Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Such a world we live in, full of life and happiness. So how come this happiness doesn't reach another? “I'm quitting.” A harsh tone directed to an ambitious man. Tsukasa gasped, seeing his boyfriend's guilty look. “You're giving up on your dream of becoming a knight?” Tsukasa wondered, reaching out for the other only for him to back away from him. “I can't stand it anymore. I have no real talent for it. I’ll instead take sorcery. Oh also, I would like to break up with you.” His boyfriend, now ex named Rui said with such seriousness that it made his heart sink. 

“What… why?” His throat felt dry as he tried to steady his shaking hands. “You didn't notice? You were so focused on improving that you never had time for me. It will never work out. Tsukasa, you love knighthood, not me. So it would be better if we broke up instead. Tsukasa, don't talk to me ever again. I love you, I truly do, but the way you act hurts the both of us, it would be better to end this spectacle before it gets worse.” Rui declared and left. Such a bright field full of flowers, mocking the poor knight’s situation. A family that disowned him, a master who hasn't returned, and a lover who left him. The world should’ve been a fun and exciting place. Yet a single mistake caused him everything. A simple drop of the sword caused him everything. Disappointment, heartbreak, and rage. “I give up… I love knighthood? I never wanted that in the first place.” He muttered, looking at the flowers. He raised his hands up to the sky and started singing, thinking that such a song would ease his mind. He kept singing, tunes that normally heal others; he kept singing, showcasing his talent; he kept singing, until he could no longer sing, and no amount of sound magic eased the pain of heartbreak. 

“I am truly such a buffoon. If only I didn't drop my sword, then I would remain a Tenma. I understand, who would want a neglecting partner who has no title and money to back him up? I… am useless.” Tsukasa admitted, clutching his blue cape close as the wind ruffled his hair, ruining it's previous style. “The most unfortunate happening to me… oh truly saddening is that…” Grass swayed as a figure jumped, holding a sword. Tsukasa quickly unsheathed his sword and blocked the attack directed to his head. “Being targeted by the Emperor herself.” He finished, his lonesome eyes turning serious as he pushed away the assassin with his sword. “If the world were to choose for me to be cruel. Then cruel I shall be.” He continued, effectively slicing through the assassins who couldn't even manage to cut a single strand of his hair. Such pretty flowers witness the gruesome scene of the knight slicing and stabbing the assassin, their blood paint several flowers in crimson red to be offered to such a beautiful lady, misleading them into thinking that such flowers exist, not aware it came from the hands of a cruel knight. 

Tsukasa sighed, sheathing back his sword as the assassins lined up in a neat circle. He removed his cape as evidence and walked away, stepping on a corpse on the way. “How anxious the Emperor must be after discovering that secret she held so dear. I shall take over the Kingdom and change its rules, making the princess the next Emperor. 

It's time for Tsukasa to report, he’s already 19 one more year and he’ll graduate from the academy, becoming a full fledged knight. He's indeed happy for such improvement, but despite having talent in swordsmanship, he doesn't understand why he can't love the art. He likes it, but he can't dedicate his whole life to it. The blonde shakes his head, preparing himself to knock. “Pardon Your Majesty? You wish to have Tenma Tsukasa assassinated?” He freezes in front of the large doors, eyes widening as his hands start to shake. “Indeed! He's a nuisance for the knights.” A voice that came from the Emperor herself, yet a tone so unfamiliar that he refused to believe that it belonged to her. Seeing the door ajar, he peeks to see that it was in fact the Emperor and a hooded person. “Your Majesty, Tenma Tsukasa is this year's best knight according to the statistics from the academy!” The hooded man refuted, earning a cold glare that made him and Tsukasa shiver. 

“That's true, but that potential will eventually be lost. Haven't you heard? That Tsukasa is simply not committed to being a knight. He excels on it but has no clear ambitions. On the other hand… his sister shows great potential and continues to grow each day. That's what a knight should be. Saki admires Tsukasa, if Tsukasa were to die, Saki's talents will grow faster than usual.” She explained, the man kneeling in front of her nodded, deciding not to object further. “I understand.” The man replied, urging the Emperor to continue. “This year's batch is truly talented. Especially Tenma Saki, Shinonome Akito, and Akiyama Mizuki. Humans are driven to fight as an act of revenge, grief, or anything negative. It drives them to work hard and push themselves beyond their limits. That's what I aim for Tenma Saki to receive. The power to push forward from the grief of losing her precious brother.” she crossed her legs, unknowing of the glare directed to her from outside the room. “It seems you are correct, your Majesty, I shall instigate the assassination next week.” The hooded man stood up, making Tsukasa take a step back. “I knew I could rely on you!” 

After that, he ran away, holding his report as he silently bit his tongue, knowing no one will believe him, even his sister if he tells them what happened. Instead, he ignored it and planned everything. He initially wanted to escape with Rui and Saki. That was until he dropped his sword during his and Saki's sparring, the sword cutting on Saki's foot. His ears rang as he stared in panic at his kneeling sister who screamed in pain, maids rushing to her side while his father punched him, yelling at him at how disappointed he is. He was disowned and settled on a cabin with little pocket money. He started working at a nearby bakery, and trained at night, becoming even more busy that he started ignoring his boyfriend. 

Leading to this day. Such a world we live in, full of jealousy, hate, and misfortune. Ideally, such a world should never exist, but if it doesn't exist, where should we humans reside? He's not there to eradicate all evil, that is an impossible feat. But eradicating the Emperor? Low possibility, but he will make it work. “Yes Rui, we shall never speak to each other again. For I will go away and fight against the Empire as a rebel. One that would save the knights from despair.” He triumphantly smiled and disappeared, leaving behind a single gold rose, a cape, and a locket containing an image of a young woman with blonde hair. His beloved sister, Tsukasa has now decided to abandon his whole life and create a new one . 

KNIGHT OF BLOOD: TSUKASA

It has come to the people's attention that in the flower fields near the border between our Empire and the neighboring kingdom. Five men who were assumed to be assassins were found and laid on a neat circle. The suspect was initialized to be Tenma Tsukasa, leaving behind his cape and medium rank gold rose and a locket with Tenma Saki's photo on it. 

There are yet no signs of accomplices, adding to the possibility that Tenma Tsukasa, killed all these assassins all by himself, locals started calling him, Red-stained Knig ht.

“WHEW!” The blonde sighed loudly, resting his head on the table, a goofy smile on his face as he downed his beer for who knows how many times. Mizuki laughed, taking a sip of her own while Akito refused to indulge himself for the meantime, mumbling about how Kohane will scold him if he dares to drink after he just drinked a week ago. “That's the spot!” Mizuki squealed in joy, throwing the beer glass haphazardly, hitting a struggling man right on their heads. Akito scrunched his face, choosing to ignore the man who now has blood falling down his face from the impact. “Hehe… I love beer♡” Tsukasa happily muttered, drool almost falling out of his mouth. “We can tell.” Akito and Mizuki commented at the same time. Mizuki took away the glass from Tsukasa and finished it herself, making the oldest whine at the action. 

“Come on, we need to go.” The ginger haired man grabbed their leader by his arm and helped him get up. It took a few seconds for Tsukasa to steady himself, yet he somehow managed. That's the weird thing about him. No matter how drunk he is, he still manages to walk properly and remember where he needs to go. “Ah wait!” Tsukasa grabbed a dagger, he crouched down in front of the man who Mizuki threw a glass at. “Count. This is what your family and you get for enslaving children, selling your own daughter, and various crimes of kidnapping. But don't worry! We’ll save those pesky knights the trouble and tell them who murdered you! Hehe Bye!” Tsukasa happily slams the dagger right on the man’s neck that his juniors couldn't believe he's drunk by how steady he is. “Oops, I forgot to thank him for the beer.” He shrugs, telling Mizuki to write Akito's name on a paper and drop it on the table they used to drink. The pink haired girl followed his instructions giddily. Akito shrugged, knowing well it's his turn to be named as a murderer. 

This is how their little game has been going. They will search for nobles who are being supported by the Emperor but have a set of crimes that the Emperor turns a blind eye on, murder those nobles, steal their foods and alcohol before leaving after writing one of their names. Kohane's group works differently since they're supposed to be anonymous for now. Mizuki carefully wrote Akito's name and beamed, tucking the paper under the beer bottle, joining the two males as they walked out the house. Akito gestured for Mizuki to walk ahead of him. They eventually went out the door, facing the scene of the wrecked living room of the County with both the Count and Countess lying lifeless on the ground, their servants surrounding them as a pool of blood gently spread on their expensive tiles. The three of them waved at the girl whose back is facing them, crouching in front of a flower bush. 

“How sweet.” Akito chuckled, closing the large doors with a slam, joining the two drunkards, making sure they're going in the right direction. Their hair color transformed into a plain black color as their face shifted, making them look like old men and woman who had a night out and were only returning home now. This is due to the courtesy of Mizuki's shapeshifting magic. Despite the knight’s effort, they could and would never find them. Only giving them the satisfaction of who murdered them. “Did you know I added an extra note? It's so unfair how they blame us for all the murders that’s happening!” Mizuki complained as soon as they were near their secluded house. “You probably said something like ‘we did not do the murder that happened last week’ didn't you?” Akito deadpanned, the girl nodded aggressively. “Yep! Exactly!” Mizuki confirmed, giving him a peace sign.

“Don't care, that pesky sorcerer always ends up figuring out who is the killer in the end.” Tsukasa complained, noticing their house. They rush and the magic on them disappears. The pesky sorcerer he’s talking about is Rui, he was so good at sorcery that they immediately had him graduate and work as the Empire's head sorcerer. He calls him pesky as they couldn't count how many times Rui almost figured out their hideout, thanks to Minori and Shiho's magic, they would've been discovered much earlier. Before they could twist the doorknob, the door opened harshly, there stood Kohane, hands on her hips as she pouted at the three of them. “You drank again!” Kohane scolded, huffing afterwards. “Hehe, can you blame us Kohane-chan? Noble's alcoholics are the best!” Mizuki cheered, immediately walking past her and draping herself on Minori, mumbling about how cute the brunette is, the said brunette squealed as she covered her nose. Kohane's sharp glare turned to Akito as soon as Tsukasa entered after Mizuki, dropping to the couch face down. Akito raised an eyebrow, he moved towards Kohane and blew on her face, confirming that he didn't drink. “See? I didn't drink.” Akito chuckled as Kohane smiled like a proud parent, closing the door when all three of them entered. 

“So, whose turn was it?” Shiho asked, drinking her tea. “Akito's.” Mizuki mumbled, rubbing her cheeks on Minori’s shoulders, who kept on turning red the longer Mizuki clings on her. “Lovely.” Shiho smirks, fist bumping with Akito's, all of them noticing that Tsukasa is now asleep. “Look how carefree he is.” Shiho commented, Kohane grabbed a blanket and draped it unto the male who oddly looks like a seal, a satisfied smile on his face, probably dreaming something great. “That's true, but none of us can deny that he's the strongest among us.” Kohane continued, joining the others on the table. “He's also reliable! Well… when he's not drunk that is.” Minori commented, making all of them laugh. Mizuki eventually fell asleep while sitting on Minori's lap, her hands wrapped around Minori’s shoulders while she mumbled a certain name every time she slept. 

“Where are those three?” Akito asked, Shiho offered the boy some tea while pointing outside. “They're training outside right now, without their hoods on.” Shiho answered, her gray hair falling on the side of her face as she tilted her neck to stretch. “They do not like being idle after all.” Kohane added, her poncho being played with by Akito. They're living an oddly peaceful life. Training, murdering corrupts, and planning how to kill the Emperor. They know that each one of them has a nagging feeling that this isn't the right choice, yet they continue to choose this path, despite this voice growing frustrated at them. They eventually settled for this voice to be a manifestation of their guilt of leaving their comfortable life, and the people they love behind. The only person who doesn't seem to hear this seemingly angelic voice is Tsukasa. They wondered why. Still, their goal never changes. That voice never reaching Tsukasa must mean that they're not fully committed yet. They must be, in order to avenge the ones they lost, and to save those who must be saved.  

“Come to think of it, isn't it time for ‘that’ soon?” Minori remembered, hugging the pink haired knight on her lap. “Indeed, I need to go now, I promised Saki that I’ll be shopping with her and Honami. And I need to fix her music box too.” Shiho stood up, stretching her arms. They choose not to say anything. Out of all of them, Shiho is the only one who still has connections to their old life. They were all jealous but didn't dare to voice it. “Sure, have fun.” Akito replied, stretching his legs under the table as the silver haired girl eventually left. “I think we should rest for now. Report comes tomorrow.” Kohane decided, seeing that their leader is not waking up soon. “Okay! I’ll carry Mizuki-chan upstairs!” Minori's face contorted cutely as she tried her best to carry the knight upstairs, Akito remained in the living room, deciding to rest on one of the couches. Kohane went upstairs after finishing her tea, telling Akito to clean up when he wakes up. The ginger simply gave her a thumbs up and dozed off. 

Such blissful life, soon enough, they will turn it into a nightmare for those who dares to oppose them. Filling the country with red and black, their white cloths slowly being drenched in red, fulfilling what the locals tend to call them, the heinous murderers of nobles and commoners alike. The red stained knights. 

A lovely melody filled the room, as once again, Saki leaned on her dressing room, listening to a music box that a child gave her. It was such an amazing melody and always manages to make her calm. Saki blinked when the music suddenly stopped despite the lever still spinning and the figure still dancing. She sighed, closing the box, Shiho will fix it later eventually anyways. A certain knock on her door made her snap out, yelling for them to come in. She excitedly smiles seeing Kamishiro Rui with his usual smile and his potions tied around his hips. She excitedly stood up and ran up to him, immediately engulfing him in a hug. “Rui-nii!” She happily greeted, humming when the older returned the hug. “Well hello there Saki, how's your music box?” Rui questioned, the girl pouted, both of them separating from each other. 

“It's still a little faulty, but Shiho promised to fix it for me!” Saki answered, her steps always having a certain bounce to it, her pigtails seems to be affected from this bounce. “How wonderful, you two are really close.” Rui commented, taking a seat on her red armchair. The blonde giggled, fixing her hair. “We are! We’ve known each other since childhood after all!” She hummed, brushing her pigtails before finally turning her attention towards the older man, knowing that there's something else he needed. “So— I’m sure you're here to tell me something?” Saki urged, both of them simply staring, not saying a word. Rui eventually sighed, massaging his temples. “It's frustrating. Another murder from ‘them’ came again. The victims are the Velopia County. The murderer this time is Shinonome Akito.” Rui reported, filling the room with odd tension.

“Then… the next one will be…” Saki paused, both of them knowing the answer. “The next one will be Tsukasa…” She continued, her hands started becoming clammy. She knows it's her fault, an angelic voice always reminds her. It's her fault Tsukasa was chased out of the family, it's her fault he was forced to work and train all day without having time for himself, if only she moved her foot mere inches away then… he wouldn't turn into such a murderer. The pattern of the murders caused by the red stained knights were always Mizuki, Akito, and then Tsukasa. The most brutal murder will always have Tsukasa's name etched on a paper. She couldn't count the number of times Rui shaked with the paper containing Tsukasa's name as he looked at the victims. Though the murder are always the same, everytime they see his name, the murder always seems to look and feel even more brutal than the other ones. Was it because they used to share a bond? 

“If only I talked it out with him… I knew he was busy trying to survive, but with how immature I was, I blamed him for it… I blamed him for trying to survive. What kind of boyfriend was I?” Rui spilled his heart out every time it's only the two of them. Saki went up to him and hugged him, the man did not push her away and simply rested on her. Those happened six years ago, yet no amount of hard work and distraction could make them forget that they made Tsukasa like this. “If only there was a way to retrieve him.” Saki muttered to herself. Rui knew it was impossible, yet he didn't comment about it. 

Saki checked her clock, gasping in shock. “It's almost time for Shiho to arrive! I need to get ready!” Saki immediately moved away, catching the sorcerer off guard. He eventually smiled and decided to leave the room. “Have fun Saki.” He said at the door. The girl briefly looked at him, waving in joy. “I will! See you Rui-nii!” Saki enthusiastically waved even after the door closed. He could hear her footsteps tapping as she hastily moved around. “What a cheerful girl.” Rui commented, his smile dropped as he made his way to his office. Several workers avoided looking at him. He huffed, ignoring everyone who simply scurried past him with fear. 

He reached his office, finding Toya and An talking to each other about the murder that happened earlier. “So, how was it?” Rui questioned. They both looked at each other, staring at him with defeated eyes, already knowing the answer. “Same as always.” An reported, dropping the folder on his desk, taking a seat shamelessly on his couch. He couldn't understand how An could be so carefree despite her ex fiance becoming a murderer. Noticing his expression, she sighed and turned away. “Seriously you two, always giving me those pitiful looks. I understand why he broke off our engagement. It's because he's too unstable after his sister's sudden death. If we somehow catch him… I would like him to die in my arms.” An assured, they both nodded, despite knowing that she doesn't want the ginger knight to die. Rui can sympathize. As if push comes to shove, he would like to kill the blonde with his own hands while admitting his feelings. Feelings aside, he grabbed the report, seeing an elaborate drawing of a dagger stuck on the Count’s nape, making him grimace.

The only area where blood wasn't spilled, was on the coffee table with one beer glass and five empty beer bottles. It seems Akito drinked again. How could they simply gather in a noble's house alone, kill all of the people inside and get themselves drunk? The door to his office was rudely opened when a knight came in panting, holding the child of the now deceased Count and Countess. She was disheveled and she wore rags for clothes. Her eyes are empty, she looks to be in her early teens. “We have a witness to the murder.” The knight reported, bowing down and immediately left after closing the office door. “Hey there, you must be sad that your parents died.” Toya started, offering a gentle smile and his outstretched hands. The girl took his hands but shakes her head. “Not at all, I’m glad they’re dead.” The three of them flinched, sitting her down besides An who immediately wrapped her cape around the girl's shoulders. “Why would you say that?” An awkwardly asked, some of her hair stuck on the couch's back rest. 

“They sold me off to an old man who keeps touching me. Before the murder happened, I escaped and went back to the county to try and kill my parents.” They remained quiet, urging the girl to continue, she brought out the case of the dagger, the dagger in question missing from the case. “I stole it from the old man. Yet when I opened the door to the County, my father was already being beaten up by a ginger haired man.” Rui snapped out and immediately went to his desk, writing the story of the girl immediately. Noticing this, the girl paused to let Rui catch up. When the sorcerer looked at her, she continued. “A man with blonde hair and peach tips saw me,” Rui's hands flinched at the description, his eyes widening, “I was scared when he approached me, I hugged the dagger and he took it away from me, noticing the resemblance I have with my parents. He then said, ‘Oh! You must be the child they sold off!’ all while inspecting the dagger I stole. 

“I thought he was going to use it on me, but he didn't. He simply ruffled my hair and invited me to a first class seat of my parent’s murder. I admit that it filled me with joy seeing them try and beg me for help. What could a child such as me do? Not once during their endeavor did they hurt me. When one of them is bored, they would search through our pantry and feed me. When all of them are on the ground and bleeding, that's when they all started drinking and laughing as if they didn't do anything morally wrong. Then my father was stabbed by the same dagger I brought. It felt like I was part of their murder. After that, I went to the backyard to clear my mind. When I came back, they're not there anymore and knights filled the place, that's when I was dragged here.” She concluded, fidgeting with An’s cape. “Don't worry, you didn't contribute to the murder. Though… is it possible that you know why your parents were targeted?” Toya knelt in front of her, holding her hand and caressing it. “Yes. The blonde man said it's because they enslaved children, sold me, kidnapping, and other stuff he didn't mention.” They looked at each other, An stood up to rummage through the records kept in Rui's office. “Are there any things you think we should know?” Toya took An’s place on the couch, still holding the girl's hands. She pulled one of her hands away to place it under her chin and ponder. “Ah… there's three of them. Pink hair, blonde hair, and ginger. I think they took turns in writing their names after a murder. Also… the blonde man? He drinked three whole bottles of beer.” An choked and dropped a few books on the ground. Rui glared at her, making her try to calm herself. 

“I see, thank you. I shall escort you out and have you cleaned.” Toya stood up, the girl simply held his hand, the bi-colored male nodded at the two before leaving with the girl. “Was there anything funny, An?” Rui glared at the girl who furiously shakes her head. “It’s not that! I just didn't expect him to be such an alcoholic. But… It seems like those murders weren't done alone.” Rui stared down at the paper, not believing the girl's reports. “Ah… Kamishiro-san… an underground market selling children… owned by the Count.” 

Rui groaned, knowing that it will be a long day today. The statement cleared a few mysteries, but there are still a lot that need to be answered. Why did they keep the girl alive? Wouldn't it be convenient if they also killed her? And… is it only the three of them or there's more of them? A sweet voice tells him to prepare. But he's not sure what for. It just tells him to prepare himself. “Will there be a tragedy soon?” 

Chapter Text

Kohane blinked, seeing a child in front of their house. While it is quite normal, she wonders how she found it. Their house is supposed to be hidden from the naked eye. Mizuki approached her, also curious on who could be at the door. “Aren't you the girl from yesterday?” Mizuki pointed out, confusing the blonde girl. The girl nodded and bowed down. “Good morning, I would like to thank you for killing my family. I am here to inform you that I reported your work.” The girl said calmly, Kohane flinched, looking at Mizuki with worry. The latter pats her shoulders, crouching in front of the girl. “Should we be scared?” Mizuki questioned. 

The girl shakes her head, finally smiling. “No, I don't plan on telling them where you are. You're my secret.” She admitted, she stepped forward and hugged Mizuki, burying her face on the rebel’s shoulder. “Sorry, I cannot help it.” She added, squeezing the girl. Tsukasa went down to see them both at the door with their witness from yesterday. He simply shrugged and sat down at the dining table. “I am Magna(Mae-na) Velopia, and I would like to be of use to all of you.” She pulled away from Mizuki with a confident smile. “I refuse.” Tsukasa answered from the inside, glaring at the girl. The girl deflated, not knowing what to do. “How come? I'm pretty sure I can be of use by providing information and I would never betray one.” She reasoned. Tsukasa shaked his head, taking a sip of water. “That might be so, but you're just a child. No, a teenager. We're not like your parents and that old man you were sold to. We don't use children, this is an organization with adults only. A child should not be involved in our problems. If you really want to be of use to us, just keep quiet, eat a lot, exercise a lot, and do things you enjoy. If you were an adult we could take you.” The man explained, shocking Magna and the girls. Mizuki laughed, ruffling Magna’s hair. “He's right, Magna-chan. You're still a young girl. Our justice is different from how normal justice works. You shouldn't visit us like this. But when our justice is fulfilled, we will go with you.” Mizuki assured gently.

Magna calmed down and nodded, her smile going back to her place. “Okay. I will be receiving help from the assistant healer from the castle, she will be helping me from my trauma. Then… I would like to be a knight.” The three of them flinched, looking at each other with worry. The girl tilted her head, wondering if she said anything wrong. “Ah sorry… Do you have anyone you care for as of the moment?” Kohane questioned, adding to the confusion of the girl. “No? Does your organization count?” Magna wondered, they laughed and nodded. “Sure! Here Magna-chan. We want you to be a knight, but don't get attached to anyone. But if you do get attached to someone, make sure to not let your senior, and higher ups notice. Trust us.” Mizuki advised. The girl nodded, looking inside. She brushed past Mizuki and Kohane to run up and hug Tsukasa. The blonde crouched down and picked her up. 

She escaped from the knights 

Mizuki blinked at the voice in her head. This always happens, but it's usually when they're making the wrong decision, this voice would appear and mock them. But this time, it's telling them something. “Hey Magna-chan, did you escape from a knight?” The girl visibly flinched, the three of them sighed. Tsukasa walked out of the house along with Mizuki. She immediately disguised them as a young couple. They waved at Kohane who closed the door. “How did you find our house?” Mizuki asked as her hair turned to a black and short bob while Tsukasa became longer and black in color. “I'm sensitive to magic, I can detect even just a small pinch of magic, that's the reason they sold me.” 

“Are you okay with being in such close proximity with our magic? Doesn't it hurt your or make you dizzy?” Tsukasa asked, Magna shook her head, holding on Tsukasa's shoulders so she wouldn't fall. “Yes, I can just detect it, it doesn't hurt me at all. I don't plan to tell anyone other than the two of you and the healer.” Magna admitted. The rest of their walk was quiet. Magna fell asleep on Tsukasa's shoulders while they searched for the knight she escaped from. It was dawn when Toya found them, trying hard to hide their grins. “Magna!” Toya ran up to them, bowing down in apology. “I'm sorry, it seems that I have lost her while I was buying her food.” Toya deepened his bow, making them uncomfortable. “It's fine, she was a good kid.” Tsukasa answered, amazed at how Mizuki also changed how they sound. Mizuki smiled, wrapping her hands around Tsukasa's arms. “We’ve always wanted a child of our own, her presence made us hope.” Mizuki acted, Toya smiled at them, thanking them again before leaving. 

“What's with that?” Tsukasa questioned, his voice returning to normal. “What? That's much more believable!” Mizuki argued, dragging him back to the house. “Huh? I guess? But wait! We need to deliver a letter and it's late!” Tsukasa panicked, they ran back to the house, their disguise slipping slowly as soon as they went inside the forest. 

“Tsukasa-san! Summer, Tiger, and Phoenix are here!” Kohane happily informed. A woman with a brown cloak suddenly jumped and hugged Tsukasa. “Hey leader! You're late!” She giggled, clinging unto him as they approached the table. “Sure Phoenix.” Tsukasa replied in an uninterested tone, Phoenix moved away with a pout, only wanting to tease him a little, though it seems like they need to be serious. “Has the letter been written?” Tsukasa asked. Minori happily raised her hand, her eyes lighting up. “Yep! I made sure to change my handwriting!” She reported, bringing out the said letter. Kohane took it and read it with their leader leaning on her. They hummed, analyzing the letter she made. “Great! They wouldn't bat an eye.” Kohane praised, pulling out the scroll for their plans. “Now, it's time to start the first Act.” Summer added in a monotonous tone. 

“That's true, but we need to make it as believable as it can be, only a few of us can act really well.” Akito chimed, one hand on the desk while his other hand gestured as he talked. “Yet, Minori is the perfect choice for this, though we don't have enough time to teach her how to act, it will only serve to waste our time to proceed with our plans.” Tiger responded. They all calmly shared their opinions, wanting to come to a conclusion together. Tsukasa then clapped his hands, garnering their attention. “I have come up with a solution.” Tsukasa announced, they all listened intently, their gazes focused on him. “A way to make it believable that they won't suspect it. Now tell me, what's the season?” They all looked at each other, confused at the sudden question.

“Winter.” They all answered in sync, the man pleasingly smiling, clapping his hands again. “Great! Here's the plan, I want you all to listen intently.” They huddled closer as Tsukasa almost whispered the plan, afraid that an outsider could hear them. Their ears ready, a few quips to state their opinion and a few adjustments to the plan. Eventually, they all sat down in the living room, taking a small break. “Minori?” Kohane called, the brown haired knight tensed up, excitedly looking at the princess. “Yes!?” She answered as quickly as Kohane finished. 

