'Edmund, I swear to Aslan I will kill you,' Yuki mentally imagines, letting her anger run wild in her head.
"Why the red face, Guardian?" asks Beaver.
"Oh don't worry about it, my furry friend, you'll see when we return," Yuki promises. Beaver gives her a confused look, but nods and gets on Oreius' back.
The Pevensies and Yuki have been the monarchs and Guardian of Narnia for about a month yet there were still followers of the White Witch lurking around. Susan and Peter often paired up to eliminate enemies in the south while Yuki and Edmund took care of the west of Narnia's borders, making sure to drive out every traitor and recruiting those who wanted to make up for their past deeds.
Edmund, still haunted by his past, worked the hardest out of the four, with Peter following by a close second. Like Edmund, Yuki often dreamed of another life from their old home, reminding her of how useless everyone viewed her as, and therefore fought hard to prove to Narnia and herself that she had a place there, that they can depend on her. Susan wanted to prove to others that she is more than just a pretty face, so she would often visit the library to learn as much as she can about Narnia and its neighboring countries. As a result, she would use this knowledge to handle herself in court, shocking many diplomats and making Narnians proud of their queen. Not only that, but Susan is quickly rising to the title of Narnia's best archer. Finally, little Lucy has grown even more mature. No Narnian could ever criticize her for she was too innocent and loving. Her big heart touches all who meet her, so Edmund and Yuki would often bring her along for their missions, despite Peter's protests. However, they found themselves too busy to even talk lately, but they did not complain for they always say one another at meals to attempt to reconnect.
It was one day when Susan and Edmund visited Yuki to talk about a topic she's feared since coronation.
"It's time for you to tell us everything," Susan demands excitedly, jumping on Yuki as Edmund pins her to her chair.
"When did you start liking Peter?" adds Edmund, grin widening by the second.
"Maybe I can talk when you get off my air supply!" groans Yuki, shoving Edmund off her. He lets out a loud "Oof!" as he hits the ground, much to Yuki's satisfaction.
"Start already!" Edmund laughs, forgetting about what just happened and rolls over. He stares at her with anticipation from the ground.
"Start what?" Yuki blushes, trying to move on.
"Oh you know what!" exclaims the impatient Susan, pushing her shoulder lightly. "You liking Peter! Come on!"
"Okay fine!" surrenders Yuki, succumbing to the Gentle Queen. "Why did they give you the Gentle title? That was not gentle at all!" With one last glare from the two, Yuki quits stalling. "I don't know when I started liking Peter, but I've recently realized that I tend to think about him a lot and notice him in ways I never had before."
"Why do you like him?" Edmund asks.
Thinking about it carefully, Yuki begins to tell them what she could think of. "I like the way he treats children. His eyes lure me in every time I look at them. I admire how he can think so quickly on his feet, like that time at the waterfall. Peter is brave, a great leader, he's willing to sacrifice so much for things and people he loves, and his heart makes him an amazing person. I really admire him and I hope I can be someone like him one day."
"That's so confusing," states Edmund, trying to understand her. "Isn't that just viewing him as a role model then? It seems like you've confused it with fancying someone."
"But isn't it okay to like someone for having qualities you want?" questions Yuki. "It's not all either, I like how he teases me and has the ability to make me feel vulnerable, comfortable, and nervous all at once. It's strange, and it sends butterflies to my stomach, but I like it."
"You really make no sense," Edmund groans, not understanding how girls works at all. Susan on the other hand, looked slightly torn.
"What's wrong Susan?" asks Yuki.
"I'm really happy that you finally fancy someone," Susan says softly, "but a relationship between you and Peter seems logically impossible."
"Susan!" gasps Edmund, frantically looking between the two girls. 'How can she say something like that?!'
"Don't take it the wrong way, but there are just so many factors against you two being together," Susan replies apologetically. "I'd love to see you and my brother happy together but..." Yuki didn't hold it against her, she knew Susan often decided things with pros and cons and always analyzed them, but Edmund felt the opposite.
"She's your best friend! How can you say such a thing?" he demands. "I thought you of all people would be excited about this! If you were thinking things like this in the first place, why even bother reminding her about this?"
"I am excited for her!" argues Susan. "But I've just realized how hard it would be!" Her glare softens when she turns toward Yuki. "I hope you don't hate me for being honest with you..."
"No, I know you just care about me," Yuki smiles. "But can you tell me why you think that? I don't expect things to go anywhere between me and him, but I'm curious about it."
"Yes, dear sister, please explain why," Edmund asks with attitude.
