Glowing Heart

I don't know about the repercussions of bringing an entity to Eurypaessa, Haruki would know that, but he brought up the idea first so I’m guessing we can bring her?

We all climbed up and rode Heather’s back and swiftly flew back to Euphyphaessa.

“Haruki, Is it really okay if I went to Euryphaessa with you guys?” Amane asked with doubtful eyes.

“Well to be honest, I don't know. I might get arrested.”

“WHAT?!” Amane and I gasped.

“Folks there really dislike Entities, especially some elders... I'm guessing only the soldiers there would side with us. Because we know that some shadows are not as bad as the other folks make them out to be. They are very biased you see.”

“Then what should we do”

“We’ll figure something out. If Amane is really what the prophecy wants then that could help us with our case and might let you stay.”

“Might…” Amane wispred under her breath.

We reached Euryphaessa and discretely flew to our home. Old man Chron was a bit shocked but eagerly listened to our story as he sat us for dinner..

After a visible sigh, old man Chron stood up and took Amane’s hand.

“Well, welcome to the family young miss.”

“Please, call me Amane, again I’m so sorry for coming without notice.”

“It's fine my dear, please make yourself at home. You will be sticking with my grandsons for a while so, if you don't mind, please take care of them.”

Old man Chron bowed his head to Amane that made her visibly flustered.

“Oh no please Sir, you don't have to bow.”

“I’ve never seen the old man be this respectful, even for the king and queen, he usually hates talking politely.” Haruki whispered.

“Oh please call me grandpa, you know I’ve always wanted a daughter? I wasn't able to spend a lot of time with my daughter-in-laws… so please tell me anything you want”

“Hey Grandpa,” Haruki started with a sarcastic tone. “Your bread is burning.”

“Oh dear me!!”

Old man Chron hurried to his oven and took out a half burned bread, we all had a laugh and continued with our dinner.

The next day, Old man Chron left early and told us to get ready when he gets back. Amane didn't have any clothes to change into so she had to make use of Haruki’s late mother’s clothes.

“You look… pretty good.” Haruki complimented Amane without looking her in the eyes, I don't know if it was a complement, he didn't even look at Amane that much.

“Uh thanks?” Amane furrowed her brows before looking away.

“Well that’s awkward”

“AHH-” I yelped.

Both Haruki and Amane rushed to my side and asked what happened.

“Nothing, nothing I just completely forgot that my shadow can speak.”

“Your shadow can speak?” Haruki asked with a visible confusion on his face.

“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you, Amane taught me how to talk to shadows, although it's my own shadow… “

“So you can’t talk to any other shadow but yours?”

“Well, yeah pretty much.”

“And Amane, you can talk to shadows?”

“Duh? I'm a shadow after all”

“No actually, this is good?”

Amane and I were confused, aside from Haruki completely accepting I can talk to my shadow, he’s acting like we discovered something revolutionary.

Haruki breathed rapidly and spoke, “You know what this means?Amane if you want, I'm not forcing you, but— If you want, You can become an informant from the Entities, side and share information about the entities.

“Haruki thats–”

“Yuko I know it sounds a bit insensitive, Amane this could be our chance for the court to accept your stay. They won't let a chance to get valuable information to waste. Imagine all the lives we could save with your knowledge.”

Haruki told us yesterday that we might need to visit the royal court tomorrow and face high ranking court officers. And depending on their verdict, Amane might be given a chance to stay.

“Well, I'm not really fond of entities, but I know a few whom I think are good… I might put them in danger if I gave out too much information.”

Amane looked at the window viewing the city and smiled.

“I’ll do it, just promise me you will keep the entities I trust unharmed. If the information I know could possibly save lives then I'm in.”

Haruki smiled and promised Amane that he will try his best to not ruin the trust Amane gave.

Old man Chron arrived a while later and informed us that he got us a court session in an hour. We all got ready and rehearsed a few points we wanted to speak of. We also got a bit carried away by watching the blossoming love of Pluto and Heather in my grandfather’s garden.

