The next few days of travelling proved to be uneventful as the group moved towards the Hoshidan capitol. Though the capitol could have been reached in two days of normal travel from their location, Tatsu's condition worsened the day after the conflict with the Faceless. Ryoma and the other Hoshidans, Hinoka in particular, were naturally worried and considered waiting for Tatsu to recover, but Tatsu was able to convince them that it was merely exhaustion from having to exert himself in battles from the past week. Though they weren't entirely convinced, they agreed to keep moving on the condition that Sakura stay near his side and continuously monitor him.

This proved to be quite an enjoyable experience for Tatsu since he got to know his supposed little sister. Though she wasn't as outgoing as Elise, Tatsu could easily see similarities between the two, one of the biggest being her love for music. While Elise had learned the violin, Sakura had learned an instrument known as a koto, an instrument she said had to be played sitting down. Tatsu was saved from having to explain a piano since there was apparently one in the capitol, a gift from Nohr from Emperor Sumeragi's childhood, though the piano had been left to gather dust in the recent years.

While Sakura and Tatsu spoke of playing together, Kamui enjoyed conversations with Ryoma, mainly about fighting styles. She was able to receive many pointers on her stances and strikes, and even more compliments on her skills as she could hold her own against the two. She also received light training in close quarters fighting from Kaze and Rinkah, perfecting her martial arts skills even more. And as for Felicia, when she wasn't around Tatsu or Kamui she found herself conversing with Ryoma who was interested in the twin's life in Nohr.

As for Hinoka, she spent the time talking with Tatsu whenever she could. Despite the rocky reunion, Hinoka found Tatsu was still as gentle as he had been all those years ago, and he forgave her, even offering his own apology in turn. The two then spoke of what had been happening in Hoshido, something Tatsu was interested in. He said he just wanted to make sure he didn't miss anything important which was true enough, but he just wanted to make sure that he wouldn't have to be careful in answering any of HER questions regarding Nohr. Currently they were discussing his supposed mother and the last of his Hoshidan siblings, Takumi.

"Takumi can be...difficult, but I'm sure the two of you will get along great." Hinoka was saying. "And as for mother, she's going to be so happy to see you again! She's really missed the two of you all these years."

"I-I'm sure..." Tatsu muttered as he sat on his horse.

Hinoka smiled, reveling in what it felt like to talk with Tatsu. The fact that he took everything with a grain of salt was certainly irritating, but just like Kamui had said it only would make sense. That's why she wanted to convince him of the truth as soon as she could, so that they could start acting like proper siblings.

Reaching out from her pegasus, Hinoka stroked the mane of Tatsu's horse. "This is a well behaved horse. Have you given him a name?" She asked.

Tatsu shook his head. "He already had one when I got him. Sagari."

"Sagari huh?" Hinoka giggled as she stroked Sagari.

Sakura stared at Hinoka silently, confused at her older sister's strange behavior. While Hinoka wasn't cold or unsociable, none would deny Hinoka less than girly traits. It was to be expected, Hinoka had poured her all into training to be a Sky Knight, focusing on it with a near single minded obsession. While the training had turned her into a warrior without peer, it left her clueless of how to act when the situation didn't call for the training. Sakura had been to enough gathering of the Hoshidan nobility to know that Hinoka was simply uncomfortable even conversing with others, and she had never heard her sister giggle in such a way.

"W-What about your pegasus?" Tatsu asked.

"Raijin, cause he strikes like lightning." Hinoka said, puffing out her chest in pride.

Tatsu blinked in confusion before he suddenly started coughing. Immediately Sakura was at his side, a flask of water in hand.

"Big brother!?" She asked.

"F*keh*F-ine." Tatsu said, taking the proffered water. "J-Just need water and cough syrup."

Sakura nodded. "I'll also take your temperature, i-if that's okay with you."

Tatsu sighed as he drank from the flask, using his other hand to open his medicinal pouch to pull out some cough syrup. "Do what you need to."

Hinoka watched as Sakura put a hand to Tatsu's forehead, normal shyness forgotten as she engaged in her medical duties. While Hinoka was thankful for Sakura's healing talents, she was again puzzled by the strange feeling of discomfort that seemed to settle whenever she saw Sakura get close. The same feeling would also come into her chest whenever she saw the Nohrian maid Felicia get close to Tatsu. But why would-

"Is everything okay?" Ryoma's voice said, interrupting Hinoka's thoughts.

