It didn't matter how old Kuon got, he still believed that the scariest being in existence was his mother. The woman was currently sitting on the other side of his desk, drumming her fingers impatiently on the wood. She may be smiling brightly, but that just made him more cautious. He could tell the difference between a real smile and the trap, and her current smile was the latter.
She had barged into his study a few minutes ago, chattering nonstop about random subjects as she settled herself into a chair. Kuon had kept working, mostly ignoring her in the hope she would eventually disappear.
"…and then of course you refuse to have a proper talk with Kyoko." Said Julie happily. "You and Kuu have zero regard for my health."
"You are in perfect health mother." Said Kuon, keeping his eyes on his work as he tried to block her out. Of course, that's what this was about. The woman had been bugging him about talking to Kyoko ever since he had gotten back. He had no idea what she wanted him to talk to Kyoko about, she just kept asking if they had talked.
"All I want in life is to be a grandmother before I die." Said Julie, wiping away invisible tears. "And not with any of those harlots! Thank goodness those women are gone. No. I will only accept one woman to become my daughter in law."
"Talk to Kuu about it. He can talk to the family and give them a nice sum of money to hand over their daughter."
"Love cannot be caught with money!" said Julie passionately, slamming her hand on the desk. It nearly upset his ink bottle. Kuon snatched at it before it could tip.
"Ironic, seeing as you're always decorated with jewels. - Ow!"
Julie had smacked his forehead.
"You know that's a power play." Scolded Julie. "I've stayed off your back because you asked me to, but at this rate I'm going to be dead and buried before you two talk to each other."
"We already talked." Said Kuon, ignoring his clenching stomach.
"Not enough you haven't!"
"I'm respecting her wishes. She asked for some time, so I'm giving it to her."
It had been hard, but he was doing as she asked. For the past three days, he hadn't tried to reach out or contact Kyoko in anyway. The anxiety had made it feel much longer.
Julie let out some sort of indiscernible noise through clenched teeth. "Kuon, now is precisely the wrong time to give her space."
"That's where you're wrong mother." If he approached her, he was likely to scare her for good. He knew her well enough to know that she would need someone to help her sort her thoughts, but that someone was not going to be him.
He had replayed their conversation many times in his head. The scared look on her face kept coming back to him, reminding him that he had hurt her. Badly. By keeping the secret of his identity, he had completely lost her trust.
"Kuon, please talk to Kyoko." Said Julie, now pleading with her son. "I'm worried about you."
"I'm fine." Lied Kuon.
"No you're not! If I must kidnap the both of you and lock you in a room until you talk about your feelings, I will. Gosh, what sort of relationship does this foreshadow if you two can't communicate properly?"
"Mother." Said Kuon firmly. "Please."
Julie pressed her lips together, getting the hint. Kuon was tired, worn out emotionally and physically. He hadn't slept well in days and there was still so much work to do to prepare the city for the enviable battle that could happen any day now. His conflict with Kyoko was taking more out of him then it should. He couldn't afford to be weak now.
"This is the result of my own foolishness." Said Kuon. "And I must accept the consequences."
He couldn't count the number of times he had berated himself for never telling her. Wishing he hadn't been so stupid as to keep it a secret. It would have been so easy to say something. To come clean. He'd had so many opportunities to say something, and he'd wasted them all. It would take some careful maneuvering to win her trust back, and pushing her would be the wrong thing to do.
And so he gave her space, even when it made him sick with worry.
Julie didn't look happy with the answer, but she seemed to finally understand that Kuon wasn't going to talk about it. She stood up, peering down at Kuon with impatience.
"I want grandchildren by the end of next year or I won't forgive you." Said Julie. Then she turned and nearly slammed the door on the way out.
Kuon let out a sigh, setting down his work and leaning back in the seat. His head was pounding, reminiscent of those terrible headaches he used to get before meeting and falling for Kyoko. He toyed with the idea of going to Lory and getting something to help, but he knew he'd get some sort of lecture for free as well.
Why bother fighting it?
Kuon closed his eyes, the pounding in his head increasing.
No matter how much you care, she doesn't. Love brings nothing but pain. It's better to just give up and accept yourself. Accept your destiny.
Kuon opened his eyes, glaring at the specter. The manifestation of his curse.
"I will never accept you." Said Kuon firmly. "Hate and anger are not the answer."
The creature let out a low hiss, but otherwise didn't answer. What was even more frightening, it didn't disappear.
It had been present for the past three days.
Kyoko sped through the hall, ignoring the curious glances as she rushed past.
"Mo! Kyoko slow down." yelled Kanae behind her.
