"Fate's Unraveling: A Tale Beyond the Stars"

Chapter 26: The Curious Inquiry

Yui sat alone in her chamber within the Kutou palace, lost in thought. Her memories of home drifted through her mind, resurfacing bittersweet moments shared with Miaka and Isuna, her heart aching with confusion and worry. Though she was surrounded by luxury, the weight of her choices pressed down on her, pulling her further from the warmth of those memories.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She looked up as the door opened, and Nakago stepped inside. His expression was as unreadable as ever, yet his gaze held an intensity that made her sit up.

“Lady Yui,” he said, his voice smooth and respectful. “You seem troubled. Is something weighing on your mind?”

She hesitated, looking down before answering. “It’s… nothing, Nakago. Just memories.” She tried to brush it off, but his piercing gaze encouraged her to continue. “I keep thinking about Miaka and… our other friend, Isuna.”

Nakago raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Isuna. I’ve heard you mention her before.” He stepped closer, his gaze never leaving her face. “Who is she?”

Yui hadn’t expected him to be interested. She took a deep breath, feeling the surge of emotions tied to the name. “Isuna was like a sister to us, in a way. She was older, always watching out for Miaka and me. Strong and kindhearted. The three of us were inseparable back home.” Her voice softened. “We never thought she’d somehow become part of this world, but… now she’s here.”

Nakago’s gaze sharpened. “And how do you know she’s here?”

Yui’s voice trembled as she recalled the vision. “I saw her… locked away in a chamber of ice. It’s as if something or someone trapped her there, yet I don’t know why.” She clenched her fists. “I feel so helpless, Nakago. She’s somewhere out there, alone and frozen, and I don’t know how to save her.”

Nakago’s lips curled slightly, a look of interest flashing in his eyes. “Fascinating,” he murmured. “If she’s bound by such a powerful enchantment, then perhaps she’s more significant than you realize.”

“What do you mean?” Yui asked, looking up at him, a mixture of confusion and hope in her eyes.

He leaned in, his tone dark and thoughtful. “In this world, no one is held captive without reason, Lady Yui. If your friend is imprisoned, then she likely has a role in the unfolding events. The gods don’t play games without purpose. It’s possible that she is… essential to the balance—or to disrupting it.”

Yui’s eyes widened at his words. “Do you really think she’s involved in all of this?”

“Perhaps,” he said, folding his arms. “You may want to consider her loyalty, Lady Yui. If she is freed, which side do you believe she’ll take? Will she remain by your side… or will she favor Miaka?”

The question pierced Yui’s heart. She had always trusted Isuna, but since arriving in this world, things had become blurred and uncertain. Would Isuna understand her decision to summon Seiryuu? Would she take Yui’s side, or would she align herself with Miaka?

Seeing her hesitation, Nakago offered a small, chilling smile. “If you wish to protect her, then ensure her loyalty. She may be a powerful ally—or a dangerous adversary.”

Nakago turned to leave, but before stepping out, he added, “Remember, Lady Yui, in this world, even the closest friends can become enemies when their goals diverge. Be cautious with your trust.”

Left alone, Yui felt a mix of dread and determination. She wanted nothing more than to save Isuna, to see her friend free from the icy prison. Yet Nakago’s words left her troubled, his subtle suggestion twisting her hopes and fears.

Would Isuna understand her choices, or would she stand against her, just as Miaka had? Yui’s heart grew heavy with doubt, her memories of home colliding with the hard realities of this world. She clasped her hands tightly, thinking of Isuna’s warm smile, the way she had always been a steady presence for both her and Miaka. The thought of Isuna becoming an adversary was unbearable. Yet Nakago's words lingered, planting seeds of suspicion and uncertainty.

That night, as Yui lay in her room, her mind drifted back to memories of her and Isuna. She remembered Isuna’s kindness and resilience, how she had always been like an older sister, helping them both navigate the complexities of friendship and loyalty. She had always been there, a guiding light when Yui or Miaka struggled. And now, that same light was locked away in an ice chamber somewhere in this dangerous world.

Yui wrestled with her feelings, torn between her loyalty to Seiryuu and her devotion to her friend. She didn’t know why Isuna was here, or why she was trapped, but she felt a gnawing need to find out. If only there was a way to locate her…

The next day, Yui summoned Nakago again, her resolve hardened.

“Nakago,” she began, “I need to find Isuna. She might have answers—about why she’s here and about her connection to Miaka and me.”

Nakago studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “Are you certain, Lady Yui?” he asked. “Searching for her could draw attention from Suzaku’s followers. If Miaka or Tamahome discover her first, she may become a pawn in their hands.”

Yui looked away, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. But deep down, she knew she had to act. If she did nothing, she might lose Isuna forever—to Miaka, to Suzaku, or perhaps even to the dark magic that held her prisoner.

“I understand the risk, but I can’t abandon her,” Yui said firmly. “If there’s even a chance that she would understand my choice, then I have to try.”

Nakago inclined his head, a subtle smile playing on his lips. “Very well, Lady Yui. I will arrange a search party. We shall locate your friend—though the forces holding her may not easily yield.”

Yui’s chest tightened with hope and fear. She had no idea what awaited them or what they would find, but at least now she was taking steps toward finding Isuna. Whatever happened, she would face it—and perhaps even reclaim the trust and friendship she had once shared with Isuna and Miaka.

As Nakago left to begin the search, Yui felt a sliver of hope. She would find her friend, no matter the cost. But Nakago’s words echoed in her mind, casting a shadow over her resolve.

Was Isuna still the friend she remembered, or had this world, with all its dark influences, already claimed her?