Author's Note: Well, this is the edited version! Credits to RubyRed78 who has done a good job cleaning up my over wordiness. I read it over again, and for me it definitely has a cleaner feeling compared to my first draft. Thank you very much and sorry for the wait, both of us are busy people it seems. ^.^
Title: A Tale of Timeless Love
Disclaimer: I DO NOT. *bow* :D
*Advertisement (yes, my fic now has this xD): I made a new Shugo Chara fic. It's called Jagged Pieces and I just uploaded it quite a while back. If you still have some time after reading this, do you mind dropping a review for that fic? I'd really appreciate it! :D thank you very much! Just tell me whether you like it or not. So far, it's got two likes from two of my reviewers from this fic. :3
*This chapter is hereby dedicated to AkainoHotaru because... well, because I want to! :)
-OoO-
CHAPTER 13 The Past and Present
As Kukai sped away from Utau, Daichi remained silent in the comfort of his shoulder. When the two of them were safely out of the Palace Grounds, Daichi chose to address his keeper. "Na Kukai, I thought friends weren't supposed to lie to each other?" he asked purposely, launching off his shoulder and gliding a few feet in front of him.
Kukai slowed his pace a fraction and kept his eyes on his floating companion. "It was a white lie," he replied with a careless shrug, as if it completely justified his actions.
"A lie nonetheless," Daichi retorted, "– 'You just won't be seeing me for a while', that's a severe understatement of the repercussions of your actions tonight. Don't expect the Kaidou to go easy on you when you report to them later, especially given the fact that you have no valid reason for not attending your trial. I don't suppose you're going to say I befriended the princess of the country. That is why I could not come." Daichi spoke as if he was merely thinking aloud but Kukai could not mistake the pointed undertone in his voice.
"If I were to say that, they would have my head instead of just a rightful punishment, Daichi." He answered with a wry look. He shook his head and continued, "I felt no need, or rather – I did not feel pressed to attend the trial that is what I'm going to say. There's no other way around it. If I cannot tell the truth, I will have to be arrogant to purposely invoke their anger."
"Do you really think that plan will work on them?"
Kukai shrugged, "Even if they do not believe what I say, I have no intention of saying anymore than that." The resolve in his voice was clear even to Daichi.
"It seems as if you've been thinking about this for awhile now. Either way you will end up getting punished – you're thinking like this right now so you can choose the path that will not let your activities be known to protect the Princess, am I correct?"
Kukai nodded and said, "You know as well as I do what they would to her if they were to know what occurred between the two of us."
"Being acquainted with you after all has its problems. You didn't even think of mentioning this to her Highness?" Daichi hit the mark and Kukai stayed quiet for a moment.
"She wanted to be my friend. It was selfish and stupid of me to agree – but I think that if I rejected her wish right then, she would have truly fallen. She's been on the verge of succumbing to the darkness quite a few times and I believe accepting her request was the right decision."
"Hoo… then am I right to assume that you only agreed to become her friend out of your sense of duty?" Daichi asked meaningfully, turning around to face him fully. His expression was serious and Kukai rarely saw him use it.
"I'm not that heartless. It was out of pure selfishness that I accepted moments ago – but I've been thinking over it since we left and I've come to the conclusion that it was the right decision to become her friend," he answered quietly, but clearly enough to convey his message to Daichi.
Their gazes locked onto each other for a while, and after a minute Daichi grinned with approval. "You've gotten some good sense all of a sudden, but you still listen to your instincts. It's a little irresponsible to act without thinking, but I'd rather have an impulsive fool than a calculating jerk," he said in a contemplative tone.
Kukai gave a rueful smile in response. "I'm not a kid anymore; I can't allow people to manipulate me so easily," he replied frankly and Daichi chuckled. He dashed forward once more and put a great deal of distance between the two of them.
"If you keep at it like this I might fully acknowledge you as my partner, rookie," he shouted back to Kukai in a mischievous tone.
"Again with the rookie thing," Kukai muttered with a small shake of his head.
Daichi looked back at him and allowed Kukai to catch up. When the two were almost a foot apart he started moving again. "But – you know what will happen when that time comes," he said audibly, keeping his eyes forward.
"What is it with you and all this hesitation, Daichi?" Kukai asked in a slightly exasperated tone. "Look at me," he continued seriously and Daichi obliged, glancing back at him.
