The room was dim, silent save the rough scratching of pen on paper. Small bulbs of light hovered around the paper, illuminating Kyoko's writing. The pen thumped against her lips in a rhythm of thought before it lowered back down to the paper again. She should be asleep, but she didn't want to forget everything she had learned today. And seeing as she had spent most of the day with Itzumi, she'd only now had time to write everything down.

The door to the room cracked open, but no light spilled in. Instead, a shadow entered, silent as it approached the bed where Kyoko sat. She finished her current train of thought before smiling widely up at the man who had entered.

"I wondered if you were going to visit me today," she said. "You're lucky I'm in too good a mood to be mad at you for taking so long."

The bed dipped as Cain sat beside her, his eyes roaming the pages scattered across it. Shrouded in half-light, he looked more dangerous than normal. A powerful storm that moved with the grace of water.

"What's this?" said Cain.

Kyoko pursed her lips in annoyance. He'd changed the subject to avoid being scolded properly.

"Information," said Kyoko, relenting on her irritation. She had said she was in a good mood. "On everything that I can remember about the fig tree and the rot. I've been collecting it from my observations as well as the patient records I went through today."

Cain took a piece of paper, eyes gray in the dim light as he read.

"You've learned so much just from observation?" said Cain.

"And asking questions. People are always more than happy to tell someone about their health history. The problem has been sorting what's related and what's not."

Cain squinted, dark flickering in his eyes.

"This…" he said. "Someone can die within 24 hours of contracting the rot."

Kyoko snatched the paper back. Of course he would find that one. It had been a little over a week since she had been admitted to the clinic and Cain had started making comments about leaving.

"Those cases are few and far between," said Kyoko. What she didn't tell him was that they had been occurring more often lately, going from a random fluke to a vary rare occurrence. The difference was small, but it was still there.

"Any development on getting Hiroaki to trust you?" said Cain.

Kyoko bit back her argument in discomfort. The comment played on her guilt, as he knew it would.

"I'm… still having trouble getting him to talk to me," said Kyoko, looking down. Ever since she'd talked to him about her nightmares he'd been avoiding her, making other people perform her tests or answer questions. What had she done wrong?

Cain nodded as if that alone had decided things.

"We'll leave tomorrow then," said Cain. "I've got enough to buy a camel. We can take it slow. Rest when you need to."

"But some of the treatments here are helping," said Kyoko. "And I haven't gotten sick. I may not. Did you know that some people don't contract the disease? Look- where did I put it? Ah!" She pulled out a piece of paper from under her leg, tucking them beside her as she leaned against Cain to push the writing under his nose.

"Here's a list of people that I've talked to who haven't contracted the disease. There's another list of those that have never gone past stage one despite having it for the past month. Hikaru's one of them by the way. Maybe I won't get sick? Or maybe it never passes stage one and we can stay here."

She riffled through the other pages, pulling out another one.

"This one talks about the roots of the tree," said Kyoko. "Since the deep roots are closed off, they've been taking samples from the ones on the surface. Though not as powerful, they still have healing powers that, if harnessed correctly, can reverse certain diseases and curses."

She didn't bother bringing out what she'd learned about the blossoms and fruits. Those were all universally cursed and rotten, offering no practical help to their situation. It did help in diagnosing what exactly it was that was hurting the tree, but Kyoko just couldn't get anymore detailed information on that.

Cain gently placed a hand over hers, lowering the pages.

"I don't want to take anymore risks," said Cain. "It's obvious Hiroaki doesn't have a solution for your current affliction and adding another will not help. We are leaving."

"But…" She didn't want to leave, crazy as it seemed. Iizuka was annoying, sure, but Hikaru was here, as was her new friend Itsumi and the clinic. It was starting to feel like a home away from home.

But she also saw Cain's point of view. Saw that if she were to become sick, it would increase the mental strain on Cain. Make it harder for him to combat the darkness. She dipped her head at the thought.

She had been feeling better these last few days. She could walk and stand for most of the day without needing to rest. Maybe it was time for them to leave.

"Let's wait three more days," said Kyoko. "See if Hikaru can get us access to the entrance to the tree's roots. If he can't, then I'll tell Hiroaki you're an Accursed and see if he is willing to help us. If he doesn't well…. We were planning to leave anyway, so, no loss there."

Cain's grip tightened over hers, conveying with it his concern for her. She looked up to see it reflected in his face. So tender and open. The sight of it still mystified her. That he made that expression for her and her alone.

