Chapter Text
It was way past midnight, and the sun didn't even seem to be close to rising. The sea hit the shore in restless waves. They were louder than ever.
Kurogane woke up from his slumber when he heard the rushed, confused and desperate chatter of various people, speaking one on top of the other, coming from the corridor just out of his room, accompanied by the quick clacking of sandals hitting the floor, going further and further away. Between all of those sounds, a certain familiar voice rose — the Empress' voice. In a mellow tone, she said — I still don't know what, but… we need to do something, anything. And we need to do it quickly.
That alone was enough to make him quickly jump out of the futon. "At this time?" — he thought to himself, as if that was the strangest part of the whole ordeal.
He looked around his room and out of the window. Nothing seemed amiss anywhere. The half-empty glass of water on the table was the same, the ink and papers of various haiku drafts were still scattered on the floor, and his trusted Ginryuu was still by the side of the door. But the usually calm tide seemed to be much more active now, and the skies of this Kingdom of Dusk were filled with way more stars than ever before. He barely had a chance to ponder the wrongness before the people started talking again and he couldn't make out what any of it was. It rang on his ears but nothing was comprehensible.
He was usually extremely keen on his senses, his perception mixed with his physical abilities always being his trump cards in a fight.
But this situation had him extremely dazed. Even so, he made no preparations and ran out the door. The only concern at that time was to know what all the fuss was about.
He was rushing through wooden hallways when he saw an agglomeration of people, new and familiar faces alike. They were visibly preoccupied and confused. Kurogane figured they were in the same situation.
— Hey. What's going on? — the teen asked bluntly, calling out for those people, who had just noticed the boy from behind them.
— Honorary Prince…?! — a man from the bunch looked at him surprised. — It's an emergency. — he said, covering his face with both hands, distraught.
— And what is this emergency…? — he furrowed his brows. This mess was making Kurogane even more concerned, though he didn't change his demeanor, and the question wasn't any less direct than his everyday self. He had a gut feeling that something had happened, and even though he often overlooked his far-fetched thoughts and intuition, favoring the "reality" of the situations he encountered himself in, this weight in his chest was too big to ignore. It was something that got the Empress involved in it, after all. It could not be small potatoes.
— The Aerial Devices… they're down. It's over… we're… — the man started to panic, and the others around him tried to calm him down.
— Where's the Empress? — Kurogane asked, the volume of his voice rising slightly. He hardly knew anything about those devices, having never been interested at all before, but they must be important somehow, judging by the man's reaction. It might be inconvenient right now, but he had to find her, even if only to ask for an actual explanation. It seemed like this issue was magic-related, something which he was somewhat in the dark about, being a non-magician in this world of spells and sorcery. The topic, by itself, was already something he wholeheartedly ignored.
— She's in the Courtya…! — before the woman could finish her sentence, Kurogane ran in the direction of the place she indicated, jumping headfirst. He felt like he could spare no time.
When he got to the outside area, the air felt heavy, and he sprinted as fast as he could manage to.
— What the… — he suddenly stopped after noticing his surroundings, almost stumbling in his own feet. All the lights of the city were off. The only light sources present were the moon, the faint glimmer of the infinity of stars, and lone candles, scattered on the ground. It felt like the city had somehow… expired.
Even from afar, Kurogane could hear people questioning whatever could be happening. The Kingdom of Dusk, the megalopolis of this world, notable for art, poetry, and being the biggest world power, had suddenly fallen asleep.
— A blackout… I guess that's what that guy meant… — Kurogane mumbled to himself. Like a scene from a dream, the natural lights in the sky shone way more than ever, yet everything was still dark.
Kurogane has lived in this country since he was very little. His parents, which were friends of the palace, suffered a fatal accident. Afterward, he was taken in by the Empress and her people, and treated like a prince. The Empress was not only the ruler of this country but also a person Kurogane could trust and be loyal to. She was like a mother to him, a figure that the accident had robbed him of.
He usually took care of her little sister, Princess Tomoyo, who quickly turned into a little sister to him, too.
The only memoir left from his biological parents to him was his late father's katana, the Ginryuu, his most cherished possession.
Trying to continue his father's legacy, he asked Souma, the head of the Empress' ninja army, to train him. Slowly but surely, he learned the art of the katana, and never abandoned the practice.
This place… it felt like home. The home that he had always known. But this sight… In the almost fifteen years of living in this place, he had never seen something quite like this.
Was this really the same place that he grew up in?
It didn't feel like it.
— So you’re here… Kurogane. I thought you were still sound asleep. — the Empress said, noticing him from afar.
