Samurai Princess
Disclaimer: I do not own SDK or Swan Princess
Chapter 6
"There! There's Kyo's kingdom! I'm sure of it!"
"How do you know Yuya? It has been quite long since you have seen it. Let's face it you had no idea where Nobunanga took you. You were out cold!"
"Kyoshiro! You're certainly a real help! Can't you see she's desperate?"
"Anyway, Sakuya, Kyoshiro. You are imperative to make sure our plan works."
Kyoshiro looked at Yukimura, "Our plan? Have you come up with something?"
A zephyr blew past. "Not yet."
Kyoshiro fell off the rock he was sitting on into the water below. He scrambled out before the crocodiles could get a chance to reach him.
"Yukimura! Teme, are you trying to kill me? Tick and Tock could have gotten to me!" screamed the very wet otter. Just then as though they had heard their voice, two eyes emerged on the surface of the moat surrounding the castle. Sneering at them Kyoshiro blew a raspberry from shore.
Creeping up behind him Yukimura stated in a level voice though his intention was to frighten, "You know I think they might enjoy your company more if you were in the water." His comment achieved the desired effect as Kyoshiro vaulted into the air.
Yuya watched them with a slightly sad expression. "Do you truly believe that I won't ever see him again?" Sakuya sat by the phoenix and as well as she could she patted Yuya on the head with her paw.
They planned well into the day and only when the moon rose did they truly go over the plans once again. Yuya protested furiously. "What if he comes back? He'll catch us and then I won't be able to do anything!"
"Yuya, we have to finish these plans by tonight or else you will stay this way forever!" this counter came from Yukimura. He placed a hand on her shoulder, "You know as well as I do that all it takes is one of us to change back then we can be saved one by one."
"I know Yukimura-san, but I just can't help but feel nervous. Only a few hours before I am almost free." All of them laughed. It had been a long time since any had seen a field or even another human other than themselves, Nobunaga (if he could still be considered a human) and the witch. That night they went to sleep in a state of unrest.
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Yuya…"
Slowly the bird's eyes fluttered open. That voice, who's was it. It was cold… dangerous… She hated the person! She shot up, suddenly very awake. No! This can't happen now! Not today! She looked around, Yukimura, Kyoshiro and Sakuya weren't anywhere to be found. The voice was approaching, soon he would find her behind the bush. She forcefully pulled herself up. No matter what her body was telling her, she had to show her face or Nobunaga would know something was amiss.
"Yes Lord." She didn't bother to conceal the snap in her voice. She clearly loathed him and she wished him to know it.
He looked like he was planning something. That much wasn't abnormal as he was always planning something. "Why the harsh tones my darling? Surely you are surprised as to my visit to you this morning?" The fluffing of the phoenix's feathers in anger was clearly a testimony of how Yuya hated his dancing around the topic. "I just brought you some bread pudding. Would not want to see you mistreated now would we?" he said sardonically. Yuya hissed, "Oh don't worry Lord Nobunaga, we passed mistreatment long ago." Hearing her parting thoughts, Nobunaga took off.
She waited until she was sure he was in the castle to call her friends. "Alright, he's gone." Yukimura swooped down from a branch high above where she was, while Kyoshiro and Sakuya crept from the underbrush. Kyoshiro scampered towards the food Nobunaga had left on the ground. However before he could take a bite, Yuya knocked the morsel into the lake.
"YUYA! What did you do that for?" screeched Kyoshiro.
"It's poisoned you dumbox! It has something in there that will force me to do what Nobunaga orders or I would die without the antidote." Just then, their lab rats appeared. Tick (or was it Tock) snapped up the pudding. After a few moments, the crock surfaced as right as rain.
"Yuya-san, if you don't mind, I should like to try it," Yukimura requested. Yuya looked horrified at him, "Yukimura-san! It's a huge risk and I can't afford to lose you. I wouldn't know what to do for our plan!"
