[Fic] Knights of Hyotei (Part 3)
The King’s Cup Tournament and the discovery of yet another magical item by him and Ohtori felt like a distant memory, and since then things had become quiet and calm, though Yuushi remained a fountain of good information and gossip. One other item had been found in the kitchen, though oddly it had not been anything related to cooking. It had been a chef’s apron.
They had wondered what the point of that one was, and if that had been some unconnected practical joke or revenge plot on a chef instead of anything aimed at the King. Still, the White Order and the Knights weren’t taking any chances. And neither was Atobe who was now fully informed on previous possible attempts to end his life, and had restructured his guards.
He had been back to collect several new Knights the month previous, eight in all, and Shishido was amazed at the difference a half a year out of the school made for him. He felt so old and worldly compared to the young and fresh Knights. It was a little surreal.
Atobe had also released some of his older serving Knights. It was a weird ceremony to watch, and Shishido realized that he didn’t want it. Most of them were already married to lower ranking nobles or would be given some minor political position like under secretary of the fisheries, and it was all very honourable. But Shishido’s binding itched as he watched the process, and he had had to stop himself from inching closer to his King or just bolting.
But it was inevitable, unless he died, that one day, Atobe would release him. He vowed that he would neither grovel nor break down in tears like a couple of the Knights had. Apparently nobody would mention it again or hold it against them as even the strongest of Knights sometimes succumbed to this before their binding to the King was broken. It was more the binding talking than the man , they reasoned.
The after party had been crazy and long, and Shishido had slept for the first time since he was bound, passed out from too much drinking and merriment. Atobe had taken one look at all of them as they staggered onto duty to replace the previous team of Knights, and had lectured them very loudly and seemed to take sadistic joy from their flinches and sickly faces.
Shishido was just thankful that Taguchi had managed to get to a plant pot to throw up in instead of on Atobe’s shiny shoes. Atobe looked disgusted enough as it was. The laps around the training yard and the hours of mandatory training they had all been given by the commander had probably been deserved, but it certainly didn’t make any of them feel better.
A couple of weeks after the party, another one was in full swing for all the new promotions within the Knights. Somehow, despite losing to Tachibana and the hung over work day, Shishido had still been promoted to first officer.
Even more shocking was Yuushi’s promotion to deputy commander. Shishido would have said that he slept his way to the top, but he didn’t think that even Yuushi would sleep with Kabaji. Or that Kabaji even had sex. It was one of the great mysteries of the guard house: just when did Kabaji unwind and did he ever do it with somebody? So far, nobody had seen him or heard of him being with another person in bed.
The party was boisterous, and they had to nearly shout to be heard over each other as drink after drink appeared in front of them. Eventually some of the crowd wandered out, having found a companion for the night, or needing to get ready for duty.
Yuushi, Taki, Shishido, and a few of their friends still sat at a corner table, glasses full of beer and still in high spirits.
“So, deputy commander,” Shishido called in a voice that was a lot louder than needed. “What’s going to be your first official act tomorrow?”
“Getting you put on stable guard duty forever,” Yuushi joked back, causing the others to cheer and laugh.
“No, seriously, what will you do with all your power?”
Yuushi seemed to sense the mood shift in Shishido and straightened slightly. “I don’t have that much power. Guess I could assign a few knights to different shifts, enforce extra training...”
“Have you ever noticed that advisor Sakaki doesn’t have a knight of his own?”
Taki, not yet noticing the shift in moods laughed and hit Shishido on the back heartily, causing Shishido to spill some of his beer on himself. “Why? You wanna volunteer for the job?” A couple of their friends chuckled, but Yuushi and Shishido didn’t.
“No. I was just wondering why he doesn’t have one. I mean, Atobe gave Taki to Jirou.”
“He’s been offered,” Yuushi said and leaned back in his chair, taking another drink of his beer, “But he’s always refused.”
Shishido found that incredibly suspicious. Lord Advisor Sakaki was the type of man who enjoyed flaunting his status and a Knight was certainly an obvious symbol of Atobe’s favour; though Knights were still loyal to their King and Kingdom, even while bound to a private citizen who they were magically sworn to protect above all else. Knights had been known to go insane by the duel loyalties pulling at them, and Knights weren’t easy to sneak under the radar, either.
