Progression of Evil

Chapter 3
Daughter of Evil

Yowane Haku was a young girl when she was left alone.

All her life, she had been ridiculed for having shining white hair in a village where the dominant hair color was green. Her parents had never made fun of her, but they were ashamed of their daughter's appearance, Haku knew. Even when the little white-haired girl had been found to possess a pretty singing voice, the color of her hair was such an issue that Haku was discouraged from doing anything that might draw more attention to herself.

Then, one morning, shortly after the girl had turned ten, she woke up to find her parents were gone.

Haku had never looked for them. In the Green Country, most villagers had no time to go chasing after dreams. They worked hard and cherished what they'd earned from their hours of work, so Haku had merely continued on in her existence. She farmed, she harvested, she took her produce to the market, and she used the little bit of money she earned to purchase things like cloth for sewing and imported meat from the other villages.

Two years Haku lived like this, an outcast even in her own village, unaware that her life was about to change. Two years after her parents disappeared, Haku met Miku.

The white-haired girl was carrying her basket home from the market when she found the unconscious figure under her favorite oak tree. She immediately dropped the basket and went to help the girl, who was bruised and torn, but still breathing. Haku picked her up—she weighed very little—and proceeded to take the unconscious girl and her basket back home.

For a few days, Haku nursed the girl back to health. Once properly clean, the nameless girl was discovered to resemble the young Prince of the country, Hatsune Mikuo, so closely that Haku had a scary thought that she had rescued the Prince from some terrible fate. But the girl was clearly female, and besides which, Haku knew that Mikuo didn't have such long, luxurious hair, for all it was the same shade of sea-green.

The girl opened her eyes sometimes, but she seemed unable to speak for the time being. Haku once asked what her name was, but the girl only shook her head and shrugged. She coughed then, and Haku gave her water to try and help ease a dry throat.

On the third day, the girl seemed much improved. She sat up and looked at Haku and smiled such a beautiful smile that Haku felt her knees weaken. The white-haired girl sat on the edge of the bed and asked, "Are you feeling better?"

Nodding, the girl asked a question of her own, "Where am I?"

"You are in my home on the edges of the village called Miyo. My name is Yowane Haku. I've been nursing you."

"Is this still in the Green Country?"

Haku nodded. "Right on the border with the Red Country."

The girl ran her fingers through her hair. "It's clean." She looked at Haku. "You cared for me?"

"Yes. I'm sorry if I…bathed you. But you needed it." Haku blinked, then continued, "May I have your name?"

"I don't know it." The girl looked at her knees. "The last man I served didn't give me a name. He just called me 'Girl.'"

Haku frowned. "Didn't your parents name you?"

The beauty shook her head. "I don't remember my parents. I've been in service all my life."

Haku stood. "That's not right. Everyone deserves a name and a place in this world." She thought for a second. "Your name is Miku."

"Miku?" The girl mulled it over. "It's pretty. Why Miku though?"

Haku smiled. "Because you look like Mikuo-oujisama."

"Do I?" the girl asked. When Haku nodded, the green-haired girl smiled. "Alright then. Pleased to meet you, Yowane-san. My name is Miku."

Haku took Miku's hand and helped her out of bed. "Call me Haku."

The girls lived in harmony for six months, becoming closer and closer. Miku never teased Haku about her white hair. When Haku would come home in despair about the remarks made towards her at the marketplace, Miku would take the girl in her arms and reassure her softly, "You're beautiful."

In time, Miku began going to the market instead of Haku, just to spare the odd girl the others' harsh remarks. Sure enough, all of the people in Miyo as well as the neighboring villages grew to love Miku, and they praised her beautiful hair, her gentle nature, her kind voice, and her spirit-lifting smile. Many green-haired suitors game to Haku's door, looking for Miku, but when Haku would answer the door, the men would promptly excuse themselves, sure that they had the wrong home.

