Verdant Skies

Sitting on a low garden bench by the pond, Iris's head tilted back with her eyes closed. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft babble of the pond's water provided a soothing backdrop. Even with the possibility of Lord Habi calling on her, she wouldn't allow herself to linger on that thought. For now, she savored this moment of respite, the rare calm before the storm. She cracked an eye open as footsteps sounded not far from her sending a small pang of anxiety rushing through her heart. But found herself relaxing as Kouha stepped into view, the boy's expression was pensive as he strode towards her.

Rising a hand, Iris spoke softly, "Kouha, how are you this morning?"

Eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and concern, Kouha dropped onto the bench beside her. The boy's shoulders slumped as he murmured, "I...Fine, I suppose. With everything happening lately, I'm just...overwhelmed, I guess."

Nodding her head while wondering if Prince Kouen and Koumei had spoken to Kouha about what had happened during their meeting, Iris's tone was soft, "Getting overwhelmed happens to the best of us, Kouha. It's a fact of life which is why you've got to take moments like this to get outside and enjoy nature."

Lips pulling into a small smile, Kouha nodded, "Yeah, I guess so," He peered at the tranquil pond in front of them for a long moment before asking, "Hey, Iris?" She hummed softly, "Could you answer a few questions?"

As Kouha turned to her with those wide eyes that looked far too puppy-like, Iris inwardly groaned though nodded with a light smile, "Of course, Kouha," She tilted her head, "What's on your mind?"

Heaving a sigh, Kouha once more turned to the pond and his shoulders slumped further, "My brother told me...about last night," She glanced about and felt relieved at the fact that Lord Habi's attendants had seemingly vanished for the moment, "Is it true? About you actually being from another world? Having magic?"

"Yeah," Iris didn't see a point in hiding it and she extended a hand, "My friends and I, we come from another world," She called up a small fireball and internally winced as her palm stung, "We each have various magical talents. Should we become allies, we'll share everything we can. But," She released her hold on the fireball that had been switching between various colors as she spoke, "I will say this," She grinned at Kouha's awestruck face, "The dragon you really wanted to search for? You're looking at her,"

"Bullshit!" Kouha jumped up, "You-"

"Not with the collar on, it limits my power unless Lord Habi decides to give me more leeway," Iris crossed her arms, "But I'm not joking, you can even ask Prince Kouen. He saw me transform back into my human form,"

Breath-catching as he stared at her, Kouha muttered, "T-that's why-yesterday-"

"Mhmm," Iris snickered softly, "So if you need any verification, he can offer it," Kouha slowly sat down beside her, "So...you're here with me, huh? Not helping them decide on an alliance?"

Shaking his head, Kouha's face scrunched up, "I don't like making decisions like that. Mei and Entei, they're good at that kind of thing. 'Sides," He looked at Iris with concern filling his eyes, "I...With you being ill yesterday, I was worried especially with what we found out..."

Smiling softly at him, Iris reached out and gently patted his shoulder, "I'll be just fine, Kouha. Despite what it might look like, I've been through this song and dance more times than I care to count since Lord Habi decided to make me his favorite pet," She dropped her hand, "Just relax alright? I can handle whatever he decides to throw at me."

"I...I just..." Kouha shook his head with a distressed look on his face, "If Mei and En don't want to become allies..."

Lips pulled into a sad smile, Iris murmured, "Things will work out, Kouha. I promise you that..." She looked up towards the sky above them and her voice dropped to a whisper, "After all, a dragon can only be caged for so long."

"Your thoughts are drifting again, Stargazer," Dantalion's voice was soft against his ears, "Your elder brother isn't wrong about his assumption,"

Shame curled through him at those words despite the gentle way his Djinn had spoken, Koumei sighed and rubbed at his face as he pushed away from the desk he'd been sitting at. Standing and moving towards the nearby window, he muttered, 'I...No, he isn't. And I can't let my emotions rule me, I just...how did we become so close to her? Was it that odd magic?'

