I apologize for the wrong spelling/grammars too, English is not my first language. And I just realized that i haven't been posting Disclaimers so imma keep my tact and here it is~
Disclaimer: Masashi Kishimoto owns Itachi and Yasunori Mitsunaga owns Lilliane. I do not own any of these characters...just this fic XD
''How's your wounds, Riza?'' Itachi asked after congratulating his half-breed housemate.
''heh! That was nothin~! & you know me, I heal fast! How bout you, Reiri? no hard feelings after I killed one of your kind?''
''Hmm… Im not in good terms with her anyway… But don't get too cocky.''
The werewolves remind him of the Inuzuka. Fierce, wild and loyal to their own. He thought that's why Caroline Lugosh was defeated. She underestimated Riza. While the vampires remind him of his own clan. High, mighty and arrogant. And like the other monsters he has encountered, they are all proud. Now they're sitting inside the Court Room, waiting for the accuser and the judge.
He activated his sharingan for a quick scan around the room. He can see chakra-patterns from some of the creatures, but not in most. They waited long, for about half an hour. By this time, a shadow clone has already reached some sort of record room, where all the accounts of past trials have been recorded and stored.
''Hiro, stop glancing around. Its embarrassing…'' scolded Riza.
''But, is it really ok for me to be here?'' he asked.
''Its allright, Hiro~ you have received the blood of the royalty, master & servant are one in mind and body…
What? Does that mean Hime can read my mind? Has she known what Ive been through all this time?
…they share each other's fate. You will follow the same fate your master does…''
This is the first time he's heard of this. He made a mental note to inquire of this after this trial, if they emerge from this successfully. He asked her beforehand, a day before the arrest, if theres something he could do to finish this ordeal directly. Spying, infiltration and assassination has always been his specialty.
She shrugged. ''Why? Do you really want to do it? Do you like doing it?''
He said nothing. He was taken aback.
''fufu… This is my burden as a royal princess alone. Just leave it to me.''
...
''Hey! Stop clinging all over him!''
Riza's outburst brought him back to the present. He sat in the back while the three sat in the front seats. Said three is now clutching over Hiro in the middle, preventing the other from trying to get a hold of him. He watched them with little amusement since he's focusing on keeping intact the two shadow clones he sent, and theres also the worry running in his mind.
The atmosphere here is very different. As expected of the underworld. Its completely different from the 'underworld' that they were taught in school, and Buddhist monasteries. The underworld there is supposed to be hell, a place of punishment. On the contrary, this one's a place of where supernatural multitudes thrive.
Anyway, its even more dangerous than he thought. Only after 20 minutes that one clone disappeared. He learned that it was killed in the bogs by swamp monsters.
Then the other got lost with the constant changing nature of the place. Once, it was walking on a lake, then the chakra enabling him to walk on water suddenly failed. When he submerged in the water, he's now falling from the sky. He lost connection so it dispersed.
He couldn't find any civilization or any intelligent life-form near this giant Court House to further his research.
He tried again, this time inside the building premises. While the accuser has arrived but the judge hasn't yet, he excused himself from the Trial Room to make another jutsu of shadow clones. He sighed in acceptance. No matter how he train his chakra, 2 shadow clones is still his limit. A person came rushing through the hallway, wearing an oversized hat. He figured there must be a reason for this unusual display of fashion. He activated his sharinggan. His visual powers always never failing to reveal unseen things.
It's the phoenix!
The phoenix itself in human form.
No success. For the trial was short, all he found in his meager time was a bunch of books regarding law, order and judgment of the monster realm. Nothing related to jutsu-, er, magic of conjuring portals.
He did find something interesting, concerning the battle of the royal siblings.
Records of violations made, do's and don'ts. He's glad that even the royal sibling's battle had rules, and not just downright forceful war. Those scripts he easily memorized with a whirr of his sharingan. There were some sections that he cant access. With some magic barrier he knew better than to risk. The world he came from was dangerous enough. One disturbed seal can make one paralyzed beyond repair. Being a shadow clone is not enough reason, who knows what could happen. Through these records, he was able to acquire basic knowledge of these realm's society.
