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Chapter 5: The House of Curses

{c}-`-,-

When Taiga came home, he saw no signs of Mr. Kiyoshi. But what he found instead was a short note for him on the table. Written on it with Mr. Kiyoshi's large and bold handwriting was: "Stay here. I'll bring back Tetsuya." After he had read it, he was gripped with a sudden sense of dread and urgency. 'Both of them have left me!,' he thought. He rushed out to the streets and called out for Tetsuya and Mr. Kiyoshi in a fey-like manner.

That was how Mr. Hyūga came upon the distressed young Taiga who was trying to force his way out of the northern gates. The young man would listen to no logic or reason, and Mr. Hyūga had to deliver a strong slap across his cheek before the young man finally came back to his senses.

It was a while before they got anything from him. Taiga kept muttering curses about a beast, and how he had to save Tetsuya and his father before it was too late. Finally, they gathered from his less coherent speech mixed with his mother tongue that Mr. Kiyoshi had gone off to bring back his missing brother.

"And what is this beast you were saying?" asked Mr. Hyūga .

Taiga made no reply. Instead, he turned to the guards and pleaded to be let out.

"No can do lad," said Mr. Nakamura. "Orders came in yesterday that the gates are to be closed by sundown. No one is allowed in or out, except those with special permission from the mayor. Robbers have been up and about, and it's no longer safe at night."

"But if it is of any comfort to you, I didn't see Kiyoshi-san pass this gate," added Mr. Kawaguchi. "Your father might still be in the city. You better check the other gates just to be sure."

Taiga reluctantly turned back, and let himself be led by Mr. Hyūga to their home. The table was already set for three, and Mrs. Hyūga was waiting for them with a warm supper.

"Wash your hands first before you head to the table," ordered Mrs. Hyūga . "And before you say anything, I didn't do the cooking. I had Mrs. Izuki cook for us with the groceries I bought." Everyone in the neighborhood knew that Mrs. Hyūga Riko couldn't cook for the life of her. How Mr. Hyūga have survived their married life was ever a mystery to the young and unmarried folk.

They said their prayers and ate their meal. All throughout supper, Taiga was grim and silent. After they have eaten, Taiga rose up to clear the dishes, but Mrs. Hyūga told him to leave it be. Taiga already knew what was coming.

"You used to run here whenever you had a fight with Teppei," said Mrs. Hyūga . "He could be very stubborn and obstinate, but you are young, willful, foolhardy, and equally stubborn, if not more so. But even if we are not related by blood, we think of Teppei as our brother, and even consider you and Tetsuya-kun as our own sons. Junpei and I couldn't have children, but the two of you were there, and we helped raise you as one of our own. In fact, where would you be now had we left Teppei to raise the two of you on his own? Now, I know that Teppei is hiding something from us, and I respect that. But if it is something that concerns your and Tetsuya's well-being, then we wish to be part of that secret. You and Tetsuya-kun are not only Kiyoshi's children, but also ours, and it is also our concern. Tell us, Taiga-kun, tell us what really happened."

Taiga gave in and told them everything that happened. When Mr. Hyūga asked him about the beast, Taiga retold the full tale of Mr. Kiyoshi's mishap in the woods, including the beast and their bargain.

"I understand it a little better now," said Mrs. Hyūga. "I was with Teppei the whole day, keeping watch as I was bidden to, and he was quiet and thoughtful the whole time. He was holding a piece of paper, a letter I think it was, though he would not permit me to see it. I had left by mid-afternoon to purchase groceries for supper, and I wasn't aware of the madness that had taken him then. That fool! That obstinate fool!" she said heatedly. Then she rose and tugged at Mr. Hyūga 's sleeve to do the same. "Come, Junpei! We're going to find that insufferable man, and when we do, I shall make sure that he stays in bed for at least a week, even if I have to break his legs!"

Taiga was heartened at her words. Hope was rekindled in him, and he was ready to follow her to whatever end.

"Take the torches and the fishing spear," said Mrs. Hyūga . "No wild beasts should come near us once they see us armed with both flame and steel. Also, we should take some dried fruits. I warrant that we'll be out for the whole night."

They all dressed up in their traveling clothes and prepared their packs, Taiga borrowing some of Mr. Hyūga 's old clothes. Mrs. Hyūga had gone to the Izukis to tell them that they would be out, but when she came back, Mr. Izuki was with her, all geared up and hooded, holding another fishing spear and a pack slung on his back. He was going with them. Taiga grew more hopeful; Izuki Shun has the sharpest eyes in their neighborhood.

They found that Mr. Kiyoshi had passed through the western gates just before sundown. Mrs. Hyūga managed to persuade the guard to let them pass. The night watch had fell on one Tsuchida Satoshi – the Hyūga's and Mr. Izuki's good friend.

"Just keep this a secret between us. I'll be dead if they find out," said Mr. Tsuchida nervously.

And so they left the safe walls of their city. They lit no torches yet, for fear of being spotted. They went around the walls, until they reached the north part. From there, they went into the woods, and it was only when they were a good distance from the city that they lit their torches. Months and years later, many stories would be told in the city about many balls of fire that were sighted in the old haunted forest, flickering this way and that, and even wailing according to some accounts. They were said to be spirits of those long gone, buried under the avalanche, only to surface a decade later to haunt the forest. Taiga's fear of ghosts and of the old forest later on stemmed from those stories.

In the meanwhile, the four companions stayed close together. It was dangerous to travel in the forest at night, and the sickle moon gave little to no light. They agreed that Mr. Kiyoshi couldn't have made it far since he was injured, and it should only be about three to four hours ago when he had left. They tried calling him out, but every time they did, there was no response except for the rustling of the leaves and the hooting of the night birds. They continued their search long into the night, without sleep, and with only four short breaks.

The sky had started to change hues when Mrs. Hyūga called them to stop.

"I think we're going at it the wrong way," she said. Then she turned to Taiga. "You said that Teppei got lost following the old northern road. We should have better luck if we follow it too."

And so they went back and followed the main northern road. The sun was starting to peek out of the eastern mountains. Dark and ominous clouds loomed over the horizon, promising heavy rain. The people living outside the city were already up and going about their morning chores; people in those parts would wake up on the first cock's crow long before the break of dawn. Some greeted them, and others asked where they were off to. Taiga asked them about Mr. Kiyoshi, and some said that yesterday evening, they saw a man limping his way along the road.

"A man this big and this tall, say you?" one of them said, making gestures with his arms. "Aye, I've seen em. Told em to stay the night, but he says he's in a hurry. Dunno where he's off to, limpin' like that. I hear that the old Furihata couple took in someone last night. Might be your man. Their lad passed by here, also in a hurry. Their house? Up ahead before the fork where the old road meets the new one."

Taiga and the company were suddenly filled with hope. Their weariness was completely forgotten, and they rushed to the small cottage the man pointed to.

The cottage was fenced with wood, in like manner to most of the houses in that area. There was a small garden in front, and the roses and lilies there were in bloom. And like most houses in the area, the walls of the house were made out of stone bricks cemented together with mud, and the roof was made out of straw. Taiga also noticed a narrow dirt path that led to the back and the edge of the woods, and a little wooden hut hidden by two old oak trees.

They called on the gates, and they were greeted by an old woman with white hair messily tied up into a bun, a wrinkled face, and a warm smile.

