Here's chapter 12.
Chapter 12: Traitor's Brand
A little after Mozu started crying. Kamui placed a hand on her shoulder. Mozu in turn sniffed and looked back at Kamui who had a gentle smile on his lips. "Hey no more crying. If your going to be a fighter like us then your going to have to stop letting your emotions get the better of you." Ironic since the same thing could be said for him. But at the moment it didn't matter they had to get Clifford and Mozu back to the astral planes so they could get medical attention. Doing this would sett hem back a few hours but they didn't have much of a choice. "Corrin could you open up the gate to the astral planes?" Corrin nodded and pulled out her crystal.
"What's the astral planes?" Mozu asked her tears finally gone.
"It's a world where we use to rest." and hide..., he completed in his head after all it probably wouldn't go over easy with Mozu knowing that he was a former prince of two major kingdoms and was now a prime target for both nations. He would rather wait until she had recovered from all she saw today then scare her even more.
Kamui's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a green light. For Corrin it was understandable that Mozu was a little surprised, but to see her brother lost in thought a few seconds after he had asked her to do something made her shake her head. "Honestly..." she whispered under her breath as the light o Aver took them. Once back in the astral planes they were once again met with the little dragon that roamed the area.
"Why are you guys back so soon?" She asked as she did not yet notice the presence of the two farm girl and injured shepherd. when she finally did she understood what had happen in the outside world.
"Lilith we need you to put up a medical area." Kamui said quickly and the dragon wasted to time to do so.
With a new building up Gunther placed the injured boy on a cot and let Felicia and Jakob use their healing abilities. While everyone was patiently waiting Corrin took her brother by the arm to a corner that had no one in sight. "What's wrong Corrin?"
Corrin narrowed her eyes slightly at her twin. "What's wrong is that we can't stay here forever! Yes the time gape between this world and the real world, but we have to get moving! The more we wait the higher chance the Hoshidan's have of rallying messages deeper into the nation and once that happens the chances of use recruiting anyone for are cost will be less than likely. We have to leave now."
"Look I know we're against the clock here..." he shifted his head too look down the hall where the rest of his comrades where. "But we can't just leave Mozu and-"
"Kamui!" Corrin hissed effectively cutting Kamui off. Scary Kamui thought. Seeing as she had scared her brother slightly the young woman took a deep breath to calm herself. "Listen I know you have a strong desire to help everyone you met. But remember we're at war and with the way we are now there's no way that well ever prevail. We to get moving now." Unknowingly Lilith had heard their whole conversation and flew over to the siblings.
"She's right Kamui. You need to go find help. And don't worry I can handle things around here." she winked at him saying to last part, while Corrin let out a sigh of relief that Lilith had her mind in the right place.
"You hear our whole conversation Lilith?" Kamui asked.
Lilith nodded. "Mm hmm. I have much better hearing than a human or Manakete does."
"Manakete?"Kamui repeated having never had heard that word before.
"It's what they call people that can transform into dragon another way to call us is a dragon Laguz. It's barely used anymore, though." Corrin explained quickly. "Can we go now?" she added sounding a bit like a four-year-old.
The young man let out a slight chuckle of defeat. "All right we can go. And hey Lilith?"
"Yes?"
"If Mozu asks you something about us... anything at all... just respond to her truthfully." he told her and walked of with Corrin to gather up the others.
"Will do." The astral dragon whispered.
As he gathered up the rest of his comrades, Mozu asked him is she could come along the former prince refused saying that Clifford should have a familiar face around when he woke up. But in reality it was also because she knew she had no fighting experience. Mozu was disappointed however understood. And with that out of the way Kamui and his party left for Fort Jinya once again. Nothing changed since they left once again, Gunther and Jakob were arguing about who knows what, Felicia was trying to make small talk with Azura and the twins were at the rear talking to each other while Kamui was constantly staring at the songstress while neither of them were talking. And this time Corrin was going to find out why.
"Kamui? Why are you staring at Azura?" She asked him, making sure no one else could hear them.
Kamui shook his head quickly and stared at his sister his face flushed. "Wha? Wha-What are you talking about? I wasn't..."
"It was a simple question Bro why are you so nervous all of a sudden?"