Yukimura didn't wait to be granted permission; instead he dipped his beak to the lump on the ground and snagged a piece. Sakuya choked out a surprised cry and Yuya very nearly shrieked. After finishing the piece, Yukimura looked down.
"I never thought I would taste such a thing again…" Yuya looked consolingly at him, "There, there Yukimura-san. Don't despair. We'll all be able to eat such things again."
He cocked his head towards her, "Yuya-san that's not what I meant. This tastes exactly like what someone I knew long ago used to make. Sadly that person died." Yuya had no idea what to say. She decided not to say anything, as there was nothing to be said.
Yukimura snapped from his trance-like state, "Anyway, we won't be able to carry out our plans this morning. I feel Nobunaga is suspicious. Go about your normal business as usual. Yuya on the lake. Kyoshiro, Sakuya, I don't want to see you anywhere." He flapped up to his perch and sat on a branch, "I shall signal you when it is time."
- - - - - - - - - - -
It was quite early in the afternoon when Yukimura gave three sharp squawks- the signal. The sun was still quite high and so they decided 'twould be beneficial should they execute their plans immediately. They all knew what they'd have to do. Kyoshiro and Sakuya would wait back at the lake to guide the phoenix and falcon back. Only Yuya and Yukimura would leave. It was safer by air, they all agreed. And so with that, Yuya left her glass walled prison and truly began on her search for her beloved. (A/N: I was a little dramatic 'round here.)
- - - - - - - - - - -
Kyo sat impatiently fidgeting while he waited for Benitora to mount his steed. He knew what he needed to know to find the beast, but it would be rude to decline Benitora's help, even when he knew such help would only deter him.
"Are you sure you want to follow me Benitora? There are so many other things to do besides following me through a jungle," Kyo asked hopeful that Benitora would find something else to tempt his attention.
"Nah! Besides I'm your best friend, I should be there to help you in your time of need."
"Oh…" Drat!
They didn't urge their mounts on as they traversed the Eastern Forest, instead settling for a slow leisurely pace. At least it would have been had the horses not kept shifting every few seconds. Kyo frowned as for the hundreth time he reigned Arashi in so as not to trip on a root
There is something in this forest that the horses sense… and it's not good.
Finally the horses became so jumpy, Kyo had no choice but to dismount and order Benitora to do the same. It was quite impossible. Drawing his blade, Kyo slung his quiver and bow across his back. Slowly they proceeded, Kyo leading while Benitora looked around frantically as though he was sure someone would lay siege upon them should he focus on the task at hand. Kyo was so absorbed in hearing the various sounds of nature, he didn't even notice when Benitora wandered off.
The thing that caught his attention was a shout. "KYO! Where are you?" Benitora! Kyo picked up his pace running in the direction of Benitora's shout. His mind brought forth all manner of unpleasant circumstances. That was when he realized the moving glint of light through the trees… and it was coming towards him!
- - - - - - - - - - -
They had been flying for what felt like hours to Yuya. There was still no sign of the forest ending anywhere. Besides, flying with a quiet person/bird was hardly amusing.
"Yukimura… What should I say if I should meet him?"
The falcon craned his head to look at her, "You mean assuming he understands what you squawk."
Yuya was surprised, "I- I never thought of that…"
Yuya heard her unofficial guard sigh. In annoyance or tiredness she hadn't the faintest idea. An idea struck Yuya over the top of her head.
"What would you do Yukimura? If you met the one person you used to love with all your heart when you were younger but never got around to realizing it?"
Yukimura hung his head and dropped back slightly with his speed. Frowning Yuya dropped back as well to match his speed.
"Yukimura-san? Daijobu-ka?"
"Iie, Yuya-san." Yukimura's voice had sad humor in it. "Daijobu ja nai. I haven't been alright for years. Not since my special person died."
Yuya gasped, "So you did have someone!"
"Of course Yuya-san. Everybody had someone they're destined for."
"Just how old are you?"