After a while, we all hopped on Heather’s saddle and departed towards the palace.

On my way I thought of what Haruki and Old man Chron had told me before… The king is the older brother of my late mother, which makes him my Uncle and I think I have a few cousins on their side too? I wonder what kind of people they are.

We arrived at the palace entrance. There was a grand staircase leading up to the very door of the palace. We were surrounded by countless shadowless people who were not too happy with our arrival.

The sound of footsteps and silent whispers are the only thing you could hear as we walked up the stairs.

The audience gave sneering looks and unpaintable faces as if something repulsive just passed by them.

“Damn, your people really hate our kind huh.” Amane whispered silently. “Look at them, even avoiding your shadow.”

“I can’t say this hurts me, I grew up seeing shadows on people, seeing them without it kind of feels weird.”

As we continue making the most out of the situation, a little girl trips and falls in front of Haruki. He tried reaching his hand out to help her up but an arm furiously pulled her away before Haruki could touch the little girl’s hand. It was her mother… who had a critical look on her face.

“Uhh what was that? Haruki, why does it look like you’re on the same boat as us?”

“Yeah Harki, just like Amane said, why are they looking like that at you too?”

Haruki gave us a blank yet hesitant stare, as if he did not want to say a word about it.

But our grandfather, who is walking in front of us, answered.

“Have you two heard about the Seven Gifts of the Goddess?”

“Oh I know.” Amane answered. “Its like magical abilities that comes from the eyes”

“You’re right Amane.” Old man chron gave a thumbs up and continued. “Well normally people don’t have a problem with people who have those gifts— it's unfortunate, they have a problem when your whole family has them.”

“What do you mean?” Asked Amane.

“Well as you can see, Haruki and I received this gift, as well as Kojin, Yuko’s Father. I don't know specifically what’s making them upset. I heard they think we sold our souls to the Goddess or she favours us; It could be my poor reputation too. It could be anything, really.”

“It's not because of your reputation, old man. They think we got to our positions only because of our Eyes.”

“Well that’s upsetting.” Old man Chron shrugged off.

“Then how could they not like Haruki, you’re a student, I'm sure everyone would be treated fairly well if you're working hard right?”

“Ah.. dear boy.” Old man Chron started. “That kid is the top student in his academy, not just practicals but written papers as well.”

“Oh wow! Really??” My eyes sparkled with excitement, I noticed Amane was also taken aback. My cousin is a genius!

“They think I cheat with the exams because of my eyes. No matter how many times I prove it to the professors. The students won't believe anything.”

“So you gave up trying and just let your work speak for itself.” Amane started.

“Exactly.”

“What is your power exactly?” I asked without giving it much thought, I later realised that Haruki might not like telling anyone his gift.

“Oh no, if you don't want to tell us it's fine.”

“It's called the eyes of precognition. Students think I cheat because I can see the future. What they won’t believe is that I can't even use it at will, it only happens randomly.”

“Oh, is that why you would suddenly stare blankly during the fight yesterday?” Amane reacted.

“Yeah, for some reason I had more visions than usual.”

“You saved us so much yesterday.” I was elated, without Haruki’s gift we could’ve died.

“What if it triggers when you’re going to die?” Amane excitedly guessed and pursed her lips. Realising she had too much enthusiasm saying that sentence.

“Well… I’ve never faced death so much before that could be the case. But I would have them during normal days too. A week ago I had a vision that I would meet Yuko in Tokyo, look where we are now.”

“Good point.”

“Well, how about you Gramps?” I looked over our grandfather.

“I could stun anyone who looks at my eyes.”

“Now that’s cool” Amane sparkled.

“Thank you dear, but it's not really that celebrated.”

“You know his nickname?” Haruki smirked, “He’s called Son of Medusa.”

We arrived at the courtroom. I don’t actually know what it's called. There were whispers in the audience side and the people on High chairs in the end of the room were arguing.

The moment we entered, silence had befallen into the room.

