The Imperium story belongs to @Viva-la-Luna. This is the story of my Kuromi OC, Kaori.
A knock came at the door and Kaori hastily cleared her things from her desk into a drawer. “Come in,” she said. Kaori’s maid, a younger girl by the name of Izumi, entered the room. “Oh, it’s just you. Good morning.”
“Working on your potions again, my lady?” Izumi asked slyly.
“I have been trying to expand my list of potions I can create,” Kaori replied. “Poisons are fine, but it seems strange to make them if there’s no reason to.”
Izumi shrugged. “That makes sense. Your mother sent me up here, that’s why I’m a bit early. She says that you have the chance to visit your father if you would like.”<( ) /> Kaori smiled. “Really? When?”
“You can leave once your things are packed. Apparently Lady Rin changed her mind about having you go to the party.”
“That’s surprising. Quite a pleasant surprise, mind you, but a surprise all the same.”
Izumi pulled out one of Kaori’s many black, blue, and gold trimmed gowns. “Lord Phaidros will be pleased to see you again.”
“Hopefully it will not prove to be too much of a nasty surprise for his household. Arriving short notice like that always puts them on edge.”
“It should be fine,” Izumi reassured Kaori, helping Kaori into the intricate gown. “I’ll be there to help out.”
Kaori nodded and sat down in front of her mirror for Izumi to pull back her long, dark hair. “I might stop by the palace later and let Haruna know, then.”
“No need!” The door opened and the Imperial Princess Haruna strode through, her rich magenta robes rippling behind her. “I must apologize for showing up so early in the morning.”
“You’re always welcome here, you know that. No matter the hour, I’ll be here to ensure you don’t go mad from overexposure to court life. No advisors to worry about here. Would you mind giving us a moment alone, Izumi?”
Izumi nodded and left the room. Haruna and Kaori moved into the adjoining parlor to talk and Haruna spoke first.
“That’s why I’m here, actually. The advisors have been especially pestering this evening because they want me to go to some trivial event this morning. But enough about that. What did you want to tell me?”
“I’m going to Noxvaelia later tonight.”<( ) /> “What? On such short notice?”
“My mother apparently decided I didn’t need to go to the Shimizu household for their event this morning.”
“Oh, I think that was what I am supposed to go to,” Haruna considered. “I wish you could be there so I could have some reprieve from the formality of everything.”
“You’ll have some of your other friends there, certainly,” Kaori assured her. She paused, glancing down at her hands. “I think my mother has finally given up.”
“Given up on what?”
“Me meeting someone.”
“Hah, that’s ridiculous,” Haruna said.
“Most of the people I know have someone.”
“Not everyone.”
Kaori gave Haruna a pointed smile. “You have Akio. Is he waiting outside?”
Haruna nodded with a secretive sort of look. “I can neither confirm nor deny your allegations but I will say that he is the best escort I have ever had.”
Kaori giggled softly. “You should invite him in.”
“And embarrass him to no end? I am not quite that cruel,” Haruna said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Fortune is certainly on your side, Haruna. I wish it were that easy to meet someone.”
“What you need to do is go up to a young man and introduce yourself, even if it’s difficult.”
“Perhaps you could introduce me instead,” Kaori remarked. “They cannot run away from a conversation with the Imperial Princess, now can they?”
“No, it is important you do it yourself else it will not be real,” Haruna replied with a smile. “You know that people act differently around me because of my status. They might pretend to be interested in you for the sake of becoming closer to me.”
“I know,” Kaori sighed. “As of yet not even that has happened. Anyway, let’s not speak of it any longer. I will be fine.”
“Of course,” Haruna said, searching for a thread of conversation and catching hold of one. “You will have to tell me everything about your time in Noxvaelia when you return.”
“I always do,” Kaori agreed with a small smile.
“Will you see your cousin while you’re there?”
“Capucine? I certainly hope so. She’s usually quite busy but she is fun to be around. She does all of the talking. I expect she will try and drag me to some social event or another but that can’t be helped.”
Haruna sighed deeply, her eyes distant. “I wish I could go with you. I never have a spare moment to properly visit Noxvaelia.”
“Well, maybe someday you will be able to come up with some excuse. Until then I am happy to describe the lands for you. Will I be missing anything important while I’m away? I expect to be gone for only a fortnight.”
Haruna pondered that for a moment. “There is some kind of ceremony taking place next week, I believe. In a few days I am expected to attend a diplomatic meeting with a few Noxvaelian representatives. And of course today there is the event at the Shimizu household. I expect that there are some other things I am missing. It seems that there is always something going on.” She paused, lost in thought. “Have you been working on your potions again? It smelled of something a bit odd in your room.”
Kaori nodded sheepishly. “Yes, that must have been the potions. Sorry about that.”
“Your mother obviously doesn’t approve if you’re still working on them in your bedroom.”
“What does she approve of, though?”
Haruna laughed. “I know whom she approves of. Tsutomu Shimizu.”
Kaori’s blood froze. “What?”
Haruna hesitated. “Well, I overheard as I snuck into your house that she had hoped you would meet him at the party this morning.”
“You were sneaking into my house?”
“Your mother scares me as much as she does you.”
Kaori frowned. “I suppose that’s why she’s letting me go on this trip. She hopes that I will be in good enough spirits when I return that I will consider meeting this Tsutomu. She’s becoming desperate if she’s actually actively interfering with my life now.”
Haruna took Kaori’s hand tightly in hers. “I’ll see what I can do this morning. I promise.”
“Thanks,” Kaori said quietly.
“Well,” Haruna announced, rising, “I ought to be going. I told my advisors that I would return in an hour so we could discuss a few matters. I wish I could have stayed longer. It’s much quieter in your home than it is in the palace. Quite a nice ( )eak. Anyway, I’ll see you later.”
“Of course! If you need anyone to talk to you can always write,” Kaori replied. Haruna nodded and quit the room, leaving Kaori to stare blankly at the blue and white vase perched atop one of the many gilded side tables. She then stood and paced around the parlour for a moment, coming back around to the door and stepping into her bedroom. Izumi and a few of the other maids were inside, packing Kaori’s things into a few dark trunks. “Let me help you with that,” Kaori said hastily.
“It’s no bother, my lady,” Izumi replied dismissively. “Lady Rin wished to speak with you as soon as you were unoccupied anyway.”
“Did you tell her I was talking to Haruna?”
“Well...yes. I must apologize, I didn’t know–”
“No, it’s fine. Mother loves when Haruna pays a visit to us. She thinks it will improve our standing in society. My one success in life, apparently.”
Before izumi could protest Kaori had left the room with the hem of her gown trailing behind her. She hurried down the main staircase and turned to the left, gliding along the polished floors until she came across her mother where she nearly always found her: seated in the li( )ary reading a philosophical novel.
“There you are,” Lady Rin said, setting the book aside and rising. She crossed the room to stand before Kaori and wore a cool smile on her face. “How was your visit with the Imperial Princess?”
“It was fine,” Kaori replied guardedly.
“I think it’s wonderful that the two of you are friends. It could restore our family name.”
“I didn’t think that there was anything wrong with our family name in the first place.”
“Well, by now you must have been told that you can go to Noxvaelia. You must be glad about that, no?”
“Yes, mother,” Kaori said with a smile. “Thank you for allowing me to go.”
“I was hoping that a nice surprise like this would put you back on your feet.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been seeming very sad lately. Don’t think I didn’t notice. I do not know what the cause of your sorrow is, my dear, but I hope that a trip to Noxvaelia will set you right. You always enjoy your time there.”
