Kyoko walked along side Hikaru, chatting happily with him as they walked toward the city. It felt so good to talk with him. He hadn't changed his love for talking or energetic gestures. Despite the hard trek and tiring day of healing people, she felt energized as they spoke.

"All things considered, this transfer has been good to me," said Hikaru. "Especially considering the true punishment I should have received."

"Well, they couldn't very well fault you for saving your prince's life," grinned Kyoko. "Even if you had to break out a wrongly accused assassin."

Hikaru laughed, his voice loud and free. Kyoko completely missed the looks they were drawing from those around them.

The whole group was on their way to Mosall, the Shaded City. Citizens and soldiers alike made their way through the sand, the more heavily injured riding on horseback, camels, or being dragged on makeshift stretchers. Cain walked behind them, watching her back silently as she talked with Hikaru. It made the others stay out of earshot so she and Hikaru could converse freely.

Only one other person was ostracized as openly as her and Cain. The merchant, Bairei, walked alone in the sand. After hearing exactly what had happened with the sand wurms, Hikaru had said some very choice word to the merchant. Hikaru didn't have any power to punish Bairei, but all the same, it had felt very satisfying to see kind Hikaru tear into the cowardly man. Kyoko had never seen Hikaru that angry before.

"But seriously, I'm happy for you," she said, bringing her thoughts back to the present. "You seem to be happy as well."

"Well, it's not too bad all the time," said Hikaru, giving an embarrassed grin. "I've managed to make a name for myself and everything."

Kyoko gave him a light punch on the shoulder, giggling. "Don't be modest. I've seen how much the men respect you."

"If they do, it's because of what you taught me," said Hikaru, "I'm not kidding, so don't give me that look. I've never seen someone plow through adversity like you- quick on their feet and always doing what's right no matter who came against you. It's inspiring."

"Oh!" said Kyoko, taken aback. She hadn't realized Hikaru thought that highly of her and she couldn't think of anything she'd done to deserve that stream of praise. Cheeks a tad pink, she gave a cough, ready to change the subject.

"Anyway, how is everything else going?" she said. "What's it like? being a Colonel?"

"It's hard, that's for sure," said Hikaru, his expression sobering. "The town isn't doing well, so tensions are high. We've sent several envoys like Murasame's to get help, but the little we've received hasn't done much. We were really counting on him to come back with more supplies. Doesn't help when we've got idiots like that one messing things up."

Kyoko grimaced in sympathy. "What's been going on? Have there been a lot of monster attacks?"

"It'd be nice if it was that easy," grumbled Hikaru. "The fig tree isn't getting any better and we're no closer to a cure. Mind you, that's not public knowledge, but I trust that you'll keep it to yourself."

"The fig tree?" said Kyoko, blinking in confusion. What was that supposed to be? "I thought there was a strange epidemic going on. The Shuemans rot."

"There is, it's just that the researches think healing the tree will help fight against the disease. The closer you get to the tree, the better you feel. People are flocking to the center of the shaded city in hope of feeling relief."

"Is this tree special somehow?" said Kyoko. Why were people flocking to a fig tree? When Hikaru looked at her in confusion, she knew her low education was showing. Well-versed in medicine she might be, but in geography, economy and what other cities were known for, she was miserably ignorant, and it was showing in her question.

"You know... the fig tree," said Hikaru. "The tree that covers the Shaded City and is said to be sacred and a source of light. Any of this ringing a bell?"

"Maybe," said Kyoko, vaguely remembering something like that being mentioned in one of her text books. If she remembered, it had something to do with extra properties in the fruit. One of many magical trees, brush and rocks that dotted the world.

Hikaru saved her from more embarrassment by shrugging it off. "Well, the tree is sick and no one knows why," he said. "We're completely overwhelmed and everyone's sick, including me."

"Are you okay?" said Kyoko, immediately concerned.

"I'm fine," waved Hikaru. "As I said, everyone's sick. My symptoms are mild, so I do my best to help, just like the rest of us, but it's not uncommon for even soldiers to take time off until the symptoms go down… if they're lucky."

Kyoko was shocked. Were things like this happening all over the kingdom? She glanced back at Cain, wondering if he'd known about Mosall's situation. His expression was completely blank, focused on her and Hikaru. Nope. She had no idea what he was thinking at the moment. She sent him a bright smile.

