Tatsu groaned as his eyes opened, the sight of blue skies and fluffy white clouds floating above him.
"Seems you woke up last this time." Kamui's voice came.
Sitting up, Tatsu saw Kamui sitting nearby, Lillith floating next to her.
"I was hoping not to see you two again so soon..." Lillith stated. "I thought I told you to move quickly."
"Well it's not our fault that prince and his entourage are so strong!" Kamui exclaimed.
"Besides, if that lightning hadn't struck when it did we'd have snuck past them." Tatsu said.
Lillith looked up with what Tatsu assumed was a puzzled expression. "Hmmmm, that was strange. I sensed magic at work, directing that lightning bolt."
"Really?" Kamui asked. "Well, who cast that spell?"
Lillith shook her head. "It wasn't a spell. What I sensed was something influencing the strike of lightning, and the source of that something I cannot find."
"What do you mean?" Tatsu asked.
Lillith looked downcast. "Sorry, I don't know how else to explain it..."
Kamui waved her hands frantically. "No no, it's okay!"
Tatsu chuckled, nodding his head. "Yeah, it's fine. Just another question to add to the list."
Lillith nodded. "Well, I'll help however how I can."
"Well, for now we have to plan what we're going to do." Kamui said. "Lillith told me what's happened since we got knocked out."
Tatsu raised an eyebrow. "I just realized that. Lillith, you're watching us?"
Lillith nodded. "I can only project myself to watch events, or else I'd provide more assistance. Once I begin to regain power, I may be able to help in the future, but for now I can at least keep an eye on you two when you're unconscious."
Tatsu nodded. "That could actually be helpful. So, what's happened to us?"
"Well, after prince Ryoma and his group defeated the both of you, they collected your weapons and bound you." Lillith said. "They're currently transporting you, though where I don't know."
"Probably Hoshido's capital." Kamui said. "Going to parade us in front of everyone as political prisoners."
Tatsu rubbed his chin. "Hmmm, I don't think so."
Kamui looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Really? Why's that?"
Tatsu raised a finger. "Think about it. Father sent us here to scout this location out, even told us it was abandoned. If he'd have known it wasn't, he'd have at least told us so we could stay on guard. And, knowing Father, he's probably trying to keep tabs on all of the Hoshidan royal family."
Kamui nodded. "You're right there. If he'd known Prince Ryoma was here, I doubt we'd have been the team he'd sent."
"Exactly." Tatsu said. "That means Prince Ryoma is most likely here on a covert mission of his own, and we were just unlucky enough to run into him."
Kamui hummed as she digested what Tatsu said. "Makes sense. I mean, it's not like Father would INTENTIONALLY put us into danger."
Tatsu rubbed his chin, a grave expression on his face. "I agree, I doubt it's Father who planned this."
Kamui raised an eyebrow. "You think someone else is behind this?"
Tatsu nodded. "I have some suspicions, but we'll have to handle that later. For now, we need to plan on what we'll do when we wake up. Lillith, you said we were bound right?"
Lillith nodded. "Yes, you're hands and feet. You have also been gagged."
"Why gag us?" Tatsu asked.
"Prevent us from biting off our tongues or swallowing them." Kamui said. "They probably want to interrogate us and are just insuring they get us there."
"Well, we can't let that happen." Tatsu said. "You happen to know how to get out of being bound?"
Kamui shook her head. "No, and even if I did we're likely to be under heavy guard. We'd have to be able to take out the guards and sneak away, and I don't see that happening easily."
Tatsu gulped, nervous at what he knew he had to suggest. "W-What if you were to go by your-"
"No." Kamui said, eyes narrowing dangerously. "I'm not leaving you."
Tatsu sighed. "Kamui-"
"It's like I said outside of Father's office Tatsu." Kamui said. "I'll always stay by your side and protect you. We're sticking together, got it?"
Tatsu pursed his lips before he gave a smile. "Yeah, I got it."
Kamui smirked. "Besides, you'd be a complete wreck without me around."
"I think it would be you who'd be a wreck without me." Tatsu stated.
"Alright Frail Prince, Hidden Princess, time to wake up!" A voice called.
"Huh?" Tatsu asked.
"Who's that?" Kamui wondered.
"It would seem you two are being woken up." Lillith said.
Tatsu pursed his lips, looking at Kamui. "We'll plan out our next move when we return to this place."
Kamui looked at Lillith. "Can anyone watch what goes on here, or somehow follow us?"
