Chapter 25: Miru Kozuku: Part 2
Miru's POV
"My. . . name is Mikoru Fumiharu."
"Mikoru Fumiharu. . ." The Queen relaxed her eyelids, showing a smile. It seemed she was aware of that last name. The infamous last name. A clan of magic and demon wielders. War starters and killers. The list of their bad deeds could go on based on their history.
"What a beautiful name." The Queen said.
Mikoru blushed and formed a small shy smile, curling his toes.
"Would you like to eat before you head off to sleep?" She asked.
Mikoru nodded furiously. "Y-yes!"
What a starving kid.
Already getting good treatment from the Queen. Not like I was jealous or anything. . .
"Maids, take him to the dining room."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The maids answered, synchronizing their bow.
"Everyone may be dismissed. Take a long nice rest, everyone."
After making a final bow, we all left the throne room. I watched Mikoru trailing the maids like a scared dog, afraid he may lose his way any minute.
(oOoOoOo)
Next Day
8:00 A.M.
I fluttered my eyes open, feeling the sun beaming through my eyelids. This. . . this was heaven compared to living in the forest. No risk of having a roach crawling on your sheets. I jumped out of my bed in my newly dark blue pajamas from the Queen and routined my stretch.
"Time to catch some fish." I stopped midway, stretching my arms, and turned to the body mirror. That's right. I'm living the high life now because I'm Makato's retainer. At least I didn't have to fish anymore. . .
I curled my toes in the carpet and glanced at the bed that was on the opposite side of the room. The thick sheets covered his body completely like a turtle. Was that his sleeping habit?
". . .mmh! N-no. . . no!"
"Huh?" I walked towards his bed, hearing muttering. . . almost whimpering coming out from his lips. Mikoru's body was shaking. It had to be a nightmare.
His cries were creeping me out. I reached my hand out to what I assumed to be his arm and shook it.
"Hey, wake up!"
"S-s-stop. . .! Nooo. . .!"
"Wake up!" I repeated, gripping his arm. The shaking stopped instantly and his body flew out of the covers. Sweat was raining from his hair to his cheeks, breathing unstably.
His pupils were dilated as he searched his surroundings before looking over at me. The moment we made eye contact his cheeks rose to his eyes, and tears poured like waterfalls.
"Uhhh!" He glomped onto me in his dark red pajamas, squeezing the back of my shirt. He stuffed his face in my chest and continued crying.
"H-hey. . . it's just a bad dream, that's all. . ." I hugged him back, patting his head.
This was a first. I never had anyone cry on me.
"I'm Miru, your new roommate," I said, introducing myself.
I heard only his sniffles. This boy. He better not snot up my pajamas.
"I'm. . . Mikoru." He mumbled under my shirt.
His body was frail by just the feel of his arms. It was. . . only bones.
We stood there until he broke out of the hug. Looking at his puffy eyes and red face, I covered my lips before I burst out a laugh.
"How are you feeling?" I asked.
Mikoru rubbed his eyes. "I. . . I'm okay."
I stared back at him. I really wanted to ask. . . how did he do it? How did he defeat his own dad?
(oOoOoOo)
After refreshing ourselves, the maids led us to the dining room where breakfast was already made.
I glanced behind Mikoru, who clenched onto my arm. Throughout brushing our teeth, and bathing together, he held my arm like I was teaching him how to walk. Other than that, it was good to see him in clothes. But the Queen giving him a white tunic and black pants was overdoing it. He looked like a small prince.
I walked up to Yoriki and Dad, who were already stuffing their faces with eggs and bread. It was a platter filled with food. This must be our little celebration. Or the beginning of it.
"Morning, Dad." I greeted.
"Hahahaha! Eat, boy! There's plenty of it! We'll be celebrating all week!" Dad raised his beer and chugged it. Beer in the morning? What a typical Nihoian. Even the maids and butlers were giving him weird looks.
Yoriki smirked at me, leaning back on his chair. "Is that your little poodle or something?"
"Huh?" By poodle, he meant Mikoru?
"It's. . . nice to meet you," Mikoru muttered, squeezing my arm even more. At this rate, I'm about to lose blood circulation.
"Yoriki." He dropped the smirk and turned back to his food.
"Let's eat, you need to build your strength," I said to Mikoru.
He nodded, releasing my arm. Finally, something that interested him more than me.
We both sat next to each other and filled our plates with eggs, bacon, fruits, bread. . . a bit of everything. Mikoru kept going until his plate stacked loaf after loaf of bread. It seemed the dinner he had yesterday made him love the food. I mean. . . who wouldn't?
"Ah. . . this is good. I never had anything like this before. . ." Mikoru gleamed at the food and reached for the cup of milk next to his plate.
This poor kid.
An hour into talking and eating, the Queen arrived with the butlers.
"It's a lovely day, isn't it?" The Queen smiled. "How is everyone doing?"
We all stood up and bowed as a courtesy before sitting back down. Mikoru looked at me as if I was crazy and shrugged.
"It's wonderful, my Queen," Dad said.
The Queen nodded. "Good, good. I just came by to check. Mikoru Dear, after you finish eating, we'll be having a private conversation to get to know you better."
Mikoru coughed and nodded. "Y-yes, Ma'am- -oh. . . I mean. . . Your Majesty."