"Come on, I don't want to miss them." Kyoko called back, reaching the outside and dashing down the palace steps. She took them two at a time, her physician's vest flapped in the wind her speed was creating. She hadn't taken the time to yank the uniform off before leaving work.
Kyoko reached the bottom of the steps, looking back and forth. There was the usual trickle of people going up the steps along with a few carriages lining the streets. Politicians and other nobles visiting for business. Kyoko peered around these carriages, trying to spot who she was looking for.
They weren't there. It looked like she was too late.
Kanae reached her, not breathing as hard as Kyoko but still sweating.
"Do you see them?" said Kanae.
"I don't." said Kyoko wilting. "I knew I shouldn't have waiting for that lab result. Now I won't see them again."
"Why would you want to?"
"Because they're my friends." Said Kyoko impatiently. "If It wasn't for Yumi I would have been kicked out a long time ago and… I'm very grateful to them."
"I still think it's strange you're friends with any of the concubines." Said Kanae with a shake of her head.
Kyoko inwardly agreed. While many of the friendships in the harem had been necessary for social survival, she liked to think that Yumi, Utako and Risa had been her friend for the sake of friendship, not the benefits. That's certainly how Kyoko felt towards them.
It was only a few days after the harem had been dismissed, yet most of the women were already gone. Kyoko had said goodbye to many of them, the moment bittersweet for many. There were too many emotions involved in the partings. Love, anger, disappointment, fear. Each had their own reaction to the news and Kyoko had listened to many of their last words and complaints. She was the only ex-concubine staying the palace. Everyone else was leaving.
Kyoko grimaced at many of the memories. A few women had refused to talk to Kyoko, convinced she was staying because the prince chose her over them. Others urged Kyoko to talk to Kuon, since they had noticed she had refused to go anywhere near him for the past few days. Kyoko had brushed aside each comment, keeping a firm mask on her features.
When no one else was around, well. That was a different story.
"Now this is a surprise."
Kyoko whipped around. Setsuko was standing at the top of the stairs, her long dress trailing behind her as she slowly descended the steps. She was wrapped in an intricate red shall for traveling, head sheltered from the sun. The woman's painted lips were pulled into a smug expression
"I didn't think you were the type to gloat." drawled Setsuko.
Kyoko blinked in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"The other concubines." Said Setsuko, gesturing at the palace with a hand. "No one else is staying at the palace except you."
"I'm not here to gloat." Said Kyoko, folding her arms with a huff. Setusko had an annoying ability to get under her skin so easily. "I came to say goodbye to my friends."
"So they call themselves."
Kyoko glared icily at the woman. This was probably one of the better benefits of the harem being dissolved. Setsuko would no longer be around to torment her. She was done being bullied and pushed around by this woman. Kyoko had gained some strength.
Setsuko noticed this, her smirk growing.
"I see you grew some back bone." Said Setsuko. "Good, about time."
She was doing that thing again. Where she spoke down on Kyoko as if she was a superior. While it irked Kyoko to no end, she didn't want to admit that Setsuko had gotten a rise out of her. She chose to adopt her best 'irritating patient' professional smile.
"I should go see if my friends are over there, that place very far away from you." Said Kyoko, pointing to the opposite end of the stairs. "Bye Setsuko. I hope we never cross paths again."
Kyoko meant to walk away, but–
"Kyoko."
Kyoko paused, something in the ex-concubine's voice making her stop. While it was spoken with the force of a command, there was a hint of something else in it. A vulnerability that wasn't present in her posture or face.
"I'd rather all my hard work didn't go to waste." Said Setsuko. "Is this all the fight you can muster? I guess Kuon is only worth that much to you."
Kyoko's fingers dug into her palms. She kept her mouth shut, unable to retort as her heart stung at the comment. Kuon didn't mean much to her? That was the complete opposite. He meant everything to her, which was what made it so hard. How dare Setsuko imply otherwise.
"I think you're done here." Said Kanae suddenly, coming to Kyoko's rescue. Her sharp eyes were on Setsuko. "Hurry up and leave."
Setsuko's attention flickered to Kanae before going back to Kyoko, her expression changing to smug satisfaction. No doubt she was pleased for getting under Kyoko's skin.
"If it makes you so angry, then do something about it." Said Setsuko. "Make him happy Kyoko. Make him glow with so much warmth, he outshines the phoenix. I won't forgive you if you do anything less."
With that confusing statement, Setsuko turned with a flick of her scarlet shall and left. Kyoko watched as she approached a carriage, talking to the driver before getting in. A few moments later, the carriage left, carrying away Setsuko from Kyoko's life.