Lillith shook her head. "The only ones who can enter this place are the two of you and any I allow. Worry not, this is a safe place." Lillith's eyes suddenly brightened and she shook happily. "Oooh, while you two are gone I'll decorate this place for you! While this field is lovely, I can make it more comfortable."
"Hey, I said wake up!" The voice called again.
Kamui took Tatsu's hand. "Remember, we stay together."
Tatsu nodded, even as light overtook his vision.
...
"Hey, I said wake up!" The voice said as Tatsu woke up, a groan escaping from his throat. Next to him he heard Kamui groan in turn.
The first thing that struck Tatsu was the fiery burning of his throat, causing him to start coughing. Or at least, he would have if there wasn't something in his mouth. A quick movement of his tongue confirmed he was in fact gagged, and from the feeling of his hands and feet he was also tied up, confirming what Lillith had said about them being bound. Opening his eyes, Tatsu found himself lying on a wooden floor, a small fire crackling in a fire pit in the ground next to him while a pot was suspended over it.
"Rinkah, you could be more gentle." A male voice said.
"I was plenty gentle!" The voice from earlier exclaimed.
Looking over, Tatsu saw Kaze and Rinkah sitting nearby. Rinkah lounged on the ground with her club laying next to her while Kaze sat cross legged, both a fair distance away. Tatsu also noticed his and Kamui's cloaks neatly folded in front of the green ninja, his medicinal pouch lying on top. Kamui pushed herself up into a sitting position, while Tatsu struggled to get up.
"Prince Tatsu, let me-" Kaze began.
A sudden growl from Kamui interrupted him as the princess glared at the Hoshidan. Carefully leaning back, Kamui used her shoulder to help lift both her and Tatsu up. Looking her in the eyes, Tatsu expressed his gratitude with a nod. Kaze pursed his lips as he leaned back, eyeing the two royals even as they glared at him.
"Hey Kaze, go tell Ryoma they're awake." Rinkah said.
Kaze nodded, getting up and walking out through a door. After a moment Rinkah straightened herself out, twisting and popping her back with several audible pops. Giving a sigh of satisfaction, Rinkah turned and regarded the two in front of her with a smirk. Picking up her club, she bounced it lightly over her shoulders behind her head.
"Told you when we met again things would be different Frail Prince." Rinkah said.
Tatsu and Kamui said nothing, merely looking around as they took note of the room they were in.
"You're in a Flame Tribe village." Rinkah said. "After we captured you, Prince Ryoma said we needed to get you two to Shirasagi as soon as possible. We stopped here however to re-supply, and Prince Ryoma wanted to talk with you two about something important."
She didn't say anything after that, leaving the small group in silence. Every now and again Tatsu would lightly cough, causing the burning in his throat to amplify slightly. Rinkah pursed her lips whenever tatsu coughed, and both twins could see her eyeing Tatsu's pouch, an almost guilty expression on her face. Tatsu looked at Kamui out of the corner of his eye, his twin having raised an eyebrow at the sight.
"I'm glad to see you two are awake." Prince Ryoma said from the door.
Tatsu and Kamui looked over to see the High Prince standing with arms crossed, the Hoshidan High Prince giving off quite the imposing image. He had a relieved smile as he looked at Tatsu and Kamui, and was obviously relieved to see they were all right. Kamui looked at Tatsu in confusion, who shrugged to indicate he didn't understand either.
Ryoma looked at Rinkah. "They doing okay?"
"Fine as I can tell." Rinkah said before looking at Tatsu. "Frail Prince here has been coughing every now and again. Probably needs some medicine."
Ryoma nodded. "I figured as much. Can you give us some privacy? I wish to share with them what I told you earlier."
Rinkah shrugged. "Sure. I need to grab a bite to eat anyways." Rinkah then got up and, with one last look at the twins, walked out of the room, sliding the door shut behind her.
Ryoma remained quiet as he walked over to where the two sat, kneeling down on one knee as he looked into their faces. Ryoma narrowed his eyes as he looked into Tatsu's eyes, pursing his lips as he gazed into them. Looking over at Kamui, he looked up and down her body, causing Tatsu to narrow his eyes dangerously. Trying his best to growl menacingly, Tatsu tried to deter the High Prince away from whatever he was thinking of trying to do.
Ryoma blinked in confusion before his eyes widened in realization, his cheeks slightly flushing. Coughing in embarrassment, Ryoma bowed his head. "I apologize if that seemed suspicious, I was merely checking for any lasting scars or injuries." Taking a deep breath, his face returned to it's serious demeanor. "I am going to undo your gags. I am sure Tatsu would appreciate the chance to have some medicine."
