Even after the events of the last few days….it was warm, warm and quiet. Opening his eyes he was facing the blue infinite sky above him, seeing the flowers moving with the air, Kamui had to lean forward to see the field of flowers, moving with the fresh breeze, barely light to see in front of him, it was the dawn? He couldn't tell, it was just a strange place to be, looking around he noticed that he was alone, perhaps he was finally dead? Touching his own body he found out that he was just wearing some old pants. It was strange to see such odd piece of dress.

Little did he know that he had been in that place before. It was almost as a faint memory, perhaps something deep inside his mind that remained or refused to let go such lovely place. Being in a dungeon for such long time, only seeing memories of departed love ones, and almost falling in madness a couple of days ago. Such strange place to be, almost a faint safe place as he was deprived of everything, his life, his memories, his entire being, not only slave of the reality, but also of his dreams, or at it has been lately, his worst nightmare.

If it wasn't for the soft giggling in the air, he would had thought that it was just another nightmare, but that happiness in the air was something else, something that he couldn't feel since….her departure.

So many questions when she appeared in his sight, just a couple of meters away. She looked as beautiful as when she departed, moving with such grace that his eyes barely could follow, if it wasn't for the small tears in his eyes. Her lovely purple sundress with that straw hat, watering the flowers that she found in her pace.

Even if it was a delusion, even if it was against all odds, he wanted to embrace her one more time. He struggled to stand and to run to her side, stumbling and falling with every attempt, his voice was missing as he tried to call her name, his strength failed him as his body refused to follow a mirage, his mind adverted another torment, another nightmare, another foolish delusion that would take the little happiness he had in his soul. But his heart refused to stay in that place at the distance as her free hair moved again with the breeze, she trying to control it with one hand showing her lovely figure.

In the worst case it could be just another nightmare from Yukimura, another dead end to his happiness, he would ignore it as another of his schemes, something to throw him into another hellish experience. But there was a little detail in this place.

Snowdrop.

Definitely it was the smell of snowdrops, Elise favorite flower. It was in all her perfumes, not particularly strong or special in itself, but that faint sweet smell, how his heartbeat rose when he got closer. There was definitely that scent in the air.

Even after all that time in the castle, Yukimura couldn't know that he had a lover, much less her scent. It couldn't be something from him as the previous nightmares just ignited something that was already there in his soul. It couldn't be that Elise as she never appeared as an omen of good will. It couldn't be a trick of his mind as he never looked for her forgiveness for breaking his promise. After all he wouldn't be able to reach the place where she was now, but even so, now he was aware that it wasn't a dream, or at least a normal one. He had to see it for himself, to see her face and feel her touch…..but….

As soon he got closer the place started to vanish.

Dandelion seeds flew in front of him as another strong breeze moved the green blades, unfair now that the dream was about to end when he finally got the strength to stand, to turn her to face him. Seeing her gentle face surprised by his presence as she softly smiled after a few moments, tears blurring his vision as he could feel her gentle hand on his cheek as her lips moved, before he could hear her message his dream came to an end.


Chapter 14: Gentle and Wicked


Over the seconds, he slowly recovered his vision and without hesitation he looked around, to see his surroundings as another surprise besieged his mind. Although there was light, he couldn't believe what was in front of him, opening his eyes and blinking a couple of times he couldn't believe what his eyes showed, her gentle smile as she watched him sleep, her tender eyes with her soft breath. He trailed off at first, but his mind wasn't fully aware of his slumber. "…M-mother?" he shyly asked as the Mikoto figure looked at him. She chuckled as he felt her hand rubbing his hair.

"Really? I'm that lovely in the morning?" her feminine voice returned him to the real world. As his vision returned, the image of his mother disappeared in one last blink, as Reina's face was present with a gentle smile. Was he sleeping in her lap? It was hard to say, he barely had enough energy to focus, less to complain.

"….So…..I assume that Oboro or Hinoka aren´t available this early in the morning, huh?" he rubbed his forehead, feeling the lingering scent of that dream hanging in his nose. He tried to stand but feeling the numbness in his legs and the dizziness in his mind he almost fell to the ground, if it wasn't for Reina grabbing his shoulders.

