Hanayo was always used to being on the move. As one of Princess Maki's maids, Hanayo had plenty to do on her list of chores. Every morning it was the same. She would quickly freshen herself up, then head to the kitchen to help prepare breakfast. She didn't need to be there helping every morning, but the chefs appreciate her help and always make sure to give her extra portions of rice. Afterwards, Hanayo would then prepare Princess Maki's clothes. After the Princess was awake, she would tidy up her room while the Princess ate breakfast and start on laundry. That was basically her whole job. To clean.
But today was different. She woke up extra early. The night before, Nico told her to meet in the Commander's office in the morning, probably for another errand to run. Knowing the Commander and Captain, Hanayo knew they might've pulled an all night-er. When something happens to keep them on their toes, they always did this. Hanayo figured she would bring them tea and something to eat.
She recalls the first time meeting them. It was two years ago, when Hanayo became Princess Maki's personal maid. It wasn't any different, maybe less cleaning of the whole Castle and more about Princess Maki's room. Eventually it got old for her and she did more than what was asked of her. She would help out with caring for the horses, the garden, she helped anyone who needed it.
Eventually, people around the Castle recognized her hard work. When the Commander learned about Hanayo, she had studied her and learned one thing. Hanayo loved to learn. She felt so bored with her maid duties that she strives for more. One day, the Commander caught Hanayo reading in the library. It was uncommon for maids to be there during the day and once Hanayo realized she was caught she felt like that was the end of the road. Hanayo still gets shivers thinking about that memory, the Commander's piercing red eyes staring right through her soul.
That was when she first met Commander Kazuno Yuu. She was expecting a scary old man but it turns out, the Commander is a young woman with a boyish name. That day, Kazuno didn't yell at her or ask what she was doing at the library. She simply asked for the book that Hanayo was reading and complimented it. She remembered being too shocked to reply, causing the older woman to chuckle. The Commander simply returned the book to Hanayo, picked out another book from the shelf and left.
After that day, the Commander always requested for Hanayo to run errands for her. Eventually, she met Captain Yazawa Nico through Commander Kazuno. Her first encounter with Captain Nico was way different than Commander Kazuno's. That day, she was waiting in the Commander's office. Kazuno had asked her to deliver a letter to the town's best blacksmith shop. The said letter was nowhere to be found, usually it would be labeled but Hanayo didn't want to snoop around the Commander's things so she just decided to wait. Eventually without her noticing, Nico had snuck in and scared her.
Nico had given Hanayo the same piercing look Kazuno gave her in the library. But Nico was quick to recognize Hanayo as one of Maki's maids. But that look filled Hanayo with fear and from that day on, she knew to never get on Kazuno's or Nico's bad side. She never wanted to see that expression ever again.
Over time, Hanayo bonded with them. Hanayo knew what Captain Nico was like. She was always the tenacious, conceited individual that somehow won the Princess's heart. But what truly shocked Hanayo was the Commander. When she thought of the word 'Commander' she always thought of this person who was very strict, strong, and reliable. But Commander Kazuno was only strong and sometimes reliable. She usually carried around an apathetic expression when not being spoken too, which made her very unapproachable by people that didn't know her. But really she was lazy and extremely laid back, much to Nico's annoyance.
The two were a strange pair, and many times Hanayo wondered how both acquired their positions. Hanayo had never witnessed them in actual combat, but there was no doubt that they were strong. Most conversations between the two of them included death threats and insults. Hanayo always knew which conversations to stay out of, because they would always start a fight with each other. When they fight, they give off this vicious aura that makes Hanayo feel extremely small and weak. No one should ever stand between them when it happens.
Hanayo finds herself standing outside the Commander's office, with a tray of tea and snacks in hand. She knocked a couple times on the door, "Excuse me, Commander?"
"Come in, Hanayo." Kazuno's voice calls from inside. She enters the room to find both Kazuno and Nico, looking at papers with bags under their eyes. Hanayo places the tray on the desk and both look up at her and accept it gratefully. "You're a lifesaver." She sighs in relief and runs a hand through her disheveled spiky hair.
