The Cursed Kingdom

Chapter 7: The Black Knight

"Rest in Pieces, dear lady." Harrod laughed his face wild with power. Mandalay stepped back and she let out a scream as the burn of Harrod's power surrounded her.

"KAI!"

An arrow knocked the crystal from Harrod's palm shattering it to pieces on the ground and causing the magic he released to wane and evaporate to clouds of smoke. Mandalay let out a gasping breath, and all heads turn in the direction of the shooter.

A person clad in all black armor stood atop a strongback stallion that brayed and bat its hoof into the ground.

"You will harm no one else today False King! Take your men back to your hole and cower like the rat you are!" The voice, bellow and deep, threatened him and raised another arrow. "Flee! Or the next arrow I loose will plant in your black heart!"

"Tch…" Harrod looked down at the shards of his crystal and then up at the shining black knight that threatened him. Normal lacrima crystal didn't break so easily. Without the main source of the magic, the copies he'd made were fragile and less powerful. He needed to find a way to make them stronger and more travel easy. "Quite a nuisance aren't you?"

"Final warning, Harrod. Leave now, or die!" The knight took two steps towards him. His guardsmen stepped up ready to defend but he held up his hand. The small squadron was enough to ransack a village, but Harrod's experience and eye could tell this was no ordinary knight. His talents could cut through his small army, depleting his resources even more than they already were.

"Very well, we will retreat for now. My threat still stands, however." He crouched to pick up the shards of crystal. "This little demonstration was just the tip of the iceberg of my true power. Once I gather my forces together, the rest of Yueii will tremble at its brilliance!"

He snapped his fingers and the guards stand at attention around him then begin their march back towards the Shadowlands. Mandalay fell to her knees, her face pale and eyes filled with relief. The Black Knight strut to her, shouldering the bow and kneeling in front of her.

"Are you alright, Lady Mandalay?" The Black Knight took her trembling hands and folded them between his gloves.

"Yes, Thank you…" She looked around, the villagers already desperately trying to put out the fires and retrieve what they could from the wreckage. "Was it all a bluff, or is his power truly greater than this?"

"A man like Harrod doesn't bluff." The Black Knight spoke ominously. "However it will take him time to regroup with his men and make more weapons. Since the lacrima was so fragile it means all of it is man made, and not natural lacrima. His powers aren't as strong as he'd like to believe, and I imagine the lack of supporters is causing him to act foolishly."

"I have to say…" Mandalay smiled. "Your reputation certainly proceeds you, Sir Black. When I'd heard of your valiance I knew you're exactly the person I've been looking for to assist my prince."

"I'm honored you'd say so, but-" The Black Knight lifted his helmet and tossed the flowing mane of black hair from the helmet. "I fear I won't be as helpful as you think."

"Lady Yaoyorozu!" Mandalay bowed graciously and her eyes sparkled. "This is such a surprise. Many believed you'd hung up your sword for life."

"For a time I did… but Lord Tokoyami convinced me otherwise." She placed a hand over her heart smiling both affectionately and grievously. "He and for a time Lady Izumi helped train me in secret. I owe them both justice for their dismal fates."

"Death is the most dismal of fates, I agree." Mandalay held her heart.

"Lord Tokoyami is dead, this is true… but I do not believe the lady is."

"What?" Mandalay's eyes widened in shock. "Are you certain?"

"Yes," Yaoyorozu motioned her to her horse. "I've business in Tattooin. Please join me in the trip there, and I shall explain everything. You'll want to pass this message onto Prince Kai as well."

~Tattooin~

Kai awoke in his bed feeling groggy. His natural clock woke him before dawn, and he hated it. He just couldn't seem to sleep thoroughly through a night. Each and every one of his senses that he'd honed could sense something was off. The vision he'd had the day before still bothered him too.

"Uncle is making a move…" He stood half naked and walked to the window to throw it up and let in fresh morning air. Taking a deep breath he could smell the fresh morning dew, and the yeasty scents of fresh baked bread. The town was just starting to come alive with bakers opening their shops, squires and merchants hurrying along to run their errands before tending to their clientele.

