lychee-ran: Well a lot of names just generally come from the "Tales of" series of games. But Tales of Vesperia is where the world is based off of. There's no way I could've thought all this out myself X3 And yeah, I like that they're someone OoC. Makes it more interesting in my opinion. And I never thought of using Maria as part of a side pairing. That could have some potential.

Satuski Rin: Well the thing with the fake spring I was trying to go for is that, since there's a lot of magic potential in Honoka, the magic in her body was helping in trying to prevent the trap effects from taking over. Which is why she didn't notice until later as she was more tired. It's honestly a one-off thing and I don't even know if it'll come up again so X3 I may sneak a scene with Honoka and Kotori like that sometime later. Maybe. As I answered to lychee-ran, it's all from the "Tales of" series of games. Namely here, Vesperia, Graces, and Xillia. Though the fighting styles/classes are partly reference/partly just my imagination.

*Disclaimer: I do NOT own Love Live!


It was a fair amount of walking before they reached Hamil. It quickly became clear to them how Hamil got its name. Aside from the giant sakura tree resting atop the hill, there was almost no place you could look without seeing some type of flower. The buildings were covered with tree bark, almost as if the buildings were trees as well.

As they were admiring the beautiful city, they did not notice a hurried set of footsteps approaching nearby. The next thing she knew, Honoka found herself knocked onto the ground. The hurried figure only loss balance for a moment as they kept running forward. Honoka caught a brief glimpse of the person as they looked back. It turned out to be a girl. But that's all Honoka could see, as she was covered in a grey cloak.

"Sorry!" she yelled back at Honoka as she continued running.

"H-hey!" Maria called, recovering from her moment of surprise. But the girl didn't turn back again.

"Are you okay?" Kotori asked, walking over to Honoka.

"I think so..."

Kotori extended her hand, and Honoka accepted the gesture. Kotori pulled Honoka back onto her feet. Honoka then started inspecting herself.

"Doesn't look like anything happened to the dress either."

"That's what you're worried about?" Kotori asked.

Honoka put her hands on her hips. "Well it would be bad if the dress was ruined while I'm borrowing it, right?"

Kotori let out a defeated sigh.

"I don't really mind." Hanayo said. "Anyway, we should continue to the inn."

Everyone agreed, starting to feel the pain in their bodies. Hanayo led the way to the inn, and were able to rent a room without issue once inside. When they entered their room, Honoka immediately collapsed onto the nearest bed. The others spread out to the other bed and the chairs in the room, welcome the chance to sit down.

"This feels so nice," Honoka sighed contently

"You really haven't traveled before, have you?" Kotori asked.

"Well, given who Kousaka-sama-" Hanayo started, but corrected herself when Kotori glanced at her. "...Who Honoka really is, it's not that surprising."

"It's definitely a lot different from training back in the castle," Honoka commented.

"Well, now we have a place to rest for now," Maria concluded, then stood from where she was sitting.

"Where are you going?" Rin asked.

"To get supplies before we set off again."

"Let me go with you," Hanayo said. "I know which shops give you good deals."

"Thanks, that would be a great help."

Maria waited for Hanayo to catch up before they left the room.

"Well, what should we-" Rin started to ask.

As she looked at the bed, she saw Honoka laying on her side and curled into a ball. Her eyes were closed, her breathing both steady and gentle.

"She's asleep already?"

"Not a bad idea," Kotori said. "I could use a quick nap myself."

Rin sighed. "Maybe I should have gone shopping with them."

"Well if you're that restless, you can still catch up to them."

Rin glared. "No offense, but I still don't trust you enough to be alone with... with Honoka."

"Suit yourself."

Kotori shrugged. She folded her arms in front of her and slumped in her chair. She closed her eyes and lowered her head, steadying her breathing. Rin watched with some interest.

"I know you're just faking it, but I'll give you a chance this time."

Rin made her way across the room to the door and left. There was silence as her footsteps disappeared further down the hallway.

"I really was trying to sleep, though," Kotori said to herself.

She sighed and opened her eyes again. She nearly jumped at the sight that greeted her. It was Honoka, still laying on the bed, but her eyes open again and fixed on Kotori's. She had that same bright and gentle smile she had witnessed once before, the previous night at the castle.

"It must be hard on you," Honoka said.

"What are you talking about?" Kotori asked.

"Having to be around people who don't trust you."

"Oh, that. Not really. I'm used to it already."

The smile disappeared from Honoka's face. "Why's that?"

"Life isn't as easy as it is living in Zenethra. Especially where I'm from."

"You mean Dahngrest?"

Kotori nodded. "Most people respect and look up to my family and our clan. But there are a few people here and there that would rather have us out of the picture. I've grown with it all my life."

"I see... That's unfortunate."

