cainluvr69

[cainluvr69]

sorry if any of the formatting in those event chapters is messed up, tumblr was fighting me more than usual for some reason :( please give me a heads up so i can fix it!

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light (Complete)

a huuuuge thank you to my qcer captain as always!!!!

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 10

Previous Chapter

Cain: Renard.

Stray Lamentation: …

Cain: That's the name of the boy who fought valiantly to the very end. Your name. Even if you failed to finish your journey to the military base, even if you never received the title… You are still a shining example of what a knight should be.

Stray Lamentation: …!

Bits around the eyes started to crumble and flake away, peeling away from the monster's grotesque form like old paint. A pure and beautiful light began to shine out from between the cracks. I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, that hideous figure was gone, replaced by a boy with his drawn sword in hand. The expression on his face, one of brave and earnest willpower, reminded me a bit of Cain as he faced down a fearsome foe. He seemed to suddenly remember something, and turned away from Cain to instead look at the bound men. At first, I thought he was looking at the men who had killed him, but that was wrong. He was looking at his younger brother.

Renard: …Rhody… You're okay. Thank goodness…

His expression was so gentle now. The long, long battle he'd been fighting was finally over, after all.

Rhody: Ahh… Renard…

A warm breeze caught his hair, sending it dancing. And then, Renard silently faded away to nothing. But he wore a content, satisfied smile as he did. A single drop of something translucent fell from Cain and Bradley's eyes.

Bradley: …The Lamentation's gone, and the curse has been fully lifted.

Cain: Yeah. Renard's back where he belongs now.

✦✧☾✧✦

A few days passed. We all returned unharmed, but there was still a big kerfuffle as we explained the situation to our worried friends, apologizing for making them worry, and thanking them for worrying, too. It was all a mess, but once things had finally settled down…

Akira: (Cain asked me to come by his room so we could celebrate it all being over, but…maybe I got here too early?) Cain, it's Akira. Sorry if I'm here too early--

Cain: Akira? …Woah, don't do that!!

Bradley: Ahahaha!

Akira: I-is everything okay?! Um, I'm coming in!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Master Sage! Jeez, why did you come in… You shouldn't do that if you hear a noise like that, okay…?

Bradley: Yo, Sage. God, this is hilarious.

Akira: (…What did I just walk in on?)

The first thing that leapt out at me was the big pile of clothes in front of his closet, like it had exploded from within. At the center of the chaos was Cain. He seemed awfully upset about the pants and shirt on his head. Bradley, meanwhile, was lounging on Cain's sofa like he owned the place, laughing so hard there were tears in his eyes. There was also a glass of alcohol in his hand.

Cain: Man… Uh, sorry the place is a mess right now.

Akira: Oh, no, um! Uh, what happened, exactly…?

Cain: Well, y'know, since you and Lord Arthur were gonna be dropping by, I figured I should put away all the clothes that were lying around because I was too lazy to fold them, right. So I was shoving everything into my closet with magic, but it was more than it could hold, so the door, uh, well…

Bradley: Lemme tell you, the look on this idiot's face when the closet door slammed open was a real riot.

Akira: I…see…th-that must have been rough… Um, Bradley, you got here early too?

Bradley: Just 'cause the hags were being extra annoying today. "Ohh, Bradley Dear, you're suuuuch a good boy~!" "Come and let us pat your head~!" …I mean, you try gettin' chased like that around the goddamn clock. You'll start to go crazy whether you want to or not.

Bradley sighed dramatically and stretched himself out on the couch. He kept his eyes on Cain, though, watching as he shoved a jacket into the closet.

Bradley: This suuuucks. All this 'cause you couldn't help lookin' that damn monster in the eyes. Hey, y'wanna know why the hags 'n Figaro let a thing like that run wild? That's 'cause monsters like that are usually totally harmless. It's only a big deal if y' get cursed, and no one normal has the guts to look somethin' like that in the eye. But you just looked it in the eye like it was nothin'. Do you have any sense of self preservation at all, man?

Cain: I mean, obviously I could tell it was bad news, but the Sage and Prince Arthur were there too. I couldn't just lower my sword and turn my back on it. Besides, you can get pretty intense about these things too, y'know.

Bradley: 'Scuse me?

Cain: I mean, you knew what kind of curse it could put on you, and you still had my back.

Cain put the last article of clothing away, and he closed the closet door. He turned, and caught Bradley in his simple, straightforward gaze.

Cain: Why did you save me, Bradley?

Bradley: …

Instead of answering, Bradley just downed the rest of his drink. He set his glass down and stood up, stepping over to Cain and throwing an arm around his shoulder all friendly-like.

Bradley: Hey. What's the priciest liquor you got here?

Cain: …

For a moment, it seemed like Cain was going to say something, but the moment passed, and he stayed silent. Instead, he put an arm around Bradley's shoulder too, returning his grin.

Cain: That bottle with the long neck. But that one's not getting opened until Arthur and Faust are here. Buuut, you can have this lager instead. Faust already said it's not his type, and it's a bit adult for Arthur.

Cain lifted the bottle in question. A cupboard opened on its own, and three glass mugs floated out.

Cain: Since you're here, Master Sage, would you like a glass with us? I can remove the alcohol content with magic.

Akira: Wow, really? Sure!

Cain: We'll need to do it again once Arthur and Faust get here, but…

Bradley & Cain: Cheers!

We clinked our glasses together. Cain turned to Bradley and held up his glass.

Cain: Thank you, Bradley.

Bradley: …

Bradley said nothing in response, but I saw the corner of his mouth perk up into a small smile. The two of them put their mugs to their lips at the same time.

Akira: (The way they think and the things that they believe in are so different and yet here they are. I'm not sure if they're similar, or maybe not so similar after all…)

Bradley & Cain: …Whew! Good stuff!

And they lowered their mugs at the same time, too. Cain pointed at the line of foam above Bradley's lip and heartily laughed at him for it. Bradley glowered at him and pretended like he was going to smack Cain upside the head, and Cain made an overly dramatic show of avoiding the blow, grinning all the while.

Akira: (But…maybe if they can laugh together like this more often…)

Arthur: Cain.

Faust: Sorry we're late.

Cain: Woah, hey guys. You're actually just in time.

Bradley: You're so late, it's a damned tragedy. We already went through all the good stuff without ya.

They turned and faced the door at the same time, but what came out of their mouths was the perfect opposite of each other. Despite that, I found myself thinking how similar their backs looked from here. Dawn and dusk may be opposite times of day, but they still share a lot of similarities, don't you think?

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 9

Previous Chapter

Arthur: Cain! Bradley!

Faust: Bradley, did you use magic?! The Lamentation started coming this way!

Arthur: It's almost here! Please be on your guard…!

Bradley: …tch.

Their voices from on high--they were still flying--made Bradley shoulder his gun again. He smoothly turned from Cain to the men--his original target.

Cain: Bradley!!

Men: Ahh…!

Cain: …!

Bradley hit each of the men--other than the young man--upside the head with the butt of his gun hard enough that they lost consciousness. He gestured with his hand and his broom appeared before him, even without reciting his spell. It didn't take more than a moment for him to fly up into the sky, but he looked back over his shoulder at Cain.

Bradley: …

I'd expected a look of anger, or maybe disdain or something similar, but I was wrong. I wasn't sure exactly what emotion he held in his eyes just then. After all, he had lived for so much longer than Cain or I. But to me, it looked like… The smile you'd give to your favorite stupid rookie junior, who still didn't know anything or have any real accomplishments…but who you were sure would do something big one day.

Bradley: Quit standin' around! Let's move!

Cain: …Alright! Master Sage, please stay here. And don't let Saku-chan run off on you!

Faust: Sage, tear open that bag I gave you! It's a simple charm, but it should be enough to keep you safe!

Akira: O-okay!

Watching Cain's ascent, I ripped open the bag in question. A puff of powdered herbs rose into the air, spiraling around me like a red and green ribbon. I inhaled the heavy fragrance, and felt it calming me, purifying me--but at the same time, Saku-chan puffed up in my arms, its fur standing on end. An icy wind blew into my face, making me shiver. I could feel the temperature of the air dropping.

Arthur: It's here…! The Stray Lamentation is here!

It appeared from out of the darkest depths of the forest, paying no heed to any of us but Cain and Bradley. It rushed at them, and only them. Coal black arms reached for them.

Young Man: Is…is that…? Is that my brother…?

It didn't react to the sound of its younger brother's voice, nor to the presence of the men that had killed it. What a horrid existence. What a sad and painful thing it had become. What a sad and painful thing…Renard had become. That was his name. That was the name of a brave boy who had set out on a journey, aspiring to be a knight someday.

Arthur: I heard what you told my familiar! Do you know its name?!

Bradley: Yeah! But…dammit, knock it off, you damn monster!

Cain: Shit, he's moving so erratically I can't get a good look into his eyes! Arthur, Faust, do you think you can stop him somehow?

Faust: I don't have the materials needed for the magic circle we were planning to use, but… I should still be able to stop it for the few seconds you need to tell it its name. Arthur! Are you familiar with the Thiargo Technique?

Arthur: Yes! Well, I've read up on it, but I've never actually used it…

Faust: Good enough! I'll fill in the blanks! Cain! Bradley! One hundred sixty-eight seconds from now, Arthur and I will have a circle ready in the air above that pile of debris. The two of you need to lure the Lamentation below it before then. And I mean one hundred sixty-eight seconds exactly!

Cain: Gotcha! We'll leave you to it!

Faust and Arthur's brooms were off like a shot. Cain and Bradley, on the other hand, were circling the Lamentation side by side, keeping just out of its reach.

Cain: Hey, quick question. Are you actually strong enough to kill the Lamentation?

Bradley: Yeah, if I can actually hit its vitals. Well, anywhere else'll still hurt it bad.

Cain: Understood. You go high.

Bradley: Don't order me around, brat. You go low, you hear me?

Cain: Sure, works for me! Let's do this!

Bradley: I just said not to order me around!

Akira: (High? Low? What are they doing…?)

I wasn't following them, but they knew their plan. The two of them sharply veered around and flew towards the Lamentation. Cain shot down at a sharp angle before leaping off his broom and hitting the ground. At the same time, Bradley flew upwards towards the clouds. Even though its prey had scattered, the Lamentation did not stop. It simply began to focus on Cain, the one who had looked most deeply into its eyes. Cain fended off its attacks with his sword, but still, it began to overwhelm him. That, however, was when Bradley stood up atop his broom, an imposing overseer to the scene in front of me.

Bradley: Hundred twenty, hundred nineteen… C'mon, this way, you damn monster!

The Stray Lamentation: …!

Cain: Hundred four, hundred three… Hey now, don't forget about me, big guy.

Young Man: Eek…!

