[FIC] A Whisperer's Love: Chapter 30
Title: A Whisperer's Love
Author: isha_mabin
Pairing: AKAME, RYODA
Raiting: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Disclaimer: I only own the plot, nothing (or no one) else
Summary: The King's only son, Prince Jin, is gravely ill and it is said that only a kiss of life from a Whisperer - immortals who are able to wield magic - can cure the Prince. But Whisperers happen to be wiped out in the old times due to the decree passed by the previous royalties. Or so they thought until a Whisperer was caught. But there's a catch - this Whisperer happens to be a male.
A/N: I'm sorry for the delay. I just couldn't bring myself to post this. I'm gonna miss this fic *sob* On a lighter note, check out this awesome fic banner! Many thanks to harajukyuu for making this for me!!!
Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, Chapter 24, Chapter 25, Chapter 26, Chapter 27, Chapter 28, Chapter 29
Chapter 30: The Dawn of A New Era
[It was a passion to protect, to serve, to cherish]
“Your name is Nakamaru, right?” Kazuya asked as soon as they were out in the field.
“Yes,” Nakamaru said, holding the other’s wrist securely. The Whisperer was still their prisoner. The others will kill him if he let him escape.
“It was a stupid thing you did, Nakamaru. Letting me out...I can easily escape from you.” To demonstrate, Kazuya yanked his arm from Nakamaru’s hold and in a blink of an eye, he was a meter away from the stunned man. “But I won’t do that.” He stepped closer to the man and sat down beside him.
“Why? You could have run away…” Nakamaru truly didn’t understand. Does this Whisperer not want his freedom?
“My children are still inside. I can’t leave them behind. I also want to save those children you took from town weeks ago. Besides, you look like a good man. I don’t want you to be killed ruthlessly when the gang discovers you let me out.” Kazuya turned to Nakamaru. “How about you? Why do you stick with this gang? You don’t belong here.”
Nakamaru hesitated before finally deciding that he could trust this beautiful man. “For protection. The only way a weak man like me can survive is if I have a powerful gang backing me up. This gang wanted me because I’m good with children. They use me to lure the kids and to keep them alive while they’re here.”
“Do you want to escape with us, Nakamaru?”
Nakamaru shrugged. “It’s impossible. Even if we did manage to escape, they’ll hunt us down and kill us.”
Kazuya stood up and Nakamaru was instantly wary. “You don’t know much about me, do you? Nobody in this place does.”
“All I know is that you’re a Whisperer and you’re a present for the boss,” Nakamaru said.
“Do you even know my name?” Kazuya asked.
“No.”
“It’s Kazuya.”
Kazuya watched as the man’s eyes flickered with recognition.
“Kazuya…Y-you’re the King’s fiancé? And the child you’re carrying…it’s the next ruler of Azure!” Nakamaru landed painfully on his butt when the shock made his knees give way.
“This place is surrounded by the King’s soldiers. They’re ready to attack the moment we’re sure I and the children won’t get caught in the crossfire,” Kazuya informed.
“But…how do I know you’re telling the truth?” Nakamaru asked, a bit dazed. If this Whisperer was telling the truth, they were in deep trouble. The gang generally stays away from royalty because they know the wrath of the King couldn’t be ignored.
Kazuya smiled. “You’re smart. Here.” He took off the necklace he was hiding inside his robe and showed Nakamaru the pendant. “The former queen gave this to me.”
“The golden promise…” Nakamaru breathed in awe.
The pendant had the royal emblem etched intricately on its gold surface. It was the necklace that was passed on from one queen to another. Everyone knows that.
“Do you believe me now?”
“Nakamaru! The brats want water!” A pissed off man called before Nakamaru could answer Kazuya’s question.
Nakamaru seized Kazuya’s shoulder. “I believe you. Now it’s your turn to trust me. Please go back to your cell first. I’m your guard for the rest of the night but someone might check on you and find you missing.”
Kazuya looked at Nakamaru’s sincere eyes. “Fine.” He climbed down the stairs and down the underground passage that Nakamaru led him through earlier.
