Forword:

Hi everyone, this is my first fanfic so I would love any comments or good constructive reviews to help me make myself a better writer. I have totally great ideas but I usually find it difficult to write down so I get a bit confuzzled. If anything like that comes up please don't hesitate to ask me to clarify it XD I'd be more than happy.
A few heads up, I am using my own OC but using the name Mego because I really like it. I also wanted to write in Aki into the story because I think she has a beautiful name. Also if you look at the history, the hime's don't get much mention at all so I thought it would be awesome to write up their own story even if it's no fictional. I'll be trying to implement traditions into the story of the period and some perky historical aspects if I can. All in all I hope you can all enjoy it. :)

Chapter 1

The sound of steel clashing ringed through the battlefield as the notorious Kitsune Hime twins made their way through the litter of fallen warriors. It didn't matter if they flew a banner or not, all the mattered was they had to get to their Aneue's* side and save her from savage hands of the men who had captured her.

~~~~ Three days earlier ~~~~

Students I have something important I need to talk to you about. Hikari sat quietly, mentally preparing the speech she had revised over and over in her head. Before her sat two of her most promising disciples, the Kitsune Hime twins Aki and Mego, and she knew that the time had come for them to fly the coop and see the world. She sighed deeply and drooped her head a little, she didn't know how they would react to the news, but she knew she couldn't keep these two beauties hidden away forever. They were like her own daughters, it was hard just baring the thought of them leaving.

"As of this afternoon I will be making my way to visit the Tiger of Kai to discuss business...and to ask the Tiger of Kai to take Akihime as his foster daughter. You have both done well in your training and have come of age. It is time for you to go off and find your own paths and lead your own lives. I have nothing more I can teach you."

Both Aki and Mego gasped in sync, Aki in excitement and Mego in surprise. Hikari chuckled at the young girls responses, she had trained them well in the ways of sword fighting, martial arts, spirituality and of course how to be a lady to prepare them for anything, and whilst Mego had loathed her lady lessons Aki has always been ever diligent. If anything Aki was as docile and kind hearted as a deer whilst Mego was as wild as a wolf. Perhaps thats why she always keeps Tsukiyo* close by. Hikari chuckled at the mental thought of the black wolf and her master joined at the hip.

"Does that mean I'm going to learn how a real lady lives her day to life in the household of a lord? Does that mean I...I might find a husband to dote on?" She asked with her eyes shined from the thought of meeting a handsome young man. Hikari smiled at Aki, she wished she could still feel that excitement for herself. Since her lover died in battle, she hasn't been able to love another nor feel the magic of a blooming love. She wanted her disciples to be stronger than her, more able to protect themselves and their families and most of all protect the person the love the most. No one should have to lose their lover so early on.

"Aki, you'll be getting real training to be an admirable wife for a husband in the future. I have taught you both all I know, the only thing I can't do is find you husbands worthy of you, for that you will need to find them yourselves. I know it might sound gloomy Mego talking about husbands, but even you will fall in love one day. The one magical force in this world you cannot stop is love." she winked at Mego who was pretending to gag at the idea of having a husband.

"Aneue, forgive me for being so forward but what will happen to us? Will Aki and I never see each other again if the Tiger of Kai accepts? Will I also have to leave? I..." she looked sad. Unlike Aki who was scared of common things like spiders, Mego was the kind of girl to be scared of love. She couldn't fault her for that, with all shes been through.

"Mego fear not. I have plans for you as well but it will at least be a month before any of this will be put into to action. I just wanted to give you time to think it over and prepare yourself. This will be your toughest challenge my students, this is more than just about marriage! It's about finding yourselves and your true callings. It's about making a difference in this world that is currently in turmoil. I believe that by encouraging you and the other girls into being strong independent and cultivated women you will help pave the way to a new and peaceful time. Just remember, behind every good man is a women." with that she places her hands on top of her students heads and dismissed them. Whist she watched their backs as they left she couldn't help but feel a pang in her stomach. What if Mego couldn't find love?

~~~~Takeda~~~~

"So Lord Takeda, have you considered the proposal of adopting Akihime as your ward?" inquired Hikari.

Shingen had a deep look on his face and characteristically rubbed his chin in contemplation on the matter of hand.

"I have consulted and thought deeply over it. I've come to the decision to accept your proposal. A young woman like her would do well to learn from the Takeda clan and in return we promise to keep her safe."

Hikari gave an inaudible sigh of relief. "Thankyou kindly my lord. I hope that Aki can brighten the life around your humble home. She is a very cheerful girl who is well loved by the townsfolk at home. I hope she can do the same here." Shingen nodded in approval.

Finally, now that she is old enough she can finally soar on her own wings. "Aki, do me proud." she silently thought to herself.

~~~~ 1 Day earlier ~~~~

Traveling home was exhausting in the humid summer of Japan. "Ugh... I can't bear this heat." she complained whilst waving her fan vigorously. Hikari hadn't rested at all on the way home, it was unusual. She was edge and moody but she couldn't help the feeling that something was terribly wrong. A sixth sense that something was going to happen.

"Lady Hikari I have news to report." came a panting voice outside the carriage. Something has gone wrong.

"What is it?"

"I'm sorry milady but it appears we are being attacked."

"By who?"

"We don't know. They aren't bearing any flag milady. I think we sho..." There was the sound of an arrow piercing flesh and then only the gurgling sound of a dying man.

Everything suddenly erupted and became a blur as her escorts were slaughtered and her carriage along with her in it were taken hostage. The last thing she remembered was picking up her sword and turning around to see a man with deep red eyes filled with blood lust before she was knocked out from behind and carried off though the night to destination unknown.

Author notes:

Aneue 姉上 = Older sister, commonly used in the time of the Samurai as its a much politer way to refer to ones sister. Lit. honorable sister.

Tsukiyo 月夜 ＝Moonlit night (Name of Mego's pet wolf)