“It’s totally fishy,” Shishido said, and this time Taki and the others clued in. “He gives off those creepy vibes, he’s way too close to Keiya, and he doesn’t want a Knight; someone who would attract him a lot of attention if he’s trying to do sneaky and evil things,” Shishido explained. “And then there’s how pissed he is whenever he leaves Atobe’s office.”
“The last is easy to explain. He’s not used to his counsel being ignored. Atobe’s father was very reliant on his advice, especially after he lost his second wife after Keiya’s birth. But Atobe likes to hear from all corners and make up his own mind.”
“And Sakaki doesn’t like not being the power behind the throne, huh?” Shishido asked more to himself.
“Definitely not. He’s usually pretty good at waiting until he’s in private before letting loose, but a couple of times he’s been spotted, ranting away about the arrogance of youth by one of us,” Taki added.
“Not that we can do anything with this,” Yuushi pointed out. “No evidence, and Sakaki was Atobe’s father’s most loyal servant.”
“Yeah... not going to look good to be pointing fingers. But...”
“As new deputy commander, I can do a bit more than point,” Yuushi chuckled and gave a wink, and the group descended once again into merriment and mirth.
==+==
It was the day of the biweekly duel between Atobe and Hiyoshi, and Shishido was walking out to the open area as part of the King’s entourage. Hiyoshi was already there, practicing his forms, and most likely had been for a while if the dampness to his clothes and hair was anything to go by.
Atobe waved all of the nobles, White Order members, and Knights, off as he walked closer to his cousin. “Good day, Cousin. I was hoping to see you at breakfast this morning. Keiya missed you,” Atobe said.
Hiyoshi scowled for a moment, but then clearly decided not answering his King and family member would be rude. “I’ll eat there when I’m the lord of this household,” he answered, and it took all of Shishido’s willpower to not chuckle at Hiyoshi’s stubbornness. He also found it amusing that Atobe always brought up Keiya to Hiyoshi, as if Hiyoshi had more in common with his brother than with him. A very low blow, but certainly clever.
Hiyoshi, never a fan of words, held out his practice sword to have it be replaced with the specially crafted and dulled blade he would use to duel Atobe with. The point of the duel wasn’t to kill, after all, but to show superiority.
But as soon as Hiyoshi’s sword was pulled out of the chest, three members of the White Order began to scream and the Knights moved. Shishido dashed to Atobe’s side with Yuushi while several others quickly moved to secure the magical threat.
Nobody looked more shocked than Hiyoshi when it was identified as his own fencing sword.
Everyone was still for a long pause, and then jumped into action.
“Stop!” A loud shout came, and everyone froze as they realized it was Atobe who had commanded them. He pushed his way past Shishido and Yuushi who were in front of him, and out of the circle of Knights surrounding him.
“Commander Kabaji, we want Hiyoshi taken to our private meeting rooms now. Leave a full guard at the entrance. You there,” he pointed to the members of the White Order, “Take the sword to your superior and find out just what it was meant to do; take several Knights with you.” A group of Knights broke off to escort the members of the White Order to their superiors’ office.
“Everyone else, nothing happened here this morning. If we hear anything about this incident circulating in the rumours, you will all answer to us.” With that Atobe strode off, leaving many confused and scared nobles in his wake. His remaining Knights rushed to guard him as he walked back into the palace.
Shishido caught Yuushi’s eyes who just shrugged and then went to walk closer to Atobe to guard his left side.
Shishido wondered what would happen now. It wasn’t everyday that the King’s cousin tried to kill him so openly... though it all seemed a little suspicious, and that made Shishido question if it really was Hiyoshi behind it.
He looked back over his shoulder and could just make out Lord Advisor Sakaki sorting out the remaining nobles they’d left behind.
==+==
The next morning it was announced that Hiyoshi would be sent on an ambassadorial trip to a distant country to meet a potential bride for Atobe, and report back on her suitability. He would leave the following week, and be sent off with quite a bit of fanfare and a large state dinner;. an event that had the tongues of all the nobles and palace workers wagging.
Even though they were told not to talk about it, mumblings of Hiyoshi’s potential betrayal were making the rounds. It was weird that Hiyoshi was being sent off to represent Atobe in a foreign land instead of being held in a prison.
He was also being assigned Knights to keep him safe, though apparently he wasn’t being given his own Knights to bind to him. He was being assigned several of Atobe’s bound Knights. And while not unheard of, it was rare.
Shishido was happy that he wasn’t asked to do escort duty, the thought of leaving Atobe behind far out of reach of his protection haunted his sleepless nights.
