Finding her way into the building, had been easier than getting out is seeming to be. She runs with urgency, but all she finds are more doors. Unknown to her, Akamori was already unconscious from pain in her arms, so jostling her was not life threatening. Miyako finally saw another dead thief, and followed the way into the courtyard of the structure.

Palace soldiers were clashing and battling with thieves and mercenaries, none the wiser to Miyako finding the princess. The bodyguard caught sight of Zen taking down a mercenary when they made eye contact. Miyako had pulled the cloak over Akamori's hair so no one would know it was her, but Zen knew. He knew all to well that Akamori had been the sole focus Miyako had for days. They nodded and she continued on towards the carriages.

Miyako opened one of the first ones, and lied Akamori on the seat. She finally took notice why the girl had been so quiet, and sighed with relief.

She's alive. She's alive, but those wounds don't look good.

She decided to leave Akamori there, locking the carriage behind her, and rushing forward to help finish the battle. The need to get help for Akamori spurred her into action, slicing and taking down those in her way. She saw Mitsuhide, Kiki, and even saw Obi, though it was barely for a second.

Lady Shirayuki must be worrying to no end right now. But we'll get back soon, and everything will be okay.

The fight continued for some time, but when Miyako clashed with a man who was wearing a gray shirt and black pants, She took notice that he was the only one left.

"Heh," He chuckled. "What's this? I assumed that you would've gone down easy, you're just a girl. Hmm, must be because I'm more relaxed than usual."

"Relaxed?" She spoke low and with a deep settled confusion. Why was his relaxation a factor in this at all?

"Yeah, relaxed. Just earlier, I had myself a treat. She was a real beauty too. Maybe you've seen her? Red and white hair?" He smirked with malice and Miyako saw red. He had been whispering, so she was the only one who heard him, but that didn't stop her. She kicked him right between his legs, and as he dropped to the ground clutching at himself, she bent down and picked up a second blade from a body.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" She shrieked with rage. Miyako came at him, but suddenly, two heavy object collided with her and each grabbed her arms, forcing her to drop her swords. She kicked and screamed at the offending things, and her vision went black as a hand covered her eyes.

"Miyako, calm down. I'll pick up my hand when you relax." Mitsuhide's voice filtered through from her right. She tried to breath, but how did you do that? She couldn't think about how to do anything but saw off the head of the man before her.

After a few minutes, her vision was gifted back, and she saw the new situation. Kiki and Mitsuhide were at her sides, holding her arms down as they stood feet away from the man. The man had a loose choke hold on him, courtesy of Obi, and Obi had a blade in his free hand. Zen was standing to the side, but between her and the man.

"Miyako, I understand that you may feel a need to kill this man for what he's done, believe me, I feel the same, but I also think that he should rot in a cell for the rest of his miserable life. No way in hell is he going anywhere but in a dungeon. Do you understand me?" Zen said. He must have been thinking about what to say, because his words sounded practiced. He felt the same though. That was enough for Miyako.

It's not that she wanted to give up on this subject. When she had found Akamori, her condition and what this man said made her very aware of the likeliness that she was right with her assumption. This man did the unforgivable, but that could not change the other factor. At the current moment, Akamori was badly wounded and unconscious in a carriage, in need of medical treatment immediately.

Besides, she slept in the castle and knew exactly where the dungeon was. Killing him in the night would be a piece of cake.

"Fine." Mitsuhide and Kiki let go, and Miyako grabbed her sword, placing it in her sheath, and looked to Zen. "She's in need of medical treatment immediately, Lord Zen."

Zen knew exactly who she was talking about. He ordered his aides to handle the man, while Miyako and Zen went to find the medic they had brought along. Her name was Daisuke. She was bandaging a victim's arm when they found her. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled up into a bun, and she had a pair of glasses on.

"Daisuke," Zen called. She turned, and her eyes widened when she noticed who was asking for her. "Akamori-"

"Say no more, Your Majesty. I understand. Take me to her." She was led to the carriages, and Miyako pulled out the key and unlocked the door. Daisuke stepped inside, but with Akamori's state of dress, she did not allow Zen or Miyako in. She shut the door, and began examining her.