“If you were kidnapped instead of recruited and managed to escape… where would you go?” Kohane questioned. Minori hummed, closing her eyes as she let her imaginations ran wild, frowning and pouting from time to time. “Haruka's manor.” Minori answered with no hesitation. Tsukasa playfully scoffed, receiving a hit on his arms by Kohane. “Great, as to not seem strange, you will go to Kiritani Marquessate, while you're at it, tell Shiho the plan.” Kohane made a final adjustment to their plan, concluding that it's done. “You must start now, Minori. Let's go outside.” Tsukasa stood up, offering his hand to the girl. Minori happily took it, the letter on her hand as they stepped out of the house. 

Minori ran, exhaustion evident on her face as she wobbled, several branches and thorns pricked her skin, she's full of bruises and dirt, tripping on the ground as her legs continuously felt like it's on the verge of breaking. She didn't dare look back, clutching the letter on her chest. Her face lightened up as she saw the familiar roof of her fiance's house. She went out of the forest, bushes rustled as she stepped out, finally falling to the ground with a thump. When she was out, she looked back to see ‘those’ retreating. Footsteps in front of her made her flinch and look up, seeing the uniformed knight of the family. “L-LADY MINORI!?” The knight yelled, Minori cried in relief, reaching out to the knight. “Please help me!” Minori's voice cracked. More footsteps emerged, Minori looked to see Haruka's parents. They gasped in shock. Behind them, stood Haruka in her night dress and a thick shawl around her. Her eyes widened upon seeing her missing fiance in an unkempt look. “Minori…?” She slowly approached her crying fiance, her own hands shaking. “Haruka-chan…!” Minori replied, being engulfed in a hug. “It's really you!?” Haruka asked, tightening her hold. “Yes! Yes!” The other cried out, hugging the woman back. 

Haruka hurriedly removed her shawl, wrapping it around Minori. Let's go inside! It's cold out here.” Haruka offered. Haruka's father decided to carry Minori after they found out that her legs had given up after running for who knows how long. The knights were behind them, Minori threw her head back slightly, glancing at the figure just before the exit of the forest. A man smiling in success. Minori smiles too, looking back at the manor while holding the crumpled letter in her hands. 'Thank goodness I got away from him.'

Chapter Text

“Minori, how did you get here?” Haruka asked as soon as they settled inside the house. All the servants scattered to accommodate their mistress’ lost fiance. Her parents decided to give them some privacy. Minori shakingly handed the crumpled letter to Haruka. “I… I escape the room they placed me into, then I found this letter adressed to her Majesty! He… He caught me and I ran out! He chased me… he was so quick yet I carried on, I didn't know how long I was running, it felt like it was all night… then I saw your mansion, when I look back… he’s not there anymore.” Minori shaked, draping herself over Haruka, letting tears fall from her eyes. “I was so tired Haruka-chan! I'm so scared!” Minori admitted, feeling the comforting arms of Haruka around her. “You're safe now, though I must ask… who is ‘he’?” Haruka gently coaxed, not wanting to make the other uncomfortable. “He’s… Tsukasa Tenma…” Minori revealed, making Haruka flinch. The one who took her fiance away is the red stained knights. Her hands shaked in anger, trying to comfort herself and her fiance. “I'm here now Minori, I’ll protect you.” Haruka swore, Minori looked behind her, worry plastered on her face. ‘How can you protect me with that injury?’ Minori asked no one, satisfied on embracing her fiance. Though… she still has a small grudge from what Tsukasa did. 

“Okay Minori! All you have to do is run all across the field three times as fast as you can!” Tsukasa happily instructed, confusing the girl on how that could help her with her acting, she decided not to question it and just ran around the field with all her might, determined to make their mission succeed. Tsukasa watched over her, Kohane sometimes checks on Minori, and eyes Tsukasa suspiciously, knowing that there's more to it than he lets on. Mizuki soon went out of the house to watch her idol ran around the field. When she finished, she happily approached Tsukasa, panting and sweating. Kohane went out again, holding a cup of water. “Good job Minori, here's the letter!” Tsukasa happily handed her the letter she made, a little too happy. “Thanks! But… how is this supposed to help with my acting?” Minori finally wondered, Mizuki and Kohane patiently waiting at the cabin door. “Say, have you been chased by a bear?” The blonde man asked, confusing Minori. “No?” She answered. With a snap of his fingers, a large bear emerged, obediently standing besides Tsukasa. Minori felt fear, staring at the bear. “Chase her.” Tsukasa commanded, all of the three girls gasped, Minori, despite being tired ran while gripping the letter, screaming when the bear indeed chased her. “AHHHH! TSUKASA-SAN!!! THIS IS UNFAIR, KYAAAAHH!” Minori squealed when the bear tried to chomp on her, resulting in her running more faster. She looked back to see the face of the bear and the small figure of Kohane hitting Tsukasa's arm while he laughed at the disaster he caused. Mizuki yelled at her to do her best. “Don't worry! She won't bite!” Tsukasa yelled before she could actually go too far. “IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT!!!” Minori replied in panic, almost tripping on a twig. 

Minori grinds her teeth at her aching legs. She gently massaged them, looking over Haruka who's fast asleep. The balcony door suspiciously opened, she looked over to see Tsukasa sitting on the railing of Haruka's balcony. “Hey there~ you good?” Tsukasa asked, jumping off to reach the balcony floor. “What do you mean!? You literally had a bear chase me! You freaky snow white!” Minori whisper-yelled, pouting at their leader. The blonde laughed, quietly approaching her. “Sorry, sorry~ I’ll treat you to your favorite food next time. You won't be able to act fully for now, since Kiritani will be watching over you.” Tsukasa pointed at her sleeping fiance, the girl slowly nodding. “That's true, why are you here though?” She asked, gently putting her hand on top of Haruka. “To heal you, not completely of course, that will be suspicious, I just need to lessen the pain since I did make you run a whole lot.” Tsukasa admitted, extending both of his hands, Minori pouted, staring at his hands. It's a silent question on what healing magic they want. She eyed Haruka. If she chose Sound, there's a possibility that Haruka might wake up, but if she choose touch… she paused, frowning when Tsukasa closed his right hand, choosing for her. 

“Don't worry, she won't wake up, and I just remembered I drank booze.” Minori deadpanned at his comment, he bit down his lower lip to hold his laugh, moving close to Minori's ears, he started singing quietly, the girl sighed, slightly relieved of the pain. The boy moved away, smiling proudly. “There, you can walk around freely now, I’ll get going before I get discovered.” Tsukasa waved, he closed the balcony door, Minori took the initiative to lock it, seeing him jump down the railing and disappear. The letter is still on Haruka's desk, it's bound to be delivered tomorrow. Minori coldly stared at the photo of her and Haruka besides the Emperor. “Let's see if they're smart enough to crack the code.” Minori went to bed with Haruka, already planning her next step. 

“Kohane… come on…” Tsukasa pleaded at his vice captain who huffed, still upset at what he did. “You should've consulted me first before doing whatever with my knights! Yes you're our leader but Minori still works under me!” Kohane argued, the others chuckled at their leader’s struggle. Despite being the one in control, Kohane somehow always ended up scolding their leader, maybe it's because she's a princess and Tsukasa's a mere commoner. “I'm sorry! That's the only thing I could think of and… I’ll do anything!” Wrong move, as Kohane turned around with a pleasant smile, making everyone shiver. “No booze or any alcohol for a month.” Kohane stated, Tsukasa's face fell in shock, stammering in confusion, then he sulked, his posture sinking. “Fine.” Kohane clapped, “well then! That's a deal! If you break it… you're not going to be given permission to use Shiho or Minori!” Kohane threatened, Mizuki and Akito laughing at him. Mizuki yelped when a bird landed on her head. “Hey!” All of them turned their attention to Mizuki, their messenger bird on her head. 

Akito pried it off, messing up her hair in the process which she didn't let pass and muttered curses at the bird while fixing her hair. Akito removed the note on its leg, releasing it to the wild. Akito read it before handing it to Tsukasa. Kohane leaned on the blonde man, seeing the contents. 

The letter has been delivered.

Pleased with the letter, Tsukasa handed it to Kohane to burn. “Call Summer over.” Mizuki, sensing the vibe chirped happily and opened the door. “O-NEE-SAAANN!!” Mizuki yelled out, closing the door with her foot, happily calling the woman. They all laughed and went to do their assigned tasks. “One last murder before we go?” Akito questioned, seeing a toothy grin from Tsukasa. “Of course!” Akito's gaze softened, entering their weapon shed. “It's been a long time since I saw him smile like that.” Akito grabbed the largest claymore inside. “In that case, I need to sharpen you first.” 

“Akito…succeed” 

Akito blinked, it's the first time his voice of guilt encouraged him. This time… it sounded familiar, a little too familiar. “I will, I cannot fail. Ena…” he paused remembering his sister's smile, her face full of paint, especially her hands and dress, claiming that painting is her love forever and that one day, she will paint him. “Ena needs her peace.” Akito fists his hands and immediately grabs his sharpening tools.

“Rui-nii?” Saki hesitantly opened the door, she heard the news of them receiving a letter that came from the rebels, Minori was a captive of them and managed to grab the letter before running away. She was with Shiho when they heard the rumor, she understood that Minori is a precious friend as they did train together in the Azusawa Empire together. They decided to visit Rui's office together. “Oh? Saki and Dame Shiho? Come in.” He permitted them both to enter, to see Minori and Haruka seated on one of his couches. Saki watched as Shiho rushed and checked on Minori. “Hehe! Don't worry Shiho, I managed to escape alive!” Minori optimistically assured them despite the several bandages on her legs and arms. “If you say so… Head Sorcerer, what was the letter that arrived?” Shiho asked, eyeing Minori who immediately looked away to hold Haruka's hands. 

“Right Dame Shiho, I need an opinion, the letter was simply handed to me to check the traces of magic and possible hidden dangerous magic that may harm us, but it turns out to be a simple riddle.” Rui informed. Saki tilted her head and approached him, deciding to check out the letter. 

An arrogant man who was deceived faked his death for five centuries, wandering around with nowhere to go. There he met the beast who struck fear and the demon who selfishly took anything. Together, they aim to bring down the goddess of light. The one who made them evil.

The blonde was confused, reading it again and again. “It looks like a simple story? We could search the library for the story?” Saki wondered. “No way!” Minori immediately quipped, turning their heads to her. “There's no way I risked my life just for a story! They were… guarding it and…they chased me just for that letter… there's no way it's just a story!” Minori argued, being soothed by Haruka. “I'm sorry! We’ll try to crack the riddle for you.” Saki assured, looking over at Shiho. “Sorry Head Sorcerer, I can't figure it out.” The silver haired girl shakes her head, looking away from the letter. Is there really no hope? But… “if you say so, I’ll keep checking for traces of magic then.” Suddenly, Saki took the letter away from him, reading it again and again. “Saki?” Shiho seemed shocked, riddles are not really Saki's thing yet, she kept her gaze on the letters. They made eye contact, the blonde's gaze softening. “Shiho… I know that I’m bad at riddles but…this is for Tsukasa, I want to bring him back to the light!” Saki insisted. Minori flinched, deciding to fall into Haruka's embrace. ‘Light? Could he really?’ She wondered.

Shiho paused, not knowing what to say. “Do what you want, but if it gets too much, hand it back to the Head Sorcerer.” Saki beamed, focusing on the letter again. Shiho darted her gaze, being met with Rui’s cold gaze. ‘What the? Why is… why is he looking at me like that?’ Rui kept staring, Shiho clenched her fists, wondering if he figured her out. “What's wrong?” When she asked, he looked away as if he's not observing her. “Nothing.” Rui answered, watching as Saki tilted the letter, knowing well that he’ll need to stay up and crack the riddle himself. “Ah really!? Who lives up to five centuries!?” Saki started complaining, Shiho fondly scoffed, her limit coming by sooner than expected. “Sorry! I can't really figure it ou—” Saki suddenly paused, her hand that was handing the letter towards Rui paused, snatching it back as if she came into a realization. “Saki?” Rui worriedly called out, her face stoic. “Rui-nii… when was the last time we saw Onii-san?”

Chapter Text

“Rui-nii… when was the last time we saw Onii-san?” Saki asked, confusing all of them in the room. Rui didn't answer, shameful to admit that he doesn't remember, because in his mind, it was only a few days ago since he left him so cruelly. “If you're talking about Tenma-san’s disappearance, it was five years ago.” Haruka quipped, Saki slammed the letter on Rui's desk, eyes shining. “Rui-nii! I figured it out, the arrogant man is Tsukasa, and based on the murders, his accomplices are Mizuki and Akito! I'm not yet sure but I believe the beast is Shinonome and the demon is Akiyama!” Saki declared. They seemed to doubt her words, she understood yet it still hurts. “How did you come up with that?” Shiho asked, placing her hand on Saki's shoulders. “The five centuries… I’m not sure what deceiving meant but… he left five years ago, and Shinonome-san disappeared before Akiyama-san, and on the letter… The beast came before the demon, so I thought about that too.” After she shared her speculation, the letter suddenly glowed. Shiho grabbed Saki away, embracing her so that she'll be the only one affected by whatever magic that is. “Shiho!” Saki panicked, also not wanting to put her at risk. Minori yelped, hugging Haruka and trying to move themselves away from the letter as possible, while Rui released a powerful defensive magic, placing it to the girls too. They waited for the inevitable disaster, yet the letter only stopped glowing. 

They were relieved that there was no explosion, yet were still cautious. Rui stepped up and took the letter. “The contents changed!” Rui announced. All four girls hurried over to check the contents, their eyes widening. 

You figured the riddle out? How shocking, I never knew you had it in you! That aside, are we in for a little fun fact? Did you know, three traitors currently reside in the palace, figure them all out in three tries! If you succeed, we will turn ourselves in, if you fail, disaster will occur. I'm sure this is easy for geniuses! Like the Head Sorcerer. Let's meet again soon.

The mood was pensive, not knowing what to do after that letter. “I’ll take it to the General! Saki immediately volunteered. They all nodded, Rui gave her the letter, and she quietly left. “I guess… we need to go ourselves, we have an appointment with the head healer. Thank you for your service.” Haruka bowed down, Minori panicked, mimicking her fiance's bow. They both left, leaving Shiho and Rui alone. “That was Akito's handwriting.” Shiho suddenly commented, Rui paused, looking at the girl. “How would you know? You studied swordsmanship in another Empire in your teenage years, how are you able to recognize Akito's handwriting when he spent more time with Mizuki and Tsukasa?” Rui interrogated.

‘I got you.’ Shiho thought, giving the man a pained smile. “Head Sorcerer, I went to Azusawa Empire in my third year. In my second year, Akito and Mizuki were my rivals, you might ask why? The three of us wanted Tsukasa as a mentor. He was strong and formidable. No one in our grade is like that, we want to be like him. Akito would always write letters to me and Mizuki on how he would be Tsukasa's accomplice and soon overthrow him. Kamishiro-san. Don't act as if you're the only one who lost everything. I lost two of my mentors, and two of my rivals. Kamishiro-san, do you really know Tsukasa as you think you do? What gives you the right to mourn Tsukasa's disappearance when you're the one who left him in the first place? I did leave Akito and Mizuki behind, but I promised them we would face each other... what about you? As far as I know, you're the one who told him to never meet with you again.” Rui was shocked at the sudden comment, Shiho never really talked that much in his presence. He lowered his head in thought. Her mentors Tsukasa and Kohane, one became a rebel and the other currently missing, and her rivals became a rebel too. “I see.” Was his only reply. Shiho nodded and left the office. ‘I managed to lower his suspicion. I'm going to find Minori and hear the plan.’

Mizuki caught sight of an eagle, she lifted her arm, the bird landing on her arm. Akito was in the kitchen and heard the flapping of wings, wiping his hands to help Mizuki untangle the letter from its legs. “Hey… you think Ena would hate us?” Mizuki suddenly asked, urging the eagle to fly away while Akito unwrapped the letter. “Who knows? I don't know what goes on in her head.” Akito replied, reading the contents. “Is that so? I thought I knew her more than anyone else.” Mizuki leaned on the ginger, reading the letter too. Akito simply hummed, letting her rest on him. “What are you two doing?” They both flinched in shock, turning around to see Tsukasa. “Tsukasa! Look, a letter arrived from Minori!” Mizuki changed the subject, handing the letter to the blonde. “Saki figured the riddle out? I thought it would be Rui. Oh well! Unexpected indeed! But, it doesn't matter. How are they?” Tsukasa asked, throwing the letter into the fireplace, slowly turning into ashes. “By ‘they’ you mean the informants? Well, they're ready.” Akito reported, putting a smile on Tsukasa's face. “Really? Then it's all good. We’ll just have to wait.” 

Tsukasa smiled, checking out their cabinets for food. ‘You saved us back there… you know… I don't like this whole ordeal at all… but if it means you are smiling after our success… then I would take any chances, I would even become the demon they describe.’ Mizuki hopped and hugged Tsukasa. “Boss! Don't finish all of our stock!” Mizuki teased, feeling a hand ruffling her hair. “Are you calling me a big back!?” Tsukasa accused Mizuki who laughed and simply hugged him. ‘Ena, I found comrades I trust, soon enough, I will be able to avenge you.’ Akito approached them, scolding Mizuki for being unprofessional. “Oh! But Akito is more of a big back than you, boss!” Mizuki suddenly commented, squealing when Akito ruffled her hair more than Tsukasa. The three of them laughed, and the blonde ended up sharing the food with them. 

Kohane peaked through the staircase, she initially went to investigate the noise out of caution, yet she smiled seeing the scene in front of her. ‘They truly do have an unbreakable bond. Oh dear God, please… keep them safe.’ Kohane silently prayed, going back to her room. 

“Wah!” Mizuki screeched, effectively stabbing their victim in the head. “Are you okay!?” Akito immediately questioned, rushing over to him. “Of course not! My boots are splattered with his blood! Ugh!” She complained, checking her boots. Akito deadpanned, kneeling in front of her to clean the blood with his sleeves. Tsukasa checked the pantry happily, he was about to reach for a booze when he remembered his promise with Kohane, reaching for some water and snacks instead. He sat on the table, opening the snack as he watched the two bicker while approaching him. “Who’s turn is it?” Akito asked to get the girl out of his throat. “Oh, me.” Tsukasa answered, the ginger haired boy nodded, reaching for some paper and pen, writing down Tsukasa's name. 

The door suddenly bursts open, revealing a dozen of guards, Rui standing at the utmost front. “We caught you!” They yelled. Akito and Mizuki flinched, the blonde simply glanced at them, going back to the pantry to take more snacks. “Akiyama Mizuki, Shinonome Akito, and Tsukasa. You three are arrested for committing the crimes; kidnapping, murder, and lese-majeste.” Rui cooly stated, Tsukasa jumped back on the table. “Ah right, I called you here.” Mizuki and Akito's jaws slacked at his statement, even the knights and sorcerer were dumbfounded. “HUH!? WHY?” Mizuki questioned, yet her sword remained on the victim's head. “Why not? This is our last crime, it would be funny if they think they can imprison us just by finding us committing a crime. Besides, look at how incompetent they are.” Tsukasa pointed at them, munching on a biscuit. 

“Hey, did you know that man with a sword on his head committed illegal trading, embezzlement, slave trading, bought and sold illegal medicine, and most of all, prostitution?” He questioned them, they defended saying there's no evidence. “Well dimwits, here's your evidence.” Akito brought out a stack of papers from a magical pouch and placed it on the table next to Tsukasa. “Ugh, I want beer.” A red magic made its way towards Tsukasa, but somehow it disintegrated before touching his skin. “Sorry to disappoint you, but your magic can't get through me for now. Well then, I'm full. Also, the oh so honorable knights should prepare for the war that might break out. Pray that you find the traitors.” He slid down the table, walking up to the two of them. Sensing that they'll escape, they run forward, charging towards them in groups. Yet it was too late, they already disappeared, even the sword stuck on the man’s head was gone. 

Rui approached the table and read the contents. “Dammit, it's real and detailed.” Rui brushed his hair up in frustration, commanding the knights to investigate the area instead. ‘That gaze… it's one of hatred. I… really did hurt him.’ He kept reading the paper they left, hoping that there's a tiny detail that's wrong, yet he failed. It's all true, no loopholes he can use. “Ridiculous… and here I thought we finally caught them, yet it was a set up from them!” The knights ignored the fact that he slammed his fists on the table, they knew that out of all of them, Rui is the one who wanted them to be imprisoned the most. 

Kohane glared at Tsukasa who nonchalantly drank some water, finally noticing her, he went over and blew on her face. It took a while for her to process before smiling in relief. “You really want my girls huh.” She teased, offering him some tea which he accepted. “They're a core part of the plan, it would be difficult if not for them.” Tsukasa answered, Kohane giggled, already boiling some water. “Our goal, it might seem disgusting and treacherous, but it's for the greater good, to dispose of the evil that roams on this land.” Kohane happily stated, the other looked to see her eyes spinning, it only happens when crazy ideas flashes into her mind, he’s not one to judge for he too as described by his group have the same spinning eyes as Kohane. He lightly tapped her head to snap her out of her trance, it worked and she kept watch of the kettle. “Of course, it's for the greater good, we have already decided that we can only die when evil perishes from the world.” Tsukasa assured, and with that, their conversation ended, setting up a mini tea party with just the two of them. 

He thought he was going to do this all alone, that's when Kohane came and found him, begging him to help her save her Kingdom. He doesn't even fully trust her yet, but he accepted and healed her body that was full of bruises. It seems that he's been staring for too long as the girl called out to him. “Is something wrong?” He blinked, shaking his head. “Aside from not letting me drink booze, there's nothing.” Tsukasa jokes, seeing the other frown at his words. “Still, I’m grateful for you, Kohane.” The girl paused, smiling at him. “Save that for when we succeeded.”

“Hm, alright, then I will make sure we do, I’m going to show you I’m serious.” Tsukasa vowed, Kohane nodded, staring down at her cup. ‘I’m more grateful for you. I owe you my kingdom’s safety. So, as the vice leader, I will, from the utmost of my abilities, help you achieve your goal.’ She vowed, taking a sip of her tea. 

Chapter Text

Knights stood straight as the Emperor walked down the halls with her trusted knights, one of them stood out the most. The most reliable knight of the Empire, Kaito. He’s feared among enemies and allies alike for his cold and stoic nature, he’s wary and alert all the time, that's why the Emperor entrusts him with several tasks. He’s the only male protecting the Emperor, the others being females named Meiko, Sakurako, Mafuyu, and Ichika. It's no secret that Meiko used to have a romantic relationship with Kaito, though for some unknown reasons, they stopped talking and did everything to avoid each other. Sakurako is playful yet no one has ever beaten her in a battle, especially when she's angry. Mafuyu is stoic but treats everyone kindly. Lastly, Ichika is a knight who openly admits she became a knight to serve the Emperor whom she admires ever since she was a child.

A bunch of weird people with contrasting personalities, yet their strategies complement each other. So whether they like it or not, they're strong together. Though, it's rare to see them gathered together in one setting. The reason being, the letter Dame Tenma sent yesterday, one that's filled with threats. They reached the throne room, the knights stationed outside the door closed it for their sake, once the Emperor sat on the throne, they all knelt down in respect. “Now, what are we going to do with this?” She waved the letter in between her fingers, receiving no response, she crumpled the paper. “ANSWER ME!” She demanded. 

“Your Majesty, if the letter is indeed true, then we must weed out the traitors carefully or else the disaster they pertain to must be war, it will occur.” Meiko answered, keeping her head low. She hummed, letting the letter drop to the ground. “And if it's fake?” She asked again, crossing her legs as she kept her gaze on them. “We already had the letter’s authenticity checked by the Head Sorcerer Kamishiro, troop 1 almost arrested Akiyama Mizuki, Shinonome Akito, and Tsukasa, they confirmed it came from them, besides it was retrieved by the Azusawa Kingdom's knight Hanasato Minori after escaping.” Mafuyu explained, steady as a statue, her posture perfect as she bowed reverently to their Emperor. 

“And if we fail to weed out the traitors?” She asked, the room being silent for a moment, Ichika slightly raised her head, determination shown in her face. “Then we will face a war we will win, our troops are strong, there's no way we will lose to three rebels.” Ichika confidently gave her answer, the Emperor smiled smugly, she stood up from her throne and approached all the knights before her. “Great answer Ichika, that's why you're one of the purple knights.” Ichika blushed, immediately looking down to hide her embarrassment. “Now then, I want you all to weed out the traitors. I can't have rats in my palace. Kaito, bring them all to me.” Kaito glared at the ground and nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty Hatsune Miku.” 

Haruka awoke from how cold it was, she slowly stood up, hearing Minori talk to someone, they're whispering so she can't hear it clearly. It seems the girl noticed her as she stopped talking. Haruka turned her attention to the balcony to see Minori all alone. Haruka tensed, she clearly heard her talking to someone. “Minori… who are you talking to?” she hesitantly asked. Minori stayed silent, simply staring at her, that's until she moved, revealing a small bird. It chirped happily, jumping closer towards Minori. “Birdie! I couldn't sleep so I was telling Mr. Birdie some stories, would you like to hear it too?” She offered happily, she smiled seeing her fiance cheerful despite the horrors she probably went through within the grasp of Tsukasa and the others. 

“No it's okay, I still feel tired, I’ll get some water, do you want some?” Haruka refused, standing up, she moved closer to kiss Minori's cheeks, "that would be nice!" Minor answered before the other went out of the room to get their water. Minori waited a few seconds before sighing. She looked down and made a gesture. Shiho, Kohane, and Tsukasa jumped up, sitting on the railing. “That was close, it's a good thing a bird followed Tsukasa here.” Kohane’s shoulders relaxed, the bird in question just chirped and flew up towards Shiho’s shoulders. “I got the plan, the one assigned to search for them are the purple knights, General Meiko, and General Kaito.” Shiho informed the others.

“That sounds like a pain, but well, I’m sure they can manage, I trust them. If one of them gets caught, we just have to rescue them.” Tsukasa shrugged, making it seem like their situation is easy to deal with. Tsukasa suddenly paused, remembering something. He stared at Minori, tapping her shoulders. “Minori, I know you love hurk Haruka and all but, don't get attached, we have a mission to complete.” The girls ignored the fact he gagged at the word ‘love’ and let him speak. “If you get attached, me and Phoenix have to do something that we might not like.” Minori flinched, nodding along. “I know, our mission is also for Haruka's safety… I can't let that incident repeat again.” Tsukasa smiled seeing Minori's determination. “Well then, I guess we need to go before we get caught, stay vigilant Minori.” The three of them stood on the railing, Tsukasa lifted Kohane up into his arms before they jumped off the railing. Minori gave a little wave before moving inside and closing the balcony door. In a few seconds, Haruka came back with their water. Minori smiled and took one of the glasses. They sat down beside each other on the bed, Haruka leaning towards Minori. 