"J-Just a little cough." Tatsu said.

Ryoma looked at Sakura. 'Sakura?" He asked.

Sakura nodded, smiling. "His fever is the same as it was this morning. Nothing more than a coughing fit."

Ryoma closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. "Good to hear. Still, if we need to stop so you can rest just say the word Tatsu."

Tatsu sighed. "I'm fine Ryoma."

Hinoka heard a giggle, and it was only than she noticed that Kamui had appeared at the side of Tatsu's horse. "Same words, different people huh little brother?"

Tatsu scoffed. "It's almost like we never left."

"Like you never left?" Ryoma asked.

Tatsu and Kamui's eyes widened in alarm. "I-It's nothing!" Kamui quickly said.

Hinoka pursed her lips, but before she could say anything Ryoma spoke. "You speak of Nohr." He stated.

Tatsu and Kamui's faces were all the answer they needed. But why weren't they saying anything?

Ryoma sighed. "We will not press the issue, but I do hope the day will come when you trust us to speak of your time in Nohr."

Tatsu and Kamui looked at each other before looking down. "S-Sorry." Tatsu said.

Ryoma took a deep breath. "There is nothing to apologize for." He said before falling back to Felicia.

The rest of their march passed by in silence, only Tatsu's coughs and sneezes making noise. Hinoka's thoughts however kept her busy enough as she replayed the conversation over and over. It was obvious Tatsu and Kamui were trying to keep the people they knew in Nohr a secret, though it's not like it was hard to guess who. The way they referred to King Garon as Father told of how they were raised they were his children, so most likely the Nohrian Royal children were their "siblings".

That thought itself angered her, that there were others who could try and lay claim to that title. Sibling. That title implied a life spent with each other, growing together and making memories with each other. Those experiences, those memories, those belonged to Hinoka and her siblings. Hinoka wasn't foolish enough to hold any anger towards any of the Nohrian Royals. They didn't have any control over what happened to Tatsu and Kamui, anymore than Hinoka did when they were taken. The blame belonged solely to King Garon.

But that didn't change the fact that what was rightfully hers was taken away, and if Hinoka had to be honest with herself she knew she was a very selfish person, hating it when things that belonged to her were taken away. It was that hatred that put her on the path to becoming a sky knight, the fire she used to forge herself into who she was. And while she wished it had happened some other way, she could at least take solace in that unlike all those years ago, she now had the power to protect what was hers.

She couldn't regain the lost years, but she swore to herself anew that no matter what. Whether it be King Garon, those Nohr Royals, or even the Dawn Dragon herself. She would get Tatsu and Kamui to see her as their older sister, and she would never let anyone take them away again.

...

"Lord Ryoma, the way is clear. Queen Mikoto and her retainers are expecting you." Saizo said.

Ryoma nodded. "Thank you Saizo."

Saizo nodded. "My Lord." He said, before disappearing.

"So tell me why we had to wait until nightfall to enter." Kamui said with her cloak's hood up.

"News of your return will cause quite a stir amongst the people." Ryoma said, turning to regard Kamui. "Considering the circumstances however, I feel it's best if we do this in a more subdued manner." Ryoma said, looking Tatsu who was dozing on his horse. Felicia stood nearby, keeping a careful watch to insure Tatsu didn't fall.

Kamui turned and regarded her brother. "So this is for his benefit?"

Ryoma nodded. "You find that hard to believe?"

Kamui smiled. "No. You've been very accommodating for Tatsu so far. Either you're very skilled at deception, or there is truth in what you say."

Ryoma crossed his arms. "Whether or not you believe me, it doesn't change the fact that you and Tatsu are my precious siblings. What I do for Tatsu I would also do for you."

Kamui nodded. "And I must again thank you for that."

Ryoma nodded before looking at Tatsu again. "We should probably wake him up so we can get moving."

"I'll handle that." Kamui said, already moving towards Tatsu. When she reached him, she lightly shook him, waking him.