Yuushi, however, was assigned to go, and seemed to be taking his assignment with a sense of seriousness that didn’t suit the laid back Knight.
Shishido sprawled on top of Yuushi’s bed, definitely not thinking about how many people Yuushi had seduced into it, while watching his friend pack. He kicked the bag at the end of the bed with his booted foot. Yuushi just scowled at him for still not taking his boots off and for knocking over the pile of clean undershirts.
“How long do you think it will take?”
“Who knows. Apparently we’re to be spelled with several languages to make travelling through foreign lands easier. The Division of Magical Arts is even giving us some toys to play with,” Yuushi said, pushing Shishido’s feet off his bed and restacking his clothes.
Shishido let his legs be pushed off, and then lifted them and put them back on. “Really? That’s cool. Still weird, though. Don’t you think so?”
“Yes. But I’m sure Atobe has a plan. He always has a plan.”
“And do you have a plan?” Shishido asked, knowing that Yuushi had just as many plans and ideas as Atobe.
“Possibly. It mostly involves seeing how long it will take me from the Hyotei borders to seduce Hiyoshi.”
“You mean there’s someone you haven’t seduced yet?”
“A few. But it’s good to have a challenge.” Yuushi and Shishido shared a look before chuckling. Then, Shishido had a thought.
“Do you think he says it during sex?”
“Say what?”
“That whole... gekokujou thing.”
Again they shared a look before laughing even louder this time.
“I’ll let you know,” Yuushi said with a wink when they finally got themselves under control.
“You going to tell Gakuto about this?” Shishido asked, finally sitting up after his feet were pushed off the bed for the third time.
“Do you think I should?”
“I think he’ll drive me insane with his complaining if you don’t give him some sort of token before you go,” Shishido pointed out to save his own sanity more than any favour to Gakuto.
“I suppose you make a point.” Yuushi looked at his dresser and pulled two handkerchiefs out of the top drawer. He studied them a moment before picking the pale violet one. “Do you think this will work?”
Shishido sighed. Some days he swore Yuushi was a character in those bad romance novels he kept foisting off on him.
==+==
Yuushi had been gone nearly a month for his escort duties, and Shishido was fairly used to his new Yuushi-less routine. He was currently out in the practice yard watching some of the other Knights work on their forms. That was probably why he was the first one to see Taki break into the Knights training grounds at a sprint.
“Taki, hold up, what’s the rush?” He asked, moving out in front of his friend to stop him from rushing off.
Taki ran into him and they both toppled over. Shishido cursed and grabbed hold of Taki to keep him from going anywhere. “Will you stop squirming and tell me what’s happened?”
“Shishido?” Taki asked as he stopped and looked at the person under him.
“Yeah. Is it Lord Jirou? Has he been hurt?”
Taki shuddered at the thought and then shook his head. “Worse.”
“I think you better come with me.” They quickly got to their feet and ducked inside a small room that was once used as an office, and now seemed to collect bits and pieces of old uniform parts.
Shishido stopped when he was just inside the door and stuck his head back out. “I don’t hear swords?” He called to the youngest Knights who were too busy trying to catch some news instead of continuing their practice.
“What is it?” Shishido asked, returning his attention back to the room and noticing that instead of taking a seat on one of the chairs strewn about the room, Taki was pacing back and forth.
“You know I’ve told you that Jirou falls asleep in weird spots?”
Shishido nodded. “And you hear weird things?” Shishido asked, getting an idea of where this might be leading since Jirou’s safety wasn’t in question.
“Yes. Or this time, dangerous things.” Taki looked out the window into the training yard.
“Tell me,” Shishido commanded, though he so didn’t want to know. But if there were dangers out there, he had to know so he could fight them.
“I didn’t get a look at them, and their voices were muffled.” Shishido gave Taki a questioning look, and Taki sighed. “We were in a storage shed; the one that has the seeds and stuff. Apparently Lord Jirou thought that they’d be comfortable to sleep on. Anyway,” Taki stressed the word obviously trying to convince Shishido that where they were and why wasn’t the issue. “They were plotting something. They mentioned the ball and a magicked item they were going to sneak in. It was meant for Atobe.”
The silence that followed that statement as Shishido absorbed what that meant was only broken by the clink of swords in the yard.
“Do you think they’re responsible for those past items?” Shishido finally asked.
