A gentle breeze swept across the ramparts where Kiera stood, looking through the line of soldiers. She was currently preoccupied selecting men for the King's guard. Due to Reita's timely arrival the night before, she had not been coerced into being a nursery maid for Uruha. She inspected the soldier in front of her with a critical eye. The man was lean and tall...but too youthful. She needed men of experience to guard the King.
"Marshal!" one of her generals called, "The scouts have returned." She acknowledged him.
"The three in the back. Send them for training and give them the uniforms." She ordered him. Kiera left him to carry out the order. She descended the stairs leading to her office. 2 filthy looking men stood on her previously white rug in the office. She smiled unconsciously seeing the other occupants of the room. Reita sat in what was rightfully her seat behind the oak carved table. Uruha appeared to be taking an interest in the decor of the room while occasionally glancing at the other men.
"Where have you been? You left me to suffer boredom on my own." Reita said sounding like spoiled brat.
"I was attending to my duties." A servant appeared unclasping the cloak from her shoulders.
"What news?" she addressed the 2 dirty men.
"We managed to track the rebels. They're heading south, my Lady." One reported.
"It seemed like they're heading towards the fortress of Dendrial." The other one added.
"How many did you see?"
"Just the 4 of them. One of them is injured."
Kiera nodded, "You have done well. You may go."
"That doesn't sound like good news." said Reita, getting off the seat to put his arm around her. "You should keep a shadow on them."
"I plan to." She agreed, examining the map that lay of the table. When she looked up, she found herself staring into the eyes of Uruha.
Uruha fixated his eyes on Kiera's, feeling left out and ignored as she does her daily duties. Of course, he understood that she was someone with responsibilites in this world but somehow he found himself feeling lonely without her attention. Uruha shot a short glare in Reita's direction. She has time for him though, doesn't she? And why is he being so friendly with her? But he should just leave the matter alone. He barely knows her and it's really none of his business...
"Kiera," Uruha said, his brain and mouth not working together apparently, "What is your relationship with Reita?"
A silent pause enveloped the room before Reita burst out laughing. "Yes, Kiki, what is our relationship? We've made Uruha jealous."
"I'm not!" Uruha retorted in embarrassment, feeling the blush creep up his face. Seeing Kiera's surprised expression towards his question, he found himself unable to meet her eyes. He averted them, and in a pout said softly, "I'm not jealous" Immediately after he'd said those words, Uruha realized... that he was indeed very jealous.
Kiera was at a loss for words. What did Reita mean they've made Uruha jealous? A pretty blush decorated his face. Should she tell him? She looked to Reita, but he was grinning like a fool. Sometimes she wondered how the man could present an intimidating presence.
"Lord Rei and I share a...past. Forgive me, I had not thought our friendship would upset you. It was not my intention to appear as though I am stealing your friend."
Uruha turned back to Kiera. She looked truly apologetic. Reita, on the other hand, was still snickering. They share a past? Uruha's mind was filled with some random images...
"Oh, Lord Rei," Kiera in his mind says, and for some reason she's wearing a very pretty evening gown, hugging Reita with tears in her eyes, "I love you! You have to believe me! How could you leave me? We should've been together forever!" Reita laughed evilly and pushed her away.
Uruha took a quick look at the two of them again. No that can't be it. That's way too whiny for Kiera's character. Perhaps...
"Kiera!" Reita begged, tears in his eyes and kneeling, "You're all I have! You can't leave me! You said I was the only man you'll ever care about!" Kiera smirked at him. "No, Reita. Uruha is the one I-"
Uruha cleared his throat very loudly, aware that his face is now starting to resemble a tomato from his blushing. What is wrong with him? Has this world accelerated his madness and it's making him imagine strange things?
"What kind of past?" Uruha asked Kiera straightly, not able to handle the suspense any longer.
Kiera sighed. She did not enjoy telling people that particular story.
"Lord Rei once saved something very precious to me." She spoke softly.
"You can't do that! Don't leave out important details." Reita urged. She sent him a death glare. She felt uncomfortable under Uruha's gaze.
"He...saved my cat from drowning." Kiera finally admitted.
Uruha processed the information he had just received from Kiera... Reita saved her cat?
After a few seconds, he couldn't control his relief and laughter. "Th-that's," he stammered, "So adorable!"
Reita joined his laughter, "Isn't it isn't it?"