One of the lone candles was set alight by her side, on top of a bench. Her face was illuminated by the moon, and the deep black hair was flowing with the wind. She held a letter in her hands, almost completely covered by the long sleeves of her robe.
— Well, I was asleep. — he answered, with just a hint of frustration in his tone.
— So you must have noticed.
— The lights…? Yeah, sure did... — he frowned. — But what's the deal with the Aerial Devices? A guy was freaking out about it… and I don't think I get it.
— Do you know about how these devices work, Kurogane?
— I just know it’s important stuff. Nothing more than that.
— Well… it's a bit hard to explain. — she calmly said, folding the letter she held in a tiny square and hiding it beneath her thumb. — It would be best for you to take a seat for this one.
— Uh… — Kurogane did as he was told, sitting on the bench where the candle was placed. Although he sat right next to it, it wasn't really hot.
Though he usually preferred something straight to the point, a long explanation was better than no explanation. — Okay then.
— Well… — she sighed. — I figure that you know that our world is, in its majority, populated by magicians of all kinds; people who were born with magic. Those who don’t possess this ability are considered a rare find. — she looked directly at him. — Those such as you.
After hearing that, Kurogane felt the need to suppress a smirk. Even in this circumstance, being called rare was honestly a bit flattering. — Is that so? — he mumbled.
The fact that he didn't have magic has never bothered him that much, although it was a bit excluding and a bit jealousy-inducing. But he didn't mind, and he compensated for the magic he didn't have with his mastery of the katana.
He had learned to live with his peculiarity in this world.
— Yes. The two main types of magic that we practice here are sun and moon magic. The first one has a more casual use. It's a gentle power source, and people use it to bring forth a very soft heat. This candle by your side, for example… — she grabbed the candle by the saucer it was attached to. — It doesn't burn your skin, even if you put your hand right beneath the plate. It's a special kind of candle made of pure magic. — she put it back in place after finishing the explanation. — And then… there’s also moon magic. It’s the strongest power source known to mankind. It can both manifest in the gift of prophecy, and most notably, as pure energy. And it's that moon-based energy that moves this world, powering all types of devices we use in our day-to-day lives. Since the beginning of time, the moon became the very foundation of life in this universe. — she stopped for a second. — Kurogane, do you know about the Wastelands?
He made an affirmative "hm" sound. — I've heard about it. — The desolated region in the center of the massive circular island where both the Kingdoms of Dawn and Dusk resided was known as "The Wastelands".
There was hardly a shortage of legends from which to learn about that place. It was said that no one could traverse it, that there was a hidden monster of the waste, lying beneath the dirt. He often pondered if those were really real or just fake stories created to make oxen sleep.
— Good... — she continued. — In that place, there's an extremely high concentration of magic, especially moon magic. There, the moon shines the brightest, and its glow is a glittering blue. When people from both Kingdoms started using moon-magic based energy, their attention was immediately drawn to that place. So, in a collaboration between them, the top-ranking magicians of each Kingdom built a device that would distribute the energy of the Wasteland's blue moonlight to all corners of the world, without needing to be manually operated. Those are the Aerial Devices. Ours, here in Dusk, is Dei. The other one, in Dawn, is Pho. They work together, communicating with one another and distributing that energy. But one of them has been damaged, and the other one shut down too. It's the cause of the Blackout.
— So that's it… wait. — he quickly got up from the bench. — You said the Kingdoms worked together, right…? That doesn't make any sense. Aren't we enemies?
— It's the only time we've ever collaborated. It was just… business.
— I see… hmph. — the boy scowled and crossed his arms. — I bet those people from Dawn had a hand in damaging one of those devices. They probably know how that stuff works and decided to take advantage of that.
— Uh... — the Empress sighed. — It's not impossible, but it would be strange… that would affect them too since the devices are connected. It wouldn't be wise to do it even if to hurt the enemy.
— Huh… well. That's fair. I just get so angry every time they are involved. Don't you get angry at them? — he asked.
— I have a lot of my own personal set of grudges relating to them. — she looked down at the flame on the candle, flickering with the touch of the breeze. — Wars, various other conflicts and the losses they caused or have participated in… I myself can't forgive them for all that they did. So many lives…
— Yeah.
— But at this point… it's mostly cold anger. I only wish things don't repeat themselves again. It's complicated.
— Well… I guess you're right. — Kurogane took a deep breath.
Silence came, leaving only the quiet sounds of the flickering flame and of the laments of the people outside of the castle, still in disbelief, rejecting the idea that the city could have gone to sleep.
The empress' expression softened, gazing down when she heard them. She wrapped her hands around herself. These laments were exactly what she wished never to hear while a ruler.