Kotori shrugged. "You get used to it, I suppose."

Honoka rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. "You know, we're kind of the same in that way."

"Why do you say that."

"Just because my family rules the kingdom, doesn't mean that everyone agrees with it. And being next in line, I make just as good a target as my parents."

"But isn't that why you have the Knights and your maids?"

"I suppose. But I still had to be weary of people, and was trapped in the castle for protection."

"Yet, you still went and asked me to take your exploring, despite that and our families."

"I admit, it was a risk, but," Honoka faced Kotori again. "You agreed to it, didn't you?"

"Yeah... so...? I could have just used you to escape, then hand you over to my parents."

"But you won't."

Kotori raised an eyebrow. "What makes you so sure?"

"Because I know you're not like that deep down. You would've done something to me the moment I opened your cell if you were."

Kotori couldn't respond right away. She adjusted her gaze, staring out the window. "That's a pretty reckless assumption."

"Maybe, but I trust my instincts. And my instincts tell me to trust you, too."

"Trust, huh..." Kotori didn't look away from the window. "Thanks," she almost whispered.

She couldn't see, but Honoka was smiling again.


"Wait up!"

Maria and Hanayo just reached the bottom of the staircase when a voice called out. They turned to see Rin hurrying to them.

"Will you be joining us?" Hanayo asked

Rin nodded, taking a moment to catch her breath. Maria looked back to the inn, her features shifting slightly.

"We have to give her a chance to prove herself," Rin said, reading the maid's expression.

"I suppose you're right," Maria agreed. "...Honoka... seems to trust her after all."

"Well, let's get going shall we?" Hanayo suggested.

The other two agreed and they started off again. They walked side by side, with Hanayo directing them until they found the shops. There were only a few stalls set up in a semi-circle with some distance between each stall.

"Well this isn't the capital," Hanayo said. "It's the best they can do."

"Welcome, welcome! What will it be?" One of the shopkeepers greeted as they approached.

"What do you have in the way of traveling supplies?" Maria asked.

The shopkeeper's mood dropped slightly. "Unfortunately, most of our potions were recently bought up. There's little left. But! We have some quality materials from the capital if you know how to synthesize potions. We also have some weapons, armors, a couple of camping sets."

"Thank you," the three chorused, bowing their heads.

"Of course. Come to me if you need any more help."

They walked away and headed for one of the stall. Hanayo was familiar with Hamil, and knew where they could find everything already.

"We shouldn't spend too much," Rin suggested. "It might seem suspicious to spend more than what most people carry here."

The three bounced between the stalls. With that budget in mind, they were able to buy a few of the synthesis materials, some food, and three camping sets.

"This should be enough for now," Maria said. "Let's head back to-"

Just then, an explosion was heard. It came from the direction of the inn.


This girl is almost like a little kid, Kotori thought.

It had only been a couple of minutes since the others left. After their conversation had finished, Honoka had jumped off the bed, saying that she wanted to walk around the city. She was faking being asleep earlier, so it surprised Kotori that Honoka was already rested and ready to go.

"Have you been to Hamil before?" Honoka asked.

Kotori shook her head. "Onii-sama and I were trying to reach the Capital as quickly as possible. Hamil was too far out of the way."

"I see. Well we're here now! Let's go see the sakura tree!"

Not waiting for a response, Honoka grabbed Kotori by the hand and hurried forward. They weaved through a few small crowds on their way up the hill. Honoka let go once they reached the top of the hill. They both looked up in awe. The sun shining behind, the petals falling gently to the ground. The whole scene was just beautiful.

"You konw, I read taht some people believe the petals from this tree can grant wishes," Honoka said, not taking her eyes away from the tree.

"Heh, wouldn't that be something if it were true," Kotori responded.

"I believe it."

That didn't surprise Kotori, but she didn't say anything. She was starting to get tired looking straight up, so she started looking around the area of the base of the tree. She saw something that caught her attention.

"Hey, someone's trying to ruin your magic tree."

Honoka finally looked away from the tree, looking at Kotori with a pout.

"I'm not a kid you know!"

"No, look."

Kotori pointed to somewhere behind Honoka, who turned around to follow along. Then she understood what Kotori meant. She spotted a figure by the tree, sitting on their heels. They were holding a flask with a strange colored liquid in it. There were sakura petals scattered across the entire city, but there were large piles of petals piled nearby the figure. They poured the liquid over one of them. After what seemed like nothing happening, the figure put down the flask, and picked up another sitting nearby.

Though, what caught Honoka's attention the most wasn't anything the figure was doing. It was the cloak the figure wore. It was a normal grey cloak, but it was familiar.

"Uh, Honoka?" Kotori called.

