Sakuchii: Migi, Shita, Ue, Migi, Migi Shita, Migi, Migi, Ue, Ue, Shita, Shita, Hidari, Migi, Hidari, Migi...
Aiko: Oh, she's playing a game?
Yukiko: Nope she's singing.
Aiko: EH? That's a song...
Sakuchii: Migi, Shita, B, A, X, Y, R, Ue, Ue, Shita, A, Y, L, R, A...
Yukiko: Let's stop this nonsence and get into the business.
Aiko: We have two good news. To apology for updating this chapter 2 months delay, we present you guys with the longest chapter (so far) that our author has written. (To tell the truth, we had to move one act to next chapter.
Yukiko: Also, from no on Prince and The Pauper will be updated every second month! So see you all in April!
Chapter Fourteen: A Person To Fight For
Tsukina rechecked her surroundings in a quick movement. When everything seemed to be clear she walked into one of the side streets and disappeared into the deep alley. Few days had passed since her encounter with Aiko and Yukiko. Now her mission to break into the palace was starting. 'Breaking into' sounded little too strong so she decided to think of it as an investigation.
The girl tied up her now lavender-colored hair so that it wouldn't get on her way. Aiko had insisted her to change her hair color back to original. The girl had told that dying her hair constantly would eventually ruin it. In addition Aiko, as well as her sister, mentioned that she liked Tsunakina's original hair color more. Tsukina didn't mind it finally she could get rid of that annoying disguise-color.
Tsukina took a deep breath and headed towards a small escape route, which lead to the palaces old wing. It was exactly the same route which Haruya used to assist Shirou into the palace. Not that Tsukina was aware of it, though. She had no idea that her 'brother' had walked on the same route. She just used the route which was the safest and fastest way into the crown princes' room where, according to Aiko's words, she was supposed to find Shirou.
Tsukina still doubted the mages words, but decided to cooperate with them. What if he really was alive? She would look like an idiot for not believing the twins. Also she wouldn't be able to forgive herself if something was to happen to him when she was so close to him.
The girl had finally made it to the palace. When standing in the middle of the spacious, abandoned room, she closed her eyes. Imaging the blueprint of the palace, Tsukina tried to figure her way out. It had been a long time since she had last time been there, but she still could remember every little detail the palace hold.
When she decided she had remembered enough, Tsukina opened her eyes. She walked to one of closets and moved it. Beneath it appeared yet another forgotten secret escape road. This was the very passage which would take her to the crown princes' room.
It didn't take long for her to arrive at the other exit. The passage was narrower than in her childhood, but that would be only because she had grown from those days. She was inside a wall across the huge royal bed. She glanced down and realized that it was over four meters fall to the floor. It might be little hard for her to get back up. But before that, she had other things to worry about. For the very first she needed to get down.
Tsukina peeked out and scanned the room, making sure that no one was there. Only after that she jumped. "Yosh!" the girl smiled when her feet reached the ground safely.
"Who are you?" Tsukina's heart skipped a beat. Jumping up in startle, she then moved her head with stiff movements to find out who was the source of the voice. How had that person managed to hide his presence so well? She had felt absolutely nothing.
"Who are you?" a female voice repeated the question, adding volume. Finally Tsukina had enough courage to turn around and face the person in question. Her eyes widened when they met up with maroon-colored orbs. Without another glance, she already knew who this person was.
"Yamashita Tsukina, your highness." Tsukina knew absolutely no other way to address the personal maid of the crown prince. Hitomi looked surprised of the sudden formality and exhaled.
"Anami-san is good enough. After all I'm no more than a maid." she told. She would have liked to drop the formalities, but knew that it couldn't be done. There was no way she could allow a stranger address her or someone else in the palace in such casual way.
The two girls stared at each other without saying a thing. Tsukina had no idea how to continue the conversation and Hitomi had no intent to do so. She scanned Tsukina from head to toes to figure out who this person was and what she was doing in the castle. Could she be after the life of the crown prince? Then it would be dangerous to let her stay in the room. But if not, then she would look stupid for over reacting.
While the maid lost in thoughts, trying to figure out what to do with the intruder, Tsukina suddenly felt someone touching her mind. "Oi, Tsukina are you there?" Aiko asked trough telepathy. She was in the living room sitting on the only chair which had survived the unexpected explosion from the other day.
Tsukina let out a smug smirk. She didn't really like know that people could enter into her mind and study her memories. Especially when she could feel them entering into her mind. But this surely was convenient. This way she could speak with a person who was far away.
Though, if she remembered right, Aiko had mentioned something about nothing being able to use telepathy when she didn't know the persons whereabouts. That why the girl had asked for the estimated time Tsukina thought she would get to the crown prince's room. Only after that she dared to enter her awareness there. It would be extremely bad if she accidentally spoke to the wrong person.
"Yes. I just got here. But how you knew it was me? There's another person sanding right beside me?"
There was a short pause and Tsukina could imagine Aiko smirking smugly.
"Oh! That girl is a special case. The last time we visited the palace I taught her the basics of closing her mind from different attacks. That's why all I could find was your presence." Tsukina glanced at Hitomi, who was still in deep thoughts. So that was the reason she why hadn't felt her aura at all.
"Tsukina. Can you take out the rock I gave you?" Aiko suddenly spoke and Tsukina did as she was told to and took out a round and smooth, ivory-colored rock from her pocket. The rock was around the size of her palm. Compared to its size, though, it was extremely light.
"Good. Now set down the rock on the floor." once again Tsukina did like she was instructed. She faintly heard Hitomis' voice which was throwing questions at her, but ignored it completely. Somehow, the connection with Aiko made her unable to hear voices of other people.
"What do you think you're doing?" the maid asked in anger when Tsukina suddenly lowered down and placed the ivory colored rock on the floor. Then Tsukina waited for something to happen. Hitomi was too confused to speak. Silence fell upon the room.
Before long the rock started to glow faintly. Within second, a person – or to correct, a hologram – was floating just above the rock.
"Whoa! This place is glamorous like always!"Aiko cried as she looked around herself. She had separated her soul from her body and sent it through rock to the palace. Her body was currently asleep on the chair. Only ways to wake up the body was to transfer the mind back to it, or if someone was to move the body or even touch it a little the mind would automatically be transferred back to the body and Aiko would wake up.
"Okazaki…-sama?" Hitomi stared at Aiko with her mouth wide open. What was she doing here? It's been over six years since she had seen the girl but she still looked… the same? For the first time in years Hitomi felt that she had absolutely no words to express her feelings.
Aiko turned to look at the girl and smiled widely.
-OO-
Umi Miu entered the main hall where everyone was summoned to. It was gorgeous with golden and red as ruling colors. The various other colors were supporting them perfectly, making it feel like she was at home. Of course the main hall wasn't as big as at her palace, but she had to admit that it didn't look shabby at all.
The crown princess of Atlantis looked around her and finally decided to walk where the crown Prince of Unicorn was together with his wife. Out of all the royalties, she felt herself most comfortable with those two. They gave a kind and warm aura. Just like the person who had saved her years ago.
"Good day." she greeted Ichinose and curtsied. Ichinose took her hand and kissed her palm as a greeting. Miu smiled slowly turning to the future Queen of Unicorn Kingdom. Yuki flushed all red when she realized that the other girl was staring at her. She quickly took hold of Ichinoses sleeve and squeezed it hard.
"Why- Why have we been summoned he- here?" she stammered close to Ichinoses' ear so that no one would hear her. She wasn't found of crowds and so decided to stay close to her husband. Ichinose smiled and softly caressed her head, telling that they would know it soon. Yuki face turned red, she looked like she was about to faint from happiness.
Miu couldn't stop her smile. It was so nice to see the two being so close to each other. If only there was someone like that for her as well. Where was her destined person? Miu looked around and saw a glimpse of a spike white haired boy. Miu closed her eyes while letting out a deep sigh. For some reason, her chest hurt.
