Next morning
"YASU I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT!"
"Madoka please try to keep your voice down its awfully early in the morning. I don't want you waking up anyone."
"But Yasu you got the poor girl drunk off of the strongest wine in the kingdom. I'm sure she won't be feeling very well once she wakes up. Poor thing only recovered a short time ago."
"Yeah I know, to be honest I hadn't thought about her illness before putting my plan in motion. I'll find a way to make it up to her." I said feeling remorseful.
"See that you do. But honestly Noll broke a glass and yelled at you?" Madoka asked with a smile.
"Yes it was very amusing how upset he had gotten. Oh but wait I haven't even told you the best part. Apparently Mai has given Noll a pet name."
"What? Do tell what the name is?"
"Naru."
"Naru?"
"Yes she said its short for narcissist."
Madoka's cheeks grow in size as a broad smile swept across her face. She started laughing as tears welled up in her eyes.
"I told you it was good."
"Well it does suit Noll. It's not his fault that his so strikingly handsome but the things he says sometimes. Oh that girl is defiantly going to make many friends here…. Ah well I should be off to wake her. Maybe I shall bring her some tea."
"Yes that might make her feel better after drinking that wine yesterday."
Mai's dream
My chest was ponding and there was a sharp pain in my side. It was night and very hard to make out the spaces between the trees. I kept a quick pace even though doing so made me want to throw up. The ground was muddy. I entered a hiding spot and rested against the cave walls. There were sound of horses approaching and glimmers of light from torches. Why was I afraid? I lifted my hand, alongside the mud was blood. My vison blurred and I felt myself fall.
It was seven in the morning when Madoka walked up to Mai's room after making her a cup of tea. When she knocked there was no answer so she tried the doorknob but it was locked. She had not remembered Yasu disclosing that he had locked her door but she waited knocking patently.
"DAMN IT YASU YOU BETTER NOT BE TRYING ANYTHING AGAIN!" Naru yelled as he turned the corner.
The glare he had on his face disappeared once he saw that it was Madoka and not Yasu at Mai's door. There was a click of the lock and the door opened.
"Thank you sire. May I ask if it was you that locked the door?"
Naru didn't answer but headed towards the stairs. Madoka entered the room and set the tea cup on the night table. She then drew the curtains back allowing the early morning sun to enter the room. Mai began to stir as the light had hit her eyes.
"Good morning my lady." Madoka said as she walked over to the bed.
"Oh good morning." Mai said as she sat up giving a smile to the lady before her.
"I'm Madoka Mori and I'll be attending to you. Is there anything you require?"
"No I've quite alright thank you."
"Very well my lady, I have brought you some tea but breakfast will be ready for you down stairs."
"Thank you very much Madoka but please call me Mai."
"As you wish Mai. It's very nice to meet you." Madoka said as she left the room.
Mai sat in the empty room noticing that she was still dressed in the same clothes that she wore to dinner and that she still had on her boots. She knew she hadn't drank that much wine, she never drank more than a full glass before. She wonderd if it was the wine that had given her such a strange dream. The cave see saw look of the very one Naru and her had left just before their run in with Kaname. She drank the warm tea that sat on the bedside table and then went about getting ready for breakfast.
The morning had gone as usual, now Mai was in Naru's study for her first day of work. He had quickly shown her the setup of the study and instructed her to put away some books that lay on the table. She did as she was told and sortedw the books away.
"Mai tea." He called from his seat at his desk.
She made her way down stairs to the dining hall and went through the doors she assumed was the kitchen.
"My lady, good day to you. Is there something that you require?"
"Yes I was sent to get Kazuya some tea."
"Ah yes I'll prepare it right away." The young women said as she began to boil the water and added the tea leaves.
Mai watched as she poured the hot liquid in to a tea pot and placed it on a silver tray. She then set two cups on the tray and asked if Mai would care for some cake they had just made. Mai accepted happily, but when the servant tried to carry the tray for her she insisted that she could do it herself much to the servants surprise. Mai left and made her way back up the stairs holding the tray then entered the study to find Naru still at his desk writing. There was a moment of surprise when she set the tray down on the table and saw a small boy no older than seven sitting on the floor by one of the bookshelves.
"Oh hello here and who might you be?" She asked giving the boy a sweet smile.
The boy stood up slowly and look at Mai shyly. Naru looked up from his spot, quill still in hand. How many times would he have to tell this child that his study was not a playroom and the he had no business being there?
