Chapter 3

Italica, it was one of the more important trade cities that connected most places to the capital. Shirou had visited more than a handful of times, often to find information on other demi-humans, but there were also times where he went so that Miyu could spend time with Myui.

Of all the places Shirou had visited, it had more demi-humans than any other. Largely because of Count Formal. It was one of the few places he sent demi-humans too. While he had made a lot of progress over the last three years, the problems that demi-humans faced were still prevalent.

If he was being honest with himself, he didn't feel like he was making that big of a difference. For every demi-human he helped, there was always more that needed him. Miyu did her best to cheer him up, but it never changed the fact, that no matter what, he couldn't save everyone.

Not that he wanted too, he had already seen where such a path led. His future self was enough of an indication that such a thing was impossible. However, that didn't mean that he didn't feel a sense of disappointment in that knowledge.

Which was why he was so caught up in finding a way to make Italica a home for demi-humans. There were a few options open to him, that seemed like the easiest. Though, creating a city was always an option too. He'd have to be smarter if he wanted to make a bigger difference.

Then again, there was someone who may be able to help him. Someone who was smart enough to see the threat the JSDF posed to the Empire. He just hoped she wasn't at Italica yet.

The group stopped and set up camp, though Tyuule was sure they could reach Italica if they continued. However, Shirou told her he wanted everyone rested and ready to fight in case they stumbled into a warzone. He wanted to present a strong front to those watching. Both for morale and to show their own might.

Tyuule quickly set up her tent near Shirou's, only to be copied by Yao. She let out a small growl, as Yao tended to interrupt her time around Shirou. Though, it didn't matter in the long run. She had already presented Shirou with a sword, so he was technically already hers. Of course, she didn't realize that Shirou was oblivious to this.

After she finished, she walked out to see everyone making dinner for the night. Her ears perked straight up, as she realized Shirou was nowhere to be seen. She looked inside his tent and around the camp, but he wasn't there. So, she searched the nearby woods.

She found him, sitting next to a tree that had a clear view of the camp. In his hands was the book she had seen him reading intermittently throughout the three years she had known him. She often wondered about the contents of the book, and why he seemed to treasure it so much.

She remembered asking him once, "Oh, this? It's mainly just things relating to forging. Though, it's also a journal that my mother gave me, detailing my heritage and such. I suppose it helps me relax when I read it." Was the answer that he gave her.

She didn't know much about forging, only how to make the standard sword that the warrior bunnies used. So, she didn't know how much could be written about it, besides the basic techniques. Then again, she watched him forge a blade before. She was enamored by how different and beautiful it was compared to their own sword making.

He spent a lot of time and care on creating his weapons, often making exquisite blades. In particular, the white and black katanas that he usually used. He said he based them on two other swords he had, trying to create something that reached their realm without relying on "sacrifice".

She didn't know what that meant, but knew that it meant a lot to Shirou, so she did her best to encourage him. She wondered when she began to be like that. At first, it was merely because of his strength as a warrior. However, that began to change after seeing him fight.

The elves, his sister, and him all tended to the women they recovered from the Empire. She wondered how someone like that was capable of slaughtering an entire camp of Imperial soldiers. He even called members of his own race a 'disease' after witnessing what they were doing.

It was horrific, but it was war. Such things weren't out of the norm when fighting in a war. However, it sickened him. She figured it had something to do with his sister. He probably couldn't bear that thought, so he slaughtered every single soldier in that camp.

Her soldiers even told her he killed the ones who surrendered, not even batting an eye when he did so. 'A will of steel, yet a heart of glass.' Tyuule thought to herself. She didn't know how such a person could truly exist. She wished to see it for herself, getting the opportunity shortly after.

There were two battles after Shirou attacked the camp. She had not seen him fight the first time, as they were on separate sides of the battlefield. However, she did see him during the battle to decide everything.