"I don't think I'll ever understand that woman." Said Kanae. "I thought she was trying to marry prince Kuon, not support you."
"I thought so too." Said Kyoko. "Perhaps she just wants him to be happy, no matter who he ends up with."
"As if she's the self-sacrificing type." Said Kanae with a snort. "You're more likely to do something that stupid."
Kyoko gave a hum in response. She still wasn't sure what kind of relationship she wanted with Kuon. Her default plan was to continue as she had before. Pretending that she didn't love him and keeping her feelings hidden, but something about it didn't sit well with her. Other ugly feelings were getting in the way.
Jealousy. Embarrassment. The desire to be loved in return.
Kyoko gave a sigh, then shrieked as something drew a line down her spine. Every hair stood on end as she whipped around to see the perpetrator giggling happily. They held up a finger with a wink, cheery face dotted with freckles laughing under the sun.
"Ah, I'm going to miss you Kyoko." Said Risa, "No one has reactions that can match up to yours."
"You're not gone yet." Said Kyoko with relief. She hadn't been too late.
"Nope, but I'm about to leave." Said Risa, pointing to a carriage. "Everything's packed and ready. I was just waiting for you and Yumi."
Speaking of Yumi, she and Utako were approaching, wearing embroidered traveling cloaks. Yumi towered over Utako, her hair pulled back into a long braid.
"There you are." Said Yumi to Risa. "I still have your bracelet."
"Oh! Good thing you remembered. I keep forgetting about that."
The two good friends chatted for a moment, one reprimanding the other for their bad memory. It was like nothing had changed. The four of them were still bound together by a common factor. They were all ex-concubines, previous lovers of Prince Kuon. Though the title was no longer present, the ties they had created during that time wouldn't leave.
Yumi and Utako were sharing a carriage since they lived in the same city. Risa's family was on the opposite side of the kingdom, towards the western half. It was bittersweet for the two friends who had gotten so close over the years together in the harem. Even composed Yumi was showing grief at their separation.
"Don't over eat and get fat again." Yumi was reprimanding Risa, her voice a touch softer than usual. "No one will marry you, then you can't afford to come visit me."
"Only because you told me not to." Said Risa, giving Yumi a hug. She then exchanged one with Utako as well. "Safe travels."
"To you as well."
Then Risa gave Kyoko a big hug. She nearly stumbled at the enthusiasm, her hair tickling Kyoko's neck and making her laugh. Risa pulled away, slapping a hand on each shoulder.
"Make sure to invite me for the wedding." Said Risa.
"What wedding?" said Kyoko.
Risa scoffed, giving Kyoko a pat on the head without answering. She was doing that thing again. Where she acted as if she knew more than Kyoko did. Which was probably true. Was someone close to her getting engaged soon?
The brunette waved all the way to her carriage, calling out promises to see them all again. The three of them kept waving until the driver flicked the reigns. Her carriage lurched forward, driving down the road until it was out of sight.
Kyoko brought her hand back to her chest, feeling a bittersweet emotion rising to her throat. It hadn't hit her that her friends were leaving until she watched Risa ride away. Her time as a concubine was truly over, and the evidences of such were slowly departing.
"We'd best be leaving soon as well." Said Yumi, nodding to Utako.
"And I have to get back to work." Said Kyoko, a little down. "I'm going to miss you both."
Utako surprised Kyoko by taking a step towards her, the quiet beauty wrapping her arms around Kyoko. She giggled as she returned the hug.
"Stay safe Kyoko." Said Utako.
"And you as well."
"I'm not going to miss you." Said Yumi with a grimace. "Watching you and Kuon interact is giving me ulcers. Have you made up with him yet?"
Kyoko gave a shrug. All the concubines had witnessed her running out of the office. It was embarrassing, especially as the gossip from such an event had reached scandalous levels. No one knew exactly what had happened, but they knew Kyoko was staying. They also knew Kyoko and Kuon weren't talking to each other.
She heard an annoyed sigh from Yumi.
"And this is the state of things when I leave." Said Yumi, annoyed. "Do you even care about him?"
"Of course I do!" said Kyoko. That was what made it so hard. She cared more than she should.
"Then stop hurting him." Said Yumi, smacking a hand against her leg in irritation. "I swear, I should just stay. At least I would respond to Kuon's feelings unlike some insensitive physician I know."
This was getting ridiculous. "There's nothing to respond to." said Kyoko. "He's made it perfectly clear that he does not hold any feelings other than friendship for me."
"So what?" said Yumi. "You think that ever stopped any of us? It's obvious my feeling for Kuon are much stronger than yours."