"My name is Mai, what's yours?"
When the boy didn't answer she offered him her piece of cake. He looked hesitant to accept so Mai lean forward put her hand by her mouth as if telling a secret. She whispered to the boy that she wouldn't tell anyone and gave him a wink. The boy smiled back and followed Mai to the sofas where he sat and was given the cake.
"I've told you before you can't play in here. It's not a playroom and I have no children's books for you nor do I intend on amusing you." Naru said bluntly.
The boy stopped eating and slumped his shoulders at Naru's words. Mai seeing his reaction turned to face Naru.
"You don't have to be so mean Naru. It's not as if he had been making any noise."
"Mai this isn't the first time this has happened and he needs to learn that he can't just go wherever he pleases."
"Naru at least allow him to finish his cake before you make him leave. It's about time for a break anyway." She said as she brought Naru his cup of tea and cake, placing it before him.
"Very well." He said as he picked up the cup and saucer.
The young boy finished his cake and Mai took the plate from him and set it down on the table. He turned to Naru and bowed then look at Mai and gave her a smile before he left the study shutting the door.
"He's a very shy boy isn't he?" Mai asked.
"It's not that he's shy. He couldn't answer you if he wanted to."
"Why is that Naru?"
Naru who had risen from his chair and took the cake from off his desk brought it over to Mai. Setting it down on the table with a clank. Naru exhaled hating to have to explain unimportant information.
"His name is Kenji and he hasn't spoken in five years. We believe it is due to the loss of his mother."
Mai didn't ask anything further but instead looked at the doors that the boy had left through. The day went on without any more interruptions to the pleasure of Naru. However Mai didn't find any enjoyment from it at all. She had done what she was told, filed away everything and was stuck sitting on the sofa with nothing to do. Occasionally Naru would announce that he wanted tea and Mai would make her way down stairs to get it and bring it to him. She was amazed at how much tea one man could drink. Her gaze had lingered on him too long which caught Naru's attention. He looked up from his notebook and asked Mai what it was she found so fascinating, to which her cheeks flushed and she shook her head signifying nothing was of interest.
"Mai tea."
"Ugh….. Well I guess it's better than fighting off drunkards." She said to no one in particular.
Naru stopped what he was doing and stared at the young women who was stacking the cups on the silver tray. He wondered what she meant by her off handed remark. The thought of how he found her in the woods came to mind. Could those men be the drunkards she referred to, or were there others?
By midday Yasu thought it time to drop by and visit Naru's study. He knocked on the door and waited for Naru's permission to enter. However Naru never answered though he could clearly hear Mai ask if she should get the door. The door opened and there stood Mai to greet him.
"Who is it?" Naru asked.
"It's Yasu." She replied.
"Mai shut the door." Naru said from his desk.
"Now Naru that isn't nice, how can you treat an old friend in such a manner and in front of Mai no less?" Yasu protested as he stepped into the room.
"Yasu you're not a friend but a business associate." Naru corrected.
"Your words hurt me Naru." Yasu said dramatically as Naru rolled his eyes.
"So what is your purpose for being here Yasu? Have you found out the information I need?"
"Not yet but I feel I am on the path to finding it. But I've actually come to take Mai from you, if you'd allow me to show her around the castle."
"No she has work to do."
Mai stood watching the exchange but said nothing. The thought of seeing more of the castle sounded exciting. There hadn't been anything for her to do for the past few hours and she didn't want to say that she'd like to leave since she had agreed to work for Naru.
"Oh no need to worry about work Naru you won't be working anymore today." Yasu said with a smug smile.
"And why is that?" Naru asked annoyed.
"The king has requested an audience with you in the war room."
Reluctantly Naru dismissed Mai for the day and walked with them down to the ballroom stopping at the top of the step. Yasu linked his arm with Mai's and off they were to the garden. Naru left the ballroom and walked up the corridor to the war room. Upon entry the king looked up from the table as his son walked in.
"You wished to see me?"
"Yes, I have heard news from lord Hara. He and his daughter will be returning in the next few days."
"I see."
The king could see the displeasure of his son. Lord Hara was a man who believed in arranged marriages and had pushed the idea of his daughter Masako marring one of the princes. Naru had made it clear he would not be forced to do anything he didn't want to do and the king could not argue with his logic. He too found the matter problematic and was not one to arrange a marriage for his sons. He had found his wife himself and has always wanted his children to choose who the wished to love.