Cain grimaced, rolling his eyes.

Kyoko let out a small chuckle.

As she turned her attention back to Hikaru, she noticed he was watching her. His expression was guarded for the first time as he lowered his voice so Cain couldn't hear them.

For a heart-stopping moment, Kyoko thought Hikaru had recognized Cain. Scenarios flashed in her head as she thought about the ways this could go down. Hikaru could publicly call Cain out right now, alerting every to that fact that he was the prince. That he was an Accursed and couldn't be trusted. Or maybe Hikaru wouldn't. Maybe he'd keep it to himself and then try and assassinate Cain later.

Kyoko kept all of these worries and more from her face as Hikaru leaned closed.

"I've been wondering for a while now," said Hikaru, pointing to Cain. "But is that man really your husband?"

Kyoko blinked. Then a violent blush surged all the way past her cheeks.

"Ummm!" said Kyoko. "I—what I mean to say is - It came to this and then before I knew it things were happening and then - I couldn't stop it! But I didn't throw myself at him! Except I did- but that was because he needed me, and I needed him, and it was all just happening so fast!"

Hikaru blinked at her, leaning back from her sputtering. For some reason, lying about being married to Cain was five hundred times more embarrassing to someone she knew than to a stranger like Manaka or Murasame. Hikaru's shocked expression certainly didn't help things.

"Wow," he said, recovering. "You really are, huh? I'm surprised."

"Why do you say that?" said Kyoko meekly, not bothering to correct him. She and Cain were not married… Not that she disliked the idea, but still! She hated being untruthful to Hikaru.

"I just thought you and the prince would eventually…" Hikaru cleared his throat, uncomfortable. "You have to know, he always favored you Kyoko."

Why was he being so strange about this? For a split second she wondered if he was talking about all the scandalous rumors that had circled the palace right before the attack… the attack! That's what it was. Hikaru thought Prince Kuon was dead. No wonder he hadn't recognized Cain.

"I did like him," said Kyoko. "A lot actually… after the attack, I had to deal with things as best as I could." She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling heat there that had nothing to do with the sun. "But now I'm very happy, despite everything that's happened."

It was strangely refreshing to talk openly about her feelings for the prince like this, even if it was purposefully worded with the intent to conceal that Cain was in fact Kuon. Hikaru took it gracefully, nodding as if he understood.

"I wish I could have been there," said Hikaru with earnestness. "To help you and Prince Kuon. It frustrates me that even after everything we did to help, we couldn't stop those blasted Accursed from succeeding. And Rosa…"

Hikaru suddenly started floundering in front of Kyoko, looking quite distressed. "Ah, but you're here and safe and that's good and what about you? What about all that physician stuff and those concubines! Did they ever stop messing with you? I mean… you saved one of them and everything so you'd think they'd learn." Hikaru gave an uncomfortable laugh, one Kyoko echoed.

"Um, it got a lot better, yeah," said Kyoko. "I actually have a favor to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Can you not tell anyone that I used to be one of the prince's concubines?"

Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "Sure, but why would you—" he cut himself off. "Never mind. If you don't want me to say anything, I won't tell a fly."

"Thank you," said Kyoko, glad to have that off her chest. The last thing she needed was for someone to connect her with Cain and realize he was the prince turned Accursed, even if half the rumors said he was dead. "It really does feel good to see you again. I can't believe how much I missed these talks."

"Well, now you may enjoy them at any time I'm off duty," said Hikaru with a wink. "Tell me, how are the BridgeRock boys? Did they protect you properly like I told them t-"

Hikaru was cut off as Cain suddenly stepped between them. Kyoko couldn't see his face, but she saw Hikaru's. It paled slightly in the bright heat.

"One of the stretchers broke," said Cain, pointing near the back of the group. "You should go help."

"Ah," Hikaru, appearing torn. He looked from Kyoko, to Cain, to the back of the party, then back to Kyoko. "Will you be alright?"

"Of course," said Kyoko with a smile. Why was he so concerned? "I've got Cain here." In a sudden surge of affection, she took hold of Cain's hand. She hoped she wasn't being too bold.

Apparently, it was fine as Hikaru's trepidation lessened. His grin was back as he nodded. "I'll be back in a bit. It's been so refreshing seeing you again Lady Kyoko."

