*Fire Emblem is rightfully owned by Nintendo and the company that created it.

P.S. Not me, obviously. -_-*

*Norn 9 is rightfully owned by Otomate, who created the game, and IdeaFactory, who published it.*


Separation

Through the forest of bare dying trees, a pink hair girl in what looks to be a Japanese black and white school uniform walks through the woods. Despite the smell of oak trees, it was covered by the rotten smell of the murky water around the area. She timidly glances around her surrounding with eyes close to tears.

"W-where am I? Where's everyone? Kakeru? Masamune? Senri?!" the girl cries out, "W-where are you?! Someone?!"

As she begins to feel the tears began to spill from the corners of her eyes a voice called out to her, "What is a girl doing all the way out here?"

She spun around and saw a boy possibly around her age or older riding on a horse in black armor and a cape on his shoulders. He has short blond hair and held a purple book in his arm opened. Seeing this, the girl could only give the man a bewildered look before she shook her head and began to approach the man with a hopeful smile, "U-um… e-excuse me. I just happened to have wandered into this area and can't find any of my friends. Do you know where we are?"

The man raised a brow with suspicion, but spoke as he pointed of to another direction, "You're just outside of just on the outskirt of Windmire. If you're trying to return to the capital, just go down this path. O-"

"W-Windmire?" the girl said with a look of confusion, "E-excuse me, but I've never heard of that place. I-I'm sorry. I live by myself and rarely have left my home or my friends. C-could you give me a short explanati- Eek!"

Suddenly, an explosion occurred not to far from her causing the girl to immediately cover her ears and brace herself against the impact of the blast.

"Damn it! It's the enemy mages…" the man cursed under his breath as he glanced to the explosion.

"M-mages?" the girl said with a look of confusion and anxiety, "W-what's that? Are they like magicians?"

The man looked to her with a shocked expression, "You don't even know what mages are?! Just how sheltered are you? Uh… Never mind. Just go find a place to hide We're in the middle of a battle."

"B-battle?!" the girl gasped in horror before the man have her another glance, "R-right. B-but, will you be alright? I-I mean, you don't have any weapon-"

The man frowned, "I'm a mage. This tome is my weapon. Now, go hide somewhere."

Immediately, she rushed to a nearby dead tree without a word and hid there as the man turned around and rushed back into the battle. Once gone, the girl shivered with fear. Battle… If there's a battle, then there must be a war going on. War means death. That she knew very well, but to experience one going on right now… Though the man said he'd be fine, she can't help but worry about the people fighting against one another. Guns firing against each side and blade clashing against each other. She desperately tried to remain hidden as she fought to keep her tears of fear behind. She was scared. No, terrified to be exact. If it weren't for her will fighting back, she'd have already begun sprinting in the direction the man has told her to go to. She just shut her pink eyes tightly shut and remain crouched down behind the dead plant. As she recalled memories of her friends back in her home, tears began to silently spill out. She was scared… That was it. She was scared to death. Home… She just wants to go back home to her friends in the flying machine.

"K-Kakeru…"

The name spilled from her lips as she tried to fight back the tears. After what felt to be hours, the sounds of explosion soon died away. She slowly opened her eyes as the tears stopped, "I-is it over?..."

Carefully, she slowly stuck her head from behind the tree only to see something whizz past her face as she froze. She heard it struck the other tree behind her as she slumped to the ground stunned in fear with tears streaming down her cheeks. Something rustled behind a small bush from afar the clearing and revealed itself to be a man with strange clothing, a black eye patch over one eye and notching another arrow to his bow as he kept it to the ground. Unknowing as to whether she'll live, she couldn't care less knowing that she'd get killed either way and turned around as she scrambled to her feet before sprinting away as quickly as she could.

"Niles! Wait!" a familiar voice called out, but the girl didn't stop running.

She had no idea where she was heading, just straight back into the woods where she had come from. She didn't know what was going on, but visions of flames and people resurfaced in her head as tears came rushing out. It wasn't long before she was soon out of breath and crouched back under a tree.

"K-Kakeru… Masamune… Where are you?" she whispered as she wrapped her arms around herself and tears began to fall.

Was this what war is like? She has yet to see the full image of the battle, but that explosion and arrow was enough to send a shiver down her spine. It wasn't a gun, that's for sure. She recalls the device her best friend's friend held to them. It wasn't that, but it was enough to bring her to tears when she realized how close she was to dying. It wasn't long before she tried to regain her composure that she heard a voice call out, "Is anyone here? We really mean no harm!"

It was the same voice of the boy who she met! Being extremely cautious, she slowly peeked out from behind the tree and saw the boy again. Only without his horse and speaking with another man, who was taller, also wore black armor and a cape, had a sword on his belt, blond hair and a black circlet around his head.

"So, she ran to this direction?" the man said with a frown.

The boy nodded, "Yes, brother. My retainers have yet to see her, so we accidently scared her off."

Despite overhearing their conversation, the girl was hesitant in coming out of her hiding. She didn't know them but didn't know what to do. She was scared, shivering and cold as the freezing wind blew.

The boy grimaced, "I recall this area being one of the territories of the wolfskins and they don't take well to humans. If we don't find her soon, she could get killed by them."

As she hears this, she could feel the blood drain from her. S-she could die… She didn't know what a 'wolfskin' was, but she doesn't want any of what's going on. Nothing, but back to the safety of her friends. As she trembled, she took a step back only to slip on the wet ground in the darkness, "Eeek!"

As she crashed into the bushes, she continued to fall and realized that there was a deep slope that led to a murky river. She desperately tried to cling onto something as she tumbled down. However, she was unable to do so as her only grabbed the mud and rocks. As she got closer to the waters, she shut her eyes with her hands waiting for the water to consume her. However, that never occurred. Instead she soon felt something hard under her back and the rustling of leaves. As she timidly uncovered her eyes, she saw what looked to be large branches surrounding her catching her fall. However, she knew that this wasn't the doing of her friend. One of her friends have the ability to do this as well, but it only limited to vines rather than branches. So, who was it? She looked up and saw the two letting out a sigh of relief on the top.

"T-thank, god. I made it in time." the boy said with a grimace as his book glowed with a bright purple color, "I may need some help bring her back up here."

The tall man nodded, but the girl spoke up, "I-it's okay… I think I can climb up from here."

"Are you sure?" the man said with a raised brow.

The girl nodded and began to attempt climbing up the slope. It was muddy and slippery under her hands, but, with a bit of effort, she was able to get herself out of the place as a man with blue hair offered his hand to her with a smile, "Let me help you up, miss."

The girl grabbed it with gratitude and pulled herself up. The boy closed his book with a sigh as his brother asked her, "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes…" the girl said with a nod, "I-I'm sorry to be a bother to you, like this…"

The tall man shook his head, "No, it's fine. The most important thing is that you're all right."

"I apologize for my retainer's action." the boy said as he walked over to her, "Some of us are still on our guard after the battle, just now."

As she saw the archer with a couple other people, the girl shook her head, "I-I see. It's fine. I just never been this close to a battle, much less a war, till now. And, um… what's a retainer?"

Upon hearing this, stunned silence fell upon the group as Leo sighed and shook his head, "I guess, you've been living by yourself for too long."

"So, she lives by herself? Out here?" the brother questions with a raised brow.

Leo frowned as he said, "But, wait. I thought you said that you have friends?"

The girl nodded, "Yes. I've only left my home on the plains a few months ago. I was told that I'd find people who would need me and that's how I met them. But, this morning, I woke up and found myself here in the woods. I don't know where I am and where my friends are. Not even what's going on…"

"Hm… I see." the brother said with a frown, "I think it'd be best to bring you back to camp first for further questions before we can allow to bring you back to the capital."

"Are you sure about this, brother?" the boy said with a frown, "Well, it is better than bringing you back to the castle."

"The castle?" the girl said with wide eyes.

The boy sighed, "Don't tell me that you don't even know what that is?"

The girl shook her head, "No, I do know. It's just a surprise, since I've only ever heard of them in fairytales."

As the boy sighed, the man smiled, "Well, castles are no fairytales. Now, we should return to camp. Everyone is waiting."

The group nodded and began to make their way out of the woods.

Once out and into a bustling campsite guarded by soldiers that the girl would only see in books, she was soon led to a large brown tent that reminded her of the fairytales she's read. The boy dismissed his retainers as did his brother to guard the entrance of the structure. Inside the brightly lit tent was torches, a large table in the center and chairs around it. She was then permitted to sit on one of them as the other two sat across from her.

"Let's start with your name, then." the man said, "My name is Xander and this here is my younger brother, Leo."

The girl nodded, "M-my name is Koharu…"

The boy raised a brow, "'Koharu'? That sounds like a Hoshidan name…"

Koharu raised a brow, "I-I'm sorry. I'm afraid I don't know what 'Hoshedun' is. My name is Japanese. I used to live in Japan before joining my friends on a journey."

Xander frowned, but continued as he brought out and unfolded a large piece of paper, "Is that so… We don't know where Japan is though. Can you specify to us where it is on this map?"

Koharu frowned as she shook her head after seeing the map, "I-I'm sorry, but I don't see Japan on here."

Leo and his older brother frowned as the boy said with a raised brow, "Strange. But, your name sounds more like Hoshidan. However, you wear clothing that seems foreign to both kingdoms?"