“I'm so glad you're back. I missed you so much.” Haruka admitted, the shorter girl drinks her water to hide her nervous gulp. “Of course, I missed you too Haruka.” Minori leaned towards the other too, carefully holding the glass with both hands and resting it on her thighs. ‘I’m sorry… I’m going to betray you again.’ Minori held her stomach, deciding not to continue the conversation. 

“Tsukasa!” Phoenix yelled happily, entering the cabin just to immediately hug Tsukasa. “Hey there Phoenix, you seem to be in a good mood.” He pointed out, the girl giggled, swaying side to side and jumping while keeping her hold on his waist tight. “He finally responded to my letters, isn't it great?” She admitted, Tsukasa scoffed and ruffled her hair, causing her hood to fall down which she immediately pulled back on. “Your mystery boyfriend? How wonderful.” The blonde lets the girl cling to him while he makes some tea. “Yep! But of course I won't let him get in the way! My first priority will always be the mission!” She immediately defended, asking for some tea too. 

“I know that, I trust all of you after all.” He poured the tea on the cups, feeling another pair of hands hugging him, he lifted the pot to glance at his back, seeing Tiger hugging him and Summer pulling on the end of his shirt. “We want tea too.” Tiger requested, Summer nodded. He obliged, taking out two more cups, the girls watched him pour the tea, finally releasing him to help him move the cups to the dining table. “Are you sad you can't drink for a while?” Tiger teased, Phoenix laughed, being the first one to sit down. “Why wouldn't I? Booze is life.” Tsukasa jokes, making them laugh. “So will lung disease, it will stick with you if you continue that addiction.” Summer argued, making the man sigh. 

“Oh do you wanna hear what the letter states?” Phoenix asked. Upon receiving confirmation of their interest, she rambled about her mystery pen pal and how sweet he is. They listened intently. The three girls are indebted to Tsukasa, if it weren't for him, they would have remained miserable. In return, Tsukasa gives them a comfortable life and lets them train to their hearts' content, despite their heinous acts, these girls who were once quiet now happily interact with the rebel group, smiling and confident. Soon enough, they’ll take the peace they deserve. 

Do… you really want this? Those hands of yours are not bound to hold a sword, they are meant to ****. Please, let me in, let me help you. Please, open your mind… TSUKASA! 

…

I failed again…

Please…. Save me.

“The investigation begins, where's the list of the people's activities?” Kaito asked, and a knight handed him a bunch of papers, reporting the daily activities of the palace servants. He scanned through the documents and sighed. “It's a pain that there's so many palace servants, how am I going to keep track of all of them?” He brushed his hair up, dismissing the knight that delivered the papers to him. He walked down the hallway, seeing Meiko open a single piece of candy, he watched as she popped the candy in her mouth, shivering and squeezing her eyes shut. He knows that candy well. “Eating candy? How childish.” Kaito pointed out. The woman glared at him, pocketing the wrapper, she chewed at the candy and looked away. “It's none of your business what I do. After all, you're the one who left first.” Meiko scoffed, leaning on a wall, he heard the candy crack between her teeth. 

“I see that you're still bent over me leaving you so suddenly.” Kaito mocked, the woman didn't look at him, yet he could see her hurt expression. “No, I don't care that you left me without explanation. I care about the fact that you left him without explanation, you're breaking your promise with her!” He didn't expect her to get riled up, he tensed, finally the one looking away from her. “I'm not the only one who left him, no?” Kaito argued, Meiko threw another piece of her candy straight into his head, stomping away. “At least I explained to him what's happening. Unlike you, and I don't plan on breaking my promise with her.” He waited for her to completely leave, looking down to see the candy. He crouched down and picked it up, Kaito looked around for a moment before opening it and eating it.

He shivered and spat it out, throwing it on a bush through the window. ‘It’s as sour as I can remember, how can they like it?’ Kaito scoffed, wiping his sticky hands on his pants and walking away. “Like mentor, like student.” He murmured angrily. 

TRAITORS IN THE PALACE!?

A letter has been retrieved by Dame Hanasato Minori of the Azusawa Kingdom after escaping which declares that there are three traitors residing in the palace, working under the infamous rebel group The Red stained knights. It has come to the Emperor's attention that if the Empire failed to weed out the traitors, the red stained knights will declare war. Dame Meiko, Asahina Mafuyu, Seiyuurin Sakurako, Hoshino Ichika, and Sir Kaito are assigned to search for the traitors. Will the Empire be able to weed out the traitors? Or will we face another war? 

“The traitors… who could they be?” Saki wondered, staring at the article. Honami hesitated, yet she reached out and hugged Saki. “Have faith Saki-chan, the article stated that the Emperor entrusted our most powerful knights to search for the traitors, Ichika is one of them too. I'm sure Ichika will succeed, let's trust her, okay?” Honami assured. Saki smiled, leaning on the girl. “You're right, I won't forget how excited Ichika is upon receiving this mission.” She giggled, feeling a hand on her head, she glanced to see Shiho smiling at her. “You shouldn't worry too much, look on the bright side, if we manage to find the traitors, Tsukasa will turn himself in, isn't that a good thing? You won't need to fight him since he will willingly face his crimes.” Shiho added. 

Saki giggled, hugging Honami back tightly. “That's right! Ichika is really strong, I’m sure she'll manage. And I’ll get to see Onii-chan again… even if…No! I will not think about that!” Shiho chuckled, keeping her hand on Saki's head. ‘I’m glad I have people I trust. With them, I can overcome a lot of hurdles. If I face Onii-chan again, will he apologize? I hope so, after all, my onii-chan can't be a full on monster. Please, weed the traitors out.’ 

Chapter Text

The investigation immediately started, several servants, maids, and knights alike were questioned and monitored. They're all strict and when one becomes too suspicious, they're relentless and cruel. Despite that, they're still struggling to weed out the traitors. That's until, Sakurako pushed the First Prince into the throne room, his hands tied behind him, trying to pull the ropes off him. “Your Majesty, I found a suspicious letter addressed towards His Highness, it might be from the red stained knights.” Sakurako bowed before handing the letter to the emperor. She scanned the letter, waving it in front of the prince. “Len, care to explain what this letter stating ‘we’re ready’ pertains to?” Miku questioned, seemingly uninterested. 

“Your Majesty… it is shameful for me to admit but… I’m secretly messaging Lady V Flower of the Azusawa Kingdom for a surprise towards Dame Teto she is fond of.” They looked at the prince, not believing any words he spouted. “Huh, you might be lying to us, imprison him for the meantime until we’ve confirmed that his statement is true.” Miku commanded. Len gasped as Sakurako pulled on his tied hands, leading him to the dungeons. Miku stared at the letter before letting it fall to the ground, stepping on it as soon as she stood up. 

A week later, a letter arrived with an anonymous sender towards Len, They opened the letter to find a simple coordinated plan on what to do during Teto’s birthday and what each will person bring. It was even further confirmed when Lady Flower arrived in their Empire with a mysterious box. Rin was overjoyed when Len was finally released from the dungeons, it was heartwarming to see the twins hug each other tightly. Rin immediately fussed over her brother and made him eat a lot. They also removed Rin from the suspicious person list. 

During the evening, Kaito is tasked to protect the Emperor along with Meiko, she's once again eating those awful sour candies when a large bird flew from the window. They both flinched, Meiko held the hilt of her sword while Kaito immediately brought out his gun. The bird flew into Meiko’s shoulders, lifting its left leg. She noticed a note tied to it, she carefully removed it and unraveled it. The bird flew away seeing the letter opened. Kaito moved closer while hiding his gun away. “No way… they know when we fail, look.” Meiko moved the note closer to Kaito 

Guess you failed, that's okay, you still have two tries!

X X X

“We need to find a way to weed out those traitors in just two tries.” Kaito grumbled, visibly frustrated at the situation. “That's right, we still have two tries, we can do this.” Meiko sighed, nervously opening another one of her candies. “Geez, I know you hate that candy so why do you keep eating it?” Kaito clicked his tongue, snatching the note from her. “This is not the time to pick on my preferences, never heard of people change? Oh, I’m sure you do, you're an example of how people changes, so let's go and report this first.” Meiko rolled her eyes, knocking on the door, Kaito secretly flipped her off behind his back before hearing the Emperor's groggy voice. ‘You have no idea what I went through Meiko.’ 

The search for the traitors continued, Shiho spotted Honami being interrogated, she stepped in and defended Honami. “Sorry, she was out with me that time, you can check my movements this day to confirm it.” Meiko gave them a full body stare before calling out to Mafuyu. The woman who's interrogating another knight immediately rushed towards her. “What is it General?” Mafuyu asked, Meiko pointed at Shiho and Honami. “They claimed to go out together, what did Dame Shiho do today?” She questioned. “Ah! That's right, I was about to interrogate Dame Hinomori too, but another knight claimed to go out to the market today and saw Dame Hinomori and Mochizuki-san buying fruits, more specifically an apple together, so they're in the clear General Meiko.” Mafuyu explained with a smile. The two girls sighed in relief. Meiko thanked the girl, dismissing her. 

“I guess you're innocent, you can go now.” Meiko commanded, they both bowed down and quickly left. “Ah that was close, I really thought I’m going to be branded as a traitor!” Honami sighs, Shiho laughed, letting the other cling onto her arm. “That's true, we’re lucky someone saw us shopping huh.” Shiho pats Honami’s back. “Wait… if they meant the apple section… oh!” Realizing what she meant, they both blushed, silently walking together in the halls. 

Ichika saw them, waving enthusiastically. “Hey! What are you two doing?” She happily asked, oblivious to their predicament. “Ahh nothing much, but we did get interrogated for suspicious activities.” Honami admitted it was shameful. “What! Really? You should be careful!” Ichika pouted, scolding the two of them. “Ichika… keep it down, geez.” Shiho warned the girl, she pouted telling them that she doesn't want them to end up to be like the First Prince. “Do you know how distressed the princess was when the first prince was detained? Honami, Shiho, this is a serious event, we can't risk anything.” Ichika reminded them, they both nodded, eventually having to go their separate ways as Ichika still had some job to do. 

“How pitiful, they failed immediately, what if we give them another bait?” Mizuki dangled the bishop piece before placing it down and sliding it across the board. “Let's stick to the plan as much as possible. We can't have failures.” Akito answered, moving his knight in return. “That's true, there's even several back up plans in every step, although some of them are hidden from us, only Princess Kohane and Tsukasa-senpai know all of the plan, I wonder why they're hiding important plans from us.” Mizuki hummed, thinking over her next move. “I did ask, Tsukasa-senpai said those plans they hid from us are only for desperate situations, they hid it because it might be something we wouldn't like.” Akito answered, while Mizuki lazily moved another piece. “That certainly doesn't help my curiosity.” Mizuki complained, flinching when Akito moved his rook. “Checkmate.” The ginger haired male called. 

Mizuki threw herself back and aggressively scratched her head. “UGH! Damn it!” Mizuki cursed, slowly lowering her head down again. “Still, I get why they're doing it, but it makes us more curious and dreadful of those plans right?” Akito commented, flicking Mizuki's king, it fell and rolled down until the edge of the board. “Well I guess it's worrisome, then that just means we have no room for failure, so that we won't be doing something we might not like, and Princess Kohane and Tsukasa-senpai won't feel guilty because of those plans.” Mizuki grinned, fixing the chess pieces back. “Alright! Let's play another round! This time I’ll win!” Mizuki confidently declared. Akito chuckled, fixing his pieces too. “Sure, if you can.” He replied.

“HUH!? How dare you? I will surely win, don't underestimate me!” Mizuki rolled up her sleeves like she's preparing for a fierce battle. ‘Those secret plans, I vow not to let any of them be used, for my sake, and for our sake.’

Chapter Text

They kept searching, only to be met with a dead end. Searching for three traitors among the hundreds of palace servants is already hard enough, but there's also a limit of how much they can suspect someone. After the conflict with the prince, the servants and knights are all wary, accusing the people they hate or spreading rumors that doesn't help with their investigation, it only serves to make it complicated for them, the Emperor is also growing more agitated as time passes. Mafuyu crossed out another name on the daily list, noticing a hooded servant exiting the palace with a cloak and basket. She dropped the current interrogation she's doing just to follow the servant, leading her to the back of the palace, she only managed to catch sight of the servant’s face, it was Arata Tono.

‘I need to check his activities with Meiko-san.’ she turned around, she suddenly looked up at the roof, she squinted her eyes wondering if she's seeing a cloth or a person in there. “Asahina-san!” Someone yelled, she flinched looking down again to see another knight beckoning her over. “Coming!” She politely yelled, looking back at the roof to see nothing. ‘I must’ve overworked myself.’ She concluded before leaving. 

“Scary~ we almost got caught!” Mizuki whistled, watching the purple knight walk towards her colleague, a bunch of papers in her hands. “We must be careful…” The person with her added, Mizuki smiled, approaching them and draping her arms around their shoulders. “Don't worry! As long as we follow the plan everything will be okay! We won't get caught. But we do need to know who among you decided to do ‘it’?” Mizuki looked below the ground, servants whispering, knights glaring at passersby. “Look at this castle in chaos because of us, it feels so enchanting,” the person hummed, placing their palms on their cheeks, “to answer your question, ‘sis’ decided to do it.” Mizuki frowned, seemingly disagreeing.

“Huh? Why did ‘sis’ decide to do it?” Mizuki pouts, moving her arms from their shoulders to cross it over her chest. “Well, we knew you would disagree, ‘sis’ said so, but considering my position, and ‘bro’s’ influence, she's the only one fit into this role.” The other explained, yet Mizuki's pout remains. “Fine! We won't be caught anyways after all, it's all a lie.” Mizuki stood up and stretched. The other hummed happily, staring at a knight yelling at a maid. “Right~ after all, there's more than three traitors inside the palace.” 

Toya moved the branches away as he ventured further into the forest, he smiled as he caught sight of a clearing. In the middle of the clearing, there stood a hermit, her horns pointing upwards, her cape forgotten a few steps besides her. She's kneeling down on the grassy patch, picking flowers to create a flower crown. “I'm here, hermit.” Toya announced, the girl looked at him and smiled. “Welcome back, how was your day?” She asked. He walked towards her and hastily sat down. “It was fine, there are problems in the palace right now, we found out that three traitors are residing in the palace, they work under the red stained knights.” Toya informed the girl, she was silent for a while, gathering the flowers into her hands. “Is that so? Have you found out who they are?” She asked.

Toya shaked his head and sighed. “Unfortunately not, they're really good at hiding that I’m almost convinced they're just playing with us.” He admitted shamefully, despite being a quiet person, Toya talks a lot to the hermit, she admitted that she can't remember anything, even her own name so he decided to call her a hermit, they both know that she can't leave the forest, so Toya visits her everyday with his dragon Yakou and tells her stories about what happened in the castle or if there were festivals happening around town. If Toya has time to attend, he brings hermit a lot of food, she would complain that she can't eat a lot yet still finish all the food he gaves. “Well, I don't think those rebels, according to your stories, are one to play around, especially with those murders.” She pointed out, placing a flower crown on top of Toya's head. “I know. Still… seeing the person I looked up to and saw as a brother being a rebel is something…” Toya looked down at his lap, hermit’s small hands placed themselves on his knee. 

“I cannot fully understand but, if I have a brother who decided to be a murderer and rebel, I would never forgive them, your feelings are valid.” She comforted him. Another reason why she visits her is because of a selfish reason. Hermit reminds him of his late eldest brother. “Thank you.” He smiled, adjusting the flower crown on his head. “I didn't see Yakou today.” She peeked behind him, seeing no claws or a sleeping dragon. “Sorry about that, she's kind of sick so I left her in the palace, the head healer is taking care of her.” Toya revealed, noticing the woman frowning in disappointment. “That's too bad, I hope she heals soon.” 

“Of course, my Yakou is strong.” Toya boasted, earning a laugh from the others. “By the way, can you tell me more stories about your fiance?” She suddenly requested, making the man flush. “I don't mind, but why?” The woman paused, looking around the clearing. “It's just that…when you were talking about her, a glimpse of my memory returned… a girl? Boy? I do not know, all I remembered is their back facing me. I figured if you talk about her more, a part of my memory will return.” Toya felt pity so he had to comply. “Of course, this is a small thing.” Toya smiled and started talking about his missing fiance, the woman paid attention only to him, seemingly focused and determined to get her memory back. It was fun talking about the love of his life to someone who would never judge him. “I simply wish for her safe return.” Toya pleaded. In all honesty, he is quite jealous of Haruka, her love returned to her in good shape, he wondered if his fiance is also being held captive by the red knights just like Minori.

As much as he wanted to deny it and think that ‘he’ still has a bit of clarity, it's not impossible, Kohane might be there too. Toya looked up to see the sky slowly fading to orange. “Oh, it's already this late, sorry hermit, I need to go now.” Toya gently removed the flowers on his head. “No worries, you will come back tomorrow right?” Hermit smiled, watching the man stand up. “Of course I will, see you tomorrow, hermit.” They waved at each other. Hermit waited, staying still as if a bear will slowly approach and attack her. When the forest had become extremely dark, she finally stood up and entered the forest, she kept walking until her ‘tools’ were in view. She caressed the ‘tools’ gently, smiling faintly. 

“I could never tell you what I know, Toya. It's something you won't understand. Now then, let's continue.” She sat down on a stool and started. “Please, let me hear their voice, and they shall hear mine, with the help of these ‘tools’ my voice shall thrive into the ‘space.’ we have created.” She prayed, picking up her tools. “I can't wait to meet you again…” she muttered, she kept praying as she polished her ‘tools’ quietly in the silent forest. 

Meiko hummed sticking another paper into her walls, observing it. "No, that's not right." Meiko ripped it back off, throwing it into the ground as she grabbed another paper, her hand paused for a moment before writing her thoughts. She read over the contents and hummed. "That's it." She sticked the paper on the wall, crossing her arms in satisfaction. "It's done, now I can— ah..." Meiko stopped, seeing her whole room filled with paper aside from her bed and table. "It all comes together." Meiko chuckled, caressing a certain poster. "You're very cunning aren't you?" 

Chapter Text

It was early in the morning when buzzing occurred just outside his office. Rui groaned and slowly sat straight, realizing he fell asleep on his desk again, he looked around, seeing An sleeping on his couch, blanket draped over her as drools slowly fell out of her mouth. Despite being a full pledged knight, An took on the role of his assistant along with Toya, she disappears for periods of time because of her mission which he understands. The reason she became his assistant in the first place is because of their shared betrayal from Mizuki's rebellion. He felt a blanket fall down his back, he blinked for a while noticing that An is slowly waking up. “Why is it noisy?” Her voice was raspy, she rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up, she returned his gaze and gave him a lazy greeting. He returned the greeting and approached the door, seeing a lot of servants whispering in the halls. An yawned, dropping her body weight on his back. “What happened?” She asked. 

One of the maids noticed them, she rushed up to them and told them the news. “ Head sorcerer! Dame Shiraishi! Have you heard of it? A palace servant named Arata has been accused of being a traitor, he was caught sneaking out during his breaks and carrying various medicinal potions. He’s been caught by none other than Dame Asahina.” She informed, waking up the two immediately. Rui looked at An, she fiddled with her fingers, as far as he remembers, he used to be close with An and Akito, teasing them for being lovey dovey and was the one who helped Akito plan his proposal. “Thank you for the information.” Rui smiled, closing the door after the maid nodded. “Are you okay?” Rui asked, facing the girl, she bumped her head on his chest, sighing and chuckling dryly. “It hurts to admit that it might be possible. Arata and Akito are close after all…” An admitted, he hesitantly pats her back, letting her lean on him for as long as she needs. 

Saki feels uncomfortable as she stands guard at the door of the throne room, watching as a servant named Arata is tied up behind and knelt in front of the Emperor. A suspect of betrayal. “Tono, what are you doing sneaking out during your breaks?” The Emperor asked. She saw the man gulp before nervously responding. “The head maid had refused to accept my leave for months now, so I’ve been sneaking out to visit a friend…his name is Souma.” The room was filled with silence, Saki glanced at the other knight guarding the door, it seems like they also felt uncomfortable upon seeing the scene. ‘Why does this have to happen during my shift.’ Saki whined internally, keeping a straight face. “While hiding medicines?” The Emperor asked again.

“Yes… I got them from the assistant healer herself, she oversaw it, Souma is injured and sick, his relatives are in another kingdom that's why I’ve been asking for a leave to take care of him…” Arata looked down, waiting to see what would happen to him. “Conduct an investigation, I wouldn't believe the words of a suspect.” Arata’s eyes widened, he shook as he obediently followed Mafuyu into the dungeons. Saki felt pity, but it's true that he might not be telling the truth. Those traitors… really know how to hide well. If they got this wrong then… Saki shakes her head, she's on duty right now, she filled her thoughts with protecting the door and the emperor who stared blankly at a distance. ‘Her Majesty must be having a hard time… seeing her citizens turn against her for no reason must be heartbreaking. I will vow to protect your honor. Whatever it takes.’ Saki smiled, suddenly determined despite her boring duty to guard the door until the afternoon. 

Once her duty was over, she rushed over into Rui's office, knowing well he’s in there, he noticed the man flinched as she slammed the door open. “Rui-nii! It was so scary!” She gently closed the door before hurrying towards Rui's side. The man lets the blonde hug him, she sighs in relief, finally out of the awkward throne room. She remembered that An must be around, though when she looked around, the woman was nowhere to be seen. “Where's An?” Saki wondered, sensing a trace of her magic. “She went to visit Arata in the dungeons. He’s a suspect, but he was An’s friend first.” Rui answered, Saki felt even more pity with that. “You know… he said he was out taking care of a friend and it reminded me of something.” Saki paused, she released the man from her hug and sat on his desk. “It reminded me of how ‘he’ used to skip training just to look after me even though we have a lot of maids.” The mood became pensive, Rui hummed as Saki started swinging her legs. 

“The assurances, ‘his’ gentle gaze. I felt guilty knowing ‘he’s’ ignoring his education for my sake, he always gets scolded by father afterwards, but at the same time I felt happy, knowing ‘he’ll’ always be by my side… but I guess it's a lie too!” Saki paused, her legs stopped swinging too. “It's weird Rui-nii, I’m a capable adult who can take care of herself, yet I still want those warm hands on my hand and those gentle gaze filled with worry fixated on me. Oh well, the past is the past. ‘He’s’ my enemy now.” Saki shrugged, yet the man could tell she doesn't feel happy at all. “Saki, just like I said that Arata was An’s friend first before a suspect, ‘he’ was your brother first before ‘he’ became a traitor. It's natural to feel that way. I feel the same way Saki after all, ‘he’ was my lover before my enemy.” Rui smiled reassuringly. Saki returned a small smile, holding Rui's hand. “I can always lean on you Rui-nii!” Saki giggled. 

“Of course, I am your Rui-nii after all, you can always seek me out.” They laughed, Saki deciding to be his assistant while An is out. When the girl returned, Rui's office was filled with chatters and giggles from the girls. They could tell An is not feeling well but for her sake, they didn't point out. Rui doesn't mind the noise. In fact, it's somehow comforting. 

Minori burned the letter she received from Tsukasa. Her wounds have fully healed and she can run freely now. She watched as Haruka came in with a tray of sweets. “Haruka-chan!? That's too much!” She commented, shocked at the amount. The blue haired girl placed the sweets on the table near her window. “Is it really? I just took a pair of each snack made by the maids.” Haruka nonchalantly replied, Minori grumbled, it's 15 pairs of different snacks, but if it makes Haruka happy then she decided to keep quiet. Haruka immediately grabbed a sweet as soon as she sat down, smiling at the delightful taste of the sweet. Minori smiled seeing Haruka eat without restraint. Back when they were students, Haruka was strict with her diet and didn't indulge in sweets often. Those habits still haven't completely died down yet she can see that with enough push Haruka would eat to her heart’s desire. She grabbed a sweet, looking out the window, this is her desire, to peacefully eat sweets with Haruka, take garden strolls and occasionally pass out from Haruka's sudden affections. She wonders if she even needs to continue being a rebel. 

You fucking idiot.

She flinched at the voice, it's the voice that always seems to critique her every move, despite its sweet voice its words are harsh, just like a devil tempting you. “Minori? Are you okay?” Haruka asked worriedly, placing down a sweet back to its place just to place her full attention on Minori. “Ah! I'm fine Haruka-chan, don't worry!” She assured, and by Haruka's expression, she can tell she doesn't believe her. But how can she talk about this voice without looking like a madman? “It's nothing really…!” She cursed herself by how obvious she is. If only she could mask her worries like Tsukasa, then she wouldn't have to look at her with such worry.

Minori, what made you become a rebel anyways? Remember.

Minori paused, looking at Haruka. ‘I want to protect Haruka… especially after that incident…’ Minori answered the voice, she reached for a macaron and harshly bites it. ‘I joined the rebels because I want to take revenge on her for injuring Haruka's legs.’ Minori gazed outside again, she can never forget that day, the day Haruka's dream of being a knight was crushed because of her. 

Minori happily hummed, it's her monthsary with Haruka and they decided to attend a concert her friend Mai is holding. She travelled to their Empire just to celebrate their monthsary, she saw Mai talking to Haruka. “I bought a necklace for Minori for our monthsary, do you think this is enough?” She asked her shorter friend who noticeably gasped. “You have good tastes, Haruka! This will surely look good on Hanasato-san. Hehe, do you want me to sing a romantic song for you two?” The girl cutely teases, Haruka laughed, nudging her friend. “Please stick with your original songs, as much as I like seeing Minori flustered, I don't like being flustered in front of her.” Haruka admitted. “Eh? Isn't that unfair, you should show all your side towards your girlfriend Haruka!” Mai scolded.

Minori giggled from afar, it's true she wants to see Haruka flustered too. “I guess you're right, Mai, what do you think about…” her voice suddenly went quiet, Minori got curious, she peeked just to see Haruka whispering in Mai's ear. Mai recoiled in shock at whatever Haruka said. “Really!? Oh my gosh! Go for it!” Mai skipped a few steps in front of Haruka, she's grinning happily. Minori moved back so she wouldn't get caught by Mai peeking. That's when suddenly, she heard a loud crash. “HARUKA!” Mai yelled. Minori flinched, she revealed herself out of her hiding place, seeing Haruka's leg trapped inside a rubble. “Minori! Help…!” Mai yelled, both brunette’s eyes were filled with shock and desperation seeing Haruka's leg in between the rubble. 

Chapter Text

Mai and Minori's breath were heavy, Minori cursed as she tried to calm down herself. Mai foolishly tries to lift the rubble with her bare hands, resulting in her hands being scratched and wounded. When she managed to finally compose herself. Minori grabbed Mai by her waist to move her away from the rubble, she lifted the rubble with her magic. Mai held on to her hand while throwing the rubble away from Haruka, resulting in another crash. Minori placed Mai back on the ground, both of them rushing towards Haruka, realizing she passed out. “You idiot! I'm sorry Minori… the rubble was falling on me but… Haruka pushed me away…” Mai started crying, carefully moving Haruka. “It's your monthsary too… I’m sorry.” She then started to wail, Minori didn't respond for a while, finally deciding to carry Haruka in her arms. “Don't worry… it's not your fault… let's get you to the healer too.” Minori lets Mai hold on to her arms as she guides both of them into the clinic. 