There was a gentle giggle as Dantalion nosed his cheek, he could almost see his Djinn in the slight reflection on the glass panes. She wrapped her arms around his neck loosely, "My darling little star, no one can influence another's emotions. Not even Zepar for all that he could do much with his sound magic," She sounded far too amused for Koumei's taste, "Even if they might perhaps boast some form of magic capable of such things, you heard what she said...saw the results of that hideous collar..." He felt the anger searing through his Djinn once more as she thought of the collar binding Iris, "She is weakened by it."

Lips pursing at that, Koumei cupped his chin as he contemplated Dantalion's words. But if he agreed with her words, then what did that leave him with? What could have possibly made him grow close to her in such a short time? He understood why Kouha had grown close to Iris. After all, she'd treated him with more genuine kindness than anyone that they'd encountered and she didn't bat an eye when his younger brother's more eccentric tendencies acted up. She only offered his younger brother gentle smiles and soft words while letting him lead the way as he wished. While that might change once she was freed, he had a feeling that she'd shown Kouha her true self from nearly the start.

But hadn't he decided to approach her after Kouha mentioned their first true meeting? Koumei's lips pulled into a frown as he dug through his memories in search of more reasons as to why he could have possibly become emotionally attached. Beneath the genuine care she seemed to hold for his younger brother, Iris did enjoy astrology which had led to a few conversations between them revealing a surprising depth of wisdom that often caused their talks to stray from the topic at hand. Sometimes the conversations strayed towards philosophy before Kouha decided to make a reappearance and take Iris' attention back, he had found himself growing more interested in hearing her views on certain topics.

Koumei's contemplative state was interrupted by the arrival of Kouha, and he quickly pushed aside his inner musings to attend to his younger brother. The distressed look on Kouha's face was enough to make Koumei's concern deepen. He had expected Kouha to be with Iris, checking on her well-being and perhaps seeking more answers about her situation. As he approached Kouha, Koumei asked, "Ha? Is something wrong? I thought you were checking on Iris—"

With a sense of urgency in his voice, Kouha cut him off, "Mei, we need to talk. It's about Iris. I think she's planning something, something drastic if this alliance doesn't work out. I'd tell Entei, but I...He doesn't care-"

Placing a calming hand on Kouha's shoulder, Koumei cut in, "Easy, Ha. Take a deep breath, I'm listening though did she say something to you?" He frowned at the thought as that didn't seem like something Iris would do though he might be wrong in that regard, "And En does care, but he wants to ensure our goal is taken care of, you know that."

Shaking his head with distress still lining his face, Kouha tried to compose himself, "I...Not out outright, Mei. But when we were talking about possible alliance and I brought up the fact that you two might not want to..." He made a soft sound, "There was this smile on her face and she said that things would work out, I..." He shook his head, "I think-no, I know she said something else, but couldn't hear it. She had this look in her eye, Mei. It wasn't-" A whine left his younger brother's throat, "Please, Mei, I think Iris is going to do something drastic if this alliance falls through."

Heart sinking at that, Koumei wondered what Iris could do before pushing that thought from his mind. Squeezing Kouha's shoulder as his expression turned serious, he assured his younger brother, "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Ha. I'll keep a close eye on her and talk to her about it. We need to make sure she doesn't do anything reckless. But, I need your trust in this matter. We must maintain a united front."

There was a noise of discontent from Kouha though his younger brother didn't protest, he knew better than to argue with Koumei. Kouha nodded as he murmured, "I-yeah, I trust you, Mei. I just...she's become someone I care for and..."

"I know, Ha," Koumei released his shoulder after squeezing it gently once more, "I'll speak with her. I promise,"

Nodding slowly to him, Kouha turned and left the room without another word though his expression remained troubled. Rubbing his face, Koumei returned to his former position by the window as he contemplated what Kouha had told him. If Iris was indeed contemplating some drastic should their alliance not work out, then what would the cost be to her? It must be something major if she hadn't already gone through with it before now. There was a sickening thought on the edge of his mind, it was something he didn't quite wish to touch on. Not when it came to Iris, the idea of someone who seemed to be so bright despite the burden she carried.