"How is Mai?"
"She is well though I don't think she should spend much time alone with Yasu."
"You and Yasu aren't getting along again I see. You know he only does things to get a rise out of you."
"He seems to believe we are friends."
"Noll do your best to be kind to him. He is Gene's best friend and weather you like it or not you two did grow up together. Don't misunderstand he can be quiet mischievous but he had always been there to help when you've needed him."
"Mischievous wouldn't be the word I'd use." Naru retorted.
"Haha, how true, but that is a discussion for later. Now tell me have you seen Gene on your travels?"
"No, He left during the night when we were at shadows point. Lin and I had been traveling to East elm to look for him when we ran into Kaname."
"So the rumors were true after all. I had hoped to stage and attack and regain power over east elm."
"Right now, it would be pointless, Kaname didn't come by himself. The village is over run with crimson blades. For right now the people are fine as long as they go along with what their told."
Outside the castle
Yasu walked Mai around the grounds of the castle. He showed her the stables where she feed Leviathan an apple, he seemed to be happy to see her. From there he took her around the garden which was in full bloom. They sat by the fountain for a while enjoying the cool midday breeze.
"How do you like the garden Mai?" Yasu asked.
"It's very lovely. Thank you for bringing me."
"No trouble at all. I was worried you'd be locked away from me in Naru study so I came up with an escape plan."
"Hehe oh Yasu it wasn't at all that bad that I'd need to be saved." She said as she gave Yasu a pat on the arm.
In the woods two days later
The group had already been traveling for the past six days now and where nearing to the mountains that surrounded shadows cross. One more day of travel and they'd be out of the woods. Lin had grown accustom to the group that had joined him, though he did find it annoying when the two oldest would bicker over the littlest of thing. On those occasions Father Brown would speed up his pace and would ride up front with Lin to avoid getting dragged into the conflict.
"Hey Lin, how much farther is it?" Takigawa asked.
"One more day."
"WHAT?! YOU MEAN I HAVE TO BE ON THE BACK OF THIS HORSE FOR A WHOLE NOTHER DAY!?" Ayako yelled in frustration.
"Will you stop complaining already, it's not like I enjoy having you breathing down my neck with your constant whining." Takigawa said rolling his eyes.
John frowned once he saw the two bickering again and turned his attention to the rout ahead. Twenty minutes later the arguing had not stopped until Lin raised his voice telling everyone to be quiet. He heard rustling in the woods around them. When they came to a full stop the forest became deadly silent. Lin could tell that they were surrounded, sending out his sheki wouldn't help this time. An order was screamed out to attack.
"MOVE!" Lin yelled kicking his horse and taking off.
The others followed closely behind him. The heavy sound of hooves could be heard from every side of them as they tried to escape. Soon Arrows where flying through the air forcing the group to move further apart from each other. Takigawa road up fast trying to catch up with Lin.
"LIN!" he called as he neared the other man's horse.
Lin glanced to his side, he saw the expression on his face that was different from his usual laid back personality.
"Lin take Ayako."
"What?" Ayako couldn't understand what her friend was trying to do.
"We'll divert their attention." He told Lin.
John who wasn't far behind then had heard what was said. He knew that no matter how much they would fight with each other that Takigawa would never allow Ayako to be harmed, he had always been very protective of the girls so giving Ayako to Lin was no surprise. Lin held out his hand to Ayako but she wouldn't take it. There was no time for her stubbornness so Lin leaned over and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her off the horse on to his. Ayako looked over his shoulder and saw John and Monk ride off in two different directions and letting there supply horse run free , she saw the swarm of crimson blades follow after them. The plan had worked yet not completely, four men on horseback were following after them.
Back at the castle
Naru had gone to the library and was standing on the balcony reading when he spotted Yasu and Mai down below walking around the garden. It had become a daily occurrence for the past few days. Yasu had been telling Mai about the different parts of town and other places he thought she'd enjoy seeing. Midway through the conversation Mai began to feel uneasy. She felt as if she were being chased and the anxiety was building. Yasu saw the change in his companion body language and asked what the matter was. He thought maybe she was still unwell. Mai stumbled forwards holding her head with one hand. Yasu quickly steadied her. Naru who had been watching shut his book and rushed to the garden to find out what was happening.
