The prince was brought to a hollowed out cave in the side off the mountain and imprisoned inside by chains under the surveillance of two of his own warriors who stood outside and rolled a boulder across the mouth of the cave, leaving only an inch of space so that the prince would be able to breathe. Captain Azuma's body was retrieved from the river that flowed through the forest in between the mountains when the moon had risen to its peak. The prince's father flew to them and relieved the guards of their post, deciding to watch his son himself. Hearing his father speak of Captain Azuma's retrieval, the prince begged to see his friend's body at least once before it was cremated but his father refused and warned him that if he spoke he would incur execution on the spot. So the prince spent the night alone in the dark cave without even a moment of peace in his heart waiting until the morning for his death to come, weeping in grief.
Konoka looked down, wiping her eyes. It was night time and the moon was high. She had been immersed in the book since the morning, not even coming out of her room except when she felt like eating. She went out into the forest behind to pick some berries off the trees and ate dinner with the others. Weirdly, Setsuna had been absent then. According to the twins she'd been out in the Colosseum with Icarus who had taken it upon himself to help her clear out the underwear. The robots were protesting. Konoka predicted that by the time the night was over they'd have an uprising on their hands. As Konoka pondered whether being immortal meant that Setsuna didn't need to eat, she heard a crash from outside then a knock. That was weird.
"Konoka?" It was Setsuna but her voice sounded slurred.
"Coming!"Konoka called back. She got up from the chair, hurrying to the door and opened it to reveal a sleepy-looking Setsuna. A sleepy Setsuna who was swaying slightly. "Secchan? Aren't you meant to be outside...?"
Setsuna just looked at her blankly.
"...Never mind. What are you doing here?"
"You," Setsuna just grinned at Konoka lop-sidedly, head against the door-frame and eyes half closed.
"Um...what?" Konoka said. Peering around Setsuna, Konoka asked, "Is there anyone with you?"
"Nope," Setsuna said giving her a roguish grin. Wait a minute, what?
Roguish? Konoka thought to herself. Okay so she'd admitted she felt attracted to Setsuna but that didn't mean she loved her. A crush was different from love and anyway... Setsuna was having trouble staying awake. Or her balance. The only thing keeping her steady was the door. Setsuna took one step inside and pitched forwards into a startled Konoka's arms. Setsuna didn't move, seeming satisfied with how she was.
"Kono…" Setsuna murmured. "I…I loff…"
"Yes I love you too Secchan," Konoka said gently, humouring her. "Now let's get you inside before someone sees you."
As Konoka closed the door and dragged her inside-she really had to-Setsuna felt like deadweight, the latter asked in a drowsy voice, "Really?"
Konoka looked down at her. Suddenly she felt a twinge in her heart. Setsuna seemed to really want to believe her. Konoka had never met anyone who could look so adorable while drunk in her life.
As Konoka carefully laid Setsuna down on the bed, she said, "Yes really. Now can you tell me why you aren't cleaning the underwear?"
"All done. Robots go bye bye..." Setsuna gave her the biggest smile, dark eyes shining like the stars outside in the night sky. Again Konoka felt that twinge in her heart.
"...You killed the robots?" Konoka stared at her.
Setsuna nodded and sighed, closing her eyes, "Sing me something."
"...What?"
"Sing me something."
"You need rest Secchan. You don't need me singing to you."
Setsuna didn't respond. Konoka poked her. Setsuna shot up ramrod straight revelation dawning on her face. Apparently she'd came upon some brilliant revolutionary idea.
"Secchan…?" Konoka said, watching her carefully.
"Les make out," Setsuna beamed at her.
"….What?" Konoka looked at her blankly. Surely Setsuna couldn't mean that.
"Leeeees-" Setsuna started, drawing the word out.
"Okay never mind," Konoka turned to Setsuna, taking both hands in hers and gazed straight into her eyes. And she forgot what she was going to say for just one tiny little second as she realized how warm and tender her eyes looked when they weren't closed off and reserved. Shaking her head she said, "Listen to me we can't make out. If we do terrible, very terrible things will happen."
"Noooooooo….good happen!" Setsuna said brightly.
