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Their boots clicked along the cold tile as they walked down the empty hallway. Their uniform flared behind them as they tried to hurry to the front court of the castle. The moon was high in the sky, minimal guards on standby. That would explain how that traitor was able to sneak in a letter for Mizuki. When they reached the front court, Mizuki looked around, wary. The sword on their waist is a heavy reminder.
A soft chuckle from behind them alerted Mizuki of the person who summoned them. “Kamishiro, what are you doing here?” Their tone was harsh as they swiveled around, hand resting on the hilt of their sword. The other was leaning against the inner castle walls, idly playing with his hair. Mizuki tried not to take notice of how he didn’t have it up.
“Mizuki, we’re friends, aren’t we? No need to be so formal.” He clearly wasn’t taking any of this seriously. None of this. Trespassing on castle grounds, wasting Mizuki’s time, undermining his own transgressions against the throne. He was already getting on Mizuki’s nerves. They stormed over to where he was standing, their face dangerously close to the other’s. Mizuki glared up at him, ready to wipe that smug smirk off of his face.
Their hand twitched against the hilt of their sword as they spat, “You know damn well we aren’t friends. You have no right to call me that name.” Mizuki had the urge to grab him by his robe and slam him against the wall. They held back, unsure if any magic would infect them. Instead, Mizuki settled with keeping a hand on their sword and glaring.
Apparently unphased by his “friend”’s anger, Rui laughed in their face. They were sure he didn’t mean for it to come off as harsh, but Mizuki took it that way. They were shocked he had the gall to laugh in their face. Mizuki? One of the head guards for the Queen? How dare he. Though, it would make sense with how little he cared for the throne. “What should I call you then? I thought ‘Mizuki’ was being polite. I could go back to calling you-”
Mizuki cut him off, “You shouldn’t be calling me anything and you know it. I could have you arrested, Kamishiro. You’d be hanged for all to see. You would be a fine reminder of why one should never go against our Queen.” They noticed his eye twitch slightly. It was almost invisible, what with the moon casting the two in shadows, yet Mizuki was so close to him they saw it all. He was going to try and lecture Mizuki for what was the umpteenth time now about how the throne was a joke.
When he opened his mouth to spill lies, Mizuki unsheathed their sword. It was a transgression to speak against the Queen and everyone knew. No matter if Rui was no longer working under her, Mizuki would still carry out the punishment themself if he uttered even a single insult against the Queen. “Don’t say a word. I know where I stand, I don’t need to hear it from the likes of you.”
“Whatever could that mean? Why all the formalities, hm? You and I are both well aware of what we were to each other. Are you sure you can throw all of that away?” Mizuki knew he was trying to come off as confident. It wasn’t working. They saw the cracks through his mask, they saw how his smirk was a little too shaky, how his voice stuttered over their old selves. It affected him much more than he wanted to let on. Mizuki could use that.
Their gaze hardened, their voice cold as they stared Rui down, “My heart belongs to the Queen. What we had was a foolish decision on my behalf, nothing more. Don’t tell me you still care?” Even if Mizuki wanted to smirk and tease the other, they wanted to stay indifferent. They wanted Rui to know that how he is now, Mizuki could never love him again. At their words, Rui visibly flinched. He didn’t answer, not even as Mizuki pressed their sword against his neck. “Well, Kamishiro? You best answer.”
They should have taken the chance then to turn him in, the next moment Rui had dispersed into a strange smoke. Mizuki covered their mouth instantly, coughing and waving their sword around to get away. The smoke didn’t surround them for long. That sorcerer would never truly harm Mizuki, this they knew. While having a traitor of your country be in love with you was not the best position for one of the Queen’s best knights to be in, manipulating his heart earned a few perks.
Mizuki re-sheathed their sword, bitter as they stormed off towards the castle again. This encounter had wasted their time, their sleep was much more important than anything that man could say. If Mizuki were to fall in battle due to sleep deprivation, they would haunt Rui until the damned sorcerer would banish their spirit.
