[12K] The Tales of Twelve Kingdoms :: Chapter IV
Title: Two Halves
Fandom: The Twelve Kingdoms
Characters: Enki, Shouryuu, Youko
Prompt: Writer's Choice: Pieces
Word Count: 2445
Rating: PG
Summary: In which the relations between ruler and kirin get discussed.
Author's Notes: None
[disclaimer] :: In these series of drabbles, things may or may not contradict with the canon. Timelines may or may not be rearranged, messed up or otherwise ignored. Terms, places, phrases and spellings may or may not be 100% correct. Tiny tidbits of information may or may not be included. In short, these stories are just fun little ideas that have popped into my head concerning the characters and their relationships with each other. 100% canon accuracy isn't what I'm aiming for since the 12K world is huge and somewhat confusing. But I did my best and hope that you enjoy it nevertheless.
Youko remembered the first time she had stayed at the En Palace. Although that seemed like only yesterday, it really had been half a century ago now. The palace had seemed so big and too fancy for her tastes. Never would she imagine that she would eventually become use to such fancy arrangements. She had to admit to still not being too fond of them but she no longer felt as uncomfortable as the first time. However this was the first time since that night so long ago that she had stayed inside this place. Standing on a balcony over looking the sky sea, a gentle breeze ruffled Youko’s night garments and her hair that spilled around her shoulders.
It had been an odd request, even for the Ever-King. He had invited Youko and Keiki to En for no other reason than to see them. Youko supposed it was fair. Both En Ou and Enki had visited her in Kei several times within the past few years. Now that Kei was much more stable Youko saw no reason why she could not stop by and say hello. Keiki had accompanied her as well, though he had protested the visit like always. His argument was that there was still work to be done even if Kei was in much better shape. Yet his protest went ignored, as Youko had already made up her mind.
So off they went to En and were warmly greeted by the king. Youko always enjoyed spending time with Shouryuu. Unlike Keiki or her ministers, Youko felt like she could truly be herself around him. He was easy-going and yet very wise. The queen wondered if this was how having an older brother would’ve been like. Yet while Shouryuu was present, Enki was not. At first Youko did not find it too odd as she knew the Taiho wandered off as frequently as his king. As the day went on, however, Enki never joined them. Shouryuu did not seemed alarmed so Youko didn’t think much of it. Still she could not shake the feeling that it was a bit off.
That night under the full moon and perfectly clear sky, Youko found she could not sleep. Keiki had returned to Kei before sunset, wanting instead to get work done back at the palace. He had told Youko she had to return tomorrow and do her own work. Perhaps that was why she was so restless. The thought that this enjoyable occasion of visiting friends would be ruined tomorrow with piles of work made her sigh heavily.
I suppose a Queen’s work is never done.
Youko pondered further about how much she and everything around her had changed since that fateful day at school. It still didn’t seem that long ago. Leaving the balcony’s edge, Youko walked along the wooden planks with one hand on the railing. Eventually she walked down a series of stairs and headed towards the main gardens of the palace. Despite the darkness the moon was so bright that it lit her path clearly. She was enjoying her walk, lost in thought until she came upon someone sitting on a small porch like area. Truthfully it was part of the same walkway Youko was traveling on, but simply lowered to the ground by a series of steps. Youko paused half way down these stairs and blinked.
“Feeling restless?” the figure asked and Youko realized it was Shouryuu.
“I suppose Keiki spoiled my mood a little,” She admitted with a small chuckle. “He really…”
Youko trailed off as she moved closer. She paused again in her steps and blinked. Shouryuu was not alone and it appeared the missing kirin had been found. Yet Youko had not expected to see such a sight in all her years of knowing them both.
Shouryuu was sitting lazily on the porch, legs hanging over the edge and feet planted firmly on the grass of the garden below. Sprawled out across his lap was Enki, fast asleep on his side. Although his upper body used Shouryuu’s legs as a cushion, his lower half still rested on the wooden planks. He looked so comfortable sleeping there that Youko suddenly felt embarrassed.
“I… er… I’m sorry,” She said quickly.
“For what?” Shouryuu asked, genuinely perplexed.