The older of the two let out a heavy sigh and said, "I have no idea..." under his breath.
for Corrin it would have been easy to come to the conclusion that her brother had a crush on her best friend, although she wasn't entirely sure so she didn't say anything among those lines. "Well, when your ready to talk I'll be hear to listen."
"Thanks, Sis."
-o-o-o-
While the renegades continued fort, back in fort Jinya -even just being a few days- all of the healer where overwhelmed with the amount of injured all of the where all over the place and most of the soldiers that where originally listed as bodyguard where now venturing out to either find specific herbs or heading out to get more rods. The only exceptions to this were the retainers of Corrin and Azura who have been under strict watch by Orochi, Saizo and of course Yukimura. Their job was to simply watch over the healers.
"This is ridiculous..." Yuzu complained. She had her back against a wall and watching the healer running all around, occasionally tripping over their own feet.
"As boring as this may be to you, Yuzu, it could have been something worse." Kaze said.
"Humph. This is not what I was trained for."
"Nor was I. But we don't have much choice at the moment."
Yuzu snapped. "Are you really just going to accept this Kaze? Simply doing nothing while your liege is the target of two major countries?"
"I know it isn't easy to swallow, but yes, until I face Lady Corrin again I will do as my nation asks me to."
"What are you two up too?" Saizo asked walking into the room.
"Nothing Brother, a simple disagreement is all."
"Humph. You know Suzukaze... I never thought that I would see you in such a situation as this. Honestly you are a disgrace to the Igasato clan."
Kaze simply bowed his head and turned away. While Yuzu simply glared at Saizo as he excited the room.
"And just so you know I don't think that Lady Corrin and Azura really betrayed Hshido. Their must have been some reason behind it... But unlike you I do not blame Lord Kamui for their disappearance.
"Yeah whatever and by the way this assignment is even worse with your twin breathing down are backs." the samurai mumbled, turning her head too look at Sakura. The princess was healing a wounded soldier while both Hana and Subaki watched over her. Despite Yuzu's typically cold and rude nature towards others, she was very kind and caring towards the people she trusted and as such she couldn't help, but worry about Azura. And of course her best friend and fellow retainer Emma who was no longer cheerful, but now very saddened by the disappearance of Azura. For now the only person she could blame for her disappearance was the long lost prince that stabbed his country in the back. The thought of Kamui almost immediately made her feel a burning rage growing in the pit of her stomach. "Him... this is all his fault. ...You better pray that we never met each other on the battlefield Kamui. Because if I do then your life while be claimed by my blade!" She thought to herself.
Yuzu hatred for Kamui continued to grow over the next few days and it continued like that until Yukimura received word that the remaining two Hoshidan Princes have gone missing. Apparently the two brother left Hoshido, mere hours after the healers departed to Fort Jinya, to head to Izumo, but were ambushed and separated by Nohrian troops before they could even reach the neutral country. The news was from one of the shinobi that Takumi had sent to warn Yukimura seconds seconds before the fight was over and before he and he and his retainers were captured. And since the man was badly injured he wasn't able to provide more detail nor was he able to say if Ryoma was captured as well as he needed medical attention. Yukimura was in shock and left the room he was in to go into another. While Sakura broke down into tears and had to be comforted by her retainers and Emma.
And to make matters worse for Yukimura a lookout ran into the room and quickly kneeled in the room that was behind Yuzu and Kaze, where Yukimura was. "I have urgent news, Yukimura." he said. This in turn quickly caught the swordswoman's and shinobi's attention.
"Yes, what is it?"
"Enemies have been seen approaching the fort, sir. And former prince Kamui of Hoshido as well as former princesses Corrin and Azura are among them."
Yukimura frowned and hurried to gather soldiers to defend the fort. "Damn of all the times the choose to attack now?! These Nohrians..."the tactician hissed as he stormed off, he came to a halt when he felt someone grab his wrist. It was Yuzu. "What is it?"
"I want to fight against the invaders."
"Absolutely not. With Lady Azura out there there are strong chances that you will defect to their side."
"I won't. My target is prince Kamui. After all he's done to our nation I won't allow him to live. And you know what I'm capable of Yukimura! I'm one of the strongest soldier here! Please! Allow me to fight!"
After a moments of silence the Hoshidan tactician made his decision. "...All right. I'll allow it. However if you so much as raise a sword to one of our tropes or so much as speak one word to one of them I will have you executed on the spot." Yuzu nodded. "Very well go speared the news to the other and have them prepare for battle. This fort does not go down without a fight."
