The next day found Hiroaki still stuck to his bedroom. Any protests he had about such confinement had been stomped out by Iizuka. The woman had taken the stress from the attack and directed it at him, taking extra care with his recovery. She wasn't even a physician, and yet the real physicians couldn't take a blood sample without Iizuka's permission.

At least he was allowed visitors. The new help from the palace had been all too happy to sneak him documents about the Shueman's rot to review and cross reference. He'd already found heaps of inconsistencies they hadn't spotted before.

As Hiroaki pondered these inconsistencies, someone entered, not bothering to knock at the door. It was the raven haired woman, Kanae. Her travel cloak had been removed, revealing toned muscles and a lean body. Surprisingly, they had let her keep her spear. Maybe they trusted her as an envoy from the palace.

"Here," she said, setting a small stack of scrolls and ledgers on his desk. He frowned as a few fell to the ground. "More stuff pointing to how stupid you all were for not realizing there was someone messing with the research. And names of potential traitors. I'm impressed they found anything considering the guys aren't really used to clinical documents."

"I'll add this to the stack," said Hiroaki, delicately taking the precarious stash and placing it with the rest. An extra five seconds of sorting wouldn't have killed her. Then what she said hit him. "Wait, why are they not used to clinical documents? Do your physicians not take medical histories?"

"They do," said Kanae, rolling her shoulders. "But the guys aren't really physicians. Two of them are warriors, one's a blacksmith and one's a battle mage. But they're all light users who took a crash course in the arcane syndicate on clerical magic."

"And this is what we have to work with?" said Hiroaki, rubbing his head. He needed a drink, despite his current restrictions. "Why were they sent here to help instead of real clerics or physicians?"

Kanae shrugged. "Like I know. If I had to guess it's because they're the only ones stupid enough to enter a city with an unknown active disease."

"How don't you know? Aren't you part of them?"

"Not really. I ran into them on the way here, recognized them because they trained together with Kyoko and ended up here. Figures she'd inspire other idiots to take suicide missions."

His frown deepened at that statement. He turned fully in the chair to face her, extremely concerned.

"Are you implying that you were traveling by yourself?" he said. "That's suicide."

Kanae didn't answer. She just stared with an expression that told him he was an idiot.

"Never mind," said Hiroaki. She'd probably separated with a group to join the others or something. "Here, take this to the general. He needs to know the latest suspects and take them in for questioning."

He handed her a ledger which she didn't take. It hovered in the space between them.

"Did you get me access to Kyoko?" she said.

"Oh. Um. No, it's been hard with me being stuck here. If I was well I could have been her physician and asked for you to come for protection. As it is, they're not letting anyone in to see her or Cain, though—wait!" Her glare had doubled in its heat. "It's not all bad. I did learn that someone was able to coax their way in once."

"Who?" said Kanae.

"The duke's daughter. Itsumi Momose. According to the rumors the two of them had become friends in the short time Kyoko was here. You might be able to talk to her and see if she can get you in."

"Make's sense a duke's daughter would get special treatment," said Kanae, mulling over the information. She glanced again at the ledger hovering between them with narrowed eyes. "Why are you helping us?"

Hiroaki hadn't been expecting that question. He finally gave up trying to hand her the ledger, putting it aside to give Iizuka later. How should he answer?

"Well, I think Kyoko is a good girl," he said. "And Cain hasn't done anything bad so there's no reason to hurt him."

"Not to be rude," said Kanae. "But if that's your reasoning, then it's a piss poor motive and we will be stomped at the trial. What is the real reason?"

She was right. This woman not only spoke with confidence, but she had the charisma to pull it off. Everything that came out of her mouth was to the point and made him want to impress her. He wanted to tell her the truth.

"…I want to find a way to break the contract," he said.

"Right, to help Kyoko and Cain, who you so obviously think are 'good' people," said Kanae sarcastically.

Hiroaki shook his head. "I want to break the contract… on my father."

This answer brought silence along with the feeling of exposure. He hadn't meant to tell Kanae his real motive. It had just slipped out. Her mouth had thinned to a line that could have been disapproval as much as it could have been contemplative.

"Your father," said Kanae. "Do you wish to save him, or surpass him?"

Hiroaki half heartedly raised his hand with palms upward before letting them flop back to his side. He wasn't sure himself.

"Good enough," she said, and rapped her knuckled on the desk as if to prove her next point. "Don't forget that and defend them with all your might, or they'll both die, as will your chance of saving your father."

She left for the door with no warning.

"Wait," said Hiroaki, just stopping her in the entrance. "What is your reasoning?" At her confused stare he clarified. "For helping them. Kyoko and Cain? They're… Accursed. Why do all of you help them?"

