[FIC] A Whisperer's Love: Chapter 29
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 nearly didn't want to post this because then we're one step closer to the ending. I'm going to miss this fic. *sob* That aside, there's someone I'd like you to meet in this chapter *wink*
Credits to harajukyuu for the banner!
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: The Plan
[Everything was going according to plan]“Jin, we have to find them! We have to!” Kazuya was panicking. He knew he shouldn’t panic but the children could be in danger. “Jin, please…”
“We’ll find them Kazu. They couldn’t have gone far yet. I already sent my troops all over the kingdom.” Jin soothed Kazuya.
He was in turmoil too but he couldn’t let Kazuya see that he was close to tears himself. That will only worsen the state Kazuya was in. He knew Kazuya could feel his emotion anyway but Jin was counting on the fact that Kazuya was too distracted to actually sense what Jin was feeling.
He felt terrible that he couldn’t lead the search himself but that was what his title entailed. He promised the kingdom and his parents that he would be a responsible King. A responsible King cannot leave the palace unattended. It’s like a captain leaving his ship - unimaginable and absurd. So no matter how it breaks his heart, he must stay and wait.
“That’s not enough. I have to find them myself.” Kazuya disentangled himself from Jin and transformed.
He flew out so fast Jin barely had time to register it all. “Kazuya, no!”
But Kazuya was already out of his room and zooming past the surprised servants.
“Kazuya!” Jin punched the wall in frustration. What kind of King was he? He couldn’t even protect the ones he loves most.
The children…despite them not being his own flesh and blood, he truly sees them as his own. He loves them and he would be anguished should anything bad happens to them.
But they had left without him knowing. He didn’t even realize that there was something wrong.
They wouldn’t leave if everything was fine.
And now Kazuya was going after them in his condition. He was pregnant, damn it! He could very well endanger himself from flying aimlessly around the kingdom. Not to mention there might still be bounty hunters who would be more than happy to catch Kazuya. A lot would be willing to pay hefty amounts to get their hands on him.
Of course Kazuya could protect himself in normal circumstances. He was no damsel in distress. But his powers and strength had temporarily dwindled to minimum the moment he became pregnant. It was what all pregnant Whisperers went through in order to care for the child in their womb. Besides, the vow Kazuya’s ancestors made would prevent Kazuya from inflicting serious harm on the attackers. If Kazuya happened to fight despite all that, Jin was afraid of the consequences it would bring.
Love, please come back, he pleaded.
----------------------------
Kazuya heard Jin’s plead in his mind but he didn’t turn back. He couldn’t stay still in that palace and just wait for the result. He knew Jin couldn’t leave. He had an obligation to his people as a King. But Kazuya had no such obligation and right now, his children needed him.
He whistled low and yawning fairies greeted him from a tree. “Good morning Kazuya.”
“Have you seen Ami and Ruki?”
A fairy flapped its translucent wings and shook her head. “Sorry Kazuya, we just woke up. We haven’t notice them. But maybe the unicorns had? They wake up early.”
Kazuya nodded gratefully for the information and flew passed the tiny girls.
One fairy flew beside him. “What’s wrong?”
“They left,” he said simply. Too much talking would take up time.
The fairy gasped and beckoned her fellow fairies. “We’ll help you find them.”
“Really? Thank you.” He couldn’t smile. Not now that he didn’t know if the children were okay. But he knew the fairies saw the gratitude in his eyes. They understood.
“Listen up girls, Ami and Ruki are missing. We’re going to search every nook and cranny of this kingdom until we find them. Let’s make advantage of our size, shall we?” Kazuya heard one fairy say to the others before he flew away to find the unicorns.
----------------------------
“Argh! I can’t take this anymore! I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”
“That’s what a King should do.”
Jin looked up from his throne and saw Tatsuya. The Whisperer bowed down respectfully before meeting his eyes. They were in the throne room after all. Some decorum was expected. “But I can offer a solution, your highness.”
“What solution?” Jin asked hopefully.
Tatsuya let his eyes drift to the servants and soldiers in the large pavilion.
Jin understood the silent gesture. “Leave,” he said to his servants and soldiers.
“Yes, your highness,” they chorused and left.
