HANABUSA

"Shouldn't we grab their armor?" Yuki whispered, pointing back at the bodies of the dead guards. "Or...hide their bodies? Or something?"

"Or, you could be quiet and move quickly, Princess," Kaito sneered, putting a mocking emphasis on the brunette's title.

"There's no time," Hanabusa explained in an undertone as they cut up the nearest alley, clinging to the shadows of the buildings.

For the millionth time, Hanabusa wondered why he'd let himself be talked into bringing Yuki along. Their little group was pitifully small in number. Apart from himself, there was Zero, Kaito, Yuki, and three other men: Tsukasa, Ichi, and Chiharu. Zero and Yuki were the ones vying for the throne; to lose them both would be devastating both personally and to their cause. Having them both here, infiltrating the castle, was beyond foolish. And then...he couldn't forget...Kaito was Shizuka's right-hand man… How did they know he wasn't leading them to a trap? When they turned the corner, would he also turn on them?

Yet, here they were. There was no turning back anymore. The streets they had fled through months ago they now returned through. It was almost...eerie. He hadn't expected his return to be like this, but then again he supposed Yuki hadn't either. Still, if they did manage to pull this off, the battle might come to an immediate halt and prevent even more lives lost. Was it worth the risk? He wasn't sure.

Nevertheless, he had faith that he'd left their armies in good hands. Akatsuki had command of the front lines, Kan the cavalry, and Yori the healers and reserve troops. There were no other three that Hanabusa would have trusted more. Until Shizuka was removed, those three should be able to hold out. Fortunately, the Shirabuki and Ichijou forces were camped around the west walls, which were more vulnerable, and they would likely stay there for the time being. The Souens were entirely staying out of the battle, and from what he knew, the Toumas were mostly keeping out of it, as well. Although, one of his spies had reported a Touma regiment stationed at the eastern gate. Well, as long as the south gate stayed clear for the next day or two, they should be able to complete their mission. If they didn't…

If they didn't, the battle would be lost, anyway…

"This way," Zero motioned, and the group ducked through an even narrower street, ever towards the inner walls of the city.

If only they'd had enough troops to block off the north gate, as well. If they could have completely cut the city off, their chances of victory would have increased tenfold. They were doing the best they could with limited resources, but...it might not be enough.

Such a pity the Souens were throwing all their strength against the Toumas right now…

"Hanabusa," Yuki murmured, poking his shoulder.

"What?" he demanded tensely.

"Turn off your brain for a few minutes."

At that comment, Zero chuckled.

"Easy for you to say," he retorted under his breath.

"I heard that!" Yuki quietly exclaimed, smacking him now.

A street or two over, the blond heard an unfamiliar voice ask, "What was that?"

A second voice answered, "I don't know. We should take a look."

"Nice going, idiots," Kaito snapped.

Hanabusa glanced around a tad desperately, and, for lack of a better idea, tried the knob on the house beside them. To his surprise, the door opened, and he quickly ushered the group inside.

Shutting the door behind them, the blond put a finger to his lips. Inside, it was nearly pitch black, and it was unlikely that anyone had seen him, but he didn't want to risk saying anything out loud. The room they were in was fairly cramped and dusty, and it seemed as though no one had lived here for a while. All of that was good, but what was not good was the lantern coming down the street.

"Stay out of the windows," Zero advised, and the seven scrambled as quietly as they could to find a hiding place.

As light illuminated the room, Hanabusa heard Shizuka's men discussing the situation.

"No one here," one of the guards stated.

"Maybe something fell," the other suggested.

"That might be it," the first agreed.

As the two guards passed by the house, however, Hanabusa caught sight of Yuki hunched under a table, her nose twitching. The dust was getting to her. Her eyes watered dangerously as she covered her nose with both hands.

The light passed by the house and began to disappear down the street. Hanabusa relaxed. At the same time, however, Yuki sneezed.

The light stopped receding.

"You hear that?" one of Shizuka's men asked.

"Yup."

Hanabusa felt sweat drip down the back of his neck. His hand went to the hilt of his sword and lingered there.

"We told those damn villagers to clear out of here," the first guard muttered.

"They don't listen, the dimwits," the second answered.

"Should we clear them out?"

"Nah. I say, if they want to die they can just damn well die! You hear that?! If you get killed, it's your own damn fault!"

With that, the light bobbed around the corner and the house was plunged into darkness once more. Someone breathed an audible sigh of relief.

"That was close," Ichi said.

"No thanks to a certain someone," Kaito added, glancing Yuki's way.

"I couldn't help it!" the princess protested.

"Let's move on," Zero suggested, and the group returned to the streets.

"The tunnel isn't far," Hanabusa told them.

It wasn't far, and yet it felt like an eternity to tiptoe from street to street. On horseback, the city had flashed by during their exit. Now, on foot, it dragged. Occasionally the group of infiltrators had to stop and navigate the guards, but for the most part the city was silent. All of the troops were positioned at strategic points, it seemed, and there were few to spare to vigil the city itself.

All of that changed, however, as they approached the entrance to the tunnel. Starting at the southern gate, Hanabusa heard the ring of the alarm bell. Shouts took up, easily carrying through the empty streets.

"Shit. They found the guards' bodies," Kaito explained.

"Let's move quickly," Hanabusa suggested, and the group picked up the pace. There was just one street between them and the tunnel. Hopefully, they could enter the passage before the number of guards increased.

Something gurgled to his left. Turning, Hanabusa saw Chiharu drop to the ground, an arrow through his throat.

"Intruders!" someone called. "This way! Intruders!"

"Go, run!" Hanabusa shouted, and the group raced for the tunnel. It was only a few meters away, and yet it seemed miles. The clang of metal boots against the street pursued them, growing ever closer.

A moment later, they hit the wall. Yuki began to run her hands over the stone, attempting to find the hidden lever that would open the tunnel. At the same time, the shouts were converging on them. Faint lights grew stronger as lanterns neared. If they didn't get inside the passage soon, they'd be dead.

"If you don't mind, hurry!" Kaito prodded.

"I can't remember!" Yuki wailed.

"They're here! They turned down that street!" a voice announced. At the same time, a click sounded, and the door to the passage swung open.

"Inside, now!" Zero ordered, and the six of them rushed into the tunnel. As soon as the last person was in, the silver-haired knight shut the door behind them. Immediately, all light and sound was cut off from the outside world.

"Hang on," Tsukasa said, and Hanabusa could hear him fumbling for the lantern he had tied to his back.

A few moments of clanging later, and the weak light from the lantern illuminated the passage.

"I hope you remember how to open the door on the other side of the tunnel," Hanabusa told Yuki suspiciously.

"I remember," the princess assured him.

Somehow, Hanabusa did not feel reassured.


AN: At least they made it to the tunnel, no thanks to Yuki and her itchy nose!