Nakamaru hurriedly closed the wooden trap door and kicked some leaves and soil on top of it. “I’m here!” He called to the older man and ran towards him.
“Don’t wander off when we need you, you brat!” The man scolded.
“I’m sorry. I just went out to relive myself. What did you need?” He asked, his heart pounding on his chest.
“The brats need water. Hurry up. Argh, they’re lucky rich bastards pay well to buy them or I wouldn’t bother with them at all,” the man grumbled.
Nakamaru said nothing and only went to do his bidding.
------------------------------------
“There are suspicious men coming from the west!” Nakamaru didn’t even have to act scared. He was already scared beyond his wits.
“Stay here and guard these snotty brats. You’ll just get in the way.” Brosker, the current guard of the 20 and so children in that part of the hide-out, flexed his arms.
“What about the Whisperer and the two new brats?” Jethro, one of the most skilled swordsmen in the gang, asked.
“Miller is guarding them.”
In truth, Miller was already in dream land, courtesy of the fairies that Kazuya had called.
“Fine. Make sure these kids keep quiet.”
“Y-yes.” Nakamaru stuttered. He couldn’t help it. If this rescue operation goes wrong and he’s caught, the boss will have his head!
Soon, he could no longer hear the men’s footsteps, meaning they were already outside.
He faced the children and woke up those who were sleeping. “Someone’s taking you home.”
The children spoke to each other excitedly. They were finally going home! They will see their parents again, sleep in proper beds, and eat the food their mothers prepared!
A young girl tugged on Nakamaru’s pants. “E-excuse me S-sir, but who is taking us h-home?”
“I am.”
The little girl looked up and gasped. “The Whisperer!”
The other children backed away warily.
Kazuya shook his head. “Please don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Kazuya will take you home. You only have to trust him.” Nakamaru gently prodded the children but they remained standing still, looking at the Whisperer with distrustful eyes.
“Our Papa is not a monster! He will help you,” Ruki said adamantly.
Kazuya knelt so that he was in eye-level with the children. “The men who captured you…they plan to sell you to rich people who will do bad things to you. Will you rather stay with them?”
One little girl took one step towards Kazuya. The another. Then another. And then she was running into his arms.
The other children looked at each other and followed suit.
They were crying.
“Shh. It’s going to be okay. I’ll get us out of here and then this will be over,” Kazuya soothed.
At that moment, he understood the passion by which Whisperers loved humans even back in the old times. It was a passion to protect, to serve, to cherish. That passion led his ancestors to vow never to hurt humans and for the first time ever, surrounded by human children, Kazuya understood.
------------------------------------
“The children are getting away! Get them!”
The criminals ran to where Kazuya, Nakamaru and the children were.
“Run!” Kazuya warned.
He transformed and grabbed whoever he can. The children had little feet and thus considerably slower. He couldn't carry them all however and while he pondered how to get them to safety, the criminals had caught up to them.
"Let go!!!” A little girl screamed when a man caught her by the hair.
“Get your filthy hands off her!” Kazuya fumed, charging towards the mean-looking man. His lights refused to strike the man, however. The vow! Damn it!
“Hah! Can’t hurt me, can you?” The ugly man said, laughing. He dragged the poor girl by the hair towards Kazuya and then he laughed as he struck the Whisperer across the cheek.
The moment he did, however, a loud growl was heard. It drowned out the man's pained yelp as a huge blond wolf bit into his waist - sharp fangs digging effortlessly into the flesh.
In reflex, the man let go of the frightened girl he was holding.
Kazuya immediately gathered the girl into his arms. “Junno!” He exclaimed relieved.
All around him, growls and shouts can be heard as the criminals fought with the werewolves and the royal guards. The gang were good in fighting and had fast reflexes so it wasn’t easy to subdue them.
They were barbaric in nature and their inability to fear anyone and their thirst for blood made them lethal opponents.
