Chapter 5
Yakumo's Protector

Later, at the King's castle, Kandy & Nick met up with King Hildenhauser, the ruler of Argos. Kandy then explained the whole story of how Argos' protector, Miranda Maynard, was sent to Japan.

"And that's about it, your majesty," Kandy explained, "She left, and she's gone for a while."

"All we know is that you have such care for here," Nick stated.

"Nonsense, Mister Nick," Kandy said, "She obviously wanted to meet a friend she knows. Miss Haruna's from China and a couple others we know are all well acquainted with Miss Miranda."

The King held his hand high and asked, "What pray tell is Miss Maynard doing outside of Argos?"

"But, we said it so! She left to Japan!"

"Poppycock! I never even thought of sending Miss Maynard on vacation!" The King bellowed.

"Wait… you never sent the tickets to Miss Miranda?" Kandy gasped.

He looked out the window and thought about Miranda's first adventure, since Sara Maynard's death ten years before.

"You don't think…" Nick thought.

"Miss Miranda… the whole thing was…?" Kandy said in a startled look.

"It seems someone we know in Miranda's past has set her up," the King proclaimed.

"I knew it! Miranda… she has been a victim of a trap!" Nick cried.

"No… then, if what we heard is true…" Kandy gasped, and started to cringe sans tears, "Oh! Miss Miranda!"

The King calmed her down and asked where she went to. She responded that Miranda was in Yagami, Japan. It seems she was me by a close friend, or so Miranda said.

"Oh? You mean Mister Kenneth?" The King asked, "The guy was a jolly soul, despite his appearance."

Kandy was puzzled, "What does he look like?"

"Oh, I met him… dark shades, dark skin, a nasty look, but he has the purity of a hero like Miranda & Sara Maynard combined."

He then remembered how Harima met him:

Miranda was shocked to hear that Harima was going to the castle for a special meeting since the attack.

"Harima, are you sure you want this?" She asked, "This is your first meeting with him."

"I know what I am doing," he replied, "Even if it means going to the dungeon, then so be it. NOBODY respects me anyway… not even Tenma."

"Oh, stuff and nonsense!" She chuckled, "The King could be nice to you, if you play your cards right, right?"

Hours later, they were summoned by the King to step forward.

"Miss Maynard," he bellowed, "Please step forward!"

She stepped forward and was nervous.

"Miss Maynard, on behalf of everyone in Argos, I thank you once again for saving your own town; though I was surprised to hear that you had help. Who is the man behind you?"

"Oh, him? He's my friend visiting from Japan. A very agile one, but he is very strong, eh what? He did help me, though I would've done it meself."

"I see… please summon him."

He stepped forward and introduced himself.

"Your majesty, I am Kenji Harima," he said in a nervous look, "I am from Japan; I was with Miss Maynard at the time."

"Hmm… it is an honor to see you, regardless of that rambunctious attire you wear."

Harima took off his shades; the crowd started to gasp as his face showed, with slanted eyes.

"Wow. I never knew he was so intimidating…"

"He's like a saint…"

"Oh, wow! HE'S the one who helped Miranda, our hero?"

Miranda was a bit jealous.

"Hmph! Everybody wants in on the whole show." She muttered.

"Mister Harima, thank you for saving our country; though I am surprised you even come here in the first place."

"Thank you, your highness; but it was nothing. I only did come here for a visit."

"Nonsense! You were indeed a very great man. So, therefore, I christen you an honorary hero of Argos."

Harima was proud by it as Miranda smirked a bit.

"Heh! Kenneth really is made famous now…" she thought, "Though, I fear that it'll all come to ruin, if this Tenma girl can change him."

"Whoa! You mean Miranda knows this creep?" Nick shouted.

"Yes. I even made him an honorary hero; but now… times have changed. Ever since Miranda returned from Zubu, it's like she wanted to save everyone! Even from many great people like you."

Kandy smiled, but frowned, knowing that they have skipped from the REAL subject: Miranda falling into a trap.

"Your highness, if it is alright with you," she asked, "May we go to Japan and help her?"

The King shook his head.

"No, but I have suggested that we have someone to look after her, in case anything has happened in Japan," he insisted, "But, I approve of Maynard's departure to Japan, but she'll need someone to look after her."

Nick asked the King what he had in mind. He responded by saying that it is someone she knows very well, and also Kandy & Nick's past.

