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:

Was it arson? It seemed plausible that the fire spread was fueled by accelerants. Shizuru tapped her chin. But as far as she knew, Mai was such a cheerful and friendly girl. How could she have offended any one?

There was a link, but what was it?

Chapter 11

Italics – Thoughts

"Shizuru?"

Shizuru's ears pricked at the sound of Natsuki's voice outside. "In here, Natsuki."

The door opened and a rather muddy and tousled Natsuki immediately sat beside her, eying the bandages on her head, "What did the doc say, Shizuru?"

"Ara," Shizuru replied, pulling out a leaf from Natsuki's dark mane, "I'm alright, my Natsuki. Yohko just bandaged my head as an added precaution, silly." She spotted the fresh wounds on Natsuki's knee and face, "What happened?" she asked, concerned.

"Ahhh, I kinda tumbled into the trees and stuff. Nothing to worry about." She brushed Shizuru's cheek gently, her brows creased with worry.

Shizuru took Natsuki's hand and pressed a kiss against it, "I'm alright, love. Yohko has already verified that it was just a hard knock, no internal damages."

"Oh.." Natsuki inhaled, visibly relieved. She then pulls her brows together again, "How about Kiyohime and Mai? Are they alright?"

Shizuru nuzzled her concerned girlfriend, glad for her thoughtfulness and proceeded to update Natsuki about the situation. However, she left out the details of what caused the fire in the first place that she found suspicious. She didn't need her beau to have more worries on her shoulders. A short rap on the door interrupted their conversation and the Admiral and his Lady hurried into the room. Behind them were Miss Maria and Takeda.

"Oh! Shizuru!" her mother exclaimed. "What happened!"

"Mother, I'm alright," Shizuru was quick to reassure her anxious mother, "I just got a rather hard knock on the head. Kiyohime and Mai are injured, though. Yohko's in the next room with Mai right now."

Miss Maria cleared her throat, garnering the attention of everyone immediately. "Considering the circumstance, Princess, I suggest that we defer the departure tomorrow," Miss Maria stated, matter-of-factly as usual.

The Admiral slapped his fist against his open palm, "I totally forgot about that! Shizuru, why don't we postpone this?"

Natsuki opened her mouth to agree, but Shizuru quickly interrupted, "No, Father. I think that this discussion with the Arixians is too pivotal. It could draw the line between peace; albeit short; or war."

"The princess is right.." Takeda started off and Natsuki shot him a glare, but he gulped and added, "A-also, we might not have another chance like this if we were to forgo this."

"Exactly," Shizuru agreed, casting a glance at Takeda, smiling. What game is he playing?

Natsuki raised a brow at Shizuru's insistence, but she knew that Shizuru most probably had her own agenda for it, so she didn't protest. Instead, she turned to the Admiral, "In that case, we shall leave tomorrow as scheduled. I will make sure that Shizuru is safe."

The spiky-haired councillor shifted his weight unconsciously, but the sharp brunette caught it instantly. It had something do with their departure tomorrow..?

Shizuru picked up Natsuki's hand, noticing another fidget from him at their contact. Was it because.. of Natsuki? She knew she had to test him further, "Actually, my Natsuki, I think you should remain in Vitilus. I need your help to take care of Kiyohime and Mai in my absence."

Takeda nodded to himself at once, Shizuru noted, even though her eyes were still on the adamant Natsuki. Was the entire debacle with Mai's place burning was his way to split them up tomorrow? But, to go to the extent of injuring an innocent girl like Mai.. she wondered just how callous he could be.

Natsuki shook her head immediately, "No way, Shizuru. I'm not gonna let you go alone. Not especially if you're injured."

Takeda was about to reply; Shizuru guessed it was to try to persuade Natsuki to stay in Vitilus; but she knew her girlfriend's temperament. Natsuki wouldn't let her leave alone and most definitely not with Takeda's flimsy persuasion. She guessed that there was more than meets the eye and that Takeda was merely a pawn for someone else. The man didn't seem quick enough, judging by the way he was giving away so many clues. It was best for her to play along, to get to the bottom of this.

"I'm not going alone," She squeezed Natsuki's hand lightly, but rather certain the protective Natsuki wouldn't buy it. "Midori will be dispatching additional troops for this. I really need you here to make sure that everything is alright with Mai and Kiyohime."