“Now for that solution…”
----------------------------
“I’m sorry to disturb you, my friends, but have you seen my children?”
The older unicorns shook their heads. They didn’t see anyone pass by the meadow they were in.
Kazuya’s heart sank. He had no clues, no leads.
If I knew them enough, I should know the places they could possibly go to.
But no matter how hard he tried to think, his mind came up with a blank slate. Ami and Ruki were always in the palace so he didn’t think they would have some place special outside it.
From Ami’s stories, Kazuya had concluded that they had no close friends they could visit. The mothers in the town they came to live in simply did not like their precious off-springs associating with orphaned brats and so the children kept their distance from the siblings. Even if they made friends on their own, it was impossible to maintain because of the man who hired them.
“Our master didn’t like us talking to other people because he said it is a waste of time.”
They also had no other blood relatives. That much Kazuya knew.
So where could they possibly go?
Just when he was starting to berate himself for being an irresponsible father, a young unicorn ran to him.
I saw them!
A female unicorn - probably the young one’s mother - neighed disapprovingly. Don’t bother the Whisperer with your nonsense!
But Kazuya decided to trust the young unicorn. Better an uncertain lead than no leads at all. Where were they going?
----------------------------
“Thank you, Tatsuya. I am indebted to you.”
“Go now. Retrieve your family and go back. We can’t fool everyone in this palace for long.”
Jin nodded and patted Pegasus gently. “Let’s go, my friend.”
Pegasus flapped his wings noiselessly and off they went.
Kazuya, I’m coming to you.
Kazuya immediately answered his thoughts. What? But I thought…
Tatsuya took care of it. Jin knew Kazuya was thinking about the palace.
But how?
Well…
A few minutes ago…
“You’re problem is that everyone - your advisers, your soldiers, even your servants - would panic if their King went missing after all that happened recently. Am I right?” Tatsuya asked.
“How did you know?” Jin was surprised Tatsuya knew about palace issues.
“Ryo acquainted me with what was happening.”
“Oh.”
Tatsuya frowned. “The solution is so simple I’m surprised you haven’t thought of it yet.”
Jin grimaced. He knew Tatsuya was only respectful enough not to add ‘are you an idiot’ in his sentence. “Just tell me what it is, Tatsuya.” Like he said before, he’s not a very patient man.
“The room where you have your council meetings…it has a balcony facing the forest if I recall right.” Tatsuya remembers because it was where they planned their strategy when Princess Meisa was still casting her spells.
“Yes. What about it?”
“Perfect. You only have to go there with some official looking documents and then tell everyone not to disturb you. Give the pretense that it’s concerning the kingdom’s safety. Once you’re in the room, you call Pegasus and ride off with him while I distract the guards in that side of the palace.” Tatsuya shrugged. Sometimes it worked to his advantage that they were better-looking than humans because it served as a good diversion tactic.
“Brilliant idea!” Jin exclaimed.
“Shh!” Tatsuya cautioned.
Even though he didn’t say it, Jin could sense a you’re-an-idiot-and-I-don’t-understand-what-my-brother-sees-in-you vibe from Tatsuya. He let it go in favor of getting reunited with his family soon.
----------------------------
So where are you now, love?
On my way to the commoner’s cemetery. Ami and Ruki should be there.
Huh? Why would they…
And then it struck Jin. The cemetery…Ruki and Ami wanted to ‘talk’ to their parents. Jin used to do that every year. He would sit beside Xenon’s and his wife’s graves and talk for hours.
They could have asked us if they just wanted to visit their parents’ graves. We won’t stop them from doing that. Jin said puzzled.
I don’t think they came just for a simple visit, Jin. I think…they want to say goodbye - to their real parents…and to us.
Jin felt his heart constricting. Thoughts of what could he have done to drive away the children came flitting through his mind. Some of those thoughts, he did not recognize as his own. It was Kazuya’s. He was seeing Kazuya’s frantic thoughts as well.
I’m almost there, love. Wait for me. We’ll deal with this together. He patted Pegasus’ head gently. “Come on, my friend. Kazuya needs us.”
Pegasus did not say anything but flew faster.