"Ok. . . now. . . ah. . . This child. . ." The Queen searched the dining room and turned to one of the nearest maids. "Where's my daughter?"
"Ah. . . She's in her room making potions."
"Tell her to come downstairs. It's rude when we have a new guest."
Makato. It felt like forever since I'd last seen her-
"Mother, I was making a very important potion for the party!" Makato rushed into the dining hall, this time wearing a purple long-sleeved dress. She stood by her mother and made eye contact with me. The moment our eyes met, she teared up.
"You're alive!" She rushed over to my side, holding my hand. "I'm so happy! I was told you were half-dead!"
"Ah. . ." I sweatdropped. Her hand was so soft. . . like pillows. It was so nice. A nice feeling.
Just then, I felt a strong tug on my tank and a small grunt. Mikoru. The way he acted was almost animal-like.
"Wh-who's she. . .?" He asked. I glanced at Mikoru who only stared at Makato with wide eyes. His cheeks. . . were coming to a red.
"Princess Makato," I said.
Makato tilted her head, seeing Mikoru beside me, and smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Mikoru. I heard you protected him. Thank you so much."
Mikoru had the same sparkling eyes from yesterday, except it was more obvious. He released my shirt and showed a soft smile. "Makato. . ."
There was no way this was happening between me right now. I cleared my throat, breaking their gazes to one another. "Princess, you should eat before the food gets cold."
"Yes, my lovely retainer!" She giggled, placing a seat next to Mikoru.
The three of us ate and talked and laughed. It was the beginning of a friendship for the three of us. . . and a rivalry.
(oOoOoOo)
The private conversation between the Queen and Mikoru. . . and important Faithful Knights were in a confined room to talk. Mikoru insisted I go with him. They allowed me to stay for only a few minutes to calm Mikoru's nerves.
"So, Mikoru Fumiharu?" Faithful Knight Officer Ren stared at Mikoru with a clipboard in his hands. The room was any other detective room. A small table. A few chairs. A closed space. I sat by Mikoru who was shaking in his boots.
Mikoru stared at his lap, already nervous. "Y-yes. . . that's my name."
"It's alright. You're not in trouble or anything. We just have a few questions. It's just like last night. I'll also be asking some of the same questions. How about we tell each other about ourselves?" Ren said. "I'm Ren, Faithful Knight Officer. I'm 32 years old. Have a lovely daughter about your age. I love playing with the color green. What's your favorite color?"
Mikoru glanced at Ren. "I. . . I don't know. . ."
"Ok. . . then. . . that's okay. Which color do you find pretty now?"
". . .Pink."
I side-eyed him.
Pink as in, Makato's hair. He was already starstruck by her cuteness.
"Do you have any family?"
Mikoru shook his head, frowning. "Not anymore."
Silence filled the room for a brief moment and everyone glanced away at the boy for a second.
Officer Ren leaned in closer, folding his hands. "How did you defeat your father? Also, how did everyone die in the hideout?"
This was the question I wanted to ask. How was it possible that his weak, frail son, killed the Leader of the Dark Knights? Let alone the whole hideout?!
Mikoru picked a strand of his gray hair, deepening his frown. "I have the same power. . . like Father."
"What's the same? Absorbing other's magic and power?"
Mikoru nodded. "Yes. . . Sir. It's. . . a bit different. . . Father doesn't let me use my power around him. . ."
I crossed my arms. The way Kuroi killed Shuren, Mikoru did the same and killed his father. . . Did this mean. . . Mikoru had what Shuren had that was taken by Kuroi? And what Kuroi had. . . Mikoru had it now? And. . . any weird magic that each Dark Knight had in the hideout?
This was dangerous. To take all of that magic and power at such a young age. I couldn't imagine. How was he stable?
"Is your mother from the Fumiharu clan?"
"Yes."
"Have you inherited her magic?"
Mikoru shrugged. "I. . . I don't know."
Ren glanced at the Queen. The Queen nodded at Ren.
"Alright. . . let's move on."
(oOoOoOo)
Makato's Room
After getting kicked out, I was summoned to help Makato with potions. This was the start of becoming her guinea pig.
I sat on a chair with glass bottles lined up across the table, wiping them with a microfiber cloth and putting them in a storage box. Makato was on the other side of her room, mixing a dark red liquid in her witch pot using a giant spoon. I found it cute that she had to use a stepping stool to see her potion boiling.
Makato grinned, grabbing a jar labeled "Bunny ears", and dumping them into the pot.
This is what I would be drinking in the next few minutes.
"Mother didn't want me to drink any of my potions without having a subject around. This is all so great!" Makato swayed back and forth.
"What do you think about Mikoru?" I asked.
Makato stopped stirring and looked at me. "I don't know much about him, but I'm happy he's here with us. He saved your life after all."
She was neutral. At least I wanted to think.
Makato hopped down from the kiddy stool and grabbed a potion from the shelf. The green bubbly liquid inside made me want to hurl.
"Ah. . . I should probably give you a safer potion to test you on. Are you allergic to anything?
"Not that I know of-"
"Perfect! I got a potion that should turn you into a raccoon flying cat!"
"What?!"
A few knocks echoed from her door, making both of us flinch.
