It was unfair how beautiful Setsuko was. Time had served to dim the memory of her beauty in Kyoko's mind, but it came back in its full glory as the graceful woman glided into the room. Perfect wavy hair, high cheekbones, and eyes that cut anyone she looked at. Her attire wasn't as flashy as what she wore during her days as a concubine, but it looked just as elegant.

Her aura hadn't changed either. She settled in one of the chairs beside Kyoko's bed, her presence as intimidating as a buzzing hornet's nest.

Which was why it was so strange that Kyoko felt no pressure to please this woman. No desire to defer to her in any way. At the palace, she had been the obvious frontrunner for Kuon's affections, as well as the head of the harem. No longer. There was no need to fear this woman in any way. Kyoko had won that battle in the end.

"Setsuko," said Kyoko with a measured tone. "I'm surprised you're here to see me. I didn't realize you were in town."

"I only arrived recently," said Setsuko. "We pushed hard to get here before the army of monsters did."

"We?"

"My companions and I. We traveled together."

That made sense. Even Kyoko and Cain hadn't tried to cross the desert without others around. Doing so would be suicide. It didn't answer what she was doing here specifically.

She met Maru's eye.

"Could you give us a minute?" said Kyoko. "If I need you, I'll send for you."

That produced a quirked eyebrow from Setsuko, but she didn't say anything. Maru gave a salute, promising to be right outside if she needed anything.

The door shut, leaving Kyoko alone with Setsuko. Now they could speak plainly. Kyoko had no desire to engage in any sort of small talk with this woman.

"Why are you here?" said Kyoko.

Setsuko gave a mocking smile. "Is it such an odd thing to want to visit an old sick friend?"

"We were never friends."

"No. We were not. Acquaintances then, if we must put a label on it."

The likelihood of Setsuko coming just for a social chat was absolutely zero. From the very beginning, Setsuko had made it clear how little she thought of Kyoko. Even their parting had been civil at best, Setsuko issuing commands and snide remarks like the superior she thought herself to be.

I think Kanae's sour attitude is getting to me. I didn't use to be this resentful toward people who were outright hostile to me.

Or maybe she'd learned some self-respect. Kyoko had never done anything to deserve the contempt Setsuko had treated her with, and it was well past time for Kyoko to stand up for herself.

"You don't like me Setsuko," said Kyoko. "And I doubt you've started now. The only thing that ever brought us together was Prince Kuon." A thought hit her. "Is this about him?"

"It is," said Setsuko. "I've heard that the two of you are married. Congratulations."

That was an odd comment. And said without a hint of bitterness. Setsuko had been in love with Kuon and Kyoko doubted her feeling would have changed this quickly.

Wait…

"I'm married to Cain," said Kyoko slowly. "The Accursed who is running this city."

Setsuko nodded. "Who is Prince Kuon, obviously. And you are his wife. Or are the rumors wrong and you still haven't managed to pin him down?" She gave Kyoko a pitying look. "And after everything, you're still as useless as always."

"Is that what you came here for? To mock me like you used to. It won't make you feel better for losing him to me, Setsuko."

Mirth glittered in those haughty eyes.

"But I have won, Kyoko Mogami," she said. "Or Hizuri I guess if you are married to him as you claim to be." She gave a perfect bow even while seated, the lack of mockery in the gesture somehow conveying her condescension. "My princess."

Kyoko's skin crawled with unease making the marks under her clothes itch. This woman… something was different. No. Not different. Loose. Something that had always simmered beneath her lifted chin and cutting remarks.

A knock came from the door, then Horiuchi came striding him. Any request for him to leave vanish from Kyoko's lips when she saw his face.

"We just got a message," said Horiuchi. "There's been a sighting of an Accursed. We need to put you on lockdown."

Kyoko's mouth went dry.

"Is Cain alright?"

"As far as we know, he's moving toward the commotion." Horiuchi gave a bow to Setsuko. "I'm sorry, but we have to ask you to leave at this time. I'd suggest taking shelter until the city is no longer on alert."