Kukai raised his hand so that the back of his palm was facing Daichi. The mark on Kukai's hand began to glow, and in response the very same mark beneath Daichi's bandana lit up. "My purpose in life was already decided with this mark I was born with. I swore on this mark that I would live up to your expectations at all costs. And on that same day, 6 years ago, didn't you say you would wait patiently until I was worthy of your power? I have every intention of succeeding the family together with you, so please erase all of this indecisiveness," Kukai's reply was as forceful as it was calm such that Daichi was rendered speechless for a whole minute.
When he finally gathered his wits about him, he began to laugh uncontrollably. Kukai refrained from saying anything until his laughter died out.
Daichi abruptly sighed after his fit of mirth. "I must be really losing my touch if I need some trainee's lecturing to keep me going," he uttered in a mock-frustrated tone. Kukai offered an infuriating grin to which Daichi reciprocated with one of his own.
"I will be there," Daichi announced resolutely.
"Be where?" Kukai asked curiously.
"At your punishment; I will be with you the whole time."
Kukai looked at him in surprise. "Why in the world would you want to do that? You can just wait for me back with Reiji and Yaya. I believe your presence there would only make the situation worse," Kukai said reasonably.
"I want to see you suffer," Daichi replied cheerfully and Kukai grimaced. "I'll be sure not to say anything though, as much as I'd like to fool you," he added with a smirk and Kukai frowned emphatically.
"Well that was some encouragement," he said dryly as he rolled his eyes.
Then all of a sudden Daichi's demeanor changed. "I need to see you struggle – so I won't have any more doubts burdening the both of us," he said quietly and Kukai was silenced. "It's horrible, I know. But for both our sakes, I need to convince myself that you can really do it."
"You mean if I can really be your partner?"
"If you can willingly sell your soul to me – if you can really carry thousands of years of this cursed duty," he replied.
Kukai knew that this wasn't Daichi his close friend speaking, but Daichi the Guardian Deity of Seiyo speaking. This was the Daichi that was revered by his family, the sole reason his family had been raised – it was Daichi's sake and Daichi's sake alone that he was born. Kukai had accepted that fact long ago.
"Just watch me then. I'll wash away all of your hesitation and make you accept me," Kukai said confidently.
Instead of reacting to his arrogant tone, Daichi nodded and faced forward again. Kukai couldn't guess what sort of expression he wore at that moment. He had known Daichi even before he was born, but at this exact moment he could not even pretend to know what sort of expression his companion was wearing.
But Kukai knew one thing – Daichi trusted him; trusted that he would be able to rid him of all his doubts. Kukai swore he would not fail, and getting Daichi to trust him even a little bit was already another step to fulfilling his sworn oath.
-OoO-
Amu put down her brush and carefully sealed the letter she had just finished. She glanced out her window and examined the bright blue sky dotted with wisps of clouds. It was a good day, she couldn't deny it. She had even been outside a few moments ago, but despite the great weather she found the spirits of some people quite grim.
She had visited the Princess to inform her of her favor to the Second Prince, but the Princess had only stared at her for a few seconds before she nodded and dismissed her without a word. It was strange behavior on her part and Amu did not quite understand that silence. It was calm understanding – but at the same time it was as if she was trying to tell her something else.
Sanjo Yukari had spoken to her for a few moments on her way to her room, but she seemed somewhat distracted as the two of them conversed. Amu could tell that there was something about today that was putting them all ill at ease, but because she was fairly new to the castle it was a given that she didn't know what. So instead of acting in the wrong manner, she chose to keep to herself to avoid any incident.
The appointed time for her meeting with Tadase was nearing and she decided to have her letter delivered before they would meet. She rose steadily, exited her room, and proceeded to the postal area near the entrance of the Palace.
After she had given her letter and paid the exact fee for the delivery, she was surprised to find Sanjo Kairi right behind her. He nodded in greeting and Amu did the same in reply. The two talked as they made their way back to the Main Building.
"The Imperial Festival is fast approaching," Kairi said to begin their conversation.
"The other servants talk about it often. If I may ask, what exactly is supposed to happen during the Festival?"
"The Emperor's Aides' have not designated our required tasks for that day. Usually, it's part of procedure to inform us of our duties the very day of the Festival. For my part, ever since I became the First Prince's aide, my only duty has been to accompany him here in the Palace until the ending ceremony."
"Ending ceremony?"
