The Five Kingdoms

"I know that," Kisei snapped. He tossed his hand to the table, shifted to his feet with remarkable grace considering the shakiness of his fever-wracked legs. In a rustling of white silk robes and moved away from the table, abandoning the meal he had no intention of eating. "I am pleased you think so highly of me, Brother. Believe it or not I can think for myself." The sarcasm in his voice burned to the level of hatred.

"Kisei," Fa Sheng called anxiously. It was not safe for Kisei to become so worked up about... anything. "Sit down-" he cut off at a vicious glare from the sickly prince.

"Thinking for myself is the one thing I can do," he hissed. "Thank you for reminding me that I am a puppet."
And he spun on his heel and vanished through the kitchen door, scattering several servants who were arriving with their morning meal in the process.

Daiki stared at the door Kisei had pass through with a blank stare. He hated seeing his brother that way, but Kisei needed to stop acting to naive in life.

Daiki groaned and rested his head against the table, feeling the cool wood against his forehead. "He over reacted. Doesn't he see that we mean the best?" Daiki rose and looked to Fa Sheng. He wanted to chase after Kisei but knew from experience it would do nothing. If anything it will push his dear brother away further. Daiki's eyes were caught by a movement as two young girls walked past the courtyard. He scowled, realizing they were the root of his troubles. "The girl is back with her sister."

---

Kazumi yawned into her hand by the time she approached the village that she had called home her entire life. It was a place where she knew everyone's name and there was no competition of who owned the better silk or had the longest hair. Everyone was seen as equal. Even the two young, orphan girls that lived in a hut at the furthest section of the village.

Kazumi slowed her pace so not to worry Kiko any more than she all ready would be. The hut was dark and immediately Kazumi's mind switched to the motherly role she had encompassed over the years. The fire needed to be lit, breakfast set upon the hearth, and the clothes set to wash and dry. it took Kazumi a moment to realize, with a sad shake of her head, that this may be the last time she saw her beloved hut. It was here she had been born and raised. As the eldest daughter, it also should have been here she died, not stuck inside golden walls to live out her final days. Most girls Kazumi's age in the village were all ready married. With her now position as nursemaid to the sickly prince, Kazumi doubted she would ever see that blissful day. But Kiko still had hope, she was young enough that perhaps the emperor would show kindness and allow her to move from the palace once she was properly aged. After all, it was not Kiko that had a debt to be paid.

"Zumi, Zumi, Zumi!" Kazumi gasped as a force charged at her, colliding with her mid section. "You're back!"

Kazumi looked down to the young girl burying her head against her and laughed. Zumi. As a child, Kiko could never pronounce her name correctly. It seemed she could never grow out of the nickname, however. Kazumi hugged her sister tightly. "Kiko, I am glad to see you are safe."

"Of course I am," the young girl said with excitement, peering up to Kazumi. "I take after you. I want to be just like you when I grow up. Strong and powerful."

Kazumi smiled to Kiko, although she could feel her heart shattering. Kiko should never become what she had. However, Kazumi knew she would do it in a flash again; she would do anything for her little sister. Absolutely anything. "Eat your vegetables and you will get there," Kazumi said with a chuckle, prying the young girl off of her. Kazumi smiled and began walking around the hut, stuffing important items into a bag. "Kiko, go gather your things. Just what is important."

"Are we going on a trip, Zumi?" Kiko bubbled with excitement, rushing about the one room building to collect her things.

Kazumi pondered this carefully before giving a slow, painful nod. "Yes we are."

"For how long?""

"For...." Kazumi sighed heavily and gave Kiko another sight, suffocating hug, realizing how close she came to losing her sister. "Forever."

---

Kazumi ushered Kiko inside the palace, watching as her sister's eyes grew with youth's glory. Under different circumstances, Kazumi would have been equally impressed by the house. She brought the young, bubbly girl into the kitchen hoping to get her something to eat. Not only that, but in serving the royal family, Kazumi had forgotten to fix her own breakfast. "Kiko, just sit in the corner and don't touch anything," Kazumi said softly as she moved about the kitchen gracefully.

She turned and fixed a bowl of porridge for Kiko. As she turned, a figure hurled into the room with anger. Kazumi gasped as she managed to jump out of the way and save the steaming bowls. "Young prince, is anything the matter?" she asked, concerned to see him so active after such a long period of weakness. Kazumi frowned, watching him carefully.

"Why is he dressed like that?"