Youko’s gaze shifted to the sleeping kirin and Shouryuu realized what she meant. He laughed kindly. “It’s rare, isn’t it? To think he can actually be this quiet.”
Youko shook her head awkwardly. “N-No, I just thought… um… It just feels like I’m interrupted something.”
The Ever-King arched an eyebrow at her and she just blushed. “I’m sorry,” She repeated hopelessly.
Shouryuu shook his head. “I suppose… it really is rare for you to see Enki actually behaving. He’s only tolerable when he’s asleep.”
Youko hid a small giggle behind her sleeve and the embarrassment left her. In its place she felt a sort of warmth at seeing them both so at peace with each other. They treated each other like brothers sometimes and in public they were always bickering. Yet they clearly had a strong connection to each other at the same time. Youko had just never witnessed any solid proof. This seemed like all the proof one would need and it made her smile. Shouryuu motioned to the space on his other side.
“You can join us if it doesn’t make you too uncomfortable.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Youko moved past them to sit, also dangling her legs over the edge of the porch. Her feet, protected by flimsy sandals, did not touch the ground. She kicked her legs childishly and felt her exposed toes brush against the strands of grass. Not quite tall enough, but close. Then again she supposed she wasn’t going to grow anymore now. Looking out across the gardens she was facing, she found the sight truly breath taking. She had never seen this garden at night before. The cherry blossom trees seemed to glow in the moonlight. The water from the small pond shimmered silver and fireflies flickered everywhere. It was like a whole different place and Youko was struck by how normal the fireflies were in such a surreal setting.
She glanced back towards Shouryuu, who was also admiring the view. Her gaze drifted back down to the sleeping kirin and she smiled. He did look quite different when he was asleep.
“Where was he today?” She inquired. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
“I do not,” Shouryuu chuckled. “I’m afraid Rokuta had run off earlier that morning. He wasn’t too happy with me, I think.”
Youko blinked. “Did you two have an argument?”
“Something like that.”
Youko seemed perplexed by that. She wasn’t sure why but she just couldn’t picture them having a serious disagreement.
There really is a whole other side to both of them that no one else sees.
It was why she had felt so embarrassed earlier. Somehow she couldn’t help but feel she was witnessing that rare side they did not let others see. Youko realized a bit too late Shouryuu was watching her. She broke from her thoughts and smiled.
“But you’ve sorted it out now, haven’t you?”
Shouryuu nodded. “I suppose we have, yes. Though I have now discovered how irritable a kirin can become.”
Youko rolled her eyes. “I could’ve told you all about that, you know. Keiki’s rarely not irritable.”
Laughing Shouryuu asked, “Keiki hasn’t improved?”
“I don’t know,” Youko sighed and looked down at her feet. “He’s just so… cold. I know that’s just the way he is and by now I’m use to it, but… I see how the other kings and their kirins are and I wish it cold be like that for us. I can’t be myself around him at all. I’m always afraid of those disapproving looks and those sighs.”
“Who are you comparing yourself to? Every ruler has a different relationship with his or her kirin. Likewise, every kirin is different.”
“I know, I know…” Youko huffed and looked much like a frustrated child suddenly. Watching the fireflies dance across the garden, Youko tried to put her feelings into thoughts. “I know that Keiki is who he is. He’ll always be like that and I’ve accepted it. And given his past I guess he must be hesitant to show any emotion towards his ruler. Still… I just wish he wasn’t so serious all the time. I also wish he would let me do things my way. I appreciate his guidance and I need his knowledge of this world, but he’s so strict with traditional things. Every time I want to do or say something that doesn’t fit the rulebook he protests. It’s frustrating because I know he means well but it really bothers me at the same time.”
Shouryuu looked thoughtful at her words, mulling them over silently. For her part Youko felt a little guilty. It had been a long time since she had taken the throne and paired up with Keiki to rule Kei. She shouldn’t still be having these feeling. Normally they weren’t there, yet every now and then they would surface and pester her relentlessly.
“Renrin and Seitaku are polar opposites, I’ve heard. Renrin is incredibly proper and places high emphasis on it. The ruler she chose, however, is anything but. He prefers his time spent on farmlands and cares little for formality. The Peace-King of Tai is a general and about as fierce as the tiger youma he tamed. Yet Taiki is as gentle as a lamb and as timid as a mouse.”
