Chapter 12


"Yoh, I want you to know something about me."

His heart was beating loudly, so loud that he can almost hears it. The sound of his heart was making him uncomfortable. It was a sound which giving him warn.

"Lee, my fiancé and Prince AshLee Kazan is one person. I'm Kyoyama Anna, Lady of Aomori."

He gulped. Such information is important. Yes, he already knew about this and hearing it from her cleared any doubts from his heart… or was it denial? Why? Why was he so afraid to hear those words from her?

"Why… are you telling this to me?"

He found his self questioning her. No, he wasn't asking it because it was unusual thing for nobles to suddenly blurt their real identities. It was like a question why she needed to say this. Why should he know this? Can't she be Anna as he knew? A simple Anna who is the tenant in inn?

He saw her thinking deeply for the answer. Was he ready for it?

"Because I trust you Yoh…"

The smile on her face only added something heavy on his heart. Anna trust him, wonderful news to hear yet gives problem to his mind.

"You are the one who teach me to trust again… and…"

Yes, he wanted to be close to her. And this trust was a great connection between them. But what if she learns the truth that he is an Asakura, a member of the family she hated most? Will it change everything?

"… You are a special friend to me."

Can she still treat him as a friend?

"A-Anna…" the only word he said as she looked at him, the smile still on her lips, smile that unusual to see on her lovely face. She told him her real identity, and as a friend he must tell his. But he was too afraid that the truth will change everything. That the relationship between them will shatter once she learns he is an Asakura. Can't he be the simple Yoh? The soldier of Solemn Kingdom who will protect the princess whatever happens?

No… She deserves to know the truth…

Yoh balled his hand as he inhaled deeply, gathering all the courage for his heart while relaxing his mind. "Anna, I want to – "

BOOM!

))cm21((

"How did you find us? How did you get the keys?"

"Oh! It's just an easy task for me."

"I shouldn't ask, you're a thief anyway."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"Whatever. Where's Manta?"

"Over there."

The trio keeps running on hallways, trying their best to find a way out while avoiding soldiers. Ahead of them was an afro who saved the two from cell. From his story he said he was able to grab one of those candle holders on wall which prevent him and the short one to fall on the soldiers' trap in the secret path. And when everything went back to normal, Chocolove and Manta decided to find them.

"I just hope Anna and Yoh are okay," Chocolove suddenly said.

"Don't worry. Because they are not with us I'm pretty sure they luckily fell in that path," Horohoro answered with smirk.

"Do not be so sure. They may encounter something bad now. Let's make it quick. I don't want anything bad happen to her," Ren seriously said as he run ahead of them.

"Che!" only Horohoro's respond.

They run quietly again and finally met Manta at the end of hall.

"What took you so long?" Manta angrily said as he popped out from a tall plant, glaring at Chocolove.

"Geez Manta, no need to be mad. It's not easy to save this tiger and wolf."

"What's with the nickname?"

"Do you know how afraid I am while hiding here?"

"Come on I can't bring you with me."

"Hey! I'm asking what's with the nickname."

"SHUT UP!" Ren finally shouted out, annoyed by their noise. "We don't have time for your complaints. Now how can we get out of here and be united with the blond and the brunet?"

Eerie silence quickly enveloped around them. They all have this serious faces thinking of what they should do next.

Then at the far left corner they saw a door, as if daring them to enter.

"Where that door leads?" Ren asked.

""Backyard, but there's a big chance the soldiers are there," Horohoro answered.

"The other hallways are already occupied by those soldiers. We don't have a choice. We will fight if it is needed." Ren was the first who went near the door. He opened it slowly. In the small gap he could see the yard was clear. Something's wrong… he thought and scanned the area covered with snow but can't see anyone there. He finally went out in the cold night, followed by the others.

"Strange…" Horohoro said as he looked around. The place was too silent.

"Your mansion doesn't have a tight security I see," Chocolove commented.

"Shut up!" Horohoro glared at him.

Then out of nowhere someone shouted 'freeze' and in blink of eye, men from different directions jumped from above and quickly surrounded them, armed by weapons.

"I eat my words," Chocolove nervously said.

"A surprise attack? Very old," Ren said disgustingly.

"Wait, they are not our soldiers," Horohoro blurted.

An old man who has white long beard slowly took his sword and pointed at Horohoro. "We are not soldiers, young man. We are the people who protect the forest of this land. And make sure foreign people will not take advantage of our nature."

"Forest Rangers? Wait, we are not enemies."