Koharu nodded, "I understand that you're confused. It's weird, but, even the people in my country doesn't wear clothing like this. I was only told to wear this before I joined with my friends."

"You were told to wear it?" Xander said with a frown, "By who?"

"By the traveler." Koharu said, "He never told me his name, but he helped me when I was small and brought me many books of fairytales and other things every time he visited me. He found me a place to stay too. He was really nice. One day, he brought me these clothing and told me that, when I was old enough to fit into them, to go down to a lake and that there would be people coming to pick me up. People who need my help. After that, I never saw him again."

Leo sighed and shook his head, "Well, that's one weird story and very suspicious."

Xander, however, only frowned, "In any case, it would be difficult to bring you to the castle. With the war against Hoshido still occurring, everyone is on their guard, especially our Father. Also, we have never heard of this 'Japan', before. So, what do you plan on doing from here, then?"

The girl had no clue on what to do next. She's thought about running to find help and, although she's found it, the realization of the situation brought fear and worry to the girl. She doesn't know what to do from here. Slowly, the girl shook her head, "I-I don't know. I didn't think that far. I just want to go back to my friends…"

Leo frowned before he spoke, "I don't know about this. Her story sounds very suspicious."

Xander nodded, "Yes. Before that. Koharu, you said that you lived by yourself for quite some time. When was this?"

Koharu frowned as she tried to recall, "I believe it was around the spring of my seventh year?"

"A seven years old living by herself away from people?" Xander said with a frown, "What of your family and the people?"

At this, Koharu froze as she recalls the images resurfacing once more, "I-I'm afraid I don't remember… By the time I remembered anything, the traveler was already there and helping me."

"Hmm…" Leo said with narrowed eyes.

However, he sighed and looked to his sibling, "I don't know about this. Brother, what do you think?"

Xander nodded, "Perhaps we should bring her into the capital, after all. However, I'm unsure of what Father would think of this. He'd probably imprison her due to suspicions first after inquiring her with the tension of the war."

Leo nodded before a thought came to him, "Perhaps, I can have Niles find a path to sneak her into our brother and sister's fortress? With Kamui and Corrin currently residing in the main castle, the place should be vacant for the time being aside of the servants. We can let them know when they return."

Hearing this, Xander frowned, but pondered the thought, "Perhaps, then… We can keep this from our Father for the time being or have him become furious for our actions."

After a couple of seconds, the man finally nodded, "All right. I permit this. Just be wary of any guards on the lookout, understood?"

"Yes, Xander." Leo replied with a nod.

As they finally came to a conclusion, Koharu tilted her head, "U-um… You have other siblings? A-and, um… what's a fortress?"

As she asked this, Xander frowned nervously while Leo shook his head and sighed, "Yes, we have other siblings and, before you ask anything else, may I ask how much you know about this world?"

Koharu frowned with concentration, "U-um. W-well, I only know how to care for chickens, trees, harvesting, and house chores. Aside from that, I only know the outside world through the books the traveler gave me… Oh, but Masa-, I-I mean one of my friends was starting to teach me how to do math and history. I can read and write just fine… I think."

Leo grimaced, "Books as in fairytales? … Well, at least, now we know why you don't know much about these things. When we have the chance, we'll explain things to you in more details."

The brother said, "In any case, we should speak of how to get Koharu past the guards and into the Northern Fortress without Father knowing. At the very least, she should have a place till we find other method for her."

Leo nodded as Koharu frowned anxiously, but nodded nervously, "I-I see. It sounds like it would be difficult, and I don't know what's actually going on, b-but thank you very much from helping me!"

Xander nodded with a smile as the two began to talk of a plan.


It wasn't long after when Koharu and the archer soon saw the large tower standing in the snow. Koharu looked up in awe as Niles sighed with a frown, "If you stand there all day, the guards will spot us first before we do."

"R-right! I-I'm sorry." Koharu said with a look of shock and quickly rushed after the archer.

It wasn't long before they soon saw the guards that Niles turned to the girl, "Now, be a good girl and stay here. Don't let the guards find you."

Koharu, unsure of the situation, nodded none the less, "Y-yes."

The man quickly left the girl and began to walk up to the guards. It wasn't long before he got past them. She waited for a while before a carriage began to come out of the entrance. It was a fancy looking carriage with decorations of metal and wood wit bits of color, though not a lot. Not long after, the man exited the place with a book in hand and soon turned a corner back into the woods where she was.

"There." Niles said with a smile, "Now all we have to do is get you to the carriage and disguise yourself as one of the maids. I've told Flora of what's occurring, so she'll be waiting for you. It's a good think you have pink hair like her sister."

He then opened the large book revealing a large space in the center. Koharu gasped in amazement, "S-so this isn't really a book?"

The man smirked before he spoke, "Anyway, these are the maid's uniform. Flora and Felicia is supposed to be out in town buying supplies, but she's actually not too far from here and Felicia plans to go find her liege. We'll use this as an opportunity to disguise you as her. First, go find a place and change into these. Then, I'll bring you down to that carriage."

"O-Okay."

The girl took the clothing and went behind a nearby tree. Niles sighed, "If only this wasn't an undercover mission… Well, I suppose there's another time."

It wasn't long before Koharu was done when she walked out of the place, "I-Is this alright?"

Upon inspecting, the archer nodded, "Yeah. It's good. Now, let's go."

She was then led through the dark forest till she soon found herself in a small clearing with the clear view of the sky. She looked up and saw the sky filled with stars.

"Over here!"

Niles's voice brought her attention back to the carriage and the woman waiting for them. The girl with blue hair nodded her head in greeting, "I'm Flora. Are you Koharu?"

She nodded, "Y-yes! Th-thank you for helping me."

The girl nodded and inspected her leaving the girl very confused. Flora nodded, "It seems the maid's clothing and the wig is a fit then. Good. From today, your name is Felicia. My sister has left to seek out Lord Kamui and Lady Corrin. You'll be acting in her place. However, this name and background will only be a disguise, remember that. I've already notified the other servants of the situation. Make sure that you stay by my side, unless I tell you otherwise. Understand?"

As Koharu sorted out the information in her head, she nodded, "Y-yes…"

Flora nodded, "Good. Now, tell me what's your name."

"F-Felicia." Koharu replied hesitantly, "M-my name is Felicia."

Flora nodded as Niles sighed, "Well, now that we've gotten that covered, I'll be taking my leave as well."

"Oh, Niles." the maid called out as the man turned around, "I don't think you've come across her today, but have you seen our stable girl, Lilith? I haven't seen her at all since yesterday morning…"

Hearing this, the archer raised a brow, "That stable girl? No, I haven't. So, she disappeared?"

Flora nodded, "Yes… I don't know if she left to be with our lieges. She's always really loyal and friendly with them, so…"

Niles nodded, "Well, I don't know. Perhaps if I hear word of her, I'll tell you."

As the man was about to leave, Koharu called out, "U-um… thank you very much for helping me, Niles."

The man just waved as he continued walking till he was out of sight. It wasn't long before she was brought into the carriage with Flora did the maid began to ask, "So, Koharu, I've read the order from Prince Xander, but I must ask where are you from?"

"I-I'm from Japan." Koharu began before her eyes widen in shock, "W-wait. P-prince? Xander is a prince?!"

At her outburst, the maid immediately flicked the girl on the head, "Quiet down! We're having a private conversation. It wouldn't be private anymore if you start shouting like that!"

"Y-yes." Koharu replied with her head casted down, "I-I'm sorry…"

Flora sighed, "It's fine. But how could you've not known that Lord Xander and Lord Leo are both princes of Nohr?"

Koharu looked up with shock and confusion, "W-well, they never told me that they were princes and what's Nohr?"

Flora shook her head in dismay, "And I was the one with the question… Listen, Prince Leo said that he would be here later to speak with you. In the meantime, you will be in the Northern Fortress serving as one of the maids with me. The Northern Fortress is where Prince Kamui and Princess Corrin lived. Yesterday, they moved into the Main Castle where the royal family lives. However, there's still things to do in the fortress even if our lieges aren't there. I was told your stay is temporary, but we're not sure. So, it'd be best if you think of the place as your home for a bit. I was told that you can do house chores."

Koharu nodded, "Y-yes. I used to live by myself, so I've been doing the house chores by myself since I was seven."

"Since you were-?!" Flora started with a look of surprise before shaking her head, "I-I see. In any case, we have a schedule to follow as maids…"

As Flora began explaining the work they do, it wasn't long before they soon reached the gates. Doing her best not to sound suspicious during the inspection, Koharu went along as Flora instructed her beforehand and was allowed passage into the fortress. When she got off the carriage, she looked around and saw the tall structure before her, "W-wow…"

It was tall and reminded her of the fairytales she use to read. She felt a tug on her wrist as Flora pulled her inside. Once inside, she followed behind the girl as she began touring the place and demonstrating the things they do till they reached a wooden door. Flora opened it revealing two beds, a cold wooden floor and ceiling, a window with a curtain, a small table, and a small wardrobe.

"This is where my sister and I have been staying." Flora explained as she closed the door behind them, "From today, you'll also be staying here too. My sister have gone to our lieges, so you are free to use this place as you like as well."

