Welcome back everyone! The break is over.
Thank you everyone that reviewed last chapter and left such kind words. I'd like to extend my sympathies to the poor souls that asked for me to update, expressing their distress that the story hadn't been updated in a long time. Here are my (pathetic) excuses for why it took so long:
I got my own place and am now living alone. I got a new job focused in my career. My sister got engaged and married last week so it was hard to talk to her because I was beyond stuck with the story. Then I got a serious boyfriend, got engaged and started wedding planning myself.
And Pokemon Go events happened.
So in four months, several major life events occurred. Each tapped into my time until I found myself in the same place I was three months previously; Nothing written or planned. Whoops. Life flashes by when you're not cursing school.
In conclusion, your cries did not go unheard.
I have given up trying to completely outline the story. I have parts of it down and I know where I want to go, but I don't have details, so it should be fun to pantsing parts of this. (Comes out better half the time imo) I also can't guarantee that updates will be consistent. I'll try to shoot for every two weeks like usual but I am now planning a wedding along with other life's stuff so I'm swamped. Look to my profile for exact dates when they get close.
(And to the reviewer who didn't leave a proper name and ranted about Kyoko never getting hurt enough. To you, I say: "Heh. You think I'm going to continue being nice to Kyoko? That's cute.")
So without further ado, here is the first chapter of the end. I look forward to seeing you all on the other side.
Now, onward!
BTW, Im0ut0 is on her honeymoon. She'll be back... eventually. In my experience, newlyweds usually disappear off the face of the earth for months before resurfacing for air.
The tavern was of a normal sort. Busy, noisy, and full of peasants drinking after a day of work. There were no fancy silks or shocking colors that spoke of money. Even the simple sapphire necklace around Kyoko's neck was on the extravagant side. The item was currently tucked safely under her cloak so that wandering eyes wouldn't get any ideas.
It was comfortable here. The atmosphere similar to her home town, full of hard working people who spent their days working to earn wages for food. Their lives weren't spent in the pursuit of knowledge or governing over others, but in simple honest work.
They did enjoy their own handful of gossip. In that, nobility and peasantry were the same.
"The light has abandoned us," a man was saying. "First the Accursed, and now the monarchy is corrupted. Blighted fools. Should have figured. Even a demi-god can't stop corruption that deep."
Kyoko set down her fork, then picked it up again to continue eating. She'd need the energy, even if each bite made her sick.
The tavern no longer felt like home. It was stuffy. As if a spotlight would appear at any second and expose her as the fugitive that she was.
"Both the king's brother and son are Accursed…" another man continued. "The man's probably one himself."
"I heard Prince Kuon was killed."
"I might leave, we're not that far from the capital."
"And go where? The roads aren't safe. There are dark creatures on every road. You have to sell your wife to get a decent escort."
Kyoko swallowed her last mouthful of food, picking up another full plate that rested next to her.
"Mind if I take this to my room?" Kyoko said to a server.
The woman nodded, and Kyoko fled from the accusations bleeding out of every mouth. Everywhere she had gone, it had been the same. Talk and gossip on the attack. On the royal family. Their betrayal. Rosa's death.
A turn past the wooden frame and Kyoko walked down the long hall. She reached their room, fumbling the key into the lock and letting herself in. She had expected the room to be empty.
It wasn't.
"You're back already?" said Kyoko, closing and locking the door behind her. She set the plate of food on the table. "Why didn't you join me?"
"I thought it best to stay hidden," said Kuon, the man shrouded in his long cloak. "Too much gossip. Too easy for me to be spotted."
He wasn't wrong.
Kyoko looked at him, at the man she loved. He looked worn, drowned in a sea of worries. Even the wisps of blonde that poked out from under the hood looked limp and pale compared to their previous luster. Though if it was due to this overwhelming tiredness he had adopted, or the darkness he now carried, Kyoko wasn't sure.
Yes, that darkness.
It was ever present, coating his every move with a touch of danger. Of power. When they'd walked through the village, he'd created a fifteen-foot radius with his mere appearance. Only Kyoko had stood by him. Only she could see through that coating of malice and see the tiredness beneath. The man who wanted nothing more than peace.
"Though I can't promise to bring you light as you bring it to me, I can promise I will never stop loving you."
