Hello people! This is the first chapter of Akagami No Noroi: The Curse of the Crimson Hair, and this note today is by Literalist, the co-author. The story has just started so sit tight and enjoy, everybody~! We aren't letting any of you off so easily, either; this story is going to have all sorts of things happen in it to keep you entertained. I thank all of our readers for taking the time out to read and appreciate this story, and I hope you guys will stick with it to the end, because the fun is just beginning. Writing this has been rather enjoyable for us (even if I'm lazy and Yuri-nee's a perfectionist xD) so it gives us the utmost joy to know someone else is enjoying it as well. Read on, because there's an important announcement!
Here's a shout out to the amazing kazenostigmafan4ever: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAREST CO-AUTHOR! I wonder how I would live without you. Or how ANN would, for that matter, albeit being an inanimate existence. It wouldn't even have taken form, and this very first chapter would've been a far cry (haha). May turning 16 bring many pleasant surprises and adventurous experiences. Also, here's wishing you good luck for starting your first year at college ^^ Make lots of friends, awesome memories, be not drowned in studies, and lastly, don't ever forget me. That's the most important thing. ;D May love and happiness accompany you for life, and may fortune smile upon you. I'm sure you'll be blessed with good health as well (just refrain from overexerting yourself and everything will take care of itself). Have a delightful year!
Disclaimer: We do not own anything except this beautiful plotline and the various OCs.
"Weapons are not allowed. If any of you get burns that are very serious, we stop fighting. You can use your fists to attack and defend. The person who is forced into a corner first loses. You also lose if you surrender or use weapons. Involving bystanders in any way is also against the rules."
"FIGHT!" The master's words pulsated through her body and the familiar burst of excitement ran through her veins. The crowd around them was of their classmates. They were in the ancient training grounds. Some of the older trainees had wandered around to watch, as had the senior instructor.
After all, it wasn't everyday that the heiress was made to battle it out with a fellow student. The cheers were deafening. But they weren't for her, but for her opponent.
The boy faced her and she could see the determination in his eyes. The ever burning will to succeed.
He lashed out first, his flames billowing around him.
The fight had begun.
He was persistent and she decided to play it easy.
The time in which they were dueling, to the sounds of the other children cheering and yelling tips that were made out to be surefire ways to win, was like a blur to her. He fought well, and in the beginning she took on a defensive attitude and decided to observe his fighting style while dodging the attacks.
He preferred to use attacks without fire as decoys and waited for chances to take her by surprise.
Too bad he never got any.
A few moments and many movements later, she had gotten used to his attack patterns and retaliated with her full power.
She didnt hear the murmurs.
Dodging his upper-cut thrown with a flaming fist now, she turned halfway and punched him in the stomach. She had been sure not to hurt him much, but it still took a while for him to recover, and she used that time to sweep a leg from under him and make him lose his balance.
She pushed her elbow against his chest as he fell, because of which he hit the ground harder. He tried to get up immediately and was prevented by the two fingers she held near his neck, covered with her brilliant flames.
"I win."
The boy's face was down and when he lifted it up, she saw terror in his eyes.
There was a shocked silence all around them and Ayano was more than conscious of everyone's eyes being on her. She hurriedly withdrew her hand and stood up, looking around apprehensively.
Why was he so scared? He only had a black eye. And he wasnt burnt. Then why...
" Monster." The words shook her and her hand fell limply by her side.
The boy,holding his arm to his side, crawled backwards, away from her. She could feel his desparation. But she didnt understand why. His leg dragged in the dirt. Had she hurt him badly? She had held back so much.
He didn't give her an opportunity to speak as he looked at her with eyes full of hatred and loathing. "You…" She took a step back as everyone else mirrored his gaze and she felt like a trespasser. "You aren't human at all." His shrieks were the only things that filled the tense air. ""All the adults are right! You are – are really – really horrible! The adults say your very existence is despicable and they are right!"
The blood froze in her veins. Her vision blurred. Her hands shook.
"Hear me? A murderer who killed her own mother! Your power is cursed and you should leave before you cause any more harm to us!" Murmurs of approval filled the air.
She stood in the same place for a long time, her soul shattering as her memory tortured her with sights and sounds that were no longer there.