"Wow." Koharu said in awe, "This is just like out of a fairytale…"

Flora gave the girl a look of confusion before she sat on her bed and gestured over to the other, "You can sleep there. This is my bed. Now, let's talk a little bit more about ourselves. I know that you may not be fond of being forced to reveal everything, but Nohr isn't a safe place for many people. Oh, also, this kingdom we're in is Nohr. It's a kingdom where the light never shines and there's not much vegetation in this area. The environment is rather harsh as you can see."

Koharu nodded understanding the maid's description of the place, "A land where the sun does not shine? Then, that's why it's always so dark, but how do the people live?"

Flora frowned, "Right now, Nohr is in war against its neighboring kingdom, Hoshido, for their resources, because Hoshido is a kingdom where the land is blessed with the sun and good harvest. Both kingdoms have been at war for a long time till Queen Mikoto became Hoshido's new queen. She's placed a barrier around the land, so that those who passed through it would lose their will to fight."

"Mikoto?" Koharu repeated with a look of surprise, "As in Mikoto Kuga?"

Flora frowned and shook her head, "A last name? I'm afraid not many of us have last names, Koharu. Who is this Mikoto you're speaking of?"

"W-well…" Koharu began to answer, "Mikoto Kuga is one of my first friends after I left my home on the plains. T-this may seem unbelievable, but she has the ability to form barriers too, but it's only against physical attacks and people she sees as enemies or strangers. Those she sees as friends are welcomed in. However, it doesn't have the ability to make people lose their will to fight as I remember…"

Flora's eyes widen in surprise, "Is that so? Well, it'd be best if you don't tell anyone about this, Koharu."

As the girl tilted her head, Flora continued, "People in this land are said to be effected greatly by the dark and harsh environment of this land. If you reveal either your name or your friend's name and background, it could raise suspicions."

The pink hair girl looked up in surprise, "H-huh? Then…"

Flora shook her head as the girl glanced to her, "I'll keep it a secret. I may not look like it to some, but I came from the Ice tribe, that once was in Hoshido's territory till King Garon of Nohr took over the place. My sister and I were forced to work here as maids under his orders, though we swore our loyalty to our lieges."

Koharu tilted her head, "Is King Garon Prince Xander and Prince Leo's father? They seem to have sent me here so that their father wouldn't know of it after I told them of myself…"

Flora nodded as she began to pull out the girl's clothing from the bag that once held the maid uniform, "I'm not surprised. You're lucky Lord Xander and Lord Leo sent you here instead. King Garon is known to be a merciless king by most people. He rules this land with an iron fist and is extremely strict, even to his own children. If he hears of your name but sees this outfit. He'd most likely have to start interrogating you harshly followed by his tactician. Both are terrifying people to be against, especially if the people they're interrogating against is much like you, Koharu. Not many would be able to stand the pressure."

Hearing this, a shiver ran down the girl's spine, "I-I see…"

Flora sighed and smiled, "Well, just remember that you are to go by as 'Felicia' here and stay at my side till Lord Xander and Prince Leo says otherwise. It should be fine since Felicia used to stay at my side all the time when she was here too."

Though curious, Koharu nodded with a smile, "I get it… Thank you, Flora."

The maid just smiled, "It's fine. However, I wonder why Prince Leo have yet to summon you, much less arrive. He said in the letter that he'd be coming here to speak with you."

As she said this Koharu recalled them saying how they'd be returning to the castle and frowned, "I-I heard that they were going to the castle… D-do you think…"

Flora shook her head, "No. If King Garon were to find out, Prince Leo or Prince Xander would've tried to find a way to notify us… Don't worry, Koharu. If something were to happen, I'll take you out of here myself. It was the princes' orders to keep you safe till we learn more about you and bring you back home… Speaking of which, where is 'Japan'?"

Koharu frowned, "T-that's the thing… I don't know where it is on the map. It just wasn't there when I tried to show Prince Xander and Prince Leo. From what I know from my friends, Japan is a small island country. In comparison to the other big countries, it's the smallest of the all as far as they know, but the map they showed me was so big. I don't even see Japan anywhere a-and I'm not sure how far I am from my friends…"

As she began to panic, Flora grabbed the girl's shoulder, "Look, Koharu. Just don't panic. If the royal siblings sent you here, then that means that they're willing to help you find where this Japan is and where your friends are. For now, just stay here and think of this fortress as your home. It probably won't be long, since our lieges have moved to the main castle, but we may be moving to another place as well. I'm sure Prince Xander and his siblings would be willing to help. So, wipe the tear away and stop crying. You must stay strong. I know being far away from home is terrifying but stay together. You'll be fine."

Hearing this slowly brought some confidence to the girl as she nodded and brushed away the tear in her eye before it had a chance to fall. Flora smiled, "I'll go get your clothes cleaned. You stay here till I get back, okay?"

Hearing this, Koharu nodded with a smile, "O-okay. T-thank you, Flora."

"You're welcome." the maid said with a smile as she slowly closed the door behind her with Koharu's clothing in her arms.

Once she was down the halls, she frowned, "Just why would Prince Xander and Prince Leo agree to help and bring a girl into the fortress when she's clearly has a suspicious background… I can't tell in the girl is acting aloof or if she's truly this shy and honest. If so, she could be in trouble if she keeps trusting people like this."

She sighed as she whispered under her breath, "Well, I guess I'll have to keep trying to be as optimistic as my sister, if I want to keep this girl alive. Koharu, was it?"

For the last two hours, Koharu have been going around the room looking around with some curiosity. Even though anyone would've gotten bored by then, she couldn't help, but stare at everything in awe. This is not a castle, but that didn't stop her excitement from knowing that it was something like one from the fairytales she use to read. She was to serve under a prince and princess as a real maid with Flora. Even if she wasn't the princess, she was still happy from the thought alone. However, even if she tried to keep up her enthusiasm, she couldn't erase her feeling of fear and worry for her other friends. Were they in the same situation as her? Lost and confused? Or were they back on the ship safe and sound while searching for her with worry of her well-being as well? She then slumped back onto her bed with a sigh. She missed the ship, her friends, and the adorable, small yellow birds that performed they're daily task, Hiyokos. She just really wants to return to their side. She just wanted to go home. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door. She jumped up in surprise, "W-who is it?"

She heard a sigh on the other end as a familiar voice spoke, "Just strong warrior under the order of his liege to pick up a fair ma- Ow!"

A gasped was heard as Flora's voice came through, "S-sir Laslow? I apologize! I thought you were an intruder trying to enter our room!"

The man groaned before he chuckled weakly, "H-haha… I-intruder? No. I'm here to bring your sister to milord and his siblings. It's a rather urgent situation and milord is in a rush, but he'd like a cup of tea, if you would. Milord is currently in the library."

"O-oh!" Flora said with a slightly frantic voice, "Of course!"

The door opened as Flora rushed in and placed the girl's clothing in another clean bag before turning to the girl, "Let's hurry and prepare the tea, Felicia."

"Y-yes, Flora." Koharu said immediately before rushing out after her 'sister'.

As she walked out, she soon saw the man that helped her up back in the woods. She nodded in greeting to the man before hurrying behind the other maid. The man could only smile in return before turning around and heading down the hall.

It wasn't long before Koharu carefully followed her 'sister' through the halls once more with a tray of tea and cups in her hand. It wasn't long before the came across a double door guarded by the blue and pink hair woman, whom she saw in the woods, and the spiky blond hair man with very unusual clothing and cape. Though Koharu wanted to have a better look and the girl's unusual hair, she knew that she had to focus on the task at hand and walked in the room as Flora opened the door. Once in, she saw a table and around it sat the two princes followed by another younger girl probably slightly younger than herself with two knights standing in the corner behind her. They were probably her 'retainers' and the girl with long curly pig tails could probably be the brother's younger sister. She carefully placed the tray on the table and watched as Flora began pouring the tea in each cup along with a couple block of sugar and bit of cream in one of them. It wasn't long after she placed the cup infront of the royal siblings did they reach for their cup and excused the maid requesting 'Felicia' to stay to assist them. With her alone with the royal siblings and their retainers, Koharu was nervous. She's never thought that she'd ever come across royalty through out her whole life. The little girl giggled, "You don't have to be that nervous around us."

Koharu looked up in surprise, "I-I'm sorry… It's just I've never been in front of royalty before…"

Hearing this, Leo sighed, "That's right. We've never told you who we are and, considering you're from this place called Japan, you've probably never heard of us. Though I'm still not sure about that. Well, I see that Flora have told you for us."

Xander nodded, "In any case, it seems that the servants here will be leaving this fortress to their assigned areas in the next couple of days. Since, you're acting in as 'Felicia' at the moment, you'll probably be leaving this place to wherever father assigns you…"

As he says this, Koharu frowned, "U-um…"

"Yes?" Leo said with a raised brow.

"So, I'll be with Flora, then?" Koharu asked nervously.

Sadly, Xander shook his head, "I'm afraid I'm uncertain about that. That would be for our father to decide. However, that's unless we would like to have one of the servants here serve under us personally. Of course, we'd have to speak with our father about that and that'd mean having you and Flora in front of him. However, he knows that Flora and Felicia are twins. Though you look like her now, You'd be able to tell the difference at another glance."

"That's unless we have you serve under our youngest sister here." Leo pointed out with a frown.