Ignoring his tone, Susan says, "First off, Peter is High King of Narnia, everyone would expect him to marry a princess of some other land to extend Narnia's relations, such as Archenland. Second, Peter is very mature for his age and I know the type of woman he likes. He wants a girl who is also mature, graceful, knowledgeable in the duties of a queen, motherly, and very ladylike. He usually liked the shy girls back in Finchley too. And out of all of those qualities, I think you fit at most only three of those."
She pauses, waiting for Yuki's reaction. Seeing a frown, Susan begins to feel extremely guilty, but Yuki gestured for her to continue. "You two don't really seem like a match to me, to be honest. You'd get along as friends, but I don't think you should let this crush continue. You can still save yourself from the heartbreak. Yuki, really, I'm sorry, but I really care for you and I don't want you to be hurt in the end."
"It's okay Susan, I know," Yuki repeats, smiling sadly. "It's only a silly crush anyways, I don't love Peter at least. Thank you though, Susan." She hugs Susan to show she had no hard feelings and was thankful for her honesty.
"I've got to go prepare for some diplomatic duties, I'll see you later on the training fields okay?" Susan promises, still worried. Unable to talk, Yuki simply nods and Susan exits the room.
"That was complete nonsense!" Edmund finally booms, deeply disgusted by his sister's analysis.
"Edmund!" Yuki gasps, catching a nearby vase he accidentally knocked into the air.
"Sorry," he grins sheepishly, but regains his serious tone soon after. "Don't listen to Susan. She's wrong about you and Peter."
"But Susan's always been right, she's such a logical person," replies Yuki.
"Exactly, she's too logical to understand love," he rebukes. "Love isn't logic, that's no one can understand it at all, but I know the little seeds of love when I see them. You and Peter are perfect together because you're so similar and opposite at the same time!"
"What?" Yuki gapes, confused. "That makes no sense..."
"That's love for you! Love has no sense!" Edmund proclaims proudly, posing. "Yes it's true, that's what Peter would want, but Susan missed on something important. Sure, you're not that pretty compared to the princesses in this world, you're barely ladylike, you're clueless when it comes to politics and the issues here, and don't have many queenly skills-"
"Gee, thanks," Yuki states sarcastically. "That makes me feel so much better."
"You didn't let me finish," Edmund tsks, wagging his finger. "You may not be all of that, but you're a stronger fighter, you are motherly, a strong leader, accepting, perfect for mediating arguments, have a strong sense of justice, a loyal friend, and you know how to push his buttons."
"Okay, I see the other things are good, but how is pushing his buttons a good trait for me?" she asks, interested to see what this master knows.
"Don't tell Peter I said this, but he is nearly perfect," Edmund explains quietly, causing Yuki to giggle. "But perfection is boring! You're clumsy! You're the perfect stimulation for him. He may not be honest about it, but if you're his life partner, you will keep his life interesting and the fact that you're a strong fighter means you can challenge him in life too. Sure, a man likes to feel superior to his woman, but he'd be bored if she's only a trophy wife."
"You do make sense," Yuki realizes, completely impressed by Edmund. "But you could've worded it differently, it seems slightly sexist."
"Yes, sorry, but I had to make you understand the way men think," Edmund apologizes.
"Thanks for making me feel better Ed, but I don't think I'm going to do anything about me fancying Peter," apologizes Yuki.
"Well who are you going to marry then?" he asks. "The only other bachelors in Narnia are magical creatures! And I doubt Peter would allow you to leave Narnia for another country."
"Edmund, why have you been so good to me?" chuckles the older girl, reminiscing the times he's saved her from the traitors.
"Because you've risked your life for me more than once," he answers sweetly. "Ever since that day you tried to protect me from the White Witch, I promised myself I would always protect you. I really look up to you as an older sister that I've never had." Yuki gives him a look.
"You have Susan..." reminds Yuki.
"Yes, but I mean an older sister who would play pranks with me and isn't a stick in the mud," Edmund smirks back. He smacks his fist into his palm. "I've decided!"
"Oh no..." she groans. Edmund had the same glint in his eyes the day he did when he pulled pranks. "Edmund, please, no. Not another idea."
"Don't worry, it's a good one this time!" he promises. "And I know it'll work! I'm going to set you and Peter up!" Without waiting to hear her protests, Edmund rushes out the door to who knows where, leaving the older girl in shock.
"Yes, Edmund said he is too sick to accompany you today and requested for me to go with you today," states Peter, riding up next to Yuki. "We haven't had a conversation with just us, how have you been?" Maybe Yuki can thank Edmund later after all. She hated the effect fancying a boy had on her, but she did enjoy spending time with Peter.
