Hetalian Protectors

Items of Recognition

"W-What the.... Is that a Flying Mint-Bunny?!" I smiled as he walked away from his fight with America, holding out his hand for Cinna to smell, which she did cheerfully whilst chewing on his fingers. His eyes lit up and I laughed.

"This is my friend Cinna-Bunny. If you don't mind my asking, where is Mint-Bunny?" Suddenly a flash of green caught my eye, Mint flying right into Cinna. I smiled as they chased each other around the room. Through Arthur's and my laughter I still managed to hear America, France, Canada, and the Nordic's combined groans.

"Another oddball delusional?!"

*****

Kyoko's POV: The lights were out, the lack of sunlight signaling the arrival of night. I sat on the bed, my ring pinched between my middle finger and thumb, the fear of being caught nonexistent as I held it in front of my face. It was nearing two in the morning, and though there was a meeting tomorrow I didn't bother to sleep. It was the only time I could check on my magic stores.

The ring was black and it held a dark sea foam crystal in the shape of a spiral. The band was engraved with a twisting dragon along its surface, and underneath the gem was the letter K, also engraved. It was truly beautiful, glowing softly in the darkness. Comforting my heart and putting me at ease.

I leaned back and allowed myself to fall, landing with a muted thump on my bed covers. Pulling my knees closer to my chest I laid there, letting the cool air of my room brush over my skin. The ring settled into the palm of my hand, standing out starkly against my paleness. I smiled and clenched my hand shut, holding it to my heart. Warmth ran through me.

Then someone knocked on the door, sending me scrambling to shove the ring into my shirt, the chain it was on getting stuck on a piece of my hair. I rushed to get it undone, speeding up as the person announced who they were.

"Kyoko? It's Arthur."

Even I heard the slight tremor in my voice as I called out, "One second!"

"Kyoko, are you alright?" His voice had faint traces of alarm. The ring had become even more tightly entangled in my hair, preventing me from getting anywhere with it. I looked around frantically, spotting a pair of scissors on my desk. As quietly as I could I raced over, taking them into my other hand.

"I'm fine Arthur, just getting dressed." My agitation gave me away, Arthur wiggling the doorknob.

"Are you sure my dear?" His words would of brought a blush to my face if not for the situation I was in. Bringing the strand of hair into my line of vision I prepared myself. I guided my hair between the blades, being careful to keep the ring away. I shifted my fingers, and I heard the quick SNIP that singled the completion of my objective.

The ring tumbled from my hand and disappeared into my shirt, the chain catching it and keeping it suspended against the skin of my chest. Making sure that he wouldn't be able to see an inch of it I tucked the cut piece of hair behind my neck, glad that it had been a piece that hid in the bottom. And with that I practically ran to the door and flung it open, greeting myself with Arthur's surprised face. We stood there a moment, staring at each other.

"Arthur."

"Kyoko."

God this was kinda awkward. So very awkward.

Well standing here is getting us no where, might as well get this over with. He probably thinks I'm crazy now... I gestured back into my room, inviting him in, "Is something the matter?" I started away from him as he shook his head.

"No I was just wondering why you were still awake. I saw your light from my room." He entered almost cautiously, gaze wondering around my room as I sat down on my bed. My room was simply furnished, my bed taking up the most space while my desk and drawers finished of the room. Along my walls however were different photos of me and the girls, hanging out in places all around the world. As Arthur's eyes passed over the said pictures I saw a small grin overcome his face.