Makato looked at me and glanced at the door. I got up and hurried to the door. When I opened it, a pair of black tired eyes and a gray bold haircut appeared before me.
His eyes lit up when he saw me. He grabbed my arm, pulling it to his chest. "Miru! You're here! I was looking for you." He croaked.
"Mikoru." My eyes softened. He was already tearing up.
That's right. I had to leave early when he was being questioned. I wonder how he was feeling.
"How did it go?" I asked.
"It was so scary." Mikoru sniffled. "But, everything turned out okay. I'm just being. . . watched for the next few years. I hope we can. . . be friends."
"Yeah. . ." I nodded.
"You too are like brothers." Makato giggled.
"Princess. . ." I blushed. Having one was enough, but not a younger one.
After that, Mikoru helped me wipe bottles on the table and set them in the box.
"You're the Princess of Potions? Wow. . . I never heard such a thing." Mikoru said, looking around the room.
"Yes. . ." Makato kept her eyes on her potion from the witch pot. "I was born with this, and all I can do is create."
Mikoru stared at the pot and turned to me. "I hope to be stronger one day. . . Can you teach me how to fight? I want to join the Faithful Knights one day "
"Sure. We need more archers."
Mikoru frowned. "Ah. . . You're an archer. . .? I want to learn how to use a sword. A big long sword."
I rolled my eyes, leaning back on my chair. "Wow, okay."
He laughed at my sarcasm.
(oOoOoOo)
Seven Years Later
I was 12 years old. Makato's retainer and Gunslinger of the Faithful Knights. The potions I'd taken in the past 7 years were rough but were interesting. The three of us were like glue. We had our ups and downs but we always stuck by each other.
Mikoru's personality and physical appearance got better. He even ditched the bold haircut and styled it.
Makato grew much cuter and her room was filled with even more potions.
It sucked when I found out a few years earlier they liked each other.
Now they were dating.
11:30 A.M.
Makato's Room
Another day of working on potions, this time I was pouring a magenta liquid into smaller glass bottles. Mikoru was there with us, doing the same thing. Since it was the winter season, I used the opportunity to wear my dark blue sweater and black saggy pants.
Mikoru was used to the cold as a kid, wearing a black button blouse with black fitted pants. He was more into the princely fit, wearing whatever clothes that would show his figure.
Makato had a brown sweater dress to her knees and long white boots. She kept her buns but changed the back of her hair in braided pigtails. She sat on her bed, reading a letter.
"My father is coming to train me. . ." Makato said. "I wish I knew what it was but I'm not sure what he means."
"Maybe it had something to do with you being a Tachibana," I said.
"Perhaps." She hesitantly nodded, closing the letter.
Her father was the one man I wished to meet. I wonder what he would be like. I had only seen the paintings, that described his long pink hair and ocean eyes. His clothes were dark and fitted as a king would wear. But the Queen said he only wore that for the painting.
I felt Mikoru's cold gaze piercing my head before he turned to Makato. "Makato Dear, you said you haven't seen your father in a long time?"
M-Makato Dear?! Since when did he start calling her that? Did it rub off from the Queen?
That arrogant bastard!
He smirked, eying me for a bit. Just because he got to her before me, didn't mean he could just-!
"Yes, for as long as I can remember. . ." Makato said, looking at her palm. "From my mother, my older siblings and my father lived in Loki Village instead of the castle, doing all sorts of stuff and training. . ."
Her eyes grew glossy.
"I wish. . . I was with them. But, at least I get to see him. . ."
This was a complicated matter. Hopefully, I could ask some questions.
"Don't worry Princess, I'm sure he will explain everything when the time comes," I said to assure her.
"Your siblings. . . Is your father bringing them too for the reunion?" Mikoru asked.
"Just Father," Makato answered.
"What a coincidence." I got up from my chair. "We planned to stay at Loki Village and go under some training. The village is notorious for its training grounds for adventurers."
Mikoru nodded. "Indeed."
Makato pouted. "Ah, I wished you told me sooner! Who's gonna help me with potions while you're away?"
"My apologies, Princess." I bowed halfway.
"I'm kidding, of course." She answered giggling. "Do you want any potions for the trip?"
Mikoru flashed a cunning smile. "Most definitely, Makato Dear."
"We're training for a reason, Mikoru-" I karate-chopped his head, annoyed by the word "dear" every time he spoke to Makato. "We won't be using any type of boost. We must get stronger to protect the Princess and Niho."
"Ah. . . yes."
Wrapping up our conversations, we continued to help Makato until it was time for us to depart for our journey.
(oOoOoOo)
Loki Village
By train, it took five hours to get there. If we went on foot, it could have taken at least a few days. Maybe a week due to the dangerous monster that lurked in the area. Besides the infamous training grounds, Loki Village was also known for its high crime rate and prostitution. Their housing and healthy plantation were one of the pros of the village.
Upon arriving, we walked down a dirt road path that showed a rural area: the farmland and the large trees.
"Let's find an inn for now before we start exploring," I suggested.
Mikoru nodded. Adjusting the baggage he carried from his back. "Any choice you make, I'll respect it."
As we continued walking, three older women, tall in their fancy, skimpy robes and gleaming in gems and makeup smiled at us. They made an erupt stop, which made us stop.
"Oh! Such handsome boys." The blonde woman said, winking at us.