Miku was kindest to Haku, and Haku soon began to feel that Miku was only being kind out of pity. Then one day, when Miku was busy, Haku took the basket of produce to the market herself. It had been so long since she'd been to the market, since she'd heard the open remarks villagers made about her white hair and her red eyes that she was unprepared for the hatred of people she had been nice to all along. Haku was startled by their total meanness, and soon ran home to dissolve into tears. Miku heard her and ran to the girl's side.

"Wh-Why are you kind to me?" Haku sobbed to Miku. "Do you pity me? Is that it? Do you pity me because I can never be on your level? Is it because I'm inferior to one like you?"

"No," Miku said, slightly surprised that Haku would think that. "No, no, Haku-chan. How could I pity you? You are kind and caring, and you saved me. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met."

Haku cried then, openly cried in Miku's arms as the beautiful girl held her in a comforting embrace. She was happy. Her parents may have been ashamed of her, her village may hate her, but here, in her best friend, was someone who loved her and wanted her alive. That was all Haku wanted out of life, and Miku had given it to her.

Shortly after that episode, the two girls left the depressing village of Miyo and sought work near the capital city of the Green Country. Luckily, a rich merchant was looking for two servant girls to help care for his family, and Miku's beauty earned her and Haku easy cleaning jobs as laundresses and maids. The merchant was kind, and since he had no daughters, he urged Miku and Haku to call him "Father."

It was there, in the merchant's mansion, that Haku and Miku first heard of the Child of Evil and what exactly the situation was in the Four Color Lands, and it was there that Miku was involved in a dangerous plot to kill the next tyrant before she could continue the Yellow Country's iron-fist rule.

One year later
…

"Princess, it's tea time," the blond servant boy said as he carried in the tray laden with teapot, two cups, and snacks. A small towel was draped over his left arm, and he was dressed in a black and white half-tux.

The girl seated at the throne was dainty and cute, with hair just as blonde as the servant's, tied up with a huge white bow. Her gown today was dark yellow and black, and the expression on her face had been one of boredom until she saw who her visitor was.

"Len!" Immediately the delicate monarch was out of her elaborate throne and running towards him, her multiple skirts fanning out behind her. She came to a stop before she hit him, and laid her hand on his arm.

"Shall I serve you in the tea room?" Len asked, smiling at his sister.

"Only if you'll join me!" Rin smiled her trademark sweet smile, the one that she reserved only for Len, and the one that always had her brother weakening at his knees.

Len gestured for his twin to precede him into the tea room, which was a wide spacious room with huge bay windows, just off the side of the throne room. Inside this huge room was only a single table, set for two. It was at this table that the tiny queen sat herself, and Len served her tea before seating himself as well.

It had been a year since the ending of the Kagamine twins' simple lives as servants in the Palace of Blue, and even now, nothing gave Rin more pleasure than having her brother by her side. Admittedly, the pressures of ruling had transformed her, and she knew it well. She was no longer just an innocent girl of thirteen. Already, her metamorphosis into the Yellow Queen was almost complete, and while the other three countries treated her with courtesy now, Rin knew it would not last forever.

Len carefully watched his sister over his teacup. Rin had changed, more than she could realize. Her destiny had taken the sweet, kind twin he had grown up with and throttled her, killed her dead. This new Rin may still be sweet and uncertain when alone with Len, but she was heartless and cold toward her subjects. She was selfish and unfeeling; just yesterday she had turned away a peasant girl's request for money to feed her family and had her thrown out. When the brown-haired peasant girl had questioned why Rin would not help her, Rin merely responded, "My gown needs mended."

Len had held strong to his promise, though; he was there for Rin when, in those rare moments of comprehension, she cried over her lost existence and the realization of what she really was. He was there for her when she cried out against the nightmarish visions that refused to let her sleep. He was there when she worried about the moment that the other countries would turn on her. He was there whether she was happy, sad, angry, or pensive, and he cared for her just as he always had.

