Shangri La Pt. 1

108: Assurance

Viciously throwing the tiny mirror across the room in a fury, it was clear that the Empress was not happy about something, and all the servants in the room were afraid to say a word–even let out a whimper. 

'Arg– I don't understand, my body... it won't stop aging! I've tried everything to slow my aging down because I thought I'd acquire the other 5 Sacred Gems. My Amethyst is growing weaker, and I can't let my body age this much longer. That's not the only thing, but ever since I got the Amethyst, I haven't been able to sing or serenade anyone in the palace, not even the Emperor! If the Emperor will just did already, then I won't have to wait this long. I need his Amber and then my body will slow down the aging just a little bit. No... I need the rest of the Gems... I need that Emerald's remains... I need her Gem! Not just her's, I need the Prince's Diamond and Ruby and even the Great Pisces' Sapphire! I need them all! I need to live eternally!!!' the Empress screamed in her head.

She wanted to scream all her fury out, but she knew that would only leave questions to those around, so she had to be cautious. 

'Arg– I knew I should've taken that brat's Amethyst as well after killing his father, but I didn't want to get caught in the act! If my Amethyst crumbles before I acquire the rest of the Sacred Gems, then I won't be able to get immortality. Those damn Scholars, they better get here soon and bring me that Emerald's heart, then I'll be able to revive myself a bit faster. I need more power!!!'

As the following morning started to grow in the West, so did a certain greenette, for as soon as she started to peek her eyes open, a headache grew. 

"Erm– Ow... My head. Hm? Where am I?" 

"Oh! Looks like I got here right on time!"

Izumi jerked her head to look over at the door to see Yu entering the room and carrying a tray with food on it. 

"Ah– Yu–" 

"Good morning, Izumi, did you have a good sleep?" 

"O-Oh– I-I think so, but... what is this that I'm sitting on? I know this isn't the floor, and it's a lot softer and bouncier than the floor." 

"Hmph– You're right, this isn't the floor, as you're sleeping on a bed." 

"A... bed?" 

"Mn. It's something everyone sleeps on in the West, and they're much more comfortable than sleeping on a hard cold floor. Hungry?" Yu offered as she brought the tray to the greenette's attention.

"Ah– What is that?" 

"This? It's Barley Soup, it's meant to make you–especially your stomach–feel a lot better after getting over a bad stomach ache." 

"O-Oh, b-but I don't have–" 

Before she could even finish, her stomach started growling to the point of her hurting that Izumi's face could only turn red with embarrassment. 

"O-Oh–" 

"Help yourself, this is all for you." Yu said happily as she rested the tray onto the greenette's lap. 

"T-Thank you." 

"Hmph, you don't need to be so shy, as it seems you were quite brave last night." Izumi immediately stopped herself before taking in the first spoonful of the soup and turned over to the blonde.