Marksman

A war has left a nation torn and its remaining heirs escaping with their lives. Little did the Admiral know that by taking them in, it would alter the life of his daughter drastically, especially when her curiosity draws her closer to the budding marksman. One night, after receiving news of her abduction, the ranger departed on an arduous journey, vowing to bring her home safely.

Previously:

Tomoe cackled, "You're so skeptical, Chie Hallard. But in this case, you don't really have a choice. It's a fair trade, don't you think? So do we have a deal?"

Chapter 9

Italics – Thoughts

"N-Natsuki!"

The woman turned, recognizing the stammer. "What is it, Masashi? W-what? What's this?" she demanded as a bouquet of flowers was shoved into her face.

"I got this for you, Natsuki, I hope you like.." he trailed, staring at his feet.

"Uhm, thanks, but I can't accept it," she paused, pushing the flowers back to him, "I'm sorry, but I think I made myself pretty clear the last time, right?"

There was an awkward silence, but he startled her with his frantic head shaking and a vehement, "No!"

She expelled a sigh, "I'm serious, Masashi. Shizuru.."

"I don't understand, Natsuki. What is it that she has that I don't?" he interrupted her when he heard Shizuru's name. "I know she is the Admiral's daughter, but I come from a noble family too. In fact, I have already been in the Vitilus' panel of ministers for a few years …"

She held a hand to cut him off, "Please don't make this hard for both of us. Those things you mentioned are unimportant to me. I already told you that it isn't about her status or whatever you think it is. I hope you could take it in your stride and maybe, just let it go."

"But, Natsuki!" he grabbed her hand at the spur of the moment, earning him a disgruntled glare. He ignored her, pulling her forward and placed her hand on his chest. "I knew you were the one the day you set foot in Vitilus!"

She scowled and was about to yank her arm away from his grasp when she spotted Shizuru headed in their direction – and she didn't look too pleased. "Hey.. Shizuru," she greeted weakly when she saw the look hidden within her crimson irises.

Takeda spun around, dropping Natsuki's hand and adopted a confrontational stance, "I was speaking privately with Natsuki."

"Ara, good morning to you too, Council Member Masashi." Shizuru replied cordially before addressing Natsuki directly, "Nat-su-ki. I was looking all over for you. We were supposed to head down to the lake with Alyssa today for our picnic."

Natsuki gave her a sheepish smile, "Sorry, 'Zuru. I got held up." She looked at Takeda, "Uhm, I'd have to be going now, I've a prior engagement."

"Ara, indeed! I have made many mini pastries for Natsuki because Natsuki likes to be fed while lazing on my lap," she smirked in delight.

"Right. Okay, we better go now, Shizuru. Goodbye, Masashi," a red-faced Natsuki dragged Shizuru away as fast as she could.

Takeda bristled, clenching his fists as the tall princess walked away with his future wife. It wasn't fair. It was all her fault for taking her away. He was confident that if the bewitching princess wasn't around to begin with, Natsuki was as good as his, his beautiful dark-haired Goddess.

Perhaps, he should reconsider the offer that the Arixian agent had tabled. After all, he could also earn a good sum of money on the side. It was a win-win.

For him, that is.

XXX

At yet another Council Meeting

"Though there is a slim chance of peace, we should not forgo it," Takeda Masashi reasoned, before taking a sip from his goblet. "The details are in the parchment," he added, raising the scroll for all to see.

"You know what Arixia is like. They say one thing and mean another. This is likely to be some elaborate trap," an elderly female member shook her head in disagreement as she took the scroll from him and studied it.

"Miss Maria, Vitilus is geographically at an advantage. Kagen and Chryzan are Arixia's direct neighbors, so they provide a buffer for us. Arixia's next target is logically Chryzan due to their proximity. Offering a peace treaty is just their way of guarding their backs to buy more time, lest we try to recover Kagen lands," the man set his goblet down heavily, flashing his obvious dissent.

Miss Maria laughed bitterly in response, "Well, history has already proven their trustworthiness. Besides, why should we give them more time to accumulate power? I am not in favor of sending anyone from Vitilus down just for this so-called discussion, much less the Admiral himself."

The remaining members murmured amongst themselves, nodding their heads in agreement to Miss Maria's statement.

"In that case, I am sure our Princess could do equally well," Takeda paused, deliberately avoiding Shizuru's gaze and looking around at the ministers instead. "And I am sure there would be sufficient soldiers for escorting her on this, War Minister?" he turned toward the redheaded female.