"Twenty-five. I met her when I was fourteen. She was still a little girl… So innocent and free." Yukimura made a sound that sounded something like a laugh.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
His voice took on a distant tone, as though he was reliving those days again. "She was the daughter of a lord, and I the son of a general. I wanted to be just like my father when I grew up and she was fascinated by that. She had just traveled there, to the village. She had previously been cared for by relatives and was now returning to her parents."
Here Yukimura paused, he still remembered what she looked like the first day she had careened into him. The unruly mass of hair and bright shining eyes in a soft silken dress.
"She was ten and from a prestigious family. I knew that and yet I indulged her. She followed me everywhere, like a little puppy with fine hair." Yukimura beat his wings sharply, causing him to rise. "That's what I loved about her, her hair. It was always like a curtain… Hiding her from the outside world. But with me, she would toss that curtain aside and laugh in that sweet way of hers. She practically worshipped me! She had grown up with some aunts who had insisted that the only contact she had with any strenuous activities was a five-minute walk after every meal. So when she saw me riding, fencing and training… she endeavored to replicate me in every way possible."
Yukimura smiled in his mind, "The worst was when she chopped off her own hair and tried to style it like mine. It was awful and I was furious, though I didn't show it. She got a good thrashing from her father. She was twelve. She came to me after that, seeking recognition. At first I wouldn't look at her, finally I did comfort her. However I made it clear that she was never to cut her hair or I wouldn't take her riding with me ever again. She did seek to please me in other ways… There was this one time when she heard that my late grandmother made amazing bread pudding and she sought to soothe my taste buds. By then I was 15 and already living in the soldier barracks. She knew the food to be tasteless and vile and that most recruits sought to douse the taste in alcohol. I was amongst those who went to bed with an unhealthy amount of alcohol in my stomach. So she would make me at least one meal a day and smuggle it to me. Her pudding however was absolutely amazing."
His voice dropped now, it wasn't something he specifically liked to remember. "When she was fourteen, her father told her she was to betrothed to be married the next year. By then our feeling for each other had grown significantly. She had argued to he father that she refused to marry any other than I. That was her confession. When her father called me… She was standing by his shoulder. Her father asked me should I have liked to marry his daughter. He would have allowed us to as well… but I told him that I neither had any feelings nor possessed any standing in life and that marrying his daughter was the last thing on my mind at the time." Yukimura's throat choked up.
"That night itself, she sent a note asking to meet me at one of the gardens within her house. I went to apologize; to lie to her that I felt nothing for her. I told her I was sorry and that I would find some way to break her engagement to the foreigner she was to wed if she would like. Otherwise, I told her that she would survive any situation easily… as she had always did. She gave me such a sad smile… I still remember it to this day. She told me 'Regardless of your feelings… I will love you forever Sanada Yukimura. And nothing will change that! But the one thing I shall not stand is to marry one who isn't you while you step aside like a gentleman and watch as I walk the aisle to some stranger.' Then she kissed me. It was the first time she kissed me and it was by far sweeter than anything that I had ever had. Then she was gone."
Drawing breath to finish the story Yukimura went on. "The next day, there was a huge uproar. The lord's daughter had vanished. One of the sentries said he had let her out of the gate after sundown when she had said she wanted to go for a private walk outside the house. Belatedly, I realized that last night had been my night to guard… and I had swapped to meet her. I cursed myself a hundred times over. I wouldn't have let her through and my comment had sent her over the edge. I believed that it was my reluctance to save her from her fate that had brought her to this. We searched for a month… she was declared deceased. And that was how I lost my love at seventeen. Nobunaga cursed me soon after when I had the gall to wander in on his territory. And not long after that… You joined the band Yuya-san."
- - - - - - - - - - - -
Yuya was deeply touched by the feelings Yukimura clearly harbored for the girl even if she was no longer amongst the living. She wondered if Kyo had been as faithful as Yukimura and till that day awaited her return, even if he believed her dead. Suddenly there was a loud shout and a word could be made from it, "KYO!" Yuya pulled up sharply gasping. Yukimura's voice telling her to wait and be cautious died down when a hastily shot arrow shot through the canopy and barely missed piercing a hole in one of the birds in the sky.
