Silent Lamb

by xeveningx

In silence lay secrets that have haunted her for years and she's ready to give up everything in order to take them to her grave. At this point,there's nothing to make her waver.Or is there? In the end,it's her choice: unravel the truth and destroy everything she's come to love, or forever be the scapegoat and lose herself in the process? (Rated M for themes.)

7. Cataclysm

Chapter Seven:

Cataclysm

---

"...Ceara?"

No answer. Kohaku sighed defeated, having expected as much even with calling her vassal. But as she watched the older girl from the doorstep of the room they shared, she felt her heart sink. Kohaku watched from a distance as Ceara broke down weeping on her bed. Her cries had long gone deaf against her ears from how long she'd been crying. And it tore at Kohaku to see Ceara—her friend—hurting to such extent. And as empathetic as she may be, she couldn't fathom the pain of her loss.

Ceara had just found out her older brother had died out in the battlefield against the Gou and Kai. The battle had been won and it took their small nation of Kou closer to uniting the three countries, but it had cost many their loved ones—-including a little girl her only living relative.

Kohaku clenched her fists against her chest at being unable to fathom such loss. She would be devastated if Masami or her baby siblings were to pass unexpectedly. But she highly doubted that it would be the same. If Kohaku lost anybody, she would have her family to mourn with, to help her through it.

Ceara had no one.

Wanting to comfort her as best she could, Kohaku entered the room and came closer to her. Touching her shoulder lightly, she was shocked to have Ceara turning as if taken aback. Her stark blue eyes were glazed over, puffy and red from her crying. Her bright features dampened and dirtied by the stains.

"Ceara…" Kohaku whispered unable to stomach her looking like this. "I'm so so—"

"Don't!" Ceara screeched out, smacking away Kohaku's hand. A semblance of fury took over her childlike features. "I'm sick and tired of people saying sorry. Everybody's sorry he's gone. But no one cared to bring me more than a damn sword and apologies!"

"I-I know it isn't fair but it's going to be all right—"

"No, it's not," Ceara shouted unable to keep her emotions in check anymore. The tears continued to stream down her face as she glared at her. "Cael's dead, Haku. He's gone and I'm alone. So screw off and leave me alone." Kohaku jumped back, startled, as Ceara came off from her bed and ran out the door of the room. Devastated as she felt, Kohaku knew Ceara hadn't meant any of those things.

Her friend was the nicest person. She took care of Kohaku who was two years younger, and loved spending time together. It'd been Ceara who taught her to not be afraid of the world as it was now, to embrace it for what it could be. But now, Ceara's world crashed around her. It was clear to Kohaku that Ceara was mourning and would continue to do so. And she couldn't stop her.

And now she too was left by herself with no one to talk to. At least no one that would care to hear about Ceara's predicament. Approaching Masami's room, Kohaku had hoped to at least be able to spend some time with her and wait for Ceara but opening the door only sunk her heart further. Beyond the parlor, inside her sister's room, Kohaku could hear Masami's incessant wails. Much like Ceara, she kept weeping and asking 'why' over and over. Kohaku didn't understand why she was so upset but she knew that interrupting her would just be the same as it had been with Ceara. They needed time.

That night she fell asleep in her empty room. In the middle of it, a ruckus awoke her. Groggy as she was, Kohaku managed to catch the glimpse of a silhouette: one her size. "Ceara?"

The girl stopped and turned, bright blue eyes visible as the moonlight hit them. Toeing closer to her bed, Ceara smiled weakly at her. "Sorry I woke you up "

"Where are you going?" Kohaku asked puzzled at seeing her fully dressed.

"Kitchen." Kohaku raised an eyebrow but blinked, still half asleep. "Don't worry, I'll be back before you know it." Ceara gently laid Kohaku back down on her bed and tucked her in, stroking her hair. "And Haku…?"

"Mmh?"

"I'm sorry...for shouting at you."

Kohaku smiled warmly and reached a hand out to touch Ceara's cheek, one she noticed was still stained in streaks of tears even in the dim light. Her tiny hand brushed against Ceara's cheek and stopped her for a breath. "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to."

Ceara pursed her lips before taking Kohaku's hand off from her face and laying it beside her. "Goodnight, Kohaku."

"Goodnight, Ceara," she replied with a yawn. Sleep was quickly taking over her but she managed to hear Ceara rustling as she left.

The next morning, Kohaku awoke to find her room empty, her friend gone, and no sighting of her since the day before. Kohaku looked but she was nowhere to be found.

She was gone.

And it wouldn't be until three months later that they would meet again.

---

Despite being the early hours of the morning, it was stunning to watch darkened clouds overtake the skies. The rain that ushered itself since the night prior was also quite unexpected when their winter days had been filled with nothing but sunshine and mild coldness. And yet, since late the day before, Rakushou saw nothing but pouring rains.

Koumei watched this from the study as he spent the morning briefing Kouen about the news that had arrived late the night before.

"So, how did it happen?" Kouen began as he stood by Koumei to watch the servants as they struggled by to quickly arrange for what was necessary. Even a small funeral was by no means easy to put together, especially at such short notice.

With a noticeably tired sigh, Koumei reached behind him to a scroll sitting idly on the desk. From it he recited what the magicians had relegated to the Reizei siblings and what had the palace so mobilized on such a dank morning. "As of early yesterday evening, Reizei Koujiro succumbed to his illness, one he'd been fighting against for the better part of two years. His wife, Arianna, and some of the staff that had been attending them passed away as well apparently having contracted the same illness. Others are in late stages and are being attended by healers in Shika."

"I thought word had come of the General's recovery," Kouen mulled as the information came.

"It appears the illness struck harder than anticipated." Koumei contemplated about this as he placed the scroll down again. "After fighting it for two years, it doesn't surprise me that he eventually fell to it. It seems their mother's death was unexpected from what Masami got to inform me, however. None of them knew their mother was even ill." He turned to his brother then, "As per your orders, the four of them have been informed that they cannot travel back to Shika, seeing as whatever struck their parents could inadvertently infect them too. And bringing that back to the palace would only be troublesome."

"Preparations are being done, I see," Kouen replied.

He nodded and continued to watch the surreal image outside their window. It amazed him that outside where much was happening, behind walls it didn't seem to reach them as much. And even with so many people working to ready the funeral for the early afternoon, they had yet to see a glimpse of the now orphaned siblings. "They've recluse themselves, too." Koumei heaved a sigh this time somewhat exasperated. "This couldn't have happened at a more inopportune time."

The council and his brother and king had already finished preparations for their advancement towards the west; specifically, their attack on Magnostadt. In two weeks time, they enact the attack; they had planned to inform the generals involved about it in a few days as well. And seeing as they would employ a full siege—from the eastern plains of the city and South through Balbadd—they would need those involved to be prepared. With this neither Kohaku nor the twins would be mentally adequate to fight.

"They will be ready by the time we start mobilizing." Koumei was surprised at his brother's statement.

"I hope so," he added. Otherwise they would have to accommodate things to better suit this latest predicament. That or, god forbid, delay the siege. Knowing his brother, however, Koumei doubted the latter would come to be.

Kouen stood up from his place and motioned out to Koumei. "We should prepare ourselves to pay respects."

Koumei nodded. Having been a former general of their army, it would be expected of them to do as much. Seeing as he would have been their father-in-law, it also mandatory for them to attend at least to show their respects. It reminded him of the funeral they attended almost half a year ago. Hopefully this one would be much less eventful.

---

One year. Two funeral. One she didn't really care for, the other she hated the fact that she couldn't cry.

Kohaku stood amidst the darken room. No sunlight entered, not like there was any to begin with. The dark clouds grayed the skies as rain continued to pour; the same from the night before. The incense burning plunged into her nostrils in harsh tendrils of smoke. Two shrines stood in the middle of the room, the priests littering the sides of it, praying.

Sousei and Suisei were cladded in black and white, kneeling before the two vigils. Their cries were deafening; Suisei's definitely were as she wept against Sousei's shoulder. He simply held onto her tightly trying to drive away his own anguish as the tears fell. A few steps behind them was Masami and she stood as quiet and still as a statue. From her viewpoint at the very back, Kohaku could see her shaking, trying very hard not to shed tears.

She, on the other hand, didn't have to try. It wasn't because she wasn't sad; there just weren't anymore tears to shed. So she didn't disturb their mourning. Instead, she stood back and watched over them, trying to understand and cope in her own way the loss they just suffered.

Death. Both their father, who had been suffering from illness, and their mother, who had contracted it, had been taken by it. The worst part of all was that none of them could even return home to properly see them off. What killed their parents and at least half of the staff back at home was some unknown illness. From how quickly it spread with such mild symptoms to account for it, the healers suspected something lethal; something that had to be controlled. In the midst of that investigation, they had deemed the Reizei manor inhospitable. Even worse, those who'd died from the infection couldn't be conventional buried. In fear of what the illness could be or do, all who perished from it would be cremated, their parents included. Kohaku grimaced while biting at her lip, sure that in Shika the bodies probably were burning into ashes by now.

All they had been allowed to do was stand and mourn two empty caskets under shrines. She thought it truly pathetic and disgraceful for their parents to be given such disrespect, but there was nothing she could do. There was no say for her in the matter even as a general. It came down to a meager ceremony for their sake in the end.

Kohaku's thoughts came to a screeching halt when she felt a rush of air against her. At turning, she saw Masami's back as she exited the place. Grimacing, Kohaku turned from the closed door to the twins, concern marring her expression But at seeing them she was reminded of one thing that remained true even through this whole ordeal: they had each other. They always did.

So she went after Masami. Thankfully she hadn't run far off and stood off to the side of an empty hallway away from rain that fell. She stood ways from the entrance, the guards around ignoring her as she tried hard to swallow her sobs. Kohaku, feeling the sinking of her own chest, stepped forward placing a hand on her shoulder. Masami turned about slowly but the moment she saw Kohaku her face contorted into a glower.

"…get your hands off me."

Pretenses didn't matter. It was more than obviously to Kohaku as she heard every spiteful enunciation of Masami's words. They were the least that mattered now when the pain overrode everything. There was no attempt in hiding the deep-seated hatred that Masami held. Her eyes flared in anger, but also stained in the tears as they finally fell. Kohaku remained still and took the words for once feeling pity, as ludicrous as it sounded.

A major part of her hated Masami just as much as she hated of abuse taught her to fear, to hate. But a much smaller part, one that she retained from childhood, was understanding of what Masami was feeling at that very moment. This wasn't like before, it wasn't hatred from a woman angered at her lies; Kohaku knew it as displaced hatred born of deep anguish. Sorrow, when deeply felt, bred all kinds of responses. Anger was one of them.

And stupidity. But that seems to exclusively apply to me, somehow.

Retracting her hand, she signed a few words instead.

"Don't waste your energy, Masami. It's not worth it. We should be inside with Sou and Sui. They need us now more than ever."

"We…?" she sneered, her lividness growing tenfold. "You don't even belong in that room. Stop acting like you care."

"As much as it kills you to hear this, I care. About you, not so much anymore, but I care deeply about Sou and Sui. That's why now isn't the time—"

Masami smacked Kohaku's hands, stopping her from even finishing her sentence. Kohaku began to raise them again but stopped at seeing the pain in Masami's eyes. Calming her would be impossible.

"You don't have the right to care about them. You've never been a part of this family. No matter how you look, how you act, how you talk...you are not her."

The words pained Kohaku. The mere fact that Masami would bring that up showed her how devastated their parents' death had truly left her.

Hiding her face as she lowered her head, Masami spat out the words in a demanding hiss just under her breath. "Leave… I don't want to see your face in there even after it's over. Don't come near Sousei or Suisei. Just stay away from us." She strode past Kohaku, a painful shove against her shoulder clearing a path that laid wide open as she spoke her last words, "If you don't, I'll tell everybody and anyone who'll listen." Kohaku simply stood there letting those words sink as Masami's footsteps retreated back into the funeral, the door closing solemnly behind her.

Turning on her heels, Kohaku watched the closed door as she stood unable to take a step forth. This had been the most open threat she'd placed in front of Kohaku. A very clear ultimatum: take one more step and the world will know.

It would pass, surely, but it wouldn't be wise to test her. So instead she headed towards the inner gardens were the peach trees were bare, some budding in early anticipation of the upcoming spring. Kohaku sat down at the edge of a hall somewhere in the West Wing, as far as she could get from the funeral. As she sat there, her physical pain began to override the emotional. Her legs began to throb as did her stomach, turning in on itself once more. Rubbing her hands against her arms—both of which she still felt some phantom numbness from—she watched the rain fall against the ground. Winter pours coming in for the coming spring. A cool breeze came and swept her hair, some water catching on her cheeks. Not bothering with it, Kohaku bent her legs and rested her chin atop her knees, her hands wandering down to her feet to cradle herself in the cold.

Despite the winter rain making it all the colder, she felt like it helped numb the hurt as the sinking in her chest continued, tearing something in her ever so slowly. It wasn't such a bad pain, though. It hurt but at least it showed they were dealing with it. For now, they would mourn, anger would come to pass, and they would find a way to continue the legacy of their family under the rule of the Kou Empire. It would be what their father would have wanted.

