Disclaimer: Blah blah blah Kaznnzuki no Miko isn't mine… blah blah blah.

Author's Note: Hey all. Sorry I didn't post another chapter in a few days to a week. Things have been happening over here, and it's been a little busy for me. That, and I just hadn't felt like writing with all that was going on, so I needed a little break.

But I'm not going to take that same long hiatus I did last time, and keep away from you for as long as I did. That wasn't fair, and I really want to finish this story.

So, I hope you all enjoy the next installment in the story.

Without further ado, I present to you Chapter 13 of this KnM Original Fanfic.

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Chapter 13: A Deceptive Cadence

In the wee hours of the morning…

With Chikane…

'It just doesn't make any sense..'

I thought to myself, sitting in the same chair I had been sitting in since late last night. There was an empty teacup set on a plate that had some tea stains on it, and an empty pot next to it as well. I had drank it all, staying up all night pondering things, trying to make sense of things, trying to lessen the hurt that was going on inside of me right now.

By now, my eyes probably had red and dark circles around them, my skin must have looked more pale than usual, and I was huddled in the same position I was, so if I moved, my muscles would prove to be sore. My eyes were fixated on the floor as if they were staring into some "all knowing" oasis full of answers, and with the ability to heal as well. But, there was no such oasis on the floor to this palace, and nor was I finding answers or the healing I needed.

'What I saw… it has to be some sort of mistake right. A.. misunderstanding of some kind. Himeko and I… kissed. And she kissed me back. Was I wrong to assume we're something because of that? Was I just putting fantasies together in my head..?'

My thoughts spiraled, much sometimes, in the same pattern again and again and again. They would repeat themselves, they would stop and I would be left staring at the floor in a mindless silence, in a vegetative trance, almost. Then, almost like clockwork, they would snap back into rhythm, and a new thought would be introduced to this vicious cycle. Otoha had done the smart thing and went to bed when it was starting to turn late last night. She offered to stay with me, and help me clean the used cups and pots, but I simply shook my head no, and made sure she went off to bed, while I stayed here to think. She understood that I needed my time alone; Although I couldn't blame her for being worried about me. It was touching, really, to have a friend like that.

A small smile dared to creep onto my mouth in this downpour of sadness; Remembering our tea time last night, and the things she did to make me smile and try to forget what had happened, it did warm my heart some. She was a good friend of mine, Otoha, the way she gently brushed through my hair, and played with it, braiding it in all sorts of styles; It relaxed me. Whenever I needed something, she was there. Even if it was just silent company, I knew I could always rely upon Otoha for it, and the most splendid service any person could request. I suppose with some people you just click; And with Otoha, that's how it was for me. She and I, though we have only known one another for a short time, have already become quite good friends; No, that isn't right, we've become best friends. And I wanted her to know, that should it ever come to it, I would do the same things for her. To be there when she needs me, her comfort when she needs a friend, and to perhaps help mend her broken heart when it has been smashed to pieces. I would return the service she gives to me everyday if I could - But, I'm afraid I can't. And I'm afraid my heart isn't so easily repaired by a few jokes and good memories.

I sighed, and looked out the window. The sun was just beginning to rise in the sky; I really had stayed up all night without a wink of sleep. I looked over to the side, at the floor again, out of my periphery, catching the empty teacups and things.

'I suppose I should get some sleep…'

I thought.

'I can't figure this out… all I know is that I have to find Himeko and speak with her again. I have to talk with her…'

My thoughts continued, as suddenly my eyes focused, a new goal in mind.

'Himeko…'

I thought, and then tried to stand. It wasn't so easily done at first, but after grabbing onto the arms of the chair I was sitting in, and really digging my heels into the ground for support, I was able to find my balance once again. And with some wobbly, tired steps, I made my way to my bedroom, closed the door and relaxed into sleep. My eyes closed with a warm, almost light stinging sensation from having been awake all night, which soon calmed and my dreams took me. Today I would do nothing. Today I would rest.