"Yes, it is an event required to end every Festival that is celebrated. The Royal Family, together with the chosen servants – that usually refers to aides like us, goes to the Shrine at the top of the Sacred Mountain and offers their prayers and wishes to the Guardian Deity of the country. It's a ritual that has been passed down from the very first Royal Family of the country to continue to be protected by the Guardian Deity for another year."
Amu nodded and wore a thoughtful expression. "That is the only time the First Prince will be allowed to leave the Palace?"
"Yes, he has not yet made his public appearance so it's forbidden for him to leave the Palace except for special circumstances."
Amu could already imagine him sleeping up on some roof during the Festival. She wondered briefly if he would ask for her company once more when other people were not looking.
"Might I ask something strange?" Kairi said suddenly, catching her attention. She turned to look at him and found him with a sort of wry expression. "Has Yuiki Yaya visited you recently?"
Amu shook her head, "No. I haven't seen her since yesterday."
When Amu examined Kairi closer, she noticed that there was a somewhat worried glint in his eyes. She concluded that it most likely had something to do with Yaya. The two of them had seemed to get along really well yesterday; she wondered why he seemed troubled now.
"Is there something bothering you, Kairi-san?"
Kairi placed his hand over his forehead. "Well, it seems she has this absurd idea that all of us should go on a picnic together. I was just wondering if she told you anything about that." he replied in a somewhat uneasy tone.
"I haven't heard anything about it. But if that were so, I do not think it would be such a problem if she gets the permission of his Majesty, Emperor Kazuomi," Amu said logically and Kairi was silent for a moment.
"But, how am I to say this, she – Yuiki Yaya-san, is quite determined. I do not think I will be able to refuse if it comes to pass."
Amu looked at him intently from the corner of her eye. He really did seem bothered by Yaya's intended plan. "Then simply accept her invitation."
Kairi turned to her with a surprised expression. "But, the First Prince would not be allowed to appear at this event – it is the rule. Is a mere aide to attend an event without his master?" he asked seriously and Amu offered him an understanding nod.
"I believe the First Prince will most likely be informed of the invitation. I do not think him of the disposition to disallow his aide a bit of rest, don't you agree? Instead of opposing your going, I believe he might even order you to attend the said event," Amu replied matter-of-factly.
Kairi blinked a few times in response to her words. "Come to think of it, that would be what his Highness would do in that situation," he muttered audibly. "So, in other words, I simply have no way of refusing to attend."
"The other choice would be to convince either the Emperor or the First Prince to permit your absence," Amu added.
At her words, Kairi let out a deep breath. "Tasks, which would be near impossible," he said dryly with a small shake of his head. He adjusted his glasses and looked away from Amu, focusing his gaze on the approaching building of the Manor.
"Then you have no other choice."
"I didn't know that girl could be such a force to be reckoned with," He said in a tone that conveyed his utter defeat.
"Connections are everything here; it's not uncommon to use them to your advantage."
Kairi made a sound similar to a snort and he returned his gaze to her. "Wise as ever, I see. This should be it for now. Thank you for spending some of your time with me. It was a nice chat Hinamori-san," Kairi bowed.
"Thank you," Amu bowed as low as he did and the two of them parted ways in good spirits.
She stole a glance at the sky she had admired moments before. She was surprised to find a few storm clouds making their way towards the Palace. She began to think it was as if the ill spirits she had glimpsed earlier had caused a disturbance in the weather that had been so clear – but thoughts like that were impertinent and superstitious so Amu did away with them. Instead, she settled with making note of possible rain fall later.
-OoO-
Amu watched silently as Tadase lighted incense and offered his prayers in front of a well made and clean gravestone. Amu had read the name inscribed on the stone when Tadase had stopped in front of it and was surprised to find whose it was.
Hotori Mizue – Tadase's mother who died just recently.
On their way to this location, Tadase had not said a word – he only walked gracefully. But Amu could see the bit of sadness in his eyes when he smiled at her on her arrival at the Library to meet him.
After offering his prayers he picked up the package which had lay beside him and set it before his mother. He began to unwrap it and when he was finished, a shower of Sakura petals spilled from Tadase's hands like a cloth woven from them. He placed that pile carefully beside the incense and he began speaking for the first time.