The girl waved, "Hi! I'm Elise, the third princess of Nohr! It's nice to meet you, Koharu! My brothers told me about you on the way here!"

Leo nodded as Xander continued, "But first, we need to know more about you before we can allow you to serve under her. First off, we know that your name is Koharu and that you came from Japan."

Leo nodded, "Yes, but my retainers and I have checked through the maps we have in the main castle. There's no place called Japan. Koharu, just where is Japan? Is it on this continent or another foreign one?"

Koharu frowned as she said, "I was taught by my friend that Japan is an island and one of the smallest country that played a big role in some parts of history, but that's it. I don't know anything else."

Leo raised a brow, "Have your parent- I mean, have anyone else ever told you about this Japan, then?"

Koharu shook her head, "No. I tried my best to avoid being near people while growing up."

"You tried to avoid people?" Xander said with a raised brow, "What do you mean?"

Koharu shook her head, "I'm not too sure myself. I just grew up making sure to have very little contact with other people. It just felt safer that way for me."

Xander frowned, "Is that so…"

Leo frowned, "So, you've been that way your whole life?"

Koharu shook her head, "No. The traveler always comes by during his travels to help me and teach me new things everyday. Like which plants to harvest and how to read. Though my friends were the ones who taught me how to read and write more complicated words afterwards."

Leo glanced up, "Speaking of reading and writing…"

The boy turned to his 'retainers' and the archer gave him a sheet of paper and a pen from a nearby table. He placed it infront of the girl, "Aside from our language getting across very well, I'd like to see if we have the same style of writing, so can you write down you name?"

Koharu nodded, "Okay."

She approached the table and picked up the pen before writing it down and sliding the paper back to him. As she stepped back, Leo picked up the sheet of paper, "Well, it least we have the same language. Thank god. But, that just raises the question, where is Japan?"

As Koharu looked to the three anxiously, Leo sighed, "Well, brother? What do you think we should do?"

After some thought, he finally nodded, "Then, how about we have her serve you, Leo?"

The boy looked up stunned, "What?! But, wouldn't Father question me having a specific maid serving under me?"

Xander nodded, "Yes, but if I ask of it with a good reason, then he'd most likely allow it without question. If we were to insist it on either me or Elise, it'd cause even more suspicion."

Before Leo could say a word, Elise jumped in with a bright smile, "Oh! You can tell him about his collar being inside out constantly and-"

"Definitely not!" Leo cut in nearly bright red before composing himself and sighed after a while, "Fine… I suppose I'll have be like this for a while, then. It'd be best for her to be close with one of us, even if she is suspicious. But, what of Flora? She and Felicia are supposedly always together. Also, if word that she's returned with our siblings appears, then…"

After some thought, Xander frowned, "It'd be difficult to have both maids working under you all of a sudden and it'd raise some suspicions as well. And I believe Felicia was told of the situation before she left, according to her sister."

Hesitantly, Elise said, "M-maybe if we find big brother Kamui and Big sister Corrin, then…"

"But we just don't know where they are or if they're all right, right now, Elise." Leo said with a grimace, "That man… Hans must be lying when he reported that they died during the battle. He was once arrested for crimes and he clearly wasn't mentally stable when father decided to release him and make him his retainer."

His words caused Koharu to accidently gasped in shock as her eyes widen in horror. Seeing this, Leo sighed, but Xander nodded, "In any case, we'll think of what to do with Flora's departure. She's one of their close maids. It would sadden them if they learn that she's been sent to a far away part of the capital."

Leo and Elise nodded silently as Xander continued, "Right now, Camilla is still looking for them and should be back soon. Considering that this is Kamui and Corrin we're speaking of, this could take a while. Leo, I'd like for you to see what you can find on your end as well."

The boy nodded, "Yes, Xander."

Their sister jumped up, "Oh! Oh! What about me? There's go to be something I can do too!"

After some thought, Xander shook his head with a smile, "No, Elise. Perhaps you can wait for their return. It'd be dangerous if you went out to find them. Bottomless Canyon is still crawling with remanents of enemy soldiers and Faceless."

The girl pouted but sat down and nodded anyway, "Oh, okay…"

As the eldest brother nodded, Koharu could start to notice, from the light of the torches, the dark circle under the man's eyes. The man must've also been very worried over the disappearance of their siblings as well, despite trying to hide it. Koharu couldn't help, but have a worried look over her face as she also recall Flora. If she's also close to the prince and princess as they say then news of this could sadden her too. But, to be close friends with the servants? Prince Kamui and Princess Corrin must be really nice people. Leo glanced over to her and said, "I suppose it'd be best to dismiss you now. We'll be taking our leave soon, since we came here without notice. I'll call my other retainer to bring you back seeing that this is your first time here."

As Koharu tilted her head in confusion, Leo's eyes widen in surprise as he groaned and said, "Right… I still need to explain to you what a retainer is…"

It wasn't long after she was dismissed that she made it back to her and Flora's room after being escorted by Leo's other retainer, Odin Dark. As soon as she reached the room, she was greeted by Flora, who rushed over to her, "How did it go? Have they found a way to help you?"

Koharu shook her head sadly, "No… They decided to have me work under Prince Leo, so that I can try find my home…"

Hearing this, Flora frowned, "I-Is that so… Well, more importantly is that they're willing to help you. So, don't worry, Koharu."

The girl nodded with a trying smile, "I-I'll do my best to find my friends and a way home. Thank you so much for supporting me, Flora."

Flora smiled, "It's nothing. More importantly, if you're going to serve under Prince Leo temporarily, we should get you use to working as a maid, otherwise, it'd be suspicious how you were able to suddenly serve under Prince Leo. Also, since you're suppose to be my sister, that means that you're use to working as one for a long time. The move isn't till two days too… Let's at least get you somewhat familiar to this."

"O-okay." Koharu replied with a nod.

"Then, let's get straight to have you make the tea and coffee." Flora said, "And we can have you help mop he entire floors. It'll be tough, but, with how you handled with the work today, I believe that you'll be all right."

"A-all right!" Koharu said as she tries to keep her spirit up.

Flora smiled, "Now, I've placed your clothes in your bag. They're clean now that I've asked a close friend of mine for some help in drying this with a spell."

"A spell?" the pink hair girl said with a frown, "You mean like magicians?"

Flora frowned as she said, "Don't tell me, you've never heard what a 'mage' is do you?"

As Koharu shook her head, Flora smiled nervously, "Well, how about I tell you what you need to know before we get to work, then? First, mages are people who can you magic using their tomes or those books as a weapon to cast magic. For example, Prince Leo and his retainer, Odin, are mages. Of course, they're not the only one, who can use magic. Now, have you ever heard of healers, Koharu?"

As the girl shook her head but with awe this time, Flora smiled nervously as she realized that either this girl was being an idiot and wasting her time, or this is going to be a really long, but beneficial, lecture for the girl.

On their way back to the castle, Elise turned to her siblings and said with a look of confusion, "Um.. So, if Leo doesn't want to have 'Felicia' serve under him, why not as Camilla? Maybe she would be willing to take her in?"

Leo shook his head, "That won't be a good idea, Elise. Not when Big brother Kamui and Big sister Corrin are missing."

"Oh." Elise responded with a frown and a nod, "I see… Still, she seems really nice. I wonder where that place is though…"

Xander frowned, "I don't know. She could also be lying as well. I've never heard of an island kingdom of that name. Nor, if one ever existed. However, she still insisted that it does and her clothing as well…"

After some though, Elise carefully began to speak, "So… what will we do if she really is lying? Of course, that doesn't seem like it'll happen, but…"

At this, both brothers remained silent as the answer was rather obvious.


She felt a slight pain in her cheek as she woke up. While opening her eyes, the bright ray of the sun nearly blinded her as she slowly regained her consciousness. As she carefully sat up, an unfamiliar voice spoke, "Ah! You've woken up! I was wondering how long you plan on sleeping here."

Her eyes shot open as the view came to her. In front of her stood a tall man with extremely long silver hair and wore traditional Japanese clothing. The man smiled and waved, "Greetings. I am the Duke Izana. May I ask what a child of another world is doing here in my garden?"

"Child… of another… world?" the girl with long black hair said with a frown, "Pardon me, but what are you trying to say? And your garden?"

She immediately glanced around and found herself in what looked like a large and beautiful Japanese garden of trees and pebbles forming ripples of water. She was sitting in the middle of it all.

"W-where am I?" the girl said with a look of surprise, "S-Sakuya?! Nastuhiko? Kagami?! W-where is everone?"

The man placed a hand on his chin as he said, "Hm… If my reading is right, they should be somewhere on this continent as well."

"On this continent?" the girl said with bewilderment, "It sounds like you know what's happening, could you elaborate on what's going on?"

"Sure!" the man said with a smile, "But first, let's head inside."