"Two days," said Cain. "Then we'll leave."

She hesitated, then nodded. It would be harder for her to accomplish what she wanted to but… she could still make it work.

Her weight shifted, making the bed creak as she pushed up on her shins to reach Cain. He remained still as she pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. She pulled away only enough to press her warm cheeks into the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent. She'd become so greedy lately. Wanting his presence, missing his warmth. She just hoped it was alright for her to be so.

"Thank you," she breathed. "I know waiting is hard for you."

The bed creaked again as this time Cain shifted his position, pulling Kyoko closer to him. She adjusted as well, wrapping an arm around him as they leaned against the bed frame. Her heart smiled as she felt his love for her in the embrace. She still marveled at how whole she felt because of his love.

She felt him press a kiss into her hair, his mouth and breath trailing down her cheek. He guided her chin with a gentle hand to turn up toward him where his mouth met hers in a kiss. Her heart melted in the embrace of passion as her ability to think sensibly was thrown aside. It persisted as they pulled away, a giggle on her breath.

"I love you, Kyoko," said Cain. "I want to keep you safe."

Kyoko's smile was persistent and stupidly large at those words. They were starting to sink in. She was starting to accept them completely.

"I know," said Kyoko, marveling that she did. "Just know I feel the same."

Cain smiled, leaning his forehead against hers. She closed her eyes, leaving everything behind as they entered a world that was their own. Kyoko and Cain's. Ren. Kuon... All of them were hers, and she was his in these stolen moments of bliss where nightmares could not persist.

"I should go," said Cain.

Kyoko hummed in response, not wanting to break the spell of calm. Just a few more moments in this bliss, then she'd surface.

Cain didn't hear her silent request, doing the responsible thing and pulling away. She showed her displease in a soft glare that he was sure to see despite the dim light. Their faces still close, she saw his hesitance. Saw his expression morph into something deeper. Hungry and wanting. His eyes roamed over her once before settling on her now frozen expression.

A smile quirked on his lips.

"You should get some sleep," he said.

Kyoko swallowed, not trusting her ability to make any sort of intelligible sound.

With a final kiss, Cain exited the way he had come, silently through the door.

Kyoko fanned her face with a hand as she distracted herself with sorting through the papers. She should do as he said and go to bed. She should definitely not dwell on their recent interaction and the feelings he had elicited from her or the recently growing desires. Oh no. She should definitely not think about those sealed feelings or indulge in them.

Kyoko pulled her knees to her face with a groan. Flipping Cain. Just how much further did her feelings plan on developing? What had once terrified her now pulled her closer. Made her want to pursue them farther to see where they went. It's a good thing the room was full of other patients, even if they were asleep.

Slapping herself gently on both cheeks, Kyoko finished sorting through the papers, pausing on the last one. It was the paper she'd set aside for research. For the information stored in those gems.

Two days. She now only had two days to come up with a plan to steal the information, copy it down and return it before anyone noticed. She'd toyed with the idea and determined it had to be done. After everything she did not want to lose Cain to the contract. Just thinking of failing or losing him. Losing these feelings… no. She would destroy the contract. She would save Cain.

Kyoko tucked away the ledgers, snuggling back into bed before waving her hand. The hovering lights winked out, and she lay for the next few hours, planning her next move.

"Is Mage Hiroaki here?"

The tenth person shook their head, pointed Kyoko in another direction. Which also happened to be where she had started her search in the first place.

Kyoko grumbled, marching down the white halls in frustration. He was avoiding her, there was no doubt about it. What had she done to deserve such treatment? She wasn't freaking Iizuka. She'd been searching for him since morning and it was almost lunch time. She'd already wasted half of her precious day.

When the next physician told her she'd just missed him, she decided she was done.

"Tell Hiroaki," said Kyoko. "That when he's decided he's done avoiding me, I'd like to talk to him. I plan on leaving in two days whether he agrees to release me or not."

Hiroaki would show up eventually. Done with that part of the day, she decided it was time to take it to the next phase.

Her head popped around the corner, black bangs bouncing as she looked left and right. The coast was clear. No one was around save the guard. He was stationed like always by the door, giving a loud yawn. She recognized him. He was always by the records department at this time of the day and he always let her in without any fuss. She even got a salute every time.

Hefting her box of 'materials to be stored away' Kyoko walked casually to the door.