But as she sat there, hugging her knees tightly to her chest, Kohaku couldn't help but hate herself for thinking so bleakly. Had she truly grown so detached from life that even the death of their parents seemed trivial? If anything the mere thought of that made her angry rather than sad.

"Well, if it isn't the rot of the bunch."

In spite of its playful meaning, Kohaku couldn't help the disdain that came from her at hearing Judar calling her. The mood she was in didn't allow her to respond, though. It was curious what a slap from reality could do to someone; how it made them quiet, docile, unresponsive.

The magi, unaware or simply ignoring this, plunged down to sit beside her. Since she didn't turn to glance at him directly, she could only see him from the corner of her eye. What she did see were his feet as they laid before him along with the ends of his braid, Judar not caring that they were getting wet. It was only when he sat down that she heard the distinctive smacking of his lips as he ate. From the watery noise he made, she supposed they were peaches.

"What's with the hideous getup?" he asked as he chewed onto the juicy fruit.

Thinking was tiring at the moment. But she knew that Judar wouldn't stop asking regardless. What was more, she didn't really care at the moment what she said, either. Seeing as neither would care for it, her thoughts came as crudely as she felt.

"My parents died," she thought, nihilistically. "They're being mourned right now."

The smacking stopped instantly. Kohaku didn't put attention to it but Judar didn't comment until a few seconds later. "And you're not with the two mole rats and cuckold bitch?"

"They—I'm not wanted there." At thinking this, Kohaku chuckled and brushed her fingers through her hair, "No. I don't belong there...with them."

"That's stupid."

The fact that he came up with such solution astounded her. Not because it was plain but because it was true. "If it makes her feel better, who am I to argue? I've taken enough from them already. And if I just have to stay away for right now, then...well, doesn't seem too hard."

"You're talking nonsense too, Taozi. Knowing your sappy ass, you wouldn't wander a foot from them." Judar scoffed and out of the blue threw his half-eaten peach out towards the garden. The fruit exploded at making contact with the tree that stood some feet away from them. Kohaku heard the blood rushing through him, his heart thumping a slightly bit harder, his breathing a tad bit shallower all at once. "They're your family."

"They are, aren't they?"

But even to her own head, those words sounded fabricated. Their meaning absent. What should have been a clear cut reply to his question ended doing nothing but adding to what Masami already said.

"You don't have the right to care about them. You've never been a part of this family. No matter how you look, how you act, how you talk...you are not her."

No...they're not.

Masami's words and her own reminder shot that lie dead. Burying her face against her knees and hiding it from the world, she wished for once that she could just go away and disappear. For once just forget everything and leave. But that was easier thought than anything. Too many things anchored her to the life she lived now. What she saw to lose hugely outweighed what she could gain. And that just completely sunk her heart to her stomach.

A small nudge took her out of her depressive mind for an instant. The smacking returned as she lifted her head enough to glance down at her feet where she'd felt whatever it had been touch her. At doing so, she saw a small peach as it still wobbled a bit from being pushed there. Lifting her gaze to Judar, she only caught him eating his own as he watched the gardens. He didn't say a word. Reaching for the small fruit, Kohaku brought it up to her lips before taking a small bite.

Her thoughts rushed further into the despair from before but another tiny bite brought her back just the same. They went back—they sunk into guilt, sorrow, self-hatred—before the sweetness brought her back to the rain and the boy that sat beside her. Such struggle went on for a few more bites until a dreadful realization came to her.

It's like back then.

Kohaku was at odds with herself now just like she had been thirteen years ago. Back when it was about a little lonely girl. A girl conflicted with things no one knew of. A girl having thrusted herself in a place she didn't belong. A girl in a role...that wasn't hers.

I'm sorry.

Slightly choking on the small bite, Kohaku whimpered softly while holding one hand against her face. The two words repeated over and over in her head as her whimpers quickly changed to sobs. Her voice hoarse on its own only made her sobs that much more horrible. Unable to hold onto it anymore, Kohaku broke down and let go of the barely eaten peach. It fell and rolled away from her into the open and under the rain before them. Judar stopped briefly mid-bite as he heard her crying out. The sound came over the rainfall softly but he heard it. Taking another peach, he placed it beside her once more before going back to eat his.

Judar sat in silence by her side as she wept out in her anguish.

---

Unable to be as composed as he made himself seem, Kouha sighed and stretched his arms behind his head. He gandered at his brothers by the corner of his eyes and noticed nothing amiss. As if the three of them hadn't just left a ceremonial burial. Thinking about it now, though, he understood why they weren't despondent.

Reizei Koujiro had been a general but by his standards he didn't compare to those with Djinn like himself, his brothers, or even Kougyoku. It was of much higher value to posses a Metal Vessel than just be a normal soldier. It's why he understand his brother En's choice to have Haku as general rather than her father. But that'd all gone to shit seeing as he was dead now.

Speaking of her, Kouha grimaced at remembering that Kohaku had been sorely missing from the funeral. Kougyoku had been there before them and said that she hadn't been there when she arrived either. Sousei and Suisei knew she left with Masami that early morning but only Masami came back in. They had no idea where Kohaku went. It was sad to see them so downtrodden; they were a noisy bunch, especially Suisei, but they weren't all that bad. To see her so sad to the point she was so quiet was unnerving. Sousei tried being the stronger one for their sake but he was unusually anxious. It seemed Kougyoku being there helped, so Kouha didn't intervene like he usually did. Masami had nothing to say about Kohaku, just that she left and didn't know where to.

Very impolitely too if he said so himself. But her disappearance lingered in his mind as the three of them made their way to his brother En's study. Mei and him had stuff to talk about and since they let him join, it didn't seem to be anything urgent. Yet the one missing sibling from the funeral had his mind wrapped up in confusion.

"Where d'ya suppose she's gone to?" Kouha asked finally unable to keep it to himself.

"Mourn on her own terms, perhaps," Koumei said with a yawn, covering her mouth. "But I wouldn't be able to name you a place if that's what you want."

Sprinting a few steps ahead, Kouha turned about to walk backwards so he could face them both. "You have any idea, En-nii?"

Kouen stayed silent and shook his head. White lie but he needn't have to answer. He had a few places in mind but surely the most obvious wouldn't be correct. At least that's what he thought until they reached the door to his study in the West Wing. As soon as he opened the door for the three of them, he heard Judar's loud voice echo from inside.

"You're pulling it!" His screech echoed along with disparate grunts. "Damn it, be careful." Confusion and curiosity flooded into the three brothers and with Kouen in the lead, they followed the sounds deeper into the study until they spotted their country's magi. And not by himself. With their backs towards them, he and Kohaku sat facing away. Judar's hair had been undone and Kohaku had half a braid done and adorned fully with different budding flowers of varying colors. As she did a fold, she reached down her side where an empty basket sat. Feeling nothing of what was supposed to be there, she tapped Judar on the shoulder. There was silence before the magi clicked his tongue, "You finished them already?"

Kohaku bopped his arm and grimaced before Judar groaned in irritation. Nonetheless, he picked out his wand before twirling it. The few seeds in the basket sprouted and became fully grown with the little bit of Life Magic he poured in them. A small smile on her lips, she picked one from the bunched and entwined it between his hair as she continued plaiting it.

The three had been completely quiet during this small exchange and it wasn't until Kouha snorted that either of them noticed their presence. Annoyed and flustered, Judar opened his mouth and tried getting up at the same time. Not willing to let him go when she wasn't finished, Kohaku pouted and held onto his hair, plunging him down back to a sit. He fought with her briefly about letting his hair go but whatever argument she brought up made him shut up without a reproach.

Incredibly, Kouen had been proven wrong. Kouha skipped over to them and squatted before the two.

"The white ones look better," he added, putting another one as Kohaku continued to braid.

It surprised Kouen and Koumei that she had completely ignored them. Even with Kouha as he continued to give his feedback or tease Judar about the whole ordeal, she remained quiet with a wistful yet empty smile.

Not seeing anything wrong with this, Koumei ignored her and went on what he'd planned on doing. Kouen, however, noticed how unkempt she was and it bothered him. She was still in her funeral attire and it'd been dirtied somehow, the skirts wet and muddied along with her shoes. Not only that but her face was slightly stained and...her lip.

"By the way, Haku, why are you still dressed in these things?" Kouha asked as he lifted the skirts of her muddied ruqun.

Unbelievably, she didn't bother signing. Instead, Judar turned her way with a click of his tongue. "What the fuck do I look like, you're damn messenger boy?" She jokingly pulled at his hair hard enough for him to yelp and grab at his scalp. Getting the message, he replied to him. "The rot said she doesn't care for it." a smug smirk came to him as he added, "Not like she'd care anyway after bawling so ugly—ow!"

Narrowing her eyes at him, Kohaku tightened the fold of the plait while glaring at Judar. He mumbled back at her for doing that but Kohaku didn't seemed fazed about his annoyance. All she did was continue plaiting his hair with the flowers.

The fact that her disregard for her wellbeing was so blatant irked Kouen. She was truly going out of her way to not speak to them directly and spoke only to Judar. And he thought the twins had been reclusive; compared to them, Kohaku appeared bleaker. And it bothered him.

Taking long strides to her, Kouen reached down to grab her by her forearm before lifting her up to her feet. All those in the room were surprised at the sudden action, excluding Kohaku. The woman simply stared dumbfounded at her arm before coming to glare up clearly peeved at him. "You want to remain here, fine. I'm not stopping you. But go and tidy yourself first." Letting her gently off his grip, he hadn't noticed that he'd lifted her up of off the floor to the point that she needed to stand on her toes to touch it. She hadn't complained though. It irritated her more than anything, apparently, that he'd been so forceful.

Judar let out a round of laughter and held onto his stomach. "Oh, wow, Taozi. Now you're speaking my language!" His fingers reached up to wipe away a couple of tears coming from his bout. "Entei, you've gotta hear what she just said."

For once, Kohaku reacted and skipped back from Kouen to catch Judar by his finished plait before yanking at it. Judar spat back vulgarities as she tugged at it. From what he could gather from their one-sided conversation, she was adamant about not wanting to leave. The issue was getting more problematic that he intended it to be. But he knew of something else that would prompt her to listen even if she didn't want to.

"Kouha." Curiously enough, all three of them—Kouha, Kohaku, and Judar—turned at hearing Kouen call for his younger brother. "Escort her and make sure she does as I asked."

"Yeah," Kouha replied. Taking Kohaku by the hand, he starts walking away but stops. He turns to catch Kohaku not wanting to budge from her place. "C'mon, Haku. It'll be quick and then you'll be back here. How about when we return we bun up Judar's hair?"

The thought of it made her smile a bit before she nodded. They'd only taken a few steps towards the door when Kohaku remembered a certain loudmouth. Retracing her path, she came back to Judar before grabbing his braid and pulling him along as they left for her room.

The action seemed childish to Kouen's eyes but he caught a glimpse of how tightly she'd been holding onto the magi. She hadn't wanted to leave him behind—whether in fear of him talking about their conversations or because she just didn't want to be alone was unclear to him.

"Were we like this?" Kouen turned to Koumei as he came to stand by his side watching where the three had just left. He grimaced and let his head drop as he spoke just above a whisper. "Back when mother…"

Kouen sighed and lifted his gaze to the ceiling, trying to find an answer to a question that he'd never given any thought to. It'd been years since she passed away and he seldom recalled any memories of that time. It wasn't like he did so often, anyway. "Everyone takes it differently."

Certainly, how they reacted when their mother first passed was different to how the four siblings were taking it. Solemnity like Masami's he anticipated; it was predictable. The twins' reaction reminded him much of Koumei's when their mother passed. But Kohaku seemed detached, somehow. It was clear to anyone that she was devastated, and it showed from her quietness and reluctance to listen. But there was also a semblance of numbness.

What wasn't as clear was where it stemmed from. Kouen reached a hand to Koumei's shoulder and held it tightly, "However it was, it's done with now. They'll learn to live with it."

Just like they had.

---

"You're taking too long, Taozi!"

"Shut up, Judar." Kohaku huffed at him from the other side of the screen that separated her room from where the two boys were. As adamant as she had been before about not leaving, she was kind of glad that she had now. Warm, clean clothes did wonders on how heavy her body had felt. Her mind was still running slow, though. The day wasn't over yet and it still hung over her head like dead weight.

Some little brightness came over her depressing day, surprisingly. Judar's company had been peaceful to have. Having him by her made it easier to not act as the grown up she was—it was like having a lease on being a petulant child for once. It amazed her that he'd let her braid his hair, even more that he'd let her put the flowers on it. But he'd noticed the mood as horrid as it was. It just went to show that despite how much of a brat he was, Judar had a tender side to him too.

It took her a bit of time to find the clothes she wanted, a simple set that was comfortable to wear. Kouha kept asking questions that she answered through Judar who in turn gave snarky remarks of his own when he wanted. She didn't mind, though. It was when she began taking her clothes off to change into her clean ones that she began to disregard them.