False. That was so wrong. Her feelings would not lose to anyone else's. It was the reason why she couldn't stand rejection. Why she kept her distance. Because he had complete control over her heart without her consent.
Though Kyoko didn't answer, something on her face must have satisfied Yumi, for the tall woman nodded in satisfaction.
"Make your own chance." Said Yumi. "The Kyoko I know wouldn't give up from such a minor setback. Besides, I don't have time to babysit you anymore. I'm engaged."
"What?!"
Yumi smiled at Kyoko's outburst. How did Kyoko not know about this? Yumi engaged to someone other than Kuon and looking happy about it? Utako didn't look surprised. She probably knew about it already.
"He's been pursuing me since the festival." Said Yumi twirling a piece of hair with her finger. "Once I knew my pursuit of Kuon was hopeless, I decided to move on. And now I'm happy to have my love returned."
And she did look very happy. Kyoko couldn't believe it. "But. You love Kuon…" the woman had just fought with Kyoko about it.
"Still do." said Yumi with a shrug. "But not the same way. He is no longer the most important person to me."
An irritated sigh escaped Yumi lips at the still gob smacked expression on Kyoko's face. She slapped her hands on both sides of Kyoko's cheek, making Kyoko squeak.
"Ugh. A large part of my ego can't believe I lost to a little thing like this." said Yumi. pulling on Kyoko's face "It's a good thing I like you Kyoko. Or else I would have been a lot meaner these last few months."
"Hmmff, mhhff." said Kyoko. unable to talk properly because her cheeks were currently being stretched by Yumi's hands.
"But at the same time." said Yumi, finally releasing Kyoko's cheeks. "You're the only person I'd ever consider giving Kuon to. So hurry up and tell him how you feel and make him yours. Don't make him wait any longer for your feelings."
Kyoko rubbed the sides of her face, a shy smile stretching across her features. Only Yumi could make it sound so easy.
"I like you too Yumi." Said Kyoko happily.
"See, not that hard." Said Yumi. She ruffled Kyoko's hair, the gesture somehow reminding Kyoko of a big sister. Though she had never had one, maybe that's what it felt like.
Kyoko had happy tears in her eyes as she waved goodbye to Utako and Yumi, the last two concubines to leave the palace. Only Kyoko was the one left of the harem. Everyone else was gone.
She somehow felt renewed, reborn, as if this was a new beginning. Her identity and everything associated with it was changing. It was sad to see things change, but it was also exciting.
"I hope I can see them again someday." said Kyoko.
"You will." Said Kanae, who had been silent through the goodbyes. "If you want to see them again, you will."
Kyoko couldn't help herself. She grabbed Kanae's arm, hugging the warrior despite her verbal protests.
The work day was over, but Kyoko still had a mountain of things she wanted to get done. After saying her goodbyes to the concubines that morning, she still had bundles of energy. She hummed happily as she sorted the clothes in her new room.
The space was smaller than her previous quarters as she wasn't sharing it with anyone. It was located on the second floor, a generous sized window opening to a balcony. Everything was already furnished, all the fabric a soft pink theme. The place was much nicer than she had expected. Add the fact that she had been gifted all the clothes and trinkets she'd owned as a concubine and Kyoko was feeling quite spoiled.
"Maybe I should donate these." Thought Kyoko, holding up an elaborate blue dress. She'd never worn half of the outfits, most too gaudy for her tastes.
Wait, since they're mine, and the seamstress won't get on my case, I can disassemble it and put it together the way I want to!
This thought led her to making a third pile for those outfits she could salvage into something more appropriate. Hmm, she'd still probably donate most of them.
Someone knocked on the door.
Curious, Kyoko left her pile of clothes to open the door. She was surprised at who was on the other side. The young-looking man waved happily at her.
"Chris. What a pleasant surprise." Said Kyoko.
"I heard you got a new place." Said Chris happily. "Thought I'd come say hi." She was dressed in her male attire like always, but now that Kyoko new she was female, she could see the more feminine aspects of her face.
"Please, come in." said Kyoko, opening the door wider. "You'll have to excuse the mess. I'm still sorting through my things."
"Not a problem." Said Chris, making herself comfortable in the cushions that weren't full of stuff. Kyoko hurried to moves a few piles of jewelry to make room for her own cushion.
"Would you like some tea? Wine?" said Kyoko, holding up a bottle.
"Tea would be fine." Said Chris with a nod. Kyoko obliged, preparing it with the small work area she had for such things. It wasn't a kitchen by any means. Mostly just a tray with the different needed herbs and water. Kyoko used magic for anything she lacked, such as the fire to heat the water.