The soldier noticed her coming, giving her a tight smile. A soldier's smile. She returned it with a wide smile of her own and a nod, ignoring her beating heart. She could do this. She was just casually bringing in more things to be dropped off in the records room.

"I thought Iizuka said you weren't allowed in here anymore," said the guard.

"Are you going to stop me?" said Kyoko playfully, opting for a smile to hide her thumping heart.

The guard gave a deep chuckle, reaching around the open the door for her.

"Thank you," said Kyoko, walking in.

Her heart sank two seconds later.

Around the corner was the drawer that stored the records about the tree. It was open, someone already looking through it.

Kyoko froze, mind working on overtime to come up with a plan. She couldn't get in there without the person noticing. But what if she set up a distraction? What if she managed to pull him away as she snuck by to snatch the records. What if she-

"Where are you going to put your stuff?"

Kyoko's heart was gone. It had flown out of her chest and was circling the planet no doubt. The guard had followed her, his voice grabbing the attention of the man looking through the records. He gave her a strange expression.

"O-over here," said Kyoko, marching in the exact opposite direction of the man. She nearly tripped as she set down her box by a table. Another worker appeared around the corner. Shoot. This was not turning out the way she had wanted.

"Kyoko!" said the worker, giving her a smile. "Are you here to help us again? We could really use the assistance."

"I'd like to," said Kyoko giving a twitchy smile. Good, maybe she could still make this work.

"She's just here to leave some things," said the guard. "Iizuka and Mage Hiroaki don't want her straining herself."

…Or she could get shot down by the well-meaning guard. Crap, why did everyone have to know her!

"I'm sure it'd be fine if I helped out a little," said Kyoko. "Record keeping doesn't take a lot out of me. I'll take it easy"

"Oh no," said the guard. "I've seen your version of 'taking it east'. Those scanners take a lot of concentration to use correctly, even with your talent."

"But-!"

The worker gave Kyoko a sympathetic pat on the back, avoiding her hurt shoulders.

"It's fine, we've got this," he said with a chuckle. "We can't keep taking advantage of you. Otherwise we'd have to start paying you."

Kyoko couldn't manage a proper smile as the two well-mannered men ushered her out of the room and back into the hall. Her insistence that she was fine was completely ignored, chuckled at, and dismissed as modesty. She found herself being escorted back to her rooms, because apparently, she couldn't be trusted to go back there herself.

The pillow met her cry of anger. She stood on her knees, face toward the heavens as she pressed it against her face, the muffled roar turning heads.

Why oh freaking why hadn't she stolen the records earlier? It would have been so easy. Just a flick of the wrist and boom! She'd have had the gems in her pocket and ready to read at her leisure. Stupid morality compass. She should have strangled that sucker a long time ago.

She melted on her bed, one with the heap of lifeless covers that lay there. What was she going to do next? Talk to more patients? Go Hiroaki hunting again?

"I should have checked the women's bathroom," she grumbled. "Or the men's."

"Do you need to use the restroom?"

Kyoko blinked, her sight focusing to show her a vision in blonde hair and a concerned smile.

"I'm fine Itsumi," said Kyoko, snuggling her face back into the pillow. "Iizuka has just made it impossible for me to do anything but lay here and die. I hate doing nothing!"

"Well, you are supposed to be in bed."

"It's not like it's stopped you," said Kyoko, popping her head out of the covers. Black strands stuck out across her face. She blew them out of her eyes with a huff. It was almost long enough to put in a ponytail now.

Itsumi gave a shrug, settling down on Kyoko's bed. The woman had dropped her polite smiles after the first hour of hanging out with each other. She'd proven to be a lot feistier than she'd first appeared. She also wore longer sleeves than the season called for. A casual moment where she'd lifted the band around her wrist to scratch at her forearm had shown Kyoko a peek under the cloth. Dark marks dotted her arms.

She was in stage one of the Shueman's rot. Though Kyoko had never asked, it explained why she roamed the clinic so often.

"I have a little bit more influence than you, so I'm able to walk about more as I please," said Itsumi with a wink. "Like, if I said I wanted a friend to accompany me outside…"

Kyoko perked up. While it didn't have anything to do with her self-given missions, it was still something other than lying in bed all day.

Itsumi gave a giggle. "There's a group therapy session outside for the nobles today," she said. "Part of a new treatment they're offering. I thought you may enjoy it."