She had guessed that he had yet to reach his twenties, though this was merely a guess. He looked young when he was providing aid to the warrior bunnies he saved, but, on the battlefield, he appeared older. He fought with experience unattainable by someone of his presumed age.

Even with the difference in number that was the main problem for the warrior bunnies, was rendered useless by Shirou's magic. With his two katanas, he cut his way through the army, easily slicing through those who opposed him. Above him, swords formed and shot down on those surrounding him.

He parried every blow, ducked underneath spears aimed at him, and easily cut and smashed shields. There was nothing particularly beautiful about his swordsmanship, it was simple and wasted no movements, only aiming to kill the target in the most efficient way possible.

Even the swords that shot down on the Empire were aimed at the vital spots. Shirou didn't care about any sort of glory or heroism, he only cared that his opponent was dead, and he was alive. Even his expression wasn't showing the usual emotion that warriors possessed. It was focused and cold.

Then arrows began to fire down, not caring about friendly casualties. She saw his two swords begin glow, before he delivered two focused strikes, easily decimating all in their path. The swords then disintegrated into blue light. His eyes focused on the location of the archers.

He raised his hand into the air, and though Tyuule was still fighting and was a decent distance away, her ears managed to hear him. It was the usual set of words before he used his magic, "Trace on." A large sword that appeared to be made of sharpened rocks appeared.

She had no idea how he could even wield such a weapon, nor did she understand how he was able to completely charge forward and clear out a whole area of soldiers with it. If it wasn't for her reflexes and eyesight being above a human, she wouldn't have seen him.

He shouted something in the elven language, causing the Elven mages to cast a spell that caused the arrows to veer arrow from the allies. "They won't stop unless they have something to fear." She heard him say, just before his huge sword began to have blue cracks appear on it.

He jumped and threw the sword at the archers, causing a decent size explosion, though some of the archers managed to get away. Tyuule didn't understand what Shirou meant, however, what happened next would be seared into her brain until the day she breathed her last breath.

"I am the bone of my sword." He began to charge forward, summoning two more katanas. He broke each one, summoning another to take its place right after. He was heading deeper into the enemy lines. "Steel is my body, and fire is my blood."

Tyuule wondered how long Shirou could actually keep doing what he was doing. "I have forged over a thousand blades." Once he reached a dense enough area, he stopped, projecting two final blades, two short swords of black and white. Tyuule figured out later that they were the swords he based his katanas on.

"Unaware of the beginning. Nor aware of the end." Tyuule felt a shiver run down her spine, before she caught sight of a shimmer. Inside was a world of snow and swords. Snow fell from the sky where it laid down on the already blanketed ground. She could see faint embers rise up before the shimmer disappeared.

"Withstood pain to forge many weapons, searching for the one." With the two short swords, his fighting seemed to grow even more efficient. He dodged, parried, and struck with precision and managed to hold off multiple soldiers. "I hold no regret, I have chosen my path."

"My body is still..." Tyuule watched as Shirou dropped one of the swords and reached his hand outwards. As he did, blue mana could be seen around him. "Unlimited Blade Works." A bright flash appeared in his hand, followed by a ring of flames.

It spread out, though the blinding light caused most to avert their eyes away for a moment. However, it seemed that moment was enough. The fighting had ceased as everyone saw a rather large portion of the Empire's army had vanished. It was easily apparent that the Empire didn't know what to do.

Though, it could be said that the same was true for her forces. Though, some panic did seep through, as Shirou was easily one of the reasons they were still holding on as well as they were. To watch him vanish with a large contingent of Empire troops was disconcerting.

However, another bright flash appeared shortly after. The previously empty area was once again filled. Shirou was standing in the middle of the area, his swords at his side and his eyes still maintaining a cold gaze, though she could see traces of something in them.

All around him were the bodies of the soldiers he had disappeared alongside. Each one had a different sword plunged into their bodies. It appeared as if the soldiers attempted to rush him at some point but failed. The sight was enough to cause many to drop their weapons.