"Look, it's Anami-kun," Miu heard Ichinose suddenly speaking and she opened her eyes. She raised her head and saw Anami Akira walking to the gallery. He walked to the middle and then turned to everyone. There was a big portrait of the Snow Kingdom hanging on the wall behind him. It was a painting of a young Atsuya and the King who was still healthy and full of life. Those two were currently the only members of Snow Kingdoms' royal family.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have something important to inform to you all." the red-haired butler announced. He then waited for the crowd to calm down. When it seemed to be quiet enough, Akira continued.
"As you all know the crown prince Fubuki Atsuya II birthday is getting closer. As an old tradition of Snow Kingdom, we're going to hold a masquerade two weeks before the birthday party and princes' wedding. My wish is for every one of you to come here with a partner. We will send you proper invitations later." the butler told and with a light bow he then returned to his mistress' side. Sayaka showed a wide smile to him.
Ichinose glanced at Yuki and landed on his one knee. "May I have the honor to have you as my partner in the masquerade." the boy asked, kissing Yukis' hand. The girl panicked at the unexpected approach and looked around, troubled. She noticed that a lot of people were staring at them.
"Ye- Yes!" she finally managed to mumble. Ichinose smiled at her and sweetly kissed her on cheek.
"Shall we go, my dear wife?" the boy whispered into Yukis' ear. The girl gasped for air. This was bad for heart. Since when had he become such a… play boy? Was she really going to spend rest of her life with him? For the first time she had the feeling that she wasn't prepared enough.
Miu watched the couple going and then changed her attention to the others. It was easy for some people; there was no problem for married couples to find a partner. Miu already had one person in her mind, but finding him was easier said than done.
The princess turned around when she heard familiar voice speaking. She saw faith image of Gouenji Shuuya appearing before her and decided to head that way. Though, she stopped to that place when she saw him being surrounded by a bunch of girls from noble families. It really was a lot easier said than done.
Miu sighed, disappointed, and decided to head back. Even if she was a crown princess and he was her future husband he had the right to choose dance with anyone he wanted to. And most likely he would want to dance with someone else but her.
"Nee- Nee! Gouenji-sama won't you please dance with me?" Miu heard one of the girls asking. Oh great, now she even had to listen to that babble. It was better if she headed out before she heard anything unnecessary. It would only break her mood even more.
Gouenji turned his head and saw light brown haired girl disappearing into the crowd. He slowly glanced at the girls. "I'm sorry, but I already have someone I want to dance with." the man announced, bluntly refusing their request. He then walked away, ignoring the disappointing whines of the girls.
"Umi Miu-sama." he called for the girl, who stopped immediately when hearing her name. She slowly turned around, her eyes widening when she saw Gouenji standing before her. What was he doing there?
The boy knelt down on his one knee and kissed Mius' hand. "I would like you to dance with me. Can you accept my simple request?" he looked straight into the girls' eyes. Redness appeared on Mius' cheeks. She turned away from the man, refusing to look at him.
"I guess it's okay. I don't think there's anyone else who is worth enough to dance with me," the princess told with a smile on her face. Gouenji raised his head and stared at the girl. Never had he seen such a beautiful smile. He was completely dazzled by her.
While Ichinose and Gouenji found their partners to dance with easily, there were some guys who found the mission rather hard. Kidou was unconsciously staring at a certain girl with jet black hair and golden irises. On the other side of the room, Aphrodi closed his eyes while sighing out loud. It was going to be troublesome to get a positive answer from her.
The young boys were about to head out, when their eyes accidentally made a contact. Out of habit Aphrodi smirked at the crown prince of Teikoku. Kidou was surprised of this sudden expression, but nodded to him as answer. Without any words, the boys headed to completely opposite directions.
-OO-
"It's been over six years, Hitomi-sama. You've grown." the young indigo-haired girl used formal language when speaking with the maid. Tsukina was amazed that she could pull out an act like that. Aiko seemed to be the kind of person who called people the way she wanted. It's like she had no respect for people. Though, telling that to the indigo-haired girl would most likely make her angry.
"And you still look the same, The Great Wizard of Chaos; Crystal." Hitomi finally managed to say her thoughts aloud. She didn't like when things happened without any warning, which always put her off guard. She needed to pull back her feelings soon. It seemed that something serious was going on as those mages had enough trouble to appear in the palace after disappearing for six years.
"That is because of the curse, which was casted upon us. We have come here to break that curse." Aiko went straight to the topic. She didn't have any time to lose. They needed every single second they could get in order to prepare for the second meeting. And if she was to let her presence to say in the palace for a little too long, he might notice something. That would be bad, she definitely didn't want that.
"Then I assume that she is here because of you?" Hitomi pointed at Tsukina. Aiko glanced at the lavender-haired girl and was about to say something, but Hitomi interrupted her. "Mind you telling me, why are you sending spies into the palace? Even from someone with as high social status as you this act is very rude towards the royal family and everyone who lives in the palace! And if you're in the country then why haven't you visited the palace to give your greetings to his Majesty?"
Aiko listened patiently as the girl complained about everything they had done wrong. Only when Hitomi looked like she was satisfied with rebuking Aiko, the indigo-haired decided to speak. "I'm really sorry for not giving our greetings to the King. But you have to understand us Hitomi-sama, we're living very dangerous times. If we were to greet the King and reveal our location, that would be the end of Chaos. That is how dangerous these times are."
After explaining something which made no sense to Hitomi (she just wanted to get over with the topic), Aiko then turned to look at Tsukina. "As for her, I brought this girl here because she did not believe me that her beloved Shirou-kun is currently living in the palace as crown Prince." the girl smiled.
"How do you-?" Hitomi face darkened when she saw the playful smile on Aiko face. "So this was all your doing. You were the one who brought that pauper boy into the palace while Atsuya-sama is wandering somewhere in the city. God knows what has happened to him!"
Aiko smiled. "You're as sharp as ever, Hitomi-sama."
"I don't like that coming from you." the girl pouted in anger, which made Aiko only to giggle.
"It is true. This was done by the mages' of Chaos. And I don't like you calling Shirou-sama a pauper. By this time you should know that he IS a prince." the girl told and Hitomi averted her glance. She still hadn't accepted that silver-haired boy as the fully blooded member of royal family. There was no way she was going to accept him so open handedly.
Aiko waited for a moment and continued. "What comes to Atsuya-sama, he's in save hands." she kept a short pause.
"Also the reason why you haven't found him is because I casted a magic upon him. None of the guards will recognize him as the crown Prince even if they are to meet with him face to face. He also will not see any guards searching for him. He is closed into his own little loop." Aiko explained, trying to make as much as sense as she could. It was really hard to explain magical stuff into someone who couldn't use it.
"For that very reason no one expect for you has found out that Atsuya-sama has changed. They all see Shirou-sama as his younger twin brother." Aiko then added. Only when one was told it was not Atsuya then the spell would be casted off and the person would see Shirou standing before him. Otherwise before their eyes there was Atsuya.
Tsukinas' head was spinning as she heard the two of them speaking. Too much information came to her at once that she wasn't able to think through them all. What in the world was going on in the royal palace? She was here only to meet with Shirou (who was supposed to be dead) but now she ended up in this whole mess.
"Atsuya-sama is alive? Where is he? What do you mean in save hands? With whom is he?" Hitomi kept throwing questions at Aiko and she worriedly stormed around the room. She was happy to know that the Prince was alive, but the fact that she didn't know where he was worried here. Who were the people taking care of him?
"Sadly I'm cannot tell his location to you yet. But don't worry my dear, he will return when the time is right."
"You saying it that way worries me." Hitomi stated as she was finally able to calm down a little.
"As for with whom," Aiko let out a playful smirk. "He is with someone who will one day become the mother of his child." Oh she had waited for this time to come. She wanted to know how Hitomi would react to the news of her Prince finding himself a bride.
Hitomi froze to that place, her eyes glazing. She glanced at Aiko and her eyes pierced right though the hologram. The girl looked as if she was ready to kill someone.
"You. Just. Didn't. Say. That." she took deep breaths and exhaled with every word.
This was the final straw.
She wanted to hear nothing else.
Had Atsuya actually found himself a bride?
He?
That Atsuya?
She absolutely wouldn't believe it.