Akira: (It's getting more aggressive! But…)

Cain: Sixty-eight, sixty-seven…

Bradley: Sixty-six, sixty-five…

On the ground, Cain tempted the enraged monster forward with his swordplay, while Bradley beguiled it with magic bullets from the sky. At the same time they were keeping perfect count until the magic circle was complete, carefully and precisely controlling the Lamentation's motions to lead it where they needed to. I certainly didn't understand the intricacies of their plan based off of what they'd been shouting at each other, but the two of them clearly did, and each was fulfilling his role perfectly. Well, that was probably because their brains worked similarly. The genius who had once led a band of Northern wizards, and the man who ascended to his country's peak as the commander of its knights when he could barely have been called an adult.

Arthur: We're finishing it!

Faust: Bring it here!

Bradley: Hell yeah! Ten, nine…

Cain: …Three, two, one, zero!

There the Lamentation stood, at the center of the circle drawn in the night sky. Faust and Arthur held their magic focuses above their heads.

Faust: <Salliuqnart Mullcredo>

Arthur: <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

A massive hand of pale light reached out of the bottom of the circle. With all the grace of a child trying to catch a bug, it slammed down on the Lamentation, pinning it in place.

Faust: You get five seconds! Hurry!

Cain: Gotcha!

Cain circled around to the front of the Lamentation. But it was desperately struggling and writhing under the massive hand, trying to escape. Its head whipped this way and that, moving at angles that should have been impossible.

Cain: Dammit! I still can't meet its eyes…!

Arthur: Gh… I can't keep it up much longer!

Faust: Cain! Get away…!

Bradley: --<Adnopotensum>

The crack of a gunshot reverberated through the air. That bullet was a sun, a shooting star, a streak of blinding light cutting the sky in two.

Faust: Oh…

Arthur: Bradley's strengthening magic! Now that we have this…! <Pernoctant Nixzo>!

Faust: <Salliuqnart Mullcredo>

The glowing outline of the circle shined more brightly, and the Stray Lamentation fell still. Bradley stood in the sky, far over Cain, grinning down at him. Why, you could even say it was a gentle and warm expression, if you could be sure Bradley wouldn't hear you saying it.

Bradley: Finish it. Cain.

Cain: …Yeah.

Cain nodded decisively. He knelt down the way he would when talking to a child, and met the Lamentation's gaze, one so muddied and clouded over with its cursed resentments, with eyes that shone with brilliant sunlight. Directly, unafraid.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 8

Previous Chapter

Akira: (How can they have this much contempt for other people?) (How much more do they need to mock that poor child…that poor child that they killed, even, until they're satisfied?!)

The leader of the gang, more clever than the others, looked up at Cain with a nasty glint in his eyes.

Leader-ly Man: If ya untie us and promise to never get involved with us ever again…well hey, maybe I'll be able to remember a few more details.

Cain: If I promise?

Leader-ly Man: You lot are wizards, ain't ya? Only old hags and wizards talk about monsters in this day and age. And I keep my ear to the ground. I hear the rumors. If a wizard breaks a promise, they lose their magic, yeah? I know you catch my drift here.

Bradley: …Sighhhh. Whatever, man.

With that exasperated huff, Bradley pointed his gun at the man. The men fell silent, and Bradley's expression twisted into one of abject disgust.

Bradley: Just listenin' to you is makin' me feel grungy. My band of thieves was nothin' but the dregs of society, but none of us were pieces of shit like you guys. Well, that's 'cause if they were I killed 'em, but hey. I ain't got time for guys like you.

Men: ……!

Bradley: And just so ya know, there's more than one way to break the Lamentation's curse. If we take care of the reason it's still hauntin' this world…as in, if we kill you guys, we're done here.

Leader-ly Man: …! Y--yer just makin' threats…

Bradley: Izzat what you think?

Bradley's face split into a beastly grin. A stray cloud drifted past the moon, dimming its light.

Bradley: Sage. Turn around for us, would ya?

Akira: What…?

Bradley: Brains splatterin' over the ground kinda looks like porridge. I'd hate for you to remember watchin' this happen when you're eatin' breakfast tomorrow.

No matter how lightheartedly he phrased it, no matter how he acted like he was trying to show concern, what he was staying still chilled me to the core. I understood. He was completely serious. This wasn't an act he was putting on for the sake of interrogating them. The muzzle of his gun pressed against the man's forehead, slick with cold sweat.

Cain: …

Cain bit his lip, unsure of what to do. But in the next moment--

Cain: Bradley, leave it at that.

Cain adjusted where the tip of his sword was pointing. Bradley narrowed his eyes at it, bristling like a cat.

Bradley: …Do you understand what you're doin' right now, punk?

Cain: Of course I do! Put the gun down, Bradley. I want them handed over to the law.

Young Man: …!

Cain: Don't get me wrong, Bradley. I feel the same way you do. These bastards are the scum of the earth. They make me want to puke. But that's exactly why I want all of their sins to come to light before the hammer comes down so that they can face the most suitable punishment for them. They deserve more than a random lynching. And…if we kill them, then that boy will die as a monster. He was killed by this human garbage. I at least want him to spend his final moments as a person.

Bradley: Ha! So this is Sir Knight's beloved "way of justice," huh?

Bradley's laugh was sharp with pointed ridicule. The muzzle of the gun didn't move even a millimeter. Their leader had been smirking so smugly before, but now he was shaking, afraid to even breathe.

Bradley: Well, let me tell you what the world's greatest bandit would do. I say we should turn their heads into mulch and be over and done with this curse right here and now. Four bullets and we're finished here. Pretty slick, yeah?

Bradley gestured broadly with one arm, like an actor facing the audience, and put his finger on the trigger. There was no doubt, no hesitation whatsoever in his movements.

Cain: Stop!!

A gunshot rang out at the same moment as a harsh clash of steel against steel. Horrid fireworks exploded against the backs of my closed eyelids. And then--

Bradley: …gh, bastard!

My eyes shot open with a gasp, and I saw a streak of teal light fade into the night sky--all that was left of the magic bullet Bradley had fired. Cain's sword was still flush against the barrel of Bradley's gun, still turned away from its deadly course, and Cain was breathing hard. There was a scream from somewhere far away, and the sound chilled me to my bones. The Stray Lamentation knew where we were now.

Bradley: What are you fucking thinking?!

Cain: I should be asking you that!

The wind howled like a maimed beast. Radiant moonlight and the endless black of night alternated, inverted, fluctuated at such speed my head started spinning. The dazzling, virtuous light of the break of the dawn stood opposed to the encroaching dark of the witching hour, violently meeting in the middle--an unwavering confrontation. Bradley turned the muzzle of his gun to Cain's forehead.

Akira: …!

Bradley: You should know I'm just fine puttin' a bullet between your ears. That thing already knows where we are. It doesn't matter how much magic I use now. And you know I'm stronger than you. So shut the fuck up and get out of the way if you aren't itchin' to die!

Cain: I refuse! I would rather die here than turn my back on the right thing. Because I am a knight.

Cain did not falter for a second, even with a gun pressed to his head. The clouds passed by the moon, illuminating Cain's sword with pure white light. But then the light disappeared again, stolen away under a shroud of darkness. Bradley's finger began to tighten on the trigger.

Akira: S..stop this!! Both of you, please calm down…!

Young Man: ----It's Renard!

Cain and Bradley spun to face him at the same time. And I, too, turned around. That pitiful, powerless young man looked…ready for whatever was to come next, be it death or otherwise. The clouds parted. The moon's dizzying brightness illuminated everything in the area.

Young Man: That's his name! That's the name of the boy that they killed, the one who wanted to become a knight! I was traveling with him! My brother, Renard…!

Cain: …You were with him? Then, you mean…?

Bradley: …So it really was only one kid that died, but two of 'em went missing.

Akira: (This is the truth of that missing persons case he told us about…)

Be-Stubbled Man: Bastard! Traitor!!

Young Man: I've always despised you all!

The young man howled with rage…and with grief. Hot tears flowed down from eyes that had long since lost their light.

Young Man: They killed my brother and said that children with tragic pasts are useful and then blinded me! If only I could see, I would've joined the Knights a long time ago! But instead I…I…!

And with those words, his tears dried up. He turned his face towards Cain with an expression usually reserved for those kneeling before a statue of God, the final hope they have to cling to.

Young Man: I thought maybe you just had the same name… But you really are General Cain, the one they call the greatest knight of them all. I'll tell you everything about what we've done. So please, please lay down your judgment…

The young man had started crying again, his breathing quick and ragged. Cain sheathed his blade and knelt down in front of him. He gently, kindly put a hand on the young man's back.

Cain: …Don't worry. I'll be handing you all over to the Knights. In honor of your bravery, we will save your brother. …It's okay now.

Young Man: …sniffle…okay… Tha…sob…

Bradley: …

But then--

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 7

Previous Chapter

I couldn't tell exactly what happened, but the men fell back, clutching their ribs.

Imposingly Large Man: Th…this dude's the real deal!

Cain: It was over for you the instant I could see you all. Let's keep it simple, alright? Otherwise the Lamentation's gonna be coming this way.

It was all a blur after that. In the space of, I don't know, about ten breaths or so, the men collapsed on the spot one after another, groaning weakly. The leader-ly man was the only one left standing, but his hands trembled as he brandished his knife at Cain.

Leader-ly Man: Wh…who are you?! Why the hell are you here?! We killed those goddamn kids ten years ago! Why are you getting on our ass about it now?!

Bradley: You killed them, Boss? That's crazy.

Bradley put himself between me and the men, and he cracked a mocking smile. The sharp glint in his eye was that of a wild animal, moments before snapping its prey's neck.

Bradley: The rumors said animals ate those brats, y'know. That's what the kid lyin' there said. So, did ya get yourself mixed up? Or… Are you their murderers?

Leader-ly Man: …!

Cain struck him in the head with a single, merciless blow, and the man crumpled to the dirt. Cain strapped the sheath back to his waist. He looked down at the men with cold, hateful eyes.

Cain: So we were right. They really were involved… …No, we can interrogate them later. We need to restrain them first. It's kind of annoying we can't just use magic for this. Hey, are you fine with me using some of these belts to tie them up?

Bradley: Hell no. Just use your goddamn magic to make some rope.

Cain: Okay, okay, jeez. Man, I'm no good at tying people up with rope, I always get a little too forceful about it…

Akira: I--I can help, too!

While Cain and I tied them up, a silver bird darted above us in the night sky.

Akira: I wonder what that pretty bird is… It looks like it's coming this way.

Cain: I can feel magic. So it's probably…

Bradley: The little prince's familiar, yeah. Sage, hold your hand out.

Akira: O-okay!

