Chapter 7: My Yuki

"Princess Yuki!" the sisters cried, rushing over to me as I walked out of the city towards the camp. I couldn't keep the smile from my face; Yuri came behind me, Prince Kail carrying her on his shoulder. She was happy, but her expression seemed sobered from before. She must have realized, we only have three more days here.

"Do you really have to leave, Princess Yuri?" Ryui asked sadly.

"Yes, My family will be missing me…" She sounded hopeful, and sad.

"Princess Yuki too?" Shala asked me.

"I…I will go wherever Yuri goes." I say, but for the first time, I was unsure as to if I truly wanted to follow Yuri. No…what's happened to me? I swore to myself a long time ago, that I would always stay beside Yuri, always protect her. Why, after all these years, was I second-guessing myself?

My thoughts were interrupted suddenly, the sight of smoke, in the distance. What could cause so much…

"The bridge is burning!" Prince Kail shouted. The bridge…how will we get home?

"It will take seven days to build another bridge." The soldier told us, after the bridge had completely burned.

"But…seven days…I'll miss the deadline." Yuri said, sounding lost. "I…I can't go home?...No! I want to go home! Mom! Dad! I want to go home!" She suddenly cried, falling onto the ground in agony.

I looked at her, pain in my eyes. But…the pain wasn't because I couldn't go home…I felt sad…because Yuri was in so much grief.

"Do you want to go home?" Ilbani's question echoed through my head. Do I want to go home? Do I really? Have I ever wanted to leave? Home…where was home? Japan or Hattusa?

We were back in Hattusa…but things seemed wrong. Yuri was upset about not going home, but she was hiding it under her happy mask.

What is a 'home'? Is it just a place you live? That's what I always thought; the place you live is what you call home. But…that doesn't sound right anymore. A home was…a home was…I don't know anymore. This entire trip…it has made me question things I had believed in for so long. I've begun to question my attachment to Yuri, question my home, who I truly was…

I sat in my room, thinking. The door suddenly opened, and Ilbani swept in. Wordlessly, he grabbed my injured ankle. I'm surprised he noticed it, I had kept it splinted and struggled not to limp at all. But then again, it was Ilbani. But he was too quiet. I had expected him to come in and shout at me…he must have been angry. When he unwrapped my ankle, even I flinched at the sight of it. My ankle had swollen triple its size and the tight wrapping had left it the color of a bruise. I had not thought of it as I was panicking in Wassugani…but seeing it now, I finally began to feel the pain of it.

"Letting it go this far…Do you live to worry me?" Ilbani whispered angrily, rewrapping it and splinting it correctly.

"I'm sorry, Ilbani, I didn't mean to…"I began.

"So why do you continue to do it?" He suddenly shouted, shaking with anger. I have never seen him this mad before; the stoic mask on his face had disappeared. What was left was a face of utter rage and raw emotion. He was worried. Even amidst his rage, I felt happy that he was so worried about me. But why was he so worried?

"Ilbani…thank you for worrying about me." I smile at him.

He looked at me in surprise, his expression softening. Suddenly, he did something that I would have never expected of him: he wrapped his arms around me and embraced me gently.

I froze; only Yuri had ever hugged me so gently, so tenderly. I didn't know what to do. My arms were trapped in-between my body and his chest. I never realized how tall he was, the top of my head didn't even reach his shoulder. I suddenly realized how comfortable it was in his arms, to be held. I finally melted into him, resting my head on his chest. He squeezed me, just the slightest, but my ribs were still cracked, and I whimpered. The spell was broken.

Quick as lightning, he let go. Holding my arms he examined me again.

"What else hurts?" He demanded.

"Uhm…I cracked my ribs…" I say with a lopsided smile.

"You're supposed to tell me things like that." He sighed, already removing my tunic to check the damage.

I sighed contently, letting him tightly bind my ribs. For now, I was completely content.

Prince Kail's POV

Yuri was miserable. That happy mask will not fool me. She misses her country, but she is here for another year. Another year with Yuri…can I let her go after another year?

I sighed. I have to. I love Yuri too much to make her miserable in the place that was not her home. I have to let her go. No matter how much I want to just hold her here forever.

