Two Months Later...
Obi stared up at the building in front of him. Smiling, he took a deep breath. He had finally confessed to Prince Zen his feelings for Shirayuki. Astounded by his confession, Zen thought it carefully and His highness gave Obi permission to go to Lyrias while Shirayuki was there to keep an eye out for her for the remaining two years. But, it wasn't just the red head he came to see.
Obi pushed open the doors to the pharmacy building. Anticipating Kana's surprised look, he glanced around for her figure. However, no one was anywhere in sight. The building was completely empty. Obi rubbed the back of his head. Where in the world did everyone go? He was even expecting Ryuu to be sitting around reading a book or something. Suddenly, faint sounds of voices came from the back of the room that caused Obi to perk up. Silently, he inched closer to the sounds.
"-need to stay still!" Obi heard the familiar voice of Shirayuki.
"Mistress," Obi whispered with a smile.
A faint voice had replied to the red head but it was inaudible to Obi, so he inched closer without disturbing.
"Shuu...to..." He slightly heard what he thought was Kana's voice, but it was too hoarse for him to recognize.
"He's all patched up," reassured a man's voice. "He's resting now."
"B-But... He's.. Unconscious.."
"You've done enough already. It's your turn."
"But-"
"You've been shot three times, Kana-san!" Shirayuki cried out. "We need to patch you up before you bleed to death! You've lost too much blood already!"
Obi's eyes widened. So it was Kana's voice he heard, yet it didn't sound anywhere close to it. And what was Shirayuki talking about? Shot three times?
"She's losing consciousness.."
"Kana-san, stay with us.." Shirayuki called out. "Don't go to sleep yet!"
"Onee-chan!" Ryuu shouted.
Next thing Obi knew, his body moved on its own and entered the room. Heads perked up at his entrance and Shirayuki's eyes stared at him in disbelief.
"Obi?" she wondered in confusion.
"Mistress.." Obi bowed then glanced at Kana's pale, unmoving figure.
"What are you doing here, Obi?" Shirayuki asked, glancing back at you worriedly.
"I- Master, he-" Obi hesitated. "What happened..?"
"O..bi.." Kana croaked, her eyes struggling to stay open. "What... You... Here..."
"She's feverish. Get a wet towel," demanded one of the pharmacists. "The wounds are patched up, but she lost a lot of blood. She needs to rest."
"Right," Shirayuki agreed, full of concern.
"Onee-chan.." Ryuu whispered, holding her hand.
Obi glanced around and observed everyone's faces. They all seemed grieve-stricken and concerned. Some looked slightly scared. He then glanced over to the bed next to Kana's where an unconscious Shuuto was laying. He was more patched up than she was. Obi strode to Kana's side as the others left the room. He touched her cold hands and wiped the hair out of your face. There was a lot of pain etched on her pale face. Obi then glanced at Shirayuki.
"Mistress, what happened?" he demanded.
Shirayuki glanced at Ryuu, then back at Obi. The red head's face was also filled with worry and fear.
"I only know details from Haru-san," she answered. "He was the one who brought them both in. They were both bleeding to death and Shuuto-san was already unconscious."
Obi's eyes narrowed. Haru had brought her in? Why was he not in the infirmary?
"Haru didn't do anything to Kana-san," Shirayuki told him, somehow able to read his facial expression. "There was a battle in the northern borders. Some soldiers had gone to check the borders and there was a surprise attack."
"Surprise attack?! But we didn't hear of this!" Obi exclaimed.
The red head shook her head.
"It wasn't too long ago. The news may not have reached the castle yet.."
Obi gripped Kana's hand tightly.
"But why.. Why the hell was she there...?"
"His Majesty ordered it," Ryuu piped up, slight anger in his voice. "He told Onee-chan to help scout the premises and of course, Shuuto-nii tagged along. Neither of them were trained for war.."
Shirayuki patted the young boy on the head for reassurance.
"They'll be okay, Ryuu.. They just need rest.."
Ryuu nodded his head and left the room quickly while avoiding their eyes. He must've gone someplace quiet to cry.
"But how did she get shot, Mistress...?"
Shirayuki shook her head.
"I'm not entirely sure. Haru-san said as he was patrolling the gates, he found Kana-san on the ground crying as she held onto Shuuto-san who was unconscious. She had carried him back from the battlefield as her wounds bled out. When Haru-san reached her, she lost consciousness, but regained it for a little bit as you can see."
"Shirayuki, we need you!"
"Coming!" She called out. "Sorry, Obi. I need to help others who have been wounded. Please let her rest. I'm sure she'll regain her strength back soon!"
"Thanks, Mistress," Obi mumbled as he watched her leave.
The dark-haired man lifted Kana's limp, pale hands to his cheeks as he stared at her pained face. She was dressed in bandages and he could see that some blood had already bled through near her abdomen and slightly below her left breast. Obi reached his hand towards the wound near her chest.
"You could've been killed..." He whispered. "You idiot.. I'm not leaving your side..". I'm not leaving your side.."