The healer was shocked seeing their condition, immediately laying her down on the bed. The assistant healer went to Mai, trying to calm her down while treating her wounds, Mai’s concert was cancelled, Mai had her assistant refund all the tickets spent on her, insisting on staying until Haruka wakes up. 

When night came, Haruka finally woke up. They both smiled in relief, seeing her wake up. “Haruka…!” Mai shed a few tears, keeping still in her seat. “Mai…Minori…” she responded, looking at the two. “Are you… okay?” Both girls frowned at her words, Minori gently took her hands. “You should worry about yourself Haruka!” Minori scolded, yet the other didn't pay it no mind and simply looked around. “Is it still our monthsary?” Haruka asked, Minori nodded. 

“Mai… my gifts…” the brunette flinched and nodded. She handed two small boxes to Haruka. Haruka slowly sat up, worrying the other two. She opened the first box revealing a necklace, the necklace they were talking about earlier. Minori shakingly took the necklace. Mai smiled and helped her wear it. The next box contained a ring. “I'm sorry for doing this in this state but… Minori when we graduate… will you marry me?” Haruka proposed. Minori gasped, she watched as Haruka slowly placed the ring on her finger. Despite her injuries, Haruka is as lovely as ever. “Yes Haruka… no matter how many times you ask.” Minori answered, kissing Haruka's hands for the meantime. Mai clapped and congratulated them. They chatted for a while before both brunettes had to leave. 

She walked Mai into the entrance of the palace before returning when she realized she forgot to give Haruka her gift. She walked around the halls, beaming when she saw the clinic door. She was about to knock when she heard the voice of the assistant healer. “Kiritani-san, because of your injury, you won't be able to continue the path of being a knight.” Minori's hand froze, her mind went blank at what she heard. “Is that so… that's a shame… I… sorry, I can't achieve my dream… I wanted to be a knight…” Minori heard her sobs, she moved aside from the door, leaning on the wall next to it. Her sobs made her heart heavy, and before she knew it, she was crying too. Afterwards, the assistant healer went out, noticing her presence. “Is it true? She won't be able to be a knight anymore?” Minori whispered. 

The white haired woman looked at the door and nodded. “It would've been possible if there was an S rank healer but unfortunately, I am only an A rank healer. I apologize for my incompetence.” She bowed down. Minori wiped her tears, shaking her head. “It's okay, you’ve helped enough. Well… I need to give her my gift.” Minori abruptly stood up, making herself look presentable before knocking. “Haruka-chan!” She called out as cheerful as she could. The healer bowed down before she left. “Minori, you're back?” Minori decided not to point out how puffy her eyes are. “Yep! Hehe, I forgot to give your gift, but here!” Minori sat back down beside the bed she’s occupying, spending more time with her girlfriend, now fiance. 

Minori walked aimlessly, revealing the hallway where the rubble fell, servants cleaning up. She looked up to see that the hole is a perfect circle. She went to a servant, pointing at the ceiling. “Excuse me, has this been repaired?” Minori asked. The servant sighed and shook his head. “Not yet, I was here all day cleaning up the rubbles, but no one has come to fix it yet.” The servant answered, she thanked him and looked up again, sensing traces of magic. ‘The rubble falling… was intentional.’ she concluded. Anger filled her which is unusual for someone like her. ‘They ruined Haruka's dream, they made Mai cancel her own concert, I’m going to find out who it is.” She declared running off. 

She had to return to the Azusawa Kingdom despite her urge to investigate the incident, Haruka went home to recuperate while she waited for her princess Kohane to grant audience. She heard the princess talking, which is weird as she didn't see anyone going in. She leaned on the door, catching their voices clearly. “I investigated the incident. It's no doubt, the Emperor was targeting the famous singer Mai as they cannot target Minori unless they want to wage war and expose their wrongdoings.” A manly voice stated, confusing Minori, who are they to investigate the incident? Was Kohane worried about her? But the way they spoke of the incident is a little different, like they know something she doesn't. “So in short, the one who injured Kiritani-san is… the Emperor of the Hatsune Empire.” Minori gasped, realizing she had been caught, footsteps approaching her emerged, she took a step back, revealing the infamous rebel, Tenma Tsukasa. “Oh? Dame Kiritani’s lover is her, won't you join us?” He invited. Despite her fear, she stepped inside hearing the door close. “So… about the Emperor?” Minori asked. Kohane eyed Tsukasa before approaching Minori, cupping her cheeks. “Minori, we’ll tell you everything we know, but please don't do anything reckless.” Kohane warned. She slowly nodded, finally hearing the secret situation that's been going on for years on that Empire. 

Minori made a decision, she will protect Haruka, even if it means being the Empire's enemy. “I will join you! I want to protect Haruka.” Minori declared, shocking both blondes. “Well you have to train first, and Kohane, make up a story that she went missing.” Minori realized she won't see Haruka again, she looked down on her hand, seeing the glistening ring. “Alright, take care of my Minori.” Kohane smiled, letting the man take her away. “It's for Haruka.” Tsukasa observed the brunette more as she talked more about what she witnessed during that day, frowning when he noticed something growing in her head, something dark and sharp. 'Did I drink too much?' He wondered.

Minori suddenly smiled, looking over to Haruka. “I lied, I want you to feed me sweets, Haruka-chan!” Minori boldly requested, shocking her fiance. “Hehe… you're worrying over something like that, I’ll be honored to.” Haruka grabbed a sweet, hovering it over Minori's mouth. The brunette happily took a bite. ‘Sorry Haruka, but for your sake, the mission comes first. Your right Ms. Voice. I am an idiot.’ 

The people gathered in front of the throne room. The Emperor went out with Kaito behind her. She sighed with exasperation, looking at these people who were expecting an answer. “Tono Arata has been proven…” She paused, clearly irritated, the people waited for her next words, “has been proven not guilty.” She announced, sending the people into a disarray. Saki and Rui looked at each other in disappointment. “The traitor… has not yet been found…” Saki murmured, others shared the same sentiment. The Emperor sighed, not saying a word. “The Emperor must be having a hard time…” Rui commented, when suddenly a mysterious crow entered the hall, confusing the crowd. The crow landed on Rui's shoulders, rubbing its neck on his cheek. Saki noticed the paper tied to its leg, carefully taking it out. Upon reading it, she handed it to the Emperor who raised an eyebrow. The crow rubbed its head on Rui's cheek. Rui carefully moved the crow to his arm, kissing its head before letting it fly away. 

Accusing someone who just wanted to take care of his friend? How cruel.

X. X. X

Tsukasa welcomed the crow back, caressing its back, the rest of his group fawned over Magna, giving her sweets and playing with her. She suddenly looked at him after he kissed the crow's head. “What is it, Magna?” He asked, kissing the crow one more time when it leaned on him. “I can sense the sorcerer's wind magic on the crow’s head, it's faint though.” Tsukasa nodded, suddenly sputtering and moving the crow away. The group was confused until Mizuki suddenly laughed loudly. “OH! Indirect kiss!” Mizuki yelled, flustering the man. The crow eventually flew away seeing it won't get anymore kisses. “Ah sorry, Rui's wind magic only activates through his mouth meaning he probably kissed the crow before Tsukasa did.” Mizuki explained, wiggling her eyebrows at Tsukasa. 

“But… Tsukasa kissed the crow before sending it off.” Kohane added, Akito snorts, covering his mouth to hide his laughter. Shiho bit her lip while Kohane and Magna smiled happily. “Oi…” Tsukasa frowned, pouting at them. “It's like sending a letter with a kiss and the receiver kisses the letter back~” Mizuki teased, Tsukasa approached her and messed up her hair. “Don’t tease me!” Tsukasa scolded, the group erupting in laughter. They spoiled Magna even more before seeing her out the forest. “We’re near our goal.” Kohane cheerfully commented while she and Tsukasa slowly walked back to the cabin. “Indeed, we’ll have to succeed no matter what.” Tsukasa confidently replied. Kohane smiled, their walk being silent for a moment. “Kohane… we have sacrificed so many things, our past lives, and our innocence… we shouldn't fail.” 

Kohane looked at their leader and smiled. “We won't fail! Our plan is foolproof! But I’m worried about Minori…” Kohane admitted, grabbing her skirt. Tsukasa hummed, knowing what she's implying. “It's okay, but based on my observations so far, we need to push through with that hidden plan.” Kohane sighed, nodding along. “Okay then, it's for Minori's sake.” Kohane permitted, both of them entering the cabin to find Mizuki and Akito playing chess again, the girl smiling cheekily. “Are you winning Akiyama?” Tsukasa wondered. The pink haired girl smiled happily. “Damn right I am!” Akito groaned in response, moving his King. “Oooo, wrong move Shinonome-kun.” Kohane chuckled, confusing the ginger. When he suddenly noticed when Mizuki moved her Queen. “CHECKMATE!” She yelled and stood up, Tsukasa celebrated with her, clasping their hands together and jumping while spinning around in a circle while Kohane patted Akito's back. 

Chapter Text

“WHY ARE WE FAILING! THIS SHOULD BE EASY!” Miku yelled, slamming an expensive vase in front of Kaito. She threw a smaller one that landed on Kaito’s head, making him bleed. “There are several people occupying the palace.” Kaito reasoned, the Emperor turned around and glared at him. “I DIDN'T TELL YOU TO SPEAK!” She yelled, stomping her feet on the ground like a child. She kept thrashing around, pulling her hair and sometimes throwing items on Kaito. It's always like this. She would get angry, throw around her expensive items and hurt Kaito, he’s always the victim because he chose to. He’d rather be the victim than see someone else suffer the abuse. “KAITO! YOU BETTER FIND THOSE TRAITORS OR ELSE!” She threatened, approaching Kaito and grabbing his collar. “ANSWER ME!” She spats, shaking Kaito before pushing him to the ground. “Yes, we will do our best, Your Majesty.” Kaito replied. She panted heavily, stomping angrily before deciding to walk away and aggressively open her balcony door, getting some fresh air. “Get out of my sight.” She commanded. 

Kaito stood up and left without a word, as he opened the door, Sakurako and Meiko looked at him. He ignored them, closing the door quietly so that the Emperor's anger wouldn't increase more. Something soft was thrown at him, he grabbed it to see that it's a handkerchief. “You’re inconveniencing the palace maids if you keep letting your blood drip. Wipe it.” Sakurako scoffed, looking away from him. Sakurako, despite being a junior never showed respect to him, not afraid to give comments that would normally send a normal person into fury or insecurity. But he is different. He accepted the towel and wiped the dripping blood before covering the source of blood with the handkerchief. “Don't return it.” Sakurako added, he looked towards Meiko who only spared him a glance, obviously eating her sour candies. “Sure.” He answered, making his way to the clinic. 

Eyes were on him while he walked, they looked at him with worry but didn't say anything. He’s considered scary by the people. He’s okay with that, if it means avoiding unnecessary talks. He kept walking until he reached the clinic, he nonchalantly opened the door, he felt kind of guilty seeing the bewildered look on the assistant healer’s face upon seeing him. He nodded and sat on an empty bed while she rushed around to grab some medical stuff. She returned holding a box. The assistant healer opened it to reveal cottons and other cleaning stuff he can't identify. She started by cleaning the blood on him by using a wet towel then she used her magic to heal his wound. “I’ve been wondering… that witch went to another country and the retired head healer is looking for a replacement, why don't you do it?” The girl tilted her head and smiled. “Simply because I’m waiting for someone to come back and claim that spot, I’m sure you know who they are, general.” The girl replied with a smile, cleaning his bloody face one last time before packing the box neatly. 

He didn't reply until she stood up to return the box to its place. “And if they don't return, will you take the spot then?” Kaito wondered. She awkwardly stood near the desk where the documents lay and smiled. “Sure, but I know they will return, unlike you general, I haven't lost hope yet…” she declared with slight confidence. The clinic was quiet until someone opened the door, a girl wearing a blue dress looked at him in curiosity before approaching the assistant healer. He sighed and left before the woman could even say another word. He realized he’s still holding Sakurako’s handkerchief. He looked down to see a clumsy rose embroidery on it. Kaito scoffed, shoving the bloody handkerchief in his pocket. “Why was she acting like she owns the handkerchief, it belongs to Meiko.” Kaito mumbled with irritation. 

He looked out the window to see a pink haired woman holding an eagle on her arm. He paused, wondering since when did they have an eagle in the palace. He squinted, seeing her tie a letter on the eagle’s leg. Kaito frowned, his suspicion growing on the woman, the eagle soon flew away, leaving only the full face of the woman, the eldest daughter of the Akiyamas, Yuuki Akiyama. ‘I need to be careful, we only have one chance left.’ Kaito thought before leaving, deciding to investigate the woman more further later on. 

Unaware of the fact that Yuuki looked at the window where Kaito was just in, smiling to herself. ‘Am I enough to satisfy the greed of your emperor?’ Yuuki wondered, looking back down on the flowers blooming so brightly. ‘Of course not.” Yuuki happily hummed and left the garden. 

Tsukasa held out his arm for the eagle, it yelled before landing, letting the blonde remove the note tied on its leg. Behind him, Mizuki pouted, tapping her foot impatiently. The eagle flew once it noticed that the note was no longer on its leg. “Why does it have to be my sister?” Mizuki complained just as Tsukasa was opening the note. “They decided it themselves, complain about it when Yuuki-san arrives.” Tsukasa scolded, hearing a huff from the girl, deciding to ignore her for a while.

I’ve been noticed, I bet three letters until they caught me. 

Tsukasa chuckles, handing the note to Mizuki, he watches as her face contorted into disbelief. “She knows it's dangerous yet she's treating it like a game!?” Mizuki complained, he understands that she's just worried for her sister but it's hypocritical of her. “Mizuki, you out of all people shouldn't complain about her actions, believe it or not you two are similar.” Tsukasa commented, the woman looking at him with confusion. “Sure she can be gentle and mature, but Yuuki-san is playful too, you're the same.” With that comment, Mizuki raised an eyebrow. “What are you trying to imply, Tsukasa-san?” Mizuki responded, folding the note neatly. “Mizuki, you're the one making bets with Akito on who can kill more, when Yuuki-san found out about our murders, she kept sending letters complaining about why you're betting on kills when you could be killed too. So in short, Yuuki-san was just being as carefree as you and it's hypocritical for you to complain and hypocritical of her to complain too.” Tsukasa pointed out, immediately shutting up the woman. 

“Okay geez, I bet if Saki-san is with us you’ll be like this too.” She bit back, making the blonde smile. “I guess, but you really don't need to worry, ‘he’s’ there to take care of Yuuki-san before we take her back.” Tsukasa ruffled Mizuki's hair, clearing her throat. “WHO WANTS SOME TOAST!?” He suddenly yelled, hearing a bunch of groans upstairs. Mizuki laughed knowing well he just woke up Akito and Kohane who just came back from a mission. “ME!” Phoenix yelled from upstairs, followed by Tiger and a sleepy Kohane. Mizuki decided to help, still worried for her sister. 

Days passed, and another suspect revealed. This time, Kaito dragged a pink haired woman with her who looked angry rather than scared. He threw the woman in front of the emperor who stared blankly at the woman. “Akiyama Yuuki is a traitor, here's the proof.” Kaito handed the note, upon reading it, she crumpled the note in anger. “Akiyama Yuuki huh, I should've guessed, you're the older sister of Akiyama Mizuki after all.” The emperor sighed, reading the letter out loud. “We are ready to overthrow the Emperor Tsukasa-san.” 

Chapter Text

The emperor stared in disgust at the woman. She looked at her parents who cried helplessly at the thought of their two daughters being traitors of the Empire. “Shame on you Yuuki! We didn't raise you like this!” Her mother cried in anguish, her father trying to support her mother. They are merely commoners, making the Emperor click her tongue. “I see a pattern here, the other traitors must be commoners too.” Yuuki flinched, glaring at the Emperor. “Oh? So I was right then.” Yuuki rolled her eyes, receiving a sharp kick by Mafuyu, the woman coughed in pain, sending a glance at the knight. “Report to me, Kaito.” Miku commanded, seeing the man straighten his back even more, servants and onlookers alike looked at the scene and whispered among themselves. “Yes. After our meeting four days prior, I witnessed Ms. Akiyama Yuuki sending a letter through an eagle, I thought nothing of it for everyone sends letters through bird, but then, I kept witnessing her sending letters with three different birds, a sparrow, a raven, and a hummingbird for the past three days, and as of today, I shot down a falcon holding that letter.” Kaito reported, the servants whispering about how grateful they are for Kaito. 

“You rebels own different birds? Animal cruelty huh.” The emperor immediately concluded, the crowd shaming the girl. “Geez, no way that takes time, it's just random birds Tsukasa finds and then commands.” Yuuki admitted, they were shocked by how easy it is to get such information. “And how is he able to do that?” Rui's voice emerged, walking through the crowd with his arms crossed, looking down at the woman. Saki is behind him, holding her beloved spear. “Only Tsukasa knows, birds have been constantly attracted to him, no wonder you used to date him.” Yuuki didn't even glance at the man who used to be her sister’s friend. Rui decided to ignore the insult and interrogate her more, shaming her in front of the crowd. “Are the rebels all commoners?” Saki wondered, Yuuki sighed in frustration then nodded. “So what if we are?” She answered.

“That makes searching a lot easier I guess…” Saki whispered into Rui's ears. “So then, how can a group of commoners overthrow me?” The emperor smugly smiled, confident in her own power to destroy six commoners daring to challenge her. “May I stand up then?” Yuuki requested, the Emperor hummed, then nodded. They all watched as she slowly stood up, despite having caught in the act, she acted so confident with her hands tied behind her back. “Killing you of course, what else does overthrowing mean?” Her parents wailed at her words, words that she said confidently as if it would happen truly. “Kill me huh, for what reason? I have been nothing but benevolent to you… and this is how you repay me?” She sighed sadly, making the crowd agree with her. Kaito sucked in a sigh and looked away from the Emperor. “Benevolent my ass, I know what you did.” The crowd went silent, listening to the words of a criminal. “What you did to Tsukasa, my sister, Akito, and me, did it benefit you?” Yuuki wondered, the emperor was confused at her words. 

“Of course you benefitted! You know who else benefited from your acts!” She yelled, turning around to face Rui and Saki, glaring at them as if they personally offended her. “These two. A powerful head sorcerer and a soon to be apprentice general. I wonder why.” Saki nervously looked at Rui, unsure about what she did to this woman when they barely knew each other. “Oh? So you're acting confused now. The reason you're strong right now, is because you lost someone.” Saki and Rui flinched, immediately knowing who she's talking about. “It's your fault he became like that, and the result of your wrongdoings ended up being the one that made you stronger. Isn't that right, Emperor? I am pretty much aware of your works.” Yuuki glared at the Emperor. Kaito grabbed her tied hands and pulled her down, making her fall back down to the ground again.

They noticed the emperor being agitated, tapping her foot and chewing on her lips to calm herself down. “Your Majesty,” she said in a mocking tone, “the knights must be grateful for your works, Dame Saki and the head Sorcerer are living proof of that, aren't they?” The Emperor grew tired and stood up, stomping her feet heavily on the ground. “Take her to the dungeons!” She immediately commanded. Mafuyu moved quickly, dragging the woman down to her cell. The crowd soon dispersed, leaving only the parents of the Akiyama siblings begging the Emperor for forgiveness. The Emperor assured them that it's not their fault, despite the nasty eye she's giving them. Saki and Rui left without a word. 

They bumped into Toya who apparently just arrived from whatever visits he’s been doing. “How did it go?” He asked, waving at Yakou who growled before flying away. “You see… the traitor is Akiyama Yuuki, Mizuki's older sister and we found out that the rebels consisted of commoners…” Saki informed, looking down on the ground. Toya was about to disagree that Tsukasa is not a commoner, before he suddenly remembered the screams of their father telling Tsukasa to leave the house. “Guess, I’ll be investigated too.” Rui chuckled dryly, the younger male finally noticing their odd behavior. “We finally have even the slightest lead… Why are you two upset?” Toya asked, awkwardly staring at the two older individuals who darted their eyes anywhere other than his own. “She said something about…benefiting from Tsukasa’s rebellion which I don't really understand but umm…” Saki paused, rubbing her neck, trying to find the right words. “She said we're the reason Tsukasa rebelled.” Rui said bluntly, seeing the other man flinch in shock. Toya scratched his head and finally nodded in understanding. 

“Was she talking about the sparring and break up?” Toya asked, the two nodded, Toya didn't know what to say, he’s not big on comforting people. “It might be but…it was not your choice for Tsukasa to be a rebel.” Toya started, finally making the two look at him. “It's something we shouldn't deny but… if you want to fix the mistake you’ve made then… we just need to capture them.” Toya advised, not sure if it was even helpful, that's until Saki jumped on him, giving him a hug. “You're totally right Toya!” Saki exclaimed happily. Rui smiled, ruffling the heads of the two. “I see, my head was clouded for a while, thank you Toya.” Rui added, making the younger man smile. “It's nothing.” Toya laughed, hugging the blonde back. ‘Tsukasa-kun, look at these two who have grown a lot. Stronger and smarter than anyone else, you left them, and since you're the man that I love the most, I will take care of them in your stead.’ Rui thought, urging the two to talk in his office instead. They readily agreed, following him behind happily. 

Tsukasa tapped the windowsill, the falcon hasn't returned, knowing well what it indicates. “Looks like Yuuki-san won the bet.” Tsukasa sighed, calling for another bird to fetch the falcon that had probably been shot by an arrow. Mizuki walked around in circles, making Kohane dizzy as she wondered how to make the girl stop. “Anyways! Change of plans, since Mizuki is too worried for her sister, she's going to rescue her.” The girl stopped pacing, her smile akin to a cat as she jumped on Tsukasa, hugging him tightly. “You're the best senpai!” Mizuki commented, hearing the other huff proudly. “Oh why of course! Only I, Tenma Tsukasa, is kind enough to give you this opportunity!” He declared proudly, feeling the girl nod at his chest. “Indeed! You're the best senpai!” Mizuki strokes his ego, making him laugh boastfully. Akito frowned, falling to his side so he could lean on Kohane. “What is this, a circus show?” Akito insulted, hearing the girl beside him laugh. “Well, at least Mizuki-chan looks much better now.” Kohane pointed out.

Akito glanced at Mizuki's cheerful expression, slightly pouting because he didn't want to admit it. “I guess she is.” He mumbled angrily, Kohane somehow found it funny as she giggled quietly, watching Mizuki clap while Tsukasa posed dramatically. “I can't believe these two are the most dependable in our group.” Akito complained again, receiving a nudge from Kohane despite her giggles from his comment. “Should we start planning?” Kohane called out. The two looked at her and nodded. “Yes, yes! I'm gonna be a knight in shining armor for my sister!” Mizuki hopped towards them happily. “Of course! As expected of my vice leader! She knows what to do very well!” Tsukasa complimented, making Kohane blush. “Well, me and Tsukasa have decided to implement one of the secret plans because of Minori.” Kohane revealed, making the two’s eyes widened as they were handed a paper. They read it at the same time, mouths hanging open at the contents. “You're going to give Minori-chan a heart attack!” Mizuki commented, looking at them and the paper simultaneously. “Right?” Kohane agreed, sighing in pity. “We have no choice really, Minori's attachment for Haruka is deep, the only way to convince her is to do that to Haruka.” Tsukasa shrugged, eyeing the two who nodded. “It's for Minori-chan.” Mizuki handed back the paper, seeing their leaders smile. “Thank you for understanding.” Kohane patted Akito to give her a little space. 

Minori stared at the stars in the night sky, twinkling brightly, the moon is right above her so she cannot stare at it lest she breaks her neck. “It's drawing near…” She muttered, leaning on the railing of the balcony. She looked inside to see Haruka sleeping soundly. “It's time to leave you again Haruka…” Minori's chest aches now that she said it out loud. “I… don't want to leave you all alone again…” Minori quietly admitted , slowly crouching down to hide her face from the stars. “Even though this mission is for you… I don't want to leave yet.”

Chapter Text

Kaito earned praise for catching one of the traitors, but it's not enough, even the Emperor thinks so, there's still two of them lurking inside the palace. When they caught the first traitor, no letter arrived, it seems like their enemies were threatened by them sniffing out each and one of them. ‘It’s not enough, I need to do more, then maybe… maybe she'll return.’ Kaito grumbled, his head aching from thinking too much and lack of sleep. He rubbed his temple, feeling a hand on his shoulders. He glanced to see Mafuyu smiling at him. “You seem stressed, general, is there anything I can help you with?” She offered, handing him a candy and glass of water. “It's alright, it's just about finding the traitors, there's two more left. If only they were more easy to find.” Kaito grumbled, popping the candy into his mouth, the minty taste calming him down. “What will you do if they're lying?” The change of tone caught Kaito off guard, staring at the girl who kept her usual smile. 

“What do you mean?” He questioned, making the girl stammer a little. “O-oh! I didn't mean to add to your current stress but since they are rebels, our enemies, how can we trust the fact that they will surrender if we found the traitors? Or the fact that there's more or less traitors around.” Mafuyu explained, the man silently cursed as the possibility never crossed his mind, that certainly added to his problem. “I see, you're right.” Kaito drank the water quickly, seemingly worrying the girl. “Kaito-san, please believe in the words of the rebels.” Mafuyu suggested, confusing the general. “What do you mean Dame Asahina?” He asked, watching the girl look around for a possible stranger before paying full attention to him. “It seems that I accidentally added to your problems, so I think I’ll take this case to Meiko-san. After all, it seems like she cares about you, Meiko-san is really great at investigating.” She explained kindly. 

“I see…I appreciate your consideration, but I won't be needing her help.” Kaito refused the help, seeing the concern on Mafuyu's face. “But…nevermind, if that's what you wish general.” She saluted and left him behind. Mafuyu walked around searching for her senior, she found her leaning against the window, looking up at the stars, she noticed her presence, smiling happily. “Hello there.” She greeted, the purple haired knight slowly approached her, spilling out her worries. “I see, he always refuses help from others, hearing that makes me so competitive, thank you for telling me Mafuyu, I’ll investigate it.” Meiko grinned happily, the younger one noticing her holding a candy. “If you don't mind me asking Meiko-san, why do you always eat that candy?” Mafuyu pointed at the candies in her hands.

Meiko stared at her hands and chuckled, pocketing the candies. “Well I actually prefer beer over these candies, they're too sour for me. It's just that… someone I really care about used to like it, and eating it makes me remember them. I guess thanks to these candies my alcohol addiction went down a little.” Meiko admitted, Mafuyu went silent at the implications, nodding at her without a word. “Then, I’ll be off.” Mafuyu saluted and left, the last thing she saw was the cheerful yet mature smile of the female general. ‘Those two…what exactly happened between them? They avoid each other and banter yet I can see the way their eyes dart to each other whenever one of them is in danger.’ Mafuyu walked aimlessly, still keenly aware of her surroundings while walking around the empty halls. ‘Just recently, Seiyuurin complained about being used as a messenger to give Kaito-san, Meiko-san’s handkerchief because he was bleeding,’ she took a sharp turn, pausing when she saw four people laughing quietly among themselves, ‘and Ichika admitted to gifting Meiko-san the sour candies she always eat when it came from Kaito-san. Just… What made this Empire change?’ She wondered, turning around so as to not disturb the group in front of her. ‘If it's Meiko-san, she’ll surely find out, but why hasn't she investigated sooner? It's so unlike her.’ 