"Enough of your lies, young man. I clearly know you are the enemies who killed our comrades who were only intention was to guide you. And the one who kidnap young Lady Pirika. Now tell us the truth or taste my wrath as I take your head with my sword."

Chocolove and Manta involuntary gulped.

"For the millionth time we are not enemies. I am Horohoro, your young Lord."

"The young Lord is dead. Your chance to give up is over. Now prepare to die."

"Tsk! What an annoying way to talk," Ren mumbled.

"What should we do?" Manta asked

"They're not going to listen. We will fight."

"Without weapons?"

"Our physical strength is enough. They are not that strong. They are bunch of inexperienced old man. Right, blue-monkey?"

Horohoro only looked at Ren blankly, sighed heavily and prepared his self. "The shark-head is right. We don't have a choice."

And with that last word the battle began. The young ones at first were receiving cuts from their opponents but still making a way to defend their selves. Manta finally grabbed a sword to fight back but because he was inexperienced as well he was almost receive a fatal blow. Luckily Chocolove came to rescue. Ren on the other hand didn't need a sword anymore. He believes his skill in taekwondo was enough to use with this old men. And lastly Horohoro, despite the pain he was getting he was doing his best not to hurt this men too much, after all they are belong to his land.

Alas, someone came to stop the fight, shouting something important.

"Bluebell, what are you doing here?" the old man with white beard asked.

"Father, we are being outnumbered by the enemies," blond girl in pink long sleeves and blue skirt and have a red hat said between pants as she jumped from her horse. "We need more soldiers there."

"More? The mansion will going to be defenseless."

"Who are the enemies?" Horohoro can't help himself but to join the conversation.

Upon noticing his voice, the blond with braided hair quickly snapped her head and her eyes widened as she noticed him. "Horohoro?"

"Finally, someone knows me. I almost lost hope. It's good you're here Bluebell."

"They said you're dead. How?"

"You know my daughter?"

"Let's skip those questions. We can answer those later. Now what is happening?"

Bluebell sadly looked at him. "The Hokkaido is being attack young Lord."

"By who?"

BOOM!

))cm21((

Deep footsteps were visible on white snow covering the entire forest, signs that some people made their way on that path in hurry, marks that will lead them on truth.

Anna and Yoh keep following those footsteps. It was been fifteen minutes ago since they decided to find the cause of explosion and yet only these marks had they saw.

Yoh steal a glance on the blonde. He was worried, not only for the safety of Anna but also for their friendship. He was close to tell the truth but the explosion cut him to say more. Now he was confused again whether to tell her or not.

''Yoh,'' the brunet wakes up from his reverie as he heard her low yet commanding voice. He looked up once more to her and saw her gesturing him to hide.

Yoh rest his back against a tree quickly. Then slowly knelt and crawl near Anna who was hiding on bushes. He followed her gaze and saw a carriage with soldiers in dark bloody red armor few meters away from them. One of them was holding something, or someone as Yoh saw the silky dress. The girl, as Yoh had thought because the capture is wearing a dress but he never got a chance to see the upper part of her body, was forcedly throw inside the carriage. He frowned when he saw the soldiers laugh.

''Shin soldiers...'' his attention went back to the blonde beside him as he heard her voice. ''What are they doing here?

''Shin...'' Yoh uttered due to shock, but Anna took it as a question.

''They're from Shin Empire, idiot warriors who kill anyone merciless who gets on their way.'' Rage was visible on her eyes. ''They're starting war again.''

War... Yoh thought dimly. A word his father always tells them the ugliest from all.

He saw the blonde slowly pulling her sword from its sheath. Yoh quickly stopped her hand. ''What are you planning?''

''We're going to ambush them.''

''What?'' He asked in surprise. Shin soldiers are known as well-trained warriors. Throwing their selves in the battle she was saying means instant death. ''Anna we're out number.''

''Yoh they are only four.'' Anna answered determinedly. ''Besides we need to rescue Pirika.'' Confuse reaction was the only response she received from him. She merely rolled her eyes. ''Haven't you realized yet? The Koropukoro soldiers were looking for intruders before they see us. Pirika is missing and maybe kidnap. They mistakenly thought that we are members of t kidnappers. And now the true kidnappers are in our front. The girl inside that carriage is Pirika.''

Anna is serious, and Yoh knew he can't change her mind. Sighing, he let go of her hand and looked back on the carriage.

''If that's the princess wish, but as your soldier I won't let anything bad happen to you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Stay here and I'm going to fight. The king will going to get angry if anything bad happens to you."

