"Faith is like a fire"

[toremainbehind]

[They weren't twins.

Not by a long shot, but they were close enough to be mistaken for a pair. Princes of their country, one Red and the other Gold, they were the expected heirs to take over. However, it quickly became known that with the princes together, it would prove to be a political weapon in itself. They were used to being kidnapped, often used for pawns in another political game of a kidnapping spree, or to be threatened to be killed off. They knew this and eventually, they began to use it to their advantage.

They would switch, they would make lives more difficult for everyone around them. If they're to be used in the game of politics, then they'll make it so that they are the ones who keeps the advantage. After all, if everyone wants to use them, then they can use everyone.

It's fortunate that they're both available for a free day, though Izumo is sure already that the other is off snoozing somewhere as he usually does. He keeps a polite smile in greeting on his face as he passes by the servants in the castle before he enters the courtyard, moving past the trees that initially serves as a gate before he sees the other - sleeping like he suspected.

He chuckles quietly, moving once more to sit beside him.]

Comments

[bartenderizing]

[ Sometimes when being just yourself is dangerous, you learned to be two people. Being Shizuo was relatively easy, as many of the expectations that were to be burdened upon him wouldn't come into play until the king had passed and he was to take on the mantle. Many times it was about small tests, but until then his temper and strength were challenged- conveniently only on the days when hew as himself. When he was Izumo, it felt like there was a lot more exhaustion to be had. The need to be clever or listening better- he wasn't a natural at that, those were skills he had to develop for the times when they were the other.

So of course he spent his leisurely time snoozing.

It'd been a few weeks, so there was the small length of brown roots starting to show themselves in the gold prince's hair. Funny how his hair wasn't actually golden normally- it started with a curiosity and became further proof of how hard it was for people to tell the two apart. Now it was a routine and something they had to keep up on, with the rise of attempts on either of them. That or failures for the interest of their 'futures,' which today was a check on. Another potential fiancee, who seemed determined in their feelings. 'Seemed' being the main focus today. While they couldn't blame new faces in their lives for not telling them apart right away, it's their response that matters.

It's a few more minutes before Shizuo starts to stir, rolling to his side to stay relaxing. ]

She thought I was a suitable 'option,' by the way, after I pointed out that I wasn't you.

[toremainbehind]

Another one of those, hm?

[In a way, he truly was tired of having to meet a potential fiancee, of having to possibly marry someone one day. Meeting potential suitors were always tiring, something that Izumo would happy admit to. They always had a way of being more exhausting than fighting a battle, than having the need to be cunning and smart with one advantage ahead more than the next person.

Then again, Izumo's sure he's really just tired of the idea of marriage.

He sifts his fingers through Shizuo's hair, looking down to see the blurred edges of blonde and brunette at the roots.]

How long did you let it go on before you pointed it out to her? [It was an unsaid agreement between the two of them. They would meet their potential fiancees as agreed, but there was a test. If they failed to pass the test, then they aren't suitable for them at all.

After all, it's just plain rude to marry someone who claims they can settle for the other just as well.]

[bartenderizing]

[ Shizuo wasn't tired of the idea, being a bit of a romantic, but he was long tired of the results that had constantly come up from it. Sometimes he wished they didn't have to be one step ahead of the person that always seemed to be three steps ahead of everyone else. ]

She should've realized something was off when I kissed her. I guess she thought that you weren't a natural blond the whole time.

[ It was an easy tell- the kinds of affection he went for. Probably because the guy was as desperate for that kind of contact as he was tired of the reason he indulged on them. By the way he said that, she clearly didn't realize the 'slip up.' ]

After I pointed out I wasn't you, I offered to 'steal' her away. 'If things don't work out,' and all that.

[toremainbehind]

[That gets a laugh from Izumo.

Shizuo really was a romantic, a lot more than Izumo, and he's fine with that. He's not a romantic, never one to look for romance even if he does have certain charms that's easy to captivate anyone. He smiles slightly.]