Kazuya watched perplexed as a man almost thrice Kazuya's size wrestled with a dark-brown wolf alone. The man brought down the knife he was holding and stabbed the wolf's side. The wolf growled and ripped the man's left leg off in retaliation.
The guards weren't bad either. They were swift on their feet and determined to protect the royal family and the citizens of Azure. They were trained from very young and for them, failing to do their duty would be shaming their bloodline.
Some of the guards took the children and placed them by two’s or three’s on winged-horses’ backs. The winged-horses then carefully carried them to safety. After all, this was a rescue mission first and foremost.
“Are you okay love?”
Kazuya spun around. “Jin!”
“Your cheek…who dared lay a hand on you?!” Jin jumped down from Pegasus’ back, his eyes blazing. He had made every effort to make sure Kazuya was comfortable and well-taken care of. He was treated most excellently at the palace, for heavens sake! And now someone actually had the audacity to strike him?!
“It’s fine Jin.” It didn't really hurt but Kazuya knew it's a lost cause. Jin didn't like anyone mistreating what was precious to him.
Junno howled and Jin turned to the werewolf who was pinning down a man. The man’s waist was bleeding but he was still alive.
“It’s him, isn’t it?” Jin’s voice was venomous. Kazuya was silent but Jin already knew the answer to his question.
“Well if it isn’t his royal highness…Came to fetch your bed-warmer? He must be a wild fuck, isn’t he?” The man taunted.
Stupid, Kazuya thought. The man was digging his own grave.
Junno growled.
“Don’t kill him yet, Junno.” Jin unsheathed his sword and aimed it at the man’s throat. “He doesn’t deserve the dignity of dying a quick, painless death.” He stabbed the man’s shoulder and twisted the blade.
"Bloody hell!!!”
“That’s for abducting my family.” Jin pulled out the sword, only to plunge it into the man’s hand. “That’s for badmouthing the future Queen.” He pulled out the sword again. “Move aside Junno.”
Junno did as he was told but still bared his teeth at the injured man.
“What should I do with you? Ah I know!” Jin smirked and stepped on the man’s genitals.
“AHHHHHHHH!!!”
“And that’s for hurting my Kazuya.” He stepped away. “Finish him off, Junno.”
Junno growled and pounced.
Kazuya averted his eyes and only focused them on Jin. “I didn’t know you had a violent side.”
“Sorry love but he deserved it.” Jin flicked his sword to get rid of the blood before sheathing it.
“I understand.” Kazuya intertwined his hand with Jin’s.
“Your highness, we’re done. The criminals are all captured,” Jin’s soldier informed.
“Good. Now let us all go home!”
Everyone cheered.
------------------------------------
The kingdom was filled with festivities and merriment.
It had been a week but everyone was still celebrating the safe return of the King and also the tearful reunion of the children to their respective families.
Part of the celebration was also because the people had finally accepted the magical creatures and had grown to adore them. No one could forget the sight that fateful morning that changed the people's prejudice - human children the kingdom had thought they lost arriving on winged-horses' backs high up in the air; the king and the whisperer hand-in-hand with the royal children, the guards and the werewolves all around them; and behind all of that like a well-timed background was the brilliant hue of the sun's golden rising rays.
It was truly the dawn of a new era.
But the main event, the real reason everyone was in good spirits, was just about to happen.
“Wake up, sleepyhead!”
Kazuya smiled and opened the door. “I’m already awake Naomi.”
“Then what are you still standing here for? We have to get you all dolled up.”
Kazuya raised an eyebrow. “I’m not a girl.”
“I’m well aware.” Naomi snapped her fingers and two dozen maids rushed in. “But you’re a bride.”
Kazuya groaned. “When will you forgive me for not telling you earlier about my pregnancy?”
“I already forgave you.”
“If you’re still teasing me about being a bride, then no, you still haven’t forgiven me.”
“Silly. Of course I have Nii-chan. And what else am I supposed to call you? You are a bride. Oh and if it makes you feel better, Tatsuya nii-chan is also going through the same predicament.”