As night fell outside the castle, Iris walked through the halls feeling anxiety curling and clawing at her gut. Hours had passed and Lord Habi still hadn't called on her, it was out of his usual pattern even with visitors staying inside the castle. It didn't help that both Kouha and Koumei had given her looks during dinner. While the elder of the two had been far more subtle about it, it'd been made very clear they were worried about something though she couldn't figure out what. To soothe herself as neither of them had approached her after dinner, she had decided to take a walk though it didn't seem to be helping her at all.

Lost in her thoughts, Iris rounded a corner and nearly collided with Koumei, who was approaching from the opposite direction. She managed to stop just in time, her heart racing for a moment before she recognized him. Breathing an internal sigh, she offered him a warm smile, "Oh, Koumei, I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going. How are you this evening?"

While he carried a smile on his face, Koumei's eyes still held that flicker of concern, "No need to apologize as you aren't the only one with their head in the clouds," He shook his head lightly, "I'm taking a moment to clear my head."

"Seems we're in the same boat," Iris joked trying to keep the conversation light especially as a pair of attendants rounded the corner after Koumei.

Both had their eyes locked on the prince though they drifted towards Iris with curiosity and contempt, she forced her eyes away from the pair as Koumei nodded to her, "Why don't you join me for a walk since we both seem to be unable to settle ourselves this evening?"

Nodding with a light smile as Koumei offered her his arm, Iris took it and they began walking in the opposite direction from the two attendants. Ignoring the eyes burning into their backs, they walked together with her taking the lead after passing a few more attendants. Going down a set of stairs, she led Koumei into one of the lesser-used hallways that led towards a sectioned-off portion of the gardens. Only after they had passed by the rusted gate did she release his arm, she shook her head with a low sigh, "I swear they do not know how to be subtle even it if bit them in the ass."

A low chuckle left Koumei as he closed the gate behind them, "They're worse than some of the female courtiers back in Kou," He eyed her as she moved towards the small bench set up by the pond, "I take it you come to this section of the castle often?"

Shaking her head as a pang went through her heart, Iris's eyes went to a small dragon statue that bore feathered wings and looked ready to take off, "No...not unless Lord Habi has visitors for longer than a week and deems it important enough for me to be close," She sighed softly, "This garden...it's where everything started."

"Started..." Koumei's eyes were wide when she turned to look at him, "This place is where you were collared?"

Shaking her head with a low laugh, Iris smiled despite the topic, "No, I was collared by Habi not far from the very clearing we met last night," She saw his brow furrow, "This is where I met her...Lord Habi's daughter, Ashe."

"A...But everything we've been told...Nothing ever...unless..." Koumei's gaze sparked with realization, "She was hidden...a bastard daughter,"

Humming low in her throat, Iris nodded as she looked towards the statue once more and her mind went back to the wonderful days before she'd been collared, "Hid her as if she were a diseased rat when in truth she's a beautiful soul, a sweet child that longed for more than this gilded cage. He kept her hidden from everyone save for a small handful of servants who did their best to ensure the girl was raised right despite his actions," She crossed her arms with a sad smile, "It was by complete accident that we met that day...Ashe had snuck out and ran into us not even an hour after we'd regained consciousness. For two days, she helped us adapt to this word before one of her minders figured out something was amiss and returned her to the castle," She rubbed at her eyes when they began to burn, "Kouha reminds me of her greatly during certain moments. If they could meet, I know they would get along quite well."

"She's alive?" Koumei asked as he slowly settled down beside her.