Yuzu bowed and went off to warn the other soldiers. "Get ready to die Kamui."
All soldier at the exceptions of Kaze, Emma, Hana and Subaki were all armed and took positions to defend the fort.
-o-o-o-
While the Hoshidan soldiers prepared to fight Kamui and his group had just arrived at Fort Jinja.
"Listen carefully: Fort Jinya is just ahead. The fort is sure to be well defended by Hoshidan soldiers." Gunther announced.
Kamui took a few steps forward and analyzed the fort's structure. "All right. Let's try to reach out to them."
Gunter however block his way. "Milord, didn't you say that you'd been branded as a traitor? These soldiers have likely been ordered to attack you on sight."
"Also, you must not forget about the curse. You can't tell anyone what you've learned." Azura added.
Kamui took a breath. "I know. Just the same, we have to try and talk to them. No one wants this war to continue forever. Surely some of them will listen. All right, here goes nothing. If I speak from the heart, I'm certain that everyone in Hoshido will understand."
"Let's hope you're right." Corrin said.
"So this is Fort Jinya... Have the Hoshidan forces abandoned it? It's so quiet here..." Kamui said quickly looking around.
"Doubt it. Look." Corrin said her eyes fix on a shadow moving towards them.
"Yukimura..." Kamui mumbled.
Yukimura just glared at the twins. "You have some nerve showing your face around here, Traitors." Corrin and Kamui stayed silent as Yukimura gave the same dark look to Azura. "And the same goes for you, Lady Azura. You were raised like any other princess of Hoshido and yet... You seem to have had no trouble turning your back to us when it suited you. I suppose you never truly thought of this kingdom as your home..." Azura stayed silent as well.
After Yukimura stopped speaking of Azura the way he did something in him snapped. "Y-you're wrong, Yukimura! We haven't betrayed Hoshido at all! I'm not the enemy, and neither is Nohr! Please, if you would only listen-"
"Silence!" the Hoshidan tactician yelled. "I won't let you try to justify your betrayal."
"Please, Yukimura..." Kamui started, but didn't hold much hope.
"Kamui this is pointless he won't listen to reason." Corrin told him.
Gunter nodded. "We did not expect this to be easy. It's unfortunate, but we should prepare ourselves for a battle."
Kamui violently shock his head. "Yukimura! Just hear me out!"
Yukimura narrowed his eyes even more. "I do not have time to listen to your poisonous words. You abandoned your friends and your family. I wouldn't be surprised if you'd helped the Nohrians capture Lord Takumi!" For some reason Corrin felt as though someone had just stabbed her as the Hoshidan continued in anger. "And on top of everything else, Lord Ryoma has gone missing..."
Kamui stared in shock. "It can't be... My brothers are—"
"Your brothers?!" the tactician exclaimed. "You dare think of yourself as a member of the royal family? Thanks to you, ill has befallen Hoshido's best and bravest."
Kamui cringed. "I... I'm sorry. I never meant for—"
Yukimura cut him off again. "I don't want your apologies. I want you to atone for your crimes. Guards! Capture the traitors!"
Corrin and the others quickly noticed the Hoshidan six soldiers. Two came sprinting on on the left and on the right and two came in front of Yukimura. All six soldiers prepared to attack as Yukimura turned around and walked away but not before he could hear Kamui scream: "Will you not listen to me? Our real enemy is elsewhere!"
"You have two choices Lord Traitor: either you return to where you came form of fight and die. Though if you can manage to beat me in battle I might just consider hearing you out..." Yukimura's last sentence stuck out in Kamui's mind, making him forget the he was surrounded by soldiers for a second.
"Lord Kamui! On guard! Now!" Gunther yelled as manakete had not yet drawn Yato.
The teenager drew his sword and called the person next to him. "Corrin."
Corrin made a subtle eye movement in her twin's direction. "Yes?"
"I'm going after Yukimura and I need you to watch my back."
"You really want to go through with this?"
"Yeah."
The younger of the two smirked. "All right I've got your back."
"Let's show 'em what we're made of!" Kamui cried as he charged at one of the guards in front of him while Corrin defended him against the other guard's blows. The four others stayed behind after the two first guards were defeated the time it took them to finish of the four soldiers that ambushed them.