It's him! It's Kyo! He's come for me! I have to see him!
Then Yuya was plummeting towards the ground at breakneck speed, pulling up just so to avoid impact with the soil. She flew through the trees Yukimura forgotten. Kyo! Kyo, I'm coming! She gasped out Kyo's name when she spotted a telltale flash of crimson hair. She flew through it. The sunlight falling through the branches shone off her feathers, but she didn't care. All she saw was her saviour. Nothing else mattered!
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That's right…
Kyo stood still behind the enormous tree trunk, his bow in hand. He didn't wish to frighten the monster off before he could take a shot at it. He watched as is got closer… He could make out it's crimson and cream golden feathers now.
A bird?... No! A phoenix…
The voice in his head kept repeating that one phrase that allowed estimating the area of the bird's heart. "It's not what it seems…" he muttered.
Come on… Come on…
Then he let from behind the wood and released his trigger finger, letting the arrow fly true.
- - - - - - - - - -
Yuya gasped when she saw Kyo leap from the trees. But what was more shocking - and that had her pinned in place - was the fact that he had just aimed an arrow at her. She watched the arrow fly towards her, then suddenly she was pushed out of the way.
"Go!" came Yukimura's voice.
Broken from her almost fatal stupor, Yuya took off with Yukimura. They flew, urging more and more speed from their wings and riding the updrafts. Then as Yuya looked back yet again, she didn't see Kyo who had been following them for some time. The small part of her brain recognized the irony… Here she was wishing for Kyo to liberate her, and he was the very one who was trying to kill her more than Nobunaga right now.
"I think we lost him," she panted. Only to realize she spoke too soon as she looked forwards and found the red eyed man pointing another arrow right at her from atop a rockface.
"Quick! Into the trees!" she shouted and not a moment too soon. As Kyo released his arrow, she and Yukimura dove into the foliage below. They stayed quiet for a while, just listening. Then there was crashing signaling the approach or their hunter.
"Alright Yuya-san! I'll create a diversion and you get away."
In similar hushed tones, Yuya replied, "Alright Yukimura-san. Please don't hurt him too bad."
"Daijobu Yuya-san. I know when to stop."
Yuya gave one last lingering look to the red eyed and haired swordsman below before nodding her consent. Yukimura fell from the tree, purposely placing his arm at an awkward angle and his plumage stained with berry juice… Of course, Kyo would think it was blood. When Kyo got close enough to the poor squawking bird, Yukimura leapt up and bit his knee, just above where his boots ended. Flapping his wings at Kyo's face, Yuya heard Yukimura shout, "Yuya-san GO!"
And that was exactly what she did. And in no time at all, she saw the lake and the rabbit and otter waving at her in the increasing moonlight. Slowly, she alighted upon the pond, knowing that as she did so, she was practically offering herself up as a sacrifice. But she didn't care, such a chance might never happen again, and if Kyo couldn't free her, no one could. And by the gods she was willing to die believing that.
Then he burst forth from the trees…
- - - - - - - - - -
Kyo was sure a satisfied smirk was on his lips. He now had his quarry within his grasp and soon the creature would be slain. The bow would be meaningless now so he slung it across his shoulders and drew his sword. The sight that greeted him was totally puzzling. The phoenix was floating on the water's surface! He only paused long enough to give the bird a weird glance. Then the moonlight kissed the surface of the water and the phoenix became almost ethereal as it flapped it's wings.
'Focus Kyo! You're supposed to kill it, not ooh at it!'
Snapping out of the strangeness that he felt in his bones, Kyo once again took aim. The phoenix was doing something funny now. It was being almost afraid that the clouds had obscured the moon. Kyo muttered in annoyance, couldn't the damn bird stay still? Something dove at his head causing him to curse and let the arrow notched drop. He snapped his head back at a strange red light. Then the moon emerged again, this time the reflection was right under the phoenix.