Kanae let out a snort. "What a stupid question." She closed the door.

Kanae estimated that with Hiroaki's plan, they had about a one percent chance of succeeding- and that was an optimistic number. People didn't trust the Accursed. They were an evil horrible lot that acted on their own desires. Had Kanae not known Kyoko, she would think Hiroaki an incompetent fool for believing that Cain and Kyoko were 'good'. No, she did think him a fool, but he was on their side, a miracle in and of itself considering the man's position.

Now I must go and create other miracles, thought Kanae. That man Cain had better be the prince. Otherwise I'm going to have some very choice words for Kyoko about loyalty. And stupidity.

It was just as likely that Kyoko got herself caught by a random Accursed and charmed him into not killing her. Seemed like something she'd do- on complete accident of course. The woman had all the flirting ability of a stick.

Either way, here Kanae was, chasing down a random lead on the one percent chance it could help in their impossible situation. She stepped past a guard into one of the bigger patient rooms. It had one occupant, a noble born spoiled duchess who looked like a gust of wind could snap her in half. Best to keep Kanae's opinions from her face. She was here to ask a favor after all.

"Can I help you?" said Itsumi Momose, daughter of the Duke and heiress to the land the king divided to their family. A member of society that was given everything and never had to struggle for basic needs. Simply put, her favorite kind of person.

"You can," said Kanae, stepping in closer. She noticed the guard entered with her. Smart. At least they were better with security here than with Hiroaki. She felt naked without her spear as it had been checked at the door. "I want to speak with Kyoko."

The noble jerked her head back as if Kanae had punched her.

"Excuse me? Who even are you?" Itsumi addressed the guard. "Why was she let in?"

Haughty. Commanding. The defensive tactics every noble embodied when their nest was kicked. Kanae was not deterred.

"My name is Kanae, I was part of the envoy sent here from the palace," she lied. "I need to speak with Kyoko and I heard you were able to see her."

"Where did you hear such a thing?" said Itsumi. "I don't care if you're from the palace, showing such disrespect and speaking of things that people could misinterpret. You should check your tongue if you wish to keep your position."

"And you should trust your men to keep their mouths shut," said Kanae, shooting a look at the man. "A noble that doesn't have the respect of those that serve directly under them is trash and doesn't deserve my respect."

The guard stood up straighter, the jab rattling him. "Check yourself, Commoner," he spat. "I let you in as a courtesy, but I will remove you if you do not apologize to the duchess."

This was why Kanae hated talking to nobles. They got all wounded and hurt when their pride was prodded.

"Are you saying that I'm wrong?" said Kanae, lifting a brow at the man. "You don't gossip like a wicker maker's wife the moment your duchess is out of sight?" She didn't wait for his answer, already spotting it in his reddened cheeks. "No need for the pretense, Duchess. Mage Hiroaki has already instructed me that you met with Kyoko soon after she was imprisoned. I hear the two of you became friends in a short amount of time."

"I wouldn't really say friends," said Itsumi, eyes darting around as if to find something to defend her actions against Kanae's accusation. "We talked a few times."

"Sworn rivals, bosom buddies, I couldn't care less what sort of relationship you two had," said Kanae. "I just want to talk to Kyoko."

"Then you should ask in a more grateful manner if you expect anything out of me," snapped Itsumi. It seemed this noble woman had some backbone. "I have never been treated with such disrespect in my life. Unless you wish to bring more shame to the division and the palace which you represent than I suggest you leave the same way you entered."

"Shame?" said Kanae flatly. "I don't care about that. What I care about are innocent lives and my friend being killed under false accusations."

"False accusations?" said Itsumi, who was shaking now. "Kyoko lied to us. She lied to me. She and her horrible husband came and destroyed everything. They… are terrible people. They deserve this." Itsumi's hands curled around the bed sheet. "Do you know what she said when I told her about people dying? She mocked me. Told me that in a war people die, especially around Accursed. How can someone 'good' be so flippant with death?"

"Then you did talk to her."

Itsumi didn't answer.

Kanae could see they were done. Whatever friendship Kyoko used to have with Itsumi it was gone. Kanae wouldn't be getting any miracles from this one.

"I can see this is a waste of time," said Kanae turning on her heel, not wasting a pretense of a bow. "Oh, and Your Delicateness," she said over her shoulder. "People are dying every day, they just have the courtesy to do it away from your perfect little world."

With that, she left the way she had come, snatching her spear from the wall.