I held my hand up to the night sky, and the silver bird danced through the air like a shooting star. Once it got closer, I could see that it didn't have eyes or even a nose, but its entire body glowed like living moonlight. It flapped its wings anxiously, and then Arthur's voice came out of it.

Arthur's Familiar: Cain! Bradley! Take the Sage and get out of town! The Lamentation is almost here!

All Three of Us: …!!

Arthur's Familiar: We will do our utmost to hinder its approach. But for now, please just escape!

Bradley: Dammit. New problems just keep poppin' up tonight.

Bradley finished his griping and picked up the young man--who had completely lost consciousness--and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Bradley and Cain must've known exactly what the other was thinking, despite the repeated interruptions, because Cain ran to a cart lying abandoned in the alley and pulled it over to our group.

Bradley: Maaan, and just a little longer with this kid and I could've made him cough up the deets. Right, Mister Knight?

Cain: C'mon, don't be like that. Like, sorry for interrupting you, but you were scaring him so badly he wasn't gonna be able to get more than half a word out…

Bradley: Like what? Say it to my face, come on. …There we go, that's one down.

Cain: Hey, don't be so rough. Load them in more carefully. …And? Were you not trying to be catty at me?

Bradley: Hell, I was praisin' you. I was playin' the villain and you managed to play a perfect ally of justice. Good work from us both. First the villain puts the fear of death in 'em, and then the hero swoops in and puts a stop to it, protecting 'em, showing 'em some tender love 'n care 'n all that shit. When humans get frightened enough, and I mean scared down to the marrow, if they think they have someone kind and gentle to rely on, hell, they'll tell 'em anything they wanna hear. That's one of the basics of interrogation.

Cain: …Uh, not to turn down a compliment, but I really wasn't trying to use any psychological manipulation… Alright, that's the third one in.

Bradley: What? You were being for real? You are so goddamn soft. Compliment rescinded.

Cain: So sorry for being soft. …Okay, that's all four of them in the cart. Master Sage, it's time for us to go.

Akira: Wh…where are we going? And, and, you started piling them in the cart out of nowhere, what are you planning on doing with them…?

Cain: Oh! Sorry, sorry. I thought I'd explained. We have these guys restrained, and the Lamentation is on its way here--which works out perfectly. We'll be able to tell it its name as soon as it gets here. But this is a bad place to meet an enemy like that. There's too many people and buildings that could turn into collateral damage. So we're gonna be moving over to the old city walls, since hardly anyone ever goes there. Are you fine with that?

Akira: Okay, I see… That makes sense.

Cain: Good to hear. We should let Arthur and Faust know, but can either of us make familiars?

Bradley: Considering that prince was taught by Oz, I'm sure the one we have here can go both ways. Try talkin' to it.

Cain: Alright. …Arthur, Faust, thanks for the heads up. We're on our way to the old city walls. We should have someone who knows the Lamentation's real name. We'll be getting the details from them soon. This was Cain speaking, over and out. See you at the city walls.

Bradley: Good. Sage, wave your hand at the sky. Oh, and tell the bird to fly, too.

Akira: Okay. …Go, fly away!

Once I waved my hand, the silver bird shot off like an arrow through the sky. It took only a moment for it to disappear among the stars.

Cain: Alright. Let's get moving!

Akira: Yes!

✦✧☾✧✦

By the time we made it back to the old city walls, the four men had woken up again. Cain forced them to sit in a row, still bound by the ropes that held them, and pointed the tip of his sword at them.

Cain: We don't have time to do this the nice way, so let me get right to the point. Did you kill two children in this forest?

The men flinched away from the sword's glinting edge, each sneaking glances at the others. The young man feebly lifted his head, but since it seemed like no one else was going to speak up, he let his head fall back down again. But then the leader-ly man grinned all of a sudden. Though he was still bound, he straightened up, his body language as arrogant as one could get in this type of situation.

Leader-ly Man: And so what if we did?

Cain: …!

Bradley: That's a confession if I ever heard one. You scumbags killed children.

Leader-ly Man: Sure, we did. But you two ain't with the knights, and you ain't part of the local lord's entourage. We woulda heard about it if any higher powers were makin' moves around here. The two of you are just stickin' your noses into somethin' you don't have anything to do with in the first place. And why even bother? So another brat's dead, who gives a shit?

Young Man: ……gh.

Cain: …"Just another?" Just another?

Rage was straining to break free in Cain's tone. But he channeled that into the grip with which he held his sword, taking a deep breath as he directed his blade at the leader-ly man.

Cain: …The child you killed became trapped by his resentment of you and now walks the land as a monster. To this day, he still wanders.

Young Man: What…?

Cain: The only way to truly and properly lay him to rest needs his name in life. If you know it, I recommend you tell us sooner rather than later.

Leader-ly Man: His name, huh? Lessee, I coulda sworn it was… …Nah, all I remember is him screamin' like a little bitch.

Bradley: 'Scuse me?

Be-stubbled Man: Heh…heheheh. Yeah, all we got outta him was him cryin' about how much it hurt.

Imposingly Large Man: Don't forget about when he was cryin' for his mommy. Heheheh…

Leader-ly Man: Heheh… Well shit, looks like none of us remember. Ain't like rememberin' it would do us any good.

Young Man: …kh…!

Cain: You're scum…!!

Cain's voice was uncharacteristically harsh. Like that filthy, arrogant laughter made him want to puke.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 6

Previous Chapter

Akira: Are…are you sure you should be so hasty about it? I mean, I only know about this type of thing from police dramas on TV, but shouldn't you have more evidence or something first…

Bradley: You really think we have time for that? Didn't you hear what Mister Knight over here said, that the whole two victims thing is probably inconvenient for those guys he was with?

Cain: They're almost certainly connected to the incident in some nasty way. You saw how they reacted when I dropped my name. They're a pretty shady bunch. If we take too long, they'll probably figure out what we're doing and disappear with that young man in tow.

Bradley: That said, they definitely don't have the guts to just ditch whatever cash cows they got here on the spot like that. They probably won't be skippin' town til tomorrow.

Cain: And since there's no other bars in town, they're probably gonna be there tonight, too. Which means if we just happened to be there too…

Bradley & Cain: Tonight's the night.

Akira: I see…

Faust: For now, you should find someplace a little ways away from town to rest, and return to that tavern tonight. In the meantime, Arthur and I will continue to monitor the area for signs of the Lamentation, and make arrangements in town for declaring its identity.

Arthur: Cain, Bradley, Master Sage. We trust you.

✦✧☾✧✦

And then, that night…

Bradley: …They're here.

Cain: Just like we thought.

Akira: They're peeking inside and looking around… They're making sure we're not here, I guess?

We hid in the shadows of the tavern building, keeping our voices low, just watching as the men ducked inside. But when the young man tried to follow after them, the leader-ly man shoved his shoulder. He thrust his finger at him and said…something. The young man nodded meekly, his shoulders drooping, and then the tavern door closed, a little bell chiming.

Akira: They kicked him out…

Bradley: The sad fate of bein' the gofer. Works out great for us, though.

Cain: Hey, wait…

But Bradley ignored Cain, drawing closer to the man like a nocturnal beast stalking its prey. The young man stayed blissfully unaware of the predator approaching. And then--

Young Man: Wah…!

Bradley: Shut up. Make a fuss and I'll kill you.

Young Man: Mggph…

Cain: Cut it out! Don't be so rough, Bradley. Sorry if we scared you. Do you remember us? We kinda interrupted your dinner last night.

Cain managed a surreptitious tap on the young man's shoulder, and spoke with a concerned tone. Even though it was a kind gesture, the young man flinched as if Cain had slapped him. Cain blinked, but then he kept talking, keeping his voice calm and even.

Cain: You mentioned a local rumor last night, right? We got interrupted in the middle of talking about it, so I was wondering if you could--

Young Man: I--I don't know anything! Nothing! I never said anything!

He cut Cain off, shaking his head violently. He looked over towards the door to the tavern.

Bradley: Pretty bold to say that when you were the one that told us two people went missin'.

Young Man: N-n-no, I just got it wrong, and…

Bradley: 'Scuse me?

Young Man: Eep…

Cain: Don't threaten him, Bradley. He's so freaked out he couldn't talk even if he wanted to.

Bradley: Oh, there's all sorts of ways t' make him talk. Just ask Figaro, he knows all sorts of unpleasant but constructive methods. Kid, listen up. I'm a convict. And lemme tell you, I got reeaal used to that kind of conversation in jail. Maybe I'll let ya in on some of the finer points, if you catch my drift.

Cain: Hey, I said stop!

Young Man: …! …!!

The young man had reached his limit. He started to turn, as if to run away, but the motion made the shirt he was wearing ride up a bit, and… It was just a glance, but the sight made me gasp in shock.

Akira: (Oh my god… W-were all of those scars?)

Cain: …! Hey, are you okay?! You're hurt really badly!

Young Man: Ah… Th-this is nothing, I'm not hurt at all! It's nothing…

Cain: This is not nothing! Look, forget the story. Is there anything we can do to help you?

Cain looked straight into the young man's eyes. He couldn't have seen the gesture and yet, like a flower turning to face the sun, he looked up at Cain, too.

Cain: I can see old scars under the new ones. Which means…it's those guys you're with. They're the ones who did this to you.

Akira: What…?

Young Man: …Ahh… I…I--

Be-stubbled Man: Dammit! How long does it take for that idiot to steal a horse?!

Imposingly Large Man: Leavin' tonight's too late as it is. If we keep screwin' around, those three are gonna--

Bradley & Cain: …!

The door swung open and those vulgar men crossed the threshold. Their harsh eyes went to the young man and then to us--and I realized, of course, that it currently looked a bit like we were shaking him down for cash. The young man immediately went white as a ghost.

Young Man: W…We weren't talking about anything! We weren't talking about anything, I swear! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…!

Leader-ly Man: …Well, shit. Guess we were a step too late.

Be-stubbled Man: You bastards just had to keep sniffin' around where you shouldn't. Fuck off!!

They unsheathed their blades and the moonlight glinted off of them menacingly. That distraction was all the young man needed to shove Bradley away from him. The moment he returned to his crew's side, he too pulled a knife on us.

Bradley: Ah, dammit…!

Cain: Shit! Looks like we've got no choice but to fight them.

Cain clicked his tongue and grabbed Bradley's arm and pivoted, roughly shoving him towards me in the way someone would heft a heavy piece of luggage.

Akira: Wah…!

Cain: Brad! Take care of the Sage!

Bradley: Who the hell do you think you are, ordering me around?

Cain: Dammit, Bradley! You know that if we can't use magic, I'm stronger than you.

Cain drew his sword--or, no, that wasn't what he did. He pulled the entire thing, sheath and all, from where it hung at his waist and assumed his usual stance.