"She's taking awfully long," Kouha mumbled as he leaned against a wall nearest to the screen.

Judar began to turn impatient, his footsteps thumping loudly as he paced around her room. "Hurry up, rot! I'm bored."

"I'm almost done."

"Change faster," he whined.

"You know..." Kouha started as he examined his nails. Lifting his gaze to meet Judar's, he grinned before finishing his sentence. "Surely, if we lend her a hand, things would go faster."

Judar smirked at hearing that. The two held onto the side of the screen and, with a mischievous glint in their eyes, yanked at the screen pulling it aside. The two met bright blue eyes full of bewilderment. Like she'd said, she was almost dressed but the shock had made her scramble mindlessly to cover herself, inadvertently exposing some of her stomach and legs. Judar cackled at the prank as did Kouha until his eyes landed on her exposed skin.

Bruises and cuts were scattered on her stomach and legs. And they looked fresh—bruises mildly dark mixed with red and opaque tans, cuts pink and rutted.

Unfortunately, he couldn't keep staring. Kohaku instinctively took her feather pen from her hair and swept it aside. In an instant, it turned into the sound staff and the sound that vibrated out smashed against them like a punch, sending them off against the furthest wall. Kouha rolled out and landed with his back against the floor and legs up against the wall. Judar, the lucky bastard, had his borg to protect him. It bounced off the wall and Judar landed on the floor, cackling away. Before they could even recover, Kohaku had already closed the screen again.

Judar winced, his laughter stopping, as he picked at his ear. "D-Don't yell. It was a damn prank."

"I'd crucify you both if I could, you scoundrels!"

"Relax," Judar scoffed as they got up. "Not much to see anyway."

Kohaku parted the screen open and glared at Judar, her cheeks molten. Holding the feather pen between her teeth as she busied her hands on loosely braiding her hair, she stalked off and out of the room with the two following behind her.

Once back at the study, she left them and stormed off toward a different section of the library they had in the room. Judar snickered before sitting back down and lying back to rest. Kouha, still perplexed, went to Koumei's side and jumped on one of the ottomans laying around.

"Something the matter?" Koumei asked, noticing his behavior.

Kouha shook his head, lifting it when he heard Kohaku coming back from wherever she'd gone to. With a bound journal in her hands, she went over to the biggest desk. The one he knew his brother En used most. Recalling him and noticing him gone, he asked his brother Mei.

Koumei shrugged his shoulders at the question. "Said he had some things to do but that he'd be back soon."

"Are you both done for the day?" Kouha asked, languidly as he stared out the window. The raining had yet to stop, but surely night had rolled around.

"Yes," he replied. " Some preparations for the siege on Magnostadt still need adjusting but they're only minor. For now, our brother and king suggested we rest."

"He did?" Kouha's voice finally perked up at hearing that. It sounded nothing like his brother En. Usually, he was eager to go for anything that meant progress. If anything, he was usually more brazen and upfront about his demands for the generals and soldiers when planned battles neared their time. "That sounds—"

"Odd," Koumei finished with a nod. "I know, but we are not to argue." A yawn escaped him as he took one of the scrolls he had back up again to read as he sat down besides Kouha. "Besides, some rest sounds wonderful."

Kouha chuckled and patted Koumei's head. "You haven't been sleeping right again, have you?" Koumei only grumbled under his breath and it made Kouha snicker again. A few minutes pass with only the four of them being in the study. Finding it so eerily quiet, he went to Judar's side and began pestering him seeing as neither Koumei nor Kohaku seemed to be up to talking.

"Judar."

"What?" he called out a bit loudly. Kouha smacked his hand over Judar's mouth, the magi smacking his hand away. "What the hell?"

"Quiet," Kouha shushed with his finger. "Did you see Haku?"

"Of course I do," he snorted. Although still a little loud, it was still quieter than before. "She's sitting right there, doing whatever she does."

"No, I mean before in the room. Did you see…" Kouha bend over so that he could be as close to Judar's ear as he could, "Her body?"

"Nah," Judar said. "Nothing good, anyway."

Groaning, Kouha smacked his hand against his face. It was like trying to talk to a child, and he knew his share of mental people. Shaking that thought aside, he was about to correct him when he noticed Kohaku lift her head from whatever she'd been writing and gaze towards the entrance. She closed her journal a second before the doors opened and his brother En entered with Kougyoku, Sousei, and Suisei following behind him.

The twins, at seeing Kohaku, sprinted past Kouen and Kougyoku to reach her. Both launched themselves against her chair almost toppling it over. Kohaku tried reaching out to the desk to stabilize it before all three of them fell over but kept missing the edge. Thankfully, Kouen reached the back of the chair and brought it down on all four legs. The twins didn't let go of Kohaku even when she patted their backs to do so.

"Let her breath," Kouen called. It took his word for them to put some space between themselves. Kohaku gazed up at the twins as the two stared back at her. Their eyes were still puffy and red; Suisei's cheeks were tinted in red while Sousei had some stains remaining from crying. Seeing them like that tore her and she came up to embrace them again.

I'm sorry for leaving you alone like that.

She'd been so afraid of Masami that she became stupid enough to forget how Sui and Sou would feel alone by themselves. The two held tightly onto her, Sousei telling her that it was okay and Suisei saying that they understood.

Kouha watched from afar a bit confused. It wasn't until Kougyoku came by to sit beside him that she began to explain what had happened. The twins had been worried sick and it wasn't all from their mourning. They didn't believe that Kohaku would just up and leave them like that without saying a word. But they knew she'd be mourning on her own like she often did after any major battle.

"From what Sousei told me," Kougyoku whispered to her brother. "She hates it when they see her crying. It didn't stop them from looking though."

"How did you guys find us here?" Kouha asked.

His sister smiled and ran her hand through Judar's hair as he laid across their laps, his head on hers. "Kouen onii-sama found us. Told them about knowing where she was but not to be too judgemental about her leaving." She giggled to herself a bit at that. "When onii-sama said that, Sousei got so feisty saying that they would never do that." At finishing, she tilted her head their way. Suisei had brought a chair closer to sit on and rest her head on Kohaku's shoulder while Sousei sat on the floor with his head on her lap. "It's heartwarming...how close they are."

Kouha couldn't deny them that. "Yeah, they are." He reached over and took Kougyoku's hand in his, holding it tightly. "But so are we." Kougyoku blinked a bit startled but smiled wide and tightened the hold on his hand too.

Things like these...they weren't bad. Having each other to shoulder any burden that any of them could come across. Knowing that they would be there regardless of the situation.

Kouha had to grow to learn this.

Kougyoku had to grow to learn this.

Judar had yet to learn.

Kouen and Koumei had each other since the beginning but they were learning to give this to their younger brother and sister. But they could very well take note from how close those three were.

"You think…" Suisei sniffled and buried her face against Kohaku's shoulder. "You think they're in heaven?"

"They're just gone, Sui," Sousei added in a mumble.

"No, they've gone back."

"Back?" the two repeated.

"To the flow." Kohaku grimaced at mentioning this but continued to explain, wanting for them to know what she'd learned a long time ago about those who died. "It's where all rukh comes from—where we're born—and where we'll all go back to eventually."

"Mom and dad…" Suisei said. "They're there now?"

She nodded. "They've become part of something much bigger, a part of our world and everything in it. Everything it can be. They'll be watching over us now from there."

"You believe this?" Sousei asked unable to do so himself.

Again, she nodded. "Someone told me long ago that those who die don't really leave us. They go back to where all rukh goes to. From where they'll come back eventually. It's a cycle of life that continues and will continue till the end of time. And when our time comes, we will go with them too."

"That sounds—" Suisei sniffled, unable to finish her sentence.

"Nice," Sousei finished, holding onto Kohaku's waist.

"It does."

And for once since the day before, she felt some relief. Relief at knowing that mere fact. Two people had taught her that: the first, a strange man, the other not so much. But they were some of the few persons she had innately trusted somehow. And their words stuck to her and gave her hope. Subsequently, it allowed her to put aside the grieve and let her spread that hope to others.

And right now, hope was the best they had to gain.

---

It was impossible not to sigh for the hundredth time. His patience was lofty but certainly not high enough to tolerate seven people in studies Kouen was so accustomed to having empty. The reason he used the West studies and libraries more often than the ones in the East was because there were suppose to be less people to bother him there.

Certainly tonight, though, peace was far from the schedule. Kouha and Kougyoku were busy talking with the twins and in a rather loud volume. Koumei was speaking with Kohaku but that conversation at least remained somewhat quiet on her side.

But thinking of her reminded him of a puzzling issue: her lip. He overheard the questions from Sousei and Suisei about it, but she only mentioned having cut herself by accident during training. And although they believed her, it was obvious for him to spot the lie she'd concocted. After all, she trained with him in the outdoor barracks or with Seijin at the training grounds. And for two days straight already she had missed both.

It was obvious to him that she was hiding something. Aside from the noisiness, it was enough of a distraction in and of itself. He was so out of sorts that he didn't notice who approached him, much less the hand that gently came to his shoulder.

His head jerked a bit to it and caught a dainty hand marred in callouses. Crimson eyes tinted gold followed the arm connected to it before coming to meet stark blue eyes. Kohaku retracted her hand with a crooked smile on her lips. Instantly his attention was drawn to her lower lip, a bit swollen and the cut scabbing already.

Raising her hands, she motioned out the door. "We're all leaving."

This got him to blink a couple of times before glancing towards the door. Like she said, Kouha, Judar, and Kougyoku were leaving with the twins behind them, whatever their idle chat had been still continuing. Koumei stopped mid-yawn and turned back to her and Kouen. "Indeed you are. You saw need to tell me, why again?"

She wrung her hands before signing, "It's late. Shouldn't you rest?"

"It's fine." He waved dismissively at her before going back to stare at his scroll. "You should be on your way. It's been a long day."

His words, although somewhat haughty, had some semblance of empathy and it heartened her. In an eerie way, they did. She smile and nodded before catching up to Koumei and leaving with him after the group. They were almost out of the study when Kohaku stopped.

Seeing this, Koumei turned to her with a tilt of his head. "Something the matter, General?" Awkwardly, Kohaku exchanged glances between the door and the man they had left behind by himself. She did this a couple of times but they were enough to make Koumei understand. "He stays there most nights. If by any chance he doesn't leave to sleep, I'm sure to send him of. There isn't a need to worry."

A part of her couldn't help but do so, though. After hearing Sousei and Suisei talking about how Kouen had found them himself that evening and brought them to her, she felt too obligated not to be concerned. Well, obligation was a small part of what kept her in place. The other was that small thing she had sworn off that still lingered in her.

"If you want…" Koumei suggested with a small hesitance. "Perhaps, if you want, you could stay."

"We've intruded enough for the night, don't you think?"

A shrug was what he gave for an answer. "From what he's said, your presence seldom bothers him. It's more your words."

Kohaku raised an eyebrow at that. "Excuse me?"

Koumei scoffed at having let that slip. "Go ask him if you're upset about that." A yawn escaped him again and he turned about ready to follow the rest. "I'll be sure to inform your siblings so they won't worry."

He didn't wait for her response and instead continued on to follow the group. Exchanging a glance between the door and the back of the study, she struggled to decide whether or not to go back. Her mind was flooded with 'what ifs' that pulled her inch by inch towards the door to follow behind them. But it took a small one to due the complete opposite.

What if I regret not returning?

She already regretted plenty; today had reminded her just how deep those regrets were and how much they still haunted her. There wasn't about to be another tally on that list. Damning what consequences came for acting on impulse, she turned about and went back. For once...she would do what she wanted. If only this once.

---

"I thought you said you were off to rest."

Kohaku shrugged her shoulders and flashed him a crooked smile. "I left as a courtesy. Truth be told, I'm not particularly tired. But if it's a bother…"

He stared for a few seconds before going back to his scroll. "I don't see why it would be."

I'll take that as a yes.

Going towards the back, she retrieved her journal before coming back to the front. Taking a chair, she came to the desk he was on and sat across from him. Seeing as it was bothersome to light more candles, she opted instead for using the ones he already had on. Taking her feather pen from behind her ear, she reached over for a vial of ink before turning the pages of the journal and beginning to write on it.

Nothing apart from the crackling of the candlelight and the scribbling of her pen was heard in the room. From time to time, he would gaze down at her. Incredibly, she went on about her writing seemingly undisturbed. She would write then stop briefly to swipe the feather's tip against her cheek or lips before continuing.

After a few times of seeing this, his curiosity got the best of him. "What do you write?"

The question got her to lift her gaze from the journal. As if conscious now that he had asked, she placed her pen down in a way that the feather covered the page sideways. "Nothing."

The answer bothered him but not as much as her using her hands did. "You know," he began with a sigh as he placed his scroll down on the desk. "There's no one here but us. You can talk."

Her eyes skimmed the area—if out of concern or habit, he couldn't tell. When she finally assured herself that they were indeed alone, she took a deep breath. "I don't like how it sounds," she pointed out. Although barely above a whisper, the hoarseness of it made it easier to hear.

