Today had started out so well. Seeing Hikaru again, finally making it to their destination... For the first time in a while, things had been going their way.
She should have known better than to think that sort of luck would continue.
"We can't see him," said Kyoko flatly, not shy in showing her displeasure. "Not even for a few minutes? Is every moment of his life scheduled from here until Shimmers day?"
A severe looking woman blocked their path to success. Hiroaki's assistant turned out to be an old crow with zero patience. Even her voice was stern, cutting at any hope for success.
"Mage Hiroaki is not to be distracted by things beneath his attention," said Iizuka. "I suggest you find another physician. You will not be seeing Mage Ogata."
It was more Iizuka herself than her actual words that spoke with such authority. As a woman well into her sixties, she showed no signs of the wear or stooping that those her age normally did. Skin that should have been loose and wrinkled stretched taught across high cheekbones. Her black hair was brushed back, ending at a curl across her collar. Though seated, she held control with her presence. Considering that Cain stood only a few feet from her, it was impressive.
Based on that hawk-like gaze, Kyoko doubted much escaped Iizuka's notice. Perhaps Kyoko and Cain should have washed up before waltzing into the clinic. They might have had better luck trying to get in when they didn't look like grubby vagrants. Which… they kind of were.
"Please, we've come such a long way," said Kyoko, unwilling to give up. This was their best chance at helping Cain. "It's really important that we speak with Hiroaki."
"I've already given you my answer," said Iizuka. "If you continue to persist, I'll have security escort you—"
One of the doors behind Iizuka's desk opened. A woman hurried inside, wearing the garb of a servant. She bent down to whisper something in Iizuka ear. The exchange was so quiet Kyoko couldn't hear it. Whatever the news, it seemed to increase Iizuka's bad mood. The lines around her mouth had doubled as her lips pursed in displeasure.
"Good, I'm glad you finally managed to find him," said Iizuka. She stood up, eyes sweeping to Norishige, their guard. Kyoko noted how her gaze carefully skipped over Cain. Ah, so she wasn't completely unaffected by Cain's presence. "I trust you can lead these two out? Or do I need to call on a real guardsman to come do their job?"
Norishige looked very uncomfortable. He glanced between Kyoko and Cain, evidently unsure what their reaction would be if he actually tried to lead them out. It didn't help that Cain's dark stare was now focused directly on Norishige.
Iizuka was a forceful woman, Kyoko had to give her that. She'd recovered quickly from Cain's presence, reinstated her position and talked down to each of them as if they were children. Then she'd managed to disrupt their recently formed group by calling for Norishige to perform his duty. It was like talking to Setsuko all over again.
Praising her is not going to help, thought Kyoko. This wasn't going to work. Not like this. Not when she and Cain looked a complete mess with no plan or concrete reason to see Hiroaki. They needed to regroup and think this out.
"No need," said Kyoko, her words making Norishige relax. Kyoko pulled up her sweetest fake smile, making sure to appear as submissive as possible. "I'm so sorry for taking up your time."
Without waiting for an answer, Kyoko turned on her heel, smile dropping instantly as she marched out the door. She heard Cain and Norishige following, her anger increasing with each step.
They were so close. So close! All she needed was five minutes with Hiroaki to try and convince him to help. There had to be some way she could turn this around.
Kyoko's steps changed direction, going back toward the study. Then they switched again, pacing the other direction. She passed Cain and Norishige about three times before she realized the two of them had just stopped, watching her pace up and down the hall. More than one servant was giving her strange looks.
How was she going to get in contact with Hiroaki? Those at the front had obviously been told to bar anyone that wanted to see him. It made sense, as there was a similar system set in place at the palace clinic for anyone wishing to see Lory. The clinic may have been free to the general public, but Lory's time was not. Only those with cases requiring Lory's personal and particular skills could see the Duke. Even then, the case could be handed down to someone else depending on Lory's current time frame. Kyoko'd been lucky, passing through those barriers thanks to her connection to the prince. Here, she didn't have any of that. The only things she had to call upon her were her wits and experience.
Except… that just might be enough. Kyoko stopped, plopping a fist into her hand in triumph. Yes! It just might work. She just needed to right place to set it all up.