"You want to have some fun?" The brunette woman asked.
"We promise to go easy." The black-haired woman said. "Name your price."
We glanced at each other, speechless at this interaction.
"Wow, this is my first time seeing pig-faced whores-" I cupped Mikoru's lips. Sometimes he loved speaking his mind.
"Sorry, Ladies. . . We're not interested." It wasn't only that, we were only kids.
The women exchanged glances with one another before abrupting into a laugh.
"The age of consent is 12 in our village. You'll be surprised at how many single mothers take on this career path." The black-haired woman said.
That young?!
"Judging by those bags, I assume you came from the Village of Niho? It's only a four-year difference of consent."
There was no getting to them. I then grabbed Mikoru's hand and nodded in his direction.
Mikoru gave a familiar gaze, understanding my nonverbal communication. In a split second, we dashed away from the women who then chased us past the farm until they grew tired. Catching our breaths, we continued our journey to the main town of Loki Village.
"This is a great way. . . to start gaining some stamina," I said, straightening my back.
Mikoru kept his heavy breathing, fanning himself with his hands. "We ran from hogs. . ."
"At least respect women."
"The only women I respect are Makato Dear and the Queen."
". . ." I watched the sweat dripping from his chin. And looked toward the distance. "Let's continue."
(oOoOoOo)
Later, we found a cheap inn to stay for a while. A small compact room with one bed. Wooden flooring and walls, and one window.
"We'll start training tomorrow early in the morning," I said, stretching my arms. "Let's look around the village."
Mikoru nodded, sitting on the bed. "Sure."
(oOoOoOo)
We stood outside the weapon shop, eyeing the swords and shields they had on display. Being a Faithful Knight meant getting paid well. Very, very well.
I half-smiled, checking my bag of money. "Let's see what I can grab."
"Spare me some money," Mikoru nudged my arm. "I want to buy some magic books and a sword."
"What happened to the money the Queen gave you last week?" I side-eyed his gray hair. Taking a closer look, it was wavier and polished.
Mikoru grazed his cheek and smiled. "I have to take care of myself somehow."
This boy.
I couldn't blame him though. The first time I met him, his skin was bruised and battered. Since staying at the castle, he was fond of body care products.
I sighed, grabbed a handful of cash from my pouch, and handed it to him. "Here."
"Thank you, Brother."
"Brother?"
"Oh, you don't like that?" Mikoru laughed, walking inside the shop before I had a chance to respond. I entered with him checking what they had. Not liking the selection, I left early while leaving Mikoru in the store, as he was talking to the clerk. After passing by a crowd of people, I spotted another weaponry shop, only this time it displayed bows and arrows. Perfect.
"Where is it?! I can't find it!"
"Huh?" I turned my head toward a nearby ramen shop. A teen with black spiked-up hair was on his knees, crawling under tables and chairs, searching in the dirt and rocks.
I stepped aside away from the shop and walked toward the guy. A red long scarf, covering his neck, a black sleeveless crop top, and saggy black pants. A thick rope wrapped his waist for a belt. Black long gloves. He dressed like a ninja, even adding the wooden black sandals and bandages wrapping his muscular legs.
People were staring at him like he was a weirdo, but the girls didn't mind. He seemed popular.
I noticed the twin blades strapped to his blades strapped to his back and slowly approached him, passing by a few of the girls. "Excuse me, what are you-"
The moment he heard my voice, he looked up at me with tears pouring from his face. One ocean eye. He had bangs covering one of his other eyes.
"Hey, kid! Help me find my wallet!" He panicked.
I lowered my eyes. "Your. . . wallet?"
How disappointing.
"Dumb little ol' me decided to leave my wallet here after scarfing down two delicious beef bowls just for it to be gone! Start searching every table and chair, kid!"
"It's Miru if you're gonna keep calling me kid," I said.
He laughed. "Yeah, who cares, Kid. My wallet is a brown sack with a cute watermelon sticker. You know those types of stickers when you scratch them, it bring off a nice aroma! Yeah! That kind!"
Before I went on all fours, I paused, thinking how he described his. . . "wallet".
"If your wallet's a sack, why are you on the ground?"
He immediately straightened his back and stared at me with a bewildered look.
"You're right. . . someone stole it! What the fuck am I doing?!" He flipped himself back on his feet and dusted off the dirt. "Stay here, kid! I'ma look around the village!"
Before I had a chance to speak, the teen jumped into a sprint. He was fast. . . the girls tried to run after him.
I shook my head and looked around for his bag of a wallet. Minutes later, I spotted the same bag that the chirpy teen described, only for it to be strapped to a girl in a white and brown maid-like dress and brown long combat boots. Her long golden ponytails waved side by side, catching the watermelon sticker every second.
That was the bag; of course, it was stolen.
Catching up to her back, I quickly tapped her arm. She stopped and swished her head to me with a scowled look. Bangs that lined her brown scary eyes and a brown and white checkered bow that tied her ponytails. The way she dressed, she was very intimidating at first glance.
She relaxed a bit from her intense stare and tilted her head once eying me. "What is it? Are you lost?"
"N-no." I gulped. "I was informed to look for a bag with a watermelon sticker that belonged to a guy with black spikey hair. I don't believe it's yours."