"I'll go with her, mutt."

Everyone turned to the voice that came from behind.

"Nao?" Natsuki asked, surprised, "When did you come in?"

"Alyssa's got everything under control," the redhead shrugged.

Shizuru threw Nao a quick glance, which the young woman responded with a shrug. Confrontational as she might be, Shizuru knew it had no true malicious intent. Also, Nao had just offered her a way out. "Ara, Natsuki. Look. Please do not worry. Nao and I would be just fine."

Natsuki blinks – Shizuru and Nao – officially a tag team... was she dreaming? She made brief eye contact with Shizuru; Shizuru could tell Natsuki was thoroughly confused, possibly even hurt that she allowed Nao to come along instead of her. "But Shizuru.. I-I could just tag along to make sure you're alright."

However, Shizuru knew there was something brewing and she would never put Natsuki in harm's way knowingly. Natsuki couldn't come along. She had to harden her heart for her next response, controlled and curt, "Natsuki. I can and will be able to take care of myself. Honestly. Now, if everyone would excuse us, I'd need the time to discuss tomorrow's plans with Nao."

The dark-haired girl opens her mouth, but then closes it after a second. Shizuru's tone was curt and there wasn't any way for her to rebut. It hurt, but Natsuki had no idea what do to in a situation like this as she had never experienced it before. A strange look passes on her features before she slumps her shoulders and purses her lips, "Alright. We'll be on our way then. Take care, Shizuru."

Shizuru watches as Miss Maria and Takeda take their leave first, the foolish man still unable to contain his delight that was seeping off his skin. She curdled inwardly just looking at him.

Her parents were equally shocked at her treatment of Natsuki; her father had placed his hand on the young Kagen's shoulder as they walked out the room together. Lady Fio cast a worried glance at Shizuru, hoping her daughter would open up to her but Shizuru merely smiled and thanked her for her concern. With a short sigh, she too, left.

"So, you mind telling me what this is all about?" the last person in the room pushed herself off the wall.

Shizuru ran a hand through her locks, uncharacteristically expelling a deep breath, "I'm sorry for dragging you into.."

"Cut the crap, Shizuru. You better spill it," Nao growled, not one to advocate patience.

"Sit," Shizuru motioned to her bedside, which Nao casually flopped on. "I have reason to believe that the fire was orchestrated."

Nao looked up, but didn't look surprised.

Shizuru continued, "If my guess is right, Councillor Masashi might have been the one who caused it. It has something to do with Natsuki and I leaving tomrrow. I'm sure you are clear of his intention toward her?"

"Crystal. Even a blind mouse could see it a thousand miles away."

"I believe he wants to keep Natsuki here, in Vitilus, while sending me off."

Nao wrinkles her nose, overwhelmed by the incredulity of it all, "And you're letting him?"

"I cannot fathom his plans, but it just seems too coincidental. This "treaty" and this "accident" occurred way too close for comfort. I do not believe in coincidences. Yet, I do not believe someone like Takeda would be able to pull it off. There has to be someone else in Arixia pulling the strings and I intend to find out who and what agenda they have." Shizuru looks away, "However, it is risky and I cannot willingly allow Natsuki to follow me into danger."

"So you break her heart," Nao replies dryly. "Brilliant." The redhead doesn't wait for a response, "So, when do we leave tomorrow?"

"We leave at dawn. We will part ways at the river. You may return to Vitilus and state that I sent you off to scout the area. Upon returning, you find that I have disappeared, leaving you a letter with orders to return home. "

"You ain't getting rid of me that easy. See ya at dawn," Nao got up, waving a hand as she exited the room.

XXX

Admiral Tetsuo patted Natsuki on the shoulder gently as they walked along the hallways toward the bedrooms, "Ah, Shizuru's just feeling down under the weather, Natsuki. Probably from that knock on the head."

"Sometimes, I dont know what's going through her mind," Lady Fio adds, "But I'm sure Shizuru knows very well what she's doing. She probably very worried about Kiyohime and Mai."

"Yes. You know Shizuru would only trust them to you, right Natsuki?" the Admiral adds.

Natsuki offers them a small smile but hangs her head low, "Thank you, Admiral, my Lady."

