In Shirasagi Castle Kamui was resting in bed, listening to the rain smacking against her window as if it was a lullably to fall asleep to however it did not seem to be working. The past few weeks had kept her rather busy with all the peace negotiations and helping Azura with restoring Valla. She refused the crown and instead gave it to Azura, finding her to be the more beneficial ruler and in her opinion more deserving. Kamui was truly split when she found out about her siblings existence and never really gave it much thought since she was so preoccupied with the war.
Her childhood definitely was not perfect by any means but at least she had family. Elise was always the quirky younger sister that she always wanted and Camilla was the closest thing she had to a mother figure. Leo and Xander also took the roles of looking after her in their own way, giving her someone to look up to as Xander specifically always pushing her to her limits to be the best she could. It wasn't until that fateful day at the cross roads that everything changed.
Now that everything was over and peace was being established, she had other things to worry about now and it gave her time to catch up with her Hoshidan side of the family. Hinoka was very much like Camilla when it came to being protective and Ryoma reminded her a lot like Xander in many ways as well. Takumi and Leo are always at each other's throats but she had hopes that once they figured out how to get along and put aside their hate, they could end up being very good friends. Sakura however did not waste any time in getting close to her.
Kamui chuckled and looked down to see Sakura fast asleep, cuddling close into her side as she gently stroked a hand down her soft strawberry-colored locks. The little princess seemed to be inseparable with her as of late as she was constantly trying to learn more about her past and well literally everything about her. Kamui did not mind really but it was just difficult to find the time to sit down and talk with her so she just settled for these nights where she would allow Sakura to come into her room at night and ask to sleep wit her. She honestly found it incredibly adorable and was used to this with Elise so it did not really feel so odd anymore.
With an exaggerated sigh she laid her head back down against the pillow, gazing up at the ceiling. Why couldn't she get to sleep? Was it all the stress that was building up over the past few weeks? Who knew could be anything at this point. She tilted her head to look at her table and saw a small sack of twigs and rocks.
"Oh right...I need to give those to Velouria tomorrow.." she noted aloud.
She owed the wolfskin a birthday present after Velouria went out of her way to give her a dead insect she found. Wasn't quiet the ideal gift she wanted but she understood that's just Velouria was into. Not only that but she seemed to be talking to her a lot recently as well. Along with sniffing as well which Kamui didn't know how she felt about that yet as she was growing used to it at this point.
Was that why she was stuck being awake? Figuring out how to give Velouria her gift? Remembering how she smells so nice and how fast her heart beats when she gets in close to sniff her. Kamui quickly shook her head with a blush.
"W-What am I thinking about this for? I must be way too exhausted..I really need to try and get some sleep.." she sighed and laid back, closing her eyes as she idly listened to the calm storm outside, letting the song of tapping rain mixed with soft thunder hypnotize her into sleep which eventually took hold.
-xx-
Kamui groaned awake as she heard her door opening and felt a pair of hands on her shoulders, shaking her a bit.
"Miss Kamui get up! You are late to the peace conference! This is the third day in a row at this rate everyone will think you are just slacking off!" Flora shouted at her and the princess hesitantly opened her eyes and reached up to wipe off her eyes.
"Uggh...another one...how many times do we have to do this in one week.." she complained before tossing her legs over the bed.
"As many times as it takes. You wanted this so badly right? You should be happy this is even taking place...besides, there was a group of strange people that arrived today that requested to speak to you personally. They are from Nohr apparently."
Kamui blinked. "Nohr? I didn't meet anyone aside from Silas though..strange." she noted before hopping off the bed.
"Well go on and get dressed..they are waiting for you to start the conference." Kamui smiled.
"Thanks Flora..I'll be down in a bit." With that Flora exited the room and closed the door to give the princess some privacy to change.
-xx-
"So...King Xander. How are things going in Nohr? How are your people adapting to the sudden change after Garon?" Ryoma asked, sitting across from the king with a large conference table between them where all the royals were seated next to each other in accordance to country.
"Better than I expected. They were a bit shocked after I made the public speech about what actually happened to my father and the impostor who took his place. So far things have been okay, only thing now is dealing with politics...I'd rather be in the field fighting." Ryoma chuckled.
"Hah! Yeah that's something we can both agree on. I'm not one for watching what I have to say all the time now and with no war to fight in...I just feel out of place. Though I knew this day would eventually come and it's not been all that bad so far."
Kamui started to pad her naked feet down the steps into the conference room dressed in her normal skin-tight attire and took a seat at the front of the table in-between both the kings and sighed.
"Hello everyone...sorry I'm late...again. I have been having trouble sleeping as of late." Takumi scoffed.
"Well maybe you should be treating this more seriously instead of making us wait for you to get up.." Leo chuckled.