A hand on her head finally brought her from her thoughts. She looked up to see Cain staring at her. His black eyes searched her face, narrowed, then pulled back as if realizing something.
"What?" said Kyoko, feeling defense. Why did she feel like she was in trouble? His hand was still holding her head as if she might run off the second he let go.
"Care to share your idea with us?" he said.
Kyoko gave him a look. "How did you know I had an idea?"
"Your face is very expressive."
Right. She had forgotten how much it showed. And apparently how much Cain studied her.
She noticed Norishige nearby waiting for her idea. There were no other workers around to overhear. It was a good time to talk.
"I think I know a way to get to Hiroaki," said Kyoko. "I'm not sure it will work… if it doesn't we may be barred from coming here again." Cain gave a snort, as if to say, 'let them try to stop me.' "I'm going to sneak into the facility as a normal employee and find him that way."
"That won't work," said Norishige, looking past uncomfortable and into mortified at this point. "Why not come back tomorrow in the morning? I hear it's less busy and they'll have new staff at the front. You may be able to slide into an appointment."
His argument would have seemed more valid if he hadn't sounded so desperate.
"I doubt it," said Kyoko, pointing at Cain. "Do you seriously think the entire floor isn't gossiping about him? We're not unaware of the attention his appearance gets."
Norishige didn't speak, plainly afraid to make a comment that could offend them.
"You can wait for us at the entrance if this makes you uncomfortable," said Kyoko, turning her attention back to Cain. "I'll just freshen up a bit in the bathroom, enchant my clothes to look like one of the assistants and we're good to go."
"Are you sure this will work?" said Cain. "Surely they pay attention to their staff."
"It's better than trying to sneak in as a patient," said Kyoko. "Those usually have names and specific places they're not allowed to go. Another person in a uniform is much easier to overlook. I know my way around a clinic so I can blend in without a problem. Plus, they're obviously so busy there's no way they can remember the names and faces of all their employees."
Cain searched her face. "Who have you been talking to about sneaking around?"
Kyoko held up two fingers in victory, giving a sly wink. "Shadow taught me a thing or two when he was guarding me."
Cain gave an appreciative grimace. "Then, what should I do?"
"You are going to be a distraction!"
Norishige let out a groan.
Kyoko waltzed down the hall with confidence, doing her best not to look as if she had no idea where she was going. The service entrance should be somewhere down here by her calculations. She just needed to find another helper and—yes! Found one. The man wore a brown vest over a white shirt, the male counterpart to the uniform Kyoko currently wore. Or at least appeared to be wearing
Earlier, Kyoko'd gone to the same restroom she'd found the man in - though thankfully it had been empty this time. After locking the door, she'd stripped down to her undergarments and did her best to wash herself head to toe using magic. It hadn't been easy, using water from the canister and guiding it over her body to wash the sweat and sand from her skin. There were some smells that even magic couldn't completely cover.
Once done with that, she'd set to work on the outfit, tying enchantments to her top and bottom. To the unsuspecting observer, she looked like a normal employee of the clinic. She'd pinned her physician's pin to her chest as an added bonus, enchanting it to look like the fig tree. Only someone looking for the spells would spot the deception, and Kyoko was banking on their ignorance.
Luck was on her side as she easily slipped into a side door, following the male assistant. One step in, Kyoko found it much harder to pretend.
The place was packed. Assistants and physicians flitted about, documents and medicine stacked on every shelf. Not a single person stood still, save Kyoko, who'd stopped right after entering. She knew from experience that a stationary worker was very soon put to work.
Kyoko forced herself to start walking, dodging past assistants while keeping her head down. It was hard not to glance around as if she had no idea where she was. After a few turns, she found a bronze plate with arrows pointing down the different halls. She briefly stopped, trying to decide where to go. Hiroaki probably wasn't in the general patient rooms. Probably not in surgery either. Maybe the offices? Or the labs? No, he was probably at the research facility.
"Are you a little lost?"
Kyoko's heart went straight to her throat. Determined to not run off at high speed, Kyoko turned to see who was speaking to her. She relaxed a second later.
It was a young woman, another patient based on her lack of a uniform. She was, however, obviously rich based on the silken skirt and top she wore. Most people couldn't afford that many gems to decorate their outfit.