"KIKO!" Kazumi scolded, turning to the young girl in the corner. "Don't be rude. This is our youngest prince, Kisei. The emperor's brother."

"Oh," Kiko said, shrugging to show she had all ready lost interest. "I still think it's weird."

Kazumi frowned, terrified the prince would be angered even more by this outburst. "I'm sorry for her, prince Kisei. That is my younger sister, Kiko. I promise I'll teach her better."

Kisei almost did not notice Kazumi and Kiko, in his rush of fury. Only the girl's high, clear voice brought him to a halt. He stopped, frowning at her exclamation. It seemed odd to Kisei, at first, but then he realized that not everyone dressed this way. If he'd not been told he would not have known - even the servants here were garbed finely. Now that he took one infuriated moment to observe, Kazumi and Kiko wore rags in comparison. No matter. That would be changed shortly.

He glanced at Kazumi, only barely hearing her rushed apologies. He could feel his chest tightening. He shouldn't have let himself get so worked up. It was always dangerous when this happened... and Daiki consistently pissed him off. No matter how much he loved his middle brother, Daiki would always be the most difficult to get along with. Sucking in one deep, strained breath and grimacing with pain, Kisei turned his back on the sisters once more and left to the kitchens, rushing towards his rooms. Towards his gardens. With any luck he could get there and lock the door behind him before the attack hit. Prevent anyone from seeing it.

He slammed the sliding door behind him when he reached his rooms, twisting the tiny metal device meant to hold it closed. A silly contraption, really, when one's walls were constructed of wood and paper. Feet slapping with uncharacteristic haste against the tatami matting, he fled through the door onto the porch, closed it behind him, and ran out into the gardens. He took shelter beneath the great, gnarled trunk of the ancient cherry tree, tucking his slim figure behind it. From the door, no one would be able to see him.

There, he curled in on himself, clutching at his chest and fighting for his elusive breath.
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Fa Sheng sighed softly and leaned back on his knees, rubbing at his temples. His head was already beginning to ache.
"Think about it, Brother," he murmured. "How would you feel if Kisei and I were directing your life? Making decisions for you?" he let his hand drop limply into his lap, shaking his head. "Kisei is an adult now. It must be terribly frustrating to be confined to this place while you and I run wars and govern cities."

Kazumi froze as Kisei did not answer her plea for forgiveness. Not because she feared his anger, but because she saw the ash cover his face. It was as if a sheet had been pulled over the boy, gripping fist that refused to let go. Instantly, Kazumi was reminded of two things. The first was their first encounter, when her sudden arrival in his room had brought upon a fight of spasms. The second memory was of Kazumi's mother. Before she had died, Kazumi had acted as the woman's nurse as they were too poor to afford any true hired help. Kazumi watched helplessly as her mother had very similar attacks of breath.

Before Kazumi could approach the boy, he took off. At first, this action confused Kazumi. With his constant state, he must realize that running would only make his situation worse. or perhaps, he was trying to save himself the shame of others seeing him this way. "Kiko, stay here and eat your porridge," Kauzimi barked over her shoulder as she followed the prince. It must be horrible for him to be forced to have help. He lacked the independence that had been thrusted upon Kazumi at such a young age from her mother's death... Even so, Kazumi knew that no one should be alone when going through this. Even one that did not know any other style of life.

She hurried after him, managing to miss the sliding door by only a few feet. She growled with annoyance when it did not move on her first attempt. "Kisei, are you serious?" she complained, slipping a fisherman's knife from her pocket to remove one of the paper panels so she could pick the lock. It would be easy enough to fix later on, as long as Daiki for Fa Sheng did not notice before she got around to it.

Kazumi walked through the empty rooms, her dark eyes searching for any signs of life. Surely he was not...

Her eye landed upon the garden. For whatever reason, she was urged to move forward into it. It was there she found the prince gasping for breath. Kazumi knew there were many ways to handle this situation. Many graceful ways. Unfortunately, when not acting as a thief, Kazumi was anything but graceful. "You are stupid for running like this," she sighed, kneeling down beside him. "If you want to die alone, then go ahead because I won't stop you. But your brothers would miss you terribly so just stop and let me take care of you.... You saved my life, so let me help yours," she said softly, resting her hand on his side. "Now just deep, easy breaths. Shallow gulps won't help you any."

Kazumi was reminded of how fragile the boy was again as she rubbed his side motherly. She hoped that she could help him.