Rather than looking alarmed, Setsuko crossed her legs, revealing a long slit in her dress.

"I'm comfortable where I am," she said. "Now if you could kindly give us some space, I'd appreciate it."

Pain bust through Kyoko's body. It hit her so suddenly she blacked out, only the pain existing.

Then it was gone.

Reality came back slowly. She started with removing her hands from her shoulders where residual marks of pain thumped in time to her beating heart. Then she realized Hiriuchi was hovering over her, calling out to her.

"I'm fine," she finally managed to gasp. "Really, the pain is gone. It just hit me suddenly."

Where had that come from? It had come faster and stronger than she'd ever experienced.

Setsuko hadn't moved. She was still seated in her chair, resting comfortably as she gazed at Kyoko.

"Are you alright?" she drawled.

Something was wrong. Kyoko's weakness shouldn't be kicking in this badly. She could feel the crystalline marks on her arms pulsing, hurting her like they did around Cain when he was actively radiating dark magic. It drained her senses and energy.

Kyoko gripped the necklace in her hands, grunting. No, this needed to stop. They had completed the inhibitor, why was this happening?

"You don't look fine," said Setsuko.

Setsuko rose feet, pressing a hand to Kyoko's forehead.

That's when Kyoko finally felt it, the source of her curse acting up. Her eyes drifted to the gem resting in the center of Setsuko's head. The diadem she had worn everyday while in the palace.

Something black shone deep within the red stone.

Accursed.

Fear sparked hot in Kyoko. In a flash, she channeled through her necklace, sending the first signal to Cain.

Like a viper, Setsuko's hand struck out.

Blue sapphire scattered in a spray of broken chains. Setsuko had ripped the necklace from Kyoo's throat. In another second, Horiuchi was thrown back, smacking into the wall with a crash, creating fractures in the wall before slumping to the ground.

Kyoko yelled in fright, wide-eyed as a trickle of blood slid down Horiuchi's cheek. She moved to check on him, then a wave of dizziness hit her. She fell back against the bed's headboard, struggling to stay conscious.

Move Kyoko. C'mon, move!

Her body wouldn't listen.

Setsuko smoothly returned to her seat, the woman's aura unchanged. There was no malice. No anger, no anything. Just her usual haughty superiority as she carelessly dusted the remains of Kyoko's necklace from her dress.

"None of that now," said Setsuko. "I'd rather the prince didn't come running to your aid. Or anyone else, for that matter."

Kyoko lifted a trembling hand to her stinging neck, horrified. How had Setsuko known about the necklace? How long had she been an Accursed? And why hadn't anyone come in from the noise?

"Why?" was all she got out. "I don't understand. You… you're trying to destroy the kingdom. Everything that Kuon built. I thought you loved him."

Setsuko had helped Kyoko save Kuon from the poison. She'd told Kyoko to make Kuon so happy he radiated more light magic than Rosa. Pushed her to do so in the end. How had it turned to this?

Sounds erupted from outside the room. Hope erupted inside her. Someone had heard the noise. They would come int to help her.

But no one came in. The sounds continued, magic clashing against dark magic right outside the door.

Setsuko had mentioned coming with a companion. Another Accursed.

Setsuko calmly rested her fingers under her chin, exuding an aura of casual indifference.

"I don't mind telling you," she said. "We've got time while Miroku takes care of the outside riffraff. In fact, I'd very much enjoy explaining to your little mind what is happening."

Kyoko grit her teeth, trembling now with anger. Those were her friends out there. Her friends! They could be dying and there was nothing she could do about it. Setsuko's lips pursed in amusement, taking pleasure in Kyoko's distress.

"I wanted him to fall in love," said Setsuko. "Didn't matter with who, as long as he did. The deeper the better. I can't take everything away from him if he doesn't have anything to begin with."

"So you hate him," said Kyoko.

Setsuko nodded. "My plan initially was to make him fall in love with me, but that didn't work. After a few years, I abandoned it and started a new one. We were just about to get started when you showed up."