The same thought was on everyone's mind, 'How many times could he do that'? Whatever it was that he did. All anyone knew, was that they disappeared in a flash alive, then reappeared shortly after, dead. It was obvious that he was now the number one enemy, but no one wanted to get any closer.

Tyuule saw the prince attempting to move his troops forward, unaware of what had happened. She couldn't make out what he was saying, but it was clear that he was the only leading officer who hadn't seen what Shirou had done. Shirou noticed the prince and, for the first time since the battle started, showed an annoyed expression on his face.

Without any hesitation, a black bow appeared in his hand. He grabbed one of the swords from one of the bodies and turned it into an arrow, before quickly firing it off. Even for elves, the shot would make them think twice before attempting it, but Shirou confidently let the bow dissolve and turned to one of the commanders on the field.

Tyuule watched the arrow strike the prince in the chest, knocking him off his horse. It was a sight that she remembered fondly, especially seeing the look on his face as he fell.

"I believe you should return back to where you came from with your prince. If you continue, I'll have no other choice but to slaughter every soldier here, before continuing to your capital. Unless you want giant swords to destroy your city, retreat." His voice matched his eyes, being cold and calculated.

The commander looked to his soldiers, then to the field. It almost appeared as if he wished to continue, hoping to get a lucky strike and kill him. However, he quickly sheathed his blade when he noticed Shirou's hands beginning to form blue arcs of mana.

The commander quickly sounded the retreat. She didn't know why, but she was sure that she saw Shirou breathe a sigh of relief. She remembered that day the most, because she remembered that Shirou, despite his victory over the Empire, didn't celebrate said victory.

She searched for him that night, finding him sitting on the walls of their city. It reminded her of the same sight she was looking at presently, but without his book. He just stared up at the moon, almost as if he was searching for something. She almost thought she could see two others sitting there with him, an old man and an older, darker skinned Shirou with white hair and dressed in red.

"Tyuule, you alright?" Shirou's voice snapped her out of her memories. She shook her head and saw Shirou sitting there looking at her with a concerned expression. It was a bit jarring to think about how different he seemed now.

"Yes, I'm fine, just remembering a few things." She replied, attempting to readjust herself. Shirou simply raised a brow, before a small smile appeared on his face.

"I see. I've been doing a little of the same." He closed the book in his hand, before taking a deep breath. "Would you like to talk about it?" He asked, motioning towards the spot besides him. Tyuule's ears shot up, before she quickly made her way over towards him and sat down next to him. She wouldn't let such a chance pass her by.

After she sat down and straightened her clothing, she took a deep breath and replied. "I was just thinking about the night after we defeated the Empire, when I found you on the walls of the capital of our kingdom." She noticed Shirou have a wistful smile on his face.

He let out a small hum, "Ah, yes, I remember that night. Everyone was celebrating our victory. I always used to wonder why you sought me out that night, though I suppose it was a bit odd that I didn't attend the party until you found me." He crossed his arms and leaned his head against the tree, closing his eyes.

"I never asked you, but I wanted to know why you didn't join us until after I invited you to return with me? Or was it because you wanted the Queen to personally escort you?" She teased, being surprised that Shirou actually reacted to her words, seeing a faint redness on his cheeks.

After letting out a nervous cough, Shirou ran a hand through is hair. "It seems I couldn't hide my master plan from you." Tyuule saw a small smirk on his face. "In reality, I was just processing everything. I had fought and killed before to save Miyu, but that was only seven people. Before that, I hadn't killed anyone. Then, I fought the Empire, where I ended so many lives."

"I don't regret my actions, I chose my path. But I did have trouble with it that night. It may have been a great victory, but how many fathers, brothers, sons can no longer return home? That night, I realized I have to stop all of this killing. We need to stop now more than ever, especially with a new, more advanced enemy about to knock down our doors."

Tyuule looked at Shirou, never realizing that he had such thoughts. In fact, it was shocking to know that he wasn't a normal warrior. However, it was equally shocking to know that Shirou managed to adapt to killing so easily. To go from seven, to taking down enough soldiers to frighten the rest of the army was unthinkable.