Bradley: You're not even gonna unsheathe the damn thing?

Cain: Well, we do need them to talk. It'd be pretty bad if I killed them accidentally.

Imposingly Large Man: …! Are you fucking with us?!

Leader-ly Man: Kill them all!!

They charged recklessly, gracelessly. Cain, on the other hand, moved with the practiced elegance of a dancer. He blocked their attacks with his sheath and redirected them away from him, fending them off one by one. After the last one, the attack from the man with all the stubble, I saw him crack a smile.

Cain: There we go, now I've gotten to touch all of you. I've gotten used to having to fight opponents I can't see, but sure enough, actually being able to see them still reigns supreme.

Be-stubbled Man: What? …Gyaah!!

Cain swung his blade horizontally, still sheathed.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 5

Previous Chapter

Imposingly Large Man: … The stuff on that plate…

Be-stubbled Man: Hey…

Cain: Oh, that! That does look good, let's get another plate of it. Oh, but… Hey, Akira! C'mon over!

He looked over to me and gestured between himself and Bradley, and I gasped. I panicked so much as I went over there to pull up a seat between the two of them, but luckily, I didn't forget my cup.

Leader-ly Man: …You're bringin' that pipsqueak along with you?

Be-stubbled Man: You got a real stupid-lookin' mug, dontcha? Hehe, hey, looks like you're not the only one, now.

Young Man: …

Akira: Umm…

Cain: C'mon, don't be so harsh about it. Their name's Akira. …Oh, now that you mention it, we never actually introduced ourselves.

Bradley: Guess we didn't. The name's Bradley.

Akira: My name is Akira. Sorry for intruding like this…

Cain: I'm Cain. Good to meet you guys.

Having introduced himself so openly, Cain glanced at at the men. The name "Cain" made three of them suddenly stiffen, but the last of them--the young man--looked up at him, startled.

Leader-ly Man: …That's the same name as the Captain of the Knights.

Be-stubbled Man: Yeah, the old one. You guys are travellers, so maybe you know for sure if General Cain actually quit or not? Or is it just more gossip…

Bradley: Hell if I know. What I do know is this guy just has the bad luck of havin' the same name. Y'don't need to get all freaked out like that.

Leader-ly Man: …Well, figures. It's not like His Majesty would be comin' to some backwater town like this in the first place.

Be-stubbled Man: He's too busy chasin' girls in the city. I heard he's been goin' through all the noblewomen like tissue paper.

Imposingly Large Man: He's busy with bein' the "night patrol," eh? Guess the country's gonna be swarmin' with little sword geniuses in another ten years or so.

Men: Gyahaha!

Cain: …

Akira: (…What's wrong with these people… He's smiling, but Cain must be so upset.)

Cain was just brushing it off, but I felt absolutely twisted up inside. I forced down the rest of my juice, saccharinely sweet as it was. I wasn't feeling particularly thirsty, but I had the feeling that if I didn't have something in my hands, I was going to try to punch one of their faces in. Once my cup was empty, I tried to find something else to occupy myself with, and…my eyes stopped on the young man with the long bangs for some reason.

Akira: (I'm worried about Cain, but I'm not even looking at him to see how he feels… Looking in the wrong place, just like Cain did this morning…)

Cain: How long have you guys been in the area?

Leader-ly Man: A few months now. Before that we'd just passed by on our own travels.

Bradley: Oh yeah? Then I bet you guys know that one story. You know, about how ten years ago a kid disappeared around here…

Young Man: …! Ah…!

Be-stubbled Man: What's your fuckin' issue, kid?! You spilled your beer all over my shoes!

Imposingly Large Man: You goddamn idiot! Can you not even finish your damn drink on your own?!

Young Man: I-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry…!

Cain: C'mon, you just got a little wet. You should be glad that at least the glass didn't break, right? Yo, bartender. Get us another round of your best for these fine gentlemen!

Cain turned towards the bartop and raised a hand. The bartender came over with a bottle of wine and four glasses, and Cain filled them all. The last glass went to the young man who'd spilled his beer.

Cain: Here, there's one for you, too. …Hey, you don't have to actually tell me if you don't wanna, but do you have bad eyes?

Young Man: Ah…yeah. The truth is I actually can't see anything…

Akira: (Oh, so that's why he wasn't quite looking at Cain earlier…)

Cain: Oh, I thought so. You were eating and drinking so normally, I almost didn't notice. You're amazing. Here, can you give me your hand? …Here, you can tell if you touch it, right? Here's where I put the glass.

Young Man: Th…thank you…

The young man picked up the wineglass, looking a bit downwards. He licked his lips a few times, trying to calm himself down. He looked like a cornered animal for a few moments--and then he abruptly looked up.

Young Man: Um… That rumor you mentioned. I've heard about it before.

Cain: Really?

Men: …!

Young Man: A-and I'm not the only one. Everyone around here knows about it. Especially the people who stop here on their way to the fort, wanting to become knights… That disappearance in the woods beyond the old city walls. Those poor kids…

Akira: (Huh? Kids, plural? It wasn't just one person who went missing…?)

Bradley & Cain: …

Imposingly Large Man: Hey. Shut up.

Young Man: I-i-it's just a rumor. They probably just got eaten by some of the animals in the woods. It wouldn't be the first time…

Leader-ly Man: …It's gettin' late. Let's get going.

The men all abruptly stood up. One of them grabbed the young man by the arm and roughly dragged him up. Under the violent clattering, I heard a small gasp. Cain smiled all friendly-like and tilted his head to one side. Was he trying to calm them down?

Cain: C'mon, going already? There's still moonlight to spare. I wanna hear more about that rumor…

Leader-ly Man: Nope, we're done here. See ya.

The men left the bar, dragging the young man behind.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: There were two children who disappeared…?

Faust: How strange… That contradicts what we learned in our investigation.

Dawn had broken, and we met back up with Faust and Arthur. We had to stay on the move, and we exchanged info at the same time.

Faust: We found evidence of the Lamentation in that forest. Specifically, we found some old bones. We buried them and performed their owner's last rites.

Arthur: …There was an old, rotting sheath nearby as well. It seems to us that the Lamentation's true identity really is that boy who sought to become a knight.

Cain: …I see…

Faust: That said, we only found one set of remains. The chance that we missed an entire skeleton is basically none.

Akira: Then there really was only one person who disappeared? Was that young man mistaken? Ah, but, the scale is really different between one person going missing versus two going missing… Is that the kind of thing someone would get wrong…? Mm…

Cain: Yeah, that's what I'm getting stuck on, too. And what we learn from someone testifying that there were two victims is…

Bradley: Obviously, that he knows somethin' about it. Just like the Sage said, there's no way someone would get that kinda thing wrong, and that means he said two people disappeared on purpose.

Cain: And the way the other people he was with reacted was pretty obviously suspicious. I imagine the full details of the incident might be…inconvenient to them, you could say. We still don't know what it means that the number of bodies doesn't match up… I want to press him for more details.

Faust: Understood. What time are you planning on approaching him?

Bradley & Cain: Tonight.

Their voices harmonized beautifully. Cain's eyes widened a bit, but then he grinned and slapped Bradley on the back.

Cain: Hey now, what's all this, Bradley? Seems we're on the right wavelength now!

Bradley: I told you yesterday that ain't true.

Cain: Well then, how about this: there's stuff we just can't agree on, and stuff we'll always agree on.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 4

Previous Chapter

Bartender: Welcome…

Men: Gyahahaha!!

As soon as we stepped in, big, raucous laughter crashed over us, and I startled a little. Bradley wrinkled his nose.

Bradley: Damn, these guys are tacky. Mithra knows more about etiquette than they do.

Cain: He definitely isn't as loud as them, that's for sure. Master Sage, make sure you stay close to us.

Akira: O-okay…

The big kerfuffle was from a group of four that were seated at the table at the center of the room, surrounding a lavish feast. But they were eating like slobs; tossing bones and such on the floor, kicking their dirty, muddy boots on the table, and…to be honest, they just kind of had a bad vibe to them.

Akira: (If this were Shylock's bar, he would've kicked them all out… I think the bartender should kick them out, so why hasn't he?)

There were some other customers, scattered among the seats around the walls, that looked pretty unhappy with the state of things, too, but again, none of them said or did anything about it. Bradley copped a seat at the bar, and leaned towards the bartender.

Bradley: Yo, sorry for droppin' in. A mug of your finest for me 'n this guy, and a glass of juice for this one.

Bartender: Of course. Are the three of you traveling?

Bradley: Somethin' like that. This is a real high-quality place you got here.

Bartender: …My apologies. No matter how many times I warn them, things always end up like this.

He did not gesture with his hands, but with his eyes. It seemed those four were responsible for the torn fabric and broken pieces of furniture.

Cain: Times are rough everywhere, huh… They come here often?

Bartender: Yes, they're certainly…not my favorite regulars. That said, they only recently came into town. I don't know how they get the money for it, but they come in and throw a party like that for a few days, and then they disappear for another few days, and then it all happens all over again. They claim to be mercenaries, but… There haven't been any conflicts around here, and the local lordships don't quarrel with one another, so I have no idea where they're getting all this money from.

The bartender's shoulders were stiff as he served us--two mugs of beer and one nice little glass of juice for me--and then crossed off orders made by those around the edges. Cain silently downed his drink, not even calling for a "Cheers!" the way he normally would, his eyes somehow fixed on the men at the center table.

Cain: …Master Sage. Could you tell me about those men? What they look like, what they're acting like, that type of thing.

Akira: Huh? Umm… There's a man with a scar over his cheek. It seems like the others…respect him…? He seems the most leader-ly, at least. Just as a point of comparison, he looks older than Oz and Figaro look. He's pretty tall and solidly built. There's a man who looks like he hasn't shaved in a while, and a…kind of imposingly large man, too. They look like they're about the same age as the leader-looking one. The last one is the youngest, and he has really long bangs. The other two seem like they're kind of putting on airs, but the youngest one seems a bit timid.

Cain: I see… Alright, gotcha. Thanks. Alright, I'm gonna go talk to 'em. I know what kinda unpleasant topics their type like.

Akira: Huh?! No no no, it's dangerous…!

Bradley: Hell yeah, go shoot your shot. Don't fuck it up, though.

Akira: Whaaat?!

Cain: Of course not. Look after the Sage for me, will you? Make sure they're still having a good time by the time I'm back.

He put a hand on my shoulder, as if to calm me, and then started eagerly over to the center table--but I was still worked up. I whispered to Bradley.

Akira: Is he really going to be okay?! I know Cain is strong, but if he draws his sword it'll be really bad, and it's not like he can use magic right now, and…

Bradley: Haha… Hey, Sage, pop quiz. Remember back when we first started living together in the manor? Y'see, one time when the one and only Bradley (that's me), a Northern wizard who the mere mention of could make babies stop cryin' from fear, was eatin' in the dining hall when that there knight sauntered in through the door. And when he saw me, well…what do ya think he did?