Kyoko's cheeks flushed.
"Come. You need to eat." She hoped to divert her mind from the memory. Darn how easily those words made her happy, even in this dire situation.
Kuon rose, like a puppet on strings before sinking into the seat. He ate methodically, without feeling.
The sight sobered her mood.
"I got our supplies." Kuon gestured to a pile next to the bed. "The horses have been traded as well."
"Oh, good." Kyoko attacked the piles, searching for a specific tool. She picked among the goods a thin two-pronged comb. A string of runes were etched into the side, extending around the entire handle.
"I've always wanted to try this." Kyoko hummed happily, walking to stand behind Kuon. "Do you mind?"
"Please."
A flick of the wrist dropped his hood, revealing Kuon's blonde hair still tied in a low ponytail. She undid the band holding it back, combing through his hair with her fingers. The silky tresses hadn't been affected by the curse. It still felt as wonderful as the first time she'd run her hands through his hair.
Kuon stopped eating, leaning his head back with his eyes closed. His face softened.
Kyoko couldn't help a small smile, elated at his response to her touch. "We should probably cut it as well. It's a little uncommon to have such long hair."
"If you think it is best," he said.
Kyoko raised the comb. Channeling, she combed the prongs through his hair from scalp to end. Black trailed her path, seamlessly overriding the blonde beneath. She repeated the action over every inch until it was completely covered.
A quick swipe over his eyebrows finished the color change.
"Do you have a knife?" said Kyoko.
Eyes still closed, Kuon flicked a blade from somewhere. She took the dagger, bunching his hair at the base of his scalp. She hesitated for a moment more, lamenting the loss before it occurred. Then cut it.
A few precise trims later - assisted by her magic - Kyoko was satisfied. She placed the comb and knife down to back up and admire her work.
It was amazing how much hair color could change a person's appearance. Kuon's was now a midnight black, splayed messily across his face in a short mane. Inexperienced as she was at cutting hair, her choppy work had managed to enhance the dangerous feeling Kuon already emanated. An extra warning to stay away from the danger that lurked within.
In this case, it would be a good thing.
"Well?" said Kuon, a hint of his usual playfulness shining through a smirk. "Do I still look handsome?" His eyes opened to meet hers, shining a bright green through black curtains.
Kyoko pursed her lips, too embarrassed to voice the immediate Yes that resounded within her.
"I don't think anyone will recognize you," she said. "Unless they knew you personally."
Kuon's smirk grew wider, gaze lingering in a way that made her cheeks light up. He had guessed her true thoughts.
"Don't tease," she grumbled.
"I haven't said anything."
"And yet, something was said."
"Now that I know your feelings, it's hard to miss them."
Kyoko looked away, unable to stop the hint of shame that lingered. A part she still couldn't reconcile. Though she didn't regret it - throwing everything aside to help the one she loved - it was still hard to let go of old feelings. Old teachings that had supported her through heartbreak.
He loves me, thought Kyoko. He cares. He won't hurt me.
But having her love returned had created a vulnerability Kyoko hadn't anticipated. A desire she hadn't known existed. As sweet as had been her elation at his confession, the power he had over her was that much more.
And that… she was alright with that.
"I never cared about appearances," she muttered.
"What was that?" asked Kuon.
"I wanted to know if you finished your other errand," Kyoko diverted. "Did you get a message off to Lory? And I see that you stopped eating. Hurry and finish before it gets cold."
Kuon sent her an amused look before starting to eat again, speaking between mouthfuls. "I believe I did. It's hard to tell with the chaos. I'm not even sure if it will help."
They'd decided to send Lory and Kuu a message, mostly saying they were alive and well. They hadn't included details of where they planned to go in case it was intercepted. The main reason for the message hadn't even been for that. It had been to provide information on the Accursed and their contracts with the Dark Djinn. Now that Kuon was an Accursed, he'd learned a lot about their powers.
The best piece of information they had discovered was that Kuon hadn't traded his soul in the contract. It had been his light magic. It had transformed into the relic that now rested on Kuon's arm. A relic that granted him dark powers. It would still kill him if it was destroyed - tethered to the essence as it was, but at least it wasn't his soul that had been mutilated to fulfill a wish.