"You should have seen her back in Nohr...Felicia and Flora had to constantly try and wake her up with many failed attempts. She is a really stubborn sleeper." Kamui blushed and grumbled a bit, clearing her throat.
"Okay okay I get it! I already apologized now can we get back to why we're here? Now where did we leave off yesterday? Trading agreements right? So if.." Kamui was suddenly caught off by a man's voice.
"Oh hey you're the princess right? Kamui?" A man spoke from the far end of the Nohr side of the table, dressed in a black leather coat with a loose-haning bead necklace.
He had his black hair slicked back and had a very charismatic smile about him. Xander grumbled and turned his attention down to the man. "Who gave you permission to speak? You was told we would hear your offer after the meeting or do we need to escort you out?"
Kamui shook her head. "No it's fine..let him speak. Yes I am Kamui..why do you ask? I am told you came all the way from Nohr to see me?"
The man grinned and got up from his seat.
"Aye I did. My name's Hinjo and my group's from Windmire. We heard all about what you did to win the war, the business with Anankos and what not. We came by some information that you can actually -turn- into a dragon right? That seems like a rather impressive ability and we have some interesting information to share with you as well."
Kamui quirked a brow.
"How did you hear about that? I only transformed once and that was here in Hoshido...every other time it was with a dragonstone in Valla. What is this information you have for me?"
Hinjo grinned. "You kidding? Everyone in Nohr was talking about it after the events in Shirasagi but how we got the information is not why we are here. How would you like to harness that power of a dragon without transforming? You have a ton of hidden potential inside you Kamui and we just want to help you achieve that. How would it feel to have the power to prevent anything from happening to your family ever again if another crisis like Anankos would happen to rise up again?" Ryoma grimaced and crossed his arms.
"This sounds ridiculous. Why would she need that sort of power now? There is no conflict. No war. Besides with this alliance between the three kingdoms there is no realistic threat to us. Not only that but what do you have to gain from this if you are successful? What's in it for you?"
"Hmm? What's in it for me? Peace of mind actually. You think peace lasts forever? Like when Garon lured the last Hoshidan king to his death in Cheve? I don't think so. We need to be prepared for anything. Also have none of you ever thought of what may happen if another tragedy happens where Kamui may lose full control without a dragonstone to help her? It benefits everyone does it not?"
Takumi grunted and rose up from his chair, slamming his fists into the table.
"Who do you think you are coming here and bringing all of this up now?! Typical nohrian scum who can't accept reality. There is nothing wrong with Kamui and she can handle herself just fine with or without a dragonstone. So can you keep your mouth shut or leave?"
Kamui sighed.
"It's okay Takumi..he's right. I can't fully control myself when I enter that state without a dragonstone..if I can somehow find out how to control myself completely then I won't have to worry about hurting anyone right? In that case..how do you propose that this is even possible?"
Hinjo smirked.
"Me and my friends have studied magic for years. Ever since we was kids. There is just so much mystery to it and so much potential to put us up and above the rest of regular humans. We have researched how to modify and even transfer magic into weapons and other objects to modify them. Dragon magic however is new to us but that's why I am here. Let us help you and in exchance we can learn more about how dragon's really work. Not a bad deal right?"
Kamui narrowed her brow as she pondered on the offer for a bit. Unsure of how to respond or if this guy was even worth trusting. She gave it some thought before giving him an answer.
"Hmm..well there is nothing to be gained from turning you away so if you really believe you can help me I can give it a shot but if it fails or seems suspicious in anyway I will refuse to continue. Is that okay?"
Hinjo smiled.
"Of course princess. I appreciate your honesty. Well I see you guys have a lot to talk about, with negotiations and all, good luck."
the man gave a little wave before putting his hands into his pockets after pushing open the chamber doors and made his exit, leaving the whole room with a moment of silence.
"I don't trust him. He made his way all the way from Nohr just for peace of mind? I doubt it. Maybe I'll have Beruka look into him. If he tries anything with my precious little Kamui I'll be sure to have his head on a spike in an instant.."
Camilla spoke with a sinister tone before beaming a smile over at Kamui.
"...But whatever you think is best dear. But do be careful and do not hesitate to let me know if things start to get suspicious?" Kamui giggled.
"Yeah I will don't worry.." Hinoka cleared her throat and shot Kamui a serious look.
"I want to be informed as well you know..I can deal with that creep easy enough on my own if I have to." Kamui chuckled nervously and scratched the back of her head.
"Thanks...but anyways where was we? Ah yes trading agreements..so..."
-xx-
"Phew...that was exhausting. Good thing there are no more meetings until next week.."
Kamui sighed to herself as she was making her way through the markets to figure out what to buy for lunch. There was no specific craving she was in need of but sushi seemed rather enticing. With a food item in mind, she began to wander the streets in search of the fish stall and happened across Elise and Sakura on a bench talking about something she could not quiet make out. Kamui smiled and sauntered up to them. "Oh hello you two what are you guys up to?" The two princesses smiled back up to their favorite sibling.