Hand going to the collar settled on her neck, Iris nodded with a deep sigh, "Yes though it was a barely there thing. To save her life...to save the lives of my friends, I..." She clenched her fingers into a fist, "Offered Lord Habi something he couldn't refuse. Revealed to him something that shouldn't exist," She looked at Koumei when he grabbed her hand in his, "Never did I expect for him to bind me in such a way, I had been expecting to crush him beneath my claws and have to run only for this thing to close around my neck and..." She shook her head and dropped the hand touching her collar, "Ashe was spirited away by those we knew would ensure her safety despite the protests she made."

To her surprise, Koumei didn't pull his hand away from hers. Instead his fingers tightened, Iris felt warmth curl through her heart at the action as Koumei spoke, "Iris, I can't begin to imagine the burden you've carried, or the lengths you've gone to protect someone you care about. You've shown immense strength and selflessness."

Lips pulling into a sad smile, Iris let out a soft laugh, "It feels almost nice to share that story with someone who didn't know the details...the truth..." She looked back towards the statue, "Ashe...she's the one we spoke of before when I brought up political ties. Even if he refuses to acknowledge her, Ashe is still Lord Habi's daughter and is quite the sweet talker from what little she's been able to risk sending us."

"I understand why you kept it a secret now," Koumei released her hand and she almost missed the warmth, "Though Iris, I had a question to ask you," She hummed low in her throat, "Kouha brought up a concern after apparently speaking with you earlier and I've found myself concerned as well,"

Blinking at that, Iris eyed Koumei in confusion though a small trickle of dread drifted through her mind, "What's wrong, Koumei?"

Sighing deeply as he rubbed at his face, Koumei answered her, "Iris, Kouha believes that you might do something drastic should our alliance not come into existence. Is he correct?"

Heart skipping a beat at the fact Kouha had guessed her intentions, Iris was honestly impressed with the boy. She shifted her gaze to the ground while contemplating how to answer his question. Lying didn't sit well with her, she loathed the idea even if the scar on her hand was currently covered with more makeup than she cared to admit. But allowing Koumei to know her intentions wasn't something she wanted either, the idea of influencing anyone's actions left a bitter taste in her mouth. She lifted her gaze and eyed Koumei for a long moment before letting out a sigh.

"If you can promise me that my answer will not influence your decision, I will give it," Iris saw his eyebrows furrow, "I dislike the idea of influencing others actions,"

Eyeing her as a litany of emotions crossed his face and eyes, Koumei was silent for a long moment. She saw a flash of brilliant blue and wondered what thought could be. Rather than focus on it, she turned her gaze back towards the statue and waited for him to answer her. Finally, as the moon continued to rise overhead, he spoke once more, "Your answer will not influence my decision, I have enough experience to ensure my emotions will not cloud my judgment."

Nodding her head slowly as she turned back to face him, Iris let a faint smile curl across her lips, "You're certain of that?" She could see hesitation in his eyes and let out a soft laugh before standing, "I never took you for a liar, Koumei."

"I-" Koumei began protesting with a frown curling at his lips.

Covering his mouth with her hand to stall the words, Iris saw his eyes widen. She spoke in that same gentle tone she'd used with Kouha so many times before, "In your eyes, Koumei, I see hesitation. I see doubt..." She removed her hand as he touched it, "In your mind, you truly believe you're able to separate yourself. In many past matters, you have been able to, but not on this. So..." She turned away from him and began heading towards the gate, "I won't answer you now."

"Now?" Koumei's voice was filled with questions, "Iris, does that mean you'll answer me after the decision has been made?"

"Yes," Iris turned her head as she reached the gate and saw Koumei standing by the bench, "I promise that once your decision has been made and we've had our meeting, I'll tell you. But only when that happens," She turned and pulled the gate open, "I believe we've both had enough of our little 'walk', don't you think?"

"I-yeah," Koumei rushed over to join her as she held the gate open.

In silence they walked back through the halls and parted ways, Iris' lips pulled into the smallest smile.

