Decided Dynasty: Chapter 1 Ankara, Chris, Hayate, Akihiko, and Shugi

After Cassie was returned to her home, she got to work immediately. She now sat alone in her apartment, leg up in her chair and eyes intently on the blank document in front of her; the room was dark so as not to distract her. She spoke to herself while spinning slowly in her chair.

“Okay, so maybe it would be better if I made two shorter stories instead of trying to fuse their ideas together…” Cassie smiled to herself at the idea. “Wouldn’t it be cool if five of them were in one story and the other five were in another?” Cassie giggled to herself and nodded to that idea. “Okay, okay! I say Hayate and Ankara have to be in one together… but if I have Ankara in one I can’t have Akuma, too many of the same personalities.” She thought for a bit, “then maybe Shugi and Koto for sure! But I would want Leigh and Aki in the same one.” She pouted, “well, I can’t have that so we’re just gonna have to deal with it.” she sucked her teeth, “man, and I really wanted to put them in the same story.”

Cassie then sat there for a long time before thinking about what kind of scenario she would have them in. It was then she remembered something she was playing on her Switch a while back. She got up and found her Switch charging on the dock, she turned it on and found the cover art of the game.

“Should I just steal this?” She laughed to herself before nodding. “That’s what writers do anyways.” She went back to her chair and thought about how the story should begin…

Chapter 1

I know I’m in danger, but what’s the point in making it seem like I’m gonna die the instant I touch anything? Cassie sighed and got up to look around her room once more. It was a large room and one that Cassie was unfamiliar with. She didn’t like it too much, but she had no ability to complain as everyone she had run into gave her either one word responses or a rehearsed answer.

Two things Cassie didn’t care for.

Now she was finally alone, but that was much more boring than her just trying to annoy any and everyone that she could. Cassie stared out her window and saw the large yard that extended from the road she entered on, all the way to the house.

A bit much for some people who barely go outside.

She thought this and continued to stare out her window, when suddenly she heard someone’s voice. She turned in a slight panic and saw a familiar face.

Oh… it’s-

“Hayate?”

He offered a slight smile.

“I’m glad you remembered my name.” How could I not, with how pretty you are.

Cassie smiled shyly, “I’m not so good with names, but yours is really unique.” He chuckled and then just stood there. Cassie—feeling a bit anxious—touched her hair, moving it to one side. “Um… is there something needed of me?”

“No, not yet at least.” He paused, “I should explain this however; while others are in the manor, I must be by your side no matter what.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you understand the danger you may be in, so you shouldn’t be much more confused than that.” Yeah, I’m in danger because of the loser that brought… no kidnapped me and brought me here and is alleging to become my husband!

“Is there something I can do with you here?” She asked out of pure interest to actually do something to occupy her.

He shook his head to her question. “You’re also not permitted to leave your room while others are in the manor.”

Cassie stared at him. “Then perhaps we can talk?” He smiled at her, confirming that—at least—was fine. Cassie went on, “how often do people come by here?”

“Not very often. Tonight is only because Mr. Wry has to call off all the other women who wished to marry him.”

Cassie lowered her head a bit, “because of me right?” Hayate nodded. Cassie let out a small sigh.

“Now, a princess shouldn’t be saddened.” Yeah, because women can’t be upset for any reason, even for arranged marriages. “Mr. Wry wishes this to be a loving marriage.” Cassie looked up at him, “he respects your choice if you choose to not marry him, but has the intention to marry you.” Cassie looked down again. Hayate then chuckled, causing Cassie to look up once more. “You may voice your concerns with me.”

“But… that would be unfitting… right?”

“We are trapped in a room together. Eventually, something will come out.” You’re not wrong.

“Well, I don’t have an issue with this being a political marriage, but it feels like I’ll be disappointing my family if I don’t accept his offer.”

“Mr. Wry spoke highly of your family.”

Cassie couldn’t help the scoff that escaped her, “we are aristocrats, but that's all this marriage feels like it’s about. I have no choice but to accept.” Cassie sat on her bed.

“If I may add some insight,” she looked at him, “although Mr. Wry wishes you to become his wife, any marriage in this household would warrant a positive outcome.” Her eyes went a bit wide, “at least it’s what I’ve heard.”

At those words, Cassie couldn’t believe the luck she was having! Her eyes widened with the slight hope that she may be able to do something about this terrible situation she was forced into!

