A/N: Let's get started! Sorry it took me 1000 years to post this chapter even though I would be dead by now. O-O It probably might take me another 1000 years to post this chapter. Then again I might be dead. Be patient with me. I had a very very hard time with my Google Drive on the CPU.

Chapter 24: Miru Kozuku

Normal POV:

"It all started in the village of Niho where I lived. This is the story of me before I met Makato. And I guess you can say on how I met Makato." Miru explained.

"Oh. This could be interesting." Marth said. Ike nodded.

"Let's hear this journey of yours!" Roy cheered eating popcorn.

A Flashback Story: 11 Years Ago

Miru's POV:

10:00 A.M.

Since I was 5 years old, I was a Faithful Knight in the village of Niho. The role of being a Faithful Knight is to protect the village and the Queen and Princess. So most of my life was training myself with guns and going to school like a regular person would normally do.

I lived in a medium 2 story wooden house. In the first floor was a bear carpet in the living room, a medium wooden table with four chairs, and white large sofa. The kitchen was small with a few pots, plates, and the utensils. We don't have a T.V. More like we don't have the money to afford one. On the second floor were the bedrooms. And yes we have a bathroom. Only two upstairs. No pets. No Backyard. I live with my 44 year old father and my stupid, annoying, older brother, Yoriki. He's 10. And we have no mother. She left us. "Coward" is what my father quotes.

I was wearing a blue shirt and black shorts with blue sandals. Father usually wore a white robe.

"Miru, you better tell the Queen and the Princess that you are one of the Faithful Knights. We have to leave Niho at 9:00 P.M. so we can fight the Dark Knights." My father ordered drinking lemon tea.

"I've already told the Queen." I replied eating pudding.

"And the Princess?" He asked.

"N-no." I blushed. Father laughed at me. "Don't tell me you've never met a girl in your whole life before?"

"Y-yes I had! And I'm only five so what the heck are you talking about? I'm still young! And it's just that I-." I paused there, didn't know what to say. Father looked confused.

"What's wrong? Continued."

"I. . . . . . . .kinda. . . . .like her. A-and I'm too scared to talk to her at the same time."

"So you looooooooove the Princess! Every single guy loves the princess son! Including married men and older men! Hehehehe. In fact I like the Queen more than I like the Princess." Father laughed.

"It's not funny! And I-" My face turned even redder.

"You go to the same school. And you never talked to her? Boy, you're just lucky that there's no school today. Now tell her that you are a Faithful Knight with confidence and don't come back till ya do! YA HEAR?!"

"Yes father!" I scurried out to the door with my Faithful Knight badge. I walked outside with a red face. "Now what am I suppose to do? If I can just tell her how I feel-I mean to tell her that I'm a Faithful Knight, she might think I'm very cool! Yea. Yea! That's it!" I ran around the village of Niho countless of times, it seems that this place is so big you can't find what you're looking for. Where could she be? I never actually checked where she lived but it's so far and big you can see the house like a mountain kinda! She lives in a gray stoned castle where most information and news is taken place. Some people live in that giant castle. I wished I could go there.

0_o

I walked past a ramen shop and kept walking and walking and walking. No sign of the Princess. I then saw a couple of guys around a small. . . little girl. About my age. Near a tree. She had pinkish red short hair, ocean blue eyes, two buns, fair skin, a brave look, an orange dress, and black shoes. . .the Princess! It looked like she was in trouble! I jumped onto the nearest tree and listened to the conversation before I make a move. I pulled out my pistol and loaded bullets into it.

"We should get marry Princess! And you can bear my children!" One teenage guy said.

"No don't listen to him. We should get together." A middle age man said smoking. The Princess shook her head in disagreement.

"Who do you think you are?! I, Princess Makato, won't marry you men! Don't you talk to me about marriage! It is disgusting! I only accept people for those who accept me! Not for my powers!" She exclaimed pointing at them. They had an angry face towards the Princess. I laughed to myself. Rejected douche bags.

"W-well! Doesn't matter what you say cause you're still just a brat! I'm leaving! I'll get you later!" The teenage guy stomped off. But the middle age man was still there. I saw him smirking at the Princess. What is he planning to do? He was about to reach out something that looked almost like. . . .a gun! I jumped out of the tree and kicked him right in the head. He didn't see that coming as he fell to the ground, screaming in pain. The Princess had a shocked face. I stood up in my fighting position with a gun on his cheek, pulling out the gun from his pocket.

"OK! You got me! J-just don't hurt me!" He panicked raising both of his hands.

"I had a feeling you were about to shoot the Princess."

"He was. . .about to shoot. . .me?" She asked softly with small tears in her eyes. I glanced at her. Was she crying? She didn't looked scared from where I stand.

"Don't worry about that. I am calling for backup." I replied.

"Who are you anyways?" She asked. I cried mentally. I am in her own class! Well. . .I guess it's fair, considering I didn't know her myself.