Kaori couldn’t help but smile more ( )oadly. “I do. Thank you again.”
“You are most welcome, child. Now,” Lady Rin said, her tone hardening, “see to it that your things are ( )ought down in an hour so that they can be loaded onto the carriage. If you can gather everything you need for the trip quickly enough, perhaps you could make it to the capitol by noon four days hence. I have sent a messenger ahead to your father so he will have some notice of your arrival. I expect he will be glad to see you.”
Kaori nodded and excused herself. The story of her parents’ relationship was a fairly short one. They had met in Noxvaelia and Lady Rin’s cold heart had melted. They united shortly after and because of Lady Rin’s love of formal ceremonies they married in public as well. Kaori was born, and with her birth Lady Rin realized that her love for her husband was less fervent than it had been before. They grew apart slowly and Lady Rin moved back to Yuugure, taking the young Kaori with her. Lady Rin would visit Lord Phaidros with Kaori on occasion but after a time she simply sent Kaori alone, claiming she was too tired or too busy. In reality Kaori suspected that she was ashamed of her relationship with Phaidros ever occurring in the first place.
The trip from Yuugure to Noxvaelia was filled with exotic beauty. The sea glowed under the stern of the ship with the bioluminescent flora and fauna lurking just beneath the surface of the moonlit water. Kaori had loved to watch the sea glitter with varying neon colors when she was young; now she loved to sketch and catalogue the species in a journal she kept close at all times. When the ship landed on Noxvaelia’s pale shores they transferred to another carriage that would take them straight to the capital. They passed through one of the heavily guarded ancient gates, moving straight into the heart of the mountain. The capital city stood ahead, shining white from the marble that made up most of the buildings. Kaori had been sleeping but Izumi woke her as they drew close to their destination. Looking out of the window, Kaori could spot the familiar façade of her father’s grand house. Two iron dragons flanked the front door and a few servants were standing out front to help with the few trunks Kaori had ( )ought with her. The doors swung open and Kaori’s father strode through. He seemed exhausted from being up so late—it was a bit later than noon, after all–but he wore a ( )oad smile on his face and as Kaori ran up to him he em( )aced her tightly. “I was so pleased to receive your mother’s letter,” he said as he held his daughter close. “It’s been too long.”
“I know,” Kaori replied, her golden eyes alight.
“I’m going to the Grande Corridor tomorrow morning if you would like to join me.”
“First things first,” Kaori said with a laugh, “Let me get some sleep. If I wake up in time I’ll come with you.”
“Of course,” Lord Phaidros answered ( )ightly. “I will let your cousin know that you are here as well. She’ll be quite excited to see you.”
Kaori followed her father into the dark, soothing atmosphere of the house. “I’m sure.”
Kaori woke up slightly too late to follow her father to the Grande Corridor but all the same she spent her morning well. It was refreshing to be back in Noxvaelia, and Kaori walked the streets of the city for a long time. When she finally returned to the house she sat outside in the garden and there was visited by her cousin. Capucine de L’Aube was the daughter of Phaidros’s ( )other, a professional matchmaker of sorts who had also just recently opened a clothing store containing items of her own design. Apparently it was doing well and Capucine’s schedule was becoming increasingly busy. Though Capucine had little need to be working with being from a noble family, she enjoyed the work and felt that others would benefit from her occupation as well.
“Darling Kaori,” Capucine began lovingly to her younger cousin, smiling and em( )acing her. “You’ve matured so much since I last saw you. With your figure and frankly adorable personality I’m certain the young men of Yuugure are fighting viciously for your hand.”
“Not quite,” Kaori replied. The trouble with being around a matchmaker is that all she ever wanted to talk about was relationships. Kaori played along anyway, remembering some gossip she’d overheard in the city. “But it seems you’ve found someone.”
Capucine smiled slyly. “At last, the matchmaker finds her match, right? He’s such a lovely soul and he has quite a good standing in society so I think I’ll be pleasing everyone with the marriage. I would have never married anyone for anything but love, you know, even if it’s supposed to be political. His ( )other is a bit odd, though. Still, you can’t get everything.”
“Is my grandfather still around?”
“Oh, he’s off wandering the countryside as usual. Who knows when he’ll be back? I expect you were hoping to learn some more Noxvaelian magic.”
“Admittedly, yes. That’s alright. I have enough to be going on with.”
Capucine smiled more ( )oadly and Kaori could tell that she was itching to tell her something. “How long do you plan to be here?”
“For a bit less than a fortnight, I think.”
“Oh, excellent!” Capucine exclaimed. “You’ll be able to attend my wedding, then.”
“What? You’re having it so soon? I hadn’t even received an invitation.”
Capucine frowned. “I did send one to you. Your mother replied saying that you would be unable to attend.”
Kaori sighed heavily. “That is unsurprising. I’m glad I will be able to go, then. I wouldn’t want to miss your wedding for anything, you know that.”
“Oh, you’re so sweet, darling. Azarias will be pleased to meet you. You ought to come to my house for dinner tonight. We are only having a couple of people over and Azarias’s family will be there.”
“Of course.”
So Kaori travelled to Capucine’s house that evening with her father. It was only a short walk away and Kaori knew the path well; it was one that she had trodden many times before. The house was just as she had remembered it: warm and filled with the laughter of numerous glittering guests. When Capucine had said “a couple of people” Kaori had expected a small party, but with the crowd of guests flowing through the atrium Kaori could tell that this had been an event planned long in advance.
“Come, meet Azarias,” Capucine commanded, leading Kaori through the crowd to a tall man with dark red hair. His angular eyes glittered keenly as they approached. “Oh, this is Xenon,” Capucine said. “Azarias’s twin ( )other. I do get them confused sometimes.”
“Good morning, Capucine,” Xenon began with a bow. “This is quite the party you have organized.”
“This is my cousin, Kaori. She lives in Yuugure but she has come for a visit.”
“A pleasure to meet you.”
Kaori nodded. “Likewise.”
“So, where is my dashing fiancée?” Capucine inquired.
“He was speaking with Lord Phaidros last I saw him,” Xenon replied. “I do believe that he is coming this way now.” He looked past the two cousins and nodded.
Capucine and Kaori turned, finding that Azarias was approaching from behind. He did look strikingly similar to Xenon. “Good morning, my love,” Azarias said to Capucine. “Who is this?”
“Kaori. She’s my cousin from Yuugure.”
“How splendid. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard much about you from Capucine.”
Kaori smiled and nodded, unsure of how she ought to reply. Capucine stepped in, however. “Now, the meal should be served shortly. Until then I am going to try and speak with all of my guests. Would you care to join me, Kaori?”
Kaori agreed and followed Capucine into the crowd.
After the meal was over and the guests had returned to fill the halls, Kaori stepped out onto the balcony for some air. It was far quieter and Kaori felt she could finally take a ( )eath. Her mother would reprimand her for avoiding the party. Well, it wasn’t as though she did much apart from stand and listen to Capucine’s conversations with others.
Kaori looked down at her hands and let her shadow magic play across them, diving and looping around her fingers. Then, at a sudden sound Kaori jumped and the shadow magic enveloped her in a flash, making her effectively invisible. Azarias and Xenon came out onto the balcony, Xenon’s fist curled around Azarias’s collar. They shuffled over beyond the view of the party and Xenon let his ( )other go.
“What was that for?” Azarias hissed.