"Sorry," said Kyoko, giving a horribly forced smile. "I'm still new here and I'm not too good with directions. And the chaos isn't helping."
Please don't be suspicious. Please don't be suspicious.
The woman gave an understanding sigh. "I completely understand. It's still hard for me every time I come here."
Yes! Maybe I can even turn this more in my favor.
"The chaos really makes it hard to remember where things are," said Kyoko, laying it on thick. It was time to take a chance. "You wouldn't happen to know where Mage Hiroaki is, do you? I'm supposed to give him a message."
"Mage Hiroaki?" The way the woman said it made Kyoko still. She held her breath, watching as the woman put a hand to her lips, giving Kyoko a quizzical look.
"I thought they found him ten minutes ago," said the woman. "Or was a wrong?"
"D-did they?" said Kyoko, nearly breathless with relief. "Where would he be?"
"In his study more than likely. If not there, then the lab."
"Thank you," said Kyoko, already turning to be away. "I'll start there."
"Good luck finding him," called the woman.
And, still dizzy from relief, Kyoko took the turn that pointed her down Hiroaki's office.
After passing three corridors, doubling back once and taking two flights of stairs, Kyoko knew she was lost. It didn't help that she'd passed another reception desk twice already. Another pass and they might start asking questions. Maybe if she just waited a while they'd forget she had passed by.
"I should have asked for more specific directions," Kyoko grumbled, shuffling around another door. This one wasn't it either. It looked like another lab. The area near the back wasn't crowded with people, only the occasional worker passing through the halls. It made it easy for Kyoko to hear the increasingly loud voice as it approached.
"—shouldn't have been charged. I told you that was a favor from the duke himself. What do you think we have morning meetings for if you don't—"
Iizuka turned the corner.
Kyoko moved quickly, turning the door to the lab. It was unlocked! She yanked it open, sliding in before the hateful woman could notice her, trying not to close the door too loudly.
Unfortunately, there was someone inside. Two someone's to be specific, one she recognized. It was the man that had hid in the women's bathroom.
He was obviously shocked and recognized her, even if he didn't seem too flustered about it. The other person was more surprised.
"Ah, it's you," said the bathroom man with a smile. "Hello again. I didn't think we'd see each other again so soon."
"Imagine that," said Kyoko awkwardly. This was exactly what she had wanted to avoid. Being singled out or identified. "Sorry, I didn't mean to barge in on… whatever it is you're doing."
She gestured helplessly, only starting to pick up details. Like the fact that the second man was much older, wore stately robes and several rings. At least he didn't seem to be part of the staff. Most workers would have pulled back their hair to keep it from their face. This man's hair, streaked with silver, went just past his shoulders.
"And you might be?" said the older man with a raised brow.
"Just another worker," said Kyoko, waving her hand. "Sorry, I'll be out of your hair in a second." Just as soon as Iizuka screeching passed, thought Kyoko. Then she got an idea.
"Actually, can I bother you for a second? I'm looking for someone."
"Of course," said the kind bathroom man. "Are they someone who works here?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for Hiroaki Ogata."
His face scrunched in a way that said she'd made a mistake, so she hastily added; "I'm supposed to deliver a message. I was told he might be in his study but… I got a little lost since I'm new."
That last bit helped a little. The suspicion cleared to concerned understanding. Seriously, was it that odd to ask where Hiroaki was?
Before either of the two men could answer, Kyoko's worst nightmare occurred. The door behind her opened.
In came Iizuka. She brushed past Kyoko without even noticing, two other physicians tailing behind.
Kyoko took advantage of the small mercy, backpedaling several steps to hide among the tables and chairs. Now, if Iizuka just didn't turn around this would be perfect.
"Where have you been?" Iizuka huffed. "I've been searching for you for twenty minutes. You were supposed to meet with Duke Momose."
The kind man shrank back, flinching away.
Several things meshed to together in Kyoko's head at that moment. Iizuka was Hiroaki's personal assistant. Bathroom man had been hiding from his personal assistant. The weird look bathroom man had given her when she had asked about where Hiroaki was, and the fact that Hiroaki had supposedly been missing for a while successfully clicked into a perfect solution.
"Ah! You're Hiroaki."
Kyoko clamped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. The damage was done.
Iizuka's head whipped to Kyoko.