Midori Suigura raised a brow in question at the sudden attention on her, but gave it a quick thought before nodding in response, "Miss Maria makes a point. But I would like to raise this issue – if we were to go ahead with this, we cannot neglect our defenses back in Vitilus as well. It might be a trap to divide our forces. In any case, I will support the decision made by the Council."

"Thank you, Minister Sugiura," the Admiral, who had been silent throughout the entire debacle. "My highest priority is the safety of our nation. I understand your concern, Miss Maria, but if there is an option for peace, however temporary, I cannot forgo it."

The elderly councilwoman regarded him, but nodded her assent at his reason. He reciprocated with a smile, for her concern and continued, "However, I will not put my daughter at risk in my stead. I would prefer to head down to meet the Arixians personally. Minister Suigura, could I trouble you to allocate a suitable force to assist in this treaty discussion?"

Takeda flinched as the discussion continued – this was not the way it was supposed to turn out. Damn it, this would destroy his plans. He cursed the Admiral for his interference. He clenched his clammy palms, trying to formulate a way to persuade Shizuru to go instead, but nothing came to mind.

Just as he was at his wits end, the smooth voice of the princess cut through the air, "Ara, Father. Please allow me to go. I think that Vitilus would be better served if you remain here."

Admiral Tetsuo's brow creased, his worry reflected in his eyes, "But Shizuru, that is too big a risk for me to take. I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen to you."

Shizuru shook her head, "I understand your concern, Father, but this is my responsibility as well. I ask of you to let me do this for the sake of our country."

Takeda beamed immediately, unaware that the tawny haired lady was taking notice of his strange behavior. Was this his lucky day or what? He quickly added on, "I respect the Princess' devotion to Vitilus and I respect her stance on this. We need the Admiral here in case this is a trap to divide our forces."

The table remained silent until Miss Maria spoke up again, "Admiral Tetsuo, I am sure young Kruger would be accompanying our Princess on this? Perhaps that would put your mind better at ease?"

Tetsuo Viola was in quiet contemplation, tapping his fingers slowly on the table.

Takeda Masashi was frowning at Miss Maria's statement of Natsuki heading off with Shizuru.

Shizuru Viola took a sip from her teacup, subtly eyeing the man from the corner of her eye.

Maria Graceburt had crossed her arms, in her perpetually strict demeanor as she waited for the Admiral to make his call.

Midori Suigura's eyes had lit up at the mention of Natsuki, wondering when she could persuade her to "lend" her more of her cool inventions.

"Alright, Shizuru. I suppose this is for the best. Minister Suigura, please work together to see to the preparations," he nodded and looked at his daughter, "Could you make sure that Natsuki is alright with this?"

"Of course, Father. I shall see to it at once. Minister Suigura, would you like to accompany me to look for our ever-evasive marksman?"

Midori grinned and flashed her a thumbs up.

With a chuckle, the Admiral thanked the members for their attendance.

XXX

At an unknown place

"It is done, as agreed. They would be sending Princess Viola down for the treaty discussion. Naturally, she would be escorted, but that's your problem. Now give me the money."

The hooded figure nodded and pulled out a package, "Here."

Takeda briefly went through the package, before pocketing it. He added, "Remember, if you get captured or anything, I had nothing to do with it. That woman is a nut with her naginata."

"That is no longer up to you," Chie replied coolly, pushing up her frames.

"But you promised…" he started, but she cut him off abruptly with a raised hand.

"You're just a snitch for spare change," she remarked, "But thanks for making my job easier."

He growled in anger at her words but she took no heed of him. She had little regard for Takeda who had readily betrayed others for his personal gain. However, it was in hers and Aoi's best interest to make use of him to her advantage. With a snort of contempt, she responded, "Why else do you think I approached you, instead of people like Maria Graceburt or Midori Suigura?"

She sneered as he was lost for words and turned to leave, but not without a threat, "Remember. If you try to mess this up for me, your implication in this would be known throughout. So it is best to just take the cash and shut your trap."

With that, she disappeared into the darkness.

Takeda clenched his fist in anger, inhaling quickly to calm himself down. He had more pressing matters to attend to. Since Shizuru was as good as being served on a platter to the Arixians, all he had left to do was to find a way to stop Natsuki from heading off with her.

XXX

A/N: Thank you for reading and apologies for the delay in update. I'm contemplating moving the rating up to M, I guess it might be fun to try my hand in writing sex scenes. Let me know your thoughts if any; and of course, reviews are appreciated as always :)