Setsuko's fingers drifted out from under her robes. Kyoko flinched as nails dug into her arm, pricks of blood pooling around each mark. Kyoko felt dizzy. Weak. Her marks were pulsing again.

Setsuko leaned closer, another emotion finally pushing aside her indifference. Anger.

"You've caused me a lot of trouble, Kyoko Mogami," said Setsuko. "Every time we were about to succeed, you got in the way. You dimmed his connection to his partial contract. You stopped the scene in the stadium which would have released hundreds of thousands of dark pods. You foiled my plans repeatedly, and I had to constantly adapt. It didn't help that some of my subordinates don't know how to follow orders. I really thought we had it that last attack, but then Masato did his own thing. And then you—! Oh, Kyoko."

Setsuko's grip tightened, blood starting to trickle down Kyoko's arm. Kyoko jerked back, trying to shake her, trying to use her magic but she was too weak. Her vision blurred.

Setsuko's voice remained clear, taunting her as everything else inside Kyoko shook.

"I wanted Kuon to go on a rampage," continued Setsuko. "Destroy the whole city. Kill you and everyone he loved in one big stroke. Then I would release him from the madness just long enough to see what he had done. Or maybe I would keep you alive to stare at him in horror, make him suffer your fear and hate. I wasn't picky which."

"But he didn't fall," and even through her pain and darkness, Kyoko had pride in her voice. "He fought the contract. He retained his sanity."

"Yes, he did. All because of you."

Setsuko released her. The throbbing of Kyoko's marks let up. Her vision cleared, panting as she met Setsuko's eyes.

Her heart sank at the inhuman cruelty in them.

"How long do you think he can resist insanity if we were to kill you?"

Fear flooded in. Kyoko wasn't stupid. She knew how dangerous this situation was. She knew her own safety was in jeopardy. But it suddenly seemed so much more real, and so so much worse.

"He won't fall," said Kyoko.

She felt a brush of lips, tender words spoken in fear after losing his mind on the way to the outpost.

"As long as you're here to guide me, I won't give up. Not until the very end."

Kyoko trembled.

"H-he won the fight against it before. He will do it again."

Setsuko gave a thoughtful hum. "You really think that? I guess we'll see which one of us is right. Well, I will at least."

The door opened.

A thin man with blond hair entered. He walked with a limp, his right arm hanging uselessly to his side as blood trickled down it. He also wore the uniform of a soldier, a sword strapped to his side. Around his neck hung the pendant Reino had given Kyoko those months before.

The weakness doubled. She clawed blindly at the bed, trying to find purchase. Dimly she heard Setsuko yelling.

"Careful, Miroku. We don't want her dead yet."

"Apologies," the man mocked. "Some of us can't mask our auras perfectly like you can."

Setsuko clicked her tongue.

She was moving, but Kyoko couldn't see how. She squeezed her eyes shut, the world spinning.

Something wavered. She honed in on the change, realizing it was coming from the man who had just entered. His dark aura… it was disappearing. No. it was being covered up. Disappearing behind another aura. One that felt like—

A roar left Kyoko's lips. Her eyes snapped open as tears began to spill freely.

The Accursed's aura now felt like Maru's.

Of the many evils the Accursed were capable of, the destruction and manipulation of auras and the essence were the worst. They were a part of the soul. If something happened to them, it affected the ability to find rest in the afterlife. Maru, and those who had their essence ripped out by the djinn experienced a fate worse than death.

Fury didn't begin to describe what Kyoko felt.

"So that's how you did it?" she spat. "All these years? You stole someone else's aura and superimposed it onto your own?"

Setsuko barely spared her a glance.

"She has it, yes?" said Setsuko. "The Phoenix."

"Yeah, she's in there." Strange magic gleamed in the man's eyes, tinting them a deep purple. "We got what we wanted."

"Then let's go."

Miroku reached for Kyoko.

In a burst of residual strength, Kyoko pushed herself away from him. Magic fizzled as her feet hit the ground to make a run for it.

Her foot slipped on the second step.