“What do you mean I have to wear this?!” Tatsuya’s shout can be heard all the way from his room.
“See?” Naomi shrugged. Although I sure am glad Lord Ryo’s the one who’s handling him. Kazuya nii-chan is less likely to hold a grudge. “Now stop moving so much.”
Kazuya sighed and gave in to whatever Naomi wanted to do. Being stubborn runs in the family.
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“What’s taking him so long? Do you think I should check up on him?”
Koki grabbed Jin. “Stop it right there! You’re not supposed to see him before the ceremony. Besides, some of the guests aren’t even here yet.”
“I just can’t wait Koki. This is the moment I’ve been dreaming of for so long.”
“You waited for him for how many years Jin. I’m sure you can wait a few more minutes.”
A commotion drew their attention to the entrance of the cathedral where the royal wedding was about to take place.
“Looks like your bride is here.”
“Where?!”
Koki resisted the urge to smack the King’s head. “He’s last to appear, remember? Now look sharp, the ceremony’s starting.”
“Dear guests, we are gathered here today to witness the wedding of our dear king, his highness Jin, to his beloved Kazuya…”
Jin stopped listening to whatever the priest were saying and only watched the entrance eagerly.
Soon, the wedding entourage marched down the red carpet.
And finally, at the end of the line, was Kazuya.
The people whispered excitedly among themselves. And for good reason. Kazuya was the most beautiful, most radiant, most stunning bride they had ever seen.
“You’re one lucky man, Jin.” Koki bumped his fist on Jin’s arm lightly.
“Yes. Yes I am.” He smiled at Kazuya.
Do I look ridiculous?
Jin looked at Kazuya from head to foot. The Whisperer was wearing a white sleeveless lacy robe tied with a cream-colored sash. Some of his hair was tied at the back of his head. The rest of his hair fell gracefully down his neck. His ears had simple silver earrings on them. On his neck was the golden promise.
His lashes were a bit more pronounced today, his lips had a bit of sheen and his cheeks a hint of a blush. It was Naomi’s handiwork, no doubt.
You look perfect, love.
Kazuya beamed.
Several women - and quite a handful of men - sighed dreamily at the sight.
Yamapi wiped a tear away. Mother, I know you're watching this from the heavens. Can you see Kazuya's smile? He's happy, isn't he? Give your blessing to both of them okay? His wife Aya smiled but said nothing as she handed him a handkerchief.
"They make such a lovely couple, don't they dear?" Kazuya's mother sighed.
Kazuya's father nodded. "I'm proud of who Kazuya had become." He turned to his eldest son. "Tatsuya, when are you and Lord Ryo getting married?"
Hikaru snickered but quickly turned to talk to his wife and children when Tatsuya shot him a glare.
"I didn't know that you knew about him and Lord Ryo, father," Kaoru commented surprised. His five years old daughter yawned and ambled close to her mother.
"Your brother is loud and our room is next door."
Lord Ryo coughed and Tatsuya glared at him instead.
The family's exchange however was quiet and so no one else heard them. Not the rows of respected guests from different ally kingdoms and most certainly not Kazuya and Jin.
The two were so intent on each other that the ceremony passed like a dream to them. Before they knew it, they were already married and congratulations were coming from every direction.
As per tradition, they went outside - on a platform - to face all the people that had came to celebrate their wedding.
“All hail King Jin and Queen Kazuya!!!”
Kazuya roamed his eyes around them and realized that this was his vision. His vision had already come true.
Jin was in his royal clothes and the crown was on his head. Everyone around them - humans and magical creatures alike - were bowing down, side by side, completely at ease with each other.
“You’re a great king, Jin. You’ll be even greater in the future.” Kazuya smiled at Jin.
“I guess that’s what a Whisperer’s love does to a king.” Jin took Kazuya’s face gently between his hands. “I love you, Kazuya.”
“I love you too, Jin.”
And there, in the midst of cheers and whistles, the King kissed his Whisperer for all of Azure to see.
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THE END.
