A desolate silence rang through the Rotunda that acted as the battleground of the two Royals. The mighty bells of Saint Levara, the Castle that acted as the base of operations of the Royals, stood in silence, as did everyone else that was present in the room.
Akane rose to her feet, feeling the energy still coursing through her body from the intense battle with Genichiro. She removed her palms from Genichiro's face and placed them on her back, walking over to the massive steel doors of the room where Lars stood, his mouth agape in shock. As Akane approached Lars, the sound of her heels echoed through the room, emphasizing her confidence and poise.
As she approached him with a small smile on her face, Lars stumbled over his words, completely star-struck by Akane's incredible power.
Akane approached Lars with a confident stride, her long black hair swaying behind her. "That wasn't so bad," she stated, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. She winked at Lars, as if defeating Genichiro was the easiest thing in the world
"M-Miss Nanosaka, you're incredible!" Lars exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "You actually defeated the person who was tasked with surveying your strength!"
Akane's laughter was filled with smug satisfaction as she watched Lars fawn over her. She knew exactly what she was doing and her humble tone was just a mask to hide her true intentions. "Well, I wouldn't say it was easy," she said, adding a touch of fake modesty. "But I'm glad I could impress you, Lars." Her words were carefully chosen to manipulate him and further solidify her hold over him.
Lars's eyes beamed like a child's as he spoke quickly. "You've done more than impress me, Miss Nanosaka!" He was with excitement. Initially, he was worried, worried that if he followed Akane around, and she ended up losing against Genichiro, he'd be executed as a result of her hunger earlier today.
Genichiro lay on the cold marble floor, his hands gingerly exploring his chest, where his wounds had once been. He couldn't believe what he was feeling - the gashes and bruises that had covered his skin mere moments ago had vanished, leaving him with no more than a faint memory of their presence. He raised his head, his eyes scanning the grand hall he found himself in, a place that had once inspired awe in him, but now seemed small and insignificant.
His mind raced, trying to comprehend the impossible. How was it possible that Akane had not only defeated him, but also erased the injuries he had sustained in battle? It was a feat beyond comprehension, and yet he had witnessed it with his own eyes.
As he lay there, lost in thought, a strange feeling began to grow inside him. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, one that he struggled to put into words. It was a feeling of warmth, of connection, of...love.
Genichiro couldn't understand it. He had always thought of himself as an emotionless warrior, focused only on the pursuit of power and victory. And yet here he was, his heart pounding with a force he had never known before.
He lifted his hand to his chest, feeling the rhythm of his heart as it beat like a war drum. His mind was still trying to process what was happening, but his body was already responding to the new sensations, the new emotions. For the first time in his life, Genichiro felt alive, truly alive.
And she was the reason.
He couldn't help but wonder what it was about her that had such a profound effect on him. Was it her confidence, her strength, her beauty? Or was it something more intangible, something that he couldn't quite put into words?
But as he lay there, lost in thought, he knew one thing for certain: he was willing to do whatever it took to be close to her, to protect her, to love her.
His mind was consumed with thoughts of Akane, her grace and strength were etched in his mind. He couldn't imagine a life without her.
"She's so perfect, I could never find anyone like her. She's the one," he muttered to himself, lost in his own world. He was lost in thought, unaware of the world around him, until he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
"Genichiro! Are you okay? What happened?" One of the other Royals, Shu, was running towards him, concern etched across his face. He ran to his side and crouched beside the Samurai.
Genichiro lay on his back, staring at the ornate ceiling with a blank expression. "I'm fine, Shu. It's not the end of the world that Akane defeated me," he said, his voice calm and measured. He spoke stoically, attempting to keep a good impression of himself for his junior.
Shu's face contorted with anger. "Not the end of the world?! She's made a mockery of the Royals and everything we stand for. She's nothing but a cheap whore who got lucky with a single shot!"
