A/N: It's my birthday, so what better way to celebrate with a new chapter? Well, I'm going to reread this story and make sure I tie up all loose ends. It's been really fun, and it's been very therapeutic to write while dealing with my dad's illness and passing. Thanks for sticking with it. It's really cheered me up to see how many people keep up with it. By the way, I hope Ran's punishment is satisfactory. I couldn't stop chuckling when I wrote it.
Part Sixty-Four:
"These guys love water." Lord Suwa looked incredulously at the twenty soldiers and one mayor in their underclothes horsing around in the shaded pond. They splashed each other and swung off ropes into the pond located beside the family compound.
The rotund, bald mayor kept trying to float, but the younger men's horseplay was too rowdy. He retaliated against a group of four by using orange magic to drench them with a wave. When the men mock complained, the mayor let loose a deep belly laugh.
Lord Suwa shook his head. "Judging by Fai, I'd say the people of Celes are overgrown children. Now I know for sure."
"At least they're having fun and keeping cool," Kentaro pointed out. "From what they told me, they keep warm by bathing a lot. That's what gave me the idea of letting them cool off in the pond. I didn't expect this behavior, though."
The men stopped their horseplay as the murmur of "the king" ran through the group. They all got out of the pond as Lord Suwa looked behind him. Ashura appeared, tugging his baffled twins behind him. The Celes citizens lowered their heads in respect.
Ashura paused in front of the gathering and gave them a charming smile. "I hate to ruin your fun, but I have a very important announcement. Fai will no longer be referred to as 'Master Fai.' I now make him 'Duke Fai Fluorite.' He will remain such and in the line of succession until such time as Yuui has a child by nature or adoption. At that time, Fai will be dissolved of his duties to the Royal House of Celes. Yuui will no longer be referred to as 'Master Yuui.' From now on, he is 'Prince Yuui Fluorite,' my chosen, direct successor to the throne of Celes."
The men looked both surprised and delighted. Lord Suwa looked at the twins. Fai, in his pink yukata, looked ecstatic; Yuui, in a black yukata, looked panicked. All the color drained from his face when the people of Celes got down on one knee and bowed their heads towards him.
"No! You can't do this!" Yuui shouted and about bolted, but Ashura's firm hand on his wrist prevented him from running.
"It's my choice. I skipped over Fai in favor of you, not just because he wants to stay in Nihongo, but because I believe in you. Training you to take over my role will grow you. It's time you embrace a new life. I know you'll make me proud."
Yuui looked down at the ground. "I don't know what to say."
"You'll do such a good job, Yuui," Fai said, giving him an encouraging smile.
"But you're older," Yuui said.
"Debatable," Lord Suwa whispered to Kentaro, just out of everyone else's earshot. His steward smirked as they watched this drama unfold.
"I won't force this on you, Yuui, but my kingdom is something I want to entrust to you," Ashura said.
Yuui then nodded and looked up shyly, "I accept."
"Let's hear it for Prince Yuui!" Fai said, bouncing around before giving his twin a bone crushing hug. The soldiers and mayor got to their feet and went to go congratulate Yuui and Fai. Lord Suwa beckoned Ashura over, who was wearing a pleasant smile.
"Ashura, there is a situation I have to deal with in your presence. I wish I didn't have to, but it's an urgent and dire matter. The healer of Celes and the reanimator were involved in a situation with my son's cousin."
Ashura's smile didn't drop, but Lord Suwa felt a sudden coolness behind his facade. Ashura looked over to his men and said, "Please continue to enjoy yourself."
"We'll send some people to come and cook out for you. I hope you like roasted boar and sake," Lord Suwa said and got several pleasant thank yous and cheers. "Kentaro, please see to their dinner."
Ashura then looked over to his twins. "There is a matter I need to attend to with Lord Suwa. Yuui, Fai, come with us."
It was said pleasantly enough, but both wore worried expressions. They walked toward their father and were lead away by Lord Suwa.
"Father should be back, now that the ice king is awake. He wants to let the ice king have some input on your punishment," Kurogane explained as he lead Ran towards Lord Suwa's sitting room. Ran was still wearing his mofuku. Boris had silently followed up to that point.
Boris let out a low whistle. "He's pretty creative."
Ran turned his face towards Boris, glaring. "I'm no coward. I'll face my punishment like a man."
They arrived at Lord Suwa's sitting room. The twins were sitting together on a large pillow. Lord and Lady Suwa were sitting on the dais with King Ashura. Kurogane and Ran knelt before Lord Suwa. Boris had a seat close to Yuui.