"It's true." the indigo-haired girl stated.
She had nothing more to say because that was the plain truth. Nothing more, nothing less.
Hitomi was just about to say something, but got interrupted when the door opened. A figure entered the room, and then froze when he saw three girls (two and a hologram) before him.
"Am I interrupting you?" he asked shyly when he saw their expression. Hitomis' eyes were wide open and her face burned from anger, Aiko was smiling widely like she was enjoying the moment and Tsukina; she was staring right into the boys' eyes.
Teardrop rolled down her cheeks. "Shirou-kun!" Tsukina yelled and ran to hug the boy she had thought was dead. She couldn't believe it was true. He really was alive. All this time he had been alive. Those tears were shed for nothing.
"Tsu-Tsukina?" the boy sounded surprised. And who would not be? The girl who had been away on a journey for years was suddenly right before his eyes. When the confusion passed, he then embraced his childhood friend and family member. The not-blood related siblings shared a silent moment as they enjoyed each others' warmth.
Aiko let out a blushing smile. She was happy for them. They were finally reunited. She then glanced at Hitomi. "Let's pull away this matter for a moment. I think those two are more important at the moment. We can continue later. I have come here, because there is something I need to discuss with you." the girl explained.
Hitomi nodded. If there was even a one thing where she would agree with Aiko then it was this one. This was the first time since Shirou appeared in the castle when he looked truly happy. This was the first time he saw him smiling sincerely. That girl must really be something to be able to make him smile that way.
Though, she didn't like the tone in Aikos' voice during her last words. She didn't like the fact that there was something in need of discussion. Not even once she had heard Aiko speaking of things like that. And that could only mean one thing.
Things. Were. Serious.
-OO-
The young crown prince of Snow Kingdom (the younger one) closed the book he was reading and glanced at the castle. Time surely had passed fast enough. For a whole month he had been away from the palace and yet another month till he would be in age to marry a girl and become the King of the kingdom.
Yet another month…
All of a sudden Atsuyas' eyes widened in shock. "The masquerade!" the boy suddenly remembered, making a scene out of it. Ohiyoko who was in kitchen peeked to the living room, looking worried. What was the boy doing, shouting things in an empty room?
"What it is, Atsuya-sama?" the ivory-haired girl asked formally. For some reason, ever since founding out Atsuyas' identity, she couldn't help to treat him as a crown prince. She even had started to use honorifics when speaking to him.
The boy looked little hurt. "I would prefer the usual Atsuya. Even 'pervert' is better than calling me –sama." Atsuya sulked, though being careful that the girl didn't hear him. Ohiyoko raised her eyebrow when she didn't get answer to her question and Atsuya then continued.
"I forgot. The masquerade is going to be held in two weeks. That's when I'm supposed to reveal who I'm going to marry. Well, now that job is left to my picture-alike since I'm not present." he explained the tradition on of Snow Kingdom to Ohiyoko. The girl mind have lived her childhood in palace, but leaving at such a young age her memory of those time was fragment.
"I wonder who you are going to marry. Can you really leave such an important decision to a total stranger?" the girl told while walking to Atsuya. She had tried her hair up on a ponytail and was wearing an apron. Atsuya glanced at her with stunned look. He had never thought of it. This could be really bad if the other boy really choose a person who wasn't to his liking. He needed to hurry back to the palace, to change things before they got completely out of hands. He needed to return but… Atsuya glanced at the girl.
"But a masquerade!" Ohiyoko cried, looking fascinated. "It would be so awesome to addend to a one and dance with a handsome man." the ivory-haired girl took hold of her hem and spun around few times. Having lived by working everyday to get food, she really envied those who could go to those parties held by royalties. It was her dream to attend into a one.
Atsuya let out a small smile. Somehow it cheered him up to see her so full of energy. Her attitude towards him surely had changed in the past month he had lived with them. Her mothers' dead had been hard on everyone, but finally she was able to smile honestly. Again, he could see a new side of her.
"Then Konoe Ohiyoko-san would you like to come and dance with me, a handsome man who even happens to be the Crown Prince of your country." Atsuya suddenly suggested. He took hold of Ohiyoko's hand, knelt down on his one knee and softly kissed the girls hand. After that he raised his head to look at the girl and waited for her answer.
Ohiyoko's head started to steam like a hot pot when she heard the sudden request. She moved her head around anxiously, bringing her free hand close to her chest. This was bad, she felt like her heart was going to explode. For a moment she was going to refuse Atsuyas' request, but when she saw the boy patiently waiting for her answer she couldn't do it.
The girl then calmed herself down by exhaling loudly. After that she opened her ivory-colored eyes and finally gave her answer. "If it's the Crown Prince of my Kingdom then I possibly cannot refuse this request. Yes, Fubuki Atsuya II I would love to have dance with you." Ohiyokos' voice was full of confidence and power, but her crimson cheeks gave her out immediately. Atsuya stood up and placed Ohiyokos left hand on top his. After that he placed her hand on his should and moved his hand to her lower back.
Ohiyoko looked bothered of the sudden position change, but somehow had a hunch that this was the right hold for the dance. Before they could start the girl stood up on her tiptoes and whispered gently. "I'm sorry Mr. Crown Prince but I have to confess that I don't know how to dance."
Atsuya smiled as an answer. "Then I just have to teach you, Miss Child of the Thousand Generations. Just follow my lead." he answered to her and Ohiyokos face turned bright red. Atsuya then slowly started to teach what steps to take and when to turn. Slowly but surely Ohiyoko was getting the hang of it.
The Crown Prince couldn't understand what it was that made him so keen on the girl. He was already aware of the fact that he loved Ohiyoko, but why did have such feelings towards her? What made her so lovable in his eyes? Never would he have invited anyone to dance by his free will (maybe when forced by Hitomi but never on his own), but with her it felt natural. For the first time in his life he felt like he wanted to dance with someone. And not just anyone, it had to be Ohiyoko.
The young couple was so concentrated on each other that they didn't notice when a small figure walked down the stairs. Akira froze to that place when he saw Atsuya holding Ohiyoko in his arms and leading the girls into the world of waltz. He had accepted for the man to live with them, but this was out of limits. The young boy turned red from anger when he slowly saw Atsuya and his sister drawing closer to each other.
"STOP THAT RIGHT NOW!" the young boy yelled his lungs out so that even the neighbors could hear him. The dancing couple returned back to earth from their dream world and turned to look at the younger boy. When they realized their positions, they both blushed hard and turned away from each other.
"I gave to the permission to live in this house, but you have no rights to touch Ko-neesan!" the younger boy came down storming, scolding the two as if he was the owner of the house and Ohiyoko's father. "From this day on you shalt not touch my sister anymore. Undestooth?" the boy yelled, giving out his accent and ever misspelling the words as his mind was completely streaming.
Atsuya knelt down before the younger boy and tried to calm him down. "I understand you. But that would be an impossible request as I lo…"
"Yes. It would be good if we didn't do this kind of things in the future. You're a Crown Prince after all. People will misunderstand us when they find out our positions. As a mere pauper I'm a bad influence to you." Ohiyoko interrupted Atsuya. She fixed her messed up ponytail and apron. After that the girl returned back to the kitchen as if nothing had happened.
Akira stared at his sister going and then turned to Atsuya who looked hurt. He hadn't wanted this. He hadn't wanted to make her sister sad. He just wanted to make sure that man wouldn't hurt his sister. Now he only made them both sad. It was his fault.
As quit fell upon Akira, his breathing started to speed up. The boy started to gasp for air and as a reaction he coughed. He knew very well was it meant. It was a sigh of yet another attack. Akira covered his mouth with his arm and coughed. The boy was surprised when he felt as if nothing came out. His attack immediately stopped and he looked at his hand which was clean. There was supposed to be blood, but his hand was completely… clean.
Did this mean… that he was recovered? Could it be that easy? What exactly had happened to make that happen? The young child glanced at the heartbroken crown Prince. Even since he had appeared in their household, strange this started to happen. Because of him their lifestyle had changed.
So this too must be his doings.
