Shin didn't know that.
"I do." Said Shin. "The relics are gone and more than seventy people were either killed or gravely injured. And Hirotaka-" Shin shook his head. "It's a good thing you didn't see the room. So much blood just from one man…"
Shin looked genuinely ill from the news. Maybe he wasn't as unfeeling as Kanae suspected him to be. She shoved the thought down, needing to stay impassive as she gathered her information.
"How did the creature get in?" said Kanae. "They said it was an accursed, is that right?"
"Yeah, one we haven't seen before." said Shin. "Apparently the staff is a new relic."
"A new relic? I thought they couldn't make anymore."
"Neither did we." Said Shin, looking grave. "New relics haven't sprung up in the last seven hundred years. It could be one that the old records had over looked, but we can't be certain. As for how they got in…."
Shin's eyes darkened. He looked around, making sure that no one was within ear shot. His serious attitude pulled Kanae in, heat beating.
"Only a few people had access to that room." Said Shin. "Some guards, three other magicians, the king, queen and Lory."
"Could one of them have been the accursed?" said Kanae.
"Maybe." Said Shin. "Lory's investigating it alongside everything else. It's a mess."
It was possible that one of those magicians had been an accursed, but she could tell that there was more on Shin's mind.
"What else is it?" she said. "You have a suspicion, don't you?"
"Got me there. I can't help thinking that my father is involved in this."
"Your father?" said Kanae, blinking in surprise. What did that man have to do with anything?
"I think it's fair that you and Kyoko know." Said Shin seriously. "We're all but certain that my dad is working with the accursed. While he wasn't given access to Hirotaka's study, he did know where it was. I just don't trust that man."
This was news to Kanae. She remembered meeting Shin's father at the dinner. The way he had scolded his son immediately and appeared disappointed in him. Nothing unusual in that behavior since Shin did act a fool and a flirt. But to think Masato was a dark follower?
"When you say we, do you mean Lory and the king?" said Kanae.
Shin nodded. "I wasn't given permission to tell you, but I want you and Kyoko to be careful when you're around him. I wouldn't forgive myself if you two got hurt because of my dad."
Kanae raised her eyebrows at the vehemence that Shin said that. She had never heard Shin talk with such bitterness in his voice. There was obviously bad blood between them.
Unless he's faking it. A part of her whispered. It was mighty convenient that Shin had someone close to him that was suspected to be a spy. How could the royal family not trust Masato, yet trust the son? Something wasn't right here. She needed more information on the family.
"You don't like your father." Said Kanae.
"Not one bit." Said Shin, the anger gone from his voice. He spun around, leaning against the wall beside Kanae, almost humming to himself. "The man expected his son to be perfect, always wanting me to be chosen as the next ruler instead of Kuon. I can't tell you how many times he's lamented how much of a disappointment I was. Eventually I stopped trying to please him."
Kanae couldn't help a smirk of sympathy. "I can't even imagine. The most my father wanted me to become was a wife and a beggar."
"You would have been a very pretty beggar." Said Shin with a laugh. "And an even prettier wife."
Kanae rolled her eyes, a twinge of pain shooting through her. She liked this. Talking here with him, but was he here because he was genuinely concerned, or because it was his job? Either from Lory or the accursed. Her stomach tightened at the thought.
Kanae's eyes widened as something else Shin had said hit her. He had seen Hirotaka's study and the aftermath of the murder. If Shin had seen it, that meant he had access to the room.
"Kanae?"
She turned, short of panicking as she stared at Shin, hoping that it was just paranoia. He wasn't involved in the accursed. He couldn't be.
"Are you alright?" said Shin raising a hand to her face. "You're white as a sheet."
"I'm fine." Said Kanae, batting away his hand.
"No you're not. Don't pretend to be."
"And it's only your job to make sure I'm fine." said Kanae sharply. "Don't pretend that you actually care."
Shin blinked, and for a split second there was uncertainty in his expression. It didn't last long, as he grinned happily a second later.
"My job is it?" said Shin. "Yes, it is a man's job to look after those he cares for. But I didn't think you would be so bold as to state it yourself."
When Kanae didn't react, Shin frowned, squinting his eyes as he stared at her.
"You don't look annoyed with me."
"Trust me, I'm annoyed, but not with you." Said Kanae. She was annoyed with herself, for the creeping dread growing inside of her at the thought that Shin could be working with the accursed. It was mixing with the pain of learning he had only bothered with her because he had to. It had been his job. He hadn't cared, and she had almost believed he did.