"Mother, I've brought you fresh Sakura petals from the Pond. You always liked them, remember? You and I would take a stroll together and have a meal by the pond every year. They're as beautiful as ever Mother. I knew you would miss them, so I brought you some," Tadase's voice was low and quiet, but the love he had for her was evident in his voice.
Amu wondered if it was truly alright for her to listen to him like this, but if he minded he wouldn't have invited her to accompany him in the first place. So she simply watched…and reluctantly listened to the sincere voice of the boy in front of her.
"I know you worry endlessly about me, but I assure you – I'm doing fine. Tsukasa spends time with me and teaches me new things every day. Utau and Ikuto are a bit distant, but I don't blame them. Father is doing a great job as the new Emperor. You remember my dream, Mother? The one I told you about so long ago? I want to tell you that I'm not giving up on it. Even if I end up not achieving it, I'll keep working towards it until the day I die. I know you would tell me to just do something else, but this is what I truly wish for. It's not something I can just set aside for something else. I hope you understand," Amu could hear the pleading note in his serious voice.
"And this girl here with me is one I really admire, Mother," Amu's eyes widened at his sudden reference to her. For some reason, she could hear the smile in his voice.
"She's a really strong girl. She works hard and she makes her own choices. She has principles and she lives true to them, but sometimes I can't really tell if she's serious or if she's just keeping all her emotions at bay. I like talking to her, but she never really talks about herself much. She just says what she thinks and I like that about her. She's honest and she would willingly tell you what you needed to hear if you asked. She's unlike any other person I've ever met at the Palace," he paused for a moment. "I… really wish she would allow me to be her friend."
Amu's breath caught at his last sentence. There it was again – that unbelievable sincerity. It was his genuine wish and Amu couldn't help but wonder why he purposely let her hear it. She had rejected his request to be friends once before – could this be his way of asking again?
"But I don't want to pressure her into thinking that she has to be my friend," he continued in the same light tone. "I want her to willingly choose to become my friend. If she's not ready just yet, I can accept that. I'll wait until she truly wants to be my friend. Until then if she ever needs some company, I hope she'll remember that I'm ready to accommodate her at any time – as Hotori Tadase."
Amu could only stare at him for a few moments, and then crystals started to pour down from the heavens. Both of them turned to the sky hastily and Tadase, seeing the change in weather, stood up and began to take off his outer robes. Amu, sensing his intentions, beat him to the punch.
Before he could even get an arm out, Amu threw her robes over him in one swift movement. Tadase gazed at her in shock. "You are a girl, you need –," he was saying as he tried to pry her robes off of him.
Amu grasped his shoulders and stared right into his eyes. "Tadase-kun, please allow me to fulfill my duty as a servant to the Royal Family. It doesn't matter if I get sick, I'm not important. I could never forgive myself if I let you get ill – so please accept my robe without any complaints."
Maybe it was the way her eyes lit up, or maybe it was the way she said his name so clearly, but either way Tadase found that could not protest. He nodded and said nothing more, only wrapped her robes tighter around him as he prayed for her health.
Amu grabbed his hand and held it tightly as she towed him towards the nearest shelter. They found refuge under the roof in one of the buildings connected to the Audience Hall. The two of them were out of breath when they were safely out of the rain, and they purposely kept out of sight from the servants since Tadase did not feel like getting interrogated.
As they were recomposing themselves after running a long way, a voice addressed them from above. "What in the world have you two been doing?" an exasperated voice asked.
Amu knew that voice all too well without having to look, and though Tadase immediately turned to him she took her time and raised her eyes slowly to his deep blue orbs.
-OoO-
The bitingly cold metal clung to the raw flesh of his wrist and the stinging pain stopped any inkling of drowsiness from entering Kukai's system. He could barely make out the faint outline of Daichi in the dim cellar. Throughout his ordeal Daichi had said nothing – only watched as his brothers whipped him mercilessly one by one.
They had even used a special whip that made everyone of his fresh wounds burn ceaselessly. The four of them had not spared a moment in exacting his punishment and Kukai could still feel each wound they had inflicted upon him. Most of the ones on his back were from his eldest brother, Kaidou, who had been extremely displeased with his reply to their queries.
In the end he had answered exactly what he had told Daichi. When they asked him to explain he said nothing more. His plan had worked flawlessly and now he was experiencing the consequences of said plan.
He wet his lips and tasted the dried blood from when he had bitten into it to keep his screams at bay. When he flexed his hands fresh pain spread down and he almost fainted again. Kukai let out a great breath when the pain subsided.