Uruha could sense Kiera's discomfort but decided to push it. "What's the cat's name?" he asked slyly.
Reita answered it for him, "It's Kiki!"
She narrowed her eyes at the two's amusement at her expense. Kiera was extremely tempted to stab them with her swords...if only Reita wasn't an important subject of the King.
"Why are they laughing? I want to laugh too." Came Takeru's voice directly behind her. If she hadn't gotten used to the demon's love for appearing unannounced she would have ended up beheading him a long time ago. Accidentally of course. It almost came to that once. She cringed at the memory. The little demon had sulked for days refusing to perform his duties until Kiera offered him a sack of sweets.
At the sound of the demon's voice, Reita's mirth turned silent. He glared at him. Kiera thanked Takeru silently for relieving her discomfort.
"What is it?" Kiera asked.
"Thought you might want to know...Ishitaka is here."
Her heart sank. Was it too much to hope for an uneventful day.
"Warn the King and Ieros Victoria."
Uruha cringed at the demon Takeru's sudden appearance near them. He seemed to like doing that, shocking people. Reita's hatred for Takeru was very apparent. Uruha wondered what he could have done for Reita to be so irritated... It was rare for Reita to be angry.
But that's not what he should be thinking about now. The air in the room had changed dramatically with the mention of that name. Ishitaka. Who is that? Even for a demon like Takeru himself, it was like saying that name made him slightly nervous. Uruha saw a slight hesitation in his voice.
"Damn it," Reita cursed, turning grim, "What is he doing here?"
Guards poured into the hall from all directions, panic written across their faces. "Marshal! It's I-ishitaka! He's at our gates! Your orders, please!" they cried out.
It was chaos. Her men were in a state of panic. Kiera was partly annoyed that the trained soldiers were now running around like a bunch of headless chickens but a demon like Ishitaka tend to cause such kinds of reactions. She sent a look at Reita with Uruha close by. She was well aware of Reita's hatred against Ishitaka. She had never questioned the reason though. It was not her place.
"Lord Rei, I would ask that you do not interfere." She said firmly. Obviously reluctant, he accented. Kiera climbed up some steps lending her height to address her men.
"ENOUGH!" she yelled. This seemed to put a stop on the chaos. "You are soldiers of the King. Have you no shame to show such fear in the face of one demon? Gather your courage."
"Open the gates. I will meet him." She ordered, "Let us hope he is in good humour." She added quietly to herself.
Reita came towards her as she made towards the gates. "I will come with."
"I cannot risk you angering him, my Lord."
"I won't. I swear it. I want to know why he has come."
Kiera studied his face. He could be as stubborn as a mule if he wished and she did not have the time to argue with him.
"If you must." She consented.
"Hey I want to come too!" Uruha yelled, as they all seemed to have forgotten him. For some reason, he was immensely determined to see this demon. It was like he was being drawn to him.
Reita looked worried but appears to be on Uruha's side, "Alright," he said. Kiera didn't like this one bit though. Reita seemed to know what Kiera was about to say so he told her instead, "He needs to meet Ishitaka."
Uruha gulped. What kind of demon is Ishitaka for everyone to get so riled about him? "Is... Ishitaka that powerful?" Uruha asked fearfully.
Reita didn't answer his question. But he did reply with something else that didn't settle Uruha's mind one bit, "He can't be trusted. No matter what he says, no matter who YOU think he is... remember that."
Kiera led a handful of soldiers with Reita and Uruha right behind her. Truth be told, she did not want Uruha anywhere near the demon they were about to face. He was as defenceless as a flower. Even some flowers have defence mechanisms. By order of the King, Uruha was her responsibility. Kiera would hate her charge to be shot by a bolt of lightning. Reita's presence did not ease her either.
Ishitaka, the most powerful demon in existence stood in his trade mark stance, waving up to the guards on the gate tower who looked down at him fearfully. She had given strict orders for them to keep their arrows aimed at him. She eyed him cautiously. He had no weapon on him...but he did not need one. Her grip tightened on the swords, ready to attack at the slightest provocation. She could feel a storm coming. Ishitaka did not show up at their gates often, it worried her why he has come.
As they got close to the demon, Kiera noticed a shadow lurking behind him.
"He's not alone. Be ready to attack upon my word." She told her men quietly. She could feel their tension. The sound of their weapons leaving their sheath reassured her a little.
