V. A Brother's Tale

"So, are you ready to be a big brother?"

It was a chilly fall afternoon when our mother told me those words as she laid in bed, exhausted but overall joyous, holding you tenderly in her arms as you slept rather quietly bundled in a warm blanket. I was just shy of nine years and I knew what entailed being an older brother. Or at least, I thought I did.

Throughout the nine months we waited for you, I was told it meant different things. Dad said that it meant protecting you. Mom said that it meant to always be your side. In my mind, those things weren't so different from one another. If I'm by your side—if we all were—we would be able to protect you from anything.

So my answer to her question was a resounding yes. And as I sat next to mom while she held you on her lap with her other arm around me, I couldn't help staring at you. So small, so fragile. So new to the world.

And yet I could feel myself already loving you.

"Then say hello to your little sister, Cael. Her name is Ceara."

Mom was the first to pass away. We were still living at Icaunus then, though it would soon be renamed the Eastern Isles. From what dad told me after she died, mom had always had a weak physique. The doctors had told her numerous times that having children would always hold a higher risk than normal for her because of it. There hadn't been a problem when I was born. I suppose, that's what brought hope to them, having survived my birth, that she could survive another.

And she did. For about a year and some months. That day she collapsed while at the marketplace. She'd left Ceara and I with a good friend of hers who watched over us while she did those errands. I still remember the last words she told me.

Be a good boy, Cael, she said, and take care of Ceara for me.

Dad was devastated. Even when I was still young, I could tell how much her death affected him. It affected all of us terribly. So after the funeral rites were done, he took us as far away from the Eastern Isles as he could. He had some friends on western coasts from the isles whom he got in touch with, so we settled there with them for awhile after she passed.

Within months, he had managed to get enough for a new home. It was small and nothing really special, but I called it home because that's what it was. To me and to you too. We didn't have much until dad enlisted in the newly formed military of a certain man. I didn't understand what the need to fight was or the why or how of our dad's interest in joining the man's cause. Not until much, much later. All I knew then was that dad was doing all this to give us a little more to eat everyday. All for the cost of having him away more than ever. I could tell he didn't like having to leave us by the forlorn smile he gave us. The first time he left to fight in a battle, he prepared me for his absence days on end. When the time for him to leave came, he simply patted my head, giving us each a kiss in turn, before telling me words I never once allowed myself to forget since mom said them to me.

Be a good boy, Cael, he told me, and take care of your sister.

And he left me, a ten-year-old, with a toddler sister of two alone for the first time out of many to come.

Three years of this same routine followed. As I grew older I became better suited to my life and more knowledgeable about the circumstances that surrounded us. Dad had brought us to a small country called Kou which had since before our arrival began to surge forward against two other smaller yet equally fearsome countries, Gou and Kai. The man that had called upon him and many others to rise had been Ren Hakutoku, a somewhat wealthy man with status in their country.

From what father told me many times whenever he returned from battles, this world was full of violence that although justified due to natural circumstances needed to be vanquished. And the way they sought to do that—the reason why dad fought—was to unify the countries in their side of the world. Their goal was the unify the warring nations of Kou, Gou, and Kai under the same mantle.

Back then, as young as I was, it struck me as a wonderful idea. If this unification of his stopped the wars, then dad could come home. That's what we wanted. So I blindly cheered alongside dad for this to happen until the time came that I didn't.

That was during my thirteenth birthday when dad came home. But unlike his usual happiness at being home, there was a solemnity to him. It wasn't after I put Ceara to bed that I found out why.

"...what?"

"It's conscription, son." Dad poured a cup of wine for himself and was about to pour water for me but thought better of it and instead filled my cup with wine as well. "The war against Gou and Kai is reaching its peak. And as such, Kou needs as much manpower as it can gather in order to guarantee its victory."

"But what about Ceara?"

"Your sister will stay in the nearby convent. The priesthood were convinced to take in the children left behind. She will live there until our return from battle."

He had an answer for everything. I never liked the idea of leaving you behind. But I also didn't like the idea of letting Gou and Kai win this war on their last legs and let the violence come to our doorstep and to you. So in the end, I only had one thing to say to him.

"When do we leave?"

I didn't see the end to that war until two years later. In that span of time, many things happened.

First was my training. It took a couple of months before I was able to enter the battlefield, especially since there we were one of the bigger troops. From what dad told me in the beginning after we left, our town was home to one of the generals directly under Ren Hakutoku. And the most prominent at that. His name was Reizei Koujiro and he was ruthless and just, both as a man and general. Although he received a majority of the conscripts, he meticulously went about training us before we even set foot on the battlegrounds. I like to believe that it was this fact that kept me alive for so long.

During one of these training sessions—us new recruits fighting against those older and more experienced than us—was when I first came into contact with General Reizei.

"You appear quite adept at this, boy. What is your name?"

Stepping back from my rigid stance, I gave the man before me a once over while brushing back the hair from my face. "Cael of Eriu, sir."

He stroked his chin a few times before nodding and letting his hands fall behind his back. "You are Evander's son."

"Yes." He proceeded to examine me all around as if I were some kind of specimen. It got me nervous and uncomfortable enough to open my mouth and ask, "Is there a problem, sir?"

"You are of the Eastern Isles. Icauni, correct?" He huffed at seeing the nod I gave as an answer. "My wife is an Icaunus as well."

"Small world," I commented but regretted not holding my tongue. Thankfully, the general saw some humor in it, letting of a lofty chuckle before slamming his hand against my back.

"I've heard your people aren't quite as adept as you and your father in the physical department. You are more of the studious kind. Scholars, I am told."

"A blanket statement, sir. I assure you that I am as capable as any other man in this camp in a fight."

"Prove it."

That threw me off the high horse I was just climbing onto. "E-Excuse me?"

He didn't answer me. Instead he pulled out his own sword and took his stance before me. "You heard me, boy. Show me what you have learned thus far."

At first, I was apprehensive. It's not like I could beat up my own superior, not to mention that I didn't have much confidence in my own abilities as a fighter despite my boasting and his compliments. Dad was the one that got me to accept his challenge; he overheard the conversation and convinced me to accept. He seemed to be able to sense my worry but assured me that all I had to do was my best and that'd be enough.

So I did. And I surprisingly held my own and almost beat the general to the ground. In the end, though, he threw me down instead after we both disarmed each other. The breath left my lungs the moment my back touched the floor but as he stood up, the general let out another boisterous bout of laughter.

"You're good, boy. You certainly show promise. But you've a lot to learn still." I thanked him for the 'compliment' and overheard what he told my father after I got to my feet. "You have a good son, Evander. Teach him well and I might consider him."

This lighted up dad's eyes and, afterwards, made my training a hell on earth. After that day, he pushed me during training and even further when we trained privately. It was only after we were to go into my first battle that I found out why: General Koujiro was searching for a right-hand man. With the amount of troops that were beginning to accumulate, it was necessary.

He had offered the position to dad but he refused. I don't know why. He never commented on it either. Dad did tell me that he had proposed me instead. A younger prospect was how he put it. It was obvious only after we returned from that battle why. Those of higher ranks were compensated highly.

I understood then that what he did was to grant us prosperity and opportunity. For me, he wanted the more likely chance to live. Being the right-hand man to the general meant that I would be in fewer battles, only in those in which the general himself would be present or those he commanded me to. Those were few already since he fought mostly by Ren Hakutoku's side in major battles. And the other was for you and I to have a livelihood from all of this.

And he was right. Becoming General Reizei's right-hand man was a goal that would benefit us three as a family. So I stopped doubting and began taking my training seriously, even more so than when I first got there. At that time, my mindset wasn't that I fought so as to not die in the present. I fought for the chance of a prosperous future.

It took a few battles and plenty of injuries on my part but eventually General Reizei asked. "Young man, I have a proposition for you: would you be my right-hand man?"

I couldn't have agreed fast enough.

Those were my six months as a rookie soldier who climbed up to reach his place in the military. As celebration for that promotion and another won battle against Kai, we returned to Shika and all soldiers took part in the feast the general threw complete with entertainment. I wasn't much interested in anything aside from the food and exploring the lavish home of our superior.

I had never seen an estate this grand in my whole life. It was as I walked the gardens outside the grand room where the feast was being held when I met her.

"You…" Her dainty voice and volume caught my attention instantly being so different from the boisterous shouting of the inside. At first I didn't know from where, not until she emerged from her hiding spot several feet away behind a large tree. From the corner, her dark blue eyes peeked over staring right at me. "You're one of father's soldiers. What are you doing out here?"

Father. She was one of the general's daughters. The older one, too, but by the looks of it, I was still older than her. Both of those things clear in my mind, I tried not scaring her as I replied to her query.

"It gets stuffy in there with so many drunken men," I said, pointing back at the room. "Sorry if I disturbed or scared you, my lady."

"You didn't." Her brow knitting together into a frown, she stepped out of her hiding spot to stand proudly, her back straight as she looked at me. "But you're forgiven. I have seen you before going around with father the few times the troops have been back. Who are you?"

"I am the general's right-hand man, my lady. My name is Cael of Eriu."

"Cael of Eriu? What a weird name."

"It's quite exotic, yes. I herald from the Eastern Isles, you see."

That seem to pique her interest as her expression changed into amazement. "My mother comes from there too!"

"So I've been told. And I can also see it quite well in your appearance too." She shared the distinct features of the Icauni I knew, mother and us included. Lighter shades of hair, blue eyes. But they seem a shade darker than mine or Ceara's. But that wasn't saying much when even ours appeared like the dark depths of the oceans compared to mother's. "You should leave from here, my lady. Surely your father wouldn't like you being near drunken men."

Her large eyes blinked at me at that comment and before I knew it, she sprinted off. I didn't mind it and instead went back to where the rest of the soldiers were. I didn't know it at the time but that girl that I would see grow into a splendid woman would mean the world to me one day.

The years went by and after two, the war against Gou and Kai seemed had reached an unexpected stalemate after a great battle, one known as Lóng de dùzi. It seemed that after too much fortune, it's sibling, misfortune, quickly followed into our lives. The Battle of Lóng de dùzi was the first move of that misfortune.

We lost many soldiers and good men in that battle...including our father. Evander of Eriu died at Lóng de dùzi adding to a total of 160,000 odd men from either side. It'd been a massacre, one that the savages from Gou and Kai sought to take advantage of, wanting to frighten our troops with shows of inhumanity.

I'll never forget that sight: bodies piled against one another at the trunk of the lone oak that parted the plains. Their bodies mutilated and desecrated, heads on pikes or rounded together with ropes and hung from the branches, the heaviness of the dead weighing nature down as the blood soaked her feet. Men, women, old, young—god, the children. I couldn't face them. Not when all I saw on their faces was yours. It was horrendous to witness the sight of such atrocity. To rob them not only of their lives but of the sacredness that should be their burial was despicable.

Ren Hakutoku—no. Our emperor spoke his truth in volumes and it rang true with me. Despite the atrocities, the ones who'd done this were human, scared of being robbed of what they loved. I could understand that. I saw validity in that.

Because as much as I thought of them as monsters, I couldn't think any more of myself when after they had killed father, I could think of nothing but do the same to them. I swallowed my hatred and grief and let it burn alongside the pyre that was made for the mass of dead soldiers. Cremation was the way for Kou's soldiers. That way they're bodies would become a part of the land and live through it, nourishing it. Dad went with the thousands of others up in flames. I went back home to you, body torn and spirit broken after that.

"Cae-nii?" In your eyes, the moment I came home, I saw joy and confusion alike. Joy at seeing me, confusion from not seeing dad, surely.

Seeing you was what made my resolve burn once more despite my sadness only growing tenfold as I brought you inside to tell you.

"Speirr, dad...isn't coming home anymore."

"Why?"

"He's—" I had to tell you. I had to. "Speirr, dad died."

It took a minute. When it sunk in, you denied it, saying that it was absurd. That he was just late and that he would surely walk through the door any minute now. I couldn't bare look at you like that so I held you close repeating to you that he wasn't. He was never going to walk through that door and greet us. He would never tell us he loved us again.

He was gone and we were alone.

But as we cried in each other's arms, holding one another as strong as we could, the words they left with me carved themselves into my mind and heart. Mom and dad were gone but I would keep the promise I made to them.

I would take care of you.

After dad's death you were less than complacent about me leaving for battle again. I can't say I blame you. Having lost him, even I was apprehensive about returning. But I had a duty to fulfill. Besides that, I didn't want that evil to come to you either.

I had to return. But as stubborn about it as you were I ended up promising you something I didn't know if I could keep. I would try my damn hardest to, though. And because it was the only thing I could think of, I made the promise tangible for you.

"What are these?" Your nose scrunched up at the two pieces of silver that laid in the box I held before you.

"A present...and a promise." Taking one of the pieces out, I held the silver carnation hairpin in one hand to show it to you. "You know what this flower is?"

"Carnation."

"Do you know what carnations mean?" When you shook your head, I asked you to turn around and let me do your hair. After having many years of doing it, the action was effortless and soon I had made a good sized bun with how long your hair had gotten—was it always this long?—and held it together by placing the hairpin through. "They mean pure love and good luck. You like these, don't you?"

"Mm," you replied still a bit confused about it.

"Mom liked them too. They were her favorites." Undoing my own hair, I made it so I could place the other hairpin, one identical to yours, in place to hold it up. "I'm giving you this as a promise that no matter where or how I am, that you'll always have me and my love for you here with you. These are a pair, and as long as we have them with us, we will always be connected."

"Liar." You were obviously not buying it by a longshot but something in me told me you wanted to. Even at seven, you were smart enough to doubt me and my promises. War had already taken away from us and you knew that it could just as easily take what was left away as well. I knew that too. But I couldn't just stand back and do nothing.

"I'm not lying," I admitted and held you close. "This is my promise to you, Ceara. I'll always love you and care for you no matter what happens to me. But more than that I promise that I'll try my hardest to come back to you."

You finally held me back as I said those words. "You promise? You promise you won't leave me alone, that you'll come back?"

"Always."

That promise was enough to ease you into letting me go once more, no matter how much you cried the day I did leave. To be fair and completely honest, I wasn't completely happy. I had been told that the convent was starting to get their hands full with how many children were being orphaned because of this ongoing war. And because they were prioritizing the care of those children with no living relatives, those they housed because their families were off fighting were left to pretty much their own devices.

I didn't like that. It bothered me greatly to know that while I was off fighting, you weren't being properly taken care of. And that concern showed. During the small reprieve Kou took to regain it's lost numbers, I trained at the Reizei estate with the rest of the soldiers when General Koujiro called me aside.

"Sir?"

"Is something bothering you, son?" Averting my eyes, I ignored the name he had been fond of using for me before replying with a resounding no. He didn't quite believe me. "Let me guess, is it the young one you take care of? Is this about your younger sister?"

His accuracy astounded me. "How did you—"

He stopped me with a raised hand before continuing. "Evander was a good soldier and man. As close as your father and I were, he told me many times of his two children, a boy and girl. After meeting you, I assumed her to be younger. How far apart are you in age?"

At first, I wasn't sure whether to answer for I didn't know where this conversation was going. In the end, I replied as simply as I could. "Ceara and I are eight years apart. She's eight."

"I see. And I presume you worry about her wellbeing in Shika while we're away."

"Very much, sir." Having a bit more confidence, I tell him about my concerns with her growing up in the convent without proper care or supervision. As a father, I assume his mutter was of understanding. And it seems I was right seeing what he proposed to me.

"Tell me, son, how would you feel about your sister staying at my estate."

"Sir, I appreciate the thought but—"

"Hear me out," he said, placating my confusion with a raised hand. "It has been quite troublesome to get my second daughter a vassal. I presume that it's their age that bothers her since most of them have been much older than her. It would seem she and your sister are but a couple of years apart. It's my thought that maybe she could find a friend more than a servant in someone like her. I'm not urging you to answer me now. Take this as a friendly suggestion."

General Koujiro explained to me further that as his daughter's vassal, you would have shelter and food and would be properly taken care of by the rest of the servants in the estate. Not only that but as a vassal you would also be properly educated for the role. The more he spoke, the more convincing her sounded to me. In all honesty, I knew you wouldn't like it and it would take some time to convince you, but as things stood, I felt better leaving you in their hands than in some other strangers'. So before I even talked to you about it, I accepted his offer.

And as expected, you did not take it well at all. In fact, when I went to you that night and told you about what I'd accepted, you broke down crying before throwing several things at me and running away. I had no qualms in finding you though. Usually when you were angry or upset, you went to the nearby jetty where we used to go fishing when little. Back before I went to fight in the war.