---

Daiki grumbled and looked to Fa Sheng. "I know, I know, okay?" You can't claim you shelter him any less than I do. Adult or not.... All I think of is the sick child he was. We never knew if he will wake up or not even. I don't want him to do more than he needs to. He does not need the extra stress." Daiki looked up to Fa Sheng and watched him carefully. "Are you suggesting we give him more duties? He can hardly stand on his own most days, let alone any of the princely duties he is entitled to.

Kisei wanted to pull away, escape her gaze, hide away his weakness, but he no longer had a choice. Breathlessness had come, and he knew if he tried to stand now he would simply black out. He shuddered at her touch, heaving on lungs which would admit no air. It was not a question of the way he breathed. He did not breathe at all, as though a band had been stretched across his throat, preventing the air from reaching his chest. His hands clenched into fists in his robes and he shook with the effort of getting even enough air to remain conscious. Still, his head spun. Black clouded the edges of his vision. He pitched sideways, slumping against Kazumi, shuddering. Only the barest whistle of air passed through into his lungs.
_____________________________

"Don't be ridiculous, Daiki," Fa Sheng scolded quietly. Silently he gathered up the fallen cards, stacking them in one neat pile. Best not to lose any while they were not being used. "I am suggesting that we need to find a gentler way to go about our business. We speak of him when he is in the room but we hardly acknowledge he is there." He shook his head slowly, straightening his robes almost absentmindedly. "I imagine that if I were treated the same way... I would have trouble feeling human."

Kazumi blinked as the prince rolled, but her body responded without further thought. Without hesitation, she encased her arms around him and sighed softly. She did not like this powerless that she felt with him being this way. There was nothing she could do except wait for the fit to end. "Hush, let yourself relax," Kazumi murmured, resting her chin on his head. "You will be okay, Kisei. Just follow my voice. Listen and focus only on me for now. Listen to the breeze and imagine it as the air rushing into your lungs, filling your cavities, and returning your breath. You will be okay and safe, I promise. I won't let you get worse."

Kazumi hoped that the boy would do as he was told and simply listen. She had hard the monks use this technique in meditations of sorts. It was her only hope to aid the prince.

---

Daiki grumbled with a slight nod of his head. "I suppose we do... tend to forget about him." Daiki looked up and shook his head softly. "He must know we have what's best for him in mind. We always have.... Well, all except mother." Daiki looked up to Fa Sheng with a shiver. "How is she doing? I haven't seen her lately. It's amazing how people can get lost in this place."

It seemed to take an eternity. Kisei had almost lost consciousness before Kazumi's words finally seemed to take effect. As quickly as his fury had brought it on, the attack ended with the rush of air into his aching lungs. He gasped in the cherry-scented wind, then started to cough, his system shocked by the abrupt addition. He jerked in her arms, struggling to accommodate the onslaught of air. The moment passed, however, and his breathing settled into a steady, if slightly panicked, pace.

He remained still in her arms, nervous, paranoid even, that if he moved something else would be triggered. He was shaking again. No matter what happened, he would never get used to the feeling of drowning in his own lungs. It would scare him until the day it killed him. Or something else. There was his weak heart to consider, as well...

Slowly, weakly, he sat up, pulling away from Kazumi's touch. He did not meet her eyes, staring fixedly at a sapling a few feet away, the child of the great cherry which sheltered him. His face was pale, void of a healthy flush. His hair stuck to his cheeks once more.
"My apologies," he rasped, though it seemed to take great effort for him to speak.
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Fa Sheng welcomed the change of topic, even if it was changing to their mother. He never enjoyed discussing the woman who had given them all life. She was a crazy witch - a vain, materialistic woman who could not accept Kisei because he would never marry. He would never bare grandchildren or continue the family line. He was useless to her.

"She is well," Fa Sheng answered quietly. "Holed up as always with her jewels and her handmaidens."

Kazumi cooed softly to the boy, her graceful hands stroking his cheeks to sooth and comfort. She would never adjust to these sudden fits the prince had, even if she spent the rest of her life tending to him. This was too intense, her heart beating with fear. Kazumi could not even begin to imagine how the prince himself felt during these attacks. Kazumi prayed she would never need to find out.

Kazumi watched him carefully, her eyes searching his features for any sign that another attack could come. She thought nothing of her comfort to the prince. In her village, all the woman cared for the children. As the woman in her household, Kazumi had seen birth and death many times. She did not cringe at the thought of holding another as she realized the benefit it had. Every knew babies cared touch, so who was to say the desire ended when one aged? She pitied those that feared contact and pulled away.