Kyoko was already out the door before Itsumi could finish. The woman caught up with Kyoko, gracefully nodding away the physicians that tried to get in their way. Their exasperated concerns were left behind and Kyoko was again free to roam the clinic. Oh, how she wished she could do that without Itsumi, but as it was, once she was done with this group therapy session she'd politely slip away and go hunting for Hiroaki again.

The moment they exited the back doors Kyoko heard the music. It was soft, the gentle lilt of strings making her heart soften. The tune was beautiful. The musician was defiantly using some sort of enchanted instrument.

"I already feel a little better," sighed Itsumi. "And we're not even close yet."

"It's probably a relaxing charm," said Kyoko, analyzing herself. She didn't feel any of the darkness around her cursed shoulders lessening. Still, it lessened the stress on her body, so in an indirect way it would help her heal. "They're good too, I have to admit. I'd love to fall asleep to this."

She hummed along with the tune, walking along the path to the other side of the building. The gardens weren't nearly as beautiful or as vast as the ones at the palace, but they were still nice and quaint. Lots of greens and blues with specific areas where you could sit in the shade of a tree and enjoy the fresh air. Pretty standard for a clinic.

The closer they got to the music, the more people they saw sitting under these specific spots until finally, they arrived at what was unmistakably the meeting place for the session. Close to thirty people dressed in elaborate robes and bedazzled dresses clustered around a central plaza. The music, which had been issuing from the center of this cluster of people, suddenly stopped, trailed by a tinkle of laughter and hum the of conversation.

"Are we late?" Izumi inquired of a nearby patient. The man shook his head.

"You're early by about five minutes," he said. "The musician was just kind enough to give us a teaser for our session."

The two soon started chatting politely, the man evidently another friend of Itsumi's. She had a lot of them, which was understandable. Such was an inevitability of being a Duchess. As they talked, Kyoko stood tiptoe in hopes of catching a glimpse of the musician. Who was so talented they could incorporate complex healing magic into song? Not many could do that.

As if by the will of the heavens above, the sea of people parted to create a perfect line from Kyoko to the center of the group. It ended on a young man with electric blond hair and numerous piercings. His condescending smirk was unmistakable. That annoyingly handsome roguishness, typical. Hell must have a bone to pick with Kyoko if it had sent Sho Fuwa to enter her life again.

Upon seeing the man, she let out an involuntary shout, pointing at him. Everyone turned, including that cursed man. His smile fell, eyes wide and mouth hanging like the idiot he was. She was an idiot too, seeing as she stupidly alerted the man of her presence.

Cain was used to the pointing at this point. He ignored the fingers of the crowd, calmly standing over a market table. The surface was wrapped with an embroidered rug, colored vials and slaves priced for sale covering most of its pattern. It was the medicine he and his companion guard were inspecting. The poor merchant was sweating profusely under his shop's canopy.

"Everything looks good here," said the guard, handing the merchant back his scroll. "His license checks out."

The merchant flinched as Cain reached out. Cain tapped on a card propped against a jar of what looked like talons.

"Mark your items correctly," said Cain, voice a low rumble. "Powdered spotted lizard's claw does not have the ability to soothe headaches unless it's mixed with something else. Misleading advertisement is as deceitful and wrong as presenting lies. It's distasteful to take advantage of the people's panic like this."

The merchant nodded so vigorously it was a surprise he didn't pull something. He then snatched up not only that card, but several others as he scrambled to correct them.

As they continued down the road, his companion turned to him. His name was Yamir, a sullen man with sagging dark circles under each eye. He was one of the guards that had traveled with them across the deserts and the only one that would agree to go out together with Cain. Gloomy in his own way, together they were the most unpopular duo in the whole platoon.

"How did you know that card was wrong?" said Yamir.

"I've had experience with headaches in the past," said Cain. Not to mention a lover who spoke animatedly about medicine and magic. He knew more about medicine than most people.

The soldier didn't press for more information, continuing their rounds of the city. There was no trouble here, just as there had been no trouble down the other street, or the one before it. The bustle of people continued as they traveled and traded among the market. Despite the crowd, Cain and his companion were given a wide birth in which to walk. At least there weren't occasional screams as they passed anymore.

"Cain!" came a voice from the crowd.

Hikaru, the bright-eyed youth in decorated soldiers attire walked toward them. His brilliance was so opposite of Cain's that he couldn't help a moment of envy. He used to hold a light like that. Instead, his world was now shades of gray and black.