-OO-
The brown haired crown prince of Teikoku kingdom let out a light sigh as his ground walked towards the royal family's bed rooms. Sakuma glanced at his troubled master and then spoke.
"Are you okay, Yuuto-sama? You look pale." the young butler tried to think of a way to start a conversation. Kidou glanced at his trusted companion. After a silent moment he let out a sigh without being able to saying anything. Sakuma raised an eyebrow.
"So there is something bothering you." the cyan-haired boy smiled. He knew Kidou very well, so he also knew how to properly drag information from the royal Prince. Kidou once again turned to look at his butler.
"You really can read right through me. It's as if there's nothing I can hide from you." Kidou stated little desperate. It was good that there was someone who knew him like the palm of his hand. Still, he wished to have a little privacy.
"But that's what we butlers are for." Sakuma let out honest smile. He wanted to accomplish his duty perfectly. It was a honor for him, who was a normal boy from slums, to get to be the personal butler of a royal family member.
Kidou closed his eyes, turning away from Sakuma. "There is one person I would like to dance with, but I don't think I have the courage to ask her. What is she refuses, what I do then?" the Crown Prince confessed. His stare was locked on a certain jet-black haired girl who was walking next to the princess of Teikoku and Mikomi.
Sakuma looked at Kidou and then glanced at Yoshino. A wide smirk appeared on the face of the butler and he let out an evil laugh. Kidou sweat dropped of this reaction. "You should just gather you courage and ask her." the cyan-haired male put on a smiling face. This sudden change of expression and mood got the poor Prince completely off guard.
"But… I can't just go to her and ask her…"
"Ano, Miss Kidou?" the chatting duo stopped when they heard a voice speaking. They turned around and saw the prince of Iligate country standing before the female trio.
"Yes?" Haruna smiled happily. The young prince stared at the girl, his face being strawberry colored.
"I… I thought that…" the boy stammered. "… that… wo-would you like to dance with me on the masquerade?" After that the boy backed off and nervously stared at the floor while waiting for Haruna's answer.
Kidous eyes widened. How the boy had the nerve to ask Haruna do dance with him, especially when he – her older brother – was present? Did he fear absolutely nothing? Sakuma let out a whistle and then walked closer to Kidou.
"That's how it's done. It's simple, right?" the cyan-haired boy whispered and winked his eye. Kidou shot a deathful glare at the butler, but Sakuma ignored him. They then turned back to hear Haruna's answer.
"Me? To dance with you?" the princess asked from the blonde prince who was the same age. Akihiko nodded nervously, still keeping his stare at the ground. "Sure, why not." Haruna let out a cheerful laugh. She was happy that someone was there to ask for her. Now she could attend to the masquerade without a worry.
"Really?" Akihiko asked his eyes dazzling like two stars. Haruna nodded, smiling happily and the prince immediately fell on his one knee and kissed the princess' hand. "I thank you, Kidou Haruna from Teikoku kingdom." he told with serious look and then smiled. "I shall come to pick you up." after that the bowed and walked away from the trio.
"Our Haruna-chan has a dance for the masquerade." Yoshino congratulated her friend and the princess of her country. Haruna let out a shy blush.
"I hope someone would ask me too," Mikomi dreamed. Most likely all of the royal families would have a partner for the masquerade, but not all of the nobles were as lucky. She hoped that she wouldn't have to be the one let out without a pair. After all, it was a tradition that boys asked for the girls, so she was worried. There weren't any guys she knew in the palace.
"I would rather not dance, but if there's someone suitable enough, I might re-consider." Yoshino voiced out her opinion, unwillingly glancing at Kidou. (No one saw it though). She was a daughter of army general so it wasn't really in her to dance. But if that one person was to ask her, then she couldn't refuse him. The chances of him asking her out were close to zero, though. There were so many other girls who were better than her.
"Oh Yocchan, you're so picky." Haruna pouted as they continued walking. She wanted for both of her friends to have a partner. It would be so lonely, if she was the only one who had a dance. Yoshino giggled as Haruna's reaction and realized that they had finally reached the bedrooms.
"Well then, see you later Onii-san." Haruna waved to Kidou and entered her room, which was opposite to her brothers. Mikomi and Yoshino curtseyed and were about follow after the princess. Kidou shot a glance at Sakuma who nodded kindly.
"Yoshino-san." Kidou felt his through drying as he tried to call for the girl. Yoshino froze when she heard her name being called. She turned around with a questioning expression. "Mind if I have a word with you?" Kidou then continued, taking a deep breath to keep him calm.
Haruna and Mikomi glanced at Yoshino who was still outside the room. "I will be back in a minute." the girl told, leaving the other two to stare at each other in confusion. They walked to the door and saw as Yoshino entered into Kidous room.
"What's going on?" Haruna whispered, feeling her heart race increasing.
"I have no idea. So mysterious." Mikomi let out a light giggle.
"We have to ask her when she returns." the girl then spoke in union. After that they returned back into the room.
Meanwhile in Kidous' room, the boy offered Yoshino to sit down on the chair next to the tea table. "Mind leaving us alone?" Kidou asked from Sakuma, who bowed immediately. He walked past Kidou and signed a good luck to him. The Prince sighed.
Yoshino watched Sakuma leaving the room with a confused look. When they were the only ones in the room her stare switched to Kidou. The Prince was walking around the room, looking nervous. He shot quick glances at Yoshino, but whenever their eyes met he immediately averted his eyes away.
"So what you wanted to talk about?" Yoshino asked, getting bothered. Even since being left alone the boy hadn't said anything. More than ten minutes had always passed.
Kidou was startled of the sudden break of the silence. He had tried to come up with something to say, but ended up lost in thoughts. Should he just go straight to the business? That would probably be the best thing to do. If she was to refuse his request… Well, he could think about that thing after.
"Yoshino-san I…" the Prince started, but his sentence ended before he could actually ask anything. Why was it such hard to ask such a simple question? It wasn't as if his whole life depended on it. As he couldn't do it better way, Kidou walked to the girl, took hold of her hand and knelt on his knee.
Yoshino was taken in surprise from his sudden actions. She had no idea what the boy was after. With a calming exhale she mentally prepared herself for anything that was going to come. Since it was Kidou, who never had knelt on his knee before her, this matter must be serious.
"Yoshino Himawari-san." Kidou spoke up the girls' whole name. "Can I ask for your han-" he stopped when he realized his mistake. This wasn't the question he wanted to ask.
"Will you mar-" once again his question went cold turkey. What was he doing? He wasn't planning on marrying her. At least not yet. Not till the Snow Kingdom princes' birthday was over.
"Oh gosh, this is going nowhere," Kidou sighed and gathered his courage. "Yoshino Himawari-san, will you please dance with me?" the boy smiled happily when he was finally able to spill out the words. Now that this was over, the worst part was only coming. How would Yoshino answer to his request.
"I… Me?" Yoshino barely managed to say the words aloud as her face already turned hot red. She looked even more surprised than Haruna had. She surely hadn't expected this to happen. "I surely don't dance well…" the girl mumbled.
Kidous' eyes widened. He stood up and turned away from Yoshino. "Does this mean that I'm not suitable enough to dance with you?" he asked, referring to Yoshinos' earlier words. Was there someone else she wanted to dance with? If yes, then who was that person?
Yoshino answered without thinking. "Yes… No!" when finally getting Kidous' words and realizing her own mistake she tried to correct herself. But it was no use. Kidou refused to look at her. The boy wrapped the cape around him and looked down. Yoshino moved her hands nervously. Why had things gone this way?
"Which one it is?" the boy asked darkly and waited for her answer. He didn't want to be hasty and end up miss understanding her words. He wanted to hear her opinion without ending up making his own conclusions.
Yoshino glanced at her prince and gulped. "Kidou Yuuto-sama. It would be an honor if you accept a person like myself to dance with you." the girl used the most formal way to speak with the boy. Kidou turned around, his eyes showing bliss (they were covered by his goggles so Yoshino couldn't see it).
"Then I shall see you at the masquerade." Kidou bowed deep, kissing Yoshinos hand. The girl flushed all red, but did her best to curtsey. After that the prince walked her to the door and welcomed Sakuma in.