She saw the instructor's scared looks at her and felt nothing as she was dragged away.
xoxo
Ka-chang ka-chank the wheels of the carriage sounded as they rode over the bumpy road. The outside was bright and sunny. The drapes pulled over the windows were partly transparent, showing her a good but blurred view of the town.
They were passing through the market. She could see men selling fruits and vegetables on carts. She could see women bargaining roughly, some having little children attached at the hip. There were men selling clothes, jewelry, utensils and so many other things that she would never know about. Some shop owners were selling grains, some were selling milk and a few others were selling herbal medicine invented by her family's talented doctors from the many plants that grew on the prosperous, flourishing land of Seinaru Kouen. She watched as some teenagers chased each other, their laughter muffled yet so alluring. Old women sat gossiping on some steps and a few young men were trying to lift a heavy barrel. The different sounds molded together in a melody that could never be played, sounding wonderful and vibrant. It was a sight she wished she saw more.
That will never be possible.
Her hands were laced together in her lap and her eyes continued to look outside. She couldn't look away.
The only sounds in the carriage were of breathing. Her stomach gnawed at her insides. Her thumbs fiddled together.
"Stop the carriage." The young blonde boy sitting next to her jumped and the man sitting in front of her looked up without flinching.
The carriage continued to go, though it had slowed down as if the driver was uncertain on whether to follow the order or not.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, my lady." The eyes of the man glinted.
Her chin rose proudly as she looked him square in the eyes.
"Stop the carriage. Now." The driver of the carriage pulled the carriage to an abrupt halt and the wooden wheels screeched against the stone road. She didn't break eye contact.
The boy beside her spoke up, his young voice curious and nervous, "Nee-sama?"
"It's alright, Ren." Her voice was steady and firm, reassuring and soothing.
She was aware that the wonderful sounds of the marketplace had stopped. She could hear murmurs and whispers from the people slowly gathering outside.
"I wish to go outside." She spoke to the man before her, her voice firm but with an edge of steel.
He watched her for a few moments before looking away and with a sigh he opened the carved wooden door.
Bright, dazzling sunlight entered the dim somber interior of the carriage and it illuminated the beautiful hand embroidered seats. The man got out from the carriage and extended his hand for her to take.
She slowly stepped down the steps, careful not to trip over her kimono.
As she stood there on the pebbled street, she could see the faces of the men, women and children gathered. She could hear their voices.
That's the Kannagi crest!
Her hair is red!
Isn't that the Lady Ayano?
Why is she getting out?
What beautiful hair!
That's the royal emblem, isn't it?
Isn't she pretty!
Is that the heiress?
It's Lady Ayano!
The voices were relentless. Everyone stared at her, but quickly looked away when she made eye contact.
Behind her, she could hear Ren getting out too.
Fresh murmurs and whispers rose up.
She calmly started walking and the crowd parted silently to let her pass through. Her blue silk kimono swished against her legs, a few strands of her soft hair escaped from the elaborate chignon and tickled her face.
She walked until she reached a brick wall. There was a blanket near her feet. Cards and beads scattered on the ground were moved further by the wind.
She bent down on one knee. Slowly, she removed one of the beautiful hair pins holding up her hair. Her red hair tumbled down around her like a blanket, making her look much younger.
She quietly put the jewel studded gold ornament into the wrinkled, dirty hand of an old woman. Her hair was probably snowy white, but it was covered in dust and dirt. The woman's clothes were a dull brown and were thin and torn. One of her eyes was shut and a scar ran across the eyelid. Her lips were cracked and blackish and her face was pale and tired.
"For you." She said to the old woman, in a low voice. But it was so very quiet, that everyone heard her.
The woman's normal eye opened wide in surprise as she stared up in awe at the young woman before her.
"T-thank you, my Lady." The woman stammered back.
Still feeling all eyes on her, Ayano got up and turned around and started walking back to the carriage. She suddenly stopped in front of two young men, who were around her own age.
"Respect your elders." Her eyes glanced sharply at the two men who immediately turned red in embarrassment. They nodded hastily and hurriedly. One of them was shaking.
She took in her surroundings quickly and carefully. Sharply looking out for what could be done.