Making it through the castle was harder that anyone could have expected especially with the constant wave of soldiers, there were so many of them that both twins had to transform on occasion just to knock the soldiers unconscious. And for the Hoshidan it was a nightmare coming back to life when the saw the twins transform. Hearing their loud roars did make some of the Hoshidans lose focus giving the rebels the chance to take them out with ease. The roar also gain the attention of Yuzu, who quickly started making her way to the source of the noise.
The samurai made their way to them, completely ignoring Azura and the rest, to go straight for Kamui. Azura was shocked and the other weren't able to reach their comrade either as Yuzu had brought other soldiers with her to kept the rest form interfering. As the the other fought off the Hoshidans soldiers allied with Yuzu. Kamui was having a bit of a little trouble keeping up with his opponent's attacks.
Kamui fended off another attack and starting to pant slightly. The samurai noticed this and smirked at him. "Tiered all ready? I was hoping that you had more fight in you than that."
"Tell me that again after you've knock out countless soldiers." he told her getting into his battle stance again. "But tell me something."
"What?" she asked coldly with close to no patience.
"Why do you seems so angry at me?"
"Because I am!" she snapped. "You. Ever since you showed up nothing has been the same. And what you at the Hoshidan square is unforgivable! You killed the queen -your own mother! And then you just had to take Lady Azura back to Norh with you!"
"What?! I never-"
"Shut up! I don't want to hear another word come out of you!" Yuzu shouted and changed at the white hair teen again.
Kamui let out a low growl. "I was really hoping that I wouldn't have to use a Norian skill here. I don't think I have a choice with her. I have to find her weak point and fast!" he thought to himself getting ready to take another hit.
Kamui continued to fight until he saw a weakness in Yuzu's defense. It did take a while, but when he finally did he changed both stance and attack patterns to hit that one area. The amount of force he hit Yuzu with immediately finished the battle. Yuzu was left with a rather deep wound, but her life wasn't in any danger. She was no longer able to fight however.
Corrin and Gunther were able to recognize the skill. It was Luna a skill normally learned by Great Knights, however the twins learned it from Xander through a long and painful process. Not long after all the other soldier were defeated. Azura insisted on staying behind to tend to Yuzu. None of the other were to fond of the idea, still they understood Azura's feelings and let her be. After all, all the soldier were no longer able to fight so what was the worst that could happen?
Azura stole two vulneraries and walked over to her former retainer, who was laying on her stomach and watching every move the songstress made, and helped her sit upright. She then gave her one of the medical solution. The samurai accepted it and after drinking it avoided looking at Azura who was sitting next to her.
"Yuzu..." the blue haired maiden murmured, following a few second of silence Azura spoke again placing a hand on Yuzu's shoulder. "Talk to me..."
Yuzu stayed silent for a few more second, then asked Azura the question that has been bugging both her and Emma ever since the Nohrian's invasion attempt. "Why? ...Why did you leave Hoshido to join that Nohrian, Kamui? And why not tell me or Emma?"
"Yuzu... I didn't go to Norh. Something happen during Nohr's invasion attempt and Corrin and Kamui were going to kill each other... I had to step in and we had to flee. I never thought that I would have to leave Hoshido."
The samurai jolted slightly only to wince in pain. She placed a hand over the wound and took a second to calm herself. "Then why didn't you let me and Emma go with you like we asked? Not even that why did even trust the man anyway? I've never even seen you get along with someone that quickly."
Azura decided to answer frankly. "Yuzu I didn't let you follow because I knew Hoshido needed you to fight and put my trust in Kamui because I already did, years ago, when we were children."
The last bit of information stunned the younger of the two, leaving her at a lost for words for a few seconds. "What? You already knew him?"
The songstress nodded. "I did. I met him back while I was still living in Nohr. He was my only friend back then, we'd always do something together. Being with him always made that nightmare fell less lonely. Though I doubt Kamui has any recollection of it. As a result I treat his like we've never known each other."
"That makes no sense." Yuzu said frowning her brows slightly.
"Maybe but I wasn't so surprised. Corrin told me that Garon whipped their memory clean after they had turned thirteen. So I didn't hold much hope. Besides I think it's best that he does not remember me." she paused. "If you don't mind me asking what is it that you despise about Kamui? You lunged at him full force and ignored every one else. You were also screaming. Though I wasn't able to understand anything you said."