The large bruise on her thigh and stomach are tender, deep colored, and it's possible that some internal bleeding is going on. I...I wouldn't want to assume things, but there's a really good chance, that she's been raped. Her skin is pale, too pale to be healthy. She probably hasn't had food since she was taken, that would be...about 2 days I think. Oh god! Her head does not feel right. It's definitely fractured, possibly full on cracked. She needs treatment immediately, but I don't have any of the tools here. We need to get back to the castle now.

Daisuke stepped out of the carriage, after adjusting Akamori a little and fixing the cloak over her lower half entirely, closing the door behind her and turning to Miyako and Zen.

"Allow me to explain entirely, before any interjections. She definitely has some head trauma, either a fracture or a complete crack, it's difficult to tell. She also may have some internal bleeding, judging by the bruises color and texture on her left thigh and hip. She passed out from pain and with likely remain unconscious, but it's important that we get her medical help now. I don't have any of the proper tools or materials to perform anything, so we need to go. Also, I am unsure, as I didn't want to move her too much, but there's a good chance that she's been sexually abused. I'm sorry, Zen." She said the last part directly at Zen, and his face shattered in a mix of fury and pain.

"Miyako, " He began, turning to her, "Do you know who it was?"

"Yes. It was the man you tried to stop me from decapitating." Miyako stated monotonously.

"I see." Was all he replied as he turned towards the carriage. He and Miyako entered and sat on the other side, and Daisuke went to ride in one of the carts to continue bandaging.

It was a silent cart ride, both Zen and Miyako too pained to speak while looking at Akamori.

Daisuke was wrapping a the last of the bandaging on a young man when the others started to talk about what had happened to them.

"Geez, that was horrible."

"I know, I'm just glad we got out before he tried to have us beaten like Lady Akamori."

"Yeah...but I feel kinda bad that we just left her, even if it was her body guard that saved us."

"You're right...she didn't deserve that, after all, we wouldn't be here now if she hadn't been there."

Daisuke was a little surprised to hear this. "If you don't mind my asking," She turned fully to the blonde and brunette that were talking. "Can you explain what you meant when you said you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the princess?"

The blonde's eyes widened but she nodded. "Well, Lady Akamori was badly injured mostly because she sassed the boss of those thieves, so he hit her a lot, and while she was unconscious, a lot of time passed, but two of the others had realized they had pins and she woke just as we were trying to decide what to do. Lady Akamori told us we should get everyone unshackled, and then either get the flare from her bag or start a huge fire outside. And we did find her bag, lit the flare, and, you know the rest."

Daisuke was astonished. The Akamori she knew was prone to injuries, scrapes or bruises from adventuring. She hadn't a doubt that the real reason Akamori sassed the boss was to draw attention away from the others.

Zen, Shirayuki, you have more reason than you can even imagine to be proud of that frozen apple. She's amazing.

The rest of the way back was full of sleeping victims, bonding, and worry. Akamori was in everyone's thoughts, and by the time Clarines' castle cities were in view, the sun was setting. The frozen apple had not awoke at all, even for a second. this worried her father and bodyguard immensely. It was pitch black when the castle gates were ahead, and nobody that could see missed that there was a redhead standing to the side.

The first carriage was the one holding the royals and Miyako. As everyone else rolled into view, the door opened, and they all waited on nervous breath as Prince Zen stepped out. He immediately saw Shirayuki and she ran over; they met halfway in a hug. Miyako emerged minutes later, holding a cloaked body most had assumed was the princess.

"Oh my god, Akamori!" Shirayuki cried as she ran to Miyako, She pulled back the hood, and more tears came as she saw her daughter's face.

"Lady Shirayuki, as much as I know that you need to see that Lady Akamori is alive, she's in need of surgery immediately so we need to go now." Daisuke said as she hurried over. Shirayuki looked at her and nodded, stepping out of the way. Daisuke asked Miyako to follow her to her office and they left.

Zen and Shirayuki stayed and helped the others unload and get treated or re-bandaged. Shirayuki had made large batches of food and medicine and she was helping pass it around.

It was too late to start helping everyone return home, so they were given lodging in the castle for the time being. The palace itself was in a ruckus as the message was passed on the Akamori was in surgery, but now there were maids just full on sprinting to prepare rooms and other things.