That was the other part. They had assumed the Dark Djinn was similar to other djinns, a creature that could grant a set number of wishes. This was not the case. The Djinn gave the user power and direction to fulfill their own wishes.
"I talked to a few caravans while I was out," said Kuon. "Some are leaving tomorrow, but most weren't interested in hiring another mercenary."
Kyoko couldn't help giving Kuon a flat stare. By the gossip around her, people were willing to sell their soul to get some good cover to travel between cities. Unfortunately, when a demon did show up - in the form of Kuon - they decided to take their chances with the monsters.
Kyoko sat down with a sigh. "We'll have to try again early tomorrow. I don't think we can make it across without more help." Especially since she didn't know how to fight. "Where are we going anyway?"
"Anywhere at this point," said Kuon. "We're too close to the palace. If an Accursed showed up we'd be completely vulnerable."
"But will they even chase us? We can't do anything to hinder their plans, whatever they are. If they want to hurt the kingdom they'll continue to concentrate on the palace."
Kuon put his head to his hand, rubbing it hard. "I don't know Kyoko," he said. "Just when we learned what they wanted, Masato died and Hirotaka got away. Will they continue to try and steal the throne, or do the other Accursed just want to kill? And what will happen now that Rosa is gone…"
He trailed off.
"For now, we concentrate on you," said Kyoko. "Find a way to break the contract. Once we do that, we can help your family fight the Accursed once again. I actually have an idea of where we can start."
Kuon removed his hand from his face. It was red in the areas he had rubbed, an indication of his frustration.
"What's your idea?" he said.
"Remember the job I was offered in the Broken Hills? The one with the strange outbreak."
Kuon nodded.
"If you remember, the man leading the research group was Hiroaki Ogata, Hirotaka's son. If Hirotaka said he found a way to break your contract, then maybe the son can find a way as well."
"It's… a long shot," said Kuon thoughtfully. "He's a skilled magician, though not as good as his father. Children don't always resemble their parents. That could be a good thing in this case."
A very good thing, seeing as Hirotaka fell to the temptation of power and became an Accursed. He hadn't been all bad though. He'd managed to create the inhibitors, a tool that had ultimately saved the palace from falling during the attack.
"The main question will be if we can trust him," continued Kuon. "He might know something that can lead us in the right direction, but to do that, he has to know who and what I am. That I'm an Accursed."
"I guess we'll have to judge if he's trustworthy after we talk to him."
Kyoko walked back to their packs, taking out another item Kuon had bought. It was a small bottle filled with dark liquid. The top narrowed to a small opening, allowing only a few drops at a time to trickle through. She took the bottle to Kuon, who had just finished his meal.
"Would you like help with this as well?" said Kyoko.
Kuon nodded.
Kyoko placed her hands on Kuon's cheek, tilting his head upward as she tenderly brushed strands of hair from his eyes. They stayed focused on her, despite the odd angle. She ignored both the gaze and the blush that dusted her cheeks as she raised the bottle and carefully tilted it above his green iris, allowing a single drop to fall.
The splash of a foreign object made the eye involuntarily blink. With every blink, the iris darkened more and more until his eye no longer showed a shred of his original green. All that remained was black, eye rimmed with red from the irritation.
Kyoko repeated the process on the other eye with the same result. By the time she removed her hands, Kuon no longer looked like himself. The colors and aura that had identified him were gone, replaced with black.
"Well, I doubt anyone will recognize you now," said Kyoko, trying to invoke some cheer into the statement. "I'd be hard put to recognize you."
Kuon didn't smile at her words like she expected. He would have before the contract had been completed. Now, all his emotions and expressions were muted. Darkened. She knew he was still the same person, but it was still disheartening to see the changes it had on him.
Well, it just meant she'd get to know this side of Kuon as well.
"What shall we call you?" said Kyoko.
"Excuse me?" said Kuon.
"I can't go around calling you Kuon, now can I?" said Kyoko. "Even with this disguise, someone could put two and two together. You'll need a new name."
"How about Cain? Cain Heel."
"Sounds about as good a name as any."
Kyoko gripped the bottle in her hand, another name coming to her head. A name she still hadn't had the time to clarify.