Yuzu tilted her head and answered. "I just I was just mad at him for taking you away form us. In the few days that you were gone, Emma's been sadder than I've ever seen her, most of the Hoshidans don't event trust me, her or Kaze anymore and ever since Kamui came back you started becoming more distant to those who cared about you." she stopped for a moment as she was starting to chock on her own words. "My anger for him only grew when I found out you ran away with both him and his sister. And-"
The swords-woman was cut off when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her, and it was none other that Azura. "I'm sorry..." she whispered. "I didn't think that I would have hurt you as much."
Yuzu's eyes were wide form the sudden gesture, she did accept Azura's embrace. "It's all right, I forgive you." The two separated a few seconds later. "Lady Azura?"
"Yes?"
"Would it be all right if I joined you? I still hate Kamui, but I've all ready broken my word to Yukimura by speaking to you so-"
"There's no need to explain yourself, Yuzu. Of course you can come along, I won't let you fell the same sadness again."
"Thank you. And at least now I'll have all the time in the world to get back at Kamui for beating me."
"You have not lose your competitiveness I see." said Azura as she got to her feet. "Can you stand?" she asked extending an arm to her friend. Yuzu grabbed Azura's wrist and pulled herself up, with the songstress' help. "Come on we have to go rejoin the others." Yuzu nodded and they both head off to join the others.
When they finally did they saw Saizo and Orochi knocked out and Yukimura struggling to get back to his feet. Kamui was panting heavily keeping his eyes focused on the older man, his retainers just as tiered by his side; Corrin was on the ground being healed by Jakob -as she had been bested. Yukimura growled when he saw Yuzu with Azura, but ignored that fact that they now had another traitor and glared at the man that defeated him. "I don't understand... We're defeated... Why don't you kill us?" Yukimura demanded between his panting. Azura went over to Corrin and told her what had happened, she nodded and went to her brother's side, just as he was going to reply to the Hoshidan tactician's question.
Kamui took in a few breaths of air then answered. "Because we don't need to continue this senseless violence. I know how to end it! However, I need your help in order to do it." he started panting again as soon as he finished. Corrin took the opportunity to tell him that they had a new ally he looked at her and nodded then turned back to face Yukimura.
The older man look at the former prince slightly disgusted. He did say that he would be willing to listen to him, but there was no way that he would ever accept to help him. "Helping you means turning against Hoshido. And you say I must do this to help Hoshido? I don't believe you. How can I trust someone who has turned against everything I love?"
Just then Orochi and Saizo started to push themselves up. "Y-yeah!" Orichi exclaimed her voice shaky. "We'll only trust you if you can bring back all the lives you've taken! Return Lady Mikoto, and maybe we'll listen!" Kamui winced at his mother's name and Corrin wasn't to thrilled to hear it either.
Saizo panted for a few seconds as he got to his feet. "... There is no other way..." the shinobi pulled his kimono apart slightly to reveal the paper booms on his body. "I must sacrifice my life to rid our land of these Nohrian fiends..." Kamui and the rest stared to back up as the ninja started activating the booms. "I'll show you what true dedication and loyalty mean!" he let a sharp cry following his sentence.
"Get back! He intends to sacrifice himself in attacking us!" Gunther exclaimed stating the obvious.
Kamui took a few more steps back then yelled. "Saizo, stop!"
Saizo didn't listen to a word the young man said. "I believe in Hoshido... Even if I must give my life, I will stop you!"
"No, Brother! You're wrong!" A familiar voice, to both Saizo and Corrin, cried out. it was Kaze. He and Sakura ran outside to see Saizo engulfed in a bright light produced by the paper booms.
"Stop, please!" Sakura begged. "Saizo, d-don't hurt my brother and sister!"
"Kaze! Sakura!" Corrin exclaimed.
"Why are you interfering?" Saizo demanded. "These people deserve their fate. They've turned against Hoshido!"
Kaze knew he had to act quickly. "Brother, you mustn't be so rash! Lord Kamui is trustworthy! When I was a prisoner in Nohr, it was Kamui who let me escape! He saved me—an enemy—without worrying about what would happen for doing so. and don't forget that you as well trusted Lady Corrin just like I do." he spoke rapidly and clearly even hearing Corrin and Kamui whisper his name.