“It would make sense. Maybe those were just tests to see how well and how quickly different elements were detected,” Taki suggested and Shishido wondered if he was picking up some of his Lord’s cunning. He had learned that Jirou may be eccentric and sleepy, but anyone wise knew that under that was a sneaky man who had keen sense of observation when he wanted to.
“That’s so not what I want to hear,” Shishido finally said, and Taki nodded. “We need to tell Kabaji and he needs to inform the Superior of the White Order... maybe even the King.” He had started pacing as he spoke, and he stopped to look back over at Taki. “Would you be able to identify the speakers?”
Taki shook his head. “I’ll try, but it was muffled...”
That’s what Shishido had expected to hear, but it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. He wished Yuushi was here so he could deliver the bad news instead and just tell him all the good bits later.
“Okay, let’s go. Kabaji should be at lunch right now.”
“Wait. You should know that Jirou’s already left to go and tell the King.”
“He was awake?” Shishido asked, surprised that Jirou had heard anything and then decided to act on what he heard, even knowing what Shishido knew about the sleepy Lord.
“He’s the one that came up with the magic theory,” Taki admitted and Shishido grinned at his guess. “I practically had to tie him down, though, to keep him in the shed. He wanted to rush out there and face whoever it was.”
Part of Shishido wished that Jirou had done just that; at least Taki would be able to identify the threat that way. But he recognized that Taki’s binding wouldn’t have let Jirou wander into that sort of danger without putting up a fight. There was also the chance that facing those people talking was just the middlemen and would scare off the leader of the plot.
“That would have been fun to see,” Shishido finally said and then nodded at the door.
Together, they headed through the training yard and toward the palace kitchens where Kabaji should be at this time of the day. And if the King was being informed at the same time, well, it would certainly make the next week leading up to the ball an interesting one.
The guard was already on high alert, though trying to be discreet about it, but with this news, he suspected that whatever was above high alert would start for them and their fellows in the White Order.
==+==
After informing Kabaji with Taki, they were brought to Atobe’s anterooms and replaced the Knights on duty there. Obviously Kabaji didn’t want to risk them being able to talk to anyone about this. Taki, without word, handed over his sword to Kabaji. Only Knights directly bound to the King could be in his direct presence armed. He knew that Taki felt the loss of his blade keenly and was glad he never had to give his up.
The three of them waited on duty until a sleepy Lord Jirou shuffled out of Atobe’s room.
“Lord Jirou,” the three of them acknowledged his presence, and he gave a sleepy wave.
“I’ll be in my rooms,” he said around a yawn and Taki nodded. Kabaji followed Jirou to the door and assigned one of the Knights on duty outside of it to keep guard of the Lord while Taki was on official King’s business.
“Thanks,” Taki said as he watched Kabaji settle into position back by Atobe’s door. It probably wouldn’t be long until they were called in now. But what would happen then, Shishido couldn’t guess.
It was another several minutes before the inner door opened and Atobe stood in front of them. “Kabaji, stay here and keep a watch on the door. Shishido, Taki, inside.” And again, without waiting to see if his orders would be followed, Atobe walked back into the room and to a large chair. He thankfully sat down on it and gestured to the other seats on the opposite side of an ornate coffee table.
“What I’m going to tell you does not leave this room,” Atobe started in all seriousness and without any of his formal speech. Shishido and Taki both pledged their silence on the matter.
“I’m well aware of the moves that have been made against me. And so far the Knights and the Order have worked together perfectly to block them. But this new information tells me that they’re feeling bold.”
“We’ll still be able to protect you, sir,” Shishido said, unable to let the King think for one moment that they would let his life be endangered.
“I know. And right now your brothers are working to secure mine and the country’s future.” Atobe stopped talking then to give them time to take in his meaning. Obviously there was more than the obvious to the statement.
“What do you mean?” Taki asked.
Atobe smiled. “As you know, a large ambassador’s journey was recently undertaken. What would you say if I told you that the group never left the country?”
“They were attacked?” Shishido questioned and then shook his head. No, that wasn’t right. Hiyoshi was a skilled fighter and had more than ten Knights assigned to him... actually, that was a lot of Knights to take while travelling between peaceful countries.
“They were never going to meet a potential bride...” Shishido corrected.
“So they’ve double backed. But for what?” Taki asked and Shishido could practically hear his mind whirling as he thought about whom they might be after.
“Ah, that is the golden question,” Atobe said and leaned back gracefully in his chair as he crossed his legs. “If what Yuushi has told me is true, then I imagine what I’m about to say won’t surprise you.” He looked pointedly at Shishido and it clicked into place.
