Maharlika Mahika // undergoing editing

Act XXIV

Jiyuu's POV

There it goes again.

That scene, playing over and over in my mind.

There it goes again.

That feeling, ingrained in my memories.

There it goes again.

For the umpteenth time, I run my fingers over my lips as I stared into the glass that imitates my actions. I see myself looking like an idiot, as the scene replayed in my mind like a broken record.

Pull it together, Jiyuu.

"Jiyuu?"

I jump, and see Hitoka looking at me like I was mad. I cleared my throat, and smoothed out my dress.

"What are you doing?" she said, obviously holding in her laugh.

I blushed and looked away, burying my face in my hands.

"I'm such an idiot.." I mumbled.

Hitoka laughed as she saw my flustered state that was so vulnerable and rare.

"Jiyuu, what made you so flustered?" she asked me.

I didn't answer. I just stared timidly at my reflection, occasionally running the tips of my fingers over my lips, as the scene repeated once more.

"Perhaps you're... in love?" she noted.

With that, I looked at her, shooting daggers at her direction, making the young maid scared out of her wits.

After that, I sighed.

What's wrong with me?

I remembered his embrace.

I remembered his touch.

I remembered how he whispered consolations in my ear to keep me sane.

I remembered how we fought.

I remembered the way he would restrict me from fighting and the way I would contradict his every statement.

I remembered the dance.

I remembered how he kept pulled me from Death's clutches.

I remembered his kiss.

With these situations in mind, can I deduce that I am in love?

Argh, I'm so confused right now!

"Jiyuu?" Hitoka said, shattering my thoughts.

I sighed again and looked at Hitoka.

"Hitoka... could you leave me alone for a moment? I need to clear my mind." I requested.

She smiled and left the room. The sound of the door clicked and resonated in my mind, and I was left alone in the deafening silence of the empty room to clear my thoughts for a little while.

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Kageyama's POV

"Seems like the rebels are quiet after the Miyagi incident." noted Takeda.

I stayed silent. Yes they were quiet.

A little too quiet.

This was strange. Usually at this time they would revolt again.

Maybe Jiyuu did well to eradicate them once and for all.

"Jiyuu did well." I muttered, unsure if Takeda would hear.

"Yes, she did. Considering her to be of the same race with the reels, she did well. She lives up to her word, she really helped us with matters like these using her magic as a Mahika." he replied.

"Yes." I mumbled, directed my gaze on the floor.

I stared blankly on the floor, thinking about the earlier events. The way I embraced her because I was so worried made me blush madly, and sent my heart beating wildly in my chest.

-Damn it. Love is really making me all weird.

But, it was a fluttering feeling that keeps me motivated, keeps me determined to do everything to stop Aoba Johsai from shattering her. A feeling that gives me a reason to live. A feeling makes me want to do everything to keep her safe.

Maybe love is not such a bad feeling.

"Um.. Your Highness?" Takeda's voice pierced the silence.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Why are you smiling at the floor?"

I took in his slightly shocked expression, and directed once more my gaze on the floor.

"Nothing. Nothing at all, Takeda."

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a/n

hello guys!

our act is filled with love... hue hue

I hope you loved this act!

vote or comment if you do :)

-starlight