"Thanks, Hanayo." Nico replies, taking a sip of tea.
"Look at these." Kazuno holds up one of the papers. As Hanayo takes a closer look, she realizes they are sketches of swords. "I examined the meteors last night. They're pretty strong, I'm thinking we can make weapons from the materials. I've been wanting a new sword." She leans back, taking one of the rice balls.
"You always say that and never get one." Nico replies.
"Shut up, I have standards." Kazuno rolls her eyes at Nico and continues, "Could you take these to the old man?" Hanayo nods. The old man she was referring to was her father, the best blacksmith in the Kingdom.
"Tell him to make mine first, I'm his favorite." Nico winks and Hanayo only chuckles in response.
"Whatever, he couldn't wait for you to leave the house." Kazuno throws a rice ball at Nico as Hanayo exits the room.
The past of those two were complicated. Hanayo wasn't informed until a year in their friendship. She had always wondered if they were related, they both had red eyes and sometimes even the same arrogant attitude. Kazuno's eyes were darker, kind of crimson while Nico's were just red but there had to be a chance of them being related. But they were not. Hanayo didn't have time to think about the past anymore. She had an assignment to do, and she was determined to finish it in no time.
"Hey, Nozomi..." Eli mutters. She had finished getting ready to go and was just waiting for the other girl to finish brushing her hair.
"Yes, Elichi?" Nozomi's answers, while looking at herself in the mirror. Eli scoots over on the bed to get closer to Nozomi.
"Can I talk to you about something serious?" Eli asks. Nozomi puts down her brush and turns to Eli.
"Of course." Nozomi gives Eli a concerned look. "What's wrong?"
"It's..." Eli looks down and clutches her pants. "It's about my family."
"Your family?" Nozomi asks. She moves to sit next to Eli on the bed. Eli only nods.
"It's complicated." Eli sighs and Nozomi puts her hand over one of Eli's hands. "My father is the Commander of the Royal Guard. He's very strict and if he ever found out about us...He would kill me. I'd be slacking on my duties and that's all he ever talks about. Our duty."
"Elichi..."
"And...I just...Everything's just bad." Eli shakes her head and looks at the other girl. She hated talking about her family situation. "I'm sorry, Nozomi. Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"Of course not. If it helps to talk to me about it, I'm all ears Elichi." Nozomi intertwines their fingers. It makes Eli feel better and a little bit more comfortable to talk.
"...Do you know Umi? My Vice-Captain?" Nozomi nods in response, "She's actually my adoptive sister. She lost her parents when we were young and my family took her in. And after that I also lost my mother and grandmother. My father...hasn't been the same since then. He barely leaves the Castle and never sees my younger sister anymore. So Umi and I have been doing our best to help raise her."
"Who's taking care of her now?"
"An old friend of my father's. Nakamura Yumi, she's always been there for Alisa when Umi and I couldn't be. I just...I really needed to get it off my chest. I almost died and it made me think a lot. All Alisa has is Umi and I. When we return to the Minami Kingdom...Can you help me convince my father to start acting like one again?"
"Of course, Elichi. I'll always be there to help."
Eli and Nozomi make their way to the courtyard. Both Princess's belongings were packed and loaded in the carriages. According to Rin, Kotori and Umi were ready to go. As they exit the castle, Eli realizes that ash still falls from the sky. Eli quickly goes to open Nozomi's parasol and holds it up for her. Nozomi nods her head as thanks and steps under They make their way to the carriages. The King, Queen and several others waited for them. "Sorry to keep you waiting." Eli bows her head as they reach the rest of the group.
"I'm glad to see that you're out and about, Eli-chan." The King pats Eli's shoulder. "Take care. I'm assuming I'll be seeing you and your father at the Grand Summit?"
"Yes, of course." Eli replies and he nods.
"Please stay safe on the way back to the Minami Kingdom." The Queen hugs Nozomi and she reaches for Eli's hand. She holds Eli's hand tightly, "And you too dear."
"Yes, your Majesty." Eli bows her head once more. Eli continues to walk Nozomi to the carriage. Kotori and Umi were waiting for them just outside the carriage. Once they meet, Umi lightly punches Eli's shoulder.