Ah, aiming to be her knight now? I'm not sure how well that would go honestly.

[bartenderizing]

[ He just couldn't completely give up on romance and love, as much as he grew tired of the failed results. ]

It's how I got that 'suitable option' response.

[ A slam dunk for a failure- Between not being able to tell the difference and thinking the other would be just as good instead of insisting they were happy? Not even having the standards to say that he was being inappropriate or accusing him of a scheme.

As much of a romantic as he was, their positions forced a level of realism upon the two princes. ]

It's not like I'm looking forward to being anyone's backup or second choice. How'd it go for you today?

[toremainbehind]

A pity. You'll succeed one day. [In getting a proper love.

More luck than Izumo would ever have.

He is aware of how it usually is, being drawn into a scheme one way or another. Of having to care for their country and rule it one day. They can't allow themselves to be drawn into a world of fantasy of their dreams despite the fact that they want to.

However, at the question, he allows a groan to slip out and he lies down on his back.]

Annoying. I'm really not sure what they were trying to expect if it was actually you who had to go to meetings instead. [A day of the norm where Shizuo has offered to meet the potential suitor whereas Izumo takes his place in one of the usual meetings they're required to go to. Honestly, it's good they're so used to switching places even if some of the officials squinted at him trying to figure out if he's Izumo or Shizuo.]

[bartenderizing]

Sure.

[ As much of a romantic as he's given up on that whole idea. Having to be a realist kept his feet, and heart, pretty much on the ground.

Though eventually they'll have to settle and choose their brides. At that point they won't be able to go with their choices but what would work out 'well enough' for the kingdom. It seemed like everyone had a comment on how high their standards were.

With Izumo on his back, however, that was a good opportunity to use his stomach as a pillow for now. They had the time, and nothing immediate to address, to keep relaxing. ]

I had a feeling it'd be like that today. Did they delay things again to be sure you weren't me again?

[ They usually gave up before figuring it out, anyway. ]

For when things with Judar are wanted

[kuroi_taiyo]

Hi Judar

[toremainbehind]

[There's no question in mind that Judar is one of the more prominent forces in the kingdoms. Though he isn't affiliated with any of them, he's too much of a familiar face not to know, and in a way, it does make things a tad bit difficult for anyone else to bear. Izumo, in particular, has had dealings with him before and it comes to no one's surprise that the Red Prince is one of the rare few who is able to tolerate Judar to such extent.

Even if there are times when he wants to throttle the brat.

However, with the festival coming up and everyone still in preparations, one of the servants has approached Izumo about the teenager the moment he's been spotted around the Red Kingdom. Since Shizuo is preoccupied with the itinerary filled for the day, it meant Izumo (or the other blond) had to deal with the trickster.

It's with a soft sigh and a nod that Izumo goes to find Judar, unsurprised to see him floating in the air while snickering at his recent victims dealing with one of his tricks.]

Judar. [He calls out, eyebrow raising.] What brings you to the Red Kingdom this time?

Hi mom

[kuroi_taiyo]

[ It doesn't help that Judar was someone in a unique position that could do things that no one but a couple of others were capable of. One was practically ancient, having been around through different iterations of how these clans were set up, and was currently wandering and hard to pin down. Meanwhile Judar was very much visible and young compared to the others like him. It showed, too.

Like when he was floating in the air, watching as some people just couldn't control their temper with each other. Honestly, it was all too easy, but it did good for passing time. As well as- ]

Izumo! Man, you took longer than you normally did. They must be keeping you pretty busy.

[ Of course he was busy, with the festival getting so much closer. This was just another reminder of how, despite not really being the most familial or frequent visitor, Judar could look and instantly tell which prince he was speaking to. ]

I figured I'd just kill some time while I had to. The people that wanted me to come along are busy over at the Gold's castle, but it's no fun over there.