"Kuon," she said. "The other day, you mentioned that I called you by your true name. Ren. I'm still not sure if I understand what you said, or why you even told me that name when were kids."
It had been bothering her for the past few days, but she'd held back, partially insecure at what he would tell her.
Kuon studied her for a moment in the silence. Then without changing expression, he held out his arms toward her.
The gesture was obviously an invitation. An invitation to come and place herself onto that well-toned and tempting chest. She stared at him, partially embarrassed and partially incredulous that he would do something so seemingly childish.
"Um, Kuon," she said. "How is that at all related to what I just asked you?"
"It isn't," said Kuon, not looking one bit embarrassed. "I'd just like you in my arms as I talk to you."
He's trying to kill me, I know he is.
A week ago she would have refused. Would have scoffed at him for teasing her and told him to stop being such a flirt. That was not the case today. She knew this was not him teasing her. He wasn't playing with her feelings. His sincerity was evident on his softened face, eyes asking just as openly as his arms for her presence.
Feeling a tad timid, Kyoko walked forward. With every step, she grew bolder until she was being pulled into Kuon's lap, feeling safe instead of uncomfortable with the proximity. Her head nestled perfectly under his chin, the solid thump of his heart against her ear. His arms kept her securely in place.
She heard a soft sigh from Kuon's lips, his body relaxing. Perhaps he enjoyed this as much as she did.
"As members of the royal family, there's not a lot of privacy in our lives," said Kuon slowly. "Everything we do and say has the potential to be repeated for the rest of our lives. To help keep at least some things private, we don't use our given name for public use. The name Kuon is not my real name. My parents named me Ren when I was born. Only close family and friends know it."
"I had no idea that you even had another name," said Kyoko.
"That's the intention," said Kuon. "As for why I gave it to you when I was a kid… would you believe I couldn't think of any other name to give you and didn't want you to know who I was?"
"I might, except you came up with a fake name so easily just a moment ago."
"I'd like to think I'm allowed to improve on my weaknesses."
Kyoko chuckled, closing her eyes. It felt good to be here nestled in his arms. It was warm and soothing, better than any set of luxurious blankets or cushions she had grown used to. She was going to fall asleep if she wasn't careful.
"I'm glad you told it to me," said Kyoko, fighting a yawn.
Kuon's arms tightened around her.
"Kyoko."
The tone of his voice grabbed her attention. It had an edge of seriousness that made Kyoko nervous. Her mind jumped to the worst conclusions. Did he not want her to come with him anymore? Or was she too heavy? Oh, his leg had probably fallen asleep. That had to be it.
His arms tightened again, a soft pressure touched on the top of her head. He was kissing her. It soothed her internal worries as his lips lingered, conveying the tenderness of his feelings for her.
"Yes, Kuon?" she breathed.
He pulled away from the kiss, resting his cheek on her head instead.
"I'm glad you're here with me," he said carefully. "But I need you to understand. There are some very real dangers ahead. You could be hurt by monsters, Accursed… Even by me. I don't want to hurt you Kyoko but I have to admit… I'm a very selfish man. Now that I've got you, I don't ever plan on letting go. I'm sorry."
Kyoko's heart sang at his words. She sat up, moving so that she faced him while still on his lap. He met her gaze when she directed it at him, unflinching from what she was going to say. She couldn't help teasing him a little, putting a Shin-worthy pout on her face.
"Apologizing for loving someone?" said Kyoko. "Sounds like something I would say. "
She had hoped to make him laugh, or maybe smile a bit. Instead, he pressed his forehead to hers, closing his eyes as he breathed in.
"Should I thank you instead?" said Kuon. "For bringing me out of the darkness? For coming with me despite the dangers? For becoming my lover?"
"Lover?"
Heat erupted through Kyoko. She had never thought about using that label for their relationship. It made sense. They had both confessed their feelings, and their current position definitely wasn't that of a friend. So.. did that mean they were lovers? Did Kuon want to be her lover?
His eyes opened.
His gaze wasn't teasing. He was being serious. He wanted her.
The heat grew as she swallowed.
"I uh, you're welcome," she muttered lamely. "We should go to bed! We'll need to wake up early to find a caravan."
She managed to extricate herself from his arms, fanning her cheeks as she went to her pack.
