Kyoko was used to surgery rooms; crisp scented and anxiety laced. She just wasn't used to being the occupant. She stirred, trying to focus on something other than the pounding in her ears. To her left, potion racks and vials of syringes lined the wall with what looked like a biopsy kit. It was hard to tell, nothing was quite in focus.

She blinked hard, slowly turning her head, trying to comprehend what was going on. As she moved, people came into view. No less than five other physicians were in the room. Great. That meant she'd been either critical or down with something strange.

One of the physician's noticed she was awake and called to someone. She was surprised to see who hurried over.

"You're alright Kyoko," said Hiroaki gently. "Can you see me? Do you know who I am?"

"Yeah, you're Hiroaki Ogata," she muttered. She still felt shaky. She looked at the others. "No idea who they ar- is that a serrit kit? Why did you need one of those? Unless…"

Kyoko lifted head and did a quick exam on her body. Her shirt had been removed leaving her in only her undergarments. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment only to drain of any blood a second later.

What in the world had happened to her shoulders?

The skin looked rough and cracked with a dark hue of purple reflecting off the lamplight. The surface was glossy in texture, seamlessly transitioning into smooth skin. It looked like she was trying to grow crystals on her body.

Then she spotted the marks. The five distinct black marks where the irregularity originated.

Shoot. I thought I'd healed those properly.

It was where Cain's claws had dug into her arm. She hadn't told Cain about the difficulty she'd had trying to remove the dark magical residue from those injuries each day. At least, until she'd run out of alabaster root. It had been two days since then. She hadn't worried since it had looked like everything had healed properly. Apparently, she'd been wrong.

The physicians were still moving around the room, making notes and putting things away. Hiroaki was talking in hushed tones to another physician with a large nose.

"Excuse me," said Kyoko, getting their attention. "Can you tell me what happened?"

Hiroaki glanced at her, the man with the large nose glaring openly. Hm. Interesting. Now that she paid attention, it was clear that everyone was moving as quickly as they could to leave. None of them dared to look her in the eyes.

"Your husband brought you in," said Hiroaki.

Ah, that explained everyone's hostility toward her.

Wait—

"Did he just barge in here?" said Kyoko, panicked. "Oh gosh, I probably caused you so much trouble, I'm so sorry."

"It's alright." He didn't look upset by the disturbance. A true physician with much better bedside manners than the other fools who were still scrambling to get away. One approached with an essence reader. His hand was shaking so hard he nearly dropped the triangular device twice.

"Here," said Hiroaki, taking the reader from the man. "I've got it."

The man dropped it in Hiroaki's hands and nearly ran out the door. It slammed shut, leaving Kyoko alone with Hiroaki.

"I take it my husband left a bad impression," said Kyoko dryly.

"Ah, well, no not all bad," said Hiroaki.

Kyoko stared. Then let out a snort she quickly covered with a hand. "I can't tell if your bedside manner is great or terrible. That's the worst lie I've seen from a physician yet."

Mercifully, the smile on Hiroaki's face turned genuine. He chuckled as he passed the reader over her arms. It was made of three clear rods, the color changing depending on the essence's condition. With it turned away from her, she couldn't see what her vitals were.

"You're not the only one that thinks that," he commented. "I'm in research for a reason. I've never been good at consoling or talking to patients."

"Really?" said Kyoko, genuinely surprised. "But you have such a calming nature about you. I thought so since the first time we met."

He quirked an eyebrow at her. "When I burst into the girl's bathroom and frightened you?"

Kyoko paused. "Okay, it may have been after I realized you weren't going to jump me."

Hiroaki removed the reader, taking out the ledger to record her vitals. He seemed relaxed. Less twitchy than when he was with that man with a long beard or the insufferable woman. Why did their meetings have to be so odd?

"What are my readings?" asked Kyoko, craning her neck to read the ledger.

Hiroaki hesitated, then passed the notes over to her. Her practiced eye picked up on the spiked levels immediately. There were also several paragraphs of notes regarding the quick tests they'd done. One stood out to her.

"It's lessened already?" asked Kyoko, comparing her current marks to the notes. It described much larger marks then what they currently were. Odd. If she looked closely, it did appear to be moving.

"It has," said Hiroaki. "Though, I don't think it was anything we did. We had you take some standard potions but your body seemed to fight this itself. "

"I wonder why."

She poured over the notes, analyzing it with a practiced mind. It distracted her from the freak out she should be having. All this information and it basically boiled down to knowing absolutely nothing about what had happened to her.

