Chapter 1: Family

"Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family."

Surrounded by people...blurred out faces...all wanting something…

"Over here!" A man wearing red armor with white robe-like attire, reaching out with his left hand with a sword in his right. What is he reaching for?

"Brother!" A young girl this time. She has red hair, wearing a robe of white with red outlining. She is accompanied by another man and woman. Are they brother and sisters?

"Return to us." Turning to the left there is a man on a horse wearing black and gold armor. He has a sword in his left hand and is offering his right out. Is this man reaching for the same thing?

"Big Bro!" A blond girl with huge pigtails calls out. She's wearing a black dress with pink stripes decorating it. A man and a woman wearing black and gold armor accompany her just a few steps behind.

"What is this? This feels wrong..." Taking a step back, they all seem to be focused on one thing, as if they're trying to win over something like their world depended on it. They are all focused on him…

"Kamui!"

Kamui woke up to his name. It startled him to say the least, and it took him a few moments to remember where he was. He was lying on his bed in his room, Kamui raised his head a little to examine it. It was nearly covered in darkness, the only light coming from his half open door. Kamui never understood why his room was always so dark, but he didn't mind, the darkness added a certain peacefulness to his room. Resting his head on his pillow, Kamui laid the back of his hand on his forehead. What was he just dreaming about? All he could remember was that someone called his name, but apart from that everything else was clouded. What also bothered him was the feeling of the dream; the dream felt so real, so…

"Big Bro!"

The door flew open and there stood his little sister, Elise, with her hands on her hips and a stern expression on her face.

"Are you going to stay in your room forever? It's kinda depressing you know."

"I didn't know sleeping in was depressing." Kamui yawned and at this Elise ran to his side of the bed and started shaking him.

"But it's your birthday! You can't spend all of it in a bed!"

"Oh it's today?" Kamui didn't remember the date of his actual birth, he was just told the day he was taken in by his foster family. Through his early childhood they had taken care of him as if he was their own son. Kamui was grateful for his family and how much they cared for him. Smiling at this, Kamui got up and rested his hand on top of Elise's head, "Well I can't be sleeping in on my birthday now can I?"

Giggling, Elise jumped up and took hold of Kamui's hand, "Let's go Big Bro!" she cheered while running out of Kamui's room, pulling him out with her.

"W-Wait! Hold on for a second Elise!" Kamui stumbled a little before being able to keep pace with his sister. As he entered into the light of the hall Kamui smiled again.

Elise was on a giggling fit as they made their way to the dining room. The palace halls were lit up with light and various colors and patterns which drastically contrasted with the palace's exterior and the rest of Kingdom of Nohr. As both of them entered the dining room, Kamui saw that his older brother, Leon, and his older sister, Camilla, had already begun eating the food that was presented on the table.

"HEY!" Elise shouted at the sight of her older siblings, "I thought we were going to wait for Kamui?"

Despite Elise's comment, Leon kept eating his meal, finishing a bite just as Camilla stood up from her seat, "Oh sorry Elise, I guess I forgot to stop Leon, I'm sorry." Camilla clapped her hands together in an act of forgiveness.

"It's fine…" Elise sighed as she found her seat next to Camilla, "You could at least wish him a happy birthday before eating his food."

"Oh! Of course! Happy Birthday Kamui!" Camilla gave off a warmed smile and ran towards Kamui to hug him, "I can't believe that you've been part of this family for so long."

"Oh gods...thanks Camilla. Ngh I really appreciate it I really do, but-oh gods please loosen your grip, I can't breathe."

Camilla laughed and released Kamui, "I guess you are still my fragile little brother after all. Come on go sit next to Leon."

Relieved, Kamui regained his posture and proceeded to sit in his seat next to his older brother. He grabbed two loafs of bread and preceded to eat it in small bites, then looking at Leon with is mouth full, "So, Leon where's Marx? I thought he would be here too."

Leon turned his head and looked at Kamui who had his mouth full and two loaves of bread in his hands already. Leon gave off a chuckle, "Well Marx is preparing your birthday present as of this moment. He should be back soon."

"WHAT," Elise yelled and got up suddenly, knocking her food off the table, "I thought we were gonna give Kamui's presents later?"

"I believe the present Marx and I have in store won't be able to wait for later Elise." Leon rebutted

"Oh… well that's no fun at all." Elise sat back down in a pout.

Nervously, Kamui tried to get his little sister back into high spirits, "Haha don't worry Elise, I'm sure whatever you have in store for me will be great." Kamui gave off a warm smile towards Elise and nodded. Elise returned the favor with her own bright smile and blushed a little.

That moment the dining room doors opened wide and who walked in was no other than his older brother Marx. There was always a commanding presence whenever Marx was around. There was something to be respected about the prince despite most people not knowing what that aspect was.

"We're all set to go," Marx announced to the four of them,"Leon, Kamui, are you two ready to set out?" Leon nodded getting out of his seat and putting his hand on Kamui's shoulder. Getting the signal, Kamui finished the piece of bread in his hands and got up following Leon. "Alright let's not waste any time then."

"Ohhh so that's your plan: To get Kamui all to yourselves while we just stay here. That's cruel Marx," Camilla cooed trying to surpass a giggle. "I hope you boys have a good time."

"Wait, so you guys ARE just going to hog Kamui all day on his birthday?!" Elise said bewildered, not understanding what's going on.

"No Elise.." Marx sighed, "Gods Camilla, now you're getting Elise all worked up," Marx took a moment and resumed, "Don't worry Elise, we'll be back before dusk. You'll have plenty of quality time with Kamui." Marx turned around and opened the dining room doors in haste.

"Are we leaving my lord?" A feminine voice came as the doors opened, revealing Elfie, a member of the family's guard.

"Yes, Elfie. Make sure everything is prepared." Elfie bowed and Marx followed her to their unknown destination. With Leon following, Kamui tried not to fall too far behind.

"We'll see you soon Big Bro!" Kamui could hear Elise's yells from behind him, "We'll be sure to have a special treat for you when you come back!"

Kamui looked back and gave a smile to the family he was leaving behind.