Meiko stayed near the window until she's sure Mafuyu wouldn't come back. She entered her room to find a squirrel, an odd collar on its neck, she knew what those are, looking at her room filled with papers plastered on every corner of her room, images of Tsukasa, Mizuki, and Akito, plastered on her walls. The floor is filled with paper too . She stared at the squirrel, shoving aside the empty bottles of beer on her bedside table and beckoning the animal closer. She kept nuts just in case these animals visited her. Tapping on the collar, a voice emerges. “You knew everything about our plan and you chose to not say anything? You could save the Empire and you’ll be revered as a hero.” The voice suggested making her groan, it's the same damn voice, tone, and sentence every time. “I told you, I’m not interested in ruining your plans or advancing with your plans, I just want them to return.” Meiko answered, poking the animal gently with her finger. “I know, but who knows when you’ll change your mind? It won't hurt anyone if you decide to join us.” The voice argued, making her scoff. “Wouldn't hurt anyone huh, what a lie. If I ruined your plans, one of them wouldn't return and probably die, and if I advanced with your plan, the man that I’m trying to save would face another betrayal. I can't have that, my decision will not change anytime soon. Why do you keep visiting me like this every week anyways? Don't you have anything better to do?” Meiko rolled her eyes despite the other not seeing it, she watched the bottles stop rolling as soon as it hit one of her furniture.

 “Yes we do actually have nothing to do, general. But! Once our plan commences there will be no more squirrels, we’ll be both busy aren't we?” The voice cheekily suggested. “What am I doing casually conversing with a traitor?” Meiko sighed, looking at her door to see four small shadows, cursing quietly. She lets the voice ramble on about something before the shadow disappears quickly. “Hey, you told me you're going to help me if I get suspected as a traitor, right?” Meiko interrupted the other, hearing the other hum in agreement. “Of course, it would cause us harm if they find out about your very thorough investigation you refuse to take action for.” Meiko groaned as the voice decides to mock her first before helping. “You need to do it now, I’m gonna take off these papers first.” Meiko immediately stood up, wasting no time on ripping off her investigation. “And where will you hide them? The Emperor's knights are thorough in their searching.” The voice asked, the squirrel looking at her with curiosity as she gathered the papers in her arms. “Hide? I'm gonna burn them. I already memorized all of your plans anyway.” Meiko answered, wondering why the voice is quiet as she lights her chimney with magic, immediately throwing the papers in there as soon as her arms are full. “Then why are you still keeping those papers plastered on your walls despite memorizing each detail?” The voice eventually asked. 

Meiko paused in front of a wanted poster, caressing it gently. “I just want to be reminded of them.” Meiko chuckled, hearing a sigh, this time it echoed. Meiko gasped as she found the papers moving on their own. She looked at her balcony to see a hooded man moving the papers quickly into the chimney. “You're hopelessly in love. Minori will take care of you.” The man placed all of the papers on the fire, including the ones on the floor. “They're here, tell them you were talking to Minori, Minori's awake.” She watched as he fell backward and disappeared, Meiko pulled the blankets and an empty bottle. The door soon bursted open, she didn't even glance at them, showing indifference. “You're suspected of being an accomplice with the rebels.” She hummed, realizing it's Kaito. “Is that so?” Meiko stood up, folding the blanket and dumping it on her bed. Kaito looked around her room, frowning as he saw a certain picture. Meiko noticed his gaze and immediately faced down the frame. “You have no right to look at it, General Kaito.” Meiko threatened, letting her hands be tied behind her. “Why is that?” Kaito asked, conscious of her willingness. “You left them and broke the promise. You have no right until you’ve atoned to your mistakes.” Meiko sighed, walking ahead of her arrestees. “Are you not afraid?” Ichika asked, seeing her shrug. “Why should I? I'm not a traitor, it's up to you if you believe it or not.”

Meiko knelt calmly in front of the Emperor, glaring at her. “To see that one of my generals that I trusted in searching for the traitors became a suspect, so tell me, do you know why you were suspected?” Miku asked, crossing her legs as she stared down at her, Meiko sighed and nodded. “Someone heard me say something about ‘Why am I talking to a traitor?’ About two people I guess.” Meiko answered with honesty, she heard footsteps, glancing to see Saki and Toya looking at her with guilt, deducing that it was them who reported her. “Well then, are you going to admit or deny it?” The Emperor stood up, walking towards Meiko until she's exactly in front of her. “Deny it. I'm no traitor.” Meiko answered, gasping when a sudden pain hit her stomach, the impact made her dizzy, wondering where it came from. She coughed, looking up to see the Emperor's raised leg. “Do you have any proof?” She asked, watching her writhe in pain. ‘She placed her magic along with that kick.’ Meiko groaned and nodded. “Ha…Hanasato Minori can attest to me, she's the one I was talking to.” Meiko answered slowly. The Emperor hummed and nodded. “Summon Hanasato Minori immediately, she might be the other traitor.” She commanded, going back to her throne, the brunette tried to calm herself and ignore the pain on her abdomen. 

It was midnight when Minori arrived with her fiance Haruka, who probably insisted on coming. Minori looked confused, curtsying in front of the Emperor with her fiance. “Hanasato Minori, General Meiko has claimed that you were talking to her earlier tonight, is that true, if so, how did you do that? And why did she call you a traitor.” She immediately interrogated her as soon as she raised herself up. “Oh… it's true Your Majesty, we have been talking for weeks now using a special device I have created, take a look Your Majesty.” Minori summoned the same device that Meiko is used to seeing, she handed the device and summoned another one, tapping on it. “Testing, Testing.” Minori's voice echoed in front of the Emperor. “As for the traitor part, I have forgotten a promise I have made with Meiko-san when I was still in the academy which is telling her when I’ll get married, and I have failed to fulfill that promise… so we’ve been talking every night, I wanted advice on what to do for me and Lady Haruka's future wedding.” Minori blushed, Haruka gasped, also turning red at the young brunette’s words. Meiko hid her confusion until she remembered what Minori was talking about.

Minori huffed, she came towards Meiko earlier asking for advice in regards to her sword handling so Meiko trained her for a bit. Minori Brightly smiled and raised her hands. “Thank you Meiko-san! I can swing my sword properly now!” Minori cheered, squinting her eyes when Meiko's heavy hand patted her head. “Then in return, you should tell me when you find someone you want to get married to, we’re hair buddies anyways!” Meiko jokingly claimed, laughing when Minori replied earnestly to her fake request. Minori waved enthusiastically and ran away. Kaito went out of his hiding spot, staring at the area where Minori disappeared. “She took that seriously huh, you shouldn't joke about that with your juniors.” He warned, being shaken off by Meiko who immediately demanded him to spar with her.

‘Who knew a joke would save my life.’ Meiko sighed, knowing it's not enough to convince the Emperor. “I started calling Dame Minori a traitor as a joke, I never knew it would be used against me, I apologize for the trouble.” Meiko calmly explained. It was quiet until Haruka raised her hand slightly, the Emperor nodded, silently allowing her to speak. “If I may, Minori has been sleeping later than me, I wake up at random intervals at night and hear her talking to someone… and I heard marriage in one of those conversations.” Haruka added. What they didn't expect is for Kaito to raise his hand too. The Emperor frowned and nodded. “I was there when they made that promise, so I can attest that it indeed happened and is a fact.” Kaito ended, they heard the Emperor hum. “Release her.” 

Kaito sliced the ropes off her. Saki and Toya bowed down deeply, she chuckled and urged them to stand up straight. Kaito helped her up, but she slapped his hand away and didn't even thank him, she immediately went to Minori. The Emperor dismissed them. “Wait Kaito, you stay.” The Emperor commanded. The blue haired man nodded and stayed. Saki and Toya waved at them awkwardly. Minori told Haruka to walk ahead, the two brunettes following a little far away from her. “You need to be careful, what if she heard your little plan.” Meiko whispered, looking around the hall just in case. “Yes. Are you really sure you don't want to join us?” Minori asked, seeing the older shake her head. “Unlike you, I’m not willing to risk everything.” Meiko answered, rubbing her stomach, it's still in pain from the kick she received earlier. “Do you want us to heal your stomach?” Minori offered, the older one refusing her again. “It's a perk, I can avoid my duties while I heal.” Meiko chuckled, noticing the way Minori looks at Haruka. 

“I kept you for too long, go to her, goodluck in your mission.” Meiko pats her back. Minori giggled and smiled, running towards Haruka, she hopped as she hugged her fiance, both of them laughing with joy. ‘I guess ‘that’ plan will be used huh.’ Meiko turned away, going back in front of the throne room, hearing loud smacks. ‘Why do you let yourself suffer like this Kaito.’ Meiko squats in front of the door, begrudgingly listening to the smacks, yells, and groans she hears inside the throne room. ‘If only you could rely on me more. If only you’re not so obsessed over her coming back. She's not coming back Kaito…please…return to me.’ Meiko gently bumped her head on the door, covering her mouth. ‘I can't bear to listen to you being treated like this. I can't bear your personality being like this.’ Meiko kept listening until the noises completely disappeared. 

She stood up, waiting until he went out. They stared at each other until Meiko removed her shirt and approached him, pressing the cloth on his bloodied head. “Don't make a mess.” Meiko whispered, afraid that if the Emperor heard her, he would be punished again. “Don't walk around half naked.” Kaito retaliated, despite that he accepted the shirt and let her drag him to the clinic. The assistant healer is used to Kaito being her usual patient, immediately taking the medical box. She also grabbed a large coat for Meiko to wear. The woman healed Kaito first, grimacing at the bruises he had as he removed his shirt. None of them said a word, not facing each other. Not daring to address the abuse the Blue haired man is going through. The healer went back to Meiko, simply placing ointment on Meiko's rope burns and healing the nicked skin. She requested them to stay put. Though Kaito suddenly stood up, the assistant healer and Meiko glared at him, ready to stop him if he dared to go outside. Instead, he approached Meiko and fell on top of her. Meiko yelped, her legs still on the ground while her torso met the soft mattress of the clinic bed. 

She felt the man embrace her silently, feeling the way he shivered and hearing his small gasps. ‘This… is the man I fell in love with.’ Meiko hugged him back, making sure she's not hurting him just like she's doing. “Give up on her return Kaito.” Meiko coaxed one last time, it was quiet, feeling the way Kaito shaked his head. “It's like telling you to stop waiting for their return.” Kaito argued, making her sigh. “Fine then.” Meiko whispered, tilting her head so it's buried on the man's shoulders. “I'm glad you're not a traitor.” Kaito added. Meiko looked at him with guilt before smiling. ‘I made the right choice. Oh goddess, please return the man and woman I love back to me.’ Meiko wished, her heart warming the longer she embraced Kaito. “Sleep in my room, Meiko.” Kaito requested. Meiko chuckled breathily, rubbing his back. “Inviting your ex for a sleepover huh? Sure, just this once.” Meiko agreed. They waited a few more minutes before the healer allowed them to go. No words were needed, they simply walked with their hands clasped together, entered the room with just a glance to each other, and slept on the bed with a simple embrace to calm them both, a shared thought between the two of them. 

‘You’re all I have.’ 

‘You’re the only one who didn't change.’

‘So in return’

‘So in return’

‘I will protect you from the truth.’ 

‘I will protect you from her.’ 

Chapter Text

Saki sat on Rui's office couch, shaking her leg and biting her lower lip. It's her fault, they ruined the last chance they had to catch the traitor, she should've opened the door to confirm her suspicion instead of running immediately to the Emperor. Toya tried to warn her yet she remained stubborn, he simply followed her. Shiho awkwardly glanced at the blonde, both her and Honami are borrowing Rui's archives just to see Saki stressed out. Shiho got tired and sighed, firmly placing the archive back on its shelf and approaching Saki. Rui didn't interrupt them despite also being worried for Saki. “What's wrong with you Saki?” Shiho approached her, she stood in front of the girl and crossed her arms. “Shiho… I failed to capture the traitors, we have the last chance to search for the remaining two yet… I used it up because I was too stubborn.” Saki admitted, fidgeting under her gaze. “And? You just wanted to capture Tsukasa-san quietly, and even if we caught the traitor, do you think Tsukasa-san will magically return to his past self?” Shiho scolded, hearing Honami gasp behind her. “Shiho-chan..!” She warned, also placing the archive she borrowed back to the shelf. “No Honami, she needs to face it, there's hundreds of people working and living in the palace, it was even a miracle we caught Akiyama Yuuki. Let's say we caught the three of them, and Tsukasa-san and the others turned themselves in, how do you think he will gaze at you? Even if we capture them, the Emperor will surely behead them for their crimes.” Shiho asked. Based on Saki's terrified expression, she can take a guess.

“Saki, the only way to make sure that Tsukasa-san will redeem himself is by fighting him head on, scolding him through your spear and telling him through your magic that he should redeem. Tsukasa-san will not return that easily, at least not the one that we know. The Tsukasa-san featured in the newspapers and drawn on posters is not your brother, but a monster wreaking havoc. Saki, get over it.” Shiho flicked Saki's forehead, making her yelp. Honami gently moved Shiho aside, she knelt in front of Saki, taking her hand in between her own. “Saki, just because you failed to weed the traitors out and you made the wrong decision doesn't mean it's the end of the world. You can make up for your mistake by fighting. I’ll always be by your side, Saki. I’ll tell you when you make a mistake, I’ll be there to comfort you, and I’ll be there to support you. I may not be as strong as the three of you, but I know I have the heart to welcome the three of you back every time you return from battle.” Honami rubbed the elder's arm, smiling when Saki finally let her tears fall. “I'm sorry…” She hiccuped, wiping her tears with her free hand. 

“Geez, there's nothing to be sorry for, you already apologized to general Meiko didn't you? It's okay, there are a lot of chances to redeem yourself.” Shiho ruffled her hair, hearing the blonde's broken laugh. “Shiho-chan, you're messing up my hair.” She complained, earning a much more aggressive ruffle. “Really?” Shiho teased Saki who complained even more while Honami laughed at them. Ichika bursts the door open holding a bunch of snacks. She was openly confused and breathless, she panted and showed the snacks. “I brought snacks to cheer you up.” Ichika stated, making the girls burst into laughter, embarrassing the black haired girl as she slowly entered and closed the door. Saki knew she just returned from her duty. She feels lucky being surrounded by friends who truly care about her, their warm hands and gentle voice truly gives her hope, she wishes that they stay with her forever. 

Rui knew his existence had been erased as soon as Honami started comforting Saki, he smiled to see that Saki is surrounded by friends who truly love and care for her. He glanced down at a picture frame of him and a certain girl in front of a temple. ‘If only she wasn't so busy.’ Rui wiped off the dust on the corner of the frame, unlike Saki, he’s all alone, no one to comfort him and protect him, yet he doesn't mind, he can take care of himself. He stared at the cup of tea Honami brewed for him. The girl once discovered that he has trouble sleeping, ever since then, whenever she visits, she would brew a cup of tea mixed with a bit of magic. He was wary at first until he realized it's just a small amount of sleep magic that really helped him. He checked the tea, the magic much more potent than before. ‘She must be worried about me.’ And then, he took a sip. 

Meiko watched the stars, she really couldn't understand Kaito, he invited her to sleep over and in the morning he shouted at her to leave. “Such mood swings.” She insulted quietly, though she knows she can't be complaining when she does the same. Whenever Kaito would offer help and the events stress her out so much, her anger would be shifted to Kaito. Meiko saw a bird entering another window. She downed a bottle, leaning on the windowsill. She waited for a few moments before closing her eyes. “Boom.” An explosion emerged from the far east, alerting the whole palace. Meiko simply returned to her room, waiting for a command, hearing another knight scream. “THE EXPLOSION HAPPENED NEAR THE KIRITANI MANOR!”

Haruka coughed as she went out of the burning manor with Minori who is oddly calm, Her legs shaking, eventually having to use Minori as a stool. “Minori, let's go now. Father and Mother are out safely.” Haruka suggested, taking her arm, she gasped as Minori pushed her aside, Haruka yelped as she fell to the ground, facing the back of her fiance. “I'm sorry Haruka.” Minori summoned a large pair of scissors, pointing the end of the blade at her fiance’s neck. “I'm a rebel.” Minori admitted, her night dress lighting up in fire. Haruka tried to reach for her dress, only for the flame to rise quicker and change her clothes to a red frilly dress, long socks, and doll shoes, completely clean. “Minori.” Another voice emerged, revealing Tsukasa with a hooded woman, guiding a tiger. “Let's go.” The hooded woman extended her arm. Minori moved her blade away from Haruka, taking a step towards the two, until she felt hands holding down her ankles. “NO!” Haruka yelled, shocking the three. “Haruka-chan!?” Minori worriedly yelped, pulling her leg away, yet Haruka's hold only tightened, hurting the brunette in the process. “Minori, hurry up!” Tsukasa demanded, the brunette looked between the blonde and her fiance, finding herself not struggling to pull her leg anymore. “I won't let you go again! Please…” Haruka pleaded, crawling closer towards Minori. 

“Haruka-chan…” Minori falters, she wants to continue this mission, yet she doesn't want to leave Haruka alone anymore. Her gaze locked into Tsukasa's dark ones, she flinched in fear, seeing him signal at Summer. “You leave me no choice.” Minori gasped as they both rushed forward, Minori was thrown right at Tsukasa's shoulders, she looked behind her to see a hand, a detached hand. “Ah…Ah!” Minori screamed, thrashing around in Tsukasa's shoulders, they didn't pay her any mind as they heard the knight rushing, the three of them fled, Minori endlessly hit Tsukasa’s back, cursing at him while crying. “YOU SAID YOU WOULDN'T HURT HER! YOU SAID YOU WOULDN'T! YOU PROMISED! You… promised me….Tsukasa-san…” Minori wailed, she kept wailing as she slowly turned limp on his shoulders, horns resembling those of sheeps slowly grew on her head, she pulled Summer’s hood several times to show her anger. They reached the house, Tsukasa aimlessly tossed the brunette to the couch where Kohane sat. “Your Highness… they cut off… Haruka's hands… Why did… you let… this happen!” Minori sat up, her hair a mess and her clothes wrinkled. Kohane awkwardly looked at Tsukasa. “It was one of the secret missions…you faltered in fulfilling your duty, so we had to do it, we had to hurt her, don't worry, she won't die.” Kohane tried to assure, her heart clenched as Minori threw their couch pillows and kicked the chairs, none of them tried to stop her. 

“You… I… don't like this….” Minori cried, slumping on the floor. Tsukasa approached her, pointing at her ankles. “She held you too tight, do you want me to heal your ankles?” Tsukasa asked, receiving a rejection. “No…please don't… take her… away… from me.” Minori muttered. Kohane slowly approached her, rubbing her back. “Minori…I’m sorry.” Kohane whispered. Tsukasa simply sighed and turned away, telling them he’ll check on Akito and Mizuki.

An muttered several curses as she chased after Mizuki, releasing her vines to try and capture her leg, failing every time. Soon enough, Toya is running beside her, no matter how tired her legs are, she rushes forward. “Mizuki!” She yelled desperately, Toya almost reached her yet she just had to jump into the roof. It irritated her when she had the gall to wink, knowing well that she's outrunning them. Just then, she stopped abruptly, the pain in her legs making her stop. Toya looked at Mizuki who went down and stopped in front of them, and at An whose legs are shaking from how long she's been running. He kept weighing his choices, when he heard the knights, he clicked his tongue and scooped the girl into his arms. “Toya! Just capture Mizuki, don't mind me!” An scolded the man who shaked his head. “It's fine, the knights are approaching and she's just there…” Toya glanced at the pink haired who remained a few feet in front of them. 

Suddenly, just as the knights were approaching, flames surrounded them, An held on to Toya who protectively squeezed her closer. “It's a trap!” Toya stated, watching the army fuss over how to extinguish the flames, Toya tried with his magic, but all his ice simply melted. Akito appeared, smiling smugly. “What do we have here?” He started, An stared longingly at the man, Toya warned the girl with her eyes, she looked away with guilt. “Is this what they call moving on, Mizuki?” Akito mocked and Toya watched the girl in her arms grit her teeth. “Maybe? How touching.” Mizuki added, hands behind her as she stared at the two bi-colored pairs. Toya looked around the ring of fire, seeing that even Yakou can't come down and whisk An away. 

Before Toya could even inform An, vines had started wrapping themselves in Mizuki's ankles, the girl yelped, immediately slashing them away. “I can still use magic Toya, don't worry.” An chased the girl with her vines until Toya turned around, someone dropped, An peeked through Toya’s shoulder, seeing Tsukasa removing a large sword off the ground, possibly the cause of the large crack on the ground and the dust moving around. “No need to be feisty, we’re just here to relay a message.” Tsukasa started, the sword now resting on his shoulders. An tapped Toya to put her down, he complied, still letting An lean on him. “What do you want?” She asked, glaring at the three of them. “That's what I'm talking about, someone in this Empire still knows open communication!” Tsukasa beamed happily.

“Let us grace you with the number of our members!” Mizuki cheered, clapping afterwards, Toya held An’s hands in anticipation, An squeezed his hand back, trying to calm him down. “We have a total of 6 members, but only 4 of us can fight, they are standing right in front of you and the other one is resting.” Akito continued, his gaze sharp. An looked at the three one by one, being overcome by a sense of defeat. ‘They’ve changed…but why?’ An felt her hand clench in betrayal. “Then, we’ll see you on the battlefield.” An bravely replied. “Or not.” Before she could question it, Toya tried attacking the three of them. The ring of fire disappeared as the three of them jumped back. “Toya!” An warned, yet the man remained focused on attacking the three. “I guess this is goodbye!” Mizuki sing-songs before they suddenly disappeared within a blink of an eye. Toya cursed under his breath. 

An released Toya’s hands and forced all the doors open, finding no people inside, there are some dead people but she can count them all with ease. Toya noticed what she's doing and went the opposite way to search. He found Haruka's parents who cried about something he didn't understand. The girl kept running, seeing a shack surrounded by a protective barrier. An immediately went towards it, opening the door to see a crowd of people laying down on the floor neatly, they're not dirty, harmed, or bleeding in any way. An’s head spun in confusion. ‘Isn’t their goal to wreak havoc? Then how come they left these villagers untouched? How come there's only a few casualties when our magic tore houses down, and based on the bodies I discovered, they have been dead for a while now. Then… so why?’ An entered and closed the shack, she observed all of the people inside seeing no magic planted in them either. “That's weird…” she whispered, she suddenly remembered Magna’s testimony. 

“Yes. The blonde man said it's because they enslaved children, sold me, kidnapping, and other stuff he didn't mention.”

Her eyes widened, dropping to her knees on the wooden floors. Her hands tightly fixed into her mouth, refusing to make a single sound. ‘Are they…protecting us? But from what?’ An squeezed her eyes shut, trying to remember all those gruesome murders, all those nobles, what did they have in common? Corruption, a blade to their neck, and support from the Emperor. ‘That’s right! Those nobles that have been killed by them are corrupt nobles supported by the Emperor, it wouldn't have been strange if the Emperor also supported other nobles, but the ones she supports are nobles indulging in illegal activities.’ An glanced at the door, finding that no one is entering any time soon. ‘Rui said something about Yuuki claiming that the Emperor is doing something to the knights? Wait… 

“What you did to Tsukasa, my sister, Akito, and me, did it benefit you?”

An felt dizzy at the sudden information. She removed her hands away from her mouth, slamming them on the floor. “Damn it! Why… are you putting yourself at such risk, Akito!” She muttered angrily, choosing to beat her own thighs instead so as to not disturb the villagers sleeping peacefully. “Akito, Mizuki, you idiots! What am I supposed to do now…?” 

Chapter Text

Toya stared at An, her weird behavior bothering him. The dark bags under her eyes and constant fidgeting didn't help either. As usual, Toya and An stayed in Rui's office, both males watching her mutter words they cannot understand and pulling out random archives. “What are you searching for?” Rui finally asked, frowning at An’s state. “Would I seem crazy if I tell you It's about Ena’s death?” An answered, shocking the two of them. Toya had personally never met the woman but he had heard great things about her from the assistant healer and An. Apparently, she's Shinonome Akito's older sister who died at his graduation, but it has long been revealed that the murdered were three freshly graduated knights who were jealous of Akito, the same three knights who were killed by Akito before they were arrested. “But that case has long been solved, why are you digging it up?” Toya spoke up, watching her hand freeze. 

“I know…but something tells me that Akito's rebellion is related to her death, you heard Akiyama Yuuki’s statement first hand right?” An sighed, placing the books back on the shelves, she hugged herself, shaking like a leaf. As soon as the bi-colored male noticed, he immediately moved to guide An to the couch while Rui called a maid to brew some tea. “What's wrong? There's something else isn't it?” Toya gently coaxed, disappointed when the girl shakes her head furiously. “I can't…there's no way I can say it…” She whispered, he was confused, the tea immediately arrived, they served it in front of her. She took a few moments of calming herself down before drinking the tea. “I'm sorry for bothering you but please… I don't want to say anything until I’ve confirmed it.” An finally answered clearly. The two men nodded, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. “That's alright, you can always come in and take any book you want.” Rui assured, gesturing for her to drink more of the tea. She silently obliged, the room became quiet as they worriedly watched over the girl. ‘I must stop them, they're putting themselves in danger!’ An felt a burst of determination, for now, she wants to alleviate Rui and Toya’s worry by taking a rest. 

An read the article over and over again, finding nothing unusual, even the thorough investigation of Ena’s body and surroundings provided nothing. She sighed, looking at Mizuki and Tsukasa's portraits when they graduated from the academy. “What are those papers for?” An flinched to hear a voice behind her, she immediately turned around to see General Meiko smiling at her. “General! It's nothing, just a silly investigation.” An awkwardly chuckled, hearing the older hum and then smile. “For a silly investigation, you're sure beating yourself over it.” Meiko teased, running her thumb under her eye, she instinctively closed her eye when she touched the skin under it. “Ah well…it's a personal matter, I want to stop the rebels.” An admitted, seeing the brunette tilt her head in confusion. “Well, doesn't everyone want to stop the rebels? What makes this special?” Meiko pointed at her papers, the younger woman looked around in caution before turning towards Meiko. “Would it be insane if I told you that the rebels are protecting us from the Emperor? I want to stop them because they're putting themselves in danger, I don't—” She was cut off by Meiko's hand clasping on her mouth, shivering in fear as she saw the older woman's cold expression. “Come with me for a moment.” She ordered.