“I just wanted to make certain that you’re keeping your priorities straight,” Xenon snapped in reply.
“Of course I am!”
“For our plan to work, Capucine and her parents must die. You seem to be developing feelings for that woman.”
“I’m playing the part, just as you are. I know what needs to be done.”
“Good. As long as you do exactly what I say and you keep up your end of the deal none of this has to end badly for you.”
“Is that a threat?”
“You know me well enough to know, ( )other.”
Azarias strode back into the house and Xenon stood on the balcony for a moment before following him. Kaori’s magic slowly faded away, leaving the Kuromi to stand openly in shock. Had that really just happened? Kaori’s mind whirled. Clearly they wanted Capucine’s family fortune if they wished to kill her parents and Capucine herself. However, they would have to wait until after the wedding if the fortune was to pass to Azarias. That still gave Kaori some time to figure out a solution. Wait, she was going to solve this problem? Yes, it had to be her. These men were clearly experienced in their work. If anyone else became involved things could become dangerous.
Kaori spent the next several days scrambling around in search of something. Her father noticed her distracted nature but Kaori explained that she was simply trying to figure out what kind of gift she should give Capucine for her wedding. She joined her father in the Grande Corridor but while everyone was enthralled with a mystic duel taking place below Kaori’s thoughts were drifting elsewhere. Finally, as the wedding day arrived, Kaori slipped a slender vial into the sash of her gown and met Capucine at her house to help her prepare.
“How do I look?” Capucine inquired as soon as Kaori entered, turning to face her cousin. Capucine was wearing the traditional black for her wedding gown but the material seemed to shimmer slightly blue and the accents shone opalescent in the right light. “Very beautiful,” Kaori replied, beaming.
“Thank you! I made the dress myself, actually. I wonder what Azarias will think of it.”
“I’m sure he will love it.”
The ceremony passed quickly with Kaori’s mind on other things. She kept glancing at Xenon throughout the process. He wore an unreadable sort of expression but there was something calculating behind his eyes. They would have to make the deaths seem an accident, and there was really only one reasonable way to do that: poison. A well-made poison was untraceable and could mimic the symptoms of other illnesses. Of course, they would be unable to kill all three of their targets at once; that would seem too suspicious. Kaori had to stop herself for a moment as the ceremony came to a close. Since when did she think this way? In terms of assassination and targets and means of murder. Perhaps if she had been born into a different life she would have made a good Assassin herself with her talent for making poisons and advanced ability in shadow magic. But could she ever do the things they did? Probably not.
Kaori followed the procession to Capucine’s home where the meal would be served and people could properly congratulate the newlywed couple. When they arrived Kaori watched Azarias and Xenon like an unseen shadow. It was unclear so far who they would attempt to kill off first; Kaori’s guess was Capucine, but perhaps that was only because Capucine was the victim she was most determined to protect. However, Capucine’s father was already ailing and he would be the easiest one to remove first. In any case...Kaori ought to make her move as soon as possible.
Pulling two drinks from the nearest platter, Kaori subtly slipped a drop of the contents of her vial into each glass. After returning the vial to its place Kaori glided across the room to meet Azarias and Xenon. “Capucine wanted me to deliver these to you,” she said. “She’s a bit busy right now but she hopes that you are enjoying yourselves.”
“That’s very kind of her,” Azarias replied, taking the glass. Xenon took the other and nodded in agreement. “She’s quite the excellent hostess.”
“That she is,” Kaori agreed with a smile. She turned and swept off into the crowd. The poison was fairly slow-acting but it should take hold in less than ten minutes. Until then she would watch the two of them carefully. She watched as Azarias and Xenon each took a sip from their glasses before Xenon nodded to Azarias. The latter handed his drink to Xenon and picked up another two glasses from a servant bearing a tray of drinks. He turned his back to the crowd, turned, and approached Capucine’s parents with the glasses in hand. Kaori made her way swiftly to the other side of the room to stand in the corner and watch. Azarias spoke with Capucine’s parents for a moment, handed them the glasses, and retreated. Kaori strode forward. “Hello!” she said. “I don’t think we’ve been able to speak properly since I arrived.”
“You’re right,” Capucine’s mother replied with a glowing smile. “It’s been too long. You’ve grown up so much.”
As the two em( )aced Kaori flicked her fingers. Capucine’s father squinted at his drink. “I think an insect must have landed in my drink. Excuse me for a moment while I replace it.”
As Kaori and Capucine’s mother ( )oke apart Kaori bumped into the elder woman’s hand. The glass wobbled and fell to the floor, smashing into shards. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Capucine’s mother exclaimed. “I’m afraid your dress may be ruined.”
“It was my fault,” Kaori assured her.
Azarias and Xenon were rushed out of the house not long after, not quite dead but likely not alive for long. Kaori watched and hoped that she had not misjudged the situation. Had she been right to take things into her own hands? They would have killed three innocent people, no doubt, but perhaps there had been other ways to ( )ing their plans into the light. She had just been so eager to do something meaningful, something right for society. She didn’t need to be recognized for it, she just needed to feel as though she had a purpose on this land. Lady Yoruka, what is my purpose? Kaori wondered to herself. Surely I was not meant to sit idly by and watch as others achieved happiness and success. Surely there must be a reason I am the way I am.
Returning to Yuugure had always been a far less enchanting journey. The waters seemed dull now and Yuugure’s shore less inviting. It wasn’t as though Kaori disliked her life in Yuugure, but she certainly enjoyed her time in Noxvaelia. Perhaps she would be able to join Haruna on one of her many trips around the empire; she always enjoyed seeing new scenery.
Lady Rin was there to greet Kaori when she returned, wearing a cool sort of smile and standing next to a vaguely familiar Kuromi man with slate-grey skin and dark hair. Kaori disembarked and warily approached her mother. “Hello?” she began hesitantly.
“I am glad you are back, Kaori,” Lady Rin said in a businesslike tone. “I would like to introduce you to Tsutomu Shimizu.”
~~~~
~~~~
August 19, 2016 update
It was night and Kaori was walking the gardens of her father’s home in Noxvaelia with Capucine at her side. Capucine was smiling but something about her seemed sad. “I’m glad that you could come.”
“Of course,” Kaori said kindly. “My mother might not like my trips to Noxvaelia but she can’t prevent it The Eve of Reunion is taking place.”
Kaori sighed and Capucine gave her a searching look. “What’s wrong, darling? I can tell I’m not the only one who is sad on such a beautiful night as this.”
“I haven’t seen my parents together in years. I’m beginning to realize why they separated.” Kaori’s senses sharpened and she turned. “Hello?” she said into the darkness. “Who’s there?”
“No one’s there, Kaori,” Capucine replied, urging Kaori on. “I’m sorry about your parents; that must be difficult to watch.”
The scene shifted and Kaori was walking along a pathway alone at twilight, her eyes fixed on the dusky horizon. She glanced behind her suddenly, certain that someone was there. A shadow darted behind a boulder and Kaori froze, heart pounding. “I know you’re there,” she said, approaching the rock with icy dread beating through her veins. “Why are you following me?”
As she took another step forward, Kaori tumbled into darkness. She clawed at empty space and shrieked as she fell, watching flashes of color and sound whirl around her.
Thick night and a scream. “What’s happening to me?”
“Go! Run!”
“There is a darkness inside of you.”
“Capucine, stay with me!”
