Chapter Text
The Akiyamas weren't the only family who owned a clothing shop in this small town. The Akiyamas weren't the only family with a small son who helped them. So why was only Mizuki looked down upon and not the rest? At least An, who is a neighbor, and his sister were nice to him. His sister lets him express himself the way he wants to.
Years passed and he was now 7. He was still seen as strange, unnatural. Is what he's doing really so wrong?
Despite the Akiyamas' poorer background, he, and their neighbor, Akito Shinonome, somehow became a squire. He faced even more scorn from the others.
"Mizuki," his sister said, "I'll be going away. I don't know for how long, but I want to expand the family business into something more. Our clothes can reach more people. I'm sorry I'll have to leave."
"You'll only be gone for a few weeks, right?" Mizuki asks. "I'll see you again!"
"I don't know. It could be a few months, maybe even a few years."
"No! You can't leave me alone!"
"I'll be back, I promise. I'll send a letter home whenever I can." A sad smile was on her face.
Seven more years have passed. He was now 14 and still anticipating his sister's return. Mizuki only had two years left of his training and had to move away from An to finish it. Be began to pack his bags. This was it. He is sick of all the bullying, not being able to express himself the way he wants, and he doesn't think he'll be able stand being away from An, the only one who understood him. Mizuki isn't moving closer to the palace, he was going to run away.
Rui Kamishiro was always considered a strange child. He had the gift of magical powers, something that hasn't been seen in centuries. But, it came with a price. He was almost always alone as the other children saw his abilities as a threat. It wasn't always like that, it started when he decided to start experimenting with what he could do and practicing them more often. Everyone abandoned him as they didn't want him to test something on them. But he meant no harm, he was a young boy, just seven years old.
A six year old girl, Nene Kusanagi, moved to this small town. She was very quiet and kept to herself. But, one thing intrigued her, Rui's abilities. She wanted to see it happen and to sing as those magical effects danced. Unconfidently, she made her way next door. There he was, Rui, making some plants leap through the air.
"I want to... I um I... I want.. uh t-to," Nene stuttered, not sure how to phrase this.
"Oh! You're that new girl, Nene, right?" Rui smiled.
She shyly nodded her head.
"Why are you here?" he wondered.
A sudden burst of confidence surged through Nene. "I want to be your friend!"
He was astonished. No one else has ever said those words to him before. She went quiet again after this, not sure how to respond to his shocked face
Nene grew close to Rui and he was now no longer lonely. With Nene's singing voice and Rui's magical abilities, the two were an excellent duo, though it was difficult to attract an audience with Rui's infamy.
Nene didn't have much to lose, she didn't care if her reputation was dragged down by her friend. But eight years have passed and Rui was now willing to sacrifice his own happiness for Nene's. He was alone in facing the others. Much of the time, it was too much. He would run far away, into this flower field. He has always liked gardening, though he doesn't exactly like to eat what comes out of it. It was a nice escape from all the struggles and no one would dare follow him this far. This town was located on the outskirts of the Pegasus Kingdom, so he was definitely far past the border. This field was somewhere in between the Pegasus and Phoenix Kingdoms, so it was a nice place for when he wanted to avoid everyone else.
Today was really overwhelming for Rui, so it was back to his field. Yes, this flower field was his field, his place to be alone. But, he wasn't alone this time. There was another person, sitting in a patch of dirt, fidgeting with a few fallen petals and a stem. The stranger looked up at Rui in shock as Rui did the same.
"I wasn't expecting a visitor," he remarked.
"Who are you? You're not going to send me back, are you?" the stranger asked.
"I'm Rui Kamishiro, and no. What are you doing here? No one else comes here but me." Rui replied.
"I think I've heard your name before. Mizuki Akiyama's mine. I'm running away. I don't want to ever come back to the Phoenix Kingdom."
"Oh? Why so? I've heard great things about it."
"I don't want to talk about it. Why are you here?"
"This flower field, to me, it's like an escape. I can watch from afar without ever needing to face my neighbors. Even if they've brought me so much pain, it brings me happiness to see their happiness."
"How does that work? We're miles away from both the Phoenix and Pegasus Kingdoms."
"Promise me you won't get scared, alright? Prepare your eyes and mind for this bewilderment!" For the first time in this interaction, he looked happy. His eyes had that spark, that joy and excitement, life in them, unlike before. A flash of light appeared and then a small window showed his home and the other residents going through their daily lives, conversing with each other.
"It's interesting what inspiration I can draw from this, yes." he trails off, going deep into thought.
Mizuki recalled the visitors from the Pegasus Kingdom entered their town. They gossiped with the locals, saying that a young boy had powers previously thought to be myth. At the time, Mizuki and the others scoffed at such a stupid idea. But right now, in this very field, there he was. He was a strange boy with an odd personality and thoughts. He was an outcast. He was just like Mizuki.
Their conversation continued for hours, noon turned to sunset then to dusk. They would have to leave this field soon. But Rui's curiosity still lived, so they stayed in the flower field.
"You've still yet to tell me why you're here." Rui pried.
"I already told you, I'm running away." Mizuki said.
"But why?" His eyes gleamed, burning with interest.
"People from home," Mizuki hesitates, "they just don't understand. But maybe you will, you are my fellow outcast."
"I'm willing to listen. I could stay here all night. It's been a while since I've had this much interaction."
Their chat continued as the sun rose. Mizuki decided it would be best to return. They had a bright future ahead of them, they'll get through this. Rui is there to support them and they are there to support Rui. Things will change for the both of them.