“Thank you so much Hayate!” She went up to him and put her hands together. “I can’t thank you enough, but you can be sure that I’ll repay you one day!”

…

“Oh God…” Cassie said with a small laugh in her voice; she backspaced a bit then just let the cursor sit there. “She sounds like an idiot, but I guess princesses are supposed to be airheads.” She sighed a bit before deciding to write another scene.

…

Cassie was being brought to the dining room by some maids, only to see Ankara sitting at the table. She felt a bit anxious at his appearance, but she wanted to ask him about what Hayate said to her.

Wait, Hayate might get in trouble if I say he told me… maybe I’ll just say I overheard it?

Cassie shrugged to herself, but went over to the table where she took a seat across from Ankara. She wanted to say good morning, but the silence of the room caused her to tense up. It wasn’t until Ankara looked up at her that she gave a small smile.

“Good morning Cassie.” He said.

“Good morning…” She said with a soft voice. “Um can I-”

“Mr. Wry?” Someone approached Ankara and began speaking to him. Cassie pouted and thought just to wait for him to stop talking, but next thing she knew, the person was sitting at the table and she listened to them talk for several minutes about information she knew nothing about.

Breakfast was served and while Cassie didn’t like breakfast, she made sure to eat up what was served to her. Cassie wondered if Ankara would even get to eat. She sat there for a while longer hoping that eventually Ankara and this other person would stop talking, but then Ankara got up as did the person.

Cassie suddenly got up as well. “Um, can I just-”

“I’m sorry Cassie, we’ll have to talk later.” Ankara said that and resumed his conversation with the other person.

Cassie sighed and sat back down. She picked up her spoon and began to clang it against the bottom of her bowl.

“Princess?” She looked over seeing a man with his blonde hair tied back in a messy ponytail. “Those dishes are porcelain.” She looked at the marks she was making on the bowl. For one thing, isn’t this dangerous to eat on! He then chuckled, “I’m only joking. I could tell what you were thinking with that expression on your face.” Cassie frowned mentally at him not wanting him to see her slight anger, “but, if you’re done with your breakfast, I’ll take your dishes and have Hayate to return to your side.”

“Um…” Cassie suddenly spoke up, “are you a chef?”

“No, I'm just a servant. You can call me Chris, but I do work in the kitchen from time to time.” She pouted, “but why do you ask?”

“Well… I wanted to thank Hayate for some advice he gave me. You wouldn’t happen to know something he likes that I can make would you?”

Chris stared at her, he began to laugh and moved to her side. “Follow me into the kitchen.” She smiled and did as he said. He guided her back out into the hallway. “While I don’t know about anything he may like; if you think you can make something, I’ll watch over you as you cook.”

She beamed. “I won’t get you in trouble will I?”

“Personally, I would just feel bad denying a beautiful girl of anything she wants.” Cassie couldn’t help but feel flustered at that. Chris smiled at her reaction. “What were you thinking of making?”

She giggled and spoke with a big smile. “Apple Fritter! It’s really the only dessert I can guess on how to make.”

“You’ve never made it before?”

She shook her head. “I’ve seen my mother make it, I don’t personally like cooked apples, but I know it’s sweet and Hayate should like it!”

Chris chuckled, “such a sweet girl. I’ll stay here with you then, take as much time as you need.”

Cassie felt much more at ease now and began looking through the cabinets and pantry…

…

“Aw, I really like how Chris is coming out… maybe I should listen to Jess and just have her end up with one of them…” Cassie sat there for a bit before shaking her head laughing. “No, fuck that.”

…

Soon, the day began to end and Hayate was frantically looking for Cassie. He did know that Chris was with her, but it was still his job to be with and protect her. Chris eventually helped her to another part of the kitchen where Hayate was able to find her. Hayate made a scene and apologized for not being there, but Cassie didn’t mind and was now being taken to a lesson she didn’t know she needed to learn.

“Appreciation for fine arts?”

“Yes, this home holds thousands of priceless pieces of art and if you ever are asked to make a decision on what should go, we need you to understand what’s good and what’s not.”

Sounds like busy work to me.

“Alright… I understand.” Hayate got to the set of double doors and let her go inside. She turned back when the door closed and Hayate wasn’t on the same side as her, she sighed.

“Is something the matter?” Cassie turned back and saw a male with straight black hair and near glimmering eyes. He removed his glasses and gave her a smile. “Is everything alright?” He asked again.