"I'm glad I found you," said Hikaru, giving an eager bow. He saluted to Yamir, who returned the gesture lazily. "I just finished talking to General Kuresaki. He's given us permission to inspect the cave."

"Perfect timing," said Cain. "I was going to seek you out after my shift. Kyoko and I are leaving in a few days."

"What?" said Hikaru. His face fell, some of the light lessening. "That's too bad. Why are you…" his eyes slipped to Yamir. "Never mind. We can talk about that later. He's only given us permission to inspect it today so we need to leave now if we want to spend any time there. Yamir, could you get Lady Kyoko for us and bring her to the Verdant caves?"

Yamir looked between them, blatantly considering their conversation and request with shrewd eyes. Cain didn't even consider how peculiar their conversation looked to the man.

"Of course," he eventually said. "But I'll first need to report to Colonel Murasame that we've left our shift."

"That's fine," said Hikaru, giving a bright smile. "We will meet you there."

They split, Cain going with Hikaru and Yamir returning to Murasame. He fell into step alongside Hikaru, noting that the people didn't back away as far as they had with Yarmi. Several even smiled at Hikaru. The man was well liked.

"It's a little bit of a walk," said Hikaru, motioning to the city. "The entrance is near the outskirts along Briar hill, but it shouldn't take us too long. I thought you'd like to scout the area before we brought Lady Kyoko. See if you can figure out what's wrong with it. The aura of the place isn't terribly pleasant."

"A good call," said Cain. "If there are dark spells, I'll find them." He may not be as prolific as Kyoko when it came to medicine and disease, but he knew magic runes and circles. He was confident he could get past anything, be it magic or beast. Hopefully Kyoko would join them with enough time to properly study the roots of the tree.

Kyoko ducked behind Itsumi like a child hoping to avoid being caught doing something wrong.

"Kyoko?" said Itsumi. "Are you alright?"

Kyoko was about to respond that she wanted to go back to her rooms when she heard her name. The crowd rippled as someone pushed from the center, making a bee-line for her location.

Kyoko spun around to make a break for the clinic doors. It was a mistake. Her equilibrium was too fragile to tolerate yanking herself around like she just had. Her head spun, and she stumbled back into Itsumi to keep herself from falling.

Strong masculine hands grabbed her. Sho was there.

"What are you doing here?" said Sho.

She shoved him away. "Oh? Is that really the first thing you want to say to me?" said Kyoko, adopting a biting tone. "I'd thought an apology was more appropriate."

Sho scrunched his brows. "But you ran into—that's not what I meant. What are you doing here? In the clinic gardens? You're not—"

He suddenly yanked at her, turning her body as he stretched his neck to examine her on all sides. His grip, located on her smarting shoulders, was painful. Kyoko yelped, smacking his arm aside. She did all this while unaware of the bewilderment of those nearby.

"Stop yanking on me," said Kyoko. "I'm not yours to yank around."

Sho ignored her reprimand, continuing to examine her with just his eyes. Finally, they landed on her own, narrowing with a touch of anger.

"Are you sick?" he said. "Did you get the rot?"

Kyoko answered with a glare.

Conversations with Sho since the fall out had always been explosive. The only thing that stopped this encounter from following the example of the others was the confident presence of Itsumi. She literally stepped into their conversation, the tilt of her head indicating an innocent unawareness her actions did not.

"Umm, do you two know each other?" said Itsumi. "Kyoko, you didn't tell me you knew the therapist."

"Oh? Is that what you are now?" said Kyoko, feigning surprise. "First pretend physician, then minstrel, and now a therapist. You sure wear many hats, Sho."

Sho opened his mouth to respond – only to have a busty woman clamp a hand down over it. Kyoko didn't recognize her, but it was obvious by the nervous smile that she recognized Kyoko.

"Sho, we shouldn't be too noisy with so many sick people around," said the busty brunette. "Let's go have a chat somewhere more private."

Kyoko would rather not have any chat, private or otherwise, but she saw the error in refusing. Too many people were around. Too many watching eyes. She should get a prize for bothering to notice when in the past she'd be completely unaware. Queen Julie and Mage Hiroaki would be proud.

"I'll see you in a bit," said Kyoko to Itsumi. The woman would have questions that Kyoko was not looking forward to discussing.

Managing to keep her swearing to an unintelligible mumble, Kyoko followed Sho and the 'Miss Bust' to a more secluded area, the curious gaze of Itsumi following them.