When I found you, you were crying your eyes out, saying that you would change and not be a burden for me anymore. You would do all that if only I would not send you away.

"No, Ceara, you're not a burden." I held you tightly against me, watching the sea at night ebb and flow as you cried. "It's me that's worried about you. I can't let you live here when nobody takes care of you."

"I know how to take care of myself," you contended, "so you don't have to do this. I'll be good, I promise."

"You already are, Speirr," I assured you, bringing you to arm's length to wipe away your tears and runny nose. "This is me, though. I easily worry about you. Especially because it's you."

"Really?"

I nodded at you and smiled. "So you see, this is for you to have a better life while I'm gone. It's so that I can rest assured that you're in good hands while I'm not with you. And I know that in the Reizei estate you'll be in good hands."

You sniffled a couple more times before sticking your face against my chest and holding me as tightly as you could. "What if I don't get along with this girl?"

"Who wouldn't love you?"

"The kids at the convent don't. They're boring, though. And they complain a lot about me being a loudmouth."

"I'm sure you'll be plenty entertained at the estate and nobody there will call you that. So are you willing to do this, Speirr?"

After a quiet moment, you sighed and noded languidly. "I'll try for you, Cae-nii. But you've gotta promise to come back."

"I already have," I reminded you, touching the hairpin that holds your hair up. The one that resembled mine. "But I will again if it makes you feel better."

"It will."

I hold you tightly then, like I'm holding you for the first and last time. "I promise you I'll come back home to you, Speirr. I always will."

So on the summer of that year, you became the vassal of a young lady, the second daughter of the general, Reizei Kohaku.

Over the next year, I spent more and more time at the Reizei estate not only to train the new conscripts that came but also to watch over you as you became acquainted with your position. It seemed that you and Lady Kohaku kicked it off well enough and although you were never one to play well with others, you got along with her pretty well.

One thing that bothered me was the way you two resembled each other. You were always small for your size since mom had you before it was time but I never realized how this made you look several years younger than you actually were. Having you side by side with another Icaunus only reminded me of how small and fragile you were inside and out. It reminded me what I was supposed to protect more fervently than ever.

Through that year as well, I would often go around the estate working for the general and would meet the little lady that I met two years prior. It was during that year that I finally learned her name: Reizei Masami.

We were four years apart but Lady Masami was always eager to learn from her father and me about the status of the country and the war. The general often dismissed her, telling her that those kind of things she shouldn't bother knowing. I disagreed. As a citizen of this country and daughter of a very prominent general, it was her birthright to succeed his role. I knew better than to question him about this though. Instead, I did my best to answer what I could of the questions she had.

Lady Masami was curious by nature and according to her, I was a good teacher. Very patient and kind. I noted often how the general's loud voice would make her flinch visibly. It made me self-conscious of my own tone and volume when I was around her. I also noticed how she hated being near him whenever he drank. I could see why too. Despite how honorable a man and general he was, Reizei Koujiro was a foul beast when intoxicated. Us as soldiers could take that harsh mouth and brutal attitude of his when directed toward us. It was our daily bread and butter from him after all. But I was guessing that such thing could easily scare a girl.

Not a girl, really. Despite being so young, Lady Masami was very mature for her age. Knowledgeable as well. It was quite nice to be able to sustain a conversation with her about plenty of things. In all aspects, she had grown into a very respectable woman.

One that I started to see in a different light after she confessed something to me.

"P-Pardon me but I must've misheard you."

"You didn't." It had been one morning after her studies that she found me and invited me for some tea so we could talk. That wasn't weird. She would often do this when she had the chance. And since I often trained by myself in the early morning, tea often did wonders to help me soothe me down for the afternoon trainees. Usually, this was the time she would take to ask me about any queries she had about the world or the war at large. But this time, she had hit me with something I didn't quite expect. "I said that I like you, Cael."

"Well, Lady Masami, I surely do appreciate you as well but—"

"No, you idiot, I like you as in I like you, like you!" she hissed, seemingly wanting to shout it in my face but finding it in herself to quietly hiss instead. "I love you, Cael."

That confession hit me hard. No one had said that before to me. It was actually cute but just as embarrassing to hear it. Especially from someone like her, who not only was younger than me but also my superior's daughter. But a part of me couldn't help being happy. This young woman was one I could speak to freely despite our differing status. She sought me out of curiosity; I answered her out of respect. But her curiosity grew into what she thought was love; my respect grew into...something.

I couldn't quite tell what exactly.

"I'm grateful that you have those feelings for me, Lady Masami. However I don't know how this can work out." Her hopes seemingly dashed, her expression fell into grief. Before she completely sank into her despair, I spoke and, as apprehensive as I was, I couldn't believe what I decided to tell her. "But maybe this is just my mindset that's hindering this. I appreciate you as well, Lady Masami, perhaps I do like you in the same way you do. But that's a little too early for me to tell."

"T-Then what about a trial!"

"A trial?"

"Like a test," she proposed, face flushed as she struggled to put her words out for me. "For a while, let's continue like we have. B-But instead of just seeing me as my father's daughter, see me as a woman."

"That's kind of hard to do," I confessed.

"That's why it's a trial, it's to try. You have to see me as a woman and I'll see you as a man. Nothing about status or ranks. I'll just be Masami and you Cael. And if by the end of the year you still think the same then I'll forget about this."

The end of the year. That meant six months of this. What she asked was crazy. I should have stopped her then and there and cut any contact with her to let her forget about it. But I don't know what in gods' name compelled me to say otherwise.

"Alright, if that'll quell you, then I'll try it, my lady."

Her face brightened up, her doe-like eyes shining as her smile widened at my answer. "T-Thank you." The smile became small as her cheeks dusted a bit pink. "But...if it's not much to ask, when we're alone, could you maybe call me by only my name? And could I do the same?"

I was treading dangerous waters, but by then my head wasn't in control anymore. Something more powerful guided me from then onwards where she was concerned. "Sure, Masami."

After that, for the next year that I was stationed at Shika to train the new recruits, I became more acquainted with Masami. I always had in mind that she was younger than me by four years and that made me apprehensive, not counting the fact that she was my superior's daughter. Yet I couldn't help but start to enjoy our interactions and how they became more intimidate as the year went by. We weren't soldier and young lady anymore, just a boy and a girl engaging in mutual courtship.

And I have to admit that after awhile I did indeed begin to take the courtship seriously. Getting to know her after consciously ignoring her because of who she was was nice. She was quite mature for her age in some aspects, in others I could tell how age separated us. With this in mind, I kept things slow. Some well-meant words here, meaningful gifts there; before I knew it, she came to mean much to me. Well after her fourteenth birthday, I gifted her one thing and said to her the one thing in particular that I never thought I'd say to anybody other than you.

"It's beautiful." It wasn't. It was a simple silver band that thankfully fit just right onto her ring-finger. A custom that nobody in the east in Kou knew of but that was pretty common in the isles. Mom wore a similar ring, something she said dad gave her long ago. It wasn't after I got older that I knew what for. Surely, it had been for the same reason I gave it to Masami.

"Yes, you are." Her cheeks darkened as she flustered, the change easily noticeable on her fair skin. "It's not much but it reminded me of you." As I said this, I reached out and brushed strands of her hair that obscured her face from my eyes behind her ear. "Pure, simple, yet precious."

"Simple?"

"Well, you are," I admitted. "When you're happy, you're happy. When you're angry, you're angry. No matter what it is, I can tell easily just by looking. You're transparent and it's quite refreshing when so many people hide what they truly want or who they really are."

"Are you lying to me, Cael?"

That question surprised me somewhat. Had we not been doing this for the better part of a year? "Of course not, what makes you think that?"

"Just…" She hid her gaze, averting it from my sight as she spoke. Before I knew it though, she shook her head. "Never mind."

I didn't let it go though. "Masami, please tell me. If there's something bothering you of what I'm doing, or not doing for that matter, you should feel free to tell me. Isn't that what we decided on?"

At hitting her with this, she pursed her lips before that smile that I loved came to them again. "You're right. It's just that I'm...uncertain. I don't know if what you're doing is actually what you want to do or if I'm the one forcing you to do all this."

Oh. That was a justifiable doubt. Very well thought out for her age again. That kind of thinking was healthy, though, so I gave her the truth as a reward. "Maybe at first I did indulge you. I thought back then that you'd bore out of this infatuation and that we'd go on our merry ways afterward. But the more I got to know you, the more I began to realize something about myself: I'm an idiot." This obviously confused her and made me chuckle. Before she could blow a fuse, though, I explained further. "I'm an idiot for not having taken you seriously from the start, Masami. A lot of things weighed in my mind about this—they still do—but I'm working on seeing past that to discover what it is I'm feeling. For now, all I can tell you for sure is that I care very much for you. Perhaps not to the extent that you might for me but I can certainly tell it's something big."

"Really?" she asked somewhat incredulous.

"Yes, but I'm working slowly through it as I said. I don't want to hurry anything. You're still young, this could still change, so I'll take it slow with you. You're precious to me, and maybe that means that I do like you as you do me, but I can't act on anything for now."

"That's fine!" she exclaimed but quickly covered her mouth just as I started to hush her. We were still in the estate, although in a secluded area near the woods. Somebody could easily overhear us if we spoke too loudly. Once calm, she reiterated her words, her cheeks just as flushed as before. "That's alright. I know I'm too young for many things still but I'm willing to wait as long as it takes if what you say is true."

"It is," I assured her. "I have no reason to lie to you."

"Neither do I. B-But having said that." She began to fumble with her words then and the scene began to be reminiscent of many others before. "I was wondering if maybe...this time we could actually..."

I knew exactly what she wanted to ask before she even said. She'd asked it of me many times before, wanting to rush in for some reason. I didn't see the need for such rush. Now, though, I felt a bit of what she described feeling around me. And I thought I knew what drove her to want more.

"Close your eyes." She easily did as she was told and simply sat there, her cheeks molten red. Wanting to appease both of us, I slowly leaned in.

The time with her felt ephemeral and precious. And because it felt that way, I wanted to preserve it for as long as I could all the while wanting to keep that feeling lit with new experiences. Despite this, though, I still managed to have some restrain.

Instead of fully placing my lips against hers, I swerved to the side and kissed the side of her lips instead, barely having the edges touch before pulling back. I didn't know she could get any redder but she did as she pulled away.

"T-That wasn't—"

"Never said I would," I chuckled, her childishness infecting me as well. "Remember, I'm taking this slow with you. I may love you but I'm not going to push you to it either."

"Say that again."

I blinked a couple of times as what I said ran through my mind. Once I got to what she more than likely meant, I smiled, finding it in me to say it without regret. "I love you, Masami." Leaning in closer, I gave a chaste kiss to her forehead. "But like I said, I won't rush this. You're too precious to me to do that."

"F-Fine," she said quietly. It seemed my impromptu confession placated her. Having said those words also calmed me plenty, like a load off my chest.

And it sent me away in good spirits for the last battle that ended the wars against Gou and Kai and united the Tenken Plateau. That fight would be the first of many where General Koujiro would send me to fight alongside the main corp where the emperor and his eldest sons fought. That would be the first battle where I met Ren Hakuyuu and Hakuren.

The battle lasted five whole days but at the end of it all we reigned victorious. In the end, we returned to the capital of the newly formed Kou Empire where Ren Hakutoku was crowned emperor. I, as well as the whole of the military, vowed our allegiance to him and the imperial family. This would be the beginning of a new era for us.

It certainly felt like it too.

All of Rakushou celebrated and that brought people together. Thankfully, it brought you to me as far apart as we were from each other. The Reizei family came in celebration of the newly united nation. The general had been one, if not the major, ally of Emperor Hakutoku in this endeavor and was graciously invited along. The invitation extended to his family as well which meant that you came to me.

That day was the happiest of both our lives, I'm sure. Relieved of my duties for the day, I found you and asked for your relieve as well. Reluctantly and with Masami's convincing, your charge, little Miss Kohaku, agreed. With that we spent the day away, enjoying what the capital of our country had to give. In the end, as exhausted as you were, I carried you on my back as we returned to the imperial palace.

You sang under your breath sleepily as I hummed alongside you quietly. Mom's song—one she had sang to both of us and that I had taught you—rang quietly through the night that after hours of festivity had quieted down. It usually helped you sleep but with how tired you were after so much fun, there wasn't really a need for it. You just sang it out of pure joy apparently. But by the time we returned to the palace, you were already sound asleep. I was ready to leave you with the Reizei's when I met him personally, Prince Hakuyuu.

"I apologize, your highness," I told him when we encountered him exiting one of the large meeting rooms. As full as my hands were at the moment, I couldn't very well salute him as he deserved.

Seeing you on my back, he excused me with a smile. "You're one of the soldiers who fought with us, aren't you?" Frankly, I was quite surprised he recognized me out of the many that joined his battalion during those last few days. My voice not working, I simply nodded at him. "I'm glad you returned to your family."

That's something we could agree on. Before I could answer this to him, though, the doors from the exact room he'd been in opened to reveal the emperor himself followed by General Koujiro, both laughing boisterously. Their loud voices made you stir a bit but they quieted when noticing us in the middle of the hallway.

"Cael, my son, returning late from the bash, I see!" Loud. Uncharacteristically obnoxious. Yeah, he was drunk. Or at least getting there.

Nonetheless, I answered him. "Yes, sir. We both are."

Thankfully, he wasn't as far gone to not see what I meant and noticed you on my back. "Ah, yes. Little Ceara. Were you on your way to return her to my daughter's quarters?" At my nod, he shook his head. "Forget it for tonight. Take her with you and enjoy the time you have together. It's been quite the while, hasn't it?"

It had. Years of it. "Thank you, sir. Being that so, I will be excusing ourselves then. I believe we both need our much needed rest."

"Of course, of course. Be on your way then."

"Your majesty, your highness, have a goodnight as well."

The emperor smiled our way and gave a nod. "Be well, young man." As I turned my back on them to this time head to my room, I overheard the general loudly speaking about me to the emperor. It was more embarrassing than anything, really, since he was getting drunk. Both of them, I presume. But those thoughts escaped me when I heard footsteps that trotted behind us.

"I thought I recalled your face, too," Prince Hakuyuu spoke quietly, sparing you, as he walked beside me. "You're General Koujiro's right-hand man. Cael of Eriu if I remember correctly. He sent you and the major squad to us."

"I'm flattered to be remembered, your highness."

"You've earned that recognition, I believe. You fought very well out there, although I could see some improvement could be made on your temper."

Ah, yes. His ever-evolving flaw. It's the one thing that the general had always pointed out to him as well. Even now that he had trained and after years of fighting, there were times his emotions could control him and make him do stupid things. Apparently, he'd done enough stupid during those five days to be remembered too. Oh well, at least there were some positive things sprinkled about in that too.

"I've been made aware, yes. General Koujiro and I have been working on such thing since he took me under his command. I hope it didn't inconvene either of your highnesses."

"On the contrary, your passion was quite admirable." His eyes fell behind me to where you laid sleeping, your very light snoring making me chuckle somewhat. "It's obvious what brings about that passion now. Is she your sister?"

"Yes."

"Is she your only family?"

"Regrettably. Our mother died at our hometown when we were still young. Our father died at the battle of Lóng de dùzi."

That seemed to dampen his mood quite a bit. It did the same to me somewhat but after years of internalizing it, I'd come to peace with it. "I'm sorry about having asked."

"It's nothing you have to apologize for." I meant that. Father's choice had been to fight as was mine. He fought for us, I fought for you. We both fought for a better future. "We knew the risks. It was our choice to join, after all, in spite of the conscripts."

"You were one of those conscripted?"

"Fresh of turning thirteen back when they were announced."

"The war is over now. Surely you have received notice of my father's new military decree."

I had and the information was fresh in my mind. Now that the three warring nations were now one, all conscripts had a choice of whether to remain or be discharged honorably from the military in order to return home. I could finally go back to you.

But something stopped me from agreeing to be discharged when I heard the news. I don't know what it was. I just knew that I couldn't give an answer that quickly. I needed time to think about what I would do from now on. I wanted to be with you finally in peace, in this nation we created. But something urged me to wait.

"I have. However, I asked the general to allow me some time to think about it. I'm still...unsure of what I must do."

"Of course."

When we finally arrived to the quarters the soldiers had been given, I stopped and bowed as well as I could to him. "If you'll excuse us, your highness."

"Yes, have a goodnight." I had my hand on the door when he raised his voice again to my surprise. "If you are unsure of what to do next, Cael, then perhaps you might want to join the meeting in a few days."