Akira: Wh…what was it?

Bradley: He strutted right up to me, shoulders stiff as hell, and said, "Hey, whatcha eating? Looks good!"

Cain: --Hey, whatcha guys eating? Looks good!

Just moments after Bradley finished saying that, Cain echoed him over at the center table. His shoulders were relaxed, not stiff, and he leaned casually over their table. Of course, an unknown young man suddenly walking up to them like that just pissed them off.

Be-stubbled Man: Huh? And who the hell are you supposed to be?

Leader(?) Man: You think you can just saunter up here like you know us?

The young man with the long bangs all but jumped out of his seat at the sudden change in atmosphere here in the tavern. But Cain's eyes just widened a little in surprise, and he raised his hands to show he meant no harm.

Cain: Oh, sorry! I guess suddenly talking to you guys out of the blue was kinda rude, huh. Sorry for interrupting you while you're eating. But you guys seem like regulars and your table's piled so high I figured you'd be the right guys to ask about what the best food at this place is, yeah? I only just got into town today. So, what do you recommend?

The thugs all frowned and glanced at each other, cautiously eyeing Cain's outstretched hand and the sincerity in his expression. The leaderly thug grabbed Cain's hand and shook it, but the radioactive tension in the air did not subside. Cain's left hand went to the hilt of his sword, but the motion was so smooth and casual that I don't think he even realized he was doing it. Bradley drained his glass and left a bunch of silver coins on the counter before standing up, acting as if he wasn't in a hurry.

Bradley: Hey, barkeep, think you can look after our precious cargo? Give the Sage somethin' nice.

Bartender: It would be my pleasure. Please, leave it to me, sir.

Akira: Wh-what do you mean by…

Before I could stop him, Bradley strode over to Cain with long, confident steps. Much like one would grab a disobedient puppy, Bradley grabbed Cain by the scruff--err, by the collar of his shirt.

Cain: Gweh.

Bradley: C'mon now. Ain't I always tellin' you to quit runnin' around like that?

Cain: Sorry, sorry. I just, y'know…

Bradley: Sigh… Lemme apologize on behalf of my partner here, he's always like this. He don't mean anythin' by it, he's just an overgrown rascal.

Leader-ly Man: …'s fine…

Bradley: It ain't much, but at least let us treat ya to a meal here. And hey, while we're at it, tell us about what the highlights around here are. We're in the middle of a journey right now, and we'd be grateful for any sort of info about the place.

Bradley grabbed a nearby chair, spun it around to face the center table, and plopped himself down into it. At some point his magical focus--his rifle--had appeared at his side, but rather than how Cain had reached for his sword on instinct, Bradley was displaying it on purpose. The thugs had probably noticed what Cain's gesture meant, if maybe not consciously. But Cain just grinned, catching everyone's eyes, and spun around another chair to sit down next to Bradley--just the way a trusted travel partner, one who knew how to stay in step, would.

Cain: C'mon, ask for whatever you want. So? What's your top recommendation?

A cheerful smile, an intimidating demeanor, a performance that highlighted the innocence of admiration…and the desire to be admired. All of this was part of their strategy.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 3

Previous Chapter

Arthur: I see, so that was the incident you referred to… What do you know about his background?

Cain: Nothing. The fact that we were able to identify he even existed, considering he was a traveler who went missing, is already a miracle on its own.

Akira: Umm… I remember during our investigation, you said there was something you felt pretty sure about. Would that have anything to do with this…?

Cain: Oh, you heard that? Yeah, I was talking about this case. Grief and regrets are prime targets for getting twisted by the Calamity's influence. I was thinking that there was a high likelihood that this kid turned into the Lamentation, for probably a similar reason. …Am I onto anything, Faust?

Faust: …I did feel the presence of a child when I tried to break the curse earlier, although only faintly. There's definitely a possibility that that kid who went missing is the Lamentation's true identity.

Akira: …What a tragedy. His dream was just about to start unfolding, but then…

Cain: Yeah. If I'm remembering right, he was only twelve years old at the time. …If he'd lived, we'd be the same age. Hearing about it left a pretty big impact on me.

Arthur: Very understandable. …How horrible…

Cain: Yeah…

Cain's expression darkened--but he shook his head, and that darkness was gone.

Cain: Well, the important thing right now is to properly pin down that monster's identity. And if it turns out the Lamentation really is that boy… I'll do everything in my power to make sure he hears his name. I want him to pass on knowing he's not a monster, just a boy who wanted to become a knight.

Akira: I agree…

Bradley: God. Tell that fuckin' sob story to someone who actually gives a shit.

As I'd solemnly nodded my head, Bradley snorted derisively. It was the kind of gesture you'd use to drive away a stray dog.

Bradley: Don't get it twisted: our goal is to break this curse as fast as we can. If the easiest thing to do is to crush whatever the cause is, then that's what I'm gonna do.

Cain: I know. I agree with you. But the Lamentation was still a person once. If I have the option to choose what method we use, then I'm going to choose this one.

Bradley: And I'm sayin' hell no. Why should I give a shit about some brat I don't know the first thing about?

Cain: …

I saw Cain frown, almost imperceptibly, at Bradley's blunt refusal. He exhaled softly.

Cain: …You and I really don't suit one another.

Bradley: What, you didn't know that already?

Cain: True enough. …Anyways! I feel like we've flown far enough by now. We should get back to town and start our investigation at the local tavern.

Arthur: At the tavern?

Cain: Yep. Where there's good food and drink, there's people--and where there's people, there's information. I want to go ask around if anyone knows anything about what happened to the kid. Let's see, it should be this way from here…

Bradley: Hold yer horses there. We have somethin' we need to do first, yeah?

Faust: We do?

Bradley: You think you're showin' up to a tavern dressed like that? We ain't got the tailor out here, so I'll give you all somethin' special.

Bradley snapped his fingers, and the scent of gunpowder, danger, and night drifted around us. The scent of Bradley's cologne. And the next thing I knew, all of us had changed clothes.

Cain: Woah!

Faust: This style is rather…

Arthur: Are these yours, Bradley? You don't mind lending them to us?

Bradley: Might as well. They're from the very bottom of my drawers, so ya better be grateful I put in all the effort.

Cain: …That means you've never worn any of this before.

Akira: Th-thank you for going out of your way for us. But you used magic, didn't you…?

Cain: It knows where we are, yeah. But that's just fine. We're gonna be leaving now, anyways. Leaving a trace of magic here is a good idea, anyways. It'll be a decoy. …And, while we're on the subject, you cast a clothes-changing spell, right, Bradley?

Bradley: You know it. None of you had the right "look" to go drinkin' in a back alley dive bar, so I figured what the hell, why not. But you, you knew all that and still wanted to go back to town without castin' a single spell? C'mon.

Cain: Uu… I got a little too excited…

Having hit one of Cain's weak spots, Bradley frowned a little…but grinned at the same time. I know Cain said they don't work well together, but right now, they had the air of a longtime senior and junior that'd been working the same beat together.

Akira: (Rather than saying they've got good or bad compatibility, I'd say it's more like…) If he did that on purpose, it was a good move. …Erm, by the way…

Arthur: Yes, Master Sage? What is it?

Akira: Umm, Bradley's clothes are kind of big everywhere on me… Eep, one of the belts is falling…!!

Bradley: Don't let 'em fall! Those things were expensive. Probably.

Cain: "Probably?"

Faust: What are all of these belts even for… No, let's stay focused. It's fine if we have to make any alterations.

Bradley: God, none of you actually look good in these. I'm takin' it all back once we're done here.

Arthur: Of course. Thank you very kindly for lending them to us. Cain, do you need any alterations done?

Cain: Nah, me 'n Bradley are about the same height and we have more or less the same physique. We're all good.

Bradley: Whaddaya mean, all good? It's obvious that I've got the sexier bod here. Just look, this part's too loose on you.

Cain: Ow-- Ouch, knock it off! It's not loose at all, so quit lying! Man, whatever, if it gets in the way I'll just rip it off.

Bradley: You're not ripping shit! I told you these were probably expensive!

While the two of them were talking, Faust snapped his fingers and the clothes the rest of us were wearing began to softly glow, adjusting in size until they fit each of us perfectly. Cain gripped his broom.

Cain: ----Moving right along, let's get back to town while the Lamentation still thinks we're over here.

✦✧☾✧✦

We arrived at the tavern after the sun had descended past the horizon. Arthur and Faust parted from the rest of our group to begin an investigation in the forest. We'd meet up again at dawn.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Cain and I will do questioning at the tavern.

Faust: Wrong. You're coming with me to investigate the forest, and then we're going to report back to the manor. That is not the type of place I'm going to let a child enter, especially not after dark.

Arthur: I'm seventeen years old, you know. Perhaps I can't yet be called an adult, but I certainly can't be called a child anymore, either.

Faust: You're a child. If all you can do is insist you aren't one, then you've got no hope of convincing me of it.

Arthur: …

Faust: It's far too late for you to go gallivanting into a bar full of unknown dangers. Now come on.

Arthur: …Alright. My apologies for being so unreasonable. When I think of how Cain was cursed because he was trying to protect me, I just…feel so restless. …If only I'd been able to move…

Faust: That wasn't your fault. That's a monster that mustn't be seen. Your body was acting on instinct to protect you. The fact that Cain was able to move is honestly unprecedented. I imagine that, being a knight, he's mastered stifling his fear to defeat a foe. Both of you took the action that was most natural for you. That's all.

Arthur: …I see. Thank you, Faust.

Faust: I didn't say anything worth your gratitude. …Sage, could you go along with Cain and Bradley in our place? Give them these protective charms. If things start looking dicey, tear them open. Make sure that you keep the sacrificium on you, as well.

Akira: You got it. You two take care, too.

Faust: Of course. Let's go, Arthur. It's possible we'll run across cursed items from here on out. Do try not to stray from my side.

Arthur: Understood. Thank you!

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 2

Previous Chapter

Faust: So once you've been cursed, the only thing you can do is purify the poison itself--the Lamentation. That said… I can't think of any successful purification attempts off the top of my head. Simply breaking the curse itself is likely the best thing for us to focus on. Cain, you were the first one to meet its eyes, correct? Stand right here. I'll begin our preparations.

Arthur: Please allow me to help as well.

Faust and Arthur drew a magic circle around Cain in herbs and mercury.

Faust: …Alright. Cain, I'm going to begin the ritual. It might feel like there is something foreign inside of your body or that you're choking, but do not let yourself stop breathing. Focus on your name and repeat it in your mind throughout the entire process.