With Souma…

In the Mother Kingdom…

I yawned and rubbed my eyes as I walked into the 'courtroom' located in the palace. The justices were already sitting upon their benches, and I stood right in front of their huge desk. Looking up at them, I could barely open both of my eyes. It was the middle of the morning, and the sun was just beginning to rise; What could they want now?

"Why does this meeting have to take place so early in the morning? Can't it be a little later when I'm a little more awake?" I asked, finishing up another yawn. That's just how tired I was. When I had first gotten home, I didn't think I could sleep. I was so caught up in a lot of things; The good thing of kissing Himeko, but the bad thing of her basically telling me she doesn't feel the same afterward, and her crying. I didn't think, with my mind being as active as it was, that I'd get to sleep any last night, but, somehow, I managed to fall into sleep. I suppose I tired myself out, my mind being overactive and all.

"I suppose we could have done that, sir. But… you see, it's an absolute priority we have this meeting with you now. After we're done, you may go back to sleep. We just need your word." Miyako spoke, trying to sound as genuine as possible; But, one, if they listened hard enough, could tell that she had something up her sleeve, and her voice held the notes of a conniving evil.

"Alright, what's all this about?" I asked.

"As you're aware… there is a distinct broken peace between the two kingdoms…" Miyako began.

"Yes, I'm aware of that. You guys've been sending me on negotiations every single week now. I haven't been able to work out the conflict yet. But if you ask me, there isn't a conflict between the royals… I get along just fine with the king and queen over there. Although.. I haven't met the princess…" My thoughts trailed, till I was cut off by another member of the council.

"Well, I say we go and declare war on them. That'll end the conflict for sure. All their yapping little mouths will be quieted when they're met with the sheer force of our troops. With a general like me, you can't go wrong!" Girochi boasted. I looked directly at him.

"Yes, but why does it have to lead directly to war? What will that accomplish in the end?" I asked back, to which he seemed angry and confused. I continued. "We separated originally because of a war. There was a lot of bloodshed. Casualties and death everywhere, so I've heard the stories. If we march into their kingdom and storm their grounds, what makes you think they won't fight back?" I waited for their responses.

"Yes, but sir, the peace is lost…" Miyako began reasonably again.

"The peace was already lost." I spoke solemnly, looking down at the ground. "My father ruined it, and ruined the unity of the two kingdoms." I looked up at them intensely with balled fists. "It's been swept under the dirt for a long time, but the peace was never regained again. It's always been like this, people just haven't paid attention to it. And now.. I bet they're fearing another war. I bet they're just waiting for our troops to set foot on their lands, and storm them, forcing them into submission, taking their supplies, pillaging their buildings to dust… destroying them…with no good reason. Being forced to become slaves again, and live under the iron fist of the Oogami name…" I trailed, looking down again. I was becoming sick of things staying as they were.

"I see." Miyako said. "I'm aware that your mind and heart are torn in two different directions. One is screaming out for you not to attack, and the other wants to, doesn't it?" She smirked. My eyes widened a little. "I don't know what it is you're thinking so hard about, the answer is simple really. If you want things to change, you must change them for yourself. Yes, many things change people, and things keep changing over time - but war, that's quick change. And you don't even have to think of it that way if you don't want to - think of it, like.. fighting a battle to change something, to find your path." She stated, almost playfully. I looked up at her.

"My troops are ready to go any time you say so, commander." Girochi smirked as well, knowing full well what Miyako was doing.

"I don't know…" I trailed once more.

"Come now, would we ever steer you wrong? We were appointed by your father during his glory days, and advised him on what to do on many occasions. He wasn't the best man in the end, but he did have his good days, his golden days as king of this lovely kingdom. And it's those good times that I'm asking you to remember. We were there for all of it, and we have continued to support, follow, and honor your late father to this date. He trusted us, and I bet he would have asked his son to do the same." Miyako spoke again, as if sorrowfully remembering the king that came before Souma.

"You just need to find a mission." She continued. "A mission, a noble reason to declare a fight. Fight for what you believe in and you'll have all the answers you need." She continued. They all hesitated on my last word, which hadn't slipped out of my mouth yet.