". . ." Her eyebrows formed a V-shaped and. . . I could have sworn I saw sparks of lightning sparkling her.
"Hey! Why did you take my bag?!" The same hyper voice cried out behind me. I turned my back, seeing him sprint toward us. Specifically, more toward the girl.
"Brother, how could you leave your bag at the ramen shop?! It was nearly stolen by some thieves!" She curled her fist and responded with a gut-punching attack at him, making him gag.
"Ugh!" He choked from her attack, falling face to the ground.
I twitched out a smile. "No way. . . you guys are siblings?"
She crossed her arms, staring at his lifeless body. "About to be an only child once I'm through with him."
(oOoOoOo)
The strange siblings and I sat in a tea shop. The black-haired teen insisted since I found his wallet.
The siblings sat by each other while I sat across from them, treating me to tea and dangos.
The golden-haired girl stuck a fork to her apple slices and hovered it over her lips. "I was looking for my brother when I found his bag at the shop. After wasting my time searching for him, I planned to pawn it for some cash."
"You're such a meany." He pouted, taking a bite of his beef sandwich.
"Do you usually do that with people's belongings?" I asked.
"You learn how to steal once living in Loki Village." She responded. "I only steal from the bad people."
Their personalities were opposites.
"Who's older?" I then asked.
"This handsome devil!" He raised his hand widening his grin. "I'm Haruhi, but you can call me Haru! And this is my cute, little sister, Flora!"
Flora nodded at me. "I'm 14 years old. Just a two-year age gap between us. What's your name?"
"I'm Miru. Faithful Knight from Niho." I said.
"Faithful Knight?" They asked, looking at each other before looking at me.
"You're young," Flora commented.
"Yeah, I get that a lot. I'm only 12." I rubbed the back of my head.
Haruhi slammed his hands on the table and grinned even wider. If he was a dog, there would be a tail, swooshing left and right.
"Have you by chance met my cute little, sister?!" He asked.
"Sister?" Couldn't he be more specific? How many cute, little sisters did he have?
"You must have. . ." Flora's eyes lit up. "She should be about your age. She's a princess in Niho living with our Mother. The Queen of Niho."
It then clicked like a puzzle. Flora's golden hair and brown eyes resembled the Queen so much.
My eyes widened. "You. . . are you two related to the Princess Makato?"
Haruhi nodded. "Yes! Yes!"
What a small world.
"I'm her retainer," I said. "I traveled here to train with a friend of mine."
"Ah, this is amazing!" Haruhi relaxed back to his seat. "As long as you two aren't dating then we should be a-okay! We may be related but all of us have different powers. I'm Prince of Fire."
"As for me. . ." Flora side-eyed her brother with disgust. "I'm Princess of Lightning."
I looked at the two and remembered Makato's sad expression about these two siblings. "The Princess told me about you two. . ."
"It's pretty sad for us being a family, I've only seen her a few times as a boy before moving to Loki Village with my Father," Haruhi said.
"I barely even remember what she looks like." Flora lowered her eyelids. "But Father wanted to train us in our elemental magic so we could be prepared. Since then, we've stayed in this village, eating, sleeping, getting our education, and training at this village."
"Where is your father now?" I asked.
"He just departed for Niho," Flora said.
"It's alright, Flora." Haruhi grinned. "Once Father trains Makato, we can be reunited like a big family!"
Speaking of training. . . This was the perfect time to ask them to train us. They should know everything there was to know about this village.
"I have a favor. . ." I started, finishing my tea. "Can you make us your students? I would love it if you could train my friend especially."
"No-"
"Sure!"
I received a yes from Haruhi, but a stern no from Flora. Seeing them bicker reminded me of my older brother.
"C'mon! Makato's friend is a friend of ours! He's a retainer for her! We can teach him some cool tricks!" Haruhi said.
Flora crossed her arms. "I don't feel like playing with kids. Show us what you got first, then I may consider it."
"Deal." I nodded.
(oOoOoOo)
Later in the evening, Haruhi told us to meet at the Northrock Woods. That part of the forest was filled with wild mythical animals on high alert and large trees to practice swiftness and evasion.
Mikoru met the siblings face to face and bowed to them.
"Hello, I'm Mikoru. . . pleasure to meet you."
Before Mikoru had the chance to meet them, I told them they were Makato's siblings and whatnot. There was a joyful look on his face when I mentioned that. However, it was best for him to keep quiet about their relationship.
Haruhi grinned, putting his hands on his hips. "Ah, I see why Miru insisted we train you two. You, Mikoru. I can sense such a weak presence in you. Also. . ."
". . ." Flora stared at Mikoru and glanced at his brother. A moment of silence drifted between all of us. I stood there, confused. What was going on?
Mikoru lifted his back, showing a soft smile. "Is something the matter, Brother-in-law?"
"Huh?" Haruhi snapped out of his daze. "Brother-in-law?"
"That's correct. I'm currently dating your sister."
He just had to say that.
Another thing I learned from Mikoru was torturing kids at our school with his words. Because of that, he was the target of many bullies. And on top of that, he was a Fumiharu and a Dark Knight.
"Fuck. . ." I muttered, facepalming myself.
"You're what?!" Flames burst from the older brother, pulling out his twin swords.
"Fucking brat! Nobody dates my sister accept meeeee!" Haruhi roared.