"And you as well."

The Colonel gave salute before backtracking to go help. She watched for a moment, heart humming as she thought of being able to speak to him again.

A tug brought her attention back to Cain. He was watching her, eyes unreadable.

"Isn't this crazy?" said Kyoko happily. "Running into Hikaru like this? It's so nice to see a familiar face all the way out here. Did you notice that he didn't ask me a lot about the attack? He's really kind. I think he could tell I didn't want to talk about it."

Cain grunted.

"And the stories he had! Sounds like he's been as busy as we've been in the past few months. Someone of his age becoming a colonel can't be very common."

Another grunt.

"But that means he can't ever be my guard again. I can't tell you how good of friends we became after a while. I guess I always hoped he might come back so we could reconnect again…" She gave a sudden awkward laugh. "Sorry, I forgot, I'm not a concubine anymore. There's no reason for him to watch me. Besides, Kanae was the best guard a woman could ask for. Oh, Moko-san! I miss your radiant form."

As Kyoko lamented, she noted Cain's lack of response. He was watching her with that same blank dark stare. It held something she couldn't quite identify, though she'd seen it on him before.

She peered at him with interest.

"Is something on your mind?" she said. "You've been quiet for a while now, even for Cain."

"It's nothing," he said.

"Cain. I know that look. Do I need to don a rooster enchantment or do you plan on talking to me?"

Amusement tugged at the corner of Cain's lips. Ha! She'd gotten him.

"I was thinking," said Cain. "I'm happy to see you so energized again."

Kyoko blinked, then flushed in embarrassment. That was what that look was. The content face of joy as he watched her. She hurriedly looked down at their still clasped hands.

It was true, her mood had been muted for the past few days. She hadn't been able to help it! With everything that had been going on, it was hard to stay positive. Seeing Hikaru and helping those people heal had been the jump start she needed to get out of her funk. To feel alive in the world again. And of course Cain would have picked up on it.

"Flirt," she grumbled.

"Only with you."

She nudged his side, her smile widening. As she looked up, she noticed someone watching their exchange. Murasame was behind Cain, far enough away that he couldn't hear them but close enough that he could see their expression. It also meant she could see his reaction. She'd expected some sort of disgust or impatience as those were the man's favorite things to throw at them. What she didn't expect was calculated interest.

His eyes met hers, and he scowled before breaking eyes contact. What was that about? Was he still sore about the dressing down Cain had given him for not watching her as Cain had instructed? That had been an interesting conversation to walk into.

She shrugged it off, looking ahead. They were still a few hours away from the city, but Kyoko could already see its outline. It was hard to make out in the heat haze, but it looked like something stuck out in the center of the buildings. Whatever it was, it had to be big to be seen from this distance. Perhaps that was the statehouse.

"Cain…" she said. "Hikaru didn't recognize you."

"It's not a surprise," he said.

"Yes, well, I suppose it's a good thing." It meant people were less likely to realize who Cain truly was. If someone who had been in close contact with the prince couldn't recognize him at point blank, then she doubted any save their closest of friends would be able to. It didn't mean she had to be happy about it.

"What were you talking about with Hikaru?" said Cain suddenly changing the topic.

"I already told you," said Kyoko, giving him a confused look. "His new position. The attack. Swapping stories and catching up."

"Not that," said Cain. "When you were blushing."

"Oh, that?" The heat returned to her cheeks as she leveled a glare at Cain. "Why am I your wife again? I can't pretend that part very well especially when I had no say about it in the first place!"

Cain's expression morphed into triumph. Just what was he so happy about? "Don't worry," said Cain. "Then next time you become my wife, I'll be sure to ask you first."

And that is when Kyoko tripped face first into the sand.

The city was a wonderful disaster.

The wonderful part had to do with the tree stationed in the center of the city. This had to be the tree Hikaru had talked about. The thing was huge. She couldn't see the trunk, but she could see the branches stretching far across the roofs of city. Now, if only those branches weren't bare, it would have been perfect. The poor thing was obviously sick.

Another wonderful part of the city was the stone wall and gate she had just pulled through. From the outside, she saw majesty and power. But even a few steps in, Kyoko saw that the inside was vastly different.