The girl frowned, but nodded her head. Once inside, she gasped upon seeing the interior of the structure. Though the exterior looked like an average Japanese building, the inside looked to be far larger than she imagined. There was even some stairs leading to the second floor. Now that she remembered it, she doesn't recall getting a clear view of the structure from the outside and the man did refer to himself as a 'duke'. Even her home isn't a large like this and she understand how well off her family is compared to others she knows. As she followed the man, she soon passed a few servants as he continued to ramble on about things regarding his hair and appearance that she was unable to clearly process through. It wasn't long before they went into a room with tatami floor, a small window, and a small place for a calligraphy painting on display with a couple ornaments below it. The man, Izana, gestured for the girl to take a seat on the ground before he did as well. Once seated, Izana began to speak, "Great! Now that we're here, let's start with an introduction. It seems you were too out of it to even process clearly what I was saying. I am Duke Izana. This is my kingdom, Izumo. I am its current ruler. So~? What's your name?"

The girl was suspicious of the man, but, even if she was, she could not feel any hostility from him, especially since he was quite hospitable and allowed her into his mansion she assumed, "My name is Mikoto Kuga."

"Ah, Mikoto, is it?" Izana said with a bright smile, "What a coincidence! Do you know one of our neighboring kingdom, Hoshido, is ruled by a queen, whose name is also Mikoto?! Of course not, since you've only just got to this world-"

"Right." Mikoto interrupted, "Pardon me, but about that? What do you mean by 'this world'?"

"Ah, you probably don't know about this. " the duke said with a smile, "But you've been brought here by our god, basically."

A couple seconds of silence occurred before Mikoto nearly screamed, "W-what?!"

The man chuckled, "Yes, well. Our world have been at war against each other for quite some time. Of course, Izumo is a neutral country, but the fighting is even starting to reach rather close to our borders. It won't be long before even Izumo will have to interfere with the conflicts of humans."

Hearing this, Mikoto grimaced, "A war?"

The man nodded, "Of course, you'd probably start thinking that you were brought here y our gods to help protect us, but, actually, you're suppose to help someone else."

"Someone else?" Mikoto inquired with a frown, "Who would that be?"

The duke shrugged, "I don't know clearly. Just that they possess something important."

Despite his words, Mikoto as not convinced, "I don't get it. First, you tell me that your god brought me here to help someone, but even you don't know who that person is. Also, how come you know that I'm not of this world? Am I really not of this world?"

The man chuckled as he turned to the drawer underneath the display, "Well, rather you believe it or not, I came from a lineage descended from the god of this world. Every now and then, I'd get a premonition of the future and communicate with our god indirectly. So, I was informed of your arrival not long before you came."

He then returned to his sea as he unrolled a large piece of paper and place it in front of her, "As for whether or not you're really not from this world, let's take a look, shall we? Do you see any hints of where you're from?"

All she need was a couple glances on the map to realize what the man spoke was the truth. The entire map was new to her. She couldn't see any familiar looking continents or islands on the map. Just a large mass of land with very few islands on the side.

"T-this can't be!" Mikoto shouted in disbelief, "I don't see Japan anywhere! This doesn't even look like a map of it in fact. Are you sure that this map isn't just made up?"

The man smiled as he said triumphantly at his point proven, "Well, that's up for you to decide, isn't it? I mean you can even go out and see the world to be sure of it, though I wouldn't do that if I were you. Too many battles are going on and Izumo would like to stay out of that. This is just a war between to neighboring countries that just can't come together, even if we do try to stop the fighting."

"What?" Mikoto said with a look of surprise, "Why's that?"

The duke shook his head, "I don't know. It's just what the god told me."

Mikoto frowned. Everything this man said didn't make any sense always referring back to their god. She finds it very hard to believe in such illogical explanations. However, she knew very well that she needs all the information of this place in order to survive and protect herself from what's to come and this was better than nothing, she supposed. With that conclusion, she sighed in defeat and said, "Well, if that's all you know, then I suppose I'll go along with this. So, then what am I suppose to do now?"

Izana frowned before he said with a smile, "How about this? You can stay with our healers and see what you can do there? I'll ask one of my healers to hire you as their assistant till the day that they arrive here seeking for your help."

Hearing this, Mikoto frowned with a look of confusion, "B-but wouldn't that be using your station as an advantage? I don't wish to trouble your …uh, healers. You see, aside from basic education and etiquettes, I'm afraid I don't have much skills in any other fields and um… what's a healer?"

The man laughed, "It's fine. I have a close friend amongst my healers, who's currently looking for an assistant. Experienced or not. As for what healers are, I suppose the best way to explain this is that they're the ones we look to for treatment when anyone gets sick or injured. They use their staff to heal injuries really quickly, like as if they're nothing! They also use herbs to treat pain and illnesses."

"So, they're like doctors?" Mikoto concluded as she placed a hand on her chin thoughtfully, "But, with the ability to heal others? That's amazing… I can only create barriers to block enemy attacks, but I won't be able to do much if those I'm protecting gets injured."

Izana nodded, "Well, if that's how your healers of your world are like, then yes! Anyway, my old pal is looking for an assistant. Experienced or not. He's starting to get to the age, you see. It's rather hard for him to move around like he once use to, sadly. It'd be wonderful, if you can help him with his work."

Mikoto contemplate over the thought for a while. It's not that she doesn't like the offer. It was just too good to believe it being true. Though she was thankful to the man for his help, she was still very suspicious of the situation and the unexpectedly fitting offer of work to her. She doesn't like earning things she didn't use her effort to work for. She'd rather work and earn her earning honestly rather than beg on to others for something. It would always be her last resort to do so. When she's truly desperate to live. However, she doesn't know anything about this 'world' or the life here. This man, Izana, was willing to help and understood her situation according to him. Though she was unsure and clearly suspicious of his terrific offer, she didn't have much of a choice, but to accept the offer. If worst comes to her, she would have her barrier to protect her. She nodded, "I don't see much of a choice and the offer is good. I would like to take this job offer. That's if your friend is willing to accept me as his assistant. But, what will I do for shelter? I've only just got here and I would have to wait a while before I can find a place to stay as my own."

The man smiled, "Well, I suppose you can stay here in one of the guest room till you find a place, but I think my pal can arrange one on the spot. You see, his daughter have left to live with her husband's family a few months ago and his wife is no longer with him anymore due to an accident a few weeks ago. It would probably be good for him, if he have someone there to help him sometime. I can talk with him regarding this."

The girl smiled, "I see, thank you very much, Duke Izana."

The man just waved, "It's nothing that big to worry about, Mikoto. Also, it'd be best if some refer to you as your family name."

Hearing this, the girl gave the name a look of confusion, "Well, I don't see why not. It's somewhat of a custom from my home to refer to others by their family name as a form of formality. Though, I am curious why you would say that…"

The man laughed, "That's because it's the same name as the queen of one of our neighboring kingdoms. The only difference is that she doesn't have a family name. Not many of this world does. Not even me. I'm usually referred to by our station and kingdom. It would cause some confusion, if my people hear that my friend hired an assistant by the same name as Hoshido's queen with the same ability."

"Really?" Mikoto looked with a stunned expression, "Their ruler also have the ability to set up barriers?! In my world, I'm the only one who could do so."

Izana smirked, "Well, here, she's the only one able to set up a barrier around the entire kingdom. Rather than the barrier everyone knows, hers is said to make their enemy soldiers from the Kingdom of Nohr lose their will to fight."

"Oh, my!" the girl exclaimed shocked, "That's amazing! If I had that ability, there'd most likely be less war in my world as well. There's been tension between factions and it would usually break out with battles that consume numerous lives using high advanced machineries with one shot. It's just terrifying to even think about the number of lives it would consume."

The man nodded, "Ah, yes. War is a terrifying thing and ours have gone for years without stop. However, I hear that King Garon, ruler of Nohr, have found a way to get around that by creating a puppet made of the bodies of the poorly deceased to attack Hoshido. I've yet to witness it, but, from what I've heard, it's just horrendous. It's a good thing that Izumo is taking a neutral stand to all this. So far, there's been no invasion by the Nohrian armies. However, with the fighting getting so close, even I get anxious about this. If not for our connection to our god, we wouldn't have made it this far."

Hearing this, Mikoto grimaced. If there's going to be a war coming, then she'd also be in trouble if that were to occur. What's more important was that she doesn't even know how far she could hold out against such a force from the undead that the ruler mentioned. It was hard to believe, but, at the same time, she doesn't want to see it for herself.

"Anyway, enough about all this gloomy topics!" the man announced out of the blue, "Let's first take you down to my pal and see what he thinks. If not, we can always think of other ways!"

The man was rather unusual. Despite saying that he was a duke, the man himself certainly did not act like a ruler with his constant habit of showing off his hair. As he led her out of the room and outside of his mansion, she began to think of her friends. Were they safe without her and her barriers too, or are they in a much worse situation than this? She just can't help, but worry as she thought of this. If Izana knows of her situation before she did, perhaps he'd have some clue as to how or where her other friends were. She would have to remind herself to ask of him of this later.