Sho took the short stroll to adopt his 'lackadaisical' persona. Hands in pockets, face lax, he was back in control. At least for now. Neither of them could pretend long in the other's presence.

Once out of earshot, Sho spoke up.

"I guess the guy really died then," said Sho. "That, or he got sick of you like I said he would. Why else would you be here instead of whoring around with that piggish lug?"

Zen. Kyoko would find the secret to perfect Zen at this moment or she would murder Sho trying. Sand crunched as she dug her heels in the ground to pivot toward Sho.

"Shut the hell up," said Kyoko. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't I?" said Sho. He gave a sneer. "You're here instead of in the palace. If you were as loved as people said you were, why are you out here instead of there?"

"I chose to come here," spat Kyoko. "No one made me leave. I... why am I explaining this to you?"

She shook her head, annoyed that seeing Sho had so easily broken her walls. He was the only one that could rile her up like this, talk with no barriers or falsehoods. Only raw emotions existed between them, built upon years of memories and experiences only they shared.

Uncharacteristically, Sho's smirk fell.

"You are sick," he said. "What happened?"

"Who says I'm sick? I could be a physician helping out with the rot."

Sho raised a brow, eyes going to her appearance. Not a physician's vest in sight. Dress plain and meant for patients. He saw the lie as plainly as he saw the sun.

A lough 'ahem' of someone clearing their throat got their attention. The busty woman was exasperated with them.

"I've been trying to get your attention for a while," she said. "You two really… never mind. Lady Kyoko, while it is an honor to see you again, please be sure that we did not mean to encroach on our agreement. Our work directed us here, but we will leave as soon as we can politely close our current arrangements and ensure that—"

"Woah, hold on a moment," said Kyoko, stopping the confusing flow of nonsense. "What agreement are you talking about? And who the heck are you?"

"I'm Shoko Aki, Sho's – for lack of a better word – manager," said the woman. "And I'm talking about the agreement we made between Prince Kuon concerning you and Sho Fuwa." When Kyoko continued to stare, the women continued hesitantly. "The one related to him leaving the city and you alone?"

"She doesn't know about it," said Sho suddenly. He was staring at Kyoko, eyebrows raised. "One look on her face is all it takes to tell. Figures. A coward only takes cowardly steps to keep control."

So many things were ironic in that statement that Kyoko didn't even know where to being. She opted to focus on what Shoko had said about a deal. It seemed Kuon had been the one to chase Sho out of the Capital, despite her insistence it wasn't necessary. Knowing what she now knew about Kuon's feelings for her, she could see why he had done it.

It made her skin crawl to think that Sho was seeking to lord this over her. While she still didn't know the details of the deal, the gist of it was obvious.

"You insulted him," said Kyoko. "The crown prince of Ashuron and attacked me, one of his concubines. Of course he threw you out of the city, what did you expect?"

"Apparently too much," said Sho. "I expected him to fight like a man, not some prissy chicken."

"Like a man you say? Like with swords? Because I'm sure Kuon would cut you in half with his eyes closed."

"Kuon? Kuon? Hearing his name from your lips sounds disgusting."

"Well seeing your face makes me want to vomit. And brush your teeth, your breath is horrid."

Sho pushed his face closer in protest, Kyoko refusing to back away. They were nearly nose to nose, their pride and anger making it impossible to back down.

"He's a snake," he said. "He was using you for your mousy body to satiate his unfortunate tastes."

"He was trying to protect me from you."

Sho sneered. "If he was trying to protect you, why didn't he tell you about the deal? He saw you as a possession. Even said that you were legally his. That doesn't sound like protection. It sounds like an unhealthy need to control."

Kyoko opened her mouth. Then closed it.

Kuon hadn't told her about the deal, that much did cause a prick in her heart. Sho knew it would and sought to use this break to fill it with more twisted truths. She knew this, but it didn't prevent the twisting from hurting.

She leaned back, and Sho, who thought she was backing down, smirked in triumph.

In response, Kyoko lifted the ends of her mouth…

And kicked Sho in the shin.

Sho howled - and had Kyoko allowed it – he would have leaned down to hold it in pain. She grabbed him before he could, yanking his face closer to his. One heel dug into his foot to prevent him from moving away. Her twisted smile emanated so much raw anger she was sure unskilled magicians could sense it.

