Prince Mitsuba

VI: Father & Son Prt 1

All inmates stand in neat rows with their supervisors arranged by cell number while the warden calls out the participants.

"For Building Three we have Cell Six..."

Honey looks at Trois and me with wide eyes. "I thought it was Cell Seven. Did she change her mind?"

My father comes over before anyone can answer. "Come now. Let us get you to the arena. This way." Kiji leads us out of the courtyard to a sleek black limo. He smiles with hearts in his eyes as he helps us in.

I'm sandwiched between Trois and Honey who both seem shocked. "Well, if we win, the prize is also given to Cell Seven. The warden only picked our cell because she's amused by the thought of Father and I working together."

Trois and Honey roll their eyes. It annoys them to know Kiji is my father and that my father is my jailer.

"Kiji, is what Mitsuhide says true?" Trois props his chin up on his hand.

"It is. We must do the best we can do. But so long as Mitsuhide and I work together in top spinning we can win. Mitsu, I want you to team up with Ahato for mochi pounding. I'll team up with Trois and Honey for the rest," he instructs.

We all three nod just as Ahato joins us.

They say the tournament is to show the strength of the guards. I beg to differ. My magic, among other skills, is not blocked here. I just can't use them unless absolutely necessary. I can't hide the wicked smile painting my lips.

If Hyakushiki wants a show, she's going to get one...

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The stadium is filled to the brim with supervisors and inmates. Everyone is here to watch a tournament meant to act as leverage.

I stand with my cellmates behind Kiji as he struts through the crowd. I take note of each and every face. I spot the Night Raven crowd sitting with Ahato.

"Is it even possible we can win? I've heard that the top two buildings are Four and Thirteen," Honey whispers.

"As long as we stick to the plan, we'll be fine. On the way here, Mitsuhide explained a few tricks to winning Hyakunin Isshu without dropping any hints as to which cards we grab. We can at least tie with that one so long as we pull through. Mitsuhide will handle the rest," Trois explains.

The three of us fist bump together. We can do this.

"Darling, here." Kiji turns around. He puts two rings in my hand. "These will help with blot and your magic."

I quickly slip the rose gold rings on—one on each ring finger. I immediately feel a much more controlled hold on my magic. I'm so ready to show everyone who the queen is around here.

We keep following Kiji til he abruptly stops in the middle of Samon, a guy with pink and white hair, and some bald guy—Hajime—bickering.

"You haven't met my Cell Eight yet. We're going to win this year. Besides, there's only one person in Cell Ten of Building Four," Samon boasts.

And of course my father has to step in. "I don't care for any of your fighting. Only children do such a thing."

All eyes turn to us.

Qi awkwardly smiles and waves at me. He's still the same weirdo he's always been.

"Oh, you think you can win? Think again." Samon proudly smirks.

Kiji snorts out a laugh. "My Cell Six will surely pull through. In fact, think we can at least make it as far as second place which is far better than Building Five's early elimination last year."