Fio throws her husband a concerned look. He crinkles his forehead, worried about what was happening to both girls. Shizuru never, ever, behaved that way. They trusted their daughter to do the right thing, but now.. Tetsuo and Fio were both in a dilemma on what to do. Shizuru had made her intention clear, but they both wondered if she knew how hurt her partner was?

A guard jogs up to the trio, breaking the silence, "Sir, Ma'am, Commander. Captain Alyssa has sent word that they have returned. She wishes to let the Commander know that Duran is now resting in the bedroom."

"Ah, thank you," The Admiral dismisses him, "I'd say Duran and Artemis have earned a good long rest for their hard work."

They arrived at Natsuki's bedroom door and open it to reveal the grey Wolcon snoozing contentedly at the fireplace. He cracks open an eye at the sound, his large furry tail wagging at the sight of familiar faces. A short flap of his wings and a bound was all it took to reach Natsuki and give her a happy, welcoming lick on the cheeks.

Natsuki smiles and gives a short bow to both Lord and Lady, "Thank you for walking me back to my room. I should respect Shizuru's wishes. Uhm.. Please give her my well wishes when she leaves tomorrow."

XXX

The next day, along a Vitilus small street

The old beggar grunts as he misses his footing, stumbling headfirst into a guard. The guard exclaims in surprise, shoving him reflexively out of the way. The hobbled old man collapses again, his knees scraping hard against the sandstone pavements. "Watch it," was the guard's short response.

The old man bows apologetically, recognizing the uniform as those from the Royal Guard of Vitilus.

A gentle arm picks him up from the ground, brushing off at his torn and tattered rags. He peers up, only to find himself face to face with eyes the strangest shade of wine. "I apologize on behalf of my guard. His actions were uncalled for."

"Ahh.." he grunts as he fumbles to steady himself, "It's alright. Thank you."

She smiles, making sure he gained his footing before releasing her hold on his arm. The large gates ahead of them creak open and she offers him a quick nod of her head, before gracefully returning to her mount.

Disappearing amidst the crowd, the elderly man ducks into a small alley. He checks his surrounding onceover, before clambering underneath his small makeshift shelter. Chie sighs as she tosses off her disguise.

The stories she heard about the Vitilus Princess were indeed true. Elegant and charming. Not to mention, a heart kind enough to pick a random beggar off the street.

She had seen enough of the Arixian Army and their commanders. Pick a beggar off the streets? She scoffed. They would more likely torment the beggar for sport. She scowled as she remembered the General who was still holding Aoi hostage in exchange for information. Chie wished that she wasn't the one assisting that demented Arixian General in sending the young Princess off to a certain doom, but...

Aoi.

She shakes her head in a bid to clear all uncertainties in her mind. Peeping through the tattered cloth and making sure that there was no one around, she quickly steps out of the shelter. A glance upwards and she whistled. The brown messenger bird swooped in a mere second later, perching itself on her shoulder pads. She scribbles a short note to update the Arixians of the target's movements and sends the bird on its way.

XXX

Arixian Camp

The young woman beams, tossing the note away gleefully.

"Benkei!" she yells for her second in command.

A buff man strides in a second later, "General Marguerite."

"My guest of honor will be arriving soon. Get the men to work! I want the finest food on the table by tomorrow night."

He tilts his head, confused as this was not his General's way of doing things, "We are not ambushing the Vitilians with this peace treaty?"

Tomoe glares at him, her mood swinging in an instant, "Of course not! Chie has arranged for me to meet with this beautiful and captivating woman. I want to impress her, you got it?!"

Benkei nods, knowing not to cross her when she was like that, "Understood. I shall take my leave now."

"Stop right there! I'm not done!" Tomoe barks, which causes him to stop short. "Extract the scorpions poisions. Make sure that only hers is untainted. Once we decimate her army, she has no choice but to acceed to us."

"Oh," Benkei smiles, glad that his General hadn't lost her touch. He was wondering if a demon had posessed her momentarily for her lapse in judgement. "We will welcome them with the hospitality that would make you proud."

The General beams, pleased again. "You'd better. Make sure that this is followed through smoothly. I need her to be intimidated before she will accept the proposal."

Benkei bows.

XXX

The next day

The young Arixian General awaits in the grand tentage eagerly.

The cloth doors are parted and she squints slightly from the glare of the afternoon sun. A tall woman steps in, sweeping her bronze locks aside with a hand in a suave motion. The beautiful lady's eyes scan the room once and her gaze locks onto the seated General in the center of the tent.