— Something needs to be done about this, and we have to do it as soon as possible. — she said. — I can use sun magic as a backup source of energy, but… it won’t hold up for long.
— How do you fix the devices? — Kurogane asked.
— Someone would have to traverse the Waste, find the damaged device and get it to work again. It would be simple work if the Wasteland wasn’t such a dangerous place. Only magicians or people protected by moon magic talismans can get past it… and even then, a person can only go once. Trying again might bring terrible consequences to your body. I would go if I hadn’t gone already. It’s complicated.
— Hm… — Kurogane closed his fist and took a step forward. — I’ll do it.
— What…? — she muttered, her eyes wide open.
— There’s no other way, is there? And I can’t just keep sitting here like nothing is happening around me.
— It’s going to be dangerous.
— You mentioned that non-magical people can go around the Wastelands with a talisman, didn’t you? So I just need to have that and I’ll be safe. I’ll have Ginryuu with me, too.
— Are... you really sure?
— I am.
— Then… if you say so... I’ll prepare a talisman for you. You should go to sleep for now… — she said, softly, using a smile painted with worry. — When you wake up, it'll probably be ready for use. I'll be waiting for you at the gate. I’ll need to give you further instructions, too. And… thank you.
— No need to thank me. — he responded, before turning away and returning to his room with slow, dragged steps, stopping to look at the stars and to hear the sounds of people.
The Kingdom of Dusk never felt so dull.
It might have been a reckless decision, but staying still while his home faced danger didn't taste any good in his mouth.
When he got back to his room, it was just the same as before. Same scattered papers, ink on the floor, Ginryuu by the door. The half-empty glass was still half-empty.
He couldn’t find it in him to sleep.
When the next sun came forth, he felt that he had hardly slept. He hadn't even noticed he'd fallen asleep until he had awakened, being received with the sun blasting through his window.
His eyes were struggling to keep themselves open.
Slowly, he tried to get up, and he found it hard even to support his own weight on his hands. The moment he could almost say that his back was out of the futon was followed by him falling back right after. — Well, shit. — he grunted and took a deep breath, trying to go for it again. This time he actually did it. — "It was just the timing." — he thought.
Since he was probably going to the Wastelands that day, a light outfit would be best. just enough so it doesn’t get in the way of his movement or make him feel too affected by the climate. Legends of people who went there say the Wastelands emit a scorching heat, but legends are still just legends, and he can’t confirm their veracity. So, it’s better for him not only to prepare for the aforementioned heat but also for the possibility of it suddenly being freezing cold. Nobody knew for sure, and as such, preparing for anything that might ensue was the only wise option.
He wore a white samue jacket, carefully painted with a soft violet gradient, and on top of that, a sleeveless black and red haori. Black pants, black boots and fingerless leather gloves.
With no more preparations pending, he decided to grab Ginryuu and go straight to the gate. As he went on his way, he encountered various people who looked at him as if they had seen a ghost. He wondered if he really looked that bad, but then realized it might just be because he seldom gets out of his room for something that isn't training or a call from the Royal Family. He didn't have any other reasons to go out, usually. The outside never really enticed him much. He preferred to stay writing in his room and then publish those texts anonymously, something that also had gained "him" some fame in the Kingdom, although indirectly.
.
The pathway to the gate was filled with cherry blossom trees, leaves and petals dancing in the wind. Once he arrived, the Empress, Souma and Tomoyo were waiting for him. They were talking about his voyage, and though their voices were low, Kurogane could hear them from that distance without being noticed.
Souma left the bag she held by her feet.
— This is way too dangerous… Kendappa, will he be okay...? — Souma questioned, worried.
— I'm worried too, but… — the Empress gently reached to hold both of Souma's hands, with a smile on her face. Most people would tell you such a warm, genuine smile from her was an urban legend. — I know I can trust him. We can trust him… although, I am worried for that other boy's safety even more. The Dawn Prince's. The idea of Kurogane being open to collaborating with him seems…
— What…?! Dawn Prince's gonna be there?! Why didn't you say so earlier?! — Kurogane barged in the conversation with no concerns as to how impolite he may appear.
— Oh, dear… so you're here. I was planning to tell you right now since we just got the information from them, but I guess you've already heard it. — the Empress remarked, awkwardly.
— What a shame, the surprise was ruined! — Tomoyo said in-between soft giggles that were covered by her hand.
— Hearing that already was a surprise!
— It was indeed a ruined surprise, Tomoyo… — Souma joined in with Tomoyo's light joking, smirking.
— Even you, Souma?! Seriously, you all... — he sighed and covered his face with his right palm. — Guess I can't back down now, huh…? But I'm not working with him.
