"So what were you doing out here any way Tobi?"
Yumi was still confused as to why he would take such a foolish risk. Tobi's face looked confused yet forlorn, "To tell you the truth I don't know…I just woke up and there you were right in front of me. I don't know any of my past actually, not even where I can from. All I remember is darkness…" Yumi quickly knew not to push the subject and eventually heard Tobi speak again, "What were you doing out here if it's so dangerous?"
"I was playing a bit of tag with my friend and I decided to hide out here when all of a sudden I just saw you lying there. At first I thought you were dead but I saw you breathing and well, the next thing I knew there were demon imps surrounding you so I fought them off…"
Tobi then had a look of worry on his face, "You're not hurt are you?"
"It's a minor injury don't worry…."
But Tobi could see her struggling to keep balance and hurriedly helped her lean against his shoulder. Yumi then stuttered, "Th-thanks."
He then checked her wound and gave a shocked gasp, "This is no minor injury! You haven't stopped bleeding and the gash is big so we'd better hurry"
………
When they reach the city they were met by Abe, "What happened to you?!?"
Yumi then straightened her stance and punched him on the arm.
"Well if you had gone looking for me you would have found me now take me to my sister!!!"
A short argument and fight later they arrived at Himiko's house. Yumi immediately burst through the door, ran toward Himiko, and gave her a hug. "How have you been as of late sister?"
Himiko's voice was like a harp, soothing and soft. "I'm fine but I won't be for long and you should know why."
"Ah yes, your birthday will arrive soon, will it not?"
Yumi's face showed nothing but anger and frustration, "Yeah, and I'm more than positive that after that day King Fruity will be more than happy to arrange meetings with prices to get me married but I will rebel," Yumi stood tall and proud, "I will fight and send those princes packing!!!"
Himiko then gave an astonished gasp, "You are wounded, let me heal you."
She took out her crystal ball and placed it near Yumi. The wound then immediately closed and now all that was left was to clean it. Abe suddenly spoke up, "I have some interesting gossip for you Yumi."
Instead of an interested face she held the expression of seriousness and Tobi felt utterly confused. Abe continued "The king and princesses are to attend a meeting in discussion of available prices to visit. They should be starting the meeting in approximately thirty minutes."
Yumi suddenly had a look of pure terror while Abe just laughed. She ran in circles around the house trying to think of what to do, "Shut up, shut up, shut up!!!"
Tobi then saw her run at full speed out the door to only she knew where and then an idea popped into his head 'I could use a good run' and he smirked, running off to catch up with her.
"By the way Abe, who was that boy anyways?"
Abe just shrugged "Beats me."
………
When Tobi caught up to her they were in the aristocratic quarters heading towards the palace. At first he had absolutely no idea where she was but then she reappeared only she had a blue and grayish kimono on while running and he wondered how in the world she could do that. But eventually she collapsed where they were at the moment because of course the wound on her side just had to reopen. He then ran up to her and picked her up. The wound was bleeding heavily and he knew she wouldn't be able to run the rest so he asked, "Where to?"
She hastily answered, "Imperial Palace and step on it."
So he ran on.
………
"What is this outrage!?!?"
Sotai shouted in the throne room upon the appearance of Yumi being carried by Tobi. "Father, leave him be. He…"
"He what?" Sotai asked, angered by this un-royal act. "He…he saved me from demons."
Tobi had to admit that was a good come back. He then added "I give my humblest of apologies, good sir."
"I should hope so but I am thankful in the fact that you saved my poor daughter, Hiraku."
Sotai then smiled and exclaimed "I like you already boy! How would you like to join the Tao Troopers!?! You seem to be good enough if you escaped the battle without injury!"
"Th-thank you good sir. I accept your offer."
Sotai then chuckled and formed a plan 'this boy will prove to be useful in the future' but his thoughts were interrupted by a shrill scream, "Daddy!!! Where are my handmaidens!?!"
Yumi knew that sound well and quickly whispered, "Here comes the typhoon, it Kiya. Let's get out of here before trouble starts. Quick, go out the door and to the left, hurry!!!"
They hurriedly snuck out and left Sotai to his precious young daughters ranting…