Not a moment too soon, Jin could see Kazuya at the bottom of a hill that served as the commoners’ grave site.
He was about to call the Whisperer but he was stopped by Pegasus.
“Look.”
And that was when he noticed that Kazuya was not alone. In front of him was a bulky man pulling Kazuya by the rope that held the Whisperer captive. It was bizarre because Jin knew Kazuya would have at least tried to fight back by now or at least look troubled.
But Kazuya’s face was blank, almost serene.
Kazu, I’m going to save you!
Stay where you are! The command stilted Jin’s plans of sprinting towards Kazuya.
What?! Why?!
They have Ami and Ruki. And the other children that were missing from the kingdom a few weeks back. They have them. I have to save them, Jin.
The stranger and Kazuya had reached a carriage where the Whisperer was shoved into. Jin bristled. He didn’t like how Kazuya was being manhandled.
It’s dangerous! He didn’t like where this was going.
I have a plan. Don’t worry. These men are all brawns but no brains. They’re the one who’re doomed. Just trust me.
Jin worriedly bit his lips. What choice did he have? When Kazuya makes a decision, it’s final. That’s just how their world goes. Fine. But be careful. And update me EVERY MINUTE or my whole army will attack.
Yes. Just stay close but please, please don’t be seen.
Jin - still worried but indignant - snorted. Stealth was something he was born with.
He must have said that out loud because Pegasus rolled his eyes.
Or well, the equivalent of that on a winged-horse.
----------------------------
“Papa, I’m sorry,” Ruki sobbed, climbing on his lap. “I won’t ever leave you again.”
Ami cried too. “I’m sorry too, Papa. I’m older than Ruki, I shouldn’t have tolerated him.”
Kazuya wrapped his arms around his frightened children. “Hush now. I’m just glad you’re both safe.”
“I’m scared Papa.” Ruki admitted, hugging him.
“Will we be alright?” Ami asked worriedly.
“Of course. It will be okay. I promise I’ll bring us back home,” he whispered.
The metal bars of the cell they were put in were opened and a young man with a non-threatening face entered.
“Such a beautiful creature...” The hands that touched Kazuya’s face were gentle.
“Don’t touch our Papa!” Ami yelled.
Ruki edged closer and bit the man’s hand.
“Ow!” The man winced. “I wasn’t going to hurt him.” He stared at the Whisperer again and was drawn in again. It was his first time seeing a Whisperer up close.
So they really have such flawless skin...
“Oh look, the kid’s smitten!” The older men, who were outside the cell, laughed at their younger underling. “You can play with him, boy. He’s your responsibility for the whole night anyway. Just don’t leave marks.”
Kazuya watched in fascination as the man they called ‘Nakamaru’ blushed and stuttered. “I-it’s not like that!”
Hmm, this one might be useful. He’s not like the others.
As the hours passed by, Kazuya heard more and more distressed call from Jin. He knew his beloved was panicking.
Kazuya, are you and the children okay?!
They’re not hurting you, are they?!
My soldiers are here, Kazu! We’re going in.
Kazuya sighed in relief. They needed to be prepared to take on this gang because their captors might not be the smartest but they were certainly well-armed and large in numbers. Kazuya was also sure that these men were skilled killers.
We’re fine, Jin. Don’t attack just yet! They have no idea who we are. They don’t know that they have taken the King’s family. If you attack recklessly, they’ll know that we’re important and they might just use us against you. By then, it’ll be hard to get out of here.
But Kazuya could use this Nakamaru man and he told Jin as much.
You’re pregnant. WITH MY CHILD. And you’re planning to seduce another man?!
Kazuya couldn’t help the smirk. I still love you the most. He cut the mental connection.
Jin must be fuming, that much Kazuya knew. But it really wasn’t as bad as Jin implied. He didn’t need to ‘seduce’ Nakamaru. Kazuya had a feeling the man wouldn’t fall for that anyway. He only needed to tug on his heartstrings.
So when Nakamaru delivered their food, Kazuya clutched his stomach and whimpered in the most pitiful voice he can muster.
“Papa!” Ruki and Ami exclaimed.