Her molars ached as she sped down the halls and into the street. The atmosphere of the town didn't really help her frustration. Downtrodden, dirty, sick. The residents were a sorry lot. Panic attacks had become common sights in the streets. People really liked to flip their crap, as if doing so would actually help the situation. There wasn't much they could do. They didn't have the skills or connections to change their situation.

Kanae wasn't sure if she herself did.

She stopped short, squeezing her eyes shut as hard as she could.

How the hell did you get yourself in so much trouble? thought Kanae.

She took three deep breaths to calm herself then continued through the town.

Stuffed as the city was, housing at the edge was both easy to find and cheap. One just had to put up with the vagrants that skirted the area like rats. With an extra coin to the innkeeper, he stayed out of their rooms and supplied them with an extra one for their research. They weren't sure how long they were going to stay.

"Did you find out anything?" said Maru the second Kanae stepped into the shared space. The young man was all nerves and jitters like usual. He wasn't alone. Horiuchi was present as well as a straight hair-man called Yukie. The last two hardly separated unless necessary. Probably war buddies if Kanae had to guess as they were the two fighters of the group.

"Not really," said Kanae, setting her spear down and taking a seat. The place was littered with copied information taken from the cities archives, courtesy of Kanae's photographic memory. They really shouldn't have let her see any of it, but the city was desperate, and Duke Takarada's medical seal of approval opened all sorts of doors.

"You didn't get anything?" said Maru, crestfallen. "Did Mage Ogata at least look at what we found? Will it help?"

"I doubt it," said Kanae.

"You know," said Yukie, his voice raised. "Since we're the ones actually trying to help you and Kyoko in this situation. You could—I don't know—actually be nice, or something. Or would that be too hard?"

"Where's the blacksmith?" said Kanae, ignoring Yukie as he fumed. Just another noble with delicate feathers that ruffled easily.

"Bathroom," said Horiuchi. "He should be back soon—ah, there he is."

A man entered the room. Built like the kiln he crafted his art in, Dorr was a hulking mass of muscle. He had little hair though, choosing to remain clean shaven with his scalp cropped short. Probably to prevent it from catching fire or something like that.

"Hiroaki hasn't got us anything new," said Kanae once Dorr had sat down. "Using his plan, I think there's a ninety percent chance Kyoko and Cain will be executed with little deliberation."

"But it's not a one hundred percent chance," said Maru, his enthusiasm as weak as his argument. "We can work with that, right?"

"The other nine percent," said Kanae. "Is the likelihood that we will be implicated and sentenced to death as well for speaking in their defense." Not a pleasant alternative.

Maru swallowed hard, finally shutting his mouth. For a battlemage he was surprisingly meek to human confrontations. Set him on a group of skeletal undead though and wow, Kanae had seen the destruction first hand on their way here. The man had an unraveling talent… if he could just stop jumping in without thinking first.

"What's the other one percent?" said Horichu, the only person in the group besides Kanae who used their brain.

"The chance we'll have to make ourselves," said Kanae. Her legs started bouncing, thinking about how this mess was going to resolve. "If we continue to gather enough evidence that Sozen was an Accursed, spread the right stories about his villainy and Cain's goodness in killing him, we may be able to change public opinion in our favor. That could help. Either way, it will depend on who's overseeing the trail."

"That would be Duke Momose and General Kuresaki," said Yukie, "There are a few other less important nobles, but the Duke and General are the important ones. Everyone else is either too sick or dead. The poor city has had it rough."

"Nice detective-ing," said Maru, giving Yukie a thumbs up. "You figured that out pretty quick."

"Of course," said Yukie, raising his chin higher at the praise. "It's pretty easy once you figure out the right taverns to visit. I suggest we boost Colonel Ishibashi's reputation as well. Seems he's a local hero. If he's on Lady Kyoko's side the people are likely to respond."

"Or," said Dorr slowly. "We could do what we were sent here to do. Study the Shuemans rot and cure the town."

Dorr's words instantly stalled the momentum of the room. Kanae fought the urge to groan. Not this argument again. Maru shot to his feet, his nostrils flaring as he practically shook with fervor.

"We can't just let them kill Lady Kyoko," he said. "She's our friend. We need to help her."

"But at the expense of the city?" said Dorr. "She chose her lot, and it's with the Accursed, who—since Kanae wasn't able to speak with her, we don't know for certain if he's the prince."

The argument escalated, Kanae observing without participating. These men hadn't been close to Kyoko. Two of them had actively bullied her, yet here they were, seeds of loyalty Kyoko hadn't meant to sow, and they had grown into strong branches despite the harsh opposition. Well, almost strong. Dorr was coming around however, swayed by Maru's passionate speech about friendship. Plus, he was dedicated to the royal family. Kanae didn't one hundred percent trust any of them, but they were what she had to work with.