Kyoko's chin banged hard against the floor. She tasted blood from a bit cheek.

"Careful," drawled Setsuko. "We don't want to hurt you just yet."

Kyoko was wrenched to her feet by Miroku. She tried to struggle, but she just felt so weak.

A finger forcer her to tilt her chin up. She met Setsuko's eyes.

"We can do this one of two ways," she said. "You can either come with us quietly, or we can kill everyone in this building. Or I guess, you can faint and we can carry you out. I'll let you choose at least that much."

It was hard to think. She had to get away. She couldn't let them take her. Cain would try to find her. He would save her and—

She blinked, realizing they were already outside her room, Miroku half-dragging her away.

I have to do something. Her eyes misted as she spotted her guards outside, all dead.

Maru. Dorr. Yukie. I'm so sorry guys. I can't let them take me. I have to make them pay for what they did to you all.

But her strength wouldn't return. She struggled to remain conscious as Miroku dragged her down the hall.

What if it's a trap?

The thought wouldn't leave Cain's head as he hurried to the sight of the fire, a company of soldiers trailing behind him. The Accursed had proven themselves to be devious on more than one occasion. This could all be part of a plan.

But what was Cain's alternative? Stay back in case it turned out to be a false alarm? The ax wielder had been one of the stronger fighters of the Accursed. With the ability to summon a shadow wolf and another unknown one, he had the power to rival several light wielders over. But the Inhibitor was active. Would it be enough to turn the tide of the battle?

Cain didn't dare slow down. If he hurried, he could return to Kyoko's side and—

A single signal from Kyoko's necklace tugged at him.

Cain stopped dead, breathing hard. He waited for the second signal to tell him to hurry.

It didn't come.

Damn it!

He could see the smoke from the fire, rising in a gray cloud just a block away. He couldn't sense any fighting. Should he leave, knowing that there was an Accursed here? Or should he return, unsure if Kyoko was really in danger or just needed to see him. If only she didn't have a habit of underrating the danger she got into.

The captain of the guards stepped up to Cain.

"Sir? Why did we stop?"

"I don't sense any dark magic ahead," said Cain. "Be on guard. He could appear at any time."

This was the worst possible situation. He had a duty to protect the people. To destroy the relics and fight the Djinn.

But he also had another duty. One he had formally sealed just yesterday.

Cain turned around.

"Offer support where it's needed, I'll send for more help. I need to return to the city hall."

The look of betrayal on the captain's face was like a slap. The soldier must be one of those that believed in him. Ah. Cain recognized him now. He was the man who had attacked Cain on his own the first day he'd taken over the city. The soldier had been a boy then, fresh blood lost in the uniform ranks of men. He must have practiced hard to earn the insignia on his shoulder in such a short time.

"My wife just sent me an alert through a magical item," said Cain. "This could be a diversion. I'm trusting you to see to this while I see to her."

Understanding wiped the hurt away. The captain gave a salute.

"You can count on us, Sir."

Cain returned the salute, moving to hurry away.

A mass of darkness moved out from one of the alleyways. It had the shape of a man, huge and outlined in hair that appeared more beast than human. The world of gray that had lightened since the activation of the inhibitor now dimmed back to a dull color. Only one other person had that effect on Cain's vision.

Accursed.

"You are the one called Cain?" said the man. His voice was a growl, difficult to understand. It sent a shiver of fear down Cain's spine, prompting his flight instinct to flare. That couldn't be good. What sort of person or creature could prompt that response in an Accursed?

Cain drew his sword, barking for the men to prepare. They quickly drew their own swords and spears, stepping into a defensive formation.

"I am," said Cain. "What of it?"

The man gave a smile, only a glint of white canines visible in the swirl of black. He easily slipped the ax from his hip into his hands. His relic.

Destroy the relic, destroy the man.

"They said I was allowed to play with you," said the man. "Care for some fun?"

This wasn't going to be good. The crazy ones were always hard to predict.

"Don't be hasty," said Cain to his soldiers. "He can summon a shadow wolf. Offer support as needed but stay back and stay on the defense."

