Disclaimer: I do not own Servamp or any of the characters.
"Everything's going to be okay, Mahiru. Hyde said he will be back tomorrow." Mahiru paced the large room. After Licht was kidnapped, Hyde asked him to pretend to be the angel until he could find him. The kingdom was negotiating an engagement between Licht and Sleepy Ash. If the neighbouring kingdoms discovered that Licht had been kidnapped, they would break the engagement.
He was still unsure if he should've agreed to Hyde's outrageous plan. He was a commoner who wanted nothing more than to help people with his magic. The money Hyde offered him would also help him pay off his family's debt and buy his freedom as well.
He sighed heavily and sank onto the plush bed. It had to be softer than anything he had ever laid on in his life. Mahiru remembered the straw bed he had back at the magic shop and became more worried. How could a simple witch possibly trick the royal court into thinking that he was an angel? If they discovered that he was impersonating Licht, he would be put to death.
"Too late to go back now." Mahiru stood and went to the door. He locked it and pushed a desk in front of the door to keep others from entering. Then, he walked to the mirror. He waved his hands over his head to nullified the spell that made him look like Licht. He stretched his body and felt his muscles relaxed. His illusion spell was rather complex and it was difficult to maintain for a long amount of time.
Mahiru opened the curtain slightly to look out to the balcony. There wasn't anyone outside so he slipped out as discreetly as he could. He knew that it was safest to stay in the room but he wanted fresh air. He made sure to keep himself in the shadows and leaned against the wall. The view was beautiful. He closed his eyes and let the wind wash over him. He hoped his friends were doing well.
Then he heard a soft sound coming from beneath him and he looked over the side of the balcony. He noticed a bundle of fur and realized that it was a cat. Mahiru was worried that it was hurt so he wanted to check on it. With a spell, he slowly lowered himself from the balcony to the ground. He knelt next to the cat and held out his hand to it. "Hello. Where's your owner?"
The cat sniffed his hand and then licked it. When he saw that the cat was comfortable with him, Mahiru began to pet it gently. It was a little skinny and Mahiru wondered if it was a hungry stray that snuck into the castle. "We're the same if that's true. Poor little thing. I know, I'll take you back to my room and order us a feast. You'll be better company than those nobles—"
"Mahiru?" He turned sharply at the sound of his name. Behind him, Kuro stood with a bowl in each hand. He walked forward and placed them on the ground. One was filled with water while the other had cat food. He realized that Kuro likely came to feed the cat so he lowered it to the ground. As it ate, Kuro said: "I didn't know you worked in the castle. You must be a talented witch if you work for the royal family."
"No, I'm just a servant. Most people don't know me because of that." Mahiru fumbled over his own lie. He couldn't have people discover who he really was before Licht was rescued. Luckily, Kuro didn't question him as he nodded. He steered the conversation back to the cat. "Does this cute kitty belong to you? It's a little strange you brought your pet to a negotiation."
"He's not mine. I'm not the type to own pets. They're too troublesome for me. I found him while I was walking through the courtyard and he wouldn't stop following me. I thought he looked hungry so I went to get some food for him." Kuro shrugged nonchalantly but Mahiru smiled at him. He knelt next to the cat and pet it lightly. In response, it purred happily and nuzzled against his hand.
"You're a very kind person, aren't you? You helped me earlier too." He remembered how Kuro played the piano beautifully at dinner. Mahiru was certain everyone would've discovered that he wasn't Licht if Kuro wasn't there. While the angel was famous for his talent, Mahiru could barely read music sheets. He couldn't tell him how grateful he was but he said, "Thank you again, Kuro."
"I don't know why you're thanking me. You were the one that saved me by fixing my carriage. I didn't do anything more than pay you." Kuro shrugged and Mahiru realized that they were referring to two different events. He couldn't have known that he saved him during the dinner because he was disguised as Licht at the time.
Kuro scratched the cat one last time before he stood. He placed his hands in his pockets and he turned to Mahiru. "Have you worked here for long? I would like to ask you about Licht. Does he treat his people well? Politics is important but the king would like to know if he's marrying a good person. It would be troublesome if they were so different that they argue every day."
"I don't know the prince very well." He answered truthfully. Mahiru had only met Licht once the previous day. "I believe he is a good person though. One time, he chased a thief for no other reason than his principals. That was how we actually met. We were both chasing down the same thief. Then, I showed him my magic and he was fascinated by a simple snow bunny."
"At dinner, he seemed to be very knowledgeable about magical spells." Kuro thought back to the dinner. The reports he received said that Licht only started to study politics and magic after his brother ran away. He didn't know if he was being too suspicious but he sensed that Licht was nervous throughout the dinner. He told himself that it was merely because he had doubts about the marriage as well.
"Licht is being tutored by Hyde and I can tell that they're very close even if they fight occasionally." While Licht was the prince, Mahiru was certain that Hyde wanted to save him because he cared for him more than anything else. "Two people can be very different but, as long as their principals are the same, they can be close. Maybe you and Licht will find something in common too."