Her eyes took in the post office. It stood in a corner, a few of its tiles breaking off. The wooden stairs leading up to it were rickety and a plant in the corner had dried up.
She walked towards it, all eyes watching her move.
"My Lady! We must make haste!" The dark haired man who was with her yelled out, his tone monotonous, making a lot of the people jump.
"It's alright." Her voice firm, she walked up the rickety wooden steps. There were cobwebs on the ceiling. A pigeon had made its nest in one dark corner. The postmaster and another employee were standing at the door, looking nervous.
"Why is it that this place has not been renovated?" The post master stepped forward.
"My Lady." He bowed before her. "We did put in many requests for renovation, but it has not been approved by the Taketa family."
"The Taketas, huh?"Ayano frowned. "You say that they haven't gotten back to you?"
"Yes, my Lady." The gray haired man nodded.
"Has anyone come to look at the condition of the office? To investigate?"
"Not that I know of." The man looked troubled.
"I see." She turned around, gesturing for her companion to join her.
"Ryosuke-san. I want you to make a brief report of this situation immediately to Shintarou Taketa. For now, set up a temporary post office in this market. It's hazardous for these people to work here any longer."
The tall, muscular man looked around.
"I'm sure Shintarou-san has done-"
"Do as I say." She interrupted him sharply.
"My Lady,-" His face creased in a frown, he looked at her.
"If work is not started within a week, contact me directly." She looked at the grey haired post master. Her companion seemed to have picked up on her no-nonsense attitude and his mouth snapped shut.
"Y-yes!" Both men bowed again.
Nodding, she quickly, yet calmly walked back to the carriage and was helped inside by the man. Ren followed her quickly.
As the carriage rattled off again with a whiny from the horses, she could hear loud cheers and shouts.
Long live Lady Ayano! Long live!
A faint smile crossed her lips. How nice it would be, she wondered, to freely roam around the streets without a care in the world. Would she ever have that luxury? Probably not. But that would be alright. This was what she had chosen for herself. She would walk this path alone.
The rest of the ride was silent but she could tell that the quiet wouldn't last long. The carriage rattled through the huge, ornate gate of the Kannagi royal residence. The guards standing just outside saluted sharply.
The gates banged shut. The carriage stopped in front of the main house which was just as beautiful as the rest of the huge property.
The three occupants got out and the carriage and driver rattled away again.
The dark haired man with them turned on her with a heavy, reproving glare.
"There was really no need for that, my lady." His voice held an undercurrent of anger and authority. As if he had control over her.
"I believe there was." Her voice was carefully modulated but her blood roared in her ears. Her fingernails dug into her palm painfully as she tightly clenched her fists.
"There was no need for you to create a scene and show off!"
"Show off!" Her laugh was short, harsh and bitter.
"That is something that should have been done by our local guards!" She could sense Ren's worried stare on her back as he silently looked on.
"You have no right to dis-repute our guards!" The man's voice rose angrily and his face turned red.
"Those men purposely kicked that poor old woman's fortune telling cards! They were laughing at her! They were mocking her while she crawled around helplessly trying to salvage it. Abusing her! They stole her money!" Her own voice rose in anger and her crimson eyes flashed indignantly. "And it is the job of the Taketa's to look after government offices! And it is my job to look over them!"
"You should keep your attention to other things that are required of you. Like finding a husband to properly govern us."
Her jaw clenched as she took in the tall, muscular body before her.
"Ryosuke-san. I respect your advice. But I'm afraid that it's not needed in this matter." Her tone was steel and sharp and she could see him tense as she walked right past him and towards her quarters. Some bodyguard….
She could hear Ren's voice.
"You are talking to the Lady of the land. Talk with respect." And the young blond boy followed her in.
Her lips pulled up into a smile as he caught up to her.
"He shouldn't have said that. Especially not after all the hard work you are doing to govern. And with Lord Juugo like this….."His emerald green eyes glistened with worry.
"It's okay Ren. Some people in the family will never come to terms with having a woman govern." She smiled gently at him. "Thanks for standing up for me though."
"Anytime." He grinned back.
A few servants bowed in respect when they passed. Ren's kimono was green and matched his eyes. She couldn't help but be grateful for his presence.
They reached her quarters soon and Ren quickly bade her goodbye before hurrying away.