The chains prevented him from using his magic, and without Daichi's help he wouldn't have known the spell to break free of them. But he didn't want Daichi's help – it simply proved to him how truly weak he was. Even now his brothers still had an iron hold on him, and he could do nothing but bear with it to the best of his abilities.
All of the sudden a ray of light penetrated the darkness of the chamber and became the shape of a door. A lamp appeared, carried by a young man who had the face of a Souma. He bowed with deference to Daichi before he faced Kukai.
From behind the metal bars that rose from the ground he could see the familiar face of his fourth brother, Rento. He wore a sympathetic expression so contrary to what he had shown him a few hours before. Among his brothers Rento had been the only one to show him any signs of kindness in his life. Rento was also the only one who had given him a present during one of his previous birthdays.
"What… are you doing here?" Kukai's voice was coarse and barely discernible.
Rento sighed and pulled out a set of keys. He inserted one into the cellar door and it swung open easily. He approached Kukai and stood a foot away from him. "Are you willing to speak now?" he asked softly and Kukai shook his head once.
"Why are you being so stubborn this time, Kukai? If you would have just given a proper explanation Kaidou-niisan would have shortened your imprisonment, and you could have returned to the Manor after you took the Trial," Rento said with a hint of vexation, but also a bit of worry.
Kukai felt guilty doing this to the only brother he liked, but he would not allow his resolve to crumble. All this time Daichi watched him, but Kukai was not sure if he had truly erased Daichi's doubts just yet.
Rento frowned and gave another sigh. "I'm here to inform you that the reschedule of your Trial is the day after tomorrow. You may only leave after," he said quietly. He turned around, moved out, and locked the cell once more. Before Rento disappeared again he addressed him. "I am counting on you not to fail the Trial, Kukai. If you do, I do not think Kaidou-niisan will let you go as easily as before. He might even make you quit your job as that branch member's bodyguard," he warned and left.
Kukai was once again left in the bitter cold with his silent companion. He took steady breaths, recalling every single lesson his previous master had taught him before he died. Kukai had no choice but to finish the Trial splendidly if he had any hope of leaving this place.
"Branch family, Head family – to me they're no different. They're all selfish pricks who only think of themselves," Kukai muttered under his breath. He knew no one but Daichi could hear him.
"Do you hate them?" for the first time since he arrived, Daichi spoke to him.
"I do, except for Reiji, Yaya, and Rento. I despise every one of them with all my being," he replied firmly.
"Kukai, what's your goal?"
"I already told you. I –" he began to say but Daichi interrupted him.
"I meant after you succeed the Head Family what do you intend to do?"
Kukai thought about it seriously for the first time. Ever since he was a child his parents had only told him to be of service to Daichi. After seeing the mark on his arm they had laid a path for him to tread on. He only had to be worthy of being the Guardian Deity's keeper and nothing else. That was the goal they had implanted in his mind since he was born with his glowing mark and summoned Daichi.
But what would he do after becoming the Leader?
Kaidou, Shuusui, Unkai and Rento were all born before him – and all of them were more suitable to lead the Souma family. But he, the youngest and most inexperienced, was chosen as the Keeper. The spot of Leader was practically reserved for him because of his Keeper status.
One day he would sit on that chair of responsibility – but what would he do then?
Can I be your friend then?
He didn't know why, but Reiji's question from so long ago resounded in his head.
The two of them were supposed to hate each other because of their status as heirs. The Branch family only served as the Head family's outer appearance. They existed as the Souma family in public, but they didn't possess the power of the true Head family from which Kukai came from. They were only puppets of the Head family – and they resented the Head family because of this fact.
So in truth, Kukai and Reiji were never supposed to meet. Never supposed to be friends; and he was never supposed to work under someone in the Branch family. His brothers had been completely against him becoming a bodyguard from the very beginning; they had even disagreed with his very acquaintance with Reiji.
But in the end, Kukai's father had allowed him to stay with Reiji on the condition that he would be tested monthly with a difficult Trial to show that he was truly working hard and mastering his abilities granted by the family blood. After that incident, Kukai's father spoke to him in private for the first time.
Whatever you decide to do once you become Leader Kukai, I will have no objections. I trust you will lead the Souma family onto the right path. I believe in you, my son – never ever doubt that.