There were beggars and filth lining the edges of what had once been beautifully paved roads. Sewage clogged her nose and made her eyes water. Her heart ached for those who waited here on the off chance that someone entering the city would give them food.

"Poor souls," said Kyoko, watching as one came up to their group, begging for food. "Hikaru wasn't lying when he said things were bad. If this is the entrance… I'd hate to see the rest of the city."

One of Hikaru's guards spoke: "It's actually this bad everywhere, especially near the edge."

She turned her attention to him, surprised that someone other than Hikaru was talking to her. The man was scrawny, sporting less injuries than most of his comrades. He must have been one of the better fighters.

"The homes near the tree have always been expensive," said the man. "but lately it's hard to even get close to the tree. It pushes the less fortunate to the outer edges and segregates the community. Once you get toward the center it's a little bit better, but not by much. Everyone's still sick."

"So awful," said Kyoko, her physician's eye noticing the other details of a beggar. His shaking hands could be seen from here, dark patches covering his skin. Half of his face looked black from strange lesions.

"Excuse me a moment," said the same soldier. He came a little closer but stayed out of arms reach from Kyoko. As if he was wary of her. Whatever he wished to say, it died as the man backed up.

Cain was walking toward her, Hikaru close behind.

"Lady Kyoko," said Hikaru cheerfully. "I see you've met Norishige." That must have been the scrawny guard. "He's actually going to show you to your quarters and then show you around. I've got to set this all straight and report back to central."

"You've got a place for us?" said Kyoko, surprised. "But… we have no money."

"Not to worry," said Hikaru. "You guys are staying at my place. As long as you don't mind it's a tad cramped, but you can stay as long as you need to."

Norishige looked to Hikaru in open shock. Kyoko placed a hand over hear heat, touched by his generosity.

"Are you sure?" said Kyoko. "I'd hate to impose on you."

"Not to worry," said Hikaru. "I'm hardly ever home and it's empty most of the time. I'll be glad it gets some use out of it." He snapped his fingers, something dawning on his face. "Come to think of it, I don't even know what brought you all the way out here."

"We were enjoying catching up, weren't we?"

"I was, that's for sure."

Kyoko gave a light laugh, looking to Cain. "We're actually here to see Hiroaki Ogata. We're hoping he can help us with something."

"Ogata?" said Hikaru. "Should have figured. It's never something small with you. I should warn you though, he's pretty busy at the moment. The whole town in an uproar and he's supposed to be finding the cure. I've heard he's been spending every second of the day in the clinic and never leaves."

That wasn't good. If Hiroaki was too busy to see them, how could they gain his trust and have him help Cain get rid of his contract? This might be harder than they had even previously considered.

"But, he may see you as a request from me," said Hikaru suddenly. "I don't know him personally, but rank does give me some benefits."

Kyoko bounced up, ecstatic. "Thank you Hikaru!" said Kyoko. It really was a blessing they had been able to run into him. She went to give him a hug to show him just how much she appreciated this gesture but was stopped. Cain had a hold of her head, preventing her from moving forward. His dark eyes were on her.

"Enough hugs," said Cain. "No more."

"Why not?" said Kyoko. What was the matter with hugs?

She never got her answer as Hikaru gave a nervous laugh. He scratched the back of his head while backing up. "Understood. Not to worry, I only have her best interest at heart, Cain," said Hikaru.

"As do I," said Cain.

"Then I leave her to you." Hikaru's smile returned to Kyoko. "Stay safe Lady Kyoko. I'll come by when I can. Stay out of trouble until then."

"I'll try my best," said Kyoko, still not sure what they had been saying.

With a salute and a chuckle, Hikaru left again.

Kyoko and Cain gathered what little they had, and followed Norishige to Hikaru's house. Before they could leave, however, someone stopped them. It was Manaka, the young women nearly tripping in her hast.

"Thank you for helping us!" Manaka said, eyes on Cain. "I heard how you helped the guardsmen and you helped us as well. I just knew you were good! I was right!"

When the woman pushed forward with wide arms to warp her arms around Cain, a strange surge shot through Kyoko. She recognized the intense feeling of jealousy, moving before she could stop herself. In a second, she had stepped in front of Cain, holding Manaka back with one hand.