An dumbly nodded, she kept her mouth shut as Meiko guided her to her room. An wondered if she didn't believe her, gasping when the woman took the papers off her hands, slamming them on the table. “I suggest you don't interfere with their work.” Meiko started, inviting the younger to sit on her bed. She awkwardly obliged, wondering what to say. “Goodness it wasn't Kaito who caught you, you would've been accused as a traitor no matter what you say, you might even reveal their secret to the whole world!” Meiko scolded, brushing up her hair before sighing. “Why shouldn't I interfere? They're putting themselves in danger!” An argued, flinching when both of Meiko's hand planted themselves on her shoulders. “Trust me An, they know what they're doing, they took what? Five years to commit themselves, this was the only way, it may not be the most peaceful, but it's the most convenient, I know all their plans.” Meiko admitted, carefully eyeing her door, not wanting to repeat the same mistakes.

“How long have you known…?” An asked, her hands clenched and relaxed on her lap repeatedly. “I knew ever since the first letter arrived, I can't tell you their identity, their intentions are public, that's the truth, all I can do is tell you to stop investigating. I assure you they have good reasons.” Meiko softly whispered. An sighed deeply, her eyes wandering around the room. “Then… Ena’s death is…?” She didn't need to finish the sentence as Meiko nodded solemnly. An felt like crying, Ena’s death had been caused by the Emperor, the one who she thought was the kindest woman alive, is the same woman who has been behind her sister in law’s death. “I know it's a lot to take in, just pretend you don't know anything.” Meiko advised. 

“Then General… which side are you on?” An questioned, Meiko finally smiled again, patting her head. “No one, I will fight in the battle as a knight of this Empire, not as her knight, but I will not interfere with whatever plan those rebels are planning.” Meiko answered honestly, making her smile too. “I guess I just wanted closure again… I have lost a lot of people, the princess, Akito, Mizuki, Nagi-san, and many more… Toya and Dad are the only ones I have left.” An admitted, feeling a comforting pat on her head. “No worries, when this is all over, it’ll be back to the way it was before.” Meiko chuckled, both of them agreeing to burn An’s notes before anyone discovers them. Suddenly, the door blasted open. “DO Y'ALL NOT KNOW HOW TO KNOCK!?” Meiko yelled after tossing the last paper on the firewood. “Apologies!” A knight answered, turning out to be Ichika, her eyes seeming to be in a daze. ‘Yuuki Akiyama escaped prison! We need your help! Ah! I need to inform Kaito-san!” Ichika immediately ran away, An turned to Meiko in disbelief. “Part of the plan apparently.” She answered her silent question, laughing when An sighed in disbelief.

Mizuki nodded at the discreet light beaming at them, holding her sister’s hands as they ran on the empty halls, sensing an approach, she carefully carried Yuuki on her back and jumped off the window. Looking back to see a group of knights searching, she clicked her tongue and landed on a nearby window, almost losing her balance to see Magna looking at them. “Do you… wanna hide here for the meantime?” She offered like it was nothing but a silly game, nevertheless she accepted and entered the room. Yuuki waved at the girl as they hid in her closet, they waited a few seconds before they heard a knock on the door. Magna opened it to reveal Kaito and her stern look. “What's wrong general?” Magna asked, tilting her head to the side. “Prisoner Akiyama Yuuki escaped, have you seen her?” Kaito immediately asked, the girl hummed moving towards her window. Kaito followed her as she hummed. “I'm not sure if it's the prisoner but I saw someone running there.” Magna pointed at the South wing of the castle, the man cursed and immediately backed away. “Thank you Magna, I’ll go now.” Kaito apologized for the intrusion and ran away. Magna watched the clock ticking before opening the closet. 

“Good job Magna-chan!” Mizuki praised, Yuuki giggled and ruffled the girl’s hair. “We’ll be going now!” The siblings waved at the girl, Yuuki jumping on Mizuki's lap as they disappeared into the night. Magna closed her window and sat down on her bed. She can sense the mana of two people, she can tell it's not Mizuki and Yuuki, the older Akiyama has no mana while the younger Akiyama has a strong mana, this other two has average mana. She ignored it, and simply went to sleep. ‘It’s not my business anyways.’ Magna shrugged, pulling the blankets close to her. 

Mizuki saw Akito, immediately giving Yuuki to him. Yuuki made sure Mizuki is safe before departing with Akito, both of them biting small candy like orbs that immediately transported them back to the house. Mizuki sneaks into the West wing, seeing Toya's older brother, Shuji. “Hello there, I have files.” Shuji chuckled when Mizuki frowned and snatched it away from him, they both jumped off the window and ran away, going towards Tsukasa, the blonde caught Shuji as he jumped off the roof, giving him the orb, Mizuki and Tsukasa nodded to each other, the men bit the orb and disappeared. As she made her way to the east wing, she cursed as she saw Meiko and Kaito talking to Honami, the brunette noticed her but didn't say anything, she hid over them, listening to their conversation. “So you're saying you went out to check on Dame Saki and thought she was somewhere around these halls?” Kaito asked. Honami fidgets and nods. “I didn't see her in her dorm so I started wandering around, I’m sorry.” Honami sounded panicked. “It's fine, just return to your dorm.” Meiko ordered making both Honami and Mizuki flinch, if she starts walking now, the chance to discreetly ran away will be hard, the hallways are long so it takes a while for someone to pass a corner, and if you do pass a corner, the people on the other corner will see you walking by, Mizuki cursed herself, wondering what to do. 

‘Just pretend you're kidnapping her.’ Mizuki blinked at the voice, it was a great idea, it could also serve to hide Honami well, they’re going to be blamed for their disappearance anyways so why not? Mizuki prepared herself, wearing her hood as she stretched her legs as far as possible, gripping on the edge of the roof, she noticed Honami's uniform. Mizuki sighed and swung forward, she landed exactly near Honami, grabbing her in front of the two generals. “Hehe! Bye-bye!” Mizuki stuck out her tongue, Meiko immediately summoned her spear, throwing it in Mizuki's direction, she avoided it, holding Honami on her arms who got the message and pretended to struggle, she even screamed for help, Mizuki shoved the orb into her mouth, taking on herself. Mizuki flinched when several gunshots were fired, she immediately took cover by jumping off the roof. “Now!” Mizuki ordered, they both bit the orb, dropping on the wooden floor of their house. 

The rest of the group watched them, Mizuki groaned and laid on the floor while Honami giggled, sitting on the floor with Mizuki's legs on her lap. When Akito asked what happened, Mizuki explained what she did. “Well isn't that better? It would make us look more like villains.” Kohane wondered, their leader hummed and beamed. “Yeah sure it's fine! It was a great decision anyways! Saki will be devastated!” Tsukasa casually agreed, humming quite happily. “Oh yeah, I won the bet Tsukasa-san!” Yuuki remembered, they all laughed when Tsukasa tripped on his own feet, he slowly gathered himself before looking at Yuuki. “Fine…30 gold coins.” Yuuki laughed, clasping her hands together in joy. 

Chapter Text

Nobles gathered in a banquet, gossiping among themselves, aware of the reason this banquet is held, several knights are stationed in each corner of the hall, staying as still as a statue while the nobles drink and dance with each other. Miku scanned the room, swishing around the liquid in her glass, the noises and music stopped when she stood up and tapped her glass. All of them paid their attention to her regal appearance. “Greeting to everyone, I am overjoyed to see you all attend the banquet this evening.” Miku started. 

Saki sighs dejectedly, worried for Honami, Meiko went to her room in the middle of the night, telling her about how Mizuki kidnapped Honami and she apologized for not saving her. Saki felt weak, she immediately searched for Shiho, the latter took it worse than her. After all, Honami is her girlfriend.

Saki raced along the halls, she hurriedly knocked on Shiho’s door, she couldn't stay still after what she heard. The door soon opened, seeing Shiho's confused expression made her break down at once. “Akiyama took Honami away! She kidnapped her, Shiho!” She loudly informed the girl, Shiho flinched, immediately taking Saki inside, she made the blonde sit on her arm chair while she paced around in thought. “Why would they take Honami? What will they gain from her?” Shiho asked, Saki scratched her hand in worry. “I don't know! How could they… isn't their only purpose to get back Yuuki Akiyama? Why did they have to take Honami!” Saki complained, making the other girl stop her pacing. She immediately approached Saki and embraced her. “It's frustrating, I know. I cannot believe they’ll take an innocent person, but Saki, Honami is strong and smart, she might escape but still, we can rescue her.” Shiho assured, Saki hugged her back, feeling her shake under her arms. ‘You say that but among the two of us, you're the one who's shaking the most.’ Saki thought, burying her face on her shoulder. ‘You’re right, we can still rescue her, we will get her back…’ Saki weakly convinced herself and Shiho. ‘How are we going to take her back…?’ 

 She kept cursing and pacing around afterwards while comforting Saki, she felt guilty knowing that Shiho is comforting her while trying to process that her girlfriend has been kidnapped. And now, she stood with her head high despite her gaze on the ground, Rui stood beside her, eyeing her every minute, she didn't want to engage in any conversation for now, Honami is her precious childhood friend, the woman who's been with her through her ups and downs, the woman who first found out about her relationship with Ichika, and the one who helped her propose to Ichika. ‘Why Honami, Onii-chan? Weren't you the one who arranged her to be my friend? Are you taking away my happiness little by little? Removing yourself and now taking Honami? Please… just come back to your old self. What went wrong?’ Saki opened her mouth and closed again, listening to the Emperor for now.

“As you all know, I have gathered you all here today to talk about our most recent issue,” she paused, sighing in exhaustion, “three, no, four knights have rebelled against our Empire and have taken one of the palace maids. Count Aoyagi’s second son, Shuji Aoyagi also went missing and the traitor Akiyama Yuuki has escaped the dungeons. We have been trying to assess the situation and only one conclusion was made. We are going to war.” Miku announced, the crowd went wild, whispering among themselves. “Please do not fret, for we have capable knights on our side and the council has decided on the actions we shall take. It's a hundred knights against four rebels, there's no way we can lose.” Miku confidently assured.

“Oh? Is that so?” The crowd went silent, looking around to search for the voice, a noble lady screamed, the nobles moved away, revealing Minori, Akito, Mizuki, and Tsukasa sitting on one of the tables, Minori looked sad, a pair of tears threatening to spill, unlike the other three wearing the old knight uniform, Minori wore a red lolita dress with a headband, sheep horns resting neatly on her head. They're all facing the Emperor. Saki felt enraged seeing them all relax. Without thinking, she summoned her spear and threw it in their direction. In a blink of an eye, Minori immediately stood up and snapped the spear with a pair of scissors, the spear falling down in front of her. “Filthy human.” Minori commented, Akito fixed his chair as the brunette fell backwards, landing perfectly on Akito's lap as she made her scissors disappear. “We’re just here to talk, it seems like your knights lack some knowledge.” Akito mocked. Saki was about to summon another spear when she felt a larger hand grab her wrist. “Saki, stop.” It was Rui.

“I'm glad you're taking action immediately but if you throw another spear you might hit a noble.” Rui scolded, the blonde flinched as she realized she was putting the crowd in danger. Looking up, she saw Tsukasa feeding Mizuki some macarons. “You’re not even looking our way…” Saki helplessly mumbled. Rui understands her, despite his scolding, all knights had their weapons on standby, all of it pointing at the four eating the food meant for the guests, not some traitors. “Bring Honami back to me!” Saki yelled, stomping her foot. “Eh? No way, we need her” Mizuki answered, leaning on Tsukasa. “Dame Tenma. Step aside.” Saki flinched at the Emperor's cold tone, she froze, seeing the Emperor sit back on her throne. “You’re here to talk huh? Will you answer my questions truthfully then?” Miku asked, her eyes seething with rage. “Yes… humans lie… me, not human…” Minori replied, her posture perfect and elegant. 

“Aren't you sorry for the family you left behind?” Miku immediately asked, aiming to make them feel guilty. “Why…? Brother not here… isn't he?” Minori answered, accepting the cake Tsukasa spoonfed her. “Come on Your Majesty, never heard that me and my father never got along? Besides, you know very well what happened to my sister.” Akito winked, they all noticed the Emperor digging her nails into her seat. “My sister is the only family I need. I got her back on my side too!” Mizuki cackled, hugging the blonde man. Her pure joy made Rui twitch in discomfort, how could someone find joy in starting a war? “Family?” Tsukasa finally stared at everyone in the room, his eyes blank and cold, he didn't smile like the other three with him. “I don't have a family, why should I feel sorry?” Tsukasa answered. Saki almost felt her knees buckle at his words. ‘No family…? Then what am I!?’ Saki felt Rui's finger rub her hands in comfort. 

“What are you talking about? You are Saki's brother!” Toya spoke up in her stead, the man glanced at him and sighed. “No, isn't the man beside her, her brother? I have no relations with the Tenma Family.” He ended the conversation, the Emperor hummed, calming herself by taking a deep breath. “What do you aim to achieve in this rebellion?” Miku asked again, making the four of them stand up. “To reveal your ugly truth. Your Majesty, you're the one who made us like this, it's your fault and fault alone.” Mizuki placed her hand on her hip, smiling brightly. “Please don't expect too much from your troops. Please be reminded, that the ones who are top of their classes are not those knights you're proud of, it's us.” Tsukasa ended the conversation, they turned around, their backs facing, the nobles ducked as the knights started throwing their weapons at them, Kaito shot his gun but none of it went through. The four calmly walked on the halls, Rui clicked his tongue, downing himself with protective magic as he lunged forward, no weapons also hitting him. As they opened the door, Minori turned around and pushed him, making him fall down on the floor. 

“How… rude… don't approach…Onii-sama…” Minori glared at the man below her, she then looked up and lifted the ends of her skirt, curtsying to the Emperor. “We shall…meet on…the battlefield tomorrow…Foolish humans.” Minori fixed herself and walked away, the last thing Rui saw was Tsukasa's empty eyes looking at him. The halls were silent despite them fully disappearing. “Please prepare for the war.” The Emperor announced, the crowd immediately followed her orders, closing their houses and stocking up on food supplies. 

As soon as they arrived, Minori immediately went into her room, none of them said anything about it, knowing well she's still grieving her loss. Haruka was nowhere to be seen at the banquet. They all felt the Kiritanis glaring at Minori with disdain. It was understandable as Minori was the reason their daughter is missing a hand. Kohane shakes her head, indicating that no one should bother her. The other three nodded and went to their respective rooms. Except Tsukasa. Humming, he opened the door to see one of their allies sitting on the bed. “Are you sure about keeping yourself hidden from everyone?” Tsukasa whispered, they nodded and took the pouch full of orbs. “Yes, it's for the best, at least while I’m still healing.” They replied, making the blonde hum. “Fine, but what does the magic you’re transferring on the orb do?” Tsukasa approached them and sat beside them. “Magic that can make a person sleep for eight hours, but it can only be used once, or else there will be side effects.” They answered, immediately transferring their magic on the orb.

“Is that so? Wake me up when you're done, I need to heal you again.” Tsukasa plopped down on their bed, they chuckled as he wiggled and adjusted himself into their room. “This is my room, you know?” Despite the comment, they gently draped the blanket over him, the man immediately curling up and closing his eyes. “Yeah sure, and I pay for this house.” Tsukasa teased them, making them laugh again. “Sweet dreams then.” With that, Tsukasa fell asleep, ready to take on the battle tomorrow. 

The next day, hundreds of knights waited patiently as four knights emerged from the dark, their clothes were pristine white with hints of blue, even Minori ditched her lolita outfit into a red top and a white pants, holding her sword this time. The two opposing sides simply stood there, none of them making their moves, both cautious and alert, carefully observing their surroundings. The Empire’s knight flinched when the sound of flute emerged, focused on the lovely sound, they barely managed to block their attacks “Focus, it's time to prove which one of us is the best.” Mizuki giggled, happily separating their formations. Tsukasa sighed, approaching Rui who immediately noticed him, preparing his hands to conjure offensive magic. “Showtime.”

Chapter Text

The field has been engulfed in fire not even a minute the fight started, the four rebels are using basic offensive attacks and common swords, so why is it that they are able to knock out and slay hundreds of knights without breaking a sweat? They tried cornering the four yet none of it worked, only ending up with injuries and death. Rui stood in front of Tsukasa after witnessing him kill another one of his comrades. “Why are you doing this?” Rui asked, shooting a bit of his magic towards the blonde, the other swiftly avoided it all while kicking another knight away. “Were you not listening in that damn banquet?” Tsukasa sighed, hearing a loud scream in pain beside him, he saw one of his comrades being skewered by Tsukasa's sword. Tsukasa paused for a moment, seeing that no one was approaching him. Rui saw his eyes darken even more, those pairs of eyes looked at him, devoid of no emotion. “How pathetic these knights are,” the sorcerer flinched at his words, surrounding himself with a protective barrier as soon as Tsukasa calmly walked towards him. To his shock, the barrier broke, freezing as Tsukasa's face was an inch away from his, “we’re holding common swords and using common offensive attacks, how come none of them can get through us? Were they even properly trained?” Tsukasa sneered, seeing a red glow underneath them, he jumped away just in time to avoid the explosion. 

“They trained hard for this! We will surely win!” Rui argued, deciding to focus on attacking Tsukasa. “Is that so? Better watch them carefully then, they might end up like you.” Rui raised an eyebrow in confusion, continuously sending attacks his way. “They might lose a loved one.” Tsukasa smirked when Rui accidentally missed his target, hitting another knight, before he could react, Tsukasa had embraced the knight he accidentally attacked and pierced his sword through his stomach. “After all, you're all dumb.”

Mizuki giggled happily as she avoided An’s attacks. She can clearly tell the girl is distracted about something, which makes it easier for her to kill the other knights approaching her without being that cautious of An. Mizuki watched as An glanced at Toya then at her. Mizuki had just swiftly cut off someone's limb when suddenly, An lunged forward and tackled her. She gasped and cursed, hitting An’s stomach so she could get up. The bi colored hair woman's vine suddenly grew around them and surrounded them like a steady barrier of thick vines. “I’m not here to fight… I just want to know the truth… why did you have to put yourselves in danger just to protect us?” An asked, she noticed the way Mizuki flinched, laughing in disbelief. “Was our plan really that obvious? Another woman had found out about our motive.” Mizuki dropped her sword for the meantime, deducing that An means no harm. Even if she is, Mizuki is far stronger than her. 

“Not really, I just found a few clues that were overlooked, and I don't know the full details of your plan. Meiko-san said it's better for me not to know… but… I want to know why put yourselves in danger? That's what I want to know…” She admitted, slowly moving away from Mizuki, the cries and metals hitting outside the barrier resounded inside, yet it didn't make them worried for now. “Because this is the best we can do…even if we remain good in the eyes of people, we will eventually be seen as evil if we were to reveal the truth, they would believe the benevolent Emperor more than us.” Mizuki sighed, stretching her hands before dropping them down on the burnt grass under her. “If we kill the Emperor and the Crown Princess took over, then our mission is over, there's a plan we haven't decided yet,” Mizuki slowly sat up, holding the other girl’s hands, “we haven't decided what happens after the war, but there's a clearly obvious ending for us, which is death.” An’s breath hitched at her words, her hand shook and squeezed the pinklette’s hands. “I know right? But that's the only way we can pay for our crimes, it's not yet going to happen, but I’m sorry for leaving you again. Let's duel while I’m still alive?” Mizuki softly smiled, seeing An’s tears threatening to fall. “You can't say that! I don't want you to die. I love you, Mizuki, I love Akito, I love Tsukasa-senpai! So why do you have to sacrifice yourselves!” An angrily scolded her. 

“Because that's the only way we can ensure your safety.” Mizuki cupped her cheeks before picking up their swords. “No… you said death is only a possibility… then I'll make a possibility where you can return back to your life.” An removed her barrier after taking her sword from Mizuki, they stood up and took their chance. “Then, I look forward to that future.” Mizuki smiled. At that moment, An could tell that Mizuki is really the cutest person in the world. “Mhm, I’ll make sure that is the only ending for us.” With that, they clashed swords again, Mizuki happily dueled with her while attacking pesky knights that tried to interrupt their fight. ‘I’ll make sure, you will never leave me again.’ An blocked Mizuki's attack, smiling at each other. 

Toya rubbed Yakou’s chin before she flew away. He rushed forward without a word, trying to attack Akito, only for the ginger haired man to kick him away. Toya felt the weight of his hits, yet he refused to let it show. “Why are you causing such chaos?” Toya asked, setting up a block of ice to avoid Akito's fire. “We warned you of this so-called chaos and you're complaining now?” Akito chuckled, he tried to slash Toya's leg yet he jumped over it, the other tried to kick him down but Akito caught his feet and threw him away from him while slicing through another knight. “How could you kill without remorse? The same way you did during graduation.” Akito flinched, glaring at Toya. He was riled up and fueled with anger. “You know nothing, you don't know how that arson is different from this one, the only thing we have in common is losing our older siblings but you know what? I know the reason, the reason hidden from the whole Empire, I know the real reason for my sister's death and what about you? HUH? YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO KILLED NATSUOMI AOYAGI!” Akito tilted his head, avoiding a sharp ice conjured by Toya. Seeing him enraged. “You know nothing about my brother.” Toya glared at him, clutching his sword, anyone could tell that they're both riled up, Akito clicked his tongue, punching away a knight that tried to stab him, immediately knocking out the knight. “I may not, but I know the reason for his death, all four of us know. Funny isn't it? You're the brother and yet you don't know. Ridiculous.” Akito gripped his sword, he can tell he's agitated, yet it's Toya's fault for riling him up. ‘Shit, I can't focus well.’ Akito silently admitted.

“Akito, focus. Who are you fighting for?” 

Akito flinched at the arrival of the voice. Yet it grounded him, the voice that always talks to him softly even while scolding him, he took a deep breath and fixed his stance, finally being able to focus. ‘I’m fighting to avenge Ena. That's all.’ With that, they battled fueled by a desire to win. 

“Akito! Why are you on your knees!? Hah!? Marry!? We’re students!”

“...”

“I guess after we graduate then, I’ll gladly marry you.” 

Akito grinned, burning Toya's cape, the blue haired male calmly removed his cape and threw it away from him. ‘And I’m fighting for someone too stubborn and cheerful for this world. The girl I love.’ Just as Toya was about to hit Akito's legs, the sound of flute came back, Akito backed away immediately, raising his hands. Toya gasped as someone stepped on his shoulders and jumped, looking up to see Minori eyeing them, Toya paused when Saki stopped beside him, panting heavily. Minori fell exactly on Akito's arms, her horns almost poking the man's eyes. Toya saw Rui trying to chase Tsukasa who caught Mizuki right into his arms just like Akito. Without another word, the rebels ran deep into the forest. Saki and Rui tried to chase them but came back empty handed. Meiko sighed and commanded everyone to retreat. Saki felt dizzy, she felt frustrated that she couldn't even match Minori's prowess. She felt herself sway to the side, when another person caught her. “Were you that tired?” Shiho softly smiled, offering her back. Saki wordlessly jumped into her back, wrapping her arms around her shoulders. “I can't even defeat Minori… how am I supposed to fight my brother at this rate?” Saki complained. 

Shiho didn't reply, only humming in response. “At least you know that you still need to improve. Next time… I’m sure you’ll get it.” Shiho fixed Saki's position, walking over their dead comrades. “Okay…” Saki weakly replied, embracing Shiho tightly. “I'm so glad you're here.” Saki muttered, hearing Shiho laugh. “I will always be.” Shiho replied, and that was enough to make Saki feel at ease. ‘That’s right… Soon enough, we will get Honami back to us.’ Saki smiled at the thought of them being together again. 

As soon as they reached the castle, Shiho had to bring Saki to Rui since she's one of the knights who are required to report the situation along with the generals. Rui helped Saki walk, they both saw Ichika running towards them, she stopped right in front of Saki, looking at her up and down with worry. She then sighed and hugged the blonde tightly. “Thank goodness you're alright, I’m glad you're still here.” Ichika started, Saki slowly let go of Rui to hug her fiance. “Hehe, I’m strong Icchi! You shouldn't worry!” Saki grinned, Ichika slightly pulled away to cup Saki's cheeks this time. “Why shouldn't I worry? You're my fiance, I love you too much to bear the fate of losing you. I know you're strong, but I still worry. If only us purple knights are allowed in battle…” Ichika looked down on the ground, it was now Saki's turn to cup Ichika’s cheeks. “Don't be silly, you need to protect the Emperor! I'm okay aren't I? I’ll always make sure to return to you, because I love you so much Icchi!” Saki giggled before leaning in and kissing the ravenette’s cheeks. Their foreheads bumped together as they laughed. 

Rui watched the scene, he is happy that Saki had someone she can rely on, yet at the same time, he felt a small hint of jealousy as his heart ached, he clutched at his chest, angry at himself for being jealous. ‘If I didn't make such a stupid mistake, would we still be like them? Would you still be with me?’ Rui's hand tightened on his own clothes before relaxing. ‘There’s no use thinking about the past, all I have to do is just take you back.’

Kohane felt worried as she saw bottles rolling on the floor, Tsukasa slumped over the dining table with an empty glass in his hand. She sighed and slowly approached him. “Tsukasa-san, that's enough booze for tonight.” Kohane gently coaxed, shaking the blonde. The man slowly leaned back on the chair, their eyes meeting. Kohane’s worry increased seeing tears rolling down his cheeks. “Your Highness, why am I like this? Why can't I shove my feelings down? Why can’t I just forget them?” Tsukasa asked, Kohane tried to smile, only for it to come out broken, she cupped his cheeks and wiped away his tears. “Believe me, everyone feels the same, in the end, we shouldn't force ourselves to forget these feelings, we must use them as fuel for our goals. It hurts, yes it does, but what can we do? We’re just humans with feelings and emotions. Even Minori, she's a beast but even she cannot control her raw emotions. Just because you feel that way doesn't mean you will forget our mission, even if our mission is top priority doesn't mean we need to ignore everything else. Honestly, seeing you like this makes me feel relieved, it's proof enough that Tsukasa is not a monster, he is just human.” Kohane gently assured the man who eventually leaned on her and hugged her. “Do you miss him too…?” Tsukasa quietly asked. Kohane was finally able to let out a real smile. “More than anything.” 

Chapter Text

Minori knows it's her fault for getting distracted by the mission, she knows Haruka is still alive and coping in the Kiritani Mansion. She felt the cold metal around her neck, she took it and inspected it, the ring Haruka gave her when she proposed, battered by hits she had received but clean— cleaner than any of her items. Minori clutched the ring before letting it rest on her chest as usual. They're preparing for another attack, fighting like usual before taking a few steps further. Minori felt someone adjusting her hairband, she looked up to see Kohane smiling at her. “Are you well equipped now?” She asked, sitting beside her. “Yes, I have everything your highness.” Minori replied, a sudden silence made them awkward. Kohane sighed, taking Minori's hands between her own. “I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and Tsukasa for our actions.” Kohane started, Minori gave a weak smile, squeezing the blonde's hands. “I already forgave you two, it was my fault for not listening and being stubborn. I am also sure Phoenix didn't want to cut off Haruka's hands but… I guess I still need time to process it and self reflect.” Minori replied, her horns emerging. Whenever Minori feels a strong hatred, her horns reveal themselves, for a girl who cannot handle her excitement, she has managed to hide this feature of hers because she's a girl that doesn't harbor hatred that easily, that is until recently. 