“In the middle.” Haruki started keeping his voice down only for me and Amane to hear. “Is the king and the person seated on his right is his chief advisor. He will be presiding over our case.”

“Is this a courtroom?”

“Well, compared to your kind of courtroom on the human plane, I would say this is much different. While there are similarities, all the 8 court officials will get to judge on whether your case is valid or not. They all get to vote on the verdict.’

‘Like a jury?” Asked Amane.

“Well sort of? It's their own system. Anyways there’s a couple of things you must know. Before we start. So Amane, that bald guy on the left side of the king is the High Priest. He’s cranky and stubborn, so no matter what you say he’ll never listen so just ignore everything he will spout. And the rest are fair, just be respectful.”

“Thank you Haruki.”

After a few moments the people’s murmur suddenly faded and a tall lanky man with long brown hair tied in a ponytail stood up from his seat.

“As Chief Advisor I was tasked to oversee this session today regarding the request of Miss Amane to reside in our Great nation Euryphaessa. Miss Amane is an Entity who has become an enemy of her kind after announcing her allegiance to Euryphaessa during the fight against one of the henchmen of the Headless Liar along with Student Soldier Haruki Katsuragi and Mister Yuko Katsuragi.”

I could feel the stares behind our backs like daggers. It was screaming to get away and leave. It was clear no one in the audience liked us. They all look like they have higher status compared to the people outside, although they are trying to not show any judgement, it's clear we are not welcome.

“Miss Amane,” The Chief Advisor continued. “Please approach the stand.”

Although reluctantly, Amane let out a deep and walked up the stand with her chin tilted up.

“Standing before you is an Entity named Amane.” The Chief Advisor waved and a few assistants handed out papers to the court officials overseeing the case. “According to the report of former Colonel Chron Katsuragi, Student soldier Haruki Katsuragi and Mister Yuko Katsuragi had set out to the mortal plane to fulfil a prophecy Mister Yuko Katsuragi had foresaw. As we all know, Mister Yuko is the child of prophecy and was proven when he was born, therefore the prophecy that he saw and had acted on will be deemed valid.”

The room was dead silent. Not a single breath could be heard. It's as if the very mention of my prophecy was a taboo.

“To continue, on their trip they came across an Entity who later introduced herself as a henchman of the Headless liar named Irene. Amidst their discussion sir Yuko went outside and encountered Miss Amane in the park nearby. At 9:26pm a battle erupted between Student Soldier Haruki and the Entity Irene. Mister Yuko and Entity Miss Amane later joined the battle in attempts to defeat the Entity Irene. During the battle Miss Amane declared her decision to become an ally to our goddess and became enemies with all Entities, which now makes her vulnerable to attacks if she were to stay in the mortal plane, correct?

“That is correct…” Amane’s eyes darted at Haruki, Haruki quickly understood what Amane meant and mouthed Sir Chief Advisor.

“That is correct Sir Chief Advisor.” Replied Amane.

“Now by the request of all the parties involved, Former Colonel Chron, Student soldier Haruki, and Mister Yuko Katsuragi. Miss Amane is to reside in Euryphaessa and grant her the rights of a normal citizen. In return she will provide necessary information regarding entities. Is that correct?”

“That is correct Sir Chief Advisor, but if I may add—am I allowed to speak?” Amane nervously looked at the king who then waved his hand allowing Amane to continue.

“In return I will provide all the necessary information needed to battle against an entity and all the information I know on their ranks. I will help Yuko to carry out his prophecy to the best of my ability.. But in two conditions, Yuko is to be my first priority, that includes his prophecy. I will only act in the best interest of Yuko and I have Entities that I see as comrades. I ask that they must be unharmed if soldiers were to encounter them in the Human plane. I assure you they won't harm anyone, unless their safety is being threatened.”

There was outrage within the audience and the High Priest, whom we were formerly warned about, banged the long table and caused a scene.

“This is ridiculous.” The High Priest stood up with anger. “A lowly entity dare ask such outrageous requests before the throne!”

“Father Stephanos, please sit down.” The Chief Advisor quickly replied.