"Kamui is...a very kind person." Sakura added she then pointed to the soldiers not to far form them. they were starting to get up. "Look! Even d-during this battle, he didn't kill a single defender! Why would he do that if he had truly betrayed Hoshido?! There must be a reason! Please, just listen to him!" if it were anyone else talking Saizo would have not listen, however the request was coming for a Hoshidan princess so he simply growled and stopped pouring his chakra into the booms. the flames slowly subsided.
Kaze tilted his head slightly. "Thank you, Brother..."
Saizo glared. "Hmph. This doesn't mean I trust him, but I listen to what he has to say."
Kamui took in a breath the explained. "Our real enemy is not in Nohr or hidden in Hoshido. It lies somewhere else... The explosion in Hoshido, the death of my mother... These events weren't set in motion by King Garon. Somewhere else, a powerful and ambitious force is manipulating us all." No one other that his allies believed him. The rest looked at him confused.
"So that's it?" the red haired shinobi asked. "An enemy we haven't heard of is the reason for this conflict? Sounds like the work of an active imagination. Nothing more. Educate us then—who is this mystery enemy?"
Kamui could only stay silent for a few seconds as Azura looked at him with a worried expression. "I'm sorry..." he started regrettably. "I can't say much. Only that... A day will come when the skies above Nohr and Hoshido switch colors. If you need proof that what I say is true, meet me at Bottomless Canyon."
"Do you think us fools?" Saizo demanded.
Kamui shook his head. "No, I don't think that at all. I just... I'm sorry, but I can't say more."
Yukimura narrowed his eyes. "Well then... It seems this was a waste of our time. I've heard enough. Away with you."
The young man stayed silent and turned to walk away with the others. However somebody's voice stopped him dead in his track and turned back. "Wait, Brother! Please!" it was Kamui's youngest blood sister.
"Sakura?" he said a little confused.
Sakura ran to him, but almost instantly nervous when she fell under the gaze of his red eyes. "Um... Please...t-take me with you! I'm not very good at fighting, but I'm sure I can find a way to help!"
Kamui looked rather shocked and so did Yukimura. "Lady Sakura, why are you—?!" the man started only to be cut off a second later.
Sakura turned to him. "I'm sorry, Yukimura, but I believe that Kamui is telling the truth. We haven't spent much time together, but I can tell... I can tell by the look in his eyes... He isn't trying to trick us." she declared squinting her eyes shut.
"Lady Sakura... I didn't expect this. I don't know what to say right now... I've been by your side since you were born. I can tell that your mind is made up. I won't try to stop you. Just...promise me that you'll be careful." he said.
Sakura eyes went wide, she was happy to hear that he wasn't going to stop her though. "Th-thank you, Yukimura."
Kaze looked at his twin. "Brother, I would ask for your understanding. I would like to accompany Lord Kamui on his mission. And stay by Lady Corrin's side once again."
Saizo scoffed. "If you are set on that course, you may do as you wish."
Kamui finally smiled. "Thank you, Sakura, Kaze. Thank you for believing in me. Let's head to our next destination."
"Halt, Brother." Corrin said. "We don't even know where our next destination is." she looked a the tactician. "Yukimura. I know that asking you to help us is a stretch, but will you at least be willing to tell us where our brothers were late seen?"
the older man took in a breath. "They were headed to Izumo. That's all the information you'll get however."
"That's fine we can manage on our on from there." Corrin made a bow. "Thank you, Yukimura."
With that Corrin and the others turned to leave the fort. Saizo and Orochi went along with them to make sure that the soldiers that were defeated did try to attack them and think that Sakura was there hostage. The parted ways the moment the reached the entrance of the fort.
The kept walking until they made it to a lake shore where they decided to take a break. Azura and Yuzu went off somewhere to catch up. While Corrin and Kaze headed off into the forest where Corrin apologized to Kaze about what had happened and what he had to go through because of her. Kaze understood and forgave her and offered to be her retainer again. Corrin accepted.
Meanwhile Kamui and Sakura stayed by the lake. The white hair lad smiled at the sight of the water. "This lake... "
"Is something the matter?" Sakura asked.