Shouryuu lifted his hand and placed it lightly on top of Enki’s head. “I believe that the ruler a kirin selects is also his or her opposite in some way. Sometimes the opposites are obvious, but other times they aren’t. Why it works that way is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it’s Tentei’s lifelong test for us. Whatever the reason I believe it’s for the greater purpose. They are the other half, after all, and I would think your other half would be very unlike you in some ways in order to make a whole.”
Lifting his gaze to Youko the Ever-King smiled. “I don’t think anyone can truly understand a kirin. No matter how long you may find yourself living with one, they’ll still mange to surprise you. In that case all you can do is be yourself and try to get along. It’s difficult, but not impossible.”
Youko watched him for a moment before her gaze fell back towards the garden. She absorbed his words for a long time, her expression unreadable. She briefly wondered what differences Enki and Shouryuu had. A lone firefly drifted towards her and she held out her finger for it. To her surprise it landed on the tip and fluttered its wings.
“I guess I just feel my best isn’t good enough for him. I don’t dislike Keiki or anything like that. He’s just so intimidating sometimes. I agree with what you said, but it just… isn’t that simple.”
“Of course not,” Shouryuu chuckled. “That’s what I said, isn’t it? Difficult but not impossible.”
Youko sighed and nodded. “Sorry, you’re right. I’m just being stubborn.”
“A quality you both share.”
Youko made a face at him and the firefly floated away in alarm. “You and Rokuta are much more stubborn than either of us, you know.”
Shouryuu laughed, though he stayed very conscious of the sleeping Enki and remained quiet. “No, I’m afraid he’s much more stubborn than I am.”
Youko snorted at that. In her experience they were both very stubborn, though Shouryuu did a better job hiding it than Enki. Sighing, Youko rested her elbows on her knees and placed her chin in her hands.
“I know what you say is true, but… I just hope I can have a better relationship with Keiki in the future. You and Enki share such a positive one that it makes me jealous sometimes. You can act just like you around him and not worry about being judged. I envy that.”
Shouryuu seemed thoroughly bemused by this. Enki criticized him all the time. “Youko, a ruler’s relationship with the kirin is like any other relationship in life. It takes work to establish and it will never be perfect. Remember that.”
Youko sighed and nodded again. She stood at last and stretched her arms high over her head. “Sorry, you’re right… I’m just arguing in circles now. I think it means I’m tired.”
“Perhaps you should try and get some sleep.”
Youko nodded. “Yeah… Thank you.” She gave En Ou a small bow, though he dismissed it with a wave of his hand. Then she left.
Shouryuu watched her retreating back until she disappeared around the corner. He chuckled softly to himself before the near silence of night settled on him once more. Watching Youko struggle made him feel sad he could not do more for her other than offer advice. Yet he was very confident that Youko would figure it all out and one day might very well rule longer than he would. The thought made him pause. No ruler stayed in power forever and although it was a morbid thought, Shouryuu could not help but wonder what the end of his reign would be like.
He sat in silence for several moments longer, thinking on this even though he knew he shouldn’t. Thankfully the silence broke when Enki finally stirred. He rubbed one eye sleepy and shifted a bit, but did not seem inclined to move. Shouryuu’s gaze dropped down on him at the same time the kirin looked up.
“Finally awake, are we?” he chuckled.
Enki blinked and then immediately became flustered. He sat up quickly, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away angrily.
“You should’ve woken me up!” he huffed.
“You would’ve complained and preferred to stay asleep.”
“I would’ve preferred not sleeping in your lap.”
“You seemed comfortable enough.”
“Shut up…”
Shouryuu laughed and shook his head, climbing to his feet. “Ah. I understand now.”
Despite himself Enki glanced up at him, curious. “Huh?”
“I understand what Youko meant. I’m lucky to have a kirin that I can be myself around.”
And with that he turned and headed back for his room. Enki was struck dumb for a moment by the sincerity of Shouryuu’s words. He had said it so casually that anyone else might not have understood the impact. But Enki did and for a moment he wasn’t sure how to reply. Then something else struck him and he leapt to his feet.
“Wait a second, Youko was here? Just now? She didn’t see me, did she? Hey!”