The phoenix' being the ruling class. And only one should exist, thus the royal battle for the throne.
The major clans. Vampires, blood-sucking, half-immortal, secluded creatures. They never age but has to feed off blood to survive.
The werewolves, a powerful clan of warriors.
Apparently, ghosts and spirits are a common thing here too. Aliens and beings from another world are also included. Witches and warlocks. Humans who can do 'magic'. And other humanoid creatures, no matter how big or small. As Hime have said, anything that resembles mutants, demons & beasts that can speak.
Kind of like the 'ancient ones' back in the Shinobi world. The most famous ones being the legendary Frog, Snake and Slug.
But the big difference is that the monsters are bane to the human world. That's why they are kept at utmost secrecy as best as possible. Unlike his world, where the ninja has close ties with the spirit realm, with the exception of the tailed beasts. But he's heard that the Hachibi's jinchuuriki was able to tame it, so the spirits of his world are more friendly compared to this one.
There was one large book that caught his eye. It is placed on an exclusive shelf under the subject of the most forbidden things to do. Not just by any royal participant, but any resident under the kingdom's reign.
His original warned him that time is running out. And his chakra is running low as well. The trial has just finished. The princess has suggested a duel & they have to go someplace else. Without any other options, he sealed the book in a scroll and stole it. Then he placed it where the original can secretly access it on their way out.
They went to the ruins of an ancient aqueduct, as Reiri's reply to Riza's question. By the trial and his private research, he learned that:
1. this Prince Severin is the reason why the princess lost all her previous warriors.
2. Lillianne is her true name. But for some reason she doesn't want to be called that.
He has ambivalent feelings toward this battle. He approved of her brave personality about this suggested duel. She gets to settle it fair and square. And witnessed by the phoenix king himself. He hoped her to be the kind of woman who does not takes great risks without a sound plan. But he seriously doubted her capability of winning in a sword fight. So throughout this duel, all he could do is believe in her. A big step of faith for the exclusive Itachi Uchiha.
His ninja self spoke. Not really. I can always cast a genjutsu around the area, making it as if the princess has won. But if the phoenix king is unaffected…
Well hed still have a day of life left to jump ship. He can find his way in the other royal sibling's roof. By hook or by crook.
Or he could just give up. He's done his purpose for the village. His life was supposed to end already.
''Riza, who did you say that girl is again? Prince Severin's blood warrior.''
''She said her name's Mikasa on the night we fought. Don't let her skinny figure fool you. She's actually quite strong.''
''The pungent stench of a beast.'' Said Reiri in distaste.
''Eh? Whut was that!?''
Itachi looked to their left.
''Its been a while, daughter of Volg Wildman.'' A muscular man greeted, carrying a pink haired girl in his right arm. His suspicions were spot on when the said man transformed into a werewolf.
So that's how they transform. And how a full-blood transformation looks like. The same characteristics as the female werewolves in the prison.
Then he started warning Riza to watch out, their kind's sworn enemy is behind her, & how it's a disgrace for Riza to be with such a creature.
Hn…So the Uchiha prejudice™ exists in the werewolf clan as well…
Reiri played along and furtherly agitated the elder werewolf. He would've found this funny if not their current situation. His interest is no longer in his bickering housemates but to the android near them, in its large metallic hand carrying another member of royalty. Based on the giant android, he must be the Prince Emil.
He wondered if all the siblings are blond. But the judge/king hair is green. Hmm…must be from the mother.
The prince stopped his blood warrior's rude behaviour. And his eyes landed on the raven-haired man. For a moment Itachi thought the prince saw him with recognition. The prince has sensed this too so he evaded by introducing himself.
''Are you a new blood servant of my sister?''
Knowing full well which sister he's talking about, he replied a curt ''yes.''
''I believe we haven't been introduced, I am Emil. A member of the royalty.''
''I am Itachi. It is an honor to meet you.''
Not really. He would've said 'pleasure to meet you' but he's too polite for that. Boy, was he in a bad mood today.
