To those who read the prologue and left a review: thank you. I know it wasn't easy to read, what with all the lack of Yumi and other characters, and other there was A LOT of information to get through too, but it wasn't easy to write either. I originally wrote this chapter first, but decided that the prologue was a necessary evil in order to set the framework for the rest of the story. Anyway, thanks for the feedback, I find that even if a 100 people trashed this, it's worth it if just one likes it. Hope this chapter isn't too disappointing.
Present Day
"Yumi, hold still. This will only take longer if you keep moving"
Yumi tried her best to stop fidgeting, but she couldn't help that she was just so ticklish. "H-Hai. Gomen- Aaah!!" Cold fingers brushed against her bare waist, causing Yumi to jerk involuntarily and nearly topple off the stool on which she stood. Yumi heard an exasperated sigh behind her. "Sorry." She mumbled, her cheeks coloring pink.
Holding her breath, she prayed this humiliation would quickly end. Expert hands danced across her body. Chest. Waist. Hips. Legs. Yumi felt her lungs burning, and felt she was about to explode when all of a sudden – "All right. You can open your eyes now, Yumi-chan. I'm all done." The seamstress smiled warmly at Yumi. Holding her measurements on a piece of paper, she walked purposefully to discuss fabrics and design and whatever else went into making an evening gown with the Palace's Governess. Yumi quickly dressed herself, trying in vain to get her soldier's uniform on at once, she ended up in a tangled mess instead.
"Here. Let me help you." An amused voice said from behind her. Too close behind her. Yumi froze as she felt a tugging on her pants, bringing them up all the way. She felt her tunic which got bundled around her head slowly being lowered, until she could finally see again. It was at that moment Yumi noticed the pair of icy blue eyes staring at her chest. She blushed, quickly pulling the rest of her tunic down to cover the hideous birthmark that she knew was being scrutinized. "T-There, now isn't that better?" the girl said hoarsely, recovering from her stupor.
Yumi flamed red in embarrassment. She quickly twisted her tunic, straightening it so that the Kingdom's crest which identified her as a soldier was centered. "Yes, princess. Thank you"
The princess cocked an eyebrow. "How many times must I tell you to call me by my name? You are my fiancé now, so it would not be inappropriate." Hands reached up to adjust the thin titanium band worn around Yumi's head.
Yumi looked at the beautiful girl beside her, blushing under the intensity of her gaze. "Forgive me, Naomi. I will try harder."
Elsewhere
Sachiko Ogasawara fastened the belt around her waist and speedily threw her cloak over top her shoulders. It was not cold, but she knew she would need it for warmth after sun set. Her hand lingered over a choice of swords and daggers laid out on the table. She settled for a small dagger, for just in case – she highly doubted she would even need that, as she would most likely just summon the elements to for whatever protection she needed. "Sachiko" A voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you ready?"
The voice belonged to Rei Hasekura, a fellow Compass Level soldier in the Kingdom of Lilian, and a good friend. Rei and Sachiko had entered the system at the same time, both starting off as pledges and working their way through that hellish training, only to be promoted to become Canons, and now Compasses. Throughout their training, Rei had shown the same level of promise and discipline that Sachiko had, and as a result the two were able to keep pace with one another in promotion.
Sachiko nodded her head. "Yes. Let's go." Sachiko gave Rei a quick once over. She was dressed the same as her, the only difference being that Rei's left breast pocket was an embroidered with a yellow rose indicating that she was training at the Foetida Castle, whereas her own red rose placed her in the Chinesis Castle. Sachiko also noticed that Rei did not bring an additional weapon as she had. "Oh? And what did Yoshino-chan say about that?" Sachiko teased light heartedly referring to the young firecracker Rei had been doting on since... well, birth.
"Ahh. Well.. you know. She understands.. er- well, she WILL understand. One day- if, I mean, WHEN I tell..." Rei rambled on, mumbling to her feet.
Sachiko suppressed her laughter. Rei was a great warrior, she knew. Her family ran one of the most renowned dojo's in all of Lilian, and her father was once the General of the Imperial army, so naturally Rei had been trained in hand to hand combat, archery and swordsmanship. However, that she did not carry a formal weapon while on patrol was not a testament to her reckless confidence. Sachiko was one of the only people who knew that Rei abhorred unnecessary violence. Most of the time she relied on her abilities to merely frustrate an attack from afar– an overly strong gust of wind blowing sand in her opponents' eyes, or raising the roots of trees just a smidgen so that her foe would trip before reaching her- but never to actually harm a person, even if that person meant her harm. That she had such a wonderful, kind spirited friend made her smile. Sachiko placed a hand on her comrade's shoulder. "It's alright. I wouldn't want to face an angry Yoshino either."