That certainly reminded him of something else. Reaching down, he grabbed his sheathed sword and laid it across the desk with Phenex's Metal Vessel within clear view. "It's something fixable."

"Now?" she asked, incredulous.

"It's the middle of the night." He unsheathed it halfway and held it against the candlelight, seemingly interested at the sheen of the blade. "No one will hear." Placing it back in its scabbard, he motioned at the window with a nod of his head, "It's still raining, after all."

True but it was still risky.

"No regretting, remember?"

When put that way, it was easy to listen. Taking the carnation hairpin from the last page and putting it in place, she closed the journal and took her chair so that she could sit across from him. Not needing to unsheath the sword itself, Kouen held the blade by its scabbard and pointed the hlit at her. The metal ornament fell before her.

Instinctively, she reached her hands and cradled the cold metal ornament in her hands. Once seeing her firmly grasping it, he called upon Phenex without a word. The coral-colored wings of a small bird sprouted and cradled against her throat like a necklace. Feeling a bit odd, she lifted her chin and exposed her neck further to Phenex's touch.

"What do you see?" he asked his djinn.

"Damage." The wings moved around further, some sinking through the skin. "It seems somewhat extensive. Scarred but can be repaired. I just need to search for it."

Kohaku shuddered at the odd sensation. "That felt...strange."

"My king," Phenex called. "Keep her talking, please. It allows me to see which vocal chords aren't working."

Great. Idle chat. But if it made his job easier at fixing something that had been broken for so long, then what harm would a chat do? He scanned their surroundings quickly for some topic to easily talk about. His eyes instantly came to her journal and the carnation hairpin. Nostalgia hit him again at seeing such a similar piece to another he'd seen years ago.

"Where did you obtain that hairpin?"

"Hairpin?" she asked, her voice stuttering at the odd sensations that still came from Phenex.

"The one in your journal."

Her head lowered to make it easier to see the journal from across the desk where she'd left it. Her eyes lingered on it for a few seconds before answering, "It was a gift."

"From?"

"...a person that was dear to me."

Was. That told him plenty. "How did they pass?"

"I don't know." As she talked, Kouen noticed that the hoarseness was starting to go away. It was mild but noticeable seeing as her whispers actually sounded like they were supposed to, and also by the fact that he could hear the strain in her voice from talking about this. "No one bothered to tell me even when I asked. They didn't care enough to find out, either."

Silence came quickly after that. It proved to be a bad place to start. Then again, how was he supposed to know that it would remind her of that?

"Perhaps being a bit more tactful might help," Phenex suggested, speaking out of line from her healing.

"How is it coming along, Phenex."

"I've mended a few but the process will be lengthy. Surely not something that can be done in one sitting, my king."

Lengthy and unable to fix at once. That was just fantastic. "How much can you fix?"

"I will need to find them first. However many I manage to fix will depend on how long you wish to allow of me to mend."

He sighed and sat back against his chair. Kohaku blinked and swallowed down as the process continued. "Something wrong?"

"It doesn't seem to be something fixable ri—"

"I told you." Kouen glared at her for interrupting. She chuckled and cleared her throat. "I'll just—you were saying?"

"It'll take a couple of sessions to heal you properly." His hold on the sheath faltered but he held onto it firmly when it began to fall. "But it is fixable."

She sighed but it wasn't relief that he heard. "Not much use it'll do, anyway."

That pessimism of hers was starting to irritate him. "You're awfully bleak when it comes to this for being so stubborn where everything else is concerned."

"Well, I have my rea—" She covered her mouth at that but it hadn't been because she'd let those words out inadvertently—at least it didn't seem to be the reason why. Her voice rose a small pitch, and although mildly hoarse, it sounded feminine.

"That did something," Phenex said with a small chuckle.

Kohaku let go of the metal ornament before reaching down to her scar. She took a few breaths before speaking again. "I-I've never...heard myself like this."

Neither had he.

No...he had. But it had been ten years ago when she used to sing and preach at the top of her lungs. Although he remembered it somewhat higher than this, it was the same voice; the same tone of the girl that used to preach nonsense about peace and whatnot when spending time with Prince Hakuyuu and Prince Hakuren.

He even recalled telling Prince Hakuyuu about what he thought of her ramblings. "It's not nonsense, Kouen." There had been some sort of sympathetic gleam in his eyes as he said this. "I've heard the same of those people we safe from the battlefield, the women and children that are left homeless and helpless. And only then from a handful who still keep hope despite the bleakness of their lives. It astounds me, actually. They don't have what we do and yet they stand by their beliefs. They're unlike us in many ways. Yet what makes them akin to us is that they see the world not for what it is, but for what it could be."

Surprisingly, that helped Kouen define the woman that sat before him now. Aside from her folly of unconditional love, she envisioned the world as it could be. And by doing so, it made her capable to face the world as it already was.

"You've been indulgent of peace and yet you are adamant of becoming a general. Even before today and your father's passing, your siblings and yourself—you wanted the same: to have you leading. Why is that?"

The question took her by surprise. Lowering the ornament from its place, the coral-colored bird disappeared as her gaze became askance. "It's something I wonder myself sometimes. Leading...isn't really what I want to do. At least not this way." At seeing the raised eyebrow he gave her, Kohaku chuckled and shook her head. "Don't misunderstand, I do it gladly. But the only reason I can is because I have the power necessary to do so with Beleth and Marbas; they provided me this opportunity. But I mostly do it because they believe me capable of doing so. If they have faith in me, then I have faith I can meet their expectations."

Kouen shook his head as he himself lowered his sword onto the desk, drawing the ornament away from her. "You're defining yourself based on the beliefs of others. That's a stance with a poor foundation and it'll break beneath you one day."

"And I'm sure that day will come." She smile and began wringing her hands. "I'm well aware...that my thought process isn't the best. I'm aware of the faults it has, of the faults I possess. But I carry with me the hope that by being part of the grandness of our nation that this will mean being part of something bigger than myself. That I'll be able to leave some sort of legacy—that those I leave behind will be able to move along even after I'm gone."

Her foot came up to the edge of chair and she held it against her chest, unconsciously. "It's frightening to think that the possibility of being forgotten exists. It continues to be till this day. But it's also somewhat...relieving."

"How do you mean?" he asked.

She took a deep breath but didn't speak. Instead she exhaled and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. It just feels right to think so." With that thought, Kohaku chuckled, letting her foot drop while her hands came to grab at the edge of her chair. "The only thing that's ever defined it for me was what Prince Hakuyuu told me once: 'everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid—'"

"They will be safe in the nation we have made," Kouen said, speaking the words he remembered well from the late prince.

Kohaku smiled warmly at hearing him speak such memorable words with her. They hadn't just touched her alone. "When he told me this, I wished to do as he said in the nation they made—the one we are still making even after they're gone. It's what I wish for, the one thing that truly belongs to me. I wish to see the people of this nation and those I love most and hold dearest to my heart—the people I've come to love with every breath of my being—to one day be able to have a moment in the shade under their own vine and fig tree, at home in the nation we make."

Her words echoed through the quiet room and lingered in his head. Nonsense. He heard nonsense like before and yet he understood it somehow. Koumei and he always thought the best way to unify the world was through the military prowess of their country. And yet he understood what drove those who followed her to be loyal. In a way, he could also understand what djinn recognized in her.

Tenacious. Dauntless. Willing. Perceptive. Passionate. Eloquent.

"You have quite a way with words."

"I do?" She chuckled, her fingers lingering up to her lips and her cheeks dusted slightly in pink under the candlelight. "No one's said that to me before. If I recall correctly, wasn't it you who said that I talk too much for a mute girl?"

"No," he said with a smirk of his own. "I said you talked too much for someone with no voice. Now that you're getting it back, I see where it comes from."

"Ha ha," she mocked him but regretted it when she bit down on her tongue that was still healing from the night prior. Her fingers pressed against her lip out of instinct but that just made it hurt more as she accidently pressed her cut lip. She hissed as she lightly touched it to assure it wasn't bleeding.

That brought his attention back to what had been bothering him for a long while now. Without thinking much, he reached his hand out and cradled her jaw, his thumb coming across her lower lip gently. Dumbfounded as she was, Kohaku could barely move. Wide eyes stared at him as he gazed at her cut lip. "How did this happen?"

Her brain, not working properly, went with the default excuse she'd been giving anyone who asked about it. "Training."

That made him scoff, catching her right on the lie. "Now, I would believe that if I didn't know you have missed training for the past couple of days. That and the fact that this is fresh. A couple days fresh."

The color seemed to vanish a bit from her face at this. But her mind was quick to concoct another lie. "I don't always train with others."

"Stop lying." Her hands reached up to the hand still on her face and tried prying it off. It wouldn't budge, though, despite his grip not tightening much. "What happened to you?"

"Look, whatever happened, happened. I'm over it and it's healing. I'll be fine." Her fingers finally pried at his and took his hand off of her. Pulling it down, she unconsciously held onto it tightly as the next words spilled. "What the hell does it matter to you, anyway?"

The subject appeared dicey and it made her shoot her mouth off. Every word laced in light spite and defensiveness. Hearing her so feisty about it finally got to him. For once, he let himself answer without thinking.

"I care. Is it that complicated to understand?"

She shrieked but kept her mouth closed, the noise just coming out as she shot up from her sit. "Yes, it is. I can't understand why you keep asking. Why can't you just ignore it like everybody else?"

"It's aggravating to think others are blind enough to not notice that something isn't right," he replied raising his voice slightly. He swore, someone should congratulate her for being the first to make him snap so foolishly. "What makes it even worse is that you don't seem to care."

That itself snapped something in her too as her nostrils flared slightly and her eyes widened. "Where the hell is everyone getting the idea that I don't care?" But she didn't just stop there and her voice started to raise in volume. "All I've ever done is care! I'm the one living through this! Doesn't that show I care? Doesn't it show I feel horrible? That I would give anything—do anything if I could just make things right?!"

At that point, Kouen stopped as caught off guard as he was. This clearly wasn't about her cut lip anymore. It was clear, at least to him, that she'd gone off on a tangent of her own accord. Triggered by something he'd said. "You're not making—"

"I've done everything and anything in my power to make things right! Yet this feeling just stays, it doesn't go away. I still feel like I'm drowning in air—like I'm alive just to rectify something unamendable!" she shouted. Wanting to calm her down, he reached a hand out to her shoulder but she swiftly slapped it away. "Don't! I'm sick of people putting me down. Tired of them not seeing—not noticing—" Out of the blue, she held tightly onto her own arms, her knuckles turning white. Out of frustration, out of desperation. Her hissing soon turned to sobbing as she began to rub her hands up and down. Choking on her uneven breaths, she stopped all at once and buried her face in her hands. "...why doesn't anybody notice it's me?"

At that point, her sobbing was more than audible. Whatever she'd gone off on a tangent on had been penting up for a long time. That much he could tell from how she so easily snapped and came apart. Like it'd been in such a delicate balance that just the feather weight of his one sentence tore everything apart into shreds. Everything fell apart and she just followed suit.

It pained him to see her like that. So...broken. Reaching out slowly, he placed his hand on her shoulder. When she didn't as much as react, he pulled her in and simply held her as she cried. It felt uncomfortable. The few times he'd done anything like this was when he was younger with his siblings and even then it still didn't feel right. But that odd feeling was squandered when she meekly reached around to hold him as she continued to weep. Her weak hold trembled as she spent herself in tears.

He didn't know how long it lasted. What was worse was that he didn't know what else to do. But it seemed that as the minutes continued to pass, her sobs started to lessen and her grip tightened at regaining some strength.

Soon only small snivels came to his ears. She was spent. Pulling back and letting go of him, she wiped at her face with the heels of her hands. They kept rubbing and rubbing as if wanting to erase from her head whatever heaviness had caused her to break down. "I-I'm...sorry," she croaked with a snivel. "I shouldn't have—gods, that was pathetic of me. I'm so very sorry you had to see that."

"Why are you apologizing?" he whispered. She rubbed at one eye as she lifted her gaze to meet his as from the other tears came. Not caring about what she'd say, he cradled her face again, this time to wipe her eye with his thumb.

She scoffed at his question. "Why are you being so caring out of—"

Her ears caught the click of his tongue the second she started the question. What stopped her from finishing it was Kouen pulling her face forward and pressing her lips against his. The action caught her off guard and at first she tried to pull away but the hand at her waist kept her in place. It wasn't until he parted her lips with his tongue that she finally gave up. She simply stopped struggling and gave in.

It was only after she let herself go that the small blossom from before returned with fervor. The small relief it brought at just being set free gave her a little bit of reprieve as well. It'd been so hard to breath—so hard to keep going on by herself—that she could recognize the bliss that just these few seconds gave her. Just for this brief moment, it made breathing just a tiny bit easier.

But a part of her pulled her back and made her seize his hand from her face. Reality struck her as fast as the bliss from the one kiss did. Even worse, it struck harder. "I can't…"

"Can't what?"