"H-Whuh w-h..." he muttered drowsily.

"You fell asleep during the march." Kamui said.

"I-I only closed my eyes..." He muttered with a yawn. "O-Only for a moment..."

"I guess Lillith let you dream naturally." She whispered, making sure to keep her voice low. "Come on, keep your eyes open. We're going to begin moving towards the Capitol."

"O-Only r-resting my eyes..." Tatsu muttered.

Kamui shook her head in amusement before looking at Felicia. "Keep your eyes and ears open, just in case."

Felicia nodded. "Of course my Lady."

"Is Tatsu doing okay?" A voice asked.

Turning around, Kamui found Hinoka standing nearby. "He's doing just fine. Just ran out of energy is all."

Hinoka nodded. "Well if that's all, a night's rest will do him good."

Hearing someone walk up, Kamui turned to see Ryoma walk up, the Hoshidan Prince eyeing Tatsu who somewhat resumed his snoozing. "Is Tatsu good to move?"

"J-Just...resting m-my...my eyes..." Tatsu muttered, breathing deeply.

Everyone stared at Tatsu before laughing quietly, the dozing prince unaware as his eyes fluttered under his dark blue hair.

"We'll try and keep things calm." Ryoma said before he began leading Sagari, Tatsu peacefully resuming his rest.

...

The path they took led them through a forested area near a small lake, the water glistening under the stars. As they continued moving, Kamui could see the silhouette of a large castle in the distance, orange light gleaming through windows. If they were in Nohr, Kamui would have only been able to see the light of the windows, but underneath Hoshido's night sky she could actually see the palace.

Such a strange difference.

It was because she was looking at the palace she noticed one of the lights darken, only to flare up again in a strange pattern. Furrowing her brows, she won-

"They are signalling us, making sure we are not impostors." Kaze suddenly said, nearly causing Kamui to shriek in shock. She would have to, if the ninja hadn't put a hand over her mouth. "I apologize if I scared you."

Breathing to calm herself, Kamui moved her head back to free herself from Kaze's hand. "You need to stop doing that." She said.

Kaze smiled. "I will endeavor to make my presence more known Lady Kamui."

"And what do you mean, make sure we're not impostors?" Kamui asked.

"A simple security precaution made to insure all is well." Kaze explained. "Before each mission, we are given and memorize a unique coded signal we are to give when we return. If we give it, it tells the palace that all is well."

Kamui nodded in understanding. "And if you don't, it conveys danger."

"And the palace prepares accordingly." Kaze said.

"So what's our signal?" Kamui asked.

Kaze smiled as he pulled out a small lantern and cloth. He extended the lantern to her. "Will you hold it please? High up."

Raising an eyebrow, Kamui took the lantern and held it high. Kaze then held out the cloth into a square before standing in front of her, looking forward at the palace. In quick succesion, he lifted the cloth to cover the lantern three times, waited two seconds, thand did it twice more. After three seconds, he did it four times before turning back to Kamui with his smile.

"And there it is." He said.

"And it's different each time you said?" Kamui said.

Kaze nodded. "To lessen the chances of infiltration."

"Pretty efficient security it sounds like." Kamui said.

Kaze nodded before looking to Tatsu. "Queen Mikoto will be happy to see the both of you. I am sure she is even now rushing to the gates to greet you two."

Kamui looked towards the palace. "Queen Mikoto...our mother huh?"

Kaze looked towards Kamui. "Lady Kamui?"

"Queen Mikoto...w-what's she like?" Kamui asked.

Kaze blinked before smiling. "She is a wonderful woman. When she first appeared, the circumstances behind her arrival brought a lot of suspicion upon her. King Sumeragi's assassination did nothing to help her situation, and she found much opposition from the dynasts at the start of her reign."

"Did they think she had a hand in it?" Kamui asked.

"Perhaps, but it doesn't matter." Kaze said. "It took her many years, but due to her gentle compassion she has won the support of dynast and people alike. Even now that Prince Ryoma has come of age, none object to his desire to allow her to keep the throne. Well, except for Lady Mikoto."

"She doesn't wish to be queen?" Kamui asked.