Naru's pov
I had just reached Yasu when I saw that Mai was in destress. She was sitting hunched over on the rim of the fountain breathing oddly as Yasu was standing beside her. Her hand was wrapped around her silver locket. I walked up to them then pulled Mai by the arm leading her to the entrance of the castle. Yasu called out but I paid him no mind.
We walked back to the main doors of the castle. As we entered my father was on his way out. Once he saw me with Mai he spoke to his advisor and instructed him to send word that he could not meet with the leaders of the surrounding towns. He then went to the girl and all three of us walked back to the east wing to Mai's room.
"Kazuya what has happened? Has she fallen ill again?" the king asked concerned.
"I don't believe its illness that affects her. Mai has shown signs of having foresight." He said helping Mai to the bed as the king shut the door.
"Ah I see. You haven't tested her yet have you?"
"No, I had more important things that required my attention."
"I'll stay with her, go and fetch the healer."
"No please don't go to all that trouble, I'm alright. Really."
I watched Mai as she spoke. Her breathing was normal once more and the color had returned to her face. Yet I could still sense a lingering uneasiness. Father held her hand as he asked if she were sure. When she persisted that she was ok the king wished her well and told Naru to watch over her just in case. Naru understood and took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"What did you see?"
"I didn't see anything. It was just a feeling that I had that scared me, it was like that feeling in the meadow."
"And what feeling was that?" Naru asked somewhat annoyed that she hadn't mentioned it before.
"Well at the meadow I felt I was being watched and something was going to happen. This time I feel like I need to run and get far away."
"You don't like it here?" Naru said turning his head to look at her.
"No it's not that. It's not my feeling. I know it doesn't make any sense but I feel like somethings wrong and that someone is trying to get away from something."
"There someone else's feelings you mean."
"Yes… That's how it feel at least."
Naru stood up and left the room not stopping when Mai inquired where he was going. He rushed down the steps and meet Yasu in the courtyard. He instructed Yasu to have a group of guards to search for Lin. Yasu did as told and within the hour a group was formed and on their way out of the city gates.
That night
Mai hadn't left her room after Naru left her. She lay there in bed for a while trying to explain the feeling she had to herself. She had eventually fallen asleep. There was a noise and she had woken up. It was night and the curtain in her room had been left open. She stood up from bed and left the room walking down the hall and to the stairs.
"Help me." A voice said in a whisper.
Mai kept walking, before she knew it she was in the garden by the fountain. There were no guards around.
"Please…Help me."
Mai looked around and saw no one. She walked to the castle entrance and the road that lead to town. There she saw a dark figure off in the distance.
Knock
Mai's eyes opened, she sat there a moment realizing it had only been a dream. There was another knock on the door and then it pushed open.
"Naru?!"
"Why didn't you answer me when I knocked?"
"I'm sorry I just woke up."
"You've been asleep this whole time? Are you sure you're alright?"
"Yes."
"I've come to tell you I've sent a search party out. If Lin and your friends are nearby they'll find them."
The next morning
It was midday and Mai had been in Naru s study most of the day. She found herself standing by the window and staring out into the distance. The feeling had come back once again, yet this time it was more expecting someone to arrive. Naru had taken note of this and would send her out of the room for tea when she seemed to become unaware of where she was.
"Mai tea."
"…."
"Mai! Tea."
"Oh sorry Naru did you say something?"
"Stop spacing out and get me some tea, I've already said it twice."
"Sorry I'll be right back." She said as she quickly left the room jogging down the hall and hopped a few steps at a time to the kitchen.
Naru stood from his desk and walked over to some wooden boxes that lied stacked in the corner. He lifted the lid of each one before coming across what he had been searching for. He carried the box to the table by the wall and began to set up an old chemist set. By the time Mai had returned with the tea the set was already in place and the glass bottles had been left in the box. Mai entered the room and saw Naru standing by the box.
"What's that Naru?"
"Walking up and down the stairs seem to be troublesome so you can use this to prepare my tea."
"Oh gee thanks."
Naru walked over to her taking the cup from off the tray and taking a sip of tea. He then showed her how the machine worked. He explained that a candle must be and placed under the larger glass bottles. Then he explained the use of a flammable gas that could be used to heat the water faster. A few hours had passed and Mai had been sitting in the study and hadn't had much to do. She had dozed off at one point and woken up by Naru who lectured her about not sleeping on the job.
"Mai tea."