The men's auras were shaking, but their stances remained steady. Good men. Brave in this awful situation.

Cain drew a hand through the air, summoning a dozen different spells. Speed, strength, shields, and counterspells humming through his veins, waiting to be activated. He saw the Axe-wielder doing the same.

"What's your name, Accursed?" said Cain.

The man answered with a toothy grin. "Kemo."

Nausea roiled in Hiroaki's stomach. The dark magic that had stirred it so mercilessly now combined with his fear, making it hard to choke back. But he couldn't afford to vomit. Not right now. Hirotaka was waiting for an explanation of the mess in his workroom, and Hiroaki had no idea what to say.

"D-dad," choked out Hiroaki. He tasted bile. "I— T-this is… I didn't expect to see you here."

Hirotaka was the calm before the inevitable storm. His icy-blue eyes swept the room, pausing on every smashed machine, on each sputtering pieces of magic. They especially lingered on the roots sprouting out of the ground and walls.

"What happened?" he said smoothly.

"Ah, um, about that," Hiroaki scratched his arm nervously. Please, Kanae, do something. "I have no idea."

"Don't lie."

Hiroaki flinched. His father had never spoken that harshly to Hiroaki. Never. While his father had always been distant and preoccupied with his own work, he had never spoken with such malice toward Him. Not since all this. It barely felt like his father anymore.

"S-sorry," said Hiroaki. "I just… don't know what to say."

Kanae, please! Help me.

Hirotaka stepped toward Hiroaki, the relic staff in his hand making soft thumping sounds on the ground. They echoed together, his steps and the staff.

Step, step, thunk. Step, step, thunk.

Hiroaki backed away. His legs tangled in some root, and he went tumbling to the ground. It only took him a second to right himself, but his dad was already in front of him.

Hirotaka rested the staff against his shoulder, reaching forward with his only good arm. Hiroaki shut his eyes, praying for a quick death.

Something rustled, then he felt weight shifting from his side.

The herbs!

Hiroaki's mouth went dry. His dad held the pack that stored the plants and items Hiroaki needed to make the tincture.

"What is this?" said Hirotaka. "Planning something are we? Maybe you want to escape? Or think you can?"

"No!" said Hiroaki.

Anger roared in Hirotaka's eyes. He dropped the herbs, grabbing the staff from his side. Magic flared to life. "I told you not to lie to me, son!"

"I'm not!" Hiroaki wanted to cry. Maybe he already was. "I— you see. I wanted to show you how the tincture works."

The Accursed froze, gazing at Hiroaki in confusion.

"The tincture?" he said. "Like the one used with the amulet to survive the miasma? Why would you do that?"

"Uh." Hiroaki's heart hurt from beating. Its rhythm made it hard to think. Think Hiroaki! "Because I thought about what you said. Before, that is. I was thinking about helping you."

Hiroaki wanted to sink into a hole and die. There was no way his father would believe that. No way. He might as well have offered up his neck on the executioner's block. He just hoped that Kanae and Twig had managed to escape since they weren't going to save him.

As he contemplated his life and subsequent doom, Hirotaka lowered his staff. But it was a slow descent, coming to rest casually on the ground.

"You… want to join me?" said Hirotaka.

"Uh, yeah."

Hirotaka let out a laugh so loud it made Hirokai jump. Next second, his father was hugging him. Hugging him as well as he could while still holding the staff.

He believed it?

Hiroaki almost laughed in shock. He only just managed to keep his head on, choosing to nod to lower the possibility of vomiting.

"I knew you'd come around my boy," said Hirotaka. "You just can't resist it can you? The pull of knowledge. What will your wish be I wonder? It doesn't matter, you can always make more after that wish is complete."

His father let go of Hiroaki, holding out his staff.

"Making a contract is simple," he said. "Just offer up some blood to an existing relic, along with a wish. If he likes you enough, you'll make your own relic. If not, well, you can't have mine. We'd have to find a different one for you. I'm sure after today we won't be needing Miroku. He doesn't need his relic."