That was the first and last time he had ever spoken to his father. It was the first and last time he had seen his father. During meetings and gatherings the only person he saw in the man that watched him carefully was the Leader of the Souma clan – no one else.
It became clear to Kukai then what he wanted and needed to do.
"I'll abolish the Branch and Head family system," Kukai answered finally, looking Daichi straight in the eye. "I'll destroy the very foundation of this twisted system. Together with you and Reiji, I'll recreate the Souma clan from scratch," he continued in a more decisive tone.
Daichi stared at him in silence. "When I am the Leader – no, when I am strong and capable enough - I will create a new Souma family. Watch me, Daichi. I'll be the best Leader the Souma family ever had," he spoke the last sentence in a voice that rung out clearly in the dark cellar.
He couldn't see Daichi, but for the first time he could clearly see his goal.
"How about getting those chains off of you for a start?" Daichi asked pointedly.
It was then that he figured out how he could free himself. The chains restricted the flow of Daichi's power into his body, but it did not prevent him from using his own magic to break away. Without a second to waste he began making a plan of action. He clenched his fists and chanted a spell under his breath, a spell he had read a few days ago in the Sacred Scrolls. Just as he had intended the metal clasps on his wrists broke and melted away.
He dropped to the concrete floor of the cell and went towards the metal bars. He touched the metal and felt it burn his skin. It burned, but he held on and used the spell from before. The metal bars melted just like his handcuffs had, and he felt Daichi land on his shoulder.
"You used the spell of Erasure, didn't you?"
"Yes. I had to erase the inscriptions that bound the metal together."
"So you didn't need any help whatsoever from me."
Kukai touched the wall and approached the door which Rento had entered from before. "I will need your help to pass the Trial, though," Kukai replied as he slid the door open and entered the house of his nightmares.
When he appeared before Kaidou half dressed with his wounds barely healed Kukai announced, "I will take the Trial now Kaidou-niisan." And for the first time in his life, Kaidou smiled at him.
-OoO-
Ikuto was leaning over the edge of the window and gazing down at both of them pensively. His eyes briefly examined Tadase, but focused on her alone in the next moment. Amu, remembering proper manners, bowed down and didn't raise her head until she was addressed.
"Rise, Hinamori Amu," Ikuto said audibly, knowing exactly what she was doing. She was glad that he was humoring her at least.
She found both of them looking at her steadfastly, but Amu held her ground and stared back at Ikuto.
"The two of you are drenched," he pointed out.
"Yes. We could not find shelter fast enough," Amu replied promptly and Ikuto gave a sigh. He held out his hand.
"I will help you up. You can dry yourselves off here in my office. I'll request the servants to bring some dry towels and robes for you."
"Please attend to her first. She's more soaked than I am, Ikuto-niisama," Tadase appealed to him, gesturing to Amu with one of his hands while slowly taking off the wet robe she had offered him with the other. Ikuto nodded and moved his hand closer to her.
Having no choice but to accept, Amu reluctantly clutched his hand and in less than a second he pulled her up over the window sill and had her steadied on the tatami mat. He pulled off his outer robe and dropped it over her shoulders. Just as she was about to protest, he placed a finger over her mouth.
"I do hope you're not planning on making a scene, Amu," he whispered. Before she could reply, he returned to the window and helped Tadase into the room.
Both she and Tadase now stood in round damp spots on the tatami mat. Ikuto had left the room for a moment to order a servant and returned just as quickly to attend to them.
He shuffled them towards the warmest corner of the room and shut the window right after. When the knock on the door came, Ikuto answered it swiftly and came back carrying a pile of dry robes mixed with towels. He handed them to each and said, "Get changed quickly."
After that he sat back down at his working desk and focused on his work.
"Please change ahead of me, Hinamori-san."
Amu turned to look at Tadase. He was smiling at her with his damp hair clinging to his face and water droplets clinging to his skin. "But –"
"Hinamori-san, please allow me to do my duty as a man." He spoke in tone she had never heard him use before.
In the end, she bowed and followed his wishes, finding a secluded spot to change out of her wet under robe. She peeled off the cloth that clung to her skin and began drying herself. She moved quickly, so as to not let Tadase wait for too long. When she was done drying off and dressing she revealed herself once more.
She held Ikuto's robe in one hand, and her wet clothes in the other. Tadase took her place and began to change, leaving her all alone with Ikuto again. She kept her eyes on the floor and pressed her lips tightly together.