"Hey, careful, you´re still weak," Reina said as she slowly pulled him so he could lean against her, despite his protest. Without strength he was dragged again to Reina's side as she slowly massaged his shoulders. "Just rest for a little longer, it is quite early to be grumpy."

"Easy, Lord Kamui," Orochi said, snickering seeing the scene in front of her. "Or rather, you like it? It´s been a while since you were pampered so much," she said, trying to scoff a laugh. Kamui wasn't too pleased to hear the diviner, scratching his head he tried to focus his thoughts, but again his mind was assaulted by that dream, her lovely smiled pierced through his soul as guilt started to surface again.

"Is it normal to wake up and see you around?" he grumbled this time, managing to stand and walk away from the bed. This time he noticed that he was wearing just his trousers, without caring too much he started to dress as Orochi giggled and Reina frowned.

Searching for an excuse, Reina coughed in her fist. She didn't want to admit it, but she was quite pleased to play with his hair in his sleep. "Lord Kamui, I think is too early in the morning to be grumpy, you can sleep a little longer if you want," Reina smiled when he looked at her, waving her hand she invited him to return to his slumber. "After all, today you´ll be busy, so why don't enjoy your morning a little more?"

"Aside from that, Lord Kamui….." Orochi walked to his side as he was still looking at Reina, wearing simple shirt, it wasn't until she placed her hand on his shoulder that she continued, "You should really take it slowly, we have t-"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Kamui said, pushing her hand, although he raised his voice it wasn't something that felt with a hint of sadness and disdain, not directed at them, but there was something amiss on his face that morning. Kamui shook his head as he was about to continue dressing, but a pair of eyes stopped him in his tracks.

"It's impolite to yell at a girl so early in the morning, Lord Kamui," Oboro said as she was in the door, carrying a tray. The maids behind her, Miyu and Rin, had a serious look as they walked with their hands on their waist. "After all, if you yell so much, people are going to think that they´re being victims of some shady plots of yours."

"Victims?" Kamui grumbled again. It was true that he wasn't interested in what the others thought about him, at that point with everything that happened it was the other way around, but why had Oboro said it like that? There was some mischievous tone in her voice. Orochi quickly took this chance the lancer created.

"Even when I work my skin off every day for the welfare of my Lord, such cruelty from you, Lord Kamui!" Orochi gestured in such dramatic way, falling to the ground and with her hand on her forehead. Before he could say something Miyu quickly stepped in and fell next to the diviner with the same gesture.

"Ahh….such ruthlessness from my lord, working every day, changing his clothes, checking his scars, making delicious food from dawn to noon, to be received like that! Such inappropriate lord!" she looked at him, Kamui's left eye twitched as he watched the whole scene unfold in front of him. He had to still be asleep, there was no way he was witnessing such odd scene. Miyu curled her lips for a moment, moving away some of her clothes and revealing her shoulders. "Aaahhh…..even so, my lord yells at me even when I'm doing my best, sometimes I can feel that he want to ask for night services."

"No, I think you´re misunderstanding, and I don't follow, night services?" He looked at Oboro who had a nervous smile with a faint blush, then to Reina who was laughing with a hand on her cheek, quite entertained for what was happening, then back to the Orochi and Miyu. Rin this time was behind them, stroking Miyu's head. "….just what´s happening?"

"Don't feign ignorance, Lord Kamui," Rin said looking at him with a small pout. "Asking that in our time? Such a beast, even when you have Oboro at your side!"

"….Wait, what? What she has to do in this anyway? "

"Everyone! I think that´s quite enough!" Reina laughed, defusing the situation and standing. Then with a smile she gently pulled Kamui to the nearest desk and forced him to take seat. "It was fun, I have to admit it, but I think it's getting late and Lord Kamui has a really busy day today, so let's just dig in and enjoy the breakfast, right Oboro?"

Looking at the kinshi warrior and then to the albino, Oboro returned to the real world with a slight jump, aware that she took more time than necessary to respond. "..ah….ah! yes! Sorry! It's just something simple, scrambled eggs, fruit and some fresh bread," She said, placing the tray on the table. Seeing food, Kamui couldn't help but stare for a moment. He was about to complain but some grumbles from his stomach stopped him.