Kaori landed hard on her back but found herself rising again. Out of the darkness emerged the enlarged face of a somehow familiar woman. She smiled maliciously and Kaori found that what she had landed on was the palm of the woman and now her fingers closed around Kaori’s figure. “You’re mine, now.”
Kaori’s eyes flew open and she found that she was lying on her back in bed. She shuddered and sat up. That certainly hadn’t felt like a dream. Kaori decided to get up as it was nearly night anyway, running a hand across her face and through her tangled hair of black silk. She probably had the festival on her mind because she was intended to leave for it today. Haruna would be going as well, of course, and Kaori sincerely hoped that Haruna would be able to slip away from her overprotective guards and advisors to meet Kaori’s father. Haruna had left for Noxvaelia yesterday, Akio at her side as always. Kaori pulled on a robe and rang for Izumi, knowing that her maid would already be awake and tending to the house with her companions.
Izumi appeared in less than five minutes, ( )ight-eyed and alert as usual. She helped Kaori dress and put her hair into a more presentable state. “I believe most of your cases were packed last night,” she informed Kaori. “How was your meeting with Tsutomu yesterday?”
Kaori sighed exasperatedly. “It went about as well as I thought it would. He’s polite enough but it’s obvious he doesn’t care about me at all. He’s openly admitted that he’s in love with another young woman.”
Izumi grimaced. “That bad?”
Kaori raised her eye( )ows pointedly. “I don’t think there’s a single man out there who would be interested in me.”
“Of course there is, my lady. It may simply take a bit longer.”
“I know I ought not to be so impatient to find someone. I wouldn’t want to end up in a relationship like my parents’. Is Mother still intending to come?”
“As far as I know, yes. She does plan to leave before the holiday is up, however.”
“I suppose, then, that there is some good news.”
~~~~
The capitol of Noxvaelia bustled and hummed with life, Noirfey and Kuromi alike walking the streets. Kaori gazed up at the castle and remarked to herself that Haruna must be inside. Perhaps she would be able to visit later. Kaori glanced at her mother, who was standing beside her with her fingers clenched tightly into fists. She wore the fairly impassive, resolute expression she used when she was about to do or say something she resented.
“Are you alright?” Kaori ventured as Lady Rin stared up at Phaidros’s estate with her lips pressed tightly together.
“Perfectly,” Rin replied, more harshly than she had intended.
Kaori and Rin entered the house, closely followed by their trunks and a few of their servants. Izumi, having been to Noxvaelia numerous times before, volunteered to show the other servants around the house. She seemed quite pleased to know something the others did not.
“Rin! It’s been far too long, my dear.”
Rin stiffened at the sound of Lord Phaidros’s voice and approached him with some trepidation. “Indeed it has.” Phaidros moved to em( )ace his wife but Rin turned away. “I will only be staying a few days. Three at most.”
“Why, you’ll only have just settled in,” Phaidros protested. “You ought to stay longer. What could possibly be more pressing?”
“Perhaps it will surprise you, but I have important matters to attend to in Yuugure. I cannot leave them for long.”
“More important than this very rare family reunion?”
“Yes.”
Phaidros sighed and Kaori caught a glimpse of annoyance on his face, an emotion he rarely expressed. “You haven’t changed much, then.”
“People rarely do.”
“Um, Father,” Kaori interjected quickly, “perhaps you would like to walk with me around the garden for a bit.”
Phaidros’s expression softened. “Of course. I’d love to.”
As Kaori and her father strolled off through the atrium and through to the back of the house, Kaori gave her mother a backward glance. Her expression was practically unreadable but Kaori knew her mother well enough to tell that she was irritated. Rin turned away, the hem of her crimson and black gown trailing along the ground as she glided off.
“How have you been since I last saw you?” Phaidros inquired.
“I’ve been…well,” Kaori replied, hesitating as she thought about the dreams that had been plaguing her for the past several weeks.
“Of course, it hasn’t been that long.”
“It feels like ages, though. I always look forward to my visits to Noxvaelia, you know that. I hope that Princess Haruna will be able to visit sometime during this holiday; I’d love for you to meet her.”
“I would be most honored to have the Imperial Princess in our home. And I would greatly like to meet your closest friend.” Kaori and her father stepped into the garden filled with gentle fragrances. “So, tell me everything that has been going on in Yuugure.”
Kaori sighed with a soft laugh. “Well, my mother has been forcing this poor boy to come and meet me nearly every day. She hopes that by compelling us to spend all of our time together he will somehow form an attachment to me. His family would like us to marry as well, but both of us know that will never happen.”
Phaidros smiled grimly. “That sounds like your mother.”
Kaori plucked at her sleeve uncomfortably. “How has Capucine been?”
“She’s still quite torn up about the death of her husband,” Phaidros said, shaking his head. “It really was a dreadful affair. On her wedding day, too. No doubt the Syndicates were involved.”
Kaori felt a pang of guilt but reminded herself that she’d done the right thing. Probably. “I’ll have to go see her later, then.”
“She’d love that.”
~~~~
Kaori, Phaidros, and Rin made their way to the castle a few hours after midnight had passed and Kaori marveled at the elaborate decorations that had been set up in honor of the festival. Yuugure and Noxvaelia’s colors could be seen everywhere, teal and black banners fluttering in the windows of shops. She’d been to this festival many times before, ever since she was a young child. She had even been here a few times when Haruna was the royal representative from Yuugure. However, in years past Haruna had been closely guarded by her entourage of advisors and hadn’t been able to leave the castle grounds.
Phaidros and Kaori laughed as they recollected the memories of past festivals together. Rin had only attended a select few, and therefore did not share most of those memories. As Kaori and her family stepped into the castle she was once again in awe of Noxvaelian architecture. It was airy yet solid, elegant yet strong. They took their places near the dais where the initiating ceremony would take place and Kaori searched the faces behind the platform for Haruna. There she was, dressed in her usual shades of magenta with her dark hair loose about her waist. Akio stood nearby, strong and silent as usual. On the other side sat the Noxvaelian royal family, the king and queen in the center with their children nearby.
After everyone had gathered in the castle and the opening speeches had been given, Haruna and the Noxvaelian Princess Rosette rose and approached the gilded stands where they would light the ceremonial flames. Black and teal flames shot up from the stands and with that, the Eve of Reunion had begun. Chatter ( )oke out almost instantaneously amongst the people gathered there, Noirfey and Kuromi greeting one another warmly.
Phaidros tapped Kaori on the shoulder. “We ought to be getting back to the house. We wouldn’t want to arrive after our guests.”
“Guests?”
“Oh, yes. I thought your mother would have told you. We planned a sort of get-together at our house. Don’t worry, there shouldn’t be too many people there.”
Of course, Phaidros’s definition of a few people was not Kaori’s definition. Their house was soon packed with nobles from Noxvaelia and Yuugure. Phaidros genially greeted his old friends from Yuugure and Rin politely but coolly met the Noxvaelian nobles she once knew well. Kaori searched the sea of faces for anyone she knew, but only managed to find Tsutomu Shimizu. They exchanged a polite nod and Kaori continued on. She was certain that Capucine would come to an event such as this, but it seemed that she was absent. It was then that she ran across Capucine’s father, alive and well thanks to her scheme from a few weeks previously.
“Oh, hello, Kaori,” he began with a kind smile. “It’s good to see you back again so soon. I’m sure you’re looking for Capucine.”
“I was,” Kaori admitted.
“She’s feeling a bit under the weather but I expect she should be around to see you tomorrow or the day after.”
“I would love that. Thank you.”