Shin opened his mouth, no doubt to give some other flowery speech.
"You can stop with your fake flattery." Said Kanae, cutting him off. "it wasn't charming before and it sure as hell isn't now."
"Alright there, keep your hair on." Said Shin, giving a weak smile. "You're a little more feisty than usual. Not that I don't mind."
Kanae snapped.
She reached forward, grabbing a handful of Shin's shirt. He gave a start but didn't resist as she yanked him closer. They were almost nose to nose and Kanae glared fiercely at his stupid confused face.
"If you wanted to get closer." Said Shin with a smirk. "All you had to do was ask."
"Shut up." Said Kanae, more frustrated than ever. His attitude at her anger was so infuriating. He was always so in control and flippant about everything around her. It was frustrating. Nothing she did seemed to faze him and yet he constantly messed with her emotions.
"I've had enough of your nonsense." Said Kanae through gritted teeth. "You can stop pretending with the fake concern. It's no longer needed."
Surprise flickered through Shin's face, and this close Kanae could see the individual streaks of yellow mingled with the brown in his eyes.
"The concern isn't fake." Said Shin, his smile slowly sliding off.
"Then can you deny that Duke Takarada told you to keep an eye on me while I was recovering?"
"Ah." Said Shin. "I can't, because he did."
They held the glare for a moment, Kanae's fist tangled in his shirt. She was searching, trying to understand his intentions, any sign that showed his thoughts on the matter, but she couldn't see it. She couldn't tell. Because it was possible that everything she had come to know about him was a lie.
Kanae looked away, more frustrated than ever as she released Shin.
"Were you ever going to say anything?" said Kanae. She wanted that answer at least.
"No." Said Shin simply.
Of course he wouldn't. The man knew things he shouldn't. He was an excellent fighter and very intelligent, yet he had somehow managed to fool most of the court into thinking he was a bumbling idiot. Kanae thought she had seen through the fake personality. She had been wrong. She'd been fooled as well.
"I see that keeping secrets also runs in the family." Said Kanae coldly. "What is your excuse I wonder?
"I didn't think it mattered." Said Shin. "Why should it?"
Kanae didn't answer, just glaring at him. Then it dawned on Shin, who lightly hit his forehead with a palm.
"Oh, you think I don't personally care about your welfare." Said Shin, "That I only cared about my mission. Ouch, I thought you knew me better than that."
Kanae didn't lower the heat of her gaze.
Shin rolled his eyes, apparently unperturbed by her anger.
"Look." Said Shin. "I know you think I'm an idiot but I am completely serious in my attentions towards you. I like you very much."
"I know you're not an idiot." Said Kanae quietly. "The idiot this whole time was me."
A part of her had been swayed by his words, his ever-present nonchalant attitude. The openness in his manners. It was the part that told her she knew Shin, and she knew that he wasn't lying. But the more cautious part of her told her it was a lie. That too many things connected Shin to the possibility he was working with the accursed. It would be stupid for her to continue nursing these feelings.
Shin looked concerned, as if he had finally realized that this wasn't her being her usual closed-off self. There was something else going on in her head.
"Kanae I-" he started, but he was cut off as the door of the study opened.
Kyoko walked out, eyes downcast and looking tired. Shadow followed closely behind.
"Lory's back." Mumbled Kyoko. "He came through a secret corridor. He said I can go to my room now."
"Then let's go." Said Kanae.
She didn't look back at Shin as she and Kyoko walked away, Shadow trailing behind them. She didn't want to see Shin's face in case it made her regret her decision.
Thanks for reading!
Oh gosh drama. And a lot happening. Don't kill me.
Seriously, I want to give a big thank you for all those reading and especially those reviewing! I still call my sister up to read her the reviews. You are all wonderful and amazing people and if I can make your day a little better that's awesome! I must be on a happy spree. Everything is colored in gold at the moment. Yay.
Updates are every two weeks. Any changes will be on my profile.
-Blushweaver
I take the blame for a 2 hour delay in posting. That is all. All other complaints may be made to The Great Blushweaver-sama. Hope you had a good thanksgiving, unless you're not American, in which case I hope you enjoyed a perfectly normal week.
Rejected Chapter titles: 'Ouch, my Shin' - 'Did not see that Coming' - 'Men: the Root of all Evil" - 'I Never say Unreasonable Things.'
-Im0ut0