Oh god let me jump her!
Konoka snapped around, yelping in terror as Rose's voice sounded in her head, excited.
Rose?! I thought you were-
Yeah me too! But I think I've gotten a soul or something! It's really nice in here. All squishy and stuff.
There was the sound of drawers opening in her head and papers being rifled with. Ooooh hey so this is what you were dreaming about with Secchan?
G-Go away! You're not supposed to exist inside me!
Konoka felt something pop in her head. Rose was gone leaving Konoka bewildered and a little apprehensive. Rose had never existed inside her before. She only came out when she felt lust. Setsuna was still gazing at her, puppy dog eyes and lop-sided grin present. Coughing Konoka continued trying to keep her voice from shaking, "Why don't we just lie down and cuddle?"
Setsuna's eyes watered, "Whaz about wine?"
"….What?"
"Wiiiiine!"
"…You're really drunk aren't you? This isn't the bar remember? This is the room you let me sleep in, the one on the same floor as Haruna-"
"This ish Haruns' room anywash," Setsuna slurred. "She gots plenty o…" Setsuna hiccupped. "Of…"
"Haruna's room is down the corridor," Konoka blinked at her.
"No…no," Setsuna sounded irritated. "Ha..'s…room…Konowif…"
She seemed to lose her train of thought and shaking her head, looked at Konoka for help.
"I'm here with you?" Konoka asked tentatively.
"Ye…!" Setsuna's face lit up. She pointed at Konoka then at herself, face flushed, "Us!"
She giggled.
"Oh my god! Just how drunk are you?" Konoka groaned.
Setsuna just burst out laughing, toppling over and curling into foetal position.
"Great," Konoka muttered. She pulled Setsuna upright, wondering who on earth this person was in front of her, giving her the goofiest, most ridiculous smile she'd ever seen-and snapped her fingers in front of Setsuna's face, "Wake up!"
Setsuna just gave her that stupid, dumb smile. Funny, Konoka hadn't known her heart could beat so fast. Setsuna tipped over, falling against Konoka and nuzzled her.
"Warm," Setsuna said, her voice muffled against Konoka.
Konoka, who was caught somewhere between amusement and concern. This couldn't be healthy. Konoka briefly wondered if bird demons could die from alcohol overdose. Then she squeaked as Setsuna suddenly pushed her down, cuddling her like a huge stuffed teddy bear. With an iron grip, Setsuna locked arms around Konoka's neck, sprawled over her and rested her head against Konoka, sighing.
A knock rapped and Nodoka called, "Konoka? It's Nodoka. Is Setsuna inside?"
Relieved Konoka called back, "Yes!"
She pried Setsuna off her, slipping a pillow underneath her quickly before Setsuna latched onto her again, muttering something with eyes closed. She hurried to the door, opening it. Nodoka was standing there anxiously in her night-clothes.
Before she could say anything Konoka said, "Why is she drunk?"
"Uh…" Nodoka started. "Well she was drinking absinthe."
Konoka stared at her. Absinthe was the most lethal alcohol in existence. And most powerful.
"Is she crazy?!" Konoka yelped, her voice ringing off the walls.
"It's okay. Setsuna's a demon it's not going to affect her much," Nodoka reassured her. "Last time in a drinking game she drank ten bottles before passing out."
"How much has she had to drink now?" Konoka asked
"Um...we lost count after 11 bottles," Nodoka said.
Behind Konoka Setsuna burst out laughing in a high-pitched squeal that was maniacal. Nodoka winced. Again Konoka felt something strange from her, a wave of power that seemed to be leashed, constrained within the layers of her aura. It was just for an instant.
"I guess I'll leave her with you. Will you be able to get her to bed by herself?"
"Yes I guess but 11 bottles?" Konoka muttered, frowning.
"She'll be okay. Alcohol gets diluted easier in demons but there is something I wanted to ask you," Nodoka said. She looked at Konoka curiously, "Setsuna was acting distant today. I'm sure you noticed it yourself. Did something happen with you two last night?"
"No," Konoka lied.
Nodoka looked relieved then said, "Alright then. Take care of Setsuna okay? I don't know why she came to you but she seems to like you."