"Whatever made you—us do this. I can't—you're marrying my sister, for heaven's sake." Unable to believe what she'd just done, she covered her mouth with her hands and took a deep breath.

"It can work. My father—"

She scoffed at even hearing him mentioning the late emperor. Most notoriously because of the ramifications he was clearly implying. "Let me guess, concubine?" Kohaku sneered and shook her head. "Thank you but no. I'm degraded enough by her to have you also look down on me." Wiping at her eyes to clean herself, she hurried over to the other side of the desk to pick up her journal.

Her fingers brushed against the carnation hairpin for a brief second. "Don't do this to yourself. Don't push him away."

I can't listen to you. Not on this.

"I hope this doesn't affect how we have come to cooperate. I really...hold you in high esteems. I don't wish for that to change." Taking a quick bow, she held the journal close to her chest, "If you'll excuse me."

With that said, she dashed out of the study without looking back. She sprinted the whole way back to her room and made sure to enter as quietly as possible. Thankfully, it was empty. It was late but she didn't feel like sleeping. Too many things had happened that day.

She held the journal close, the carnation hairpin closer. And like a whisper, she could hear her voice.

"Why did you do that?"

Fear caught her tongue for an instant but she would never not reply to her voice. "Masami's marrying him. I'd like to be something more than just a mistress someday." That thought made her scoff and cradle the journal tighter as she brought her legs closer to her chest. "I doubt I'll live long enough to see that day, though."

"She won't kill you."

"You're right," Kohaku answered. "She'll just let others do it for her. Believe me, when the day comes everyone knows the truth—and trust me, it'll come—no one will have mercy on me. It's easier to hate than to forgive." She took a deep breath to calm herself, "Masami is a clear example."

"I forgave you."

Kohaku smiled at that but knew those words to be empty. She'd done too much—taken so much already—that there was no way real her would forgive Kohaku that easily. For everything that she didn't know, Kohaku was sure that she, out of everybody else, would have more of a reason to never forgive her.

"I doubt you understand what it means to forgive me. You'd be forgiving your murderer."

"No. I'd be forgiving a girl who didn't know better. One who needs a second chance—"

Tired of hearing nonsense, Kohaku shoved the journal away under her pillow. No longer in contact, her voice faded from her head after a few seconds.

Finally there was quiet.

I hate the quiet.

There was no way she would be forgiven. A person like her, that did what she had done, didn't deserve such thing as a second chance. No.

What she could hope to do before the truth came out was all she had left. It was better if she worked and instead left something behind. Something that others would see and say 'she made this happen', 'she was a part of this.'

Something that people would look and say 'Reizei Kohaku made a difference.'

At least that way, she would leave a legacy behind. That way, the name 'Reizei Kohaku' wouldn't be forgotten. Not like 'Ceara' had.

---

The following day didn't bring much of anything better. Early that next morning, the four siblings gathered in Masami's parlor to receive their father's will. It would've been an understatement to say that they were nervous. Sousei and Masami showed it the least but by the incessant shuffling of his feet, Kohaku could tell that he was overly anxious about what their parents had left behind. Suisei kept clapping her hands as she paced the room, more obviously tense. Kohaku was the least agitated of them all, mostly because she could guess what the will had.

Sousei will be head of the household.

Either Masami or Sousei will gain the title of General of the Southern Subjugation Army.

And Suisei and herself would be relegated to stand back and care for the household and for Shika.

It's how it's supposed to be.

Masami unfolded the scroll and took a deep breath before starting. All four became a bit teary at hearing their father's last farewells. From the sound of it, they must've written it some time before he passed away. The letter mentioned how their assets would be divided amongst the four and how they would be expected to care for Shika just as he had when it was given to him to govern.

" 'And at last, I can hereby leave my only son, Sousei, as Head of the Reizei Household. Despite being less than forthcoming, son, I know you to have the strength and capacity to guide this family to the future'."

Reaching a hand to Sousei's shoulder, Kohaku squeezed tightly, knowing how much those words weighed him down. Sousei reached his hand over to touch hers before he took a deep breath and let what they all saw coming settle.

It was after seeing him calm again that Masami continued. " "And, when the time arises, you will take possession of my position as general. But you are yet to be suited enough to carry that weight on your shoulders. For the time being, I will leave your sister...Kohaku—' Wait, what is the meaning of this?"

What?

"He left Haku-nee...with his position?" Suisei inquired unable to believe it. By how quiet it was, it appeared none of them did.

Her eyes scanned the letter quickly through before Masami brought her eyes to her. Instinctively, Kohaku shook her head vehemently. "I had no idea he changed his will."

"I did." They all turned to Sousei who let his head fall. Taking a deep breath, he lifted it and met their gazes. "He had been contacting me for the past month, ever since Suisei and I first talked to the First Prince about Haku-nee's position. The last response I received mentioned that he would consider what Prince Kouen told him about her. It must've been something good enough to change his mind."

It didn't surprise Kohaku that Masami was the first to disprove. "She cannot."

The twins, perplexed at her, called out in unison, "Why not?"

"She may have djinn but it's much more sensible for you to lead, Sousei," she said. "You know how the world will treat her if she's officially declared father's replacement until you're capable enough. They will belittle her and negate any voice she may have in the war council."

Kohaku couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the irony. And that's different from how you treat me, how exactly? But she kept that to herself. It was the smart thing to do if she wanted to keep her head between her shoulders.

"You can't go against it, though!" Suisei declared jumping from her place and standing up toe to toe against Masami. Sousei and Kohaku stared wide eyed and mouth gaping at the sudden outburst. Suisei was loud but she rarely stood her ground on any given stance. This seemed to tick her off enough to do so. "It's father's will. We have to abide by his last words. The only people who can negate the decision are Sousei or the Imperial Family."

Masami pursed her lips not wanting to argue. Instead, she turned to Sousei. Suisei did the same and the sudden scrutiny made him shrink in place. Turning to Kohaku, she could see he was pleading for help. But as much as she wanted to, she knew that sticking her neck too much would cost her one way or another.

"I know it's hard, Sousei," she signed at him with a smile. "But I can't give my opinion on the matter. I'm biased on this. You'll have to decide from the arguments they've given you."

She heard him swallow but he turned to his sisters that now stood in opposing sides. It only took him a few minutes before he faced Masami and gave his decision. "Father taught us that his decisions came from experience. I understand your concerns but I will trust and honor his final wishes, Masami. Unless otherwise stated by the General Commander, Kohaku will take father's place as General of the Southern Army."

The air tensed considerably. Kohaku feared having to lift her eyes to meet Masami's. It wasn't until she spoke that they all did. "I understand. I won't argue if that is your final word. As you said we must honor father's word. And as head of our household, we must honor yours as well."

Despite the small happiness that Suisei showed through a smile, neither Kohaku nor Sousei felt like this had been a win. These new roles would be putting strains on them now more than ever. If their family was cracked before, with this it could very likely fracture into factions.

The grace of all that was mighty saved them from the awkward silence when a couple of knocks came to the door. All heads turned and it wasn't until Sousei called for whomever had knocked to enter that Seijin came in. Apparently not as dense as he appeared to be, he stepped in but immediately tensed up.

"Am I interrupting?" he asked, his voice slightly shaking.

Sousei sighed and pressed his fingers against the bridge of his nose. "No. I'm to assume you came in for a reason?"

"Y-Yes." Kohaku found it hard to believe Seijin's sudden sheepishness. He must have really felt how bad the mood was. "The General Commander has requested a meeting with Miss Kohaku and yourself, Lord Sousei."

At hearing this, Kohaku had to try really hard to keep her groan from being heard. Sleep had completely evaded her the night prior because of what had happened in the study. And that this was happening now really wasn't helping either.

"Did he say what it was about?"

"No, miss," Seijin replied a bit more at ease that it was Kohaku talking to him. "Just that it was urgent."

"Urgent?" Sousei sighed after repeating the word, his shoulders slumping down as he turned to Kohaku. "I'm already looking forward to it."

All she could do was give him a grim grin as an answer. "We should see what he wants instead of dragging this further along."

"You're right." He turned back to Masami and Suisei, "We'll finish this after we return." Seeing their gazes askance, he sighed again this time out of concern. "I don't want to sound bossy, you guys. I'm trying my best here. So, let's try straightening this when we get back, yeah?"

A smile formed on Suisei's lips and she nodded in acceptance. Masami took a deep breath before nodding. Although the mood was still pretty thick for anybody to really breath in there, it felt just a tiny bit better with his words. Leaving them with that, Sousei and Kohaku left being escorted by Seijin to the council room where they had been summoned to.

Once outside the council room, Kohaku stopped briefly. There definitely needed to be some space between them after what had happened last night but like she had said, she didn't want it to get in between what they were trying to accomplish as fellow citizens—fellow generals—of their country. She would swallow her emotions for twenty minutes. The only good thing was that this time she wouldn't be speaking and it would at least help with keeping herself in check.

The three of them entered to find the council room occupied already with others. Aside from Kouen, Koumei, and the Household Members of both, Kouha and his captains were also there.

Generals.

A simple glance from Sousei told her that he caught that little tad bit as well. This was about all of them—this meant a siege of a larger scale than usual.

"Nice of you to join us." Koumei's comment didn't go past her mind, especially with the amount of sarcasm it had.

"We apologize for the wait," Sousei replied. "Our father's will—"

"We are aware of its arrival." It was hard not to feel a chill run down her spine at hearing Kouen's deep baritone voice from across the room. "Is it safe to surmise that you are here as head of the Reizei Household?"

"Yes. And my sister was appointed as my father's replacement. That is if your highnesses have no issues with the designations."

For a brief second, Kohaku lifted her head and inadvertently met Kouen's burning gaze. Her stark blue eyes met crimson tinted gold and for a moment her breath stopped. Emotions from last night rushed into her until she forced herself to remember where she was.

Right now is not the time.

It most definitely wasn't. Taking an inconspicuous long breath, she let her emotions leave for the moment and met his gaze evenly. At hearing the calm exhale he gave, she blinked and saw a faint...something—some glint in his eyes before he turned to Sousei. "None whatsoever." He motioned then for Koumei to start the meeting.

The two of them had been right at guessing why they were there. This wasn't a simple invasion. They planned to attack and capture Magnostadt. From her studies of other countries around the world, she had paid extra attention when learning about the global superpowers that governed over the rest.

The Kou Empire was a part of the triad that she dubbed the 'Three Great Powers' of their time. The Reim Empire was the oldest of the three. The third and last was the youngest rivaling Kou, the Kingdom of Sindria. By far the most impressive, she had to admit. It was a kingdom built out of the forces of a single man, the king and a legend of their time.

Other powers—equally as terrifying—consisted of smaller kingdoms, most of which had already converged with Sindria and were part of the Seven Seas Alliance. Ever since their establishment, the three nations had wanted to attain the most strength to overpower the rest. Ultimately, she supposed the goal was to obliterate the rest until only one stood. Despite this overwhelming pressure, some refuse to join this race of arms.

This last category was where Magnostadt fell.

A self-proclaimed independent government since the magicians overthrew the late regime, Magnostadt stood as a country built by magicians, for magicians. From what she read, entrance was often reserved to magicians and those who weren't had to be there on some type of national business or other.

They were the most advanced in magic tools, something that she learned both from the books and first hand after the battle at Hakucho, and were protected well by the staff and students of their prestigious school.

And yet the more Koumei spoke, the more Kohaku understood the need to attack. If anymore time was allowed to pass, Magnostadt would take the first step. As ready and capable as they were, it wouldn't be far fetched to think that they could land a solid hit against the Kou Empire. And that would not be counting the fact that the usage of magic wasn't very well known or accepted in the far east. Few, if any, of their soldiers would know what they would be up against.

So they explained the situation and how the plan was set out to be.

"Kouha will take the vanguard and commenced the siege through the northern plains." As Koumei explained this, he moved pieces across a map to better illustrate his plan. "General Kohaku will take the Southern Army and reach Balbadd through fleets."

"Fleets, your highness?" Sousei inquired.

Kohaku smiled, proud that he had the courage to ask for clarification even among a room full of experienced strategists and generals.

He's willing to learn. That's the first step.

Raising her hands, Kohaku signed and answered his question. "It's to cut them off at sea. Magnostadt is close to the western shores, a vast sea separating it from Reim. If by chance there's an alliance or interference by the Reim Empire, us moving through Balbadd and cutting off any contact by shore will be wise. But I'm assuming this is more of a precaution?"

The inquisition made Koumei nod in agreement. "The majority of your battalion will remain at sea to do just as you assumed. The rest will make way from Balbadd and take Magnostadt through its southern borders." Koumei turned slightly to Kouen, "My brother and king will arrive through the east with his household members."

They'll be literally cornered off.

If executed to perfection, the siege would be a success with the least amount of casualties. And everyone understood this. If successful, this would be a major step in continuing their spread to the west.

Dates were swiftly assigned. The Southern Army would leave in a couple of days seeing as the voyage, even through the southern sea borders of Kou territory, would take a most two weeks. The vanguard would leave a few days after seeing as their trek would be more arduous yet less extensive.

