A Queen's Choice

~Part~One~

The kingdom of Kei was ruled by a benevolent, kind and generous, Queen.

She was given the name, Sekishi meaning, red child, namely because of her abnormal hair color, and also because the councillors of her court viewed her as an impudent child.

Despite appearing weak, Yoko, made it her unspoken vow to do better, and to be looked upon not as a child, but a regal ruler that had the support of her fellow subjects.

She led her kingdom towards peace, towards a brighter tomorrow. With the help of her loyal friends and fellow Kieran, Keiki.

Yoko was his second Queen that he had bowed down to. The first Queen that he had chosen was named Jokaku, she fell in love with Keiki; her jealousy resulted in irrational acts including expelling all the women from the country am executing those who remained.

Keiki soon after contracted Shitsudou, an illness, and in order to save his life, Jokaku, abdicated the throne and had killed herself in turn, saving Keiki's life to journey and eventually meet the next queen that he would appoint.

Yoko knew that there wasn't time for love in-between battles and pushing towards peace for her kingdom.

She feared the past-feared feeling certain feelings-feared repeating horrible acts that should stay in the past-feared the fear of never returning to a home that she belonged too.

It took twenty years for her kingdom of Kei to finally know peace. To finally know what the word relaxation meant, to finally know of a world without the constant threat of youma.

Twenty years was enough wasn't it- could she see her parents again- could she get the closure that was denied to her?

Well it would lead her nowhere at this point- wondering about what ifs didn't go anywhere- not unless one acted upon them.

Yoko had accomplished many feats- she had fought in a rebellion war- she had wondered the world of the twelve kingdoms and slain Youmas.

Surely--she could attempt to reveal her thoughts to her most loyal Kieran that would never betray her?

Keiki was standing overlooking the now peace-filled kingdom of Kei. Although it would be many more years to come until Kei was well-prospered like the kingdom of En. Keiki felt contempt with the way his Queen, Yoko, would lead it.

He heard the doors open and glanced at the person who walked in. He inclined his head in a bow to his Queen who walked in. "Your Majesty. "Keiki greeted in respect to his master. "Keiki" she greeted back.

"What can I do for, your majesty?"

"Keiki- I want to visit Hourai. " Yoko revealed.

"But your Majesty, you simply can't aban--"

"Keiki" Yoko interjected, "I need to find my parents, I need closure that I never got. Can't you understand that?"

"I don't condone this- but seeing your strong will how can I deny you anything. " Keiki bowed to his master- he would be behind her in her decision to leave.

"Thank you, Keiki. "

The following day Yoko had made preparations for her departure to Hourai, Japan.

She was going to leave Shokai in charge- as the previous princess of Hou- Shokai knew what to do in case battles broke out- or the simple job of keeping the councillors in check. Tentai knows how much  they could get off topic and start fight with one another.

She was only going to be a few days- and Keiki had agreed to stay and to only find her when he needed papers signed, or in case of a dire emergency.

A Meishoku was created by Keiki- it was a smaller version of a Shoku- in which had transported her to human world of Houri as a baby, but it was more controlled and obviously not a  natural disaster. An ability that Keiren possessed for the sole purpose of transporting themselves to and from worlds.

With one last look at Keiki--Yoko jumped in and she was suddenly standing on land in Japan.

Yoko was frozen. That much was obvious.

It had been years since she last saw the sky that belonged to the Earth- it was painted with warm colors of twilight.

Warm colors suddenly dissipating into darkness.

The familiar buildings washed through her vision and if she had a mirror at that exact moment- she would see the pale alabaster skin and grey eyes staring back at her.

Yoko Nakajima was finally home.