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Or not, since we still have an epilogue. xD You do still want to meet their son, right? ;)
Author: isha_mabin
Pairing: AKAME, RYODA
Raiting: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Disclaimer: I only own the plot, nothing (or no one) else
Summary: The King's only son, Prince Jin, is gravely ill and it is said that only a kiss of life from a Whisperer - immortals who are able to wield magic - can cure the Prince. But Whisperers happen to be wiped out in the old times due to the decree passed by the previous royalties. Or so they thought until a Whisperer was caught. But there's a catch - this Whisperer happens to be a male.
A/N: I'm sorry for the delay. I just couldn't bring myself to post this. I'm gonna miss this fic *sob* On a lighter note, check out this awesome fic banner! Many thanks to harajukyuu for making this for me!!!
Previous Chapters: Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, Chapter 24, Chapter 25, Chapter 26, Chapter 27, Chapter 28, Chapter 29
Chapter 30: The Dawn of A New Era
[It was a passion to protect, to serve, to cherish]
“Your name is Nakamaru, right?” Kazuya asked as soon as they were out in the field.
“Yes,” Nakamaru said, holding the other’s wrist securely. The Whisperer was still their prisoner. The others will kill him if he let him escape.
“It was a stupid thing you did, Nakamaru. Letting me out...I can easily escape from you.” To demonstrate, Kazuya yanked his arm from Nakamaru’s hold and in a blink of an eye, he was a meter away from the stunned man. “But I won’t do that.” He stepped closer to the man and sat down beside him.
“Why? You could have run away…” Nakamaru truly didn’t understand. Does this Whisperer not want his freedom?
“My children are still inside. I can’t leave them behind. I also want to save those children you took from town weeks ago. Besides, you look like a good man. I don’t want you to be killed ruthlessly when the gang discovers you let me out.” Kazuya turned to Nakamaru. “How about you? Why do you stick with this gang? You don’t belong here.”
Nakamaru hesitated before finally deciding that he could trust this beautiful man. “For protection. The only way a weak man like me can survive is if I have a powerful gang backing me up. This gang wanted me because I’m good with children. They use me to lure the kids and to keep them alive while they’re here.”
“Do you want to escape with us, Nakamaru?”
Nakamaru shrugged. “It’s impossible. Even if we did manage to escape, they’ll hunt us down and kill us.”
Kazuya stood up and Nakamaru was instantly wary. “You don’t know much about me, do you? Nobody in this place does.”
“All I know is that you’re a Whisperer and you’re a present for the boss,” Nakamaru said.
“Do you even know my name?” Kazuya asked.
“No.”
“It’s Kazuya.”
Kazuya watched as the man’s eyes flickered with recognition.
“Kazuya…Y-you’re the King’s fiancé? And the child you’re carrying…it’s the next ruler of Azure!” Nakamaru landed painfully on his butt when the shock made his knees give way.
“This place is surrounded by the King’s soldiers. They’re ready to attack the moment we’re sure I and the children won’t get caught in the crossfire,” Kazuya informed.
“But…how do I know you’re telling the truth?” Nakamaru asked, a bit dazed. If this Whisperer was telling the truth, they were in deep trouble. The gang generally stays away from royalty because they know the wrath of the King couldn’t be ignored.
Kazuya smiled. “You’re smart. Here.” He took off the necklace he was hiding inside his robe and showed Nakamaru the pendant. “The former queen gave this to me.”
“The golden promise…” Nakamaru breathed in awe.
The pendant had the royal emblem etched intricately on its gold surface. It was the necklace that was passed on from one queen to another. Everyone knows that.
“Do you believe me now?”
“Nakamaru! The brats want water!” A pissed off man called before Nakamaru could answer Kazuya’s question.
Nakamaru seized Kazuya’s shoulder. “I believe you. Now it’s your turn to trust me. Please go back to your cell first. I’m your guard for the rest of the night but someone might check on you and find you missing.”
Kazuya looked at Nakamaru’s sincere eyes. “Fine.” He climbed down the stairs and down the underground passage that Nakamaru led him through earlier.