"You!" she said. "How did you get back here?"
Kyoko decided to go on the offensive. It was time to start fibbing like a champ.
"I'm supposed to be back here," said Kyoko. "I told you, I needed to speak to Mage Hiroaki."
Iizuka's lips pursed, eyes noting the disguise Kyoko wore.
"Get a guard in here," said Iizuka to one of the people beside her. "We've had a breach of security."
As the man hurried out the door calling for a guard, Kyoko knew this was her last chance. If they sent her out, she'd never get back in. They knew her face and knew that she wanted to see Hiroaki. It came down to this moment. Her ability to talk her way out of the situation. As Kyoko collected her scrambling thoughts, she noticed how Iizuka was peering at her. Like Kyoko were scum.
That's it, I've had enough.
If people thought they could keep pushing her around without stopping to listen, then they had another thing coming. She'd developed her own pride while living at the palace.
Graceful like the queen, thought Kyoko, straightening her posture. She demurely placed her hands together before her, head high. Authority and majesty like the prince. The wisdom of the king... I can do this.
And fighting with Iizuka was the wrong path to take.
"Mage Hiroaki," said Kyoko, now ignoring Iizuka. "I've come from the palace to help you."
Hiroaki blinked at her. His response took a couple seconds as he processed Kyoko's words. He moved as if to glance to Iizuka, but he didn't. Kyoko gaze kept his attention on her.
"You? You've come from the palace?" he said. "Are you the help they're supposed to send?"
"Some of it," said Kyoko. "I came ahead on my own terms as I was eager to assess the situation. And admittedly, to get out of the palace after it was attacked."
"Preposterous." Iizuka stepped into Kyoko's vision. She obviously didn't appreciate being ignored. "You are not a physician. There are no female physicians."
Kyoko didn't acknowledge her. Instead, she took the pin from her coat, dropping the enchantment disguising her. There were a few grunts of astonishment of the sudden change. She ignored these as she held out the glittering physician's pin she'd earned at the palace.
"Here is my certification," said Kyoko. Her eyes were still locked with Hiroaki, the man uncomfortable, but his attention never wavering. "I no longer have the official document summoning me to the Shaded City. It was lost when our caravan was attacked by wurms."
Iizuka stepped forward, snatching the pin from Kyoko's hand. Kyoko had her bite her lip to stop herself from grabbing the pin back. She hated the idea of Iizuka looking at it, but she needed to show control. To show patience.
Iizuka held it to the light while squinting.
"Where did you get such a good replica?" said Iizuka. "I think it's more likely you stole this."
"Let's not accuse the lady so rashly," said the older man standing by Hiroaki. "She may be the female physician I've heard about."
"Excuse me?" said Iizuka. "A female physician? At the palace?"
"I've heard about it too," said Hiroaki.
He held out a hand to Iizuka. She scowled, but dropped the pin into Hiroaki's hand. He gave a nod of thanks, coming forward while spinning the pin thoughtfully in his hand. Hope started to bloom in Kyoko's chest as he stopped in front of her. She may be able to convince them yet!
"Your name must be Kyoko then?" he said.
"Yes," said Kyoko, surprised. "How did you know?"
"This," he said, holding up the pin. "It holds your name and identifies you as its owner."
The pins did that? Since when? Before she could ask more about it, the door opened. It was one of the guards. He stepped inside, giving the room a general salute. "I was told there was an intruder," he said.
Iizuka immediately perked up and rushed to his side.
"Yes, I need you to escort this woman out of here," she said, pointing at Kyoko. "And don't let her back inside."
The guard saluted moving toward Kyoko who was seriously considering running.
"Hold a moment."
The white-haired man stopped the guard. He joined Hiroaki in front of Kyoko, but instead of the pin, the man was examining Kyoko with intrigue. "You said you were sent from the palace? When will the others come?"
"I'm not sure," said Kyoko, feeling herself sweat. Shoot, she hadn't realized how many lies she'd have to make up. The second those reinforcements showed up they'd be able to expose Kyoko's lie for what it was. A vague answer was best for now. "After the attack, things were really stressed. They may be delayed a while."
"Typical," said the man, shaking his head. "Even when they send help it's useless."
"Now, don't be like that," said Hiroaki with a nervous chuckle.