"The solution is to love her enough, that she will forget her own country." Ilbani said, interrupting my thoughts.

"You don't understand…Yuri isn't like other girls I've courted." I sigh.

"Hah, brother, I believe I have misunderstood you. Surely you've made love to Yuri, right?" My brother Zannanza asked.

I looked away, Yuri is different. Most women fight to be in my bed, Yuri was content to just love me, and I her. I didn't want to make love to her and have her regret it when she went home.

"Brother…are you unwell?" Zannanza touched my forehead.

"I'll call a physician."

"I'll prepare a curative bath!"

Ilbani and Kikkuri raced away.

"There is nothing wrong with my health!" I shouted after them.

"And what of you, Ilbani, what do you plan to do about princess Yuki?" Prince Zannanza grinned slyly. I ignored him. Leaving him laughing behind me.

Ilbani's POV

Love her enough to make her stay. Even though I had said that to Prince Kail. I wondered if that was possible.

Yuki. What did I feel for her? At first, I thought I just connected to her intellect. She was amusing and interesting. A student, nothing more. But when she was gone, I began to notice how much I truly missed her. I began to think more and more about her, I began to crave her laughter, her smile. I began to want more with her.

Her tiny hands, struggling to get her cuneiform right, the way she pushed her short hair back out of her face, when she went outside and napped in the afternoon sunshine.

When had that happened? I am not a stupid man. I knew when I had fallen for her. I just didn't know how it happened. All that I know was that she felt right in my embrace. That it felt heavenly when she melted in my arms. That I wanted to keep the smile on her face forever, that I wanted her to be safe and happy.

Would I be able to take my own advice? Do I…love her? Love. I had never loved before. The closest thing to "love" I had was my relationship with Prince Kail, But that was love was more brotherly. To truly love someone…but what if it wasn't enough? What if she decided to leave Hattusa? I finally realized Prince Kail's problem: loving her enough to forget her country…what if it didn't work? What if I loved her, but not enough? If I loved her too much, and she left, would I be able to cope? How much risk should I put in?

All of it. I will risk all of it for her.

Yuki's POV

A message had come through from Egypt. A marriage proposal. This was it. This was the event I had dreaded. A prince being sent and never making it to Egypt. I can't let this proposal go through, it will be the end of Hattusa!

"Brother Kail!" A young voice called out. A boy, barely 14 came up to our group. His hair was a beautiful blonde and he had eyes that were soft and kind.

"Juda! How are you? I haven't seen you in a while, actually I believe you have yet to meet Yuri and Yuki." Prince Kail said warmly.

"Yes! I've heard of the Goddesses that have granted us victory in the Mitanni Empire! It is an honor to meet you!" He said.

"And an honor to meet you, Prince Juda." Yuri and I said in unison.

After he left, Ilbani informed us he was the son of Queen Nakia. Such a nice child, how could he be the son of someone like Queen Nakia?

But then again, a child is often unlike their parents. Well, that's what I always hoped. How many days had I feared that one day, I would look in the mirror and see my mother's image stare back at me. I cleared my mind of such thoughts. There are more pressing matters at hand.

In the throne room, The King read aloud the proposal from Egypt. It was just as I'd feared. The queen of Egypt was asking for a Hittite Prince to wed her and rule Egypt. To bad the prince will never make it there.

"Of course, Prince Kail is the obvious choice for this! We must answer immediately! A Hittite prince ruling Egypt is an amazing offer!" Queen Nakia grinned victoriously. Of course she would play this up to the fullest.

"If I may, Your Grace." I quickly interject. Queen Nakia turned her angry gaze on me. I couldn't care less. I needed to keep this from happening.

"I do not think this is a wise proposal to accept." I say strongly. Angry murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Girl, what do you mean? This proposal is perfect! A chance for Hittite to ally with Egypt! And a chance for a Hittite Prince to rule Egypt! How can it get any better?" Queen Nakia sneered at me.

"If it is too good to be true, then the chances are it is not true! What if this is a ploy by Egypt? I must advise against it, Your Majesty!" I say almost desperately. The council was obviously not on my side. Their murmurs of disapproval did not faze me. I will do anything to stop this. I stared straight ahead, my eyes hard and unyielding.