“We understand, that's why Tsukasa-san is not approaching you for now. Though I’m pretty sure he’s going to be ecstatic once you talk to him again.” They both giggled, noticing that Akito was already wearing his boots. “Minori, I care about this group, especially you and Shiho, you are my girls, my knights, I love the both of you, so Minori, return to me safe.” Kohane released Minori's hands. The latter stood up and smiled, sticking out her tongue slightly. “Yes…Your Highness… those knights…no match for us.” Minori confidently stated, joining the other three on putting on their shoes. Kohane slowly stood up and went over to them, and when they finished, Tsukasa opened the door for them. They all went out, facing Kohane who smiled at them. “Have a safe trip.” Kohane bidded. They nodded and bowed down. “We’ll be back, your highness.” They replied in sync, Minori being slower than others. Mizuki closed the door, Kohane went over and locked it, staying still for a few seconds. Deeming it safe enough, she immediately ran upstairs into her room. She knelt down and clasped her hands together in prayer. ‘Please let them return home victorious, please keep them away from major injuries, please make them come home to me alive.’ Kohane chanted in her head, closing her eyes as she kept herself still, repeating those three sentences. 

Honami opened the door, making the princess flinch. “Ah, apologies your highness, I didn't mean to interrupt…I just wanted to know when Shiho will be revealed?” Honami cautiously asked, Kohane exhaled in relief, her hands dropping into her lap. “In a few weeks maybe, are you worried for her?” Kohane teasingly asked, Honami blushed and nodded slightly. “I kind of am, but your highness, what were you doing?” Honami finally asked, slowly walking inside the room. Kohane turned red in embarrassment, clutching her dress. “Well…I was praying for their safety, it's silly isn't it? They're strong, much stronger than I am, yet I still get nervous thinking that they're fighting hundreds of knights with just the four of them.” Kohane admitted, confused when Honami knelt beside her, shaking her head. “It's not silly at all your highness, yes they're strong, but they are people we love, it's normal we’re worried for them, is it okay if I join you?” Honami requested, Kohane smiled and nodded. “I’ll be happy to.” With that, they prayed together in silence.

An empty abyss, chains everywhere, more than you can imagine, yet it's not restraining them, only keeping them from going out of this abyss. They sat on the ground, hugging their knees as they kept mumbling two words no one would ever hear, no one would ever know. They don't know how long it has been, they cannot feel hunger, thirst, or sickness, but there is something they’ve been longing for a long time. To escape this endless abyss. 

Minori ducked as Saki threw her spear at her head, Minori approached Saki while she's unarmed, yet Saki clicked her tongue, grabbing Minori by her horns and pulling her, only letting go when she noticed Minori going for her hands. “How rude…beasts do not want…to be touched by their horns…” Minori complained, rubbing her horns, she pointed her sword at her back, slicing through a knight. This action angered Saki who conjured another spear, aiming it at the brunette. Minori chose to slice the spear this time, fixing her headband. Minori paused when she caught a whiff of Saki's smell. “You…not human…?” Saki paused in confusion at her statement, the blonde is sure she's been human ever since she was born, what is she talking about. Minori's wide eyes relaxed. “It doesn't…matter…whether you…human or not…” Minori took her stance, her feet grounded on the dirt below them, Saki summoned another spear, spinning it in her hands before taking aim. “I don't…like you…don't get too close…to Onii-sama…” Minori lunged forward, hearing Saki click her tongue, blocking the brunette’s attack. “Seriously! Why are you talking like that, it's annoying!” Saki complained, gasping when she felt a kick on her stomach. “Can't…help it…how rude…” Minori sneered, attacking another knight. “What, is it a curse or something?” Saki rolled her eyes, managing to kick Minori by her legs. “Yes…but I…don't wanna…tell you.” Saki jumped back when Minori released a bunch of paper like needles, Saki swiftly avoided each one of them, it's unfair how she can't use her magic freely. “Who is Onii-sama?” Saki asked while avoiding the papers that hit other knights instead.

“Tsukasa-san…” Saki flinched, grunting when one of her paper needles managed to cut her cheeks. Before she could even reply, the flute from yesterday emerged again. Saki didn't want to let Minori go just like yesterday, yet Akito managed to snatch Minori on time. Kaito kept firing his gun while they were running away, yet none of the bullets hit them. Saki immediately went to Rui, just to see that he's acting weirdly. “Rui-nii? Did he do something to you?” Saki worriedly asked, only for the man to smile at her like usual. “I guess I am a little exhausted after avoiding all those attacks.” Rui reasoned, it felt like a lie, yet she can't do anything but believe in his lie for now. The knights returned back to the castle. Ichika once again greeted Saki by checking on her, immediately fussing over the wound on her cheek. Rui immediately went to his office as soon as they stepped in the castle. 

Minori cautiously waited for Tsukasa to finish storing their weapons, awkwardly standing behind him, waiting to be noticed. He closed the room, turning around to be faced with Minori staring at him. They kept staring at each other, not knowing how to proceed. “So… Do you need anything?” Tsukasa started, noticing that Minori's horns are gone now, she probably calmed herself down as soon as they got home. “Dame Tenma, is not a normal human, something smells different from her.” Minori stated, confusing the blonde. “What? Saki was born a human and lived as a human, I never saw anything weird about her, are you sure it was her?” Tsukasa questioned, making Minori shrink in shame. “I'm sure it's her, she smells different yet I can't pinpoint what it is…” Minori insisted, noticing her growing anxiety, he pats her head and smiles. “Okay, let's put that aside for now, if you find something more about her tell me, maybe we can use it against her.” Tsukasa assured, the brunette smiled and nodded. “About Haruka…” Minori saw the blonde stiffen, realizing he still felt guilty about what he did. “Is she okay?” Minori asked, missing Tsukasa’s wandering gaze. “She's uhh… more than okay! Don't worry Minori, when this is all over her hand will be back!” Tsukasa awkwardly assured, his voice going back to its normal loudness. “I trust you.” Minori smiled, bowing before him then approaching Kohane who offered water to Mizuki and Akito. 

‘THAT WAS DANGEROUS!’ Tsukasa shivered, looking at their board plan. A detailed drawing of Rui’s face caught his attention. He went closer to it, a small description below him and the plans they have for him, he glanced at the first step and frowned, seeing it crossed out. The first step has been done. Not bearing it any longer, he went to the door and grabbed his shoes. “Tsukasa? Where are you going?” Kohane asked as soon as she noticed, the man looked back at his group and smiled sheepishly. “My one month prohibition from alcohol is over, I’m gonna buy myself some booze!” He cheerfully admitted, chuckling at the glare Kohane directed at him. “Two bottles is the maximum!” She scolded before Tsukasa could even go out the door. Mizuki already placed an illusion on him. “Geez, he has a fight tomorrow, and he’s drinking booze?” Kohane sighed in defeat, she looked back at the group to see Akito and Mizuki looking at each other knowingly. Minori stared at the two before looking at Kohane. “It's nothing, your highness.” She answered with a faint smile. Why does it feel like she's missing something? 

They woke up in the middle of the night, feeling thirsty, Tsukasa didn't visit them today which made them curious. They carefully opened the door, looking around to see that no one was around, they carefully closed the door and went down the stairs, seeing Tsukasa slumped over the table with two empty glass bottles. Not drunk, but close to being drunk. They sighed and approached the man, wordlessly taking the bottles and his shot glass. “Did anyone see you…?” Tsukasa asked. They shook their heads and placed the shot glass on the sink while hiding the bottle underneath the sink. “What caused you to drink on such a busy day?” They asked, hearing the man sigh while they washed the glass. “Rui.” Was his only reply, the other humming in understanding. “You two were quite close, do you feel guilty?” They asked, opening the faucet to rinse the glass. “Who wouldn't feel guilty?” Tsukasa murmured, hearing the faucet close. They wiped the glass and placed it back on the cabinet. They grabbed another glass and drank some water to satiate their dry throat “A monster wouldn't feel guilty. But you're far from that, you should rest, you still have a battle to prepare for.” They gently coaxed, extending their hand. Tsukasa took it and let them guide him to his room. “Rest well Tsukasa-san.” They smiled and waved, the blonde lazily returned their farewell before closing the door. They immediately but quietly went into their room, not wanting to alert the others about their existence. She immediately entered and locked the door so no one could enter. 

Minori curiously opened her room, looking around to find nothing, she could've sworn she heard someone talking to Tsukasa. ‘Was I imagining things?’ Minori paused, remaining on her door. She kept looking around yet found nothing out of the ordinary. She sighed, deciding she was seeing things, she closed the door and went back to sleep. 

Chapter Text

Saki wiped her spear, immediately turning towards Rui when he coughed, it was long and sounded painful. “Rui-nii!? Are you sick? You don't need to come with us if you're sick!” Saki immediately suggested, the man gently pushed her away, smiling as he shaked his head. “No need, it's just a small cough. Besides, I’m the only one who can match up with Tsukasa.” Rui smiled, hearing someone snort, they whipped their heads at the direction where it came from, finding nothing out of the ordinary aside from Sakurako beating Ichika as usual. Saki wanted to ask if Rui heard it too, deciding not to say anything. “If you say so… but if you need my help just call out to me!” Saki proudly grinned, successfully making the man smile. “Of course, Saki-kun is really reliable.” She basked at the praise, hearing the horns blare out, their faces stoic as they nodded, embarking on another war. 

The walk felt long as everyone dreads to face the four monsters, it was quiet, save from the sounds of their armor and blades. When they arrived, they were perplexed to see them playing… catch? “LOSER!” Mizuki yelled, throwing the magical ball towards Akito who caught it, gritting his teeth and throwing it back towards the girl. Tsukasa and Minori stayed seated on a rock, watching the two play in silence. As Mizuki threw it back, a resounding bang broke the ball, they finally paid attention to the army, seeing Kaito raise his gun and point it at Tsukasa. “Boo.” Mizuki pouted, drawing out their blade. Minori stood up, patting her thighs off of dust as her horns somehow grew in their presence. “How…irritating.” Minori commented, she pulled out her sword, caressing it before closing her eyes as if she's praying. “You four traitors don't really take this war seriously huh? Are you doing this for fun?” Kaito mocked, lowering his gun. The four traitors looked at each other and smiled. “Who knows~” Mizuki giggled, making Kaito immediately shoot his gun her way, without any mercy. Before they knew it, Tsukasa gave Mizuki a barrier, repelling the bullet. Mizuki gasped and hugged Tsukasa. “Thank you so much! Onii-san!” Mizuki giggled, sending a sneaky smirk towards Saki. The blonde girl grits her teeth, taking a step forward, realizing something. This is the same place, the same place where they battled, so where are the killed knights? “Hey…where are the knights you murdered…?” Saki turned all the attention towards her. “Oh… that? Akito…burned them…” Minori casually said. “You didn't even give them a proper burial!?” Saki complained, Mizuki stuck out her while still hugging Tsukasa. “Why would we?” Saki stiffened at their words. How can they be so cruel?

“You're right, why would you? You kill without mercy, and this time, we’ll catch you.” Rui summoned his magic, making Tsukasa glare at him. “I don't like prideful words from a man who can't even hold a sword properly.” Tsukasa mocked. With Meiko’s command, they all ran and tried to attack them. Tsukasa pushed Mizuki away, holding her arm. She jumped as Tsukasa spun her around, throwing her into the air. She giggled and managed to pierce the blade through a knight’s skull. “What a beautiful sight.” She lowered herself and kicked a knight behind her, pulling out her sword, slicing through a man’s arm. She spotted An whose aim is to pretend to attack Akito. The blue haired girl smiled at her and playfully stuck out her tongue before moving away. Mizuki also stuck out her tongue, casually killing the knight in front of her. “This is too easy.” Mizuki yawned, she screamed when a knight grabbed her arm, she slapped the knight away, slicing the hand that grabbed her. “WHAT THE FUCK!? YOU SCARED ME!” She shivered, knocking the man out. 

Saki advanced towards Tsukasa, only to be blocked by Minori once again. “Weak…compared to…Onii-sama.” Minori smiled, Saki gasped as she avoided Minori's blade that was aimed at her head. Saki used her hands to flip, kicking Minori's blade away. The brunette didn't panic, conjuring another blade. “That one was too thin anyways.” She complained. Just as Minori was about to almost hit Saki, Shiho went in front of the blonde and blocked Minori's blade. “Shiho!” Saki exclaimed, scrambling to get up. “Annoyance.” Minori frowned, moving their blades away, they kept blocking their attacks, Saki wanted to help, so she went to Minori's unguarded area, only for Shiho to yell at her. “Saki! Go to Tsukasa! Quick!” Shiho was pushed back by Minori, Saki hesitated before nodding, turning back as she searched for her brother. When she was out of sight. Minori and Shiho moved their blades away, killing the knight behind them in sync. “You… went too…hard… on me.” Minori complained, frowning at the silvernette. “Sorry, I think I was worked up.” Shiho shrugs, beheading a knight when no one was looking. “I see…that…Honami…is with…Her Highness…” Minori suddenly attacked Shiho, the latter immediately realizing someone could see them, so she avoided the blade. “That's good then.” Shiho smiled, both of them trying to act like they're struggling to fight each other. 

Saki panted, finally seeing Rui and Tsukasa, she gasped seeing Rui kneeling on the floor with his hands gripping tightly on his chest, Tsukasa has a barrier on him to protect himself from Kaito’s gun, his weapon is in between the two of them, knights aside from Kaito seems hesitant to approach, she wonders what happened. “No! I have to save Rui-nii!” With that, she rushed towards Tsukasa, ready to injure his arm, until a sudden force made her stop. Tsukasa glared at her, why can't she move? She forced herself to move yet she can't, she then saw shackles at her feet, cursing at whoevers magic this is. Tsukasa approached her without a single emotion. “Onii-” she was cut off with a loud slap, as soon as the shackles were released, she fell down on her butt, holding her cheek in shock. ‘Tsukasa…slapped me?’ She cannot believe it. 

“I don't like pests interrupting my fun.” Tsukasa turned his back towards her, slowly approaching Rui. He tilted his head upwards and smirked. “I told you yesterday, didn't I? Without magic, you're nothing but a peasant.” Saki's eyes widened. Rui glared at the man, she watched as he summoned his magic, only for it to dissipate as soon as it was summoned, making Rui groan and slam his fists on his chest. “Poor you, it's wonderful seeing you like this, sorry, but I have to end you.” Saki gasped, she scrambled to get up, picking up her spear, but someone beat her to it. Meiko kicked him away from Rui, Tsukasa had his arms crossed, transferring the pain of her kick to his arms. “General! Decided to join us? How wonderful!” His tone is happy yet it's still devoid of emotions. Tsukasa walked backwards, bumping with Akito. Both males looked at each other with confusion. “Why are you here?” Tsukasa frowned, the ginger haired man was about to reply when Shiho kicked Minori towards Rui. Despite his current pain, he grabbed Minori by her horns, hearing a cry from her, she thrashed around until Tsukasa rescued her from Rui's hold. And then, An pushed Mizuki towards them. Now the four knights are in one area, surrounded by the army of knights. “Fuck.” Akito cursed, finally noticing his bleeding leg, Tsukasa noticed Meiko's heels, looking at his arms to see that it had a deep cut. “Damn it, her heels have blades.” Tsukasa mentioned, rolling up his sleeves. Mizuki noticed her white sleeves being colored red, “what!? That guy managed to injure me!? I didn't even feel it!?” Mizuki whined, holding her arm. Minori's eyes went comically wide when she felt a bump on her horn, realizing it's a cut. She glared at Rui. “YOU…CUT…MY HORN!!” She screamed, Tsukasa immediately grabbed her by her waist, preventing her from approaching the sorcerer who smugly smiled while struggling to stand up. “We have you surrounded now.” Toya announced, Akito clicked his tongue, noticing An’s worried gaze. The four looked around the big circle the knights had created. “You're injured too, you have no chance of escaping.” Shiho pointed out. The knights held their weapons, watching the silent rebels.  

Tsukasa tilted his head upwards and laughed almost innocently. The army made noises of confusion at the laughing man. Before the other three started laughing with him. “What are you laughing at!” Saki demanded, immediately going to Rui's side to help him remain standing. The four of them brought out a magical orb, they bit into it, immediately healing their wounds. “Ta-da! It's a prank!” Mizuki giggled, showing her previously injured arm closing. Minori happily caressed her horns that's now free of cuts. “As for being surrounded. We didn't really tell you it's not just the four of us didn't we?” Akito started, Tsukasa smiled and raised his hands. Arrows suddenly started falling on them, killing several knights in one blow. Out of panic, their carefully planned formation was broken by the endless rain of arrows. “Idiots!” Kaito cursed, hitting every tree in sight. The flute resounded again. The boys carried the girls and escaped once again, as soon as they were out of sight, the arrows stopped falling, their archers probably escaping too. “Damn it.” Kaito grumbled, ordering everyone to retreat. 

Saki stared at Rui who kept clutching his chest in pain yet refused to let the assistant healer help him, insisting to prioritize the other knights. Saki felt pity watching the healer move around from person to person, her stress going up the more she heals. ‘If only I was blessed with healing magic like…’ Saki stared at the ground. Ichika can't visit her for now since she's on duty. Shiho kept eyeing her the whole time, she wondered how can Shiho stay so calm throughout the whole ordeal. When all of the knights had been healed, she went towards Rui, staring at him. He stared back at the girl before removing his robes, showing his bare torso. “No physical wounds?” The healer paused, placing her hand on Rui's chest, she closed her eyes and transferred a bit of her mana inside the man, Rui wondered why he felt weak when her magic entered his body. They both flinched when the healer immediately pulled her hand away, her eyes wide as if she just touched a hot surface. Saki was confused at the reaction. “Kamishiro-san, have you been taking anti-magic potions?” She asked sternly.

“I only did it once and I’ve cured myself from it.” Rui answered, the healer remained quiet, mumbling under her breath. “Kamishiro-san, you can no longer use magic.” She announced, making the people inside gasp. Saki stood up, approaching the healer. “What do you mean!? Is something constricting his magic?” Saki questioned, the girl avoided her gaze, just then, Ichika entered the clinic in confusion. “If that were the case I would’ve immediately healed him without saying. The case here is that…Kamishiro-san lost his magic altogether.” Ichika froze, staring at Rui and Saki in confusion. “Wha— how come? If his magic was stripped away he would've felt it!” Ichika argued, the healer nodded, taking off her hair tie as she finished healing everyone. “No, if Kamishiro-san felt it, then he must be consuming certain anti magic potions for a long time without his knowledge, I’m sure Kamishiro-san wouldn't willingly remove his own magic.” The healer explained, seeing the man look downcasted at her words. “Is there any way we could bring back his magic?” Saki asked, almost desperately. “There is a way but it's impossible.” The healer replied, Ichika went towards Saki's side and patted her shoulders. “How come it's impossible?” The ravenette asked.

The healer paused, looking at Rui who's wearing his robes back properly. “It would be possible if our Empire had an S class healer. As you all know, I am simply an A+ class healer, our Empire did produced two S class healers, The great healer Megurine Luka, who's in another Empire searching for a demon, yet no one has heard from her for years so we have no means to contact her, as for the other one…” the healer felt hesitant, rolling her hair between her fingers. “He’s not here anymore.” She answered, the clinic became gloomy at her words, she felt guilty for breaking such bad news. “Therefore, Kamishiro-san cannot participate in the war.” Ichika suddenly announced. Rui was shocked and immediately stood up in protest. “No! I need to be there! No one could fight Tsukasa like I do!” Rui insisted, he froze seeing Ichika glare at him for the first time. “Kamishiro-san, you're not participating in the war until you’ve thought about an alternative way you can fight. Without your magic, you're only a burden.” Ichika reasoned.

“Ichika!” Saki warned, the other girl's gaze softened, reaching out to kiss Saki's cheek. “I’m sorry but that's the truth, until you find a solution, then you’ll stay here in the castle, I’m going to tell General Kaito about this.” Ichika bowed down and left the clinic. “She's right…I need to come up with a way to help.” Rui thanked the healer and left the clinic too. “Tenma-san?” The healer called out, she faced the other, seeing her smile. “I’ll try my best to search for an S class healer for Kamishiro-san, meanwhile, please help him.” Saki smiled at her and nodded. “That's a given! Thank you for your service!” They bowed down at each other before Saki left to be with Rui. “Now Knights, please rest until you’ve healed, all of you here are also not to participate in the war until I say so.” She smiled at the knights who groaned but obediently laid down on their respective beds. ‘Please…return to me…I can't do this all alone anymore…’ The healer sighed, staring at a certain academy file.

Name: [][][][][][] [][][][][][][][]

Age: 14

Rank/Class: SS

Attribute: Light and Sound healing

Status: DROPPED OUT 

Rui stared out of the window of his room, facing the palace gardens. He knows there's a lot of butterflies on the left side, and how there used to be a flower bed on the right. He spaced out while staring at the empty garden, a garden he once occupied all the time with someone.

“Rui! Conjure me a butterfly!”

“Oya? Why doesn't Tsukasa-kun just get close to a real one?”

“Shut up! I love how pretty they are but I can't stand the fact they came from caterpillars! Besides, I really love your magic.”

Rui groaned, closing his eyes from thinking too much. Recalling how his fight with Tsukasa went earlier. 

Rui approached Tsukasa, a spear in his hand, not liking how the blonde looked calm while killing a knight. “Do you feel no remorse?” He asked, the knight went limp and fell right in front of Tsukasa. The blonde hummed, kicking the corpse away. “No, I don't.” With that, Rui's onslaught with magic began, he knew he was exhausting his magic, using a bunch of it continuously. Tsukasa swiftly avoided all of them, conjuring a barrier just in time. “You're not the man that I loved!” Rui argued, creating a dangerous magic that ended up hitting his comrades, he winced at his mistake, barely managing to avoid Tsukasa's blade. “Have you forgotten? You're the one who ended everything, you're the one who left,” Rui yelped as Tsukasa grabbed his hair, tilting his head upwards to meet Tsukasa's glare, “you have no right to complain when you're the one who left. So what if I’m not the man you loved? You're not the man I want.” Tsukasa pushed him away, focusing on another knight. He managed to hit Tsukasa's legs, the blonde gasped, falling backwards. Rui seized his chance, grabbing him by his collar to make him fall faster, he repositioned to straddle the shorter, placing his magic near his throat. “You will pay for your sins.” Rui announced. Despite the deadly magic on his throat, the blonde didn't react, he remained still on the ground. “You know, I’m glad you're so reliant on magic.” Tsukasa commented, before he could ask what he meant, Rui's magic disappeared out of his will and a sharp pain on his chest emerged. Tsukasa now pushed Rui while he sat up, Rui choked as Tsukasa wrapped his hands around Rui's neck. “Would you like to die by choking? You're disappointing.” Before he could squeeze the taller’s throat, Meiko appeared, pushing the blonde away and kicking his blade a few feet away from him. Meiko stared at him before leaving. “How meddlesome.” Tsukasa complained.

He stared at Rui who slowly sat up on his knees, coughing as the pain on his chest increased, Tsukasa engulfed himself in a barrier, ignoring Kaito’s attacks. Tsukasa kept staring as Rui wheezed and coughed while clutching at his chest. “That's it…” Rui mustered up his strength to look up, seeing Tsukasa grinning at him, his face red, looking at him with amusement. “You look pretty when you're struggling.” He heard Tsukasa snicker sadistically. 

After that, Saki appeared and she was punched by her own brother. Rui held his neck, despite the blonde not getting the chance to put pressure on his neck and choke him, he feels suffocated everytime he remembers the sensation of those hands wrapped around his neck. Recalling Tsukasa's actions, it seems they did something to make him lose his magic. Yet as of the moment, he can't think of any instances. Rui opened his eyes, seeing the garden unchanged. ‘If only you didn't change, just like this garden.’ 

“Rui? You're hurt again! Did they bully you again? I’ll teach them a lesson!”

“No need for that Tsukasa-kun! Just…ignore them.” 

“Ugh! I can't stand seeing you sad, come here, I’ll give you a hug.” 

“Fufu, will I receive a kiss too?”

“Wah! Well… I’ll think about it.”

Rui moved away from the window, pulling the curtains close, deciding to sleep, if only this was just a long dream. 

Chapter Text

They went down to see Tsukasa drowning in alcohol again, they sighed, fixing their shawl while carefully approaching the blonde. “Tsukasa-san, you also drank yesterday, that's not good for your health.” They scolded, taking the empty bottles and hiding them. Tsukasa hummed in acknowledgement, downing the last bit of alcohol left on his glass. “Her highness will get mad at you.” They continued their scolding, taking the glass away from him. “Rui…” They heard him mumble, they froze, taking in Tsukasa's expression. Their shoulders drooped seeing the blonde with his eyes closed and tears falling down his cheeks. “You really are a force to be reckoned with.” They smiled, patting the blonde's head. “Is Saki…okay?” He asked. 

“You're the one who saw her earlier.” They recalled, the blonde lifted his head and opened his eyes, looking at them with a blank expression despite the tears continuously falling down his cheeks. “I slapped her, I long decided to do it, so why is it that I’m hurt?” Tsukasa asked, feeling the other embrace him gently. “It's because she's your sister, there's no sane person who could feel pleasure out of hitting their own sibling, it's a normal reaction. Soon enough, you won't need to hurt her anymore, we will succeed. Planning is different from taking action." They assured, resting the man's head on their chest. “Thank you.” He whispered, they smiled, gently smoothing out Tsukasa's hair. “You allowed me to stay with her, this is the least I could do for you. Tomorrow, please don't drink anymore, wait until next week.” They added, hearing the man hum. “I won't anymore, they're the only ones that enter my mind when I drink.” Tsukasa admitted, slowly standing up. “Is that so? Let's go to bed.” They offered. They slightly moved away to allow room for Tsukasa to stand up, they walked up the stairs together, they guided Tsukasa into his room before going off into their own, before they could open the room, something dropped, they looked to their left to see Honami staring at them with wide eyes. “What… are you doing here?” Honami asked, out of panic, they immediately casted a spell to make Honami fall asleep, rushing over to her before she could fall down and make a sound. “Fuck.” They murmured, dragging Honami to their room, locking it. 

Akito walked out of his room yawning, looking at the fallen lantern. “Which jackass left the lantern here? Are they not aware of the fire hazard?” He silently complained, taking the lantern to use it himself. 

Kohane paused, looking all over the house in search of Honami. They needed to train together but she hadn't seen the girl since yesterday. At first she thought Honami must be busy and worried for Shiho that she didn't leave her room, yet when she checked this morning, the girl wasn't there. Her heart sank at the implications and asked the others if they saw her, in which they all said they didn't. The members immediately picked up on it and began searching outside the forest. Kohane's heart kept beating loudly in worry for the girl. Tsukasa was left at home while they searched all around town in their disguises. 