"Good morning, sirs and ma'am," she greeted them. "What may you be wanting?"

"A fine morning it is, although it looks like a storm is coming," answered Mr. Hyūga . "I heard that you have taken under your care an injured man you found last night."

"I might have found your man, and I might have not. But who are you, and what may you be to him?"

"I am his son, Kagami Taiga is my name," answered Taiga. "With me are his friends: Izuki Shun and Hyūga Junpei and his wife Riko."

The old woman suddenly lightened up and became more friendly. "My, my, so you are the Taiga-kun! Come in, come in! It's no use standing outside. My son went out to buy some medicine." They were ushered in, but as they crossed the threshold, an old man came at them with a raised club.

"Who's troubling my wife? Let me have them!" cried the old man.

The old woman came next to him and shouted, "They are guests, dear! You shouldn't be swinging that club when your back's hurting! That one there is Kyopi-san's son! I told them that Koushiro went out to buy his medicine!"

"It's Kiyoshi, not Kiyopi!" shouted back the old man. But he lowered his club and took a seat at the small table at the center of the room. "And our son is long dead! That one was Kouki, our grandson!"

"Oh, nonsense," said the old woman. "Kouki is only six! He's with his mother!"

"Bah! There's no use talking some sense into you!" said the old man.

"Kousuke! Mind your manners, or there will be no cake for you." Then the old woman turned to them. "Forgive him. He's just having a sore time because of his back."

Taiga's companions were amused by their exchange, but Taiga was getting impatient. And so the old Mrs. Furihata led him to the room where Mr. Kiyoshi lay. He was stricken with fever, and the balm for his knee was on the side table. Taiga quickly ran to his side and stayed with his father.

"I found him last night," said old Mr. Furihata to Mrs. Hyūga . "Mistook him for a dead bear, I did. Poked him a couple of times, and then my wife came and told me off. 'Don't go poking at the poor sick man!' she says to me," he laughed.

It was then that a sweaty young man – older than Tetsuya, but younger than Taiga – arrived at the door, out of breath. "They ran out of medicine. I'll have to go to the city to get it." Then the young man noticed the strangers, and became silent.

"That's my grandson Kouki," said the old man. But Mrs. Furihata exclaimed, "Koushiro! You're covered with sweat! Come inside and have a drink."

Taiga heard what went in the common area, and he volunteered to bring Mr. Kiyoshi to the city instead. Indeed, it would be much faster than having one run on an errand and back.

"Take this with you," said the elderly woman. She gave Taiga a small parcel wrapped in woven leaves. "Kiyopi-san took a liking to my honey cakes last night."

"My wife makes the best honey cakes here," said the old man. "You better savor every crumb of it!"

"I can't thank you enough for everything you've done," said Taiga. Then he took a small pouch from his belt and handed over a small silver coin and three copper coins. "This is just a small amount, but it's all I have at the moment. Take it."

The old man took the silver coin, and bit it. Then he immediately spat out. "Pah! It tastes no good. And it's as hard as a rock!"

"Dear, it is those shiny little things that Koushiro loves to collect!" shouted the old woman to her husband. The young Furihata just ducked his head and averted his gaze, feeling embarrassed by the sudden attention.

"What would they want these for? You can't eat them. And they look pretty useless to me," said the old man.

"I don't know, dear. But I heard that city folks love these shiny things!" his wife replied.

In the end, Mrs. Furihata only took the silver coin because it looked shiny and pretty. She gave it to the younger Furihata, which the young man embarrassingly accepted and bowed low in gratitude. To make up for their poor gift, Mrs. Hyūga offered her husband's service to chop some firewood, to which the old couple accepted with very much delight. And Mr. Izuki decided to go with Taiga to carry both their packs – Taiga insisted that he should be the one to carry his father.

And so, they helped Mr. Kiyoshi climb on Taiga's back. Mr. Kiyoshi was a large and bulky man – and he was sometimes called a bear by some of the children in their place – but Taiga was surprised and amazed that his burden was light! Either Mr. Kiyoshi had lost a considerable amount of weight from his many ordeals, or his love for his father gave him new strength. Or perhaps he knew that what he was carrying wasn't a burden; it was the weight of his own father.

Back when Taiga was young, Mr. Kiyoshi used to carry him on his back whenever he was sick or injured. He remembered Mr. Kiyoshi's back was large, and warm. But the Mr. Kiyoshi he was carrying right now felt rather smaller. Had he grown that much? Or did his father just shrink? It felt strange that he was carrying him now, yet he felt that he could walk even up to the ends of the earth carrying his father on his back.

It was thus that Taiga, Mr. Izuki, and Mr. Kiyoshi headed back to their city, while Mr. and Mrs. Hyūga remained with the Furihatas to offer what help they could give. It was already mid-morning, and Taiga had just reached the northern gates of his city, when it began to rain.

...

Tetsuya stood under the heavy rain. It was already mid-autumn, and the rain was very cold, but it reminded him much of his brother when nothing could inside that mansion – except for the kitchen, perhaps. He remembered the days gone when they were still very young: when he and his brother would run out of the house and play under the rain, especially during summer. They would run around the streets, barefooted, and clad only in their breeches. Mr. Kiyoshi would join them sometimes when he wasn't busy – though he preferred to be fully clothed, unlike the two of them.

He briefly wondered if they were also having the same rain. The city and their little home seemed so far away, but if he thought about it, they were still under the same sky. They might even be under the same rain, and that thought made the distance less unbearable.

Why did he choose to stay? Why did he not leave, and go home? A part of him wished that Midorima had convinced him to go with the plan, but a part of him also did not want to disappoint Akashi. He wished that the beast had just remained as 'the beast': distant and unnamed. He would have been able to leave then.

Casting those dreary thoughts aside, he went to the stables to check on Snowmane, and also to see to Nigou's injury. He was relieved to find that the dog was fine, except for the slight limp on its right hind leg. He had in mind to bring Nigou with him inside even if he wasn't sure if it was allowed – though seeing that more than half of the residents were beasts, he sees no problem with allowing his dog inside. But Nigou and Snowmane had become closer friends over the days, and Snowmane would appreciate the dog's company more than him. And so, he bade them both well, and went off.

On his way back, he caught a glimpse of Aomine's favorite peach tree. It was bent alarmingly low. He thought that it might be the wind at first, and he feared that it might break the tree, but the wind was far from strong to bend a tree, and the elm tree nearby stood upright. He went to check the tree, but saw Aomine sleeping peacefully under its eaves despite the heavy rain. As he got closer, the tree seemed to shift – or it might be just the rain playing tricks on him. He took shelter under the tree, and called out to the sleeping panther.

"Aomine-kun, there's no wind, but this tree looks like it's about to snap. Are you sure it's alright taking your nap out here?" he asked.

"Leave me alone," the panther mumbled, half-asleep. "The tree is fine. She's always like that."

"Aren't you cold? Inside is warmer, and a lot dryer," he tried again.

Aomine opened an eye, and closed it again. "I could say the same to you. You're soaked. Go back inside."

The tree shifted, again.

"Shut it, Satsuki. You'll whine if I leave anyway," the cat grumbled.

Tetsuya frowned. "My name is Tetsuya, not Satsuki. And I was merely concerned of-"

"I wasn't talking to you," interrupted the beast.

Tetsuya looked around, but saw no other living creature in sight. "Have you finally lost it, Aomine-kun?"