Realizing Yoh was mentioning their position in Solemn Kingdom Anna frowned a bit. How can he think about that in this time? Yoh knew she will disagree so he quickly added a new reason.

"Besides we only have Harusame. Let me handle them."

Seeing Yoh's point, Anna unhappily handed her sword on the brunet. She looked at him intently, the enemies are bloodlust and strong. She was beginning to think that he doesn't have a chance to win. But remembering Yoh's sword skills while fighting with Pan she was starting to see some hope. They need to rescue Pirika so she doesn't have a choice but to trust the fight on him. "You better not die."

Yoh smiled and only nodded as response. He took a deep breath. It's going to be a dangerous task but he will not back out. Yes Shin Warriors are very excellent in battles, but he is an Asakura, a family who came from the line of great swordsman. A sword is only a toy for him.

"Hey!" Yoh shouted as he finally revealed his appearance on the enemies. The Shin soldiers, upon noticing him, quickly unsheathed their swords and stood in battle stance.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" someone from soldiers shouted.

"Don't ask anything stupid. Just kill that lad," another one retorted.

"Play time," the shortest among them all snickered before running towards Yoh.

The Shin soldier's sword was constantly making an attack, the movements were fast yet Yoh was able to dodge him with Harusame. Their paces were quick. They look likes dancing in rapid speed and the clang' or of swords was their music.

Slash!

Finally someone fell on the ground, declaring that the battle between the two was done. Shock was painted on Shin Soldiers faces, can't believe from the fight their witnessed. Anna's expression was the same. She noted the smooth attack of Yoh, a fatal blow which led his enemy on ground. She also noticed how awesome Yoh was now. He held the expression of a warrior, with those calm face and determined eyes. He was holding the Harusame on air and his feet were apart. Anna was seeing him as someone else in her mind. She can compare Yoh at the legendary warrior of Funbari Kingdom, Amidamaru.

The Shin soldiers, who finally recovered from shock, were now attacking Yoh. Two enemies at the same time but Yoh still manage to counter attack. He swayed the Harusame elegantly as the enemies barbaric attack him. He was earning back the training he had in Izumo.

But, despite Yoh being a skillful swordsman, it was also a fact that he only has two eyes which can he used to see ahead of him, and a surprise attack behind can lead him to death especially if he unnoticed this.

The fourth soldier of Shin saw an opportunity to attack Yoh behind as he saw the brunet busy with the other two. The lad's mind was too preoccupied to notice him. He was going to leave a big cut on Yoh's back when suddenly from their side someone blocked his attack, a blonde girl which holding the sword of his fallen comrade.

"Anna?" Yoh surprisingly uttered as the blonde rested her back on his. "Why are you here?"

"I'll watch your back," she simply answered, and then when back in battle.

Yoh, who doesn't have time for argument, only shook his head in disagreement and went back in battle, too.

After several minutes, the clang' or of swords was gone and replaced by sounds of pants. Yoh looked at Anna who annoyingly released the sword and was now looking at her cloak stained by blood. He noticed the slight trembled on her eyes.

"First time in a battle?"

Yoh's sudden question surprised her. Anna looked away from him as she nodded and said, "I'm not use... with this... blood..."

Sighing inwardly, the brunet thought that that was a stupid question. She is the Lady of Aomori, it was a fact that as a lady she is the one who was always protecting from any battle. Yoh must say he was even surprised when he saw Anna fought the Shin soldier elegantly. He even compliments her sword skills in his mind.

"Don't worry, you haven't killed him. He was only unconscious."

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" Anna asked, irritated, as she arc her brow and narrowed her eyes at him. Yoh held up his hands to explain.

Applause... The banter they would have was interrupted by applause. They looked across, where the carriage was, and saw a man with black hair and black mustache making his way towards them. He was followed by other soldiers and soon they were surrounded. The mustache man forwarded, it was noticeable that his armor was different from others. An idea that he was the chief of this troupe entered Anna's mind.

"That is a very fantastic team up. You two are very talented."

Yoh stepped backward, shielding Anna from the soldier. He wondered where these soldiers came from. He gulped. The soldiers' numbers are too many for him, about twenties. It was going to be a futile fight if he tried.

"It is good that I decided to check for our hostage, or she'll get free. She's really important for this mission, you know?" The chief of Shin soldiers waved his hand. One of the soldiers behind move forward, Pirika was with him, her mouth was covered with fabric, and a sword was pointed on her neck. "We don't want anything bad happens to her, right. Let's not fight. Just be a good boy and throw that sword."