"I take it alabaster root didn't help," said Kyoko, handing the ledger back.

Hiroaki shook his head. "None of the standard CRTs helped. You'll likely need a specialized treatment to fully remove whatever this is. You… do know how you got this?"

She did, and it was not a memory she was in any hurry to revisit. It would be important for diagnosis to let Hiroaki know where this... whatever it was, had come from. But that meant admitting Cain had caused the initial injury, which would lead to more questions about the source of his dark magic. Yeah. Not happening.

A knock interrupted her dilemma.

Cain entered, pushing the door close and standing awkwardly beside it. Kyoko smiled, stretching a hand to him in delight. It felt good to see him, his presence quieting all her worries.

Then she remembered she was only in her undergarments.

Kyoko gave a yelp, grabbing the blanket at the end of her bed and flinging it over herself. She knocked something to the ground in her haste but didn't care. Her face poked out of the top of the sheet to meet the bewildered gaze of Hiroaki.

Cain hadn't even reacted.

"Are you okay Kyoko?" said Hiroaki.

"Yup!" she squeaked. That's right. They were supposedly husband and wife. It wouldn't be odd for her husband to see her in nothing but her undergarments… or anything at all. Ah hell, it was a good thing Hiroaki wasn't taking her vitals right now because they'd be all sorts of haywire.

"I, uh, just felt a little cold," she said. It wasn't that bad. The prince had seen her in some revealing dancewear back at the palace. This was nothing. Nothing at all.

And 'nothing at all' is exactly what came to Kyoko's mind.

Kyoko purposefully kept her eyes to the ground. If she looked in Cain's eyes, he may see the truth behind her blush.

Dang it Kyoko! Keep it together, you're sick!

She shook herself out of her own head, noticing that Hiroaki was talking to Cain. They seemed to be discussing her condition.

"-fine, but I want her to stay here tonight," said Hiroaki. "I'm not sure if this won't flare up again. Um, what is it that we're looking at anyway? Kyoko didn't seem to know where she got this curse mark."

Cain glanced to her, searching for her approval. She recognized that look.

Oh no…

Cain was going to tell Hiroaki what had happened. He was going to place her health above his own much-needed-to-keep secret.

"I remember where I got it," said Kyoko quickly. "Sorry, I was just distracted."

"Really?" said Hiroaki. "What happened then?"

Cain continued to watch her. He was being so quiet it was unnerving even to her. What was wrong with him?

"I have a friend," said Kyoko. "Who hurt me with a cursed item. It happened a few weeks ago and I thought the wounds had healed. I had been using Alabaster root and it had worked just fine until I ran out two days ago."

"Alabaster root helped?" said Hiroaki, taking notes. "Interesting. It may only be effective when the curse is in a dormant state. Have you had any other symptoms that may be linked to the curse mark?"

"A few. Fatigue, itching around the healing area and dampened mood."

They talked for a few more minutes about her condition, Hiroaki taking notes. The whole time Cain didn't make any sound or move toward her. Kyoko's gaze often shifted to him, her unease increasing with each glance.

"Okay," said Hiroaki. "Last question. Have you had contact with this cursed item since the initial injury?"

"Yes," said Kyoko. She was always with Cain.

"And were you in contact with this item between your last application of alabaster root and the fainting episode?"

"Yes," said Kyoko, her heart dropping. Oh shoot.

"I see," said Hiroaki. "Well, if possible I'd like a sample of this cursed item if you can get it. I'd also advise you to stay away from the item as it's probably what caused your illness to flare up. Once the marks have receded we'll check if the alabaster root helps."

He frowned at his ledger.

"There are a few other things I'd like to test now that you're awake," he said. "But they will need to wait until tomorrow. I've got… oh shoot, I've got a report to finish."

Hiroaki gave Kyoko a hurried bow. "I'm sorry, I'll have someone show you to your next room and make sure you're taken care of, but I must hurry. I totally forgot about my report and—" he smacked his forehead with a hand. "And I completely forgot about Missy. I'm sorry Kyoko, But I really must be off."

And before Kyoko could ask another question, the man had sprinted out the door. It slammed shut, echoing in the silence that followed.

Kyoko shifted, feeling awkward. Mostly because she was still in nothing but her underwear. Just one slip and she'd be exposing more of herself than she'd like. She summoned the courage to look at Cain.