"Ashura, this is Kurogane's cousin, Ran Fujimiya. He has troubled both your children on different occasions, but it's the latest situation you should be aware of," Lord Suwa introduced.
"So you were the one that attempted to murder my Fai?" Ashura asked, coolly.
"He was challenged by Kurogane and he lost, therefore, we considered the matter settled," Lord Suwa insisted. "Fai made a full recovery, so we put that matter behind us. Unfortunately, there was still some anger and resentment on Ran's part."
"It was that anger that lead me to do something unjust towards the healer of Celes in retaliation towards Fai," Ran admitted.
Lord Suwa looked over to Yuui and said, "Tell me in your words what happened."
"Lord Suwa, I want to confess," Ran said. "I want to spare the healer the embarrassment of speaking about what I did to him."
"Tell the truth about everything. What remains of your honor depends on it," Lord Suwa said.
Ran squared his shoulders and faced King Ashura. "I kidnapped the healer against his will when he was blind. I attempted to take him to my home."
"But it wasn't his fault," Yuui said softly. "He was drugged."
"I don't want your help, healer," Ran snapped, refusing to look directly at Yuui. Yuui wilted and Fai glared.
King Ashura asked in a gently, coaxing tone, "What was your real purpose in taking my child?"
"At first it was to hurt Fai and get back at him for denying my revenge. My feelings grew out of control when I had him. Yes, I was drugged with something that took away my inhibitions, but every cruel thing I did was in my heart." Ran had a sinking moment of despair and longing, "When I had the healer under my control, I wanted to subdue him and keep him as mine. That's why decided to take him to my home. I did some terrible things to him along the way."
"Like what?" King Ashura said in what seemed a gentle tone. The twins shuddered and Boris looked away.
"I choked him, punched him, and was rough with him. I threatened to do him bodily harm many times," Ran confessed. He grew tense, but the ice king's expression grew tranquil. Ran drew a deep breath and pressed on, in spite of his deep shame. "I attempted to force myself on him three times. He refused me each time and I grew angrier and angrier with him. I came close to striking him with my katana. I'm grateful the reanimator stopped me."
Lord and Lady Suwa made sounds of disapproval. Kurogane shot his cousin a dirty look. Yuui made some sort of murmur, but Ran still refused to look at Yuui's face.
King Ashura's hands balled up and his eyebrows furrowed. Lord Suwa turned to the ice king and said, "You see why I thought you might want to know? The punishment here would be confinement in Edo, our country's capital, for many, many years, toiling in a brick yard. If this was Celes, what would you do?"
Fai wrapped his arms around Yuui's shoulders. He did his best to cover his twin's ears. Ashura said, "I'd have him castrated and then his legs would be boiled off, all after I had him horse whipped."
Lord Suwa flinched back. "We don't do that kind of punishment here in Nihongo. Especially, the castration thing. Besides, he did lose his eye to the reanimator."
"Oh?" Ashura asked of Boris.
"Yes, sir. I was afraid for Yuui's safety and cast wild. Then Kurogane and I were able to get him under control and rescue Yuui."
"My thanks to you, once again, Boris. And you, too, Kurogane," King Ashura said.
"What do you have to say for yourself before we decide your punishment?" Lord Suwa asked.
"I deeply apologize for my actions. I don't ask for mercy," Ran said simply.
"Wait! Don't I get a say?" Yuui burst out, breaking away from Fai's arms. "Father, please have mercy. I'm begging you and Lord Suwa to spare Ran."
"Stay out of it, healer!" Ran snapped, still unable to look at Yuui.
Kurogane blurted out, "Yuui, you're causing him to lose face. You can't keep doing that. He's trying to be honorable and accept his punishment like a man. It's one thing for you to personally grant him mercy, but begging on his behalf to those that would hold him accountable to society is not something we do in our culture."
"I'm not trying to offend you or him. I just don't want to see him suffer any more," Yuui said.
"Kurogane is right to chide you Yuui," Ashura said. "One of the first things you must learn when you're to be King of Celes is that mercy is a wonderful thing, however, too much of it can make a kingdom lawless and unmanageable. To make the punishment lenient is one thing, but you must hold people accountable for their actions."
"Yes, sir," Yuui said, his glumness was filling the room. Ran could see Yuui slumped over, but now subdued. The reanimator bolted upright and looked over at Ashura.
"Yes, Boris, I just officially declared him Prince and Fai as Duke," Ashura said. "Yuui will take the throne of Celes after me one day."
Ran felt a surge of envy at the look Boris gave towards Yuui; it was a look of pride and affection. The reanimator could do that, but he couldn't allow himself the same. He felt so hollow inside. He hoped his punishment was severe and his sentence was quick.