Cain: Alright… Woah!

Just as Cain nodded, his red eye began to swivel around, moving completely separately from his gold one. It looked between each of us, its gaze darting around, seemingly trying to figure out what was happening right now.

Cain: Owen's eye is moving around again! It hasn't done this in ages…

Bradley: That freak's peeping on us. Bastard's the only one who managed to avoid gettin' cursed just now.

Faust: This is a very delicate ritual. I'd prefer if there's no meddling with it…

Cain: Then I'll just cover his eye with my hand. If he's trying to look in on us, then he'll knock it off if he can't see anything, right?

Akira: (So he's just, like, covering a security camera before the big heist? Is that gonna be okay…?)

Faust: …Well…I suppose we don't have much in the way of other options. Let us begin.

Faust embraced his mirror, his magic focus, and gazed into Cain's golden eye. It was as if he was looking somewhere deep, deep inside…

Faust: <Salliuqnart Mulcredo>

Cain: …gh…

Cain's breath hitched, but he began to force himself to breathe deeply, evenly, a moment after. Sweat began to bead on Faust's forehead as he stared, unblinking, into the abyss. Perhaps it was only a few moments. Perhaps it was many long minutes. But--

Cain: …Ow, that's hot!

Akira: Wah?! The magic circle caught fire…!

Faust: …!

Faust stumbled backwards, driven back by some unseen force, and Arthur rushed to steady him.

Arthur: Goodness…! Is everything alright?

Faust: Gh… Sorry, I'm fine. Thanks.

Cain: Whew, that was rough… It felt like boiled pasta was getting pulled through my eye…

Bradley: What the hell are you talking about, man?

Akira: (Did it feel all wiggly or something…?)

Arthur: Did it work, Faust? Has the curse been broken?

Faust: It hasn't. The Lamentation's fixation on him is too strong. It'll be difficult for any outsiders to intervene. Oz or Mithra, for instance, could force the issue and burn it out of him… But Cain's soul would be damaged in the process. He'd be left an empty husk for life.

Arthur: I see… I had been wondering if we could rely on Lord Oz's strength…

Cain: Let's call that our last resort. Oz is at the manor right now, yeah?

Faust: He is. The moment he heard about the Lamentation attacking the two of you, a storm suddenly kicked up over the manor. He would've come here himself, but this is a monster we can't kill so carelessly. The twins had to step in to stop him.

Bradley: So really the only option we have is to purify the fucker. God, this is such a pain…

Akira: How would we purify it? Didn't you say you haven't heard of any successful examples…?

Faust: According to the literature, we have two options available. The first is to meet its eyes and tell it its true name. The other is to eliminate the source of its grief.

Arthur: …But, that's…

Cain: So there's nothing we can do if we can't determine who they were, and why they became what they did.

Akira: Is-is that even possible? Even if we try to narrow it down to, I don't know, just people who've died in tragic circumstances, how many thousands or millions of people does that apply to…?

Faust: And that's why it's so difficult. Although, if it were only Bradley who'd been cursed… …

Faust had been explaining things so matter-of-factly, but he suddenly fell silent. Cain leaned forward.

Cain: If Bradley were the only one who got cursed, would there be a way to save him? He only got caught up in all this by giving me covering fire. If there's a way to break his curse, then I want to do it. Just tell me what to do.

Faust: …No. There's no such thing.

Cain: But…

Bradley: …I gotcha. I'd be saved if I just killed Mister Knight here, is what you're tryin' to say.

Faust: … …That's correct.

Arthur & Akira: …!

Cain: I see, I see. Yeah, that's not a very good plan. The risk to us both is too high.

Compared to me and Arthur, who were still somewhat in shock, Cain was perfectly calm. He shrugged casually, almost carelessly.

Cain: Killing me would make Bradley's position more precarious. It'd probably extend his prison term by, I don't know, another few centuries? And of course, I'd rather not die about this. And to be completely honest…I have a hunch about the Lamentation's true identity.

Akira: Wait, really?!

Cain: I'm not saying I know for sure, but it's better than starting this investigation from nothing, right? So…

Cain extended a hand to Bradley. I saw his shoulders stiffen, just a little, but his gaze stayed true.

Cain: Bradley. I know I'm the one who dragged you into all of this, but would you be willing to help me out despite that? We have the same end goal here. Ideally, we can resolve this situation as quickly as possible, and without taking a tact that might have…permanent consequences for me, if you catch my drift. And, well, considering what a big deal this is, two sets of hands are better than one, yeah?

Bradley: …

Bradley narrowed his eyes, and I could see calculations running behind them. After a moment, I heard a bang!, a dry, sharp sound, like a gunshot. Rather than shaking Cain's hand, Bradley had smacked his hand against Cain's palm.

Bradley: Guess there's nothin' else to it. Sure, I'll work with ya. But the exact second you start draggin' me down is the moment I'm free to kill you and get myself out of this mess. We clear on that?

Cain: Of course. Thank you. First things first, let's get out of here before the Lamentation follows us here, and let's figure out our plan of action.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: --It happened ten years ago. A kid aspiring to knighthood went missing near those old town walls.

I sat behind Arthur on his broom as we raced through the sunset sky, red bleeding into gold. The field we'd been in was long gone, and the town itself little more than a memory. As long as they were being chased by the Stray Lamentation, Cain and Bradley couldn't return to the manor. So instead, they took to their brooms--followed by the three of us determined to help them--and became streaks across the evening sky.

Cain: There's a military stronghold four days' walk from that town. It seems that that was the boy's destination. Apparently his trip had been delayed by bad weather, so he'd been in a hurry. Rather than leaving through the city gate that led to the highway, he took a shortcut through the forest, leaving via the ruins of the old city walls. Sadly, we don't know where he went or what happened to him after that.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

Sonatina of the Dark Night's Unity with the Shining Light Chapter 1

Cain: Umm…hm. This is the place in the request, right?

Arthur: Yes, this is it. We did follow the attached map, after all, but… Master Sage, does anything feel odd to you?

Akira: No, nothing in particular, other than it feels like a terribly lonely place… Hmm…

The three of us tilted our heads, mystified. We were on a survey, looking for abnormalities caused by the <Great Calamity> in a Central Country town that had surely been prosperous once, but that was a long, long time ago. We'd received an…oddly jumbled letter that said something like, "There's something wrong with the old town walls. I'm scared. It's cold. Please hurry." So of course we rushed off immediately, but…

Bradley: I'll tell ya what's up. The chills our request-writer was feelin'--both the fear and temperature varieties--don't have a thing to do with the <Great Calamity>.

Arthur: Could you explain your reasoning, Bradley?

Bradley: Yeah, but it's pretty obvious. Can't the two of you feel it? There's nothing of the Calamity's presence here. Bam, mission over. We're done here.

Cain: Hey, now. I know you only came out here to get your sentence reduced, but we need to be a little more thorough than that.

Bradley: I'm totally being thorough. It ain't my fault there's nothing here. The only thing the twins forced me to agree to was lookin' for any abnormalities caused by the Calamity. If you want me to figure out whatever the hell else they're talkin' about, I expect some extra compensation.

Bradley gestured airily with his hand, but I saw him shoot a few glances at the forest beyond the crumbling city walls.

Akira: …? Is there something in the--

Bradley: Soooo, I'm peacing out. You guys better get a move on, too.

Arthur: Oh! He really left…

Cain: Jeez, that guy… Although I do think this is the kind of investigation that we should take back with us for the time being, at least. Chills and feeling weird can be caused by more than magic or the Calamity. If it's like, poison or an illness or something, we'd need to bring out our local scholar or doctor instead.

Arthur: I suppose that's true… Master Sage, Cain and I will take care of reporting to Drummond about this. To honor the request of the frightened townspeople, I'd like to approach this case from another angle… Would you be fine with that?

Akira: Of course I would. Thank you both for taking this on.

Arthur: I should be the one thanking you here. Well then, shall we return to the manor now?

Cain: Yeah, let's get going.

Cain nodded, but I saw his gaze get drawn to the crumbling city wall. He mumbled something under his breath, something no one was meant to hear…

Cain: Is it really…not caused by the Calamity…? I mean, this is where that incident happened…

Akira: ("That" incident…?)

Arthur & Sacrificium: …!!

Arthur and Saku-chan suddenly snapped their heads in the direction of the forest. And a moment later, a split second out of sync, Cain looked towards the forest as well. I didn't even have the time to think about how odd that was before a gust of wind as cold as ice hit my face. The temperature of the entire area dropped like a rock. I didn't even need to ask them what was going on. I understood on an instinctual level. Something was coming from the forest. Something very, very bad.

Akira: (I'm…I'm scared…I'm scared I'm scared I'm scared i'm scared i'm scaredi'mscaredi'mscared)

Nothing had happened. Nothing was here. And yet I crumpled to the ground, my legs no longer capable of supporting me. I hugged Saku-chan, who was all puffed up in a threat display, and buried my face in its fur. It was all I could do. All I could think to do. If I didn't, I was going to start screaming.

Cain: Akira?! What's wrong?!

Arthur: Master Sage-- I-I can't move my body…?!

Arthur's head was forced downwards at an unnatural angle, so much so that I couldn't even see his eyes. The trees rustled. Something I mustn't look at was coming.

Akira: Eek…

There was something at the very edge of my vision. It looked like the hem of a black garment. The jet black of funeral clothes. It was coming closer. A head that bulged outward and yet collapsed inward like a rotting fruit. Hands that dragged across the ground like withered, desiccated roots. A torso that had been twisted in every wrong direction.

Akira: …ah…

Arthur: …What…what is…that…

Cain: Master Sage! Arthur!

I didn't see Cain jump in front of us, because I refused to lift my head and see anything right now, but I heard the sound of his shoes against the dirt.

Cain: Run! I'll distract it!

Arthur: C…Cain! No, it's not safe…!

Cain: That's why you need to run! Go!

I heard the crunch of footsteps on gravel. Cain had his sword at the ready.

Cain: Dammit, what is this thing? Just seeing it is…

???: S…see… You saw.

Cain: What?

???: You saw you saw you saw you saw you saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw saw

Bradley: Stop fucking looking at it, idiot!!

The crack of a gunshot split the air. And just like that, the oppressive cold faded away. I was finally able to look up, but I only caught the barest glimpse before it vanished into the woods. Bradley was above us, astride his broom. And Cain, who had stood between us and the monster, finally took a breath and lowered his sword. Tears of blood rolled down his face, out of his golden eye.

Akira & Arthur: …?!

Cain: Woah!! What's going on?!

Bradley: God dammit! That's why I tried to get out of here as fast as possible!

He wiped at his eyes as he cursed, and found dark red blood on his thumb.

Akira: Cain! Bradley…!