The panther sat up and started. "Lost wha- No!" Then it turned to the trunk of the tree. "Fine, I'll introduce you to him, so stop nagging me already."

The panther was acting queer, and Tetsuya did not know what to think about it.

"Don't look at me like that," said the panther to Tetsuya. Then it raised a paw and motioned towards the tree. "This is Satsuki. Momoi Satsuki. She's an acquaintance of sorts." Then the panther paused, as if listening to something. "Fine, I get it already. She's a friend," the panther said with mild irritation. "I've already told Satsuki about you, so – I told you to stop it with that look!"

"You're saying that you're friends with a tree?" asked Tetsuya dubiously. He knew that people talked to pets, and even to trees sometimes – the latter being funnier, not in a humorous way, but in a strange manner. But to talk of befriending a tree was quite... different.

"She has not always been a tree," said the panther. "She's my childhood friend. Our parents arranged our marriage, so it's more accurate to say that she's my betrothed." Tetsuya was never told that panthers also held marriages. Then he thought that, perhaps, it was the same with all other animals. After all, he was taught that children were blessings bestowed by God to a married couple. Animals must also be married if they can have children – Akashi did believe in some god.

"What happened then? Why is she a tree now?" he asked, getting curious.

"She was cursed," answered Aomine.

"By cursed, you mean a black magic of the sort?" asked Tetsuya. The panther nodded. "I have never seen magic of any sort before, and I must admit, I never truly believed them. It was not until three days ago that I have seen it for real. I have never really thought about it before, but I think it was magic – Midorima-san's magic, I believe – that put me to sleep that evening."

"It was," confirmed Aomine.

"Then magic is real," exclaimed Tetsuya, his eyes wide with amazement. "I wonder if faeries and dragons are also real. I have read stories about them, but the adults say that there are none." The tree shifted again, and Tetsuya was pulled from his thoughts.

"I'm sorry. I got excited. I have never left the city before, except to go hunting with my brother. It is my first time being so far away from home. It is also my first time meeting beasts that could talk; no one ever told me that beasts like you exist. And so I thought that maybe other beasts from the stories also exist."

The panther seemed amused. The leaves of the tree rustled, and a peach fell. "I don't know about dragons, but my tribe believes that nature spirits exist. They are quite similar to the faeries in your tales." Then the panther motioned to the peach that fell. "It seems that Satsuki likes you. The fruit of this tree never falls unless it is by her will. She is giving you that fruit."

Tetsuya picked up the fruit and held it. It was warm on his palms, unlike the biting cold of the rain. "Thank you, Momoi-san," he said to the tree. Its leaves rustled, and Tetsuya felt it smile.

"I often see you under this tree," said Tetsuya. "'Now I am beginning to understand why. You are kind, Aomine-kun, to keep her company despite the heavy rain."

"Me? Kind?" Then the panther laughed. "I don't need to stay under the rain just to keep her company. But if I sleep here beside her, I could meet her in my dreams."

"You must have been very close," said Tetsuya.

"Sometimes, I wonder," said the panther. "If it weren't for me, she wouldn't be like this."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

The panther seemed to be reluctant to answer. "I was the reason she got turned into a tree," it answered.

"What happened?" he pressed on. "I mean, pardon my asking, I don't mean to pry. Momoi-san seems very nice, and I just-"

"It's a long story, and it's too early to be dealing with a hundred questions," interrupted the panther. Then it huffed and lay back down, covering its eyes with its paws. "You could ask that wizard if you wish."

"Ask Midorima-san? Why him, and not you?" he asked.

"Because he was the one who turned Satsuki into this," answered Aomine. The leaves of the tree rustled again, but this time Aomine payed no heed to it.

Tetsuya remained silent. He stayed there, until the weather grew too cold for him in his wet garments, and he excused himself and went back inside.

…

Tetsuya did not see the wizard during lunch. Murasakibara had told him that the wizard was busy setting up a spell in the courtyard, and he gave out specific instructions not to disturb him, nor have anyone come inside the courtyard. Tetsuya was greatly disappointed. He had wanted to see some real magic up close, but more than that, Aomine's words bothered him. He did not believe what the panther had told him; he could not imagine Midorima cursing anyone, grim though he may be. But he also did not think that the panther would lie about such matters. He had wanted to ask the wizard what was it all about.

As the wizard was indisposed, he found himself with nothing to do. It was still raining hard outside, and he did not feel inclined to clean inside the mansion. He had not asked for permission yet, and he did not want to touch any of the expensive-looking things lying about – broken or unbroken. He felt that it would be sacrilegious to do so.

So now, Tetsuya just sat in one of the cleaner chairs of the dusty drawing room – for most rooms inside the mansion were dusty except for the kitchen and the store rooms for food – and he was watching as the rain hit and fall down glass with a bored look on his face. It was then that Kise came along, and seeing the forlorn look on the young man's face, he decided that they should go explore the mansion.

"Are we even allowed to?" asked Tetsuya.

"It's fine, it's fine," said Kise with a dismissive wave of his hand. "No one told us not to. And if Akashicchi gets mad, well... we could just run! Why, that would be fun!"

The old man was persistent, and so, Tetsuya reluctantly gave in. They started in the drawing room, tapping the walls for hollow areas, and searching behind paintings and tapestries for any secret stash.

"You arrived here a lot earlier than me. Haven't you explored the mansion yet?" asked Tetsuya.

"I already did my bit of exploring," answered Kise. "But there's always a new hidden door or a secret passage somewhere, especially with mansions as old as this one. My own mansion was filled with those. I imagine that that house was made out of cheese, and someone keeps on poking new holes that went through this way and that," he said, making wild gestures with his hands. "I used to poke holes on our big blocks of cheese when I was a youngster, and our cook would often chase me out with a frying pan," he chuckled. "But where were we? Ah, the secret ways. I could remember at least half a dozen in my own home, but even now, I don't think I've seen all of them yet."

Then the old man went on and on, describing every nook and cranny of his mansion. Tetsuya only payed half-attention to his tales, as he doubted that half of the old man's tales were even true. A secret passage leading to a room filled with gold sounded like something out from a children's story. But so did talking animals, and as they went on searching for hidden treasures, he was starting to feel like he was inside a story book.

They did not find anything out of ordinary from the drawing room. And so, they proceeded in like manner with the dining area, the adjoining kitchen and scullery, and the pantry that was connected to the kitchen. There was another door directly across the hallway from the kitchen, but it was locked. Kise have never seen it open before, but he was convinced that it led to the Great Hall. They lingered in the pantry for a while, tasting the goods that were in there – which were mostly food like bread, cheese, eggs, fruits, and other greens – before they were chased out by an irritated Murasakibara.

"Don't eat in the pantry. If you want something, just take it and leave," said the rabbit as it tossed them out into the hallway and closed the door behind them. Tetsuya caught the rabbit's muffled voice from inside saying, "Now I have to clean up their mess before the rats could come in. What a pain."

Right across the pantry was the courtyard. They did not enter it, as it was still raining and they were bidden not to enter it. But Tetsuya saw through the slim black pillars that the wizard was kneeling in front of the rose bush with his hands cradling the last remaining rose. He seemed to be whispering something to it.

"He's been there since mid-morning," said Kise, following Tetsuya's gaze.