"Looks like we have the approval of our lord then!" Reina sat beside him as she prepared the plates and served him some milk. Kamui sighed and started to eat. Oboro did the same as the maids shrugged and started cleaning the room, making the bed and opening the windows so some fresh air could enter. "So, anything you want after finishing your breakfast?"

"…? " He looked at her, he was about to answer but a glare stopped him. He swallowed the piece of bread he has in his mouth and could see how Reina was pleased. Was it that weird to speak with food in his mouth? It looked like the woman followed with such devotion the rules of proper etiquette, he really didn't care about that anymore. It wasn't like it mattered in his position, but there was some motherly instinct that flashed through Reina eyes. "It's not like you can bring something here, you know," Reina expression fell for a moment after he spoke, he sighed internally, definitely there was something off with her today. "…..but if I can ask, something sweet would be alright."

"Candies, huh? It´s not healthy to eat sweets in the morning…but I guess I can bring some for next time," Reina smiled as she stood, looking at the rising sun. It was almost time. "….I have to go, milord. It´s almost time for my students to hit the grounds and I need to attend to some duties. I´ll be back as soon as I can," with that said she walked to the door, not before ruffling his hair and exchanging some words with the diviner who was working in something at the other side of the room. After she left the room, Kamui continued eating, quite difficult using chopsticks. Oboro ate without a problem. He played a little with the food, thinking in something to say so that he wouldn't have to eat in silence. The lancer had some glee in her movements and in her face, curious to think that she was in such good mood.

"Anything good happened today? Perhaps somebody visited you?" he asked, finally picking some of the food and he was about to eat it but he was startled as Miyu dropped the blankets.

"N-No! Nothing happened!" Miyu said, scratching her cheek while Rin nodded.

"Nothing at all, nu-uh," Rin said twirling her thumbs, "Not even a pair of nobles wh-ppffff" Miyu covered her mouth as she awkwardly laughed, Kamui just stared at the girls for a brief moment.

"….Okay…I'm not going to ask. Any news in the upcoming festivities? I heard some maids talking about a party or something like that in two weeks or so," Kamui said, stabbing the scrambled eggs after finally giving up trying to pick them up with the chopsticks.

"The Autumn Festival," Oboro said, finishing her meal and picking up Kamui´s food with her own chopsticks. For a moment they looked each other until he sighed and allowed her to feed him, "It´s the time we harvest the last crops of the year, after that we have our celebrations for a full week. It´s also the time for couples to visit the castle and ask for blessing at the nearest shrines."

"Soooo…..I guess I'm not invited, huh…"Kamui huffed as Oboro stopped for a moment, looking a little gloomy at his comment. It was true that it was the first time in a while that Kamui could see the Autumn Festival, and to think that his room had the best view to see the plaza and the gardens on such important date. It was heartbreaking that the albino couldn't take the luxury to take a few weeks free of his torment, and it was too cruel to display such events in front of him.

"A-Anyway! There are a lot of things we can do in the meantime!" Oboro cheered up as she continued feeding him, "There are contests for the best crops, dishes and sweets, so I don't see why we don't take some of them and eat here."

"Yeah…..I don't think that´s a good idea, they would be wasted on me."

After a long pause Oboro waited for his response, but it was weird that the albino said that without emotion or care. Did he just said that out loud? Regardless of that Oboro continued, "…Ok, but what make you say that? Is not like we can't bring you so-"

Sighing, Kamui just opened his mouth and showed his tongue for a brief moment. Oboro could see some slim black lines covering his tongue. After that Kamui coughed and continued, "It's a little something from Yukimura. Long story short is that for the time being I can't taste anything in particular, most of the food just tastes like ashes, so I don't think it's a good idea to waste your fancy food on me."

She remained quiet for a moment as Kamui finished his meal, drinking his glass of water slowly. She looked at the Miyu and Rin, who looked at her. They nodded, confirming what he said. Looking back at the albino she tightened her fists in her lap, "Then, why did you ask for sweets?"

"Hey, Reina is in a 'motherly mood' recently, I'm not going to be the one who says 'no' to her," he shrugged, leaning back on the chair. "Besides, recently anything she brings is…..I don't know, not ash-like?"