"All good?"
"All good." Eli nods her head. Then suddenly, Kotori hugs Eli.
"Eli-chan!" Kotori yells. "I was so worried!" Kotori lets go of Eli and puts her hands on her hips.
"It's okay, Princess." Eli puts her hands up in defense.
"No it's not! I'm going to yell at you when we get home." Kotori pouts and motions for Nozomi to follow her into the carriage. Nozomi tries to hide her giggles but Eli was already shaking her head.
"Wait!" Someone yells. Everyone turns to spot Honoka running toward them. She was wearing something different. All black except a few green details on her jacket and pants. Almost like a Knight uniform. The closer she got, the more Eli recognized it as a Knight uniform. She didn't fully confirm it until she saw the Kira family seal on Honoka's jacket.
"Ehhh?!" Umi points at Honoka. "Honoka, since when-"
"I thought I would let you know!" Honoka jumps over to Umi and puts both hands on her shoulders. "I'm Tsubasa-chan's emisary! So I'll see you at the Grand Summit! Okay? And you too, Kotori-chan!" Honoka salutes and speeds off. Eli was too stunned to say anything.
"Hah?" Umi scratches her head in confusion.
"She looked happy." Kotori says. "Right?"
"I suppose."
"We'll see her again, don't worry." Eli pats Umi's back. "C'mon, you're keeping the Princesses waiting." Umi nods and walks over to her horse. Eli walks together with her and gets onto a horse. She rides over to the carriage that Nozomi and Kotori were in. The driver, which was Rin, waves to Eli.
"Ready to go, Captain!" Rin yells.
"Alright, let's head out." Eli nods and waves for Umi to lead the squad. Eli waits to ride in the back of the squad. Before she leaves, she waves to the King and Queen one last time. She slowly follows after the group until she hears someone yelling in the distance.
"Eli!" Eli turns around and sees Nico running at her, full speed. She stops her horse and Nico stops and puts her hands on her knees. She looks up at Eli, "We'll meet again, Eli! Don't go dying on the way back...I'll see you at the Grand Summit!" Nico points at Eli with determination in her eyes. Eli smirks.
"I'll be there!" Eli yells back and waves at Nico. She turns back around and starts her journey back home.
The week they were supposed to enjoy together was cut short. This was definitely the start of something new. She would've never thought that Maki's cute and elaborate birthday party was going to be ended by everyone gaining powers of some sort. The only thing they could do was to move forward from it.
"Princess Kotori has returned!" The gate keeper motions for someone to blow the horns. Eli waves up to him and they enter the
Minami Kingdom. Many townspeople assemble around the main road. As Eli looks around, it seems the people of the Minami Kingdom have acquired powers too. Several people now had wings and many of the kids that were running around could jump really high and were chasing each other. The ash continued falling from the sky. Eli gets off her horse and leaves it at the stable. Eli dusts off some of the ash that was on her cape.
"Hop on, nya." Rin motions for Eli to sit with her on the carriage. Eli hops up and sits next to Rin.
"How are you holding up?" Eli asks.
"I'm a little hungry but I'm good!" Rin nods her head and continues the ride to the Castle. "I kinda miss Kayo-chin."
"Kayo-chin?" Eli turns to the orange haired girl. Eli thinks back. "Was it the girl you got along with? The maid?" Rin gives her a small nod and keeps her eyes on the road. Eli's gaze softens and she pats the younger girl's head.
"Huh?" Rin looks at Eli.
"Maybe you'll see her at the Grand Summit. Don't give up, Rin." Eli gives Rin a small smile. She notices the younger girl's eyes gleaming with determination.
"Right!" Rin nods eagerly, "I'll see Kayo-chin again!"
"That's the spirit." Eli notices Umi walking alongside the carriage. She hops off and lands in front of her younger sister. "You okay?"
"Ah, Eli." Umi stops walking. She looks off to the side. "Um...Let's talk once we return to the Castle."
"Sure." Eli replies and Umi continues her path. "Huh..."