Kyoko returned with a cup for each other them, Chris taking it with thanks.
"You've got a nice place." Said Chris, nodding to the room. "Not bad for a physician/ex-concubine."
"I'm very thankful for it." Said Kyoko, taking her seat among the cushions. She took a sip of her tea with a sigh, enjoying the earthy fragrance. "Though I'm no longer a concubine, I still find myself indebted to the royal family. They've been very kind to me."
"You were the prince's favorite." Said Chis with a large smile.
Kyoko gave Chris a look that showed how much she appreciated the comment. Which was not at all. Chris raised an eyebrow.
"What? It's true." Said Chris. "And it's not surprising. Not after you've saved the prince so many times. I'm still curious how many of those stories are true and which ones aren't."
Kyoko rubbed that back of her head nervously. "I'm not sure which ones I can tell you. Some obviously contain sensitive information."
Chris clicked her tongue, but didn't seem too annoyed. "Darn. Well maybe if I hang around you long enough another disaster will occur. Oh! I've been meaning to tell you. I got scouted to go as well." She held up a peace sign, looking proud of herself.
"Scouted? For what?" said Kyoko.
"The expedition to the Broken Hills." Said Chris. "I'd be going as both part of the security detail and as a researcher. I honestly didn't want to go but when I heard you were coming as well I had to go!"
Kyoko was surprised, both that Chris had been invited and that she wanted to go purely because Kyoko was. She didn't realize Chris thought that highly of her.
"That's awesome." Said Kyoko. "Except one tinsy problem. I'm not sure I'm going yet."
"You're not?" said Chris, her face falling.
"There's still a lot I can learn here and…." Her feelings hadn't settled down. Leaving wouldn't be facing them. It would be running away.
"That's too bad." Said Chris. "I was looking forward to working with you more. Especially with some things."
"Some things?" said Kyoko, noticing that Chris had looked down. She was turning the tea cup slowly in her hands.
"You know I'm a girl." Said Chris. "It would be easier to travel with you and Kanae while keeping my identity."
"That's true."
It probably wasn't easy for Chiori to keep up the mask of being Chris. It was astounding she had kept it up for this long. It was hard suppressing who you truly were. Kyoko put down her tea, suddenly troubled.
"Chiori, why are you still pretending to be Chris?" said Kyoko. "Surely it would be easier not to keep up this charade."
"It'd be a lot easier." Said Chris. "But it's what my dad wants."
"Dyrus?"
Chris nodded.
This was news, and confusing to Kyoko.
"Why would he want that?" said Kyoko.
"It's kind of a long story." Said Chris with a shrug. The woman glanced up, noticing that Kyoko was siting perfectly straight in her cushion, listening eagerly to Chris. She chuckled, giving a shy smile. "My father expects a lot from me."
Kyoko tilted her head, indicating her question but not wanting to interrupt. Chris got the hint, relaxing more into her cushions. "My dad is a very serious man. He worked hard getting to where he is. His family doesn't have a noble background and he married into his title. The reason I can use light magic is because my mother can. He can't."
That answered that question. Kyoko had once wondered why Dyrus couldn't use light magic but Chiori could. It came from the mother's side. The more Chris talked, the more she relaxed into her cushions. An obvious weight was being lifted from her as she spoke to Kyoko, who was more than happy to listen.
"After my brother died, it fell to me to carry on the family name." continued Chris. "As a female, it would have been much harder to do that. I'm sure dad wanted Chris to live instead of me."
"Did he say that to you?" said Kyoko, surprised. She knew Dyrus was a harsh man, having been on the receiving side of his anger. He had saved her from Reino though. He couldn't be all that bad.
"Not directly." Said Chris. She looked distinctly uncomfortable. "But it's really obvious from the way he talks about it. I… didn't want to disappoint him any further. So I became Chris."
Kyoko could understand the feeling of not wanting to disappoint someone. Her thoughts turned inward to her own mother. She could still feel the sting of rejection every time she tried to show her mother how helpful she was being in the clinic. It had never worked.
Kyoko didn't like it. Something didn't feel right.
"But you don't actually know if he feels that way." Said Kyoko. "You should ask him."
"I basically have." Said Chris. "I know what the results will be. What's the point when I know what he'll say?"
"But you don't!" said Kyoko, not sure why she felt so adamant about this. "And he probably doesn't know what you're thinking either. Talk to him. Tell him how you feel. At least you will be able to say for sure what he thinks. Do you want to keep being Chris for the rest of your life?"
Chris didn't answer. Something Kyoko had said must have resonated with her. She looked troubled.