"Cain already said no more hugging for today," said Kyoko sharply. With her back to Cain, she didn't see his reaction. She did see Manaka wilt a tad before beaming again. The woman reiterated her thanks before skipping off to join her friends and family who had stayed close by. The action befuddled Kyoko. That girl really had a screw or two loose.

Manaka's friends sent Kyoko furtive looked and while they were still guarded, they weren't as openly hostile as before. That was a plus at least.

A chuckle came from behind her.

Kyoko glanced behind her.

"What?"

"It's just interesting," said Cain. "How somethings can come full circle."

Kyoko sent him a glare before walking off with a huff. "It's her fault for trying to hug you. Her shameless flirting when I've already laid claim to you is exhausting. Even my patience has limits."

And, ignoring the burning in both cheeks and the back of her head, she walked to meet up with Norishige.

With nothing else baring them, the three of them set off through the city. It became apparent just a few blocks in that things were just as Hikaru had described. The sicker, less affluent people stayed near the edges, with the healthier congregated toward the middle. Kyoko watched an argument, already ten paces past before she realized what it was about. One of the sick men had tried to travel toward the center of the city and someone was trying to stop him.

"That can't be legal," breathed Kyoko, feeling sick. She withdrew her arms to huddle them around her, thinking of being horribly ill and forced to live in the outer rings away from care.

"It's not," said Norishige, who had seen the confrontation. "Our guards waste a lot of time breaking those fights up. Anyone is allowed anywhere in town, especially at the base of the tree. It doesn't mean everyone's happy about it."

"They're scared," commented Cain suddenly. "For their families and for themselves. Fear makes men do a lot of stupid things."

Kyoko swallowed. Yes, fear made people do a lot of stupid things. It inhibited your common sense and made you think of only yourself. She had firsthand experience with this after all.

After nearly an hour of walking, they had finally made it near the center. With the base of the tree only a mile away, the streets were packed. People clustered together on the side of the road and pushed toward the tree. It was as crazy as the capital had been during the festival. With this many people, it was easy to spot the numerous signs and symptoms of the Shuemans rot. Kyoko already had an extensive list running in her head.

Irritability. Fatigue. All those black patches again. His red eyes... Hmm… that one isn't related to the rot. Probably just a normal eye infection. The sick were a lot fewer in number here closer to the tree. In fact, most looked genuinely happy save the extremely ill.

"Kyoko?" said Cain.

"Yes!" said Kyoko. She hadn't been paying attention. Her gaze settled on a large white building. The architecture was reminiscent of the palace, with sweeping domes and thick pillars. It sent a strong wave of homesickness through Kyoko.

I can't believe I found such a wonderful place to call home, thought Kyoko. Never had she suspected that setting out on her own would land her at the palace. But under strange and extreme circumstances, it had, and she felt a yearning to return there as she had never had before. Oh, how she hoped everything would work out and she could go back one day.

"This is where Duke Momose and his family lives," said Norishige. "It's also where they're conducting most of the research for the Shuemans rot. You should find Hiroaki in here."

Kyoko followed Norishige as he led them through the front, gazing around in glee. She'd grown used to the splendor of the palace, but it didn't lessen her awe. Stain glass windows and curving arches with golden trimming dazzled her eyes. Her feet stepped across tiles made of hundreds of colored stones that depicted the landscape of Ashuron. Everything was so majestic.

Cain kept her grounded as he tugged her away, barely aware of their surroundings. Gosh, she had missed sights like this. She'd really been spoiled at the palace.

They walked down a few halls passing several people, none of which gave them any attention as they were quite intent to avoid Cain as much as possible. Most looked fairly cheerful, save a few overworked souls. One of which gave them the most tired look Kyoko had ever seen when their group asked for directions.

"Down the hall and to your left," said the servant. "But good luck trying to talk to anyone. The crazy that goes on in there is what's been draining this building, let me tell you."

Kyoko gave Cain a subtle look. She didn't like the sound of that. Hirotaka had been eccentric and already somewhat out of his mind. Love of power had eventually turned him on them. What if the son turned out to be the same? Would they be able to trust him?

After thanking the servant, they arrived at the room. Dozens of people sat in the waiting area, all with varying degrees of illness visible. A large counter overladen with parchment stood at the far end, barring entrance to connecting halls and rooms. Several workers stood behind these desks, either speaking with other patients or running back and forth sorting through documents. Kyoko recognized the atmosphere—a completely swamped clinic.