…and all awkwardness vanished. Cain's face looked dry, worn out like a sheet wrung out and beaten against the rocks. She realized how much panic he must have gone through when she'd mysteriously fainted. Add on top realizing that he was the cause.

Oh, Cain. You've probably worried yourself sick.

Kyoko stretched her hand to him again, the sheets held against her chest with the other.

"Cain," she said. "Cain. Please. Come here."

He shuffled over, plopping to a kneel beside her bed. He didn't take her offered hand, so she took the initiative to grab his. He tried to pull out of her grip.

"Stop," she said. "Cain."

"I shouldn't touch you," said Cain. He jerked his hand free of her grip, eyes cloudy. "Hiroaki said you should avoid contact with the object that caused your curse mark."

"But that doesn't mean he was talking about you," said Kyoko. "It's just the armored form I need to stay away from."

Cain nodded to her marks. "Are you sure about that?"

Kyoko looked at her shoulder.

The marks were growing. Slowly, so subtly that you though the light may be tricking your eyes. But Kyoko could feel it. The marks were reacting to Cain's presence.

Hot anger rose from her suddenly.

"Of all the dragon-dung accursed luck!" she yelled. She was beyond frustrated and now into full blow pissed as hell. "Of course, this is what happens. Can't we get a break for one freaking second? Just how am I supposed to be a light to you when you can't be near me? Why do these things just keep happening?"

She pounded her fist onto the bed, glaring at a shocked Cain.

"No," said Kyoko. "I know what you're thinking, and no. You're not to blame. I'm not letting you stay away and I'm not going to die you over dramatic goof!"

Cain grimaced. "I'm glad you're energetic. It's a good sign."

Kyoko grumbled at him. "Don't make fun," she said. "I'm legitimately pissed."

"And I'm legitimately worried." His almost-smile shrunk back into a permanent frown. It seemed he'd never be rid of that expression. "I thought... for a moment that I might have lost you."

His words touched Kyoko, her anger draining away under his genuine care. The cloud from his expression shifted, a soft loving look replacing it. He raised a hand, hesitated, then gently placed it against her cheek. His touch was so light. Like a breath of wind.

"You've taken care of me all this time," he said. "It's my turn to take care of you."

"Cain…"

"You'll stay here with Hiroaki until he thinks you've recovered enough," he said. "The second you're well enough, we leave the city to prevent you from getting sick with the rot."

"But your contract," said Kyoko. "Hiroaki. Shoot, thanks to this I actually have a reason to be near him on a regular basis. I may be able to convince him to help."

"And maybe he can," Cain nodded to the marks. "Perhaps as he studies this, it may provide more insight on the Accursed powers and the curse. In the meantime, I will need to stay away so that it does not cause you to become ill again."

It seemed like a reasonable plan, considering the predicament they were in. But she still didn't like it.

Kyoko pouted. "I don't like being separated from you," she said.

Cain blinked, then laughed. He actually laughed. Gods it felt good to hear that sound.

It was also clear he was laughing at her for some reason. Her pout increased, but she couldn't help a smile behind it. Cain was fine. They would be fine.

The hand on her face left. He placed his forehead against hers and she closed her eyes, reveling in his proximity.

"Believe you me," said Cain. "I dislike the idea as much as you do, but this is what must be done."

"If you say so," grumbled Kyoko. Then a thought hit her. "Hold still a moment."

Kyoko raised her hand, fingers pressing softly against his scalp. She drew upon her pulse magic, the old weaves familiar, yet better than before. Her skills in controlling magic had improved. She didn't need to move her fingers as the magic softly connected with Cain.

Kyoko wasn't even sure if it would work. It had been so long since she'd given Cain this treatment. Not since he'd become an accursed certainly. She'd been a little hesitant in case his soul would reject or curse her or something else. Those worries were gone as her magic gently assessed his soul. There was a small resistance, but with a gentle suggestion, it opened to her.

Kyoko didn't linger on the vast chasm of darkness. Instead, she swept the surface layers of gloom aside. Gently soothing and healing whatever ailments she could find.

After a short minute, she pulled away, hands, magic, and herself. As she opened her eyes, she met the dark glow of Cain's eyes.

"Did it help?" said Kyoko.

"Yes," said Cain softly. "Thank you but... maybe we shouldn't do that so soon after you collapsed. The proximity can't be good for you."

No, it wasn't. She could feel it. The simple soothing had taken a lot of energy from her. Being so near a source of dark magic was not good for her essence.