"I… would like to become Chiori again." Said Chris. "But I don't want to fight with him about it. I want him to be proud of me."
"But you're already fighting.' Said Kyoko. "I'm sorry if I'm being nosy, but it feels like this has already put a wedge between you and your father. It's hurting you Chris, and if your father cares about you, it's probably hurting him as well."
Chris fell silent again. Something was spreading slowly across her face. A determination and realization that made her hands clench and eyes shine. Kyoko watched as Chris blossomed into a bright ray of hope.
"You're right." Said Chris slowly. "This is ridiculous. I need to talk to him. Even if he… still wants me to be Chris, I think I want to be myself again."
Kyoko squealed, jumping in the air and nearly upsetting the tea. Chris grabbed the pot, giving a laugh at Kyoko's enthusiasm.
"Don't get too excited." Said Chris. "I haven't talked to him yet."
"But you're excited to, don't try and deny it." Said Kyoko, pointing at the smile on Chris face. Chris grimaced as if embarrassed, but was still unable to stop herself from smiling. It just made Kyoko even more excited.
"You're going to become a girl again!" said Kyoko. "I won't be the only one in class anymore. Oh, you'll need new clothes. I'm getting rid of a ton. Do you want any? Or maybe you can get some of those fancy clothes Kanae has that are easier to move around in."
Kyoko was so excited for Chris that she didn't notice the woman giving Kyoko an incredulous look. Wondering if Kyoko was crazy and also admiring her excitement and warmth. It stirred the energy in Chris as well.
"I can't wear this fancy stuff!" said Chris, nodding to one of Kyoko's dressed. "Can you imagine me showing up to class wearing one of these!"
They fell into a fit of giggles as they imagined the look on Horiuchi's face if Chris walked in wearing one of the concubine's outfits. It felt so good to laugh. To enjoy planning through Chris's future as she prepared to reveal her identity.
They started going through Kyoko's clothes, the previous piles disappearing as they tried to determine which one Chris would wear when she talked to her dad.
"Not this one." Said Chris, discarding an outfit. "It has too many beads. I'll might as well announce my presence with a trumpet."
"What about this?" said Kyoko, holding up a tan shirt. It covered more of the stomach, the decorating minimal and meant mostly for comfort. It would be less striking than a form fitting outfit.
"That one's good." Said Chris "Ohh. I think I could hide my knives in these pants."
"Put them on!" said Kyoko eagerly.
"Now!?"
"Yes now. And then we're going to go talk to your dad!"
"But..." now Chris looked uncomfortable. "I'm not sure if I'm ready…"
Kyoko gave Chris her best intimidating stare. "Chris. What reason do you have to delay? Don't you want to talk to your dad? To let him know how you feel?"
Chris nodded, slowly but without uncertainty.
"Then hop to it." Said Kyoko firmly, throwing the proper clothes into Chris's hands and shoving her behind the changing screen. "If Chiori doesn't come out, I'm going to scream for my guards."
Chris chuckled as she disappeared behind the screen. Kyoko beamed happily, twirling through her room as she waited for Chris to change. Her heart was light, knowing that this would be good for her friend. To stop repressing herself and push forward for what she wanted, even if it was hard. Her heart would feel much lighter.
"I'll get you some jewelry." Said Kyoko, sorting through her toppled pile of boxes.
"Nothing too elaborate." Chris called on the other side, voice slightly muffled. "I've seen some of the disasters you concubines called jewelry. You could blind a hawk with all that gold."
Kyoko laughed in agreement, pushing a box aside. Something brown poked out from beneath a shall.
Kyoko's good mood stalled. Her heart was thumping as she stared at the corner, instantly aware of what it was. Slowly, she pulled the package out from under the clothes, placing it in her lap.
It was the present Kuon had given her when he had dissolved the Harem. She still hadn't opened it.
"I think you're a little smaller than I am." Said Chris, coming out from behind the screen. "I don't think the arms are supposed to be this tight."
Kyoko didn't hear the comment. Her mind was focused on the package, a jumble of feelings swirling through her. Everything she had been ignoring these past few days caught up with her, stealing away her breath as she stared.
Someone poked her.
Kyoko jerked her head up to see Chris, looking confused.
"Hey, did you hear me?"
"S-sorry, I was distracted." Said Kyoko, forcing herself to concentrate on Chris.
No. On Chiori.
The outfit wasn't as elaborate as the one she had worn to steal the pearl, but even with the boots, it was undeniably feminine. The shirt had long peasant sleeves tucking into a yellow sash. She'd also patted her hair down, the ends more controlled than how she wore it as a guy.