"Meeting?"

"Pertaining what will be done from now onwards. My father, despite having joined the three nations, as well as us, still has many things to accomplish. Perhaps you'd be one to agree with our goals."

I didn't accept nor decline. I thanked him for the information and left to my room before setting you down to sleep on a comfortable bed at last. And as I watched you sleep through most of the night, I pondered his words. His father and them still had things to accomplish. I couldn't see what would matter now that peace finally came to our country.

At least not until I heard them speak a few days later during that meeting. Erasure of war, not just from the Tenka region but from the entire world. And as crazy and idealistic as the idea sounded, it resonated with me. It's why I decided, despite all that had been accomplished, that I would remain as a soldier and as the general's right-hand man.

I never told you about the decree. I never told you about my choice. I didn't want you to hate me for it, I think. They gave us a year of reprieve; it wasn't much of one for me, though.

The year we remained at Rakushou, General Koujiro had me train the new recruits once more, this time for the new goal of the emperor to expand west. It wouldn't be started until later but they wanted the soldiers ready. So as such I worked. By the time I was eighteen, many of the soldiers called me a veteran because of my involvement with the unity wars. I never saw it as such. I was still just a boy despite my experiences. I had many things in my favor but time wasn't one of them.

I was too young and naive. The latter showed when I thought that during that year I could keep up with you and even with the new relationship I had garnered with Masami. Although secret, we had decided on it together after the wars were done and she turned fourteen. She had the faith that as long as she could prove her autonomy and worth in this new era of our country where strategy and war knowledge was needed, that she would be given the luxury of choice. Masami believed fervently that she could change the fate she was born to carry as the general's daughter. I hoped for the same as well. As for you, you seemed to have taken to a life apart from us. I was happy that you had opened to another after having only myself for company. Miss Kohaku was a shy and sometimes enthusiastic little sun, one that brightened you more than I ever had. It was like watching a flower bloom after years of being deprived of its due sunshine. You two seemed to have grown together, nourishing one another into what I saw now before me.

But just as I saw you and Masami rise before my eyes, it seemed that I couldn't keep both. Eventually, I saw one fall.

At first I overheard the news from the maids which quickly extended outward to the soldiers of Shikan origin. Our young lady of the Reizei Household had been betrothed to the First Prince of the Kou Empire, Ren Hakuyuu. I couldn't believe my ears. At least not until I heard it from her. When she affirmed the gossip surged throughout the palace, I couldn't discern exactly what I felt.

Disappointment. Grief. Loneliness. And not just for me—actually, after a few minutes of thinking, I felt horribly about all this for her as well.

"I'm sorry," I quietly said to her as she wept into her sleeves. She'd snuck out a few nights later with me and we met outside the palace, away from prying ears and eyes. My apology sounded dry to me, like I was giving up. A part of me thought it'd be best to do so if for her sake. Fighting this would be a losing battle, I knew that much with certaint. The other wanted to try no matter how hopeless it actually was, and Masami seemed to agree with that.

"Father h-had been talking with the emperor and the prince. B-But I can change this! I can still make father change his mind!" Masami turned to me with a determination that urged her forward but one that didn't seem to reach her eyes. "We can change his mind. He knows you. He wouldn't say no."

"...he would," I firmly stated as I wiped her tears away. Out of the numerous things he was, General Koujiro was mostly a loyal opportunist. Although he did believe in the emperor's ideals as both his general and friend, he also sought for the betterment of his own familial status. I was guessing that it was this part of his nature that got him to accept the union. It wouldn't be surprising, either, if he'd been the one to propose it. By Masami's frown and the tears that began to pour freely once more, I knew that she also saw the truth in my words.

"I don't want to marry him. I don't even love him."

"It'll be hard to marry someone you don't love. And believe me that this also tears me inside, but it's not something we can change by simply wishing it hard enough."

"You're wrong."

"We both know I'm not." Reaching out for it, I grabbed her hand in my, entwining our fingers. I opened my mouth and closed it several times, thinking about what to say to get her to accept what I knew she was smart enough to understand. But I didn't want to destroy her hopes alongside mine. She was so innocent and headstrong, so beautiful and loving; I didn't want to destroy that. "We cannot change what's to happen, Masami. You and I have to accept—" Before I could even finish my sentence, she threw herself at me, crying her heart out as I held her close. It broke my heart that I couldn't do anything other than that.

When her cries quieted a bit, it allowed her room to speak despite her voice being so quiet itself. "You're right...and I get that. I just—" she sniffled loudly, wiping her face as she pulled back from me, "I don't want to leave you. I don't want you to go away."

"Then I'll stay." I didn't know what possessed me to say those words. I didn't regret saying them though because it was what I truly wanted as well. "I'll be with you until the time comes I can't anymore. And even then, with what life I'm allowed, I'll climbed the ranks into the royal military and from there protect you and yours. That's my promise to you."

Masami didn't answer and instead nodded. From that point onwards and during the whole of her engagement with Prince Hakuyuu, she and I kept our relationship even more hidden than before. It was our choice to be together for as long as time allowed us. We kept meeting out of sight from prying eyes, out of earshot from hidden ears. And for once I felt the urgency of her love and the love I held for her that only grew now that I knew I would eventually lose her.

But then the time came for the Reizei to return to Shika. The militia would remain behind in the capital seeing as our first excursion to expand further west would come upon us soon. A celebratory gathering was held that night. For those of higher status, it was a dinner to pray for glory to the Kou Empire. For people like me and you, it was yet another farewell. One I was unaware would be our last.

At first I didn't recognize you. It didn't look like you. When I saw you trying to catch my attention all I saw in the beginning was little Miss Kohaku. But as I stared into yours eyes—those eyes so vibrant and full of vitality like mom's—I knew that it was you. You were dressed as Miss Kohaku.

Had I not known you for my whole life I wouldn't have been the wiser. Just like Masami and the rest of her family had been. It was during the middle of the party when everything was reaching it's boisterous climax that I saw you motioning off to the side minutes before you scurried away from everybody else and disappeared behind heavy curtains. I followed behind you as discreetly as I could and found you hiding some ways away in the hallway that separated the room from the outside gardens.

The smile you gave me, small yet cheeky, only solidified my suspicion. "What do you think you're doing, Speirr?" I called to you with a sigh.

Your features softened and your smile became sincere. "I came to say goodbye."

I couldn't keep the grimace that came to me. I hadn't told you about my staying behind in Rakushou to continue fighting but the fact that you were here meant that someone had told you. And by the ploy you were pulling now, I assumed it to be the little miss. Kneeling before you, I took you into the biggest hug I could and you held me tightly in return. "You shouldn't have. You'll get in trouble if you get caught."

"No one will know. That's what Haku said. And it seems to be true." Your small nose scrunched up as you smiled at me. "Nobody's noticed."

"I did," I told you, brushing your hair behind your ear. "Don't do something as reckless as this again, Ceara. You can't be disobeying them. I don't want you to be left out without anywhere or anyone to go back to, you hear?"

"I won't." Confident as you were, you held your head high as you glanced down at me, your eyes wide and bright as you spoke and touched the hairpin that held my hair in place. "Because you'll come back. No matter where you're going or who you fight, you'll come back to me, right Cael?"

With a nod, I took your cheeks in my hands. So fragile, so small. "I will." Mimicking your gesture, I touched the same hairpin that held your caramel tresses much like mine. I leaned forward and kiss your forehead and embraced you tightly once more. "I promise you I always will."

The moment broke as I heard footsteps coming our way. I reluctantly let go of you before standing up just in time to see Prince Hakuyuu turning the corner. He wasn't alone, though. With him was another boy, one I vaguely recognized. This redhead boy fought with us in the last battle. If I remembered correctly, he was one of the emperor's nephews and some years younger than me as well. "Evening." Prince Hakuyuu smiled at both of us before addressing you, "Kohaku, your sister is searching for you."

"O-Oh no, I'm sorry," you stuttered, bowing nervously. You surely didn't like this plan by how nervous you appeared but when I placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder, you calmed down significantly and smiled back at him while giving me a sidelong glance. "I wasn't feeling too well. I asked Papa's soldier to help me."

"I gave her some water to calm her stomach. Seems she ate a little too much," I added to make your story a bit more believable. I hear you chuckle under your breath when I said this.

"I see. If you're feeling unwell still, Kouen and I can escort you back to your room." That was his name: Ren Kouen.

You shook your head and smiled back before bowing respectfully. "I-I appreciate your concern, your highness but I'm feeling better now. I guess I won't be eating much more after this, though."

Prince Hakuyuu agreed and asked Kouen to bring you back to Masami. As you trotted to the boy and walked alongside him back to the room, you glanced back at me. The only thing I could do was give you a smile, one that you saw and reciprocated before you turned the corner.

"What a precocious little girl."

"She is," I agreed quietly.

"By the way, Cael, I heard you chose to join us for the venture towards the west." I gave him a nod as my answer and he gave me a sad smile. "I have to thank you then. Knowing who you're leaving behind, it must have been a hard choice."

"I do it to bring her a prosperous future, your highness. So pardon my imprudence but what I do, I do because I want her to be happy."

"I understand that sentiment. I also wish for my own family to leave happily and in peace in this nation we've made. One we're still making."

"One we'll make happen." We walked together back to the room where the celebration was being held. When we reached the doors, they spring open befor Masami scurried out of, face flushed.

"My apologies," she quickly responded with a bow. Her eyes flashed between the two of us before landing on the prince. "Have you found Kohaku, your highness?"

"Kouen took her back here, didn't he?"

Before she could answer, you pop from gods knew where from inside the room with Kouen by your side. "M-Masami onee-sama, I'm over here."

"Oh goodness, Haku," she huffed, her cheeks flushed before turning to us and bowing again. "Thank you, your highness."

"There's no reason to thank me." Prince Hakuyuu motioned to me instead. "One of your father's soldiers found her, Cael of Eriu."

Her eyes lingered on mine for an instant as she remained dumbfounded at what to do, how to act. I didn't falter. I bowed in front of her. This finally got her to take a better stance as she thanked me, stumbling in her words. "There's no need for gratitude, my lady. Looking after you and your family is my duty, after all."

"Y-Yes...of course," she replied quite deflated. Masami thanked us both nonetheless before leaving to return to you as you took a small speech from her about not leaving her side again. That night was the last I saw of you before we went off to fight in the west.

You would soon turn eleven. All that was in my mind back then were not the fights to come or the blood that I would shed for this country. All I could think of that made this worthwhile was the future that I would have remaining with you.

That and what I could possibly gift you for your eleventh birthday.

Xī máo was a large plain that fell more to the eastern side of the Tenzen plateau. It connected the southwest that bordered the villages and towns governed by Shika and the eastern cities that surrounded Rakushou. They were notorious for their fertility and from what I overheard was what gave it its native name, Zìrán de zigōng.

But instead bearing nature as if should have, that day a battle ensued that drenched the fertile lands in blood. And what's more, the battle that took place at Xī máo was one we hadn't planned. It had been an ambush by exiles of Gou and Kai that wished to fight further even after their countries had already fallen and united under Kou's banner. But I realized then that a fire in a man's heart couldn't be extinguished by mere conquest or submission.

It appeared that the Imperial Family had been more than ready to encounter these types of rebellions after the unification of the three countries. Neither the emperor nor Prince Hakuyuu had been surprised by the attack that threatened our borders even before dawn's break. Without a moment's hesitation, they rounded the main battalion of 100,000 men. Although the numbers sounded small in comparison to other times, it seemed logical. There wasn't a reason to employ the lives of many when the threats, although present, were small in scale.

But we were wrong to underestimate them. Yes, they might have been few in numbers but they were also fierce and driven by mad revenge against the imperial family and those that served them. Not only that but they carried a handful of odd weapons that could perform extraordinary things. Magic is what Prince Hakuyuu called it. It wasn't something we saw anything of in the east. Nonetheless, we fought. But it appeared that the magic weapons they used were putting a clear dent on our numbers.

It was when they hit a certain low that Prince Hakuyuu, who commanded us straight west as his father and the General took the northern and southern fronts so as for us not to be surrounded, that he finally called for a retreat. Us underestimating them had been a mistake. We needed to back off.

"We can make them retreat, your highness!" Overhearing Kouen's loud voice roar after Prince Hakuyuu had given his command made me turn to him as he stood amidst the crowd, his sword still in hand.

"No, Kouen. We retreat, now!"

But the boy didn't listen. Instead what I saw was a bright light shine from his pauldron before his whole body morphed into something animalistic and small. It was like a lion's cub mixed with a small boy's body with a right hand larger than even the rest of his body that held a distinctive eight-pointed star emblem on it. His eyes shining red, the beast I recognized soon as Kouen laid waste upon the enemy, shifting the ground beneath them and attacking them with the magnitude of his powers.

Awed and terrified by the power he wielded, I recalled then the rumors that had been told about the young boy, the emperor's nephew, and how he had gone into one of those legendary towers. The ones said to kill over thousands of men who searched for glory and one treasure in particular. "A metal vessel…"

"Kouen!" Prince Hakuyuu's exclaim caught my attention as he rode close to me. But as he did, the soldiers that had been told by him to retreat, invigorated by Kouen's advance, went forth along with him. "Damn. Cael, we can't defend this with the number of men we have."

"I know." I agreed but as I watched the fight ensue before us, I also knew something else. "But they won't retreat now that Master Kouen has gone forth. You can't command a beast wild with power to retreat."

"Kouen isn't a beast!" Prince Hakuren shouted over the noise. "He'll listen to Yuu!"

"No, he won't." Glad that his highness at least accepted that gave me hope. Magic against magic. No matter how foreign a concept it was to us in the east, if we could counter it and with everything else equal, we were still the better army. There was still a chance for us to win.

"That leaves one way to go."

Hakuyuu gave the command to advance to the portion of the army that listened to him and we all headed after the young master. The power he held was indomitable. It gave strength to the soldiers that were still left, it gave them vitality. And we surged forward.

But as I saw a towering flower of earth burst from the ground, my eyes searched for the boy that suddenly lost his lion form and fell to his knees, sword in hand and exhausted, and found him as the battled raged on around him.

Without a second thought, I rushed towards him just in time to parry away an enemy sword before impaling its bearer and leaving him to die. Grabbing him by his arm, I tried helping him to his feet but his exhaustion weighed him down. I couldn't help him alone.

"C'mon, Kouen!" I yelled at him as I yanked at his arm so he could pull himself together. "Get up!"

At that instant, amidst the clashing of metal and dying screams, I heard a distinctive whistling. It was the sound of a blade rushing through air, cutting an invisible barrier of air as it swung down. And it was coming right from behind us, closest to Kouen. Before I could think, I yanked the boy away so he landed before my feet and turned meaning to parry the blow with my sword. But I'd mistaken it's trajectory and instead the blade slashed at my side, and I felt the warmth of my own blood sweep through my armor as I spun on my heel to stab the man through his throat. Injured, I fell to a knee, something shiny falling to my feet as I did so. I had no idea how deep the wound was but there was really no time to figure that out. Quickly as I could, I swiftly tightened the sash underneath my armor to stop what bleeding I could before grasping the hairpin that had fallen tightly in my hand and turning to Kouen.

The boy was still overexerted but was mildly more conscious than before. "Hurry," I hissed at him before helping him carry himself with one of his arms over my shoulder. The added weight almost made me double down in pain but I ignored it as best as I could and dragged him through the field where the battle still raged on. The hand I held the hairpin with was crushed against his side to keep him against me while my other held my sword still, swinging and clashing against anyone's blade that threatened us as we retreated.

It wasn't until I was far enough from combat that I finally saw Prince Hakuyuu. The instant our eyes met he rode his horse towards us and pulled Kouen onto it as I took a step back.

"Cael—"

"Leave with him, your highness!" I shouted as I turned back to the battlefield. Their numbers were significantly dwindling. This could be won if we only fought a bit longer. "We'll finish this."

Before he could say anything to me, I left and rushed out to the frontlines. I don't know for how long I kept killing men—I stabbed, I plunged, I parried, I mutilated—but I kept going until everything seemed to stop. It wasn't until I heard what few men remain call the ceasefire and our own apprehend them that I could finally breath again.

But it hurt to breath now.

An exuberant debility wracked my body and made me fall to my knees. The ground beneath me was hard as my whole body fell against it, my lungs hurting every time I inhaled. It felt like I was drowning.

"Cael!"