It surprised the ash-blond that Honoka suddenly started walking forward. Though it seemed her mind was set, because she didn't acknowledge Kotori at all. Kotori sighed inwardly, hoping nothing was about to happen other than a conversation, before following the princess.

The cloaked figure didn't seem to notice when Honoka and Kotori first walked up. Honoka gave five seconds before realizing the figure was too focused in their work.

"Excuse me?"

That got the figure's attention, and they turned to face Honoka. Seeing the face, Honoka confirmed her suspicion. It was the girl that she bumped into earlier. Somehow Honoka knew it was her, even though it was the first time she really got to see the girl's features.

She had short, red hair that fell to her shoulders. Underneath the goggles the girl wore were a pair of violet eyes, now widening as she recognized Honoka.

"Ah- You're the girl from earlier," she stated, a red tint growing on her cheeks. "I, uh... Sorry about bumping into you like that. I was in a bit of a hurry."

Honoka shook her head. "That's alright. I should have been watching where I was going as well. What are you doing there?"

"Oh, this? Well you know how someone just miraculously fixed the sakura tree? I was-"

"Fixed the tree? Did something happen to it?" Kotori asked.

The girl looked puzzled. "You didn't hear about it? It was just this week."

"Well I'm from the ca-" Honoka was about to say.

Kotori covered Honoka's mouth as quickly as she could. "We aren't from around here," she finished.

"I-I see..." the girl said. "Well, a few days ago, something happened to the sakura tree. It was dying, and the barrier around Hamil was failing as a result. Many mages from Acardia came to try and fix it, but with no luck. I had been working in my lab, and thought I figured out a solution. But once I got here, the tree was back to normal. No one even knew how. They just said someone passed by and did some crazy magic that fixed everything."

"That's... quite a tale," Honoka said, taking it all in.

"It's lucky that the tree was fixed quickly," Kotori said. "If the barrier was down for too long and monsters got here..."

"But some mages were here already, so they could have defended the city."

"Not mages from Arcadia," the girl said. "Arcadia is a scholarly city. Everyone's more into books and research. A child could beat most of them in a magic duel."

"So, you've beaten the entire city in a duel?" Kotori asked.

Honoka shot her a glance. "Kotori that isn't-"

The girl crossed her arms. "I may look young, but I'll have you know-"

"Stop!"

Honoka's yell surprised both of them. The irritation they were feeling from each other disappeared as quickly as it flared up. Honoka turned herself fully to face Kotori.

"Honestly, do you have to try picking fights with people? First Rin, now this?"

"Hey, in my defense, I didn't say anything when we met Koizumi," Kotori said.

Honoka didn't respond, but she placed her hands on her hips, continuing her gaze on Kotori. Eventually Kotori gave in.

"Alright, alright. I'll try to be nicer in the future."

Honoka smiled. "Thanks."

"Umm... Am I interrupting something?" the girl asked, reminding the two that she was still there.

"N-no, nothing," Honoka answered, turning back to the girl. "By the way, you never answered my question."

The girl tilted her head slightly. "Question? Oh, what I was doing here." She indicated some flasks sitting on the ground where she was previously. "Like I said, I thought I had found some solutions to fix the tree, but I never got to try them since it was fixed when I got back. I still want to know if I was onto something, so I've been trying them anyway."

"On the petals?" Kotori asked. "But they're back to normal, aren't they? How would you test if you could bring them back to life when they're already alive?"

The girl stood silent for a few moments. "Uh..."

"...You didn't realize that?"

She started playing with her red hair, twirling the end with her finger, and looked away. "I... I would've figured something out."

"Well, well... Look what we have here," came a new voice.

All three of them turned. A little ways away from them stood a small group of men. Kotori counted five of them, none of them very friendly looking. Though she noted they weren't looking toward her or Honoka, but to the red-haired girl they've been talking to.

"Yeah, I recognize her," one of the men in the back said. "She's the one."

"So you're the one who messed up our friend?" The man in front, probably the leader, asked.

"W-what are you talking about?" The redhead asked.

"Come on. It shouldn't be hard to figure out the last person you sent flying. He wears a jacket like this."

Kotori looked over, seeing the girl's eyes go wide as she recognized the clothing. Apparently the men noticed as well.

"So you remember now? Good. And since you're an Arcadian mage, you won't mind if we teach you a little lesson."

The man took a step forward, and the girl took a step back as a response. Instinctively, Honoka stepped in front of the redhead. "I don't think so."

"H-hey," Kotori whispered. "This isn't our business to be messing with."

But Honoka kept a determine look toward the small gang.

"Look Miss, we don't want to hurt an innocent person if we don't have to. But if you don't hand her over, we'll have to rough you up to."

"I'd like to see you try," Honoka dared.

It's going to cause a scene if a fight breaks out, Kotori thought. She sighed. Now's not the time to be worrying about that.