"There's nothing we can do about the rot," said Kanae, cutting off the discussion. "If dozens of trained specialists can't find a cure, it's unlikely we will. We do, however, have one thing that will help both the rot, and increase the chance of getting Kyoko off."

"What is it?" said Horiuchi with a note of irritation. "You haven't mentioned anything like this."

"I was waiting for the right moment." She held up a hand to stall their questions. "But before I tell you what it is, I want everyone to be aware that we may still fail. They may try to kill her and Cain right there in front of everyone. Nobles do love their power play after all. If that happens, I will not sit still and watch."

Kanae grabbed her spear, knocking the butt of it against the wooden floor with a solid thump. It hammered her conviction into their consciousness and cut off any protests. Though not initially part of their group, they looked to her for leadership. Stars knew why, but Kanae was determined to use their loyalty as far as it would go.

"If you're unsure about this, leave now," said Kanae fiercely. "I will take down anyone that stands in my way, and if you hesitate to do your part, you're an enemy to me."

An uncomfortable silence fell, Dorr and Maru refusing the meet Kanae's eyes. It was a lot to ask of them, especially since they weren't sure of Cain's character, but it didn't matter. The world could go to hell for all she cared, but as long as Kyoko was safe… gods just thinking this made Kanae feel like a softy.

"Umm," said Yukie, holding up a finger. "Can I ask something?"

"Shoot."

"Did you really fight against the Dark Djinn?"

Kanae raised a brow. So, that rumor had gotten to them. She'd purposefully forgotten the experience of the Djinn's cold grip tightening around her essence. Best not to dwell on it, but how should she answer?

"Rather than fight, I'd say I survived an attack," said Kanae. "If King Kuu and Rosa hadn't appeared I'd have experienced a fate worse than death. Either way, I took the hit for Kyoko and would do it again in a heartbeat."

The men exchanged significant glances, as men tended to do when speaking with her. As if she couldn't see their silent conversations continuing right in front of her.

Eventually Horiuchi let out a reluctant sigh, raising a hand.

"I'm in," he said. "Stars, but I trust Lady Kyoko, and if she's on the side of a wayward Accursed, then I'll side with the devil as well."

"Me too," said Maru, shooting his hand up. "I want to save Lady Kyoko."

At the intent stare of the other two, Yukie raised his hand with a grimace. "Let's just hope we don't get ourselves killed," he said.

Everyone eyed the last member of the group who had yet to raise a hand. Dorr's brow was drawn, attention still fixed on a spot on the floor.

"You really think this will help people?" he said. "Setting Lady Kyoko and this Accursed free?"

"Yes," said Kanae. "Those two know more about the Accursed and Dark Djinn than anyone here. If anyone is going to help save the kingdom, it's them. And if it turns out Cain is evil, we'll just take him out ourselves. We've got enough people to do it."

Dorr shook his head. "It's a messy contingency plan, but..." He hesitated, then raised a hand. "Alright. I'm in."

Maru clapped his hands in joy, the others more restrained their excitement. But it was impossible to miss their wide smiles or the slight fear within their eyes.

"This is crazy," breathed Yukie. "Completely mad."

Kanae set her spear down, rubbing her hands together to work the anxiety from her muscles. Yes, it was crazy. The kind of crazy Kyoko would be proud of.

"Alright," said Kanae. "Here's the plan…"

Itsumi prided herself on the ability to judge a person's character quickly and judge it well. It was a necessary skill. Her life was a dizzying dance of interpersonal relations where motive was imperative in controlling a situation. She wasn't allowed to mess up, or others would pay the price for her mistakes.

For example, she needed to marry a man that cared for the kingdom and the people, not their wealth or position. A short list, but in a society where her peers were spoiled with wealth and magic, even finding someone her age with one of the attributes was nigh impossible. It's what made her fall so hard and so fast for Hikaru.

He was a nobleman in every way save his blood. Kind, charismatic, brave, and – not that it should matter – very easy on the eyes. A natural leader in every way, his own efforts and conviction leading him up the social ladder in Mosall. She had read him perfectly the moment she'd set her eyes on him more than a month before, and continued observation had just solidified her opinion. Her instincts had been spot on.

That was why the moment Itsumi had seen the warrior Kanae, she'd known there was going to be trouble. She recognized eyes like that. Brutal, with the belief in survival of the fittest. They cared only for themselves. Their own desires.

Sometimes her own father got looks like that. It always made her toes curl, a clear signal that someone's words were not to be trusted. It never failed to warn her of trouble.

Well, save for the one instance with Kyoko.