"Just wonderful, how are you, your highness?" asks Yuki in a teasing manner, knowing how much he hated titles.
He lets out a groan. "I already told you to just keep addressing me the way you have since we met."
"Okay, how are you, King Pighead?" Yuki smiles innocently, tilting her head.
"You're lucky I can't bear to lose such an important general," Peter mumbles.
"Oh hush Peter," she laughs. "I was just teasing. All jokes aside, how has life as royalty been?"
"We'll talk as we ride. Let's go!" Peter commands the army, leading his main troops as Yuki leads Aslan's Shield behind her. "Lately kings and dukes have been hinting at my marriage."
"Already?!" gasps Yuki, eyes widening. "You've just become king a month ago! And you aren't even 18 yet!"
"Yes, and that's why they hint it," he groans. "I'm the youngest king in this land so they believe that a young and handsome king for their daughters would be a win-win."
"It does sound troublesome, but the only young and handsome king I know is Edmund. Why are they hinting for you?" she asks, unable to resist teasing him.
"Oh shove off, you know I'm more attractive than Edmund!" laughs Peter, pushing his horse into her.
"Hm, maybe," replies Yuki, pretending to think about it. Of course he is the most handsome in her eyes since she likes him, even if he only looked as attractive as the most average English boy.
"Are you flirting with me, Tanaka?" Peter gasps dramatically.
"Both of you stop flirting with each other and maybe we'd get there faster!" Beaver yells from his place on Oreius, causing both armies to laugh. The two blush and look away. Rolling her eyes, Yuki pushes him slightly before galloping away. "Hey!"
"First one to reach the western borders gets the loser's dessert when we return!" Yuki bets, urging Snowflake to go faster.
"You started early!" Peter yells, trying to sound angry, but ends up laughing a few seconds later.
They ride for a few hours and finally reach the west.
"Scout around, if you find someone, make sure you have their clear allegiance and react appropriately," orders Peter.
"You heard the High King, split into our usual 8 groups," Yuki commands to her army. "Make sure you do not lose any of your team and give the signal if you encounter enemies."
"Yes mam!/Yes sir!" were heard from behind them. The armies split into about 16 groups and divided the forest to search.
"We should stick together," Peter whispers to her, pulling on her wrist.
"Peter, if you're scared of the dark forest and need protection, you can just ask," she states bluntly. Thinking she was joking, he laughs, but stops when he realizes she was serious.
"I'm not scared, I just don't want anything to happen to you," Peter replies sweetly. "Besides, you have the witch's wand, they might target you."
"Sword and Shield team, right?" Yuki asks, holding out her hand.
"Forever and always," he promises, shaking her hand. Suddenly an arrow whizzes across them and slightly grazes Peter's arm, causing him to hiss.
"Protect the High King!" Yuki shouts, shooting an ice blast into the air to signal the troops to rush toward their location. Immediately, they could hear the Narnian troops making promises of forgiveness if the creatures would surrender and take an oath of loyalty, but none would hear of it. Yuki cringed at the sight of her fallen comrades and fought harder to avenge them and protect the remaining troops.
"Duck!" Peter shouts, jumping over her head to slice into a minotaur rushing at her as Yuki complies to his command and trips a dwarf, allowing another centaur to cut it down.
"Formation A!" Yuki commands, and a small group of Narnians and Peter surround her, protecting her from any enemies. Quickly, she jumps up in the air and releases a bunch of knives, immediately ending any approaching hags, ghouls, or creeps.
"G!" Peter yells, and Yuki slides under a troll as Peter jumps over him. He lands in front of Yuki and lifts her up for her to run/kick any nearby enemies across the chest.
"Over there!" both Yuki and Peter yell at the same time, grabbing each others' hands to swing at the person behind the other. The two move in perfect sync, playing off the other person's moves. As they fight, Yuki carefully makes walls of ice with the wand to shield the two from flying arrows while Peter slashes through the waves of minions.
The battle did not last long, for the two armies against a mere 500 witch followers had an obvious result. However that does not excuse their reason for celebrating.
"Cheers!" the Narnians yell, clanking glasses together. They had walked back to a nearby village to get wine and rum for the older Narnians. While Peter jokingly tried to order wine, Yuki knocks him over the head and demands he gets no alcohol or any of the sort until he is of age.
"I was just kidding!" Peter tries to convince her, laughing as she continues glaring at him.
"Since Susan isn't here, it's my mission to take her place," Yuki reminds him, sticking her tongue out.
"Oh please spare me those excuses," teases Peter, poking her. "You're just embarrassed to be the only one who can't handle a bit of alcohol."
"No I'm not!" she pouts, hitting him. "At least I can handle a sword!" A smirk makes its way upon Peter's face.