A sudden thought came to Tetsuya: what if the rose was also cursed, like Momoi? Maybe that was why the beast was so mad when his father took a flower. He wondered what the rose might be to Akashi; could it be his lover, like Momoi was to Aomine? If so, then Tetsuya thought that the beast's anger was justified; she must have been a very lovely beast because it was the most beautiful rose.

"Do you think that that rose is also cursed?" asked Tetsuya.

"Cursed? If you mean it in a way that deals with foul arts and the sort, well, I don't rightly know," answered Kise. "But it does smell unnatural. It has the strangest smell, unlike a rose, but also like one."

Then, they went on. There was a staircase at the end of the hallway just next to the pantry. Right of them was a narrow hallway, and the ceiling and a small part of the wall had collapsed, blocking the way. Rivulets of rainwater fell down on the debris, flooding the floor of that area, until the water escapes to the northern entrance of the courtyard. Tetsuya briefly wondered what could have caused the breach of the wall.

On the second floor, left of them was the same narrow passage as before, but the floor have entirely collapsed down to the first floor, as they have already seen below. Kise said that it led to the eastern wing, where the more important rooms were. Tetsuya felt embarrassed that he, a mere merchant's son, was allowed to stay in one of those rooms.

"Is there any other room that I could transfer to?" he asked.

"Why, is there a problem with your current room?" Kise asked back.

"No. But I'm not used to all the grand things. It makes me feel, well, small, or something of the sort."

Kise laughed. "Not that you aren't short enough already. Well, there are other rooms in this wing. But you'll be glad to have yours once you see them!"

The first room they passed by was a small store room for cleaning materials. Then, next was four empty, mold-ridden bedrooms with flea-infested mattresses. Tetsuya was now he was grateful that he was given his current room, even if it was a lady's room. There was a fifth room, but it was locked. Kise told him that the wizard chose that room for himself because it was nearest to the library.

"The library?" Tetsuya exclaimed. "You should have told me about it first! Let us go there now!"

"Patience, my boy," said Kise with amusement. "There's an order to things, and we must go to the drawing room first, which is the next room."

At the end of the hallway, next to the wizard's room, was another drawing room. It was larger and grander than the one in the first floor. But unlike the room below, this room looked untouched for several years. They did find a secret stash by the far end wall, and inside it was a dozen swords and rapiers all encrusted with red gems on their golden and silver hilts. The color of the gems reminded Tetsuya of Akashi's right eye, and he thought that, perhaps, it was no coincidence.

Right across the drawing room, and the last room in the west wing, was the library. Tetsuya was ecstatic as soon as they entered it. It wasn't as large as the one back in his city, but it was many times grander than their local library. Huge redwood shelves about two-man high filled with leather-bound books were lined up along the walls. In the middle was a wide space with six small wooden study tables lined in two rows. There was a set of stairs at the back that led to an elevated platform, and more important books and maps were shelved there. Between the last two shelves on the platform farthest from the entrance was a strange door without a handle or a knob, and it didn't seem to open outwards when he tried to push it.

There was another table on that platform, richer in color and material than the ones below. On it was a stack of large books with titles like 'Natural Philosophy', 'Thaumaturgy', 'Alchemy', and 'Herbs'. He flipped open the topmost book that was labeled "The Nature of Thaumaturgy" and tried to read the first paragraph. Unfortunately, it was too hard a read for a simple young man like Tetsuya.

"My, I didn't know that Kurokocchi is learned with letters," remarked Kise. "But you are reading the wrong book. Those are Midorima's books, and they are as unfriendly as he is. You are better off reading stories or poetry."

"I used to have a tutor back when we were better off," answered Tetsuya. "Back then, I was taught reading, writing, social etiquette, the market, and trading. But you're right. I don't really like to read hard books like these. I'm more for stories about adventures – with fairies, dragons, magic, heroes and princesses to be rescued, and tales of that sort. You are well-traveled Kise-san. Do you think they're real? We have talking beasts here, and even a wizard. But what about fairies and dragons? Surely those stories must have come from somewhere."

The old man paused to think. Then he answered," I am old and very forgetful. I can't remember seeing a fairy, or a dragon. Well, if I've ever seen a fairy, and if they are even half as beautiful as the tales tell, I would have been sorely tempted to take one as a bride. But don't you worry, Kurokocchi. I don't plan on ending my travels yet, and if I ever do see a fairy or a dragon, I'll send you something like fairy dust, or even a dragon scale!"

"I appreciate the thought, but it would be better for your health and my peace of mind if you would settle down," answered Tetsuya with honesty. "You aren't getting any younger, Kise-san, and I worry about you."

The old man just smiled. "Why, but that is precisely why I must be getting off my feet! It is a wide world out there, and there are still many things left to see. One life is far too short to see everything, and I mean to see all that I can before my feet becomes too tired to take another step. You are young, so you better start running – else you'll get too old before you notice the years passing!"

They stayed in the library for a while due to Tetsuya's insistence. Tetsuya browsed the books on the shelves and found some to his liking. He started reading then, but it didn't take long before Kise got too bored and started whining. Tetsuya had no choice but to give in.

Because the shortcut to the eastern wing was blocked, they had to go the long way back to the first floor, round the corner of the Great Hall and the Dining room across it, and past the Drawing room until they reached the towering doors of the Great Hall. It was barred from the inside. But from the sheer size of it, Tetsuya guessed that it would take at least four strong men to push it open.

The Great Hall was at the center of the mansion, and it was also right in front of the way that led to the entrance. The drawing room was the first room west from the entrance, and the receiving area was the first room to the east. Unlike the drawing room, the receiving room only had chairs and thick rugs by the fireplace. Back in the old days, it served as a room for music and poetry where the family and their invited guests would gather around and sing or recite verses.

Across the receiving area, and right next to the Great Hall, was a smaller door that was also locked. Kise believed that it led to the chapel since he had not seen one inside that mansion yet.

"I wonder why it's locked," said Tetsuya. "Doesn't Akashi-kun pray? I gather from our talk last night that he is a believer."

"Well, I don't know his reasons. But I didn't know that Kurokocchi also prays," said Kise.

"Of course I do. Any responsible man would," answered Tetsuya.

"Strange, I thought you're still a boy!" exclaimed Kise. "You could still be mistaken as one. You should have taken advantage of it and skipped your prayers. There's no fun in them at all! They are quite tiring and monotonous."

"You shouldn't mock it, or disaster shall fall upon your house," reprimanded Tetsuya.

"But I don't remember my own house, so it should be alright," shrugged Kise dismissively. Tetsuya chose not to give any comment on that. Perhaps misfortune already fell on Kise and his house, and that was why he couldn't remember.

Round the corner was the garderobe, the servant's quarters – which was almost as large as the Dining hall – and another set of stairs at the corner between them which provided easier access to the resplendent rooms of the lord and his family on the second floor.

Next to the servant's quarters was the buttery. There, they lingered for a while among the barrels of beers and ales. Most of the barrels were dated ten years ago, and there were only three which were drinkable and recently dated: one of which was dated the year before, and the other two were dated three months ago. The latter of which were brewed by Kise himself when he just got into the mansion and found no suitable ale. The other barrel was brought by the wizard for his personal use, and Kise didn't like the smell of it. Kise, being proud of his work, gave him a mug of his own brew.

"This is as good as the beer we serve in our inn, or perhaps even better!" said Tetsuya with amazement after he drained his mug of Kise's draft.