"Your majesty, you will give up this chance because of the advice of a mere child?" The Queen cooed. I grit my teeth. Her voice gave me the chills. I was losing my grip on the situation.

"The queen is right, your majesty, such an offer cannot be ignored!" The senate argued.

"Very well. We will accept Egypt's offer. But I will find a fair way to choose which of my sons will go. Regardless of their mother." His Majesty said.

"I suggest a chariot race." Urhi muttered from the corner. No. That damned Nakia. She had everything calculated. Prince Kail cannot possibly lose a chariot race against the other princes.

"No. No. No. No. No!" I shout when I reached my room and shut the door. I have to stop this. But it's already in action. "Damn it all!" I curse, slamming my hand into the wall. I will stop this war. I will not let it begin. I can't let it happen. I let out a frustrated scream. How did I manage to lose control? I had to think of something, and fast.

The next morning, I stood near the arena, waiting for the chariot race to start. I still didn't have a plan. I fidgeted uncomfortably, wringing my hands together. Prince Kail can't win! I noticed Juda handing something to Yuri.

"…Only a mild sedative." I had caught. Sedate Prince Kail? That was perfect! One problem solved, Prince Kail would not be sent to Egypt if he was drugged, but then which prince will go? No matter what prince goes, there will be war if he dies. But I'll take it one problem at a time.

Yuri was hesitating with the sedative, though. Her face was a mix of indecision.

"Put it in his wine." I advise, stepping forward.

"But…"She began.

"Do you want him to leave? Juda decided to go on his own." Prince Zannanza said from the doorway.

Yuri nodded and left quietly.

"You would allow Juda to go to Egypt?" I asked Prince Zannanza after Yuri left.

"I will not allow Kail to go. Juda is right; Hattusa needs him." He said. I noticed how he dodged my question and just let it slide. I had more pressing things to focus on.

The chariot race had started. The drug was certainly doing its work. Prince Kail was falling behind and looking dizzy. Juda had quickly taken the lead, pushing forward with determination in his eyes. I could hear Queen Nakia's shriek of rage from here. Her plan was falling apart. As much as I was glad that Prince Kail would not be going to Egypt, it sent a twinge of guilt and sadness in my heart to see young, innocent Juda go to Egypt all alone. That was, until Zannanza snagged the flag first, right before Juda's hand touched it. Zannanza. That sneaky fox! He had planned to go to Egypt the whole time. He won't make it there though…No. He will make it there. History said…that the reason there was war was because the prince meant to be in Egypt had disappeared; it remained a mystery as to what became of the prince. I know now that Prince Zannanza would not run away. So I suspected foul play. Given the state of Egypt right now, I suspected that an Egyptian raid or assassin struck before Prince Zannanza would even make it to Egypt.

"Your Majesty…I would like to request an audience." I say. Taking a deep breath. Now I have a plan. Ilbani will be upset with me again. I think smiling sadly. I always seem to upset him. I think back to our embrace…what was that? I don't understand anything anymore. I shook my head; I had more immediate matters to take at hand. I faced The King and began to set my plan in motion.

I was packing my bag when Ilbani came bursting into the room. He was angry again.

"What is this I hear about you accompanying Prince Zannanza to Egypt." He seethed. "What are you thinking? It may be dangerous, then you will have to make the trip back alone!"

"I asked the King to increase the number of guards. I will not be coming back alone. I just need to be sure that Prince Zannanza makes it there in one piece." I say, not looking up from my packing.

"Why are you avoiding me?" He demanded, stepping closer. "What are you hiding?" He asked.

" I am not hiding anything, I just want to be sure that Prince Zannanza makes it to Egypt safely. That's all." I say, looking him in the eye. "I have to go." My eyes pleaded with him to understand the importance of this. Pleaded for him to just let it be.

He sighed. " I know better then to argue with you. I will go too."

I shook my head. "You are needed here." I say resolutely.