Shouryuu only laughed.
Fandom: The Twelve Kingdoms
Characters: Enki, Shouryuu, Youko
Prompt: Writer's Choice: Pieces
Word Count: 2445
Rating: PG
Summary: In which the relations between ruler and kirin get discussed.
Author's Notes: None
[disclaimer] :: In these series of drabbles, things may or may not contradict with the canon. Timelines may or may not be rearranged, messed up or otherwise ignored. Terms, places, phrases and spellings may or may not be 100% correct. Tiny tidbits of information may or may not be included. In short, these stories are just fun little ideas that have popped into my head concerning the characters and their relationships with each other. 100% canon accuracy isn't what I'm aiming for since the 12K world is huge and somewhat confusing. But I did my best and hope that you enjoy it nevertheless.
Youko remembered the first time she had stayed at the En Palace. Although that seemed like only yesterday, it really had been half a century ago now. The palace had seemed so big and too fancy for her tastes. Never would she imagine that she would eventually become use to such fancy arrangements. She had to admit to still not being too fond of them but she no longer felt as uncomfortable as the first time. However this was the first time since that night so long ago that she had stayed inside this place. Standing on a balcony over looking the sky sea, a gentle breeze ruffled Youko’s night garments and her hair that spilled around her shoulders.
It had been an odd request, even for the Ever-King. He had invited Youko and Keiki to En for no other reason than to see them. Youko supposed it was fair. Both En Ou and Enki had visited her in Kei several times within the past few years. Now that Kei was much more stable Youko saw no reason why she could not stop by and say hello. Keiki had accompanied her as well, though he had protested the visit like always. His argument was that there was still work to be done even if Kei was in much better shape. Yet his protest went ignored, as Youko had already made up her mind.
So off they went to En and were warmly greeted by the king. Youko always enjoyed spending time with Shouryuu. Unlike Keiki or her ministers, Youko felt like she could truly be herself around him. He was easy-going and yet very wise. The queen wondered if this was how having an older brother would’ve been like. Yet while Shouryuu was present, Enki was not. At first Youko did not find it too odd as she knew the Taiho wandered off as frequently as his king. As the day went on, however, Enki never joined them. Shouryuu did not seemed alarmed so Youko didn’t think much of it. Still she could not shake the feeling that it was a bit off.
That night under the full moon and perfectly clear sky, Youko found she could not sleep. Keiki had returned to Kei before sunset, wanting instead to get work done back at the palace. He had told Youko she had to return tomorrow and do her own work. Perhaps that was why she was so restless. The thought that this enjoyable occasion of visiting friends would be ruined tomorrow with piles of work made her sigh heavily.
I suppose a Queen’s work is never done.
Youko pondered further about how much she and everything around her had changed since that fateful day at school. It still didn’t seem that long ago. Leaving the balcony’s edge, Youko walked along the wooden planks with one hand on the railing. Eventually she walked down a series of stairs and headed towards the main gardens of the palace. Despite the darkness the moon was so bright that it lit her path clearly. She was enjoying her walk, lost in thought until she came upon someone sitting on a small porch like area. Truthfully it was part of the same walkway Youko was traveling on, but simply lowered to the ground by a series of steps. Youko paused half way down these stairs and blinked.
“Feeling restless?” the figure asked and Youko realized it was Shouryuu.
“I suppose Keiki spoiled my mood a little,” She admitted with a small chuckle. “He really…”
Youko trailed off as she moved closer. She paused again in her steps and blinked. Shouryuu was not alone and it appeared the missing kirin had been found. Yet Youko had not expected to see such a sight in all her years of knowing them both.
Shouryuu was sitting lazily on the porch, legs hanging over the edge and feet planted firmly on the grass of the garden below. Sprawled out across his lap was Enki, fast asleep on his side. Although his upper body used Shouryuu’s legs as a cushion, his lower half still rested on the wooden planks. He looked so comfortable sleeping there that Youko suddenly felt embarrassed.
“I… er… I’m sorry,” She said quickly.
“For what?” Shouryuu asked, genuinely perplexed.
Youko’s gaze shifted to the sleeping kirin and Shouryuu realized what she meant. He laughed kindly. “It’s rare, isn’t it? To think he can actually be this quiet.”