Couple days. It'll be a tight squeeze for discussions.

"Will you be taking Lord Sousei as your second-in-command, General?" Koumei asked wanting to know every bit of information available.

She nodded. "I'll be taking both as my right-hand men, your highness."

"Suisei as well?" he added.

"They are capable. As am I, now." There was no more questioning on that front. It amazed her how wrong Masami's words have been. Aside from the snobby lower class strategists, those who mattered took her word for what it was worth. And she supposed that personally knowing most of the people present also helped gain their confidence in her abilities.

It took a few hours for the council meeting to end. Everybody was aware of their tasks and seeing the limited amount of time they had, it prompted quick action before departure.

Once by themselves, Sousei and Kohaku walked back with Seijin following closely behind them. Two days before departure; that left little time to do much. But they would mange like they always did.

"I'll go announce it the battalion."

Kohaku nodded but stopped him when he almost rushed off to do so. "Before you do that, let's tell Masami and Sui."

Sheepishly smiling, he nodded. They went into Masami's parlor where the two were still at and broke the news as quickly but as thoroughly as they could. Thankfully, they understood and didn't reproach. Well, mostly.

"Away to Balbadd? By yourselves?" She became a bit paranoid in a way Kohaku had never seen her before. "Why can't I accompany you?"

"All fleets are battle bound. Only ours will stop at Balbadd's ports to let us continue the siege through the south. You aren't a soldier, Masami."

"I can still fight," she argued. "I've trained—"

"Yes, in self-defense. Not in actual combat." Sousei sighed, not wanting to have the conversation. "You are a great strategist but you will not survive out there. I'm not willing to put you at risk."

"But—" she stuttered, looking for an excuse. Anything, really, to convince him. But Kohaku saw the dilemma she faced. Masami was arguing against someone who thought very much like herself. It was a lost cause but that didn't stop her.

Then let's put something on the table you won't want to argue against.

"Sousei is right, Masami." All eyes turned her way, a pair expectant and another glaring back at her. Nonetheless, she continued. "This is a full on siege. We're expected to succeed. We cannot burden ourselves more than necessary."

"Are you calling me a burden?" she asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes. If you come with us, that's what you will be. But I agree with Sousei; none of us want to put you at risk of anything."

And it wasn't a lie, either. Despite how much she hated her, Kohaku knew that wishing harm or worse on anybody shouldn't be done. So instead she hit her hard with the one thing that would certainly get her to agree as well. "We already lost them, Masami. We don't want to risk losing you, too."

Nothing but utter silence followed. Masami heaved a sigh and her shoulders slumped down, defeated. "I understand. I don't like it but...I understand."

Suddenly, this downtrodden expression came to her. She reached a hand out to Suisei and Sui responded by throwing herself into her embrace. Masami raised her other hand to Sousei and just like his twin, he walked into the embrace.

The only thing she could do was watch. But she didn't mind it. It elated her to see them so united even through the havoc and despair.

"Hakuchi."

Kohaku raised her head to meet the call the twins gave. Both smiled and reached a hand out each. In that moment, the mere gesture made her forget Masami's hate. For that moment, Masami seemed to forget it too. All they basked in now was their own company.

For a moment, they realized the only thing they had left in the world was each other. And that was enough.

---

"Everything is ready to go, miss Kohaku." Hearing this, Kohaku nodded at Seijin.

The two days had passed in a flash. Kohaku spent of that time putting things in order and ensuring that she would take what's essential for the voyage. Although it wasn't to say that she didn't enjoy a couple of hours with people she wouldn't be seeing for a while.

Two weeks at sea. That would be a journey on itself. They had yet to leave Rakushou but by leaving this early, even before the crack of dawn, they would surely reach the Southern ports by mid morning. The fleets were already in the process of preparing themselves and would surely be awaiting them to embark as soon as possible.

"Let the battalion leave," she told him. "We'll catch up once I've finished here. And Seijin?"

"Yes?"

"You guide them."

The request took him by surprise. "M-Miss? Are you sure that's a job for me?"

"They know who you are. Hell, some have trained with you. They are more than aware that aside from my siblings, I have come to trust you. Make me proud, Jin."

It astounded him still but he shook that aside for the moment. Standing straight, he nodded and saluted her before leaving. With everything ready, she just had to announce her leave to Kouen as their General Commander. It still stung to see him and she had done nothing but further the distance that night brought. She hated it and for once abhorred that she put her family's honor over what she wanted.

Deciding that it'd be best to simply get it over with, she headed into the council room where he and Koumei had been cooped up for most of the last few days.

A few knocks was all it took before she heard his deep baritone voice coming from the other side telling her to enter. Stepping into the room, though, she found it a tad more crowded than she thought it'd be.

It was some sort of family reunion. Aside from Kouen and Koumei, Kouha and Kougyoku were there too. But from how they fidgeted about and the rush she heard in their blood, something had them anxious.

"Am I...interrupting?"

"No." The answer was clear cut and quite unnerving. Whatever they had been talking about, they didn't appear to want her to hear about it. Kouen rose from his sit as did Koumei while Kouha and Kougyoku simply turned to face her. "Is all in order?"

"Yes. Everything is accounted for, double checked by Seijin and Sousei. I have also sent the battalion on their way with Seijin. I'll be following after this with the twins."

"Very well," he replied with a sigh. But then nothing. What the hell was he hesitating about? All of this was really starting to freak her out.

"Is something the matter?"

He didn't answer. Instead the younger siblings came forth with small but warm smiles. Kougyoku was first to speak, her voice timid and low.

"I hope and pray you have a safe trip, anegimi." She reached out to take her hand and squeezed it. Kohaku did the same and showed her a crooked smile. Unnerved by the atmosphere in general, anything that came out of them appeared off. That came true especially when Kouha stepped up.

The young prince averted his gaze but when he turned up to meet her eyes, he grimaced. At first she thought he was angry or mad at her for something but that notion left her mind when he threw himself and wrapped his arms around her. He squeezed a bit too hard and she forced herself to hide the ache from her expression. Three days had past and the wounds were mostly healed but there were some still recovering. Those still hurt to the touch.

Placing her hands on his shoulders, she pried his arms off and pulled him to arm's length gently. "I'm worried now. This isn't like you."

Kouha didn't affirm nor deny anything. Instead he simply lifted his head and pierced her with an adamant stare. "Be safe. I'll meet you on the other side of the battlefield."

The words were tender but his tone and slightly rapid heartbeat concerned her. Not wanting to worry either of them, she nodded and turned to both before saying, "I'll see you on the other side. And don't worry, I won't die that easy." She patted both their heads before turning to the two older brothers and her higher officials. "I'll be setting off now."

Koumei nodded languidly, the same hesitance in his eyes as she'd seen in the others. With that affirmation at least, she lowered her gaze to meet the pair of crimson eyes tinted gold that hadn't stopped watching her since she came in. Before, back when she first arrived, she'd have thought the sight unnerving. Now she saw something else that she couldn't quite describe.

Giving a final nod, she turned and left the four alone in the council room.

The room remained quiet for a few seconds until Kouha faced his brother's with a furrowed brow, concern clearly etched on his face. "Did you see it?"

It was Koumei who nodded but didn't seem as concerned as Kouha seemed to be about the issue. "That could very well be remnants from sparring sessions, Kouha."

"But they're not just the bruises, Koumei onii-sama," Kougyoku spoke up, daringly. "Yesterday, I caught a glimpse of cuts that…"

Her cheeks became dusted pink. The discovery she spoke of happened the day before when she'd convinced Kohaku to share some time in the palace bathhouse. Nothing had seemed wrong at first. At least not til she saw the bruises Kouha had mentioned to her in private and the unusual cuts on her legs and chest. "I've seen how they are and I have witnessed training that results in injuries. I can vouch that whatever caused anegimi's wounds isn't from training."

"This isn't normal," Kouha repeated. "Don't tell me you don't find it suspicious? Weren't you looking for whoever poisoned her in the first place?"

Kougyoku's eyes widened at hearing that as she glanced between her brothers, questioningly. "P-Poisoned?!"

At irritated sigh came out of Kouen at that. Koumei averted his gaze and hid his mouth with his fan at Kouen's scrutiny. Even after explicitly asking for this to be kept between them, Koumei had talked to Kouha about it. He assumed this wouldn't spread further than that since Kouha wasn't the gossiping type. But in a fit of anger or to prove a point, he was known to go to extremes first and think about things later. Now Kougyoku knew.

Fantastic.

"It's nothing to be worried about," Koumei assured them. "That matter is thoroughly being looked into."

"You don't think whoever poisoned her has been doing much worse, do you?" Kougyoku whispered hastily, her mind racing with ludicrous ideas.

"Enough." Kouen's booming voice stopped all of them in their tracks. Once he had their attention, he continued. "If this is anything, it will be dealt with once we return."

The young prince and princess fidgeted about as if having much to say but not wanting to test their brother's patience. But seeing their worry didn't help, and he opted to alleviate it whichever way he could. "I'll be sure to look into this matter personally if it will put you at ease."

The two gave each other a side glance and nodded. Kouha grimaced that it would have to wait; he seriously hated when others got threatened or abused. But he trusted his brother En to be true to his word. So he remained quiet.

Kouen rose from his seat and gestured out to them. "Go prepare, Kouha. You are to leave the day after tomorrow."

There was no more room for arguments. Kouha saluted him and bowed. "Yes, my brother and king."

"And Kougyoku."

"Y-Yes!" she stuttered at being called upon.

"Don't speak about this to anyone."

There was a hint of uneasiness but she nodded in the end. "If it's what onii-sama thinks best, then I shan't."

"Good. Both of you are dismissed." The youngest siblings left together without another word. Kouen eyed Koumei again for having let that little bit of information escape.

His younger brother cleared his throat not wanting to irritate Kouen any further. "I kept my word up until a couple of days ago."

"Really?" Kouen asked, deadpan sarcasm overflowing from his voice.

"Kouha brought the subject about her injuries the morning after the funeral." Koumei tapped his chin with his fan. "Said he saw them by accident, didn't elaborate much on the how."

"What else?"

"They were fresh. And largely spread for the expense he saw of her stomach and rest of her body. It's also consistent to what Kougyoku saw during their interactions." He sighed and reached a hand behind his neck to rub at it. "You said she hasn't been to training?"

"Yes."

After the poisoning and her cut lip, he made sure to procure of Seijin the state of his master's whereabouts for as much as he could. The boy was meticulous at keeping records, especially with his memory. Although not privy as to why, Seijin made sure to detail every action the woman took. From the information he provided, Kouen was sure that not only did she not attend any kind of training but also rarely left her room even after their return from the expedition. Her contact with others was limited and it made the case even harder to pursue.

"Then perhaps their concern isn't misplaced," Koumei suggested. "At this point, it's null to retain the idea that a stranger is responsible. But I cannot fathom why she wouldn't defend herself, or more to the point, divulge the identity of whomever is harming her."

To Kouen, a few ideas did come to mind. None whatsoever pleasant. But that would be jumping to extreme conclusions and without clear evidence. He sighed, however, knowing that this wasn't what mattered at the moment.

"As we stand, there is no point in pursuing the search at the moment. Like I said to them, it will be suspended until we return."

Koumei nodded, "As you wish, my brother and king."

Although Kouen disliked the idea of putting this off with the injuries starting to outwardly manifest, there was no choice on the matter. Their troops were already sent forth and the siege would commence in a timely fashion; he would make sure of that. But if his suspicions were even remotely correct, then she would be safe away from the palace, at least.

---

"The weapons of war are numerous, child. People and by extension the countries they establish, through their imaginative ways, create means to destroy one another, whether it be from the outside or from within. Sometimes two different ideologies clash and destroy each other. On other much more unfortunate times, it is from within that one falls.

Humans are a cunning species. Unlike other creatures in nature, they lie and deceive. They flaunt around showing kindness that they later betray to achieve their goals. Humans are seldom truthful under threat or harm's way. They have shown through history to take whatever and whichever means necessary to get what they desire. It is such ambition that has brought along the progression of mankind, but all the same it has also wrought ruin. Human behavior is an enigma that many have attempted to solve yet none have come close to any substantial answer.

Human life is almost analogous to conflict and strife. 'Almost' because, as much as there is war, there are also times of cursory peace. And it is that same momentum that guides towards a better tomorrow, one were 'almost' won't be such a far off dream. Change cannot be stopped. It flows like a current towards the sea where one could attempt to halt its progress. They might even succeed. But sooner or later, the water rises and floods through the obstacles towards the future. Change is the current in which all living things ride—humans, too. It is what many call the ever elusive "fate" of each and every living being on this earth.

But fate shouldn't be synonymous to fear or dread. It should be synonymous to hope and the future. A brighter tomorrow where all live better and in peace. A time where there is no longer a need to lie, to deceive. Where words spoken should not be something to distrust but instead be a form of bond, a show of promise. Foolish as it may sound, humans are not hopeless. They have ambitions, they have hopes, they have dreams. They are determined and they are strong. Someday they will see how much is wasted in conflict among each other. Someday it is my hope that they will realize there is much greater value in unity and amity among each other.

