As they traveled further north, the air surrounding them grew denser and colder. The overwhelming green in Emeradotouhou became frosted and frozen. Rubiihoppou, however, wasn’t overwhelmingly red like they expected, sickening brown and frigid white seemed like more appropriate descriptors of the landscape. While they had started their journey bunched together, they began to settle into a routine. Brian led the way, a candle within the ominous black. His staff was their shining lantern -- its glow illuminated his face and the face of Howie as well, who followed closely behind him. Howie clenched his hand tightly around the handle of the sheathed sword at his waist -- he prayed it would be their esteemed protector. Kevin followed them, holding the scale from the gate closely to his heart. He prayed that Brian’s wards were enough to protect it, but knew that he might have to take matters within his own hands. Nick and Minako lagged behind, each tightly gripping the other’s hand as they walked.
Minako started swinging her arm as they walked, humming cheerfully to herself as she inattentively stared at their surroundings.
“Minako?” Nick glanced at their swinging hands before turning to her.
She straightened her arm, “I’ll stop, sorry.” She smiled, “I’m just… happy that we’re all together.”
Nick bit his lip. “And Renee?”
Minako frowned, “I’m still worried and confused, but I’m trying to focus on the part that’s happy so we enjoy our walk and you worry less.”
“I won’t--” Nick bit his lip again, “You’re right. I worry more when you’re sad.” He glanced at the ground in front of them. “I just want to see your smile.”
She leaned on his shoulder as she smiled, “Just being with you is enough.”
He sighed in relief then put his arm around her shoulders, “You tell me a story, I tell you a story cheered you up last time. Should we do that?”
“Okay.” She beamed, “It could be fun to find out more about our friends that way too.”
“Do they even want to join?”
Minako grinned, “I’ll make them. Watch!” She ducked out of his embrace and ran up to Howie, wrapping him in a tight hug. “Howie, we missed you! What were you doing without us around?”
“Pandora…” Howie slowed his pace so she could walk beside him.
Nick froze, completely stunned as he stared at her. Apparently you will make them...
“Minako… He’s a king… What do you think he does?” Brian chuckled.
“Talks to his citizens and keeps everyone safe and happy.” She smiled and hugged Howie again.
Howie chuckled as he patted Minako’s head, “It is slightly more complicated than that, Pandora, but that is certainly part of it.”
Kevin frowned as he fell into step beside Howie, “Your Majesty, I apologize for overstepping, but aren’t you grossly underrepresenting the military aspects of your duties?"
"Kevin, we insist that you call us Howie as well. But yes, you are correct foreign policy does consume much of our duties these days." He patted Minako's shoulder warmly, "However, we do our utmost to ensure that our citizens are prosperous."
Minako lowered her head as she let go of his shoulders, "I know, Howie…" Her shoulders slumped as she bit her lip.
Nick jogged to catch up with them and grabbed Minako’s hand tightly. He frowned, his eyes brimming with concern.
"Safaiananpou seems safe, but it's not completely safe… When Nick and I first started walking, one of the first things I remember seeing was an old battlefield… And Brian told us that it's really not safe for people who live here to be away from their homes. It's very sad to think about..." She looked up at Howie and smiled gently as she squeezed Nick’s hand, "But I thought that if it made me sad to think about that, then it must make you very sad because you have to think about it for yourself, but you also have to make sure that everyone in Safaiananpou isn't constantly thinking about it or worrying about it."
"Pandora…"
"And I told you that I would do anything I could to help, but it might take a little while, at least until we get the box." She used her free hand to grip Howie’s hand, "So I thought maybe you'd want to tell us about other things besides wars."
Nick gave her hand a quick squeeze as he smiled at her warmly. You’re always kind and comforting, not just to me, but to everyone... Maybe it’s okay to share your brightness with others who need it…
Howie smiled broadly then ran his hand on his chin, “Perhaps we can find a tale that aligns with your vision for the monarchy…”
Maybe there’s enough for me even if everyone shares it…
He let go of Minako’s hand and raised his finger in the air, “Ah! While you and Nick were away we received a report of missing livestock. While most were found in various fields, a kitten proved rather elusive. It was eventually found at the palace near the quarters you had been using. A lady’s maid called out that it was a kitten, however, one of the nobles thought it was Nick yelling at you and remarked that he was ‘rather rude to shout at Her Eminence’.”