When the two boys were alone, Sakuma glanced at Kidou with questioning look. Without him asking anything Kidou knew exactly what he wanted. "She accepted it."
Sakuma stared at Kidou with priceless look (as if he hadn't believed for it to actually happen).
"… Way to go my friend!" the cyan-haired answered little late, and ended up having a deathly glare from Kidou.
Meanwhile Yoshino entered to the girls' room where Haruna and Mikomi were already waiting for her. The two girls stared at her with wide grins all over their faces. "What it is?" Yoshino asked.
"So, what did my brother want with you?" Haruna asked, walking to her bed and sitting down. A light crimson appeared on Yoshino's face and she coughed.
"He kind of like asked me to dance with him." Yoshino smiled gently.
"What, my brother did that?" Haruna couldn't believe what she just had heard. Had her brother actually asked someone to dance with him? This was never heard of!
"So what did you answer?" Mikomi got all excited. Could it be that Yoshino had the chance to dance with a prince? She couldn't be happier of her friend. She had a hunch that Yoshino had feelings towards the invention-maniac prince.
"I said yes." the jet-black haired girl blushed.
Haruna and Mikomi stared at each other with their mouths open.
"You girls know what?" Haruna suddenly asked, making the other two to look at her. "This calls for a party!"
-OO-
Hitomi walked to the happily chatting duo, who was remembering their childhood. She brought the fresh tea and some cookies and placed them on the table. She glanced at the gray-haired boy and let a small smile appear on her face. She was happy to finally see him smiling.
Aiko, who was still in the form of hologram stared at the trio and started to look rather annoyed. The girl pouted hard as if she looked displeased and somewhat annoyed. It felt as if she wanted to go on with the halted topic but did her best to keep her calm.
"Arg, I can't wait any longer!" the indigo-head finally burst. She glanced at Shirou and Tsukina, who quieted down when they felt her pressured stare on their backs.
"You two! I need you to leave this room at this very second so that we can get back to the business with this…" Aiko stopped to search for the right words. "Cinnamon." the girl finally continued while pointing at Hitomi.
The maid raised her eyebrow. "Cinnamon?" her face darkened a little bit. "As you wish, Kijo."
"Don't go calling me a hag, dear maid. Even I don't know what I'm capable of doing when I get really angry." Aiko's eyes blazed from anger. The two of them stared at each other with so intense looks that Shirou and Tsukina thought it would be better to get out of their way. Otherwise they might end in the middle of a storm.
"Young prince!" Shirou jumped up when he heard Aiko calling for him. He turned around with shift movements, as if he was forced to do it. "I need you to take Tsukina-san to Ichinose Yuki-san. Do you think you can do it?"
Shirou nodded and with Aiko's permission they left the room. "Just tell that you were summoned by Okazaki Aiko and she will let you inside. The girl will do the rest." the indigo-haired girl shout after them.
When the unnecessary people were out of the way, Aiko returned her glance to Hitomi. "It really has been such a long time. I've missed you." the indigo-haired girl spoke, as they met only now. It was as if the earlier talk hadn't happened at all.
"Now you can tell me, why are you here? What exactly are you up to? Why did you go and switch Atsuya with that pauper boy." Hitomi threw questions at such pace that she couldn't even caught for breath. Aiko told the girl to calm down a little.
"I will tell you every single detail I know so just calm down." With those words, Hitomi quieted down and gave Aiko the chance to speak. "But first I like to know. Has the King already told you about Korishabetto and Shirou-kun?"
As Hitomi nodded, Aiko let out an unseen smile. So the King had fulfilled his duty. Thanks to it things were going to a lot easier than explaining the whole situation to the maid. The indigo-haired girl started her explanation.
...
It all started back when I was just turning five years. You know in Excaty time flies faster than in your world, Hitomi-chan. One month in your world is actually a whole year in Excaty. I was born in the same year as you and the crown princes' but by the time you guys started taking your first independent steps I was already at the mental level of a ten year old child. After that our bodies' development slows down to normal human level. So in your years I'm supposed to be 16 but in Excaty my age is 192.
...
Back to the days I was five. It was few months after my birthday, when we suddenly had a visitor. It was the young king of Snow Kingdom, who had taken our Asami-san away from us. Asami-san was a beautiful young woman, who together with our parents was a member of the strongest mages in Excaty known as Chaos. The other members were Midorikawa's mother, Kiyama's father, Suzuno's father and Nagumo's mother and Mugeo.
But Asami-san had fallen in love with a human boy. She soon married him and left to live with him in his royal palace. The members of Chaos heard about her only once in a while when they were paying a visit at Snow Kingdom.
...
Now this man Asami-san had fell in love with had come to Excaty… by himself. The first question he was asked was "Where's Asami?" but he refused to answer them. He just stood there, holding something in his arms and begged to se see elder. He looked desperate; anyone could tell that just by looking at him. He was pale and had bags under his eyes.
After discussing the matter with members of Chaos our elder, who is known as Ayzel, finally agreed to listen to what the young King had to say. That's when the shocking truth was revealed. Never had I seen my mother crying, but after that one meeting she cried non-stop for a whole month.
...
Asami-san was dead.
...
The youngest member of Chaos; their very own flower whom everyone loved was no longer in the book of living. She had passed away giving birth to two healthy boys. Or so everyone had believed.
...
But Asami-san knew about the rules of mage and human having a child. Before she had taken the last breaths she had told her husband to take the older child, who had the same hair color as him, to Excaty. It was so no one would get caught by his curse.
But it was already too late by then. Two persons had already caught it. And those two would be no one else but your parents, Hitomi-san.
As the child was taken away from them, the curse did not affect them to the point they would get killed. In normal conditions they would have not been affected at all, but they say that mages powers are at their peak when they are newly born. After that their power steadily grows weaker. But despite that all, it did have an effect on the child who was going to be born after half a year. You, Hitomi-san were born as a cursed child… but let move that topic to later, first things first.
...
The King did as Asami-san had told him to and there he was, carrying a five-month-old baby in his arms. And, if you wonder why the newly born baby was already that old; the reason is because it takes roughly five months to travel the distance between Snow Kingdom and Excaty. That is if you're a mere human.
Ayzel gathered the members of Chaos together to discuss the matter. Everyone expect for Mugeo came. After hours of discussing and thinking the group finally came to a solution. The young prince would be raised by our parents.
Each one of them, expected for Midorikawa-san, already had a child but as both of our parents were in Chaos they decided to take on the task. After all they had already agreed to raise one lost child they had found so taking in another one wouldn't be a hard task. After all, my mother loved children.
...
Our family of five suddenly grew into family of seven. The two youngsters grew up extremely fast and before we knew they had already caught up to us. Oh, and if you still don't get who those two were… I'll tell you.
...
His Majesty Fubuki Shirou of Snow Kingdom.
...
Her Highness Yamashita Tsukina of Luna Kingdom.
"Shirou… and Yamashita Tsukina of Luna Kingdom? That girl is a princess?" Hitomi couldn't help but to stop Aiko when she heard it. She had already wanted to ask numerous questions from the girl (like what she meant by her being a cursed child), but had done her best to keep quiet and listen. Now she couldn't do it anymore.
"Yes. Even though she doesn't know it herself she in fact is the crown princess on Luna Kingdom." Aiko answered, but she leaf an expression as if she hadn't wanted to do it. She was just about to get into the most important part.
"But isn't Raimon Natsumi the crown princess?" Hitomi asked.
Aiko pouted. Curious people were always pain in an ass… Oh well, they would anyway stay curious. It was a good feature in people, but sometimes it got pretty annoying. "In fact she is, but in other one she's not. Satisfied?"
Hitomi sared at the girl and her face darkened. Aiko didn't need any words to know the answer.
"Thought so. I would love to tell you the story, but I have only little time so that had to wait till next bedtime story section." the indigo-haired girl told. "Since what I'm about to tell you now is the very reason why Shirou and Atsuya switched places and why I am talking to you through some magic rather than coming in person." the indigo-haired girl explained and Hitomi's eyes widened little. So finally the who truth was going to be revealed to her.