If he were back in the palace… Mandalay would be waking him up for breakfast before beginning the first of his many lessons. He imagined Hikari was going through something similar. Thinking of Hikari had him thinking of the kiss, and his heart did a slow roll in his chest. It was difficult to believe he'd grown so fond of her despite their limited contact. He thought maybe it was because she was Izumi's daughter. They had such similar looks and their love of adventure and magic was apparent. Still Hikari wasn't Izumi... her spitfire and rebellious nature was so different in comparison to Izumi's quiet calculation and stern look. They both were kind, and sweet, but Izumi's had a natural and maternal feel whereas Hikari was bright and sunny and so ridiculously attractive.

She was only 12, but he could clearly picture her as a woman. He imagined her willowy; she'd be taller than Izumi and more graceful too as Hikari had the elegance and grace of royalty. Her hair she would keep long but he could see it styled in intricate braids, and coils. Though Hikari seemed to prefer more woodsy attire, like her mother, he imagined she'd become more accustomed to wearing gowns and formal attire as she'll be charged with attending royal affairs and events.

He could picture himself with her… after her retained his throne and royal status he could properly court her. He would visit Tatooin as often as he could, assuring that no other man would vy for her heart. They'd walk the gardens, talking about each other's lives and the gossip spreading throughout it. They'd take rides across the gorgeous countryside he'd become so fond of, and have picnics beside the river. When the time came he'd propose to her in a way that would be significant to both of them. Light and Darkness would come together, the Hero's Kingdom and the Shadowlands would be joined kingdoms. He would choose a successor to govern the Shadowlands in his stead, and...

...and he was getting ahead of himself.

This wasn't the time to daydream about the future. In order to make any of that come true he first had to take back his throne. In order to do that he needed to continue his training, then rally support to his cause. Given enough time he may even be able to convince King Shoto to help secure his kingdom, especially if he knew that his sole purpose was to protect and marry his daughter.

Liking the idea he admired the palace with pure affection and sat on the sil to stare up at the glass windows catching the light of the sunrise.

"Good Morning, Hikari."

~The Palace~

"Can't… Breathe… UGH!" Hikari wheezed and cried as Eri and two other handmaidens cinched up the corset Duchess Mira had insisted upon. "Why do these things exist?"

"From what I understand it provides an alluring silhouette to attract male suitors." Eri finished tying the strings and straightened Hikari's shoulders. "Proper posture will help ease the strain, Princess."

"Now I know why the Duchess is so cranky. If I had to wear this kind of thing everyday I'd be cranky too." She let out slow easy breaths and admired her form. "Then again.. This dress really brings out the curves. I look like a woman in this." She slipped on the colorful dress over and spun around admiring it's fabric.

"You look wonderful, your majesty." Eri smiled and sat her down running a brush through her hair. "You also seem very happy."

"I am happy." She rubbed her necklace between her fingers smiling dreamily. "I finally got to see Kurai again, and he promised to come see me whenever I wanted. He's so handsome, and charming, and his magic is so fluid and practiced. I've never seen such exquisite use of magic before."

"He did seem nice." Eri agreed and started to braid her curls in an updo. "Valiant, and strong like a knight, and yet he spoke so eloquently. Are you sure he's not a noble?"

"I don't know…" She rubbed her necklace between her fingers. "He's from the Shadowlands I know that. He was my mother's apprentice."

"Really? He was an apprentice to Lady Midoriya? I've heard such wonderful things about her." She finished the braidwork and assisted her up by pulling out the skirts so she wouldn't trip.

"So have I… I have only a few memories of her but they're all good ones." Hikari sighed and she walked to her jewelry box and opened it up. She pulled out the strip of leather that held both her mother's ring and red tooth. She tapped it watching the ring catch the light. "I remember her smile the most. Daddy says mom could heal you by just smiling at you."

"I wish I could have gotten the chance to meet her." Eri admitted. "From what I hear you favor her a great deal." She took the coronet from the jewelry box and set it elegantly on her head. "Everyone says you've her charm and beauty, but your father's elegance and grace. As lovely as you are now, when you truly blossom as a woman there won't be a noble alive that could resist you."

"Well…" Hikari tucked the ring and tooth back into its case and then folded her hands together. "Lucky for them there's only one man I want. I don't care if he's a noble or not… Kurai and I are destined for each other. I can just feel it."

With her back straight and head held high, Hikari gracefully walked towards the dining hall. The sweet scents of cinnamon bread pastries, and fresh fruit greeted her and she sat at the table across from the Duchess and to the right of her father.

"Good morning, Papa, Duchess Mira."

"Good Morning, Hikari. You look lovely." Shoto smiled at his daughter, pleased that her manners were well in placed, yet her pride and fire remained in tact.