As the moon rose higher in the sky above bathing everything below in silvery light, Iris's head tilted backward as she let it rest against the bark of an ancient oak that she'd chosen as her resting spot while waiting for the meeting to begin. Despite the anxiety that had been steadily building thanks to Lord Habi's continued lack of calling for her, she was able to act calm and collected in this moment as they were finally going to hear whether the Kou were to be their allies. She stirred from her thoughts as a twig snapped and four sets of footsteps sounded. Pushing off of her tree, she moved into the shadow of a nearby tree and watched as Ron led all three of the Kou princes into the clearing.

Stepping into view, Iris offered them a light smile as Ron murmured, "Nice and easy, Ris. The smallest one did stumble around a bit."

Giggling at the way Kouha puffed up his cheeks, the boy snapped at Ron, "Not everyone is good at dealing with the dark!"

"Easy, Kouha, Ron's just teasing a bit," Iris soothed knowing that Kouha wasn't one to take joking around easily.

At her reassuring words, Kouha's expression eased up and he smiled lightly which helped ease the tension that had begun brewing within the clearing. Not one to let things linger too long, Prince Kouen cleared his throat and stepped forward with his deep voice radiating through the clearing, "Thank you for waiting, Lady Iris. We appreciate your patience."

Nodding his head in agreement, Koumei added, "Indeed, we have much to discuss tonight, and we want to assure you that we are taking this decision seriously."

Taking a deep breath as she met each of their eyes, Iris clasped her hands together behind her back to keep them from trembling, "I expected nothing less than that given the situation," She ignored Ron as he stepped beside her, "What is your decision? Shall we become allies against Lord Habi?"

At that moment the world seemed to go still, the moonlight seemed all the brighter as the three brothers shared a glance. Not even the forest creatures made a sound, it was as if the world were waiting on bated breath for this decision to be made. Prince Kouen's voice broke the silence as Iris' heart beat against her ribcage, "We have decided to take a leap of faith as it were, and pursue this alliance."

Waves of relief crashed over Iris nearly buckling her knees upon hearing Kouen utter those words, the very outcome she'd hoped for had been chosen. Already her shoulders felt as if a weight had been lifted from them, she knew it wouldn't be gone until after the collar was removed, but for now, it was a relief. Curling across her lips, a warm smile filled to the brim with every emotion she couldn't quite utter yet was gifted to the three, "You have my thanks, Prince Kouen, Koumei, and Kouha. While I know that we have much to discuss, I must express my gratitude," She felt Ron's hand on her shoulder and glanced at him, "With your help, I have no doubt we will be freed from Lord Habi sooner rather than later."

There was relief shining in Ron's eyes though it warred with worry, Iris knew he alongside their other friends were worried about the potential for any double crosses from the Kou. She looked back at Prince Kouen as he spoke, "We share your sentiment, Lady Iris," He gave her a solemn nod, "This alliance signifies a new chapter, and we are determined to bring an end to Lord Habi's reign. We must work together and plan our strategies carefully to ensure our success."

Interjecting with a thoughtful look on his face, Koumei stepped forward, "We need to start working in depth with what each of us will be offering now that we've committed to this alliance. If we are to create proper strategies for what lies ahead of us, we'll need to know these facts. We must be well-prepared."

Feeling far more at ease than she had in a long time, Iris nodded, "Then let's begin our discussions," She whistled sharply twice and Ginny slipped out of the treeline earning a few wide-eyed looks, "This is Ginevra Weasley and beside me is Ronald Weasley, they prefer to go by Ginny and Ron. Our other friends are away though you've likely met one of them already," She let out a gentle laugh at their narrowed eyes, "Hermione Granger works in the castle library."

"They're both wearing the same brooch," Koumei muttered softly.

"One of our only ways to defy the bastard without outright saying it," Ron muttered as he crossed his arms.

"Defy him?" Kouha's face scrunched up as he eyed Ron, "How is a piece of jewelry defying Lord Habi?"