"No, I am just glad you are okay," Kazumi said, shifting so she could kneel. "It must be difficult for you, and for that I am sorry." She smiled and looked to him, trying to catch his eyes. She had never seen a noble divert their gaze before and thought them above embarrassment. "Kisei, did you eat? Or at least drink? Why don't you let me fix you some tea. It will help your throat." She rose and smiled down to the boy, holding out her hand. Although she had posed everything as a question, it was clear she would not accept no and an answer. "Let me help you up. Or I could bring it to you here." For the first time, Kazumi looked about the garden. "It's so peaceful here."

---

Daiki nodded and took the cards back, sliding them into his pocket. It was clear they would not get another game in today. "At this rate, she will have no grandchildren," Daiki reminded him gently. "I haven't seen anyone that caught my eye and you barely leave your planning room. This life is not what it is cracked up to be." Daiki sighed and fell onto his back,folding his hands behind his head. "I may be older, but I almost feel guilty for marrying when Kisei will never find a wife. Not as long as he stays in here at least."

Kisei was silent for the longest time, listening her but choosing not to answer. He did not want to be pitied. He did not want to be coddled and cared for. He wanted to be able to get up on his own two feet and be the prince he was meant to be... but that wasn't an option. He was never going to ride through the gates of the palace like his brothers did. He would likely never even see the people he was meant to rule over. He was trapped forever within this silly, pretty little garden. In that brief moment, he hated the place. In spite of how very much he loved it.

"My Brothers will worry," he whispered flatly, ignoring her offer. Perhaps if he ignored it long enough it would just go away. He wasn't hungry. He wasn't thirsty. He almost never was.
________________________________________

Fa Sheng sighed and shook his head slightly.
"It is not something you should feel guilty over," he murmured. "Kisei would be thrilled to see you fall in love. We both know that."
He choose, quite deliberately, not to bring up the subject of his own love life. He had not even taken a consort to his bed since he gained the crown, something highly irregular for the Emperor - a fact that the palace consorts found quite unsettling. He had shown no interest in women since their father's death. At this rate, there would be no heir to the throne. Their dynasty would end with him.

Kazumi curled her fingers upon themselves as Kisei ignored her outstretched hand. Her face did not show the sorrow she felt from this action as Kazumi understood why he acted this way. Or at least, she assumed that she understood. 

At his words, Kazumi smiled and released a soft, bell like chuckle. "They are your older siblings; it is our job to worry about our kin. There is never a moment that you would not cross their minds no matter how heathy you become. And would you like to know why? Because they love you." She smiled, gazing down to him. Kazumi did not doubt her words, she knew from experience with Kiko that this was the deepest truth beneath siblings. The eldest always felt the need to protect their younger siblings. Kazumi could not imagine the fear and hatred Fa Sheng and Daiki felt for this invisible enemy against Kisei, especially since they were so well prepared for battle. 

"If you would like, I could bring then here to see that you are better or I could help you back to the kitchen. Or... We could just sit out here on our own for awhile " Kazumi shrugged and sat down, her eyes watching him carefully. "You are still upset. Do you want to talk about it? Holding hatred inside will only taint your soul, Kisei, as the elders in my village would say."

---

Daiki grumbled as turned to his side, putting his back toward Fa Sheng. "Thrilled or not, Kisei deserves a mate of his own." Daiki knew he was being ridiculous with this thought. Never in all of his travels had he met a woman patient enough to work with Kisei. Well, all except Kazumi.


Daiki scoffed to this and sat up, running his hand through his hair.  "Our younger brother is a saint, more than we can ever expect from him. But Fa Sheng," Daiki reminded him gently, "Kisei would not want you to forfeit life for his sake. Don't hold yourself back in hesitation for him, my brother. Do something for yourself once in awhile."

Kisei turned slowly to gaze at her, dark hair slipping from his shoulders to cascade around his pale face. He watched her through silver eyes which seemed far too bright above the dark, sleepless circles of his lids. Frail and weak as he was, it almost seemed as though the youngest prince was already long dead. Doubtless, something deep inside of him already was. It was difficult to remain entirely alive when one had no freedom.

"I do not know what to say," he admitted quietly. "There is nothing anyone can do about it. I'm useless. I always have been. I always will be." He shrugged slightly. Just like his inevitable death, his uselessness was a fact he had accepted as a child. A fact he had grown up with, survived with. A fact which still haunted him now.
________________________________________________

Fa Sheng lowered his eyes to the matting. His head tipped slightly, graying hair framed his face. In that moment he seemed fifty, perhaps older. Certainly much older than Katsuro had ever been. Older than their father had ever been, for he had died young. The life of the Emperor truly was killing him, even more quickly than Kisei's extended illness was killing the young prince.