Youko shook her head awkwardly. “N-No, I just thought… um… It just feels like I’m interrupted something.”
The Ever-King arched an eyebrow at her and she just blushed. “I’m sorry,” She repeated hopelessly.
Shouryuu shook his head. “I suppose… it really is rare for you to see Enki actually behaving. He’s only tolerable when he’s asleep.”
Youko hid a small giggle behind her sleeve and the embarrassment left her. In its place she felt a sort of warmth at seeing them both so at peace with each other. They treated each other like brothers sometimes and in public they were always bickering. Yet they clearly had a strong connection to each other at the same time. Youko had just never witnessed any solid proof. This seemed like all the proof one would need and it made her smile. Shouryuu motioned to the space on his other side.
“You can join us if it doesn’t make you too uncomfortable.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Youko moved past them to sit, also dangling her legs over the edge of the porch. Her feet, protected by flimsy sandals, did not touch the ground. She kicked her legs childishly and felt her exposed toes brush against the strands of grass. Not quite tall enough, but close. Then again she supposed she wasn’t going to grow anymore now. Looking out across the gardens she was facing, she found the sight truly breath taking. She had never seen this garden at night before. The cherry blossom trees seemed to glow in the moonlight. The water from the small pond shimmered silver and fireflies flickered everywhere. It was like a whole different place and Youko was struck by how normal the fireflies were in such a surreal setting.
She glanced back towards Shouryuu, who was also admiring the view. Her gaze drifted back down to the sleeping kirin and she smiled. He did look quite different when he was asleep.
“Where was he today?” She inquired. “If you don’t mind me asking.”
“I do not,” Shouryuu chuckled. “I’m afraid Rokuta had run off earlier that morning. He wasn’t too happy with me, I think.”
Youko blinked. “Did you two have an argument?”
“Something like that.”
Youko seemed perplexed by that. She wasn’t sure why but she just couldn’t picture them having a serious disagreement.
There really is a whole other side to both of them that no one else sees.
It was why she had felt so embarrassed earlier. Somehow she couldn’t help but feel she was witnessing that rare side they did not let others see. Youko realized a bit too late Shouryuu was watching her. She broke from her thoughts and smiled.
“But you’ve sorted it out now, haven’t you?”
Shouryuu nodded. “I suppose we have, yes. Though I have now discovered how irritable a kirin can become.”
Youko rolled her eyes. “I could’ve told you all about that, you know. Keiki’s rarely not irritable.”
Laughing Shouryuu asked, “Keiki hasn’t improved?”
“I don’t know,” Youko sighed and looked down at her feet. “He’s just so… cold. I know that’s just the way he is and by now I’m use to it, but… I see how the other kings and their kirins are and I wish it cold be like that for us. I can’t be myself around him at all. I’m always afraid of those disapproving looks and those sighs.”
“Who are you comparing yourself to? Every ruler has a different relationship with his or her kirin. Likewise, every kirin is different.”
“I know, I know…” Youko huffed and looked much like a frustrated child suddenly. Watching the fireflies dance across the garden, Youko tried to put her feelings into thoughts. “I know that Keiki is who he is. He’ll always be like that and I’ve accepted it. And given his past I guess he must be hesitant to show any emotion towards his ruler. Still… I just wish he wasn’t so serious all the time. I also wish he would let me do things my way. I appreciate his guidance and I need his knowledge of this world, but he’s so strict with traditional things. Every time I want to do or say something that doesn’t fit the rulebook he protests. It’s frustrating because I know he means well but it really bothers me at the same time.”
Shouryuu looked thoughtful at her words, mulling them over silently. For her part Youko felt a little guilty. It had been a long time since she had taken the throne and paired up with Keiki to rule Kei. She shouldn’t still be having these feeling. Normally they weren’t there, yet every now and then they would surface and pester her relentlessly.
“Renrin and Seitaku are polar opposites, I’ve heard. Renrin is incredibly proper and places high emphasis on it. The ruler she chose, however, is anything but. He prefers his time spent on farmlands and cares little for formality. The Peace-King of Tai is a general and about as fierce as the tiger youma he tamed. Yet Taiki is as gentle as a lamb and as timid as a mouse.”