Kazuya felt bad for worrying the children but this needs to be done. It would look more convincing if the children didn’t know the plan.
“W-what’s happening to him?” Nakamaru asked, nervously. He placed the tray of food on the floor and went closer to the Whisperer.
“He’s pregnant. There must be something wrong with the baby!” Ami said, panicking.
“Papa, hold on,” Ruki cried, clutching Kazuya’s hand.
“What? H-he’s pregnant? But t-that’s impossible. He’s a man!”
Ami glared at Nakamaru and if Kazuya was not acting, he would have congratulated the girl for taking after him. Her glare was just like Kazuya’s. “A year ago, you wouldn’t even have believed that there are a lot of Whisperers that are still alive.”
Nakamaru seemed to believe the girl. “Wait, I’ll call the others for help.”
“No...they’ll just…make me feel worse…” Kazuya said in a weak voice. “I just…need to get outside for a while. The air here…It’s affecting me and my baby.” He looked at Nakamaru’s eyes and did the kicked-puppy look he sometimes shows to Jin.
It seemed like Jin was not the only one who can be affected by it because Kazuya instantly noticed Nakamaru’s eyes softening. “I guess a few minutes outside won't hurt...O-okay, I'll bring you outside.”
“Thank you...”
“Can you stand up? I don’t think I can carry you, I’m sorry.” Nakamaru kept one hand around Kazuya’s waist to support him.
“Y-yes. But p-please don’t let anyone else see me. T-they’ll hurt me.” Kazuya secretly glanced at Ami. I'm just acting. Pretend you don't know. And tell Ruki later. I don't want to worry you two.
Except for the slight widening of Ami's eyes, there was no other indication that Ami had heard him. Kazuya knew he could trust the girl to be composed.
“I know a secret passage, don’t worry,” Maru said in answer to the Whisperer's trembling plead.
Kazuya mentally grinned. Everything was going according to plan.
----------------------------
to be continued...
----------------------------
Naughty Kazuya tsk tsk tsk. Don't you just love that side of him?! Hahaha
And oh, I promised I'd give a sneak peak of my next fic. I decided to just make a trailer though. Here it is: Love is perfect...but lovers are not.
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 nearly didn't want to post this because then we're one step closer to the ending. I'm going to miss this fic. *sob* That aside, there's someone I'd like you to meet in this chapter *wink*
Credits to harajukyuu for the banner!
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: The Plan
[Everything was going according to plan]“Jin, we have to find them! We have to!” Kazuya was panicking. He knew he shouldn’t panic but the children could be in danger. “Jin, please…”
“We’ll find them Kazu. They couldn’t have gone far yet. I already sent my troops all over the kingdom.” Jin soothed Kazuya.
He was in turmoil too but he couldn’t let Kazuya see that he was close to tears himself. That will only worsen the state Kazuya was in. He knew Kazuya could feel his emotion anyway but Jin was counting on the fact that Kazuya was too distracted to actually sense what Jin was feeling.
He felt terrible that he couldn’t lead the search himself but that was what his title entailed. He promised the kingdom and his parents that he would be a responsible King. A responsible King cannot leave the palace unattended. It’s like a captain leaving his ship - unimaginable and absurd. So no matter how it breaks his heart, he must stay and wait.
“That’s not enough. I have to find them myself.” Kazuya disentangled himself from Jin and transformed.
He flew out so fast Jin barely had time to register it all. “Kazuya, no!”
But Kazuya was already out of his room and zooming past the surprised servants.
“Kazuya!” Jin punched the wall in frustration. What kind of King was he? He couldn’t even protect the ones he loves most.
The children…despite them not being his own flesh and blood, he truly sees them as his own. He loves them and he would be anguished should anything bad happens to them.
But they had left without him knowing. He didn’t even realize that there was something wrong.
They wouldn’t leave if everything was fine.
And now Kazuya was going after them in his condition. He was pregnant, damn it! He could very well endanger himself from flying aimlessly around the kingdom. Not to mention there might still be bounty hunters who would be more than happy to catch Kazuya. A lot would be willing to pay hefty amounts to get their hands on him.