Their relationship had also changed, but it was not altogether for the worse. No longer were they desperate lovers, clinging to each other against a storm of horrible happenings. Every now and then, Rin would still ask for a kiss good night and Len would give it, but it was more careful than before. With the public eye upon them, Rin did not dare even to claim Len as her twin, but rather as a devoted servant who just happened to look extraordinarily like her. There were those who probably guessed the truth, but they had the sense to keep it to themselves.

For only a fool would think of crossing someone with as much power as the fourteen-year-old girl who sat enjoying her tea and laughing about something silly that had transpired that day. Only a fool would cross the Daughter of Evil as she held the rest of the world in her hands just like a playtoy.

"Len?"

Len blinked. He had been lost in thought again. His princess was standing by the window, looking out at the elaborate gardens handed down to her by the legacy she was now a part of. He stood and came to her side.

"The garden looks wonderful from this angle. The sun hits it just right," Rin said softly, admiring the blossoms and vines.

"It does and they do, Rin," Len said even softer. "But even the Yellow Gardens cannot compare with you."

It was a customary response, one any good courtier would be expected to give, but the Kagamine twins knew that it held a special significance for Len, the speaker, and Rin, the receiver. She smiled shyly at him and reached for his hand; his fingers laced with hers and her blush tinted her face cutely.

"I love you, Rin."

"I love you, Len."

"Teto-hime," Ted announced. "There's a message from Mikuo-oujisama."

Teto turned and gracefully extended her hand for the sealed letter. "Thank you, Ted-san."

The Red Queen smirked behind her tea, glancing at her husband, who also was carefully hiding a grin. It was no secret in the Red Kingdom that Ted and Teto adored each other, and while Ted had approached the King about asking for Teto's hand and received approval, he still hadn't actually asked the girl. The Queen often wondered what in the world the boy was waiting for. Every week a new proposal came in from some lord or lady's son for the hand of the Red Princess in marriage, though most of them came from the Prince of the Green Country, whose borders stood a mere thirty miles from the Red Palace. The Princess was pressured. She had to accept a suitor eventually.

"Ted-san," Teto asked as she delicately opened the letter. "Will you join me for tea?"

Ted bowed. "Of course, Teto-hime." It was the same thing every day, ever since Ted had received his formal release to the service of the Red Kingdom from Prince Kaito of the Blue Kingdom. Teto had appointed him as her personal servant, since it was the best she could do until their relationship progressed further. Every day, the two had tea together, and it was only during that hour that they could loosen up and be themselves.

Standing gracefully, the Red Princess curtsied to her parents. "We'll retire then," she said, and took the arm that Ted offered.

Ted was trembling slightly with nervousness as he escorted the fair princess to their special place: the secret tea room, which was only accessible through a passageway known only to the Royal Family…and Ted, now.

Today was the day. THE day.

Gently he led his wonderful princess through the archway in the Royal Family's Hall to the secret tea room, that was so much smaller than the First or Second Tea Rooms. This little beauty was scarcely bigger than the Princess' walk-in closet, and only had a single spindly glass table and two padded chairs. The golden tea tray was already set, the kettle still steaming.

Teto smiled and released Ted's arm, but instead of going to the table and seating herself, she twirled over to the little window that allowed some light into the secret tea room. "It's always so beautiful in here at tea time."

Ted bit his lip and clenched his fists, swallowing firmly to harden his resolve. "Princess, before I serve your tea, there's something I must discuss with you."

"Oh, Ted-san," Teto said quietly. "There's no need to be so formal. It's tea time."

Forcing himself to relax, Ted reached into the inside pocket of his suit jacket and touched the little velvet box. It seemed to give him strength. "Teto-hime…" he said softly. "Please. It's important."

She turned, alerted by something in his tone, and was surprised to fin him right behind her, his red eyes blazing with some intense emotion Teto couldn't place. He knelt and grabbed her hand, kissing it softly.