Shouryuu lifted his hand and placed it lightly on top of Enki’s head. “I believe that the ruler a kirin selects is also his or her opposite in some way. Sometimes the opposites are obvious, but other times they aren’t. Why it works that way is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it’s Tentei’s lifelong test for us. Whatever the reason I believe it’s for the greater purpose. They are the other half, after all, and I would think your other half would be very unlike you in some ways in order to make a whole.”
Lifting his gaze to Youko the Ever-King smiled. “I don’t think anyone can truly understand a kirin. No matter how long you may find yourself living with one, they’ll still mange to surprise you. In that case all you can do is be yourself and try to get along. It’s difficult, but not impossible.”
Youko watched him for a moment before her gaze fell back towards the garden. She absorbed his words for a long time, her expression unreadable. She briefly wondered what differences Enki and Shouryuu had. A lone firefly drifted towards her and she held out her finger for it. To her surprise it landed on the tip and fluttered its wings.
“I guess I just feel my best isn’t good enough for him. I don’t dislike Keiki or anything like that. He’s just so intimidating sometimes. I agree with what you said, but it just… isn’t that simple.”
“Of course not,” Shouryuu chuckled. “That’s what I said, isn’t it? Difficult but not impossible.”
Youko sighed and nodded. “Sorry, you’re right. I’m just being stubborn.”
“A quality you both share.”
Youko made a face at him and the firefly floated away in alarm. “You and Rokuta are much more stubborn than either of us, you know.”
Shouryuu laughed, though he stayed very conscious of the sleeping Enki and remained quiet. “No, I’m afraid he’s much more stubborn than I am.”
Youko snorted at that. In her experience they were both very stubborn, though Shouryuu did a better job hiding it than Enki. Sighing, Youko rested her elbows on her knees and placed her chin in her hands.
“I know what you say is true, but… I just hope I can have a better relationship with Keiki in the future. You and Enki share such a positive one that it makes me jealous sometimes. You can act just like you around him and not worry about being judged. I envy that.”
Shouryuu seemed thoroughly bemused by this. Enki criticized him all the time. “Youko, a ruler’s relationship with the kirin is like any other relationship in life. It takes work to establish and it will never be perfect. Remember that.”
Youko sighed and nodded again. She stood at last and stretched her arms high over her head. “Sorry, you’re right… I’m just arguing in circles now. I think it means I’m tired.”
“Perhaps you should try and get some sleep.”
Youko nodded. “Yeah… Thank you.” She gave En Ou a small bow, though he dismissed it with a wave of his hand. Then she left.
Shouryuu watched her retreating back until she disappeared around the corner. He chuckled softly to himself before the near silence of night settled on him once more. Watching Youko struggle made him feel sad he could not do more for her other than offer advice. Yet he was very confident that Youko would figure it all out and one day might very well rule longer than he would. The thought made him pause. No ruler stayed in power forever and although it was a morbid thought, Shouryuu could not help but wonder what the end of his reign would be like.
He sat in silence for several moments longer, thinking on this even though he knew he shouldn’t. Thankfully the silence broke when Enki finally stirred. He rubbed one eye sleepy and shifted a bit, but did not seem inclined to move. Shouryuu’s gaze dropped down on him at the same time the kirin looked up.
“Finally awake, are we?” he chuckled.
Enki blinked and then immediately became flustered. He sat up quickly, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away angrily.
“You should’ve woken me up!” he huffed.
“You would’ve complained and preferred to stay asleep.”
“I would’ve preferred not sleeping in your lap.”
“You seemed comfortable enough.”
“Shut up…”
Shouryuu laughed and shook his head, climbing to his feet. “Ah. I understand now.”
Despite himself Enki glanced up at him, curious. “Huh?”
“I understand what Youko meant. I’m lucky to have a kirin that I can be myself around.”
And with that he turned and headed back for his room. Enki was struck dumb for a moment by the sincerity of Shouryuu’s words. He had said it so casually that anyone else might not have understood the impact. But Enki did and for a moment he wasn’t sure how to reply. Then something else struck him and he leapt to his feet.
“Wait a second, Youko was here? Just now? She didn’t see me, did she? Hey!”
Shouryuu only laughed.