Zen and Shirayuki waited outside the surgery center for any news. Miyako was apparently still in there to assist Daisuke. They were both tired and drained but nothing could have moved them from the spot.

Zen explained what went on, from when he met up with Miyako, all the way till they had everyone loaded and were leaving. It was difficult to tell Shirayuki what exactly happened to Akamori, but they made it to the end of the explanation.

After hours of worry and tears, Miyako opened and stepped out the doors. She had a white lab coat on, which had blood on it, but she closed the door behind her.

"To begin, Akamori is going to be okay. I'm sure you were informed, Lady Shirayuki, of her conditions, but Daisuke is expecting her to make a full recovery. She also said to let you know while she cleans up the room. I um...I apologize about my appearance, but I assumed you'd want the new fast." She waited for their reactions. Both were too stunned to say much, but tears pooled in their eyes and down their cheeks. Zen hugged Shirayuki tightly, murmuring 'She's okay, She's okay' several times.

"Daisuke said you can see Akamori when she's finished, and she'll come get you. I apologize but I need to go see my father." Miyako left after that.

She headed to her room, and changed her clothing to her comfortable street clothes. Even if it was early morning, she knew her father would want her to come talk to him. After she was dressed, she left, going through the back gate so no one would stop her. She headed into the farthest town and walked towards a familiar shop. Miyako stopped in front of it, and knocked on the door.

The door opened and after a few seconds she was enveloped into a hug, her father welcoming it in. She explained most of the details, leaving a few that he didn't need to know, out. Miyako ended up falling asleep after that, and slept until the sunny morning.

Akamori did not wake later in the day, nor the next, and soon it was the end of the week and The royals were getting worried. Daisuke explained that her body and mind suffered severe trauma and that she needed time.

It was the middle of the next week, Miyako was the only one in the room as Zen and Shirayuki had decided to return to their duties, when she saw those azure eyes.

Akamori shifted, and Miyako was a little startled, so she dropped her book. Akamori heard that and visibly flinched, before her eyes opened. She looked around the room until her eyes fell onto Miyako. Water pooled in her eyes and she murmured her name.

Tears were shed and the parents hadn't even arrived. Miyako asked the guard outside to send word to Zen and Shirayuki. Akamori was dizzy, so when her parents arrived and they had even more tears, she asked if they could just leave the heavy stuff for later. They agreed, Zen and Shirayuki were just glad to have her back.

Akamori listened to what happened during the week and was mostly silent. Unnervingly silent. This worried Miyako, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

Two weeks after she awoke, Akamori was allowed to travel and return to her bedroom. Miyako knew others in the palace could see what she did. Akamori was quiet, nervous, and jumped at doors opening and closing. She was less sassy and fierce and her bright flame was more like smoldering ash.

Miyako couldn't see just how in pain Akamori was till she was walking by her door in the night and heard crying. She opened the door, to find Akamori at the balcony, and something glinted in her hand. Miyako quietly walked in and shut the door, and as she got closer, she realized it was a small knife, and there was blood gathering on the blade.

"Akamori!" She shrieked as she rushed forward, taking the knife from a shocked Akamori.

"No, thi-this isn't what it-it looks l-like! Miyako I wasn't- I-" She couldn't find the right deflection it seemed. Her right wrist had blood pulling on a red seem, and Miyako took the hand into her own. She looked at the red line, and then took Akamori's other hand. She pulled her to her feet, and then picked her up. Akamori was too deeply sobbing to do or say anything. Miyako placed her on the bed and took the knife with her to the bathroom.

Miyako laid the knife on the counter on a towel, and took a washcloth from the shelf, pouring water onto it. She walked back out to the crying Akamori, and sat on the bed beside her. The princess didn't protest. Miyako wiped at the blood on her wrist, and all that was left was a red seem. She wrapped it with some bandages from the bathroom, and dropped Akamori's hand.

"Hey," She said, but Akamori did not look up. She didn't do anything. "I'm not mad, Akamori. I'm not."

The princess looked up at that, meeting silvery eyes for a second before looking away.

"I...I'm s-sorry..."

"Akamori, It may not be okay, but I'm not mad at you. I'm pained that I didn't see that you needed help sooner. I have failed you as a bodyguard and as a friend."