General Marguerite reels slightly from the piercing gaze and the fact that her eyes were red. Not a bright, gawdy red; but a deep burgundy; one that she had yet to encounter. Tomoe clears her throat unconsciously, "You must be.."

"Shizuru Viola.." the lady offers in a distinct accent.

The tent doors part again and a redhead enters the room, sending a disgruntled gaze around the room, greeting the General with a huff.

Tomoe bids no regard to the other despite her familiar face, fixated on the woman she had been searching for, "Tomoe Marguerite. Please, have a seat. We have prepared a fine feast for everyone in your charge to enjoy."

Shizuru obliges and takes the indicated seat beside the General, "Ara. There is no need for such a lavish welcome, General Marguerite. It shall only be me and Commander Yuuki here today."

Tomoe tilts her head in surprise and her eyes flit to Benkei who was standing beside Shizuru. He gives a quick nod to acertain her words. "I see," Tomoe laughs as she takes her seat, "We do things very differently then, Vitilus and Arixia."

"It would seem so, General Marguerite. After all, our two nations are the furthest apart."

"Indeed. In fact, I have never been to Vitilus. I've just heard tales of their beautiful scenery, but it seems now it also applies to their women."

A loud hacking interrupts her and she narrows her eyes at the offending person. Nao hammers on her chest frantically, her face flushed. Half choking, she manages to cough a sentence out, "Sorry. Ain't used to your wine." She continues to crudely hacksaway, turning to the side to cough out the contents in her mouth.

The barest hint of a smile was on Shizuru's face at Nao's behaviour, but she quickly continues, noting the abrupt change in the Axirian General, "I thank you, General Marguerite. But you hold me in too high regard." She quickly continues, noting that Tomoe's mouth was open, ready to continue her cajolery, "In fact, if our nations were to finalize on a peace treaty, I am sure you would be able to visit Vitilus and enjoy the scenery. Am I right, General Marguerite?"

Tomoe holds out a hand, "Please, just Tomoe." She waves her hand and Benkei strides over, a scroll in hand. "I believe you would find my proposal for this treaty.. most intriguing, dear Shizuru."

Nao raises her brow, scoffing at the informality of Tomoe Marguerite, but Shizuru doesn't flinch. She smiles in return and takes the scroll from the man.

"Many thanks, General Marguerite, now, if you would allow me..?"

"Of course.. I really think-" Tomoe was interrupted by a short man stomping into the lavish tent.

"Tomoe! What is this preposterous.."

Tomoe scowls and snaps, "So, Prince Nagi, coming all the way here, unannounced. What have I done to deserve such honor? I shall take note and never repeat it again, lest I have to bear more of your dull visits."

"It's King Nagi and you shall address me as such."

Shizuru and Nao exchange quick glances, knowing the atmosphere was taking a turn for the worse with the sovereign of Arixia's uninvited presence.

"Men, throw Tomoe's esteemed guests into the cells! Lord knows what she's conspiring with them." The guards look at one another but were quickly goaded by Nagi. "Get to it! I'm still your King! Why are you looking at Tomoe for?!"

Tomoe hisses angrily, "Leave us!" Her face softens as she turns to Shizuru, "I'm sorry. Just give me a moment. Sorry about this."

XXX

In the makeshift wooden cells

Nao rubs her nose, "Well damn. This is the epic shit."

"Ara, that is a very interesting way of describing our current situation, Nao," Shizuru murmurs as she eyes the dried up feces on the floor. She lifts her head and takes in her surroundings. There were another three cages, all equally ratty and filthy. A disheveled looking girl was squatting in one of them. Her eyes lifted to meet Shizuru and Shizuru offers her a small smile in return.

"These Arixians are crazy," Nao complains, sulking to herself.

"Mmmhmm," Shizuru nods as she opens up the scroll that was in her hands. "Ara, ara. What a surprise."

Nao pops over her shoulder, "What? What is it?"

"It seems General Marguerite's peace treaty requires a wedlock."

"What?"

"Legal joining of two people," Shizuru mumbles offhandedly, still deep in thought.

"I know what it means, damn it! Between who? That rat of a King?"

Shizuru shakes her head, "I believe it's between myself and her."

XXX