AN: I know we didn't spend much time at the fort. I apologize; perhaps this is going a little fast, but I didn't really want to drag it out with filler chapters, either. Also, even though it's a few days early, Happy New Year!

YUKI

"Our day back on the road and we're already delegated for errands," Yuki laughed, feeling bubbly and free despite her words. They had only just left the Sunridge Fort, and the capital wasn't far ahead of them, but nevertheless more supplies were needed before they met up with the advance troops on the battlefield.

"You volunteered us…," Zero grumbled.

"Well...maybe…"

One silver eyebrow arched slightly. "So you didn't say the words 'We'll go, please let us go?'"

"I...might have…" She quickly averted her gaze to the scenery and cleared her throat.

They didn't have far to get the supplies they needed, which was fortunate, as otherwise they had been expressly forbidden from leaving camp. The future king and queen could not be put in danger, after all...which was probably why no less than 10 guards were accompanying them at this very moment. The situation was less than intimate, but Yuki enjoyed the time she had with Zero just the same. She wanted to use very available opportunity to grow closer to him.

The road widened here, splitting into another path that ran parallel to a shallow stream of cool, clear water. This was the main river here in the plains, which wasn't much. The stream was wide enough, but would likely only come up to her ankle here. Nevertheless, it was refreshing. A cool breeze massaged their cheeks as it passed towards them from over the stream.

"Let's see…," she began, running a finger down the thin sheet of paper she'd scribbled their shopping list on. "Bandages, herbs, spiced wine...um...? Why do we need spiced wine?" She squinted at the paper, as if by doing so she would decipher the reason behind the listed item.

Zero scowled, snatching it from her, "Where does it say-Forget that one."

"But it says to get it…," she said thoughtfully, kicking at a pebble on the road and enjoying the sound it made as it bounced off.

The Bloodguard merely sighed, tucking the paper into his pocket.

"Hmm…I wonder who wrote that..?" she tilted her head to the side.

Under his breath, Zero muttered something that sounded distinctly like 'Hanabusa.' Yuki was deterred from pushing the matter further, however, as they neared the trading post that Akatsuki had told them about. According to the redhead, the people of the plains were primarily nomadic. However, in recent years they had begun to settle down into small towns. The trading post wasn't quite a town yet, but perhaps in a few more years it might be.

As they approached, Yuki saw that the trading post was composed mostly of small, circular huts that had been twined together by strips of dried grass. In the center of the huts was a huge bazaar. Within it were stands of trinkets, food, refreshments, jewelry, rugs, and everything else Yuki could have imagined. Most of the people had the rugged appearance of plainsfolk, although here and there Yuki thought she spotted a few men and women from other regions. In particular, one balding man who was dripping in bracelets and scarlet robes. The princess made a note to avoid conversation with him on the off-chance that he might recognize her.

Before they had breached the circle of huts, half a dozen pairs of eyes were already on them, wary and calculating. The Kuran noble supposed that entering a trading post with almost a dozen armed men was likely not something that occurred here every day. At the same time, almost everyone at the trading post possessed some kind of weapon. As Yuki glanced around she caught sight of swords, axes, bows, and more. There were even some weapons she had never seen before, such as a long pole with a curved blade fixed onto the end.

"I'll negotiate," Zero murmured, and she nodded in agreement.

The first stand they approached was one that sold healing supplies. Although they had brought some with them, after taking a more thorough stock Hanabusa had decided they needed even more. "It will be a difficult battle," the blond had told them. "Many lives will be lost, and many more soldiers will be injured." Yuki swallowed, hands tight against her sides for a moment. She had never been in a battle before, and she didn't want to imagine the scope of the losses that they would surely suffer…

For now, she shook herself back to the present. She could worry incessantly, but her preoccupations would not stop this battle from coming. There was no point to making herself anxious now. She was doing everything possible to prepare; training, observing, even reading a book or two on tactics…

Without warning, the sudden flash of metal caught her eye just in time for her to shout, "Zero!"

Faster than she had ever seen him move, Zero abruptly drew his sword, the edge barely deflecting the opposing blade as the silver-haired knight leapt away. Yuki jumped back as well as their entourage of guards simultaneously drew 10 identical swords.

To her surprise, Yuki heard a gruff laugh, and saw that the assailant was a tall, hooded figure garbed in black robes. From beneath the shadows of the hood, a deep voice said, "Good. Your reflexes aren't bad, after all."

"Who are you?" Yuki demanded as Zero shifted his grip on his sword and took a step closer.

"You must be that dim-witted fool's daughter."

"Your name, now," Zero repeated in a low tone.

"Ah. Of course." The figure raised a hand and lowered the hood to reveal a handsome man with curly hair as black as a raven's wing and a pale scar on his chin. One eye was covered with a dark patch while the other was a brilliant blue. "Yagari Touga. I'm that fool's friend...or something like that."

"Who?" the princess asked, mystified.

"Who else? Kaien. Even if he isn't your real father, you really resemble him…"

"You knew my father?!" she exclaimed.

"I didn't expect to meet you here like this. You two better do a good job saving the kingdoms. I was on my way to lend you a hand thanks to some annoying people… I guess I'll just join you now, then." Yagari shrugged, sheathing his broadsword.

"You're...joining us?" Yuki repeated.

"How do we know we can trust you?" Zero asked, still not lowering his own blade.

"When are you headed back to your army?" the newcomer inquired, rummaging into a pocket and pulling out a tiny vial, which he took a swig from.

"You haven't answered any of our questions…" the Bloodguard growled.

"I did. My name."

"We still have no reason to trust you…"

"You do. The two annoying people who asked me to come...they should be in your camp. You can confirm everything with them."

"Do we know them?" Yuki pressed, cautiously optimistic.

"Dunno. Guess so. One's a seer, the other is a little druid girl."

Yuki exchanged a glance with Zero. Senri and Rima? She chewed her lip pensively and then nodded. "Alright. We'll bring you to them."

"Yuki-" Zero cautioned.

"He's coming," she announced decisively.

"Good," Yagari stated. Before either the princess or her Bloodguard could ask him any further questions, the one-eyed stranger turned on his heel and strode off to the outskirts of the bazaar.

"Let's finish our shopping, Zero," Yuki proposed. "And get some of that spiced wine that Hanabusa wants."

In response, Zero only sighed.

AN: Yagari joins the gang! Very soon the final showdown will begin. Are you ready?