Lord Suwa said, "Well, I'd prefer he didn't have a physical punishment. It wasn't entirely his fault, but he needs to be held accountable."
"And I have to admit, this came up at a time I'm sympathetic to his plight because of my illness. Yuui's tears on his behalf have also moved me. I wish to remain in good standing with the Suwa family; therefore, I ask for a similar punishment to what Fai received."
"To work on Celes for a year?" Lord Suwa asked. "That is really generous. I thank you."
"No, not Celes. Valeria. It's a different realm that has rebellions from time to time. He'll work under Judge Vlad for a year keeping the peace, and then he can come back to Nihongo."
"As you wish," Lord Suwa said.
"May I write my sister?" Ran asked.
"A small note. Be quick and get your things together in a hurry. You're allowed to take your katana, but no other weapons. You are to obey whoever King Ashura sets over you with all your loyalty. The punishment will last one year," Lord Suwa pronounced. "I'll write Lord Takatori and have him look after your sister in your stead."
"It will be as you say," Ran said.
"Valeria is also cold, but not as cold as Celes. It has definable seasons. Get warm clothes," Ashura warned.
He bowed low and left. Lord Suwa turned and asked, "Where is this Valeria and who is Judge Vlad?"
"It's a place Ran will wish he'd never seen and Vlad is a man he'll wish he'd never met. He's the most ruthless of my judges. He's harsh, but he'll be just," Ashura assured Lord Suwa.
Yuui flew over to Ashura and threw himself into his father's arms. It was unexpected by the king, but he hugged Yuui back. His son murmured thank you over and over.
King Ashura pushed Yuui back slightly and met his eyes. "Why did you want me to grant him mercy?"
"Because I felt his suffering. It was horrible. He kept trying to be a moral man but couldn't cap his emotions, because the part of him that had social controls couldn't work."
Ashura nodded and said, "And to an empath that's a nightmare."
"I also suffered with him when he lost his eye, because I felt everything. He's so afraid losing part of his vision will make him a weaker warrior, and he's so ashamed and depressed. I just want to give him a chance to have a better life. I never want him anywhere near me again. Please understand that. He's still very frightening to me, but I don't want him to suffer any more than he already is. Under the surface, he's a very broken man that has an innocent sister relying on him."
"You're a good person, healer," Lady Suwa said. "You will never have to deal with Ran after this day. We'll make that clear."
"That's good," Yuui said.
"And he'll be out of my hair for a year while Judge Vlad makes him his..." Fai said gleefully.
"Watch your mouth, Fai," Ashura said with a sharp look.
"Yes, sir," Fai said, still looking devilishly happy.
"Yeah, Duchesses shouldn't talk like that. You need to be a more refined lady," Boris said.
"Mind your own business, Lord of the Maggots!"
"That's it," Lord Suwa said. He marched over, hauled Fai over his shoulder, and grabbed Boris' collar. He yanked them out of the room.
"Where is he taking Fai and Boris?" Ashura asked.
"He's going to go cool their heads off," Kurogane explained, as Ran came back with his things in a trunk. "They can't go two minutes without bickering or calling each other names."
"Why is that? I would think they'd get along so well."
Yuui shot a wide-eyed look of panic at Kurogane. The ninja shrugged and lied, "Beats me."
Ashura stood and picked up his staff. Ran handed the letter to his sister to Lady Suwa. "I apologize to you."
"I'll make sure your sister gets this and is looked after by Lord Takatori," she said. "Also, after this, you are never to come near the healer of Celes again."
King Ashura then lofted his staff and traced out the wide, green casting circle. It enclosed Ashura and Ran and they disappeared.
"Come on, Yuui, I'm hungry and not in the mood to fish your brother and boyfriend out of the water," Kurogane said.
Ran's first impression of Valeria was how bleak it was. The crops looked poorly. The people looked hostile, but lowered their heads as King Ashura walked by. They arrived at a run down castle with two guards at the door in big, fluffy coats.
He heard King Ashura say something in a sing-song language and one of the men reply in the same. Ashura then looked over at Ran and traced green runes in the air. He pointed at Ran. "I almost forgot the translation spell. Follow me."
Ran could hear loud bellowing with foul curse words peppering the chewing out. Ran had a sinking feeling this was to be his master for the next year. The voice got louder and the threats of violence got more extreme.
Ashura and he entered what appeared to be a throne room. There was a grizzled, long-haired blond man smacking two soldiers at his feet with a rolled up parchment. "You. Idiotic. Buffoons!" The man stopped his harsh castigation and smiled at the king. "Ah, Ashura! Just in time! These two morons are going away for five years."
"On what charges?"