The way Umi was walking was different. She didn't have that normal confident stride. Eli had no idea what could've put her in such a mood...Or she thought. She stops in her tracks and peeks through the carriage window. She spots Kotori looking down with a sad expression. So it had something to do with their Princess? Eli would have to wait until they arrive back at the Castle to find out.
Queen Minami and their father were already waiting for them in the courtyard. They wait for the Princesses to exit the carriage and follow behind them. Once the Princesses meet with the Queen, both Eli and Umi kneel. "Welcome back, Kotori. And welcome to the Minami Kingdom, Princess Nozomi." The Queen greets them.
"Hello, mother." Kotori says.
"Thank you for letting me stay here, Queen Minami. My parents are grateful." Nozomi replies.
"We wouldn't want anything happening to you. Our families have always been together through tough times, don't worry about it." The Queen replies. Eli can feel the Queen looking at her. She holds her breath. "Thank you for bringing them back safely, Captain Ayase."
"It was my pleasure, your Majesty." Eli can feel a frog in her throat. "I thought...She found out about Nozomi and I..." Eli could feel a bead of sweat drop down her face.
"I'll be taking my leave, your Majesty." Their father's stern voice broke her train of thought. "Eli. Umi. Come with me."
"Yes sir." Both girls reply and stand. They follow their father to the battlements. Once they reach the top of the castle wall, he stops.
"Your friend, Kosaka." He starts. His back was facing the two girls. "She's with the Kira Kingdom now?"
"As an emissary, yes." Eli replies. There's a long pause. Eli and Umi stand watching their father's back.
Their father was always like this. He was very strict and said few words. It was unsettling when he left these long pauses between his sentences. She missed how he used to be before losing half the family. He was a little bit more laid back when Eli was very little. But after the death of their King and the loss of his mother and wife, he changed. Sometimes Eli wished that he would show them that he cared. He was always their Commander, but never their father. If Eli was going to convince him to change, now was the time.
"Father." Eli starts. Eli can see Umi turn to her in the corner of her eye. "We have to talk."
"About?"
"About our family. I have been thinking for awhile..." Eli clenches her fist. "We have to act like a family again. For Alisa...And for us. It's not the safe out here anymore...with these powers."
"Eli..." Umi mutters. He turns to face both girls.
"That's actually what I called you here to talk about. I heard all the details from Kosaka." He starts. "I...I'm very happy that you both made it back safely." He turns to both of them. Eli raises her eyebrows in confusion. "I could've lost the both of you...I realize that I am too strict and too stubborn. I want...I want to be better for you both." He looks down and clenches his fist. His blonde hair sticking out of his cap flows in the wind and Eli can sense the sadness behind his blue eyes. "I have always been bound to my duty. And I brought you two along with me. But I always seem to treat you like Knights...When you're still young and still my daughters." He walks over and places his hands on one of Eli's and Umi's shoulders. He lowers his head.
The strongest man in Eli's life was now showing his weak side. In her 17 years of life, Eli never saw him show weakness. She didn't think she would ever live to see it. "...I have failed you as a father. And I...neglected Alisa because she didn't follow our path." Their father fixes his cap to hide his eyes. Eli spots a tear fall down his face. "I'm truly sorry."
"Father..." Umi mutters. "Let's fix everything. Let's go see Alisa!" Umi clenches her fist.
"I can't. I can't show myself to her. I have failed her." He looks down at the ground in front of him.
"She needs you...!" Eli pleads. "Umi and I...We...We've always done our best for her...To live and never give up...Now it's time you start living for her too." She meets her father's eyes. "Please..." He quickly rubs his tears and nods. He then sprints down the stairs.
"Alisa!" He yells. Eli and Umi's eyes meet and they follow after him. He was a fast runner but they made sure they weren't going to be left in the dust. After leaving the Castle, many Knights and townspeople turn to watch the Ayase family running throughout town. Their father was running straight to their family home. "Alisa!" Their father rushes into their family home. Both girls follow and see him check her room and their old shared room. The living room was empty and so was the kitchen.
"Alisa?" Eli calls for her. She recieves no answer.