"They will survive a mew weeks without me." He argued, but we both knew I was right. When he left, I sighed with relief. This was a dangerous trip. I would not let Ilbani be put in danger too. I turned and continued packing my bags. Zannanza will make it to Egypt. He will be a great pharaoh; Egypt and Hattusa will live in harmony. I chanted this in my head like a mantra. Eventually, even I would believe it too.

"WHO IS GOING WITH ME?!" I shout in fury as Yuri stood there with her arms crossed, glaring at me.

"I am. Is there a problem?" She challenged me.

"It's dangerous." I hiss. She can't come. With this situation, it was much too risky. I couldn't protect her and Zannanza Egypt did attack, she would get hurt.

"I am! You said you would stop treating me like a child! I am going; this is all my fault anyway! I was the one who drugged Prince Kail!" Yuri screamed back.

"It's not your fault! Damn it Yuri, can't you stay put just this once?" I seethe.

"Let her go. It will give her peace of mind to see Prince Zannanza go safely." Prince Kail said soothingly.

"No. You agreed to this?" I huff. Nothing was going right. I failed to stop the proposal. Now this. It seemed that they had already set everything up. Aslan was beside Huwant and packed up. I stormed off. I will work around this hitch. I'll have to. Yuri…do you realize what you're getting yourself into?

Ilbani's POV

"What's gotten into her?" Prince Kail asked in surprise, watching Yuki stomp away; A dark cloud seeming to follow her.

I had to wonder the same, her patient mask rarely slipped in front of other people. And she usually would request to be as close to Yuri as possible. For her to object so adamantly of Yuri following her on a long journey is peculiar. She knows something, something that she does not want Yuri knowing about.

"Perhaps she just needs some time, she has been rather stressed lately." I say, hiding my concern.

For her to not want Yuri…it meant she is not confident that she can protect her, that Yuri would be safer here. But what is it that is so dangerous? What could have her so on edge?

I had a sinking feeling about this. She had been against this proposal since the beginning. She definitely knows something, but why hide it? Then I realized it; she only hides things when she thinks it will worry people.

Yuki's POV

We were getting ready to set out. Everything was packed and organized, the guards were ready. His Majesty had made good on his promise, the procession was impressive the guards were doubled, every one of them armed to the teeth. It calmed my nerves slightly, but not entirely.

Prince Zannanza and Prince Kail were embracing in a brotherly farewell. Queen Nakia stood beside her husband, looking incredibly cross.

Danger still lurked in the corners. It was a long way to Egypt. I tightened my hold on the knife on my hip. I looked at Yuri, who was waving goodbye to the sisters, I will not fail. Not here. I waved goodbye as we left Hattusa, I caught Ilbani's eye and smiled happily at him. I would be back to see him. I swear it.

Ilbani's POV

I watched them disappear over the horizon. That smile she gave me it was genuine, but sad, I locked the memory away in my mind.

A was with Prince Kail when Kikkuri burst in, out of breath.

"The Queen's army was spotted leaving the city toward Prince Zannanza!" He shouted.

I clenched my teeth. That was it. So that was why she was so high strung, she saw this coming. Worry gripped me and I raced off with Prince Kail to intercept the Queen's men.

The men were cowards, they scared easily and ran back to the castle with their tails between their legs like the dogs they were.

"That isn't enough to stop Queen Nakia. She is resilient." Prince Kail said, lowering his sword.

"I know." I say, looking toward Egypt. Yuki. Please, be safe. Please, Gods, I beseech you, protect them, and bring them home safely.

Killing Prince Zannanza though, that would result in all out war. Is that what Yuki was trying to prevent? All on her own? Why couldn't she just tell us? Why couldn't she ask for help? I sighed angrily, turning and heading back to Hattusa. We could do nothing but wait now.

I had to laugh humorlessly. Yuki was right; Waiting around idly was more painful then taking action.

Yuki's POV

We had taken camp. After days and days of travel, I could tell we were nearing Egypt. The sand seemed to stretch on and on forever. The closer we got to Egypt, the uneasier I became. I could not fight in this sand, where my feet sank every time I took a step. I could get no purchase at all. Even Huwant was having trouble in it. Wine was being passed around; I reached for the water I kept with Huwant. I could never drink wine. It made me uncomfortable that it dulled my senses. And quickly. I had no stomach for alcohol.