Of course Kazuya could protect himself in normal circumstances. He was no damsel in distress. But his powers and strength had temporarily dwindled to minimum the moment he became pregnant. It was what all pregnant Whisperers went through in order to care for the child in their womb. Besides, the vow Kazuya’s ancestors made would prevent Kazuya from inflicting serious harm on the attackers. If Kazuya happened to fight despite all that, Jin was afraid of the consequences it would bring.
Love, please come back, he pleaded.
----------------------------
Kazuya heard Jin’s plead in his mind but he didn’t turn back. He couldn’t stay still in that palace and just wait for the result. He knew Jin couldn’t leave. He had an obligation to his people as a King. But Kazuya had no such obligation and right now, his children needed him.
He whistled low and yawning fairies greeted him from a tree. “Good morning Kazuya.”
“Have you seen Ami and Ruki?”
A fairy flapped its translucent wings and shook her head. “Sorry Kazuya, we just woke up. We haven’t notice them. But maybe the unicorns had? They wake up early.”
Kazuya nodded gratefully for the information and flew passed the tiny girls.
One fairy flew beside him. “What’s wrong?”
“They left,” he said simply. Too much talking would take up time.
The fairy gasped and beckoned her fellow fairies. “We’ll help you find them.”
“Really? Thank you.” He couldn’t smile. Not now that he didn’t know if the children were okay. But he knew the fairies saw the gratitude in his eyes. They understood.
“Listen up girls, Ami and Ruki are missing. We’re going to search every nook and cranny of this kingdom until we find them. Let’s make advantage of our size, shall we?” Kazuya heard one fairy say to the others before he flew away to find the unicorns.
----------------------------
“Argh! I can’t take this anymore! I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”
“That’s what a King should do.”
Jin looked up from his throne and saw Tatsuya. The Whisperer bowed down respectfully before meeting his eyes. They were in the throne room after all. Some decorum was expected. “But I can offer a solution, your highness.”
“What solution?” Jin asked hopefully.
Tatsuya let his eyes drift to the servants and soldiers in the large pavilion.
Jin understood the silent gesture. “Leave,” he said to his servants and soldiers.
“Yes, your highness,” they chorused and left.
“Now for that solution…”
----------------------------
“I’m sorry to disturb you, my friends, but have you seen my children?”
The older unicorns shook their heads. They didn’t see anyone pass by the meadow they were in.
Kazuya’s heart sank. He had no clues, no leads.
If I knew them enough, I should know the places they could possibly go to.
But no matter how hard he tried to think, his mind came up with a blank slate. Ami and Ruki were always in the palace so he didn’t think they would have some place special outside it.
From Ami’s stories, Kazuya had concluded that they had no close friends they could visit. The mothers in the town they came to live in simply did not like their precious off-springs associating with orphaned brats and so the children kept their distance from the siblings. Even if they made friends on their own, it was impossible to maintain because of the man who hired them.
“Our master didn’t like us talking to other people because he said it is a waste of time.”
They also had no other blood relatives. That much Kazuya knew.
So where could they possibly go?
Just when he was starting to berate himself for being an irresponsible father, a young unicorn ran to him.
I saw them!
A female unicorn - probably the young one’s mother - neighed disapprovingly. Don’t bother the Whisperer with your nonsense!
But Kazuya decided to trust the young unicorn. Better an uncertain lead than no leads at all. Where were they going?
----------------------------
“Thank you, Tatsuya. I am indebted to you.”
“Go now. Retrieve your family and go back. We can’t fool everyone in this palace for long.”
Jin nodded and patted Pegasus gently. “Let’s go, my friend.”
Pegasus flapped his wings noiselessly and off they went.
Kazuya, I’m coming to you.
Kazuya immediately answered his thoughts. What? But I thought…
Tatsuya took care of it. Jin knew Kazuya was thinking about the palace.
But how?
Well…
A few minutes ago…
“You’re problem is that everyone - your advisers, your soldiers, even your servants - would panic if their King went missing after all that happened recently. Am I right?” Tatsuya asked.
“How did you know?” Jin was surprised Tatsuya knew about palace issues.
“Ryo acquainted me with what was happening.”
“Oh.”
Tatsuya frowned. “The solution is so simple I’m surprised you haven’t thought of it yet.”