The prince nodded, ending the conversation and returned his sight at the duel. After his introduction with the prince's blood warriors Keziah the werewolf & the mermaid, princess Sherwood arrived. He asked how many more would come. He'd love to meet the other members of the competition.
Only princess Sherwood and prince Emil were chosen to witness the fight.
Somehow, the greetings of Sherwood and Emil affected him. Based from what Hime-sama said, its been a long time since they've seen each other. And their greetings were so brief that they might as well been not blood related. Which is the whole ignored aspect of this battle, he realized. He's heard better greetings from between Hashirama and Madara, or so the legends and rumours say… They might as well be acquaintances. Or maybe they are from the start.
He hated the idea of siblings fighting each other to the death, considering how far he went for his own brother.
Too much sad memories…
He's even more disheartened when he realized the Uchiha prejudice™ is better compared to the kind of relationship these siblings had. His pacifist self, seriously hoped that if the princess win this fight, she wont ever be ordering him to dispose of the child princess, Sherwood. Or vice versa.
The princess dedicated this fight for Riza's sake as well. And she herself has suggested this duel. It would be a double disgrace if she lost this one.
...
The duel started.
Everyone is paying attention carefully and the princess is in a disadvantage. Its clear, because of her anger. Her emotions are preventing her from thinking straight, disrupting her composure. All these Sherwood has said. He inwardly commended the little princess for having sharp sensibilities and being observant, for a girl her age. It reminded him of his younger self… He didn't let it linger. He focused back on the duel.
And things are getting bad, the princess incurred deep sword cuts…. And dropped her sword….He has to do something….
Uchiha Itachi, for the first time in his second life, is panicking in the inside. A part of him wished that this was all a fleeting dream. If Hime lost, he'll die with her and just let everything end. He felt like this is one mistake he made again. Letting himself taste false hope and now loosing it too fast.
But another part clings to hope that she wins this & he continues to live for the sake of going back.
Something….anything…. Hime is cornered with no weapon. He thought of casting a wide-scale genjutsu to make Severin trip or something to get Hime go grab her sword and win, but his conscience prevents him. He's never a cheater but he's also a man on a mission.
...
He will do what he has to do.
He glanced at the king with mangekyo sharingan activated. Target the strongest opponent first, and the rest is easy.
He is legitimately stunned at what he saw.
The king is looking back at him.
Not to the incoming conclusion of his children's duel, but to him! This is confirmed as the king gently shook his head sideways while maintaining eye contact with him. A clear gesture indicating him not to. Then resumed on watching the final moments of the duel with the same bored expression on his face.
Hnn… their impassive faces are actually hereditary. His mind thought out of the blue, avoiding thinking of anything else.
...
His attention snapped to Hiro, calling out to the princess.
Hiro's voice reached both people.
Hiro's concern reached both troubled minds.
Hime gets to think clear again. Taking encouragement from her blood warriors and friends below.
And Itachi gets to choose the right decision. The princess was able to get her sword back, then threw it down and landed a foot from Hiro's face to cease his shouting. Little did she know that that calmed her other blood warrior's frantic mind as well.
Even after that stunt the prince pulled. Hiding a gun on his left hand.
Hime blocked the bullet with her right hand fearlessly. Throughout the duel, she made up for her lack of strength with her speed, and ended the coward prince's life with his own sword.
And as fate would have it, the prince's android Franz, self-destructed. Signifying the death of Prince Severin.
...
Hime won.
She wont be using her right arm for a while. But she get to keep her life. For now.
The judge transformed into the grand phoenix. Officially announcing the victory of the second princess.
''We shall meet again, Lilianne.'' It said. Before departing into the heavens.
'' Eventually, assuming if I still live.'' She answered the air.
Itachi sighed at himself. He felt silly.
''Look at the judge! Is that-?''
''What Hiro~? You didn't know~?''
''Ehm… I… Itachi-san, did you know?''
''Yes.''
''Eh? How? I thought it's the second time you've seen the phoenix too.''
