Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 37

I was on edge as I went to help the others make this as small as possible for Sayomi, but we all froze when we saw the tables and people coming in already.  This bitch...  "What is she trying to fucking prove?"

I glanced at Youta, who was fuming.  "She wants to see her fail."

His dad looked grave.  "How anyone could hate her... I don't understand."

My heart squeezed at the defeat in his tone.  "Hello boys... Emperor Wu."

We all turned to see Ayama smirking, her friends flanking her.  "Princess Ayama, how have you been?"

Her smile didn't reach her eyes.  "I've had to keep myself entertained with these new guests being here, but... I'm managing.  I heard there is to be a glorious display and show tonight."

Youta glanced at me when he heard her sarcasm.  "We apologize, Ayama.  It's no-"

She frowned at him.  "Your intention?  Well, that's not comforting in the least.  Come on, we need to find our seats."

She brushed past us and Youta bit his lip.  "I never wanted her to feel..."

I sighed.  "I know, we can only try to do better from here.  I'm going to catch her before she freaks out when she gets here."

I glanced around and opted to wait down the hall so it wouldn't look too suspicious.  My breath caught in my throat when I saw her.  Keiko truly had grown, she wore colors of emerald green and cream.  Clearly, she still had an aversion the dresses, but her clothes were tailored to compliment her figure perfectly.  Her hair hung in shiny, flowing waves around her.

I couldn't deny I wanted her, she was stunning as she looked at me curiously.  "You clean up well..."  I took a breath.  "You don't have to do this."

Her head bobbed as she went past.  "I know."

I fell into step.  "Then why?"

Her smirk was mischievous.  "I've never been good at turning down a challenge."

I smiled because it was true, but it didn't last as she froze when she heard the hum of conversation float from the dining room.  When I saw she wasn't breathing I snatched her hand and pulled her into a side room.  Please, don't pass out... Chiyo isn't here.  "Breathe..."

She struggled.  "I..."

I cupped her face and forced her to look at me.  "Breathe..."  She hesitated, but dragged in a breath in time with mine.  I made sure she kept going and glanced at the door.  "Good, I'll be back, keep breathing."

My heart twisted as I had to leave her and hurried back to her room.  I knocked frantic and the princess frowned as soon as she saw me.  "Sh-"

I shook my head.  "You have to help her please..."

Her frown deepened and I swear she wanted to die when she didn't move.  "Wh-"

Sunako was by her side in an instant.  "Where is she?"

I would forever be grateful to this girl as she was on my heels as I just took the princess arm to drag her to Sayomi.  She can't be this selfish... maybe if she sees...  I was grateful she was still breathing when we got there.  "Help her."

I know I must have sounded desperate, but there was nothing I could do to soothe her.  The fucking princess huffed, crossed her arms, and turned away from her panicking sister.  Why... she needs you...  It was Sunako who went to her aid. 

"Never seen you panic before a fight."  Sayomi glared at her.  Good, she's feeling better.  "Look... you accepted the challenge.  You can back down or see it through."

She said it so casually and indifferent, I almost regretted getting either.  However, that seemed to get Sayomi back to herself as she nodded and stood.  "I'll do it."

A mischievous grin appeared on the girl's face.  "You better kill it."

Sayomi chuckled.  "You know I will."

I don't know what kind of messed up therapy or encouragement these two had going on, but Sayomi walked into the dining room confident, ignoring the crowd.  Her eyes were pinned on the empress who stared back hatefully.

I hated leaving her, but took my seat and saw she glanced around a small frown on her lips.  "Thank you for agreeing to be our entertainment for the evening, I hope you perform well."

I didn't miss the condescending tone and Youta elbowed me as I frowned, nodding to the girl in front of us.  He was right, she was who we needed to focus on right now.  I saw her take a slow breath before starting and I was proud because there was not a trace if the panic she experienced earlier.

I never thought I could be more entranced by the girl before us, but when she started to move, I was awestruck.  She effortlessly moved around the room, the same way when she was showing off during her chaotic sprees.  "Dance!"

I smiled after as the memories flooded me.  I blinked when she made a leaped and frowned when I saw it was next to Ayama.  What could she possibly have against her.  Homura is jealous of her, Ayama not far behind, and the princess doesn't want to share.  Nothing she's actually done warrants any of this behavior...

I felt the anger in her tune until she calmed as she returned to the front and twirled to an end.  A wonderstruck silence greeted her until the room went wild.  If any doubted who this girl was it was obvious they recognized her now... Keiko was home.

She smirked back at the table and I saw the empress was pissed while I couldn't stop smiling.  Her plot failed miserably and now she would have the entirety of Wu to deal with, no questions asked.  She faltered as she looked at the princess, perplexed as she sat fuming.  She shook her head slightly, turning to the crowd to bow deeply.

They cheered again and her face held a subtle blush as she was swept into the emperor's arms.  She looked shocked as he laughed, elated.  "Such a delightful girl!"  That only made everyone cheer louder as her spoke in her her ear.  I read his lips and gathered he said something about her being home.

She got free more confused as she looked over at me and Youta.  We glanced at each other, he completely skipped easing her into it.  She only tilted her head before turning to to go to her seat.  Well, she didn't freak out.  So maybe...