"E-Even so! You can't just stay there like it´s nothing! You should have told us about this earlier!"

"Look, just stop. It's not like you can do something about it, right?" he said, crossing his arms. Even he was aware of the tone in his voice, and the defeated eyes in the lancer. But it wasn't like he lied, although the face she showed was…..so sad. Perhaps a white lie could have prevented that.

"I…..I don't….No!" she shook her head and smashed the table with her open palms. "Maybe I'm dumb with magic and charms, but I do know something, and sulking around like you do every day won't improve your situation or your body!"

"Eh?" Kamui was taken back by her attitude. She suddenly grabbed his arm and pulled him. "W-Wait! Wh-What´re yo-"

"DON'T YOU DARE TO FOLLOW US, SAIZO!" Oboro yelled at the ceiling, making the albino and the maids look up in search of the ninja. It wasn't until Oboro opened the door that they looked at her again. "UNLESS YOU WANT TO LOSE THE OTHER EYE!" she yelled again as Miyu and Rin followed them through the hallway. Orochi just stood there with a silly smile in her face, barely containing her laughter.

"Oboro, wait! Where are we going?" Kamui said as he felt her hand on his wrist tensing up. She bit her lip as Kamui continued protesting, but in her mind she had already decided how to help him, even if he was against the whole idea, there was no way she would let him like that.

"We´re going to get started with the day! After all we can't do anything, don't you think?" At that point Oboro's words had lost any kind of sense. Kamui sighed as he was dragged through the hallways.

'None of them will stop me,' Oboro thought, 'Like hell I'm going to allow them do whatever they want with Mikoto´s son!' she frowned as they were strolling, she was determined to do anything she could to cheer him up.


"….Please….stop this…" Kamui said as he lay down. It has been nearly ten minutes since Oboro's little rant, and he never expected that this happened. Perhaps in Nohr, but in Hoshido? He mentally facepalmed as she continued.

Under any other circumstances Oboro wouldn't do what she was about to do. It was already bad that she threatened one of Ryoma's retainers like that, but she was dead set in doing whatever she could to lift his mood. She wasn't good at magic or charms, even Hinoka was able to do something by herself. Miyu and Rin were already helping him in any issues about the room or his health, as far as they could of course. Orochi was preparing her little experiment to test a possible 'cure' for his condition. All that was left was physical treatment. They were in one of the rooms in the right wing of the castle still in the same floor. Curiously, she was so focused in what she wanted to do that she almost forgot that Kamui was with her. When they arrived at their destination, Oboro took of her ribbon and thought for a moment, looking at the albino she blushed and before he could object or say something she used her ribbon to cover his eyes as she instructed Miyu and Rin. In a matter of minutes he was lying face down in a special bed that allowed him to breath without turning his face. Oboro had instructed the other maids and butlers to leave the room, as she was wearing only her pants and her bra, the other pieces of her clothing would just stain for what she needed to do. Still a little nervous, she gulped as the albino was lying down with his back exposed. Although it was saddening seeing his back, she braced herself to continue.

"Ready?" she asked as she took a bottle of oil and hopped on top of him, preparing her hands.

"Please stop…..I don't want to do this…." Kamui said as she finished, before he could say something she pressed her bare hands against his back, pushing and pulling his back, shoulders and lower back. "C-Cold! St-Stop already! Also you´re heavy!" he said as he moved his arms. Miyu and Rin managed to catch his wrists and push them aside in that special bed.

"Lies! You´re just shy about this, aren't you, Lord Kamui?" Miyu said as she laughed.

"Even if the oil is cold, it's rude to say that Oboro is heavy," Rin injected as she approached to whisper near his ear, "Besides, I think that Oboro is the lightest of the three."

"Ah-Ahha W-Wa-wait! Stop! Yo-ah-u c-can-" Kamui continued complaining as Oboro continued massaging his shoulders, every time she pushed his shoulder blades she heard how his muscles moved and relaxed a little with every push. "O-Oboro, you n-need to st-stop, please!"

"Nope, Orochi said that you needed to relax, and I can't think in anything more relaxing that receiving a massage early in the morning."

"Don't struggle Lord Kamui, you´re ma-" Miyu was talking but was interrupted by Rin, who groaned and looked at Oboro.