:P

Few minutes later, some of the Faithful Knights came and took him to jail. Yes, the Faithful Knights have the ability to arrest people. I'm too young so I can't do that yet.

The Princess stares at me, speechless. My face was turning very red.

"D-do I have something on m-my face?" I asked her. She shook her head.

"No you don't. Who are you? What is your name? You seem like a real fighter. And your face is really red." She stares at me. I leaned back a little.

I gulped. Father said when I introduce myself, I had to say the important stuff about me. Well here it goes. "M-my name is Miru Kozuku. 5 years old. I live in a house with my father and big brother. My favorite color is light blue and I like to eat rice and meat. I like to wear t-shirts and shorts and I like to shoot people-I mean guns! I mean-I like to shoot as in target practice. And. . .I am a Faithful Knight. People sometimes call me Gunslinger Boy because I am a gunner. And people think I'm too young to go to battle." I said twiddling my fingers. She blinked twice and started giggling. I blushed.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Oh! I didn't mean to be rude. Sorry. I am Princess Makato and I thank you for saving my life Miru Kozuku. I am really grateful." She bowed.

"No problem. . ."

"And for that! I shall reward you!"

"Eh? A reward? A reward?! From the Princess! Hooray!" I cheered jumping up and down.

"Hehehe! Calm down Miru. And just call me Makato. Ok?"

"Ok M-Makato."

"Good. I'm sure you'll love this reward." Makato clears her throat. "I want you to be. . . ."

"To be. . . .?" I smiled.

"My potion assistant! How fun is that?! You get to test out the potions that I make ok? And you also get to stay at my place for as long as you like. You will help me in every need! I will maybe give you a room-wait you can bring in your family to live at the castle with me! I will provide everything that your family needs. Including food. So is this a deal?" She asked with a gleam in her face. I gripped my fist. My legs shake and my mouth trembled. I didn't know what to say.

". . . .I . . .um. . . ."

"So, is that a no? Well. . . . .ok." She said disappointed. She was about to leave but I grabbed her arm. I shifted her body around kissed her on the lips. I let go after a couple seconds. Makato's face was red in embarrassment.

Normal POV:

Roy fell off his seat causing the whole flashback story to disappear. All of his popcorn fell on him. Marth, Ike, Makato, and Miru glanced at him with a confused look.

"You what?!" Roy wanted to hear that answer again.

"I. Kissed. Her." Miru repeated sticking his tongue out.

"I mean you just met the Princess kinda and that is just ridiculous!"

"So? I was a desperate man. Desperate in love. I needed someone in my life. So I kissed her.

"Were you actually desperate? You've could had kissed any girl you want." Ike said crossing his arms.

"I'm kidding. . ."

"Hey, is that true Makato?" Ike asked.

"Y-yes it's true. Just thinking about that makes me embarrass."

"The thought of you kissing her makes me sick." Roy scoffed.

"It was young love so shut up Roy."

"There wasn't a thing between you guys. I mean it could be anyone who could save her life and kissed her because of the offer that was given." Ike said.

"Yep there wasn't a thing between us. . . .yet." Miru smirked. Ike and Roy had a serious face. Marth sweat dropped.

"Guys. It was 11 years ago. Stopped acting like children."

"I think I'm going to get something to drink. Roy, do you need some new popcorn? I'll buy you some." Makato said breaking Miru's grip away from her, leaving the stadium.

"Thanks! Hey! I'll go too!" Roy was about to get up from his seat until Ike pointed his sword at his neck. Without hesitating, Roy sat back down. Marth sighed.

"Let's continue."

"May I."

Back to Flashback

Miru's POV:

"I-I'm sorry. It's just that. . .I don't know what to say. I am really happy about your offer. I will be your potion assistant." I finally said. I look away, but Makato hugged me.

"Thank you so much!" She cheered. She was squeezing me so tight that I couldn't breathe. She let go after that bear hug. I smiled turning back to her face.

"Your welcome."

"Hmmm. . .anyways tell your father first if you guys can move in the castle. It's pretty far but I hope you guys don't mind about that. We can take you by our horse. It should take about less the two hours from here. Oh! And I will be waiting for you. Come to my house anytime since you guys will be leaving at 9 o'clock P.M. Wish the best of luck to you! I will send the horses right now by your house!"

"Ok. . ."

"And Miru?"

"Y-yes Makato?"

"That was my first kiss." She smiled and skipped away. I almost fainted.

"W-w-wait!" I exclaimed. I ran after her.

"Yes?"

"T-that was my first kiss too. . . "

She smiled and continued skipping. I smiled and waved. Then I fainted.

11:00 A.M.

I returned to my house and told my father about everything. Expect for the part that Makato and I kissing. His jaw dropped.

"WE ARE MOVING IN TO DA CASTLE! HAHAHAHAHA! LET'S GO BOY! YOU'RE COMING TOO YORIKI!"

"Hey! What does that supposed to mean?!" He replied in anger cleaning his twin blades.

My father shouted hugging me like crazy. Again with the bear hug. Yoriki smirked.