"Thank you, Papa." She smiled and sat up straight as she draped the napkin over her lap and proceeded to properly handle her silverware and cut into her breakfast.

"You do look quite presentable…" Mira acknowledged sipping at her goblet. "I would perhaps go with a different style for your hair. This braided look seems a bit too severe."

Hikari's temple throbbed but she kept the smile in place.

"I'll keep that in mind for tomorrow's attire." She said with some polite strain. She stabbed her fork into the meat before gingerly cutting it and putting a miniscule bite into her mouth.

"Izumi used to wear her hair like that." Todoroki said, trying to soothe the conversation. "I think it's beautiful."

"Really?" Soothed and delighted by the notion Izumi turned her brilliant dual pigments on her father. "I was thinking of her this morning. I even pulled out the necklace she wore... The one with yours and Uncle Baku's favors."

"Mmmmm…" Shoto's eyes took on a sudden sadness but he smiled at her nonetheless. "I'm glad you've kept them all these years. I feared since you lost her so early on you wouldn't remember much of her."

"Everyone says I look a great deal like her. I have a few memories that still come to mind when I think of her." She pushed her plate forward so she could lean on her hands and think back on the precious memories. "I remember her laugh, and her bright spirit. She was always talking, always theorizing, and her hands were so expressive when she talked." She demonstrated by spinning one hand leisurely in the air.

"Ah…" Shoto too took on a very nostalgic look, but his was full of grief and pain. "She could talk your ear off when she was in work mode. Still her happiness and obvious joy for her work just made you eager to listen."

Mira looked to the King her lips pursed in a frown. She'd hoped that once her daughter arrived she could let them bond and work towards a mutual engagement… but the memory of Izumi Midoriya would be a large blockade in that regard. Deciding to add in her two cents, Mira set her own silverware down and dabbed her mouth.

"I never got the pleasure to meet her in person. I'd heard all kinds of things about Izumi Midoriya, but the one thing that was consistent was her honesty and fairness. I imagine she wouldn't have been the most elegant of queens, but she'd be fair. A pity she died so tragically."

The mood took a drastic turn and the air became stagnant. Shoto cleared his throat before nodding his agreement.

"It is tragic, but I prefer to see Izumi in the way she was during life, not in death."

"Me too…" Hikari agreed. "Plenty of people think of the tragedy of my mother's death, and so very few remember her as she was." Struck with a sudden idea Hikari's eyes took on a wondrous expression. "Papa what if we did a commemorative statue for her?"

"Hmmm?" Shoto raised a brow. "Another one?"

"I know you put one in the square next to All Might, but I'd like to do another one in the gardens. Yeah mom was a brave warrior and mage, but she was also a pure and kind soul, and she was your queen. She should be acknowledged for something other than a heroic tragedy."

"As touching as that notion is, Princess." Mira folded her hands in her lap not liking where this was going. "While your mother and father were engaged they were not legally married so she was not his queen. It'd be out of place to host her statue in the gardens."

"Legal or not-" Hikari started but Shoto raised his hand to silence her.

"Legal or not she was still my queen." Shoto stood up eyeing Mira with a cool gaze. "No other woman has ever tempted me to think otherwise. I've had dozens of potential brides worthy of the title, but Izumi holds my heart and my counsel even in death."

He paused and looked to Hikari.

"Hikari I need a moment alone with the Duchess. Could you head to your lessons first."

"Yes, Papa." She stood and curtseyed and did her best to hide the smug smile gracing her lips as she walked away. The moment she left Shoto turned his cold gaze back to Mira. The look had even a woman of her stature trembling.

"I know you mean well, Duchess, but if you speak ill of Izumi again I'll have you removed from my court."

"I beg your pardon, King Shoto, that wasn't my intention." She sat back scowling. "I'm merely concerned for the future. A man of your breeding, impeccable looks, and infinite suitors should have already moved on."

"I know what your true intention is, Mira. I've known from the start that you want your daughter and I to make a connection. I can promise you that won't happen." He told her outright.

"Majesty…" Mira stood with him, her hands folded primly. "You've been in mourning for nearly eight years. Surely you must think of moving on and providing this kingdom with a queen they deserve."

"I already have. Izumi was and still to this day the queen I have chosen. Despite the ups and downs of our relationship I've never once regretted offering my heart to her. I'll see that the people will remember her for the kind and honest person she was by doing exactly as Hikari has suggested. There will be a statue made that displays her beauty and kindness and what she has done to better this kingdom."