Nakamaru hurriedly closed the wooden trap door and kicked some leaves and soil on top of it. “I’m here!” He called to the older man and ran towards him.
“Don’t wander off when we need you, you brat!” The man scolded.
“I’m sorry. I just went out to relive myself. What did you need?” He asked, his heart pounding on his chest.
“The brats need water. Hurry up. Argh, they’re lucky rich bastards pay well to buy them or I wouldn’t bother with them at all,” the man grumbled.
Nakamaru said nothing and only went to do his bidding.
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“There are suspicious men coming from the west!” Nakamaru didn’t even have to act scared. He was already scared beyond his wits.
“Stay here and guard these snotty brats. You’ll just get in the way.” Brosker, the current guard of the 20 and so children in that part of the hide-out, flexed his arms.
“What about the Whisperer and the two new brats?” Jethro, one of the most skilled swordsmen in the gang, asked.
“Miller is guarding them.”
In truth, Miller was already in dream land, courtesy of the fairies that Kazuya had called.
“Fine. Make sure these kids keep quiet.”
“Y-yes.” Nakamaru stuttered. He couldn’t help it. If this rescue operation goes wrong and he’s caught, the boss will have his head!
Soon, he could no longer hear the men’s footsteps, meaning they were already outside.
He faced the children and woke up those who were sleeping. “Someone’s taking you home.”
The children spoke to each other excitedly. They were finally going home! They will see their parents again, sleep in proper beds, and eat the food their mothers prepared!
A young girl tugged on Nakamaru’s pants. “E-excuse me S-sir, but who is taking us h-home?”
“I am.”
The little girl looked up and gasped. “The Whisperer!”
The other children backed away warily.
Kazuya shook his head. “Please don’t be afraid. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Kazuya will take you home. You only have to trust him.” Nakamaru gently prodded the children but they remained standing still, looking at the Whisperer with distrustful eyes.
“Our Papa is not a monster! He will help you,” Ruki said adamantly.
Kazuya knelt so that he was in eye-level with the children. “The men who captured you…they plan to sell you to rich people who will do bad things to you. Will you rather stay with them?”
One little girl took one step towards Kazuya. The another. Then another. And then she was running into his arms.
The other children looked at each other and followed suit.
They were crying.
“Shh. It’s going to be okay. I’ll get us out of here and then this will be over,” Kazuya soothed.
At that moment, he understood the passion by which Whisperers loved humans even back in the old times. It was a passion to protect, to serve, to cherish. That passion led his ancestors to vow never to hurt humans and for the first time ever, surrounded by human children, Kazuya understood.
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“The children are getting away! Get them!”
The criminals ran to where Kazuya, Nakamaru and the children were.
“Run!” Kazuya warned.
He transformed and grabbed whoever he can. The children had little feet and thus considerably slower. He couldn't carry them all however and while he pondered how to get them to safety, the criminals had caught up to them.
"Let go!!!” A little girl screamed when a man caught her by the hair.
“Get your filthy hands off her!” Kazuya fumed, charging towards the mean-looking man. His lights refused to strike the man, however. The vow! Damn it!
“Hah! Can’t hurt me, can you?” The ugly man said, laughing. He dragged the poor girl by the hair towards Kazuya and then he laughed as he struck the Whisperer across the cheek.
The moment he did, however, a loud growl was heard. It drowned out the man's pained yelp as a huge blond wolf bit into his waist - sharp fangs digging effortlessly into the flesh.
In reflex, the man let go of the frightened girl he was holding.
Kazuya immediately gathered the girl into his arms. “Junno!” He exclaimed relieved.
All around him, growls and shouts can be heard as the criminals fought with the werewolves and the royal guards. The gang were good in fighting and had fast reflexes so it wasn’t easy to subdue them.
They were barbaric in nature and their inability to fear anyone and their thirst for blood made them lethal opponents.
