A/N: Well everyone, I'll be moving house in a couple of weeks which means limited access to wifi. I'm going to try to wrap up Search before this happens so that you're not left hanging

Raider: Yep, you will. Later :P

Aubrey: Dora tends to fail a lot...try telenovelas. They repeat the same things over and over so you learn pretty quick. If you have a high tolerance for drama, it works every time.

Saberin: ME TOO! I had the hardest time reading the Royal Ranger after writing all these!

Disclaimer: I'm not John Flanagan. And still not Australian.

Liam and Kane ran back to the others. They'd scouted and scouted but once they finally came up with a good plan Senshi with Shigeru's mark had invaded and rescued them instead. It was too perfect. They began walking towards Shigeru's castle. On horses it would have taken just two or three hours. On foot, especially with Lina on crutches, it'd take them at least a day. Warden proved himself valuable. He didn't speak Nihon-Ja but quickly learned how to immerse himself in their culture. A few more weeks and he would have passed as one of their kind without flaw.

"Lina?" Liam whispered softly. Will walked up ahead with the younger men so they could have some privacy. "You alright?"

"They took our little girl," Lina finally unloaded. "She's in our reach and we can't get there quickly because of my foot."

Liam kissed her cheek. "Don't beat yourself up. She's in safe hands."

"We don't know if she's alright though. She could be hurt."

"She's fine."

Lina shook her head. "That's our little girl."

"Just wait. She's going to be fine."

Scout sat with Elizabet in her lap. Sean and Kineta were with Shigeru's son discussing the best way to return home while Talia got some much needed sleep. Elizabet played with Scout's necklace with great interest while Scout herself just sat with her back against a wall.

She glanced up in time to see Shigeru. Scout quickly found her feet, holding Elizabet's hand tightly. "Thank you for getting us out," she said in perfect Nihon-Ja.

"Your mother taught you our language I assume," he said. Scout nodded. He smiled to Elizabet. Elizabet

"Elizabet doesn't really take to strangers," Scout explained. Shigeru stepped back but Elizabet wasn't relaxing any time soon.

"You remind me of Amarante, Takara."

Scout shrugged. "I suppose."

"Your mother wrote me a while ago requesting tessens to give to you. I was about to send them but I think this is faster."

He presented two of the war fans Lina was famous for in Araluen. They were almost identical to the ones her mother carried. Scout took them and opened one. "Thank you," she told him with a wide smile. She made a mental note to thank her mother later.

"Amarante learned with these. I kept them hoping to give them to one of her children one day."

Scout just smiled. "Mama used these?"

Shigeru nodded. "Yes."

Gabby rested her hand on Pauline's arm as they walked through the castle. She'd temporarily moved in with Kane's mother for two reasons. One was to provide companionship to Pauline, who no longer coped with being alone for long periods of time. The other was because Gabby was sick of her parents. Pauline didn't understand Gabby's challenges but she also didn't pretend to nor did she ignore them. Gabby liked the new arrangement. Caitlyn, who was technically in the care of Gilan and Jenny, came over often as well. She spent a lot of time crying. Gabby couldn't imagine knowing one of her siblings was in danger while her parents raced to save said sibling. It had to be a lot for the young one to swallow.

"Gabby, I wanted to speak with you about something in private," Pauline said as they walked.

"What is it?" Gabby asked. "If you want me to leave I'll…

"No not that. I've loved having you there. It gets lonely when both my men are away."

"You could have gone to Redmont with Halt," Gabby offered. Pauline patted her hand.

"No, I want to be here when they arrive back. Gabby, I've noticed you and Kane were getting serious before he left. Forgive me if this comes bluntly but is there a good chance you two will be getting married?"

Gabby took in a sharp breath. She was on better terms with Halt and Pauline than others with their boyfriend's parents but still. "I hope so," she answered honestly. She felt Pauline embrace her.

"I'm glad," Pauline told her. "We'll be happy to have you."

Gabby grinned. Pauline didn't need to know Kane already had asked her once. "Thank you."

Pauline took Gabby's hands and squeezed them before leading her again. "I fondly think of Lina and Alyss as my daughters. I'd be very happy for you to join them in that."