Kaze nodded. "From the outset she has always declared she would hand the throne to Ryoma when he came of age. Prince Ryoma however does not yet feel ready for the throne and has been able to convince Queen Mikoto thus far to hold onto the throne."

Kamui looked to Ryoma in surprise. "Really? He seems quite capable to me."

"I think he wanted to put it off til they rescued you and Lord Tatsu." Kaze said.

"W-What!?" Kamui exclaimed.

Kaze nodded. "Believe me when I say this Lady Kamui, the Royal Family here in Hoshido has been awaiting your return for a long time. I think Lord Ryoma wanted to spend as much time as he could possible devoting himself to finding the two of you. Now that you have been reclaimed, I expect he will take the crown very soon."

Kamui blinked, looking forward to where Ryoma was talking happily to Felicia. For some reason the two seemed to really be hitting it off, not like it was a bad thing. Studying the Hoshidan Prince, Kamui saw a visage of Xander standing next to him. This hadn't been the first time she drew comparison's between the two, and the more she got to know him the more she believed if Xander and Ryoma were to meet they'd be the best of friends.

Or would try to kill each other more likely.

Meanwhile, Hinoka had decided to try and wake Tatsu up.

"Tatsu? Tatsu?" Hinoka whispered, gently shaking Tatsu awake.

"H-Mwh-wha..." He muttered drowsily.

"Hey, we're here. You need to actually wake up this time." Hinoka said.

Tatsu continued to mutter deliriously, causing Hinoka to sigh. She didn't want to force him to wake up, but their mother had been waiting for this moment every day for fourteen years. Hinoka, Ryoma, Sakura, Takumi, they were Mikoto's kids, but Tatsu and Kamui were her children. And though they didn't fully believe it yet, Mikoto was their mother. This reunion was going to be something remembered for years to come, possibly their whole lives. Hinoka didn't want Tatsu sleeping through it.

Sighing, Hinoka looked around. Kamui was talking with Kaze and the two seemed pretty engrossed in their conversation. Not wanting to interrupt them, and keeping in mind that Kamui's previous attempt to wake Tatsu up proved less than successful, Kamui instead looked towards his maid Felicia who was deep in conversation with Ryoma. From what she heard, the maid was from the Ice Tribe and could use Ice magic, though she'd prefer to involve the Nohrian girl as little as possible. Purely from a protective, older sister instinct. And Sakura was far to timid while Rinkah wasn't even close to gentle enough.

Gulping, Hinoka looked around to make sure no one saw what was sure to be an embarrassing thing. Feeling the coast to be clear, Hinoka leaned in close enough to Tatsu where she could pick up a faint scent from him. Breathing in deeply, she gently blew into his ear, causing her frail little brother to recoil in surprise as he woke up from the strange sensation.

"Hu-Wha-What!?" He looked around, eyes blood red from what she hoped was just exhaustion.

Feeling her face flush, Hinoka coughed away some embarrassment. "We'll be home in a minute Tatsu, so it's time to wake up."

Rubbing his ear, Hinoka noticed his cheeks slightly darken even in the darkness. "D-Did you just b-blow...in my ear?"

Hinoka nodded. "Y-Yeah. So?"

Tatsu coughed. "N-Normally they just use ice magic to wake me up."

"I figured a more gentle way could be done." Hinoka defended. "What, is there a problem with my way?"

Tatsu shook his head. "N-No! Of course not!" I just wish it didn't feel so embarrassing, he thought. Why did it feel so embarrassing though? Camilla did far worse things, though that didn't feel as weird as what Hinoka did.

"Hmph, well good." Hinoka said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Before Tatsu could respond, Sagari got spooked when Saizo suddenly appeared in front of them. Hinoka was quick though to calm the horse down, soothing him before he freaked out.

"Dammit Saizo!" She said. "Don't do that!"

"I apologize Lady Hinoka." He said, pulling out a strange looking blade.

Tatsu's eyes immediately widened in alarm, and his hand went towards Carnwennan. The quick action set off Saizo's instincts, and he quickly moved towards Tatsu when he saw the frail prince going for his weapon. Both were stopped though when Kaze suddenly appeared, grasping tatsu's arm gently while staring down the other ninja.

"Saizo, please do not just pull a kunai out without explaining what you are doing." Kaze said.