Then, there was the fact he was speaking of this stuff now. After all these years, he had never really opened up in such a way, so why was he doing so now? Was the enemy beyond the gate really so formidable? Shirou took down a flame dragon, yet she could hear the slight fear in his tone.

"Shirou, thank you for telling me that after all this time. I know it must have been hard for you. If only I knew, pehaps I could have done something to help you." She said in a voice that surprised even her. She heard Shirou let out a small huff of amusement.

"I didn't want to trouble anyone with my problems, but thanks for caring. Besides, I think it was something I needed to come to terms with myself. I accepted my role when I first arrived here. However, that job will become more difficult if everything isn't handled carefully." He explained in a serious tone.

"Are the ones beyond the gate so formidable?" Shirou looked over towards Tyuule, who's eyes had narrowed toward the camp. She was already imagining the lengths they may have to go to if Shirou was worried.

"The technology they wield is. While I'm confident we can manage to win, it wouldn't be without heavy losses. That's as it stands now, however, I have a plan." He said with a reassuring smile on his face. Tyuule's eyes widened, as Shirou rarely planned out strategies unless he really needed to.

"What are the specifics of the plan? We can begin selecting some of the troops to carry out any duties that are needed." She said with her back straight, but Shirou simply patted her on the shoulder.

"This plan will require a bit more finesse rather than power. The first step will be Italica, followed by reaching and gathering the other demi-humans. The amazon queen will be a big help when we begin that step. After that, we'll need to have some spies inside of Alnus Hill." Shirou stood up and stretched out, holding his hand out for Tyuule.

"Then, Rory and I will have to find and speak with the other apostles. Miyu is taking care of getting some of our people in Alnus and she'll likely begin to contact some of the demi-human tribes. Besides that, we need to focus on securing key locations that would be of use to them, for 'negotiation purposes'. However..."

He paused after he helped her to her feet. He looked out to the camp, "Italica is our top priority. It will assist us by giving us a valuable foothold against the JSDF and the Empire." Tyuule watched as he began to walk back towards the camp. She looked down, before her ears shot up and her eyes widened.

"Wait, Shirou, are you saying that you plan to go to war with the Empire?" Tyuule asked, rushing to his side right after.

Shirou simply turned his head slightly, "Why go to war with them when I can have someone else fight them instead? The aftermath will be a big deciding factor on where we go from there. The princess is someone I respect for her beliefs and her strength, which is why I plan on having her become the ruler when all is said and done."

"With everything done, we can not only push them back, but also achieve peace and prosperity for demi-humans." He said with a faint smile, though Tyuule was thinking of another facet that, while she didn't particularly enjoy it, made sense. What if Shirou became the king?

The humans would be happy with the princess, while the demi-humans could be represented easily enough. She was the Queen of the warrior bunnies, Yao for the dark elves, Tuka for the elves, the Amazon Queen, and even the goddess of the fairies. Not to mention the many other races. 'He could become the greatest king the world had ever known.'

A mischievous smile appeared on her face. Unknown to Shirou, another plan was beginning to form. One that, if sought to fruition, would change the world entirely. Truly, Shirou underestimated the love he received from the demi-humans, for they wished for their guardian to become their king, and if Tyuule had her way, she would see to it that he was made just that.

The Fairy Princess, that's what they called her. The title was a bit misleading as Miyu wasn't a fairy, but she supposed it was meant to signify her as a princess to the fairies. In which case, that might as well be true. Ever since Shirou and her had arrived here, they became something more than human.

Though Miyu wouldn't complain one bit. Viviane had saved Shirou's life when they arrived, for that, she would always be grateful. Which meant, she would take the duty that she gave to both her and Shirou seriously. Though she could have done without the goddess constantly flirting with her brother. It was a bit weird.