"I do not have the time for entertainment, Daiki," he answered evenly. "Nor the energy. I'm afraid I would bore a woman to death."

Kazumi watched Kisei carefully, gazing into his grey eyes for the longest of time. With a heavy sigh, Kazumi pulled away and leaned back onto her arms, her eyes watching the sky carefully. It was such a beautiful day, especially in the garden. It was difficult for Kazumi not to feel happy in this mystical environment, but she could understand where he was coming from.

Chewing on her bottom lip thoughtfully, Kazumi watched the clouds above form. It would rain within the next few days. "My position in society inclines me to agree with you. We are taught that the royal family is never mistaken and that their word is law." Her words were soft but strong. She would have never spoken in this abrupt manner in front of Daiki or Fa Sheng, but Kazumi found herself trusting Kisei, even if he refused her help. "But," she continued, eyes still watching the sky, "I know you are wrong."

Kazumi chuckled softly and tussled her hair as she returned her gaze to the prince. "If a fish was told his entire life that he was meant to climb trees, he would feel pretty useless also. It's when he discovers his ocean that the fish will fully realize his worth in life. You may not be a warrior like Daiki or strong like Fa Sheng, but those skills are your trees. Eventually you will find your place, my prince. Everyone has their ocean to find, it just takes longer for some."

Kazumi smiled honestly to him and held out her hand in offering as she shifted up to her feet. "If you let me, I can help you swim." It was a silly metaphor of live, but one that Kazumi always held close to her heart. It would not bother her if he declined her again, it was enough to know that she had tried.

---

Daiki frown to see his brother this way. There was so much stress and unease in his life. "You should give yourself more credit brother," Daiki said, standing and putting his hand on Fa Sheng's shoulder. "You act too much like the emperor at times that you forget who you were before all this. Before the power and Dad's death. Try and relax, it would do you some good."

Daiki attempted a smile, as he watched his elder brother. Daiki realized that he was the only one not wasting away, it was difficult to except that he would not have Fa Sheng's support one day. "I guarantee you will find a woman one day, but you have to show her the true you first, not Fa Sheng but Katsuro. Will you promise me that?"

Kisei hesitated for the longest of times. He was in the habit of doing that - thinking things through before he acted. He had never been able to let his emotions run away with him. This thoughtfulness was the reason he was alive. He considered her hand in silence, the sweet breeze tugging at his dark hair, pulling it around over his gray eyes. He hated being helped, being aided around... but that did not seem to be what the girl was offering. Kisei would never have believed it of anyone else, but it seemed Kazumi was genuinely attempting to befriend him.

With a silent nod, he laid his near-skeletal hand in her grasp.
"Very well," he answered, letting her help him to his feet. "Teach me to swim."
_________________________________________

Fa Sheng gazed at Daiki, hesitant. Katsuro... he was not sure he knew how to be Katsuro anymore. The vibrant, eager, battle-hungry young man had died with wisdom, as young men often did. He had aged so much, changed so much... could Katsuro exist with the knowledge of what the world really was? He had been such a naive prince.

Shaking his head slightly, he made a promise he doubted he could keep.
"I will, Brother," he whispered.

Kazumi smiled to Kisei as he took her hand and she carefully pulled the young prince up to his feet. She was willing to help him in any way that she could. It was her new job, after all. To aid and assist the sickly prince. It was obvious Daiki and Fa Sheng did not see the true worth of their brother, but now Kazumi saw that even Kisei thought lowly of himself. This was unacceptable. Everyone deserved to live beyond their cage. Even now, Kazumi's devious mind worked to figure out ways that she could uncover the young prince's fins. It would be a long process, but Kazumi was willing to see it though.

"I will do my best, prince Kisei," Kazumi said with all honesty, meeting his grey eyes, "but I have no idea where to begin." She smiled and chuckled to him, gazing up into his features as if there was a story waiting to be told to her. Her eyes glittered with confidence as she reclaimed his hand as her own. "To begin with, you are too skinny," Kazumi complained, pulling him with her as she headed back toward the kitchen. It was a common theme of the village woman to relate one's problems to not eating enough. Many grandmothers were always hounding their children for being too skinny. Only, this time it was well deserved.