"Teto-hime," Ted said. "On this day, one year ago, I walked into Kaito-oujisama's grand ball, intent on performing my duty to protect him from anything that may happen. Just as I was roaming around the edges of the ballroom, I spotted a beautiful young girl on the sidelines, watching the dancing couples wistfully." He looked up at her and locked gazes. "I fell in love with you then, Teto-hime. I didn't even know your name, and much less that you were the princess of our neighbor. But I fell harder than I have ever fallen before, and I was determined at that moment to charm you."

Teto's eyes were suddenly wet. "Ted-san…"

With his other hand, Ted began reaching for the little velvet box as he continued, "I approached your father months ago about this, and I was surprised that he gave his blessing to me. I have been waiting, though, for the right moment to ask, and that moment is now." He pulled out the red velvet box and held it in the palm of his hand. "Princess Teto of the Red Country, will you marry me?"

He flipped the box open to reveal its contents.

"Oh, Ted-san!" Teto gasped, beholding the exquisite ruby set into a dainty silver ring. "How did you…?"

Ted smiled secretively. "Teto-hime…will you?"

"Oh, I will, Ted-san, I will!" Teto began crying then, tears of joy streaming down her face. Her knight rose and she embraced him fiercely, absolutely speechless.

"Madam," the usher bowed low as he approached the throne. "There is a message from the Red Country."

Rin pondered this. "The Red Country? Why would they be writing to me?" She thought for a moment, then shook her head and waved the man forward. "It matters not. They are not a threat."

The man delivered the letter to his queen's hands, gloved in black silk, and departed before she could reprimand him for something insignificant.

Rin scanned the letter quickly, then gasped. "Len!"

Emerging from the shadows behind his sister's grand throne, Len came closer and placed his hand on Rin's shoulder as he read the letter also. "Teto-himesama's getting married? That's unexpected."

"Unexpected…and unimportant." Rin sighed. "I'll have to make an appearance."

Len blinked. "Perhaps it would be better if you didn't."

"What? Why?"

Len looked his sister straight in the eye. "The people are afraid of you, Rin, in case you've forgotten, the Red Country especially."

"Good, they should be. We are four times the size of them."

Len sighed. "The point, Rin, is that if you were to appear at the wedding, you might…well, put a damper on an auspicious occasion."

"So you want me to just stay cooped up in here like an ambiguous overlord?"

"That's not what I said…"

Rin glared at Len. "Yes, it is!"

"Rin, stop. You know I'm right." Len took her hands and kissed them gently. "You're not yourself today."

Rin looked away, ashamed. "I don't even know what my self is anymore."

Blinking, Len released her hands and stepped back, giving the young queen her space. "Rin…"

She sniffed, and when she spoke, her voice shook slightly. "I know I've changed, Len. I've changed so much that when I look in the mirror sometimes, I don't recognize the girl who stares back. Every day I try to find something in the reflection that still remains from Kagamine Rin, the servant girl in the Blue Palace. Every day, I find less and less."

Len reached for her, but she held up a hand, rejecting his touch. "No," she said. "I don't want your pity."

"It's all I have to give you, Rin," Len said sadly to his sister. "But for what it's worth, every day I still only see my sister. The old Kagamine Rin is still in there; she's just a little harder to find under all the skirts."

Rin turned hopeful eyes to her brother's face. "Do you think so?"

Len nodded firmly. "I know it. However much you change, the fact is that you can't erase your past. It will always be there with you. And so will I."

"Oh, Len!" Rin leaped out of her throne and into his arms, letting out the tears she had been holding back. Len held her, comforting her as he had a year ago, when she had just been a frightened thirteen-year-old girl on the verge of being thrust into her destiny. And now that Rin's destiny had acted for a year upon her, even Len was finding new shapes in her face, new emotions in her eyes, new thoughts in her head. But his twin needed him, needed him more than anyone else in the world. She needed his reassurance.

Len didn't know how long he could keep lying to her.