All the honesty and raw emotions in his eyes... she didn't know how to deal with it. She wasn't used to someone else being this open with her. So openly in love with her.
As she grabbed a change of clothes, a thought hit her.
"Umm…" she said, feeling silly. "I need to change."
A pause.
Then Kuon slowly turned his back to her.
"I won't look," he promised. "Despite how much I'd like to."
A cloak thudded against his head.
He chuckled, deftly pulling the cloth over his head.
It eased some her anxiety at changing in the same room, though she kept a close eye on his back. Lovers they may be, but she was not ready for that part of their relationship. Not yet at least.
Kyoko's smile softened as she finished pulling on her sleepwear. She returned to the other side of the room where Kuon sat, still partially covered by the cloak. Even sitting, Kuon was tall enough that Kyoko could rest her forehead on his shoulder without straining her neck.
"I love you, Ren," she whispered. "We'll find a way to break your contract. I promise."
His hand covered hers, slowly bringing her around. The cloak fell to the floor as he guided her down, kissing her. Softly.
"I know," he whispered. "Thank you."
This place has lost its luster.
Lory lamented the tavern's dampened mood. The LME had a reputation for being rich in both wine and good company. Neither were prevalent as men opted for beer, choosing to drown in their worries than enjoy the finery of good wine.
He turned his body to pass between two tables, searching for someone. A certain person who had changed just as drastically as the tavern.
Found him.
Lory shoved his way through the masses, wishing he hadn't changed into a commoner's garb. If he'd worn his usual extravagant colors, people would have parted without needed to be asked.
Unfortunately, it would have also given Dyrus time to spot him and slip away.
He finally popped through, collapsing into a seat. The man beside him didn't react. His bloodshot eyes were lowered, focused on the last dregs of his mug.
"Excuse me," said Lory, motioning to a nearby server. "I'll have whatever he is having."
The man's grip tightened at hearing Lory's voice but otherwise didn't move. Lory pretended not to notice, his attention on the nice server who promised to return with a mug of beer. At least quality of service hadn't dropped, even if the mood had.
Lory drummed his fingers against the table as he waited, perfectly happy to not speak. He enjoyed watching the people around him, listening to their words and voices, even if he didn't particularly enjoy all the things they said.
The server returned with a mug. Lory took a tentative sip of the concoction, then grimaced.
Ugh. Note to self. Their beer is not as good as their wine.
"What are you doing here?"
Lory placed the mug down.
"We need you," said Lory. "Come back."
Dyrus snorted, something he would have never done previously. It was another mark of the man's depression. His arms rested on the table, head level with his shoulders as everything pressed into the wood. The smell of alcohol was strong with every word he spoke.
"And what use does Ashuron have with defective soldiers?" said Dyrus.
"It's loyalty we need," said Lory. "And the strength to fight for what we believe in. That strength makes up for anything that we may lack."
"You would say something like that."
The bitterness was obvious.
Dyrus waved his mug, the server noticing it was empty. She returned with a full one a moment later, taking the coin the man dropped in her palm. Dyrus took a large swig of the beer, liquid trickling from the corners of his mouth.
The man had fallen far since the attack.
It wasn't hard to guess why.
"It's because I believe in it," said Lory. "As does the king."
"Huh." Dyrus wiped his mouth with a filthy vambrace. "Well, it explains why you'd bother coming to me. You're wasting your time."
"Dyrus," said Lory. "Your daughter's death was tragic, but you disgrace her sacrifice. Giving up will not bring her back."
"No," said Dyrus. "That wish is as futile as your words."
Dyrus stood to leave.
Lory stopped him with a hand. His arms were weak compared to Dyrus's girth, but the man was intoxicated, unable to summon the energy to shrug off Lory's grip.
"Dyrus," said Lory. "We need you."
For a moment Dyrus's eyes focused. They sparked the with life and luster of a knight, a captain who led his men with strength and loyalty. For that brief moment, Lory saw his old friend again.
Then the alcohol glazed his eyes.
He slapped Lory's hand away.
"Never again," muttered Dyrus. "I have lost the right to serve by his side."
The man staggered through the masses, disappearing.