"Kamui! Are you finally done with all that boring meeting stuff?!" Elise chirped and literally leaped up to give the older woman a tight hug.
Kamui chuckled and gave her blonde head a little pat.
"Haha yeah for now.." Sakura smiled and got up as well.
"Sorry we was not there to help..I was too nervous to go in front of so many people..I don't think anything I was going to say would have been much help anyway."
She looked down with a slight blush. Kamui giggled.
"Oh it's fine. There will be many other opportunities with how often they have these meetings if you ever want to come. So what are you guys doing here?"
Elise pulled out a flyer and practically shoved it into her face.
"Look! The opera house in Cyrkensia is being rebuilt and they are looking for performers! Me and Sakura thought about maybe playing our music there once it is open again."
Kamui gave the flyer a quick glance and saw a picture right in the middle of the opera house in middle of construction. It was coming along pretty well from what she saw. She gave Elise and Sakura a quick smile.
"That is really good to hear! I am sure you two will be great. I will try my best to be there for the show."
The two girls rushed in to give Kamui another suffocating hug.
"Hehe yay! I can't wait!"
They both said in unison and Kamui felt herself being squeezed to death by the two.
"Heh..yeah no problem..acckk can you two maybe loosen up some? I can't breathe.."
They both giggled and hesitantly let go.
"Hehe sorry...so what are you up to big sister?" Sakura spoke.
"Oh I was just about to get some food. Are you two hungry? I was thinking about maybe getting some sushi." Elise brightened up nearly instantly.
"Of course! Let's go!" Kamui was then dragged along by the two little siblings as they rushed to the nearest sushi stand.
-xx-
"Ugh I hate this place. The roses and flowers here are so annoying. I can't go anywhere without sneezing or feeling sick. I can't wait until Camilla is ready to leave and go back home soon."
Selena complained while wiping her nose with a tissue and as if on the dot Laslow would appear right beside her randomly with a red rose.
"Oh did you mean these? But look at how much it resembles your hair? A beautiful rose for a beautiful women." Selena gave him a dead stare before knocking it out of his hand.
"You are so stupid! I told you I don't like these stupid flowers you idiot. Stop trying so hard already." Laslow brought his hands up in defense.
"Alright jeez..just a "no" would have sufficed. I personally do not mind here all that much. Lots of new and interesting people to have tea with!"
Selena glared at him. "People huh? You mean cute girls? You aren't fooling anybody moron." Laslow sighed.
"So mean as always. You really need to loosen up every now and then." Selena rolled her eyes.
"My...you two are quiet the cute couple huh?"
Selena and Laslow both turned to the mysterious female voice and saw someone they never met before. She looked a lot like Selena actually but a little bit older. She had longer red twin-tails along with very deep red crimson eye color. She was not too short either about the same height as them. Laslow did notice her bust was a bit larger than Selena's as well.
"H-Huh?! C-Couple?! Don't be ridiculous I would never date a loser like him."
Laslow frowned. "Oh come on don't be like that. I'm a real charmer and quiet the catch I am told but who might you be my lady? I do not think we have seen you here before?"
The mystery woman smiled.
"My name is Serah. I came here from Windmire with a few friends of mine. A shame you two are not together, you both are very cute. I personally wouldn't mind getting to know the cutie over here better sometime~" She winked at Selena.
The retainer took a few moments to register the compliment towards her and felt her cheeks flush. She certainly did not expect to be hit on a stranger along with it being a female at that.
"W-Who are you calling cute?! I don't even know you lady!"
Laslow could not help himself but laugh aloud.
"Haha! Oh my I seem to be outclassed by this fine woman. I guess I need to work on my game a bit and maybe take some lessons from you Serah. My name is Laslow and my "cute" friend over here is Selena. Nice to meet you. If you are not busy later perhaps we can know each other better over a cup of tea?" Serah chuckled.
"Perhaps. I unfortunately do not have much time today as the boss man called for a meeting. It was nice meeting you two and I hope we can meet up later if there is a bar around here. Take care you two~" she smiled and gave a wave as she walked past the two.
-xx-
Kamui was sitting on a bench surrounded by the two princesses on either side of her as they just finished eating their sushi. The elder dropped her chopsticks on her plate and nearly fell back afterwards.
"Ugh maybe I did eat too much...I knew I should have not let you two convince me to buy more." The two girls chuckled.
"Hehe sorry! You just have been working so hard lately we figured you could use a little reward! Besides you are so skinny it's not like it will change anything." Elise snickered.
"I don't think that is how it works Elise." Kamui sighed with a giggle. Her talk was suddenly interrupted as she heard bickering over by the sushi stall.