Whoever called my name sounded so far away. It wasn't until he came into view that I recognized Prince Hakuyuu. I don't recall what he did after—I recall hands touching me, carrying me off and then people coming in and out of my vision. But no matter what they did, it still hurt to breath.

Finally, nobody came. Only he stayed by my side as it became harder and harder to breath. As I held something in my hand, I felt it crack under the pressure of my grip.

The flower...

"...Ceara…"

"Don't worry," I heard him say. A rare warmth fell upon my hand, the one where I held the hairpin, and contrasted greatly with the sudden cold that overcame me. "I'll see after her. I promise you that I'll see to Ceara's wellbeing, Cael. So it's alright..."

"...it's not...alright…" Talking hurt even more than I thought it would have. It made me cough violently and soon I could taste iron in my mouth. It was warm. "...I promised...always…"

But as I said those words my sight began to fade to black. Soon I couldn't even see shadows anymore. Soon I didn't feel cold. And then I started not being able to hear anything.

Strangely enough, I felt a warm hand stroking my head, brushing the hair back from my head, before I heard a woman's voice that echoed in my head. It was sweet and caring but it also sounded saddened.

It wasn't mom's. It wasn't Masami's. It wasn't yours.

I had never heard her before but I felt at ease hearing her voice.

"It is fine, child. You have did what you could. All will now rest in her shoulders. So rest assured, your destiny will be hers now. She will carry on the torch and do what you could not."

I didn't want that. I didn't want that weight on your small, fragile shoulders.

"She will bear it wonderfully, child. Now sleep. You must be tired of it all."

I was. And before I could fight it any longer, her warmth and voice left me and darkness took over.

VI. Another Time, Another Story

Different worlds equate to different tales where there are differences amongst what is known, what could have been, and what already has. As such, there exists one in particular and that is where this tale in particular takes place.

In this world there exist similarities to that other; Ceara of Eriu captured Murmur, conquering the 54th dungeon. She was still the cause of Reizei Kohaku's death. And she was discovered by the First Crown Prince, Ren Hakuyuu. But what differs also exists; Ren Hakuyuu shared this secret and burden with another, his oldest cousin, Ren Kouen. Ren Kouen vowed to the prince that he would uphold the girl's secret and help him undo the stigma she had created on herself. This promise was made out of duty, one he held after the rebellion and the emperor's and the two crown princes' murders.

Before they returned to Shika, Ren Kouen decided to undo the secret given to him, convincing the Reizei family to withdraw imperial punishment. Ceara of Eriu as a dungeon capturer was an asset that needed to be kept alive. Begrudgingly, they agreed to his terms. The Reizei left Ceara of Eriu behind and returned to Shika to hold the funeral of their second daughter.

In this tale, the twins never grew to love Ceara. Ceara also never suffered under the hand of Masami's abuse. She never searched for her brother's cause of death and thus never became infatuated with the culture and stories of her people. She also never captured Beleth or Marbas.

In this tale, she remained in Rakushou as one of Ren Kouen's retainers and member of his military. She still grew up amidst war but instead of commanding an army, she became part of the Western Subjugation Army. And she became closer to the First Prince faster than she would have otherwise.

And in this tale, something else occurred.

Ceara couldn't believe the lavishness that now decorated the receiving hall. She'd seen this place a thousand times and never had it been this adorned to the brim with fine silks or gold pieces of decor.

And all this to receive a king of the south. Not just any king, though, or so she was often hearing the maids say as the day drew nearer to his arrival. Oh no, this was the 'great man, conqueror of the seven seas and seven dungeons,' the king of the Kingdom of the Sindria, Sinbad.

Honestly, she understood that his visiting had a great deal to do with what Princess Kougyoku had sent word of. Apparently, he had delegated Balbadd into the Seven Seas Alliance's protection and thus his majesty had to deal with him coming to personally deliberate with Kou for Balbadd's release. As far as she was concerned, having any kind of talk about dealing Balbadd back to another country was idiotic. Not only had it fallen out of its own volition, it wasn't their fault that such a nosy person had stumbled into the princess' job of obtaining the damn country and made everything tumble down.

Now they had to put up pretenses and hold these luxurious parties that she hated with a passion. Crowds weren't her thing, much less when she was required to attend them since she was the only one remotely human in appearance out of all of the prince's retainers.

How she hated her position sometimes.

"Watcha doing, missy?"

Ceara didn't spare a glance at Seishun as he came over and placed his large hand on her head, bobbing it back and forth like a toy. "Trying to get used to this sight so I don't accidentally barf at it when I see it later tonight," she replied, taking his hand and stopping him before he accidentally popped her head out of her shoulders. "Seriously, Sei, why couldn't you have held back your assimilation by a couple of years? That way I wouldn't be dealing with this kind of crap on my own."

"You're still upset about that?" he asked.

"I'm not upset," she corrected, scrunching her nose in annoyance. "I'm just peeved."

"Same difference." He bobbed her head a couple of more times. "Be happy for me, missy. Unlike you that's had power similar to the young master's for so long, we don't have the luxury of time. Whatever power we get is for the young master's and Kou's sake."

"Mostly the former?"

"You know it," he cackled, smacking Ceara's back and, again, not controlling his strength and pushing her a few steps forward.

"Seishun! Miss Ceara!"

Chu'uun's shouts caught them off guard, making them turn to Prince Koumei's retainer as he strode into the room, the maids that had promptly ignored the two previously actually acknowledging him for a change.

"Afternoon, Chu'uun-san," Ceara greeted as Seishun reached out with his hand more than likely wanting to do the same thing to him that he was doing to her. Chu'uun smacked away Seishun's hand knowing how much it hurt since he still didn't have much control over the strength he used normally. Maybe she should learn from him.

"Hello, I'm sure you're—stop it, Seishun!—I'm sure you've readied yourself for the welcoming banquet?"

"Doing that as we speak," she pointed out. When he didn't seem to understand her idea, she sighed while Seishun snickered. Shaking her head, she gave him a smile. "Forget it. Yes, I am. I was told that their highnesses would be joining the welcoming banquet and that you and I would be accompanying them. I've pretty much got everything ready."

"Good." His smile for her faltered as he turned with a sneer to shout at Seishun. "Have you prepared for your duties tonight?"

The two bickering amongst themselves usually brought commotions that disrupted the servants so Ceara took the liberty of leading them out and instead walk around the palace as they talked about what would take place for the next three days.

Just thinking about it made Ceara sick.

"Oi, Brat of Eriu!"

"It's Ceara of Eriu!" she shouted back behind them as response to the idiotic nickname that Kin Gaku had given her. The giant boar of a man, another of Kouen's retainers, raised his hand and pointed out behind him as he reached the three of them.

"The young master called for you."

"Again?" Seishun asked before she could reply. Hating his nosiness, Ceara ignored him and nodded at Kin Gaku.

"Thanks. I'll meet up with him then. The library, I'm assuming?"

"Yeah."

With that affirmation, Ceara trotted away, ignoring the comments she overheard from Seishun about how much the young master had been calling her these past week. But as she thought about it, it wasn't really out of the norm. At least not for her.

When things got particularly stressful for him, there were few things that undid the strain he kept pent up. Reading was one of them. She was another. And like they had certainly noticed and pointed out, he'd been asking for her more than usual ever since word from Princess Kougyoku came that King Sinbad would visit Kou. Had the emperor not called the Western Subjugation Army back, neither of them would be suffering through this either. It was odd how things came to end up.

He'd never met the man to her knowledge, yet there was something explicitly unsaid about him from stories and the world at large that held an air of mystery around him. And this explicitness seemed to keep Kouen on his toes more than usual. He didn't like surprises, and that man was nothing but a big question mark for them all.

And frankly, she shared his anxiety, although on a more visible level than him. This was pretty obvious as she stumbled into the library, eyeing every corner of it as she went and noticing that it was as empty as could be except for the man that waited at the end of the large room. He sat behind his desk and held a scroll in his hands but was oddly distracted by something else. Ceara thought this extremely strange since Kouen wasn't one for reveries.

"You called for me, your highness?" Ceara asked loud enough to snap him out his stupor.

He didn't turn her way but she clearly saw the slight flinch when she spoke. Instead, he reached out his hand towards her without glancing back. Ceara sighed, knowing that he must be pretty out of it if he hadn't checked for any possible onlookers before doing that. Not worried since she checked herself though, she obliged and walked up to him before taking his hand in hers. Like he always did, he held tightly onto it before reaching to the small of her back to draw her closer as he pulled back from his chair.

Without a single word he laid his head on her stomach as his arm wrapped around her waist. Ceara rested her arms around his neck and brushed her fingers through his red hair waiting for some kind of response from him. When there was none, she opted to ask instead since she couldn't stand the silence.

"It's not like you to feel so wound up about things."

"I'm not."

"This is the eleventh time you called me over these past week." The thought itself made her chuckle. It's not like she was complaining or anything. She loved the time they spent together but this truly did show how much he was not okay about the situation. "And I know you don't call me just to talk."

"Don't I?" he asked, his hand traveling up from the small of her back to her shoulder blades and making a trail back down.

The ministrations made her glance back behind her shoulder before replying, "It's never just to talk, Kouen. But if that's what you want then you know I'll listen. So talk to me."

"I don't want to talk because there's nothing wrong." Ceara blew the strands of hair away from her face. This man could be such a petulant child sometimes.

"No talking means I won't let you do anything to me. That's my condition, remember?"

The hand on her back stopped briefly before balling up the clothes on her back. Before she could chastise him for wrinkling them, he let go and stood from his chair towering over her and pinning her against the desk.

"I don't need to talk, of Eriu."

His false machismo didn't get her to falter or fold and she glared back at him. "Then you're not having me, Ren."

"Why are you being so difficult?"

"Why are you being such a child?"

That jab made his jaw clench and Ceara saw quickly how his previous anxiety had turned into annoyance for her. She wasn't going to let herself be pushed around just because he was throwing a tantrum, though. They made a deal and she intended for him to keep his end.

"You said you're a man of your word, didn't you?" she asked, wanting to reiterate her point from before. Reaching behind her, she pulled his hand away from her back so that it rested on the wooden desk behind her before crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Then speak. You're not touching me otherwise."

A minute then two went by where a tense silence came over them as they stared each other down. Finally and like always, he caved. His head fell so that his forehead rested on her shoulder and Ceara didn't protest but did keep her hands to herself while waiting for him to speak. And eventually, he did.

"I hate these frivolous affairs."

"That makes two of us."

"What I abhor most, though, is that he dragged us away from the battlefield for something as insignificant as this."

Oh, his father. Now that he was complying, Ceara reached out and wrapped her arms around his shoulders before resting her cheek against the side of his head. "Well, you're not wrong to feel that. What you're doing for this country is very important."

"And he's an idiot for not realizing that. All he sees is power to garner. Not the future that they saw."

All at once, Ceara understood exactly what had Kouen in such an awful mood and just how wrong she'd been. He wasn't anxious at all about King Sinbad's arrival. He was exasperated because his father didn't see the great future his role models had, the same one he and his brothers saw, and the same one he would give anything to accomplish.

Ceara found out long ago that Kouen detested his father but out of respect and position held his tongue. He had always loved his mother—rest her sweet and kind soul—and Ren Hakutoku had been the only actual father figure he had accepted. As far as she knew, Ren Koutoku was only their father biologically and in name. But Ceara couldn't see that. She couldn't fathom how such a horrid man could father such kind and candid children.

"It doesn't matter what he thinks," Ceara assured him in a quiet whisper. Her fingers brushed through his hair again, this time to calm him down. "You're the one endeavoring for that goal. There's a reason their legacy was left to you and Koumei but not him. You're the future of Kou and you're making their ideal a reality everyday you fight. You've been fighting for years and once these three days are over and Balbadd remains ours, you will have been the one to unite the whole of the eastern continent. You will have ended the wars of half of the world. After such seemingly unfathomable feat achieved, conquering the west won't be a dream. It's a possibility we will make happen." Unable to help herself, Ceara pressed her lips against the side of his head. "And three days away won't change that."

He didn't reply to any of what she said and instead remained there, breathing deeply against her shoulder.

"Three days is all it'll be."

"Exactly," she agreed, "then we'll be able to continue. It's a small pause. That's all."

"Do you tire of fighting?"

The question caught her off guard. "Me?" When he didn't answer, Ceara thought about it for a moment. It wasn't like it was hard to fight. She had Murmur, after all. At times maybe she tired of seeing so much bloodshed and death but she knew that it was for the betterment of the world. That gave her some peace in order to keep going.

At telling him this, he took a deep breath and exhaled, the hot air tickling her neck as he moved to lay his face against her exposed neck. "Is that and all this worth it for you? Being used and losing everything for this."

The reminder he spoke of made her pause.

Her life after Prince Hakuyuu's death had surely been one of havoc. The Reizei had forsaken her—a deed she didn't blame them for—and the country after having asked for her execution but being denied because of her value. Denied at least for now; the execution was more prolonged than anything. The emperor had promised her execution after the conquer. It wasn't like she didn't hold resentment for them either. She hated General Koujiro for causing her brother's death. So in reality, they were equal on that end.

Now that she had grown part of the Imperial family's cadre, she found where she was needed. She belonged as a soldier for their cause. And what's more, she found some solace in this odd relationship they had. Although a secret for so many years, Ceara liked to think that it was real. That he actually desired her aside from her body and the release he found in it. That he actually felt something else for her, the same thing she felt ever since he took her in after being exiled with no home to return to. She didn't know if what she felt was love; the only thing close to it she'd ever felt had been with Kohaku. That had been but child's play compared to now. But even so, Ceara kept quiet about it. Instead she took her place as his paramour—one of many, she was certain—and came to be at peace with the fact that she could help him with at least this much.

"I don't think I can give any real answer to that. At least not until it all ends and I kneel before the executioner's blade. It's only in the end when we realize what we regret most, no?"

"Then what do you regret now? There must be something."

There was, but telling him the one thing she regretted not saying every second she was by his side wouldn't change anything. So instead of telling the truth, she smiled and lifted his face to meet his eyes. "Just that I can't relieve you of all your problems. I'm here because of you; to do whatever I can to make sure you accomplish that great ideal you wish for is really all that I want. So right now, there isn't really much to regret about."

But when Ceara saw that he was mulling over her words way too much, she didn't let him think for long. Instead she pressed her lips against his and took his mind away from the conversation. As his hands began to roam her backside, they lifted her to sit on the desk before he pressed his body between her parted legs.

As they parted for air, he put attention on her neck to bite it. Before her mind could get clouded over by the pleasure that would soon take over her, she whispered, "What if someone barges in?"

"They won't," he breathed against her skin, "I specifically told them not to let anybody contact me until the banquet."

"That's five hours from now."

"It appears we have a long five hours ahead of us then." Ceara couldn't think of anything to answer him with as baffling as that idea was. But as he undid the thin sash that held her clothes together and used it to tie her wrists together above her head, a part of her couldn't help but shiver in anticipation of what she knew was to come. So much pleasure, so much pain.

"Try to be quiet this time."

Damn him.

Five hours had not been a good idea. Ceara could not, for the life of her, keep standing for more than a few minutes. Kouen hadn't been kidding about the timeslot he'd opened, and because of how long they took to leisure, they had barely gotten enough time to ready and appear for the banquet. And because she'd gotten no time to rest from the plethora, albeit pleasureable, positions he'd put her through, her body was still strung and sore. Especially her legs. And it was getting really hard to keep up appearances as guests were coming in since she was the one that had to stand around while Kouen and Koumei lounged beside their father.

Damn it all.

Thankfully, she somehow managed to keep it together to welcome the guests. It was almost over. There was just one more person to greet. King Sinbad walked into the room with a small but substantial entourage behind him. Watching him walk into the room was odd in a way. His presence parted the crowd and silenced the room like a ray of sun straight through clouds.

Mesmerizing pools of gold stared at them as he strode forward and came to stand before the emperor and the two Imperial princes. Chu'uun and Ceara stayed steps behind their respective masters but she couldn't keep her curiosity from winning over her which made her peek up from her bow.

The high king greeted them respectfully and with a grand smile on his face as they began to speak. All the while, Ceara couldn't help the ill omen that fell upon her at his presence. He appeared charismatic, also boyish despite being almost in his thirties from what she was told.

It was magnetic. It demanded attention. And Ceara felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding from the man. One that she couldn't quite explain.