Minako squeezed Nick’s hand as she giggled.
Nick continued to smile at her gently. Wait… a kitten… He frowned in confusion, “I wouldn’t yell at Minako…”
Minako leaned against him and continued to laugh. Brian also began laughing heartily. Howie and Kevin began laughing shortly afterward.
Nick crossed his arms, “...Anymore…” He hunched his shoulders and mumbled, “Also why would I call her a kitten?”
The others continued to laugh loudly until Howie cleared his throat.
“The kitten, of course, was returned to its residence with esteemed honors and deemed a savior from mice.”
Minako continued giggling. “I’m glad you found the priestess of cats, Howie.”
He chuckled again.
“Kevin…” Nick mumbled as he slowed his pace.
Kevin raised one of his eyebrows and stopped, “Yes, Nick?”
“What do you do when there’s not anyone at the gate? Or is it really busy?”
Kevin crossed his arms and frowned, “It’s not busy… I was actually surprised to see the three of you.” He chuckled, “And then to find out we were companions and that I could use my healing powers again… It was a welcome change.”
Nick reached to grab Minako’s hand again and began swinging his arm absentmindedly once she fell back into step with him. “So what do you do with your time?”
He smiled, “In addition to using demonic healing methods, I am trained in human healing methods, so I like to practice making medicines and salves.”
“Salves?” Minako cocked her head.
“Medicinal ointments.” He reached into his tunic and pulled out a small container then pulled off its lid. “They help soothe wounds as they heal and disinfect.” He held it out to Minako and Nick.
Minako sniffed it hesitantly as Nick tore his hand from hers and hurriedly covered his nose and mouth with both hands as he hunched into himself.
“Yes, it’s quite potent if you’re not used to it,” Kevin chuckled as he closed the container again.
“It’s not that bad,” Minako frowned, “What’s in there? Honey?”
He smiled, “Beeswax and honey are two of the main ingredients, Minako, very perceptive. Demons have a keen sense of smell compared to humans, so what you’re smelling is the combination of the ingredients with the stronger scents more detectable. What Nick’s smelling is the combination of ingredients, the individual ingredients, and possibly traces of my scent from making it.”
Minako continued to frown, her gaze fixed on Kevin, “Do you all smell different from each other?”
He nodded as he put the container back inside his tunic, “A little. Demons with different powers will smell different. The more similar two demons are, the more they smell the same.”
“Do people have special smells too?”
Kevin put his hand to his chin, “It’s difficult to say… Perhaps...”
Nick coughed, then gulped air as he grabbed Minako’s hand again.
Kevin smiled, “Brian, you must be quite busy as a priest. What do you do with your time? Or Howie?”
Minako gasped quietly and grinned excitedly at Nick.
He put his head in his hand and laughed quietly.
Howie smiled, “We enjoy swordplay and literary tales.”
Brian turned back to them and grinned, “I am very busy with rites and rituals during my travels, but my family often played kemari when I was younger.”
“What’s that, Brian? Some kind of game?” Nick shoulders perked up as he leaned toward him.
“Teams keep a ball in the air for as long as possible without using their hands.”
“That sounds like fun.” He smiled.
“Minako? Nick?” Brian asked.
Minako pursed her lips, “I watch a lot of TV, but you wouldn’t know what that is… I guess theatre is similar? Music and dancing?”
Nick shrugged, “This? But all of those things sound fun. I can’t wait to try them. Except for making that medicine… unless it smells less...” He bit his lip.
Kevin laughed, “If you’d like to try it, we can make something with less ingredients to start.”
Nick beamed, “Sure.”
Minako tightened her grip on his hand again and smiled up at him.
Nick slowed his pace again and smiled down at her as he whispered, “You’re happy because you got them to play?”
Minako shook her head and leaned against him, “Because you’re smiling about something other than me. We have wonderful friends.”
Nick glanced at them, “Yeah, they’re nice.” He smiled, “What should we do once we stop for the night?”
Minako laughed to herself, “Whatever you want, kitten.”
Nick stared at her bewilderedly, “Why would you call me a kitten?”
She grinned, “It’s funny.”
Nick shook his head and chuckled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, then pressed a kiss to her forehead, “If you say so.”
Minako smiled up at him. “Is it my turn to ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
Minako gripped his hand at her shoulder, “What do I smell like?”
Nick leaned his head on hers. “Normal.”
“What does normal smell like?”