"But this is insane!" said Iizuka stepping beside Kyoko and now there was true hate in her eyes. Kyoko blinked at its familiarity. How many times had the concubines glared at her like that? In resentment and envy?
Suddenly Iizuka intense dislike of Kyoko had reached another layer.
"How do we know you are truly who you say you are?" said Iizuka. Listening for it, Kyoko could hear the jealousy in the words. "You could have stolen this from the real Kyoko, or made a very convincing replica. I'm not convinced she was sent from the palace at all considering the state of her."
Kyoko gave her a look as if she were stupid.
Excuse me for not looking my best after trekking through the desert for the past weeks, thought Kyoko. It wasn't worth fighting about and would just get them off topic.
Kyoko turned her attention back to Hiroaki. She could feel the irritation seeping from Iizuka at the gesture. It gave Kyoko more than a little joy in knowing she'd managed to annoy this woman so much.
"Listen," said Kyoko. "I may no longer have the scroll assigning me to the task of being stationed here, but as a fully trained physician, I'm here to help." Not to mention halfway through her clerical training. But if they didn't believe she was a physician there was no way they'd believe that of her.
"I believe you," said Hiroaki suddenly.
Kyoko was taken aback. She'd expected it to take longer for her to convince him she was a physician. Take a test or do something that proved she indeed a physician.
She wasn't the only one surprised. Iizuka looked like someone had smashed all the windows in the palace.
"You can't be serious," said Iizuka. "You're just going to trust this woman's word that she's a physician? I think we should test her."
"It does seem a little hasty," said the other man, stroking his beard. "I don't think it's wise to trust her so quickly."
"I didn't say she was going to work with me," said Hiroaki hastily. "Sorry Kyoko, though I believe you, I can't give you access to any sensitive research without proof from the palace. But we're short on help. We could assign you to help at a general practice until the others from the palace come with the proper documents if you're willing. Once we're certain you're who you say you are, we can include you in our research group."
The man smiled at Kyoko, pure and obviously happy to have found a solution that would make everyone happy. Except everyone was not happy. Iizuka looked thunderous, the older man appeared skeptical, and Kyoko's hope had shattered into a million pieces. She couldn't work in a general practice. The whole reason for her lie was to get close to Hiroaki. To gain his trust so she could ask him about removing the contract from Cain. If she was at a general practice, she wouldn't interact with him. She'd never gain his trust and the help from the palace would disprove instead of validate her identity. She'd gained nothing.
But she couldn't show it. Because if the lie was truth, then she'd agree to it. Be annoyed and frustrated but also understanding of the situation. So that's what she tried to show. To transform her disappointment into something that looked like annoyance.
"I guess we could do that," said Kyoko slowly. "I can understand the need to protect any sensitive information, even if I don't like it." She couldn't help one last final attempt, trying her best not to sound desperate. "But Hiroaki, I really can be a lot more help here than in a general practice."
The man didn't hesitate to shake his head.
"I'm sorry Kyoko," said Hiroaki. He actually looked it. "But without documentation from the palace, I can't have you helping me."
Disappointment crashed into Kyoko. She was lucky the emotion suited her charade as she couldn't hide it from her face. That was it. She had failed to get in a situation where she could observe Hiroaki and determine if they could trust him. Their strongest chance for helping Cain had been cut off before they could even start.
Biting back her emotions, Kyoko gave a curtsy.
"I understand, thank you for believing me." At least she'd managed to keep her voice steady. "Hopefully the others will get here quickly to straighten everything out."
"I hope so as well," said Hiroaki. "Until then, go and get some rest. You can come by tomorrow to get your assignment. Iizuka will have everything set up for you by then."
Iizuka shot Hiroaki a dirty look. "I still think this is a terrible idea."
So did Kyoko, but not for the same reason.
Kyoko found Cain right where she had left him. Standing in the hall entrance with Norishige. They'd managed to draw quite the crowd of curious and terrified onlookers, mouths open as if he were some festival attraction. It had been part of the plan. Draw attention away from the entrance Kyoko had used by standing at the complete opposite end of it. It was sad that just standing there had been so effective.