"Is that a challenge, Tanaka?" he asks, unsheathing his sword. Now Yuki gains a smirk of her own.
"It is now," replies the Japanese girl. The two stand up from their seats and walk to a larger space. Seeing their two leaders preparing to spar, the Narnians immediately stop drinking and surround the two, placing bets on who'd win. Of course Aslan's Shield all bet on their general.
"A man cannot lose to a woman!" protests a nearby faun, causing Yuki to throw him a death glare. Peter laughs as the faun shrieks and runs to hide.
"You're forgetting that King Peter's not yet a man!" Yuki yells over the riots, earning jeers and laughter from the spectators.
"That's going too far!" Peter yells angrily, all signs of laughter gone from his face. Driven by the anger, Peter swings first, forcing Yuki to go to defense. Knowing this spar would be a friendly serious match, Yuki lets go of all her teasing and focuses her energy into the fight.
As Peter down, Yuki twirls around to his back and attempts to strike him, only to have Peter pull his sword back to block her. Scanning Peter over, Yuki notices the easiest weak spot on Peter. She brings up her leg, but luckily Peter realizes where she is aiming and jumps away.
"Hey! I need that to bring forth the next generation!" he yells, shocked that Yuki would even try to kick him down there.
"Can't blame a girl for trying!" laughs Yuki.
The two blades collide over and over again, with neither sides giving up. The cheers went down just as the two fighters' energy began to deplete. By now, Yuki and Peter are panting for their breathes and have sweat all over them. Finally Oreius walks in between them and holds up his hands.
"Enough, consider this a draw," he declares, receiving groans and some sighs of relief from the armies.
"By the mane, I didn't think the match would end."
"I was so sure High King Peter would win!"
"And I had my bets on the Guardian too..."
"Finally, it's over."
Comments were heard from all around as Yuki and Peter shake hands.
"That was a nice fight," compliments Yuki. "You really tired me out."
"We must compete in other things once we get back," Peter suggests, still excited despite his fatigue. "You're a lot tougher than you look, Tanaka."
"And you're quite impressive yourself, Pevensie," Yuki shoots back.
"Come, we should go turn in for the night," Peter tells her softly. "It'll be a long ride back to Cair Paravel tomorrow."
"Good night, Peter," says Yuki.
"Good night, fair lady Yuki," returns Peter, kissing her hand. He turns to leave, not noticing the blush appearing on her cheeks. The spot he had kissed her hand tingled slightly and butterflies filled her stomach again, a feeling she has felt so much. She heads back to her side of the camp, receiving greetings from her army.
"You fought hard, General!" Garen compliments, and the others agree with him.
"Thank you, but King Peter was a lot stronger than I expected," sighs Yuki. "I'm going to need to train a lot harder if I wish to defeat him."
"Ha ha, you bloomin' joker!" laughs Beaver. "You and Peter have always had a rivalry haven't you? I wouldn't be surprised if challenge his kingship one day!" The two laugh at Beaver's joke. The others soon join in, making up scenarios.
"Who knows? Maybe I should take Peter's throne to show I'm better than him!" Yuki jokes back, winking at the fatherly beaver. "Good night you all, I'm going to turn in for the night." She waves to the Narnians and walk into her tent with Beaver trailing her with worry. "What's wrong Beaver?"
"You wouldn't really overtake the throne would you, Yuki?" asks Beaver. Yuki stares at him, appalled that he would even think that.
"Of course not! I was just teasing!" she protests. "You should know I'm completely loyal to the Pevensies."
"Perhaps we should clarify this fact with the rest of Aslan's Shield?" Beaver suggests. "They might take it seriously and if thing joke gets out of hand, we would have quite a situation."
"Oh Beaver, I'm sure they know a joke when they hear one," Yuki assures him. "Now, good night, Beaver." Without another word, she pushes him out of her tent and falls under a deep sleep.
"All hail the Guardian!" a voice suddenly yells, waking Yuki up.
"What?!" shouts Yuki, startled. She falls off her cot and looks up to see her army holding Peter hostage. "What is the meaning of this?!"
"I was hoping you'd tell me," hisses Peter, glaring at her.
"What?" Yuki asks, completely confused by the situation and half asleep.
"Your army kidnapped me in the middle of the night and took me hostage because the Guardian wants to overthrow the current High King," Peter growls. Yuki's eyes widen in shock.
"You said you wanted to be the ruler of Narnia!" one of the hags says.
"All hail the Guardian!" a minotaur yells, starting a chant throughout Yuki's army. However, Yuki continues to stare at them in shock, unable to say a word.