This time, their boots didn’t clack against the tiles of the castle halls. The entire castle was silent, eerily so. There was no reason for it to be, even with how early it is. Mizuki was sure Rui didn’t do anything besides try and win them over again. No other country has a sorcerer as strong as him, and as long as Mizuki was a knight for the Queen, he would never let another kingdom bring harm to them. They found it strange; they were enemies and yet he was still so protective and kind to them. Mizuki would not do the same. If they had the chance, they would avenge the throne, spill his blood in the name of their Queen.
Nothing moved outside either. They tried not to think too hard about it, ascending the many stairs directly to their Queen’s chambers. If anything were to happen to her while Mizuki was awake, they would never forgive themself. Two guards were on watch outside of her chambers, stopping Mizuki before they could enter. “The Queen is fine, get your rest Akiyama.”
“There is word of war. I would advise you to rest your mind as well as your body for any impending attacks.” Their voices were strained, their bodies tense as they stood guard. Mizuki stayed silent as they watched the two guards, bowing their head and nodding as they walked off to their own chambers. Thankfully, Mizuki was a high ranking knight and didn't need to stay in the barracks with the lower ranking knights. Their room, as well as Tsukasa’s and Akito’s, weren’t too far from the Queen’s.
It shouldn’t hurt to check on Shiho or Len in the barracks. Just in case Rui did do something while distracting Mizuki. Unlike the knight’s private quarters, their other two friend’s were closer to the back entrance of the castle. It was quite a trek to where the others were, yet Mizuki’s paranoia won over. At least this worry was just, Rui was known for tricking his enemies either in battle or not.
The barracks were silent, no one standing guard. It didn’t seem anything was amiss. Shiho was sleeping soundly, Len the same. Mizuki thanked whatever God there was for their safety. It would break Mizuki’s heart if they had to go and tell their respective sisters if anything happened to them, especially if it was Rui’s doing.
Finally feeling at least a little better now, Mizuki made their way back to their own chamber. Running around in the early morning was not how Mizuki wanted to start the day. At this rate, they would have no sleep. Disrobing their knights gear and robes, Mizuki pulled their covers over them, trying to sleep through the few hours left.
When they awoke, Tsukasa and Akito had already left on request of the Queen. She had asked the two of them to conduct a reconnaissance for their missing and fallen soldiers. It was strange waking later than everyone else. Their body felt heavy as they moved, fighting through the fatigue to get ready and leave their chambers to seek out the Queen. Mizuki didn’t get very far, a guard stopping them, holding a letter. “It’s addressed to you, Akiyama. Left on the foot of the Queen’s bed, she doesn’t know who it’s from.”
That fucker. If he touched the Queen, Mizuki would torture him themself. They practically ripped the letter from the guard’s hands, tearing it open and reading the letter.
‘My dear Mizuki,
I know we just spoke, yet I cannot stop thinking of you. I’m sure you’re aware of the effect you have on me, it is a tad bit hard to miss. Would it be too much to ask for you to meet me behind enemy lines? You would look breathtaking here, my love. Have you even seen it over here? What are they telling you of us? That we are savages, I assume. While some of us aren’t the most… ideal citizens for your Queen, we are still human.
Mizuki, please tell me, you do know that because of your country's consistent attacks, we are being forced to have citizens fight, right? Your Queen told you, yes? She is well aware of this, we made sure. If there is any way you could convince her to cease this war, I am willing to cut all contact with you. It would not stop my mind from drifting to you every now and then, but hopefully that should ease your heart.
If you intend to take me up on my offer, I will be waiting by the refugee camp for my country after nightfall. I know that your knights have been informed of the location. May I ask you to tell Tenma that his sister and brother miss him dearly? Would you do that for them?
Forever yours,
Rui’
Mizuki didn’t let their emotions betray their expression, keeping it calm as they folded the letter and put it in their pocket. “Tell the Queen I shall return in a few days. Nothing to be concerned about, collecting resources is all.” They started to take off before turning around and telling the guard, “Be sure to tell Tsukasa his family misses him. Nothing more, and nothing less!” The guard saluted Mizuki as they took off. They opted not to take a horse with them, even if it would make the journey quicker, it would make too much noise. They were prepared to hike towards the refugee camp, in uniform and all.