— Well, that was expected. But please don't fight, okay? That's all that I ask. He may be from the enemy Kingdom but he probably is interested only in the device that fell from there. Don't be reckless.
— Tsk… well, as you say, Empress. — he crossed his arms. — Where's the talisman?
— Right here. — the Empress handed it to him. It was a necklace, with a purple diamond-like shape and a moon symbol on its center. Its borders were coated with gold and a red tassel was hanging from it. — It will protect you with an invisible barrier, absorbing the distorted magic of the Wastelands so it can't enter your body. It emulates the one-time protection magicians naturally have when they're born. It is very resistant, so you don't need to worry about it dispelling if the conditions are normal. And even if it does dispel, you could probably ask the Dawn Prince to make you another if it's extremely necessary, he most probably has this power. Being a non-mage, you can regain that protection easily, since the talisman is the only thing there is for the Waste to corrupt. As for magicians, their body is what's corrupted, and even if they have a talisman with them, it won't work.
— Well... I sure as hell hope conditions are normal. I don't want anything from him. — he replied, wearing the necklace.
— I heard the Prince is fifteen just like you. If things go right you two may even turn into friends, by the end of the day. — Souma said.
— No way in hell.
— Sure… oh! I almost forgot! — Souma picked up the bag she had left by the door before and handed it to Kurogane. — Here. Take it.
— What is even in here? This shit is heavy… — Kurogane had a bit of difficulty arranging it to use as a backpack, but he did it. He could handle it, or so he thought.
— Food. Water. You'll need it.
— Oh, that makes sense. But it’ll be a quick job, I’m sure.
— Jokes aside, though… The Wasteland is a land of challenges… you’ll have to take extra care there, you’ll need to mind your step… — Tomoyo said in a low voice, and she talked as if reciting all the thoughts that came to her mind. It was something she did quite often. — oh, and by the way, some of the dishes may be a bit spicier than usual. But not by too much. — she got up and headed to the nearest cherry blossom tree, from which she removed a branch.
— I’m fine with the extra spice. — Kurogane said with a brief smirk. — I should get going now, though.
— True. — the Empress replied. — I would love to stay talking, but we really do not have time for that now… the most I can say is “take care”.
— The same goes for me… — continued Souma. — and also, don’t get in trouble.
“I may be kinda reckless, but not that reckless. Come on…” — Kurogane thought. — I’ll… try.
— Kurogane, can you open your hand? — Tomoyo asked as she approached. — Here. Take this with you.
She put a lone cherry blossom tree branch in his hand. The flowers and their beautiful pink petals danced in the light breeze. — There’s a legend here that says the cherry blossom petals bring forth the best luck possible. So it may be beneficial for you to have it, even if it’s only symbolism… — she smiled. — I hope it’s a good journey.
— Thank you, Tomoyo. — he smiled for a quick moment and gently closed his fist around the bench. As a last adjustment, he opened the back and secured it there.
He looked away. — Well… I’m going now.
As he walked, he waved away to the three and the palace itself as he said his last “see you later”.
The streets on the Kingdom of Dusk were desolated. The few times he had come to the center, it had been bustling with people all around. This sight in front of him was a Ghost Town.
Stores were closed and people were tucked in their houses, with their windows open, letting the natural light in. They were probably afraid to spend too much backup energy. Chances were good that the details of the accident and the Palace’s plans to remedy the situation had already reached even the outskirts of the city, as things like these always do.
The sea around this part of the island had calmed down, though the tension still spread through the air.
Every step drove him closer to the Waste, and he could feel its excruciating pressure. The air felt heavier, rarefied, but he could still breathe with little trouble. The talisman started to glow more and more as he approached. He assumed it had already been activated. He was protected; the barrier was already in place. Though, something about that atmosphere made him feel strange. It did not affect him physically, but maybe those were the effects of seeing what was right in front of him.
The Wastelands start here.
The Wastelands, it turned out, was a desert painted in blue and covered in fog.
He took a deep breath, preparing. He had the talisman — it would all be alright. But the ominous vision made him almost hesitate.
Breathe.
Step.
The line was crossed.
The sky suddenly went abnormally dark, hitting a purple-blue hue in less than a second.
It felt unreal.
Was it all a dream?
No — he was still feeling .
The blue moon appeared before him with all its glory between the misty clouds that passed through it. The wind carried the grains of sand away, which glowed when separated.
And that was not the only thing he saw.
There was someone there. A person wearing a long, dark blue robe.
They had long golden hair which was tied down by a black knot. In their hand, they held a candle which created a short-range illumination to their path.
Kurogane could only see them from the back, and barely so, but, could this be…
The Dawn Prince?