On High Guard
Aspirator
TWO
It seems it was quite dangerous to be Hotaru Imai at the moment.
Now that the great Imais have fallen, a first of many many generations, their enemies all over the world - even so-called allies that had harbored secret jealousy and hatred - had sent assassins their way.
The Queen found out quickly that a quick journey, as she had wanted, back to Aqualia was impossible.
They reached a small monastery in the mountains, home to one of her loyal acquaintances. The peaceful monks quickly opened up rooms for the Queen, her companions, and the High Guard.
Now, she sat as gracefully and powerfully as she could on a rickety wooden chair in the middle of the second, smaller dining room. They had decided that was the place for privacy to have a meeting. Surrounded by stone walls, a crackling fireplace, wooden tables, and the stench of books everywhere.
She called for the Commander of the High Guard, the same one that made a snide comment at her when they were escaping.
Within minutes, he had arrived.
The Queen was surrounded by her entourage, two on each side. Five pairs of eyes were on him.
He was stoic, tall, and built. He had eyes that reminded her of ruby jewels, but possessed a darker, deeper quality to them. He had angular cheekbones, a grim set to his lips, and smooth skin - as if no wrinkles had ever appeared nor had he ever needed to use his face muscles. He had a commanding atmosphere about him, it was evident in the way he walked, in the way he spoke, and in the way he naturally evoked awe.
"I do not believe in ownership." Hotaru Imai stated nobly. "Not of people. I traded the High Guard to free the High Guard. I have expressed your freedom already. You are all free, and yet, days later, you are still here. Why?"
He took his time answering. His voice was deep, but firm. Every word was slow, carefully chosen. "You need the High Guard." It was not a boast, but a fact.
She did not deny it.
"The High Guard willingly chooses to serve you," the man stated, rephrasing himself.
After a moment, in which the Queen did not react, the man bent on one knee. He had come weaponless, so he placed the palm of his hand on the ground while he bowed. His chest rested gently against the other knee which was raised. He let his eyes travel downwards, not as a sign of inferiority but as a sign of proud respect. He let his voice ring clearly in the silent room, "Natsume Hyuuga, Commander of the High Guard, at your service."
Hotaru indicated for the man to stand up. She regarded him for a minute, then introduced her own people. "My small council: Mikan Sakura, Kokoro Yome, Yuu Tobita, and Tsubasa Andou."
Those piercing red eyes passed over the faces. A handmaiden, an advisor of some sort, a scholar, and a knight.
"Pardon," the Guard did not at all seemed sorry, "why is a handmaiden on your court?"
The reaction was immediate. Tsubasa laughed boisterously, hand slapping his metal armor. Mikan gasped indignantly. Hotaru let on a slight upward tug of her lips.
Natsume was the only one who didn't react. He didn't even look confused, though Koko was sure that he was. In fact, he didn't seem to have expressions, at all.
"She's a little more than that." It was Yuu who answered. "She's more of a…assistant."
His response was immediate, "A handmaiden is an assistant."
"Our Mikan does more than a handmaiden does." Tsubasa smiled.
"Yes, that's been stated." He answered. However, Natsume let the topic drop. Whether it was because he lost interest or didn't like to be at the blunt end of some secret joke, Koko wasn't sure. Rather, he switched topics. "Your Magic is not a myth after all."
"Yes," Hotaru responded in a clipped tone, not willing to indulge in his curiosity, or whatever it was.
"What is the depth of your power?" He pushed, unfazed by her tone.
"That is none of your concern." The Queen smoothly responded.
"It is," he disagreed, "more than you kow." Then, to their surprise, he closed his eyes briefly. When his eyes snapped open, he was looking directly at Mikan.
The so-called handmaiden jumped a little at the eye contact but stared defiantly back.
"She is the sorceress." He stated, causing several shocked gasps and defending protests.
But the Queen could see that he is not to be fooled. Hotaru does not deny it. "How do you know?"
"I sense it," he responds cryptically. The Commander glanced at the surprised faces for a brief moment then spoke his developing theory, "Your Highness only fakes being the user of it in public, to protect her. So the myth…"
"The Yukihiras have been with the Imai family for generations." Hotaru provided as explanation.
"So the Yukihiras are the bloodline with magic." Natsume stated in understanding. After a moment, he let his wrist turn. With his palm up, he spread his fingers apart.
He produced fire. Blue - definitely magical - flames floated just above his palm.
Koko gasped in shock, hearing Yuu sputter beside him, and Tsubasa whistle in awe.
Before they could bombard him with questions, he explained, "I am Enhanced. The only one of the High Guard. The…former Master meant to continue this recent experiment, but he was interrupted. So I am the first and only test subject."
Their sorceress was the one who asked the most pressing question, "Are there side effects?"
His eyes turned to her. There was a long contemplative silence when he held her gaze, sharp scarlet irises matching soft doe brown irises. Then he wrapped his fingers into a fist and the fire dissipated. Finally, he stated, his eyes gazing emotionlessly at his hand that had once produced the fire, "yes." But he did not elaborate.