As if she was awakened from a long dream, Chiyo felt like she lost something precious — a part of her world. A piece of a fragment that's keeping her sane. She had hope. At least, whether he became good or evil, she was alright knowing that her older brother is alive; that one member of her family still survived that massacre. But, everything is just an illusion. The king is not her brother. He, who is using Ryota's body, is nothing but an impostor.
It wasn't just the blood oath that gave him away. No. He could have lied about it, but the connection between the dream and him not knowing about another sibling was the one that confirmed her doubt. Only a few know about Princess Yasuki's existence, and everyone in the castle witnessed how Ryota doted on his little sister. He has always been proud of her that an important blood connection will never be forgotten, no matter how long the time passes.
And the dream — only her killer would know about it. The hatred in her eyes; The dagger, cold and heavy, a reminder of what happened. It was her keepsake — a fragment — a piece of her memory to tell her that whatever conspiracy played that night... everything was real. Not a dream nor an illusion. It was all real.
"What's wrong?" She stared right back at him, the anger threatening to spill out, but she stilled herself. They don't know who she is yet.
He doesn't know that the child he killed that night was a princess, a Kitsune — now the sole heir to the throne.
"You looked like you wanted to run home." The King added and her jaw clenched.
Not now. No. If she fights then she will be killed instantly. She will bid her time. She will unravel the truth first.
"You promised my husband that you will let me go before sunset." She said.
A hand was placed on her shoulder, its long black nails scraping the fabric of her kimono. Her head turned to the side and met those smiling eyes of the Queen.
"I'm sure you want to be home as soon as possible." The Queen fixed a stubborn hair on Chiyo's forehead. "Afterall, you want to say your goodbye before he leaves."
Eyebrow raised, Chiyo felt like the Queen was implying something else, and the mirth behind those smiling eyes did not go unnoticed as she locked eyes with the King. It was like she knows something — a secret shared with the king that involves Kaito.
"You talked as if your words had different meanings." Chiyo spat, her voice tinged with suspicion. "I should go."
The door swung open and her body rolled to the ground instinctively, dodging the blade that was about to pierce her head. Angered, she spun around and was about to confront the king, but soon glass shattered, the sound a piercing cry, making her adrenaline rushed.
Assassins.
Wearing a black kimono, and half of their faces hidden beneath their masks, calm and collected, their eyes roamed around the greenhouse - looking for their target. Chiyo looked up, on the broken roof, two assassins lie in waiting. Probably the leaders of the group. One of them, dark haired and buffed, the kimono tight around his chest, and a skull tattoo adorned his neck - a mark of death, the harbinger of doom. But it was the trio of blades strapped to his back that spoke of his true prowess : a long sword, a katana, and a hatchet. And then there was the red-haired assassin, his locks aflame with danger. His eyes — wicked — held the secrets of countless lives snuffed out.
Chiyo's eyes narrowed. The assassins are no ordinary. The two - she heard tales of them. Their hundred percent killing rate was no mere boast; it was grim reality. They are the most sought killers in the black district. To hire them? It was the most difficult. A treacherous endeavor. Their standards were as sharp as their blades.
But who? Who would be so bold to send assassins inside the palace.
They all moved simultaneously. A kusarigama, its chain slicing through the air, aimed for the King's throat, but Chiyo's body reacted unexpectedly. Her hand darted to the hidden dagger within her kimono, and with a clash of steel, she intercepted the deadly weapon.
The red-haired assassin's condescending eyes narrowed. His warning hissed like a serpent's venom. "Don't intervene."
Chiyo's lips curved, defiance etched in every line of her face. Her body just moved on her own to protect the king. It wasn't the loyalty that drove her. It was something else. She had her own agenda, her own vendetta. She would protect the king — for now — but when the opportunity arises his blood will stain her blade.
The king is her prey, and no one's allowed to steal her target.
The place trembled in tension, each of them waiting... bidding the right moment to attack.
Chiyo went for an offensive position and she locked eyes with the red-haired assassin.
"Do you want to die?" He smirked, matching her arrogance. He jumped down from the roof, his blade ready to attack again. "I'll teach you a lesson."
Chiyo prepared to attack. The assassin's movements were fluid, a deadly dance of steel. His arms swept upward, twirling the kusarigma, its weighted chain slicing through the air like a vengeful spirit. Chiyo braced herself, but the chain veered toward her, too swift for evasion.
It landed mere inches away from her feet - the assassin's silent warning hung in the greenhouse's shattered silence - a promise of danger and purpose, and the unyielding loyalty that bound these killers.
"Leave." The assassin's eyes bore into her, commanding her to retreat. "Don't even try to protect the king. You will only get in the way."
She balled her fist. She had never been one to back down, but these assassins are different. Their loyalty is to their mission - to kill the king, and they will not let any innocent bystander get caught in their fight. She flickered her gaze to the king.
His strength and wit is not something to be trifled with as he beheaded the assassins one by one. Chiyo knew that the intruders were not going to win. If they think they can kill him, then they are underestimating his skill. He still possesses the body of a Kitsune, it is faster and stronger than any Yokai. Aside from their ability, that is also the sole reason why the dragon has chosen them.
She lunged forward, dagger ready to slice the red-haired assassin. Surprised, the assassin pulled his weapon. Both blades connected, the sound reverberating throughout the greenhouse, drowning the sound of clashing around them.
"Leave." The assassin sneered at her.
Her jaw clenched. She pushed him, her voice a whisper that cut through the chaos. "You leave! The king is my prey." Her voice was barely audible, meant only for the enemy's ear.
The assassin eyes glowed in amusement. He smiled at her, a cruel one then his kick landed brutally, hurtling Chiyo out of the greenhouse. Glass splintered, and the world blurred around her.
She landed a distance away from the greenhouse and she can still hear their blades dancing. She stood up, pain radiating from her injured foot, and blood trickled from the back of her head.
Raising her hand to unleash her ability, a hand rested on her shoulder.
"Don't even try." He said, his voice a low murmur. "Let them finish their mission."
The sun has started to set, creating a shadow against his stern face. Chiyo removed his hand away, her instincts screaming at her.
Why isn't he intervening now? Hachiro is only watching like a spectator, like he didn't care what's happening at all.
Suspicions gnawed at her.
"You know the king's identity." She said, a matter of fact.
"Yes." Hachiro did not deny her claim. "And I know yours too, princess Yasuki."