"Quiet," Genichiro's voice was low and commanding, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. The weight of his authority was palpable, even in his weakened state. Shu fell silent, stunned by the force of his superior's voice.
After his concentration was shattered by Shu, Genichiro stood, seeing no reason to continue lying on the floor.
"Genichiro! Your wounds! They're gone!" Shu exclaimed, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"I'm aware," Genichiro spoke matter-a-factly.
Shu's jaw dropped at the sight of Genichiro's miraculously healed wounds. "How is that possible? Did Akane heal you?" he asked incredulously.
Genichiro slowly sat up, his hand still clutching his chest as if to feel the beat of his racing heart. "No, Shu. She didn't heal me. She reversed the wounds," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Akane... she's not like anyone I've ever encountered before. Her strength and skill are incredible, but it's more than that. There's something about her that draws me in, that captivates me."
Shu looked at his superior with a puzzled expression, not understanding the phrasing he was speaking.
Genichiro's gaze was fixated on Akane, his goddess standing before him. He couldn't help but marvel at how the light danced on her platinum skin, accentuating every curve and line of her perfect figure. It was as if she was bathed in a halo of divine radiance, her long black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of obsidian.
Her features were delicate and refined, with full lips that curved upwards in a playful smile, and piercing eyes that seemed to glow with an otherworldly power. Genichiro found himself lost in those eyes, drowning in their depths and feeling a sense of calm wash over him.
Genichiro's eyes were locked onto the sight before him, unable to look away. Akane was standing across from Lars, her body radiating with bubbly energy and cheerfulness. Every move she made, every word she spoke, was like a song to his ears. He could see the way Lars was blushing, clearly caught up in Akane's charm. It was as if she was the sun and Lars was a mere planet, orbiting around her with awe and admiration.
But as Genichiro watched, a feeling of jealousy crept up within him, a dark and bitter emotion that he had never experienced before. His heart burned with a fierce intensity, and he couldn't help but think, "Why is Akane speaking to that weakling? Why does he get to bask in her warming radiance, instead of me?"
His mind was racing with thoughts, consumed by the intense desire to be the one standing beside Akane, to be the one making her laugh and blush with his words. He could feel the fire within him growing, fueled by his envy and longing. As much as he tried to shake the feeling, he couldn't help but feel like he was losing something precious to him.
"Genichiro? You alright?" Shu spoke, trying to get his attention.
Genichiro ignored him, moving forward in a direct line towards Akane.
Akane was too distracted with speaking to Lars to notice Genichiro approaching, at least, that's what everyone around her thought. Lars could see Genichiro approaching in his peripheral vision, and he began to get increasingly worried. Genichiro had made it clear he was angry and full of bloodlust during their fight, who knows what he'd do when Akane was off her guard?
Lars reached for the parrying dagger that rested at his thigh, the cold steel providing some semblance of comfort. He didn't know why, he couldn't explain the feeling. Despite only knowing Akane for a few hours, he felt like giving his own life in service of protecting her was the correct thing to do.
Sweat gathered at his brow as Genichiro approached. His steps echoed out as Shu followed close behind him.
"Do I attack and ask Miss Nanosaka to make a run for it? Do I fight and hope that she fights alongside me?" he frantically thought to himself. Every second that passed brought Genichiro closer to Akane, who appeared blissfully unaware of the imminent danger.
His delay in thought would cost him too much time, though. As by the time he made up his mind, it was too late.
Genichiro stood directly behind Akane, standing almost a foot above her and looking down at her. His eyes drenched in an unexplainable emotion.
Akane turned, looking up and facing Genichiro as she cheerfully looked into his eyes.
Shu and Lars were stunned, neither moving to stop their Superiors. Was another fight going to break out? Would the Rotunda even be able to withstand it? The hole caused by Genichiro's lightning thrust was still there!
Suddenly and without warning, Genichiro made his move.
His back bent so that he was leaning down, he grasped Akane's soft hand and he delicately placed a kiss on it.