Nonetheless, she enjoyed watching over nature and the demi-humans. She never thought she would have such a enjoyable life with plenty of family and friends. Indeed, the wish the pair of siblings made was heard and granted. Miyu was truly happy, which meant she would protect that happiness against any who would threaten it.

She was not a warrior like Shirou. She was more skilled in using magic and acting as the representative. The fact that they were surrounded by nature only increased her abilities that much further, meaning her words would be more acceptable to those that heard them. Which is why she invited Itami and his group to her home.

"My brother told me that you were sent as a recon team to establish friendly relations. However, I'm guessing that you have been running into some trouble with communication, yes?" She asked while taking a sip of her tea.

Itami let out a weak laugh, "That's right. While we are trying to get a grasp on the language, it's been pretty tough so far. Though, we have managed to communicate with a few of the villages so far." He replied, taking a glance at his team who were still eating their food.

"The unified language is a bit tough, though just about everyone uses it. Only a few races still use their own language, though I doubt you run into them. However, if I may, I'd like to offer some assistance on that front." A sweet smile was on her face as she finished.

Tuka, who had joined them for lunch, knew better than to take that smile at face value. 'Miyu has been spending too much time with Tyuule and Yao.' She thought to herself. Not to mention, it was a bit odd so see when comparing it to her usual calm expressions.

"Oh, well, we'd definitely be thankful for any help you could give us." Miyu hummed, knowing that her plan would easily come to fruition.

"While no one here can accompany you, we do have some friends who would be more than happy to assist you. Back in Koda Village, there are two mages there. Ask for Lelei, she's a close friend of my brother and me and she'll definitely be happy to assist. Though, there's something else I'd ask of you, if it's possible."

Itami tilted his head, wondering what she was about to ask. "There are some in the village that have no home and who we are unable to provide for. They have a basic understanding of Japanese, so it shouldn't be too hard to communicate."

"With slavery being a key part of the Empire, I'd rather know that they were taken care of and not being hunted down for slave labour. All I ask for, is that the JSDF help them where we could not. We would be eternally grateful."

Miyu then bowed her head down, surprising Tuka and the others. "Ah, there's no need to bow your head to us. While we aren't on that kind of mission, I'm sure those in charge would be accepting to the idea, especially since it's you asking."

Miyu looked up with a grateful smile on her face, "I thank you, Itami. I'm sure my brother will be happy to hear about your kindness." The group then felt a rumbling, causing Itami and his squad to react by putting their hands on their sidearms, though they only raised a brow when Miyu simply sighed.

"I'm guessing that there isn't anything to worry about, princess?" Kuribayashi asked her, obviously picking up on her exasperation. Miyu brought a hand up to her cheek, reinforcing the cute image she was portraying.

"Not for us, thankfully. However, I'm sure my brother will have plenty to worry about when she finds him." The soldiers all looked towards each other with puzzled expressions, though Tuka only had a smile on her face. "Well, I think I should introduce you to her. I'd rather she didn't accidently kill any of you later." She said nonchalantly.

Miyu then stood up, with Tuka mirroring her movements exactly. Unknown to everyone but the two of them, when Miyu stood up and inhaled, a faint mist of magical energy returned to her. Lacing words with magical energy was something Miyu was happy she learned from Viviane.

Now, she had to deal with Rory and her tantrum. However, she decided early on that she would always let her brother deal with her. He was the only one she really listened to willingly anyways. 'Besides, maybe she'll rush off right away and show the JSDF a small bit of her power.'

The smell of blood and death was overpowering, not to mention the smell of burning flesh. While she had trained for something like this, it was a lot different than what she had imagined her first big battle being. However, she wouldn't falter.

Italica was under attack and Princess Pina decided to offer her assistance. She had thought it might have been the army from beyond the gate, only for them to find marauders who had deserted from the army. While they had managed to hold off the small army of deserters, Pina and the small force she had with her wasn't enough.