Then so suddenly, the phoenix seemed to be engulfed in fire and water at the same time… No… The water surrounding it had become fire. Well whatever it was the bird suddenly burst into flames. From that fire, first Kyo saw claws become the feet and calves of someone definitely female. Next taking the place of red-gold wing feathers were long slender arms covered in scarlet cloth. The body similarly transformed into the curves of a young woman garbed in the same material as the skirt and sleeves. The one feature that snared Kyo's attention was however the head. The beak shrunk into a pert nose and rose-petal lips, the feathers that covered the birds skull changed to a healthy skin tone as the head enlarged. The dark eyes of the bird closed and became bright green, while along the back of the girl's head cascaded forth blonde-gold hair that spilled down a slender neck.
She sighed as though relieved or relaxing. Subconsciously, Kyo knew who this was. But, being the person he was, he refused to acknowledge that it was that easy. The sigh that fell from her lips effectively ceased any thought patterns he might have had, "Kyo." Throwing his bow aside, Kyo waded into the water heedless of any approaching danger.
- - - - - - - - - -
Yuya smiled a little as Kyo ran towards her. He gathered her into his arms and almost throttled the breath out of her. He was pressing her into his body like he would have liked to press her into him. To maintain balance, Yuya's hands were similarly clutching Kyo's back. When he finally let her go, the first thing she said wasn't very romantic, "What took you so long?" Sadly she only noticed after she said it.
He cocked his eyebrow, "Not what you should be saying to your rescuer now should you?" Oh GODS! His voice still had the effect of turning her insides into quivering masses of jelly! Now Yuya really had the time to take him in. He had put on more muscle since the last time she had seen him. She could feel it even as her palm rested lightly on his shoulders. He had a confident air about him that came only after a transition period between childhood and adulthood. His hair was more unkempt than usual and Yuya allowed her to give into the gentle gesture of trying to smooth back his hair. His jaw had become more angular and as she scraped her knuckles across it she felt the testimony of a little stubble. He had definitely grown taller and more attractive if it was possible since the last time she had set eyes on him. The one thing that had definitely changed was his pair of garnet eyes. They bore into her and threatened to hypnotize her. The last time she had looked at him, those eyes had held awe and greed for something none other had. Now they held a hunger for something he knew he could possess and the determination to see that craving through.
"Teme… I missed you!" Yuya whispered, she refused to raise her head.
"I tried," Kyo raised her head, "You must know I tried. But no one believed me." Clearing his throat he released her head and said, "Well I can see you've changed. I seriously never thought it could happen, but you actually became more ugly, dog face!"
- - - - - - - - - -
In a tree, a rabbit, otter and hawk slapped their foreheads at his stupidity.
- - - - - - - - - -
Yuya pouted and turned away from Kyo to walk out of the water, "Well, you could've left me here. The way you turned out, you could already be married with five mistresses." She heard him splashing after her and it gave her little satisfaction that even after all these years she could get him to follow her.
Years of climbing in and out of water rendered Yuya a certain grace as she swished out of the lake. Kyo on the other hand splashed his way out unceremoniously. "What! Dog face I dare you to repeat that!" Whirling around, her hair slapped Kyo in the face. "Gladly," she took a step forwards. "You should already be married," another step. "And have an unlimited amount of mistresses," she prodded him in the middle of the chest. "Along with five screaming children that keep you up at night!" She shoved him and he fell into the water, landing unceremoniously on his derriere.
"But dog face, with you I wouldn't be able to keep a mistress and I'm sure we can arrange to have five children though I have no idea what it do to you." Yuya stood in open-mouthed horror. She closed her mouth to stop the choke from escaping, getting her emotions out of control and grated out, "You haven't changed one bit have you?" But even as she said those words, Yuya found it hard not to submit to Kyo's demands because of the rakish smile he plastered on and the way the droplets of water clung to his face.