"Lady Akane, I'd like to give my sincerest thanks to you for healing my wounds. It was an act of kindness I will not forget." Genichiro said as Lars and Shu looked on with supreme shock.
"Genichiro...kissing up to someone!? This isn't real!" Shu thought to himself in shock.
As Genichiro continued to hold Akane's hand, he felt a sense of comfort and warmth that he couldn't quite explain. It was as if he was holding a fragile treasure that he needed to protect at all costs. His gaze softened as he looked at Akane, who seemed almost expectant of something like this.
Lars and Shu could hardly believe their eyes. Genichiro, the ruthless warrior who had struck fear into the hearts of many, was expressing gratitude and humility? It was a sight they had never seen before, and they didn't know how to react.
Genichiro's sudden change in behavior left Lars and Shu in a state of disbelief. For them, it was like seeing a lion bowing down to a rabbit. Shu knew him as the Lightning of Ashura, a royal that literally shocked the souls out of his enemies. Now he was bending down and kissing his enemy's hand!
"There's no need for any thanks, I was just doing the right thing," Akane said, her tone dripping with a poison no one could detect.
Genichiro straightened himself out, placing a hand on his chest. "Of course thanks are in order, although, simply kissing your hand is not enough to show my gratitude." He said with a stoic look. "If you'd allow me, I'd like to be your personal Knight, I swear I shall not allow so much as a leaf to graze you."
Akane placed a hand on her chin and tilted her head slightly, her ruby-like eyes, staring at him. "I was going to have Lars here be my only Knight, but I suppose having two wouldn't be so bad." She said while giggling slightly.
Genichiro's heart swelled with joy and triumph as he heard Akane's words. He had finally succeeded in getting closer to her, in becoming her protector, her knight. He knew that this was just the beginning, that he had a long way to go to win her heart completely, but this was a start.
"W-What!? Genichiro, what's gotten into you man!?" Shu shouted, getting all three of their attention. "This girl is obviously just making a mockery of us, Remember what she did with our food this morning? Why are you sucking up to this bitch so much-"
Blood dripped onto the marble floor.
Shu's eyes widened as Genichiro's six-foot-long blade rested on the side of his cheek, cutting into it ever so slightly. He should be feeling the pain, but the fear that assaulted his body overtook that.
"Another word that attacks her, and I'll lop off your head," Genichiro stated as a shadow covered his face, only showing his two illuminated golden eyes.
Akane remained calm and collected, her expression unreadable. She watched the scene unfold with detached interest, as if it were nothing more than a simple game of chess. After a few seconds, her facial expressions changed, and she looked more cheerful and cute. "That's enough Genichiro, don't scare him too much."
With that, Genichiro drew his blade back, swiping it and splattering Shu's blood onto the floor. He spun the blade, placing it back into its sheath.
Shu stepped back, the threat of death leaving his body.
After a couple of seconds, the sound of footsteps approached the four of them.
The other three Royals approached them, the Knight in platinum armor in front, while the woman stood by his side. Behind the Knight was a man roughly eight feet tall, wearing a white mask with a bug-like pattern and a blue hood.
Genichiro stood to the side, standing to Akane's right while Lars stood to her left.
"You've only been here a day, and you already have a following." The Knight stated with a flat tone. He stood slightly taller than Genichiro, an imposing figure with a long greatsword on his back.
His armor was a sight to behold, crafted with such skill and precision that it looked like it was molded to fit him perfectly. The metallic plates that made up the armor were a bright, polished platinum, glinting in the light of the torches that lined the walls. It was clear that the Knight took great care in maintaining his armor, as not a single scratch or smudge could be seen on it.
The helmet he wore concealed his face entirely, with only two narrow slits for his eyes. The slits were lined with a red tint, giving the impression that the Knight was perpetually staring through rose-tinted glasses.