After a minute, a small piece of parchment with two lone words dropped onto the exact spot she was staring at.
Look up.
Amu held her breath and carefully raised her head to face him. She found him smiling pleasantly at her, and when he saw that she was looking at him, gestured for her to come closer. She took tentative steps towards him, but when she was nearly a foot away he spun her around and took the towel from her hands.
"Stay still," he said loud enough for only her to hear.
Slowly, he began drying her long tresses; he did it so skillfully that Amu felt like her hair was being combed rather than dried. He stood up and properly finished the ends. After he was done, he turned her around again and gave her a half smile.
He raised his hand and placed it against her forehead. Amu assumed that he was deducing her temperature by contrasting it with his own. When Tadase suddenly emerged from behind one of the book shelves Ikuto did not seem bothered that he saw what he was doing.
Tadase offered them a thoughtful look, but made no further comment.
"Thank you for your help Ikuto-niisan," Tadase said gratefully while adding a small bow.
Ikuto waved a hand dismissively and smiled. "There is no need to thank me. It would be quite a predicament if the two of you were to be taken ill so suddenly, and at the same time too."
Amu decided that it was time for her to leave. "Your Highness," she spoke. Ikuto's attention shifted to her immediately.
"I am truly grateful for your help. May I ask to be excused? I have some matters which require my attention."
Ikuto and Tadase merely looked at her for a moment before Ikuto broke the silence, "Of course. Please get some proper rest tonight. I may have saved you from the rain, but I have not completely erased the possibility of getting sick."
"Of course," Amu conceded. Just as she was about to leave the room, she turned back and held out Ikuto's robe which still hung from her arm. Ikuto took it graciously with a knowing smile, and Amu left without another word.
"It has been a long time since we were alone like this," Tadase commented, his eyes still on the door which Amu had left from. Ikuto sat down once more and chuckled.
"Yes. The last time we were together, you still called me Onii-tan," Ikuto teased and Tadase flushed immediately at the memory of their childhood.
"Ikuto-niisama, please," he said in an embarrassed tone. Ikuto picked up his brush and continued with his work that he set aside moments ago. Tadase leaned against one of the shelves and declined Ikuto's offer to sit in the chair across from him.
"Mizue-san… was still alive back then too, wasn't she?" Ikuto asked quietly.
"Yes."
"Were the two of you visiting her?"
"Yes."
"I will visit her personally tonight."
"I'm grateful."
"So you introduced her to Mizue-san, didn't you?"
Tadase paused, and realizing he was referring to Amu, said, "Yes."
"You seem fond of her," Ikuto pointed out and Tadase smiled.
"She's a nice girl."
Ikuto chuckled at his reply.
"Is there something funny?"
"No. It is nothing. I was merely thinking how quiet and serious she seemed."
Tadase didn't know why, but he felt like Ikuto was keeping something from him. The way he had laughed moments ago sounded almost mocking to his ears. "Are you two acquainted?" he asked, feeling somewhat apprehensive now.
"I've seen her quite a few times, at the gatherings and such. She seems interesting, but I don't have the time to properly acquaint myself with her." His answer was smooth and clear, but Tadase couldn't help doubting his words a little.
He sounded like he knew her more personally; and the way he had looked at her when he found them was one he had never seen him use before. There was interest – but it was also mixed with possessiveness. The same look his Father always stole at Souko-san during the times she was present.
Could it be –?
"She seems like a busy person. Are you sure you aren't hindering her work, Tadase? She's Utau's aide, if you remember, and Utau isn't exactly the easiest person to handle," Ikuto said sensibly.
Tadase thought about it for moment, Ikuto had a point. But he still couldn't help but feel like his Niisama was aiming for something else.
Since when have you been this distrustful of him, Tadase?
A question to himself resounded from within him. Ikuto was still looking at him tentatively, waiting for a reply. Tadase opened his mouth – then closed it again. He lowered his head and spoke.
"I made sure she had time to come with me. I do not think I was hindering her work," he replied quietly.
"I see. That's good then," he said unconcernedly. The sound of shuffling papers continued for quite some time until Tadase spoke again.
"I believe it was time I left, Ikuto-niisama."
"Alright, take care not to get sick. Hinamori Amu would most likely blame herself if you were to fall ill unexpectedly." His words made Tadase stare at him in surprise. "Though, I believe she is more likely to get sick than you. Should I have a servant deliver some medicine to her?" he continued on as if he were merely speaking.