"Just like that?" Hiroaki felt winded. "That's all it takes?"

"That's all it takes. Now, there's a dagger at that workstation. Slice your finger and place your blood on the staff. Then, the Djinn will come to you and you can grant your wish."

This was a horrible idea. Out of all the possible excuses, he had to choose the worst one. Hiroaki's whole body shook as he took the dagger from the workstation, walking as slowly as he could. He prayed he gave Kanae enough time to escape.

I can't do this. I don't know what to do.

His father watched him, unwavering.

Hiroaki raised the dagger.

Something shot out from across the room. It knocked the staff from Hirotaka's hand, causing a swirl of air to kick up sand. Hiroaki stumbled back in shock, blinking the dust from his eyes.

She didn't abandon me!

His legs wobbled in relief. It was a fight to stay upright. But he heard Kanae yell at him to run, so run he did, stumbling away even as he felt more magic thrown behind him.

A stray root caused him to trip. He scraped his palms in the fall but didn't let it stop him. He was going to escape. He would make it out. Kanae wouldn't lose.

He reached for the door.

Metal crashed down in front of Hiroaki. He ran into it, bouncing back, his butt slamming hard into the floor.

No.

He tried to move the metal, but it was heavy, and he was exhausted. He couldn't manage the pulse magic needed to move it aside. It slipped like sand between his fingers.

Were he in a perfectly calm situation, he would have been able to move the metal no problem, but not now. Not when he could feel the battle of magic behind him. Not when he knew a single second could make the difference between escape and death.

He pushed against the metal with all his might.

The magic suddenly stopped.

Hiroaki looked behind him, and all hope disappeared.

Kanae was suspended in the air by threads of magical, arms spread eagle, hair a mess and spear on the ground. Blood trailed from a wound on her shoulder, staining the soft floor with steady drops. Her eyes remained fierce as they bore into Hirotaka, but it didn't matter. Her will wouldn't get them out. His father barely looked ruffled.

Hiroaki slid to the floor.

Kanae had lost, and he hadn't even managed to escape with the chance she had given him.

By the time they reached the main hall, a trickle of Kyoko's strength had returned. She could see others casting them curious looks, but a quick excuse about a case of magic backlash had everyone who asked moving away. They were taking her somewhere extra safe after all. The inquiring party assumed the man helping her was her guard. He must be since he wore the uniform.

Kyoko wanted to scream at their incompetence. Wasn't the city supposed to be on high alert? Miroku might have taken the time to dress his wound but a second glance showed he was obviously injured. Where were all the guards she knew? Where was Kuresaki? Or Hikaru?

"It seems like you're well-loved, even if not well understood," said Setsuko as she easily dismissed the latest concerned well-wisher. "I guess that what happens when you save a city from an epidemic."

Kyoko couldn't even curse at Setsuko. She just felt so tired.

They left the building, and Kyoko blinked at the bright light. They were outside. When was the last time she had seen the sun? It was nearing the evening, the sun getting ready to start its descent into dusk. She wondered if this would be the last sunset she'd ever see.

Five steps out of the door, Kyoko heard someone shout her name. A very rude and familiar someone.

"Kyoko, what the hell is wrong with you?"

The Accursed stopped as they had before, turning to the latest person to address them. Kyoko couldn't tell if her heart was beating in relief or dread as Sho marched his way toward them, toting his instrument case and wearing a typical sneer.

Thanks for reading!

I realize that these action-filled tense chapters probably aren't helping anyone's anxiety right now. Go read Crimson Threads in the meantime!

-BW

Peeps, how are you going to deal with this cliffhanger? I KNOW what will happen, I KNOW the plan for the story, and I am anxious and stressed by the end of this chapter. I once again hope you are safe and healthy, although your immune system may be compromised by the severe levels of stress-induced in this chapter.

-Im0ut0

Rejected Titles: "Panic at the Disco" "Distractions and Disasters" "Quick, we got to choose a title before BabyCakes starts screaming" "Oh nos"