"You can barely support your own weight and you just broke a fever. You must eat or else you could pass out again. Come on!" Kazumi smiled to him, careful that she did not tug too hard in the chance the prince resisted and she harmed him. As they neared the door to his room, Kazumi blushed shyly. "I promise I'll fix the door later on."

---

Daiki watched Fa Sheng with critical eyes before nodding. Adding a heavy sigh, he ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. "I will hold you to this then," Daiki said, rising to his feet and smoothing his robes. "If there is nothing else you need of me, I am going to begin my guard duties. It should be quiet today, but I can not let my guard down. Especially after last night's incident."

Kisei chuckled quietly at the sight of the cut in the door, shaking his head. "Do not bother," he murmured. "You'll... probably just need to get in again anyways."
It was the closest he had come in a long time to accepting help. The truth came clear, though unspoken - Kazumi was permitted to enter his room, whenever she felt it might be necessary.

He let her lead him back out, down the hall. His mind wandered slightly. Would Daiki and Fa Sheng still be in the kitchen...? Part of him hoped that they would not. All of him knew that he would not apologize even if they were.
_______________________________________________

Fa Sheng nodded quietly and came to his feet as well.
"Do well," he murmured, squeezing his brother's shoulder gently before sweeping past into the cooking section of the kitchens. It was a back way out into the gardens, and he went intending to snatch a moment of fresh air. Instead, he found himself confronted by the eyes of a tiny girl. This must be Kiko...
He paused, gazing quietly at the child. There were no cooks around, the kitchen abandoned apart from the pair of them. He smiled gently at her.

"Hello, little one," he murmured, bowing slightly in greeting.

Kiko blinked to the voice and turned around, curious as to who was the speaker. Her dark eyes surveyed the man carefully and quickly before deciding with childhood sense that he had nothing for her. Even more than that, he looked old. She smiled to him out of kindness. "Hi," she responded in her childish shrill before turning back to her source of entertainment. She had gathered different and wild fruits from around the kitchen and was using them as props in her game.

Kiko hummed as she played and then froze, realizing she was still being watched. She looked back to the man more carefully this time, her hands falling to her sides. "You are dressed weird like that boy Kazumi ran off with. It must be hot under all those layers." Kiko shrugged and picked up her toys as a hopeful glint flickered in her eyes. It was not often someone came to see her. "Would you like to play with me? My name is Kiko. The pretty flower is the princess and the evil soldier grapes are trying to take her hostage. But Prince Pear will never, ever let that happen," she said, jumping up with excitement. "Please? It will be fun, I promise." To help encourage the Fa Sheng (who Kiko was ignorant of his role), Kiko clasped her hands and blinked to him hopefully.

---

Kazumi smiled back to Kisei as she dragged him through the house. She was glad that he did not resist her touch and was not, most of all, angered about his door. It wasn't her intention to break it after all... A quick fix, that's all.

She saw Daiki leave the room and slowed down slightly, not wanting him to see her. The last thing she needed was to be scolded for mis-handling the prince. Even if it seemed all Kisei needed in life was a firm hand to guide and not smother. Even so, Daiki's shoulders drooped causing a pang of sympathy to ripple through her. "Daiki does care for you," Kazumi said suddenly, pausing in the hall. "He just doesn't know how to show it. I think he's trying, but he is more confused than anything. Don't let me come in between brothers, okay Kisei? I will do my best to stay out of Daiki's way and hopefully that will be enough."

Fa Sheng hesitated slightly, gazing at the child's wide, pleading eyes. She really was adorable, and she seemed to be having so much fun. He could remember Kisei playing like this as a child. Never very strong, Kisei's imagination had overcompensated, running wild with stories and images. He, too, had been able to turn a grape into an object of evil, and a pear into a Prince. While Fa Sheng and Daiki had run about with swords, it was Kisei who had really, truly been learning. And he had always so desperately wanted his older brothers to join him...

A moment longer and Fa Sheng made up his mind, stepping forwards and lowering himself gracefully to his knees. He perched easily at her level.
"What would you like me to do?" he asked quietly.
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Kisei watched Daiki's slouching retreat quietly, his eyes unfathomable. He refused to give away his feelings. He felt a little guilty, for becoming so angry with his brother... but he was still annoyed by the way his elder brothers thought they could run every aspect of his life. He expected it from Fa Sheng. His eldest brother spent all his time running the lives of others - that was his duty. Daiki, on the other hand, lacked all forms of finesse and sensitivity. No matter how much they loved each other, Daiki simply knew how to rub Kisei the wrong way.