Sachiko's powers were also strong, but she too refused to attack an opponent with her powers if she could help it. Her battles were always fought face to face, blade to blade. It wasn't that she was a violent person, but in a fight she always wanted to know what direction the danger was coming from, and as such, she would afford her opponents the same respect. It is only fair. Sachiko had concluded. I will not engage in underhanded dirty tactics. Especially since not everyone in Lilian was able to use their abilities to the extent she could. While everyone was born at least some power, it took a pure and courageous heart to actually wield the power to your will. They said that the greater your honour, the greater your ability, so it pleased her immensely that she was able to do anything at all with her gift. It must mean I'm doing something right. In one swift motion, Sachiko mounted her horse and sped off into the night, Rei following close behind her.
Yumi sighed in relief, happy to be away from the castle. You mean away from Naomi and the Queen. Yumi corrected herself, miserably. Making her way to the army barracks, Yumi contemplated her predicament. She had always known that she and Naomi would be bound together in some way. Noami needed her in order to perform nearly any amount of magic, and Yumi... well, she needed the safety of the castle walls. But marriage! Is that okay? I thought she would just make me her Keep... Is Naomi even comfortable marrying servant? Well, I guess that's why she made me enlist in the army instead... Yumi approached the stinking ugly shack with rows and rows of wooden flats which served as beds. She was not used to these living conditions, nor was she used to the physically demanding exercises thrown at her day after day. Up until it was announced that she and Naomi were to be matched, she had served as the palace scribe. That's actually wasn't so bad, Yumi thought gratefully. Since her parents having been killed by the Knights of Lilian she had no fortune and therefore no home. But Queen Miyahara has been kind to me. She has always made sure I was safe, so that I did not have to beg on the streets. The Queen's attention came at a price though, she knew. All the time, people in the Miyahara Kingdom avoided her like the plague. She simply did not fit in anywhere, and as a result she did not have any friends. Only Naomi. Even if she does only talk to me when she needs to borrow my strength... But at least she isn't mean to me. Well, except for her insistence that I be enlisted in the army. But I guess I would be embarrassed too if Monsieur, Miyahara's greatest Oracle, matched me with a castle servant. It's better to say your fiancé is a soldier than a scribe. Yumi quickly removed her army uniform, donning her usual cloak instead. She breathed it in and sighed. Ahh. No more of that stifling, starchy clothing.
"Hiyashi!" A voice boomed through the air.
Yumi froze momentarily before spinning around quickly. "H-Hai!" She acknowledged her commanding officer.
General Yamada stomped towards her. He was not a particularly mean man, but he was the General of an army after all, and so he grew accustomed to barking out orders. "I have a letter for you to deliver!" He slapped a piece of parchment against her chest. "It is to be taken to the base camp near the border. You better get your butt moving, it's a long ride. UNDERSTOOD?!"
Yumi flinched. "Hai!"
She waited for him to turn around and leave before she sprinted towards the stables to retrieve Biscuit, her horse. As Yumi did not enlist in the army by choice, she had very little aptitude for any type of combat. Her naturally clumsy nature and small frame did not help matters either and as a result, she was always chosen to deliver messages by horseback, a task reserved for the army runt. Yumi did not mind though, her size made her a relatively fast rider anyway, and compared to having to spar with the other bloodthirsty pledges, she was safer doing this. She knew that so long as she stayed within the kingdom of Miyahara, she would not be harmed. The real danger was in the Kingdom of Lilian, where all the wicked people were. While she did not have any formal education, Yumi had heard the stories just as everyone else in the land had. She had heard of the unjust kings and knights in Lilian. They appeared so righteous and noble, but they were actually bad people, always hoarding power for themselves. That's why Queen Miyahara had left to create a land of her own.
"Hello, Biscuit." Yumi greeted the chocolate colored horse. There were younger stallions in the stable, but was quite fond of this gentle giant for some reason, perhaps it was because it too was marred with a mark strikingly similar to the one on her chest. She mounted and gave it a small nudge to get it moving. "To the base camp." She whispered in his ear. He knew the way, so she did not have to pay close attention to the road.
Three hours later though, Yumi cursed her dismissive attitude to just trust a horse as it now seemed that she was lost. A while ago they had approached an intersection, and while Yumi had never been on this path before she prompted Biscuit to turn left, though she did not know why she felt that was the right direction. But they were now in an unfamiliar place, and the sky was almost black. "Ohh, I don't want to have to stop overnight.." Yumi whimpered to herself. Yet another reason why she felt ill suited to be a soldier: she was afraid of the dark.
Yumi's heart began to pound. Her heart beat so forcefully against her chest she could practically feel the drumming in her skull. Instinctively Yumi reached up and touched the titanium band around her head. The band had never bothered her before, but now it felt so constricting. If I could only just take the band off... No. She knew she couldn't. Yumi had been born in a fragile state. There was something about Miyahara that gave her great chestaches which immobilized her. It was as if her very body rejected the land, but it was even worse whenever Naomi relied on her strength. Great which means, I'm not meant for magic either. She had felt this way for the longest time, until Monsieur, the oracle, created this band for her. Something about it correcting some sort of an imbalance in her, she could not remember exactly, but she knew she needed it to live a normal life. Yumi tapped the band, trying to get it to work its magic on her. "Go on, Biscuit. I'm okay." Yumi reassured her horse, who seemed to know she was suffering. Hesitantly, Biscuit resumed walking.