One brave soul had even crept within two steps of Cain. It was another guard, talking to Norishige and looking as if he might bolt any second. Kyoko couldn't hear what they were saying, but it wasn't hard to guess. Indeed, when Cain moved, the guard jumped so violently his helmet nearly fell off.
Cain's head lifted as if he had felt her presence before seeing her. She was at the back of the crowd, trying to squeeze through.
"Excuse me," she said, pushing past an older man. "I need to get through."
The crowd suddenly parted. Cain was walking toward her, people scrambled to give him room. She was suddenly alone in a circle of people as Cain stopped in front of her.
"Well?" he said.
Kyoko couldn't say anything. The disappointment was too fresh and seeing Cain like this, closed off and emanating darkness… she couldn't speak, her throat constricted.
She didn't need to. Cain understood her silence. He reached down, tenderly taking Kyoko's hand into his.
"Let's go get some rest," he said, his tone comforting even if the words were not. "We'll figure things out tomorrow."
Kyoko nodded, mutely following Cain as they walked through the parting crowd.
Hikaru felt elated. Here he was, drinking with his friends, alive and well when they all should be dead. The tavern was noisy with other uniformed guards, each enjoying dinner or a drink on their time off. Though it was late, everyone was wide awake. Stories of their battle were being swapped, condolences offered, and congratulations given.
"I know I'm dead at this point," one of Hikaru's men, Liki was saying. He was seated on the same table, recounting his tale of their battle to a group of others. "I've got two undead on my right and the left is breaking after Jarosh fell. Sure enough, my shield breaks and I'm completely open." Liki gave a wide smile, clapping the shoulder of the man beside him. "And then this guy comes out of nowhere, saving my hide. I'm so tired I don't even realize I have no idea who he is."
The men listening gave calls of admiration, leaving Murasame with an embarrassed grin. The Lieutenant had been receiving quite a bit of praise for his valor. He'd probably be given some sort of honor or award for saving them.
"Thanks," said Murasame nodding with a fair amount of satisfaction. Then it flickered. "But I was not the only person who helped."
The last comment was ignored as the others continued to laugh and admire Murasame for his timely arrival.
Hikaru grinned at the scene, taking another swig of his ale. The men were in high spirits, and for that Hikaru was glad.
The empty chair next to him was pulled back, another soldier plopping into the seat. Norishige was still in his armor. Only his helmet had been removed, the piece tucked under his arm.
"Nor! You're back," said Hikaru happily. "Let's get you a drink."
Hikaru quickly called for a server. A drink and plate of food were produced, placed in front of the tired soldier.
"Thanks," said Norishige, picking up a utensil. He looked oddly distracted as he did so.
Curious, Hikaru turned away from the other men to concentrate on Norishige. It was strange for him to be sulky after an assignment. Was he mad at Hikaru for not letting him take a break as soon as they got back?
"You alright?" said Hikaru. "Lady Kyoko didn't give you any trouble, did she?"
"They did," said Norishige. "When we couldn't see Ogata, she decided to sneak into the clinic to see if she could find him."
Hikaru let out a snort, covering his mouth quickly. Norishige noticed. He gave Hikaru an incredulous look.
"Sorry," said Hikaru, giving a sheepish grin. "I know what a stickler you are for rules and all that but, man, that sounds just like something she'd do. Never one to do what you'd expect. Knowing her, it was probably for a good reason. I mean, she broke out of prison to save the man she was accused of poisoning"
"Wait a moment," said Norishige slowly, "Isn't that how you were placed here? Breaking a maiden out and helping them save the prince's life?"
"I forgot I told you guys that story."
"Sir," said Norishige flatly, though not unkind. "That story has circled the guards so thoroughly I'm sure everyone here has heard it a dozen times over." His brows furrowed. "But wasn't it a concubine you broke out?"
Woops.
Hikaru gave an uncomfortable laugh. Kyoko had asked him to keep it quiet she had been a concubine. He'd already given away her identity by accident. He hoped she wouldn't be mad at him.
"Just… keep that part quiet," said Hikaru. "She asked me not to spread she used to be a concubine."
Norishige nodded, and Hikaru knew the man would keep his word. He was a true man of honor.
"It explains why you were so friendly with her," said the man. "And the way you address her. So, she used to be a concubine to the prince." With an increasing look of confusion, he added. "How in the world did she go from that to marrying a monster like Cain?"