Tatsu and Kamui looked at each other, Kamui nodding after a moment. Satisfied, Ryoma slowly reached over and undid the knots that held the cloths in their mouth in place, putting them down next to him when he was done. While Tatsu and Kamui moved their jaws around, Ryoma opened the medicinal pouch, lightly moving around the bottles and small packets.
"Hmmm," Ryoma muttered. "Do you have anything for that cough?" He asked.
Tatsu breathed heavily. "T-The grekeh...the green bottle." He answered.
Ryoma nodded, pulling out a small green bottle. "Is this it?" He asked.
Tatsu nodded, and without a moment's hesitation he uncorked the bottle and gently put it to Tatsu's lips. Trying his best not to eagerly drink it, Tatsu breathed in relief as the cool liquid hit his throat. It didn't to much to alleviate the sore throat, but he could tell a slight and pleasurable difference. Once all the medicine was gone, Ryoma put the empty bottle away.
"Is there anything else you need? Water or more medicine?" Ryoma asked.
Tatsu shook his head, remaining quiet.
"While I do thank you for giving my brother some medicine, you must know neither of us are going to tell you anything." Kamui said, defiance in her voice.
Ryoma pursed his lips. "Kamui...Tatsu...do...do you two not remember me?"
"Remember you?" Kamui asked. "Of course we do! You're Hoshido's High Prince, and our enemy!"
Ryoma exhaled deeply, shaking his head. "No, that's not what I mean. I mean, do you remember me at ALL?"
Tatsu blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Dammit." Ryoma muttered under his breath.
Kamui narrowed her eyes. "I don't know what you're trying to pull here Hoshidan, but cut it out!"
Ryoma held up a hand. "Peace, please. What I am about to say is going to be difficult for you to believe, but I swear it to be true. I ask you allow me to say what must be said."
Tatsu and Kamui narrowed their eyes, but waited expectantly.
"The truth is that you two are members of the Hoshidan Royal Family." Ryoma said, looking at the two. "My long lost siblings."
"W-What?" Tatsu muttered.
"What falsehood are you trying to sell!?" Kamui exclaimed.
"Please, listen-" Ryoma tried.
"No!" Kamui yelled. "You insult us by even TRYING to-"
"KAMUI!" Ryoma yelled, silencing the princess. "I understand this seems ridiculous, but ask yourself. If I was trying to somehow trick you, do you really think THIS is how I'd choose to do it?"
Kamui pursed her lips, unable to reply to Ryoma's logic. Tatsu felt his vision slowly begin to blur, but he shook it off. The room was starting to get an uncomfortable heat, but Tatsu was certain it wasn't just the temperature making him uncomfortable.
"I have more to prove my case." Ryoma said. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but the two of you have been held somewhere deep in Nohr all your lives, correct? Kept hidden from everyone except a select few?"
Tatsu and Kamui's eyes widened, but they remained silent.
Ryoma nodded. "I figured as much. Now, Nohr did a very good job of hiding you two away. These past fourteen years have been very hard for us, not knowing where you were or if either of you two were okay. Believe me, no one has known anything about either of you in Hoshido these past fourteen years."
Tatsu coughed lightly, finding it difficult to breathe. "W-What does ankeh...any of this have to do with anything?"
"Simple. You two don't believe me when I say you are my little brother and sister, correct?" Ryoma asked.
Tatsu and Kamui looked at each other before they both nodded.
"Well, what if I were to tell you two things I know about you?" Ryoma asked. "Things I couldn't possibly tell you otherwise?"
"Like what?" Kamui asked.
"Well, regarding Tatsu's illness for one." Ryoma began. "When you two were still with us, there were days he couldn't even leave his bed. He would cough constantly, sometimes coughing up blood, and running a fever was very normal. He would get cold sweats, heat flashes, and on particularly bad days he would even collapse."
Tatsu's eyes widened, even as he coughed. Kamui looked at Tatsu before glaring again at Ryoma. "That doesn't prove anything." She said.
Ryoma nodded. "I have other memories of you two. When you were young we couldn't separate the two of you, or else you two would cry. You would complain of headaches, and they would only go away when you two were brought together again."
Tatsu and Kamui could only blink in shock. They had gotten better as they got older at being able to separate, but they still always had a dull headache.
Ryoma gave a warm smile at their reaction. "I wonder if that is still true? This one is a long shot, but there was this novel you two took to when you were young. Have you two ever heard of Retained Memories?"
Tatsu was speechless, and Kamui looked down in confusion. How did Ryoma possibly know any of these things? It was impossible! Unless...unless there was some truth to what he was saying. But...but that was impossible!