The group approached the one man not occupied with another person, garnering a few looks from the other occupants. No one else has a soldier accompanying them, or a fearsome looking human. Once at the desk she could see the broach each man wore. It was a golden mortar and pestle, the symbol of a certified physician. Instead of the phoenix feathers Kyoko's had, these broaches were flanked by a branch that arched in a curve with plush leaves surrounding the center. All these men must be physicians.

"Excuse me," said Kyoko. "Hello. Can you help us?"

"What is it?" said the worker, whose focus was on a smattering of ledges he was hurriedly scribbling on. He wasn't even trying to be cordial.

"We'd like to see Hiroaki Ogata," said Kyoko.

"You can't," said the man.

"Why not?"

"Because you can only see him if you have an appointment." He spoke as if the words were automatic.

Kyoko bit her lip, looking to Norishige. The soldier stepped forward.

He suddenly rapped on the counter, making the man looking up in surprise. The soldier's face was level, yet forceful as he stared at the worker. Quite a few people were staring at this point.

"These two here are friends of Colonel Hikaru," said Norishige, nodding to Kyoko and Cain. "They come here with his direction and referral to see Mage Hiroaki."

The physician, who had just spotted Cain turned white. Ledgers fell to the ground as his hands slipped, completely paralyzed. Kyoko allowed five seconds for the reaction before pointedly clearing her throat. The man's eyes darted back to Kyoko.

"So, can we see him?" said Kyoko calmly.

The man swallowed.

"I—I'm sorry, but you'll still need an appointment." This time he sounded apologetic. As well as terrified they'd disemboweled him for his words.

"Even with Hikaru's referral?" said Kyoko, not willing to give up. The man managed to twitch his head in a way that resembled shaking. His eyes were now on Cain again, the Accursed taking up his whole attention. This was getting ridiculous.

"Hey!" said Kyoko. "Can we set an appointment with him?"

The man's voice squeaked. "S-sorry. B-but it's hard to get an appointment with him because he's so busy and I can put you down for one but you'll have to wait a few months and even then it might be delayed and I'm sorry! I can p-p-put you down as a back-up if someone cancels."

"A few months!?" said Kyoko. That was ridiculous! No doubt the man wasn't seeing regular patients and only those with high standing but to wait two months just to talk with him? That was ridiculous. "Please, we can't wait that long." They needed to start working on the solution now. Who knew how long it would take to find a way to break the contract. And what if Cain fell to his anger before then? They needed more hope.

"I'm sorry," said the man. "But even with a colonel's referral, you'll have to be put on the waiting list."

Kyoko punched on her thigh in frustration. What now? Should they bother setting a date or try and find a solution themselves?

"What do you think Cain?" said Kyoko.

"We'll set an appointment," said Cain. "And contact us the second someone cancels."

"Of course!" promised the man, giving a sudden salute. "I promise. The second we can. Please don't hurt me."

Kyoko ignored the last part. She couldn't however, ignore that everyone in the room had stopped to watch. They should probably go so work could get done.

"Thank you," said Kyoko. "Can you give him the address so he knows where to contact us?"

Norishige nodded, taking some parchment and writing down their information. The physician took it, hands trembling.

Conscious of every pair of eyes, Kyoko led the group out of the room.

Once outside, Kyoko shook her head. That had been completely unproductive. Of course the research head would be a busy man and hard to get to. Even with Hikaru's recommendation, they'd only gained the opportunity to set an appointment. They needed a new way to approach this.

Kyoko tapped her lips in thought, staring at Cain. His level gaze didn't change, neither surprised or disappointed. He'd probably expected this.

"Does Hiroaki have a personal assistant?" said Kyoko. "What am I talking about, of course he does! Do you know who that is?"

"I do," said Norishige, looking thoughtful. "Thinking of approaching her to get an appointment?"

"It's worth a shot," said Kyoko. "Their office is probably here connected to the center."

"Then let's start there."

"Just give me a second," said Kyoko, pointing to another hall. "I've got to use the restroom."

She hurried to the room, impatient to be done and back on the hunt for information. On her way out, she caught a glance of herself in the mirror.