Apart, people may reach out with their hands and never touch a single speck of dust.

Together, they will help one another to reach the stars. "

Kohaku stared at the one page of her journal. As idiotic as it seemed, she brought it along, as well as the carnation hairpin. But she never left it out of her sight. Aside from that, though, she liked reading the one page. After it had been gifted to her by that strange man what seemed like a like a lifetime ago, she made it a habit to read it anytime she felt downtrodden or when they would soon go to battle.

It, along with the contents she later added and still adds, is what made her hopeful. What make her remember the truth of her life. That despite the horrible things that she was a part of—that she'd done—there was still hope for the rest of the world. There was still hope for those she loved.

"He was an odd one, wasn't he?"

Yes, he was. The strangest man ever. Despite his childish nature, he was a man of warm smiles. And the small amount of time they spent was peaceful. And, dare she say, it was that way because of his presence.

"I wonder if we'll meet him again?"

Who knows.

After meeting with people she'd lost contact for almost ten years now, she wondered if it was fated for her to reunite with other old acquaintances.

"Fate…" Her voice became quiet, the thought echoing in Kohaku's mind. "Do you believe in fate?"

I believe in many things. So, in my own way, I guess I do.

"Your own way, how?"

It was a bleak definition. But in the end, she supposed it made sense. Certain things were destined. When people die and when people are born, for example. How long they lived and when they died was also predestined. What wasn't—what mattered—was how they decide to live, how they decide to die. One can live fighting all their lives and decide to die fighting. Others can live idly, never raising a finger against the injustices attacking them, and die all the same. Every person ended, it was up to each person how. That choice itself was free will.

"I like that."

Kohaku didn't. The only reason she believed it was because she had seen it too many times not to. She liked to believe in the words the man left her with. But she'd seen what fate really entailed. And she was a speck of dust among millions. Fate was something she couldn't change.

"Haku-nee?"

Hearing Suisei call to her, Kohaku turned about in her chair and met her pretty dark eyes. "What is it?"

"Can you come?" she giggled as she spoke this. "Our head of household's got issues keeping his lunch down."

"Again?"

"Yeah, half's gone overboard already."

It was hard not to chuckle but pity kept her in check. Following Suisei above deck, Kohaku blocked the rays of the sun away from her eyes as she breached the surface. It was midday and the sea breeze flew past them. The smell was relaxing. But as she neared the front of the ship, she began hearing the heaving of a certain twin.

"There he is." Suisei motioned at her brother who laid with his head perpetually over the edge of the boat. As the ship moved through the waves, she caught the sound of whatever was left in his stomach shift again and turning over as it threatened to escape. Suisei skipped over to him and rubbed at his back as Kohaku approached and did the same to his shoulder.

He heaved for a second before turning sideways to meet her. "I hate—" he stopped abruptly as bile rose to his throat. Kohaku grimaced at this since her heightened hearing didn't leave much to the imagination. He gulped it down and brought his head again overboard. "I hate sailing."

"I know." Reaching up for her feather pen, Kohaku brushed the tip of it against his temple while calling Beleth forth. The small vibrations compensated for his out-of-balance notion and helped him breath without having to wait for bile to rise.

"Thanks."

"It won't last," she reminded him. "Perhaps a nap will help?"

"I can't. I'm supposed to be here, checking things and—ugh," he slumped his arms and head overboard, this time being overdramatic. "I hate my job."

"You hate it when you get sick like a sissy, Sou," Suisei pointed out as she leaned against the wooden rails to watch the horizon. "We're almost there. Hang in there, lil' bro." Kohaku turned sideways to watch as well and saw what she referred to. Peaking just over the horizon were buildings, bobbing in and out of view. If she was right, they would reach Balbadd in the next day or two.

Thankfully, the voyage had been mostly uneventful. Like it'd been said, the journey took approximately two weeks. It'd been hell for Sousei to travel for so long. It helped that Beleth alleviated some of the ailments but it did hinder his work a lot. Seijin was there to pick up the slack and she was grateful for that. Suisei tended to help more when sea creatures attacked but those had been few. As for Kohaku, she was in charge of the main ship and the fleets that followed, with theirs leading the way towards Balbadd.

Leaning over the rails like her siblings, Kohaku watched as the horizon kept being broken by the tiny roofs of the city that would only come closer; the northern skies beyond somewhat darker. She'd never been this far out west. The east had been her home for many years. The Eastern Isles...like a forsaken fortress she once, long ago, dared to tread. To a little kid the country seems like a vast world of adventures. Hers definitely was. But she soon learned the vastness that the world held. Suddenly it wasn't just 'her country' or 'her people' or 'her family.' Out of the blue, it became 'the world' and 'all peoples' and 'all families.' They were so far apart and yet she wondered if at their core all peoples were alike.

It interested her yet greatly saddened her. Once long ago she'd promised her dearest friend that they would travel the world once the war was done. Now she traveled alone and the war was far from over.

Out of nowhere, the breeze blew and she smelled the salt of the sea, felt the freshness of the water. But all sounds dulled at the fast fluttering that came past her ears. It swept by her so fast that she thought she'd imagined it. Even turning behind her to see if a bird or something had passed, she was astounded to see nothing but clear skies behind them.

What in the heavens...?

"Miss Kohaku!"

The agitated and alarmed tone of Seijin's shriek made her turn abruptly towards the cabin that led below deck. Seijin ran through and past the soldiers that gawked at him but the boy didn't seem to care. In a matter of seconds, he stood before them utterly out of breath.

"What's the matter, Jin?" she signed once the boy had recovered some air into his lungs.

He lifted his head, eyes wide, and stared directly at Kohaku. "Urgent message—the General Commander!"

En?

Running out without a word, Kohaku rushed below deck with them dashing behind her. Heading straight into the cabin where the magicians on board were stationed, she gawked at the grand piece they had at hand. Not quite knowing what it entailed, she knew that they used it communicate between factions of their military.

One of the magicians spun around at seeing them arrive and spoke directly to Kohaku. She was startled by the message they were receiving. "It's the General Commander, General Reizei."

"What is it?"

"It's..." the girl hesitated but when urged by Seijin, she rearranged the magoi in the Eye of the Rukh embedded in their equipment to repeat the message that had been sent.

"Koumei! Hakuryuu, Kohaku, Hakuei, Kougyoku!" The room shook at the yell and Kohaku had to cover her ears from the intense volume that the Eye of the Rukh was emitting. "Come forth, immediately!"

Forth? Forth to where?

"Where did the message come from?" Sousei inquired in a hurry.

"A few kilometers of the north of Magnostadt, my lord." She turned to Kohaku with an urgent expression, "What shall we respond, General?"

Magnostadt? And he called all the Metal Vessel users with no explanation?

Something's going on.

"I'm en route."

The magician nodded and transferred the message. Kohaku didn't wait to see it through. Instead she stormed out of the place and into her cabin. She hadn't noticed but the twins and Seijin were all behind her and this time were all talking at once.

Hurriedly, she took her journal and shoved it into Seijin's hands. The boy understood without a word. The twins had no time to get any questions answered, no matter how fast they asked them. Kohaku knew as much as they did. They all went above deck where the magicians were already preparing to cast a Magic Transfer Circle near the area.

Double checking, she made sure Marbas was secure on her wrist and that Beleth was ready to djinn equip the second she passed through that magic circle. The magicians cast it in the middle of the deck, and it opened with a scenario of a night sky. She knew how they worked; it still unnerved her that she had to trust them to cast it right.

Turning to the twins, Kohaku faced each as she spoke, starting with Suisei. "Be on your toes. Whatever's happening could come here." Promptly, she faced Sousei, "You're in charge of the fleets. Get them to Balbadd and try contacting all generals when you arrive. If no response or request for assistance comes, remain there. Await for any notice and stay alert."

The twins looked concerned but knew what was expected of them. Both saluted and bowed, acknowledging her orders. She smiled and spun about ready to head into the depths of that circle and to whatever awaited her in Magnostadt.

"Wait!" Habit and pure instinct at hearing her voice stopped her as she took as step forward. "Take it with you."

Kohaku hesitated entering the circle at this. Sousei glanced back at Suisei as the two watched their sister's unmoving back. "Haku-nee?" But there was no answer from her. Her mind was too preoccupied with a very important decision.

To take it or not.

That choice itself is free will.

The call had been urgent. All of them. No explanation. Something was not right.

"Then take it...and ensure nothing else goes wrong."

That was enough to convince her. Spinning on her heels, Kohaku walked straight to Seijin and reached out to the carnation hairpin that stuck out from between the pages. It was a swift movement and the hairpin slid right out. Without a word, she slid it through her hair bun, the piece sitting tightly in place. The three looked at her strangely but she only smiled, reassuringly.

"I'll be off then."

At seeing that they smiled meekly. Without another word, she stepped through with Beleth in hand.

Djinn of Vainglory and Champions, in the name of my magoi, envelop me to grant me greater power. This I command of you and your household…

"Be wise." Kohaku pursed her lips at hearing her voice. It sounded like her but she knew better. From where her rukh was trapped, she could never reach out.

Not unless I use it. Not unless I set her free...willingly.

But like always she was the voice of reason, the one Kohaku least wanted to hear. "If you see the need to, use it."

"I won't."

The staff came to her hands as she felt herself beginning to be engulfed by Beleth's essence,"Come forth, dwell within my body: Beleth."

---

The place was morbid. Cliffs upon cliffs inside deep, interconnected caverns. Moss littered the walls and glowed a bright blue. It was the brightest light there was in the place. The narrow paths that led to different rooms were bordered to the sides by what looked like water. It shimmered white but looked like fog swimming by. The bottom wasn't visible at all.

There were strange creatures unlike any of the ones she'd ever encountered. They were mostly black and foggy like the water and had strange marking on their bodies that ranged in colors. None were as bright blue as the moss, though. It was like looking at the sun through broken colored-glass. It was a borealis of life.

Everywhere she looked, she saw amazing things. Things she had never seen in her short eleven years of life. Nothing in the world existed like this.

She stumbled, her feet aching from so much walking, but she was too astounded by her surroundings to care. Picking up the oversized sword she carried, cracked as it was, she went on through the empty caverns.

Everything was so—

"Ah!"

Tripping on her own feet as she backed off, the girl fell down with the steel clattering beside her. Funny enough, the beings that had frightened her didn't seem bothered by the loud noise. Backing up against the wall, she gazed at the...things...that stood past her.

Languid, gray, transparent. Like the water, they seemed made of fog. She kept a close eye on them as she stood and they continued on their way. They acted like they didn't see her; and by the looks of it, they probably couldn't. Their eyes were white, turned over. Despite their vague appearance, it was clear for her that they were all wearing different types of clothes. She recognized some as indigenous from what she'd seen the islanders wearing. Other's resembled that of soldiers in uniform. They were all different and yet similar. Some walked aimlessly, others simply stood in place staring at nothing.

She didn't try aggravating them. Instead, she walked around them and continued forth. It wasn't until she heard growling that she stopped in her tracks. Scanning the area with her sight, she saw where the guttural growling came from. It wasn't until they emerged that she saw the large, black hound that came out. It oozed it's skin, again like fog, but its paws left imprints behind; whatever shiny moss it touched under its feet simply flickered out and shriveled. On its head, instead of eyes or a snout, it had a long bony mask with dark eye-sockets. Strange markings were on its face of the same bright blue color as the moss. It scanned the room aimlessly. At first, she thought it harmless but she couldn't have been more wrong. As soon as it sniffed the air and spotted her, the markings changed to a bright red color.

As if provoked, the beings that had been peaceful up till then changed. Their eyes became the same bright red and they began to move...towards her.

In a panic, she tried running away but the hound quickly intercepted her and blocked her only exit. This thing wasn't like the others. It wasn't friendly. The beast let its jaw open and she saw it unhinge, opening to ungodly proportions. That was definitely not normal. It snarled at her, baring incredibly serrated teeth.

When it launched at her, she scrambled out of its way. It skidded at missing but quickly started again for her. Lifting herself up and dragging the sword along, she rushed away from it but staggered when she ran into something. Looking up, she didn't have time to react as one of the specters grabbed her arm and started yanking at her.

It felt cold. Dead.

No matter how much she pulled, the thing wouldn't budge. It held her steadfast. It wasn't until others started to reach for her the same way that her instincts and fear kicked it. Out of the blue, she started swinging the sword around the best she could with the unproportionate weight. At striking one, she noticed how it shrieked in pain before dispersing out like the fog it seemed to be—whatever remnants were left simply scattered and floated upward until they disappeared.

They could die.

Hacking at random and hoping to strike, she dealt with a couple more that threatened to hold her in place. It wasn't until she pierced through the one holding her arm that she could finally move. The blade clattered to the floor, her tired arm unable to hold it aloft any longer.

The growling returned along with snarls and made her spin on her heels. The moment she did she caught the sight of the hound leaping into the air and going for the deadly bite. Instinctively she raised her arm to defend herself and the hound took it fully into its mouth. Crying out in pain, she punched and slashed at it while feeling her flesh beginning to tear. It burned; it hurt.