"She might be at Nakamura-san's." Umi says. Their father quickly exits their home and before both girls can make it outside, they hear a gasp and something drop. Outside, they spot Alisa and an older woman, Nakamura, with surprised expressions and bags full of groceries at their feet.
"Alisa..." Their father mutters.
"F-Father..." She replies. Eli and Umi stand still in place. She meets eyes with Nakamura and nervously swallows. "What are you doing here..?"
"I...I've come to see you." He clears his throat. "I have to apologize for being a terrible father. I wasn't there when I should've been. I...am truly a disgrace. But even so...!" Eli can see his shoulders tense. "I won't let you be alone anymore."
Tears pour down Alisa's face and she runs into his arms. The two older girls watch as what was left of their family breakdown in front of each other. As they listen to the crying, they realize this was a new beginning for the Ayase family. With these powers, life was going to get rough. All they had was each other, they needed to mend the wounds before it was too late. It was now or never.
As their father and Alisa finally stops crying, he quickly asks them to help Alisa pack up her belongings. Before Eli leaves both adults, she can hear her father apologizing to Nakamura. Eli turns around to meet Nakamura's gaze. She had a soft expression as she looked down at her father, who was on the ground bowing to her in gratitude. Her long brown hair flows in the wind and she moves a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Yumi I'm sorry." He mutters. "You have your own life but I went ahead and ruined it for you again."
She kneels down and pats her father's head. "Toshinori...You may have screwed up big time but your children were not a burden to me. I love them with all my heart. You need to do the same." She holds a hand out and helps him stand.
"I am indebted to you."
"I am too." Eli speaks up. Both Nakamura and her father turn to her. "You...You took my little sister in and were always there for her when we couldn't be. If there's any way I could ever repay you, please tell me." Nakamura gives her a soft smile and gives her father a knowing look.
"If you're going to the Grand Summit could you deliver this to an old friend?"
"Yumi that's-" Her father speaks up and quickly closes his mouth. "She's a lost cause." Eli tilts her head in confusion. Nakamura shakes her head at him.
"If you won't do it for me, maybe Eli-chan will." She takes out a letter, hidden somewhere in her clothes. "Give this to Kazuno Yuu." She places the letter in Eli's hand. Eli notices a ring on her finger raises an eyebrow. She knew Nakamura wasn't married. "It's my only request."
Eli nods, "I'll do it." Whoever this Kazuno Yuu is, Eli was for sure going to deliver Nakamura's message.
Alisa had moved into the Castle a couple hours later. Their father had arranged a meeting with the Queen to discuss it. In order for Alisa to live within the Castle walls, she had to contribute in some way. Kotori offered to take her on as an apprentice for sewing. The Queen agreed, only if Alisa assisted housekeeping in the morning. When Kotori doesn't have to study, they're both free to sew together. Eventually, the Queen would like for Alisa to take over as the head seamstress.
So with the approval of the Queen, Alisa gained her own room in the Castle. Alisa's was separate from Eli's and Umi's due to the difference in jobs, but she was close enough that they could always run over if she needed help. And now, the Ayase children were tidying up Alisa's new room. Eli was dusting off the desk while Umi was helping Alisa unpack. Alisa didn't have many belongings but she wanted it to be neat. And Umi was very good at organizing.
While Eli was dusting, she could see Umi happy helping Alisa but she could tell something was still bothering her. "What could it be? Kotori seems safe and sound...Did Umi say something dumb again?"
"Eli. Umi." Their father's stern voice returns Eli to reality.
"Yes, father?" Eli stands up straight and turns to him.
"I'll take care of things here." He walks over to Alisa and begins helping her unpack. She looks a little surprised at first but then continues unpacking. "You're coming with me to the Grand Summit. Go get used to your powers in the meantime." Umi steps back and meets eyes with Eli. Both girls nod.
"Yes, sir."
Nozomi was wandering around the Castle. Kotori had to speak with her mother in regards to Eli's family. She had grown worried. She knew Eli wanted to change her father, but she didn't think it would be the moment they stepped foot inside the Castle walls. She hoped that Kotori speaking with the Queen only meant something good for Eli's family. Nozomi sighs.