"I have no idea," said Hikaru. He'd wanted to ask her about it but could sense the story was complicated. It was obvious she'd gone through a lot since the last time Hikaru had seen her. Heck, they'd gone through some things together. The unrelenting social bullying, saving a girl from being crushed to death and then finding a concubine murdered by the Accursed.
If the reports were to be believed, things had gotten worse from there.
A voice from his left drifted into Hikaru's attention. The group that had been laughing quieted, looking glum. Most of the men's attention was on Murasame and another man seated beside him. Both had severe expressions on their face.
"—are you serious?"" one of Hikaru's men was saying. "I'd heard he'd died."
Murasame shook his head.
"It's true," Murasame. "I couldn't believe it either when I heard it. I mean, I've been in one of his platoons before and the prince appeared to be nothing but a righteous commander. And a good one too. We never lost men when he was there."
"He was a good fighter," nodded Yami, the man sitting beside Murasame. "But it's what everyone at the palace was saying. I can't tell you how many servants I met fleeing the place." Then he clicked his tongue. "Damn traitor. I can't believe he fell to his greed."
A ripple of anger ran through the group. The men started grumbling, some with insults, others with protest.
"There's no way he fell. It has to be a rumor."
"I'd heard he'd been cursed."
"He was blessed by the light. I bet it's just the Accursed making up lies to demoralize the people."
"But the brother's own king was an Accursed. As was Hirotaka Ogata."
"Ogata was an Accursed!?"
"I bet the king is as well."
A chair fell back into the ground with a crash as one of the men stood up. Everyone stopped their chatter as the man pulled their attention. He was leaned forward on the table, face red as he growled at the soldier across from him.
"You shut your damn trap," he said. "There's no way the prince would betray his own people."
The receiver of the anger didn't stand, remaining seated and mildly embarrassed. It didn't pacify the man, whose rage was still simmering.
The others came forward, telling the angry man to calm down. When the arguing continued to escalate, Hikaru knew he needed to stop this. They were five seconds away from blows being traded.
Hikaru banged his hand on the table, jolting everyone's attention to him.
"Men," he said steadily. "If you wish to talk with your fists, please do so outside."
It was because of Hikaru's rank that they listened. That fists lowered, and voices quieted. They knew better than to fight in front of their colonel.
Hikaru let out a sigh. It was getting late and they were all tired.
"Maybe it would be best for us to retire," he suggested. "It's been a very exciting few days for most of us. We could use the sleep."
The men grumbled, several moving to follow Hikaru's suggestion. The Colonel followed his own advice, making his way through the men as he bid them goodnight. To his surprise, Norishige followed him out, his barely touched food left on the table.
"You're not hungry?" said Hikaru.
Norishige grimaced. "Hurts to eat,"
That wasn't good. It was one of the more developed signs of the Shuemans rot.
"If you need time off, don't hesitate to ask," said Hikaru. "I think we all deserve some." Especially after that attack.
They moved toward the door, Hikaru noticing Murasame. The man was saying goodbye as well, still being given handshakes and praise for his bravery. Hikaru approached when the last man left.
"What was that about?" said Hikaru, nodding to the now empty table. "What new rumors did you hear?"
Murasame's face darkened. "Too many," he said. "But that one was about the prince. Most people are saying he turned into an Accursed."
"What!?"
Hikaru couldn't believe it. The prince? An Accursed? There was no way. He'd been dedicated to his work and duties as the prince. Why would he become an Accursed?
"I thought he'd died," said Hikaru.
Murasame shrugged. "It's hard to say. I've heard both, but most people who say he turned into an Accursed came from the palace."
"No wonder Akito got so upset," said Hikaru. "He hates it when the royal family is insulted."
Was that why Kyoko was so hesitant to talk about what had happened? It sounded like she'd been at the palace when it had been attacked.
"Either way, it's a good thing you stepped in when you did," said Norishige. "We've been through enough. We don't need a meaningless squabble on top of it."
"Can't say the topic is very pleasant either."
"Did Kyoko say anything about it? If she-" Norishitue's eyes flickered to Murasame. "...worked at the palace, she might know what happened."