"You're into incest? I can see why Makato doesn't know much about you. Perhaps it should stay that way." Mikoru smirked.
"You-!" Haruhi clenched the blades of his swords, as they too caught Haruhi's flames. He lunged for Mikoru with his swords above his head.
"Shut up, Brother!" Flora lunged a kick at his temple, sending him flying into tree after tree.
"I trust that you treat her well?" Flora asked, turning to Mikoru.
"Yes, my dear Sister-in-law," Mikoru said.
"Don't call me that. Only after you defeat me in combat." Flora pulled out her spear that was strapped to her back. "We always stick together because our powers combine to make us impossible to defeat. Thus, Flaming Thunder."
Mikoru smirked. "I'm ready to test that theory out."
Was Mikoru always this cocky?
"We'll do our best," I said, taking my bow out. From that moment on, we trained like hell in one night.
(oOoOoOo)
A week passed by, and I had a private conversation with Makato's brother Haruhi, fishing by the river.
"How's your friend doing?" Haruhi asked, staring at the water.
"Mikoru?" What a strange question to ask. "He's alright. . . Before meeting him, he was way worse."
Haruhi nodded, furrowing his eyebrows. "There's something about him that's strange. When I first met him, I sensed faint Tachibana blood inside of him, but I could tell at first glance he was not one of us. What happened to him? What is he?"
". . ." So that awkward pause a week ago was Mikoru's strange magic they felt.
"He's. . . a Fumiharu," I answered. "Mikoru was the son of Kuroi, leader of the Dark Knights-"
"What?"
It was a dark, taunting response. I felt heat rising around him, and soon mini flames began to spark from his nostrils.
I gulped, not expecting that kind of reaction. "Haru. . .?"
"No wonder. . ." He sighed. "A fucking Fumiharu. . . that clan takes people's magic and makes it their own. Did that brat kill-?"
"N-no! It's not like that!" I dropped my fishing rod and jumped on my feet. I explained to him everything that happened in the hideout that fateful night. How Kuroi killed Shuren, the Ice Tachibana, and how Mikoru killed his father with the same, crazier power.
Haruhi stared at the water and took in the silence for a brief moment before opening his lips. "I see. . . that explains why I sensed Tachibana blood in him. . . I'm worried about what else he absorbed from his father. . . What other powers he obtained from a deadly leader like Kuroi. . ."
I sweatdropped, followed by a cracky nod. Now thinking about Mikoru, he seemed fine for the most part. . . At least when I'm with him. Yeah. . . he was alright.
(oOoOoOo)
Normal POV
Castle of Niho
"Ah, Makato, my little pumpkin of jooo~~y! How much you've grown!" The King of Niho appeared in a long orange robe and long tangled hair and ocean eyes. The same features as his younger daughter.
"Father!" Makato smiled, running to a hug.
Queen Rosalinda nodded at him. "Welcome home, Honey."
The King of Niho patted Makato's head and turned to the Queen. "She's of age. . . it's time to train her. . ."
". . ."
"Let's keep our promise. . . to her."
Makato parted from the hug, staring at her father's eyes. "What kind of training are we doing?"
"Ahahaha~! You'll see! Go to your room; we'll start immediately."
"Yes, Father!"
Once Makato left, the King furrowed his eyebrows at the Queen.
"How is she?"
"No signs of her darkness in the past 12 years."
The King nodded. "Good. . . The temporary seal I put from 12 years ago won't last long, I need to take half of her darkness and seal the rest."
"But Honey. That spell will take a toll on you and Makato! You may even get possessed by her darkness! Lydia-!"
The King stretched for his hand, showing a radiant white glow. "I've mastered sealing spells for a reason thanks to my other two children. For certain I can seal half of her darkness and put the other half in me. I'll implant fake memories so she may never remember the darkness she possesses, including the whole castle of Niho. Until she is older, I'll become the abusive father. I can feel her darkness emerging. . . and it must be stopped."
(oOoOoOo)
Miru's POV
Two Years Later
Outside of Loki Village
"I miss my Makato Dear. . ." Mikoru muttered, staring at the blue sky.
"Shut up, you'll see her," I said.
Mikoru pursed his lips. "Are you jealous that Makato sends me more letters than you?"
"Shut up!"
"Hehehe. It was a shame two years ago she stopped sending them. I wonder how she's doing?"
I watched him since that conversation I had with Haruhi. Nothing out of the ordinary appeared. We trained, and we also transferred our education to this village to keep up with our studies. He learned how to wield a sword and cast spells. I got better at using the bow as well as the gun. It was a fulfilling training. Now it was time to go home to Niho. We stood by the train stop while Makato's siblings stayed with us until the train arrived.
"Time goes by fast doesn't it?" Haruhi said, smiling.
"You two have gotten stronger, but never manage to lay a finger on me," Flora smirked. She seemed very proud of that. Not only her, but Haruhi was too fast! A jumping jack.
"Thank you for training us," Mikoru said.
"Thanks a bunch." I nodded. "I thought you'll be coming back to Niho with us."
"Father's orders. . ." Haruhi said. "When the time comes we'll be back home. Take care of my adorbs sissy! Also, Mikoru, I suggest you break up with her."
Mikoru stuck his tongue, tilting his head. "Not a chance, Brother-"
"Don't call me that!"
