Kaiten
I'd prefer to steer clear of this place, but I can't afford to be complacent right now.
Almost a full hour passed before I found myself standing outside the Steel Palace. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself to deal with my brother once more.
Seated atop a plateau overlooking the central district, the Steel Palace stood tall at the very heart of The Primary, proudly walled off from the public. A deep moat of quicksand surrounded it on all four sides, and the only known means of ground entry was the heavily guarded gate on the other side of a drawbridge.
I marched past the crowds of civilians and flashed my ID to the guards. Among everyone outside, I was the one person permitted entry into the palace. The citizens were left shouting at the tops of their lungs about recent curse-related events. Their cries amplified as they bounced off the walls. I could only wonder how Izanai managed to ignore them.
This is about more than just the lives of a few.
***
The stone stairways felt like they went on forever. The gate merely served as an access point; it wasn't the front door. The Steel Palace truly was seated above the rest of the clan. However, after finally ascending the hundreds of steps, I reached the palace vestibule. A number of silver-cloaked council members were already waiting in that transitional space.
Livian, head of internal affairs, and the man often seen as the leader among the council.
Isakai, head of research and development. The primary inventor of anti-curse technology within the Ozukashi Clan.
Helix, my vice commander, and the coordinator for military affairs with Izanai.
Melrose, who presided over public relations and image preservation.
Carmen, who was in charge of clan environmental issues.
And, finally, Gio. The man who oversaw the clan's private affairs.
A group of six who were all powerful or influential in their own ways. A group seen as instrumental to Izanai's success as clan leader. But their presence was unexpected at best.
Unusual. Why is the entire council present?
I scanned the area, my brow tightening. Surprisingly, Livian was the first to greet me. He approached with a proper bow, while most of the remaining council didn't much care for my presence, save Helix, of course.
"If it isn't our shining Commander Kaiten! Heard you battled against that cursed dog, Kozuna!"
I'll ignore that comment for the moment.
"Where's Izanai? I need to speak with him."
"It's LORD Izanai, Kaiten. You know that."
My eyes rolled to the sky. "Where's my brother, Livian?"
Livian folded his arms and dropped his dastardly smirk. "He should be out shortly-"
Livian couldn't finish his words. Right then, the expansive double doors of the throne room swept open. All eyes turned to Izanai as he stepped onto the stairs. The sibling that still had a full head of shiny black hair. He was adorned in silks of red and trims of gold, as well as cream-white furs. His draping, lord's robe always dazzled anyone who got a chance to look at it. However, his silver eyes centered on the unexpected guest- me.
"Izanai."
"Ah, Kaiten! Wasn't expecting you to drop in. It's been months. If only you'd visit under better circumstances. Anything I can help you with before my meeting?"
"Yes, but we need to speak privately."
"Ohh, I know what this is about. Our little curse seal situation, correct?"
My glare twisted in as Izanai snickered under his breath.
"Izanai-"
"Dooon't worry, Kaiten. Our cushy life isn't going anywhere anytime soon. You can keep living this dream a while longer." Izanai approached and rested his hand on my shoulder. He leaned closer and whispered, "We need Kozuna alive, for the moment. He has something we need. The others though? Zara and the girl? I don't much care what happens to them."
My eyelids twitched as I attempted to process what I'd just heard.
Does he mean..?
Izanai backed off with a smile. "Kozuna's in no danger of death. The kid's far too valuable an asset right now. A smarter man would have him locked away in Sand Tower, right? Only bring him out for emergency response if the clan's ever in danger. Like the other fool we've got locked up there."
I know what needs to be done, now.
"You'd keep him alive, so long as he'd serve as a slave?"
Izanai shrugged me off. "What can I say? He's got a curse seal. What would the people think if I just started letting cursed mongrels run rampant? Unchecked? Curse wielders exist to serve one purpose within the Ozukashi Clan, and that purpose is solely my discretion."
"Regardless, you can't just enslave them-"
"Almost sounds like you'd prefer I have them executed. You and I both know we can't allow that to happen just yet." Izanai stepped past me and headed toward the hall. "Gimme about fifteen minutes. I need to meet with my council regarding ongoing affairs. We can continue our discussion afterward."
Groaning in frustration, I quickly pulled Helix away before he could head into the meeting with his fellow councilors.
"Commander?"
"Helix. Don't place yourself at risk, but do what you can to show the other councilors that Kozuna's no threat. Show them that Zara and Yvira must walk free. All of them were instrumental in stopping Nazun. They don't deserve to be in prison."
"I'm aware, Kaiten, and don't worry about it. I was already planning to help."
"Thank you, Helix."
With that, I watched Helix head down the hall to join the others. All I could do was take a seat and wait patiently.
I need to find a way to separate you from the clan, and discreetly, for all our sakes. When you awaken, please don't do anything rash, Kozuna.