He wanted to reassure Kuro more but that would mean lying further to him. Mahiru looked down at the ground and petted the cat in his arms. Speaking with Kuro reminded him how important the engagement was and the full weight of the situation fell onto his shoulders.
Kuro noticed how pale he suddenly became and peered closer into his brown eyes. They were large and honest so he could see that something was bothering him. He helped him when he was caught in the rain so Kuro decided to return his kindness. He poked Mahiru's forehead to catch his attention. "Is the cat hurting you? He's biting your hand."
"Oh, I didn't notice. It doesn't hurt and I think he's merely being playful. But he must be hungry. I'll take him back to my room and order more food for him. Would you like that, Kitty?" The cat nodded with a soft purr. "It was kind of you to bring him food. Would you like to join us for a little snack?"
"I need to finish a report about tonight's dinner with the royal family. It's already late anyways." He told him. Mahiru nodded and he knew that it was for the best. He might discover the truth if he spent more time with him. He had to admit that Kuro was the only familiar person in the castle so he enjoyed speaking with him.
"Please don't tell me you left the report to the last minute and decided to take a walk instead." It was clear that he was right by how Kuro wouldn't meet his eyes. Mahiru chuckled softly and said, "I won't give you a lecture since I kept you from your work long enough. Goodnight, Kuro."
"Goodbye, Mahiru." Kuro bowed to him before he walked away.
Mahiru watched him leave until he couldn't see him anymore. Then, he quickly glanced around him so he could be certain that no one else was in the courtyard. He stood beneath Licht's balcony and he whispered a spell. With his new pet safe in his arms, he floated up to the balcony. He started to return to his room but he paused for a moment.
Staring at the moon in the distance, Mahiru wondered where Hyde and Licht were. He hoped that they were safe and that they would return soon. He was scared but he wanted to help in any way he could so he refused to run away. Mahiru sighed and walked back into the room.
A dove flew around a secluded cottage until it returned to Hyde's side and perched itself on his shoulder. He was crouched in the bushes and surveying the situation carefully. The bird was created by Mahiru to help him find Licht so he was certain that his angel was inside. He wanted nothing more than to storm into the cottage and take Licht back but he stopped himself. He needed to discover who wanted to sabotage the engagement by kidnapping Licht.
Hyde cloaked himself in shadows and transformed into a hedgehog. There was chimney that he could use to sneak into the cottage. He scurried up the wall and he returned to his human form once he reached the roof. He peered down the narrow chimney and he was relieved that there wasn't a fire burning below. The sound of kicking and screaming also told him that Licht was in the room below.
"The things I do for you, Lichtan." With those muttered words, Hyde transformed into a hedgehog and he jumped down the chimney. He rolled to his feet when he landed on the ground. He held his breath so he wouldn't breath in the soot. Quickly, he turned his attention to finding Licht. The room was mostly empty and there was only one person inside.
As soon he saw Licht kicking at the door, Hyde returned to his human form and ran to him. "Licht!"
Familiar arms wrapped around him and Licht immediately recognized who it was. Hyde held him in a tight hug and Licht didn't push him away. When he woke up in the strange room alone, he was confused and a little frustrated. How could he let himself be captured? Those feelings still tightened his stomach so he was relieved to see Hyde again.
"Too tight. Let go of me, Shit Rat." Licht ordered and stepped on Hyde's feet until he loosened his grip. He turned and he looked up at Hyde. Soot dusted his face and hair so he reached up and forcefully rubbed his sleeve against his cheek. "I can't believe a mess like you is the one my parents sent me to rescue me. A demon like you—"
His breath became a stutter when Hyde cupped his face gently. His red eyes held several emotions, from guilt to anger. Hyde brushed his thumb over the dark mark on Licht's cheek. It was clear that a bruise would form there. "They hit you? Tell me and I'll put a curse on them."
"I already broke the man's nose before they locked me in here." He hoped that Hyde couldn't hear how fast his heart was beating. He was standing so close that it was possible. Licht reminded himself that Hyde only cared about him because he was a prince and he was his servant. The hand on his cheek suddenly became warmer and he realized that he was healing him with his magic.
"All better, Angel Cakes?" He grinned down at him. "But I doubt something so small would hurt a strong angel such as yourself."
"Stop mocking me, Shit Rat. If you knew the answer, then why did you bother asking me such a stupid question? I'll be even better once we get home and I can play the piano again. How many knights did my parents send with you?" Licht walked to the window and peered outside to see if he could see the knights. He wasn't able to see anyone among the bushes though.
"There are three wizards in the other room and the house is reinforced with magic. I tried to escape four times but they overpowered me." Licht's voice became bitter when he thought back to those failed escape attempts. He never bothered to learn magic formally so he had a disadvantage against them. "I think there might be more than three wizards behind this plot though. I hear them rotate every few hours."