Kazuya watched perplexed as a man almost thrice Kazuya's size wrestled with a dark-brown wolf alone. The man brought down the knife he was holding and stabbed the wolf's side. The wolf growled and ripped the man's left leg off in retaliation.
The guards weren't bad either. They were swift on their feet and determined to protect the royal family and the citizens of Azure. They were trained from very young and for them, failing to do their duty would be shaming their bloodline.
Some of the guards took the children and placed them by two’s or three’s on winged-horses’ backs. The winged-horses then carefully carried them to safety. After all, this was a rescue mission first and foremost.
“Are you okay love?”
Kazuya spun around. “Jin!”
“Your cheek…who dared lay a hand on you?!” Jin jumped down from Pegasus’ back, his eyes blazing. He had made every effort to make sure Kazuya was comfortable and well-taken care of. He was treated most excellently at the palace, for heavens sake! And now someone actually had the audacity to strike him?!
“It’s fine Jin.” It didn't really hurt but Kazuya knew it's a lost cause. Jin didn't like anyone mistreating what was precious to him.
Junno howled and Jin turned to the werewolf who was pinning down a man. The man’s waist was bleeding but he was still alive.
“It’s him, isn’t it?” Jin’s voice was venomous. Kazuya was silent but Jin already knew the answer to his question.
“Well if it isn’t his royal highness…Came to fetch your bed-warmer? He must be a wild fuck, isn’t he?” The man taunted.
Stupid, Kazuya thought. The man was digging his own grave.
Junno growled.
“Don’t kill him yet, Junno.” Jin unsheathed his sword and aimed it at the man’s throat. “He doesn’t deserve the dignity of dying a quick, painless death.” He stabbed the man’s shoulder and twisted the blade.
"Bloody hell!!!”
“That’s for abducting my family.” Jin pulled out the sword, only to plunge it into the man’s hand. “That’s for badmouthing the future Queen.” He pulled out the sword again. “Move aside Junno.”
Junno did as he was told but still bared his teeth at the injured man.
“What should I do with you? Ah I know!” Jin smirked and stepped on the man’s genitals.
“AHHHHHHHH!!!”
“And that’s for hurting my Kazuya.” He stepped away. “Finish him off, Junno.”
Junno growled and pounced.
Kazuya averted his eyes and only focused them on Jin. “I didn’t know you had a violent side.”
“Sorry love but he deserved it.” Jin flicked his sword to get rid of the blood before sheathing it.
“I understand.” Kazuya intertwined his hand with Jin’s.
“Your highness, we’re done. The criminals are all captured,” Jin’s soldier informed.
“Good. Now let us all go home!”
Everyone cheered.
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The kingdom was filled with festivities and merriment.
It had been a week but everyone was still celebrating the safe return of the King and also the tearful reunion of the children to their respective families.
Part of the celebration was also because the people had finally accepted the magical creatures and had grown to adore them. No one could forget the sight that fateful morning that changed the people's prejudice - human children the kingdom had thought they lost arriving on winged-horses' backs high up in the air; the king and the whisperer hand-in-hand with the royal children, the guards and the werewolves all around them; and behind all of that like a well-timed background was the brilliant hue of the sun's golden rising rays.
It was truly the dawn of a new era.
But the main event, the real reason everyone was in good spirits, was just about to happen.
“Wake up, sleepyhead!”
Kazuya smiled and opened the door. “I’m already awake Naomi.”
“Then what are you still standing here for? We have to get you all dolled up.”
Kazuya raised an eyebrow. “I’m not a girl.”
“I’m well aware.” Naomi snapped her fingers and two dozen maids rushed in. “But you’re a bride.”
Kazuya groaned. “When will you forgive me for not telling you earlier about my pregnancy?”
“I already forgave you.”
“If you’re still teasing me about being a bride, then no, you still haven’t forgiven me.”
“Silly. Of course I have Nii-chan. And what else am I supposed to call you? You are a bride. Oh and if it makes you feel better, Tatsuya nii-chan is also going through the same predicament.”
“What do you mean I have to wear this?!” Tatsuya’s shout can be heard all the way from his room.