"Do you feel that Sho?" said Kyoko. "That's a fraction of the pain your controlling actions put me through. You have no place calling Kuon anything but a saint compared to your twisted nature."

Sho struggled.

Kyoko let him go.

He sputtered at her.

She growled back.

Their conversation escalated to an explosive scale as their voices grew. Childhood memories were brought up. Personal attacks were made. All the feelings Kyoko had set aside for the sake of Cain and the kingdom were surfacing and there was not a single thing she could do about it. She had left them alone for too long, foolishly thinking they had disappeared from disuse. This confrontation showed her how dead wrong that assumption had been. Her feelings were still there. They were messy, ugly, and they were showing their true colors to the person responsible for them.

A sharp clap cut into their argument. It instantly snagged Kyoko's attention, seeing an unknown man standing before them. He wore a crisp tan robe, lined with purple embroidery. His face was plain and clean shaven with short brown hair. Thick bands circled each wrist, indicating he had money. The most telling part of him was the expression of perfect patience held in a business-like smile that was trained on Sho.

"While I'm sure the two of you have much to catch up on," said the man. "It is time for Sho's performance. If you would please Fuwa, your patients are waiting."

Indeed they were. No less than fifty people were gathered around the plaza, many of them gazing in their direction.

Ever concerned about his image, Sho straightened out his face to a passive smile, one that used to make Kyoko's heart melt. Now it just made her want to rip it off and beat him with it.

"Of course, sorry about the delay," said Sho. He sent Kyoko one last condescending look. "I actually have patients to tend to, unlike someone I know."

Kyoko's response was an unintelligible mess of slurs. Her body shook as Sho walked away, wanting to claw his eyes out.

"I'm really sorry about his behavior," said Shoko giving Kyoko a bow of her head. "I promise to do my best to keep him out of your way while you're here. I'll start working on the contract to move us out of here."

"Don't bother," spat Kyoko. "I'm not staying long anyway." It was a good thing they planned to leave in two days. Kyoko wasn't sure she could stand being in the same city as Sho, let alone the same building. The whole clinic would be torn apart by their fighting.

"I'm surprised," said the man. "I didn't think you and Sir Fuwa would have such a tumultuous relationship. You must have had quite the falling out."

Something about the familiar way he said it made Kyoko pause. Why was this man even still here?

"Why would you say that?" said Kyoko.

"Well, you brought his discovery to the Capital," said the man. "I thought he must trust you a great deal to let you be the one to present it to Takarada instead of present it himself."

Kyoko blinked in surprise.

"You know who I am?" she said.

"Of course," said the man, as if it was offensive for her to think otherwise. "You're Lady Kyoko Mogami, a physician of the palace and concubine to the- well... ex-concubine. You were even receiving clerical training last I heard. Did you complete that early to come help us with the rot? Why was I not alerted of this?"

He turned the last question to Shoko, as if she were the one responsible. The woman floundered, put on the spot for something she obviously had no control over.

"I'm sorry," said Kyoko, trying to catch up. "But I don't know who you are. How do you know me?"

The one who answered was Shoko.

"You don't know him?" said Shoko. "This is Sozen Landerson. One of the leading business men in trade and production of medicinal herbs and potions."

Kyoko had heard of him. He was a big name trader with had hands in every aspect of medicine. From syringes to spells, research to plant farms, his company of camel trains and merchandise spread across all of Ashuron. Anyone who dabbled in medicine would stumble across the name Landerson eventually.

He looked much younger than she had expected. And thinner. Most affluent merchants enjoyed their wealth with wine and food. Based on his lean statue, he was of a more sensible sort.

She registered all this along with the humbling realization that a man so powerful knew who she was. In the palace it had been normal, but here in the outskirts of the kingdom, she had never expected someone she didn't know to recognize her for being a physician, let alone an ex-concubine.

"Sozen has been very kind to the city during the outbreak," continued Shoko. "He's donated dozens of his best researchers to the case as well as supplies and physicians. It's thanks to him the city hasn't been completely overrun."

"Please," said Sozen, giving Shoko a wave, as if to modestly say it was nothing. "Do not make me sound so benevolent. Medicine is my business, and there is nowhere in Ashuron as sick as this city. I would be a poor business man to ignore the opportunity to both provide care and – admittedly – profit."

Shoko gave a fond smile. "I'm afraid no matter how you twist it, I feel Mosall has received the better part of the deal."