He answered him with a small grin. ''Ill tell you when we get back…''
Then he welcomed the approaching princess with one of his rare smiles. Everyone is quiet. Not wanting to ruin the long-awaited moment of their princess' return. The duel didn't last long, but it felt like a long time.
''umm…Hime?'' the boy started, feeling the need to address his master. But he was side-stepped and called stupid. Well… At least, she did add a good comeback.
''Lets go home. Sawawa is waiting.''
So to Hiro's credit and to lighten the boy's dejected face, Itachi gave him a pat on the shoulder. Accompanied with a nod of acknowledgement and his rare smile. That instantly lifted the boy's spirits.
It was another bright afternoon in Sasanaki City. A perfect weather for a perfect day, as the news reporter announced. But a certain, busty-maid's mood is the opposite.
''Sawawa-san? ...Sawawa-san? Has no one came back yet?''
''No... With everyone going off somewhere, I just can't help but feel left out…'' She confessed.
''I will never leave you out…''
She clutched her chest. ''My chest feels uneasy.''
''Chest?''
''Every time this happens, my bad premonitions always come true…'' She continued. This time more sadly.
The bartender continued staring at his best customer. Then he noticed other people from outside eyeing her as well. A brown haired boy, looking happy. Two, black haired ones with similar long black outfits, with mischievous expressions that they caught him ogling. And a red-haired one that went as far as sticking her face in the window's glass.
''There she is!''
His business self was glad for the potential customers. But theres this strange, nagging feeling that he let in a storm on his dainty shop. Itachi smiled at the comical way his sister embraced him. And the look of incredulous jealousy on the shopkeeper. He almost felt sorry for him. His moves are lost on the blissfully unaware Sawawa.
''Master! Give me some curry!''
''Ill have tomato juice please~''
''Shopkeeper! Ill have the most delicious milk here!''
''Ill have two sticks of dango.''
''E-eh…? Even you, Uchiha-san?''
''Oh my~ I didn't know you like sweets, Itachi-san~~''
''Shut up vampire, don't bother him!''
''Says the bitch who orders curry in a sweets-shop…''
'' Oh Hiro… Im so glad everyone is back! Really, you made your sister so worried!''
The shopkeeper proceeded to helplessly watch as his best customer gives the lucky-bastard-boy a tight embrace, the red haired and the black haired girl starting a brawl, the blond little girl and the other black-haired man waiting for their orders. It wouldn't be so bad had they not stared at him with scary, red contact lenses in their eyes. Seriously, fashion nowadays!
And lastly, a giant panda feasted on his expensive, decorative plants.
''Ryu-ryu! You cant eat that!''
''oi Hiro, go call Hime here! Hurry it up!''
The boy sighed. After all the days he's spent with the princess, the rowdy one and the mischievous one. He felt that he couldnt really get used to it.
The princess stood atop the concrete stairs, comfortably leaning on a wall.
''Have you found Sawawa?''
She smiled at him. And with eyes closed, she enjoyed the afternoon breeze. The sun shining on her golden hair. A truly captivating sight.
The boy gently approached her, filled with determined passion.
They knew something interesting would happen. At the bottom of the stairs they wait in anticipation for Hiro to kiss her. But alas, she opened her eyes, saw what Hiro's trying to do, clearly misreading her intentions.
Spank and down he went.
''…What are you doing…?'' Riza said boredly.
'' Aww… you were to slow, Hiro….'' Reiri said disappointedly.
''Ojou-sama! Flan-chan! Welcome back~!'' Sawawa greeted happily.
''Are you alright? Come on, Ill help you up…'' And Itachi offered with sympathy.
...
The princess enjoyed the scenery and savoured the afternoon breeze.
A/N: hmm… I realized I don't write the fighting details. Hmm… lemme try…
She swerved left! and the sword goes swish, swish, clang…clang…
omae wa mou shindeiru!
Nani?!
Gah I cant do it!
Next time perhaps?
When I improve my writing skills. Then ill be GeorgeRRMartin-ing this fic. Heuheuehuehue
its 3 am. I am frickin sleepy