“Oh… y-yes, everything is alright.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad, but we should begin our lesson soon.” Cassie nodded and walked beside him as he took her into a large hallway. Each side of her was decorated with art pieces she knew were worth more than her own life. She resisted her urge to touch any of them and waited for the male to speak. “Oh, you can call me Akihiko.”

“Am I going to be learning from you everyday Akihiko?”

He shakes his head. “Only on Mondays. Each time you’ll learn something else and there’s a special day that we set apart for your writing.”

She felt heat rise to her face at that mention. “Y-you all know about that?”

“Yes, besides hearing it from your parents. That book you carried on your first day here wasn’t any book I’ve ever read, so I just assumed.” Cassie felt like hiding her face, but she sucked it up and kept walking with him until he eventually stopped. “For now though, how about I teach you what makes the art priceless.”

Cassie felt this lesson wouldn't be so useless after all…

It was now nighttime and Akihiko’s lesson wasn’t as tedious as Cassie had expected it to be. It was over before she knew it and she was being taken back to her room by Hayate.

“Princess?” She looked at Hayate once she got to her door. “I forgot to mention that I won’t be here during the night.”

“Why?”

“I have business I’m responsible for during those hours.” Does that mean I can finally be alone? “but you won’t be alone.” Well, it was worth a shot. “Instead, one member of the military police will be watching over you.” That seemed appropriate to her, “his name is Shugi. So if anything happens, be sure you call him.”

Cassie nods, unsure of what else to even say. She thanked Hayate before he left her. Now that she was alone, she sat on her bed unable to even think about sleeping. She felt her stomach turn as she thought about the dessert she was told she wouldn’t be getting.

“I doubt if that stuff was spoiled.” She grumbled, “you all just want to keep good things from me!” Cassie complained to no one but herself. She decided to wait a while, outside her door, she could hear some of the patrol guards changing their shift. She decided to make her move to sneak into the kitchen for a late night dessert.

Cassie opened her door carefully and looked both ways down the hallway, when she saw no one was there, she smiled. Cassie slowly inched out of the doorway and into the hallway; it was dark, but she figured it was worth it. She turned the corner and heard someone talking. She backed up and hit a door knob, she went to hide inside the room when someone’s hand touched hers.

Reactively, she flinched and pulled back stumbling into a table in the hallway. Cassie heard a crash and flinched again.

“What are you doing out here?” She heard the person in front of her say. She was going to answer, when two people came up with candles.

“What happened? Is the princess alright?” The male behind her, went in front.

“Yeah, I was taking her back to her room. Hayate had her doing some nighttime training.” He paused, “What’d he call it Princess? Night sight or something?” Cassie understood what he was doing and just nodded. “See?”

“Why don’t you have a candle, Shugi?” One asked.

“I was getting one, that's why I hit the table!”

They sighed to him.

“Fine then, but hurry up and let her sleep.”

Shugi nodded and Cassie felt his hand at her back. “Come now princess.” He began to walk her back to the hallway where she came from. Once the others were gone, he lit a candle and Cassie could now see his bright red hair as they continued to walk. “You didn’t get hurt did you?”

“Huh?”

“On any broken glass or anything.”

“Oh, no I’m fine…”

“Alright, but why were you out here to begin with?” He stopped and Cassie faced him.

Cassie figured anything she said could possibly increase the amount of security she had and further restrict her, “I had to use the restroom?”

He chuckled. “There’s one in your room.”

Why do you know that?

“I was homesick?”

“And being anywhere but your home is going to fix that?”

Cassie sighed at his quick responses. “Alright. I was trying to find the kitchen again.”

“Why? Did you not eat dinner?”

“I did, I just wanted something sweet to snack on.” He stared at her before laughing loudly. “I-it’s not funny!”

He calmed down after a while. “Look, I am here to take care of you, but I’m not here to treat you as if you’re higher than me. It was funny, so I have to laugh at you.” She just stared at him, “now, don’t pout like that. If it makes you feel any better, I can go and get something for you.”

“You would?”

“Of course, everyone looks better with a smile… you especially.” She felt her face go warm. “Besides, you’ve been frowning ever since you got here and if sweets will change that, I’ll be more than happy to do so.”

Cassie felt as if she were being pampered. Well, I am a princess now. She smiled at him. “It really means a lot… I hope you don’t get in trouble for what you're doing for me.”