"I can move in it at least." Said Chiori, looking at herself at a floor length mirror. "Hmm. Not bad." Then she looked back, noticing the package in Kyoko's hand. "What's that?"
"Just a present." Said Kyoko, her attention returning to said item.
She stared at it, her mind buzzing again.
He lied to me about who he was. She thought.
"If it makes you so angry, then do something about it."
"You think that ever stopped any of us? It's obvious my feeling for Kuon are much stronger than yours."
With a sudden burst of energy, Kyoko tore off the packaging. Her eyes widened as pure shock shot through her.
Gingerly, she picked up the contents, staring at the glittering blue and silver choker. The choker that looked like a crystal aster. The choker that she had seen at the festival. The choker she would never have been able to wear if she was still a concubine.
He got it for me? thought Kyoko, gaping at the piece. The center split into delicate petals, simple chains of silver weaving to create the thick collar. Her fingers brushed against the aquamarine, mesmerized. Her heart shook, the locks clanking loudly against each other.
How can I be mad at you? Kyoko squeezed her eyes shut. How can I even get over you? When you do things like this…
She could see him. Ren as a child, comforting her and smiling as brightly as the sun. His love and help that had sustained her for so many years. The stories she had held onto as a child.
Then it transformed, changing to Kuon. To his sure expression, anger, embarrassment, love… his pain.
"I was scared I would lose you."
A small whimper left Kyoko. It jostled the last lock, revealing her feelings beneath and leaving her completely exposed.
I love him. Thought Kyoko. But he doesn't love me. He doesn't…
"Make your own chance. The Kyoko I know wouldn't give up from such a minor setback."
Silent tears were sliding down her face, making the silver glisten. She carefully unclasped the chain, placing the choker around her neck. As it slid into place, she felt something within her shift.
I want to tell him.
Kyoko beamed, eyes still moist as she looked up. Chiori was staring at Kyoko, confusion evident on her features.
"You okay?" said Chiori.
"Yup." Said Kyoko, brushing away the tears that had leaked through. She felt lighter. Better than she had in weeks. She had finally made peace with her feelings. She was in love with Kuon. With her fairy prince. And it was fine. She wasn't scared anymore.
She stood up suddenly. "I also have someone I need to talk to." Said Kyoko, hand on her necklace. "More than anything. I want them to know how I feel."
Chiori's confusion turned to determination. She linked arms with Kyoko, tugging her towards the door.
"Then let's not waste another second."
Booted feet marched across the stone, approaching the end of the corridor where two men stood guard. They each had a spear in hand, decorated in the uniform of Ashuron. The man who approached wore the same outfit.
"Ready to go home?" said the newcomer.
One of the guards raised an eyebrow.
"It's a little early for a shift change."
"Is it? I thought I was late."
The other two exchanged a look, their gaze cautious as they returned to scrutinizing the newcomer.
"What's the matter?" said the man, and for a moment, his face flickered into a crazed smile. "Don't you want to leave before the chaos begins?"
Without hesitance, the guards attacked. The crazed man smoothly bent backwards, avoiding the sweeping attack of the spear, before flipping over, moving so fast he appeared to teleport behind the two guards. He lashed out with two quick precise jabs.
The men crumbled to the ground, dead.
The man's smile was back, blood staining his twin curved blades. Then his image rippled, and another person revealed itself beneath the magic. A woman wearing a decorated bra, yellow venomous eyes peering through a veil.
Naomi effortlessly transformed her weapons back into bracelets as she raised a hand to the door the guards had been standing in front of. Dozens of circles appeared, bathing the hall in bright light. Darkness crept up the edges, smoothing the magic
The door exploded inward, showering the area with dust and wood. She strode through the broken doorway, nimbly strutting through the wreckage into the chamber within.
A pedestal stood in the center of the room. A large crystal hung in the air above the center, clear and emanating light magic. Naomi slowed as she approached it, feeling her skin prickle as heat started to seep through her. It promised worse pain if she got closer.
"Who are you?"
Naomi placed a hand on her hip, pursing her lips at the man that stood beside the inhibitor. He was tall with dark hair and held a light sword in his hand. A significant amount of his power was coming from the ring on his hand. She recognized the phoenix's magic.
"What appalling manners." She simpered. "Asking a lady her name so impolitely. You should introduce yourself first You know."
The man's expression hardened. "Accursed." He hissed.
"Oh, wonderful!" said Naomi. "Now you label me so hastily. Men these days. Though, you're not wrong."
She smirked as she stroked the dagger strapped to her hip, it's magic humming, irritated by the inhibitor. It was hers. Her own relic to use. She walked in a slow circle around the inhibitor, the man watching her with his eyes.