Jin grimaced. He knew Tatsuya was only respectful enough not to add ‘are you an idiot’ in his sentence. “Just tell me what it is, Tatsuya.” Like he said before, he’s not a very patient man.
“The room where you have your council meetings…it has a balcony facing the forest if I recall right.” Tatsuya remembers because it was where they planned their strategy when Princess Meisa was still casting her spells.
“Yes. What about it?”
“Perfect. You only have to go there with some official looking documents and then tell everyone not to disturb you. Give the pretense that it’s concerning the kingdom’s safety. Once you’re in the room, you call Pegasus and ride off with him while I distract the guards in that side of the palace.” Tatsuya shrugged. Sometimes it worked to his advantage that they were better-looking than humans because it served as a good diversion tactic.
“Brilliant idea!” Jin exclaimed.
“Shh!” Tatsuya cautioned.
Even though he didn’t say it, Jin could sense a you’re-an-idiot-and-I-don’t-understand-what-my-brother-sees-in-you vibe from Tatsuya. He let it go in favor of getting reunited with his family soon.
----------------------------
So where are you now, love?
On my way to the commoner’s cemetery. Ami and Ruki should be there.
Huh? Why would they…
And then it struck Jin. The cemetery…Ruki and Ami wanted to ‘talk’ to their parents. Jin used to do that every year. He would sit beside Xenon’s and his wife’s graves and talk for hours.
They could have asked us if they just wanted to visit their parents’ graves. We won’t stop them from doing that. Jin said puzzled.
I don’t think they came just for a simple visit, Jin. I think…they want to say goodbye - to their real parents…and to us.
Jin felt his heart constricting. Thoughts of what could he have done to drive away the children came flitting through his mind. Some of those thoughts, he did not recognize as his own. It was Kazuya’s. He was seeing Kazuya’s frantic thoughts as well.
I’m almost there, love. Wait for me. We’ll deal with this together. He patted Pegasus’ head gently. “Come on, my friend. Kazuya needs us.”
Pegasus did not say anything but flew faster.
Not a moment too soon, Jin could see Kazuya at the bottom of a hill that served as the commoners’ grave site.
He was about to call the Whisperer but he was stopped by Pegasus.
“Look.”
And that was when he noticed that Kazuya was not alone. In front of him was a bulky man pulling Kazuya by the rope that held the Whisperer captive. It was bizarre because Jin knew Kazuya would have at least tried to fight back by now or at least look troubled.
But Kazuya’s face was blank, almost serene.
Kazu, I’m going to save you!
Stay where you are! The command stilted Jin’s plans of sprinting towards Kazuya.
What?! Why?!
They have Ami and Ruki. And the other children that were missing from the kingdom a few weeks back. They have them. I have to save them, Jin.
The stranger and Kazuya had reached a carriage where the Whisperer was shoved into. Jin bristled. He didn’t like how Kazuya was being manhandled.
It’s dangerous! He didn’t like where this was going.
I have a plan. Don’t worry. These men are all brawns but no brains. They’re the one who’re doomed. Just trust me.
Jin worriedly bit his lips. What choice did he have? When Kazuya makes a decision, it’s final. That’s just how their world goes. Fine. But be careful. And update me EVERY MINUTE or my whole army will attack.
Yes. Just stay close but please, please don’t be seen.
Jin - still worried but indignant - snorted. Stealth was something he was born with.
He must have said that out loud because Pegasus rolled his eyes.
Or well, the equivalent of that on a winged-horse.
----------------------------
“Papa, I’m sorry,” Ruki sobbed, climbing on his lap. “I won’t ever leave you again.”
Ami cried too. “I’m sorry too, Papa. I’m older than Ruki, I shouldn’t have tolerated him.”
Kazuya wrapped his arms around his frightened children. “Hush now. I’m just glad you’re both safe.”
“I’m scared Papa.” Ruki admitted, hugging him.
“Will we be alright?” Ami asked worriedly.
“Of course. It will be okay. I promise I’ll bring us back home,” he whispered.
The metal bars of the cell they were put in were opened and a young man with a non-threatening face entered.