His gauntlets and boots were studded with gems that caught the light, shining like stars in the night sky. Each piece of the armor was intricately designed with etchings and engravings that depicted scenes of battle and heroism.
The greatsword on his back was a monstrous weapon, almost as tall as he was. Its blade was a deep shade of blue, with glowing runes etched into it that pulsed with energy. The hilt was encrusted with gems that matched those on his gauntlets and boots, and a red ribbon trailed from it.
The shield he carried was just as impressive, almost triple his own width. It was made of the same platinum metal as his armor, and it too was adorned with glowing runes. The center of the shield was emblazoned with a red crest that depicted a lion holding a sword.
And finally, the red royal cape that ran down his back was the finishing touch that tied everything together. It flowed behind him as he walked, making it seem as if he were a force of nature, an unstoppable juggernaut.
He brought his hand forward, reaching out to shake Akane's hand. Akane looked up at him, peering at his helmet as if she could see through it, before grasping his hand gently and smiling at him.
As their hands met, Akane couldn't help but notice the weight of the knight's gauntlet, the cool metal pressing against her skin. She gazed up into the visor of his helmet, trying to see the face of the man behind it. All she could make out was the faint reflection of her own face staring back at her.
The Knight's deep voice echoed through his helmet as he spoke, his words carrying a sense of honor and respect. "Allow me to formally welcome you to the Royals, Lady Akane. It is an honor to have you join our ranks."
"It's an honor to be here," Akane replied with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "I'm looking forward to serving the Royals to the best of my abilities." She then gave a playful wink, attempting to get a reaction out of the Knight, only to fail.
Ignoring her attempts, he broke apart their handshake and brought a hand to his chest.
"I am Ghazal, the current reigning Captain of the Royals," he proclaimed with a detached composure, his voice carrying a tone of stoic authority.
"No reaction, seems he's a little tougher to crack." Akane thought upon seeing her teasing having no visible effect.
"Your recent confrontation with Genichiro resulted in significant structural damage to our premises. I expect that you have the capability to repair it to its former state," Ghazal said in a serious and matter-of-fact tone, his eyes unwavering as he looked down at Akane.
"Hmm, I suppose I should. I'll miss this delightful breeze," Akane replied with a coy smile, placing her hands behind her back as she walked towards the gaping hole in the wall. She peered down several stories, overlooking the winding streets of Setale.
Akane extended her slender hand towards the gaping hole in the wall, her fingertips sparking with a vibrant crimson energy that pulsated with a life of its own. As her hand moved closer, the air seemed to grow thick with power, humming and buzzing with otherworldly energy.
With a sharp intake of breath, Akane brought her hand forward, and the Mahogany aura of her power exploded outward in a brilliant wave of shimmering light. The energy raced along the walls, crackling and sizzling as it surged forward, the force of its impact sending a gust of wind through the room.
The rocks and rubble that had been strewn about the floor shuddered and trembled, and as if by some unseen force, began to pull themselves back toward the wall. The chunks of stone and debris lifted and twisted in the air, drawn inexorably towards Akane's outstretched hand, where they began to knit together in a cacophony of grating stone-on-stone, the walls moaning and creaking under the strain.
After a few seconds, the wall reformed, as if nothing had ever happened.
"That good enough, Captain?" She said, turning back to him with a coy smile.
Ghazal merely nodded, his expression unchanging. "It is good to see that you possess such a powerful ability," he remarked, "but do keep in mind that we must minimize collateral damage in our future battles."
Akane's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Of course," she replied with a small bow, "I will do my best to ensure that our surroundings remain unscathed."
Ghazal gave a curt nod before turning his attention elsewhere. "We have much to discuss regarding our upcoming mission," he said, motioning for Akane to follow him. "Please, accompany me to the War Room."
With that, the group set off toward the heart of the castle, leaving the Rotunda behind. The winds continued to howl outside, but within the castle walls, a different sort of storm was brewing.