"It's not your fault! That I got kidnapped? Yeah, that's on me! I'm the one that didn't tell you where I was going! It's all me and it's not like everyone prefers I be the next ruler over Lord Uncle's child! I'm expendable!"

"No you're not! You mean more to everyone here than you presently understand! You mean so much!" Miyako cried. How had she allowed her friend to regress to this state? What could she do?

"Miyako, You don't have to just say whatever comes to your head. I understand. It's not like I'd wanna be associated with me either. What can I do right? I can't go outside without causing trouble. The people all see me as just a 'child of' not as my own person. They'd all prefer Lord Uncle's child ruling over me, and they aren't even born yet! And then, I was kidnapped, beaten, branded and raped and I couldn't do a damn thing! I was useless! Don't you see?! I can't walk five feet in my own castle without having him and his words echo in my mind. He was right Miyako, don't you get that?! I'm worthle-"

"I love you."

Akamori stopped breathing. What? Holy freaking what? Hang on, let's asses the situation in a whole.

Akamori had been caught self-harming.

Miyako took the knife and cleaned/bandaged the cut.

Akamori spilled her self loathing and her bad mental stability.

Miyako responded by saying she...loved her?!

"What?" Akamori asked, dumbfounded. There was no way she heard that right, or even if she did, Miyako actually just meant it like sisterly or something, right?

"I said," Miyako took a deep breath, and looked Akamori in the eye. "I said 'I love you', Akamori."

"No," Akamori's voice came out shaky. "No no no no no. There's no way I'm hearing you right I'm j-just imagining things now oh my god no."

Well, looks like i broke the apple

"Akamori, " Miyako placed her hands Akamori's chin, and tilted her face up, wiping a few stray tears from her cheeks. "I love you. I've known for a while, really, that you felt the same." Akamori froze.

"What?"

"I knew, that you felt the same way I did. I, I always thought about saying something, but, heh, I guess I'm more scared than I let on. I'm sorry about that. And look, about you being worthless? That's obviously not right, Have you heard what the other victims have said about you? You're their savior, as they put it. A worthless person couldn't have been so important to a group of people." Miyako chuckled nervously, awkwardly. Akamori just stared at her. Miyako didn't think she was worthless. She didn't think Akamori was a waste. A small voice in her head wanted her to focus on that part and fight the words, but another demanded she acknowledge the feelings. So she tried.

"You...but i...you...same...what?" Akamori's brain was gone. It had to be. It wasn't working, it was telling her that Miyako also loved her and that she was happy about Akamori feeling the same. That couldn't be right.

"Akamori, I can't promise that my love will help you, but I hope with time you will let me in and let me help you. Do me a favor, will you?"

"What?" She looked Miyako in the eyes, who was smiling lowly at her.

"Go on a date with me."

~Epilogue~

"Miyako, what are you doing?"

"I'm doing absolutely nothing. You're the one who's pacing."

"I am not pacing! I'm just walking in the room because...I have too much energy. There is no pacing here."

Miyako didn't look convinced. "Yes, I'm sure that's what's happening, love."

It was the day of the coronation. An important day, as Izana would now no longer be in charge. It would be left to the 25 year-old Akamori.

Queen Akamori...that has a nice sound

Akamori was pacing in her room as she awaited for them to call her out for the ceremony. She was dressed in white pants paired with a white jacket over a blue tunic. She also wore tall, knee length, brown boots. Her hair, having been cut months ago, was short and curly at chin length.

Apparently, Kaito was still being dressed. The tradition was that the next in line for the throne was to place the crown on the heir's head. That left the 8 year old Kaito, Izana's son. He had it drilled into his head all week Don't drop the crown Don't drop the crown DON"T DROP THE CROWN. He came into breakfast one morning and that was all he answered to any questions.

A knock sounded, and Akamori jumped. She turned to Miyako, who smiled.

"You'll do great."


Notes: Hey guys, that's the end! Hope you enjoyed the new edition and sorry that it got a little dark. Thank you all and I will write again! and lastly,

Name Meanings:

Daisuke - 大 (dai) meaning "great" and 輔 (suke) meaning "help".

Kaito - 海 (kai) meaning "sea, ocean" and 翔 (to) meaning "soar, fly"