"It should be!" answered Kise. "I have traveled through many countries, learning the secrets of their making. My secret ingredient was the roses of this land. The roses of this country are the finest I've ever seen or smelled. And so, I took their buds and placed them in my brew."

"I have never thought of using flowers in brewing," said Tetsuya.

"Then you better start learning," said Kise. "Learn, while you're still young. I can teach you what I know, then you could teach your sons what you know and a little more that you've discovered yourself. Then bit by bit, son after son, one generation after another, your brew will only get better and better! Ah, but once you reach my age, you'll wish that you've learned how to make cures for creaking joints instead!"

At the corner of the room, they found a concealed door that Kise had not found before – which was strange since it was in plain sight, just hidden by a large tapestry. It led to a smaller room in between the buttery and the larder, the room next to the buttery. There laid upon shelves of red hardwood many labels of wines, a few even dating back from a hundred years before! Tetsuya was very impressed by the selection of wine, both local and of foreign made. But Tetsuya was even more impressed by the old man's knowledge about wine; he recognized most of their labels, and even knew their country and the history of their making.

"Kise-san, who are you?" Tetsuya wondered aloud.

Kise clicked his tongue. "Have you forgotten my name already? I'm Kise Ryōta, and in case you've also forgotten your name, you are Kurokocchi Tetsuyacchi. Hmm... your name sounds very odd. Maybe I should give you a better name! How does Ryōta #2 sound? You can call yourself Nigou in short. Doesn't that sound like your dog's name? Why, your naming sense is as good as mine!"

Tetsuya suddenly wanted to give his dog a better name. "Of course I remember both your name and mine. And my name isn't weird, you only make it sound weird," scowled Tetsuya in annoyance. "And no, thank you; I am quite content with my current name. But who are you, really? From your stories, I thought that you might be a lord, or a noble. You know a lot about expensive wines, and you said you even own a mansion. If you're a lord, where is your province? And if you're a noble, which kingdom do you belong to? If you were indeed so important, why are you here alone?"

The old man paused for a moment, scratching the stubble on his chin. "I don't know," he finally answered. "I can't remember a thing. I was wandering, over the mountains, across the rivers, and through the forests, all in search for that answer. That was when I found Akashicchi, or Akashicchi found me if you want their version of the story. Akashicchi knows a lot, from the most noble king to the most humble lord. I thought he'd have a clue as to who I am. So here I am, waiting for him to remember."

"How long have you been waiting since?" asked Tetsuya, now getting curious.

"Three or four moons, I believe," answered Kise. "But Akashicchi probably knows the exact date and the exact hour. I don't understand him, but he is like that, always keeping track on things. Why would a beast need to do such things? Why, I don't know. He is an odd beast. But you could always ask him why."

"I did not ask about that," said Tetsuya. "But now that you've brought it up, I realize that I know almost nothing about him, or the others. How about the others? Do you know anything about them?" he asked.

"Curious lad, aren't you? Well, I can't say I know much about them, just as I can't say I know much about you. They've all been here long before me, except for Midorimacchi who's just visiting, and a frequent visitor he is, if I might add. He comes and he goes when and where he pleases. Ah, but doesn't that sound a lot like me?" said Kise with a twinkle in his eye.

"But if you ask me, Aominecchi is the queerest of them all," the old man continued. "He talks to that tree of his every day and every night. There's something strange between him and that tree. And the tree answers," he added the last one in a low whisper.

"If you're talking about Momoi-san, then I've already met her," said Tetsuya bluntly.

"You did?" asked Kise in surprise. "Well, that spoils my fun. But come now, she's a pretty lady, isn't she?"

"Pretty?" asked Tetsuya. "That's an odd way to describe a tree. 'Beautiful' would be more fitting, if I may say so. Pretty is for tiny flowers and small creatures. But I did not know that female trees are also referred to as ladies, nor did I know that trees also have gender until I was introduced to Momoi-san."

"I believe you haven't really met her yet," answered Kise. "Did not Aominecchi tell you? If you sleep by her roots, then you can meet her. Ah, if only I were younger, I might stand a chance against Aominecchi."

"Please stop fooling around, Kise-san," said Tetsuya in an admonishing tone. "Momoi-san isn't even a woman. It's very inappropriate of you to insinuate such sordid affair."

The old man burst out laughing. "You have much to learn, young one, much to learn indeed!"

Tetsuya's questions just grew more. Unfortunately, Kise seemed to derive much amusement from his confusion, and the old man would just shrug off his questions with a laugh. He did not get anything more from him.

The larder was the next room, but they did not linger there for too long. Murasakibara arrived shortly after they have entered the larder, and had kept them under his watchful eyes. It seemed that the rabbit was developing an uncanny sense of knowing when a food storage was in peril.

Across the larder was the eastern entrance of the courtyard, and next to it was another set of stairs that also led to the more prominent rooms of the lord's family. Tetsuya had not used these stairs yet as he had always used the narrower one next to the garderobe. Out from the window by the stairs, he could see that the rain had died down to a drizzle, and the mid-afternoon sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. Muddy pools dotted across the backyard, and dead branches, broken twigs, and leaves blown by the wind were strewn all over the weedy yard. He had a lot more to clean-up now.

From the second window that faced east, he saw the panther still laying underneath the peach tree. Now that he was aware of Momoi's story, he thought that the tree – with its boughs and eaves arched and bent over the panther – looked as if it was trying to shelter the panther from the rain. Somehow, the scene felt so precious, and yet it also saddened him at the same time.

Up the second floor, the first room nearest to the staircase – and the smallest in that wing – was a storage for clothes and fabric. Most of the clothes were covered in dust, but on the table at a corner were clothes that have been recently washed. Most of them were of Midorima and Kise's size, and to his surprise, a few were of his size. They were all richly embroidered, just like the first set he had destroyed – he still felt bad about that piece, even if the beast told him not to mind it.

"You still don't like clothes, don't you?" asked Kise, noticing his frown.

"Not clothes in particular," answered Tetsuya. "Just these ones. They look so fragile and expensive, I don't know how you move about with them without fearing that they might get stained, or ruined."

"Well, we don't mind," said Kise. "But come now, let me show you something more interesting."

Kise dragged him out of the room, and went past three large rooms to their left, the first of which – as Kise told him – was the room the beast was occupying. The second room had the insignia of the mansion engraved on the door, and it looked like the most important room out of the three. The last of which was, of course, the room Tetsuya was currently occupying. He was slightly perturbed that Akashi was actually just two rooms away from his. He was just glad that they were on friendly terms now.

They did not enter any of those room. Instead, they went for the only room to their right at the end of the hallway before the corner where that floor's private garderobe was.

The room Tetsuya was led to was the solar room. The state of the room was the first real eye-opener for Tetsuya. The curtains and tapestries were torn down, the expensive-looking vases were broken, and some of the glass windows that overlooked the front yard were shattered. The wooden table was cracked and split into half, and the chairs were in pieces. Paintings were also torn, and the sculptures broken. Even the intricate rose-patterned design of the mantelpiece bore a large claw mark. It looked like a beast went on a rampage inside the room, which may not be very far from the truth. Although Tetsuya already knew that the beast was dangerous, staring at the proof still shook him.

But there was one plain white cloth, grayed with age, that covered something hanging above the mantelpiece. It was, perhaps, the only thing that was intact when all the things around were torn asunder. He was much curious as to what it might be hiding, but he felt that it was something very private. He dared not touch it... at least not yet.