"There is no need. I shall have them deliver it to her," Tadase volunteered.
Ikuto smiled as he replied. "I see. I'll leave it to you then, little prince," Ikuto said, purposely using the nickname he had given Tadase long ago. Again it sounded as if he was ridiculing him, but Tadase kept his thoughts to himself.
He exited the room in the same manner Amu had done and continued on without another glance in Ikuto's direction.
It might have been his imagination, but for now he would focus on what he could do. His questions could be answered later.
-OoO-
"What in the world have you been doing? And how did you get all these wounds? Did someone hurt you? Where are they? I'll beat them up! How dare they –" Yaya's barrage was cut short when Reiji silenced her with one hand.
Kukai leaned against the door frame and offered the two of them a triumphant smile. Reiji approached him and allowed Kukai to use his shoulder as a support.
"Where have you been?"
"I've just come back from hell," he replied in a jesting tone. Reiji set Kukai down on his bed carefully.
"Yaya, help me tend to his wounds. Bring over some ointment and a fresh batch of bandages." Yaya obeyed without a word and hurriedly dashed out of the room.
"We were worried something might have happened to you."
"Well, something did happen," Kukai acquiesced with a rueful smile.
"Does it relate to the Head Family?" Reiji questioned.
"Yes and no," Kukai answered vaguely, his eyelids beginning to drop out of exhaustion. He was barely conscious as he replied. Reiji gave a sigh and let Kukai lean on his shoulder as he rested; it would be easier to mend his wounds that way.
All of a sudden, something green and familiar popped out of Kukai's robes. Reiji immediately recognized Daichi's mop of hair and helped him out of Kukai's pocket.
"What happened?" Reiji questioned.
Daichi straightened himself and squared his shoulders before he firmly replied, "I'm not to speak of it."
"Was this ordered by the Head Family?"
"The Head Family couldn't order me around even if they tried. Only my Keeper can assign me a specific task," Daichi replied lazily, flying upwards to look down at the two of them.
"But if you want to know something to ease your inquisitiveness – Kukai worked very hard today. You should let him rest for a while," Daichi scolded.
Just then Yaya burst through the door noisily and almost tripped at the entrance. If not for Daichi using his magic to keep her upright, she would have broken and spilled the contents of the jar in her arms.
"Ah! He fell asleep!" she screamed.
"Daichi says he worked really hard. He deserves a little rest Yaya, so don't be so noisy," Reiji said gently.
Yaya made the motion of zipping her lips with one hand and quietly placed the pile in her arms on the bed with the other.
Gently, the two of them began to dab and bandage the proud wounds of their dear friend. Carefully, in the way that only someone close to you would be able to do.
Only true friends could heal your wounds slowly.
-OoO-
Endnote: I've been trying to devise a proper uploading schedule since my classes are going to start on June 13. My beta and I will try going for an update every two weeks - quite a while, I know. But we're both living separate lives so I think it's manageable. I've still got that no internet thing going on so there might be times that I might skip and update and do it two weeks later again, when that happens I apologize in advance. Oh yes, and I suppose if you start liking the other fic too, you could also mention in a review which you would like me to update. I'm pretty fickle, that's why i have so many unfinished fics. But I hope you can still bear with me. -.-
My Notes Once More:
AkainoHotaru: Well, that review was extremely... flattering, no really. I was a little surprised by what you said but thank you, nonetheless. It makes me happy knowing the there are people like you who appreciate my story. :D So yeah, I dedicated the chapter to you because your review made me smile.
QueenyLeAcH: Please lend me your talent with punctuation marks! o: You want me to pursue that plot bunny? Sure! I didn't think you'd like it that much. haha. Oh, and you can choose which one you'd like to beta from the two. Either's fine with me. :D
Kiyonora: Did you get my PM? I really hope you did. -.-
SayonoraOhayo: Sorry to make you wait again. When I start to go past a month without updating, feel free to remind or request me to update. That usually gives me a jump start in a new chapter. I hope you like this chapter!
kittyallstars: You know, I was really happy for some reason when I saw that you were the first one who left a review in my other Shugo Chara fic. Thanks for taking your time to read it. I'm really grateful. :D I hope you like this chapter and maybe I'll get to work on updating the new one.