Uruha couldn't believe his eyes and yet somehow, he wasn't surprised. Of course, most of the people he's seen in this world had been his friends. Why wouldn't Ishitaka be his friend? This was Miyavi, the only hyperactive and insane person he dared call his friend and yet here he was, being feared by everyone in the vicinity.
The demon Ishitaka walked casually towards them, ignoring all the weapons pointed in his direction. He looked cheerful and nonchalant about his predicament, as if this was something that happened every day. Uruha had always wondered what it would be like if Miyavi's craziness got too out of hand. Ishitaka was like the living embodiment of that version of Miyavi.
"Reita," Uruha breathed, stating the obvious, "It's Miyavi."
"No it's not," Reita hissed back, the hatred apparent in his voice, "not anymore. Miyavi died inside that demon long ago."
Uruha didn't understand completely, but he thought he had some idea. It was like Shou and the others... losing themselves slowly in this world. With Shou, Uruha had still been able to sense his friend inside that murderous body, even if that presence was very small. But even from this distance, staring at Ishitaka's form wrapped in a strange black cloak, a demonic whisper of a wind following his every movement, Uruha knew Reita was right. He found himself frightened at the prospect of turning out like that.
"Pardon the intrusion, everybody!" Ishitaka said in singsong, his voice echoing in the silence of his arrival, "My, isn't this a lovely evening? You must've been having a wonderful time before you had to welcome me! I am terribly sorry for ruining your night! Ah, actually no I'm not. I'm just saying that for politeness' sake."
In the shock of Ishitaka's resemblance to Miyavi, Uruha had forgotten the quivering man behind him. Once again, this person was very familiar... Uruha craned his neck to see who it was.
No way...he thought to himself as he realized who it is. Kai! Without carefully considering his actions, Uruha darted past Reita and Kiera in front of him, charging straight to Ishitaka.
Kiera growled in pure irritation. Uruha charged past them without warning. Kiera had no choice but to dart after him.
"Uruha stop!" she heard Reita yell. Before she managed to reach him however, the demon had intercepted. Fearing for his safety, Kiera wrapped her arms around Uruha's torso physically pulling him back into her.
"Do not be foolish!" she hissed into his ear. She switched their positions so that she was facing the demon instead with Uruha safely behind her. She'll kill Uruha later.
Uruha's heart had a mind of its own, picking up speed and it was making it hard for him to breathe. Was it because of his excitement to meet Kai or was it because Kiera was hugging him? As Uruha felt his face redden, he was sure that it was the latter.
"Sorry Kiera," Uruha said, moved by her concern for him. She may act like she's angry all the time but Uruha somehow felt that she cared for him a bit, and it made him happy.
"What's this, what's this?" Ishitaka giggled, walking towards the two of them in a strange slouched manner, "How interesting! You're the first person to see me and run TOWARDS me!" Ishitaka pointed to Uruha.
"But you let a woman protect you? So you're both dull AND weak?" he continued, snickering, his red eyes darkening. Uruha felt both his anger and fear rise as Ishitaka stared at him.
"What will you do if I did something like..." Ishitaka drawled, his pointing finger now moved onto Kiera, "This?"
Suddenly, he cast his hand to the right towards the castle walls, what seems to be a simple little movement. An incredibly strong gust of wind followed his action and in a few seconds, with an anguished groan, Kiera was sent flying, her back crashing onto the bricks in a loud crunch.
"KIERA!" Uruha screamed, running towards her as fast as he could, only panic for her safety in his head.
"Oh," Ishitaka said, "Whoopsy! That was not my fault!" He laughed maniacally, using his other hand to point at the finger he'd just used to fling Kiera, "My finger has a mind of his own, see. Sometimes he does not listen to me at all!" In a childish pout, Ishitaka stared at his hand, "You're a bad finger."
Uruha stared back at him, wrapping injured Kiera in his arms. This guy... is insane. He's genuinely, actually, clinically insane. It made him all the more frightening, in a twisted mindless way. Uruha felt tears threaten in his eyes as he looked at Kiera. "Sorry, Kiera, it's all my fault," he apologized, biting his lip in guilt.
Pain exploded in her back. The crash had knocked the wind out of her lungs. In any other situation she would have given into her anger but somehow being enveloped in Uruha's embrace and seeing his concerned teary eyes, the anger relented.
"Its alright." She told him. Ignoring the pain she pushed away from Uruha although admittedly she did not really want to. She couldn't just stay there though, Reita might do something in a fit of rage and that other person behind Ishitaka was an unknown threat.