Arthur: Are the two of you alright?! I'm so sorry, this is all because I couldn't move…

Cain: It's not your fault, Arthur. I'm just glad the two of you are oka--

Bradley: Well, we sure ain't okay. This blood is proof me 'n the Central knight here got cursed.

Arthur: Cursed…?

Bradley: Yep. Even if we ran to the edge of the world, that monster would still find and kill us.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Thanks for coming all the way out here, Faust. And sorry for taking up your time.

Faust: It's fine.

We'd left the town far behind and were now gathered in a wide open grassy plain. Faust had come from the manor after Arthur had sent a message asking for help on Bradley and Cain's behalf. According to Bradley, he and Cain would only be able to use weak magic for the time being. Just enough to fly on their brooms, for example. If they tried to use anything stronger, that monster, the Stray Lamentation, would immediately know where they were.

Faust: So the two of you ran into the Lamentation's curse…

Bradley: This is your expertise, yeah? Can you break it?

Faust: I did bring the necessary implements, but this curse is a very strong one. I can't say for certain that I can.

Akira: Um, what kind of monster is this Stray Lamentation? Can it really chase them to the ends of the earth and kill them…?

Faust: It's a corpse reanimated by a powerful grudge or lingering emotions. It's only a shadow of its former self. It's forgotten who it is, why it's grieving… It's nothing more than a mass of hatred and resentment that's forgotten everything else about itself. It curses anyone that meets its eyes, and yes, chases them to the ends of the earth to kill them.

But just fighting back and destroying the Lamentation wouldn't end the curse. A soul being touched by the Lamentation's curse, even once, was like a poisoned rock being dropped into a cup of water--even if the rock was removed, the water would never be pure again. And once a soul was consumed by a resentment held that strongly, it would continue to attract disaster and misfortune, and, eventually, die in its anger and grief.

Next Chapter

[cainluvr69]

"A Sympathetic Fruit" Cain SR Card Story - Folding a Special Flower

Cain: Hmm…

Rustica: Why hello there, Cain. Penny for your thoughts?

Cain: Oh, Rustica. I was just thinking about what to do with the flowers for the vases. Ordinary flowers would be fine, but you have to devote a lot of time to them to keep them alive. Magic could make up for some of the difference, but Heine's not healthy enough to do the rest…

Rustica: I see, I see. Of course. Then why not fold some out of fabric? Do you have a handkerchief?

Cain: Wait, so I'd make them with a handkerchief?

Rustica: Yes, yes. Why, just the other day, Chloe made a lily out of a sky-blue handkerchief. It continues to bloom so beautifully on my table, in fact. So I am sure such a flower would continue to bloom eternally for Heine.

Cain: Lilies made from handkerchiefs… They'll look nice and festive, and we'll be able to make a bunch of them. That's a solid idea. Alright, yeah, let's go with that. Hey, by the way, how do we make them…?

Rustica: Chloe showed me how to do it. Watch closely, now. First, line up this corner to this one. Turn the handkerchief into a rectangle.

Cain: …? Uh, that's a triangle.

Rustica: Oh? Maybe if I fold it like this… Here we go, now it's a square.

Cain: That's a pentagon.

Rustica: And then you do this… Hm? Perhaps not? Hmm…

Cain: ……

Rustica: …… My apologies. I seem to have just plumb forgotten how to make them.

Cain: Yeah I, uh, could tell. Thanks for trying anyways, though. But, dang, the handkerchief idea was really good… Hmmmm… …Oh, I know. How about roses?

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: Do you know how to fold a rose out fabric, Cain?

Cain: Yeah, more or less. Let's see, this goes like this…and then you round it out like this… …There, finished.

Rustica: Oh, this is indeed a rose! Clap clap clap! I'm surprised that you have experience in this area. I suppose this must be something kids these days enjoy.

Cain: Uh, maybe, but I don't think so…? This was something I came up with on my own ages ago. Back when I was still in the knights, there was this time when while I was patrolling, I found a little girl who'd wandered in on accident and got lost. She was crying about how she'd just wanted to give one of the castle's flowers to her little brother. It was so bad I couldn't even ask her what her name was. All I could think to do right then was fold her a rose. …Something that sort of looked like a rose, at least.

Rustica: My, I'm sure she must have loved it. How wonderfully thoughtful of you. …On that subject…

Cain: Yeah?

Rustica: Could you tell how to fold that rose of yours? I've been trying to copy you for a bit, but…mm…?

Cain: Oh, so that's why you've been fiddling with that handkerchief. I was trying to figure out why you were doing that… How about we get a little more methodical about it. I'll fold the roses, and you give me the cloth. It should be pretty, but also no colors that might mean something bad in flower language, and we'll need a lot of it. Surely this should be child's play for the West's foremost heartbreaker?

Rustica: Oh, but of course. I would gladly take on this role for you. Yes, just for you… Central's kindest and most courteous heartbreaker himself.

Cain: Ahaha, alright. Sounds like they should try to keep everyone from falling in love with us. Well, let's get going!

Training Episode: Shockingly Skillful?

Akira: Rustica told me that the other day you taught him how to fold a rose out of a handkerchief. Do you think you could teach me, too?

Cain: Sure. Uh, but it might be kinda difficult to explain in words. Lemme just show you. First you gotta fold it into a triangle, and then you do this…and roll this… And then you do it all over again, and…

Akira: …Oh, and it became a rose! Amazing! So cool!

Cain: Haha, thanks. Gimme a little more time and I can make other flowers, too. Like a tulip, or a lily…

Akira: Woah, that's amazing! Origami is so difficult, too…

Cain: Ori--what…? Well anyway, it's not like it'll be easy for everyone, but it's nothing super difficult, at least. Some of these I learned from Chloe, though, so don't quote me on it.

Akira: It's still amazing that you know so many, though! You could make a whole bouquet from handkerchiefs alone.

Cain: Oh, now that's an idea. Maybe I'll ask Chloe to make one with me sometime?

Akira: Yes, that sounds so fun! Let me see it once you finish it. (…That flower really is folded beautifully, though. Cain is pretty good with his hands, huh?)

Cain: …Whoops. Now that I'm looking more closely at it, this handkerchief has a few stains on it… Well, whatever. Just means I need to flip it over and then no one will see them.

Akira: (…Bit of a shock, coming from someone like this…)

[cainluvr69]

"For Each Hero, A Petal" Cain R Card Story - An Echo of Kindness

Cain: So this town is related to Lord Alec…

Akira: It must mean a lot to you as a native of Central Country.

Cain: It does, yeah. And while I was still working in the castle, it was like I was surrounded by little stories and extra details about him. Hearing about how he used to do, like…play-pretend fighting really stuck with me. I was like wow… I've done that too…

Akira: Play-pretend fighting…? What do you mean?

Cain: So this happened pretty shortly after he took the throne. There was a group of kids in what'd become the royal capital playing in a field, talking about how one day they'd grow up and be part of the revolutionary forces too.

Akira: (Ohh, so like little kids pretending to be their favorite character in the Sunday morning Superhero Time show block?)

Cain: But they didn't have enough people playing the grunt soldiers, so they called out to a young man walking nearby and asked him to play with them. The young man agreed and joined their group, running around and shouting stuff like "Lord Alec, it's time!" at all the right moments, all that good stuff, but… Well, you know how this ends. That was his Majesty King Alec himself, patrolling around town.

Akira: I…! I thought so…!!

Cain: Ahaha. That story got passed around a lot when people were talking about what a kind person he was. It was one of the number one stories they went to to prove it. …But. I think he went to play with children incognito for a different reason.

Akira: Really? What other reason could there be?

Cain: I mean, it'd be like some kids asking me to play knights with them, you know? So what I think it was, was the joy and excitement of knowing that everything he'd done was now just something kids could act out for fun. So of course he'd wanna join in on that when the opportunity presented itself!

Akira: I see… (I know I've heard about how Central's first king, Alec, wasn't raised as a noble, but just a regular kid. That's how Cain was raised, too…) (…He probably doesn't realize it, but now that I'm thinking about it, the two of them are kind of similar, aren't they?)

[cainluvr69]

"His Large Hand Stroking My Hair" Cain SSR Card Story - The Same Relationship As Always

That day, we'd come to the City of Skyblue to check up on the abnormality that <the Great Calamity's> influence had caused. During our initial investigation, the thoughts of a girl who had died young, Ciel, had taken root in my heart… And to let her pass on peacefully, my wizards had to let me dote on them.

Cain: Master Sage, let me know if you aren't feeling well. Don't push yourself, alright?

Akira: Thank you. I'm still feeling in control of myself right now, so don't worry.

Cain: You sure? Well, good to hear. You're putting a lot of effort into what Ciel wants. Y'know, that whole "doting" thing.

Akira: Yes! …Although, to be honest, I really can't imagine you of all people getting doted on, Cain.

Cain: Haha, same here, honestly. To be honest, I'm worried I'm not gonna take to it well at all. I only want you to see me at my coolest, after all.

Mitile: Master Sage, Cain! Are you taking a walk? I saw a beautiful rainbow bridge over that way! I thought it'd be nice if you saw it too. If you want, I can take you there!

Mitile took both my hand and Cain's. It was so simple and innocent a gesture that both of us smiled at him.

Akira: (…Oh, I know!) Um, Cain. What if you tried acting like Mitile did just now?

Cain: Like Mitile?

Mitile: Like me?

I told Mitile what Cain and I had been talking about.

Mitile: …I see, I see. So you want to let yourself get spoiled for miss Ciel's sake, but you don't know the first thing about how to do that. So you wanted to mimic me…but I don't see how those two things go together?

Akira: Err, um, I was just thinking that the two of you are kind of alike. You're both active, assertive, and shine like little suns. But you have an older brother, so you're used to having someone look after you in a way different than Cain does… So I was thinking he could talk to you about it.

Mitile: Mmf. Doesn't that mean you think I'm acting like a child?

Akira: Oh, no no, that's not what I meant. I mean, there's a totally different reason why I find myself wanting to look after you…

Cain: I get what you're trying to say, Master Sage. Being around Mitile and Rutile makes me start wondering what it'd be like to have a little brother, and it makes me wanna start spoiling him rotten. …Like this.

Mitile: Wah.

The corners of Cain's eyes crinkled up in a smile, and he ruffled Mitile's hair with one hand. Mitile was startled for a moment, but then he smiled, too.

Cain: So, Mitile. Will you teach me how to let other people take care of me like that?

Mitile: … Umm, I'm not sure if I'll be able to teach something like that, but… I'll do my best to help you and miss Ciel out!

✦✧☾✧✦

Mitile nodded. He didn't seem upset about it, but he did look a little embarrassed.

Akira: Thank you, Mitile!

Cain: It's reassuring to have someone like you to rely on for this. Shall we start going to the rainbow bridge? You can hit me with some pointers on the way there.

