Red of Dawn

Red of Dawn I

Hey guys! Welcome to Red of Dawn!

This is a New Year's fic, and every day I will upload a chapter (it's a short story, so it will be less than ten chapters)!

I'd like to give a big thank you to SpaceArcherr, AKA my dear friend A, who helped me with this project's drawings - I made them and she digitalized them (and she did an absolutely amazing job at that, so thanks again, Archie)! Although, unfortunately for you guys you can't see it yet because the art is coming in the next few chapters!

I hope you guys enjoy and I wish you all a happy new year!

~'0'~

Humans are fickle creatures.

Kyousuke lets his lips curl in amusement at that thought, barely biting back a grin at the hint of apprehension, or perhaps awe, the two objects of his interest display at the sight of it. They don't outright fear him – there is no reason for them to, he is their protector and they know it, but they are wary.

He doesn't take it personally. It is a natural reaction when in the presence of a demigod, after all, and one he is more than used to.

Absentmindedly he finds the two humans have silenced, waiting for his judgement, and he lazily glances to the side. A sharp gaze catches his own and he can easily read the annoyance in it.

That causes him to grin for real this time, all sharp teeth and flashing eyes. His shieldbrother should know better by now.

Politics really isn't Kyousuke's thing. Give him a weapon and he'll destroy armies on his own. Put him on a throne and expect him to listen and advise people, both humans and demigods, and he would lose his mind to boredom. Their Clan knows this, and so do their allies, but that doesn't seem to bother them much.

Or perhaps it's because Shindou can be terrifying in his own right and if they have to choose between Kyousuke beating them half to death in a fight or finding themselves on impossible and horrible missions, well, it seems they'd rather choose the former.

Shindou deals with the humans easily enough and once they've left and he turns to Kyousuke, the younger demigod relaxes slightly. If his shieldbrother drops the indifferent mask he wears in front of everyone who isn't part of the Raimei Clan, it means they are finally done for today.

''You should pay more attention.''

There's disapproval in Shindou's voice, but no blame.

Kyousuke leans back on his throne and glances at the older demigod in disinterest. ''You are the one who put me on babysit duty. That's bound to go wrong and you know it.''

His companion sighs and rubs his forehead wearily. ''I am aware of that and you have my apologies, but we're short on hands. You know this.''

The younger demigod isn't impressed and arcs one, thin eyebrow. ''We have been 'short on hands' for two centuries. When will there be a solution?'' he drawls, resting his elbow on the golden armrest of his throne, supporting his chin with a pale hand. The columns of fire that provide most of the light in the hall flare with blood red flames for a few moments, casting wild shadows over the walls and floor. The pale deity waves a lazy hand and the fires shrink back. ''You said it yourself, Shindou. It has been two hundred years and I am starting to get really curious – what is taking so long?''

Brown eyes flare a bright lilac color, rippling through the room. ''Watch your tongue! You are not the only warrior here and you know it,'' he hisses, a raging storm echoing through his voice in barely held-back anger, and Shindou rises to his feet. ''I am doing everything I can, as you perfectly well know! Would it really hurt you so much to pull yourself out of your own misery and realize we're all suffering?''