"I am going to tell you what happened when Mugeo – the one who loved and treasured Asami more than his life – found out the truth…" the mood in the room got heavy all of sudden as Aiko continued with dark and serious expression.
-OO-
In the heart of Excaty a man, who looked no older than a child, was sitting on his chair. He had his eyes closed and seemed to be concentrating on something. A young woman entered the room and he returned his consciousness back to his body.
"Ayzel-sama. Razel-san with her companions is approaching. They will arrive here in few minutes." Kudou Fuyuka informed the head mage of Excaty, Ayzel a frieto von Cresto. The head mage, also known as elder, opened his eyes and smirked.
"Be sure to bring them here once they arrive. If Okazaki's have sent someone here, it means that they have made the contract." the short, more child than adult man looking mage told. He flipped his long blond-hair behind to keep it away. Fuyuka bowed and then left.
Just like the young head mage trainee had predicted, few minutes after leaving Ayzels' room she heard a loud cry. No doubts it belong to Razel's pet Phoenix. That young girl was more commonly known as best tamer. Not only has she befriended with Phoenix and Dragons, she also was familiar with water beats such as Plesiosaurus, Leviathan and Kraken.
All those mystical creatures which were only legends in human world actually existed in Excaty; and Razel was a chosen one from millions who could tame them.
Phoenix made another loudly cry and started to bend over and curve while preparing for landing. It hovered down and finally put its legs on to the ground, making a loud thump. The arrival left everyone speechless. It was not so often one could see Phoenix flying at such speed and landing just before the head temple.
"Whoa! We're finally here!" Razel stretched her arms and jumped down. She then did what she could with her small body to help the little kids down. At last she watched as Hanaka and San somehow managed to get off the Phoenix back.
When all the passengers had their feet safely on the ground the blond girl gently caressed the head of the Phoenix. The bird had lowered it down so that she would be able to reach it. "I thank you for taking us here. I call you again when I need your help." she hugged birds head while thanking it. The bird let out a happy cry and then raised it wings and took a flight.
"Thank you, Phoenix-san!" the four passengers thanked the bird and watched as it flew away.
"It was so awesome to fly, but I still prefer to have my legs safely on the ground." Hanaka let out a relieved sigh.
San glanced at the princess. "You should remember that according to Razel's words, we'll be flying back as well." she smiled and Hanaka let out a desperate laugh. Did she really have to fly again?
"I welcome you to Excaty, dear quests." they turned around when they suddenly heard someone (who obviously was not Razel) speaking. When seeing a violet haired girl approaching them Midorikawa's and Hiroto's eyes widened in happiness.
"Fuyuka-san!" the two children greeted the trainee of the elder. Fuyuka smiled and the boys after what her glance changed to the two girls. At last she shifted to Razel.
"Why only two of them? Where are Nagumo and Suzuno?" the violet-haired girl asked. Razel made a shot at the two girls and smiled.
"They stayed back with Okazaki's and Saginuma. After all Nagumo is head over heels with Love Child and Suzuno cannot resist Snow Childs' charm. It's only a matter of time before they fulfill the contract." Razel let her words fly, knowing the fact that the mentioned persons wouldn't be able to hear her.
Fuyuka let out a desperate laugh. "I would like you guys to follow me," her expression got serious all of a sudden. "Your father wants to meet and greet the guests." the woman told.
As they finally entered the temple, Razel's eyes automatically drew to Fuyuka. "Aoi Yuuya sent you his greetings." after the blonde girl had mentioned the name, she saw as Fuyuka's face was slowly turning redder and redder. "He wished to see you, but understands your position as the next elder. He waits for you to finish your studies and only then he will come and ask for your hand." Razel teased Fuyuka, making the girl blush even harder. Even her eyes were burning hot.
"We're here." Fuyuka changed the topic (obviously trying to run away) when she saw the door to elders room right before them. She stopped for a while to make sure that everyone was following them and then gently knocked the door. When a faint answer was heard, she slowly opened the door and invited everyone in.
Ayzel – who was having an afternoon tea – waited for the door to be closer before making a move. He turned he head and placed the tea cup on its plate and crossed his arms. "I see that they have finally sent the chosen ones, Razel."
The blonde girl nodded. "Nagumo and Suzuno have chosen their brides among mages so there's no reason for them to complete the ritual. I have brought Midorikawa's and Hiroto's chosen ones with me, father." she turned to Hanaka and San, indicating them to introduce themselves.
Hanaka took few steps ahead. "Seishida Hanaka, the Crown Princess of Iligate Kingdom. It seems that I'm the chosen one for Midorikawa." the blonde princess introduced herself. After that it was San's turn to step ahead.
"Ningyo San. I'm no more than a daughter of a wealthy merchant. I was chosen by Kiyama-san." the girl introduced herself humbly. Ayzel examined them from head to toes and smirked.
"You may be chosen as their partner, but only the ritual of love will show if you two are qualified to be together." the man told. He then turned to look at Fuyuka. "Take our guests to their bedrooms. They may rest for today. They must be tired from the trip."
Fuyuka nodded. Ayzel then turned to the two quests who were now holding Midorikawa and Hiroto in their hands.
"Young ones, be prepared. It's a sacred ritual and only few can manage to complete it. If something is to go the wrong way you will lose your lives. Are you still willing to take the ritual?"
San and Hanaka glanced at each other with surprised looks. They had heard Aiko and Yukiko mentioning something about the danger of the ritual, but never had they thought that it would be this dangerous. Their lives depended on it.
The girls glanced at the children and nodded. "We're ready!"
Ayzel smirked in amusement. "I will be waiting for you tomorrow. Now go and enjoy your rest here." the blond grinned and added that everyone was now dismissed.
As the group led by Fuyuka was heading towards the quests room, Midorikawa and Hirotos animal ears suddenly got up and sharpened. They struggled to be freed from the hold and jumped from San and Hanaka's arms and ran off.
The four girls glanced were left stunned as they saw the boys disappearing behind a corner. San was the first one to recover. "Oi, where are you running off to?" she yelled after the boys and ran to find them. After that she did her best not to lose the sight of them.
She saw the boys opening a door to a room and then entering it. She ran after them, only to find herself in a dark room. The boys were standing still, staring at the only source of light which lighted up the room.
"Sato!" the boys cried, looking worried.
San looked up and saw a female body floating in the air. The girl had her eyes closed and was surrounded by something like a blue magical field which made her body and knee length indigo-colored hair to float and shine blue colored. Her skin was completely visible as the girl was not wearing clothing. Her body built was no more mature than that of a 10-year-old child.
"Aiko?" San though aloud, but realized that it was impossible. After all Aiko was in Snow Kingdom. Then who was this girl who resembled the Okazaki twins so much? She was so caught up by the figure that she didn't notice as the trio entered the dark room.
"She's Okazaki Airi; the younger sister of Aiko and Yukiko, as well as the last member of Chaos. Airi has been in that state ever since the great mage war." Razel explained and quickly led the girls out of the room. They weren't supposed to meet her at all, but she had been too careless. Who could've thought that those children would immediately run to her after their return? The blonde sighed, now that it had happened they had to be more careful in the future and keep them as far away from the girl as possible.
"Sato!" Midorikawa and Hiroto cried after the girl when the door was slammed close before their eyes. They lowered their heads and looked down. Unexpectedly tears started to roll down their cheeks.
The still body of youngest Okazaki remained that way. It seemed that not even Razel had realized the one change which had happened to her. Just under her left cheek there were now drawn two marks (green diamond and black club). Those marks were identical to the ones Midorikawa and Hiroto had on their foreheads.
-OO-
~ Aiko's speech continues ~
Shirou had lived with us for ten human years already. He lived happily and grew to steadily control his powers. The boy was dangerous being around humans but we mages weren't affected by the powers of his curse. With us he could be like any normal boy. He even seemed to be happy when Airi, our younger sister was born. He took care of the little child and grew to love her like his own sister. Just like he acted towards all of us. But I think Tsukina, who shared the same past as him, was the most closest to this boy.