“No, no, Vincent. I have maintained my silence for way too long. This absurdity shall stop this instance. This entity has soiled the purity of our kingdom ever since IT stepped foot on our Nation. Such a creature shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely let alone have such a ludicrous request!!”

“Silence!” The King ordered with a deep and loud voice. “Father Stephanos, such language shall not be tolerated within my royal court. If you wish to not be kicked I suggest you refrain from using such a tone.”

The High Priest angrily took his seat and crossed his arms.

“While Father Stephanos has expressed his concerns regarding this issue. I would like to add that having Miss Amane by our side would provide benefits for our long standing battle against the Entities, however one cannot guarantee that her loyalty to our side is trustworthy.”

“I agree with the Chief Advisor.” uttered the old lady with giant glasses and a long dark purple robe. I looked at Haruki hoping for him to introduce her.

“She is the court mage. She’s a friend of our old man.” Haruki presented.

“Even if she is indeed the person the prophecy depicted, There is no guarantee that Miss Amane here might one day go against us, especially with the request at hand. What if Mister Yuko ordered you to betray the nation will you follow?” The court mage continued lifting her right brow while questioning Amane.

“No…I-” as Amane tried to defend herself. A tanned man with a neat hairstyle cut in.

“I agree as well, as the Director of Intelligence, I could not allow a known enemy of the nation to freely roam around the city, unless there is conclusive proof that Miss Amane is an ally of the Kingdom. Otherwise she could not be allowed.”

The Director of Intelligence’s last sentence left an impact. Unless we can prove Amane will not betray us, the court will never listen to our plea.

“Headmaster?... Commander?” pleaded Old man Chron.

“I'm sorry old friend, While I do trust your family’s judgement and Miss Amane's initiative, but for the safety of the kingdom, we have to remain skeptical of Miss Amane’s loyalty.” An old man who had a great white beard and blue robe spoke humbly.

“The old man is right. Unless there’s proof Miss Amane is trustworthy we can't side with your claims.”

“And they are?” I whispered to Haruki.

“The old man is the headmaster of the top academy in the nation, and the guy with the grey hair is the Supreme Commander of the Army. He’s the best friend of uncle Kojin.”

“The court is right Sir Chron, the kingdom cannot trust Miss Amane until she proves herself.” Ordered the King.

Old man Chron looked devastated. Haruki and I were trying to think of something that might help.

“I understand the court’s concerns, but for Miss Amane to prove her loyalty she should be given a chance to prove it, right? I’ll take responsibility for her future actions, your highness, please give her a chance.”

“If i remind you dear former colonel,” The High Priest started smugly.

“Your reputation has not been highly regarded by the people for a while. How can such a person be trusted with such a duty?”

“If I may.” Amane slowly held her head.

“Silence Entity.” The Old Priest Shouted. “It has been decided that we don’t need something so sacreligious in the face of the kingdom. Guards! Tie the entity and throw it in the dungeons.”

Two guards immediately rushed forward and began cuffing Amane’s hands.

As the cuffs touched Amane’s hands, her necklace glowed with a blinding red light as if the sun just entered the room. The room erupted into chaos and Amane’s necklace levitated in its place for everyone in the room to see.

“That son of a gun.” The Supreme Commander sighed while hiding his visible smile with his hand.

“Yuko, that’s Uncle Kojin’s necklace!” Hariko gasped.

“My father’s necklace? How…?” I stood there in awe, wondering what just happened.

“Miss Amane, care to explain what had happened.” The King asked while trying to calm the people.

The High Priest was stunned into silence and everyone in the room was so eager to listen.

“That necklace,” The Supreme General started. “Belongs to the Former General Kojin Katsuragi, am I right?”

“Yes, that Is correct.” Amane responded.

“Care to explain to us how it came in your possession?”

Amane glanced at our direction and gave me an apologetic smile.