Gabby smiled wider. "Me too."

Scout held Elizabet's hand as they walked down the hallway. Sean turned a corner the same time they did. Elizabet left Scout to run into his arms. Sean picked her up and kissed her cheek. "Hello, Elizabet. How was your walk with Scout?"

Elizabet hugged him. Scout crossed her arms as she joined them. "When are we leaving?"

"Well, Kineta's sick again. She's not a fan of fish and since that's in almost everything we've eaten I think she's finally reached her limit. As soon as your parents arrive we'll make the decision. Talia's probably going to need to stay until she has the baby and I doubt your parents or Kineta will let her stay alone."

Scout nodded. "Seems fair."

Sean looked past her and smiled. "Speaking of whoever is with them…"

Scout felt someone take her waist and spin her around. "Scout! You're alright!"

"Daniel!" she exclaimed as he set her down. She hugged him tightly. William and Kane followed closely behind. Suddenly Scout was crushed between her friends. Once they separated she realized her parents and Will were standing on the other side with Shigeru. Scout rushed to her mother and hugged her tightly.

"You found me," Scout whispered. Her mother embraced her tightly.

"Of course we found you," Lina whispered back. Scout pulled her father into the embrace as well. The family stood like that for several moments.

"Chocho this is you son?" Shigeru asked as he nodded to Daniel.

"Yes," Will answered. Scout giggled.

"Butterfly?" she smirked. Her sort-of uncle glared at her.

"Look much like his mother. Good thing."

Scout looked past her parents and felt her mouth drop when she saw Warden standing away from everyone else. He nodded to her. "Scout," he greeted her.

She left her family and hugged him. "What are you doing here?"

"Someone from Hibernia had to come. May as well be one of your personal guards."

They made their way to the dining room for dinner. Lina had to sit awkwardly since her injured foot wouldn't allow her to tuck it underneath her like everyone else.

"We need to figure out travel arrangements," Sean said as they ate.

"Talia it's probably best if you wait until the baby comes," Kineta said. Talia nodded.

"I know."

"Kane, Elizabet, and I can stay behind with you."

Everyone's heads jerked up. "No," Lina protested but Kineta didn't give her time to go on.

"Your family's been separated. You, Liam, and Scout need to get back to Caitlyn. Hibernia needs either Sean or I to return soon. Elizabet needs our attention and Sean will be busy managing Hibernia on his own. Will, you need to get back to Alyss and Quinlan and, Daniel, you have a fief waiting. William you are a crown prince and need to return to Araluen soon. Your bride is probably wondering if you'll return at all."

Her reasoning was too sound to argue with. The next morning, after bathing in the hot water again, those that were leaving began packing up. Shigeru explained his age kept him from traveling for William's wedding and gifted him a sword similar to his father's. Scout sat at a distance braiding Elizabet's hair and talking to Warden while her mother spoke to Shigeru a several paces away. She called him 'father' in Nihon-Ja. Scout wondered about her mother's life in this country. They were too far away for Scout to hear all their conversation but knew Shigeru took great interest in her family and crutches. Lina asked about Nihon-Ja. It was obvious she held him in high respect.

Once everyone said farewell they mounted the horses that would carry them to the docks. Scout watched as her father lifted her mother onto his horse before mounting. She was capable of riding alone, Scout knew, but without her usual horse and saddle she'd slow them down. It didn't seem like she minded riding with her husband…at least not much. Shigeru and his son stood at the top of the steps leading to the palace. The old emperor looked as though he'd fall over if he didn't rest soon. Scout had trouble placing him as the fierce leader she'd heard of. But then, she also had trouble placing her loving grandfather as a man enemies utterly feared. Age must have changed both of them.

Sean kissed both Kineta and Elizabet good bye. Scout noticed Kane slip William an envelope. She had no doubts as to who the crown prince was to ferry it to…and read it to as well. They rode down to the harbor and boarded the Wolfwill. Svein explained he'd let out extra space for a merchant so they'd be in cramped quarters. None of them minded. If anything Scout was happy she'd be close to her family and dear friends with the promise of going home.