Kyo began to stand up and Yuya who was unable to face him turned and began walking. She had not taken five steps before a cold hand grabbed her elbow. Horror that Nobunaga had found them engulfed her like a tidal wave and she spun around… to come face to face with Kyo. Hastily she tried to cover up the emotion in her eyes but it was too late.
"Yuya… What did he do to you?" Kyo stepped closer and stroked her hair while keeping a firm grip on her elbow. Against her will Yuya shivered. "Yuya… You're afraid of someone." She tried to avert her face but he dragged her eyes back, refusing to relinquish the topic just like that. "Yuya - "
"YUYA! Yuya…" came a male voice some distance off.
The fury in Kyo's eyes was indescribable. His carefully controlled anger caused him to grip Yuya fast. "No Kyo!" Yuya struggled against the bonds of his fingers "Kyo, you must go! Now! Before he finds you." His fingers tightened but not enough to bruise, "Who is he? He's the one who hurt you isn't he? Let him come, I'll kill him!" "NO!" rasped Yuya. Reaching up Yuya framed Kyo's face in her hands hoping to avert his attention, "He's too strong. You must go!"
"Yuya!" The voice was getting closer.
"Then tell me how to bring you away." "A vow of everlasting love. That's the only way, and you must make sure to tell the entire world." Yuya spoke hurriedly, "But there is no way to achieve such a feat!" Kyo was quick to object, "Come to the palace tomorrow night. There is a ball… I will break this curse!" "Kyo, you HAVE to go NOW!" That was the last thing that Yuya said before Kyo pulled her to him moulding her body to his tempered steel one. "A kiss, then I'll go." Yuya gave him a peck on the cheek, "NOW GO…"
"I'll expect a proper kiss tomorrow night." Kyo threw something to her and then he was gone.
Yuya caught the necklace in her hands. It was the same one she had lost so many years ago… She sighed, Yuya didn't doubt Kyo's sentiments. She believed that he did hold affections for her… but the depth of his emotions were a mystery and Yuya didn't want him to think she would do as he commanded so she continued to refuse.
To the right some bushes crackled. Yuya spun around clutching the necklace in the fist of her hand. Nobunaga struggled out of the foliage. "Well, how is my favourite princess?" Yuya glared at him in reply. "Oh, come now Yuya. You know you love me, it just takes a little time to find that spot inside you. By the way, I thought I heard voices." "Voices?" queried Yuya, proud she could keep the quaver from her voice. "Yes…" by now Nobunaga's snooping had got him too close to the tree where her friends were situated. "I…I… Have decided to be your… queen." Yuya exhaled in a rush, 'I hope Kyo knows what he's doing.'
Delighted Nobunga exclaimed, "Oh, Yuya you have no idea how happy you've made me! I'll even cut my hair when we are wed!" Following his words he gathered clumps of his bushy white hair as if to prove his point. "By the way… You wouldn't happen to know who this belong to, would you?" Yuya gave a short gasp of horror, for from behind his back Nobunaga had pulled Kyo's discarded bow. He gave a low chuckle, "Go to the ball? A vow of everlasting love? You are pathetic!" Nobunaga ripped the necklace from Yuya's hands. Eyes flashing Yuya countered, "Make no mistake, Kyo will come for me. He promised! I will be at that ball tomorrow!"
The enchanter gave a short bark of laughter, "I do not doubt that he will make a vow, but not to you. Because my dear, you have forgotten one important fact." And with a flourish, Nobunaga gestured to the sky, "Tomorrow night there is no moon." Horrified Yuya sank to her knees, "No… no…" And Yuya was left sobbing with Nobunaga's laugh echoing in his wake.
AN: I'm so sorry guys! I know I have an obligation since I started this story and there is no excuse for me just leaving it hanging like that. I will try not to have a repeat, but I am quite busy this year with school. Do forgive me in the coming months should I not update promptly. From now on I shall not be including author notes. Sincerely I ask forgiveness.