"No! You don't mean…" Kandy gasped.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, at Yakumo's house, Miranda was sitting by the front door, waiting for the next moment.

"The constables here in Japan are on hot pursuit of those three thugs, Maris and his cronies. But…"

She then remembered the girl in the cloak.

"Who was she?"

Yakumo & Sarah were in the living room, worrying about Miranda.

"Yakumo, I understand that she's from England," Sarah asked, "But does she really need to protect you?"

"It was Harima's idea," she responded, "Ever since that incident the other day, he suggested that I need protection."

"That's wonderful! Since Tenma left to America, you and I are the only friends we need."

"I know. But she & Harima were once together since Sis left. And when she came here, it was like… I have a new pen-pal!"

"Oh, come on! Harima-senpai has changed since then. Eri is hounding him and you wanted him for yourself. Do you fear that Miss Maynard wants Harima to herself?"

"Actually, she told me about her past, following the horrific night."

As she explained to Sarah about Miranda's past, Miranda was looking up in the sky and was very sleepy. She dozed off, but woke up quickly, many times.

"I have to protect Yakumo! I cannot have a nap!" She thought aloud, "I didn't get much sleep last night, all because of those devils in mesh!"

Iori walked by and saw Miranda starting to nod off. He let out a meow and she woke up.

"Oh… hello, kitty," Miranda smiled, "I wish Emily had a cat like you."

Iori ran off inside. She started to grow puzzled.

"No time for cuteness! I must protect Yakumo from those dangerous rogues."

She sat by the door and started to nod off again.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, a mysterious girl appeared in Harima's apartment. She was looking through the window and saw Harima drawing his manuscript. He suddenly had a chill in his shoulder.

"Someone is watching me…" he thought, "Who is it?"

He turned to the window and saw the figure disappear. He ran out to the window and was scared a bit.

"Who the heck was he?" He thought.

But as it turns out, that "He" he mentioned was a "She", wearing a blue shirt and skirt in cyan leotards and a dark blue vest. She brushed her blonde hair and started to gasp a bit, by the front gate.

"Man, that was close," she thought, "Mira's not here, but is this the Harima she told me about? I better find her, before it's too late."

She dashed off. Who was she, and how does she know about Miranda?

XXXXX

Hours later, in the middle of the evening, Miranda returned inside, all flustered and pissed.

"Yakumo! I can't take it! I need some sleep!" She screamed.

"Oh, don't worry," Sarah said, "Yakumo sleeps a lot sometimes. But I have her with me now, to wake her."

"I don't need your bleeding sympathy!" She groaned, "I want to go back to Kenji's home, but I'll sleep here for the night."

"Um, how long were you awake?"

"20 hours. As Erika once told me, a true warrior never sleeps when it comes to the forces of evil… but on rare occasions, of course."

"Who's Erika?" Sarah asked, "You don't mean Sawachika-Senpai?"

Yakumo shook her head and responded, "No, she means Erika, a friend she knows. Right, Miranda?"

Miranda said nothing; she went to the bedroom, walking very gradually.

Yakumo called to her, "You can take Tenma's old room."

"Thanks…" she weakly moaned.

Sarah grinned and asked, "She's supposed to be your bodyguard? She seems such a very poor fighter."

"We'll ask Harima later…" Yakumo said.

XXXXX

Later that night, Harima was on his way to see Eri, when he was visited by Bruce, dressed in casual attire. He saw him and growled at him.

"HEY! Ya crum!" He shouted, "You think you can best me last night?"

"You! I thought we'd do away with you!"

"Ha! The constables are too blunt to find us! Maris and Runt left to find a blonde girl; maybe I'll make you talk!"

He cracked his knuckles and approached him.

"Rich Girl? You… what are you going to do to her?"

"You… and this Rich Girl… will be victims of our boss."

"Isabella-Triple six, right?"

"She's the reason she wanted Miranda; she and this imposter are witnesses. We are going to take them in and let them spill the beans over Miranda Maynard. And then, our Isabella will finish off Miranda Maynard once and for all."

Harima was scared. He was surprised about what he'll do to Rich Girl.

"Don't you worry, sunshine; I'll take care of the little kipper for you. But we're also going to take Yakumo and find some simple ways to take care of her, but I promise that will treat her rotten, on account she had the audacity to dress in that blinking cloth!"