Even with the demi-humans who had combat experience helping them, they were still outmatched. Most of the civilians in the city were just that, civilians. Most had never even held a weapon. However, she was thankful for the demi-humans assistance. They would have fallen if not for them.

Arrows began to fly over the walls, causing most to seek cover, those that didn't were skewered. She watched as Grey fought off the bandits who were climbing up the wall on ladders, pushing them over when he got the chance. Norma and Hamilton were leading those on the ground, managing to fend them off in the kill zone they set up.

A part of her was actually regretting sending a letter to Shirou. While she had heard many stories about how powerful he was, she didn't know how much truth was in those tales. Most of the time, such stories were often over exaggerated. Besides, it would make sense that her brother would hype up the strength of someone who defeated him, if only to sate his pride.

She had only mentioned that she wished to speak with him, so she doubted he would arrive with enough forces to act as reinforcements. The only good thing was that the bandit forces seemed to be at the point of retreating. However, all those hopes were dashed when she saw a large force heading directly towards the main gate.

'If they manage to get inside, our forces won't be able hold off that many soldiers.' The princess thought to herself, internally panicking while trying to maintain a strong front. "Ma'am, there's a group arriving from the East!" She heard one of the scouts yell out, just before Grey managed to save him from getting killed by a bandit.

She quickly ran to the side of the tower that faced East, noticing the small force of warriors. Leading the group were three people. While her sight wasn't the best, she could make out the dark elf and warrior bunny on both of sides of the main leader. The leader was easily noticeable however, with red hair and a white cloak flowing in the wind.

She saw him raise a red sleeved arm into the air, though something odd occurred. Though the distance between them was far too great to hear him, she was sure she heard his voice enter her ears, as well as a strange jolt of energy. It was faint, but she easily heard the words, "I am the bone of my sword."

A large shadow appeared over the bandits and in front of the main gate, one that denoted a monstrous size. The bandits in the path of the object all looked up, dropping their swords and standing in disbelief at what they were seeing. The battle ceased as all looked up, Pina hearing the final words that would spell the doom of those that refused to run.

"Ig-Alima!" With that final declaration, the giant sword crashed down onto any unlucky enough to remain in its path. For those remaining inside the castle, their exit was now blocked. For those outside, their moral was broken and no entry way was available. Those bandits who wished for a glorious death, those that wished to fight for their honor or pride, would find none.

Shirou knew why they were there. Having Tyuule and the warrior bunnies interrogate the small force they came upon told him enough. However, the ransacked homes and deceased civilians also told a story. The slaughtered men, as well as the bodies of the women and young girls who had endured unspeakable horrors told him all he needed to know.

"Forget the old plan. Trace on." He traced multiple legendary spears that were immediately grabbed by his melee forces. "We run them down. Leave no man alive. Any demi-human women are to be offered the chance to surrender. Rescue any captives that are left." A resounding affirmative was heard, just as the group began to speed forward.

An ominous black sword appeared in Shirou's left hand, followed by a barbed, blood red spear in his right. "No matter what it takes, none shall escape this field."

Finally, sorry, this really shouldn't have taken this long. I'm getting a new internet provider, as that's the reason this took forever to come out. I live in a rather rural area so getting a good provider is important. They've been a problem for so long that I'm getting a new one. So, hopefully, this shouldn't happen again. Anyways, there's not much to say other than, I'm back. Finally we're getting into the Princess and next chapter will be their meet up after only speaking through letters for so long. I wanted to show a bit of background in this, though I'm not at the real big stuff yet. Kinda just hinting right now. Shirou will also be interacting with another character who I know many will be happy to see. Miyu is setting into motion some plans and will be making some moves while Shirou's out doing his thing. I'll be trying to catch up because of my lack of internet, so I'm hoping to get some more chapters out sooner rather than later. Most will be the usual length, but some may be shorter, but I'm not sure yet. The next two will be Vanadis and, probably, Hero and Holy Maiden Redux. Want to catch up Vanadis, its feeling neglected. Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed, thanks so much for reading, and as usual, until next time.