I watched the steam train appear from the distance and soon stopped, filling in many people while many left the train.
"We'll see each other again. I'll be stronger than I am now." I said, turning to the siblings.
Both of them nodded at me.
"I look forward to it!" Haruhi smacked my back, creating a lifetime sting. I cringed, arching my back to ease the pain.
Flora smirked. "Take care you two. Tell Makato we said hi."
(oOoOoOo)
Village of Niho
The weather was cloudy and gray in the night. Lightning and heavy rain. Something like this was rare to have in Niho, and it was concerning when I spotted heavy smoke leaving the castle from a distance.
My eyes widened in horror and my feet darted on its own. "Makato!"
"Wait, Miru!" I heard Mikoru right behind me, catching up with my pace. Running from here to the castle was impossible. I quickly grabbed the nearest horse I could find and hopped right on it.
"Makato. . .! Makato! Why is the castle on fire?!" Her name rolled off my lips.
And it was raining regardless of the faint smoke I saw. I couldn't imagine what it would be like once we got there. No wonder Makato never responded to our letters two years ago. What was going on?!
I felt another weight, behind me, assuming Mikoru got on the horse before it dashed off. I had to stay calm. . . My breathing grew heavy just like the smoke that surrounded the castle.
A few hours later, we made it to the gates which were surprisingly still intact. The smoke was thicker to be expected. Knights were rushing back and forth to the castle. There wasn't a sign of the Queen or Makato anywhere.
Entering the castle, I instantly felt a throb in my head and blinked the headache afterward. Before I took a step, there were hundreds of Faithful Knights lying on the floor, holding whatever injury they'd obtain. From head injuries to chest injuries, and legs. Nurses surrounded the injured, wrapping bandages, and using healing magic.
I looked amongst the bunch and saw the Queen, also aiding in healing.
"Your Majesty! What's going on here?!" I cried out, running toward her.
"It's my husband. . ." The Queen teared up. "He's holding my daughter hostage for the past two years! Please, you need to stop him!"
"Makato Dear. . . in danger?" Mikoru's eyes began as dead as a fish after hearing the news.
I clenched my fist and gritted my teeth. Makato was in danger, and since then, I wasn't there to protect her.
"Damnit! Mikoru! Let's go!" I ran while watching my step on the Knights, running up the ladder of spiraling stairs, and running down the long halls. Her room was on the other side of the castle which got me thinking a lot.
What happened? How did it come to be? Was this the training Makato looked forward to?
Something wasn't adding up.
The more I thought about it, my head began to strain.
"Watch your step!" Mikoru grabbed my arm before my leg went through the first floor from an open hole. My heart dropped, catching a glimpse of the height difference before backing away.
"Thanks. . ."
It was getting dangerous. Part of the castle was in ruin.
"Makato Dear is alive. Stay alert." Mikoru said. His grip on my arm squeezed even more which made me look at him. I stared at his eyes. Dead like a fish. He was just as angry as I was, but his demeanor was calm.
"Yeah. . . You're right." I sighed.
Minutes later we arrived at her doorway which was crowded with other Faithful Knights that were more injured than the ones near the entrance. Yoriki and Dad were amongst the crowd, injured.
"Dad! Yoriki!" I called out, rushing toward them.
They turned to me with widened eyes, lying against the wall right across from Makato's room.
"His Highness is outta control. All of a sudden, he can create potions from thin air and shoot out dark magic. . ." Dad huffed, holding onto his side. "Don't try fighting him one-on-one. . ."
If Dad couldn't stop him. . . who could?
Yoriki winced in pain, sitting against the wall right next to Dad. "The Princess lost consciousness. . . Her hair is white like snow. We need the Princess out of her room as soon as possible. . ."
I pulled out my bow and special arrows and glanced at Mikoru.
Mikoru drew his sword out, glaring at the closed door.
Passing by the Knights, we made it to her front door.
"Mikoru, open the door," I said.
"Right." Mikoru stretched forth his hand, using small demons to open the door for him. No. Devouring the door like butter. Then the room appeared before us. A tall man coated in a purple dark aura with white hair and sharp purple eyes.
I quickly searched for Makato, spotting her on her bed with magic writing surrounding her.
The King stretched forth his hand, creating a dark matter of magic from his palm.
"She's mine! Take me back to her!" The King shouted in a morphed tone, shooting his attack.
"Shit!" I panicked. If we were to dodge the attack, the Knights behind us would get caught in the blast.
The dark matter was absorbed by Mikoru's palm as a wide grin spread across his face.
"Father. . . why must you hurt my Dear Makato?" Mikoru's eyes widened, losing all sense of sanity. Just then, ice particles. . . such familiar ice particles began to surround Mikoru's body. Since when did he learn that?!
No, he never did. Shuren. . . Mikoru inherited Shuren's ice magic from the Frost War.
Why did he call him Father? No. . . he couldn't be thinking that this man was his father.
"Mikoru, what are you-" I was interrupted by the drop in temperature in the room, breathing out a foggy breath. Mikoru took a step closer with the same hand pointing at the King.
King Utora lowered his hand and watched with a wicked grin. "Ah. . . a Fumiharu. How amusing!"