She smiled through her exhaustion anyway.

Cain met that smile with a kiss.

Kyoko drew away, blushing and happy.

"Come see me every day," she commanded. "Or else I'll hunt you down myself."

"I believe you," said Cain. He met her for another short kiss, his fingers lingering on her neck. The bed sheet was only pulled up to her chest leaving her collar exposed as his hand trailed down her skin. "Keep your necklace on. If something happens, activate the help signal in your gem. Flash once for a request to see me. Flash twice and I'll come flying as fast as my legs can take me."

"I promise," said Kyoko, glancing at the side table. Her belongings were there, including the necklace. They must have taken it off to examine her shoulders. She swayed a little, suddenly feeling light-headed.

Cain seemed to notice her distress. He steadied her, gave her one last kiss - soft and placed on her forehead – before quickly backing out and exiting the room.

Kyoko continued to sway after he left, but not because of her illness. It was because of Cain. Because of those sweet kisses. Trust love to make her stupid happy when she should have been worried. Despite her inward scolding, Kyoko couldn't slap the silly grin from her face.

Cain closed the door to Kyoko's room, hurrying down the hall. He had entered the room lost, distressed, and angry at himself for causing her to be like this. It had been a selfish feeling and one that had persisted since they'd left the palace. It had distracted him from what he needed to do. Well, he no longer felt those feelings. They were still there, but he'd shoved them to the back of his mind. He had no need for them because now he had a purpose. Now, he had direction.

Keep Kyoko safe.

It sounded simple, but it wasn't as he was the source of her current discomfort. Hikaru's recent confrontation had him on edge at the possibility that he would reveal them. But he couldn't concentrate on that right now. Things needed to change. He needed to act. No longer could he wallow in self-doubt and guilt for his actions. He needed to change. To be the man she deserved.

He spotted Hiroaki, the man talking hurriedly to several physicians. He looked busy. Probably best not to disturb him. Cain hailed a nearby assistant instead and the man nearly fell from shock when he realized who was speaking to him.

"Excuse me," said Cain. "Do you know who I need to speak to about payment?"

"I.. uhh." The man looked around, but anyone nearby shrank away and avoided eye contact. They left him to be a sacrifice.

The man licked his lips. "What payment do you m-mean?"

"For my wife," said Cain. "I'm assuming her treatment isn't free, is it?"

The man stared, nonplussed. What was he so confused about? Wasn't that how it worked with other clinics? Cain hadn't needed to pay at the palace clinic but that was because of his status. As he understood it, civilian clinics like there were funded by people coming to pay for their treatments. Unless he'd been wrong.

The man started scrambling, waving another person over. The person resisted the pull, shaking their head as the man tried to pass along Cain to someone else.

Great. It looked like this would take a while.

He tried to be patient, ignoring the gnawing guilt that grew in his stomach each second he wasn't doing something. The urge to punch something was strong, but he resisted. He would not let panic overtake him. He would put Kyoko's needs before his guilt.

Murasame was not a gofer. He was a lieutenant. A man who commanded other men. He had his own platoon of well-trained soldiers who respected him. They'd been happy to see him again when he'd returned to Mosall and eager to help in the round up of the mercenaries who had betrayed them. But when they'd found out someone had to return the money to Cain and Kyoko, no one had been eager to assist him there. Murasame had to meet with Hikaru anyway, and both men were reported to be at the City Hall clinic. Might as well send Murasame with the money while he was at it.

Maybe I should have just ordered someone to deliver it, grumbled Murasame. Just the thought of Cain made his mood worse. He may not hate the man, but… Nope. He did hate him.

He crossed the entrance of the clinic, noting the distinctly flustered look of the people around him. Yup. Cain had been here. An assistant pointed him in the right direction and Murasame soon found the brooding man at another receptionist desk. What was he doing here anyway?

Not keen on lingering, Murasame tapped Cain on the shoulder to get his attention. The man glanced at Murasame, a flicker of surprise in his gaze. That was something at least. His usual expressions consisted of anger and angsty silence.

"Here," said Murasame, holding out a small bag. It contained the few coins that no one else had claimed from the raid. He had no idea if it was the amount they had lost, but Murasame didn't care if they took a little too much from that scum that called themselves mercenaries.

At Cain's persistent stare, Murasame grabbed Cain's hands and shoved the bag into his hands.

"From the men who robbed us," he said. "It's what we could get back from them."