Nick shrugged, “Just… normal? Warm?”
~*~
Calm and tranquil...
~*~
The sun shone brightly as a light breeze blew. The air was mild, compared to the biting choke she normally experienced. Shouldn’t it be worse the further north we go? Is it because my health is improving? Or is it because the demons are standing beside me now? That can’t be it. I haven’t really accepted them... Or it would stop hurting to be here… I know very little about them. What are their pasts? Likes? Dislikes? Fears? I know that one is a bloodthirsty general who is happiest when his hands are stained with the pain of others. But, he is also strong and courageous. And the incubus… No, that’s only part of his ki powers… He’s probably the most upstanding of them all, always kind and loving. He gave his heart so openly, even to me… Even when I treated him really terribly in the beginning... It must be nice to be so pure and vibrant. The other two are much more mysterious. A thief and a bounty hunter. What are their powers? It seemed like maybe ice and wind? What are their characteristics aside from their raging tempers? And who is the missing demon? Does his heart resemble Lance? Or Justin? Or somewhere between the two?
The soldiers carrying the paladin trudged on the overpass to Rubiihoppou -- an endless trail of the desolate ice of a million forgotten teardrops. The general sat high on his horse, the outer pedestal among them, flanking the prestige of the emerald priestess. The horse’s hooves tread lightly against the soft ground.
The general turned toward the paladin and the shadowed face of the priestess. “Lady Renee…” he started.
“Justin…” Renee’s quiet voice drifted from the paladin.
“Let us stop for the day. I’d like to ask a favor…”
“We’re making good time, let’s keep going.”
“Lady Renee…”
“I will listen to your request, just not now.” Her voice was a biting, icy wind.
The general gave his horse a swift kick and sped down the path to the head of the promenade from Emeradotouhou.
Renee sat in silence smoothing her pink skirt, her face shadowed. A favor… Of what sort… And… why? What kind of favor could he possibly want from me when he thinks he’s in charge of me?
“Your Eminence…” Lance started.
Renee turned to him and gave a weak and fake smile, “Yes?”
“What sort of favor do you think it is?”
Renee leaned back and sighed, “I have no idea. He’s powerful without me, so what could I possibly do for him?”
Lance leaned back as well. “I see…” He turned to her, “Your Eminence, I don’t mean to intrude, but what do you intend to use your wishes for? Maybe there’s something I can help with now so that you can use your wishes for other things...”
Renee smiled, “I want to go home and go to an Ivy League university next year. That’s the most important of my priorities.”
“Ivy League university?”
Renee chuckled briefly, “Of course, you wouldn’t know what that is… It’s a group of eight school on the East Coast in my world, they’re the best of them all.”
“What does that mean for you, Your Eminence?”
“People will respect and love me.”
“The right kind of people?”
The air grew cold and dead. The interior of the paladin darkened. It was a silent mausoleum, open to everyone and yet still sealed. Renee lowered her head. The right kind of people? Does that matter? Your heart is much more pure and vibrant than mine... If you keep associating with me Lance, I will crush it. A slow smirk spread across her face, “Doesn’t matter.”
Lance turned his head toward the window of the paladin. The emerald green ground is becoming icy and dead, just like her expressions. The air is cold enough to hold every breath. He took in one quickly and turned back to Renee. “You can really tell that we’re in Rubiihoppou, Your Eminence.”
Renee frowned and turned away from Lance, “It doesn’t look red to me, I still see green.”
“No, I just meant the weather.”
Renee sneered, “It was just as cold in Emeradotouhou.”
“And your friend…”
“It’s just as cold every-- What?”
Lance turned away from her.
“What did you say?!”
Lance clenched his eyes shut, the sweat dripped from his nose.
“Lance…”
He swallowed, “Your Eminence…”
“WHY DO YOU MENTION THAT BITCH!?!”
“But you…”
“NO!! HOW DARE YOU MENTION HER!!!!!!”
“But I watched your heart break for her…. The priestess of the sapphires… In the garden… And in the town...”
Renee slapped Lance, her icy hatred reflecting the climate of Rubiihoppou. “DON’T!! DON’T EVER MENTION HER AGAIN!!!!”
Lance shrank back, “Your Eminence, I…”
“Do you love me?”
“What?”
“You love me, don’t you?”
