I was new, I was inexperienced, I was small. He still had no right to trip me.
I suppose I provoked him to it. It was my first day in the Dark Kingdom and I was being presented to all high-ranking people of the Dark Kingdom flock in the training area. As I was introduced to Nephrite he whispered, “Remember my name, little child. I’ll be running this place while you’re still walking around in diapers.” Yeah right. I thought.
“I’m sure.” I said, and gave a mocking bow. Walking away, I felt my foot catch on something and I was instantly on the ground. A hush fell among the other people in the courtyard. I glared up at him. Conversation started again.
“Weakling.” he said under his breath. He was going to pay for that. No one embarrassed me and got away with it. I realized I was still on the ground. A tall man that I had not yet met walked over and offered me his hand.
“I can do it myself.” I said, as I pushed myself up. Unimpressed, he dropped his arm.
“My name is Kunzite. I’ll be your instructor.”
Most of my first few days were spent exclusively with Kunzite. He taught me the basics of dark magic and how to handle weaponry.
I talked with Jadeite sometimes. There was no way I was to associate with Nephrite.
“Why is Kunzite so cold and unfeeling?” I asked one day during lunch. After some hesitation Jadeite replied,
“Well, about a month ago, Kunzite refused to kill a child who was getting in the way of combat. It nearly cost us the battle. Queen Beryl was very disappointed, and it showed. She said he was a weakling and perhaps she needed to find someone more competent.” I knew all too well how awful it was to be called weak.
“Of course, Kunzite was still the most powerful, so there was slim chance she would demote him, but even so, he hardened himself until nothing could move him.” Jadeite continued.
“Everyone was shocked at the transformation, and began taunting him. They called him ‘ice king’ to his face, and worse things behind his back.” he lowered his voice.
“The truth is, we all were envious of his practiced indifference. It only increased his aptitude in the eyes of the queen.”
I went back to my chambers thinking of how terrible it must be to be mocked by the queen, the very one who controls who lives and who dies in the Dark Kingdom.
When I arrived at my residence, it was already night. I had been too timid to try teleporting. I was excruciatingly tired, but I did make it inside before collapsing into a chair. Kunzite was waiting for me.
“What are you doing here?” I was nearly yelling.
“I thought you needed a bit of extra practice.” he replied, unfazed by my tone of voice.
“How did you get in?” I asked, frightened. If he could do it, Nephrite might be able to.
“I teleported, which, by the way, I noticed is not the way you travel.”
“I’m working on it.” I said.
We practiced long into the night. My aim was awful, I could hardly see through my weary eyes.
“You’re not concentrating.” Kunzite said disapprovingly.
“I’m trying.” Tears sparkled in my eyes.
My teacher let me retire with a mere four hours before wake up time. This is horrible, I thought. I’m wearing down and it’s only been a week. Maybe Nephrite is right. Maybe I am just a weakling. I chased the thought from my head before I drifted off to sleep.
The next day brought no sympathy from Kunzite. Even after the long night, he expected my performance to be perfect. All day seemed like one endless criticism session. I was grateful for the lunchtime free period. I meant to go home and rest, but when I arrived all I could do was bury my face in a pillow and sob.
“Crying? You’re supposed to be an adult, Zoisite.” Kunzite had invaded my residence once again.
“Free period is free, my lord. I can do whatever I want.” I couldn’t take his cold satire anymore.
If Kunzite didn’t despise me before, this rebelliousness would surely drive away any respect I had earned.
My teacher teleported away without another word.
Enjoying it so far? I hope so.
He had the highest status of all excluding the queen. I admired my teacher so much, but I could never hope to achieve the same position as him. Kunzite always found fault with my conduct and it manifested in the derision he gave. When I did do something perfectly, my only acknowledgment was moving on to the next subject. He was never proud, of me or himself. In fact, he never showed any emotion. The world was a spiderweb of connections between people, but Kunzite took no part in it. I couldn’t believe someone could live like that.