If the citizens of the enemy country noticed the crest Mizuki wore with pride, they would know best to keep their mouths shut. They didn’t know if they were thankful or not to haven’t encountered another soul on their journey. Mizuki had never crossed enemy lines, they had always fought battles closer to the castle, protecting the Queen. It was shocking the immediate stark contrast between countries. Mizuki’s country was… bland if anything. It was pretty in certain places yet there was never anything out of place, always so perfect. Rui’s country on the other hand was scorched in some areas, while thriving farmlands weren’t too far away. There were mountainous terrains surrounding a bustling city in the distance, and the dragon’s den looming over the horizon. Multiple dragons were in the sky, and Mizuki could not believe it. They had heard rumours and stories about soldiers that had fought them and survived, but they brushed it off as tall tales.
The sun was still in the sky as they arrived at the peak of the hill that overlooked the refugee camp. Mizuki all but collapsed against one of the trees on the hill, this one full of leaves. The trees on the opposite hill were all bare, what appeared to be a viscous lake burning them off. They truly had no idea how anyone could live here, yet there were citizens willing to defend this land with all they had. If Rui was telling the truth, that is.
Mizuki hadn’t even realised when they had nodded off, awaking only when a voice stirred them awake. All too familiar with it, Mizuki reached for their sword, finding nothing. That had woken them up completely, ready to curse out Rui for disarming them, yet he held a finger to their lips. “Quiet, please . The camp is in a valley for a reason, if you speak too loudly, all will hear.” Mizuki just glared at him, tensing their jaw. He took his finger away after a moment, sighing in relief, “I only took your sword so we were on even fields, dearest.”
“Don’t call me that,” Mizuki spat out, shoving Rui as hard as they could. He barely budged. “How are we ‘even’, as you say? You study magic, and I’m not a coward enough to sell my soul for power.” They knew it was a sore spot for the other, exploiting it purposefully. Mizuki had no sympathy for him, he was the one to go against the Queen and practice rituals instead of the art of the blade.
Yet, he didn’t look upset by Mizuki’s words, only pitiful. He must be a fool to pity the Queen’s favoured knight. Mizuki didn’t need his help, Rui should know that by now. “Mizu-” He cut himself off, taking in a breath, “ Akiyama , you should know I would never harm you. I’d defy all laws just to keep my word to you. I only called you here to open your eyes. I know you’d never go against your Queen, but maybe you could tell her to at least stop this mess.”
As Rui spoke, he took Mizuki’s hands in his, leading them away from the refugee camp and closer to the country’s capital, and only, city. They didn’t pull his hands away, knowing this game well enough by now. Indulge in this madman’s delusions that Mizuki still cares for him, and they’ll get all the information they need. They stayed silent as Rui spoke, letting him lead the conversation. “Too many people, innocent people mind you, are dying because your Queen is scared. She is scared of what is here. She banished all sorcerers here, because she does not trust us. Akiyama, tell me, have you ever known me to kill in cold blood?”
They didn’t want to answer, it would only be what he wanted to hear. While Mizuki didn’t exactly agree with what the Queen decrees most of the time, her word is law. Even if Rui is innocent and only learned magic in the first place to heal Mizuki, it is the knight’s duty to follow the Queen’s order. “That doesn’t matter, Kamishiro. You willingly went against the Queen’s orders. It doesn’t matter for what reason, you should have stayed in line.”
“Like you do? Like Tenma, and Shinonome? Their family is here, dying because of your Queen. Their family. What of your sister, Akiyama? Have you heard from her since the Queen flew off her handle?” Rui’s grip on Mizuki’s hands tightened as his stare grew cold, the smallest sneer on his face.
Mizuki went cold at the mention of their older sister. She had been pushed far out of Mizuki’s mind, and for good reason. They hadn’t heard from her in years now, and the Queen had ordered Tsukasa, Akito, and Mizuki to leave their families behind. She had promised both Mizuki and Akito that their sisters were safe and had all but convinced Tsukasa his siblings betrayed their country. No one had asked about Mizuki’s sister. “Do… Do you know where she is?”
