Leo

"How many times will I be put at bladepoint in the next few days?" I sighed.

The blade was pushed to the side as Sakura got in the way, pushing it with her festal.

"B-brother, please, h-he brought me across the border."

I turned toward my attacker, who moved his blade and sheathed it. His long, brown hair was spiny almost, and his red samurai armor only reflected my thoughts of him looking like a lobster. He looked away from me, closing his eyes and placing his hand on his chin, much like his father.

"So you are," His eyes met mine, "and why are you here?"

"Home became unbearable," I sullenly responded, my eyes shifting away, "my retainers and I fled, but not before getting pursued by assassins and getting blocked off."

My eyes hovered across them, as I waited for his response. He closed his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"First Nohr goes after our own people, and now they're killing their own?"

"Essentially, yes." I rubbed my arm, lowering my eyes again, "father wanted to break me in, I just couldn't take it any longer."

Everyone went silent, as he thought.

"S-See, big brother?" Sakura stammered, "there's no ill will."

"While I believe that as well, I cannot allow him to roam free right away for the sake of our people, who's fears are large and justified."

"We can work as soldiers for you, if that's what you need."

"No," he looked away, "royalty, no matter if foreign or native, needs some respect. If anything, you would stay amongst us, where you won't leave our sight."

My eyes widened, not expecting the response that was given. "I-" I stopped, looking over at him again. "Thank you, your kindness won't go unnoticed."

"Now I hate to be a negative nobody here, and this is all fine and dandy, but how would you get your people to not be afraid of Nohrians in their midst?" Niles jumped in, "surely they may hold doubts even if their king assures safety."

One word there seemed to hit him harder than most. He stopped, silently thinking, as Sakura went over to him, pulling him out of his thoughts. "We will cross that hurdle when we get there," he finally said, "we need to return to the capital."

With that, we all set off, Saizo joining us, though I could only assume he was, as he was hidden from my sight.

We were back in the lush plains of Hoshido, with the sounds of wildlife chattering and chirping around us. While we walked, I put it in my interest to take a look at plants I had never seen before, where Sakura, being a healer, would tell me the use of the plant, before I would go back to the path ahead.

Soon enough though, I was chastised by Takumi for slowing down, and so I shut my interest away to distant admiration. Sakura still told me about the common plants and their uses. My delight from being educated on these plants soon faded, as I heard two voices shouting.

"Milord Takumi!"

"Takumi!"

I turned, realizing that my blissfully quiet time was over. Two people ran toward us, one with long, brown hair, and another with navy blue hair. When they neared us, the blue haired one stared at me, her face twisting into a terrifying scowl. I shuddered, as Odin stepped in front of me.

"Here we go..." Niles sighed.

"Do not fret, milord! I, Odin Dark, your shadowy guardian, shall protect you from this Hoshidan filth!"

Her eye twitched, as she seemed even more furious than before.

"F-Filth?! Why you-" She pulled her naginata off her back, when the other figure grabbed her arms, holding her back.

"Oboro, stop!"

"They've disgraced our people's name, these Nohrian scum!" Oboro fought the figure's grasp.

Before Odin could move, I grabbed him by the arms as well, in an attempt to keep the situation from escalating. Takumi stepped between us, looking over at Oboro, who seemed to instantly settle, which in turn stopped Odin.

"Oboro," He started, trying to find the right words. He hesitated, before saying, "this man, the one behind the one who insulted you, he saved my life as a child."

As he explained this to her, I wondered what could have set her off just at the sight of me.

"It's not you," Hana stopped beside me. "Oboro's had it rough, and the sight of a Nohrian reminds her of a horrid experience."

I wanted to ask, but held my tongue, respecting that it was a personal issue. I was then approached by the other figure, who put his hand to the back of his head, scratching his hair. He grinned.

"Hey, I gotta say thanks for saving Takumi all those years back. If you didn't, I don't know where I'd be!" He stopped, his face being somewhat more serious. "But don't expect me to be totally buddy to you though. I am Takumi's retainer, and I won't let anything befall him."

"Got it." I nod, looking him in the eyes, "You are?"

"Hinata."

"Leo." I introduce myself, extending my arm out in greeting. He doesn't take my hand, which drops down as my face grows awkward.

"Now, why are you two here? I told you two to stay at Shirasagi, didn't I?" Takumi broke the silence.

"Yukimara sent us to find you. He was growing concerned after all of you left the castle." Oboro quickly responded, "I'm sorry we ignored your orders, but our own concerns with his justified our coming."

"I see. Well, we're headed back to the capital right now to try to help with repairs. I'd just like you two to follow us."

"Yes, milord!"

Once again we set off, and I wondered if there would be more characters we'd meet along the way.

Xander

"It was brought to my attention that you skipped your own training yesterday." Father spoke, as I knelt before him, "Very much unlike yourself, Xander."

"Forgive me father, the news was just somewhat jarring." I respond.

"That is a weakness I do not want to see in you. You are the crown prince of Nohr, you must be strong enough to hold your own when tragedy strikes."

"I see, father, I shall work on that. Though, I obtained some valuable information while I was out."

"That is?"

"Leo has made it across the border and is with the Hoshidans over there."

"I see." Father looked over at Iago, who stood nearby. "Iago?"

"Yes, my king?"

"Is Zola in position yet?"

"I shall see, my king." Iago turned away, opening his tome in hand, and smiled, turning back.

"Yes he is, and he has one of the Hoshidan gnats already in his web."

"Wonderful." He looked back over at me, "Prepare for battle, you are dismissed, Xander."

I turned to walk away, exiting the throne room, as a sensation I had never felt befor filled my heart. Was it?

Was it doubt?

(Hey guys! I'm sorry for not uploading in a while, artist's block sucks, and that's why this chapter is so short, but don't worry, I already have another chapter in the works, so it should only be a few days before that one is up! Again, thank you so much for looking at my story and bearing with me while I gathered my bearings.)