"They got drunk and harassed the local girls. Now the Valerians are all pissed off and giving me trouble. You two shit-for-brains! Be happy Ashura is here before I had you whipped in the town square!"
"Vlad, have some fun later. I have a task for you," Ashura said. It disturbed Ran how the king referred to whippings as fun. "This is Ran Fujimiya. He comes from Nihongo Country. You are to work him as you would any of my soldiers. He is to obey you without question, and he is subject to any punishment you deem appropriate for any infraction of your rules or the laws of Celes."
"I take it this isn't a volunteer," Vlad said, his lazy, green eye drifting upwards.
"Serving punishment is more like it."
"What'd he do?" Vlad asked, now fixing Ran with a gaze that would melt steal.
"Promise me you won't hex him right out of the gate or find a creative way to do him in while he's here?" Vlad nodded, so Ashura continued, "He, at first, attempted to murder Fai several months ago. He then kidnapped Yuui. He was brutal to my youngest and tried to assault him in a way I found extremely distasteful."
Ran deemed Vlad to be highly intelligent, because his expression grew shrewd. No doubt he understood what Ashura referred to as a "distasteful assault." The man got a white knuckled grip on the parchment; it almost shredded. Ran saw the two punished soldiers were even giving him looks somewhere between disbelief and revulsion.
"And he's still drawing breath?" Vlad said through clenched teeth.
"It's a complicated situation. I agreed for Yuui's sake and to make peace with Fai's future family."
"Future family?" Vlad ask.
"Yes. He's staying in Nihongo. He fell in love with a type of warrior there called a ninja. This person standing before you is the ninja's cousin, who also is one, from my understanding. Speaking of which, I caught up to Boris Nemtsov. He's no longer under an arrest warrant. He's free to come and go as he pleases."
"Damn it, Ashura! I was really looking forward to hexing the shit out of that one! You take away all my fun, like your father."
"Boris was the one who took this ninja's eye for attacking Yuui," Ashura pointed out.
"Oh, alright..." Vlad said. "Then that means he's coming back as governor of Valeria? Please, Ashura! This is a shit hole!"
"I'll consider it. Let me talk to Boris, first. In the meanwhile, show Ran Fujimiya how things are done in Celes' army. You can have all the fun you want, but remember, he still has to draw breath when I send him back to Nihongo next year."
With that, King Ashura left in a swirl of green. Ran turned back to the man that was glowering at him. A slow sinister smile appeared as he said, "I'm going to work you like a borrowed pack mule."
All Ran could do was bow and say, "Yes, sir."
"I think I'm going to make you my new, favorite bitch, Fujimiya," Vlad said. He looked at the two soldiers on the ground. "Tell the noobie how much you like being my bitches!"
"We love it, sir! May we have some more!" The both shouted in unison, to which, Vlad continued cussing them and smacking them over the head with the rolled up parchment. Ran doubted his time here on Valeria was going to be joyful, but at least he had a chance to redeem himself.
Lord Suwa tossed Fai into the pond and shoved Boris in after him. Both sputtered and came back to the surface, soaked head-to-toe. He waved a fist at them and said, "And stay in there until you make nice!"
Lord Suwa marched back to the compound. Fai then said, "Then I'll stay in here until I turn into a prune."
"What smells so good?" Boris asked.
"Roast boar! Lets eat," Fai said, pointing to the other side of the pond where the soldiers and mayor were all resting on the grass. They were eating, drinking, and a few were flirting shamelessly with Lady Suwa's maids waiting on them.
"It didn't take you long to change your mind about staying in this pond," Boris.
"But food and sake!" Fai said, starting to swim across the pond.
"It's, Duke Fai!" one of the soldiers called out and waved. "Join the party!"
Boris shook his head but followed Fai across to the other side. They were helped out of the pond and given food and liquor. All the soldiers toasted Fai and congratulated him when they were certain Fai wasn't bitter in the least about Yuui getting declared prince. When they saw how happy he was, they were happy for him.
After sunset, and with everyone winding down by a bonfire, Fai took Boris aside and asked out of earshot, "Now what are your plans? Yuui's safe."
Boris took a sip of sake. "I need to leave, maybe now, and not tell him. It'd be easiest that way, especially now that he's going to be king. He'll have a lot of new obligations. He doesn't need me around. It would only set things off on a bad foot with people."
"Have you been with him?" Fai asked with a frown.
"A few times," Boris admitted, rather than tell Fai to mind his own business.
"Then you owe it to him not to run off like a coward. At the very least, tell him you're going to leave, face-to-face." Neither of them said much more to each other before heading back to the compound.
To be continued.