Their voice was shaky, they couldn’t help it. They kept their face cold, not letting themself cry in front of the man they once trusted. Rui’s gaze softened, an empathetic look etched on his face as he shrugged, “I was hoping you had heard. She was where I learnt magic from, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s dead by now. No one has seen her here.”
They couldn’t cry now. Not behind enemy lines while they were in their country’s memorabilia. It would only show how weak their soldiers were, and Mizuki could not paint that picture for them. They took in a shaky breath, nodding their head. They didn’t speak. Rui rubbed his thumb over their hand as he held them close, the two now outside the gates for the city.
“I informed everyone of your arrival today. I knew you would come, Akiyama, you never fail to amaze me.” Rui’s emotions had done a complete 180 already. He looked at Mizuki with so much love in his eyes they could almost forget about the atrocities he committed. At least they didn’t have to be worried about getting attacked while on enemy territory. They were glad they arrived too, for if they didn’t, this country would hate them even more.
It almost seemed like the citizens were celebrating Mizuki’s arrival. How fitting for them all. The outcasts of every other country, in celebration for one of the highest ranking knights in their number one enemy’s military. They wanted to laugh, smile at everyone. It would show weakness. They kept a calm expression as Rui embraced them from behind, guiding them away from the crowd and up into a small room, overlooking the street.
Inside were Tsukasa’s siblings, and a man and a woman they had never seen before. Mizuki had only heard stories about Tsukasa’s family when all of them were still training to become knights. They could see the resemblance between Tsukasa and his sister yet… the leader of the enemy army looked so different from the other two. Only the woman Mizuki hadn’t seen looked happy to see them, smiling at them and clapping her hands together once. “Thank you for bringing them, Rui! Now, Mizuki, was it? We have some certain conditions we would like for you to pass on to your Queen.”
The woman had stood now and Mizuki heard a click in the direction from where the man was. He was holding a contraption Mizuki had never seen before towards them. With the way Rui’s arms tensed around their waist, Mizuki could tell it wasn’t a good thing. The woman reached for something in her pocket, taking out a piece of paper and handing it to Mizuki.
They took it from her, unfolding it and reading their demands. “That’s it? Really?” Mizuki looked over to their leader, Tsukasa’s brother, with a raised eyebrow. “You… you just want your brother back?” He nodded his head as his sister pouted at Mizuki.
“Is it that bad? Should we add more? Oh, what about Ena’s little brother too! We could ask for him as well!” Ena… was that Akito’s older sister? Rui had mentioned she was here too. She was no sorcerer like Rui was, she had only spoken up against the Queen for a law that had been passed. The Queen had pardoned her far too many times, due to her being Akito’s relative. Yet, she was still banished in the end.
Mizuki grumbled at the blonde girl, the contraption the man was holding moving closer to them because of it. They had no clue what he was threatening them with, diminishing all threat. “There’s no way the Queen would hand over two of her best knights. What does she even get out of this, huh? Your country is losing a war that hasn’t even begun.”
“Hasn’t begun? Rui, you told them, didn’t you?” Tsukasa’s brother’s voice was cold as he levelled Mizuki with a glare. Clearly they had said the wrong thing.
Rui sighed as he let go of Mizuki, finally, and moved to stand in front of them. He had put himself directly in front of the strange man instead of his leader, who he was supposed to be addressing. Mizuki didn’t realise that what that man had was such a threat Rui wasn’t willing to use magic to stop it. “They might not be aware. I tried to tell them, but Toya, you know how Mizuki feels of my opinion now. They’re very loyal to her majesty.”
“They put their loyalty in someone who doesn’t care about them? And they call us strange.” The man finally spoke, his eyes still trained on Mizuki behind Rui. He didn’t move the contraption to point at Mizuki anymore.
“I think it’s kind of cute? Like religion! People believe in a deity, right? And isn’t that exactly like anyone who follows the orders of a royal? I doubt anyone of royal blood can truly care for a commoner.” Tsukasa’s sister was smiling at Mizuki, yet it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t a friendly smile, but it wasn’t fake either. Mizuki couldn’t place their finger on what it was, but it was certainly unnerving.