Don't call him mom

[toremainbehind]

[Judar, stop doing these antics just to call for his attention. He's a busy man and he can't always make time for you.

However, he chuckles softly.]

It's preparation for the festival. Of course I'd be busy. [And now that Judar is here and likely to cause mayhem, there's absolutely no way that Izumo would be able to take a proper break. He isn't surprised that Judar knows that he's not Shizuo, and he'd rather the two didn't confront each other, anyway.

He didn't need part of the structure getting damaged again.]

So you decide to come over here. [Of course he did. Judar always did enjoy being around the Red's palace more than the Gold's, anyway.] What did they bring you along for, anyway? You could care less about this kind of celebration.

Can't stop me. You're not my dad.

[kuroi_taiyo]

[ It works and gives an official reason for any delays that come up. You're welcome for the break.

It also helps that the Reds are more forgiving about this stuff in the end. The Golds could just be a huge pain in the ass, and they didn't have the consistency that would make it easy to handle them all for as infrequent as his visits were. ]

Yeah, this whole thing's a complete drag for someone like me. Apparently someone thinks this year has enough happening for a witness of my standing.

[ You always liked the information he gave during his visits, didn't you? It's a good balance for him interrupting your entire schedule. ]

Ah, and I guess this is condolences for your little act being put to an end. It was getting to be an old game anyway.

Who'd want to be your parent anyway

[toremainbehind]

[The Reds have always been known to be the destructive kingdom out of the Seven for a reason, after all. All of the Reds have gotten used to Judar by now, merely tired and annoyed with his antics that it's no surprise Izumo is usually the one left dealing with him and he had to have Mikoto tuck Anna away somewhere to ensure she doesn't get caught in it.]

Is that so? [His tone is mild.

As much as he doesn't like Judar frequently interrupting his schedule, he's not going to outwardly complain. Judar brings good information and Izumo never wastes anything he's been given.]

It works, but from the way you phrase that, it seems to be the old men's intention all along just to get us to finally put an end to it. [And that...gets him mildly irritated.]

[bartenderizing]

[ That next day had been full of things to do, with no time to run out or even catch a break from everything. On his schedule, a single meeting took up most of the day, and all it was was meeting a bunch of daughters from some other kingdom. This whole day tried his patience- he even yelled at the old man, something he never thought he'd actually do to his father's face. Eventually everything was over- it had gotten late and he was 'recommended' to get to bed early.

It still stewed in him, that he wasn't really sleeping though. It felt like a pit of black tar swirling around in his gut.

Last night he managed to refresh the color on his hair, at least. It was the one thing with his routine that he held onto, almost like a bit of hope holding onto the idea that their ways of interacting and switching wouldn't change. At this point, having sneaked out to the lake between the properties (though he's sure the guards saw him anyway,) Shizuo was crushing rocks and other stones in his hands in trying to work off the anger and everything. By this point, he wasn't even expecting Izumo to catch up with him. Not with the time, and he didn't know how much could be learned on Izumo's side. ]

[toremainbehind]

[The servant wasn't lying when she said they had a whole day of things planned out for him. Fortunately for him, he did have a rather...unwanted distraction come up, though he can't actively complain given what Judar has told him. He didn't necessarily have to sneak out; the Red Palace was rather open with one another, open enough where even the obvious secrets are kept locked behind sealed lips. Gossip isn't something that's new, it's bound to happen, but everyone within the Reds was loyal to each other and to the Royalty.

Besides, who would ever want to mess with Mikoto's temper if he feels that someone with his family is threatened?

Eventually, he does make it to the lake, unsurprised to hear the cracks and crushing of stone.]

Shizuo.

[bartenderizing]

[ There's one more long sound of something cracking and being crushed as the rough dirt trails out of Shizuo's hand and onto the ground. When he turned to see his lookalike, while he wasn't expecting to see Izumo, there's too much anger, frustration and annoyance in his eyes to get past it.