Thankfully, over the span of the banquet, she didn't have to interact with the king or be near him. The negotiations would take place in the morrow; so the banquet was all about welcoming him and his. It wasn't until the night was almost over that she had to step away from the room when she felt she couldn't stand a minute longer. Excusing herself and asking Chu'uun to please take over for a few minutes, Ceara stepped out of the room and went towards the outer gardens that were far from the party but near enough for her to hear if she were needed. On the edge of the hallway, she sat herself down on the ledge and let out a heavy sigh as she massaged her hips and thighs.

For as much as she loved the man, Ceara knew how childish possessive Kouen could get without even noticing it himself. She guessed that it was that same trait of his that made him so harsh with her at times. Thanking the chilliness of fall for cooling her aching body, Ceara closed her eyes and enjoyed the fresh air away from the wine and festivity.

"I never imagined a cold night could be this lovely."

The deep, rich voice that came through the air to her made Ceara jump in her skin and literally jump as she hurried to stand back up. But as sore as her legs were, she stumbled on the first couple of steps, her knees effectively buckling like a deer's and gravity intent on seeing her fall took its course. Instead of a hard and cold floor, however, Ceara felt strong arms hold her steady by her own before helping her stand back up straight. Once her feet were well and firmly planted on the ground, Ceara gazed upward from the floor and took in the complete view of her rescuer.

Despite the embers of the garden lanterns being the only light in the night, Ceara could not misplace the molten gold that she stared into. King Sinbad smiled at her, finding himself able to stand face to face with her.

"Are you alright, my lady?"

The foul sense from before sent shivers down her spine again but this time because of his proximity. Wanting to put some distance between themselves, Ceara pulled away and took two steps back. "Yes, thank you for helping me, your majesty."

"There isn't a need to thank me. All I did was give help where it was needed. It's what anybody would do after all."

"Even so," she added, not wanting to be seen as insubordinate towards their guest, "your kindness is appreciate towards a lowly servant as myself."

At hearing this, King Sinbad stood back with his arms crossed over his chest, the smile never disappearing from his face as he simply stared at her. If he'd given a sense of foreboding before, now he was simply being creepy. But as those golden eyes scanned her, Ceara couldn't resist feeling like another shiny decoration in that receiving hall that was being ogled at. Thinking that seriously creeped her out to the point that it made her speak.

"Is something the matter, your majesty?"

"Nothing at all," he assured her as that boyish grin appeared on his face before he let out a coy chuckle. The moment his eyes met hers, though, Ceara knew that he was lying. "Just that I don't believe a mere servant would be a retainer of the First Imperial Prince of Kou."

Shit. She'd taken for granted her assumed invisibility in the party; Ceara guessed that among the crowd, nobody would be the wiser and would simply think of her as just another maid or servant. Clearly, that hadn't worked with him. He noticed. No, he was observant.

Maybe that's what made her so uneasy about his presence. Those irises of molten gold always attentive, always observing. Although subtle, the scrutiny was palpable on her skin. That just made her all the more cautious about what she said.

"I serve his highness personally. That is the reason of my accompanying him tonight. That's all."

"Is that so? Then would this lovely lady care to accompany me around the palace? A tour would be highly appreciated."

"I don't believe that's a possibility, King Sinbad." This time it wasn't her uneasiness speaking. Even if she wanted—and she really did not—her accessibility of the palace was limited because of her situation. She couldn't go as she pleased unless she was accompanied. But instead of telling him this, Ceara smiled amicably, wanting to portray the same confidence he did to save face after how they'd met. "The banquet is being held for you, after all. I don't believe leaving would be a wise decision. His majesty, the emperor, must be searching for you as we speak. I shall take you back inside."

"I came out here to take a breath of fresh air." After their long standstill, King Sinbad stepped aside and faced the gardens that were so dimly illuminated by the lanterns that ran along the hallways. "I have to admit that Kou does not appear as hostile as many proclaim it to be."

"It isn't." Ceara pursed her lips the second after those words escaped her. She knew better than to answer but she wouldn't let falsehoods from gossip smear the image of her home. "Kou is a grand country. It's people are happy and cared for."

"It appeared so when I arrived here. That is aside from the slaves."

Ceara didn't find his comment the least bit surprising. Many outsiders questioned Kou's methods which included their inclusion of slavery and of their continued conquest west. But having heard the argument far too many times, she already had a reply for him.

"It's a much more humane system than most I have encountered."

"It is a system nonetheless, don't you agree?"

"A necessary one for the time being."

"That's regrettable." His gaze turned from the gardens back to Ceara who kept her gaze averted from his. "Where you part of that system, my lady? Perhaps a slave bought."

"I've never been chained to nobody's whim. It's of my own volition that I serve the Imperial Family." Partially true. Circumstances had certainly brought her where she was but it was by choice that she remained.

"My apologies then. I did not mean to offend you."

"You didn't."

"Excuse my imprudence and crudeness when I ask if then perhaps you are a consort—"

"I don't excuse it." She gasped when her words escaped her again. Her mind and heart begin to fight against each other as she spoke, trying to clean up what she'd done. "I mean—I'm sorry, what I meant to say… I didn't mean to be so rude."

Despite her apologies, she didn't regret calling him out like that. She didn't want to be called that word. She hated it...simply because it was the one truth she didn't want to admit. She didn't want to admit that this was in fact only one-sided from her part.

All those thoughts fled her mind though when King Sinbad reached out to take her hand in his before bringing it up to cover it tenderly with his other as he held it daintily between them. Her eyes gazed at his face that had now changed; instead of the coquettish smile, he wore a grimace that showed utter repentance.

"It was I that was rude, my lady. I should not have asked such vulgar and inappropriate thing from such a gracious woman as yourself. Would you accept the humblest of apology of this idiotic man?"

She couldn't say no. There was no room for such answer. When she accepted the apology, King Sinbad smiled and without warning lifted her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it. As he lifted his head, she could see his golden eyes watching her from underneath his eyelashes and felt her face grow warmer.

"If it's not much to ask, could I have your name, my lady? I would be delighted to know what lovely name belongs to such beautiful woman."

Pretty words and romanticisms like those were things she'd never heard before. And despite knowing that this could all very well be a ruse, a part of her felt delighted at hearing those kind of things. A few seconds passed as she was left somewhat speechless but before she could blurt out her name, another voice, one with a deeper timbre that she recognized all too well, came through.

"Ceara."

Instinctively, she drew away from King Sinbad, placing a good distance between them. But apparently that wasn't enough as Kouen strode straight to them and effectively placed himself in front of King Sinbad to have her behind himself.

There wasn't any speaking after he called her name. Instead the two men seemed to be sizing each other up in utter silence. Thankfully the awkward silence was cut when two men she didn't recognize trotted up to King Sinbad and scolded him for leaving the banquet hall. The man finally tore his eyes away from Kouen and apologized to his retainers. When this happened, Kouen glanced over his shoulders to Ceara who stepped back sensing a odd annoyance coming from him.

The two Sindrian retainers weren't the only ones though. Prince Koumei and Chu'uun had closely followed behind them and came to Kouen and Ceara. Apparently, the emperor and the Sindrian retainers had noticed the disappearance of their guest and the emperor had asked his sons to search for him.

"Guess it's time to return then." He asked for their forgiveness at being inconvenienced because of him to which Prince Koumei replied that they hadn't been. Not true, obviously, but what else could he say.

Just when Ceara thought that at last the odd and uncomfortable encounter was over, she felt a tight grip around her wrist just as Kouen hid it behind his back before turning to his brother. "Tell his majesty I'll be returning to my quarters."

Prince Koumei eyed him curiously but nodded all the same. King Sinbad wasn't that oblivious to what Kouen said, however, and did turn back at hearing him say that. "You'll be leaving us, Prince Kouen?"

"Yes. My brother will accompany his majesty in welcoming you for what remains of the night."

"Unfortunate but it's not something to complain about." His eyes traveled from Kouen to Ceara and that sent a shiver down her spine as he flashed that boyish grin of his one last time as he waved her way. "It was very nice meeting you, Lady Ceara. May we meet again."

She cringed at the tinge of pain that ran up her wrist. It wasn't until they turned the corner that Kouen finally let go of her wrist. As she rubbed it from the soreness left from the tight grip, Ceara watched Kouen stride away towards his room. Dutifully, she followed and when they got to his room and he began to rid himself of his gaudy attire, Ceara could tell that he was indeed very much annoyed about something.

"Are you alri—"

"Don't ask." But the fact that he was mulling over it while pacing around his chambers told her that he wasn't.

"Look, I was just out for five minutes. I wanted to sit down and rest my legs. They were hur—"

"And he just happened to find you there?"

"Yes," she agreed, quickly starting to get peeved herself from the line of questions. He was framing this like it was her fault. "He told me he wanted some air and had come out. I offered to take him back but he refused me."

"What else did he tell you?"

At remembering what that conversation had been, she felt her face warm up again. "He asked questions. I didn't answer with anything specific. I was as vague as I could manage to be. I know that that man isn't any good news but I was trying to be polite so as not to cause you any trouble."

That answer only got him to scoff. "You couldn't have been more naive had you tried."

Finally fed up and tired of his attitude, Ceara reacted on her mounting anger and tackled him against his bed. Because he was so close to it, her shove managed to push the back of his knees against the edge of the bed making them buckle. Kouen fell back but caught himself enough to lift the upper part of his body just in time to meet Ceara's glare as she straddled him.

"You getting yourself worked up like this isn't like you and it's getting fucking old. So get over whatever you think happened because all I did was be polite and that idiot did whatever he wanted. I couldn't kick or punch him but believe me that I would've with how uncomfortable I was in that situation. So before you start talking and being almighty about what you think happened and how much of a moron you think I am because I let it happen, how about you stop to think about how fucking scared I was to be with a man that I didn't like from the second I laid eyes on him!"

Winded from the long speech she gave, Ceara took a second to take a breath and calm herself. The times she exploded like that were few. She often kept her cool when it was needed but there were things that existed that if done right could easily push her over the edge.

In spite of her feelings for him, Ceara had to admit that Kouen himself was one of those things that could push her right over that point. And because she had been good enough to keep everything pent up, this was a first for her.

Before she could completely calm down though Kouen sat up from the bed almost making her fall back. Both her arms reached out and wrapped around his neck instinctively while surprisingly his arm reached behind her to grab onto her waist and keep her in place.

Kouen lifted his gaze and finally met hers, his stoic expression telling her nothing of what his state of mind was after that outburst of hers.

"You were scared to be there?"

Still a little peeved, Ceara didn't falter with the truth despite being uncomfortable about it still. "It's stupid, I know, but I don't know why he makes me feel so uneasy. I didn't like being before him. Alone."

"Why?"

"I felt bare. Like he was looking right through me yet still at me. Like I couldn't think. The way he spoke—how he toyed with me with only a few sentences—really bothered me."

When she told him this, Kouen helped get her off of himself and sat her next to him at the edge of the bed. "What else?" Ceara felt like he was much calmer than before and because of it, she was also more relaxed. With that peace of mind, she told him what had occurred and he only listened attentively. He didn't question, just listened. When she was done, he took a deep breath that he easily let go of. "You did as well as you could have been expected to." Without warning, he brushed a finger roughly across her cheek but far more tenderly that he would have otherwise, she noted.

He let out a sigh and stood as he began to busy himself with whatever he found in his room. "I'll be retiring for the night. You should as well. We still have two more days of this to deal with." When she didn't move, Kouen turned to her and raised a curious eyebrow.

Pursing her lips, Ceara took a sharp inhale before standing up to speak. "Is it fine...if I stay here with you for the night?" Her hands that laid by her side took a tight hold of her skirts as her askance gaze came to meet his. "And just to be here, not for...anything else."

Oh the courage it took her to say those words. This was a relationship kept secret for a reason; as much as she hated to admit it, it was one of pure sexual desire. By its truest definition, she was nothing but a paramour to the prince. It was out of carnal pleasure for him, a destresser for when he fell to his lows. And unbeknownst to him, for Ceara it was simply a pleasure. Both carnal and amourous. But after having met such a man whose mere actions left a sourness to her, Ceara didn't want to return to a lone, cold room. She wanted his image and the feelings he elicited to go away, and she only knew one person who made her forget about the world.

But she also knew that because of the nature of their relationship that she had asked a fruitless question. There was no way he would—

"It's fine by me."

Amazed by his answer, she could do no more than blink at him. But when he swiftly told her to ready herself for bed since he truly was going to rest himself, Ceara snapped out of her stupor and did as she was told. It was strange to share his bed, to say the least. All their endeavors had always been during the day or late at night when she could scurry back to her room unnoticed. Not staying behind in his quarters had been an unspoken rule that came to be out of caution. Now Ceara couldn't believe that it was actually happening. All the same, however, she couldn't sleep.

Not like sleep ever came easy for her. Not for the past decade.

"Are you cold?"

His quiet voice still reverberated despite the low volume and made Ceara turn to face him. It'd been just twenty minutes since they blew out the candles and because he faced away from the far window to the gardens, his face remained obscured from her sight.

"No." She chuckled under her breath and scrunched her nose. "People are warm. You're no different. Your being so close keeps me warm enough."

"Then why do you quiver?"

"Habit." It wasn't a lie. Ceara couldn't keep neither her body nor mind free of the cold that crept and inhabited her body. It was as if the terrible ghosts of her past itself—one she kept hidden even from him—kept her company. Certainly, she was never alone. They weren't the best of companions, however, especially when all they did was made her feel cold inside. "I...don't sleep very well. Never have."

He didn't reply to that but he did reach out his arm to pull her closer to him. Abashed but letting him nonetheless, Ceara buried herself in the warmth of his skin so close to his. It was warmer and yet she could feel herself shaking. Kouen told her to try and sleep, stroking her back as he did. Wanting to rest and comply, she closed her eyes and simply focused on the sound of his beating heart.

Amazingly the sound made her drowsy, like the tolling of far off bells muffled by the distance, and soon she felt herself heavy. And for once she relished in the feeling of sleeping in peace.

Almost a year and a half later, the battle against the Medium in Magnostadt occurred. Kohaku was released but Ceara, unable to face her and with no promise to give about telling anybody the truth of who she was, never faced her. In this tale, she simply allowed the souls to leave Murmur's lantern in peace.

In this tale, Parisa Klados remained to fight in Magnostadt. At age fifteen, she was one of the many magicians that perished against Reim's forces. In this tale, Seijin remained a slave and would eventually finish his five years of servitude to later leave Kou and travel the eastern seas towards Kina.

Without him, Ceara of Eriu joined Prince Kouen and his retainers in their travels to the Summit. There she heard Aladdin's story and there she met Rakah Azeri for the first and last time.

"You're quite the storyteller, Aladdin! Had me quite hooked from beginning to end." Rakah couldn't help but watch as all those present turned towards him as he sat perched on the northern wall of the dilapidated building. He jumped off of his perch and hovered gracefully on the ground with use of his magic. His gelid amethyst eyes landed on the young magi as a grin came to his lips. "But you always forget to tell our little tale. How bizarre that is, don't you think?"

Aladdin's was not fazed by this accusation and instead held no expression in the least that he could read. "That story isn't mine to tell, Mister Rakah. It's yours."

That comment made him snicker and grin at the boy. "That's too bad then. I don't think it's a story that's worth telling since they all end the same eventually." Rakah couldn't help but give a faint glance over to little Speirr as she stood close to the faction she turned to most, if not all, of the time, the Kou Empire. And he did indeed recall every iteration where she was concerned. "In one they laugh and dance, in another they scream and flee. But no matter the contents, a story that always ends the same isn't compelling. But that's why I want to change it."

"And how do you intend to do that?" he asked. Rakah could hear Aladdin's hesitation. The boy was ever cautious with him ever since they met in Magnostadt, no matter the world.

"By balancing the scales." His latest theory. "Too much power on one side and the knowledge of it seems to be a common factor to the downfall of at least one of us. Usually hers." At saying this, Rakah came to meet Ceara's gaze, her eyes widening as if realizing his insinuation. "I've found that powerlessness and isolation are good for sowing and reaping greed. But no matter where I look, she's always accompanied by one or another. It's proven relatively hard to find her alone." He returned to face Aladdin as he gave a shrug at what that implicated, "So I figured..."

Lifting his hand towards her, Rakah directed his open palm there and felt the surge of power at summoning Peaceful Darkness. Dark spheres were a pain to create. Thankfully after years and years of practicing, Rakah managed to quickly form one in the midst of the Kou crowd that took the left side of the summit's room. Volatile spaces of nothingness, they were easier to mold than to create and making them explode into shards was easy for him.