Upon arriving at their destination, Rei and Sachiko quickly set up their camp. Their job was to guard this point at the border during nightfall as it was suspected that the Miyahara army had recently set base nearby. Sachiko, constantly on the alert kept scanning the area for possible dangers. Rei however, was lost in thought. She's probably thinking about Yoshino. Sachiko realized. A pang of jealously hit her, as she realized that she would never have those feelings. The Crown had recently approached her parents, suggesting a political match between her and the son of a great nobleman, Kashiwagi-san. She had been surprised at the proposal since political matches were often frowned upon. Sachiko had not told anybody yet. However, before Sachiko could think anymore on it, Rei broke the silence. "You know, Sachiko.."
Sachiko took in Rei's uneasy stance and knew exactly where the conversation was going. This was NOT a conversation she wanted to have, even with her closest friend. "Stop."
"Sachiko. You can talk to me. I know you-"
"Please stop."
"-pride yourself in being independent, and strong... but even you must feel-"
"Rei" Sachiko warned.
"-lonely"
"I said SHUT UP!" Sachiko looked as surprised as Rei did with her outburst. Rei looked at her with sad eyes.
"Forgive me. I do not know what came over me." Sachiko quickly stood. "I am going to give the area another sweep. Call if you need something?"
She did not wait for an answer, she simply spun around, leaving her friend confused. What is wrong with me? I was not raised to be like this. Rei is your friend. She was only concerned. Sachiko scolded herself. Finding a large oak, Sachiko leaned against it, sighing loudly. The truth was, she felt bereft every day, but had no reason for the emotion. She had never lost anyone that she truly loved – her parents and her friends were all in good health. She had never even given her heart away. Sachiko had learned long ago to handle the loneliness she felt, and it took a good portion of her energy to put up a facade and steel herself from others. But now, she was growing tired. Seeing her peers begin to pledge themselves as Keepers to their loved ones frustrated her because she herself had not managed to make any such connection, and if she didn't soon she might end up as Kashiwagi-san's.. she shuddered at the thought. Her sadness however, was made worst by the fact that even Rei was well ahead of her, grooming Yoshino to become her Keep... and Master Youko had been receiving a lot of attention from someone lately. She was always disappearing off in the evening, returning in the dead of night, or sometimes not at all... Sachiko sighed. They said that there was one person out there for you, only one true match... but where was hers?
Biscuit came to an abrupt halt, jerking his head to the side nervously. Yumi felt her horse shudder beneath her and knew that something was wrong. "Calm down!" Yumi pleaded.
Biscuit began to stamp his feet, making it difficult for Yumi to hold on. Suddenly he reared up on his hind legs. Hugging her body close to Biscuit, Yumi caught a glimpse of what spooked him. There, on the ground, was a rattlesnake. Biscuit reared again, higher this time and more forcefully. Yumi immediately let go of the reigns and tried to grab onto something sturdier, but too late – her hands slipped and she was thrown off. She could feel herself flying through the air in slow motion before she felt the impact. She heard a large crack and assumed it was the sound of her skull hitting the ground. In her daze she waited for the pain to consume her, but it did not come. What did arrive though, was total blackness.
The fine hairs on the back of Sachiko's neck stood on end, and her heart started pounding against her ribs. She placed a hand over her chest, trying to make sense of the sudden change. What is this? What is going on? A curse? Is someone hexing me??
Sachiko took a deep breath and released it slowly trying to calm down as she scanned the area for an intruder. She had only ever felt this way once before and even now she could not explain it. It had happened when she was six years old. She had been practicing the piano when all of a sudden, for no apparent reason, she had felt her heart constricting and pounding against her chest, all at once. Worry wracked her body and tears fell from her eyes, but she couldn't explain why. She had felt, in that moment, complete despair. She had felt as if the contents of her heart had suddenly been discarded, and left empty and confused. Sachiko had never spoken of this to anyone. It was an emotion so private, so heartbreaking she did not wish to share it, even if she could ever find the words to describe it.
Snap! A twig broke in two. Sachiko spun around. It was only Rei, approaching her with a solemn look. Rei began to speak in hushed tones "We're not alone-"
Rei took in the sight of Sachiko, clutching her chest. "Sachiko! Are you-"
"I'm fine." Sachiko said between ragged breaths. Her heart began to slow to its normal rhythm. "What did you see?"
Rei shook her head. "I heard a horse, in the distance. It sounded distressed. I don't know what to make of it. It must be an intruder... we're very close to the border after all. We should go see."
Sachiko nodded, withdrawing her dagger. "Lead the way"