Konoka wasn't sure how to feel about that. As Nodoka turned to walk away she continued, "Another thing, Setsuna doesn't want me telling you this but I think it's better that you know. Setsuna can't love. That's why she always keeps a distance from everyone else,"
"But you just said she likes me."
"I don't know what it is. I think it's a crush but..." Nodoka said. She paused, seeming to gather her courage and said, meeting Konoka's eyes, "If I may say…it's strange that she's acting this way towards you. She's known you for less than a month and she's already treating you as if you were…well a friend she's known for a very long time."
"I think you're reading too much into this Nodoka," Konoka said dismissively, laughing. "We barely even know each other. At best we're just friends that's it!"
"Listen to me Konoka," Nodoka said with a strange mix of apprehensiveness and nervousness. "When Setsuna saved Yue and me from those wolves she wasn't right after it. She was dangerous."
"What are you talking about Nodoka? If I didn't know any better it's like you're trying to scare me," Konoka smiled at her.
"Setsuna was blinded Konoka," Nodoka said, her face turning tense. "We were cornered..."
Nodoka backed up against the tree, searching for a way out. Any way but they were surrounded on all sides by a pack of snarling shaggy-haired wolves, larger than normal with hackles raised. Yue was out cold beside her, blood dripping from her forehead. Nodoka knelt down, flipping open the book and rifling through pages wildly. The wolves advanced, heads lowered. All these stories, tales, legends, what use were they to Nodoka now when she couldn't even protect herself from simple creatures like wolves? Yue moaned beside her. Yue was sick, suffering from pneumonia. Her fever had reached its peak and if Nodoka didn't get any help soon she'd die. Nodoka blinked back tears. This wasn't how she expected things to go not after the deal she'd made. She didn't want to die out here in this forest. A wolf leaped. Nodoka screamed, twisting. The wolf's jaws ripped a huge chunk from the cloak she wore. It skidded, shaking its head. The other wolves closed in on Nodoka and Yue. Nodoka shut her eyes, covering Yue with her own body. Then there was a sound of feathers rustling like an eagle soaring underneath the morning sun. Nodoka opened her eyes. A whirling dervish of white was flitting through the wolves, clawing through them like paper and sending them flying through the air with pained howls. Within seconds the wolves were gone, fleeing. The dervish stopped and Nodoka saw it was in the form of a bare-footed winged girl wearing a snow white yukata with long, sharp claws. As she turned, highlighted in a column of moonlight, Nodoka realized her skin and hair were ivory white to match her yukata but her eyes were the lightest blue she'd ever seen, gentle and caring. She knelt down in front of Nodoka.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
"Y-Yes."
"What about your friend?" She glanced at Yue.
"She's got pneumonia," Nodoka couldn't keep the anxiety out of her voice or the tone of begging. "Please, you have to help us. We've been out in the cold for five nights"
The girl seemed to understand instinctively. She got up, going to Yue and started to pick her up when Nodoka caught a flash of teeth in the darkness.
"Look out!" Nodoka cried.
It was too late. The wolf, the size of a bear, lunged out from the darkness, knocking the girl down. The girl pushed the wolf's muzzle, fire springing from her hand. The wolf howled, backing off as fire surged into its open jaws.
The girl sprang to her feet, shouting, "Run!"
Nodoka hesitated. That was when the wolf slashed the air blindly. The strike caught the girl in the eye. An arc of blood sprayed across the air. There was a terrible scream. Terror gripped Nodoka's heart. The girl twisted trembling, hand covering her face. And the wolf disappeared into the night. Nodoka approached her, reaching up to take her hands with her own which were shaking so badly.
"Let me see maybe it's not so-"
"If you tell me which direction I'm walking in I can led the both of you to safety," She said in a wavering voice. "Put your friend on my back."