“Well, I…”
Renee fingered Lance’s chin as a slow smirk spread across her face, “Lance… If anyone were to love me… They would never mention my enemy…” She tightened her grip on his chin, “What sort of idiot would confuse animosity with friendship? None, right?” Renee smiled, “You’re not an idiot… Are you?”
Lance turned away, bowing his head down, “No, Your Eminence.”
Renee released her hold on his face and turned back to the window. She began singing her quiet song about a lake and boats drifting into eternity.
Lance’s hand shook as he pulled her back toward him. Tears stained her flushed face. “Your Eminence…”
~*~
Her bottom lip quivered.
~*~
Her feet stood frozen as a cold breeze whispered across her face, playfully tossing her hair into the icy void. The air was chilled and the world was dead, sealed for all eternity in a casket of ice. She put her hand to her mouth and let out a short puff of air. The smokiness of her breath surrounded her hand and disappeared into a quiet stillness, but the silence was screaming.
He stopped and turned back to her. Minako… She was so cheerful at the beginning of our journey, but ever since we stopped on the road yesterday, she’s been silent. What can I do to make her smile again? Or even just speak… He took in a breath, blowing it on to his hand. As he breathed, his white ribbon fell and rose lightly at the left side of his waist. He put his hand to his head, shutting his blue eyes, “Minako… Are you still cold?”
Only the silence responded.
“Minako…”
Nothing.
He trotted back toward her as he slipped the overcoat from his arms. He gently placed it over her shoulders, shielding her from the icy chill of the world. “Feel better?” he smiled, then put his fist to his mouth again and let out a clouded breath. “If you lift your arms, I’ll help you put it on over yours.”
Minako slowly looked up into his eyes and for the first time he saw the rivers of ice flooding from her eyes.
He threw his arms around her and thrust her into his chest. “Minako!”
“It’s strange…” Minako choked as she put her hand to her face, “The tears won’t stop…”
Nick let out a short puff of ice from his shivering lips. “Minako…”
“They just started for no reason…” She attempted a brief smile, but then sobbed loudly.
Nick brushed a thumb across her cheek, his hand was the dam for the icy rivers. He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead and held her closely, sealing his icy breath with her soft skin. She shut her eyes tightly and gripped her fingers around the folds of his tunic.
He rested his head on hers. “It’s okay to cry when you’re hurting. I will always be here to hold you and dry your tears.”
She nestled into his chest.
He ran his hand across the back of her head, “Is this about the box or Renee?”
She shut her eyes. “A little of both, but…” She choked back her tears again, “But ever since we left Emeradotouhou, my heart’s been hurting…”
“Minako…”
“I’ve been trying to ignore it, but… It’s like when I went back to my world and my chest hurt constantly…” She gripped the folds of his tunic tighter, “Is it me? Am I worried about us or Renee? Or maybe… Maybe Renee is worried and it’s burning in my chest… Is she calling me this time?”
“When you went back…”
“When we first left the capital and we stopped for the night… I heard Renee calling to me and I followed her voice, but then she was gone… I couldn’t hear her anymore… But I felt… this gnawing pain in my chest…”
He clenched her shoulders tighter.
“And when I found her again, it went away… I thought things were going to get better, but…”
“Minako…”
“Since we left, it’s gnawing again…” She looked up at him and gave him a small smile, “But when you’re near me, it calms just a little… And the quiet doesn’t seem so loud...”
He ran his hand on her chin.
She put her hands to her face, “But when we’re walking in this endless cold, it’s deafening...”
He pulled her close to his chest, “I’ll stay close… I’ll do anything I can so that you keep smiling.”
She curled into his chest, “Hearing your heartbeat is enough…” She looked up at him and leaned toward him.
He pulled her chin toward him and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.
~*~
A heart full of warmth…
~*~
She held her hand to her chest tightly, it was as though her eyes saw only darkness. Why is it warm when it’s so cold here? It’s like my heart is filling with sunshine...
“Your Eminence…”
Renee lowered her breath, “It’s hot… Is the fifth one close… or… is she?” She narrowed her eyes as the air surrounding her chilled. Can I still feel you here? Are you calling me through the cold and dark?
Chapter End Notes:
Howie’s story at the beginning of the chapter is funny, but gets funnier with more knowledge! Kitten in Japanese is koneko (koh-nay-koh, essentially “child cat”) which you could potentially mishear as Minako, especially when a certain someone is prone to shouting out one of those things (not naming names here).