Kyoko stared, contemplating her reflection. It wasn't as bad as she had expected. Her skin was red from exposure, freckles standing out across her nose. Her hair was limp, but it still had some of its sheen from extended treatment at the palace. The biggest difference was her eyes. Their color seemed brighter, the gold standing out. She stared at it, wondering why they weren't dead. Weren't dull from worry or fatigue.

It's because I haven't given up, she thought to herself. Her eyes understood her determination. Her desire to push forward. Kyoko was not going to go down without a fight. In fact, she didn't plan on going down at all.

The door banged open. Kyoko jumped as someone stumbled into the bathroom.

The second she noticed it was a man, magic and air filled her in preparation for an assault. But no, the man didn't seem to notice her. He was too busy closing the door and pressing his back to the wood. He took a deep breath, one obviously meant to calm him. A breath Kyoko also needed to take because her heart was beating like mad! It quickened her observational skills as she assessed her potential attacker.

He was a willowy man, probably in his late thirties. Light hair split down the middle to frame his somewhat girly face. On his chest sat the golden emblem of a physician pinned to his red-lined robes. He was an employee of the building.

The man suddenly opened his eyes, meeting Kyoko's. His mouth fell open.

"S-sorry!" he floundered. "I didn't k-know that someone was in here."

"Who are you?" said Kyoko, on her guard. She didn't trust this man. Kyoko'd had too many close calls to let her guard down, even if the person appeared weak. It could be an act. "Why are you in the woman's bathroom?"

"I'm not- oh you must think me insane," said the man. "Please don't scream. I'm not anyone bad."

"Then give me one good reason not to call for my guards."

"No, please don't. She'd kill me if I caused another uproar."

"Who?"

The man licked his lips. "My personal assistant. She's quite intense and terrifies the heck out of me. She even follows me into the bathroom. I can't concentrate when I'm with her."

"Then get a new assistant," said Kyoko. The problem seemed simple enough to her.

"Get a new assistant?" said the man, as if the idea had never occurred to him. "I guess I could do that. Yes, I think I might-" he suddenly shrank. "I could never let her go. I have her take care of firing people go because I just can't handle the stress. How could I fire her? She intimidates me so much I can't think. What am I to do?"

Watching this man turn white from anxiety over his assistant, Kyoko's fear bled away. It didn't look like this man was capable of anything nefarious, though she was surprised Cain hadn't noticed and stopped him from entering. He hadn't followed her to the door so he might not have been close enough to see the man enter. What a mess.

"Calm down," said Kyoko. "I won't scream."

The man finally relaxed, taking lines from his stressed face.

"Thank you," he groaned. "I've run out of places to hide, but I don't think she'll check here for a while."

"But my friends will," said Kyoko, going for the door. "If I don't leave they'll worry about me."

Catching on, the man quickly stepped aside.

"Ah, yes. Sorry about that." He gave a light chuckle. "It's probably not very comfortable being barred in a women's bathroom with a stranger. I'm sorry for giving you a fright." And as the stranger gave another bashful smile, Kyoko decided she liked him. His demeanor was pleasant and calm, despite being so panicked earlier. Like the soft petal lily on a blistering summers day, the man was a delicate flower she wanted to protect.

"Don't worry," said Kyoko with a wink. "If I see any scary looking assistants coming my way, I'll send them in the opposite direction."

Relief spread through the man's face. "Oh, thank you so much. I truly appreciate it."

With one last grateful smile, Kyoko passed the stranger and went back out into the hall.

Thanks for reading!

Not much to say except my heartfelt gratitude to those that are leaving reviews. You are just wonderful people who feed my writer's soul with your kind words. Excuse me while I continue to gush for a while longer. *Leaves to gush to her sister.

Priya: This is the last arc of the story and no, there will not be a sequel. I've got plenty of different ideas for other stories that I could yank from my oneshots (Transient Daydreams) that I might write. Either way, once this story is done, I'm going to start trying to write a book to publish.

Next update: Probably much farther off. I'm in crunch mode now working full time as of this week and only two and a half months until the wedding.

Oh! And of course, I must offer my heartfelt appreciation for a wonderful reader who has offered to go back and edit all my terrible typos/grammar problems in the early chapters. (Because we all know that my recent chapters are perfect... right?) What a saint! Watch for their signature at the bottom of the first chapter once they start having time to edit.

-Blushweaver