Nodoka was too scared not to do as she said. Later she learned that the girl's name was Setsuna and safety was an asylum that was near the city. A kind lady by the name of Nekane took her and Yue in but Setsuna was different. When Nekane tried to help restore Setsuna's eyesight-she was a gypsy-Setsuna snapped at her and the fire Nodoka had seen before spilled out, consuming the corridor, the rooms and everything else in the building. Nodoka was terrified. Then Al had appeared from mid-air in front of Setsuna. In the middle of a blazing inferno he'd calmed Setsuna with a simple word. It'd meant nothing to Nodoka but to Setsuna it'd seemed to mean the world because she'd seemed to lose all energy, her body sagging and she'd dropped to the floor, staring blankly at the tiles with ruined eyes, the fire vanishing in an instant.
Konoka stared at Nodoka, stunned. She wasn't sure which stunned her more. That this place was an asylum or that Setsuna had set the place on fire or how Nodoka and Yue had come here.
"This place isn't an asylum anymore but Setsuna still remembers it like it was. And so do Jack, Al and Nekane," Nodoka said quietly. Konoka wanted to say something then Nodoka put her hand on her shoulder and said, "I'm just telling you to be careful that's all."
Konoka looked back over her shoulder. Setsuna's shoulders were shaking. She was laughing into the pillow. Nodoka smiled at her pleasantly then walked away. As she did Konoka felt a ripple of power snake out then it was gone. Konoka watched her go, curiosity piqued. Nodoka was unlike any other story bard Konoka had met. After a moment Konoka closed the door, turning back to Setsuna, troubled. Setsuna wouldn't hurt her...
"Secchan...?" Konoka touched her shoulder, looking at her apprehensively.
Setsuna shot upright almost hitting Konoka, an expression of deep realization plastered across her face. Setsuna wouldn't hurt her on purpose, Konoka amended in her head.
"Your griffon can talk to me," Setsuna said with an air of someone coming to an epiphany. For one moment Konoka thought she had a moment of being sober just for a second until she saw how unfocused her eyes were.
"...What?" Konoka stared at her. "That's impossible."
"That's why I drank," Setsuna murmured.
"...You drank because a griffon talked to you?"
"...Yes."
Konoka looked outside the window thoughtfully then back at Setsuna who was swaying. Her heart was beating so fast too and Konoka noticed that she was breathing hard. Konoka touched her hand, stroking it slowly, soothingly.
"Relax Secchan," Konoka said gently. "The alcohol's just going through your system. There's something I want to ask you...are you the prince?"
Setsuna's face crumbled and her eyes shone with tears. Konoka regretted asking the question immediately.
"You hate me don't you? That's why you're asking me," Setsuna whimpered, swallowing. She wailed, throwing her arms around Konoka and burst out into choked sobs, "I'm a murderer! I killed my best friend!"
Konoka hugged her, whispering soothing words in her ear and patted her back which heaved with each sob as she drew deep, shuddering breaths. Konoka gently pried her off, taking her hand and pulled her to the window. She opened it and climbed on, holding onto Setsuna's hand.
"What are you doing?" Setsuna whimpered.
"We're going for a ride," Konoka said. "You need some fresh air."
With a whoop she leapt off the window-sill, Setsuna in tow. Setsuna probably thought she was crazy. She was a little bit but not that crazy. The minute the wind rushed against her, caressing her Konoka unlocked one of her powers. Instead of falling to their doom they were sailing through the air in an upwards climb.
"Y-You can fly?!" Setsuna yelped.
"Yep!"
There was a shrill cry from overhead. Icarus swooped down, doing a somer-sult in the air near them. He groaned in her head.
Remind me never to be with her when she's drunk my Lady! She decimated the robots and underwear with one move!
Konoka laughed, free and as happy as the sun she was born under. And in that moment she forgot to be careful. As Icarus' feathers brushed Konoka's skin, she felt it-a ripple of her true power leak out to the surface. For just a split second she felt all the happiness drain from her. Terror followed by panic seized her heart, stopping her dead in her tracks. Then Icarus' voice was crying in her mind.
My lady, your glamour! Hurry, conceal it or they'll catch you!
Konoka quickly threw up her glamour, the protective shield forged from sheer willpower that cloaked her true nature from anyone who wanted to find her through mystical or magical means. She felt someone brush the edges of her consciousness, a fleeting touch then a ripple of annoyance that was close to anger. It was one she knew well. It tried to hold her tightly then it was gone in a flash. Konoka breathed a sigh of relief. That had been too close. They'd almost caught her.