Lory tilted his mug between his hands, considering the liquid within as it sloshed between its round walls. His heart ached for the man, but he was also frustrated. Dyrus had been the captain of King Kuu's guard, a loyal man to both the family and the crown. Losing him was a huge blow and they'd had too many of those already, forget self-inflicted ones.
But Lory couldn't blame Dyrus for his slump, having lost his last child and pride as a protector.
It was times like this that strength was needed. Strength to push through the pain and emerge victorious. Not everyone could do that. Lory had hoped Dyrus could do it again. Rise from the grief caused by the death of a family member.
After all, the more people that fell to that pain and fear, the harder it would be on Kuu.
Lory left a tip for the server before slipping away outside, not bothering to finish his drink. If he wanted to get intoxicated, he'd at least have the decency to enjoy it with wine.
He pulled his cloak around him, the temperature dropping as the evening waned.
A man silently stepped from the shadows, handing Lory a piece of parchment.
"What is this?" said Lory, taking the paper from his aid. Sebastian usually didn't show himself in public places unless he thought it important.
The man, shrouded almost completely in cloth nodded to the parchment.
"I noticed it in the tavern earlier," said Sebastian. "I went out and checked the others. They're everywhere Lory."
Lory's eyes narrowed in the dimming light, scanning the contents of the flyer. With every word, his frown grew until he was grinding his teeth, the molars aching.
"How did this escape our notice?" said Lory. "You said it was everywhere?"
"Indeed."
"We need to go back and show the king," said Lory, stuffing the parchment into his pocket. "There's nothing more we can do here."
If Dyrus was determined to drink himself into oblivion, Lory didn't have time to stop him. He had too much to deal with as it was.
Kuu's stomach ached.
The stitches itched and pulled his new skin with every shift, every breath. It took more energy than it should to stay upright. To stay engaged. He kept the discomfort from his face, knowing it would do no good to show weakness. Not when they were already so badly crippled.
"We still lack sufficient defenses. The deflection spells have been resealed upon the castle walls, but I hesitated to call it a sound defense. All their locations are known to the enemy and we still haven't set up any new ones. We should call back some of the outer teams and concentrate on securing the palace."
"Then what of the city walls? If we leave them open, then the people will be exposed to monster and magical attacks."
"Enchanting the walls did us little good in the last attack."
Kuu listened to words of his councilors. Watched as they bickered about this, and everything else to do with the city's defenses, economy, and morale. He knew what needed to be done, but the men in this room hadn't liked much of what he said. Didn't like how it made their positions vulnerable. For while they were men of the kingdom, they were still men, vulnerable to greed that prevented any truly selfless actions.
Words and voices echoed in the rafters, raised from an ever present panic now present in all their hearts. Plates of food lay half eaten, too nervous to eat despite the length of the meeting. All their meetings had gone long in the past few days. Kuu had only the strength to attend a few, though he attended all of them. Julie would have pitched a fit if she knew
Julie… his love.
"-And that's why we should pull them back," said Sulmod. "Let the outer cities deal with the monsters themselves. That's what their local militia is for. If their dukedom is so incompetent to not have one, then it's their fault for allowing the idiot to rule."
Lasasama growled. It must have been his province they had been talking about.
"The mountains have protected my cities for centuries," said Lasasama. "There was no need for an extensive militia until now. And is it not the monarchy's job to give aid and support the surrounding provinces as needed?"
The two glared from another across the table, the air heated.
"We cannot house any more military as it is," said Hoshi. The man wiped his brow, more a habit at this point than to wipe away any sweat. "Food rations are strained and we can't import any food without incurring more debt."
"How are our rations low?" said Kuu. The capital usually produced more food than it consumed, giving support to cities that needed the help. Last he had heard, they'd been supplying Guyast as it recovered from a freak sandstorm that had destroyed half of its crops.
Hoshi wiped his brow again. "I'm sorry your majesty, I don't have all the details." And he did seem sincerely sorry. "But our harvest numbers are low and crops have been failing recently. Add that men are opting to join the military and leave their jobs as farmers behind. We may have a food shortage if we're not careful."
Yet another problem. They'd been popping up like sandgrass the last few days.
His stitches strained as he took a deep breath, preparing to sigh but winced instead.