"Fine…" I sighed out. All their faces lit up with delight. "I will declare a formal issue of war on the other kingdom in 2 days time. My mission is rejoin them to us, as one big kingdom again, under the negotiated rule of myself and the king of their kingdom as well. That, way, things can be fair." I stated.

"Very well. No more negotiations, no more being trapped, you've answered your own question and set your own two feet in the right direction. Now, all we need to do is pursue forward. Your mission is noble, and I'm sure the other kingdom will see it your way soon enough." Miyako smirked and concluded. I nodded.

"General Girochi… I'd like you to ready your troops for the march. I don't care what you tell them to prepare, just make sure they know in 2 days we're headed to march on the grounds of the daughter kingdom." I said to Girochi, who saluted me.

"Yes, Prince Souma." He seemed a little too happy. But, then again; They were always weird. It probably doesn't mean anything and I'm probably reading too much into this right now. I nodded, and yawned again.

"Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go back to bed." I started to walk out of the room.

"Of course, Prince Souma. Rest well." Miyako smirked even more, as I turned my back to walk back to my room. Once I was out, of the room, and out of earshot, she turned to Girochi.

"You know what to tell the troops right?" She asked.

"Yes, don't worry about one thing! I've got this thing covered, sis!" He chuckled to himself; They couldn't believe it, their plan was working, and now they were only a few steps away from achieving their goals.

"Everyone prepare yourselves for this. We attack in 2 days, October 1st." Miyako giggled to herself, and the others followed suit in some sort of evil chuckle or smirk. There they remained, sitting at the desk, too excited to sleep, drawing up their plans for the war.

With Himeko…

I stretched and yawned as I awoke for the day. I had slept rather late today.

"Well there's nothing wrong with a good night's rest." I confirmed to myself, with a smile. I didn't quite know why I was so happy today; But everything just felt clear. Like I had everything figured out, like nothing was foggy or blocking my vision; It was a crystal clear, sunny day. I felt like a ray of sunshine myself, having slept as long as I did. I stood up and placed my shoes on my feet.

"I suppose I should get started for the day. But I don't really have that much to do. Let's see… I washed my clothes the other day and hung them out to dry, took them in the day after that. I've bathed recently… What else is there to do?" I thought out loud to myself. Me, being the only one living in my home was useful and a blessing sometimes; It meant not only could I do what I wanted, but I could talk to myself without the weird looks I'd get if I went out in public and did that. But, surprisingly, I don't mind it that much, even with people staring at all.

"Wait, I know! I can make that special soup for Chikane-chan, and then I can go bring it to her. It would be an excuse to get into the palace, and I'd get to see her again. And, I can deliver those hairpins that I forgot the last time we were together. I have to remember them this time." I reassured myself that I wouldn't forget them, but then a blush came upon my face as I remembered the second time we were ever together; That one time, alone in the hot springs, way early in the morning before anyone was awake. I touched my fingers gently to my lips recalling the sweet, savory feeling of Chikane's lips against my own. The taste of them was so inviting, and the warmth could warm even the toughest of icicles; Oh, what am I saying? If anyone knew, I'd be dead. And what's more, how can I be so sure that Chikane likes me the same way? I mean she kissed me; But, it couldn't have been more than just a moment right? Or… perhaps it was more than a moment? Well either way, if anyone finds out, I'm dead; I can't let anyone know.

"I'd better get going to pick up some last minute ingredients to make this special soup. It's going to take till tonight to complete it! I wonder if they mind guests visiting at night. I hope not!" I gathered my things and my money and rushed off to the market to gather up what I needed, the remainder of what I needed to finish this soup (since I already had some of the things I needed at home with me), and began looking for them.

The sun beat down on me brightly as I ran. I felt like today, anything was possible. It held many opportunities and blessings just waiting to happen.

'Chikane-chan… wait for me…'

Was the last thought on my mind before it needed to focus on getting the ingredients. My heart pounded with delight knowing that I'd see Chikane again, so soon.

[End of Chapter 13].

Author's Note: How's that folks? I hope you like this chapter, the next one will be coming out as soon as I can get myself to write it and post it. Thanks for the patience, I've been busy lately, but it'll be up soon! Stay tuned!