His duty done, Murasame turned to walk away.

…only to be stopped by that devil himself.

"Wait," said Cain. "We didn't have this much."

Flabbergasted, Murasame turned to see Cain taking coins from the purse and proffering them to Murasame. Just what was with this man? He looked like a fiend yet acted like a saint. Murasame needed to stop being so surprised by it.

"Just keep it," said Murasame. "Those thugs won't have any use for money in prison."

Cain nodded, replacing the coins inside the pouch.

"How much does it pay?" he said.

"What does?" said Murasame.

"City guard."

"Are you thinking of joining while looking like the blight itself?"

"I need money and it's the only thing that may hire me." At Murasame's confused expression, he explained. "Kyoko's sick."

"Ah." That explained the clinic. Well, the city was short on men to defend the city and Cain had proven himself to be an excellent fighter.

"I'll put in a good word for you," said Murasame. "Just go to the barracks and they'll assign you after doing a quick assessment. If you have any experience with commanding they might give you a leadership position. Just don't be surprised if they refuse since your ugly face scares most people." He paused. "And I'm sorry about your wife. I hope she gets better."

Cain gave a grateful nod, almost looking relieved. What a strange man.

Murasame left Cain to the panicked assistant and went looking for Hikaru. He eventually found the Colonel in a vacant sitting room. His brows were drawn, an obvious aura of concentration over him. What had Hikaru in a knot? The man was known for being jovial and decisive.

"Are you alright?" said Murasame.

Hikaru jerked, then jumped to attention giving Murasame a salute. Murasame imitated the gesture, though with more worry than precision.

"Oh, it's you," said Hikaru, relaxing. He lowered his stance with a shaky laugh. It was almost normal.

"You did call for me," said Murasame, quirking an eyebrow. "You looked troubled. What are you even doing here?"

"Taking care of something," said Hikaru, his attention waning again. It snapped back to Murasame a second later. "Sorry. Yes, I sent for you. The city council wanted me to present you with your reward and promotion."

"Promotion?" said Murasame, eyebrows shooting up. "For what? Losing the caravan and only hope for the city? I hardly deserve a reward for that."

"Don't forget about saving my hide at the eastern outpost."

"Right. That." A feat he wouldn't have attempted had Cain not ran for them first. Damn, he hated that man. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, trying to hide the shame he felt. Suddenly he didn't want to hide it. Not from Hikaru, a man he greatly respected.

"I don't think I deserve it," said Murasame. "I nearly didn't go help. If Cain hadn't run out to help first, I would have never tried it."

"Cain ran out to help first?" said Hikaru. The news surprised him. Of course it would. He thought Murasame a better man than he actually was.

"Yeah," said Murasame bitterly. "If you reward anyone, it should be him."

Hikaru focused on something else, eyes glossed over. The man was distracted today.

"Regardless," said Hikaru. "You saved us, no matter your hesitance. They want to promote you to colonel."

"Colonel?" Murasame gaped. He'd be on the same level as Hikaru. "That high? So soon?"

"We're short on men with experience to lead," said Hikaru. "The rot has gotten worse, as have the attacks. I'm afraid there are too few of us. If we don't get help from the capital soon…" He shook his head, motioning for Murasame. "Come, follow me. They want you to be at the next meeting. It starts soon and we can talk the details as we walk."

"Okay."

Murasame felt both awed and humble as he walked beside Hikaru, unable to help a giddy energy building. He had been promoted! After roughing it as a sketchy mercenary for so many years, he'd never thought he'd eventually land here. With a respectable job and position in the city guard. This was amazing.

"The promotion will be immediate," said Hikaru. "I'm not sure which position they'll give you, but I'm sure they'll allow your men to be in your ranks. You'll probably take over for Kelamit's men. He died from the rot last week."

"Damn," said Murasame. Forget the Accursed, they might all die just from this flaming disease. Kelamit had been a good man.

They spoke for a time, talking details about his transfer. He was also going to get a military honor, Rosa's Talon, in recognition for his bravery. Murasame just stopped himself from grumbling at the idea. He had gone to help, even if he had been hesitant at first.

Hikaru noticed his drop in mood, giving Murasame a pat on the back.

"The people here need more victories," he said. "At least pretend to look excited."

"I will be after I get over Cain's existence."

Hikaru gave a laugh, expression thoughtful.

"What do you think of him?" asked Hikaru. "Cain. You called him dangerous before."