“See?” Naomi shrugged. Although I sure am glad Lord Ryo’s the one who’s handling him. Kazuya nii-chan is less likely to hold a grudge. “Now stop moving so much.”
Kazuya sighed and gave in to whatever Naomi wanted to do. Being stubborn runs in the family.
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“What’s taking him so long? Do you think I should check up on him?”
Koki grabbed Jin. “Stop it right there! You’re not supposed to see him before the ceremony. Besides, some of the guests aren’t even here yet.”
“I just can’t wait Koki. This is the moment I’ve been dreaming of for so long.”
“You waited for him for how many years Jin. I’m sure you can wait a few more minutes.”
A commotion drew their attention to the entrance of the cathedral where the royal wedding was about to take place.
“Looks like your bride is here.”
“Where?!”
Koki resisted the urge to smack the King’s head. “He’s last to appear, remember? Now look sharp, the ceremony’s starting.”
“Dear guests, we are gathered here today to witness the wedding of our dear king, his highness Jin, to his beloved Kazuya…”
Jin stopped listening to whatever the priest were saying and only watched the entrance eagerly.
Soon, the wedding entourage marched down the red carpet.
And finally, at the end of the line, was Kazuya.
The people whispered excitedly among themselves. And for good reason. Kazuya was the most beautiful, most radiant, most stunning bride they had ever seen.
“You’re one lucky man, Jin.” Koki bumped his fist on Jin’s arm lightly.
“Yes. Yes I am.” He smiled at Kazuya.
Do I look ridiculous?
Jin looked at Kazuya from head to foot. The Whisperer was wearing a white sleeveless lacy robe tied with a cream-colored sash. Some of his hair was tied at the back of his head. The rest of his hair fell gracefully down his neck. His ears had simple silver earrings on them. On his neck was the golden promise.
His lashes were a bit more pronounced today, his lips had a bit of sheen and his cheeks a hint of a blush. It was Naomi’s handiwork, no doubt.
You look perfect, love.
Kazuya beamed.
Several women - and quite a handful of men - sighed dreamily at the sight.
Yamapi wiped a tear away. Mother, I know you're watching this from the heavens. Can you see Kazuya's smile? He's happy, isn't he? Give your blessing to both of them okay? His wife Aya smiled but said nothing as she handed him a handkerchief.
"They make such a lovely couple, don't they dear?" Kazuya's mother sighed.
Kazuya's father nodded. "I'm proud of who Kazuya had become." He turned to his eldest son. "Tatsuya, when are you and Lord Ryo getting married?"
Hikaru snickered but quickly turned to talk to his wife and children when Tatsuya shot him a glare.
"I didn't know that you knew about him and Lord Ryo, father," Kaoru commented surprised. His five years old daughter yawned and ambled close to her mother.
"Your brother is loud and our room is next door."
Lord Ryo coughed and Tatsuya glared at him instead.
The family's exchange however was quiet and so no one else heard them. Not the rows of respected guests from different ally kingdoms and most certainly not Kazuya and Jin.
The two were so intent on each other that the ceremony passed like a dream to them. Before they knew it, they were already married and congratulations were coming from every direction.
As per tradition, they went outside - on a platform - to face all the people that had came to celebrate their wedding.
“All hail King Jin and Queen Kazuya!!!”
Kazuya roamed his eyes around them and realized that this was his vision. His vision had already come true.
Jin was in his royal clothes and the crown was on his head. Everyone around them - humans and magical creatures alike - were bowing down, side by side, completely at ease with each other.
“You’re a great king, Jin. You’ll be even greater in the future.” Kazuya smiled at Jin.
“I guess that’s what a Whisperer’s love does to a king.” Jin took Kazuya’s face gently between his hands. “I love you, Kazuya.”
“I love you too, Jin.”
And there, in the midst of cheers and whistles, the King kissed his Whisperer for all of Azure to see.
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THE END.
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Or not, since we still have an epilogue. xD You do still want to meet their son, right? ;)