"So, I need to fight three wizards and capture at least one." Hyde took off his cloak and threw it towards Licht. He rolled up his sleeves and said, "It's been a while since I had to fight but I'll protect you. My enchanted cloak should protect you from elemental magic. I don't want you to be caught in the crossfire. Just run for the door and I'll make sure they never touch you."
"Did you come here by yourself?" From the way he spoke, Licht had to ask. His silence was all the answer he needed. Licht kicked him and yelled, "What kind of idiot are you, Shit Rat? My parent must've ordered you to bring others along to help rescue me. What were you thinking? I swear, I will murder you the moment we return home!"
"Hey, let me defend myself first, Angel Cakes." Hyde covered his mouth before the wizards outside could realize that he was there. Once Licht's anger had faded, he explained, "I think someone kidnapped you to interfere with your engagement to Sleepy Ash. If the kingdom learned that you were taken, it would be a scandal and cause doubt of our defenses."
"That doesn't tell me why are you here alone?"
"The person behind this must be a part of the royal court to know to take you the night before the advisor's visit. I didn't know who I could trust in the castle and I won't take any risks when you're in danger." The resolve in his voice touched Licht. Then, Hyde continued and made Licht disappointed. "I hired the witch we met yesterday to impersonate you while I rescue you. With Mahiru posing as you, we don't have to worry about the engagement being broken."
"… My engagement." Licht bit his lip. His engagement had completely slipped his mind. He thought of nothing but returning home to the people he loved. On the other hand, Hyde had to consider his engagement in his plan. It only reminded him that Hyde was his tutor and a royal advisor. Frustration boiled in his chest and he kicked Hyde.
"Hey, why did you kick me?"
"That's for dragging my new friend into this mess!" Licht lied and turned away from him. "Break the seal on his door with your magic so I can kick it down. I'll be the one to punish those wizards for holding me here so don't get in my way."
"Your wish is my command, Lichtan. Just leave one for me so I can capture them and question them later. Preferably, the wizard that gave you that bruise." His eyes darkened and Licht could only imagine what Hyde intended to do to the man. Hyde placed his hand on the door and felt the magic woven into the door. He absorbed the magic into his own body and redirected it to the lock. His spell broke the lock and Licht immediately kicked the door.
Three people turned sharply towards them when the door broke. Hyde wasn't intimidated and he cast a spell the moment they stepped towards Licht. Black swords rose from the floor and he pulled one from the ground. A cold grin appeared on his face as he pointed the saber at the wizards. "So, which one of you dared to put their hands on my angel?"
"I think we should rest here for a few minutes." Hyde said when they were a safe distance from the cottage. He placed his hand on the small of Licht's back and nudged him towards a tree stump. He turned it into a chair so Licht would be more comfortable. "The castle is a few cities from here but we should be able to reach it before sunset tomorrow."
"You said that Mahiru is helping you with your crazy plan. Do you think he'll be safe?" Licht would hate himself if his weakness caused an innocent witch to be executed. The punishment for impersonating an angel was death. He felt Hyde's hand on his head and he fondly ran his fingers through his hair. While Licht's expressions could be hard to read at times, Hyde could read his thoughts easily.
"Mahiru will be fine. Even if he had been discovered, we'll be back before a trial is over. I didn't have enough time to teach him about being a prince but I wrote down everything he needed to know about you. It's kinda a blessing in disguise that you're far from a normal prince." Licht threw a glare for his comment. Hyde chuckled and patted his head. "I like that about you, Lichtan."
"This has to be the most stupid idea you ever had. What did you offer Mahiru to make him agree to your plan? Did you blackmail him? That's something a demon would do." Licht stretched his wings. He was glad that they weren't hurt in the struggle. He touched the cloak Hyde gave him. It had shielded him during the fight.
"Hopefully, the wizard I sealed in this sphere will tell us who organized this kidnapping. We'll can only question him after we reach the castle though." Hyde tossed the black, glass ball into the air before he placed it into his bag. "You need to keep your identity a secret while we travel back to the castle."
Licht tilted his face to look up at him. "For a mere tutor and advisor, you're a skilled fighter. Is there something you're keeping from me?"
They had known each other for three years. He thought they knew each other well. Licht didn't know why it bothered him that he might've kept a secret from him. Hyde had no obligation to tell him his secrets. It would be selfish to force him to tell him anything. He unconsciously fiddled with his hair and wrapped his wings around himself.
"I wasn't keeping a secret from you, Lichtan. I never thought you want to learn about my past." Hyde smoothly pushed aside his wings so he could look into his eyes. "Before I worked for your parents, I was a travelling witch. My family was poor so I took a lot of random jobs. I needed to learn how to fight with my magic for the more dangerous jobs."
Licht guessed that some of those jobs were also illegal because Hyde tried to brush past the topic. "Then, I found a job I loved; helping you. The past three years had been the best time I had in my life."
Hyde held out his hands to Licht and smiled softly at him. "There's a village nearby and we can find a hotel to sleep in. I can't let an angel sleep on the cold ground."
The first chapter was 6k long because I didn't think I would be able to continue this project.