Kise beckoned at him from up the elevated platform that was similar to the one found in the library. He went up. He saw a door at the farthest end, but unlike the one in the library, this one had a knob.

"It's a one-way door to the library," said Kise. "This room is for the private use of the lord and his family. But that is not what I wish to show you. Over here, quick!"

Tetsuya went to where the old man stood by the wall opposite of the windows. There, on the wall a little below his eye-level, was a peephole.

"Use it, use it!" urged Kise.

And so Tetsuya did. Behind the looking glass, he saw wide arches of the ceiling of the room beyond. He could make out murals on the ceiling, depicting the clouds and the sun. A part of the opposite wall near to the ceiling had a gaping hole was about a child in height and twice a man's arm in width. The hole overlooked the courtyard outside, but the cloudy sky didn't help much to brighten the dark room.

Then, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, and the room was flooded with its soft light, if only for a short while. He gasped in astonishment and wonder, for the room he was looking at was the Great Hall of the mansion.

The hall was two stories high, and the peephole was located right above the entrance; it provided a great view of the empty room. It was at least forty feet wide and thrice long. The pillars were of polished grey stones, and the floor of smooth red and pink marble. At its longer sides was each a long table running from one end to another. There were about thirty candelabras for each table, some were silver, and others were bronze – or perhaps even gold. Dusty embroidered tapestries lined the long walls, and Tetsuya guessed that they were bright red and gold in color during their better days. Tetsuya briefly wondered how the entire manor looked like in its golden years.

"So, how is it?" asked Kise with a knowing look.

"It's the grandest thing I've ever seen," he admitted. "I wonder why Akashi-kun keeps it locked. Do you know the reason, Kise-san?"

"Don't ask me, I don't know," answered Kise. "Akashicchi is a strange fellow. The reasons may be as many as the count of the leaves on a tree, or as few as none. But I know a few reasons why I might lock something up. It could be that what's inside is too precious to me. Or it could be that I want it to be hidden from sight. Or it could be that I want it to be forgotten, and I would probably forget about it myself too, as such is the way of things that have been hidden away for many a year. But again, the reason could be as simple as something like: the great hall is too big a dining place and too troublesome to clean."

After that, they went to Tetsuya's room. Tetsuya was reluctant to go over the room, not knowing what he might find inside a lady's bedchamber. But his reluctance and discomfort only served to amuse Kise, and the old man made sure to use every opportunity to tease him. By now, Tetsuya didn't know why he still went along with the old man's antics, just that it won't sit well with his conscience if he left the old man alone to 'die in boredom,' as Kise had put it.

They found some jewelry boxes filled with rings, earrings, necklaces, headdresses, and brooches with large rubies, amethysts, and other gemstones. On top of the lavish gem-laden dresser, they found some bottles of perfume and sweet smelling oil, and at least a dozen of hair brushes and fancy combs. Inside the wardrobe hang silver and golden girdles encrusted with jewels. But there were also flimsy nightgowns and silk undergarments, and Tetsuya felt so abashed that he vehemently refused to take another look inside the wardrobe. Tetsuya felt very uncomfortable knowing that he had slept in the same room where all those expensive – and some embarrassing – things were.

But Kise kept looking inside the wardrobe. He was convinced that there was a secret stash, or a hidden passage, inside it.

"Why are you so sure that there's a hidden passage here, Kise-san?" asked Tetsuya. He no longer wanted to continue their search, not after the wardrobe incident.

"Of course there should be. This is the lady's room, The Lady's, mind you," answered Kise as if it was obvious. "A secret passage or two is useful for a midnight tryst. Ah, but you are too young for that, Kurokocchi."

"I did not have that in mind," snapped Tetsuya. "And I am not too young; I'm already fourteen. I could already get married if I wish," though he didn't know what married couples actually do inside the hidden confines of their rooms. All he knew was that it could involve a lot of kissing, and on somewhere more intimate than hands, cheeks, or brows.

Kise gasped. "When did that happen, Kurokocchi? Only yesterday you were seven. I even remember carrying you around."

"That never happened," interjected Tetsuya.

"You shouldn't grow up too fast, young man," said Kise, ignoring him. "You'll miss a lot of good things if you do. You won't be able to flip the skirts of pretty women and get away with it as a prank. Once you grow up, they'll accuse you as a pervert!"

Tetsuya was about to retort that he wouldn't mind missing childhood in that case, when Kise suddenly cut him off.

"Aha! I knew there was one!" exclaimed the old man. At the back of the wardrobe Kise was going through was an odd-looking wall that was slightly off in color than the rest. They pushed it, and it swung opened.

And there, at the other side, was another room, much larger than the previous room. It had a private study at a corner, and a display of swords and a full plate armor near the fireplace – all bearing the insignia of the mansion. On another stand was a black chain mail and a silver surcoat bearing the same insignia. On the wall beside the door hang a large banner bearing the noble family's standard of a red rose with a golden crown and a red jewel.

"I knew it!" exclaimed Kise. "I should have known that it connects to my room!" he said.

"From the engraving of the door outside, this should be the most important room," said Tetsuya. "But why are you staying in this room, and not the lord of the mansion himself?"

"He didn't want to, so I took it for myself," answered Kise. "That aside, he already has his own room – surely, he has no need for two!"

They went through the room. Kise was already very familiar with the room and its furniture, and showed Tetsuya two secret compartments he had located: one at the side of the bed, and another on the wall that separated that room to Tetuya's room. There was nothing inside as both had been emptied long before Kise's arrival.

In his search, Tetsuya noticed something odd about the study table. There was a thin side drawer on the right side, large enough to store quills, and a pair of reading spectacles. The left side was only decorated with the insignia of the house. There was nothing wrong with the design, but being acquainted with wood crafting because of his trade as a toy maker, he thought it was rather suspicious. Or perhaps he was only suspicious because he have seen a lot of large toys and know their secrets – some toys could even store gold and make it look inconspicuous.

He knocked on different sides of the table, and found it strange that it was almost the same all throughout, despite the little hollow for the side drawer. He felt the underside of the table, and found a little notch that his nails could fit through. He believed that a coin would have been a better fit, but as he had none with himself, he just made use of his nails. He pushed it, and slid it open. Then he felt inside, and took out something hard. It was a red leather-bound notebook with a name on the lower left corner written with gold ink in a neat flowing script: "Akashi Masaomi".

"Did you find something there, Kurokocchi?" asked the old man.

Tetsuya handed him the notebook. Kise excitedly flipped through the pages, and Tetsuya waited with anticipation. Then, the old man's excitement died down, and he placed the thing down.

"They are all numbers and figures," said Kise. "How disappointing."

Tetsuya flipped through the pages, and his eyes widened. It was filled with numbers of very large transactions, basing on the weight of gold and other currencies involved. He carefully replaced it inside the hidden compartment and went on his way.

Through their search, they found a hidden staircase at the bottom of the fireplace. The bottom was removable, revealing a narrow staircase beneath. They slowly descended the stairs and nudged the door at the bottom and on their left. With a strong push, the door opened, and then they found themselves in a narrow room with a dozen of dark wooden pews lined in two columns – six on one side and six on the other. The aisle was covered by a red carpet thick with dust and many holes done by pests. At the center was an altar and a golden cross.

