The same knight walked back in with 8 other people dressed in foreign clothing. They wore capes over their garments. Each of the ambassadors carried some sort of weapons ranging from daggers to spears, all except for the one significant in the middle and in the front of the group. He was wearing all white, contrast to the other 7 who wore darker shades. He also looked different from the rest, partly because if his shorter stature, but the main difference was the aura that he emanated. The knight bowed to the King and left.
The 8 people took a few steps forward and bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness." The one in white said graciously. His voice was melodious like the morning birds and light as feathers.
The King nodded. "Welcome to our Kingdom. Please, take your seats." He motioned them to the empty chairs on his left hand side. They did as told.
"I'm called by Fuji Syusuke." The one in white introduced after they all sat down. "These are my protectors and friends." He started the introduction of his men from the closest to his left and down. "This is, Kikumaru Eiji." Each of them bowed after their names were recired. "Kaido Kaoru. Sanada Genichirou. Jirou Akutagawa. Marui Bunta. Yanagi Renji. And, Shirashi Kuranosuke." He ended.
The King then introduced the four Lords, who in turn introduced their henchmen.
"As you all are aware, I'm an ambassador from the Kingdom of Peace. We are here on an important call to seek for your assistance." Fuji said calmly, showing his composed personality and character. He started his anecdote. "A month ago, our kingdom was visited by the Duke of Doryou, Mizuki Hajime. It all happened when he sought our Queen for a cure of an illness that rose in his kingdom. Our Queen agreed and followed him to Doryou right the next day, hearing the illness is epidemically deadly. She left with 6 of our elite healers and fighters, refusing to take the masters with her, because she feared mishap upon our kingdom in her absence. Our Queen's intuition has always been correct as she did inform me that something was wrong before she left. After a week of her departure, our kingdom was under attack by Doryou men. They invaded our kingdom, attempted to take over. But with our master fighters, Doryou's men was unable to infiltrate into our kingdom. So, they set camps outside our kingdom, preventing anyone from entering or exiting. Worries of depleting supplies, the high priest council has decided to send masters and elites out to seek help from nearby kingdoms. As a result, we were nominated by the council as the dispatched group to come on behalf of this important matter. And so the reason why we are here." Fuji looked at the King wistfully, waiting for an answer.
"But," Atobe spoke his mind. "Why did your Queen leave with Duke Mizuki when she knew this would happen?" The rest were all in the same curiosity as Atobe.
"Knowing our Queen, she values everyone's lives. It wouldn't do her soul justice to refuse to cure Doryou's people. And Mizuki would've plan an attack on us anyways if we refused." Kikumaru took the stand. They were all here together and they wouldn't want Fuji to do everything. "Mizuki knew our Queen wouldn't refuse to save a life so he took the opportunity that his people turned ill as a plan to take over our kingdom."
"What makes you think that we will give you aid?" Yukimura asked. His face showed no emotion, only that of seriousness likes many others.
The group of 6 frowned then looked to Fuji, whose eyes had been closing the whole time since the beginning, who was with a serene smile on his face. He gulped inwardly before flashing a bright smile that meant a challenge. Fuji knew not if Yukimura was serious or joking, so he took the more positive view and spoke. "I believe you will." Fuji said confidently. He turned to the King. "We are a neutral kingdom. We never bring any mishaps upon anyone before. I don't see the reason why you will refuse to give us aid."
The King smirked as he tapped his fingers lightly on the table. He was amused at this Fuji character.
"In addition, your kingdom is highly advanced in the military power. You wouldn't need to worry much about waging a war for the most beneficial cause."
The King nodded at this, now very amused with Fuji's confidence. Usually when someone asked others for help, he would be humble. But in Fuji's case, it was the total opposite. He asked for aids like he's proposing a challenge. "Why of course, we agree to put our hands in this. Why wouldn't we, like you said." The King looked at his men for any disagreement, but there was none.
"I thought a rigid confirmation wouldn't hurt."
"Of course." The King grinned. "My men have some concerning questions. Do you mind providing us with the answers?"
"It is our duty to." Fuji smiled.
Momoshiro started the questionnaires. "Well, you see, a few days ago, there were 3 assassins found outside our province. They attacked us mercilessly, but retreated right after fearing their defeats. They were Paladin ranked. I would like to know if this has anything to do with your dilemma."
"Hm." Fuji thought about it for a while and looked to Sanada.