Not wanting to discuss the convoluted relationships of his family, he changed the subject.
"Where is your sister?"

Kiko giggled shrilly and clapped her hands as Fa Sheng sat down beside her. She had a new play thing. At this moment, it did not matter to Kiko what he was waring. Kiko was just excited to have a new friend. "You can play the pear," Kiko decided, handing him the fruit. "And I'll be the princess. You can't let the evil grapes get me or else," she giggled, quickly becoming absorbed into the game.

---

Kazumi watched Kisei for a moment longer before releasing a heavy sigh. She was not ignorant to his trick of diverting her attention. "I told Kiko to stay in the kitchen and finish her breakfast. She is a good girl, she won't stray from the room. She can entertain herself with anything," Kazumi said, chuckling in memory to all the play things Kiko manage to find over the years.

Kazumi led Kisei into the kitchen and smiled to see her sister chatting away with a figure. "See? Happy as a clam," she said with a wink to Kisei. "Now sit and I'll fix you something."

It was that moment when Kazumi turned back to the playing pair and the thief froze. Her jaw went slack with shock as she blinked multiple times to see if her vision was clear. Her greatest fear was found as she realized the sight was true. "Kiko!" Kazumi scolded sharply, running around the table and taking her sister sharply by the shoulders. "I .... You.... I'm so sorry Fa Sheng," Kazumi managed to stutter out. "Kiko, do you realize who that is?"

Kiko smiled, not understanding the situation she was in. "He's my new friend," she said with childhood innocents. "You got one weirdly dress guys and I get to play with this one. He said I could."

Kazumi blinked again and covered her eyes. Yup, she was going to die. If Fa Sheng didn't execute her, then the embarrassment would. "Kiko, no... just... no." Kazumi blinked wildly between the two boys and her sister. "I'm so sorry your Imperial Majesty. I will not let her out of my sight again."

Fa Sheng nodded silently, taking up the pear. He had never imagined, in heading out for a breath of fresh hair, that he would end up crouched on the kitchen floor playing with a child and some fruit. He had rarely joined Kisei in his games, and so knew little of replacing these various objects with characters. A child's imagination was a wondrous thing. He marveled, silently, at how Kisei had managed to keep his.

That was when Kazumi swept in to scold her little sister, pulling the girl away from Fa Sheng. The emperor looked up, surprised, and found Kisei watching him. The boy was smirking. Sometimes Kisei found the oddest things amusing... it made Fa Sheng nervous. Kisei's almost sadistic smile sent shivers down Fa Sheng's spine, and it was all he could do to avert his attention, return to the matter at hand. Kazumi was rapidly apologizing. He raised one hand.

"It is perfectly fine, Kazumi," he answered quietly. "The child has done no harm. No one here will miss the fruits."

Kazumi looked down as Fa Sheng spoke, her hand still firmly planted upon Kiki's shoulder. The thief's cheeks were stained red with embarrassment while Kiko paid no heed to the situation. Kiko smiled brightly and released a bubbling giggle. "Thank you for playing with me, Fa Sheng," she said with a bow. "But you don't have to play anymore, it's okay." She smiled to the older man. It was obvious that she respected and liked the emperor, even if she did not understand what that title meant. "It was fun, we should do it again some time."

Kazumi's eyes grew wider to this. Her sister did not know when to stop. And yet, Fa Sheng only seemed amused by her. Kazumi stole a glance toward Kisei. His smirk was surprising, she wondered what he found so amusing with this situation. "Thank you, Fa Sheng," she said, turning back to the emperor slowly. "I will make sure to keep Kiko better entertained next time. With her active mind, however, that is easier said than done." Kazumi chuckled softly and bent by her sister's ear. "Go finish your breakfast," Kazumi whispered. The young girl nodded and skipped off to her bowl of porridge, humming the entire way.

"She's a good girl," Kazumi sighed, watching the child. "She's had a hard life and not many friends."

Kisei watched Kiko go, still subtly smirking.
"We know how that is," he whispered. He, too, had grown up without many friends, and he knew Fa Sheng's situation to be similar. Between his lessons, the crown prince had little to no time for socialism, and he had become the emperor much earlier than anyone had expected.

"I hope that she will have a better life here," Fa Sheng observed calmly. "There are children among the servants. Perhaps she will make some friends."