"Get off me!" she yelled and struck again with the sword. The blade flailed, missing, but the side of the hilt smashed against the skull mask it wore. Her ears caught the resounding crack of it before the hound yelped and jumped back. Holding her mauled arm and the sword in one hand, she watched the hound whimper as it incessantly rubbed at its mask with its front paws. Hers bright blue eyes saw small pieces falling; she'd broken the mask.

Not waiting around for it to attack her, she sprinted out towards the way it'd been blocking without looking back. The few minutes after her head start, she heard the barking and snarling of the hound and felt the pounding of its paws on the ground as it ran towards her.

The worst fear her mind ran through was that there would be a dead end to the cavern and that she would end up being food for the thing. Thankfully, as the moss illuminated the cavern further in, she spotted a door.

A smile parted her lips. Safety. But as she ran onto the door and scrambled her hand around for the handle, dread filled her. There was no handle.

Before she could even think about what to do next she heard a snarl too close behind her for comfort. Skidding to the side, she barely avoided the hound as it clashed against the door. It shook its head and spun about to have her at full view. With that, she could see the damage she had done. A quarter of the mask had broken off the top left side and it exposed the creatures face. It's eye was a small white slit and it seem to have bled from shards of the mask digging into its face. The blood oozed bright blue despite the rest of its markings remaining red like before.

It snarled and without warning it launched at her. Instinct again took over but this time, it made her thrust her sword straight ahead. Unable to stop its attack, the hound took a mouthful of steel. The hound still bashed against her body and clamored on top of her. She remained still for a whole breathe and could feel her lungs shrink as she held it for another. When nothing moved, she pushed the hound off and to the side with her one usable arm.

The creature fell limply, it's jaw unhinged. The mask lost all color before it cracked and completely broke off from its face. Blue blood rushed from inside it, the sword too deep in its throat for her to pull out. Feeling a rush of cold, she looked over her shoulder to see some of the ghouls from before. They'd made their way up to the last chamber but they weren't coming to her anymore. They seemed to have stopped mid stride. A suddenly brush of warmth came over the place and she watched, shocked and amazed, as their white eyes turned over and lit up with a gentle spark of life. Color return to them—all different from one another—and they glanced around as if confused. But the confusion was short-lived as realization hit them. Their expression changed into a myriad of emotions until they all landed on her and the dead hound beside her.

Instead of feeling threatened by their scrutiny, she felt calm. Their eyes were much more human—much more alive. Warm smiles came to the ghouls before they spoke.

"Thank you."

The first to say this, flourished from its feet upward and vanished into a sea of gold that flew away. More spoke their gratitude before disappearing just the same, leaving her alone.

Her arm hurt and burned like the fires of hell but she had no way to care for it. Her eyes landed on the hound still beside her and spotted the blue tears that had come out of its white slit eyes. For a moment she felt sorry for it; she hadn't known what it was doing or why.

Since she was little she'd been taught that nature never attacked unprovoked. It fought to protect, to feed, to defend itself or its territory. Something that reminded her a lot of humans. Wanting to leave it resting peacefully, she did her best to pull her sword out. It got messy but after a few futile attempts, she fell back using her whole weight to pull the blade out for the hound. The steel broke halfway as it clashed against the creatures serrated teeth but at least now she could close its mouth and eyes.

A sudden sound caught her by surprise and she turned to see the door without a handle beginning to open. Air rushed from inside and brushed her caramel tresses away. Stark blue eyes wide, she stood languidly and headed for the room, leaving the broken sword behind.

The room itself was larger, a much larger cavern than the rest. The ceiling and walls had the same moss lighting it. The circular cavern stood with many artifacts strewn about, stone shaped like coins or jewels. Towards the middle of the room, climbing up a small set of steps, she spotted a lone pedestal. It wasn't until she approached it that she spotted an object on it.

She eyed the thing. Unlike all the others, this one was actually made of metal: a lone golden chalice. She picked it up and looked inside of it. Empty. A sigh escaped her. She could've really gone for a drink of water.

"Sad to say, I don't believe I can procure that for you."

Before she could freak out about the voice that had boomed through the room, she felt the chalice in her hands warm up an instant before something emerged. Letting go of the chalice and taking the steps down and away from the pedestal, she watched as a being came through.

A man. At least what looked to be an overly large man. It's skin was of a light blue. It's hair was long and ran down his back, swept back—at least what she assumed to be hair. White, flimsy, and fading down into bright blue at its tips, it looked more like burning fire than hair. His chest was mostly bare with the same markings she had seen on the other creatures, except these glowed an eerie white. Around his hips, as he sat, she saw the white and black silks that wrapped around him. What looked to be two ram skulls hinged at either side of his hips.

Atop his head laid another, much larger skull. It certainly didn't look human or animal. It laid skewed across the top of his head, the skull's right socket overlayed perfectly over his left eye. Through it, she could see the eerie gleam of bright blue but no eye. Not just eerie, ominous. His other eye glinted gray as he took a swig of his pipe. The pipe looked like a weapon to her, a scythe linked to chains. Following the chains, she saw it curl around his neck like a necklace and fall down to his side as it wrapped again around his hips and the ram skulls. It ended beside him with a black iron lantern.

The lantern had no light in it. And she swore from just looking at it that she could easily fit inside.

The man took a swig of his scythe before blowing out the smoke. She coughed at the enriched smell that hit her much too concentrated. As she rubbed the irritation away from her eyes, she watched the smoke linger as it swirled around them, creating a moat. It looked just like the water from outside.

"Who's come to awaken me?" he called, his voice booming through the cave.

Petrified but daring at the same time, she lifted her one arm over her head and waved it, "Me."

He stared down and blinked a couple of times. "A human child?" Swiftly, he started looking around. "You came alone?"

The disbelief that laced his voice peeved her. "Yes, I did. I've heard about you dungeons and the power of kings."

Taking another breath of his pipe, he bent down to reach her level. "And who are you, child?"

The girl closed her eyes and refrained from breathing as the smoke brushed past her. "My name's Ceara. I came looking for you."

A rambunctious laughter escaped him as he looked down at her. "What could a child possibly want with me?"

"You're a djinn, no?" she inquired. "You're powers can do amazing things, right?"

"So?"

"I want you to bring my brother back to life."

A sombre expression came over his features. "I cannot do that."

Anger burst out of her eyes as they widened. "But I got to you! I've heard so many came but I'm the only one here, aren't I?"

"And I commemorate your resilience to brave through my Dungeon but alas my powers aren't as powerful as you imagine them."

Ceara's anger didn't disappear; instead she opted for the second best choice. "Then, if you're still powerful, I'll just kill those bastards that took Cael and Papa away from me."

The djinn took another swig from his pipe, seemingly in a perpetual pensive state. "As if I would contract with a human with such impure motives."

Ceara's eyes widened then. Instead of anger or annoyance, he saw nothing but pain. Defeated as she was, she fell back to a sit; her arm limp beside her as tears came from her eyes.

In a way, he was impressed that such a young child was able to traverse along his Dungeon without help. Even more so, that her rukh was so downtrodden at such a young age, and by the looks of it, tainting further. Curiosity obliged him to ask, "Why do you wish to take revenge against those who have taken your brother and father when the act itself won't bring them back?"

She wiped at her face fervently before replying. "I can't stay put anymore. I'm tired of everyone I love dying and those responsible still living."

"Regrettably, I cannot condone your motives." Ceara looked up at him with eyes wide—fear, sadness, and anger lingered in them, but what he caught most was loneliness. "I can see what pains you, child. Loneliness has eaten the brightness of your being and loss has only dampened the flame. But as much as life has hit you, it continues to burn. It's faint and tainted but it burns fervently, that tiny flame."

Reaching down with his pipe, he placed it near her and nudged at her arm. Taking the edge of the scythe in her hand carefully, he lifted her up to her feet as he continued.

"Child, you may have lost them but I can assure you, their love for you remains and is what keeps your small flame alive and away from depravity."

"Their love?" she repeated.

He nodded as answer. "You may not see or feel them but it remains with you even after they're gone. Death, much like life, is a cycle onto itself; it is one no one escapes from. But it is not something to be sad about." He motioned out towards the entrance of the room, "Those specters outside, do you recall what they said to you?"

Ceara stared briefly over her shoulder, her brow furrowed, before she turned back. "They thanked me."

"You know why they thanked you?" She shook her head, eyes a bit wide and still glazed over. "My creatures are harbingers and collectors of souls. Those who've died in my dungeon are collected, and the hounds, like the one you dealt with, take over. Under their control, the souls don't think; they lose any semblance of the rukh that made them themselves. That rukh is trapped here—in my lantern."

With one hand, he brought the metal lantern over and placed it before her. Laying her hand on it, she felt nothing. No cold, no heat. It just felt empty.

"Those specters outside don't think. The souls in my lantern are aware of what's happening to their spectral bodies but they cannot act. As specters, they manifest my thoughts if I so wished it but it isn't them. They remain trapped here, unable to return to the cycle of rebirth. Not until they are released. But when you killed my hound, you released the hold it had on the collected souls and the rukh left the lantern to guide them back to the Great Flow."

Ceara gasped as realization hit her: she freed them.

The djinn smiled at seeing this on her face. "You allowed their return to the world. There are things beyond death, child. Although it is beyond your world of understanding, we return to the world anew in this never-ending cycle."

"Those you love may be gone but that love which they left you with will always be a part of you. Don't taint the pureness of their love with your ill will. Instead move along—follow the flow as they have. And one day, if fate so has it, you will meet again."

Newly formed tears streamed down her cheeks. This time Ceara didn't wipe at them and instead let them flow. "...you really think so?"

"I know so."

"...that's sounds nice." A weak smile came to her lips as she looked up at him, "Thank you."

Before his own eyes, he watched as the tainted rukh turned completely white as it embraced her. By no means was she anything special, but that didn't mean she couldn't live to be special.

A ruthless king was one of many. Those who ruled with iron fists, those who oppressed, those who distrusted. There is no unity in power, only in compassion. Sacrificing for the good of those one rules over, being able to see them as people, that is what makes a king worthy of their power.

They rule to give. They rule to prosper. They rule, not for themselves, but for others.

And if this child grew knowing that, then she would grow to be a wonderful king.

"Ceara." She looked up as she finally cleaned her face with the skirt of her dirtied dress. "I have decided to form a contract with you, but only if you vow never to use me to take the life of another in revenge. Learn that revenge does nothing for you except taint that love you hold so dear. Raise me, instead, to protect those you still have. Can you promise me that?"

Ceara's eyes brightened as a warm smile came to her lips. "I can."

He knew better than to take a human's word but something beckoned him to the child. He motioned out towards the room. Before her eyes the stone from before changed to glittering gold and jewels. What amazed her the most was the magic circle he created. From it a pillar of light emerged and rose past the cavern.

"It will lead you to the outside world."

"What about you?" she asked sheepishly.

"I'll remain with you," he said and lightly touched the carnation hairpin that, despite the hectic fighting she'd done, was still on her hair. "Here."

Her hands came up to take the metal hairpin out of her hair, her tresses coming undone. The carnation gleamed under the light of the portal. "My hairpin?"

"I can sense it," he began. "It's special, is it not?"

Ceara brushed her thumb over the flower and smiled. "Cael gave it to me. It's part of a pair. He...had the other." Her eyes lifted to meet his, "It's all I have left of him."

"Then it shall be a suitable vessel. I look forward to serving you, my little king. And I shall serve you well as Djinn of Innocence and Martyrdom. My name is..."

---

A/N:

It's not going to be more than 10,000, I said. It's not gonna be less than 30 pages, I said. *sigh* That just shows how much I listen to myself. Especially during finals. I just wanted to write it so bad! I'm glad I finished it though. It gives me the weekend to focus on studying.

Anyway, that rant's over. A lot of things happened this chapter. Like...a lot. Not much I've actually got to say about this chapter. Well, nothing except I've placed large pieces into place. If you don't figure it out, well, all of you will get an answer on the next chapter. I don't know when that's gonna come around though cx Last minute edit too: I legit cut out the original ending for this chapter. The last memory was supposed to be longer but I felt this was a better way to end it. You won't get to know what djinn it was until next chapter -w-

Oh, and I've wanted to give such kudos to a lovely person that drew Kohaku! They did a wonderful and lovely job. Like I'm in love. That's exactly how I imagined her. So, if you want a glimpse at the heroine of this story go right here → ( ineeduhnap .tumblr post /157 43298 8867 /sketch -of- xeveningx -s- oc- kohaku -that -story -is) I don't know what FF will do with the link so I just put it here. Take out the spaces and it should work, if not just let me know c:

Now I'll go ahead and thank the wonderful people that Favorited and Followed:

- Taffdog19943
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Thanks again to all the lovely people that reviewed too. I hope that I didn't forget to reply to any of those c: Now, for the time being, it's time for me to go back to studying. Well, friends, hoped you enjoyed this chapter and stayed tuned for the next chapter!