"It's the chapel," Kise said with a cough. He used the sleeve of his coat to cover his nose, and Tetsuya did likewise. Tetsuya briefly wondered how long it had been since the place was cleaned. He also had a sudden urge to pray, even if he didn't know if it was the right hour. Time was hard to keep track in that place, especially when there were no bell tolls to remind him of it. He made a quick prayer, which was predictably interrupted mid-way by the old man.

"There, there it is!" Kise suddenly exclaimed, though it was muffled through his sleeves. Nevertheless, excitement shone through his eyes, and there was a bounce in his step. "That door should lead to the great hall!"

They nudged at the door, and it creaked open. And there, in front of them, was the great hall.

The sheer size of it was overwhelming, especially when there was only two of them in that large hall. Their voices and footsteps echoed throughout the stone walls, and it felt rather intimidating. The hole on the upper wall have let the late afternoon sun in and made the room more visible than not. The long red tapestries towered on both sides, and now that Tetsuya had a closer view, he saw that the patterns on them were actually roses.

Then, at the end of the wall near the towering doors, he saw portraits of old and middle-aged men lined up on the wall They all wore lordly clothes, and all bore the rose and crown insignia on their breast pockets and on their sword hilts.

Tetsuya was struck with a sudden realization.

They were men, not beasts. Men used to live inside that mansion.

He counted eleven lords, before it stopped. The portraits of the 4th and the 10th lord seemed to be missing. But at the bottom of the last portrait, written in the artist's spidery script, was the name "Akashi Masaomi: 13th lord of the Rose Manor." Then, the portrait was signed by one "Kitagawa Masato".

He suddenly felt foolish. He had always thought that the beast, Akashi Seijūrō – if indeed that was his right name – had always owned the mansion. But he should have known better; all of the things inside that mansion – the spoons, the knives, the ewers, and the plates – were made for human use. For Men, not Beasts!

Then who was Akashi Seijūrō?

"No one looks furry enough," remarked Kise. "I wonder from who did our Akashicchi take after."

"Kise-san, do you think Akashi-kun killed the previous occupants?" asked Tetsuya.

"I don't know," answered Kise. "But I sure am glad that he didn't kill me, and nor did he kill you." Then Kise gasped, "Kurokocchi, are you sure he didn't, and that you're not a ghost?"

"Please stop being ridiculous," said Tetsuya. "Of course I am no ghost. We have established that already. "

"But that was two days ago. A lot of things have happened since then, like the wolves from yesterday," reasoned Kise.

That two days ago seemed like it happened a long time ago. He could barely believe that only three days ago, he was back at home, going through their tiny kitchen for travel food; only three days ago, he was with Taiga and Mr. Kiyoshi; only three days ago, Akashi Seijūrō was just another beast.

…

The dinner of that night was Tetsuya's first time to have with the other residents in the dining hall. Everyone was present, all except for the wizard who have retired back to his room earlier that evening. But during the whole affair, Tetsuya's mind wandered elsewhere. In his mind's eye, the hall was changed back to its earlier years and was restored to its former glory; when the floor was without a spec of dust, the chairs did not remain unused, and the walls without a dangling cobweb; when candles burned bright and the hall was flooded with light; when maids pass by from one entrance to the other, carrying dishes laden with food, and servants stood at the side waiting for their masters. And around the table were lords and masters of great renown, talking about the country's affairs, and forks and knives clinking with their plates as they feasted in that room. Where have the servants, the maids, and the great lords gone? What had happened, so grave that a part of the wall was torn down, the furniture broken and thrown in disarray, and the expensive artworks shattered and scattered about? Why now, do beasts occupy that mansion instead of men?

He dully noted how awake the panther was, in contrast to all their meetings. It did not use a spoon or a fork, but it also did not gnaw on its meat like the manner of wild beasts. Instead, it used its claws to bring the meat to its mouth, like how one would use a fork. And the panther talked rather loudly, especially when it was bickering with old Kise.

The lord of the mansion sat hooded and silent at the end of the long table. The seat to his right was empty, but to his left sat the sleepy-looking rabbit. The lord, he observed, was meticulous with the use of his utensils, but the rabbit, in contrast, used its bare paws to pick up its greens.

It was odd, he thought, how man-like they could act. They all sat or perched on their chairs, and ate food from their plates. They talk, and they wore man clothes. And yet, all of that was only a make-believe. Once, real men occupied that mansion, sat where they now sat, and ate on the same plates.

His stomach churned when he thought that they might have killed the previous occupants. He did not want to believe that, not when he was starting to get to know them. Especially not Akashi. The lord had saved him, and had treated him with gentleness. And yet, had not the lord threatened him and his father at first? Was he being led on? He suddenly felt sick. He lost his appetite, and was silent all throughout the meal.

…

After the awkward dinner, Tetsuya sat in the courtyard to think. He had half-hoped to see the wizard there, but he was not. Now he felt alone, with only the enchanted rose as a companion. He found it strangely sad that there was only one left, and that it was already starting to wither. His love for roses seemed to be deeply rooted that he cannot hate it, even if it was the cause of their anguish.

"Do you feel lonely too?" he asked it. But it didn't give any sign that it heard him.

He had tried touching it a while ago, but before his fingers could touch it, a painful shock ran through his fingers and down to his arm. He knew then that it was the wizard's doing. He wondered what the rose really was, what it was to both Midorima and Akashi, and why do they treat it with much care.

That was how Akashi saw him on his way out for his night hunt. Tetsuya stood up and did him a courtesy bow, but Akashi just waived him off.

"You have not been yourself during supper, and you have not eaten well. Is your leg still bothering you?" asked the beast.

"Nay, my lord," he answered. "Midorima-san's medicine was very effective that I have completely forgotten about my leg wound."

"This is an unusual act of politeness that you are showing to me. I prefer your straight-forwardness than this imperceptible distance between us. What is it that bothers you?" asked the beast.

"If you pardon my saying, it is you, my lord," answered Tetsuya. "You say this, yet you do that. You mean harm to my family, yet you saved me also. You confuse me, lord."

"You are starting to call me 'lord' rather than my name. And you refuse to look my way. I perceive that you have not told me everything. I can smell your fear and confusion. And yet, I cannot sense any anger from you, which is what I would be expecting from the little I know of you if my endangering your family was your main concern. Something else bothers you. But how can I know what is wrong if you tell me not? How can I answer if you ask not?".

Then Tetsuya felt ashamed. The beast had saved his life, and was even willing to put up with him, yet he only repaid him with suspicion.

"I shall be honest with you, Akashi-kun," he said at last, facing the beast. "I do not know what to think about you. Are you a friend? Or are you an enemy? You threatened to kill my father and harm my family, yet you saved my life. I am eternally grateful and much indebted to you, and it will tear me if you're still planning to harm them. But now I've learned a little more about of you, I can't imagine you doing so. Did you really mean to kill my father? And what would have been his fate had he remained here?"

"Which question should I answer first?" said the beast. "Whether I am a friend or an enemy, that is for you to decide. I can be either, I can be both, and I can be none. As for your father, I never had the intention to kill him, nor did I intend to harm your family. I may be capable of doing so, but I do not kill needlessly. I threatened your father to serve as a warning to all, and as a punishment for his deed. If he had surrendered himself, I would have had him here as you are."

"I do not see what benefit it is to you in keeping either of us," said Tetsuya.