"That is because you do not have the vision I have." He turned back to Kyoko, giving a small inclination of his head in a greeting. "For instance, I now have the valuable opportunity to meet Lady Kyoko here. I've been wanting to meet you for some time."

"You've been wanting to meet me?" said Kyoko, flabbergasted. Why in the world would he want that?

"Of course," said Sozen. "I have a personal interest in you and the medicine you helped to make."

It was the 'you' that tipped Kyoko off. He attributed the discovery of her medicine to her, even if it was only partially. Not many people knew she was involved. Even less knew she was the only one involved.

"How did you know I was a part of the research?" said Kyoko.

Sozen's eyes twinkled. "Come now miss Kyoko. I'm a businessman. I can tell when someone is trying to present stolen goods."

At that moment, music began in the circle of people. It was as magical and soothing as before, but the effects were now lost on Kyoko. Shoko had started shifting uncomfortably, no doubt embarrassed that her client was being accused of treachery by one so wealthy and powerful.

"I didn't know," the woman said softly. "You were a part of the research Kyoko?"

This was it. An opportunity she had been waiting for. To become respected enough that people would believe she – not Sho- had made the healing salve.

"I was," said Kyoko proudly. "In fact, the only role Sho had to play in its reveal was stealing the research and presenting it to the magistrate as his own."

While true, the words didn't roll off her tongue as easily as she had expected. Why was that?

Red colored Shoko's cheeks. It looked like Sho really hadn't told her anything. Of course he hadn't. He was a rat, and it was about time people knew he was a rat. The question was if Sozen would believe her.

The businesses man was rubbing his chin, eyes narrowed as he examined her. He seemed to be considering her words. Perhaps trying to determine if she was the liar, not Sho.

"Lady Kyoko," he said suddenly. "How would you like to become part of my research team?"

Silence met those words, only the high hum of strings rustling through the breeze audible.

Had Sozen just… offered her a job?

"You'd want me to work for you?" said Kyoko, mouth dry.

"Of course," said Sozen. "I think you'd be an invaluable part to figuring out this rot. I've guessed you're interested. I first spotted you in the records room after all."

That's right. Now she recognized him. He had been the one digging through the record drawers when she'd entered earlier that day.

Kyoko had to bite her lips to stop herself from yelling in excitement. This was it. A chance – not only to further her career and social connections – but to see the research about the tree. Through researching the cure for the rot, she could hone her skills as a physician and save Cain. She was sure her face was glowing.

Her expression was enough of an answer. Sozen smiled, his grin satisfactory as if he were the one who would benefit the most from this.

"Come Lady Kyoko," said Sozen, holding out a guiding hand. "Let me show you where we conduct our research."

Kyoko eagerly stepped forward and past Shoko's shocked expression. As she did so, Sozen's hand pressed gently on her back.

Goosebumps erupted across Kyoko's body. A sharp pain pierced her shoulders, making her flinch. From there a sickening shadow of wrongness flowed through her, its shuddering touch brushing against her heart. She knew this embrace of evil. Knew its imprint. She had felt it so often from Cain. From the relic that rested around his forearm.

Kyoko stepped away from Sozen, stumbling from wooziness. Thankfully Shoko was the one to grab her arm.

"Kyoko, are you alright?" she said.

"Yes, I'm fine," said Kyoko, raising her eyes to Sozen. Now alerted to its presence, she could see a faint trail of darkness coming from one of his rings.

Cain stopped in his tracks, a prickle of magic ringing all along his chest. Kyoko had activated her necklace. She had never done that before, despite several threats to do so. He waited, watching to see if another signal came.

Hikaru, who had noticed Cain's sudden halt took several steps back.

"Are you tired?" said Hikaru. "We're almost there."

Nothing but rock and cliffs were ahead of them now, the city behind. While it hadn't taken long, they had still covered a good distance. It would take him a while for him to return to Kyoko's side.

The second signal of magic had Cain turned around and running. She had sent two signals, their agreed sign that she was in trouble and needed his immediate help.

Hikaru's voice followed after him, but Cain didn't stop. The landscape in his eyes darkened from panic. Only one thing shone through his haze, an imagined light of magic pointing to Kyoko's location.

Thanks for reading!

And special thanks to everyone that left reviews! Hehe.

I have nothing else to say except that I love you all. And I think my chapters are getting longer… shoot. Hope you liked the chapter!

-Blushweaver

Lol oh Blushweaver, no one is going to complain that your chapters are getting longer.