"We'll need more information on the status of our food production," said Kuu. "If we can't support a-"
The doors opened, cutting Kuu short. He might have kept talking had it been anyone else that walked in so brazenly. Lory usually enjoyed making an entrance, but for a meeting as important as this, he would have refrained. All heads turned as the man walked in wearing the plain brown garb of a commoner.
"Sorry for the interruption," said Lory, waving a piece of parchment. "But this couldn't wait."
"Lory, where have you been?" said Tarik. "The meeting started hours ago."
"Doing other stuff," said Lory, reaching Kuu at the head of the table. "As head of the medical division, I have plenty to occupy myself after a battle."
Lory slapped a piece of parchment in front of Kuu. Everyone watched their exchange like hawks, curious at what other disasters could occur.
"I found this a few hours ago," said Lory. "It's already circulated through the whole city."
Kuu took the paper, eyes widening. Then he cursed.
Drawn in cheap peeling gold, was the picture of a fallen Phoenix. Red highlighted it's chest, the ink dripping down to curve into letters of accusation and anger.
The monarchy is corrupted.
The king has killed our Goddess.
The brother and son, Accursed and serving the Dark Djinn.
Down with the tyrant Kuu Hizuri, who serves the darkness and repels the light.
Lory set down another piece of parchment, this one similar to the first. They contained words that accused Kuu of orchestrating the attack himself. More slander that called for his fall.
"Mercy me," whispered Kouki, who sat near the king. He had taken one of the brochures, hand to his chest as he read the detailed contents within. "This is horrible." Kouki stood up. "If you'll excuse me, your highness. I'll get a committee to investigate and stop this immediately."
"Please do," said Kuu, though he knew Lory's men would already be on the case. Kouki, as the Grand Duke of the central province, was in charge of emergencies like this. It would be good to be seen trying to quell these pamphlets. Draw attention away from Lory's men as they worked in the shadows.
Kouki was already gone before the other men had seen the flyers. The moment they did, discussion erupted.
Tarik, an older man with a long beaded beard tore the flyer in his hands. "Heresy!" the man hissed. "Who is responsible for this slander? They should be executed for their impertinence."
"Do you not listen?" said Sulmod. He tilted his head, tone condescending. "They just discovered it. Or are you deaf?"
"Watch your tongue, Sulmod," said Tarik. "You should show respect to your elders."
"I'll show respect when I feel it's deserved."
Their argument wasn't the only one at the table. Several other men had broken off in conversation. Angry at what they were reading.
"This isn't good, morale is already low."
"Who could have done this on such a large scale?"
"I can't say everything in this is unfounded."
Kuu's heart came to a screeching halt.
What had he just heard?
Kuu's eyes sought the man who had spoken. The voice he knew. It belonged to a middle-aged man, his right arm missing up to the elbow. The defect was carefully hidden in a long sleeve that draped to the ground. Sulmod held the flyer with his other hand. His left one. The hand he had relentlessly trained to become dominant after losing his right.
"Excuse me Sulmod," said Kuu, his voice hard. "Would you mind repeating yourself?"
The counselor placed the parchment on the table, turning his attention to Kuu.
"Not everything is unfounded," said Sulmod with an air of self-importance. "Two members of the Hizuri family have defected to the opposing side. It's not a far cry to believe that other members of the family may have defected as well."
Those words sent the men into an uproar. Some stood, their voices echoing through the room.
But… some didn't. Some stayed seated, their mouths and expressions closed.
Kuu glanced at Lory. The former Grand Duke's expression was dark, anger obvious as he watched the men. Observed those that stayed seated.
"You take it too far!" Tarik was shouting. The elder was one of the few that stood. "The Land of Ashuron has been guarded by the Hizuri family for centuries, their kings chosen by our demi-goddess."
"The same demi-goddess that has died," said Sulmod, growing visibly angry. "I'm not accusing the king of anything. Merely pointing out the obvious conclusions our people will draw. It would be foolish to turn a blind eye to how the people will take this bulletin."
It didn't stop the shouting.
Kuu was starting to get a headache.
"History has shown us that when the people lose faith in their leaders, more problems arise," said Sulmod over the noise. "Think of your people Zahir. During the Cera era, Aquiteris fell into crisis because of one incorrect report on the Kelk plague. Something that would never have happened had they not just lost faith because of all the Queen's affairs. It took years for the effects of those riots to go away."