"What has she done?" Mira folded her arms looking positively cross.

"If it weren't for her this kingdom would still be under my father's rule. While many saw him as a strong and noble King he was also selfish and cruel and hardly fair. I'd all but given up my title, tossed away my responsibilities and crown by the time Izumi came into my life. I'd have been content staying a peasant and living the rest of my life by her side, but Izumi wouldn't have it. She saw the kind of king I could be, she saw the good I could do for this kingdom and it's her faith in me that has kept me going all these years. No one, and I do mean NO ONE will ever take her place in my heart."

He watched Mira's crossed expression go even more sour. She struggled to remain composed and calm, but the fury inside her was plain to see.

"Your daughter is the only heir you have. Just what sort of queen do you think she'll be if you give her no example to follow?"

"Hikari will become her own queen. I've asked you and Lady Momo to counsel her and make sure she takes her duties seriously. What she chooses to prioritize and value will be up to her. I won't give her the same chains that my father gave me." Shoto turned his back on her, his capes swirling as he strutted out. "I look forward to seeing your daughter again, Duchess Mira. From what I remember she's far more companionable than you."

~In Town~

"You need to find a new workroom." Kota said with obvious distaste. With the money he'd earned making potions and healing materials Kai had bought himself a small space near the Inn to set up his workroom and business. During his months of absence the place had gotten dusty and several of the ingredients were ill kept and in need of replacing.

"No I just need to take better care of the one I have." Kai insisted and sniffed the contents of a jaw making a face. "Blegh, that's ripe." He poured the contents into his cauldron, the brown ooze that bubbled in it making the potion break down.

"The hell is in that thing?" Kota peered his head over. "It smells like horse dung."

"It basically is. A lot of potions could have a toxic effect if not properly disposed of so I found a way to break down the materials organically. Once I'm done I can sell it off as a potent fertilizer."

"Who's gonna buy it when shit is free?" Kota complained holding his nose.

"I could always offer it to Izumi's family down at the farm." He poured another into the pot. "I've been meaning to introduce myself. I think it's about time I met them, and King Shoto as well."

"You do remember that King Shoto hates you, right?" Kota leaned on the doorjamb. "Mandalay says he blames you for his queen's death."

"He's a right to… but I can hardly marry his daughter without his consent." Kai glanced back with a smile and had Kota blinking in surprise.

"You're joking, right?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" He stood up tall and held his heart. "She's still young so marriage won't be for another few years, but she's the one Kota. She's always been the one."

"You're only infatuated with her because she reminds you of Izumi."

"That may have a factor but it's not the whole package." Kai paced the room thinking to himself. "Hikari is… she's… god how to explain it?"

"You're hopeless…" Kota grumbled and glanced behind him when he heard horses. His body quickly jerked around when he spotted the figure in the wagon. "Kai!"

"What?" Kai came up behind him, and both shouted with obvious delight.

"MANDALAY!" They rushed up, Kota snagging her first and spinning her in a circle before letting Kai do the same.

"My boys…" Mandalay sighed with relief and hugged them both. "Look how you've grown. Such handsome young men you've become." She bowed her head a little. "Prince Kai you've become so dashing."

"We were worried." Kai kissed her hands then hugged her to him again. "I'd had visions of a town burning. I worried you'd been caught up in it."

"I was…" she admitted and had him jerking back with fear. The fact his eyes wandered around looking injuries had her heart melting. "I'm alright. I and the rest of the townsfolk are safe thanks to the Black Knight."

"The Black Knight… Tsuyu was telling me about a rogue knight going against uncle's tyranny. You met him?"

"Well…" Mandalay drifted off as a cloaked figure got out of the carriage in her caravan and stepped toward them. Momo pulled back her hood just enough to reveal her pretty feminine face.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Prince Kai." She curtseyed and Kai's eyes went wide with shock. "I'm Lady Momo Yaoyorozu."

"The pleasure is mine, my lady." He bowed, taking her hand with ease and placing a kiss upon it. "I thank you for assisting Mandalay. She's an important person to me."

"I'm glad I could be of assistance. Is there someplace we can talk in private. I have information and you won't want an audience for this."

"Of course… let's go into the workroom. I apologize in advance for the smell." He escorted her in and the four of them stood near the bubbling pot. Momo made a small face at the stench but masked it.

