badfic_manor | Spell 001 [Text] [Backdated to dawn]

[Soubi arches an eyebrow for a moment, but then his expression becomes neutral again. He can't doubt what Kio is saying before he's done.]

You asked your daughter about a sister you don't remember? How would she know, if you don't?

[He shrugs]

Shikiko-san, she knows a lot. She was raised in a special home for women in my family, I wasn't allowed to see her much when she was growing up. It's against the rules.

I'm sorry I didn't tell you before.

[He grips the cloth of his pants on his legs, staring down at the ground]

I'm sorry I never mentioned her.

I should have said something.

I'm sorry.

[He shakes his head, completely disregarding Kio's apology. It's best to get the information out of him now, before he becomes too upset to talk.]

So she didn't know anything about your sister. Did you talk to any of the other women in that house?

[He's combing Kio's story for the names of any Fighters or Sacrifices that he might recognize. That would explain all of this.]

Yeah, Sheiko, Shikiko's mother. I didn't ask her anything though. She's not...she's a bit...

[Kio trails off]

I didn't think she'd know.

[A nod. He doesn't recognize that name, either, but that doesn't mean she isn't a Fighter. She's obviously a grown woman, and to make Kio sleep with her... well, that has to mean something, doesn't it?]

I see. And just after that, you went to my house, and woke up here?

[He nods]

Yeah, that's it.

[A slow nod. The story doesn't make sense, but there's an explanation in it. This must be a spell.]

I see, Kio. I must have been asleep for a while. Your memory seems fine.

[Best to just keep him calm until they can find Ritsuka.]

I'm not tired, Soubi! I need to know what happened! Who were those guys? What happened to Seimei? What the Hell is going on!?

[He shakes his head, unwilling to feed off of Kio's emotions.]

We need to find Ritsuka. Then we can answer those questions.

Everyone keeps trying to shut me up or snub me! You're my best friend, don't do this to me! Please, Soubi! Please!

[He waves a hand in front of Kio's face, almost carelessly.]

Shh. I know. You're very tired, Kio. I can see it, your eyes are drooping. You're too tired even to ask questions.

[He wraps his arms around Kio's shoulders and gives him a warm hug.]

Go to sleep.

[And Kio falls into his arms, he sniffles and weakens and falls asleep]

[Good. One hug, and he's asleep. Much easier than trying to put Youji to sleep. He's very glad that Kio is this pliable in his hands; it keeps things from getting dangerous. Slowly he stands, supporting Kio in his arms, and, as if Kio weighs nothing, hauls him over to his bed. He lays him to rest under the covers and leaves silently.]

Spell 001 [Text] [Backdated to dawn]

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