Yoh gritted his teeth, their totally in bad side now. No other choice, Yoh threw the Harusame. Anna's grip on her cloak tightened as she felt angry. She too can't do anything. When the Harusame fell on the ground, the chief's fist made contact on Yoh's face. The brunet fell on his knees. Anna tried to reach for Yoh but the soldiers already pinned her down on the ground. The same thing happened to Yoh.

"Tsk! I hurt my hand," the mustache man said as he picked the Harusame.

"Don't touch that!" Anna angrily yelled but one of the soldiers grabbed her hair and smashed her face on snow.

"Don't hurt her!" Yoh experienced the same punishment.

The chief's expression had changed upon recognizing the sword on his hands. He looked at the blonde. "Bring that girl here." The soldiers followed and faced Anna on their chief. "Is this yours?"

"Absolutely. So get off your filthy hands from it." The soldier grabbed her hair again.

"Ah-ah. Don't hurt her." The chief then begun to examine Anna's clothes, then her face. "Cute." He then put a small cut on Anna's cheek using the Harusame, blood quickly flowed from there.

"STOP! STOP HURTING ANNA!" Yoh shouted. The soldier in his front kicked Yoh on face. The soldier then stepped on Yoh's head, face on thick snow, restraining him to speak.

"Anna, huh?" The chief snickered as he lifted Anna's chin, letting the blonde looked at him directly. "My assumptions are right. This sword is the Harusame," Anna's eyes widened, "and you are Lady Kyoyama Anna of Aomori. So the information about leaving the sacred Harusame on Funbari's dead prince's fiancée is right. It is good that the spies' information is right. It's good that I research about this patetic kingdom."

Upon mentioning her fiancé being dead, Anna felt her blood boiled. "AshLee is not dead."

"Stop saying nonsense. This kingdom cannot hide the truth anymore. You have done it for a long time. Our emperor is not pleased with the news you know. He wanted to crash your so-called prince with his own hands. It really disappointed him that the mighty Kazan's line was end due to pathetic reason. Oh! And I heard it is your fault."

Anna's eyes shook as she felt the pang of guilt. The chief felt satisfied seeing her reaction.

"Well I guess our great emperor will be happy to see the reason of his rival's death. Who knows maybe if you satisfied his manhood's needs he can let you be one of his mistress. So, what can you say?"

Anna's face was hidden under her bangs. "You're noisy. You sound like a duck who can't fart."

Annoyed by the insult, the chief slapped Anna hard on face. Pirika who was seeing everything was silently crying now. "I guess the emperor will not mind if he saw some bruises on your lovely face." He then looked at his subordinates. "Bring the girls on carriage. Don't let them escape whatever happens. We catch a big fish and we need to deliver them at him."

"What about this boy?" one of the soldier asked.

"We don't need him. Just kill him."

Upon hearing it Anna's eyes widened. She looked where Yoh was and saw one of the soldiers was aiming his sword on Yoh's neck.

"STOP!"

"Shut up, brat! We don't need him."

"HE'S A NOBLE," Anna blurted suddenly. She needs to say something to save Yoh.

"You're lying."

"I'm not." She was panting heavily now. She must make this chief believe her. What should she said next? For sure he will ask who Yoh is. Will she say Yoh came from Munzer? No. The young lord of Hoshi is a seven year old kid. This chief will learn she was not telling truths. How about Hokaido? It was Horohoro, the same age as Yoh. But there's a possibility this soldier already heard the wrong information that the young lord of North is already dead. Hakuoh? Damn, she wasn't sure about them much. What now? Think Anna! Think!

"Then, I'll ask him myself." It was unexpected for Anna and she wanted to shout, to warn Yoh, to inform him, but she knew it is impossible.

The chief of Shin soldiers grabbed Yoh's ponytail hair and make the brunet faced him. Yoh breathe deeply and quickly that he almost chocked on the oxygen as his face was freed from snows.

"So tell me who really are you? Where have you come from? I need your answer quickly or I kill you."

Without time to think as his mind was still grasping for oxygen, he answered between pants. "…Izumo… I'm… an Asakura…"


I find this chapter in my old files, 80% done, written in year 2010. I missed writing YohAnna fics and grab this opportunity to update. Besides, this chapter and the next one will end the first "part" of this story so I'll finish it before putting this on hiatus once more. Geez… I really need to update MLID and finish it.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing this. A review will motivates me to write more so please don't forget to leave one. Thank you! X3