"I didn't ask," said Hikaru, glad Norishige had been mindful of Murasame's presence. The man was listening with obvious curiosity. "The topic was obviously sensitive."
"She used to work at the palace?" said Murasame.
Hikaru nodded.
"Huh," said Murasame. "I wonder if Cain, her husband, got hit with some sorta curse thing in all the chaos. That man is not normal."
"Could be. I have no idea," said Hikaru, thinking back on his conversation with Kyoko. She'd glanced over her meeting with Cain, as well as the attack. "Though I agree. There's something strange about Cain, even if he did help save us."
Hikaru missed the look Murasame gave him. He was too busy thinking about Kyoko, the prince and Cain. What had happened in the few months they'd been apart? Had the prince gone dark and Kyoko married someone else? Or was that what had caused the prince to decline? Kyoko loving another man. Hikaru suspected the prince had a soft spot for her. Maybe even love her. But would something like that really send him over the edge? Would the prince, someone who was so dedicated to the kingdom really give up his duties because of disappointed love? No, it made no sense. The Prince was a good man. He'd never abandon the kingdom in favor of power and darkness.
Except for those few moments when he looked dark.
The traitorous thought came without Hikaru's consent. It highlighted moments where the prince had looked particularly cruel or angry. As a guard to the concubines, and specifically to Kyoko, Hikaru had witnessed it on a few occasions. But… Kuon had also been getting better. Happier, if Hikaru was allowed to think that. He believed it was because of Kyoko. The kindness and bravery she emitted.
She wouldn't let him do that, thought Hikaru. Not sweet, driven Kyoko, who sought to help and save even her enemies. Surely after saving Kuon, their relationship would have just gotten better. She'd never abandon him.
Except she was here. Here instead of at the palace. Here with a man who, despite Hikaru's outward confidence, scared him. A man who radiated darkness and power. If Kyoko hadn't vouched for Cain, Hikaru would have thought the man was…
Accursed.
Hikaru's eyes widened. It all clicked into place. Fit too well to be wrong. If the prince had become an Accursed… no. He'd be evil. He'd never travel with Kyoko. Never fight to save and protect them. The Accursed were beings of darkness that sought only to achieve their own desires. There was no way.
But if Kuon really became an Accursed, thought Hikaru. And Kyoko stayed by Kuon's side like she probably would, then that means Cain has to be the prince. Then how can she trust him? How can she love him? Unless… Unless she's a prisoner, or he's cast some horrible spell on her. Tricked her. Or—or!
"Lieutenant Ishibashi?"
Hikaru jerked back to reality. Norishige was giving him a concerned look, Murasame still present.
"Are you alright?" said Norishige. "You're white as a sheet."
"I'm fine," said Hikaru, not caring how obvious the lie was. He felt sick. His mind was working on overtime imagining all the horrible things that could have placed Kyoko in the predicament she was in. "I'm just— no. I'm not fine. I'm going to go to bed."
He gave a quick goodbye, not caring if it was abrupt as he pushed out the door. His feet pounded for the barracks. He had a mat at his office, one he used more often than his own mattress. That was where he planned to sleep tonight.
And for a few nights afterward, thought Hikaru, running a hand through his hair. If Cain really was the prince, really was an Accursed, Hikaru had no idea what to do.
The one thing he did know was how bad things could turn in an instant. He had to do something. Had to figure out the truth. If he didn't do this correctly, then it wouldn't just be Kyoko's safety in jeopardy. They could all be dead.
Thanks for reading!
And thanks for your patience. I get married at the end of this month! Holy cow I'm on crunch time. But I really do appreciate those that took the time to leave comments. Like, a lot. A lot I tell you! Okay, I'm done. Thanks, and if you have questions, I will reply in a PM... just give me a few days to do so.
Next update: Next year. (Sorry y'all, I'm getting married.)
And Merry Christmas/Happy New year! I love this time of the year.
(Also, random rant? Who here has read the selection series? Because I just read the first book and all I can think about is how awesome/better the story would be if it was crossed with skip beat characters. Man, I need that crossover... would it be considered a crossover? I don't know.)
-Blushweaver
I was going to make fun of Blushweaver for taking so long to post, but I do NOT have the moral high ground there…
Hope you all have a merry whatever you celebrate, and that Santa doesn't check your browsing history.
-Imouto