After a long while, she was finally able to establish a temporary stay with the old healer as payment for her work as well as a little earning. Despite her unusual circumstances, the old man was kind enough to accept the girl, even though she was inexperienced with no background knowledge in the field he worked with. However, even if the old man was all right if she had none of this, she was eager and determined to learn and adapt to her circumstances. The man was kind and she knew that, but she doesn't plan to take advantage of his or Izana's kindness for long. She wanted to be independent and stand on her won two feet soon. The old healer lent her his daughter's old room on the second floor and the clothing she use to wear when she was her age. Once she was done, she immediately went down as the man went over the herbs he keeps in each small cabinets on the wall of his shop. It was extremely difficult and Mikoto was well aware of that, but she doesn't want that to stop her. So, she did her best to learn. She had once been forced to work outside in the fields to help support herself and one of her friends when they crashed into an unknown place. Surely, if she does her best here as well, she can support herself over time. Through out the afternoon, she continued to help the man get herbs and sort out plants as the old healer taught her. She was still unsure if she was doing a good job at it, but she knew that she was doing her best and it seems the old man was aware of the effort she was putting into this as he was thankful for her help. This continued on till the old man closed up shop for the night. He then taught her around the kitchen as she was still unfamiliar to the utensils in the area and this world. She was allowed to use the utensils and kitchen to help cook their meals. After having a terribly cut bowl of overcooked noodles. She offered to clean up the dishes to make up for it, since the old man also looked to be really exhausted after taking care of the patients all day afternoon. Without a doubt, it must've also been quite stressful as she was still new to her work and would forget where each of the herbs were located. As she cleaned up, the man retired for the night. Mikoto, then went back to her own room after making sure that everything was back in their place. Lying in her bed, she thought back to what happened to her today wit a frown, "To think, I'd be in another world. What a preposterous thing to occur, but everything here is so different. Clearly, nobody know of Japan. Well, today was okay for my first day, but I know I can do better. Well, at least I know where the rosemary and horsetails are, but to think we can use it as a form of medicine. Hah, I bet he'd be very shocked to even believe that!"

After lying in bed for a while longer thinking of her friends that she was grouped with and her other friends from the other two groups, sleep finally came to her.


In another sunny area, a girl with light silver-purple wavy hair and in a similar closing as the previous two girls slowly opened her eyes revealing them to be silver-grey. She could see the green grass between her face and her outstretched arm followed by the smell of the familiar pine trees of the area she was in. Pines… Now why did the word stuck to her head? This is certainly pines she could smell, so…? Did their ship ever have any pine trees with such a strong scent? But, she was sure that she was on the floor where the peach trees were… Wasn't she keeping an eye on this teenage boy with blue hair? Suddenly, remembering this, she her eyes shot open as she immediately sat up and surveyed her surroundings. Lush green grass. Tall pine trees and some normal broad-leafed ones. Were they Oak or Birch? The boy with blue hair wasn't anywhere to be seen. More importantly, where was she? The girl frowned and slowly got up to her feet. She looked around the area and began to slowly make her way in her chosen decision after scanning her surroundings. Aside from the bird and bugs, the forest was silent with a serene air to it. It wasn't long after when she soon found herself before a large lake. The sun's rays bounced off the mirror like surface as the lake shimmered. The sight was really breath taking and it absorbed all of her attention. She soon hears the rustling of leaves behind her and immediately glanced around before hiding under a bush. As she crouched down, she quietly listened to her surroundings. After what felt to be a couple seconds, she heard the rustling behind her she spun around and saw something shot out from a nearby bush. Instinctively, she pulled out her kunai and deflected it before dashing away from her spot and into the wood as fast as she could. She knew quite well that with her clothing, it'd be difficult to blend into the woods. The best choice of action would have to find a way of escape. It wasn't long before she soon heard footsteps behind her. Are they… ninjas? She recalled the head of the item thrown at her. It looked to be the head of a kunai, like hers, but she wasn't sure of it. If they were really ninjas, then she'd have a problem. The only ninja she's ever gone against was her own father as they were descended from a line of famed ninjas of the past. Though there aren't as many now, she still came across one… no, two. To think her luck would be this bad… It puzzled her how her pursuers were able to detect her presence despite hiding it during her hiding. It wasn't long before she heard them getting closer did she immediately picked up the pace and ran faster, to which she could hear the curse one of her pursuers threw under their breath. As she ran, she soon saw a glimpse of light a head of her. Though it wouldn't be idea to run into such an open space, it would be a much worse situation if she were to turn a corner only for the pursuers to cut it. Knowing this, she pushed herself further desperately trying to achieve a larger gap between her and her enemy. As the light shined brighter, the scene soon revealed itself to be a path along the green grass. That and a tall red armored man walking along its path. She gasped in shock upon seeing him as the man was as well in seeing the girl suddenly appear. With her uncontrollable speed, she was clearly about to crash into the man. She grimaced as she saw the man ready to pull what looked to be a katana out of his sheathe. Without much thought, she crossed her arms across her chest and let the force of her speed pull her right under the man's arm holding the sheathe much to his surprise before the girl got back up and continued running as the dust that trailed behind her slide began to settle.

"W-what?" the man said in shock.

The man looked stunned to see this and, to be honest, so was she. She have never done this before nor during her training against her father. This was something she'd only done instinctively without any training, yet she did it at the right time when she needed it most. Now all that matters to her was getting out of here. However, she wasn't sure how long they plan on pursuing after her. She wasn't sure how she was going to find an escape route, but, if there was one, she need to find it now. As she kept running, she could start to feel the energy drain from her as she continued zigzagging through the wood. It wasn't long before she finally came across another clearing. However, as she did, she heard some strange sound coming from ahead. Recalling the last encounter, she didn't want to be thrust into another situation as dangerous as this already. She grimaced, but, quickly decided to turn the corner she's been avoiding the last ten minutes. Almost at once, something sprang from beside her as she jumped back. As she turned to resume her escape, she caught a glimpse of her pursuer. It looked to be a man with red hair, old clothing she'd only seen from her father's old books and a mask over a portion of his face. As she was about to keep running another figure jumped out before her and tried to pounce on to her. Not wasting another second, she lowered herself closer to the ground as she barely escaped the grasp of her pursuers. As she continued running, she could hear a female voice, "She's fast and a slippery one."

Upon seeing that man's attire, she could already confirm her suspicions. She was dealing with ninjas and, most likely, fully trained ones. She was unable to clearly measure how strong they were as she was on the run, but, with her only experience against her only ninja opponent, she could already tell that they were stronger than her father was. Though she was starting to run out of breath, her fear of getting caught and killed continued to push her further. Whoever they were, they were clearly much more well-trained than her. Their stamina exceeded hers, including their strategies in catching her. It wasn't long before she soon saw a tall wall before her. She wanted to grimace knowing the most obvious thing to do throughout her training when she was small, but held it back and jumped on to the trunk of a nearby Birch tree and launched herself onto the wall. After launching herself from the wall to the tree again, she held her breath as she launched herself to the top with all her strength for she knew that out of all the things she learned this was the last and most basic thing she had trouble getting the hang of. This last part. She reached for the curved roof of the wall with all she had. Slowly, she could feel the time crawl as she saw the tiles of the roof getting closer to her hand. It wasn't long before she could feel the smooth roof tiles under her palm.

"Saizo, wait!"

The sudden voice caused her to suddenly slip and slide down till she was just barely dangling from the edge of the roof. As she watched a tile or two fall beside her, she could hear the shattering sound of the object as she grimaced and did her best not to look back down. She carefully she began to pulled herself back up onto the roof and glanced over to the other side only to discover it was also going to be a long way down with steep ledges and trees all the way on the bottom. As she heard the tapping behind her getting closer by the second, she grimaced. She had nowhere to run…

"Don't!"

Despite the woman's voice, she already did. She had launched herself once more off the wall as she fell she could see the ledges and small cliff pass by her as the trees grew closer and closer. She gritted her teeth as she crashed into the trees. Leaves and branches scratched and cut her face and her clothing, but she cared through it. When she saw herself closing into the ground, she stretched out her arms and grabbed the nearest branch, then swung herself upward stopping her fall completely to a halt. That was till she heard a horrifying sound coming from her shoulder and pain shot through her left arm. She gasped and immediately released the branch before landing on the grassy ground on both feet. She gritted her teeth and clenched her injure left shoulder and continued running back into the woods once more. When she felt that the worst was over she hid herself under the branches of an overgrown bush. She remained quietly listening to any possible movements. However, after a while, she heard nothing, but the nature around her. She let out a quiet sigh of relief and huddled herself under the protection of the bush. As she sat there, she soon realized the fatigue that was starting to become clearer to her and the sweat pouring down her cheeks. She looked out and saw that it was still daylight outside as she tightly wrapper her fingers around the kunai in the pocket of her black-white trimmed skirt. Never in her entire life have she experienced fear like this before. The fear of not just getting pursued, but also being hunted down by another ninja. Her father had trained her through many things throughout her life, but, despite preparing herself for death, she have never prepared herself for this type of situation before throughout her entire life. She wondered where her other friends were and questioned their safety as she stayed under the bush while continuing to hide her presence. She remained hidden as night slowly began to fall. During her inspection, she felt like she may have broken her shoulder when she grabbed the branch. Thankfully, it didn't look to be badly broken and she can still retain feeling and use from it as it was intact. Perhaps, if she weren't so lucky, she'd have most likely slipped, broken the branch with her fall, or tore of either or both of her arms if she held onto the branch any longer than she should've. She let out a sigh of relief for her intact limb and whispered, "I hope everyone else is safe."

As the sense of the relief washed over her, she soon heard a voice, "I-Is someone there?"