They were led to a room full of bunks and a commander's bed that was slightly larger. Scout's parents were pushed towards it while the others took bunks. William, Warden, and Daniel all took upper beds. Scout, Sean, and Will took the lowers. Somehow Scout got the bunk directly below Warden. She sensed her friends had something to do with that. This way she and Warden wouldn't see much of each other.

The voyage was quick since everyone, including the ship's crew, wanted to return to Araluen as quickly as possible. The cargo they took on meant they'd have plenty of wages to spend on whatever it was Scandinavian crews wanted to spend money on. Scout spent most of her time with her parents, William, and Daniel. She knew she had another voyage onto Hibernia to spend with Sean and Warden.

Scout leaned against the railing early one morning. Araluen was in sight. They'd dock in a few short hours and soon she'd finally feel free from the captivity she hadn't quite shook. Out of nowhere Daniel appeared next to her. Scout made a face.

"It isn't fair for you to use your Ranger-skills against me."

"You're a Ranger's daughter. You should be immune to them."

Scout shrugged. She directed her attention to the dolphins playing in the small waves exaggerated by the ship's movement. "Thank you for helping with the rescue, even if it was Nihon-Ja that actually found us."

"Hard to turn away when a friend's taken."

Scout looked back over at him. His dark eyes met hers. Suddenly he wasn't just the 'older brother' figure from her childhood or a hunting partner. In that brief moment she lost herself but quickly came back before she could do something she regretted. "Even still."

"William was talking about his wedding earlier. He's a little upset Kane won't be there now but he's sure Anamaria won't want to wait. The prince you were supposed to be escorted by was involved in hiring the people who kidnapped you. He's in jail now."

"Oh?" Scout asked.

"Yes. He asked if I'd escort you instead. I told him I'd be honored."

Scout felt her lips twitch into a smile. "Really?"

Daniel nodded. Scout gripped the railing so tightly her knuckles hurt.

"Princess Scout?" a new voice called out. Scout composed herself before she turned to meet Warden.

"Good morning, Warden," Scout greeted him. "Look, we're almost there."

Warden nodded without turning his head. Scout felt her old feelings for the guard flood back and she felt torn. Warden kept his regal posture even though they were on a rocking ship. "Prince William is looking for you," he said to Scout bluntly. Scout nodded. She looked back at Daniel.

"I'll see you later," she said before rushing away. Daniel nodded and glared at the young guard once Scout was out of sight.

"William didn't send for her," the ranger said curtly.

Warden nodded. "You're right. He just wanted me to tell her that he took a knife from her pack to clean fish with the sailors."

"You wanted to send her away."

He could tell the guard's confidence was shaking. Daniel smugly smiled.

"You have feelings for her, don't you?" Daniel accused him.

"Maybe," Warden said with just a shred of confidence. "You obviously do."

"I've known her since we were little. You've only known her, what, a year at best?"

"That doesn't matter."

"You're her guard. I'm her childhood friend. Which of us do you think she trusts more?"

Warden turned red but held his ground. "And while you are in Araluen living a lonely Ranger's life I'll be in Hibernia guarding hers with mine."

Daniel just clicked his tongue. "Scout would rather protect herself. You're nothing but a nuisance to her."

Warden spun on his heel and stomped away. Daniel just shook his head and swallowed hard as he leaned back onto the railing. Warden, even though he didn't have the confidence to back them, made some very good points. The guard had the upper hand for Scout's affections. Daniel resolved he'd have to move fast before he lost his chance. In some ways his feelings for her didn't make sense. He'd always been like an older brother or cousin to her. They even called one another's parents 'aunt' and 'uncle'. But still they weren't in any way blood relation and the age gap between them wasn't terribly extensive. He didn't realize how special she was until she abruptly left. Now he wanted nothing more than to be around her again.

Will and Liam sat on either side of Lina far above deck. They had watched the exchange between their children and Warden with great amusement. Their legs dangled off the ledge comfortably as they sipped cider the Skandians had made. "She's too young," Liam muttered.

"At least it's Daniel and Warden," Will shrugged. "Scout is fully capable of managing those two."

"You knew it was coming," Lina poked at her husband. "She's almost grown."

"She's too young," Liam stubbornly muttered again.