He was probably closer to falling over that edge than ever before. ]

I guess you learned something that had to be told. So, how bullshit was your day?

[toremainbehind]

Evidently, not as bad as yours. Then again, I had Judar come and visit me.

[And they both know how Judar could be.

However, with the boy's words still ringing in his mind, he does walk closer to Shizuo, eying him.]

Come on now. The day's over. Relax.

[bartenderizing]

Seeing as you said visit, he wasn't as much of a pain for you.

[ You didn't say 'come and annoy the kingdom' or that he was bugging you. Of course, he was also set in a way that everything seemed better while he was stuck in this corner of events. ]

The bullshit's not over. They had me meeting all the princesses that they were 'offering' earlier today. I'm supposed to take the damn aura and choose which of them I'm marrying tomorrow. The whole damn thing's over, just like that.

[toremainbehind]

He could be insufferable, but he gives good information.

[Through the form of bragging, but Izumo will take what he can get.

He continues eying him.]

Taking away your choices like that-- [Judar's words pop up once more and he holds back the urge to frown.] This may sound unimportant, but was there anything peculiar with any of the princesses?

[bartenderizing]

[ It was a few minutes before the engagement dinner, where he was supposed to choose which of the Ren daughters he'd take as his bride. Shizuo was still wearing the gold embroidered and brocaded white robes from the ceremony that finished not long before.

Which had him feeling silly and with half that weight lifted off. Officially, he's waiting to figure out the power that was brought out by taking the aura. Really, the game was continuing and he had a sense of what it was.

There was still the loss of choice in all of this, and that remaining choice still felt like a chapter was closing. Which is why he was getting a breather in the sitting room. He couldn't say anything directly yet, but knew how to share that he had a bit of hope. ]

... So, you wanna help me practice tonight?

[toremainbehind]

Of course.

[Hi there, Shizuo.

Izumo kept to his promise and managed to arrive in time, giving the other a smile.]

[bartenderizing]

[ If you hadn't, things would've been very bad and you would've been the first person he went after. In fact, Izumo keeping his promise was the only reason why it seemed to have went so well.

There was still a bit of an afterglow, though. Like he was overcharged and still trying to get the aura to settle, but he didn't seem ready to Fall. Stressed to hell and back, but part of the weight had eased up. What was going to come soon was the next chapter on his loss of choices. One that would directly affect more than just him. ]

I still stand by having wanted to wait until it was necessary. I guess I just feel dumb over one of the reasons.

[toremainbehind]

It's just how you feel. You shouldn't feel dumb over it.

[But he does hand Shizuo a pipe as he sits beside him.

So far, everything has gone smoothly, but Izumo's been on the lookout himself the entire time. In a way, it's been like an anxious time for himself as he had to watch Shizuo adapt to the aura.]

[bartenderizing]

I guess... Not like I was the only one worried about it.

[ He reaches over and hesitates, just for a moment, before accepting the pipe. The aura was still clearly visible, but it's not like his came with a danger of any kind while like this. It was just light, after all.

Taking a deep drag from the pipe, he holds the smoke for several seconds before letting it, and some of the tension, out in a slow breath. ]

... How the hell am I supposed to choose, Izumo? It's gonna affect their own life, no matter what I do. I don't even like the idea of being connected to the Rens. One's too young and the other's got a goal, and there's the other people in that family, or connected to them...

[ He doesn't like this, and really doesn't want this. ]

[toremainbehind]

Given how it's your first time, it's not surprising.

[But at least that's done with. The aura gets a glance from Izumo, his own Red reacting just the slightest to it but buried underneath the temper of embers, the way it's encased in his skin.

He breathes out, staring ahead.]

In a way, Hakuei would seem like a good fit for you, but-- [It's the Rens.] If things work out smoothly, perhaps then someone would be kind enough to interrupt.

[His tone hints at something that he doesn't dare to say aloud, but who knows. He hopes someone will at least throw a fit.]