Killing those pesky princes would be child's play...or so he had thought. Rakah could've sworn he had accounted for every mistake with the countless times he'd gone through this same scenario. But Ceara proved to be ever the surprise to him. The foolish woman did what he never expected her to and took the full brunt of the shattering sphere, covering it with her whole body. Although it didn't stop some from spreading outward, she took the majority of the attack, the dark shards of matter piercing her body at random.

The crowd shocked, it was Kouen's sudden shout for her that made Rakah react. Using a piece of Grace of Sunlight's magic, he teleported her body to him and caught it in his arms, the sudden dead weight bringing him down to a knee. People from all sides sprinted at him clearly intent on attacking him but with a swift wave of his hand, Rakah summoned the the roaring winds of Rondo of Whirlwind to keep them at bay.

The sudden choking he heard in his arms brought his attention back to Ceara as she half sat up against his arm. Having used the other gifts took away from his control of Peaceful Darkness effectively making the dark shards disappear. Her wounds unfettered, they began to bleed profusely and he finally saw the extent of her injuries. A good portion to her abdomen and chest had been pierced; it amazed him how she was still conscious trying desperately to breath. No doubt was she in terrible pain because of it. And aside from being numerous, the wounds were large; they would be difficult to heal if at all and it would certainly take time for her to bleed out.

Killing her now would be a blessing.

"I've always hated your damn bleeding heart," he muttered under his breath as he reached out his free hand to lay it on the side of her head. He was about to summon more magic when he gasped at the tight grip that she managed to get on his arm. Even with how slowly and painfully she was dying, she still managed to fight. This brought an uncharacteristic smile to his lips compared to the grim scene before him. Leaning closer to her ear, Rakah shushed her soothingly. "It'll be alright, Speirr. It won't hurt for much longer." Using water magic, he managed to wet the top side of her head well enough. Knowing the charge he needed would be pretty big, Rumble of Thunder was the safest bet to do her in quickly. He didn't want to risk having to electrocute her twice. Feeling a pang in his chest, Rakah soothingly stroke her soaked head as her breathing became even heavier to distract the two of them.

Just do it.

The surge of electricity ran through his body into her head, the shock making her body convulse and stiffen. Rakah held her tightly while not letting his hand off of her head for a good minute. He wanted to be sure one time would be enough. When he relented, her body relaxed and her head fell heavily against his shoulder, her noisy breathing stopping completely. Rakah placed his fingers against her neck to reassure himself that her heart wasn't beating. His heart never failed to sink whenever she died.

This time was no different. Unable to keep the winds of Rondo of Whirlwind up any longer, he let them fall. Strangely nobody moved from their place. Rakah didn't either but for a different reason. He felt no pool of energy, no weight being added to his already aching shoulders and soul. She hadn't released her seal in this world either.

The heaviness of his heart became greater at realizing she had yet again died in vain.

"I'm sorry, Speirr," he whispered against her head before laying a small kiss on it. His hand came from her neck up to her eyes and carefully closed them. Once done, he stood from his place while carrying her body and came closer to the people that waited with bated breaths. Rakah couldn't understand their calm. He laid her gently on the floor and as he did watched as her head fell to their side, showing them her face. If he didn't know any better, he'd think her asleep.

Rakah didn't understand how out of the lot of them it was only Ceara that always seemed to leave so peacefully.

He stepped back after that and once he was sufficiently far away, the first one to reach her and take her body was that damn first prince of Kou. Of course he checked her, and of course he soon realized what he'd done.

A fury marred the usually stoic prince's face as he stood with her body in his arms. "Kill the bastard."

"I would think better of it if I were you," he warned as soon as he saw the retainers heeding their prince's orders. They stopped briefly as if taking his threat seriously but more than likely because of the ice pillars he conjured with Blooming Waves to keep them away from him. He didn't feel like fighting this time.

"Why...?" Aladdin's question made him turn to face the young magi that expressed the sadness Rakah felt in himself. "She didn't have to die. So why..."

"I didn't mean to. Believe me, my target wasn't her. She just put herself in the way like she's always done." He grimaced and brushed his hand through his hair, "But in retrospect, I think it's better that she died here."

"How can you say that?!" Rakah never understood how Alibaba always felt like he could poke his nose into business that didn't concern him. Nonetheless, he answered.

"Believe me, Saluja, there were a thousand worse ways she could've gone." Man, did he know that was true. Giving them a grim smile, he glanced at the ground as he spoke the sour truth. "This was the only mercy I knew of to give her."

Without warning, he used Grace of Sunlight to open a portal. There wasn't anything left to do here anyway with Ceara not being a part of the world. No Ceara meant no gift. So onward to the next one it was. But as he took one step into the teleportation circle, he glanced over his shoulder towards the first prince. The man still held onto her body tightly but if he stared long enough, he could see just how much he was trying to hide his trembling hands.

She's never alone. She's always with you.

And how he hated that.

"Give her a good funeral." With that said, he stepped through the portal and left that world behind.

VII. Towards the Future

The spring was a beautiful season for Kou. It was the season when mother nature took over their fertile soils and let their crops flourish for the most profitable trade of the year. It was the season for many festivities which had only over the last decade prevailed in Kou as the true nature of its culture itself blossomed. And like everything else, the young girl that watched over the gardens from the window of the library was reaching the ripe age of eleven.

Such beauty, such allure. How Chie abhorred its banality.

The youngest of her family, Ren Kouchie was but a few weeks away from her eleventh birthday, and as such there was much to look forward to. Ever since her eldest sister Kohaku turned that age and asked for a special gift from their parents, it became a custom for each child to ask for one big gift when they turned eleven.

Haku-nee asked to be trained in swordsmanship by their father. He obliged happily.

Yuu-nii asked to join their uncles and aunt to the political assemblies they attended monthly with other countries. Their parents asked and were granted permission.

Rei and Sei asked to remain home and help their Uncle Kouha with the people. Of course their uncle said yes.

But as her birthday approached, Chie saw that no matter how much she wanted to voice her request, she felt like she couldn't. There was no way she could ask for such a thing. It would break their parents' hearts. But there wasn't really anything else she wanted.

Completely torn, Chie ruffled her red hair out of frustration before slamming her forehead against the book she was reading. "Ow..." Her muffled groaned barely came out. She lifted her head and rubbed the sore spot before laying her face to the side to glance outside to the gardens again, her large, red eyes staring faintly back at her from the reflection on the pane of glass.

It wasn't like she didn't like her country. Kou was beautiful and she would always love it. She spent the early years of her life exploring it and finding joy in each thing she discovered. But Kou was only so big and after four years, she had exhausted every mystery there was.

What I want is to explore the world.

But asking her parents for such a thing—asking them to essentially let her leave on her own at such age—was too much. She knew their parents loved them and would go to great lengths to see them happy but this? Chie doubted it'd be possible. Even with the relative peace in the world, she knew that there were many things nobody knew about, especially in the Dark Continent even after so many years. There were unknowns out there and people feared that which they didn't know. To them, mysteries were scary, but in her case, they excited her to no end.

Kou was home because it was safe. And Chie knew that safety for them was what mattered most to her mom and dad. Especially to her mom.

She couldn't ask.

But what if...?

Chie couldn't keep herself from wondering that over the past days. What if they actually agreed? The dichotomy of her thoughts exhausted her. She didn't want to read anymore. Reading about the outside was not the same. But as she exited the library, a thought came to her. Maybe her siblings would be able to enlighten her. Maybe they would know whether or not their parents would accept such thing.

Certainly they would. And since the easiest to find was her older sister, Chie headed straight for the barracks.

"Explore the world?"

Chie nodded when her eldest sister at eighteen repeated her query, mulling over it as she stood a few feet in front their cousin whom she'd been training. Kohaku struck her sword onto the ground to lean on the hilt as she closed her eyes to think. Chie made sure to stay several steps away from the training circle drawn on the floor, one that their cousin, Izumi, currently stood at the borders of, utterly exhausted.

Izumi was their oldest cousin at twelve and son of their Uncle Sou. The scrawny boy had their uncle's complexion and caramel hair while keeping their Aunt Risa's silver eyes. Despite his small size, Izumi wanted to learn to wield a sword masterfully like her sister did. He wanted to make his father proud and learn what he had at his age. Chie saw the potential in him just like Kohaku had when their uncle asked her to tutor him. And since Chie knew her sister would never turn down a chance to fight and exercise, she took the request gladly.

"Is Izu-nii gonna get his butt kicked again?"

Chie couldn't help but chuckle at little Sachi's comment. Her large silver doe-eyes stared up at Chie as their youngest cousin stood in front of her snuggled again her to spectate. Unlike Izumi, Sachi was the spitting image of Aunt Risa, magical affinity and all. "Probably."

Seeing a chance to ambush Kohaku, Izumi rushed back into the circle with his sword held high and ready to strike. Snapping out of her thoughts, Kohaku took her sword back from the ground and simply sidestepped Izumi and trotted behind him to smack the back of his knees with the flat side of the steel. Because he was caught so unawares, Izumi fell to the ground, half way through the circle they weren't suppose to cross.

"Well, I don't see why they would say no, frankly speaking," she replied as she slung her sword over her shoulder. "Dad explored the world to conquer it years ago and Mom joined him for it. At least that's what they and Uncle Ryuu have told me. They've been to almost half of the world and over. I don't see why they wouldn't let you go when they have."

Sachi tugged at Chie's arms, catching her attention. "Are you gonna go away Chie-nee?"

"I don't know yet." She didn't want to lie to Sachi. The girl adored her and Kohaku and they tended well to their youngest cousin whenever they could. "But let's keep it a secret for now, okay?" Chie placed a finger against her lips and quietly shushed her. Playfully copying her, Sachi giggled and mimicked her gesture. Turning back to Kohaku as she once again brought Izumi down, Chie pursed her lips. "But weren't they not real fans of Yuu-nii when he asked for his gift."

"Sure." Kohaku shrugged her shoulders to make a point but quickly turned to Izumi just in time to parry his attack and somehow managed to disarm him in the process. She gave him some pointers before returning the blade and standing inside of the circle. "But I think that was more because he was joining Aunt Gyoku and Uncle Ryuu and Mei in politics that neither of them really like." The mere thought of the meetings her brother Yuu partook in made Kohaku shiver. "Honestly, I'll never know what fun he sees in attending those assemblies."

Chie didn't add or give her opinion. Instead she stuck with the idea that at least Kohaku thought their parents reasonable enough to think about her proposal.

"Hey, if you're that worried about it, let me finish here with Izumi and I'll come with you to ask them."

"Thanks, Haku-nee, but I think I have to do this on my own." For as much as she loved her mom and dad, Chie knew that they could be really scary when angry or upset. Each in their own right. And as sisters, she appreciated that Kohaku saw this restlessness in asking for such huge thing. But she hadn't been kidding when she said this was something to be done alone.

"Were you planning on asking Yuu too?" Chie nodded which made Kohaku stop for a second as she thought about it. "I think he's at the council room since the meetings are gonna start soon."

"I'll go ask for his opinion in this then. Thank you, Haku-nee."

"Good luck, Chie!" she called as both she and Sachi waved at her retreating back. Before Izumi could ambush her again, Kohaku easily stepped aside and threw him onto the ground. "Don't make so much noise, Izumi! Again!"

Sachi clapped as she took back her sit on the floor. "Go, Izu-nii!"

"Absolutely not. Are you mad?"

Well, that certainly was not the answer she expected from him. Despite being only a year younger than Kohaku, Yuu was as much if not smarter than their sister. Chie often heard their mom and relatives compare them to their father and Uncle Mei. Till this day, she didn't see what they meant.

Being so knowledgeable, Chie knew her brother to be an honest person. Almost brutally so. Case in point: the answer he just gave her at asking the same question she asked Kohaku.

"Why though?"

"Mother and Father, despite how much they work alongside the rest of the countries, aren't particularly fond of the unknown lands. Even after fifteen years, there's still much to learn and explore in those kinds of places."

"With all the more reason!" Chie groaned knocking her head against the bookshelf closest to her. "Ow." Groaning, this time out of the pain, she rubbed her forehead. Yuu shook his head and smiled grimly before taking his hand away from the book he read and reaching out to rub the sore spot with her.

"You seriously need to stop doing that."

"Don't change the subject."

"I'm not," he corrected before returning to his ledger. "But what I say is true. When I asked to join our auntie and uncles at the assemblies, you have no idea the earful that I got from both of them. The world outside Kou may seem fascinating but it's flawed and despite how much we put into keeping the peace, there are a still a lot of natural forces that we aren't aware of. Having no knowledge of the unknown and still diving head first into it isn't prudent, Chie. In fact, it's stupid."

"You're stupid," she mumbled under her breath.

Yuu sighed at her childishness. "You're barely turning eleven too. Letting me go outside was okay in the end because I was accompanied. You wouldn't be."

"I can find people to travel with. I'm certain I can."

"What then? Do you even know the first thing about survival tactics or anything like that?" Chie opened her mouth to speak but had no chance to when Yuu interrupted her. "Of course you don't. I know exactly the lesson plans father and Uncle Mei give us. There's so much you'd need to learn."

"But I can learn it! I don't need to leave this exact moment. I just want to be able to leave and explore as I wish."

"Then wait till you grow older."

"I may have said not 'this exact moment' but I didn't mean years from now either!" she chastised, punching Yuu on the arm.

He languidly rubbed at his arm, telling her to stop it before he shook his head. "Then it's really up to what they'll say. You have to ask."

She really felt like she shouldn't. Asking for such huge gift was scary. A sudden thought came to her and Chie somehow found the audacity to voice it. "You think asking for forgiveness instead of permission would be too much?"

"They'll kill you a hundred times over. As would Haku and I. So please don't. Just ask them."

"Yeah, I thought so." Heaving a sigh, she raised her head and was about to smack her head on the desk again but before it even made contact, Yuu put his hand in between the two.

"Ow," Yuu mumbled under his breath.

"Stop putting your hand between my forehead and the desk then."

"I'll stop when your head stops hitting the desk. Or any other hard surface for that matter." He let out a sigh just as large as hers before fully looking at her. "Will you ask Rei and Sei?"

"Might as well. They'll break the tie."

"I don't know how much their impulsive opinion will really help but go ahead by all means. I think they might be with Uncle Kouha in the city."

"I figured too." Getting out of her seat, Chie made her way towards the door but stopped when Yuu called out to her.

"I'm sorry if it's not what you wanted to hear. But if they do say no, I don't think it's with bad intentions. They love us. They just want what's best."

Chie gave him a thin smile before nodding. "Yeah, I know."

"Of course they would."

"Not. Yuu-nii's right, you are crazy."

"Could you guys maybe make up your minds?" Chie groaned in frustration a she leaned against one of the many stone pillars. Slowly, she slid down until she crouched before the house that her twin brothers were helping build.

Houses like this one that were built for the ever steadily growing population of Kou would be added to the lands that Kou had free for fifteen years. A good chunk—almost half of the new eastern continent—belonged to the Kou Empire, and because of the new lands, the empress and mother had been at work to create housing for those who wished to immigrate to Kou. Because of their particular strength and dexterity, Rei and Sei had grown rough housing amongst themselves and her to her chagrin but more to the point, they had grown knowing and experiencing what hard work meant.

The twins didn't like violence, not unless it was against one another, so they refused the gift of swordsmanship which Kohaku took. Instead they deemed their abilities useful for other means. Rei and Sei had always been the odd pranksters in their family which to her surprise always ticked their usual calm and loving mom off. Their dad seemed to have given up on controlling their behaviours to a certain point.

He drew the line with politeness and compassion; anything other than that, he said, they should experience and decide if they'll keep for themselves. Their mom was a bit less lax than that. Maybe more than just a bit. Uncle Sou said that it wasn't quite strange since she had basically raised them the same way. To be respectful, to be caring. Chie supposed that the dogma that the two were raised in was different from Kohaku's, Yuu's, and her own simply because they were different.

Not bad, just different. And in her eyes, differences weren't meant to be dismissed or pushed away. They were meant to be understood. Once they were understood, they would no longer be differences.

Now at fourteen, the twins helped day in and day out at the capital, serving under their Uncle Kouha who was in charge of reforming the city's infrastructure. He had the magician's fealty and love because he understood them best; it seemed he bestowed that same understanding to the people who could not join the forces in agriculture. The normal folk needed a helping hand as well, she thought.

"It's not something a parent would let their kid do at such a young age," Sei explained. His long hair was swept back into a ponytail and tied with a dark blue ribbon. A few strands escaped which he wiped back from his forehead along with his sweat as he pulled up a pile of blocks with a pulley.