“Such a beautiful creature...” The hands that touched Kazuya’s face were gentle.
“Don’t touch our Papa!” Ami yelled.
Ruki edged closer and bit the man’s hand.
“Ow!” The man winced. “I wasn’t going to hurt him.” He stared at the Whisperer again and was drawn in again. It was his first time seeing a Whisperer up close.
So they really have such flawless skin...
“Oh look, the kid’s smitten!” The older men, who were outside the cell, laughed at their younger underling. “You can play with him, boy. He’s your responsibility for the whole night anyway. Just don’t leave marks.”
Kazuya watched in fascination as the man they called ‘Nakamaru’ blushed and stuttered. “I-it’s not like that!”
Hmm, this one might be useful. He’s not like the others.
As the hours passed by, Kazuya heard more and more distressed call from Jin. He knew his beloved was panicking.
Kazuya, are you and the children okay?!
They’re not hurting you, are they?!
My soldiers are here, Kazu! We’re going in.
Kazuya sighed in relief. They needed to be prepared to take on this gang because their captors might not be the smartest but they were certainly well-armed and large in numbers. Kazuya was also sure that these men were skilled killers.
We’re fine, Jin. Don’t attack just yet! They have no idea who we are. They don’t know that they have taken the King’s family. If you attack recklessly, they’ll know that we’re important and they might just use us against you. By then, it’ll be hard to get out of here.
But Kazuya could use this Nakamaru man and he told Jin as much.
You’re pregnant. WITH MY CHILD. And you’re planning to seduce another man?!
Kazuya couldn’t help the smirk. I still love you the most. He cut the mental connection.
Jin must be fuming, that much Kazuya knew. But it really wasn’t as bad as Jin implied. He didn’t need to ‘seduce’ Nakamaru. Kazuya had a feeling the man wouldn’t fall for that anyway. He only needed to tug on his heartstrings.
So when Nakamaru delivered their food, Kazuya clutched his stomach and whimpered in the most pitiful voice he can muster.
“Papa!” Ruki and Ami exclaimed.
Kazuya felt bad for worrying the children but this needs to be done. It would look more convincing if the children didn’t know the plan.
“W-what’s happening to him?” Nakamaru asked, nervously. He placed the tray of food on the floor and went closer to the Whisperer.
“He’s pregnant. There must be something wrong with the baby!” Ami said, panicking.
“Papa, hold on,” Ruki cried, clutching Kazuya’s hand.
“What? H-he’s pregnant? But t-that’s impossible. He’s a man!”
Ami glared at Nakamaru and if Kazuya was not acting, he would have congratulated the girl for taking after him. Her glare was just like Kazuya’s. “A year ago, you wouldn’t even have believed that there are a lot of Whisperers that are still alive.”
Nakamaru seemed to believe the girl. “Wait, I’ll call the others for help.”
“No...they’ll just…make me feel worse…” Kazuya said in a weak voice. “I just…need to get outside for a while. The air here…It’s affecting me and my baby.” He looked at Nakamaru’s eyes and did the kicked-puppy look he sometimes shows to Jin.
It seemed like Jin was not the only one who can be affected by it because Kazuya instantly noticed Nakamaru’s eyes softening. “I guess a few minutes outside won't hurt...O-okay, I'll bring you outside.”
“Thank you...”
“Can you stand up? I don’t think I can carry you, I’m sorry.” Nakamaru kept one hand around Kazuya’s waist to support him.
“Y-yes. But p-please don’t let anyone else see me. T-they’ll hurt me.” Kazuya secretly glanced at Ami. I'm just acting. Pretend you don't know. And tell Ruki later. I don't want to worry you two.
Except for the slight widening of Ami's eyes, there was no other indication that Ami had heard him. Kazuya knew he could trust the girl to be composed.
“I know a secret passage, don’t worry,” Maru said in answer to the Whisperer's trembling plead.
Kazuya mentally grinned. Everything was going according to plan.
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to be continued...
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Naughty Kazuya tsk tsk tsk. Don't you just love that side of him?! Hahaha
And oh, I promised I'd give a sneak peak of my next fic. I decided to just make a trailer though. Here it is: Love is perfect...but lovers are not.