...
It was around six years ago, when Mugeo suddenly returned back to Excaty. He had disappeared somewhere before our birth and no one had seen him past all the years. And now he had returned back to Excaty. His return was completely unexpected. Even those who had the ability to see future couldn't predict his return.
...
As soon as Mugeo returned to Excaty he went to see elder and the other members of Chaos. He told that he would like to see Asami-san and ask for her hand. The man wondered why she didn't appear at the meeting. That was when my father told him the whole truth.
...
Mugeo couldn't accept her death. He couldn't believe that while he had been away she had fallen in love with a mere human and married him. Moreover she had given birth to his children while knowing it was out of the question. No one could predict what would happen in a mage and human would have a child; usually the result wasn't one of the happiest one.
...
Around the same times the King, who had been allowed to visit Shirou every ten years, was currently in Excaty to meet with his son. Back then Shirou knew who his parents were and why he was in the current situation. It seems that he had accepted the reality that he couldn't live with his father and brother.
Mugeo found this out and rushed to those two. He declared war against them and told he would kill everyone who was related to Asami-san's death. It meant the King and Shirou, but there was also someone else he would go after killing those two. It was the pink-haired prince who was happily living in Snow Kingdoms' palace oblivious about the fact that he actually had an older brother.
Mugeo told that he would come back in a short while. After that, the war would break out.
...
To get us out of the way, we were sent to search for Midorikawa-sans' child. It turned out that she actually did have a child. She had once been rescued by a kind couple, who couldn't have a child no matter how much they had tried. Midorikawa-san felt bad for them and decided to give her newly born son to them. It turned out, that few years later a baby girl looking just like Ryuuji was born into the world. Maybe it was thanks to Ryuuji's powers, who knows.
And so we headed out, the seven of us; me, Yukicchi, Aricchi, Nagumo, Suzuno, Kiyama-san and Saginuma. Thanks to Saginuma's powers we arrived in Sekka in less than a week. And Midorikawa too, we found that greenette in no time. After all Sekka wasn't big at all. The small town had three children around our age; one was Midorikawa the other one was his sister and the last one was Kazemaru Ichirouta.
...
We explained the whole situation to Midorikawa. At first he wouldn't believe us, but after discovering his own power, the boy had no other way. He agreed to come with us, but there was one problem. He had a family and sister who really cared for him. And a girl he cared for. It wouldn't easy for him to just go and leave them.
So I suggested him to "disappear" from their lives. Midorikawa didn't like my plan, but he agreed to go with it. And so the young greenette set up his own death and headed with us to Excaty. It must be hard for him to separate from his dear ones, but if he hadn't done it it then the whole world could be in danger. After all he was a child of Chaos, which meant he would be part of the second generation.
...
On our way back we got in trouble and ended up finding ourselves in Atlantis. Nagumo lost the control of his powers and almost attacked the crown princess of the Kingdom. Thankfully with Kiyama-san's and Midorikawa's help we managed to get him away from her.
With that we finally managed return back to Excaty. The whole trip had taken us two weeks, but in Excaty it had been around half a year. Things had changed. Excaty wasn't the same place when we had left it.
...
We returned to a battlefield.
...
Mugeo had already gathered his men and started a war against the Chaos and the elder. He wasn't going to stop before he had killed the King and Shirou. Those two were kept hidden in elders' hideout. When we arrived, we found the Chaos members lying on the ground unconscious. Everyone immediately rushed to see if their parents were alright. Thankfully they were still alive. They had lost almost all of their powers but at least they breathed.
We somehow woke up our parents and were about to land attack on Mugeo when something unexpected happened. All of a sudden Saginuma attacked us. He was surrounded by a dark magical aura and looked as if he had no soul living inside him. Everyone was in shock, what exactly had happened to him? Why was he suddenly attacking us?
That was when Mugeo walked to him and thanked the boy. The man told that he had took control over Saginuma's mind. As we, the children of Chaos, had our mind protected by our parents' magical powers since birth, he couldn't do it with us. So he had decided to use Saginuma, who was the only person in second generation Chaos who was not direct child of the first generation.
...
Everything seemed hopeless for us. Mugeo used Saginuma as a shield to get his hands on Shirou and the King. We could do nothing else but to watch as he abused the two of them. He took all of his anger out on them.
...
Our parents had lost their powers and we didn't know what to do. Everyone lost their hope; Mugeo had won and now he would kill Shirou and the King. And we could do nothing but to watch as he did it.
That was around the time, when my brother suddenly got his consciousness back. He was wobbling as his elbows were the only power to keep him up. He boy huffed something. I stared at him with glazed eyes. Was he serious with that?
...
My older brother had suggested use the ancient, forbidden type of magic. The magic was strong, but extremely dangerous, leaving almost half continent deserted once used. No one had been trained to use that magic people even didn't know it existed in the first place. But my brother he found it on one of the elders' books.
...
It would be extremely dangerous, but we had no choice. My parents stood up with our support and were ready to use their last powers to save the mages and the two humans who were dear to them. My brother chanted the spell before and everyone repeated after him. The two generations of Chaos united their last powers to defeat the enemy who seemed to be immortal.
...
A luminous light surrounded us. I lost my consciousness.
...
When I woke up, Mugeo seemed to be gone. Nothing had seemed to happen to me. I found my parents and brother lay on the ground just next me. I rushed to them, hoping they were alright. I looked everyone around myself; everyone was still unconscious I turned back to my parents.
My father opened his eyes, weakly. It was as if he barely had the power to open them. He smiled at me and congratulated me. We had won the evil. After that he closed his eyes and took his last breath. My eyes started to water and I burst into tears.
...
I had lost them. I had lost my parents and my brother.
...
In the end I and Yukiko were the ones who had suffered the least. At first it seemed that particularly nothing had happened to us, but slowly we started to understand than as the years passed, our body didn't grow. And so, after six years when we should be able to give a birth to baby, we still haven't reached our teens.
The four boys got their time turned back and they were turned back to four-year-old children. They also turned into half-human half-beast having their beast form merge with the human form. We mages rarely use our beast form, only when we lose control of our powers… or if we are expect in transformation magic.
As for Airi. No one still knows what exactly happened to her. She didn't die, she just lost her consciousness. If was as if she surrounded herself with a magic field and put herself into an eternal sleep (like sleeping beauty). For six years, her situation has not changed. Only the future will tell if she will wake up some day.
Nothing particular happened to Saginuma. But he blames himself for everything that happened. If he hadn't been controlled by Mugeo then no one would have to sacrifice themselves.
Shirou-sama and Tsukina-sama lost their memories. They don't remember anything about their time in Excaty nor that they're part on royal family.
...
Our parents sacrificed themselves to win against Mugeo. And we did defeat him. That ancient magic worked on him.
...
Or so we thought.
...
It was only years later when we found out that Mugeo was still alive. He was still weak, but alive. Ever since finding that out, we have started our plans to stop him from getting his revenge. We should found out about Korishabetto and decided to use it as our plans.
"And all those things have lead to the situation we are in. Atsuya is outside the palace, while Shirou is here. The spots are reversed, which already mean that… the story is taking another direction from the original one." Aiko told. Hitomi stared at her with widened look. So there was something this major happening without them knowing anything. The girl clenched her fist.
"Do you know how Korishabetto ends?" she then heard Aiko asking. Hitomi turned to look at the hologram and nodded.
"The four main characters, they all die." Aiko closed her eyes, her answer had been right.
"Then can you tell me who are the main characters in this story." the indigo-haired girl asked. This Hitomi wasn't sure what to answer. She knew the male leads, but who were the female ones?
"At least Atsuya-sama and Shirou-sama." the girl exclaimed, for the first time using honorifics when addressing to the gray-haired prince. Aiko smiled satisfied with the answer. She had guessed that Hitomi would have absolutely no idea who the female leads were.
"There's Konoe Ohiyoko 'The child of thousand generations'. Atsuya-sama is currently staying with her." Aiko first told and Hitomi stared at her. The indigo-haired girl continued. "And then there's you, Anami Hitomi, who is also known as the 'Cursed child'."