Rei took care that the pile wouldn't fall over as it rose from the floor, only letting go once the load lifted beyond his height. Fixing the red headband against his short hair, Rei spoke as watched the load. "But Ma and Pa won't just flat out say no, either, don't you think? Tad bit cruel that would be."

"True but—" Sei groaned, pausing a bit, as he pulled in the load to the second floor of the house they built, "—you know how they are. 'Member how Ma never let us go near shit when we were kids?"

"Pa did to," Rei corrected.

"Not as much as Ma did. I'm telling you, Chie, you ask her that and she'll chain you down to the palace walls herself."

"No she wouldn't." Both Rei and Chie contested loudly, the latter getting angry that he was being so negative about their mother.

The younger twin shrugged his shoulders, not minding the verbal attack thrown at him. "Fine, don't believe me. But I warn you, you better be thinking about some other gift you want. Besides, what's wrong with home?"

"You moron," Rei called, heaving at Sei a ball of wet cement which hit squarely at his shoulder and eliciting an obscenity that Chie brushed off like she always did. It wasn't like Kohaku or their father were any better when they blew a gasket or two. "It's Chie's gift. We can't tell her what to want."

"Just do, Chie. Ask for something else instead. Like a pup, or a kitten, or a new dress."

Fed up with his attitude, Chie did as Rei and chugged a ball of wet cement that hit him square on his face. "Pig!" Chie shouted.

"What the hell!?" Sei wiped away the thick plaster while spitting parts that had gotten into his mouth away. Seemingly not liking what they'd done, he jumped off of the house and stalked towards them.

"You deserved that," Rei said with a snicker.

"Fuck—off!"

Chie screeched at seeing what Rei didn't and luckily moved out of the way fast enough to avoid the chunk of mud and plaster that Sei threw at them. Well, Sei missed her, not so much Rei who spat at the floor just like Sei had done.

"You little bastard!"

"Not as funny when you get shit thrown at you, huh?"

"You'll pay for that."

Chie didn't understand a word they said but knew by their angry tone that they weren't any nice things. Covering her ears as they went at each other, Chie ran away to hide behind a pillar that was far away from her brothers as they began hurling stuff.

"What in the seven hells?"

Looking up, Chie couldn't do much but frown at their Uncle Kouha who had plenty of materials on his back. She supposed they were for the house they were building but the infighting caught his attention more.

He turned to her and raised an eyebrow, asking what they were fighting about. Chie thought about it for a second; she'd gotten her answer from the twins and Yuu hadn't been wrong. It wasn't of much help. She didn't want to deal with them anymore either, especially like this. They usuallu took a while to calm down, less if someone intervened. So she figured if anyone was better at calming down a pair of idiots fighting, it would be her uncle.

"They couldn't agree on something. And well, you know what usually comes out of that."

"By god," he sighed heavily. Letting down the materials nearby, Uncle Kouha strode confidently towards her warring brothers before smacking them both upside the head to get their attention before promptly beginning to lecture them. Seeing that there wasn't anymore reason for her to be there, Chie left and headed home.

Four visits, four opinions that differed two to two. In the end, she wasn't any better than when she started. She still had no idea of what to do: ask or keep her peace. Chie guessed that since there were still a few days to her birthday, she still had time to think. Certainly in that time, she'd have made up her mind.

She prayed that she did.

"Why-have-you-forsaken-me—" Each hissed word was punctuated with a hit of her forehead against her pillow as the morning of her birthday came. She'd been unable to sleep the whole of the night before from thinking about what to do, and even after so many wakeful hours, she had come up with no good answer.

It'd be breakfast time soon and every year they would have breakfast to celebrate as a family. The celebration where the rest of her extended family would join would be at night, a small banquet that their aunt insisted on holding for them. As a child, Chie enjoyed the time they got to spend together, especially when many of her family members were usually busy or travelling. Now, though, all she felt was anxiousness. It was during breakfast that they asked about what she wanted. It's what they'd done with Kohaku and the others. But seeing as she had to face it sooner or later, she decided to go and face it now.

Braving through dressing herself while mentally preparing for what was to come, Chie quickly put herself together and headed to the dining room. Their mother and father weren't there yet, thank goodness, but the rest of her siblings were already there and in their respective seats. Their parents more often than not took to sit beside one another and had the oldest of them flanking each with Kohaku next to their dad and Yuu next to their mom. The twins were separated but still faced each other with Rei next to Kohaku and Sei next to Yuu. As the youngest, she took the seat across from their parents. Many times she thought it a privilege because despite being the youngest she was the only one that could talk to them while not being looked down on. They had to raise their heads to hear her from across the table, and as absurd as that sounded, she liked it. Now, her position made her want to puke.

"You alright there, Chie?" Kohaku asked, her face etched with concern.

"You feeling sick?" Yuu added just as worried.

She really wanted to groan and hit her head against the table but she restrained herself from doing that and instead gave them the best smile she could. "I'm fine. Just anxious."

"Did you make up your mind about what to say to them?" Rei inquired. His large hand came down on her head trying to soothe her. Chie shook her head and felt his hand move with it.

"If I were you, I wouldn't think much of it." Chie turned to face Sei whom she was still cross with because of his blatant lack of care. But right now it seemed that he was being serious which was pretty unusual for him. "Look, make it simple. If it matters that much to you then ask them and don't be scared. 'Cause you can bet that you'll regret it more if you leave what's important unsaid."

His words sunk in her mind for a second. It appeared that all of them had become quiet at his uncharacteristic wise words. It was Rei though that broke it with a snicker.

"Congrats, Sei. You officially sound like Pa."

"Fuck off."

"Ren Kousei and Kourei." Chie's heart stopped at hearing the rare sound of their mother's scolding voice. All five turned their heads to the entrance of the dining hall where they had failed to notice their parents' arrival. Their calm and collected father stood in contrast beside their mother who held a very annoyed air around her as the two approached the table. "The both of you will not speak like that in front of us. Do I make myself clear?"

Rei and Sei sunk into their chairs like cowards. Smart cowards, in her opinion. Their mom was the kindest mom there ever was. But when their mom became their 'mother' she was as stern as their father, if not more. And that usually was reserved for them.

"Yes, mother." Once hearing their joint agreement, her whole demeanor changed in an instant to one of complete joy. Before Chie could tell, her mom ran up to her and scooped her out of her chair into a grand hug.

"Oh my sweet child, happy birthday!"

"I can't...breathe, Mama."

"Ceara, watch your hold." Chie noted their father's words carefully despite still missing oxygen from her mom's tight embrace, one that was stronger with her left hand than her right.

Apologizing to her, their mom put her back down on her chair before smiling and caressing her face. Chie couldn't keep the smile that came over her as she repeated her merriments for her birthday, ending with a kiss to her forehead. Their dad came behind their mom and Chie got out of her chair herself this time to go and hug him. He met her halfway, bending to make her small hop enough to reach him, and Chie snuggled in the embrace her dad gave her. With a sweet kiss to her temple, he congratulated her in a soft tone.

Chie thanked him and then her mom again. Her mom clapped her hands and asked for all to be seated so they could eat. Thankfully, she didn't feel sick through the whole of breakfast. Their warm receiving made her forget about what plagued her mind for a couple of hours. Even after they ate, they fell into a chatter amongst themselves that prolong everything. And soon to the gifts that each of her siblings had gotten her. It was only after her siblings were done that her dad spoke.

"So have you decided on what your gift will be?" he asked.

The brazen reminder made her stiffen for a bit before her gaze lowered to her empty plate. Sei's words kept running around in her head and the more they did, the more she realized that her brother was right for once.

More than anything, she wanted to learn and explore about the world that she lived in of her own accord. And if she didn't ask this of them now, she would forever regret her silence. She didn't want that.

Mustering the courage she needed, she took a glance at each of her brothers and sister. Each held in their eyes silent encouragement, from the oldest to the youngest, and that gave Chie more than enough strength to answer them.

"I-I have."

Their mom excitedly clasped her hands together and smiled. "What is it, sweetheart? We'll do our best to make it true, so just tell us."

Well, here went nothing. "I want to go explore the world."

Although her smile didn't falter as fast, Chie noted a clear change in her mom's attitude more than her dad's. Apparently still somewhat confused, she shook her head and asked, "What?"

"I want to explore the world, mom. I want to travel...out of Kou. By myself."

Her mom blinked in disbelief, her lips moving but only mumbles escaped her. Chie thought her dad a bit more calm about it since he replied faster and because of how he began, it gave her some hope. "We understand, Chie. Let us ta—"

"No." The sudden lucidity that hit her mom brought those words out of her faster than she could see coming and cut her dad right off. "N-No, Chie. There is no way that's happening."

Instant reactions of inquiry were shot at her from all of her siblings, but not her. She had expected the answer but getting it was like an actual punch to the gut.

It took another second for her voice to come back to her. "B-But mom, I really want to go!"

"Chie, do you not realize how dangerous the world can be? Especially for a little girl travelling alone!" She shook her head, mumbling under her breath before raising her voice again. "There's no way—"

"I don't want to stay here anymore!" Chie cried, desperate to get the answer she wanted. "I'm tired of learning of a world I'll never see! There's peace now, it's not as dangerous anymore. Surely I can—"

This time the interruption came from her mom raising her voice and getting up from her seat. "You will not step a foot out of this palace, Ren Kouchie, and that's—"

"Ceara." The room became quiet as their father's voice echoed loudly through the hall. Once he had her attention, he looked directly at their mom without flinching. He didn't say another word, just stared, and their mother seemed to understand something unsaid between them before calming enough to relax her squared shoulders. It was when she sat back down that their father stood from his chair and addressed them serenely. "We'll finish here for now. Kohaku take your brothers and sister and do your errands for the day. And Kouchie—" Sniffling and feeling the prickling at the corner of her eyes, Chie forced herself to look up at him. "What you ask isn't a simple request. I'm certain you're intelligent enough to understand that. As such, wait until before the feast tonight. Your mother and I will speak about this and give you our answer then. Do you understand me?"

Feeling her throat too tight from holding back her tears, all Chie could do was nod. She glanced back while Kohaku was escorting them out to her dad talking in quiet whispers to her mother who seemed to still not be completely calm. As their figures obscured as they left the dining hall, she felt her sadness and anger boiling. It wasn't until they reached the foot of her door that she couldn't take it anymore and let herself cry. Her siblings took her in their arms and let her spend herself from the disappointment and bitterness.

Chie had known the sure impossibility of her wish but even so still she hoped that maybe she was wrong when everything else told her otherwise. How she hated being right.

"What is there to talk about, Kouen? Your daughter—your youngest daughter—wants to leave!"

Kouen let out a heavy sigh at his wife's loud claim which she voiced the moment the doors to their quarters closed behind them. Like she did when it concerned the children, she was over her head with restlessness. Ever since Kohaku asked for him to teach her swordplay, Ceara's worry had notably doubled. Despite not blaming her for it—he certainly worried about their children's well being as well—Kouen also knew that she couldn't bet her all into overprotecting them either. That's not how they would grow to be the best they could be.

"She's eleven."

"A child!"

"One that has proven numerous times to be an abled young girl."

"Young girl, Kouen, you said it yourself. How do you expect me to willingly let my little girl run off, alone, into a world that's even bigger now than it ever was when we went around conquering it?"

She had him there. As much as he endorsed his children's independence and ability to self-discover themselves like he, his own brothers and sisters, and even Ceara had, as their father, he had to agree with her on this. The world was far different than what they knew before. He would've gone to explore it himself and learned what laid beyond the rift if he had the chance. But he had other responsibilities to his family and his country. Kou and his family had been and would always be his first priority. Because of that, Kouen understood her point.

Nonetheless, he argued forward. "We trekked through that world even when it was as new to us as this one is to her. We cannot judge her for skills she hasn't had a chance to prove."

"You and I were trained soldiers! You were proficient at what you did as was I. You cannot compare her life to ours when I know for a fact she has never learned to protect herself," she berated him. "And I won't let you test if she can survive by letting her leave, either. You can't ask me to let her go like that. You can't!"

"We can compromise," he suggested. "You're not wrong. She isn't trained in either combat or survival skills and that does deter me from giving consent. But those can be learned. She can learn fast and well; those are skills she's proven to have. And may I remind you that neither of us started out as masters at our crafts. You and I gave sweat and blood to learn what we did. You yourself were her exact age when—"

"Which is how I know she's not ready! I know exactly how shortsighted and idiotic a kid her age can be. More so when backed into a corner. I don't want her to suffer through that, En. I don't want her to make a mistake as big as that and for her to carry that weight around with her for the rest of her life!"

Kouen understood well what she meant. Despite this, he also knew that he couldn't let her project her fears onto Chie. She had done this with the rest, especially fifteen years ago after the fight that made their world as it was. And what left her as she was now. His gaze fell unto his own prosthetics that allowed him to move freely once again after years of struggling with his crippling body. Impulsively, he reached out to Ceara's left hand with his right and caressed it under his thumb. The gesture, one that he'd done countless of times after that battle to the limb she lost that had been replaced like his had, visibly pacified her as her breathing slowed down and her gaze lowered to their joined hands.

After a few more seconds, Ceara closed her fingers around his hand and heaved a sigh before sitting down on the nearest lounge. Kouen followed and sat beside her to wrap his arm over her shoulders and stroke at her arm. Gently, he leaned his head against hers as she buried her face in her hands.

"I know how you feel, Ceara. I'm wary as well about what she has asked because of the things I've mentioned and the many more I didn't. Nonetheless, we can't keep her here forever. We can't protect her or any of them forever. What we can do is prepare them the best way we know how."

"...I know."

Kouen still felt her stiff shoulders and let out a deep breath through his nose. "I'll have them prepare a bath."

Ceara furrowed her brow in confusion. "We already took—"

"It's for you, to help you unwind. And once you're done, let's talk about this with more time and clear minds. It's the least we can do for Chie's sake."

She gazed down at her hands one last time before taking a deep breath only to let it out slowly. Ceara nodded without any further ado and leaned against Kouen's shoulder wanting to relax there for a bit. But it appeared she understood his approach. It was better to talk about this before making a rash decision they could regret or worse...that their daughter would hate them for.

With dusk quickly approaching, Chie didn't feel like changing even when the feast celebrating her birthday was but an hour away. Her heart and mind were still heavy and grieving about having been so blatantly denied. She had known that it was highly unlikely for them to say yes but she couldn't help feel sad about the outcome anyway.

After that morning, she really didn't feel like attending the banquet. Instead, she ignored and hid from the maids that were supposed to help her change and sought refuge in the west gardens where the changing landscape had made the side of the palace quite different from anything else in Kou. No longer a leveled plain, that part of the palace had to be rebuilt in order to adapt to the scaling hillside it became. These parts, though many were new housing for those who already resided in the palace, were also used as training grounds because of their landscape, making it a challenge for the soldiers that participated. But none of that interested Chie in the least and it was definitely not why she chose this place as her hiding spot.

What did was the tree that clung to one of many islands that now hovered around Kou. It wasn't one of the highest islands that came to be, neither was it the biggest, but it was the biggest tree she'd ever seen and it engulfed most of the island. It was easily reachable from the hillside of the eastern palace since, overtime, the roots that protruded from the bottom of the earth hunk grew long enough to reach the top of the hillside. It was almost like they had run out of nutrients in that tiny island and the tree willfully survived by extending its hands downward to the fertile land beneath. Those same roots were what allowed her to climb to it so easily and got her to that island.

The moment she stepped on its soil, she recalled the second reason why she liked this as a hiding spot. The so-called buzzing that rang through the air was something that not many could withstand for long. Or at least buzzing was what she knew the others to hear. Her and her siblings, however, heard something different. To them, the air carried with it a low humming that sounded more like a song than some annoying noise. And the nearer Chie got to the base of the tree the louder the humming became. Soon as the canopy of the great tree covered most of the moonlight from entering, Chie thought she'd have trouble making her way around. But the tiny voices that burst into laughter—like what she imagined faeries from the stories she read would sound like—guided her through the semi-darkness and into the core of the tree where she found a comfy seat around the glowing moss.

This place always fascinated her. None of her siblings knew what made this place and this tree so magical. From what she knew, only magicians like her Uncle Judar and Big Brother Aladdin could use magic. But she knew that these enchanting beings that lived near the tree, small bubbles of sound that burst into giggles around her, could only be made of magic. She liked it here and it certainly made what had happened before a little less dire.

Just a little.

"You look sad."

Chie couldn't help but jump at the little girl that appeared out of the blue and that had scared the daylights out of her. She held her chest for a minute before speaking, "W-Who are you?"