The woman sighed as she grabbed the contraption from the man, putting it in the middle of the table they were sitting at. “Kaito please, they’re unarmed! What are they going to do, anyway?” The woman moved to stand next to Mizuki, giving them an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry about him. He lost someone close to him in this war, he’s just wary. Now, there is more we’d like. It’s on the other side. Toya and Saki wrote that one condition after what felt like weeks of thinking.”
At her words, Mizuki turned over the paper, coming face-to-face with an entire page of demands and ‘conditions’. “Fine, I’ll bring these to the Queen. I’ll… make sure everyone is aware of what is happening here.”
The tension in the room dissipated quickly, a few people letting out a breath. Rui smiled at Mizuki, “I knew I could count on you, Mizuki.” They didn’t correct him this time, tired from their journey and everything being unloaded onto them. The man, Kaito, grumbled something before grabbing his contraption and leaving the room in a huff. Rui turned towards the woman, “Miku, you should go make sure he’s okay.” She left after giving him a thumbs up, her cape flowing with her movement.
Saki had practically jumped out of her seat and rushed over to hug Mizuki. It was a strange gesture, hugging a high ranking officer of their enemy. She had squealed as she hugged them tight, thanking them over and over before following Kaito and Miku out of the room. Toya didn’t move, giving Mizuki a small smile.
They didn’t understand. Why thank Mizuki now? They hadn’t done anything yet, why were they all so sure that Mizuki wouldn’t go back on their word and tell the Queen exactly where the city is? Yet, Mizuki didn’t even think they would be able to do that now.
Rui led them out of the room, his hand resting on their waist as they took a back alley away from the festivities and out of the city. He returned Mizuki’s sword to them, sheathing it in the hilt for them. “Would you… like to be escorted to the border, Mizuki?”
Mizuki had hesitated before telling Rui, “I informed the Queen I would be away for a few days at most. Maybe you could let me stay with you?” Their intention behind this was to get as much information about their army while Mizuki was here, yet Rui’s eyes lit up completely.
He nodded his head, “Of course! You don’t mind teleportation magic, do you?” When Mizuki shook their head; Rui took their hands, a strange light encapsulated them, and their surroundings morphed slowly into a room Mizuki used to be very familiar with.
“Hang on, this is your room? From when we were younger, yes?” Mizuki was wary, letting go of his hands and stepping away from him. The room was clearly lived in, and was a complete mess of old texts, half done magic incantations drawn upon the walls, and strange plants growing from pots hanging from the ceiling. Rui only nodded, excited. He was met with a cold glare, “I have every right to tell the Queen of this. How could you be living in the castle all this time and not even tell me?!”
Really, Mizuki had no reason to be angry at Rui. He shouldn’t be living in the castle, not at all, yet… even if Mizuki felt nothing towards him except resentment, their heart still aches knowing Rui kept secrets from them. He was quick to try and comfort Mizuki, yet they didn’t let him near them. “Mizuki, I apologise. I knew you wouldn’t be happy about this, I never wanted to withhold this from you.” Again, Rui moved towards Mizuki, trying to hold onto their hands. Mizuki crossed their arms as they continued to glare at him. “You have to understand that there was a chance that if I told you, I would have been killed. I couldn’t take that chance. My research is almost complete, I could fix everything.”
“You sound like a madman. Just… drop it, okay? I’ll try and forget where we are for tonight, and only tonight. If you are still living in this room by tomorrow evening; I will be telling the Queen. Understood?” Rui nodded his head, looking pitiful. Mizuki knew they still needed to act polite towards him to get the information they needed yet, knowing he was here this whole time , it hurt.
They were tired, their mind and body. Mizuki was worried for multiple reasons; Tsukasa and Akito went behind enemy lines as well today, and to collect soldiers at that. They wouldn’t be very stealthy and there was the possibility that they were ambushed. Shiho and Len should be training new recruits but if something were to happen, they weren’t prepared to defend the castle. And everything happening with Rui was too much… they needed sleep. Mizuki sighed as they took off any hard gear they were wearing, leaving only their softer uniform on as they dragged Rui to his bed. It was covered in papers, Mizuki threw them onto the floor before pulling the other with them into the bed. “Come here, I’m tired Rui. You’ll hold me while we sleep, right?” The words they spoke made Mizuki sick. They had to remind themself it was all for their country, their Queen.