"I have my reasons," answered Akashi. "Part of it, as I have told you before, is to serve as a warning and a reminder."

"What of the other part?" he asked.

"Had Ryōta not told you?" asked the beast. "If not, then I shan't. It might spoil whatever it is that we found in you. Nay, I would have you remain as you are."

"Kise-san and Akashi-kun seemed to derive a lot of amusement at my expense," sulked Tetsuya. "That is hardly fair."

"That, we do," admitted the beast lightheartedly. "But if you truly wish for something to do, then you could continue with your garden work, as futile as it may be," teased Akashi.

"Then I shall. I shall turn it into the most beautiful garden, just you wait and see," declared Tetsuya stubbornly.

The beast chuckled. "You rise to the bait too easily. Do not make promises that you are not sure to keep. They could haunt you like curses. "

Then Tetsuya fell silent. "It has been on my mind lately, after I learned that Momoi-san was cursed," he said at last. "You told my father that you would have cursed us if he did not honor your bargain. But you told me that you would not have us harmed. What would have happened if we did not honor the bargain?"

"The curse was real, Tetsuya," said Akashi. "The moment I said it, the curse was already at work."

"What do you mean?" asked Tetsuya, suddenly wary and fearful for his father and brother. "I didn't know – or rather, I don't want to believe that you also deal with dark arts."

"I do not," answered Akashi. "One does not need magic to curse another; one only needs to invoke the right words. Hurtful words, or words that wish ill to another is, perhaps, the simplest form of a curse. For, when ill would indeed strike them, they will be reminded of the person who had 'cursed' them. Their conscience would make them believe so if they've earned that person's spite. As for the curse I have laid, it was simple: Had your father broken his promise, he would have been reminded of me every time he would see or hear another beast. And every ill that would have befallen him, he would be reminded of the ill he had done to me."

"Would not that only breed more spite and revenge?" asked Tetsuya. "I came here for that purpose at first."

"Do you not listen to what your parents and grandparents teach you?" said Akashi. "Had they not taught you not to curse anyone? Malice only breeds more malice."

"Now you sound like Midorima-san," said Tetsuya. "But if you knew that it would only breed more malice towards you, why did you do it?"

"I am a beast, Tetsuya," answered Akashi. " In the end, I shall only be seen, treated, and feared as one. Even if I had not laid that curse, still I would be hated, for I am a beast, enchanted beyond their understanding."

Tetsuya was again silent for a while. Then he said, "I don't know what to think about everything you've said. You are the enemy of my father, but you are also my savior. I should hate you for putting my father through a lot of pain – he is a kind man, and I know for certain that it would eat away his conscience. Yet, I also sympathize with you. I do not know what that rose was to you, but if it was indeed so dear to you, and we have unwittingly caused you much grief, then I shall gladly give you my life in payment for it. If I should spend my whole life trying to make amends, then shall accept it."

"I have doubted you," admitted Tetsuya. "When I saw the portraits of the past lords of this mansion, I thought that it might have been your doing that they were no longer here. But after our speech, I don't think that you're capable of such deeds. Now I can stay here and be comforted that the lord I shall serve henceforth is wise and just."

"Then I shall be honest with you too, Tetsuya," said Akashi. "I do not think that you should waste your life under my servitude. That rose was both precious and important to me, yet I have already accepted my fate a long time ago. Nay, I only wish you to stay with me until my doom comes, and that only on your free will, for what I will tell you next will probably change your mind."

"You have told me that you thought it was my doing that made the previous lords disappear," he continued. " You are partially correct. I caused the disappearance of all the other inhabitants in this mansion. You said that I was wise and just. Nay; I was clever, but not wise; I was rightful, but not just; I was absolute, and I was foolish to have thought so. The emptiness of this mansion was the price for my foolish deeds."

For a while, Tetsuya was silent, pondering through all of Akashi's words. He tried to recall everything he knew about Akashi. Then, he finally spoke up, "Still, I shall stay with you, Akashi-kun. I owe you my life, and it is the least I could do. You said that you have caused the people here to disappear, but I don't believe that you've killed them, or at least you didn't mean to. I am no judge of beasts, but I am observant with my kind. And I say that you don't feel like someone who does murder, at least not without a just reason."

"And also..." he paused and walked in front of Akashi. With the beast's silent permission, he slowly drew off his hood. "You said that you're a beast, and that you would only be seen, treated, and feared as one." He took one of the beast's large paw, and placed his other hand on top of it. He felt Akashi tense up, but didn't withdrew his paw. "And yet, even if you are a beast, your hands are strangely gentle. Because of that, I have stopped fearing you. And now, I see not only a beast, but also my savior. And I treat you not as I would a beast, but as I would a friend."

With those words, something was stirred inside the beast. The boy did not know, but it was actually him who constantly reminded the beast that he was once human, and it was his words that gave him hope.

"You are full of surprises, Tetsuya," he said with a sad smile. "Your words give me courage. If only you have come here sooner, then I might have had more hope. But it is too late now. My doom is at hand, and I only wish that you would be there until the end. Then you shall be free."

"You speak lightly of your doom, but it grieves me to hear it," said Tetsuya solemnly. "You speak of being a beast with much scorn, and your speech is that of someone who had lost all hope. You walk as if you carry a very heavy burden. What is it that you carry? You speak as if your doom is certain. Are you ill somewhere?"

Then he paused. "Or are you, perhaps, also cursed?" he asked in an almost inaudible whisper, remembering Momoi and the enchanted rose.

But the beast heard it nonetheless. He tensed, and drew back. "Even if I am, there is nothing you can do to undo it. Had you been born inside a body of a maiden, still my chances are close to none. Nay, I have been doomed right from the very beginning the curse was laid. For which maiden could look at me without trembling in fear? Had I not tried many times, only to suffer a thousand times more? Who could love a beast?"

With that, the beast stalked off. Akashi's words stayed with Tetsuya for the rest of the night. He had pondered about them until late at night, and they was his last thoughts before sleep finally took him.

Story Notes:

Literacy – Most peasants in the middle ages could not read or write.

Trees and Gender – Unfortunately for Tetsuya, trees don't have 'gender'. Most trees can produce both male and female parts in their flowers/cones, but some produce only one part.

Parts of the Mansion

Some of these are not found in the Medieval period. The Drawing Room, for instance, did not appear until the Renaissance period. Also, I just added the reception area of the Rose Manor, which is like a bare parlour, or a foyer in a separate room.

a. Solar Room – Similar to the drawing room, but it is a private room only for the lord and his family.

b. Drawing Room – for purposes of the story, I made this into a common area. Unlike the receiving room, it had tables and was somewhat like a solar room for everyone's use.

c. Buttery – storage for beer and ale.

d. Larder – Cool area where meat and other longer-lasting food were stored. They function like a refrigerator during their time. The larder was usually found in the north and eastern area of a house because it was usually the coolest part of the house.

e. Cellar – The cellar is a separate room from the buttery where the drinks fit for the lord and his guests are stored, most of which were the expensive wines.

f. Scullery – Room for washing dishes and doing laundry.

g. Pantry – used to store food that won't last long, such as bread.

h. Great Hall – Usually the largest room. The Great Hall is primarily used as a meeting and dining area.

i. Chapel – Most castles and mansions have their own chapels. They are commonly found at the east side of the castle/mansion.

j. Garderobe – medieval toilet.