"Me? I'm the main lead?
A mere maid like me?
And what do you mean by cursed child?" Hitomi didn't give Aiko the chance to answer. The indigo-haired girl laughed.
"You surely are full of questions like always. Your status as a maid has nothing to do with you being able to play as the main character. Actually because you hold the position as the head maid you are the only one who can play that role. After all one of the princes' did fall in love with his personal maid, ain't I right?"
Hitomi's eyes glazed. What was this person implying? She was supposed to fall in love with either one of the princes'. No… She clearly had the idea with whom she was supposed to fall in love with. It wasn't one of them. It was that certain one.
"About that cursed child thing." Aiko then continued. "I think with all the explanations you know it very well on your own. I think there's no reason for me tell it to you."
Hitomi closed her eyes. Aiko was right, with all that she had heard she already knew perfectly why she was called the cursed child. She had thought it was strange that she had always had strange black marks on her body ever since birth. They had always remained the same, but after Shirous' appearance, she had realized that they have started to get bigger and spread around her body. The maroon-haired girl sighed and rolled her sleeve up. Beneath it appeared a body covered in black dots.
"A cursed child. So that's who I am." Not only Shirou was called the cursed one, now she had received the same name as him. Ironical, right?
"Say, do you want to save Atsuya-sama and Shirou-sama?" Aiko's sudden question caught Hitomi off guard. Was there a way to save them? Was that even possible?
"I'll do anything to save them! Please tell me what I'm supposed to do." Hitomi cried. She didn't care that she was supposed to do. She would do anything in order to save the two men she treasured more than anything in the world.
"You have to sacrifice your life." Aiko's serious words froze Hitomi. The indigo-haired girl sighed and closed her eyes. "In order to do something, you need to pay a price. To save three persons one life must be sacrificed."
Hitomi's expression darkened. To this what she was after. Aiko let out a sad smile. "Of course if you don't feel like do it then I won't force yo-"
"Let me do it!" Hitomi interrupted Aiko.
Her eyes stared at the indigo-haired girl looking serious. She was determined. She had told herself, in order to save her princes' she was ready to do anything, even if it meant giving up her life. "Tell me what I need to do."
"For now you don't have to do anything. We with Yukicchi make a contract with you where you are to lose your live after giving birth to your first child. You won't also be able to tell about this contract to anyone." the indigo-haired girl smiled kindly. "Are you okay with these conditions?"
Hitomi gulped. She could live…? It was also till giving her first birth but still she didn't have to die just yet. The girl took hold of her hems and with shaking body she opened her mouth. "I… agree…"
The indigo-haired girl inhaled. This contract would have huge affect on the future. She hadn't wanted this to happen, but they already have no other choices. "Then Hitomi-san, we with Yukicchi will be waiting for you in our shop. I truly thank you." the girl told and added that she should be now heading back. Her magical power was getting weak; if she was to stay in that form any longer, she wouldn't be able to return to her body anymore. With those words, Aiko disappeared leaving the ivory-colored rock on the floor.
When the room was filled with silence and Hitomi was left all alone the girl fell on her knees. Her legs no longer had power to support her body. The girl closed her eyes, her whole body trembling from fear. For the first time in years she felt like this. Tears started to form into the corners of her eyes.
For the first time in years Anami Hitomi cried.
-OO-
"I think this is the room." Shirou told as he looked around the royal bedrooms. There were so many quests that he wasn't sure which room belong to the royal couple of Unicorn Kingdom. The boy knocked the door. Soon the door slowly opened and a snow-white head peeked out.
"Wha- What is it?" the young princess asked with a small voice. Yuki glanced at the two people and immediately turned her glance away, looking troubled. What did they want? Why were they even there in the first place?
"Are you Ichinose Yuki? I was summoned here by Okazaki Aiko." Shirou asked, looking as troubled as the white haired girl. He tried to ask help from Tsukina, but the girl didn't know the other side so she had no idea how to deal with the girl. Yuki examined Tsukina and Shirou from head to toes. Finally she fully opened the door.
"I am. Please come in." the white-haired girl told and invited Shirou and Tsukina in. As the duo made it in, they heard a male voice speaking. "Oh, we have quests?" Ichinose asked taking his attention away from the water dish wish was on the table before him. Yuki nodded and then walked to her husband. Ichinose got her message and stood up to greet the visitors.
"Oh, Fubuki-san, it's rare to see you without your maid." Ichinose greeted the crown prince and then turned to look at Tsukina. "And you're?"
"Yamashita Tsukina, your Majesty." the girl answered and bowed.
"Yamashita Tsukina? Yuki, wasn't that the name of the Spy?" Ichinose turned to see his wife. The girl made a small nod and Ichinose moved his head back to Tsukina. "Oh, then this is for you." he the brown-haired prince said and started to look for something. Soon he was holding a letter in his hand and passed it to Tsukina.
"This is the letter Okazaki-san asked for. Please deliver it to her." the boy told. Tsukina thanked him and put the letter to one of the pockets inside her jacket to keep it safe. She then looked around herself trying to pin point her location.
"This is the west wing, so the old wing is somewhere around…" the girl closed her eyes while turning around in a circle. It was hard to locate herself as they had walked far away from their original location. It would take more time to get the blueprint clear.
"Oh, it you want to get to the old wing then you should use the escape route behind the tapestry." Ichinose pointed out. Everyone turned to with frozen looks. "What, did I say something wrong?" the young prince asked, looking puzzled.
Tsukina walked to the tapestry which was hanging on the west side wall of the room. She took it off and was amazed to find a small entrance to an escape route. The girl turned around to Ichinose. How could it be? Was there someone who knew the palace roads better than she? "How you knew…?" Tsukina didn't have enough words.
"I could see it." Ichinose massaged his head while laughing. Yuki raised her head and stared at her husband.
"Could see it?" Tsukina asked. The boy walked to his wife and sat next to her.
"Yes. Something like that." was his simple answer.
It was obvious that Tsukina wasn't satisfied with the answer, but she did her best to forget it. She had better to do than questioning a person who claimed weird things like being able to "see" things. Tsukina looked at the route and was about to enter it.
All of a sudden she stopped for a moment. It looked like she remembered something. The lavender haired girl walked to Shirou and got something from her pocket. "This is for you. I promised to return it to you once I'm back." the girl smiled and handed out something to the Prince. After that she said her goodbyes to everyone and left.
Ichinose and Yuki glanced at each other. "Those people connected to Okazakis are always weirdoes." Ichinose let out a short laugh. Yuki glanced at him with shy look. "You mean- me too?" she looked rather offended. The girl turned away from her husband and refused to look at him. Obviously, she was sulking.
"Of course not. Would I love you if you were a weirdo?" Ichinose told the girl. He told her to look at him. When Yuki finally did so, he suddenly gave a peck on her lips. After that the boy smiled widely, watching as his wife's face was slowly but steadily turning redder.
Shirou opened his hand and stared at the thing that Tsukina had handed over to him. It was a pocket watch. The one and only memento of his birth parents.
-OO-
In the palaces East wing, a group of noble men had gathered together and were holding a meeting. They worried about the fact that it was a month before the crown princes' birthday but he still hadn't found a suitable bride for himself.
"Then do you all agree with me?" Ookami Akemi, who was in charge of the meeting, stopped walking and glanced at everyone in the room. He saw as the other nobles made questioning glances at each other. After that most of them nodded. A smirk appeared on his face.
"Then it's decided." he stated and waited for silence to fall into the room. On after that he continued.
"Atsuya-sama is to marry Sayaka."
Sakuchii: I feel so great after having this chapter written. So many things happened here! XD
Aiko: Oh, you're finally back!
Sakuchii: I have so many things to say, but let's just point out one of my mistakes. The child of thousand generations is correctly spelled as Chioyoko not Ohiyoko. I have made a major mistake. I will stick to the name Ohiyoko as it has already become so dear to me.
Yukiko: With this, it's time to say goodbye! Please do leave a review! It would mean so much to us ~
Aiko: And see guys in April!
~ deshii