"How wonderful would it be to soak its blade in the blood of a champion?" said Naomi, licking her lips.
The man shifted his position, huge runes circling around him. Spells shot towards Naomi, who nimbly backflipped, dancing around the shots of magic. Stone rained from the air and she pushed against a large brick midair, using it to change her trajectory. She now shot towards the man and his circle of spells.
The man drew back his sword, slicing towards Naomi. Her curved daggers snapped into place just in time for her to block the attack. The man grunted in surprise but managed to push her back again.
She landed in a crouch, her heart thumping with wild anticipation. Her blood was singing in pleasure at the resistance.
"Good. You're good." She sang, snapping her weapons at him. The chains whipped through the air as the man tried to follow their strange trajectory. Their weapons clashed, Naomi's grin growing with each second. The man was getting faster as he deftly batted away her attacks.
A particularly powerful push nearly ripped the chains from her wrist and the man took the moment to dart forward, closing the distance between them. Naomi twisted her flexible body, just dodging the attack.
Something pushed against her side. She hissed in pain, jerking backwards. She landed a few yards away, her side aching from the hit. The man stood, glowing with magic amplified by the inhibitor that stood behind him.
"You cannot win while I am by the inhibitor." Said the man with a shrug. "Your magic is dampened while my magic is amplified. Surrender, and we might spare your life."
"Maybe." Said Naomi. "It's a good thing I didn't come alone."
The man's eyes widened. Dark magic sparked into life behind him. His hand flew out to write a spell, but he wasn't fast enough. The blast sent him backwards. He smashed hard against the wall, coughing up blood as he tried to stay upright.
Naomi strode forward, standing next to Kemo. The half-man half-beast growled at the champion. A large spiked hammer dragged on the ground behind him, coated in darkness.
Naomi giggled at the man's fear. "Now then. Let's have some fun."
Kuu sat up suddenly. The sounds of his advisors melted away as the bracelet on his arm lit up, a small alarm sounding in his ears.
Someone was fighting with Hidehito. They were attacking the inhibitor.
Kuu stood up and hurried over the Dyrus, ignoring the angry calls from the men. The captain hurried over as well, no doubt alerted by his own device.
"Send as many men as you can spare down to the inhibitor." Said Kuu. "We need to entire palace on alert. I want all the exits guarded."
"We should evacuate." Said Dyrus.
Kuu glanced back at the men seated in the round table. Fear and confusion was filtering through them from Kuu's strange behavior. His eyes fell particularly on two people that occupied the table. Kuon and Masato.
One looked concerned. The other looked calm.
"The inhibitor has not fallen." Said Kuu. "There is no need for further alarm. The last thing we need is to create panic."
They had placed every protective spell that they knew on the inhibitor, as well as a champion guarding it at all times. It shouldn't fall easily.
"If the inhibitor falls, there will be much more than panic." Said Dyrus. "We should-"
The air shifted. It chilled, softening as something was removed from the atmosphere. Something warm and comforting that filled their souls with satisfaction. With fear Kuu felt that satisfaction drain away, knowing exactly what was happening.
The inhibitor had fallen.
Kyoko came to a full halt.
Chiori and Kanae stopped as well, looking back at her with confusion.
"Kyoko what-"
Then Chiori's eyes widened. She must have felt it as well. Kyoko clutched as her heart, dread seeping through her. This feeling of light being drained away. There could only be one reason for it.
Naomi withdrew her hand, letting the broken crystal fall to the ground. The inhibitor lay in pieces throughout the room, it's light gone forever. She strode confidently through the wreckage, stepping over the still body of the once champion. She reached the small platform and pulled the dagger from her waist.
The weapon hummed in her hand, her connection to the darkness pulsing through her. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the pure ecstasy of power wash through her. Slowly, she raised the dagger overhead.
Her eyes shot open, magic surging through her and into the dagger. The air trembled as a loud crack split the air, bolts of darkness shooting from the bloodied knife. They disappeared through the walls, each bolt heading for their own target. Their own victim to activate the darkness within.
Naomi threw her head back, pleasure bubbling into delight as she felt them. Each person as they were consumed by their individual seeds and transformed into dark creatures. The pure destruction of souls made her laugh, giddy with delight.
"Long live Vaith!" she hissed. "God of Destruction!"
Thanks for reading!
And thank you for all your reviews and your patience! I somehow managed to stay on schedule (kinda). Major thanks to Imouto who kept helping me out when I got stuck.
Updates are every other Saturday. Check out my profile for updates.
-Blushweaver
I have read dis chapter and edited it and stuff.
-Imouto