Said blonde went up to their room to see them with Honami tied and her mouth covered. He frowned, closing the door behind him. “What's going on here?” Tsukasa asked, crossing his arms and glaring at them. “They saw me after I walked you back to your room, I panicked and now I have them imprisoned.” They stated so nonchalantly that it made both Honami and Tsukasa exasperated. “First of all, you could've called me immediately when that happened, second of all, untie her, everyone's searching for her in a frenzy.” Tsukasa commanded. They guiltily nodded, turning towards Honami and removing her binds. Honami gasped as soon as her mouth was released. “Tsukasa-san, what's the meaning of this? Does she know about this? Honami immediately asked, rubbing her wrist while looking at them warily. “Of course not, not even Kohane knows, it was out of impulse. Do not tell anyone about them until I’ve fully healed them.” Tsukasa pleaded, the brunette slowly nodding. “They’re not on the plan, what could they do?” Honami asked, watching as Tsukasa knelt in front of them and observed their injury. “I'm not sure yet, but I plan to keep them here as of the moment. For now, let's think of an excuse to tell them.” Tsukasa started singing while the other two thought of an excuse for their mistake. 

Soon enough, they left the room, hearing it lock inside. “Now I know why you started making everyone steer clear from that room, we thought you were wallowing in your sorrows inside.” Honami admitted, looking up to see the blonde looking at the door then at himself. “I guess in a way you could say that.” Tsukasa replied, leading them downstairs. Honami looked at him with confusion before her eyes slightly widened. ‘Oh… I see… out of all of us, you really are the most miserable one. You think you have no one by your side. But please, just move your gaze closer and you can see us. Whatever your decision will be, I will be serving and following you, until you realize that you're not alone in this, that we're not just comrades, and we don't see you as a leader alone, we also see you as a savior and friend. If the situation gives, I will be your savior.” Honami smiled, suddenly holding Tsukasa's hands, the blonde looked at her but didn't say anything. “Tsukasa-san, I really like you.” Honami admitted, squeezing his hands, she felt the other squeeze hers back, making sure it wasn't too much for her. “I really like you too, Honami.” And after a while, her gaze softened at the way he smiled at her brightly. ‘Tsukasa-san. We all really like you.’ 

Suddenly, the door slammed open, revealing Minori with Kohane panting behind her. Her tears threaten to fall as she lunges forward and tackles Honami in a hug, separating her hand from Tsukasa's. “HONAMI-CHAN! WHERE WERE YOU!” She demanded, squeezing the girl tight. “Minori-chan..! I can't breathe!” Honami complained, the others slowly filling in the house. Yuuki smiled and closed the door. “Minori was eagerly searching every crook and cranny for you.” Yuuki giggled, teasing the girl embracing Honami. “Can you blame me!? I would react the same if it were anyone else! What will we say to Shiho-chan if we really lost you!?” Minori moved away a little, gently shaking the other. “Well, that would be troublesome…” Akito trailed off, frowning at the thought of Shiho enraged at them for losing Honami. “I'm not going anywhere again.” Honami assured, gently ruffling Minori's hair. 

Kohane awkwardly walked forward, embracing both brunettes. “I'm so glad you're safe, what happened to you? Are you hungry?” Kohane asked, seeing Honami awkwardly nod. “I just got lost, you know that area Tsukasa-san frequents? I was curious and went there but I got lost.” Honami lied, looking over at Tsukasa who nodded. “Aw geez understandable! I got lost there too! I wonder how Tsukasa-senpai manages to navigate that area!” Mizuki complained, making them all erupt in laughter. “Seriously though, you were missing for a day! It's time to feed you! Don't worry, this big bro will cook food for you.” Shuji immediately volunteered, yelping when Yuuki suddenly draped herself over him. “Oh? So a noble man knows how to cook?” Yuuki teased, both Tsukasa and Shuji glaring at her. “Hey.” They warned at the same time, making her cackle at their reaction. “Well! We should let the lady rest! I’m gonna bake us some apple pie!” Yuuki immediately stretched her arms and rolled her sleeves, Mizuki perking up. “Yay! Onee-san’s baking!” She cheered, dragging Akito to the couch while cooing at Minori, Honami, and Kohane to join them. 

Tsukasa remained quiet, staring at all of them before smiling again. “That's right! You need to have a lot of energy! So go on and relax!” Tsukasa yelled, and with that, the three of them went to the kitchen, bringing out ingredients as they discussed what to eat. The rest of them sat patiently at the couch, checking on Honami and sharing laughter. Tsukasa looked back at them while washing the vegetables. ‘How nice it would be if we remained like this?’ Tsukasa thought, turning his attention back to the vegetables. 

Ts∆∆∆sa…

Tsukasa flinched, dropping the carrot on the sink, catching the attention of Shuji and Yuuki. “Is something wrong Tsukasa-san?” Yuuki asked with a hint of worry. He blinked in confusion before shaking his head. “Nothing at all! I just thought I heard someone call my name.” Tsukasa admitted, picking up the carrot again. “If you say so, but well, that's normal isn't it? I also sometimes hear someone calling my name even though there's no one around.” Shuji shrugged, Yuuki humming in agreement. ‘I know that it's normal, what's not normal is how it seems like this voice is not allowed to call me… their voice is unrecognizable and muffled.’ 

I failed again… why… why!? Why can't I reach you!?

It's because a protection spell has been cast on him, so strong no demon could probably break it off. 

But… I’m no demon, I’m ∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆!!!

Of course you're not, but our physical bodies are demons, that's why we are being registered as demons by the spell.

Then… how am I supposed to help them! I can't leave them to suffer like that!

Don't worry, I will do the best that I can. For my revenge, and your revenge.

“Hermit? Were you listening?” Toya tapped the girl who slowly looked at him. “I am. Is this Saki girl’s wound alright?” She asked, seeing the other nod. “It was definitely a hard hit, but thankfully it's a bruise that could heal in a few days. I really never expected him to hit her, he always treats her with gentleness…” He trailed off, hearing the woman hum, shuffling beside him. “People change a lot.” Hermit commented.

“I know, but I wished it wasn't him who changed.” The two of them sat on the grass in silence, listening to the birds chirp and the grass sway along with the breeze. “How about that knight you're fighting?” She asked, hearing the man sigh at the thought of the man. ‘He’s aggressive and power driven, but I admit that his moves are precise and truly one built with strength, what I don't understand is how come he could swing that sword as if it was a mere stick? It's impossible to achieve that feat.” Toya complained, continuing as the hermit listened, humming once in a while to let Toya know that she's still listening. “Lastly, he claims to know about my brother's death. Which is weird, how could someone who never met my brother before know what happened to him? They said he died by hanging himself.” Toya's eyes drooped as he remembered the day he saw his brother hanging off the ground a day before he entered his 3rd year. “Toya, what if he truly knew?” The hermit suggested. 

“Huh?” Toya sounded unsure, looking at the hermit whose gaze didn't falter. “There's a lot of secrets in this world, it's natural that we don't know everything and it's a fact that we might know more than the other person, or that person knows more than you. Based on your stories, your eldest brother loves his life and job, even with your father on the way he persevered, so how come someone with that personality could kill himself?” She asked, Toya paused, taking in her words slowly. “Are you implying he was murdered?” Toya asked, dread overcoming him as she saw her nod. “Sure it's still possible that he killed himself, that his personality could be an act and that he was actually suffering inside, but there's also a possibility that it's all a lie. You said that the Akito guy knows his real death, I think you should find out what really happened to your brother. It's for you and your peace of mind.” She took Toya's hands, her hands are cold to touch, yet she could feel the warmth seeping into her own. “If you say so… then I'll try my best.” He assured, smiling after the hermit smiled at him. “You're a smart guy, I’m sure you can do it.” 

Despite the ongoing battle, Toya found some time to research about his brother's death, what happened that day, what he did, and the time of death, yet nothing came up other than him hanging himself which frustrated him, it always led him to the same answer over and over. He kept continuing his research, beating himself over it that he almost got his neck sliced by Akito, if it weren't for An swooping her away. “What are you doing spacing off like that on a battlefield!” An scolded, glancing at Akito who ignored them and started fighting and killing the other knights who attempted to approach him. “Ah. Sorry.” He slowly replied, rubbing his neck, the one he almost lost. “Geez! Listen here Toya, I want you to beat Akito for me! Because he's a geezer!” An yelled, Akito slipped and stabbed a different knight, killing the proper one before panicking, slipping a healing magic on the knight when no one was that focused on him. “GEEZER!?” Akito complained, realizing what he just did, he cleared his throat, looking away from the two bi colored individuals, he swore he heard Mizuki cackle in a distance. “He infuriates me so much so you better get your act together and fight properly!” An scolded, gently punching Toya's chest. “Be distracted later on, for now, focus on the enemy.” An glanced at the ginger again before leaving. ‘Akito, do your best.’ She ran off in search of Mizuki, another day of pretending they're not enemies. When An was out of sight, Toya gripped his spear, looking at Akito. 

“My brother… how come you know how he died?” Toya asks, piquing the man's interest. “Hey, wanna know something?” Akito lowered his sword while Toya kept pointing his spear at Akito. “It's true that there are three traitors inside the palace but we took them back, we were technically telling the truth when we said the other three couldn't fight, you know why? Because those three gather information. Now can you guess who they are? I’ll give you time.” Akito grinned, moving away once again to take his focus on killing his fellow knights. Despite that, he stood frozen, wondering about his words. ‘Took them back? But they only took Yuuki Akiyama out of the dungeon and kidnapped Honami Mochi—’ Toya's eyes widened, looking at the orange beast in front of him. ‘That day, Aniki also went missing. Then… oh…’ Toya snapped out of his thoughts when Akito once again invaded his personal space, his face splattered with blood, grinning as he stared at Toya’s bewildered expression. 

“We know what's your brother Natsuomi’s real death because your brother Shuji is with us and gladly gave us information. Poor you, three of your brothers left you huh?” Akito mocked, moving away slowly. “Sorry but I can’t empathize, I only have one sibling after all, my sister, and someone you held in high regard took her away from me.” Akito glared at Toya, seeing that the bluenette won't fight for a while, he ignored him and continued his slaughter. ‘What… does this all mean?’ 

Toya gripped his spear, his knuckles turning white. “What do they know that I don't!? If even Shuji-nii can figure it out, then I can too.” He whispered. The flute resounded and they left, Toya looked at the trees and then at his hands. Once again, he found himself at the library reading everything just to give him a hint about what happened. 

You fool, if only you searched for the truth much earlier 

Toya flinched, looking around, no one is supposed to be here other than him, yet the voice seemed like it came from him; inside him. The door creaked open, revealing An and her lantern. “What are you doing here so late?” An asked, carefully approaching the man who rubbed his temple and sighed. “My brother's death, Shinonome-san insists that he knows my brother's real death, and a voice inside of me mocked me for not researching about it earlier. I just… don't know what to do anymore.” Toya admitted, An’s brow furrowed, reaching out just to take her hand back. “Well… are there any leads so far?” She asked, seeing the man shake his head in frustration. He stood up and grabbed his own lantern. “I'm gonna get another book.” Toya announced, the girl nodded, sitting on the desk. “Then I’ll stay here and help you in any way I can.” She grinned, Toya smiled at her, jealous of how cheerful she seemed to be despite their situation. 

He went all around the library, finding nothing. He sighed, mindlessly touching several books as if they would help them solve his predicament. A gust of wind made him shiver and accidentally knocked a book off the shelf. He bent down to pick it up, realizing it's a family record. Toya hummed, deciding to distract himself for a while. He opened the book, frowning at the Family name.

Shinonome Family

It gave a brief overview on how the Shinonome Family used to be a high ranking noble up until the 40th generation where it went downhill for the 41st generation went into debt and changed the Shinonome status into commoners, then the 80th generation came where the family started painting and earning riches through their artwork yet refused to revert back to their noble roots and remained a commoner, this continued up to the 87th generation. Toya stared at the overview before flipping, finding several sketches of their ancestors, each becoming more detailed as he flipped into the next page. He reached the 85th generation, finding that the woman looks similar to someone he can't put a word in. He flipped just to be met with Shinei Shinonome, the father of two children, one who died, and the other who rebelled, on the page next to him is the portrait of his wife. Before he knew it, he had reached the last page. There is Akito with a bright grin, it emitted a confident yet warm aura. But that's not what caught his attention. Next to him, a woman with short brown hair smiled, her posture straight and proper, she looked like a noble if it weren't for her clothes.

87th Generation first daughter, Shinonome Ena.

Date of birth: 30th of April in the year XXXX

Occupation: Painter

Contributions: The heart that soars, the clear person, and The mountain of the dawn of hope.

Status: Deceased

Cause of death: Murder

“Dead…? But isn't she… the hermit?” 

“Oh? I knew you were smart. Come visit me.” 

With that, Toya recognized the voice that mocked him. He grabbed the book, blowing out the lantern before proceeding to run out while clutching the book. An flinched when she saw Toya run past her. “Toya!?” She called yet the other didn't answer. She also blew out her lantern before running after the man. ‘Why are you in such a hurry?’ 

Chapter Text

An pushed away leaves as she finally saw Toya in a clear field with a woman in front of her. “Toya? Why did you suddenly run off?” She asked, looking down to see that he's gripping a book, she cautiously walked towards him, lifting her head to make out the woman in front of her, the more she walks closer, the more she sees the woman’s face. When her face was finally visible to her, she stopped, her eyes widening at what she's seeing. “Ena…san…?” She asked, unsure about her words, both of them looked at her, she gripped her own wrists, trying to figure out how the woman was standing right in front of her. “That confirms it, you're Ena Shinonome.” Toya turned back towards Ena who remained calm despite Toya's scrutinizing gaze. “Indeed, but what can you do? I’m still dead.” She reminded, seeing An immediately approach and held her hand. “Then, how are you here? How can I touch you?” She asks, taking in the appearance of the girl. “I am not the complete Ena, I am her regrets, a part of her that cannot rest easily. Each soul has some regrets that bind them to earth, I am that regret, the only way I could rest in peace is to answer Ena’s regret.” She explains, feeling An’s hand squeeze her own. “What is your regret? I could help in any way.” An declared, suddenly being pulled away by Toya who shielded her from Ena. “An, she might be dangerous, you don't know it but she managed to enter my mind and tell me to go here, she might be conspiring with the rebels.” Toya argued, An wanted to deny it, yet she didn't know what to say. 

Ena sighed and crossed her arm, tapping her foot in thought. “It's true that I can enter the rebels' mind, but they don't know it's me. And you managed to confirm my identity at just the right time, my regret is almost complete, all I need to do is deliver it.” Ena ignored his accusations, walking away from them. She suddenly stopped and looked back at the two, signalling them to follow her. “The two of you are the perfect candidates to fulfill my regret.” She added, confusing the two. An went ahead of Toya, silently telling him to trust her for now. Toya reluctantly followed the two women, leading them deeper into the forest. He's ready to summon his spear if needed to, until he remembered that Ena is dead, he can't kill a corpse? Ghost?

Just then, they saw another field, several canvases thrown across the field along with paint and brushes, all of them scattered on the grass. “I didn't feel the need to clean up, they're going to disappear along with me.” Ena explained before they could point it out, she touched a canvas stationed on an easel and a stool in front of it. They watched as the seemingly white canvas started slowly showing colors, starting with orange, then white, and blue, revealing a portrait of her brother, Akito Shinonome, smiling with a gold rose attached to his cape. “Bring Akito to me.” She demanded.

“Huh!?” They both exclaimed at the same time, knowing it's an impossible feat. “Oh, and Mizuki too.” Ena added, making them erupt in screams again, she looked at them in annoyance for their reactions, the two calmed themselves, looking away from her sharp gaze. “Her- I mean, Shinonome-san, Akito is our enemy, even Mizuki, I’m sure they see us the same, how are we supposed to bring them to you? We’re at war!” Toya argued, seeing the brunette raise an eyebrow, pointing at the girl beside him. “I see no problem at all, An’s with you.” She countered, the man facing the younger just to see that she has a guilty look on her face. Toya called out her name in a serious manner, making her yield and explain her discovery, cautiously watching Toya's expression shift the more she explained things. “That's all I know, General Meiko said I shouldn't dig any further into their plans.” An ended, seeing Toya remain silent, simply arranging his thoughts. “General Meiko knows?” He asked, the girl nodded, awkwardly admitting to his suspicions. “Yes, for a long time now, she knows every bit of their plan, but she refused to defy nor aide them, remaining neutral, but it's hardly neutral when she's rooting for them.” An argued, the man became silent again, eventually sighing. 

“I see, but… it's still hard to bring them over to Shinonome-san.” Toya repeated, both of them heard the oldest sigh, fixing the canvas placed on the easel. “You can just take them away from the battlefield and you have a dragon with you.” Ena pointed out, seeing them dumbly realize Yakou's existence. “Wait, what about the knights that will witness us whisking them away?” An asked, the brunette hummed, looking up at the dark sky in thought. “They're already deemed as crazy so just make up a thing about them jumping off Yakou's back.” Ena suggested, seeing the two wince at her suggestion. She glared at them and pouted. “What? Have a better idea?” She asked, receiving no answer. “That's what I thought.” She scoffed, proceeding to sit down on the stool. “Ah, but I guess I owe you guys an explanation, about my death and Akito's rebellion. I hope you two could understand him more with my help, so won't you sit down and join me?” She offered, the two bi colored knights glanced at each other before taking a seat in front of Ena like how grandchildren do when listening to their grandmother's past. “It started on the day of Akito's graduation…”

“Ena! Where did you put my cape!” Akito yelled out in frustration, slamming her door open. She groaned in annoyance and threw a pillow his way, which he managed to avoid. “Shut up! I never touched your stupid cape!” Ena argued, she heard Akito's footsteps retreating, she slowly opened her eyes to find her door still open, revealing her bedhead and annoyed expression to their parents drinking some coffee on the dining table. She once again groaned and slowly sat up. Today is Akito's graduation from the knight academy, she already graduated from art academy a year ago, still it's concerning how Akito seems to grow bigger, and now he's the one going to parade his graduation to the citizens. “Really, what will I even do with his cape?” She scratched her head, leaving her blanket messy as she slowly sat up and made her way out her room, closing the door and lazily greeting her parents. “Look at you Ena, I thought you're going to attend Akito's graduation ceremony? Yet you're still not ready.” Her mom scolded.

“I'm attending the awarding ceremony, not the parade, I don't want to squeeze in with unruly people.” Ena corrected, making her mom sigh. Her dad gave her a glass of water which she silently accepted, taking a seat on the dining table, taking a bread for her to eat while Akito scrambled around, his cape hanging on his arm. ‘On a serious note, it feels like yesterday when I was still much taller than him, and look at him now, he looks so mature.’ Ena silently admitted, she took a bite of her bread, watching Akito fix his hair. ‘It’s been 12 years huh, time flies so fast.’

“Ena? Are you finished yet?” Akito complained, loudly chewing on his food. “Not yet, so stay still and stop chewing so loudly! It's gross!” She complained, not seeing the way Akito rolled his eyes at her complaints. “Oh look! That's a cat.” Akito pointed at a cloud, hearing Ena groan a few feet behind her. “I told you to stop moving!” Ena repeated, despite placing the finishing touches on her painting. “Eh? But knowing you, your paintings will always end up amazing anyways.” Akito praised, but he didn't receive a reply, so he looked back just to see that Ena was already behind him, leaving behind her canvas and easel. She wiped her hands on her clothes before sitting beside him. “Since when did you become a cheeky child?” Ena teased, slinging her arm around Akito's shoulders, pulling him closer just to pinch his cheek. “Come on Ena! I'm not a child anymore!” He complained, swatting her hand full of dried paint away. “You're still a child dumbass, so call me onee-san!” Ena excitedly requested, being met with a disgusted gaze from Akito, a vein popped at his expression, resulting in her ruffling Akito's hair roughly. “OI! WHAT'S WITH YOU!” Akito complained, trying to push her away. 

Just then, they heard the faint sound of trumpets and cheers. Ena stopped her attacks to listen to the sound. Akito fixed his hair, wondering where the sound came from. “Oh! I just remembered, it's that time of the year!” Ena perked up, immediately standing up, running towards her easel and canvas, setting them down on the grass. “What is it?” Akito asked in confusion. “Oh right, the art academy is situated next to the knight academy, and during spring the oldest knights graduate to be official knights, each year they hold a parade to showcase the graduates, the top of their class are usually placed in last just right in front of the Emperor's carriage!” Ena excitedly explained. “So? It's just a parade.” Akito reasoned, seeing Ena place her hands on her hips in retaliation. “It's not that I like them, I’m just curious. Besides, you’ve been so gloomy these past few days, you won't even tell mom and dad what happened, this could help you distract yourself for a while.” Ena reasoned, watching the younger stand up and follow her. “I also need a break after all that painting.” She added, cracking her fingers as they slowly descended from the hill, the music growing louder and louder. 

They managed to catch the parade just in time, squeezing their tiny bodies in between the crowd, pushing them at the front. “Wah, how systematic.” Ena commented, watching them march the same and their lines straighter than a tree. Akito scoffed, finding nothing that interesting. Ena kept muttering comments about little details like how one knight had wrinkled clothes, how one of them had dirt on their shoulders, how a knight almost fell off the systematically arranged march. Useless stuff he doesn't care about, he sighed, not knowing how parades can be interesting, he was about to convince Ena to go home with him when suddenly a knight approached her, moving away from the parade just to show her palm and conjure a lovely white flower, handing it to his sister. She has long slightly wavy brownish pink hair and matching sharp brown eyes, her gaze soft as she smiled and handed her a flower. The woman noticed him and gave him a yellow flower. “Nagi! What are you doing!” They heard someone yell, seeing a brown haired man glaring at the woman. “Geez Onii-san, simply walking is boring, aren't parades supposed to be fun?” She argued, reaching out to ruffle both his and Ena’s hair. “Whatever your dream is, I hope you achieve it.” Her words immediately made Ena brighten up. Another brown haired man approached them, sighing as he dragged the woman away. “Ken!” She whined, pouting afterwards, the man looked at them and smiled. “We will protect you and your dreams, so stay true to yourselves.” The man declared before forcing the woman back to her lane, his words resonated in Akito's heart, Ena saw the way his eyes shone after the man's declaration. She smiled, looking back to see five knights, four of them laughing at the Nagi woman who kept sulking, she looked behind them to see the Emperor giggling at the said knights. 

The two of them immediately went back to the hill, Ena smiled smugly, looking down at Akito who kept glancing at her with wariness. “So! What do you think about knights now!” Ena excitedly asked, her brother frowned before smiling. “They're cool, they seem so confident and reliable.” Akito answered, making the older grin wider. “Well! What about you try being a knight?” She suggested, seeing Akito's eyes widened at the suggestion. “What? Our family never had a history of being a knight, besides, what if I fail?” Akito argued, watching as the older frowned at his words. “Why are you so sure that you will fail when you haven't even tried it yet? Just give it a try, and it’s up to you to judge whether to continue it or not. I'm just giving a suggestion.” Ena countered, watching her brother look at the ground with a conflicted expression. “I guess I’ll try then.” He sighed, groaning when Ena suddenly hugged him afterwards. 

As Ena painted, on the same hill Akito would practice with the wooden sword their parents bought him. Ena didn't mind the sound of the sword swinging and his brother's grunts. He remained by her side until he started asking mercenaries and knights to teach him, some would scorn him while others gladly helped him. She's happy for him of course, to the point she started painting his swords. That's until she entered art academy, her father told her she's doesn't have the talent to paint yet she remained stubborn and continued painting, her frustrations kept increasing to the point she lashed out at Akito, she was shocked seeing how her nails scratched his face, hurt at the way her brother looked at her as if she's crazy, she pushed him away and closed the door to her room. She remained in her room, painting, and painting, and painting without ever stopping. So much that she almost wanted to quit. She went out of the academy, seeing Akito laughing along with some pink haired woman and bi colored male. She gripped her canvas in frustration, wondering how her life turned out like this. Despite that, she wished Akito would achieve his dream. 

When she entered her sixth year, Akito went home with a girl, introducing her as his girlfriend. “Nice to meet you! I'm An Shiraishi!” She seemed cheerful and sweet, she tried her best to accommodate, wondering how Akito managed to date a noble woman. She did ask when she left, only receiving sarcastic comments, it irritated her so she might’ve punched him out of spite. “Ena. I'm planning to marry An.” He dropped out of the blue, making her choke on her own saliva. “Then you must become a respectable knight.” She answered, looking down at her fingers full of dried paint. ‘Right, I still need to finish that painting.’ She thought. She was about to go back to her room when Akito suddenly grabbed her wrist. She looked at him in shock and irritation. “What do you need?” She demanded, seeing the younger frown and scratch his nape. “Hey…when I become a gold knight, can you paint my portrait?” Akito requested suddenly, confusing her. “Huh? Gold knight? What even is that?” She asked, hearing the younger groan. “We had this lesson, they said when a knight is able to achieve the gold rose rank, the highest rank so far other than purple knights, they could commission any artist to paint their portrait wearing the uniform and gold rose.” Akito explained awkwardly. 

“So? Why me, my paintings are…” she trailed off, their father’s words ringing in her mind. “Huh!? I’m asking you to paint it because you're the best painter I know.” Akito argued, she flinched, looking at him in disbelief. “You're my sister, I watched you paint several times when we were young. I know your talents more than any painters, I am entrusting you with this important job because I knew you could do it.” He argued, finally letting go of Ena's wrist. The girl rubbed the wrist he grabbed, chuckling brokenly. “Sure, but make sure you're going to obtain that gold rose then.” She didn't need to hear his reply as she entered her room, she knew he could do it. Ena looked at her canvas and smiled, feeling her tears roll down. “How long has it been since I heard someone praise my paintings?” She giggled, annoyed that it came from Akito out of all people. “Idiot. Fine then, I’m going to blow your mind away.” With that, she sat on her stool, suddenly motivated. 

A week later, she somehow had to go to the academy with Akito, both of them clearly not fond of the idea yet didn't complain. Out of spite, she made Akito carry her canvas and bag full of art materials, he didn't complain, only groaning at her demands. It's truly a wonder why they placed the art and knight academy next to each other. ‘There’s another academy as far as I know, what was it again? Healer's academy or something. I wonder why it's so far away.’ She wondered, just as Akito was about to hand her items, some of her classmates ran up to her. “Ena! Congratulations!” They greeted, confusing the siblings. “Huh? For what?” She asked, slowly taking her materials from Akito. “Oh right you just arrived, your painting last week won first place!” The sibling’s eyes widened, Ena felt her chest warm at the news. “Come on! You still need to name it!” They grab her arm, making her panic. “W-wait! Not too fast!” She adjusted her canvas looking back at Akito's dumbfounded face. She didn't know how to express her joy, so she smiled at her brother and ran with her classmates.

Their professor was waiting for her, smiling as they pointed at her piece. It features a dawn with a white shadow holding a sword, facing the dawn in question. “I’ve been waiting for you, what would you like to name this piece?” The professor asked. She felt her heart thump in excitement, reaching out for her piece, smiling gently as she opened her mouth. “The clear person.” She answered. Everyone congratulated her which made her heart swell, her art is getting recognized after all these years. 

“Akito? Who was that girl you were with?” Akito heard as soon as he entered the gates, turning to his side to see Akiyama. “She's my sister, what about it?” Akito raised an eyebrow in suspicion, receiving a playful smirk. “Hmm, nothing much, she just looks cute.” And with that she left, Akito glared at Mizuki, already guessing her next move.