"He's a pain," said Murasame. "A good fighter, and deceptively good. Which almost makes up for the terror his presence causes. I don't know how his wife stands him. Just being next to him makes me want to strangle him. You know he wanted to give back the money I gave him because he said it was more than what they had brought? Why can't he just be evil so I can hate him properly?" It would make things so much easier.

"You're… actually fond of him," said Hikaru, sounding amazed.

"I respect him," emphasized Murasame. Where had Hikaru gotten that strange idea? "I don't think I could ever like him. His face gives me nightmares. But denying his actions would be disrespectful. A lot of good men are alive because of him and he stayed with us when the rest of the men betrayed us. For that, he has my respect until he does something stupid."

Hikaru nodded. Apparently Murasame had given Hikaru something to think on as the man didn't speak again as they exited the clinic.

Hiroaki Ogata enjoyed being organized, despite what his personal assistant would say. Cluttered shelves and loose parchment were not scenes he enjoyed. That was how his father had been and he strove to be different. To be in better control of the things he was doing and researching, but it was just so darn hard when he was constantly interrupted.

He scrambled to get his notes together, aware of the impatient eyes on him as he searched within his ledger for the right report. Wasn't that what he paid Iizuka for anyway? To help him instead of terrifying him with her looming stature? He may get something done if she wasn't constantly breathing fire down his neck.

As it was, he managed to fish out the report from his pile of ledgers, flipping to the end.

"We've discovered twenty more cases of the Seeds," said Hiroaki, managing to find the right page. "That puts this month's count already twelve above the last."

The group of men grumbled. There were only ten of them today, the meeting smaller than usual. Several of their military leaders were out trying to take back the eastern outpost and dealing with the monsters that had leaked through the break. The outpost was important due to its strategist placement between the outer rock shelf and the city.

"Still no word from the palace?" said Duke Momose. The man was sturdy, with hair that extended past his shoulders. It was streaked with white far too soon for his age. Probably due to stress from leading the city.

"None," said another man, this one Momose's personal assistant, Morizumi Jouji. He kept to the back, scribbling notes in his ledger. "And nothing about sending another inhibitor. Apparently the Accursed destroyed much of the instructions on how to make them, and with Mage Hirotaka Ogata on the other side, we're pretty much left on our own. We won't be getting aid from them anytime soon."

Hiroaki squirmed in his seat, trying to ignore the glances he got from the others. They'd only heard the news about his father a week ago. He couldn't even mourn his father's death properly when people kept looking at him with those strange expressions. As if they expected him to come out and defend his father. Hiroaki wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He had loved his father but had never really met his expectations. As a son, or as a researcher. All it left him was a hole of unresolved feelings. Better not to address those right now.

"How did they mess up so badly?" grumbled one of the other men. Hiroaki couldn't remember his name. He was young and with hair that flopped artfully around his face. "The palace can't even take care of themselves. I'm not surprised they can't lift a finger to help."

Some murmured in agreement, others opting to stay quiet.

Uncomfortable, Hiroaki cleared his throat to regain their attention and continue his report. "And um, though we still have no inhibitor, the tree still seems to be suppressing them for now. The perimeter of activation still has not changed, and neither has the outbreak level. Tests number 34b proved ineffective and 36g has yielded no results."

He continued his report on the outbreak, explaining the most recent discoveries and findings that may help. Some listened eagerly - mostly those with splotches on their hands and neck - while other lounged with forced patience.

Hiroaki finished, wishing he could deliver something good for once.

"So, nothing really changes," said Duke Momose.

"Not really," said Hiroaki. "We just can't figure out what's killing the tree. It's hard to treat when the cause is still unknown."

"Have we tried approaching from the caves?" said Duke Momose to the general sitting beside him. "It's been a few weeks."

The man beside the Duke frowned. He always looked like he was frowning. His eyebrows were upturned permanently in disappointment at everything that dared cross in front of him. General Kuresaki Yuki always made Hiroaki feel stupid. This man was powerful politically and physically, and he had no problem letting others know how incompetent they were.

"We've men watching it at all time," said Kuresaki. "No, the opening has not changed, and Ogata has yet to discover something that will allow us to pass safely."

Hiroaki gave a too loud laugh, trying to diffuse the tension made by that jab. "Sorry, it's been a busy week," he said.

"It's always busy," scolded Kuresaki. "And yet you had time to indulge in random affairs. I heard your clinic was upset by a rather strange incident today."

