Prologue: Motivation for the Hopeless.

Around the same time as the war between Begnion and the Laguz Alliance was taking place, Hazumo was going through it's usual activities, free of trouble and not having to worry about invasions of any kind.

Hazumo is a nation that has enjoyed many long years of peace and comfort. Though they have a strong military, not many have bothered to invade Hazumo in recent years.

Though the nation itself is small, many citizens wander this nation, both beorc and laguz, free of prejudice and bigotry. It wasn't how Kasumi remembered it, but just same, she was pleasantly surprised after awaking from her nearly 800 year long slumber.

The laguz citizens include many types of beasts, birds and dragons that roam the streets of Hazumo. Along with the beorc, it's only expected there would also be many branded.

The culture of Hazumo is primarily like that of Japan, but there are also many traces of cultures of Korea, China and Hong Kong. This is reflected is both structures and clothing alike.


At an extravagant temple, King Regnant Shizuhara is talking with a priest.

"As you can see, your majesty, we've got our best looking after the Phoenix Kabuto." says the priest. "And so far, there has been no tampering with the artifact."

"Good to know." says Shizuhara. "You do the original royal family of Hazumo proud. I know Princess Kasumi will be exceptionally happy to know the legacy of this temple has been upheld for so many years."

"Yes, we were all so happy to hear Princess Kasumi awoke from her nearly endless coma." says the priest. "And we'll be happy for the day she accepts her rightful place as queen."

"We can only hope she will." says Shizuhara. "Oh by the way, how are the two recruits coming along? I hear they're the children of Lord Sosuke Haiyama, so he must have great expectations for the both of them."

"Well, that's been rather... ineresting." says the priest. "They both may be the children of Lord Haiyama, but they're also nothing like the other. Kaede is hard-working and dedicated to the possibility of becoming the new guardian, while Maboshi is... not."

"How would you describe this... Maboshi?" asks Shizuhara.

"See for yourself." says the priest gesturing over to a young man with black ponytail, dark blue kimono shirt, light brown hakama and sandals sleeping while managing to keep himself propped up with his mop.

"So, that's Maboshi Haiyama." says Shizuhara.

"Sad but true." says the priest.

Shizuhara sighs and says, "Seems I need to have a talk with him. Excuse me."

Shizuhara approaches Maboshi. Shizuhara clears his throat to get Maboshi to wake up, but the lazybones still sleeps. Shizuhara clears his throat louder. This gets Maboshi's eyes to stir but he still sleeps.

Getting pissed, Shizuhara shouts, "HEY!"

Maboshi awakens and springs up as he says, "Sorry, High Priest! I was just resting my eyes!"

"I'm not the high priest, boy!" says Shizuhara. "I'm the King Regnant of Hazumo!"

"Oh, uh... you're THAT King Regnant." says Maboshi. "Oooh, that's... yikes!"

"Yikes, indeed!" says Shizuhara. "Please answer me this: how in the hell is a lazy bum like you going to become Guardian of the Phoenix Kabuto?!"

"Uh,well... thing is, Your Majesty... I never wanted that." says Maboshi. "My older sister, Kaede is much more fit for that role. I'm only doing this because my dad wanted me to. In fact, he demanded I do it."

Making a disgusted sound, Shizuhara says while rubbing his brow, "And now I wonder when the great Sosuke Haiyama developed such poor judgment."

"Hey, look, I know my dad's a great hero and stuff, but you see-" Maboshi starts to say.

"Great hero and suff?!" shouts Shizuhara. "GREAT HERO AND STUFF?! Your father brought about the collapse of the Gorbian Empire when they tried to invade us 20 years ago! He led Hazumo's finest soldiers into the heart of the volcanic nation, and slew the Emperor where he stood! And you dare talk about your father's great legacy like it's an AFTERTHOUGHT! Your father deserves more respect than that!"

"Your Majesty, I do respect my father." says Maboshi. "I just don't think I'll live up to such accomplishments."

"Then why exactly ARE you here?" asks Shizuhara.

"Uh, well... my dad says this well help me learn more responsibility." says Maboshi. "Not that that's going to change anything."

"Could you at least try?" asks Shizuhara.

"I suppose... that couldn't hurt." says Maboshi.

Shizuhara facepalms then says, "If the day when Princess Kasumi decides to take up her rightful place as Queen arrives, things are going to be much, MUCH different."

"Oh yeah, I heard all that news of Princess Kasumi awaking from her slumber 2 years ago." says Maboshi. "All of Hazumo sure is lucky. May I ask... is she pretty?"

"What she's going to be inheriting and having to solve the problems of this country when they do arrive are more important than her looks!" says Shizuhara. "And I'll be damned if she has to clean up your messes, so you better shape up!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" says Maboshi giving a nervous bow.

"But, if you must know..." says Shizuhara as if he's about to regret something. "Her beauty is unmatched."

"Wow, that's great!" says Maboshi. "Definitely something to make someone work harder! Alright, I'll do my best!"

Maboshi gets back to mopping, now going faster than before.

Shizuhara walks away rubbing the top of his head as he says, "Great, not only is he a lazy good-for-nothing, but he's also a horny punk. Well, whatever gets him to do better."

Maboshi thinks to himself as he continues to mop at high speed, "Wow, the awakening of the fair Princess Kasumi. Such an amazig moment for all of Hazumo. I know she won't go for a guy like me, but maybe... just maybe... I can earn her trust and admiration. Yeah, that's worth it for working in this boring place."

To Be Continued in Chapter 1