She sat on her huge bed with its beautiful golden quilt that had embroidery of tree branches with birds sitting on them. Looking around, she quietly took everything in. The window was partly open and the heavy curtains were tied back. The ceiling was a huge dome made with stained glass that glinted different colors due to the sun's light. Her dressing table was just as organized as she had left it. In the corner, her heavy wood-carved desk stood with papers, quilts and ink kept neatly. The reddish-gold carpet felt soft and warm under her toes as she curled them up.
"It's good to have you back, my lady." Yukari Shinomiya stood at the door in her dark blue and white uniform kimono.
Ayano smiled at her lady-in-waiting.
Yukari quietly and quickly shut the floor to ceiling door.
"How was it?" A strand of her blonde hair escaped the bun and Yukari brushed it back impatiently.
"I made arrangements for food and drink to reach the villagers. Hunters have been sent out to gather up the wild animals responsible for destroying the fields and killing the farm animals." Ayano heaved a huge sigh, giving Yukari a sudden, big hug.
"It's good to see you again." Yukari hugged her back, giggling.
"I would be fired if I was caught talking to you like this." She grinned as she pulled away, squeezing Ayano's hand.
"I wouldn't let that happen. You're my friend." She smiled warmly at Yukari.
"But I'm also a servant. And besides, you've got a lot more things to do besides saving me."
"Why does everyone keep saying that I have better things to do!?" She groaned, flopping down on the bed with a thump, her eyes looking at the mirage of light created by the stained glass ceiling, She reached out her hand as if trying to catch the light.
"Did Ryosuke-san go off the handle again?" Yukari frowned. "Maybe you should have your bodyguard changed."
Ayano shook her head sadly.
"Ever since I took over, there has been danger to my life. Some old fashioned people within the family and even outside, resent the fact that I'm heir." Her brow furrowed as she thought. "I don't think any of the few family members will have the guts to plot against me. At least I hope so."
"But isn't Ryosuke-san the same?"
"Ryo-san definitely doesn't support me as heir and temporary master. But he has served my father for fifteen years. He might be grumpy and create a scene, but he would never harm me. I trust him." Ayano's tone was final. "And he's the most talented guard around…."
"Well, as long as you're okay with it. You know I worry about you." Yukari gave her a small smile.
She smiled back, squeezing Yukari's hand in response.
"Thank you." She really needed people who believed in her.
Yukari playfully squatted her hand away.
"I'm going to get some tea and snacks for you. Rest till I'm back." She left the room.
Ayano stood up, taking off the thick cotton coat that covered her shoulders and matched her kimono. Then loosening her clothes, she snuggled under the covers, hugging her pillow to her chest, a giddy smile covering her pretty face.
Time for real happiness.
Her eyes snapped shut as she let the images take over.
The memories of the day rushed into her. They had been kissing today. Holding hands too.
Images came into view and her chest clenched as she took in the sight of them together.
His hands were in her chestnut hair and she was snuggled into him like a kitten. His chocolate brown hair was unruly as it blew in the wind. She felt the sensation of it tickling her face, even though it wasn't really her that he was kissing in person. They were in the Kannagi gardens. Faint sounds of trickling water could be heard.
It was like she was watching the scene in third person. Like she was right there in front of them, peeping in. But she could feel the sensation of his lips on hers….so soft.
"Tsui Ling…"He dark eyes glinted as he whispered her name softly with such love that Ayano's heart swelled and sank at the same time.
He loves her, not you.
But she is you.
The sensation was weird but not foreign. She had gotten used to it. She would take what she would get. Her heart thumped loudly as the images slowly vanished and she started drifting off to sleep.
His name was the last thought on her mind before she fell into the dark cover of slumber that was waiting for her.
Kazuma.
This is a complete AU story. It is not historical. So any weirdness found here is our creative doing. Hope you enjoyed reading just as much as we enjoyed writing it.
Any questions and queries will always be entertained. Just PM either of us or state your query in your review.
Due to individual tight schedules and correspondence issues, updates will be slow. We hope you bear with our tardiness as you always have ;)
Special thanks to all the people who took precious time to review to the prologue. Your reviews mean the world to us.
Please review! Thank you!~
Until Next Time!