"Are you certain of your suspicions?"

Itsumi swallowed, her toes dancing against her leather soles. They weren't curling, but something was upsetting their peace. General Kuresaki had never set off this sort of response before, but then again, she'd never seen the man so stressed. He seemed part of the chair he occupied, room shrouded in the half light from the evening sun. His body shrank into the shadows the back of his chair created. It was hard to read his face like this. Maybe that's why her toes danced the way they did.

"I can't be certain," said Itsumi. "But she implied that Kyoko was a friend. And they've been speaking to Hiroaki a lot, who supports the theory that Sozen was an Accursed."

"Those men," said Kuresaki, speaking more to himself than her. "They say they're from the palace, but we can't even trust them. They just want us to sit on our hands and do nothing with an Accursed right under our noses."

Kuresaki's fingers drummed on his desk, the sound pounding in rhythm with her toes.

"There's more," said Itsumi. "I'll tell you, but only if you promise me something."

"What is your request, Duchess?"

"Hikaru goes free."

The fingers on the desk stopped. The knuckles whitened as Kureseki leaned forward into the light. His arched eyebrows bore deep grooves into his forehead, shading haunted eyes.

"You withhold information that may benefit your country," he said. "In exchange for the life of a traitor?"

Itsumi's toes curled. Their implications straightened her back even as she leaned away from Kuresaki.

"I wish to save an innocent life," said Itsumi, ignoring how similar her words were to another person's. "I believe Hikaru was deceived by Kyoko and Cain's character. I won't let him interfere with the trial once he is free. You have my word."

Kuresaki leaned back in the seat, hiding himself from her view again.

"Very well," he said. "I'll consider it, depending on the usefulness of the information you give me."

Itsumi didn't let herself relax yet. Just one more step. One more step to saving Hikaru's life.

"Kanae was trying to see Kyoko," said Itsumi. "To speak with her. She cares very much about the woman. I'm sure we could use that against her if needed."

That much had been clear based on the woman's insistence to see Kyoko. Motivation. Desire. Once obvious, it was easy to tug the strings in one's favor.

Kuresaki stood up, a move to show power and control. Itsumi gave the appropriate response, shying away from him as her toes continued to twist. But Kuresaki didn't walk toward her. He headed for a shelf, taking from it a dark rock. It didn't gleam in the light, its surface strangely reflecting… darkness. Where had she seen that sort of rock before?

"They have proven to be very difficult enemies," said Kuresaki. "Tearing loyalties between even those that should be dedicated to the crown. Confusing our best men. Even shaking your foundation, Duchess."

His eyes slid to her, their droopy edges highlighting his disappointment. Her nails dug into her palms in aggravation.

"Will you do it?" said Itsumi, ignoring his jab. That was not the important thing right now. "Will you set Hikaru free?"

Kuresaki set down the rock, giving her his full attention. As General of the great Shaded City of Mosall, he was an impressive sight. A man that commanded with both presence and power.

"I will let the former Colonel free," said Kuresaki.

Itsumi's heart sighed in relief. It choked a moment later as he held up a finger.

"But know this. If he tries to interfere with the trial in any way, I will not restrain my hand," he said. "Convince Hikaru of their villainy and bring him back to the side of the light. Only then will you be able to truly save him from his mistakes."

That went without saying.

She gave the appropriate thanks, ready to be gone now that her business was finished. As she left, her eyes caught the dark crystal on the shelf, suddenly remembering where she had seen it before.

They resembled the marks on the shoulder of her former friend. Growing like crystal down her arms. And they had grown worse after just one day inside isolation, a clear indication that Kyoko's condition was worsening, yet the woman hadn't even seemed to care. All she'd wanted was to know if her husband was safe. That the man she loved was okay.

Itsumi hurried from the room, her toes refusing to uncurl, though for what reason, Itsumi couldn't determine.

Thanks for reading!

I have finished moving and now am living in a much more comfortable apartment. Yay for the more space. Now the updates should return to biweekly updates. Thank you to everyone who had continued to show support and love with updates and encouragement and all the things Also, I don't know what happened, but I freaking love Kanae in this chapter. What A Boss!

Next update: 2 weeks from now. Yay

-Blushweaver

OOOOH! What will happen! How will it work out? Will it work out? Or will Blushweaver say, this fic's gone on long enough, let's kill them all? (the answer to the last one is 'no' BTW. In case you were worried. I think at least one survives.) -Im0ut0

Alternate Chapter Titles: "Oh no, oh dear." "Crap happens minus Kyoko's perspective." "No, try to think of an actual title." "What is your motivation?" "Kanae isaboss."