The girl smiled kind-heartedly, her dark eyes shining despite the lack of light. "A friend. And as a friend I don't like seeing you sad. Are you okay?"

She couldn't understand where the girl came from or why she was avoiding her question like that. But something in her put her enough at ease—be it the magic there or the serenity that she felt underneath that tree—to talk to the girl with the truth.

"Not really."

"What's wrong?"

Chie pursed her lips and pressed her hands against her forehead. "I want to explore the world. But my parents won't allow it."

"You're just a child," the girl pointed out. It didn't sound like advocacy to her parent's choice. Simply the statement of a fact.

"I know but...there's so much that I want to know about this world."

"There are so many books that tell of the world, though. Perhaps learning from those is safer."

There was no helping the groan that escaped her as she picked up a rock and threw it far away into the distance. "I've read every book there is and it's not enough. I want to experience it and see it all with my own eyes. I want to know the world that only I can see."

The little girl came closer to Chie and sat down, still keeping her distance by putting a few feet between the two. "I understand. You know, I too wanted just that a long time ago. My friend and I, we promised that one day when we were older we would get on a ship and sail far away and travel the world together."

"You did?" Chie asked curious.

The girl nodded and smiled before turning to her. "Do you know the legend of the wishing tree?"

Chie nodded. It was an old fairytale that Kohaku had been enamored with years before and that she never stopped telling them about. Chie liked it too albeit less fervently. It was the tale of a lonelsome boy who wished for a friend and in his loneliness buried his wish in a glass jar and buried it deep within the earth close to his home. The story said that his wish was so strong and filled with longing that it sprouted a seedling. The boy, amazed at the miracle, took care of the tree that came to grow like no other. During winter it would not die, during summer it would not burn, during fall its leaves would not wither, and during spring it would flower the most beautiful crystalline flowers in the world. This tree grew and grew over the years and when it's canopies reached the heavens, the story goes that the boy found a girl there. She had been lost and during that night's heavy pour had found refuge under the canopy of the tree. The boy took the girl in, took care of her, and soon enough became friends and married and never again were either of them lonely or sad.

It was a child's tale. One that she believed taught them that if they believed and worked hard enough for their wishes that they would be given what they wanted. But Chie didn't understand what that had to do with what they had been talking about.

The girl smiled instead of answering that question and pointed right beneath where Chie was sitting. "My friend and I would come here often and bury jars filled with ours wishes at times. I'm sure they're still here somewhere."

Curious, Chie stood up and used her hands to dig up the moss and soft dirt around the roots of the tree. Sure enough, not even a couple feet deep into the soil was a glass jar with cloth covering the top that was tightly wound around the neck. Chie cleaned the dirt off of the glass and looked through to see a rolled up piece of parchment inside, somewhat intact. Unable to help herself, she opened it and read what was inside.

"I wish mom and dad would get along better."

"Oh, that's mine. Not the one I wanted to show you, though." The girl pursed her lips for a second and pointed elsewhere. "Maybe it's that one there." Chie went about digging up another jar, this one containing a different handwriting that was barely legible.

"I wish Cael would come home soon."

"That's my friend's. Again, not the one I meant to show you. Mm...maybe it's over here."

"What do you mean she's not here?"

"We've searched everywhere, Miss," one of the many soldiers told her. "Lady Kouchie isn't in the palace premises."

Ceara could feel bile rise in her throat and her heart beating way too fast for her own good. It practically wanted to jump out of her chest. Kouen thankfully took the reigns and addressed the young soldier, "Search again. Expand the perimeter to the outside as well." Once he and the group of soldiers left, Kouen turned to her and placed his hands on her shoulder. "She's not gone. You need to calm down or your heart won't—"

"Please, don't. I know what can happen. Frankly, I don't care. I just want my baby back." Ceara couldn't help choking a bit as she tried pushing back her sobs. Crying wouldn't help, she needed her mind clear to help find Chie. Her baby was home. She wasn't gone. Ceara repeated those things to herself to stop from thinking about the worst case scenario of her having left already.

No, stop it.

Chie was in the Kou. She was in palace. She had to be.

Her anxiety got derailed as she overheard Kohaku shouting at her siblings from a mile a way. It took them a few minutes to arrive to where they were. Seeing their clothes for the banquet so disheveled from running reminded Ceara once again that Chie had never shown up for the banquet that was promptly cancelled after half an hour went by and nobody found trace of her daughter. As soon as the news got to her, Kougyoku mobilized the soldiers and servants to search the palace. Everybody was in on searching for her little Chie and as no news kept coming, Ceara only blamed herself more and more.

All she wanted was to find Chie.

"Over here."

Baffled, Ceara spun on her heels, ignoring her kids and husband, as she focused on the voice that had swam into her head. One that she hadn't heard for over fifteen years. It was just as clear and youthful as she remembered it being and it called out like an echo that came from the east.

"She's over here, Ceara."

"En, the tree."

"Wha—Ceara, wait!"

She didn't listen. Instead she went off at full speed towards the eastern part of the palace. All the way there, Ceara couldn't imagine how Chie found it. Certainly, the place wasn't a secret to anyone. It was the gift left to the world and was for everyone to embrace. But she never told any of her children about what it was or what it meant to her. Some lingering fear prevented her from ever doing that but it reignited when she heard Kohaku—her friend's voice once more calling her to it.

The island was easy to reach and easier to climb now that she was used to her new arm. But even with how tired she was and how she could easily hear the murmurs of her heart from overexerting herself, Ceara didn't stop for a break until she reached the tree's core. Her eyes scanned the area in the dark but all she saw as her eyes adjusted was that same tree now surrounded by small holes scattered around it.

The laughter and giggling of voices she had forgotten after so long came to her ears as they repeated 'she's here' over and over again. It wasn't until she heard her voice, though, that she believed them.

"You know—" Chie called out as she emerged from behind the tree with something in her hands that she kept cleaning with her sleeve, "—after ten or fifteen of these, I'm starting to think yours isn't here anymore."

"Chie."

Her daughter finally lifted her glance away from whatever she held in her hands to her and froze at seeing her. "Mom?"

Ceara didn't falter and ran up to Chie, scooping her into her arms before she could say or do anything. Chie struggled to speak but Ceara won her to it before she could. "Don't ever scare like that again, you hear me?"

"M-Mom? I'm sor—"

"No, I'm sorry." Ceara said, pulling away from Chie and brushing dirt off her face as she gazed into her eyes. "I shouldn't have dismissed you like that. I shouldn't have shot you down just because I'm afraid for you, darling. I shouldn't have."

Chie didn't reply, just kept slowly nodding her head in understanding. When she lifted it to speak, though, something behind Ceara caught her attention enough to raise a brow. "Dad?"

Hearing that, Ceara stood up in time to see Kouen and the rest of her children reaching the core of the island. The noise around this place didn't let her hear them coming and she stepped aside as Kouen went directly for them. He quickly made sure that Chie was alright and before Ceara could say anything, he had his hands all around her instead to check her as well. Ceara didn't bother stopping him and breathed easily as he finished by placing fingers against her throat to check her heartbeat. In spite of all the noise, Ceara could hear the murmurs in her heart. Even with them, though, it was beating as strong as it could be.

Once he verified both of their safeties, Kouen dragged out a long sigh. "Don't run away like that again. That's to the both of you."

Ceara didn't protest. Chie did. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to get away for a while. I wasn't feeling to good for parties."

"You should've said something," Yuu told her as the four approached the rest of their family. "You scared the living daylights out of us."

"Why here, though?" Sei's comment made Rei shrug his shoulders.

"It's secluded, I guess. Plus it's a fun place to be at no matter the time." The twins snickered between each other as if sharing a secret unvoiced.

"I was about to come search for you here, too," Kohaku added. "You disappearing reminded me of this place after a while since we liked it so much here."

Those news made Ceara's brow furrow in confusion. "You've come here before?"

Her four oldest stiffened a bit but guilt relaxed them before long as Kohaku rubbed the back of her neck, the twins chuckled nervously, and Yuu averted his gaze.

"It's a nice place," Chie said aloud as she turned to the tree. "Very magical and peaceful." She scrunched her nose and held what appeared to be a dirty jar before her to inspect. "And apparently a wishing tree."

"Wishing tree?" Kohaku repeated.

"Like that story?" Rei and Sei asked together.

Chie nodded and rubbed away the dirt from the jar as Yuu approached her. "What's that?"

"A wish." Ceara watched as Chie uncovered the jar's front to showcase the small rolled up parchment inside. Her daughter went about opening it, taking out the parchment and unrolling it to read what was written. Her brow furrowed after reading it. "Mom, it has your name written on it."

Confused, Ceara reached for the paper Chie passed to her and read it.

"I wish to explore the world with Ceara."

It took a few times of reading it over, looking back at the jar in Chie's hands, and to the holes in the ground before Ceara took a sharp breath in recognition. "They're our wishing jars."

"What do you mean?" Kouen asked.

"Yours?" Chie said at the same time just as confused. "But that girl said they were hers and her friend's." From her pockets, she procured about fifteen other pieces of parchment. "These too."

Ceara read through each one passing them along to Kouen as she explained. "We wrote these back when we first came to Rakushou. We buried them under an oak sapling the day after Emperor Hakutoku's coronation." As she read on, she couldn't help but sigh in relief and nostalgia. "I thought they were lost after the world landscape changed." Amazed but baffled all the same, Ceara turned to her youngest child. "How did you find them?"

"Like I said, that girl told me where they were. She said she was looking for one in particular. That one, I think." Chie pointed at the one that Ceara kept in her hand, "She said that it was a promise between the two of them. That I…"

The sudden sour turn of Chie's expression prompted her to ask, "That you what, Chie?"

"That even if you didn't let me leave, that I should keep on wishing. That I should never stop. Because her friend...because, I guess, you never did and eventually got to explore the world like you wanted."

Amazed by this, Ceara turned to Kouen wanting an explanation. One they both knew he didn't have. There was no logical explanation to why Chie talked to Kohaku. Logical in the sense that magic wasn't involved. Knowing that, Ceara walked up to the tree's base and put her back against it to slide down to a seat. Against its bark, Ceara could feel the magic that swelled in the great oak and spread out through the island. Despite the years, she felt the vibrations that the magic it channeled gave. It wasn't like having it in her body anymore but curiously enough, she missed the sensation even after all the hardships it put her through.

It would always be a part of her just like it was part of the world now. And just like all people were. Ceara looked up to Chie as she approached and reached out to her. Chie came and sat right before her as Ceara brushed her red hair back over and over.

"I don't wish for you to give up on your dreams either, Kouchie. And I certainly don't want to be the reason why you do." Ceara lifted her head to look at Kouen who only gave her a soft smile before nodding. Smiling herself, she looked back at Chie who waited expectantly for her to continue. "Which is why your father and I decided that we would give you the chance to explore as you wished."

Her daughter's eyes glazed over as tears began to well up in her in them and a big smile spread from ear to ear. "R-Really?"

"With conditions," Ceara told her, "but yes."

"Thank you. Oh, thank you so much!" Chie threw herself against Ceara and she caught her right into her arms.

The rest of her family came over and helped them both to their feet. Her children came together to congratulate her and talk loudly about what a grand thing it'd be for Chie once she's out there. And though it tugged at her heart, Ceara smiled as Kouen held her close.

"We did the right thing, didn't we?"

He nodded. "It's what we thought best. There's nothing more to hope where that's concerned."

Ceara nodded in agreement. It wasn't really a question of right or wrong, though. At least not for them. The only judge of that would be Chie once she left. It was kind of a sweet and sour thing that she felt; glad to see that she would live the life she wanted yet sad to see that she would part with them for goodness knew how long.

But Chie would leave eventually, she reminded herself. They all would. And like Kouen said, all they could do was teach them all they could in the best way they knew how.

Wanting to focus on the positive of all this, Ceara clapped her hands and got her children's attention as five heads turned her way. "It might be a little later than expected but I think if we tell Aunt Kougyoku now, we can still at least have dinner before the night is over."

The children erupted into cheers and hurried along to leave the island and return to the palace. Kouen stayed behind with her to help her down and at the edge of the island just before they would climb down, Ceara caught sight of her children already below and running away towards the western part of the palace were Kougyoku would be.

"We raised them well," she whispered, sitting at the edge and grabbing onto it for safety.

"I doubted I could but you and the others did give a good example for them."

Ceara scrunched her nose. "You were the most wonderful father they could ever have."

"Hopefully, the only one they'll ever have or need for."

"Don't worry. It's unlikely I'll ever marry again if by any reason, gods forbid, you're not here." A thought then came to her mind as she began hearing the murmurs of her heart again. "I reckon, though, that I'll be faster gone than you." She tapped at her chest just above her heart to make her point. "Doubt this ticker will hold on more than yours will." When Kouen gave her a rather unusual glare, she chuckled and grabbed his arm reassuringly. "I'm kidding. Although, I am sorry for mentioning it. I know you don't like talking about it."

"I don't because you're highly pessimistic about it."

"For a good reason."

Kouen heaved a sigh then as he held onto her hand. "Aladdin and those other magicians already assured us that it would work. That it will last longer than any normal one will, even a whole one. So try to be positive about it. For their sake and mine."

Ceara chuckled at his concern but nodded. "You know I will always try. If it's for them, I'll work my hardest to live even with his thing beating for me. I'll see all of them grow up to be old like us and listen to Chie when she comes home and tells us stories about her journey. You'll see."

Lifting his hand from hers, he leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "That's all I wanted to hear."

She smiled warmly and started climbing down. "We should hurry. The kids will start wondering what happened to us if we don't." Kouen agreed wordlessly and both returned to their family, one that they would certainly live years to see grow.

A/N:

Here's the promised three. These are mostly bits of story that I never thought fitted would fit well into the overall main story, so you get them as little specials this time around. Stick around for to the end of this A/N for a bit of information on the next story for Magi that's coming up sometime in the future.

Like last time, I'll give a little insight on the extras.

VI—While outlining stories, I write a lot about the characters and their lives in order to know them better and write them efficiently. Despite him having literally no screen time, Cael was a huge thing that I wrote about in the outline when fleshing out Ceara and her past. So here's that edited version. I condensed it as well as stick to already stated facts in the actual story. Even when he didn't appear at all in the main story, Cael, as a character, was a blast to write about. And I think he'll resurge when I write Ishtar's story.

VI—This one popped out of nowhere. While I was rereading the chapter in particular about Ceara not wanting to go to the Summit meeting. It was to write more Kouen and Ceara, and also to write a bit of interaction between Ceara and Sinbad which never happened but a lot of you were curious about seeing. Also about the ending of this one, I just have one thing to say: get used to seeing them die a bunch. Out of the main stories that they'll be written in, the main characters will be dying tons in other worlds.

VII—I was debating whether to actually write this one the way I did. Mostly because of the major spoilers it has about what happens after Magi's ending. If any of you ask me about them, I'll talk about them vaguely. I will only confirm two things here: yes, she does have a prosthetic left arm. And also, yes, she has the equivalent of a pacemaker. Her missing arm and wounded heart will be things that are addressed in the spiritual sequel of Silent Lamb and of the next two upcoming stories as well. d

Speaking of that spiritual sequel, I've done a rundown of what's to come and wanted for you guys to know just in case you're interested.

Silent Lamb was the first foot on the field that I wanted to take. As I said, it was supposed to be a stand alone story and morphed into something else as it went along. Now it's the first of four.

The Meanderer is another stand alone and as stated before will focus on Noe. Characters and places that you heard from in SL or that you will know in the future will come through so keep an eye out for those.

The third story which I still have to title will focus on Ishtar's younger years before Magi. This is the one where you'll see many of the characters from before make a comeback including Ceara, Noe, Parisa, Seijin, and Rakah but not in the way you've known them. That's all I'm saying about this one.

A Little Patience will be the spiritual sequel to all three previous ones and will focus on Basia's journey. Because she is the one to gather them, it seems fitting that her story is the one that ties the loose ends on all three stories as well. In this one you will see the characters of SL, T M, and Ishtar's, as they are in their stories.

I know you all want to know what happens and how Ceara story ends but that will have to wait for now. Since I'll be taking a break from Magi stories to finish my KH one, TM won't be published until next year when I finish CoU. I'll do my best to finish CoU, though, and return to TM since I really want to Gift Bearers Series to progress well :)

So for now, and for reals this time, SL is over. I hope you guys enjoyed this and that you stay tuned for The Meanderer when it comes out!

Lastly, I wish all of you happy holidays and that you welcome 2018 happy and healthy!

Cheers,

-Evie