"No!" Kamui said, shaking her head. "No no no no no! No, King Garon is our father! Xander, Camilla, Leo, Elise our siblings!"
Ryoma pursed his lips. "Those are the Nohrian Royal family members names are they not? It is not my place to say anything about those who you grew up with, but I can say that you two are my siblings...ones I have waited a long time to see again."
Ryoma stood up, pulling a dagger out from a sheath on his calf. Walking over, he cut the bonds that held both Tatsu and Kamui in place, freeing them. Still reeling from the sudden intake of information, Tatsu and Kamui merely sat there, unsure of what to do.
"I understand this must all be hard to take in." Ryoma spoke softly. "I'm not asking you to believe me now, but please give me a chance. I swear on my honor as High Prince of Hoshido that you two will remain uninjured and free. You are not prisoners." Ryoma then stood up. "I need to go procure a means of transporting Tatsu, and I'm sure you two need time to think over this. I will return soon we...we have a lot to catch up on."
With a final smile, Ryoma turned around and left the room, sliding the door behind him. Tatsu and Kamui sat in silence for several moments, Kamui merely rubbing where the ropes had bound her hands. Neither quite knew what to say as they pondered over what Ryoma had told them. Coughing lightly, Tatsu winced as it felt like sandpaper was grating against his throat. Kamui watched as Tatsu reached into his pouch and pulled out a small vial of cough syrup, struggling to open it.
Sighing to herself, Kamui took the vial out of his hands. "Here." She said, opening the vial and handing it to him.
"T-Thanks..." He muttered, drinking the concoction.
Pursing her lips, Kamui looked inside of his pouch, counting the number of vials and bottles. There weren't very many left, and from the sounds of Tatsu's coughs and the look of him he was going to really be needing them soon.
"I...I think we should stay with Ryoma for now." Kamui said.
Tatsu wiped his mouth and looked at her. "R-Really?"
Kamui nodded. "Let's be serious here. You're not in the greatest condition right now, and it doesn't look like you'' recover any time soon. The fact of the matter is that you'll be needing medicine, and right now we don't have any way to pay for it. We also have no idea where we are or how to get back to Nohr, so our options are limited. If Prince Ryoma is willing to acquire transportation for you, odds are he'll also get you medicine."
"W-What are you saying? We stick with them just so I can get medicine?" Tatsu asked.
Kamui nodded. "At least until you're better. Once we get enough to carry with us, find our bearings and you're healthy enough to travel, we'll figure out what to do then."
Tatsu pursed his lips. "T-That's not all to it though, is it? You're also curious about what Ryoma was saying."
Kamui was silent before nodding. "How cold he have known about our headaches? Improbable as it is, I could see him being able to guess your symptoms, but the headaches when we separate? Only our brothers and sisters know about that."
Tatsu nodded. "It's certainly strange. So what, you want to just follow him all the way to Shirasagi?"
Kamui looked down at the floor. "I...I don't know...this is all so strange..."
Tatsu remained silent, thinking back on what Ryoma had told them. It seemed so far fetched, and yet something about it seemed...right. It was almost like being around Xander, that was the presence Ryoma exhibited.
"Do you trust Ryoma?" Tatsu asked.
Kamui pursed her lips. "I...I don't know. I'd like to. I think."
Tatsu nodded. "Same. What you've said makes sense as well. So that will be our plan. We'll stick it out here for now, and make a decision when the time comes."
Kamui nodded. "And no matter what happens, we stick together."
"Together." Tatsu said.
...
Hey everyone, sorry it's been a while on an update. Some things have happened recently but it seems like stuff is dying down. I tried working on the next chapter in Retained Memories but I just wasn't feeling it, so I came over here. I may take a small break, just sit back and think on a few things on the story. I am excited to reach a few events coming up in this story.
One such event will be a small change to the canon turn of events. As you all could see here, I changed how the whole "familial revelation" scene was handled. I thought it could be handled better this way, and I enjoyed writing it. I wanted Tatsu and Kamui to be a bit more incredulous to the idea, but also have their interests piqued by the knowledge Ryoma and crew have of them, especially considering they've been kept secret. Hope you all liked it.
Another change coming next chapter, but I'll leave it as a surprise.
Also, side fun note. In FE Heroes, they recently released these Bride Units, and I got a 5 star Cordelia Bride unit. Got her to level 40, heard her special dialogue, and I think now my summoner and Cordelia are inadvertently dating...awkward since I ship KiranXShareena...
Well, we'll cross that bridge when the time comes. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go put thought into an FE Heroes fanfic.
Fave, follow, review, and have a good one.