Through all this, Kai felt a bit left out and seriously confused. Not that he's complaining. When the guards on the towers had first seen them, they had really freaked out. Making Kai freak out in turn. Then all of a sudden they started pointing arrow at them. He knew he was being a coward but this was all too weird so he chose to hide behind Ishitaka. Although he had to say he didn't really feel safe behind him. His mentally challenged friend would probably just dance away.
At first, when the group had approached them, because of his horrid vision he could not make out their faces. All he knew was that leader was definitely female. The two following behind her seemed really familiar. In fact, he had the nagging suspicion that these two were exactly the ones he had been looking for. His suspicions were confirmed not long after. And that was when all hell seems to break loose. At least he thought so.
His relief at seeing his friends was short lived. Just as he was about to run to them and hug them to death, Uruha ran pass the woman right towards Ishitaka. Kai would have welcomed with open arms too if Uruha actually reached him. He watched Uruha's face turn red when the woman's arms wrapped around him. Then Ishitaka went into psycho mode. Kai was actually beginning to be a little creeped out by him. He stealthily stepped away from Ishitaka. If they all started fighting, he at least wanted to be where his other seemingly sane friends were. Also he didn't want to be shot down by the arrows.
"You're not welcome here, demon!" he heard Reita speak. Kai was taken aback by the hatred in his voice, it completely stunned him. Not only had Kai never heard Reita speak in such a tone, he had never known of any disputes between him and Miyavi. Reita's words were obviously directed at Ishitaka. He was so focused on Ishitaka, he did not seem to notice Kai at all. That was when Kai realized what Reita was holding that caused his stomach to drop several feet; a very dangerous looking sword. He wanted to cry. What was happening? This didn't feel like it was the product of him losing his mind.
"Reita! Uruha! Its me. I'm this close to crying my eyes out. You guys have to stop all this crap." he voiced out after a slight hesitation, "Seriously. I'm so confused, its physically tiring."
"K-Kai?" Reita had finally noticed him behind Ishitaka. He looked absolutely appalled, "You're not supposed to be here." His expression darkened. "You're not supposed to be with that monster either."
Uruha was both happy and unhappy that Kai was here. He was happy because now he's finally found someone who is in the same boat with him that he can relate to, and unhappy because Kai might have to go through the same hardships Uruha had... and Kai is a very kind and sensitive person. What would he feel towards the changed personalities of Shou and Miyavi?
But before anyone could continue with the confusion, the demon Takeru had stepped forward. "Ieros Victoria!" he said excitedly, his eyes glittering with anticipation, "She's coming!"
The atmosphere changed as soon as he uttered those words. Well, it changed for everyone except Uruha and Kai. Uruha didn't know who that was but once again, it must be someone troublesome. Even Ishitaka didn't look pleased. "I wonder if she came to see me?" he said to no one in particular. He turned to Kai, ridiculously thinking that he has the answer, "Do you think that is her intention, little brother?"
Uruha raised his eyebrows. Little... brother? Thankfully Kai seemed just as surprised as Uruha at the role Ishitaka had given him.
Reita heaved a sigh, putting his hand to wipe the sweat off his brow. Uruha wasn't sure if he's relieved or nervous. "R-reita," Uruha asked him, "This Victoria person... isn't like Miya-... I mean Ishitaka... is she?"
Kiera had been studying this Kai person behind Ishitaka. Obviously he was familiar with both Reita and Uruha. She was unsure about him, seeing as how he is the demon's companion. It was about time she asserted her control over the situation.
"She's not a demon, if thats what you're asking." She answered before Reita could, then turning to her Ishitaka, "I did not appreciate that show of power, demon. Why have you come?"
"Yes. That be a good question, Marshal." Came the voice of Ieros Victoria. Kiera turned back to see her soldiers part to make way for her. Kiera bowed respectfully though her injured back protested at the action, her actions followed by all the soldiers and Reita. The only ones who did not were the new comers and Uruha. She sent a death glare at Uruha, hoping he got her silent message to bow.
Ieros Victoria had appeared amongst them. Uruha was too busy being shocked and awed at both her sudden arrival and her beauty that he could only stare like an idiot until Kiera had shot him a scary look. Fumbling, Uruha bowed too, and although he was no longer staring at her, her image was stuck in his head. She had a very magical and almost regal aura about her. Her long black hair was like silk, her fair skin was like moonlight... and her eyes was what he noticed the most. They shimmered an ethereal violet shine that was beautiful yet domineering at the same time. Silence rang across the space, even the talkative Ishitaka had a distrustful expression on his face but remained without uttering a word.
