He didn’t really find it surprising that the soldiers brought him into the fourth fort down the river and locked him in one of the rooms. Miss Yanami was the only one who seemed to believe he was anything but a monster—anything but a murderer. He couldn’t even see himself that nicely anymore.

Since he left, the only passage of time he knew was that the leaves fell, then the year changed, and now the sakura petals were getting paler and about ready to cease. It must’ve been late April now, if not early May.

Miss Tsujihara’s voice was louder than all the rest—or maybe he could just recognize it better than the others, so it felt louder. When there wasn’t anyone around, she was nice and kind like she had been when he was asleep; otherwise, she was just as frightening as the rest of them. The Kuro soldiers were pretty careful with how they trapped him—there weren’t any weapons in the room, and it didn’t sound like anyone was outside the door.

He didn’t know how much time passed since he was put in here; he just knew that it was probably the calmest he’s been since he left Kuro no Shuto. Miss Yanami had kept him somewhat reasonable because the voices didn’t think she was a threat; she was the only one who treated him fairly, actually made sure he ate and didn’t hurt himself, even after killing one of the younger heirs near the beginning of his time there.

To everyone else, the voices told him, you are a monster, a weapon designed for war. Perhaps you are—perhaps you are not. But don’t forget, little Taiyo: you will be the end of this.

Miss Tsujihara’s voice added something in particular. I told you once before, and it’s worth repeating—the history of both Gin and Kuro will end with you.

He frowned, thinking back on what he’s done. “What if…I don’t want to..?”

Questioning it was a mistake—all of the voices grew louder, all to remind him of something he already knew.

You don’t have a choice.

He winced. “R-right, I get it…”

That satisfied a good portion of them, thus quieting them as well. They still murmured about nothing in particular—some about family, some about death, some about themselves—and only a few of them were completely quiet, but it was enough for Taiyo to be comfortable.

It must’ve been a few days since he’s been there—the room didn’t have a window, and he couldn’t imagine they were shoving food in more than once a day. Somewhere outside the room, there were actually people talking.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Gin’s coming closer. Should we let it out now?”

“Lady Yanami said to wait until we’ve been cleared out. Just make sure it can’t get out until then.”

There was some rustling around the door—maybe those soldiers readjusting whatever was outside?—then silence again. Taiyo was left to worry about what they meant until there were more voices and clashing swords.

The voices in his head only got louder. There’s fighting. Go see! Join them! Even Miss Tsujihara agreed, which was always the driving force when he listened to them.

He tried to open the door—no luck. Same thing when he tried to just…brute force it. The sounds of fighting got closer, clouding his judgement and drowning out his own thoughts. He couldn’t tell how long the battle lasted, just that he spent a majority of it trying to get out.

When the fighting died down, Taiyo stopped. He stopped trying to open the door—stopped listening to the voices so blindly—and huddled near the corner of the room. He didn’t know who won; he was the one that forced Kuro’s retreat these past few times. He figured it might work out better for him if he wasn’t actively trying to break down the door.

Then there was a familiar voice—an actual, present, recognizable voice. They were talking in the modern language, but…it was definitely Kyoumi. He was back at the door in an instant.

“Check all the rooms and make sure no one’s hiding. We’ll pause here for a few days to see if Hiroki can spare some soldiers; worst case scenario, we backtrack so Roken can get more Sólstaðuric support.”

There were a few murmurs of agreement, and it sounded like a few people started walking through the hallway. The voices couldn’t distract him now—Kyoumi was here! If she was here, then Sorai probably was too; and if both of Taiyo’s parents were there, he could easily guess that Rei would be as well.

Your brother can help you avoid us, Miss Tsujihara said. Just as Asahi helped me.

The other voices tried to drown her out—they didn’t want him to avoid them—but they all quieted down significantly when Kyoumi spoke again right outside the door.

“This one’s blocked. Roken, could you help me?”

Taiyo started knocking on the door. He spoke in the traditional language, as the one he used to speak with Miss Yanami. “Mother? I-I’m in here!”

“…Taiyo?” At first, she just seemed confused—then, addressing someone else, she continued a bit were worried. “I need to speak with whoever’s in that room.”

An unfamiliar voice replied to her. “It’s nothing heavy—just whatever will keep the door shut. Want me to leave when I’ve moved it?”

“If it’s not too much trouble, could you get Sorai and Rei?”

They was some murmur of agreement, and whatever blocking the door was moved.

“Thank you, Roken.”

“I’ll get the other two.”

There wasn’t even a second after that before the door opened, and he saw the first familiar face in what must’ve been months.

“Thank the gods,” Kyoumi murmured. She circled him for a moment, then smiled and held him. “Finally, we’ve found you.”

“Sorry,” Taiyo replied quietly, taken aback.

Her words were kind enough that he almost wanted to believe them. “You have nothing to apologize for, Taiyo.”

His voices were quick to remind him: The only thing you did wrong…would be everything you did while you were away. They’ll never see you in the same light if they know you’re a murderer.

An embrace can turn cold in an instant. Any hand can have a knife pointed at your back.