"BASTARD! You leave Tenma's Sister alone!"

"Huh? And who's this Tenma blighter?"

"Only… only the girl I loved! She's gone away and she might never return! I cannot let you hurt her sister, or Rich Girl! But…"

"Hmm… smarmy young crum…"

He rushed after Harima and socked him in the face. He fell to the ground and was out cold.

"Hmph! Nothing but a commoner; I feel sorry for you, mate, but orders are orders."

Bruce held him up and carried him on his shoulder.

"You… may be what I need to lure that Maynard chickadee from out of her nest," he said, "Then she'll have her chance at redemption… I hope that Maris finishes the job."

XXXXX

Bruce's words were very blunt, but also frightening. Eri was getting ready for bed, when Maris jumped through her window, sending the shards of glass to the ground.

"What? Who are you?" She cried out in fright.

"Remember me, young blondie?" Maris grinned evilly.

"Okay, this isn't funny! Beat it, you perverts!"

Runt appeared from behind and smacked her on the head with a bat. She fell to the ground.

"RUNT! You bloody little moron! First rule of fighting: NEVER hit a girl from behind, unless it's those Argos heroes!" He shouted.

"Oops… my bad," Runt snickered.

He dragged her unconscious body away and was smiling very evilly.

"Boss… what should we do now?"

"Now, we go after that Yakumo faker! I cannot let her get away with masquerading as Maynard!"

Maris was about to leave when Eri started to groan, regaining consciousness; she realized that she was carried away.

"HEY! Let me go!" She cried, as she pounded on Runt's back.

"Hey, Runt! Shut her up, will ya?

Runt used a cloth and stuffed it in her mouth, muffling her.

"I cannot be safe," Runt thought, "If we carry her away, Maynard will attempt to get us!"

"Let's go, Runt!" Maris called out, "We have moonlight to save! We'll deal with Miss Pretty Girl later, just as soon as we nab that poser."

They disappeared while carrying Eri away, who was trying to break free from their clutches.

"Miranda… I beg of you," she thought, "Save me… if you can."

XXXXX

The following hour, Miranda woke up from the sound of glass shattering. She jumped out and dashed out of the room. She went out to the front room and found Sarah whimpering.

"What happened?" She asked.

"It's Yakumo…" Sarah cried, "She was taken by some guy that looks like Yoshidayama-Senpai!"

"WHAT?" Miranda cried, "Wait… who?"

She then remembered last night.

"Maris!" She growled.

She stepped out and found Maris, carrying Yakumo over his shoulder.

"HEY! What is your bleeding problem?" She hollered.

She also saw Eri, being tied up by Runt.

"Eri, too? That's heartless!" She thought aloud.

"Pitiful! Even in your fatigue, you stand to be such a weak runt!" Maris gloated.

Miranda was a bit wobbly; she just woke up at the blink of an eye, whenever danger is heard.

"Why, you…" Miranda growled, "Let go of them now!"

Maris dropped Yakumo and snickered a bit. Yakumo was in pain. He then pointed at her and shouted, "You will not survive this time! Once an urchin, always an urchin!"

"Well, pardon my sleepy habits! I cannot let you hurt my friends again; not after what you did last night!"

Maris ran towards her and slapped Miranda in the face. She staggered down.

"Wake up, you little crum!"

He then grinned and slapped her around. He also kicked her severely in the gut. She fell down and was in extreme pain.

"Damn! He's such a strong blighter!" She thought, "I cannot defeat him without a bite to eat. No wonder dinner was late."

I guess even in battle, Miranda is weak when she isn't eating. Knowing Maris, he knew that Miranda is asleep at the right time, and that would be perfect for him, since she wakes up hungry.

"Time to say good night, urchin," Maris cried and raised his fist high, attempting to strike at her.

However, an arrow flew by and nicked him in the wrist. He started to bleed a bit from the cut that he screamed in pain.

"Good night, urchin!" A voice called from atop the roof of Yakumo's house.

She jumped down and stood in front of Miranda, who was in pain. She was dressed in her trademark blue vest, skirt, and shirt; she had short blond hair.

"It's sad, really; even as a kid I still remember you!" She shouted, "You blighters are the reason you attempted to kill my father, but when you hurt Mira's pals from Japan, that's low, even in my league!"