"Konoka…?" Setsuna's voice startled her.
Konoka jumped ten foot in the air. Putting a hand on her heart she looked at Setsuna and gave her a reassuring smile, the one that always worked on people who weren't like her who she wanted to make them feel better. It worked. Although Konoka wondered if that was the alcohol. She drifted closer, passing Icarus whose eyes were on her, waiting, watching to see what she'd do. Konoka flashed him an ok symbol with her fingers behind her back and took Setsuna's hand gently, caressing her skin. Setsuna was shaking so badly.
"I promise you," Konoka said using the same soothing, gentle voice. "I promise you Secchan, that I'm never going to hurt you ever. You can trust me."
Setsuna's hazed eyes flickered, a moment of clarity dousing them. Konoka moved closer closing the distance between them and planted a kiss on her. Setsuna's eyes shot open.
She pushed Konoka away, wings shooting out of her shoulders and yelped, "What are you doing?!"
"Kissing you?" Konoka frowned at her. "Usually people don't react like that."
Setsuna blushed bright red. Konoka flew closer but the closer she got the further Setsuna back-pedalled.
"Secchaaaan come here!" Konoka sang.
Setsuna flew into the backdrop of the moon. Konoka paused, awed as she was illuminated in an instant. Her hair transformed into white, her eyes baby blue and a white, soft glow shone from her skin and clothes. Konoka paused, eyes raking over Setsuna's form. She didn't know how or why but her features seemed more androgynous, handsome like this. Konoka could see Setsuna's jaw, strong and defined. Her hair was fluffy. Konoka giggled to herself. What a strange word for a person like Setsuna. Konoka floated towards Setsuna, taking her hand before she could fly away.
"You know...you are really beautiful," Konoka told her.
Setsuna was frozen, staring at her with fearful, wide eyes. Konoka had never heard someone's heart beat so fast. She was so scared. Though that could've been the absinthe. Konoka had seen it raise human heartbeats to dangerous levels. Konoka had never seen a demon consume one, much less more than 11. Konoka pulled her close to her, casting a net of comfort over Setsuna and placed her arm around her waist holding her affectionately. This had to work. She could make anyone relax if she wanted to just by touch, or with just a smile. It was a power of hers. It was her only power that she had right now. Not a gypsy power but her very own, gifted with it since her birth. It was the one she had used to put Setsuna under her spell. It was lust at most, blind, hopeless lust. Only...she usually stopped at this point. Right now she wasn't so sure she wanted to. She liked how Setsuna made her feel. Kind of like someone who was real. Kind like someone with a crush.
"Secchan?"Konoka said, keeping her finger around Setsuna's. "I told you...you don't need to be scared of me. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want…"
Konoka trailed off as Setsuna whimpered. She really was scared. Setsuna was looking at her with wet eyes. Fear and desire clouded them in equal amounts. It was like Setsuna couldn't figure out what to feel. Konoka tugged Setsuna towards her, pressing a hand on the back of her neck and kissed her again. She put comfort, threw out layers after layers of her power just enough to calm her down but not enough for them to catch her. Setsuna's pulse shot through the roof, her breath catching. Then she gave in. Just like everybody did. Konoka didn't want to stop. She could feel her own heart race like a drum against her chest as Setsuna pulled her closer.
And down below neither of them noticed the two figures tucked against the corner of the palace, watching them. One in sheer terror while the other was watching like Christmas had come early.
"We've hit gold Makie! I knew she was hiding something!" The second one cackled gleefully.
A.N: Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you enjoy this. I'm taking a break won't update until the holidays are over so I figured I'd leave a present for you guys. Til next time, my dear readers, enjoy and take care of yourselves over this very happy Christmas :D
Sandanio: You gave me a great idea thanks! :D
NegimaFan: Will do buddy. I'm glad I lifted your spirits after a crappy day. I know what that feels like =.=;
Pinstripe: Nope no past life connection/reincarnation connection. And no, they haven't met each other in a past life and weren't made to forget one another. Although those were some pretty good theories better than what I came up with at the start of this story initially lol.
KJacket: Thanks!