"There should be more children among the royals," Kisei pointed out flatly. Both he and Daiki had been badgering Fa Sheng for a while, concerned for his wellbeing, though Kisei would never have put it in those exact words. The frail prince turned his intelligent eyes on Kazumi. "Surely the people, too, are concerned that there is still no heir to the throne?"

Kazumi smiled to Fa Sheng, nodding in agreement to his words. Yes, it would be nice if Kiko could make some friends. Kazumi had many friends as a child. She would have more now if she wasn’t forced to grow into the role of an adult after her mother’s death. It was the only regret that Kazumi had. But those things needed to be done for Kiko. The young girl needed some sort of a mother figure in her life, even if it only was her elder sister.

To Kisei’s snide remark, Kazumi stiffened uncomfortably. There was always hushed chatter of the empire’s well being and lack of an hier. She shifted her weight and looked down, nodding softly. “There are some that are very concerned,” Kazumi admitted softly. “They fear whose hands the empire will eventually fall into. We all know the strength that you three brothers have, but an heir is like a safety net for the peasants. It gives us comfort that the same blood will run through our next leader.” She looked up and twisted her hands together, uncomfortable with this conversation. “It is assumed that if you do not marry soon, the land will belong to Daiki. We love the three princes equally but. . . “ Kazumi knew that she did not need to finish her statement. All would understand the hesitation if the hot tempered prince were to claim the crown.

“And, then there are those that simply worry of your happiness. It is strange that none of you have found a mate.” Of course, there were other rumors to this fact, but Kazumi felt that it would not be necessary to discuss them here.

Fa Sheng sighed softly and shook his head. He had to agree with the rest of the empire. Daiki as Emperor was a terrifying thought, even more so than the lack of an heir. Would would happen when he died? Many times a day he realized that he could feel his body shutting down, young though he naturally was. His hair was graying, he was constantly exhausted... privately he wondered if he could even have attracted a woman if he tried. He had considered many times adopting a son to become the heir, but that would be a break in tradition. His mother would never stand for it...

"We will figure something out," he murmured. "Somehow." He turned to Kisei, who was watching him through unnerving, all-knowing eyes. "Eat your breakfast and get some rest," he murmured. "You need to regain your strength."

"Don't order me around," Kisei answered, without much conviction. They both knew he would not do as he was t old either way. Kisei found no enjoyment in food, and spent too much time laid up in bed to desire the spending of any more. He would be on his feet until he dropped. It happened every time. Neither of them was going to tell Kazumi that, however.

Kazumi smiled to Fa Sheng, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, I do not doubt you will, my lord," she said pleasantly, bowing slightly. She could see the false age that hung upon the emperor's cheeks. She only wished the best for him. Everyone deserved to be happy.

Kazumi frowned to Kisei's remark, turning to her charge with curiosity. She was surprised by how rude Kisei acted toward his elder brothers. But she could also understand what he felt when trapped inside his own body from illness. "Prince Kisei, your brother is right. You must eat a little after breaking from your fever. Come, I can make you whatever you like," she said, walking around the table and sifting through the pans on the counter. "There must be something that you like. And after you eat, you can show me all of your favorite places in the palace. How does that sound?" Kazumi smiled, her hands busy with work trying to find something suitable for Kisei's taste.

"If you are still hungry, you are welcomed to have something, Fa Sheng. It is the last I can do for Kiko's newest playmate. " The sarcastic and playful words slipped out before Kazumi could control herself. Teasing the emperor in such a way was not appropriate. She stiffened slightly, curious and nervous for how the royal family would respond.

Kisei twitched in irritation at Kazumi's words. He could hear her tone. He knew that was how people talked to children. Reasoned with them. He did not want to be reasoned with. This illness had kept him from his status, from the respect he might otherwise have deserved. Fa Sheng and Daiki already treated him like a child, he would not take it from this girl as well, no matter how fond of her he really was.

"Don't treat me like Kiko," he snapped shortly. Fa Sheng, as a result, completely ignored Kazumi's sarcastic comment. He would have been perfectly fine with it anyways, but his brother's reaction was far more important.

"Kisei," he called with stern calm. Kisei glanced at him, eyes challenging. For a moment the two brothers watched each other in silence, communicating without words. In the end, it was Fa Sheng, not Kisei, who broke away first. "The girl is right. You need food and fresh air."

"I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself," Kisei hissed, refusing to back down. Fa Sheng sighed quietly and glanced to Kazumi.

"May I speak to you for a moment?" he murmured. "Alone?"