"One salmon left?! Are you kidding me?! I am starving and there is no way I am letting Kaden have it!" Keaton growled at the kitsune as they was both at a stand off looking back at one another.
"Psh! Back off buddy it's mine! I had to play with Selkie all day and she is relentless and I am exhausted! I need the food more." Keaton scoffed.
"You think playing is bad? Velouria dragged me all around the woods searching for treasure. I nearly died! That girl has no off button once she gets started I need it more!" Kamui gave them both a blank stare.
Was they really fighting over fish? She hesitantly got up and walked over to them, knowing she was going to have to play the middle here.
"Look there is more food to go around here. Do you -have- to have fish? Nothing else will do?" Keaton laughed.
"Oh hey Kamui! You see it wouldn't really be a problem but I have been really craving fish all day and have not had a break to actually eat anything. Plus Charlotte's cooking is...well..." Speaking of the devil, the gold-digger herself stomped over.
"My cooking is what dear? Are you not satisfied with I make for you every day?" she spoke in a rather sinister voice, her hands balling into fists.
Keaton was starting to sweat now and chuckled nervously.
"Oh! Hey there honey I was...it was a joke! Yeah I love everything you make me! Heh..." Charlotte's eyes flared and grabbed him by the ear, literally dragging him away.
"Oh I'll make you eat it and you will tell me just how much you love it!" She yelled at him while dragging him off as he was pleading for his life.
Kaden chuckled and rose his arms up in victory.
"Haha! I win the fish is mine! Hey wait...where did it go?!" During the distraction, Selkie had already managed to steal it from the stand and already gobbled it all down, giving a content sigh with crumbs all over her face.
"Mmm..that was yummy! Thanks daddy!" Kaden looked as if he was about to cry.
"You can't be serious. That was not for you though! Oh god..."
His ears twitched as he heard a voice coming from behind him.
"So this is where you went Kaden. Why do you need to come here to the markets to eat when I already made lunch back home?" Oboro spoke in her dead pan voice matched with her normal-evil looking expression. Kaden felt himself start to shiver.
"O-Oh hello there dear. I just did not want to keep you up late tonight and figured I would give you a break from cooking and all..isin't that right Selkie? Hmm? Selkie?!" His daughter was already cuddling up to Oboro, clearly taking a side as she was giggling happily.
"Hehe! Mommy is real mad Daddy you better run!"
Oboro gave him that look. The look that he dreaded to see. It was clear if he ran he was not going to be able to make it back home in one piece. With a sigh he accepted his fate and started to walk home with his wife behind him, ready to punish him at any moment if he attempted to escape. Kamui chuckled nervously but suddenly remembered she was going to give Velouria something and surely Selkie seen her around.
"Oh! Hey wait Selkie!" Kamui shouted and the kitsune turned around.
"Hmm? Oh hey Kamui! What's up?" Kamui ran up to her and reached into her pocket and pulled out the sack of twigs and rocks she found earlier.
"Here can you give this to Velouria for me? I did not see her today and was hoping to give this to her today. Do you mind?" Selkie giggled and took the bag but gave Kamui a teasing look.
"Ooooh~ Smitten are we? Hehe Kamui you are so cute! You should just give these to her in person you know. She would appreciate it a lot more."
Kamui blushed heavily.
"I-It's not like that okay! I just wanted to give her something in return for the present she gave me a few days ago. I do not like to receive gifts and not give something in return that is all." Selkie gave her a doubtful look.
"Whatever you say! You can't hide it from me though but don't worry I'll keep it a secret hehe. Alright well I better go before mommy kills daddy without me around. Good luck!" she waved and ran up to catch up with her parents and left Kamui with a red flushed face.
"A secret huh? Yeah that won't last very long...uggh." she grunted before turning around and looked up to the sky.
Dusk was approaching and there was not much time of the day left. Tomorrow was going to be another busy day and she desperately needed the sleep.
"Alright guys I am heading home. Don't be up too late okay? Be safe."
Kamui smiled at the two princesses who gave her a wave and smile as Kamui started to make her way back home for some much needed rest.
xxxx
Author's Notes: Hey guys! It's been a long time since I wrote fanfiction so there is bound to be quiet a bit of errors on my part so I apologize I just hope it is readable enough for you guys. Just for some reference the "-xx-" is a split between scenes and the "xxxx" is the ending where I usually post the notes at the end of the chapter in case that was confusing for anyone. So I introduced two OC's from Nohr and there is still one more I have not gotten around to yet but to those who are here for the cannon characters and the ships don't worry there will be plenty of that. I understand some people may not like OC's but I had an idea and I promise I won't disappoint you guys or at least try not to with this story. So I hope you like where it's going so far and please review if you have the time to do so it really helps me out a lot and inspires me to continue much more quickly. Thanks guys and happy reading.