"Thank you, your highness." Momo pulled off her hood and let her rain of black hair fall down her back. "I can't stay long as I've to go to the palace and assist my mother. Still I wanted to pass back the information I've uncovered in my battles against your uncle's reign."

"Of course, please tell us anything you can." Kai urged her to go on.

"Your uncle lost a great deal of supporters from other kingdoms and it's caused him to act irrationally. He's resorting to violent tendencies and his latest advance is just the tip of his power." Momo said gravely.

"I'm not sure how much you saw in your vision, Kai, but the actual event was horrific. He and his soldiers carried weapons that held lacrima magic, but I've never seen this kind of man made magic before. It was pure destruction, tearing apart buildings, starting fires, and blowing holes straight through people. He killed at least a dozen people in the first strike."

"Uncle Harrod," Kai grit his teeth, eyes smokey with fury. "Is he that desperate for power that he has to resort to killing so many innocents?"

"As I said he's become irrational. He wants to rage war against Tatooin but doesn't have the numbers to face against King Shoto's superior army. No Kingdom will ally with him, and the few mercenary bands that have joined are too cowardly to trust in a long waged battle. Still this new lacrima power concerns me. If he perfects the technique so that the crystals aren't so flimsy it could very well give him enough edge to make him think he stands a chance in battle."

"You should tell King Shoto so he can be prepared." Kai cracked his knuckles. "I'll fight alongside his army if he allows me. I won't let Harrod touch the city. How long do we have to prepare?"

"It's hard to say… but there's a rumor from my inner contacts that troubles me. It's about the source of this new magic."

"Source?" Kai furrowed his brow. "Isn't it man made lacrima?"

"It is… but only one person has ever wielded such destructive magic." Momo said grimly and had Kai's face going white as a sheet.

"Izumi… are you saying Izumi's alive?"

"I don't know for certain…" Momo rubbed her hands nervously together. "They're just rumors… but the destructive magic is so reminiscent of Nomu's power that many have speculated she's being held captive somehow, and Harrod is using her to produce the lacrima."

An eerie silence came over the room. Kai's eyes swirled and for the first time in his life he actually tried to force his cursed power… tried to see Izumi's captivity… see proof of her existence.

...all he could see and feel was the dark.

"To hell with this." Kai jerked away and snagged his sword and satchel setting them on his hip and across his shoulder. He then pulled his cloak up and around him.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Kota demanded, all three of them following him out and around back where Max was grazing.

"I'm going to the Shadowlands." He said simply and prepped Max's saddle.

"Are you crazy?!" Kota snagged the reigns away from Kai and glared at him. "You're gonna get yourself killed. Calm down!"

"I'm not just gonna pitter around here for another eight years. If Izumi's alive them I'm going to help her!" He tried to tug the reigns away, Max whining and bucking a little at the tension.

"We don't know if she's really alive! They're just rumors, Kai. We need proof before you go do something as stupid as a pointless rescue." He shoved Kai back and then got knocked off his feet by a blast of wind from Kai's palm. Max whined again backing up but Kai snagged the reins soothing him with his voice.

"Easy Max… he'll be fine." He mounted up and looked down. Momo stood in front of him now holding out her arms.

"Wait, your highness, please! Before you do anything please wait until I've spoken with King Shoto." She looked at him pleadingly. "We need more information, we can't risk you just diving in head first and possibly getting killed. We need you alive!"

"I've been patient, Lady Momo… I've done as Izumi asked of me and waited until I was strong. I'm confident in my abilities and my uncle can't-"

"I've seen what that man is capable of and I'm telling you, you need King Shoto's support if you want your crown back." She folded her hands in prayer mode now. "More importantly King Shoto and his daughter Hikari deserve to know what's happening. For years they believed Izumi's been dead and now we've the first glimmer of hope that she's still alive. They deserve to know the truth."

At the mention of Hikari, Kai's initial fury ebbed. He lowered his head thinking of Hikari's teary face when they first met… of her obvious grief when he'd told her how Izumi had died. Sighing heavily Kai dismounted and stroked Max's mane.

"You've 48 hours… that'll give me enough time to truly prepare for my journey. If King Shoto doesn't make a move…" Kai's eyes went stormy and stern. "Then I will."

~Ask Briry~

Briry: Been awhile since I worked on something other than Midori the Villain. The sequel is stuck in my craw but I promised myself I'd post at least one chapter to my other stories before posting it. Hope you enjoyed!

Next Chapter: Love and Lies