Chapter 2: A Sunset Glows
"That's the purpose of a memory: That there will be better things, better dreams, and a better me."
Kamui stood outside the walls of the Nohr capital. The weather was overcast as usual with clouds barely letting any sunlight through. Kamui shook off the eerie feeling as he followed Leon and Marx down the road to their destination.
"Where are we going?" Kamui questioned as they got out of ear shot from Elise's yells.
Marx was the first to answer, "First we're going to report to Father, and after that we will be off on the road."
"So since we're paying a visit to the King of Rainbows and Sunshine, I'm guessing I'm not getting anything pleasant?"
Marx shot a look to Kamui, "Don't be like that Kamui. Father has enough troubles with the Hoshido invasion to be mocked by his own children."
Kamui scratched the back of his head, "Gods Marx you're serious as ever. I was just joking."
Leon decided to cut in, "Come on Kamui. Marx is always serious like that when talking about Father and the Kingdom. Just show some respect to Father and you'll survive."
"Quiet down you two. We're here." Marx opened the grand doors revealing an oversized throne decorated with gold and silk. The Throne Room was an open room with paintings along the walls and the usual gold outlining. There were also oversized carpets that lead to the bottom steps of the throne where Kamui's father, Garon, sat.
Garon wouldn't be described as the most charming ruler, but he was able to give off the intimidation look quiet well. The old man ruled his kingdom with an iron fist. Most of the people, from what Kamui had heard from the castle's servants, talked how Garon was the reason for Nohr's current status regarding the Hoshido conflict. Kamui thought Nohr's expansion into Hoshido was necessary; Nohr's land was barren and limited in resources, logically expansion was the only option for Nohr to prosper. If anything, Garon was determined to see this prosperity first-hand.
As Kamui and his company got closer to the throne, Kamui could see that Garon was giving him one of his wicked smiles. Ignoring the chill down his spine, Kamui looked away briefly. That couldn't be a good sign.
As they reached the bottom steps of the throne, Marx was the first to greet the King, with a respectful "Father" and a bow. Kamui and Leon did the same.
"Ho! Ho! My sons look battle ready!" Garon exclaimed with a rough laugh, "What is the occasion Marx?"
"Leon and I have decided to take Kamui outside the kingdom Father," Marx answered, Kamui noticing how he left out his birthday in his request.
"Past the walls? I see then," Garon drifted into a moment of thought, "If you are prepared to face the challenges, then you have my permission to leave."
"You have our gratitude Father." Marx responded before turning to leave the room with his two brothers.
"Oh and Kamui." Garon suddenly called out, causing Kamui to flinch a little.
"Yes Father?"
"Happy Birthday my son," Garon answered smirking, and at a wave of his hand gestured his sons out of the room.
"Keep up my lord, we are almost at the camp."
"Huh?" Kamui snapped back into reality, "Sorry what was that Elfie? I wasn't paying attention."
"We are nearing the camp my lord," Elfie repeated, "Please do not fall behind."
"Thanks Elfie," Kamui waved thanks to her before deciding to pick up the pace a little before stopping behind Leon and Marx. Kamui looked around his surroundings. They were definitely still in Nohr territory with the gloomy scenery and the never ending clouds, but now they were walking in a forest. Looking ahead, Kamui could see the fires of the camp past the trees.
"Camp?" Kamui questioned, "I thought this was only going to be a day trip?"
"What's a birthday present without a few surprises?" Leon remarked, "We thought you would enjoy life out of the capital for a bit."
"I just didn't think that Marx was the surprising type haha… but thanks you two."
Marx was walking a few paces ahead of Kamui and Leon, but from the sudden nod of his head Kamui could tell he was smiling.
"Come on you two." Marx ordered and gestured with his hand for the two of them to pick up the pace.
As they got closer to the camp, Kamui noticed two figures running towards them, and by one of the person's massive pigtails, Kamui knew who they were.
"Big Bro! You finally made it!" Elise screamed as she ran to Kamui with Camilla, "Camilla was getting all worried that some monster got you."
"I was NOT worried," Camilla retorted, "I had full confidence that Marx and Leon would keep Kamui safe."
"You should've seen her Big Bro," Elise whispered to Kamui, "She couldn't keep still while you were gone. She even knocked over-"
"ELISE!" Camilla interrupted straightening her hair flustered, "Aside from THAT, shouldn't we hurry for something?"
Elise's eyes widened, "Oh yeah! Come on Big Bro! If we don't hurry we might miss it your present!"
Elise, taking Kamui's hand, ran straight through the camp. The camp wasn't the typical "camp out" type, from what Kamui could tell, and by the number of soldiers, it had an Armory, storage tents, and what seemed to be a Mess Hall from the amount of commotion coming from it. Just what were they going to do with all this? Kamui pushed that thought aside as Elise slowed down. They were at the edge of the camp now which overlooked the rest of the forest and a decently sized lake. Past the trees Kamui noticed that the clouds broke off a certain distance away which revealed an orange and yellow horizon. Kamui had never seen anything like it.
Elise laughed at Kamui's bewildered expression and looked off to the horizon, "Good! We didn't miss it yet!"
"Well that's a relief," Camilla cut in from behind them, accompanied by Leon and Marx, "I feared that we would have missed it by now."
"Miss what exactly?" Kamui asked confused.
Camilla simply smiled and looked at the horizon behind him, "That my dear Kamui."
Kamui turned around and noticed how the horizon had changed. The sun was setting making a perfect semi-circle among the trees. The yellow and orange of the day mixed with the purple and blue of the night making a pink as the borders. The colors, the setting…everything that was displayed before Kamui was the perfect display of a sunset. It was beautiful and taking quick glances to his family, he could see the smiles on their faces.
"I know it's not something you could exactly touch," Marx stated, "but we hope that you enjoyed your birthday present Kamui. Know that we will always love you."
Leon smiled and gave a nod, while Camilla giggled and hugged Kamui. Everything was so perfect that Kamui could've cried.
"Don't cry Big Bro," Elise cheered beaming a smile, "Everyone is here to take care of you, even your little sister!"
"Haha…" Kamui laughed softly wiping his eyes, "I'm just so happy that I have you all as a family. Even if I don't have any memories of my origins, I hope we can make more memories like these. I love you all."
Kamui watched the sunset with his family until it became dark. Everything was quiet and peaceful, Kamui had a family who loved and cared for him, but Kamui wondered how long it would last…