She too had her own problems. Her own Kingdom had issues defending itself. She was worried about her parents. After that meteor shower, it seems everyone had gained a power and that could only mean something good or bad for her Kingdom. Nozomi couldn't sit still knowing that her Kingdom could be in danger, plus Eli's family situation.
Nozomi was surprised that Eli had opened up to her so quick. They obviously knew about each other for a long time. But ever since meeting in real life, it hasn't been hard for them to get along. With Eli being around, it really makes Nozomi feel better.
But the purple haired girl was stressed. She had been that way ever since she left her Kingdom for Maki's party. She'd have a hard time sleeping, but since meeting Eli, she slept easier. Especially the previous night, when they slept next to each other. Being with the cool Captain Ayase Eli made Nozomi's day. Since meeting, they haven't been able to hangout all the time, but the moments they've shared together have been the best Nozomi has had in months. Maybe even years.
Thinking back to when she only knew of Eli as her Dream Knight, she had no idea Eli would exceed her expectations. Since Nozomi always had a hard time sleeping, whenever she could finally get a good sleep, she would dream of Eli. She could never learn anything about her. The only thing that Nozomi knew for sure about Eli was that she was beautiful and Nozomi would definitely spend her time trying to be with her. If she dreamed about her so much, she had to be someone important. It was their destiny to meet.
As she was in deep thought, Nozomi finds herself stopped in front of a painting of Kotori and her parents. Both parents share the same serious expression, except for Kotori who had a softer, more innocent expression. "Nozomi-chan?" Kotori's voice calls. Nozomi turns her head to find her friend followed by a smaller blonde girl. Upon closer examination, the girl reminds her of Eli. "I was looking for you."
"Sorry Kotori-chan. I couldn't sit still." Nozomi slightly tilts her head and closes her eyes, giving a small smile. "And who have you brought with you?" The younger girl was hiding behind Kotori.
"Nozomi-chan, this is Eli-chan's younger sister." Kotori motions for her to introduce herself. She nods and makes eye contact with Nozomi.
"H-Hello! My name is Ayase Alisa. It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Nozomi." Alisa bows and it makes Nozomi chuckle.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too. May I call you Alisa-chan?" Nozomi asks. Alisa nods and smiles.
"We were going to ask you if you'd like to join us for tea?" Kotori asks.
"Of course." Nozomi replies. Tea would help a lot.
"Um...Thank you for taking care of my older sisters." Alisa bows her head to both Nozomi and Kotori. The Princesses look at each other and back at the younger girl. "They both work really hard for me to have a good life. So...it makes me really happy that they have really great people in their life like you both. Thank you so much!"
Alisa was just so cute. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a younger sister, she was a little jealous of Eli. Nozomi was an only child so it was her duty to take the throne. "That's very sweet Alisa. I've only known Elichi for a few days but she's been nothing but good to me. So I want to be good to her too." Nozomi looks down at her lap. Eli was very important to Nozomi, there was no denying that.
"Indeed." Kotori starts, "Eli-chan and Umi-chan are my precious friends. I care about them a lot and the same goes for you, Alisa-chan. Now that you live here, don't be afraid to ask me for help." She smiles at Alisa.
Nozomi spots tears forming in Alisa's eyes. Alisa nods and smiles, "I will." She quickly rubs her eyes. "I have to get back to help my father. Thank you for letting me have tea with you."
"It's our pleasure." Kotori replies. "See you soon?"
"Of course, Princess Kotori. " Alisa bows once more and turns to Nozomi. "Can I see you again before you leave? I have a lot of embarrassing stories of Onee-chan to share."
"Of course." Nozomi smirks, "See you later!" The younger girl leaves both Princesses. "She's so sweet."
"She really is. It makes me happy knowing that their father is changing." Kotori takes a sip of her tea. "...Nozomi-chan, you're my friend, right?"
Nozomi turns to the other girl in confusion, "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" The other girl looks down at her lap. She definitely had a troubled expression and Nozomi could see how tightly she was holding onto her tea cup. Something was up and she had to find out. It was her duty as Kotori's friend.