Capucine’s father nodded and ambled off into the crowd again. Kaori turned and slipped through the clusters of people to the stairs, silently ascending to the second floor where the sounds of the party were much more muffled. A cool ( )eeze drifted in from the open windows leading out onto the balcony and Kaori paused there for a moment in the darkness which was quickly slipping into daylight. Something dark and unfamiliar pulled in Kaori’s core and pure, thick darkness spread across her fingers. Her eyes grew dark and her mind clouded, filling with whispers and suggestions. Then, Kaori blinked and the feeling was gone. She shook her head to clear it and felt that she had just forgotten something important.
“There you are,” Lord Phaidros said, coming up the stairs and smiling at his daughter. “I was hoping to talk to you about something.”
“Of course.”
“You always talk of how you love Noxvaelia,” Phaidros began.
“Yes.”
“Well, I thought that you might want to come and stay here a bit longer. A few years, even.”
“Stay here? With you?” Kaori considered. “Do you think my mother would allow it?”
“It’s your decision to make, not hers.”
Kaori knit her ( )ow, conflicted. “I…I’ll have to think about it.”
“Of course,” Phaidros said quickly. “I wanted to ask you as soon as possible so you could perhaps give me an answer by the end of the week.”
“Yes, I could do that,” Kaori answered with a nod. “I’d love to stay here, it’s just…there are many things in Yuugure I would miss.”
“I understand.” Phaidros gave Kaori a kind smile and set a hand on her shoulder. “No rush.”
“Father,” Kaori said, faltering slightly as she bit her lip and wondered if she should even ask this question. “What did you see in my mother? I mean, it doesn’t seem like the two of you have ever gotten along.”
Phaidros sighed deeply. “We did, once, despite what you may think. When we first met, Rin was a strong, fearless woman with a mind that worked at the speed of lightning. I fell for her within the first week of knowing her. I never knew what she saw in me, but she told me that I was genuinely kind, something she had never experienced before with men. So we married. It was only later that I realized how cold and unforgiving your mother can be.”
~~~~
When the guests had gone and dim, stormy light poured through the windows, Kaori was finally able to get some sleep. However, as she lied in bed half awake, Kaori could hear her parents arguing nearby. It was clear they were trying to keep their voices down so as not to wake the entire house, but Kaori could hear them all the same. Kaori sighed heavily and hoped that sleep would take her so she would be spared. She could only guess that her father had informed Rin of his offer to Kaori. Rin obviously wasn’t taking it well.
When Kaori woke the next evening she found that her mother had taken the news worse than she thought. Izumi informed her that Rin had gone not two hours ago. “But why?” Kaori asked, though she guessed she knew the reason already.
“She claimed that some urgent business had come up in Yuugure.”
“I doubt that’s true.”
Izumi shrugged. “That is just what I heard, my lady.”
Kaori spent the rest of that day worrying about the choice she had to make by the end of the week. Capucine was still feeling ill, and though Kaori explored the streets of Noxvaelia with Izumi it seemed to her young maid that Kaori was quite distracted and disinterested in the wonders of the festival.
Finally, the next evening came and Capucine finally arrived. She greeted Kaori in the gardens with a pearly smile and a positively glowing expression. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to see you these past days,” she said.
“You look well now,” Kaori replied.
“Yes, well, I did have a bit of help from Evonne De’Auvray’s ‘Alluring Face Powder’ to ( )ighten me up a bit but that’s sweet of you, dear.” Capucine smiled a bit sadly. “I’m glad that you could come.”
“Of course. My mother might not like my trips to Noxvaelia but she can’t prevent it The Eve of Reunion is taking place.” Kaori sighed and Capucine gave her a searching look.
“What’s wrong, darling? I can tell I’m not the only one who is sad on such a beautiful night as this.”
“I haven’t seen my parents together in years. I’m beginning to realize why they separated.” Kaori paused suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of déjà vu clouding her senses. She’d dreamt of this scene before, she was sure of it. There should be someone just there, behind her. Kaori’s senses sharpened and she turned. “Hello?” she said into the darkness. “Who’s there?”
“No one’s there, Kaori,” Capucine replied, urging Kaori on. “I’m sorry about your parents; that must be difficult to watch.”
Kaori rubbed her temples in confusion. Hadn’t she seen this before? “Well, I suppose I won’t have to worry about that any longer since my mother’s gone.”
“What?”
“She left yesterday evening after she and my father had an argument the morning before.” Kaori sighed again. “My father wants me to come and live here.”
“That would be wonderful!” Capucine exclaimed, taking Kaori’s hands in hers. “I could finally show you around properly. You’re always rushing off before I can introduce you to my friends. You haven’t even met Neona! Oh, and I could definitely find you a soulmate if you stayed. I actually had this one fellow in mind, quite a handsome young man if I say so myself.”
“That’s very kind of you, but I…I’m still not certain I want to stay. I have friends in Yuugure that I wouldn’t want to leave. And I still can’t ( )ing myself to desert my mother.”
Capucine patted Kaori’s hand. “It’s a tough decision, darling, but I know you’ll make the right one.”
“Thank you,” Kaori said with a slight smile.
“Kaori!”
The two cousins turned and looked up toward the house. Princess Haruna stood at the top of the pale stairs, beaming ( )oadly and waving. Akio was at her side, as always. “Hello!” Kaori called in reply.
“You didn’t tell me that one of your friends was the Imperial Princess,” Capucine remarked with an arched eye( )ow.
“Yes, my mother does approve of one thing about me and it’s my choice in friends,” Kaori replied. She turned to address Haruna again as the princess approached. “How did you manage to get out of the castle?”
“I’ve grown very persuasive in my old age,” Haruna replied with a wily grin. “I convinced my advisors to let me go and visit a certain Noxvaelian noble; after all, I am the Imperial Princess and it is my job to carry on relations with the foreign nobility. Plus, Akio is here. I’ll never have to worry about my safety with him around.”
“I must say I’m very impressed,” Kaori said with a smile. “How have you been? The castle must be nice.”
“Quite, but I find it about as confining as the palace.” Princess Haruna smiled in return and nodded to Capucine. “Hello. I assume you are one of Kaori’s relations.”
“I’m her cousin, yes.” Capucine bobbed her head politely. “I suppose I should bow or curtsy or something. Sorry, I’ve never met an Imperial Princess before.”
“You don’t have to,” Haruna said. She closed her eyes and ( )eathed in the scent of the garden, sighing. “It’s nice to be out in the open again.”
“I’m sure,” Kaori replied. “And how are you, Akio?”
“I am well, my lady. Thank you.”
“Oh, while you’re here, my father wanted to meet you,” Kaori said. “He should be back from the Grande Corridor by now.”
“I’d love to meet him. I’ve heard a lot about him, after all. Is Lady Rin here?”
“No,” Kaori replied with a glance at Capucine. “She was, but she’s…gone now.”
“I’ll see you later, Kaori,” Capucine said with a nod. She bid farewell to Haruna as well before departing, leaving Kaori and Haruna to enter the house with Akio trailing behind them.
“I suppose I ought to tell you as well…my father offered for me to stay in Noxvaelia.”
“Permanently?”
“At least for a few years.
The light in Haruna’s soft magenta eyes grew dimmer. “What did you tell him?”
“That I’d think about it. I don’t know what to do. What do you think?”
Haruna sighed heavily. “I can’t make this decision for you, Kaori. I’d miss you if you left, but I would understand.”