“You think Lord Advisor Sakaki is planning to kill you at your ball?” Shishido asked. He always thought that Sakaki was evil, but to go as far as to plot the King’s death was a shock. Apparently it didn’t always feel good to be proven right.
“Yes. I’ve had my own suspicions for a while now. But it wasn’t until recently that we were able to collect evidence we needed. And now we have the time of when he plans to act.”
Shishido wondered why they couldn’t seize Sakaki now if they had evidence, but maybe it wasn’t enough, or maybe Atobe wanted to ensnare as many traitors into his trap as possible. He could see the wisdom in both. But it was risky.
Some days, Shishido hated that his King wasn’t more of a coward.
“So, for now, I need the two of you to act as though you’ve learned nothing new today. The guard will remain on high alert, but I want you both to keep an extra eye and ear out for any movements of Lord Sakaki. Especially during the ball.”
Shishido nodded along with Taki even though he wanted to call Atobe an idiot and lock him in the wardrobe to keep him safe until he could handle Sakaki personally. But he knew it was impractical and would never happen. Still, it would make his binding stop itching.
“I’m trusting you and your brothers to keep me safe. Don’t fail me. And don’t let anyone else know what we suspect of Lord Sakaki.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Shishido said at the clear dismissal. He stood and gave a formal bow alongside Taki.
==+==
Shishido felt as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders in the following days. He’d always wanted to be in the loop and prove himself, but now that he was, he understood the heavy responsibility that came with it.
He wanted to be an excellent swordsman still, but he no longer felt that compelling drive to be the commander. Maybe deputy. He enjoyed helping to train with and take care of the Guard, and he certainly wanted a large hand in protecting the King. But being burdened with such dangerous secrets wasn’t as fun as he’d thought it would be.
He knew that if he didn’t act normal and hold the secrets, he could endanger not only his King, but his friends as well. Not to mention allowing Sakaki or his cohorts a chance to escape. So, he did the logical thing and avoided Lord Sakaki like the plague. He was many things, but a competent liar was not one of them. If he had been, he’d never have ended up training to be one of Atobe’s Knights in the first place.
It had been easy enough to swap his Prince Keiya guard duty for a turn at the stables, and it was easily explained away by his well known closeness to a certain tall member of the White Order. It was a little embarrassing, but at the same time, he liked it. It meant the others wouldn’t try anything bold with the Knight friendly member.
“Have you been told if you’ve been assigned to the ball yet?” Shishido asked. They were both leaning against the stable wall, watching the stable hands work the horses in a gentle trot around the yards.
He knew some people found this assignment boring, but right now Shishido found it relaxing. Especially with the good company.
“Yes. I’ll be there. I think everyone will be on guard somewhere in the palace. I guess all those small scares has everyone spooked. I’ve never seen the Order so worked up.”
Ohtori looked over at Shishido, but Shishido was busy staring out at the horses. He didn’t want to be tempted to give into that look and tell Ohtori just why security had been stepped up from high to ridiculous.
“The Guard’s the same. But we thrive on this sort of thing.” And it was true. The thrill that something might happen and the chance to use their skills to protect their King had all of the Guard working overtime at practicing their swordsmanship and their carousing. To say tensions were running high would be an understatement, but they also had their bindings riding them, demanding that they do everything to protect the King.
Shishido felt it all, too, but right now, watching a young foal prance around, he was able to push it aside.
“I take it that means you’ll be in the main hall?”
“Yup. I’m breaking out my best uniform for it. Even got someone to polish my boots,” he said proudly, and he knew that he made a handsome figure in the clothes. He just hoped that Ohtori would be among his admirers.
“It’s too bad we can’t dance,” Ohtori said with a sigh and Shishido felt the same regret.
“Maybe we can sneak one in. I’ll be by Atobe’s side most of the night, but we do have a small rotation set up,” Shishido offered. And even if they couldn’t dance among the nobles, they could find somewhere off to the side to indulge a bit.
“That would be nice.” Ohtori smiled and Shishido returned it.
“Yeah...”
“I’ll keep a nose out for you.”
And with that Ohtori actually gave him a wink before walking back inside the stables for their next circuit around the stables. Shishido wasn’t sure what to make of Ohtori’s cheeky side, but he was sure once he recovered he’d appreciate it.
==+==
Part 4