/13/
When Prince Izana introduced Mitsuhide to Kiki, she seemed like any other maiden-in-training, seated with a posture and composure controlled and still. He appraised her quickly, noting the typical slender frame and sharp eyes. She seemed no different from the others, just smaller and much younger than 17 years.
Only a year younger than you, his rational conscious reasoned, but he simply bowed before the Prince on his way out and hoped to teach the girl all he knew.
But it was now quite clear that Kiki was his guide, aware of all the nooks and crannies of the forest. Mitsuhide staggered behind her, exhausted from tripping over brushwood for the past hour. Kiki, breathing heavily, was still searching deep into the undergrowth.
They could hardly see in the dim light and Mitsuhide gritted his teeth – they should never have ventured so far in. Bandits close to the border had been spotted patrolling the area…
Suddenly, Kiki darted to the left and kicked aside a nest of brambles, snatching up a small scroll.
"Found it," she fell to her knees, face flushed and eyes bright. As Mitsuhide opened his mouth to congratulate her, he heard a faint whistling in the distance.
"Come on, we have to run back!" Kiki didn't move, staring up meaningfully. Realizing she was too tired, Mitsuhide dashed forwards and pulled her onto his back.
"I know you mind," Mitsuhide grinned as she protested, unsheathing his sword with a flourish, "but it's my turn to impress you."