This time Hiroaki winced. News traveled fast, despite the large size of the city.

The man next to Hiroaki leaned over to Hikaru, who was sitting next to him.

"Is he talking about Cain?" whispered the man.

Before Hikaru could answer, Kuresaki had turned his sharp eyes to the newcomer.

"You, do you have something to say?" he said.

The man blinked in surprise. Poor guy. He had yet to realize that in meetings with Kuresaki, it was best to keep quiet until he saw you as someone worthy to be here.

"I was just wondering if you were talking about Cain," said the man, "I know he brought his wife to see Mage Ogata a few hours ago."

"And you know this man?" said Kuresaki.

"Unfortunately. He's the mercenary who helped me reinforce the eastern outpost."

Ah, if that was the story this man must be Murasame. His heroics at saving the men and beating back the monsters had awarded him with a promotion. It answered why he was here. Young men were being promoted left and right to fill the gaps in their ranks due to the rot.

"I don't care if he helped to save thousands of men," said Kuresaki. "What I can't have is him creating disturbances in the clinic. If he is able to so easily push past our guards, then we need to make some changes. Jouri, I expect a full report of how you let this happen as well as how you're going to fix it. We don't have time for incompetent soldiers. Do I make myself clear?" Poor Jouri grumbled an apology. "And Hiroaki, drop the wife and concentrate on saving the city."

"But-" Hiroaki scrambled through his ledgers. "I was going to mention, I forgot, her condition reminded me of the seeds." He pulled out a report, only half complete due to time restraints. "The aura is similar, though I haven't had time to study just how much. I thought studying her condition may give us a different angle on the seeds."

"The seeds aren't the big issue," said Kuresaki. "If you restore the tree, they become a moot point, along with the rot. Do your job and concentrate on saving the city."

Hiroaki wilted. "Yes sir."

"Excuse me," said Murasame. "I think refusing to treat the wife would be a very bad idea."

It had been a while since one of the newcomers had challenged Kuresaki on a decision. Though not formally in charge of the city, due to his position in charge of all the city's military, his words were obeyed as surely as Duke Momose's. Kuresaki turned his disapproving expression to Murasame.

"What makes you say that?" said Kuresaki.

"Because you haven't met Cain," grunted Murasame. "He's… somewhat unbalanced. If something happened to Kyoko, I think we'd have an even bigger problem on our hands."

Kuresaki's eyebrows rose. "I'm surprised. Your reputation suggested you were a far braver man. Does the threat of one deranged person scare you that much? Perhaps we were too quick in promoting you."

A vein bulged in Murasame's temple. Oh no. It looked like he was a hot head.

"Excuse me from preventing you from making a huge mistake," said Murasame. "I wasn't aware you only liked to hear want you wanted instead of actual fact."

Kuresaki's eyes narrowed.

"I'd like to second Murasame's advise," said Hikaru suddenly. Always the peacemaker, the kind yet bold man often came to the defense of others in the face of Kuresaki. If it wasn't for his well-earned reputation, Kuresaki wouldn't put up with it. "I'd prefer we didn't abandon his wife, though that is partially from a personal choice. She is a close friend of mine from the palace and an excellent physician. She studied under Duke Takarada and may offer some insight on the Shuemans rot."

"Really?" said Hiroaki, surprised. So, her backstory had been true if Hikaru vouched for her. The question was if she'd come to help or be helped. He hadn't had time to speak to her about it before rushing over to the meeting.

"Your praise of the woman is useless, Colonel Ishibashi," said one of the other men dryly. It was the one with the fancy hair… Koga was his name. Koga Hiromune. "You'd praise a rock for tripping our enemies if you could."

Hikaru gave a good-natured laugh, though it sounded strained. "Regardless, her husband is… He's very protective of her. I…" Hikaru trailed off.

What a strange response. The man looked genuinely troubled. What was going through his head?

"He's looking for a job in the city guard," said Murasame lazily. "And he's good. Just use him as payment for helping his wife."

"If you choose to vouch for him," said Kuresaki, "Then he can be assigned to one of your new platoons."

"What? No, that's not what I—"

"On to other topics," cut in Kuresaki. "We've wasted enough time on this nonsense. Koga. What is your report?"

The conversation continued, Koga informing the group about different disturbances that he deemed important. Hiroaki leaned back in his chair, letting the details gloss over him. His part was done, and they didn't expect him to contribute to their military strategies.

Hiroaki shuffled through his ledgers, trying to look as small as possible. It wasn't easy being the son of an Accursed.