Kaori groaned and laughed slightly. “You were supposed to order me to stay so I wouldn’t have to make the decision. Why are you such a good friend?”
Haruna giggled. “I do hope you stay in Yuugure.”
Kaori glimpsed her father coming in the door and beamed. “Well, that’s convenient. Father!”
Phaidros turned. “Hello, Kaori. Is this…Princess Haruna?”
“Yes,” Kaori replied.
“It’s lovely to meet you,” Haruna said.
“I have heard a lot about you,” Lord Phaidros replied, bowing and smiling politely.
“Good things, I hope.”
“Of course,” Kaori laughed.
“From what I hear, Kaori is very lucky to have you as a friend. How do you like Noxvaelia?”
“It’s beautiful. I have been here before, but I haven’t been able to see much beyond the castle until now.”
“I’m glad you were able to come here, then.” Phaidros inclined his head. “I ought to go, but you are welcome to stay for dinner.”
As Phaidros walked away Haruna glanced at Kaori. “He’s very…different from your mother.”
“Yes,” Kaori sighed. “Yes, he is.”
~~~~
Kaori woke early, around dusk just when purple night was beginning to drape its soothing colors across the sky. She slipped out of bed and pulled on a simple gown, silently making her way out of the house and into the nearly empty streets. Just beyond the border of the city there was a path that led to the forest that Kaori had often walked with her father. She had found many unique ingredients there for poisons she had developed back at her home for no particular reason. She had begun to add her own dark magic to the poisons to give them a peculiar potency but as she still had no reason to use poison, the vials sat tucked in her desk drawers or on her bookshelves.
Kaori gazed out at the horizon which was quickly fading from vermillion fire to lavender ash and, as she looked, realized that she had been here before. This exact moment had played out in her mind not long ago as she slept. There should be someone following her. Kaori whirled around suddenly and a shadow darted behind a boulder. Kaori froze, heart pounding. “I know you’re there,” she said, approaching the rock with icy dread beating through her veins and shadow magic flowing through her fingers. “Why are you following me?”
Kaori came around the corner, ready to strike with her disorienting magic, but whoever who had been there–or she thought had been there–was now gone. Kaori’s heart fluttered nervously. Perhaps she was just tired. She’d been extremely jumpy since her last visit to Noxvaelia. Kaori shivered and decided to return to the city before she lost her head entirely.
Now that night had fallen a larger number of people filled the streets. Kaori watched as a young Kuromi girl passed by, escorted by her parents. The girl’s eyes were wide and an awed smile seemed permanently affixed to her round face. It was probably her first time to Noxvaelia. Kaori smiled slightly as she made eye contact with the girl, and the girl ducked shyly behind her mother’s dress. That had been Kaori when she was young, always hiding from the tall and frightening world. Now that she wanted to be seen, however, she found that she was still too small for anyone to take much notice of her.
Kaori took a few more steps, distracted by her thoughts, when she nearly ran into Izumi. “Oh, Izumi,” Kaori said. “I’m sorry, I was distracted.”
“I would guess so, considering you left the house without telling anyone,” Izumi replied with a weary smile. “Your father was worried that something terrible had happened to you.”
Kaori rolled her eyes slightly. “He’s always thinking that.”
“He may have good reason,” Izumi said with a pointed look. “From what I hear, your father has some powerful enemies.”
Kaori was taken aback. “Really? That doesn’t seem like him.”
Izumi nodded seriously. “In the Grande Corridor, the strongest mage holds the most power and your father is quite a strong mage. What better way to get to your father than by threatening his daughter?”
“You’ve been reading to many dramatic novels,” Kaori laughed. “I guess Father must have sent you to look for me.”
Izumi nodded. “Capucine is at the house as well. She says that she’s planned lunch with you and a certain friend of hers.”
~~~~
“Kaori, this is Lykaon,” Capucine said as she gestured smoothly to a young Noirfey standing next to their reserved table. Lykaon bowed politely and Kaori flashed Capucine a furious look as his face was hidden. The three of them took their seats and Kaori fidgeted uncomfortably. Lykaon must be the handsome friend Capucine had mentioned. Well, he was handsome–Kaori could admit that much–but so were a hundred other young men.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Lykaon began, ( )eaking the uncomfortable silence. “I have heard much about you from your cousin. She praises your potion-making skills quite highly.”
“It’s more of a hobby,” Kaori replied.
“Lykaon is a private tutor for several prominent members of nobility,” Capucine added. “He’s quite talented in the magical arts himself.”
“I am not certain of that but I do enjoy teaching,” Lykaon replied with a charming smile. “I’ve only just started teaching but luckily I was recommended to a few families by one of my teachers from the academy.”
“How does a handsome, successful young man such as yourself happen to still be single?” Capucine asked with a sly slant of her eyes. “You ought to tell us what’s wrong with you before we get our hopes up.”
Lykaon laughed. “I simply haven’t found the right person yet. There’s nothing wrong with me, I assure you.”
Capucine’s lips twisted into a flirtatious pout. “Well, in that case you ought to know that Kaori is entirely single as well.”
Kaori coughed, having just taken a sip of her drink. “Excuse me for a moment,” she sputtered, rushing off to stand outside in the fresh air. Kaori cupped her face in her hands and sensed that Capucine had come to stand beside her as the scent of her delicate perfume washed over Kaori. “Why would you do this?” Kaori demanded.
“I was trying to help,” Capucine said. “I’m a matchmaker, after all.”
“You’re usually more subtle.”
“Desperate times, darling.”
“I can’t go back in there,” Kaori said. “You know that.”
Capucine sighed. “You don’t want to just give it a try? You don’t have to marry the man, just…go out with him a few times. See how it feels. You’ve never been on a date, so why not try it out?”
“Give Lykaon my regrets,” Kaori replied shortly, striding off into the crowd.
~~~~
“I never imagined that Capucine would do something like that,” Kaori sighed as Izumi took out the gold ornaments in Kaori’s raven locks. “At least not so blatantly.”
“I have to say, my lady, that you seem to have run into quite the series of unfortunate events,” Izumi remarked.
Kaori laughed bitterly. “Yes, that’s true.”
“Still, it won’t stay like this forever. You’ll have a stroke of luck sooner or later.”
“I hope so,” Kaori sighed. “It seems as though I’ve been in an unlucky streak for a few centuries now.”
Night was waning and Kaori and Haruna decided to take a walk around Lord Phaidros’s garden. Haruna had managed to slip out of the castle again, though this time Akio remained near the house as Kaori requested to speak with Haruna alone. Kaori never grew old of ( )eathing in the scent of the flowers and listening to the fountains bubble. She used to run through the maze of shrubs when she was young; it seemed such a challenge to find the end in those days. “Do you think there is something wrong with me?” Kaori asked as they came to the center of the garden, a sort of pavilion with patterns fretted on the gilded underside of the domed roof.
Haruna frowned. “No. Why would you say that?”
“I don’t know. Never mind.”
Haruna still appeared mildly concerned. “Is this about your parents?”
“No,” Kaori replied quickly. She’d been referring to something else entirely. But never mind that now. “Though, I’m beginning to think there is more to them than I previously thought.” When Haruna gave Kaori a quizzical look, Kaori continued, “It’s probably nothing, but Izumi said that my father has powerful enemies. I couldn’t possibly imagine him being that sort of person.”
“Good people can have enemies.”
“I know.” Kaori shrugged. She tensed suddenly, that familiar sensation of being watched coming over her. She glanced over her shoulder at the dark shrubs.