Mitile: Sure, that sounds good. I'll lead the way!

Mitile took my right hand and took a step forward. Cain observed the simple gesture and nodded, having come to some sort of internal understanding about it, and extended his hand to me as well.

Cain: Akira. Is it okay if I hold your hand too?

Akira: …! Of course!

I had a flower on each arm, their hands warm enough that their body heat made it all the way to my heart.

Akira: (Alright, I need to work hard at doting on Cain, too!)

✦✧☾✧✦

The rainbow bridge was a bit far, so we took it easy so we could take in the sights and sounds of the town as we walked together.

Mitile: Th-the juice at that stall over there looks really good!

Akira: Ooh, and they've got all sorts of other drinks, too!

Cain: Since we're here, let's all get something. Pick whatever you want.

Mitile & Akira: Yay!

Akira: (…Wait, crap!) I'm so sorry! Isn't this the type of situation where I should be the one paying for your drinks instead to properly spoil you…?!

Mitile: You have a point… It's usually my brother treating me and not the other way around, so…?

Cain: Sorry, I'm really used to treating, too…

Akira: Alright, then it's time for me to shine! Pick whatever you want, you two. (…But will they really let me? Mitile especially doesn't like being treated like this by me…)

Cain: Thanks. Be sure you get something too, though. Let's see… I guess I'll just get a coffee.

Akira: (Oh, is he picking something out first so that Mitile doesn't feel bad about picking out what he actually wants?)

Cain's gesture of consideration made me gasp a little (just a little!) in admiration.

Akira: (Wait, no. I need to be doing better.) What do you want to drink, Mitile?

Mitile: I'll get the juice! The one on the menu, the special. It says it's made with a rare kind of fruit that's only found in the area.

Akira: Ooh…! So it's something that's totally unique to this town!

Cain: Man, I guess I'll get a cup of the apple juice, then. Listing to Mitile got me wanting some, too.

Akira: Of course. Alright, here we go…

✦✧☾✧✦

After we got our drinks, we continued our walk. Mitile immediately took a sip of his juice, eyes glittering with excitement.

Mitile: …Uu.

Akira: Oh, do you not like it?

Mitile: Well, it's just, a little too sour for me… I'm so sorry. You even went out of your way to get it for me…

Cain: Then let's trade. I don't mind sour stuff at all.

Mitile: Are you sure? Thank y-- …Wait, Cain! I mean, I'm happy for the offer, but…!

Akira: Cain, you've been the one trying to spoil us this whole time…!

Cain: Huh?! I can't even do something like this?!

Akira: (Me when I'm in a spoiling people competition and my opponent is Cain Knightley…!)

✦✧☾✧✦

As we continued on our way, we tried out different ways to spoil and how to be spoiled--and to be frank, I just couldn't get used to it. But we kept experimenting all the way to the rainbow bridge.

Akira: Woah, it's beautiful…!

Cain: This is amazing work… They turned the bridge itself into a canvas.

Mitile: It's so pretty, right! I'm so happy I got to show it to you. …Hm? Hey, Rutile's over there.

Akira: Oh, you're right. Heeeey, Rutiiiile!

Mitile: …He's not responding. Did he not hear you? Do you mind if I go get him? I want to show this bridge to him, too.

Cain: Sure, go for it. Thanks for bringing us here.

Mitile: Ehehe, you're welcome!

We saw Mitile off, and now that we were alone again, just us and the bridge, a reminder of what we were doing washed over us.

Akira: Trying to dote on others and trying to let yourself be doted on are a lot more difficult than you'd think, huh.

Cain: For real. I didn't think it'd be something I'd struggle with like this. But looking at you and Mitile just makes me want to start looking after the two of you, y'know?

Akira: Ahaha, I guess you're just a natural older sibling-type of person.

Cain: I dunno if that's what I'd call it, but… At the very least, I don't think that Ciel would be happy with us trying to force the issue of who's the one who gets doted on and who's doing the doting. …So can we go back to how we always are?

Akira: Yeah, we'd be kind of missing the point of doing this if it wasn't sincere on both our parts… Not a good stage for stilted acting, and all that.

Cain: Right? So, here.

Cain extended his hand to me. It was a gesture he clearly had a lot of practice doing, and yet it didn't come off as sleazy or insincere.

Cain: Since we're already here, let's walk across the bridge. May I take your hand?

Akira: …Of course.

I gently laid my hand on top of Cain's, and he squeezed it tightly.

Cain: …Yeah. This feels a lot more natural.

Akira: (It's true. This feels so much more comfortable…)

That sense of comfort, of safety and security in what we usually do, wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and I felt myself relax. I let myself stay a single step behind him, and looked up at his back with unguarded admiration.

Akira: Umm, Cain? I know that trying to intentionally get doted on would be a bit difficult, but, um… If there's anything you want from me, anything at all, just tell me and it's yours. And I don't mean just because of this situation! Any time at all, okay? You're always so kind to me, and I want to repay you for it.

Cain: Don't even worry about that kind of thing, c'mon. But…thank you. …Alright, I know. I do have one thing I want from you.

Akira: …! Of course, anything you want!

Cain leaned towards me, a smile flickering across his lips. He held up our connected hands almost…reverently.

Cain: Let me always escort you just like this. Will you accept my selfish request?

Cain's eyes, golden honey and ruby red jam, were so soft as he asked me that. His smile was the same as always, and he was still taller than me, of course, but something about his expression made it feel like when Mitile looked up at me with those shining eyes of his. My heart skipped a beat.

Akira: Of course, I'd be happy to. I'll be sure to remember.

And at that, Cain smiled so, so happily. The way we already were was the best way for us to dote on each other, wasn't it?

Training Episode: Good At Doting, Good At Being Doted On

Akira: (I'm feeling hungry… I think I'll drop by Shylock's bar and ask him for something.)

Cain: Master Sage? What are you doing up this late?

Akira: Oh, Cain. I'm just feeling a little hungry… Wait, what are you doing with that big basket this late?

Cain: What, this? Let's just say the bar's customers got a little too carried away at the bar tonight.

Akira: Carried away…?

Cain: Yeah. I was actually out doing some evening training in the woods when I started getting hungry, so I stopped by Shylock's bar and they all gave me this. There's all sorts of stuff packed up inside.

Akira: Woah, you weren't kidding!

Cain: Let's see. This bottle of wine is from Shylock, this bottle of water is from Faust, and these sandwiches are from Nero. And then Snow and Rustica packed them all into this basket to turn it into a picnic set.

Akira: Ahaha, that sure sounds like something they'd all do. I dunno if I'd call it them getting carried away, though… It sounds more to me like they all wanted to dote on you a little bit.

Cain: What, really? If I try to eat all this "affection" my stomach's gonna rip open again. Would you want to join me? We can have a nighttime picnic together.

Akira: Of course! That sounds lovely.

Cain: Nice. Off to the courtyard we go, then.

Akira: (Cain really is just plain good at doting on people, but he's pretty good at getting doted on, too…) (But I suppose that's why we all love him.)

[cainluvr69]

"Beyond the Diversion Called a Smile" Cain SR Card Story - A Lesson in Being Popular

Cain: So this is the house of the Sage's "Fated Someone"…

Chloe: There's chocolate absolutely everywhere! It's so amazing that they collected all of this from around the world. But anyway anyway anyway! It's their Fated Someone! Isn't that just soooo romantic?

Cain: Ahaha. You Western wizards sure love to talk about love, huh?

Chloe: Absolutely! I know that since the Sage is kind of in trouble today I should be a little more restrained and stuff, but I just can't help getting excited about this kind of thing! Hey, hey. You're super popular, right? Has anyone ever called you their fated someone?

Cain: Well, sometimes.

Chloe: Omigosh! Tell me more, tell me more! Me and the Sage got so startled we ran away, but what do you when that kind of thing happens to you?

Cain: Erm, well, it's not like I can accept their feelings. So… If they say it lightheartedly, I just laugh it off, but if they're seriously confessing to me, first I always thank them. They really had to screw up their courage to say it, after all. But after that, I turn them down very firmly. Right now I'm focusing on my duties as a Sage's wizard, and that means I can't accept the feelings they have for me.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe: …Wow. You're so cool…!! I… I definitely wouldn't be able to handle it the way you do. I'd be so worried about accidentally upsetting them or making them hate me that I'd get so worked up about how to respond I'd just… get stuck and not respond at all. …Even though I guess acting like that would make it all awkward and stuff. Even though we were just thinking about hypotheticals I started getting all upset…

Cain: C'mon, Chloe, don't get so down on yourself like that. Wouldn't they feel the opposite of that, anyways?

Chloe: The opposite…?

Cain: They wouldn't think it was awkward or get upset or anything like that. I think they'd honestly be happy about it. It's not like anyone enjoys knowing their feelings are unrequited, but I think that they'd be happy to know the person they love is considering their feelings so sincerely. After you let them down like that, I think they would still cry it out, but once they did, they'd think to themself, I'm so glad I fell for someone so wonderful. I'm sure you make everyone who loves you happy.

Chloe: … …Ehehe, I hope so. …I really hope that's true…! Thank you, Cain. I'm feeling a lot better now! Gosh, I really understand why you're so popular. I learned a lot!

Cain: Hahaha. Guess it was a good lesson for the West's young heartbreaker! I can teach you more whenever you want.

Training Episode: The Art of Being Popular

Akira: I'm back… Woah?! Cain, what's with all those packages?!

Cain: Oh… Is that you, Master Sage? Sorry. As you can see, I got so many presents I can't see past them.

Akira: Huh? You mean every single one of those in that huge mountain you're holding is all for you?

Cain: Yep. I had to stop by the capital for some personal business and then people just kept handing me them. I dunno if this waws planned or something but before I knew it, here I am with all of these.

Akira: Is today a holiday like Valentine's Day in Japan…? But gosh, you're as popular as ever, huh. But with so many of these you don't really know who gave you what, right?

Cain: …? No, I do?

Akira: Huh?

Cain: This box with the red ribbon is from the florist's daughter. This one with the blue wrapping paper is from a lady that runs a fruit stand. This long, narrow one is from the manager of a cafe on main street… Yep, I still remember all of them. I could tell you everyone who gave me one, and which one it was specifically, too.

Akira: Wow…!!

Cain: Ahaha, thanks. But this isn't all that impressive, really. I mean, every single one of them went out of their way to pick out a present for me, and then worked up the courage to call out to me and offer it. It'd be disrespectful if I forgot who each one was and started getting them mixed up, you know?

Akira: (He says it like it's just natural… But I guess that's what makes people like him so much.)

[cainluvr69]

i just realized i hadn't put like four card tls on the blog masterlist, so that's all been updated!