Should I tell them?

Hikaru clenched his hands, his insides screaming at him to come to a decision. Cain was probably an Accursed. They shouldn't be good but… Murasame said Cain had helped them. Multiple times. Since when did Accursed to anything good?

Murasame was grumbling under his breath, upset that Cain had been assigned to him. The meeting was almost done, the group just going over a few details.

"If you'd like," said Hikaru. "I'll take Cain in my platoon." He'd be able to keep an eye on him. Make sure he wasn't going to… what could Hikaru even do to stop him?

"No, it's fine," said Murasame. "I shouldn't throw my responsibilities onto someone else just because of personal reasons. I can deal with Cain."

"You… really don't mind working with him?"

Murasame shrugged. "He'd be a big help at least."

That was telling.

The meeting adjourned, some leaving while others lingered to talk. Hikaru stood slowly, eyes on General Kuresaki. It was now or never. He gave Murasame a nod goodbye and approached the general. The man was finishing a conversation with the Duke.

"Colonel Hikaru," said Kuresaki. His eyebrows looked extra disappointed as he peered down at Hikaru. "I read your report on what happened with the post. That was a risky move, you should have abandoned the post when you saw how outnumbered you were."

"It was a calculated risk, sir," said Hikaru. "And the better option at the time. I gave my men the choice to flee while I stayed behind and they chose to stay."

"And yet, had Murasame not come it would have been the wrong choice," cut in Duke Momose. The man was a little too eager to point out other's mistakes. "Your reputation for accomplishing the impossible might have gotten your men killed had it not been for sheer luck."

Sheer luck, and Cain. He was the man who had actually taken down the necromancers. He was the one that had saved Hikaru's life and men.

Hikaru made his decision.

"I stand by my choice," said Hikaru. "It may have seemed the most foolish at the time, but I was ready to face the consequences. I put my trust in the men and they pulled through long enough for aid to arrive, even if that aid was unexpected."

Duke Momose gave an unenthusiastic hum, but Hikaru wasn't in the mood for a lecture from the man who didn't understand the hard choices you had to make in the heat of battle. Hikaru had someone he needed to see.

Hikaru gave a salute and left, looking for the Mage. He spotted Hiroaki alone in the hall, grumbling to himself as he scrambled to hold all his papers.

"Mage Hiroaki!"

The mage twitched, a few pages fluttering to the ground. Hikaru quickly picked those up and handed them to the nervous man.

"Thank you, Colonel Ishibashi," said Hiroaki. "Did you need something?"

"Yes," said Hikaru. "I was wondering, how it Lady Kyoko? Has she recovered?"

Hiroaki blinked at him. "Lady Kyoko? Does she have a title?"

"Ah. No, besides physician. But she's someone I greatly respect." He'd been over this several times with his men already. Why did people seem to grab onto the address like it was such a surprise?

"Hmm, well, she's awake," said Hiroaki.

"Really?" That was great news! A grin split his face. She was well enough for him to visit, and though he did not look forward to confronting her about Cain, he was too happy to care.

Hiroaki suddenly smiled. "You really care about her, don't you?" he said. "What a surprised. Is it possible that you… ahem. Excuse me, I shouldn't have. It's not my business. But she's married you know."

"Hmm? Yes, I am aware," said Hikaru. Why bring that up? "I've had a talk with her husband too. He's a little frightening, but I think we can trust him."

It was a risk Hikaru was willing to take. Another gamble. Hopefully, a good one.

"You can visit her tomorrow," said Hiroaki. "I'd rather she be allowed to rest until then."

"Thanks," said Hikaru, but then he hit his head. "Ah, I can't if it's not tonight. I have to complete my assignment with the other outposts starting tomorrow."

"Oh, right. Your inspections. Well, I'll let my assistants know to let you in whenever you come to visit."

Hikaru thanked him, walking back to his barracks in much better spirits than when he had left. It would be good to see Kyoko again, even if he had to wait a few days to see her. He could wait until then. He trusted Cain to take care of her.

Thanks for reading!

And thank you for reviewing if you took the time to do so. I've been blessed with a few extra awesome peeps taking the time to write their thoughts and it's really helped motivate me/made me happy. XD (Looking at you teal). You all are great!

Next update: March 6th

-Blushweaver

The plot thickens! Catch our heroes next on March 6th! (Or whenever you end up binge reading this in the future)

-Im0ut0