She froze in fear before tightly holding the kunai in one hand, then slowly stuck out her head. In the green dark forest stood a girl possibly around her age with pale red short hair in a traditional priestess clothing and held a long staff in with both hands. She hesitated in calling out to the girl and soon confirmed that thought when she saw a man with white and blue armor, held a naginata in one hand, and with deep red ponytail speaking with the girl as did another girl around their age with long brown wavy hair, wore white armor and pink clothing and headband, and had two katanas hanging from her belt. As they spoke from afar, the silver hair girl continued to remain hidden underneath the bushes. However, it wasn't long before an unexpected female voice spoke, "Huh? Did this bush just move?"

Without warning, a figure of a woman in a long white dress with a veil hanging from the back of her head appeared before her as the woman carefully crouched down and gasped in slight surprise, "Oh, my! Are you all right?"

The girl didn't reply as she could feel the blood drain from her face. Seeing the girl grow pale, the woman frowned with a look of concern over her, "It's all right. My name is Azura. We're not here to harm you. Would you like to come out? There's only Sakura, her retainers, and me here. No one's here to hurt you."

Though hesitant, the girl slowly nodded and carefully walked out of her hiding after hiding her kunai back in her pocket, where she could easily pull it back out in case. Upon seeing the girl, the woman gasped in shock, "I thought you only had a couple of cuts, but your shoulder… Wait here. I'll call Sakura over. She's a healer, so she'll be able to heal you up."

The girl felt unsure about this, but also felt somewhat reassured by the woman as she called over to the red hair girl. Soon, the girl rushed over to her with a look of shock, "O-Oh, my! What happened?"

Unsure of what to say, the girl just muttered nervously, "I fell…"

Though it wasn't the complete situation, it was the truth. She certainly did fell… a really long fall. Upon her answer, the girl's eyes went wide in shock, "That must've been quite some fall, then. Sit down. I'll take care of the shoulder of yours and those cuts."

Despite saying this, the man raised her lance as did the other girl with her hand on her hilt while the man spoke, "Please wait, Lady Sakura. This girl's attire is much like that of the Nohrian's style. She could be a spy."

The red hair girl shook her head, "I-I know that you're just trying to protect me, Subaki, Hana. But, we can ask her questions later. She really injured. As a priestess, I can't turn my back on someone, who's injured."

Hearing this, the two frowned, but began to lower their stances as the Sakura turned around. The girl carefully sat on a nearby stone with uncertainty of the situation as the 'healer' lifted her staff. It wasn't long before a bright light enveloped her as the pain around her body slowly subsided. So, this is what a 'healer' was… When Sakura lowered her staff once more, she walked over to the left side of the girl, "I-I'm just going to put your shoulder back into the socket, u-um…"

The girl nodded as the healer began to proceed and said, "This is going to hurt a bit, bit bare with it, all right?"

The girl nodded once more and clenched her teeth. The healer was right. As she tightly grabbed the girl's shoulder, she quickly pushed the joint back into place while a wave of pain rushed through her left arm causing her to cry out in pain. Sakura used her staff on her once more before letting it down with a sigh, "There, done."

The woman, Azura, smiled, "Thank you, Sakura. Now…"

The woman with long blue hair like the water of the lake turned to her, "As I said earlier, my name is Azura. This is Sakura and her retainers, Subaki and Hana. What's your name?"

The girl looked up with a nod, "N-Nanami Shiranui."

The man, Subaki, raised a brow, "A Hoshidan name? And a Hoshidan last name as well?"

Nanami frowned, "It's Japanese."

Hearing her say this caused the four to look at her with a look of confusion as Sakura said with a look of confusion, "J-Japinese? What's that?"

Hearing this, Nanami couldn't hide her surprise from their words. However, the woman shook her head and said, "Then, how about this, Nanami? How did you get your injuries just now? What happened? You said that you fell. From where did you fall?"

Nanami nodded and pointed to the ledge behind her, "From that ledge over there… I slipped and crashed into the trees, then I tried to grab a branch and stopped myself from falling after that."

Azura grimaced, "And dislocated your shoulder in the process it seems."

Nanami nodded, "I felt that someone was staring me when I was up there and fell when I turned around."

Sakura spoke with a look of worry, "Do you know who they were?"

"I-I'm not too sure. I know this sounds crazy and I only caught a glimpse of them, but I think they were two ninjas…" Nanami answered hesitantly with a frown.

The two retainers looked to one another as Azura spoke, "Could it be Ryoma's retainers? But, why would they go after a child? They wouldn't do this without a reason."

Sakura frowned, "Perhaps, they misunderstood and mistaken her for Nohrian? I mean we even thought she was Nohrian from her clothing too."

Azura nodded, "That could be true. But why would they go after a child, even if she was a Nohrian? Nanami, can you explain to us what happened before you fell?"

The girl nodded, "I was with my friends in a ship this morning and accidently fell asleep at some point. When I woke up, I found myself in a open grassy place filled with trees. I didn't know where I was and only know… I was in Japan, my home country, so I decided to walk around and see where I was. While I was walking up that ledge, I felt someone watching me and turned around. That's when I fell and hid myself here. I was worried that they were after me with the way they stared at my back. However, it sounds like this isn't Japan…"

Azura nodded, 'I'm afraid not. This is the kingdom of Hoshido ruled by Queen Mikoto. Are you perhaps from another country, then?"

After some though, Nanami frowned and slowly nodded, "M-maybe. I don't know. Everything here looks much like Japan, but rather old fashioned. Japan use to have a similar style as this kingdom years ago, or so I was told. Also, we don't have many ninjas in my home country anymore, so I was surprised when I saw them… It was like reading from my Father's old books."

"Really?" Sakura said with a look of surprise, "I've never heard of Japan before, though."

Nanami nodded, "I've never heard of Hoshido or Nohr before either, but this place seems rather big…"

After some thought, Azura spoke up, "Nanami, what about your parents? Surely, they'd be worried to hear that their child have suddenly gone missing from the ship."

Nanami shook her head, "My father already knows that I'm on a journey. He ordered me to go join my friends of the ship. I haven't contacted him for months now."

"He ordered you to go on a journey?" Sakura said with a look of surprise, "Then, what about your friends?"

Nanami frowned, "I don't know. When I woke up, I couldn't fine one of my friends that I was with. I remember that everyone else was still in their rooms before I fell asleep."

Sakura frowned as Azura asked, "But, Nanami, what are you going to do right now?"

After some thought, Nanami answered, "I want to go find my friends. If that means going everywhere, then I guess I'll have to do that, then."

Azura frowned as she turned to her companions before back to her, "If you're going to do that, then I should warn you to beware of the Faceless near our borders. Hoshido and, our neighboring country, Nohr is currently at war. It's not a full-scale one yet, but it's still dangerous. They can send undead soldiers into these lands and attack our borders. Be careful not to wander there."

Hearing this, Nanami's eyes widen in shock, "This country is at war?"

Azura nodded, "Yes and for quite some time. That's why if you plan on traveling you should be careful, especially if you plan on entering Nohrian territory, though I strongly recommend against that."

Nanami thought for a bit, but shook her head, "If there's a war going on, they could be in danger too."

"So you're going." Subaki said with a frown, "Are you sure about this? Being in caught in a battle is a dangerous thing."

Nanami nodded, "True. But, I must go find my friends. I'm sure their looking for me as well. Also, I can protect myself, I was taught some of the remaining ninja skills that existed from my homecountry by my father."

"You're a ninja?" Sakura said with a look of surprise, "That'd explain how you lived through that fall into the trees."

Nanami couldn't help, but blush slightly at her compliment as she persuaded them further, "I admit I'm not as good as I heard the stories of my country's past ninjas, but I know how to hide my presence well and fight with a kunai. I've been trained to do so since I was a child. Amongst my friends, I'm the fastest and stronger amongst the girls in our group in regards to strength. I'm sure I'll be able to come up with something if I find myself in that kind of situation."

As she said this, she tries to catch her breath as Sakura had a look of concern over her, "A-are you all right, Nanami?"

The girl nodded, "Yeah… Just haven't… said this.. much before."

Hearing this, Azura frowned, "So you can get tired from speaking this much? That's unusual, though it's not bad… I'm willing to let you go, if Sakura also agrees on this."

It was Nanami's turn to tilt her head as she said, "If she doesn't?"

"Then, we would probably have to bring you back to the castle with us and see what to do there." Hana answers.

"I-It's fine." Sakura spoke up immediately, "As long as, you be more careful in the future, I won't stop you from finding your friends, Nanami."

Hearing this, the girl smiled and bowed, "T-thank you very much!"

She was about to walk away when Sakura called out to her, "H-hold on! If you walk around like that, people will mistaken you for a Nohrian again."

She stopped and looked down to her uniform. It was true. If this was this kingdom was going with the old style of Japan, then there should be no influenced changes from other countries. Her clothing would definitely make her stand out, then, and she definitely doesn't want to be attacked again, especially not by another ninja. She turned around and said, "But, I only have this clothing on me and no money to get another."

Sakura frowned before turning to her retainers and whispered something to them. Though reluctant by the expression, they complied and the two rushed off after Sakura said, "I'll be fine with her and Azura. It would only be a short trip."

After they left, Nanami turned to the red hair girl, who smiled, "I've asked my retainers to bring over my old clothing. We're about the same height, so I'm sure my old kimonos old be all right."

Hearing this surprised her as she replied, "Are you sure? I don't mean to bother you like this."