Saizo scoffed as he stepped back. "Perhaps you should fully explain security measures to your ward."

Hinoka glared at Saizo. "Hey, there's no need-"

"It is fine Lady Hinoka." Kaze said before turning to Tatsu and releasing his arm. "Saizo here just came to make sure all was well before allowing us to the palace. Pulling out his kunai was just a way he could protect himself in case he was attacked."

"Is everything all right?" Ryoma suddenly asked as he moved forward, Kamui and the others behind him.

"We are just fine Lord Ryoma." Kaze said, bowing his head slightly.

Saizo turned and regarded Ryoma. "My Prince, does a bird sing because it has an answer?"

"A bird sings because it has a song." Ryoma answered.

Saizo nodded, putting his kunai away. "It is good to see everyone is well my prince."

"And it is good to see you as well." Ryoma said before looking towards the palace, a small group visible at an entrance. "I assume Mother is waiting for us?"

"It has been all we could do to stop her from jumping on a horse and trying to meet you." Saizo said.

Ryoma chuckled, picking up on the irritation few would hear in his retainer's voice. "Well, thank you for keeping her safe."

"It is my honor and duty." Saizo said.

Ryoma nodded before turning towards Tatsu and Kamui. "Are you two ready?"

Tatsu and Kamui looked at each other before nodding. Kamui than helped Tatsu down, putting his left arm over her shoulder, carrying him.

"Let's go." Kamui said.

Ryoma smiled before stepping aside, motioning for them to take the lead. Felicia quickly moved forward to cover their backs, and she saw as Tatsu kept his hand near Carnwennan's handle. The trio moved forward slowly, in part because of Tatsu's condition but also so they could see any potential attacks coming. If they had to go down, they'd go down fighting.

Keeping her eye on the group in front of the castle, Kamui watched as they suddenly broke into commotion.

"S-STOP!"

"LADY MIKOTO!"

She than saw as someone broke from the group and was running towards them at a dead sprint. As the figure got closer, Kamui could see that it was a woman wearing very long robes. As she got closer, Kamui could see long, dark hair and shiny jewelry gleaming under the moonlight. But what made Kamui stop was when the woman got close enough and Kamui could see her features, the birthmark right under the lips. Feeling Tatsu stiffen, she could feel his eyes look from Kamui to the woman. Not that she could blame him.

The woman standing in front of them looked like an older Kamui.

"I-It's really...i-it's really you..." The woman muttered, voice chocking with emotion.

Than, before either Tatsu or Kamui could say anything, the woman jolted forward and held the two in a hug as she cried.

"T-Tatsu...K-Kamui...after all these years..." The woman whispered softly, holding them in a tight embrace.

Kamui could only blink in shock. This woman...Queen Mikoto. Could what Ryoma and the others have said really be true?

Could she be their mother?

...

Man, I feel good having written this chapter. These past few were difficult to write, but this one just feels...right. Like i said at my author's end note for Retained Memories, I needed some time to sit back and think a few things out, and I've gotten most of them figured out. I just hope I can keep this motivation rolling. It'll be hard since I (finally) got hired somewhere (no longer a dredge on society, yay!), but I'll work when I can on this. And Saga of Arcta, but that's another matter.

Now, a lot of people have been asking the route I plan on taking. You all know the ones. Conquest, Birthright, or Revelation. Well, I'm going to do a route of my own. What do I mean by that? I'll explain in detail in the next few chapters. Basically I'm cherry picking from all the routes and making it my own. A, divergence if you will. (I knew I had a reason for naming this thing this way. I mean, Divergent Fangs? What kind of stupid name is that? Hahaha, if you can't laugh at yourself, than what do you have?)

Anywho, I do want to apologize for missing, what I feel, are just some basic things. Things like Tatsu's eye scar and whatnot, it's just easy for me to forget. I'll try and do better, if I write it I should use it. But hey, we all make mistakes so I'm not sweating it. I'm to happy to have reached this point in the story, this is one of those pivotal moments, kind of like when Sekai and Validar first met. I write my stories around events, and we're getting to the chapter 5 of this story.

I can't wait.

Welp, that's it for me. See you all next time. fave, follow, review, and have a good night.