"Rub his ears," she said with a malicious tone. Kamui froze as Oboro grinned.

"Eh?" Was all he could say as the lancer slowly raised her hands and prepared her fingers. With a bigger grin she placed her oiled hands in his pointy ears.

"Don't hate me for this!~" she said and as soon she started he stopped struggling, literally his arms fell to the side of the bed and the tension she felt on his back disappeared as she gently pinched his ear lobule, then continued massaging gently the edge of his pointy ears. Miyu giggled as Rin sighed, wiping her forehead. This time Oboro was glad to see that the albino was enjoying it.

Even if he hated to admit, he was feeling how his body relaxed under her touch. Although he wasn't allowed to enjoy this or to rest so much, the way she moved her hands and how she continued to massage him.

"You know, if you were honest with yourself we could do this more often, Lord Kamui," Miyu said, pulling the ribbon from his face, it was weird to see his pleased expression, as soon their eyes met he tried to stand.

"Easy there," Oboro said with her left hand on the center of his back and the other in his ear, again relaxing his muscles, "I didn't know that your ears were your weak spot thought, I wonder if Lady Hinoka or Lady Sakura know."

"S-So? I don't care if they know, j-just let me go, yo-you´re too close," Kamui said, not with enough strength from his voice or enough will to push her. It was silly to think that the Lancer had in him dancing in her hand just for something so simple. He cursed Rin for slipping that piece of information.

"Why are you so angry? You sure didn't mind when you were sleeping in her bosom or lap earlier today," Miyu said with her index finger on her lower lip.

"Aaaah…..perhaps Lord Kamui is just shy as well?" Rin said. She kneeled and seeing her lord blushing face with her palms in each side of her face. "Although, it has been a lot of time since we saw your back, Lord Kamui, there´s nothing to be ashamed of."

"To tell you the truth, I'm glad to see that you´re finally relaxed," Oboro said as she finally stopped teasing him and hopped off him. "Now turn around, let me do the front."

"Could we stop for now?" he said, leaning on his right elbow, still trying to control the expression on his face, still bewildered for what happened.

"Hey, no running away, Lord Kamui!" Miyu said angrily with her hands on her waist.

"Treachery," Rin whispered as the albino looked at her with his right eye twitching.

"Hello? You just forced me to lie down in an unknown room, blinded me and gave information about my weak spot, and she…..she….." he was speaking to the maid who just looked away showing her tongue, then he looked back at the lancer and stopped. She was confused by the look on his face, then she looked down and blushed as well, covering her chest, her face turned a deeper shade of red.

"Eeeek!" is all what Oboro could say before Miyu took the ribbon again and covered his face, pulling him down as his sight was forcefully restrained again.

"No peeping!" Miyu said as she tied the ribbon, not tight enough to hurt him but enough to be sure that he couldn't take it off, looking at her partner she could hear how Rin whispered an apology.

"Even after the good service…..such a beast you are, Lord Kamui!" Rin commented.

Soon enough Kamui could feel Oboro sitting on his stomach. Although he couldn't see her face, he could feel her glare, before he could say anything more Oboro once again besieged his ears, this time with enough force to make him blush. "This is revenge!" Oboro said with a frown. She knew it wasn't his fault, but again her embarrassment got the best of her as the albino once again felt her warm hands around his body.

There were a lot of things that happened in that single day, but if he could be so bold, perhaps it wasn't as bad as he expected. Perhaps it was a good omen, perhaps the dream really soothed his soul, this time he couldn't care less, even if he was under Oboro's hand. All he could think after a couple of minutes was the faint smell of snowdrops that strangely remained in his nose.


Thaaaaats all for now! Phew, sorry for the delay guys, it has been a busy month, hope you like the new chapter, there will be more chapters like this in the future.

Now time for a little challenge.

Some of you have noticed something in my last chapters but dared not to review it as it may spoil you some parts of the stories, perhaps if you can solve the little riddle or secret in this chapter you can find the others, so good luck!

Anyway, i want to thank my beta reader for fixing this chapter as soon as possible, and you for supporting this work.

All reviews and pm are welcome as always, hope you have a good afternoon and a good week!

SHIDESU! OUT!