Sakura shook her head, "I-It's all right. I really don't have much use for them anymore. Also, I'm the youngest of my family, so there'll be no need for them. I-If I don't give them to you, I'd have given them away to someone else. T-They're still in good condition, so it'd be a waste to throw them away…"

As Sakura tries to think of ways to persuade her to take them, Azura turns to Nanami with a smile, "Just take them, Nanami. Though, I don't think we have any thing else on us right now, I'm sure we can offer some spare clothing and money."

She then pulled out a small bag and took out a few silver coins tied to a string before holding Nanami's hand and placed them in her palm, "It's not much, but you can at least get some food for yourself and a place to rest for the night before you find other ways to stabilize yourself in this kingdom. I'll give you a brief lecture about the currency of this land, since I'm sure the currency of your land most be different."

Hearing all this, Nanami couldn't help, but feel extremely thankful to these girls. She'd only just gotten here, escaped from a couple ninjas and these girls just showed up in front of her offering to help in every possible way they could, even though she looked to be very suspicious in their eyes. She bowed, "T-thank you very much. …B-but, I don't know how to repay the two of you at all."

Azura shook her head, "Don't worry about that. Just make sure that you find your friends and a way to leave this continent. Though the people here are very nice, war is still just around the corner. If you or your friends get caught up in it, I'm sure it wouldn't be a pleasant thing. Now, before the two return, take a look at this silver coin…"

She paid very close attention to the woman's lecture as time slowly passed. By the time she was done, the retainers had returned and she had learnt how to count the coins' value according to the woman's teaching. The swordswoman handed a little bundle of clothing to Sakura. The girl took a quick look at the contents and nodded with a smile, "This is wonderful. Thank you, Hana, Subaki."

The two smiled as Sakura pulled out a white and blue kimono from on of them and handed it over to Nanami, "First, try putting this on. Let us know if you have any difficulties with it."

After thanking the girl, Nanami rushed behind a tree and began to put on the kimono. She recalled putting one on as a child, so it wasn't too hard. Though she had to ask Hana with some assistance with the belt. After putting on the sandals, she walked out with her old clothing and shoes in hand. Azura and Sakura smiled as the red hair girl nodded, "It looks like it fits! That's a relief."

Azura nodded as well, "Now, you won't be suspected for a Nohrian with your foreign clothing. Oh!"

She then pulled out a large piece of folded paper in her bag and unraveled it before showing it to her as she pointed to on spot, "Here's where we are. This is the castle that's right behind us. If you go down this path, you should find the capital that surround the castle, Castle Shirasagi. From there, you may be able to find help. Here this is yours."

Nanami nodded, "Thank you…"

Sakura then handed her the bundle of clothes, including her old ones, wrapped with a large piece of cloth. Nanami took it in her hands and thanked the girls once more before taking her leave as she waved back to the girls. As she continue walking down the path with the map in hand and the bundle of clothing tucked under her arm tightly, she began to descend down the path. Her left shoulder felt much better, but she recalled the healer warning her not to push it too hard as it was still healing. She had placed all her small belongings into a small bag the male retainer, Subaki, decided to offer to her and put it away. What she said back there wasn't the entire truth, but, at the same time, it wasn't entirely a lie either. She did fall into the trees and was also pursued by ninjas before then. What's more important now is that she finds a safe place and leave the place as soon as possible.

As she made her way down the road that descended down into the large town, she could see the sun beginning to set as the sky began to turn red. By the time she reached town, the sun had nearly disappeared into the horizon. She glanced around the still bustling town lit up with lanterns as she walked on. It wasn't long before she had finally found an inn. As she walked inside, she found the place to be bustling with people with traveling clothes. She walked up to the stand and, after getting a place to turn in for the night, the man across the counter said with a smile, "You were quite lucky, miss. That was the last room available for the night. Normally, we don't run out of room to stay for the night."

Hearing this made Nanami a bit curious. If this place don't run out of rooms as often as he said, then why tonight. She looked up to him with a look of confusion, "Really? Did something happen?"

She knew quite well that usually big events could change the rate of business quite well, so she suspected the same here. The man nodded with a bright smile and a slight look of surprise, "You mean, you haven't heard. Queen Mikoto's twins, the second prince and the second princess, have returned. They've been kidnapped by those cruel Nohrians for nearly a decade now. Word has it that the Hoshidan soldiers was able to bring them back to Castle Shirasagi this morning. There's going to be a celebration tomorrow celebrating their return. I hear Queen Mikoto and the royal family is going to be at the town's square tomorrow morning."

A woman in a pink kimono walked up to the man's side with a tray of food in her hand and a bright smile, "Oh, I wonder how much they've grown. The last I saw them was nearly fourteen or fifteen years ago at the former King and Queen Mikoto's wedding. They were such small toddlers and still getting use to walking on their own two feet. I'm sure they've grown up by now."

The clerk nodded, "Yes. That was also around the same time we opened up this Inn. Ah, what a really bad idea. We were bombarded with customers trying to get a room, then we had to tell so many others that we were out of them. Had we expanded our Inn, we'd have made more of a profit during that time. Anyway, this is your room number. Just go down this hall way and up the stairs. You'll find it on your right. My wife will bring you your dinner for tonight in a bit."

Nanami took the number and nodded, "Thank you…"

She then grabbed the wooden number and followed the man's direction till she reached the door. Upon opening it, she found a very simple room with tatami floor boards, a futon rolled up to the side of the room, a small table in the center, and a small Japanese window covered with paper. She set her bag on the table and swung open the window. There were still people walking through the streets doing any last minute grocery shopping for their dinners. It wasn't long before she heard a knock on the door that she closed the window and rushed over to the door. She slide it aside and saw the woman with the tray of food in her hand. She took the tray and nodded with a smile, "T-thank you."

The woman tilted her head and smiled, "Is this your first time in an inn?"

Nanami placed the tray on the table and nodded, "Y-yes… I usually lived with my parents in the country-side. They were farmers, you see, and, well… liked to spoil me. I-I apologize if my behavior is strange to you. They were never really strict about it, s-so I never knew…"

"Oh, I see." the woman replied with a knowing smile, "Well, I hope you enjoy your meal tonight."

Nanami nodded as the woman close the sliding down. When she heard the footsteps fade away, she let out a sigh of relief. In all honesty, she was never good a lying. In fact, she was told that she was a terrible liar by many of her friends, so it was really difficult to come up with such a story on the spot like today. After all, it was true that her family were farmers, but her father never spoiled her. Rather, he was really strict in everything she did and what she is to do. She could never go against him and had done many terrible things as a result. She frowned before looking to her food. It was a bowl of rice and miso soup. On the side was a small teapot and a cup of tea. It was the cheapest meal she could find that accompanied with this room and she doesn't want to use up all the money Azura offered to her. She needed her energy to find her friends. After finishing her meal, she doubled checked the place after locking the door and window to the best of her ability before unrolling the futon and getting ready for bed.


Koharu: U-Um… Where am I now?

YueTian: You're in the Author's note!... Or something like that…. Anyway, Welcome! I apologize for throwing you into such a dangerous situation and making you so freaked out and nervous, but it must be done.

Koharu: It's fine. I'm just glad I'm in a safer place now than the battle field.

YueTian: That's good. Now, I'd like to continue speaking with you and your other friends, but I'm afraid I'm short on time. I still of my own lessons to take care of, so I'll get over this quickly.

Koharu: O-Okay?...

YueTian: Great! Now, to those who thought this would be a bad idea or thought I was crazy, then I thank you for reading this far and ask how it was. Also, yes, you can call me crazy for this, but I call it my imagaination. Now that we're done with that. For those who don't know about Norn 9 and just wanted to explore the other crossfic, Norn 9 is a otome anime and a game as well, so obviously none of this belongs to me and that include Fire Emblem Fates as well, of course. I know that there are some, who aren't sure or don't know about otome animes or games and I'm fine with that. My goal is to make a good story as I get better with my English writing and I'm going to do just that. This came to my mind as I was rewatching the anime. The show and game really touched my heart (that or I'm just really weak against all the slightly touching scenes) and this idea came to me a few months ago. Literally, a few months ago. Yeah. -_-… Anyway~, I couldn't stop thinking about it and finally gave up. I started the first chapter yesterday while I was feeling down (sorry if that rubbed off on you to be a sad/ bad thing). So far, writing/typing new chapters/ stories have helped cheer myself up whenever I feel down, because it's the only place where I can type and send my thoughts. I was having a bad day and lost something really important. As I recalled my childhood and thought/desired to go back to those days (as I was clearly a spoiled child, sorry) I thought of what would occur if this was what they thought if they were thrown into a place full of war and don't know what to do. I started with Koharu because the anime, and I think the game as well, started out with her as the anime made her mostly the main character. As the story progress, I'm sure the characters will think of ways to get back together or to safety. In anycase, these are all typed without any plans as well as it also goes with my other stories. I hope you enjoy my story none the less as I go put up the notice of who rightfully owns these games/anime. Have fun!

Koharu: S-s-see you all later! (Ahhh! YueTian, you should've told me that we were all on stage, just now!)

YueTian: (Well, it's over already right?)

Koharu: (Even so…) Huh?

YueTian: Ah. The mic was still on. Oops, sorry.

Koharu: Eh? EHHHH?!

*Turns of mic*