Kai gawked at the lady. There was something so ethereal about her beauty. She was dressed exactly the opposite of the military lady, her dress flowed like liquid with her every move. She was surreal. Her purple eyes shifted from Ishitaka to him. Instinctively he grinned at her, showing his dimples. She did not return it though, making him feel like a complete idiot.
"It is unseemly to be arguing outside the gates. Marshal Kiera, please escort them to the throne room. The King awaits." She spoke. With a blink of an eye, she was gone. He looked around in shock. Did she just disappear?
"I shall escort you and your friend to the King. I suggest you keep your tricks to yourself, demon." the military lady said, sheathing her swords. She looked directly at Kai, "If you dare to make one wrong move and I will not hesitate to cut you where you stand."
Kai felt a shiver of fear. She looked like she meant every word.
"Ok." He managed to squeak. He looked helplessly at Reita and Uruha. He doubted much help would be coming from Reita, he seemed so intent on glaring at Ishitaka. His only ally would be Uruha. He was doomed. Uruha was the least reliable person.
The demon Ishitaka scowled at the situation. He disliked the Nerieh. Whenever they come, they act like they are the superior ones and talk to him like he's scum. Besides, he was getting bored with the situation too. It looks like they are going to discuss some serious things now and he certainly doesn't wish to listen to their tedious babble.
"I'm so exhausted," Ishitaka voiced out, pouting, "Everybody looks so strict today. It's nowhere near fun for me. I have to do something about this!" He smirked, seeing everyone's attention focused on him. They probably think he's about to wreak havoc like he always does whenever things don't turn out 'fun' for him. But once in a while, it can be liberating to let the poor lowly humans bathe in their relief.
Ishitaka laughed loudly, "Don't you worry! I'm not going to do anything to you! I was merely being a good person today, helping this poor man here find his path! Also from now onwards, he's my younger brother." He gestured towards the man he'd met earlier. "Now that he's in the company of such trustworthy and able people, I shall rest easy and be on my way." Hmm, didn't someone from this group of humans utter his name earlier? It was a fairly short name too... but he couldn't remember it. He wasn't particularly paying attention, after all.
Ishitaka darted towards his 'little brother', who visibly flinched in shock at his sudden approach. Ignoring it, the demon put his hands on the man's shoulders, "So dear... uh... Kee...Ko...Kroi... uh whatever your name is... big brother will be going now. Ah nonetheless! Since you did promise me to cry for me whenever I feel bored, we WILL be meeting again."
He planned to put a spell on him. It would be something that enabled the demon to drag him back from wherever he is back to Ishitaka. Without warning, he planted a kiss on the human's cheek. A tiny gust of wind left Ishitaka's lips to fulfil a magic hex that would ensure him tied to the demon as a primary source of entertainment whenever Ishitaka needed. When the demon was sure the magic has been done, he backed off, very aware that the human in front of him has tensed up. He could've turned into a statue at some point, because his facial expression was also frozen in a state of complete surprise.
Ishitaka could've simply done the spell in an orthodox manner, with just a flick of his finger. But then he wouldn't have been able to see that wonderful look of horror on his face. Or on everyone else's for that matter. Completely worth it.
"Well then," Ishitaka said playfully, as if nothing had happened, "Until we meet again!"
With a swish of his cloak, the demon made himself disappear.
Kai felt blood rush to his cheeks. Why? Why did he have to kiss him! And in front of people too! He was beyond embarrassed. The lady had a look of pure shock on her face. He looked away in embarrassment. He heard a giggle extremely close to his side. It was that little person who had announced Victoria. How did he get so close?
"You're all red." The little person said as if it was his job to report everyone's business.
"Get away from him, demon." he heard Reita growl. Kai turned a confused face at him. Demon? The said demon pouted cutely.
"Enough. We can all calm down now that Ishitaka is gone." The lady said, "Come. We should not keep the King waiting."
With that, she turned striding back towards the humongous gates. The pack of soldiers immediately surrounded him their swords pointed dangerously at him. Uruha gave him a sympathetic look.
"Move." One of the guards hissed. He didn't really have a choice, did he?