She held her bow up high and pointed at Maris and Runt.

"Who the hell are you?" Maris shouted.

"You're worse nightmare! Words to live by, right, Maris?" She responded.

"E-E-Erika?" Miranda weakly said.

Yes! The girl that viewed Harima earlier was Miranda's friend, Erika Avery.

"I am Erika Avery! The archer and co-hero of Argos; and as you may know already that I am the daughter of the late Jacob Avery, the man you've met and killed long ago!"

Maris and Runt shrieked a bit.

"Y-y-y-y-you're Avery's little urchin?"

Erika charged at Maris and socked him in the face.

"Don't you DARE call me an urchin again, you bastard!" She shouted.

He fell to the ground and was bruised in the face. Runt was flabbergasted.

"No way… you're Avery's daughter?" He asked in fear, "But, you've grown so much… and I find you very hot for an urchin."

Erika dashed towards Runt and gave him a low blow kick and a backhand towards his face.

"BACK OFF, JACK!"

Runt fell to the ground atop of Maris.

"Eri…" Miranda moaned, "She… she saved me. I thought I was a goner."

Maris got up and shrieked in fear.

"No way…" Yakumo thought, "Is she that strong? She somehow reminds me of Tenma."

Erika dusted herself and turned to Maris, who was scared stiff.

"Please… mercy…" he cringed.

"Weaklings! All of you!" she shouted, "You'd be surprised to see me, if you think I'd hated your guts from the start!"

She looked around and couldn't find Bruce.

"Now I know that there were three of you. Where's the other guy: the big black one in that awful crewcut?"

Maris grabbed Runt and ran off.

"HEY!"

"You'll pay for this, Avery! You and your best friend! Isabella666 will get to you yet!" He cried out.

"Isabella?" She thought, "No… he's… he's crazy. The only Isabella I know was…"

She realized that Maris escaped.

"Bugger them! Yeah, you'll get yours; I swear it!"

Miranda got up and saw Erika standing tall. Erika went to Eri & Yakumo and freed them. Yakumo was grateful, as Eri looked away.

"You ladies all right?" Erika asked.

"Oh… yes. It is great to see you," Yakumo said.

"Yeah, whatever…" Eri muttered.

Sarah came out in tears and cradled Yakumo.

"Yakumo! Oh, I am so glad you are okay!" She cried.

Erika was puzzled, knowing some people she didn't know. Miranda got up and smiled at her.

"Long time, no see, partner," she said.

Erika started to become annoyed, "You never change, do you, Mira?"

"Uh, Miranda, is this girl a friend of yours?" Yakumo asked, as she was helped up.

Miranda smiled and helped Eri up.

"There's another one of those weird freaks?" Eri thought in anger, "Argos is surely a bizarre place! Where did they all learn those uncanny techniques: Medieval History?"

Erika then asked Miranda, "So, I heard you came to visit this Harima bloke."

"Yeah, why?" Miranda replied.

She pointed at all three of the girls and called out, "You three! Head inside and stay in your room for safety; at this time of night, the streets are not safe!"

"Are you kidding?" Eri shouted, "I should be going back to bed now! I'm going home."

Erika grabbed Eri by the arm and shouted, "I mean it! You're staying here until morning!"

"Let go of me, you tight wearing freak!" Eri hollered.

"What did you call me, goldilocks?" Erika growled.

"Look's who talking!" Eri snapped.

Miranda halted her and said, "Easy, Erika. I'm sure she was just being eager."

"Miranda," Sara added, "Erika's right. We should stay for the night. It's not safe."

"You're right. We'll settle matters in the morning."

Sarah carried Yakumo to the house as Eri, Erika, & Miranda followed.

"Gah! She's more annoying than Whiskers!" Eri thought aloud.

"She's more annoying than that loudmouth, Haruna," Erika thought with a growl.

Miranda was worried about Erika, "What is she doing here? And how does she know about Maris?"

"The name's Erika Avery, Archer Extraordinaire! Mira's in Japan for a visit with this Harima chap, but in the next chapter, he's gone for a while. I'll bet he was kidnapped by those bastards who helped killed my father!"

(A quiet pause)

"YAY! Finally some action! That recent visit was child's play…"

Next Chapter: Harima's Kidnapped?

"A true warrior, like me, must tend to go into battle to save a friend's friend… or something."