Kotori moved behind Honoka and the other girl, reaching for a few of the flasks on the ground. She picked up three, grabbing them by the ends between her fingers. Then, as if they were knives, she threw them toward the group. They exploded mid-air on top of the group, causing a colorful mess of smoke as the glass shattered with the explosion.

"H-hey! What did-" the girl yelled in surprise.

"No time," Kotori interrupted.

Kotori grabbed both Honoka and the girl's hand, turning and starting to run. Both the other girls nearly fell from suddenly being pulled, but they quickly found their footing and ran in step with Kotori.

Not knowing where else to go in a hurry, Kotori led them back to the inn. They had to slow down at the entrance in order to try and look less suspicious. They went inside they went straight for their room, with the redhead following them.

"Wh- what was that all about?" Honoka asked.

"I... uh... may have lost my temper and launched one of their friends," the redhead replied.

"Launched them?" Kotori repeated.

"Well, he was playing with my stuff and he wouldn't leave me alone. I warned him but he kept going. So I blasted him away with a spell."

Kotori raised an eyebrow. "Sounds impressive."

"Not bad for a kid, huh?" The redhead was smirking.

"Perhaps. What's your name?"

"Nishikino Maki."

"Well, Nishikino-san, you should probably get moving soon. Unless you want those guys to find you."

"Why doesn't she come with us?" Honoka suggested.

Kotori shot her a glance. "This again?"

"Think about it. They know she's a mage from Arcadia. Even if they don't find her here, they know where she'll return to."

"... You do have a point." Kotori turned to Maki. "Well? How about it then?"

"Well... it's true they might find me back home... But would it be alright?"

"Of course!" Honoka responded first. "Right?"

"Well, as long as you're okay with it." Kotori looked at Maki. "You can fend for yourself, right?"

"Do you need more proof?" Maki asked.

"Then we just have to wait and ask-"

The three turned as the door was suddenly thrown open as if on cue, with Maria, Rin, and Hanayo rushing into the room.

"H-Honoka-sama, are you alright?" Maria asked between breaths.

"I'm fine, Maria-chan," Honoka said, smiling to try and comfort her maid.

"Honoka-sama?" Maki asked.

Maria covered her mouth, eyes wide as she realized her mistake too late. "Ah- no- I mean-"

But Maki ignored the maid and turned to the ginger in question. "Your maid address you by your first name?"

Everyone silently sighed in relief, realizing Maki didn't discover Honoka's real identity.

"A-ah, yes. We've known each other for a long time, so it feels weird for her to address me by family name," Honoka told Maki. Then she turned to the other three. "Why do you all look out of breath?"

"Well that's because we just heard what seemed like an explosion," Hanayo explained. "So we rushed to see if you were involved."

"Thanks for the concern," Kotori said sarcastically.

"Please, you just love bragging about how you can care for yourself," Rin countered, to which Kotori just shrugged.

"Well, we were involved," Kotori informed. "Which leads to what I have to say next. We need to move, quickly."

Rin narrowed her eyes. "What did you do?"

"Wait Rin, Kotori didn't do anything wrong," Honoka spoke up. "Some guys showed up and were about to her Maki here," she indicated the redhead, "but Kotori allowed us to escape."

"Well, I should really thank you," Kotori said to Rin. "They were your smoke bombs, after all."

Rin gave her a confused look while she reached a hand to one of her belt pouches, then her expression changed. "H-hey when did you-"

"When you left earlier. Does it matter? It helped us escape in the end. But we have to move before they catch up to us."

"So does that mean we're taking..." Maria started, then looked uncertainly to Maki.

It took Maki only a second to realize the issue. "Nishikino Maki."

Maria nodded. "So does that mean Nishikino-san will be joining us?"

"Wasn't that obvious by now?" Kotori was growing a bit impatient. "Come on!"

There were still questions that everyone had for each other, but for now they decided to follow Kotori's urging. Kotori and Honoka grabbed the traveling bags they brought. Maki had told them she needed to get her stuff from one of the inn rooms, so she ran out first. They met back up with her outside the inn, and once they were together, they left Hamil without a second thought.


Hey guys, nobodD here!

Surprise(I think)! The mage and newest member of the party is Maki-chan! Although I understand why a lot of people thought it would be Nozomi. There are a few reasons for Maki being the mage and Nozomi for her "class" later on, and when Nozomi is introduced I'll explain it fully. But for now, this is how things are.

Oh and don't worry. Maki will get a chance to show off her magic next chapter. Oh yes she will.

I do have final exams soon, but seriously, who studies? This is far more important anyway X3 Also I just always feel bad for not updating more frequently. It's okay though! A few more weeks and that's not as much of an issue.

Okay I'm done rambling. Leave comments as always and I hope to see you next time!