Zahir, the youth Sulmod had spoken to narrowed his eyes. "The Ashurons are my people," he said, voice accented. "I would appreciate it if you remembered that fact."
"D-do you think they'll be riots?" said Hoshi, his face draining of color. "Oh… our city's revenue will suffer considerably if that happens."
"Councilors!"
Lory's voice hurt Kuu's head, but it stopped the bickering. Despite no longer holding his title of Grand Duke, his influence over them had never lessened. They each stopped, though there was more than one sour face among the group.
Kuu stood up slowly, all their eyes shifting to him.
He felt tired. Not just from his still healing wounds, but he felt it inside his soul. And he couldn't hide it. He could see it in their expressions.
"I'm afraid Sulmod has a point," he said slowly. "Things look bleak. We lost a lot of good men in that attack. A lot of great men…"
Kuu swallowed. "As king, the actions of those below me are my responsibility," he continued. "But it is not a duty I share alone. We all seek the same thing, though the path may be different. I will not lie and say my heart and magic has not been affected by Rosa's death."
He no longer felt her. No longer felt the connection of that contract. His light magic had also lessened considerably. Everyone's had. Their light magic hadn't disappeared, but it wasn't much compared to before.
Then he'd lost his brother. Lost his son. Though he had received a message from Kuon and Kyoko, Kuu's hopes were not high. How could they break the contract of the Dark Djinn? How could he resist the pull of the dark magic?
Kuu would probably have to fight his own son.
Just as he'd nearly died at the hands of his brother.
Then Julie-
His stomach throbbed again.
Kuu winced.
It was past time for his pain medicine.
"Rosa will rise again," said Kuu, wishing he could put more strength into his words. "She was summoned by my ancestor. I will find a way to resurrect her."
Murmurs broke out. The men didn't know about the vessel. About the magic that made it possible for her to manifest herself in this world.
"Resurrect her?" said one of the men. "How can you do that when she's dead?"
"Rosa is a demi-god, and was contracted to me," said Kuu. "As such, I know certain secrets that others do not. She will rise again, I guarantee it."
It was a bluff. Kuu had no knowledge of how to bring her back though he knew it was possible. It had to be. He'd just have to find it before things grew worse. Before the Accursed attacked again.
The men were talking again. Whispering among each other with this new piece of information. Kuu shifted his weight, leaning harder against the table. He was starting to get dizzy.
"We'll adjourn until another time," said Kuu. "I want regular reports on every assignment as soon as you receive updates. We'll leave the details of this flyer to Grand Duke Kouki Takarada."
He left, careful to be slow as he walked from the room. The ending had been abrupt, but Kuu couldn't help it. He'd pushed himself too far.
Murmurs followed him, their words now indistinguishable from the buzzing in his ears. He could image what they spoke of. Their accusations hurled at his turned back. Men were always braver with their opinions when superiors weren't present.
Kuu managed to get to the hall before needing help. Lory was there the second he slackened. Kuu's arm looped around Lory's shoulders, taking part of his weight.
"How does it look Lory?" said Kuu.
"Not good," said Lory, eyes on his ribs. "You've cracked the scabs again. I told you, no longer than two hours at a time. Your body needs rest."
"Not that." Kuu shook his head. "Forget it, what about Dyrus? Did you convince him to come back?"
"No."
Kuu nearly sighed, then remember his sore stomach.
The two of them were followed by his guard like usual, a new captain of the royal guards. Kuu recognized the new man in charge, Ammar being one of his regular guardsmen. While it was better than a stranger, it wasn't the same. Dyrus's ever present sword was missing.
Another friend and ally swallowed by the war.
"The man made his choice," said Kuu, then winced. "Did he at least choose a good wine to drown himself in?"
"Not even cheap wine," said Lory. "He opted for beer."
Kuu clicked his tongue in disappointment. "How awful."
Neither made further comment, Lory half dragging Kuu as they shuffled back to his chambers.
Next Update: TBD. Watch my profile as it approaches.
The winner for Shin/Kanae ship name is…. KaShin (Pronounced 'caution'. Cause I love bad puns as well Anake14. XD)
Thanks for reading!