It was almost impossible to ignore how bright red Rui’s face was, quickly holding Mizuki close in his bed. His breathing was uneven, now was a good time to ask. “Say, what are you researching? You’ve always been so smart…” To drive the point home, Mizuki stroked Rui’s cheek, looking into his eyes. Hopefully they were still Rui’s only weak point. If he saw through Mizuki’s lies now, they did all this awful stuff for nothing.
Yet, it worked. He stammered out a response, looking away from Mizuki, “I-I’m so close to completing a spell that can…” He cleared his throat, a weak smile on his lips as Rui nervously looked at Mizuki, “Well, raise the dead. Hopefully bringing them back but if not, it should still work.”
Mizuki tried to hide the panic and fear on their face at his words. Is that what all this was? Everything covering Rui’s room? Failed spells for… necromancy? They had to tell the Queen as soon as possible. When he finalised the spell, their country would fall. Over half of Rui’s army had fallen; if their country had to go against an army of the living and dead? They were doomed.
“Wow, that’s impressive. You’d have to show me sometime, I’d love to see it.” They gave him a strained smile before faking a yawn, “I need my beauty sleep, Rui. Don’t leave me alright?” He nodded against them. Mizuki tried to will themself to sleep before they felt a pair of lips kiss their forehead, yet it didn’t work. They pretended to sleep until they really did. When they wake, Mizuki needed to scrub the spot Rui kissed until it was raw.
Even though Mizuki had told Rui to stay, they awoke to an empty room. He had already taken his findings and up and left. They should be glad, no longer did they have to play nice with such a traitor. Yet, they still couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Mizuki was quick to make themself look presentable for a meeting with the Queen before leaving the abandoned bedroom.
Luckily Rui’s old room was practically hidden away from prying eyes. Mizuki was able to make it halfway through their trek to the Queen’s court before seeing anyone. No one questioned why they were back so soon. It was probably because both Tsukasa and Akito were gone for possibly another week and most of the lower knights and soldiers felt more at ease by their presence.
Mizuki found themself before the Queen’s court, fixing their hair before entering the room. They were quick to fall to their knees, bowing before the Queen. “Your majesty, I return with news of what an enemy sorcerer is studying.”
“Oh? Tell me.” She didn’t sound impressed. Mizuki had to choose their words carefully, in case the Queen would punish Mizuki instead.
“Necromancy, your majesty.”
A murmur erupted throughout the room, the Queen unable to cease the words no matter how hard she tried. Mizuki knew that nothing could be helped. “Akiyama, rise.” They did as they were told, meeting their Queen’s eyes with a determined gaze. “It’s Kamishiro, isn’t it? Stirring up trouble as always.” Hesitantly, Mizuki nodded their head, placing their hands behind their back. “Find him. Don’t come back until you are certain he is dead. Understand?” Again, Mizuki nodded their head, their Queen dismissing them.
Mizuki knew what they needed to do. They needed to send word to Akito and Tsukasa. They needed to find Rui before the Queen sent out any more soldiers, and they needed to warn him. Mizuki… didn’t want to kill him anymore. They were sure what he was doing was awful, yes, but from what they’ve seen, he was helping so many people. If word got to their two friends, especially about their siblings, surely they would help Mizuki.
Making their way to the stables to collect their horse, a piece of paper fell from their pocket. It was the demands Rui’s friends made. They never read through it properly, even after being handed it. Still, there was no time. They quickly picked it up and shoved it back in their pocket, mounting their steed and leaving the castle grounds.
They couldn’t remember the way to the city Rui had taken them too, but hopefully if they returned to the camp, it shouldn’t be too far. There was a storm brewing; crossing the border, there were no dragons flying in the sky. Most of the grass had been trampled on and Mizuki heard the distinct sound of battle.