Kamui shock his head. "No, its just that this lake reminds me of the one of where I first met Azura. So much happened in the short time since then..."
"Kamui..." she whispered under her breath.
Kamui smiled at the girl. "I'm sorry, Sakura. There's so much I want to tell you, but I can't. Not here..."
The princess returned her older brother's smile. "It's all right, Kamui. I b-believe in you. I can tell that you're carrying a very heavy burden. If I can even do the smallest things to h-help you. I... Uh... thank you for letting me join you. I, uh, missed you." she looked at him with a blush across her cheeks, then bowed. "I hope I can help." she added, looking at the ground with a flush expression. She eventually looked up at her brother again and showed him her smile.
Both siblings continued to chat for a while eventually getting rejoined with the others. Azura introduced Yuzu to those who didn't know her. Kamui was a little uneasy as she continued to look at him like she was mad at him. Azura reassured him that she was very kindhearted however, so he decided to to take her word for it. He still had to deal with the fact that the samurai challenged him to a rematch.
Before the young man could accept the challenge he could have sworn that he could hear some sort of flapping. And it was getting louder. "...Do you hear something?" he asked around trying to locate the source of the noise. "Is something coming this way?" his eyes finally landed on two airborne pegasus. "Wait, what the... Is that a pegasus? It's heading s-straight at us!"
Sakura -as usual- almost instantly panicked hiding her face with her palms. "What?! Ahhh!"
While the youngest princess's eyes were shut Two pegasus landed in front of them. "Whew... We finally caught up with you, milady!" the male rider said as he dismounted his steed.
Sakura quickly recognized the voice has her retainer's. She removed her hands from her face and stared at him as he walked towards her. "Waaah! S-Subaki?"
"Oh, Lady Sakura... Did you even realize that you'd left us behind? How could you!" Hana asked making her way to the pink haired girl as well.
"Hana!" Sakura was happy to see her best friend.
The last person to get to make her way to the other was Emma. Once off she quickly ran to both Azura and Yuzu, who forgot about her, and threw her arms around them. Both women returned her hug.
However Saukra couldn't help, but wonder, "Why are the two of you—?"
Hana cut her off and explained. "We received word from Yukimura. He told us that you left with Lord Kamui."
"Ahhh. Yukimura knew that I would need you two..." Sakura replied.
Hana chuckled. "Even if Yukimura hadn't told us...we would have searched day and night to figure out where you were and caught up!"
The red haired pegasus knight nodded. "Indeed. It is our duty to protect you, milady, and nothing will stop us. If you are headed somewhere, then it's only natural that we would go too. We will always support you."
"Thank you very much!" Sakura bowed.
"Um... Sakura, Azura, who are these people?" Kamui asked as he had not seen these people before and if he did he couldn't remember.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Kamui. These are my retainers, Subaki and Hana." the princess introduced. "They're both very strong and kind; they've p-protected me for years. They'll fight on our side. It'll be helpful to have such reliable friends."
The manakete chuckled. They had more new allies. "We need all the help we can get. Thank you, both of you."
"Of course. We'll carry out any mission flawlessly." Subaki said.
Hana on the other hand glared slightly at the princess's brother. "To be honest, Lady Sakura will be my top priority, but I'll do my best to help!"
"And Kamui." Azura called out to get his attention. "This is Emma my second retainer."
"Um... Hi..." The pegasus knight said nervously, bowing her head.
"Hello, Emma. Thank you for joining us."
"No problem. As long as I get to stay with Lady Azura, then you can be sure to have my services." Emma said with a smile.
After all of the introductions were made the started marching to Izumo in the hopes of finding Ryoma and Takumi. They continued until it was too dark too see anything and had to return to the astral planes.
Sorry if this chapter sucked school work has been piling up, I have to deal with just about some the most annoying people in the world (stupid gang of laughing hyena... not kidding by the way...) and I just wasn't really into it this time. I'll edit it eventually, but right now you guys will have too make do with this. I guess it can't be that bad though since I actually managed to get a second chapter in this month... And, other than my horrible school life, Sakura, Kaze, Subaki, Hana, Yuzu and Emma have been recruited. And also that Clifford is only in this story to be the person that takes care of the live stock. I'm still debating over Mozu though... since you know there are soooooooooo many characters!
But anyway thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.