“Don’t worry. Even if I do get yelled at, I don’t care.” Cassie giggled a bit, “but do you have anything you want in mind?”

While she wanted to answer him, she wanted to confirm something. “Before that, they called you Shugi back there, are you the one who’ll be watching me at night?”

“I am. Did Hayate tell you that?” She nods, “Well, I hope he’ll let me do the talking next time, as I was looking forward to having a nice conversation with you.”

…

“I really don’t know how to end that part, so that’s just gonna have to work for now… but, is that all of them? Oh, no, I really didn’t do one for Ankara. Okay, we’ll write just a little continuation to that rude ass thing he did before and that should be it!”

…

Cassie was walking around the manor trying to find something to do or someone she was familiar with. There’s no one here… where is everyone? She kept walking until she heard the familiar voice of Ankara, she stopped and tried to find him. She did so as he was walking into a room with another person, Cassie watched as they closed the door. That’s his room? Cassie stared for a bit then realized; she’d never get to talk to him during the day, so she had to wait until nighttime if she ever even wanted to speak to him.

Cassie then removed the ribbon in her hair and tied it around the leg of the table in the hallway. She hoped no one would see it and began to walk back to her room with the hope that she could make a map to Ankara’s room. Cassie managed to find her room and got a piece of paper and a pencil, she left into the hallway and tried to retrace her steps back to Ankara’s room. However, she wound up lost.

She sighed and went back to her room and tried every way she could. Thankfully, the manor was pretty much empty at the moment and anyone she did run into she just gave them a smile and explained she was heading to a lesson she didn’t have. No one was the wiser and she was able to get about halfway with her map.

Cassie hadn't realized how much time she was wasting as it was now sunset, hours had passed as she tried to get used to the manor; and by the time the last bit of the sun was out, she was able to finally find her ribbon and actually had a map to Ankara’s room!

She got the ribbon and decided to see if Ankara was done talking with the person who had entered the room with him before. Luckily, she remembered what door he was in, as it did look different from all the other doors in the manor, and she softly knocked on it.

“Come in.” She heard Ankara say. She took a small breath and opened the door. She peeked in and saw no one. “Cassie?” She came in fully and saw Ankara placing a book back on the shelf in the room, she shut the door. “What are you doing here alone?”

“I-I’m sorry, it was just stuffy in my room so I decided to get used to this place… but I saw you and wanted to see if I could talk to you.”

He smiled at her. “I didn’t think you’d ever get bored with how much your parents talk about your writing.”

Well they don’t know shit. Writing is hard and sometimes I like to do other things, but you can’t expect them to know that while their heads are stuck in their- “but, I’m free for the rest of the night. So what did you want to talk about?”

She stared at him and felt a bit nervous now. She actually forgot the question she was going to ask him. “Um… I-I was wondering if you’d want to walk with me to dinner tonight.”

Ankara gave her a puzzled look. “Really? That’s all?”

She looked off. “W-well, to be honest, that was a day ago. I’ve actually forgotten what I wanted to ask you since then.”

Ankara then laughed. “There’s no need to rush it then. Take your time in remembering.”

She felt eased at that and stared at the ground while she thought about yesterday, it was then she remembered Hayate. Why am I thinking about him? She gasped a bit and looked up to Ankara who had an amused look on his face.

“That’s right! The other day while Hayate was in my room, I… overheard that I don’t have to get married to you, but just to anyone in the manor?”

Ankara lost his smile and closed his eyes. “That is true. While I can guess who told you that, it’s understandable why they told you.” What’s that supposed to mean? Ankara went on, “but yes, this “political marriage” only requires you in this household. While it would be better to get married to someone who wasn’t just a servant, you can marry anyone you like.” A smile grew on her face, “but I’m sure your parents want you to marry me.”

She nodded somberly. “Yes… the day before I came here, my parents sat me down and told me the benefits of marrying you.” She suddenly realized what she was saying and her head shot up, “oh, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like you or anything. I-I just-”

Ankara got up. “I know what you mean.” He said approaching her, “but I hope you understand that just because you can marry whoever you want doesn’t mean I’ll just let you decide on your own.” She stared at him, “I do want you to marry me, but if you’re not happy, I can understand that as well.” Cassie felt like she should move and wound up involuntarily stepping back. “Since you got your answer. How about we go and eat dinner now?” Cassie could do nothing, but agree with him. Ankara chuckled at her reaction and led her out of the room…