She got to her feet and walked over to this contraption Naru had made. She lit the candle and turned on the gas and filled the glass bottle putting into place. Within a minute of putting it in place the water was at a full boil and she had been too busy getting the cheese cloth with tea leaves in it to sit on top of the cup to notice what was happening. As she turned to fetch the water the glass had shattered sending scalding hot water everywhere.
"AHHHH!"
"MAI!"
Naru rushed over to her side. She was holding her ankle. He shut off the gas and he took hold of her arm and led her to the couch. He then left her and disappeared behind a book shelf. He returned with a small box. He pulled a small bottle that contained a white paste out and pored some on his hand applying it to Mai's ankle.
"What's that? It hurts."
"Let me apply it, it'll stop any forming of a blister."
He bandaged her ankle and sent her to her room where she tried her hardest not to touch the wound. It still burned and all she wanted to do was submerge it in ice cold water but Naru had warned her not to. The paste would take time to work and after having fallen asleep she had woken to the sound of shouting outside.
She ran from her room down the stairs and to the courtyard where she found Naru and Yasu speaking to some guards.
"What's going on Naru?"
"Lady Mai there seems to be a disturbance in the grasslands. We were just told an army of crimson blades have just crossed in to shadow cross territory." Yasu explained.
"MAI!"
"Ayako!?"
A guard on horseback approached with Ayako. She dismounted and ran to Mai hugging her. Hastily she told the younger girl what had happened and that Monk and John had tried to lead the group of blades away but some had still followed Lin and her. At the mention of Lin's name Naru approached wanting more information.
"Had you found anyone else along the way?"
"Like who?" Ayako asked not knowing to what he was asking.
Mai took no time to think but ran away from the three and to the stables. Naru took off after her as Yasu and Ayako shouted after them. Mai unlatched Leviathan and had pulled herself up. Once out they were outside and racing through the town streets. Naru had only missed her by thirty second. He went to another one of the horses and followed after her.
Grasslands
Lin along with the few guards that had remained of the search party fought to keep the crimson blades back. He's sheki were able to keep them from entering the city but the guards were having a hard time fighting the blades back.
Kaname saw he's chance and removed the armor off of a dead guard. He limped his way towards Lin who was instructing any injured guards to return to the castle. He followed the group and in to the city he went. Passed the guards sent to replace the injured. Once inside he discarded the armor and stole clothes from a nearby home. He walked further into the kingdom coming to a secluded house. He snuck inside.
The battle and the grasslands had started to die down and the blades began to retreat. Most of their men had be stricken down and more role guards had arrived. Lin was giving out orders when a black horse rushed by and headed to the main road leaving the kingdom. Seconds letter another horse stormed by with Naru as his rider.
"NARU WHERE ARE YOU GOING!"
Outskirts of Shadows Cross
Mai stormed down the dirt path. Eyes glued forward, hands wrapped tightly around the reins. She had passed by guards that taken positions along the road. It was clear she was focusing of one thing seeing as how the further she got away from the castles protective mountainous walls guards would yell to her to stop and return to safety. It was some time before Mai finally took notice to the men on horseback . First having seen glimmers of silver armor and then slowly red ragged dress that was no longer unison.
Naru's pov
Just what did she thing she was doing? He thought as he chased after Mai. It had only taken ten minutes to reach the outer walls of shadow cross. Only a few guards were this far out and those who were there were engaged in combat. I avoided all of it as followed the girl. It was only when I spotted larger groups of crimson blades ahead that I realized just how far we had gotten. Watching Mai speed passed them and then being pursued. There was a sound of beating hoofs coming up beside me when I glanced to my left and saw a crimson blade with his sword raised to the sky. I pulled on the reins and stirred out of its way just in time before he could lop off my head. I pulled my sword from my side and fighting him off. I saw an opening and rammed my shoulder into the rider knocking him off his horse.
"THERE SHE IS HURRY AFTER HER!"
A group of six blades rushed after her. They spread out so that ambushing her would be easy. The blade furthers away drew a arrow from his back. Took aim with his bow as if he were about to strike down a deer. I pushed my horse forward and swung my sword cutting his bow in half. I used the hilt of my sword to strike him as he looked upon me in surprise. He fell from his horse and was partially trampled by his horse.
"Mai!"
"Naru?!"
My eyes narrowed, had she just woken up? Or was she trying to purposely get on my nerves?
This woman will be the death of me.