Yuri had taken a liking to sweet wines though, but before she could take a sip, Zannanza coughed, and with his cough, the rest of the guards began to hack as well.

"Poison!" I shout, making a reach for my sword. It was never Egypt that was going to make the attack. It was Queen Nakia. I cursed, I was the one who asked for more guards, thinking it would be Egypt who attacked. And now… these innocent guards are being poisoned, it's my fault. DAMN.

I blocked a swipe that aimed for my throat. These men were out for our lives. Prince Zannanza, Yuri! I turn to see Zannanza was defending Yuri, but he was slow, the poison taking its toll. I rushed over there, only to see an arrow bury itself in his chest.

Yuri's scream could be heard echoing through the desert.

"Yuri! GET DOWN!" I shriek. But it was too late. I saw the arrow strike Yuri in the back, on her shoulder. Rage took my mind. I threw my knife, striking a man in the heart. I was beyond guilt no. Yuri, Zannanza. Swords swung at me arrows grazed my arms and cheek, but I felt nothing. I was empty.

An arrow pierced my right shoulder. My mind wouldn't register, I looked at the arrow protruding from my shoulder, so close to my heart. My body gave in, and I fell. I stared up at the glassy sky. I felt like I was in a dream. I heard the man kill his subordinates. I heard him leave.

Something nudged me. I looked up. Huwant. She nudged my stomach, urging me to get up. I used her as support to get up, and saw Aslan trying to rouse Yuri. Yuri. I stumble over to her and grabbed her arm. A pulse. I hear her pulse! I smile amidst my pain. I carefully pull her up and put her firmly on Aslan. I myself pulled up on Huwant, who dipped her head to help me up.

I patted her mane. "It's going to be a long ride, girl. You up for it?" I ask her affectionately. She whinnied in response, tossing her head. I glance at Yuri, draped over Aslan, And gripped Huwant's mane. "Then I guess it's time to go."

As we left, I turned to look one last time at Prince Zannanza's body.

"Forgive me. I couldn't protect you. Now I must leave you. Forgive me, Zannanza." I say watching the sand claim his body. "I'm so sorry." I set out for Hattusa.

Back In Hattusa:

Ilbani's POV

"Zannanza's party was attacked by Egyptians?" The King's voice boomed.

My blood stopped. Yuki. My stricken face mirrored Prince Kail's face as we tried to let the information sink in.

"Was the entire party killed?" Prince Kail demanded steadily.

"I'm sorry sir. There were no other survivors."

I heard nothing else. I felt cold. So very cold.
Dead. Yuki was dead. That can't be right. I imagined Yuki's vibrant eyes glassy with death. No. How can she be gone just like that?

I remembered that last smile she gave me. That sad smile, the wind blowing her short, black hair around her, her eyes determined, Her goodbye lingering on her lips.

I will never see her smile again, I would never hear her whistle and hum as she walked down the halls, never see her with her feet pulled up on a chair studying a clay tablet on a sunny day, see her wrinkle her nose in confusion during a lesson, hear her clear, bell-like laugh as she teased me, her raw emotion, her temper tantrums. I would never be able to take her small hand in mine again, hold her in my arms, see the vibrant sparkle in her eyes, and feel her warmth in my hands.

My numbness faded as anger crept up my spine. My hands shook in rage. I clenched them hard, feeling the little half-moon marks as my nails dug into my palm. This is Egypt's fault. All Egypt's fault. They killed her. They will pay.

"I am going to Emesa to confirm this." Prince Kail said coldly. His eyes were full of rage. I wondered if my own eyes reflected that wrath.

"I will accompany you." I say, rage evident in my voice. Egypt will pay for taking my Yuki away from me.

My Yuki…when had I began to consider her mine? It was too late now. I was too slow.

I'm sorry I had to kill off Zanannza!

I really didnt want to, but I really want to try to stay true to the actual manga as much as possible.

But on the bright side, Ilbani finally realized his feelings! Now Yuki just has to! half way there, right?

P.S i forgot to mention Dassu from the last chapter means "Strong,or heavy" Thanks for reading!

~Eternally Snowy