Unlike many other battles they’ve fought in, they had never seen anything like this. It was close to a massacre if anything. Riding faster towards the refugee camp, Mizuki found themselves overlooking where it used to be. They left their horse hidden by the trees, unmoving as they watched Tsukasa of all people slash a man’s throat. Akito wasn’t too far off. Nor was Rui.
Mizuki could hear a crowd of people behind them, running off. They wouldn’t be surprised if Rui and his friend’s were dropping off supplies to the camp prior to Mizuki’s friends ambushing them. They couldn’t say anything, frozen to the spot as they watched Akito attack Rui over and over. He wasn’t fighting back, only casting defense spells. It was only when Tsukasa was finished with the rest of the innocent bystanders and headed towards Rui too did Mizuki find their voice, “Stop! Don’t hurt him! What are you doing ?!” They tried to make their way down the hill as fast as they could without tripping over themself, Tsukasa stopping in his tracks. The stench of blood was something Mizuki could never get used to, unlike the others. They stepped over the corpses, rushing into Tsukasa and shoving him. Akito and Rui hadn’t stopped. “Stop them, Tsukasa! Wh-Why did you do this?”
He didn’t even seem phased as he looked around, laughing awkwardly as he gestured to the destroyed camp with his sword. “The Queen ordered us. We needed to destroy this camp before they attacked. Did you know how close they were to the border? They could’ve attacked at any moment!” He was serious. He genuinely thought these refugees were trained soldiers. Akito and Tsukasa were never on a reconnaissance mission; they were out slaughtering innocent citizens under the pretense they were dangerous.
Mizuki was furious. “They’re innocent . These… These weren’t soldiers. They weren’t going to attack us!” They looked back over to where Akito and Rui were, Rui now pinned to the ground and Akito’s sword held against his neck. Before Mizuki could think, they drew their own sword, running past Tsukasa to stop Akito’s sword. They pressed their own sword against Akito’s neck, heaving.
“Akiyama? What are you doing? He’s the enemy, attack him !” Akito snarled at them, glaring at Mizuki. Rui wasn’t even paying attention to either of them, obviously casting a healing spell on himself. Akito pressed his boot harder onto Rui’s chest.
Their sword pressed harder against Akito, not yet cutting through his skin. “Let him cast the spell. And let him go.” Akito grumbled, taking a moment to lessen the pressure on his chest. He sneered down at Rui while he healed himself. Tsukasa still hadn’t stopped Mizuki, standing there in the blood soaked field, shocked.
After Rui was healed, Mizuki shoved Akito off of him, helping Rui up and hugging him. They had dropped their sword when they wrapped their arms around him. Mizuki heard Akito trudged off towards Tsukasa, murmuring something to him. They didn’t care though, Mizuki needed to warn Rui. “Just like old times, hm?” Rui sounded so worn out, exhausted from what happened.
Mizuki just sighed, hiding their face in Rui’s chest. “The Queen sent me to have you killed. We… We should run. Akito and Tsukasa don’t know about what is happening here.” He only hummed in response, probably not even understanding what Mizuki had said. They just needed to get him on their horse and he should be safe.
Their embrace was only broken when Tsukasa grabbed Mizuki and tore them off of him. Akito had picked up Mizuki’s sword, ready to slash at Rui. Tsukasa had turned Mizuki away so they couldn’t see, but as soon as his hands were on them, they shoved him and turned in time to see Akito stab through Rui completely. Mizuki knew he had just casted a healing spell, he won’t have enough energy to cast another. They screamed out, Tsukasa grabbing them again and holding them close. He tried to comfort them. It didn’t work.
Mizuki watched as Akito shoved Rui to the ground, ready to let him bleed instead of ending him right then and there. Their entire body wracked with sobs. Mizuki had found the strength to break free from Tsukasa’s embrace, dropping to their knees as they held Rui in their arms. “Tell me. Tell me how to do it. Th-The spell.” Their voice broke over every word. Mizuki’s throat was already hoarse. Rui was trying to regulate his breathing, yet the hand he held against his wound was already growing weak. “Rui, please . I can do it.”