Sanada look at Fuji, seemingly he got the message from Fuji's gaze. "We believe they are Doryou's men. We did some research on this and found out Mizuki has been sending his men to all nearby kingdoms to prevent us from entering to seek aids. They probably attacked you because they don't know what we look like, mistaking you for one of us." Sanada finished. Momoshiro nodded in understanding.
"Do you guys have telepathic power?" The nobles and lords looked to the owner of the voice with a surprise expression, Tezuka Kunimitsu spoke up for the first time since the meeting start.
Fuji opened his eyes, revealing beautiful, but icy blue orbs. They pended into Tezuka's chestnut and emotionless orbs, staring as if they could strip the other off their facade, though he still has his smile on his face. After a moment, he closed his eyes again with a smirk replace his smile. "Very observative." He murmured. He didn't say anything further to answer Tezuka's question.
"Hm." Tezuka grunted as if he understood what Fuji says. Leaving the rest confused except for a few who understood very well what happened.
"If you don't mind, we would like to know where your skills stand." Saeki asked giving others the same curiosity as him. "And power." He added.
Fuji looked to Shirashi, giving him the cue to go first.
"Master." Shirashi said briefly.
"Expert in air." Yanagi said after Shirashi.
"Elite of fire and air." Marui stated proudly.
"Elite of air and water." Jirou said indifferently, as if he was bored from repeating the same thing over and over for the past few hours.
"Master", came Sanada's terse reply.
"Expert in earth." Kaido said uncaringly.
"Elite of fire and water." Eiji said jovially.
"I hope that incurs your curiosity." Fuji wasn't planned on to reveal his own power, as it would be a weakness if known to his nemesis, although none of the presents were his nemesis. He just liked to be on the mysterious side.
"What about you? Surely, you are more skilled than your friends." Yukimura smiled as he fixed a gaze on Fuji, not letting Fuji off the subject.
Fuji sighed silently. "Well…I am not in the standard ranks."
"Wait. What?" Kirihara had his eyes widened incredulously.
"Mada mada dane." Echizen pulled his hat down.
"How can that be?" Momoshiro inquired.
"Why are you the ambassador when you aren't ranked? Wouldn't that make you a commoner then?" Kamio said surprisingly.
The four Lords, the King and the 8 stayed quiet while others make a commotion.
"Ah hmph." King Kutei Dai cleared his throat, and the ruckus settled down. He was half embarrassed of his men's un-characteristic behaviors in present of important guests. "Do be patient." He gave Fuji and his men an apologizing smile.
"You are a Sage." Tezuka stated resolutely, as if he knew it was correct.
The confused looks on others enticed someone to come forth with what a Sage was supposed to be.
"Sage is a special title, unlike ranking. A Sage is higher than a master. Of course, he knows all the elements, plus the hidden ones. Besides that, a sage also knows white magic, for healing." Yukimura provided. "Sage is not on the ranking scale because he/she doesn't go in combat unless necessary because there are only a few sages existed."
"It is as expected from the Kingdom of Peace, known for the highest trained personnel." Atobe remarked. "No wonder, Mizuki wants the control over your kingdom."
"Thank You." Fuji took it as a compliment.
"Um, Fuji-san. Are you related, anyhow, to the Queen? I heard only a few people are able to master in white magic, but they have to be connected to the Queen, provided only your kingdom has white mages." Saeki asked.
"Hm." Fuji didn't know how to say it, "I guess you can say that. I'm her only direct apprentice. She raised me, sort of like a mother, I presumed."
"Ah. I see." The King finally spoke up after taking in all the information.
"Not only that, Fuji's the second highest in command." Eiji excitedly said.
"Eiji." Fuji said softly, yet deadly.
Don't bluff. He sighed when Eiji got the point.
"Sorry." He whispered to Fuji. He likes to boast about how greatly Fuji was.
"Ah. You all must be tire from the trip. Pardon me for keeping you talk so long." King Kutei Dai ended the meeting as if he took the cue. "My maidens shall show you to your rooms." The King motioned the maids to accompany the guests.
"Thank You for your hospitality. We are very grateful to you and your men." Fuji said and they all bowed before exiting the hall.
"Gentlemen. You will be staying here for a few days regarding this matter. Please. Be in good health and stay on guards." The Lords and Nobles bowed and exited the hall. He thought about how short their peaceful days were. Ahh. The world is changing fast. People as well. It couldn't be avoided; there are always people who thirst for power, like Mizuki of Doryou.
A/N: I'll try to post a chapter or two every week. If you have any idea you want in the story, please let me know. I'm trying to make it interesting. Pls R&R.