“When my human vessel was still alive, she met General Kojin and his wife, Princess Thalia when they first arrived in Tokyo. We were together for a short while but we unfortunately got attacked by entities and my vessel died in an accident. While my human vessel died, I was left behind. General Kojin and Princess Thalia took me in and watched over me even when I was just a mere shadow. When the General died, he gave me his necklace.”

“Lies!!” the High Priest exclaimed. “How could the general entrust his first gem to you! You stole that necklace!”

“No,” Amane cried. “I’m telling you the truth.”

“Amane dear, we believe you.” The Court Mage spoke with an endearing smile.

“They.. believed it?” I looked at Haruki confusely, He was still visibly shocked by what just happened, but I could tell he believed Amane’s words.

“As some of you clearly missed what Miss Amane just said.” The court Mage started while looking at the High Priest loathingly.

“When someone is entrusted with a person’s first gem it means that person trusts the other party wholeheartedly. It is the equivalent of their will. And usually, during this act, all the remaining power the original owner has is kept inside their first gem until it is used up.”

The Court Mage stood up and took off her glasses. “This act clearly states that the former General firmly believes that Miss Amane is someone he trusts enough to give his most important possession to, and it is his will to support Miss Amane’s future endeavours. Taken that the necklace shone so brightly, it clearly shows the extremity of the General’s will.”

The Chief Advisor stood and agreed to what the court mage had said. “Such a phenomenon will not exist if the gem was simply stolen, therefore further proves that Miss Amane can be trusted, given General Kojin’s status.”

All the seven officials discussed their thoughts in private to settle a decision.

I rushed into Amane’s side and made sure she was alright.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.” Amane grabbed my hand.

“I was wondering why you helped us even when your safety was at risk.”

“Well, the moment I saw you, I knew who you were.”

“What do you mean?”

“You have your father’s features, Yuko. It’s easy to figure that out.”

“Miss Amane,” The headmaster called. I swiftly backed away, hoping I’d get another chance to talk to Amane about my father.

“Miss Amane, I do not know if this is a sensitive question for you, but if you don’t mind me asking.”

“It’s alright please ask.”

“For a shadow to become an entity. One must consume a soul. Am I correct?”

“That is correct, Headmaster.”

“For what it's worth, whomever your soul belongs to, it will not affect our current decision. but If I may ask, whose soul did you consume?”

Whispers were vibrating through the room. Whatever Amane answers will surely affect the people’s perception of her.

Amane put her head down and took a deep breath before uttering my Father’s name.

The people gasp in shock. I want to know too. If Amane was present when my father died, then I will find out what happened that night.

Thankfully the Headmaster asked Amane if she could explain what had happened.

“As I have discussed previously. General Kojin gave me the necklace during his last breath as well as his soul…” Amane discussed softly.

“Such crimes should not be considered—!”

“Oh shut up Priest!” Commanded the Supreme Commander annoyingly. “I’m sorry about that Miss Amane please continue.

“Thank you… Sir, During the battle, General Kojin and Princess Thalia were up against the Headless Liar… They were ambushed… and unfortunately Princess Thalia’s soul was consumed by one of the Headless Liar's henchmen, that is Irene who we confirmed when we defeated her. And during General Kojin’s last breath he wished that I would consume his soul and escape so the Headless Liar would not be able to take it for himself.”

The room was in silence for once, everyone was stunned to hear the story including me.

“I think this makes our decision final, your highness.” The Headmaster started.

“I think this is ridiculous!” The Priest outburst once more. “I will not accept such a ludacris decision.”

“I think the majority of us thinks Miss Amane here can be trusted, especially with the support of the former General and by technicality the late Princess Thalia, by helping raise her.”

The Chief Advisor stood up and everyone in the room eagerly listened.

“With all the information laid out… Will all the court officials who are in favor of Miss Amane please raise your hand.”

Amane held her head once more, eagerly looking at the hands that listened to her story.

In that moment, there were six hands that were showing support for Amane, excluding the Priest. Although the audience weren’t pleased with the decision, the votes were made and was marked as history’s first time that most of the officials agreed on the same side. I was later informed that there was one official that was not present that day.