“You do seem distracted lately, if that’s anything,” Haruna remarked.
Kaori turned back and smiled slightly. “I’ve been a bit on edge for some reason. It might be because someone has been following me these past few days.”
With that, Kaori reached out with her shadow magic and wrapped the shrubs in darkness. A shout came from the bushes and the leaves rustled violently before a man fell forward out of the greenery. Haruna gasped and stifled a laugh with her hand. “I really hope that’s not one of my assassins.”
Kaori pulled the shadows away from the figure and narrowed her eyes as she recognized the distinct shade of turquoise hair. The young man struggled to his feet and ( )ushed himself off. Kaori took a few steps forward with magic swirling in her hands, fire in her golden eyes. “I guess I should explain,” Lykaon said.
~~~~
~~~~
In the near future…
The vague buzzing in Kaori’s head grows louder that day as she tries to sleep. Unease keeps her stomach turning over and over again. Learning that a loved one is not who you think they are is bad enough, but worse still is learning that you are not the person you believed yourself to be, Kaori considers privately. Four months ago, Kaori would never have guessed she would become a liar, murderer, and a madwoman. They were killed by their own poison, poison which they would have used against someone Kaori loved dearly. Despite these convincing justifications, Kaori cannot shake the idea that a darkness has planted itself in her heart. The strange dreams, the shadows in her mind…a dark pool of inky tar oozes through her very soul. If someone ever bothered to look deeply enough into Kaori’s eyes, would they see the darkness too?
Some strange and terrible power is at work here, but Kaori already knows its source. Herself.
~~~~
Dusk falls and Kaori rises with the moon and the first sign of the stars. This will be the last day Kaori spends with her mother before permanently moving to Noxvaelia, a somewhat bittersweet moment considering the man Lady Rin hired to spy on her daughter. Rin’s paranoia and controlling, almost possessive behavior was enough to drive Kaori away, but the spy was the final straw.
Someone knocks at the door.
Every moment is an opportunity to change a life, or more importantly, perspective. Kaori, already passing through the unnervingly clean atrium, stops at the door. She pulls open the door to find a young man standing in the entrance, a man of lean height and paralyzing eyes hewn from blue glaciers. What stands out to Kaori most is his clear heritage, a pale silver complexion which denotes his hy( )id genetics. It’s by no means an unusual sight, but Kaori cannot help but wonder if his parents are as estranged as hers, if he wonders where he belongs just as much as Kaori does. Probably not.
“Someone here called for an exorcism, yes?”
Confusion sends ripples through Kaori’s thoughts. “No,” she answers slowly, distantly aware of the dark circles beneath her eyes and her tangled mess of hair hanging around her elbows from a sleepless night. Too late, Kaori, he’s already formed a first impression. Quite probably it is an accurate impression as well.
“Lord Ueno doesn’t live here?”
Kaori cannot help but chuckle softly. “No, he lives a few doors down.”
The stranger’s face ( )eaks into a sheepish smile. “Serves me right for trusting the directions of a half-drunk man.”
“I hear he’s quite mad, Lord Ueno,” Kaori continues quickly, searching for the conversation tactics Haruna has tried to teach her over the years. “Talks to himself and sees things that simply aren’t there.”
“I would say that all of us have a bit of madness inside.”
Kaori wonders if those darkly lined, glacial eyes of his can see what no one else has. Or is he speaking of the crippling sadness behind his own smile? “So, you are an Onmyoji?”
“Of a kind. And who might you be, other than the mysterious girl in the doorway and neighbor to the local madman?”
“Kaori Oshiro.”
The stranger gives a short sort of bow. “Ah, so this is the household of the infamous Lady Rin Oshiro.”
“You were lucky to find me at the mouth of the dragon’s cave instead of the beast herself,” Kaori says, feeling a bitter smile curl the corners of her lips. “Though, I might be much worse. Time will tell. And your name?”
“I am Kakeru, the travelling exorcist with a thousand stories.” Kakeru tilts his head. “That title sounded better in my head.”
“Impressive all the same,” Kaori answers with a laugh. Why has this man not walked away by now? Surely he must be anxious to leave the company of a girl so hopelessly mundane. Kaori hastily searches for something else to say, a reason for him to stay a bit longer. Now that she has captured his attention, she must hold it. “Perhaps I could hear some of those stories sometime.”
Kakeru nods, an enigmatic smile crossing his features. A strange warmth spreads from Kaori’s chest to her fingers. “Of course, my lady. And maybe I shall hear a few of yours.”
“Mine? My life is hardly so interesting.”
“Everyone has a story to tell. Your life seems uninteresting because it is your own. But to a homeless orphan boy, hearing the story of a fair maiden of nobility is far more fascinating than the escapades of his own life.”
Kaori cannot help but stare for the longest moment, tongue frozen and mind blank. She ought to say something, but how should she reply to such kindhearted poetry? Kaori would much rather listen to him talk than come up with something herself. His words are like fresh air or pure, cold water. “Ah…ehm.” Kaori struggles for even a word that makes sense, blushing furiously in embarrassment. “Thank you,” she says lamely. Kakeru’s eyes suddenly appear a bit too piercing and Kaori squirms uncomfortably. “Lord Ueno’s estate is just at the end of the street.”
“Right,” Kakeru says, shaking his head. “I must apologize for bothering you so early in the evening.”
“No, no!” Kaori cries ruefully. “I didn’t mean…I’m sorry.”
“What for?”
“I do not…I truly cannot converse easily with people. It’s my curse. I just thought you might be busy and needed to go.”
“I always have time for a gentle stranger,” Kakeru replies. “Perhaps I could call again once I’ve taken care of business?”
“Perhaps you should,” Kaori agrees.
As Kakeru makes his polite farewell and withdraws, Kaori wonders if that will be the last time she sees the Onmyoji. Or will he keep his word and return? He best make haste if he hopes to catch Kaori; she leaves the next evening for Noxvaelia.
~~~~
~~~~
THE EVE OF REUNION GALA
He didn’t return. Kaori stands on Noxvaelian ground, staring back out at the sea. How many times has she crossed that water? But now she wonders more than ever if she made the right decision to go. She may rather live with her father then her paranoid and possessive mother, but has she left behind the one person who might shine light into the shadowed depths of her loneliness?
Kaori’s father rests a hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
“Yes,” Kaori answers absently.
“You know,” he continues, “You have arrived in time for the Eve of Reunion Gala at the Tenebras household.”
Kaori nods. “Mother told me. I’m sure Capucine is looking forward to that.”
“I am!”
Kaori turns and spots Capucine approaching, her soft blue hair curled up in an intricate, braided hairstyle. Capucine beams and hugs Kaori. “It’s simply marvelous that you’re coming to stay here permanently. Think of all we could do with so much time! I’ve made you a gown for the gala.”
“One thing at a time,” Kaori laughs. “I’m glad to be here, too.”
But what of the Onmyoji?
~~~~
Kaori lies on her back, morning light spilling through the curtains. Not the first sleepless day of Kaori’s, of course, but this time her insomnia stems from something different than anguish and regret. They only met briefly, and surely he has forgotten about her by now. Kaori has a talent for that. She could stand in a crowd of people and no one would address her presence. It is something less than invisibility: nonexistence. So how would this boy possibly remember an encounter with someone who does not exist?
Is that why she did it? She would make an excellent assassin. She could walk through a street full of people and kill one of them in the moonlight, and no one would notice. Is it her talent for shadow magic or something else that cloaks her from all sight?