There was a snap within Mikoru as I watched him, carrying a more darker power of ice magic before Shuren. It reminded me of Kuroi, the leader of the Dark Knights. . .
Mikoru cocked his head, replying to the king's smile with his own. "Never again will I leave Makato helpless by the likes of weaklings."
"Don't kill him!" I called out.
Mikoru glared at me. "Unless you have a better way to stop him, don't try to stop me. I hate abusive people!" Icicles were now forming from the roof and even the windows.
The King continued his attacks, but only to be absorbed by Mikoru. It looked so easy which was scary. . .
"I am Mikoru Fumiharu. Remember me when you die. I call upon you, Tragrallath! Make ice into steel!" Mikoru made a swift dash toward the king, stabbing the King. The ice from his sword expanded like a balloon, freezing him from the inside out before a spill of blood could leak from the King.
Before the King froze, I saw a soft smile spreading across his face and gentle eyes.
"Your Highness. . ." I muttered.
I was frozen by what I witnessed. Mikoru killed the King. . . without hesitation.
This one-way fight was solved.
I watched Mikoru's back, dropping his sword, and staggered to Makato. He picked up and spun her around like a newborn child.
"Ah, my Makato Dear, you're finally safe. . . with me. With us."
He talked to himself as if I was invisible. It was the first time I witnessed his strange behavior. Almost. . . possessive. Mikoru's fingers were coated in ice that gradually grew frost on her pink sweater dress. I marched towards Mikoru, grabbing his shoulder.
He stopped spinning and eyed me.
"Let go of her," I ordered, glaring at his black eyes.
Mikoru furrowed his eyebrows. "What was that?"
"You idiot! You're gonna freeze her to death if you keep touching her!" I pulled Makato away from his grasp and ran out of the room. Mikoru stood in the room with a frozen look on his face, mumbling to himself.
"Bastard. . . How. . . dare you put your fingers on my Makato Dear. . ."
(oOoOoOo)
Hospital
A few months had passed since that day. Makato woke up from her coma and her hair was back to being pink. She had some complications so she was to be watched in the hospital. The attack Mikoru gave to the King wasn't fatal. The ice defrosted and the King was announced alive but locked up in prison for now. Mikoru received no punishment since it was an emergency to protect the Princess.
However, since that day, Mikoru had been acting strange. It had to be trauma since he was a kid, the magic he obtained. Mikoru moved out of my room and claimed to get his own. We barely spoke to each other since that day.
"Miru, hello?"
I stopped peeling the apple and looked at Makato who lay in her bed. I forgot for a moment I was in a hospital to check on Makato.
"Are you done peeling the apples?" Makato stretched her hand out for a slice. I looked at the apple again, now cutting it quickly before handing the plate over.
"Sorry, Makato. . ." I muttered, lowering my head, and adjusting my position on the stool I sat.
". . .Ah, you called me by my name!" She smiled. "That feels strange, but I love it!"
". . ." This was hard for me. I wasn't there to protect her, let alone Mikoru did all the work. I felt weak. . . It was so bad.
"Miru, don't cry. . ." Makato frowned at me.
Huh?
I touched my cheeks, feeling tears. No. Stop crying! It wasn't like me to cry in front of people, let alone, Makato!
I wiped my face, but the tears couldn't stop.
"I'm. . . sorry, Makato. . . I failed when you needed me the most. . ." I covered my face, sobbing uncontrollably.
"It's not your fault." I felt a hand coming into contact with my own.
Her touch was like cotton, making me remove my hands from my face.
"Aw, you're so cute when you're sad. . . that makes me sad." Makato smiled. "I wish I could hug you, but my body. . . it hurts. . ."
I looked at the potion Makato gave me to try out a few years back. It was labeled "Blue Puffy Bird". Popping the quirk, I chugged the blue liquid down my throat and set the bottle.
Makato's eyes widened. "Miru- -what are you-?!"
I smiled, feeling another tear graze my cheek. "I. . . I'll be there for you, just not as a human. . . Call it a punishment."
Five seconds later, everything looked bigger and dark, not knowing I was under my clothes. I squirmed out of the clothes as fast I could and flapped for the first time, flying over to Makato and snuggled against her cheek.
Makato stared at me with her large ocean eyes. "Miru. . ." Her hand was much warmer, as she scooted me closer to her cheek.
"Thank you. . ."
Normal POV
Present Time
Stadium
Miru let out another sigh. "From that point on. . . Becoming a bird for the past two years became a part of me."
"Man, you're quite hard on yourself." Roy pouted, placing his hand on Miru's shoulder.
Marth placed his fingers on his chin. "Yeah, don't push yourself, Miru. I'm glad you told us your story."
"Makato didn't come back?" Roy asked, looking at each person who got up from their seat. "She said she wanted some cotton candy a while back. . ."
"The line gotta be long for that," Ike said.
"I'll take a looksies." Marth volunteered himself, getting up from his seat.
"Well, you better hurry. You don't want to miss the next event."
(oOoOoOo)
Outside of Stadium
Near the food courts, a puzzled look was shown on Makato, being confronted by another fan. Except he had blue hair and a scarf that drooped to his feet.
Looking at him, she was reminded of Miku.
"Ah, I saw you with Miku!" He smiled. "I've been looking for you!"
"You have?" Makato sweatdropped.