"Because we're showing solidarity with Ris," Ginny wrapped her arms around Iris' shoulders, "If she can't fly herself, we'll have a dragon that does even if it's only in our hearts and on the clothes we wear,"

"That's...weird," Kouha grimaced a bit.

Snorting at him, Ginny tugged Iris against her chest, "Anyway, you guys want to discuss shit, right? Well, I'm a bastion of info when it comes to the nobles around here. Lord Jackass likes to keep himself informed though Ris is usually helping me out."

"Though I tend to stick to wandering among the common folk," Iris rolled her eyes while tolerating Ginny's hold since the ginger-haired girl was likely trying to reassure herself, "I also tend to wander further than Gin so long as it isn't outside the Empire's borders as I told you before,"

"While Hermione and I take care of gathering information via the palace, 'Mione has a copy of every message that the bastard had coming and going from the castle before it was burnt," Ron answered as he leaned back against a nearby tree, "As for Luna and Neville, they wander the lands working with the traders while Nev works his magic on the land itself. Luna passes along any information that they get while Nev works to gain the trust of those passing by since he's become quite the healer,"

Nodding his head with a look of contemplation, Prince Kouen murmured, "You all have created quite the system though I sense that isn't all you've done."

"Smart man," Ginny grinned darkly, "While we aren't as limited as Ris with our magic, the bastard hasn't exactly let us have free reign. That would be too easy, he'd be leaving himself open and letting us get a crack at her collar. It's also why he's been keeping us separated,"

"I had wondered about that," Koumei frowned at them, "So his power over you is weakened when you're all together?"

"That's our running theory though we haven't managed to prove it," Ginny shook her head, "But it doesn't matter much when he treats Ris as his stress toy,"

"Stress toy?" Was muttered by the three princes.

Feeling Ginny's grip tighten, Iris winced a bit and gave the ginger-haired woman a light smile as she was glared at. Ginny practically hissed, "You did tell them just what the fuck he does to you, right? What he can do with that collar?"

"Ehh...They've seen the results and I told them what happens if I try leaving the Empire..." Iris winced as Ginny tightened her grip further.

"Fucking-Ris, you of all people don't mince words. The fuck," Ginny groaned in exasperation.

Both of them froze as Prince Kouen spoke, Iris's eyes went to the eldest prince whose brows were furrowed, "Let me get this straight, you are being subject to both physical and mental abuse by Lord Habi? And likely emotional as well if what I'm likely thinking is correct, you haven't been able to escape due to the collar he placed on your neck?"

As if gears were turning in his head, Koumei spoke in a soft tone, "With what she said about the collar restricting her abilities to transform, we can assume that it does quite a bit more that she hasn't said. The bruising that both of us saw around her neck would indicate such, En."

Expression twisting with anger, Kouha burst out, "That bastard! How can he do this to someone?"

Trembling against Iris's back, Ginny's voice was filled with barely concealed anger, "Because that asshole is a monster, Shortshit. One who loves to torture those around him especially the ones who are willing to do whatever it takes to protect her friends...make sure their safe."

Taken aback by Ginny's words, Kouha didn't even look angry at Ginny's nickname. He looked at Iris in horror, "Y-you let him...for your friends?"

Nodding softly, Iris looked away from Kouha, "To protect those I love, I'll move heaven and earth. Even if it means being stuck in this position..." She smiled darkly, "Back then...I planned on making that bastard a smear on the ground. But he...we were tricked and to save them, I had to or everyone I loved...the only ones I had left would've been dead."

"Ris..." Ron's voice was tight.

"Despite what it might seem like, I have no regrets save for the fact that Lord Habi still breaths," Iris looked back at the princes with determination filling her eyes.

"Well it won't due to allow that regret to linger," Prince Kouen extended a hand to Iris and she stared at it for a long moment before raising her eyes to meet his, "By the end of this, you will be freed of that collar and Lord Habi will be dead. I promise you that, Iris,"

Lips pulling into a smile, Iris took his hand and they shook as she replied, "I'll hold you to that promise, Kouen."