And of course Kakeru did not remember her. If he had, he might have kept his promise.
~~~~
When night falls, Kaori wakes. No dreams are better than bad ones. She could go without the vague visions of the future and nightmares of her imagination. She hardly notices when Izumi enters and begins preparations for the morning, chatting blithely about the gala.
“Capucine is already here to see you,” Izumi adds. That part, Kaori did manage to hear. “She wanted to bring you something.”
“My gown, no doubt,” Kaori agrees. She sits on the edge of her bed, her dark hair spilling down her shoulders into a pool on the blanket. Motionless, she gazes into empty space.
Izumi hardly seems to notice Kaori’s silence, perhaps thinking she is still too tired for conversation. Kaori dresses in silence, brushing through her hair but leaving it loose.
In a matter of minutes, Kaori finds herself walking down the upper hall of her home. Never has this house felt so foreign. She can remember a time when she spent months here, running under the moonlight and reading books to her father.
Is the magic corrupting her heart, or is it merely the darkness already dwelling within her?
And where is Kakeru now?
Too many questions, not enough answers. But if Kaori had all the answers now, life would be rather boring.
Kaori jumps down the last few steps and greets Capucine in the atrium. “You are going to grow bored of me once you’ve finished dressing me up and dragging me around town,” Kaori remarks as Capucine hands her cousin a large bundle.
Capucine beams dotingly. “Don’t be silly, Kaori. I know you’ll miss your friends in Yuguure, but now I am determined to help integrate you fully into Noxvaelian society. You’ve met most of my friends already, but everyone of importance will be at this gala. The Tenebras family is hosting, so there ought to be plenty of socialites there.”
“I really only had one friend in Yuguure,” Kaori says quietly, her chest tightening. “Even if I continue to travel back and forth, I’ll see Princess Haruna less often now. We were–we are–best friends. I’m just afraid she will forget me entirely now.”
“Don’t be silly. No one could forget you.”
You would be surprised. Kaori decides not to reply in order to spare her cousin the dark details of her psyche. Instead, she veils her response with a smile. Capucine tilts her head and returns the smile. “You know, you might like to meet Neona d’Hiver sometime.”
Kaori sighs. Capucine claims to have about a thousand friends, but Kaori doubts she truly knows more than a handful. Capucine always makes recommendations to Kaori, pushes her toward certain people and events. The assumption is always that Capucine can improve Kaori’s sad little existence.
“Why don’t we go out? Explore the old places we used to go when we were children,” Capucine suggests.
Kaori perks up at that. The atolls, the coasts and mountains…those wild places were the few where she felt at peace. “I would like that.”
“I thought you might. First, though, I want to ensure that my gown fits you.”
Kaori nods and unfolds the package, pulling out a long dress in her signature dark teal, decorated with fine beading and gold details. “It’s beautiful, Capucine. I am sure it will fit.”
Just as Kaori turns toward the staircase, someone knocks at the door. Kaori freezes and grimaces at Capucine. “I’ll answer it,” Capucine says. She sweeps across the atrium, her gentle blue curls bouncing around her waist. Extending a slender white arm, Capucine opens the door and greets the stranger outside. Kaori cannot see the face of the newcomer, but she stands perfectly still to listen to the conversation.
“Good evening,” Capucine says politely. “Are you looking for someone?”
The stranger speaks, and at the first word a thrill of panic runs through Kaori’s bones. “I was told that I could find Kaori Oshiro at this estate.”
Capucine glances over her shoulder at Kaori and raises a significant eyebrow, pursing her lips. “She’s just inside. Kaori!”
Kaori reminds her feet that they are supposed to move, not stand as still as stones. She forces herself forward and approaches Capucine. The face of Kakeru slides into view, his thick teal mane pulled back into a ponytail as it had been before. In fact, everything about Kakeru appears the same. Kaori replaces her shocked expression with a vague smile. “I admit I did not expect to see you here,” she begins cautiously.
“I couldn’t break my promise, but unfortunately I have a tendency to be late. By the time I returned to your home, you were gone.”
“You came all this way?”
Kakeru twirls his staff between his fingers. “I was already on my way here, but yes. I hoped I would see you here. You seem less than pleased to meet me again.”
Kaori shakes her head frantically. “No, not at all.” She glances sideways at Capucine, who observes the conversation with something like a smug smile. Kaori searches for something to say. “I…would you like to come inside?”
“Alas, I have a job to finish. I only wanted to confirm that you’re here.”
“You’re very resourceful,” Kaori remarks.
Capucine chooses this moment to intervene. “Are you planning to attend the gala being held at the Tenebras estate?”
“No. A gala is hardly the place for me.”
“Neither for me, and yet I go all the same,” Kaori agrees. Capucine tries to subtly elbow Kaori in the ribs, though Kaori can hardly imagine why.
“I myself have decided to go with an old friend of mine,” Capucine adds, giving Kaori yet another significant look. “It can seem daunting at first, but the aura of the party is simply intoxicating.”
“You could always come along,” Kaori suggests. “I might survive the night with like-minded company.”
Capucine grins, relieved. “What a splendid idea.”
Kakeru glances from Capucine to Kaori. “Perhaps I could come, if that is what you wish.”
~~~~
Capucine closes the door behind the retreating man and turns immediately to Kaori with a sly smile creeping across her face. “Now who might that be?”
“Kakeru.”
“I know that!” Capucine exclaims. “You know what I mean, Kaori. When did you meet him? What is the story behind that handsome hunk?”
Kaori frowns at that, but shrugs and replies, “He came to my home in Yuguure by accident. We talked a bit, but that was all. I honestly did not expect to see him here.”
“He obviously likes you! What about you? How do you feel about this mysterious man with the eyes of turquoise?” Capucine smiles at her own poetry.
“He seems nice enough.”
Capucine rolls her eyes and groans. “What is wrong with you, Kaori? You have always complained about going unnoticed, but here is someone who notices you. And when I say he notices you, I mean he notices you.”
Kaori narrows her eyes but feels heat creeping into her cheeks. “I don’t know what you are implying, Capucine, but I would rather not jump to conclusions.”
“Here I have spent so many years of my life trying to match you up with someone, and you’ve found your own!” Capucine laughs.
“Your last ‘match’ for me turned out to be a man hired by my mother to spy on me.”
Capucine waves a hand dismissively. “All in the past, dear. Lykaon was only doing his job.” Before Kaori can reply, Capucine continues. “But really, Kaori, you ought to learn how to carry on a conversation. I kept trying to imply you ought to invite him to the gala, but you hardly took a hint.”
Kaori sighs miserably and looks down at the gown she still holds in her hands. “I know. I’m afraid learning social skills at this point is a hopeless endeavor.”
“Hardly!” Capucine protests. “All it takes is practice. Now, let’s see you wear the dress.”
This party will surely be a series of mortifications. Kaori groans inwardly but follows Capucine up the stairs. She should stay away from Kakeru. Eventually, she might be expected to reveal her inner heart to him and that she could never do. She could not tell him…no, think of something else. The future remains to be seen. For now, simply ask this question: will Kakeru make an appearance at the gala?
~~~~
~~~~
Kaori, Capucine, Phaidros, Rin, Izumi, Azarias, Xenon, and Lykaon belong to me
Haruna, Rosette, the Tenebras family, and the Imperium world belongs to Viva-la-Luna
Neona belongs to Sorachan
Evonne belongs to Written |