“Akiyama, leave him. Come on we need to report-”
“Shut up! G-Go away! I’m not heading back. Th-They’re monsters ! These people didn’t even do anything! Just fuck off!” Mizuki didn’t look back at what they presumed was Tsukasa, who retracted the hand he had just placed on their shoulder at their harsh words. The two left Mizuki in the field. They were almost alone, only one soul left with them. They held Rui in their arms, unable to contain their sobs.
They felt Rui’s hand on their cheek, wiping away their tears. “You can’t… you don’t have… any magic energy.” His voice was weak, his eyes growing distant. Mizuki replaced his blood soaked hand with their own clean one, pressing against his wound. “You’re beautiful..”
Mizuki couldn’t even laugh at Rui now; flirting with someone he presumed didn’t love him even in his final moments. “Save your breath, o-okay? T-Tell me, Rui. I’ll try.” Mizuki pleaded, leaning their face closer to Rui’s, looking directly into his eyes. He only smiled at them, his hand still on their cheek.
“Come on… one l-last kiss?” He coughed slightly, trying to laugh. His question only made Mizuki sob harder. They only shook their head in disbelief, unable to understand what was happening. Rui couldn’t die. This was another nightmare Mizuki was having, and soon they would wake up and everything would be fine. “Please.” Rui was looking at Mizuki with such a pathetic look, they didn’t know what to do other than listen to him.
They leant down and gave a soft kiss to Rui’s lips, still crying. Their final kiss, and it tastes of tears. How fitting for the two of them. Mizuki didn’t pull away far when they stopped kissing the other, their lips almost touching again. “I-I’m so sorry.” He was smiling, Rui looked so in love at that moment.
His breathing was slowing down, almost completely stilled. Mizuki was helpless to do nothing but watch as their first love died in their arms. Is this how everyone else felt? All the innocent citizens forced to fight in this war… did they feel this pain when they held their friends dying? Or is this pain worse? They hoped they’d never have to feel this again to know the truth.
Mizuki kept whispering reassurances to Rui, hoping some miracle would save him; yet they knew this was real when Rui said, with such confidence, “I wanted to marry you, Mizuki.” His chest stilled completely.
“Rui…?” Mizuki shook him softly, bile rising in their throat. “Rui? No. No, no, come on. This isn’t funny, p-please… Rui, come on. Open your eyes! Y-Yes! I want that too, p-please just o-” They hiccupped, sobbing out. When Rui didn’t react, staying still, Mizuki started to panic. They wanted to scream out, but their throat was raw from screaming before. Their head hurt from crying, yet they couldn’t stop. Mizuki didn’t know how long they sat there, cradling Rui in their arms and weeping. They only let him go when someone hugged them from behind, shushing them. Mizuki hugged them back, crying louder.
“I am so sorry.” It was one of Rui’s friends, Miku. She held Mizuki so gently, rubbing their back while they grieved. They couldn’t form any words, any sort of response. The worst part of all of this was that Mizuki couldn’t find it in their heart to be mad at Tsukasa and Akito. The only one to blame would be their Queen. She gave the order, Mizuki’s friends didn’t know otherwise.
No one else came to the field, it was just Miku and Mizuki. Miku spoke so gently, afraid speaking too loudly would break Mizuki, “Was he religious at all? How could we… bury him?” Yet Mizuki only frantically shook their head.
“No.. No h-he was making a spell. I’ll finish it. I can do it, w-we need to keep him.” They were aware they sounded utterly insane. Miku didn’t bat an eye at Mizuki’s request, nodding at them. She let them go, looking into Mizuki’s eyes. “I wouldn’t trust this spell too much, okay? He’s gone, Mizuki. Even if it works, it won’t be him.”
Miku was giving them a sympathetic smile and Mizuki hated it. She spoke to them like they were an idiot. “I have to try. He was my friend.” Their voice was wrecked, and for once Mizuki didn’t care. It didn’t matter if they didn’t have any magic energy, they would force the damned spell if they had to. If Mizuki couldn’t perform the spell, they would find someone who could. A sorcerer powerful enough to be banished to this country should be able to perform it, in theory.
Mizuki would do anything to bring Rui back, even if it meant losing themself.