"Finally, a castle. Thanks to your ass bro." He teased slapping my back.

"S-shut up." I smiled.

"Pack your bags boys! We are going to leave right now!" Father runs upstairs to get his stuff. Yoriki and I followed him upstairs to pack all of our stuff as well.

2:00 P.M.

We've arrived at the castle at 2 o'clock. The castle was enormous! A patterned of smooth gray, black, and white stone makes the castle. A beautiful flower garden next to each side of the castle. A sparkling stream with fish and shiny stones that reflected the sun. A statue of the Queen and the young Princess Makato, and other people I didn't know. Probably with her family. Guards in every corner. A giant white flag on top of the castle. Man! This is the life. The guards opened the gate to let the horses inside the castle. We were still outside by the way. Once the horses stopped, two guards opened the "car" where we were sitting. I hopped off and widen my eyes to see what the castle looks like.

"I can't believe it! I am in a giant castle! YAHOO!" I cheered running around. My brother bonks me in the head.

"Well you better start believing and stop embarrassing me." Yoriki growled.

"Well excuse me princess." I muttered.

"In the honor of the Queen and Princess, you may leave your bags here and we will take it to your guy's rooms." Two maids said out of nowhere.

"Whoa! Where did you come from?!" Miru yelled.

"We've came from a different door. The Queen and Princess are waiting for you."

"Ok. Let's go boys." Father said running to the door.

"Hey wait up!" Yoriki and I chased after him. Father opened the door and saw one side of maids on the right of the door and one side of butlers on the other side of the door.

"Welcome to the castle Masters." They all greeted. I was shocked to see how many maids and butlers the castle has. The castle was huge! There were rooms that people rented or live in so it wasn't only the Queen and Princess living here.

I saw the Queen walking towards us with Makato. Makato's eyes widen in surprise. I smiled.

"Miru! You're here!" She cheered running towards me. I couldn't help but to run to her. She tackled me to the ground with her hug. I laughed.

"Welcome to our humble home." The Queen smiled. Father was blushing like crazy. I got up to take another good look at the Queen. The Queen had long beautiful light blonde hair tied into a bun with two strips of hair coming down. Her gown was golden and white with long sleeves. She had brown eyes. The back of her gown had a golden T with white small wings on it.

"I am Queen Rosalinda. And this is my daughter Princess Makato. I'm sure you are aware of that. My husband isn't here today. So sorry about that."

"N-no problem." Father bowed. "I am Kufu Kozuku. Faithful Knight."

"My name is Yoriki Kozuku. Faithful Knight as well."

"We've came here from the request from Princess Makato."

"Yes, I know that. Now that you're here, we shall have lunch first in the dining room. But before that, one of the maids will show you to take your baths. After that we will give you a tour around the castle. We will show you your rooms for you men to live in. Any questions?"

"No my Queen."

"Ok then. Maids, please show them where they can take a soak."

"Yes Milady. Come this way please." They said with a cheerful smile.

"I'll see you soon Makato."

"Ok. Come back soon as possible so we can eat." Makato smiled. We followed the maids to the baths. It was more of a hot spring with a shower and all.

"This is the shower room where you men can shower. We have towels, soap, buckets, scrubs and everything you need to bathe. Take your time." After explaining, they left.

Later, we had lunch. It is like having a Thanksgiving meal. After that, my family and I were given a tour took a long time. My room was all set up. It was more like dorms in the castle. I was neighbors with Father and Yoriki. Later, Makato took me to her room.

3:00 P.M.

"This is my room." She said. Her room was big. There was a lot of books and empty bottles. There were also bottles that were filled. Her room wasn't smelly but she said when she makes her potions, it gets really stinky." Her room had a wooden flooring with a queen size pink bed, a big window, a big wooden closet, a medium size fridge, and a small table with two chairs. She also had a giant black pot. Inside of it was a long silver spoon.

"Whoa. It's. . .unique."

"I know right!"

"So you make all of your potions here?" I asked walking around.

"Yes I do. Every single potion that I make comes from my hands."

"Were you born with this talent?"

"Yes I was. I was destined to make potions. Ever since I was born."

"So. . .you never mentioned your last name to me."

"My last name?"

"Yea, what's your last name?"

"In this village, it is forbidden to tell my last name, including in general. But I guess I can tell you."

Makato walked up to her door and locked it. Is it that serious? I gulped. She also locked her windows and closed her curtains.

"Sit down if you may."

"Ok." I sat on her bed. Makato sat right next to me. I blushed.

"Ok, if you really want to know badly. I have no choice but to tell you."

"I never-"

"Shush."

"Yes ma'am." Makato cleared her throat.

"My last name goes by the name of Tachibana. A name that is passed down from generation to generation. Tachibanas were born as wizards. We have magical powers in our bodies. 100% from head to toe. We were considered a very strong family. Each Tachibana has different magical powers. For example, my mother is a Tachibana. She uses healing magic. And I have the ability to make potions. So I have potion magic. Some people could have fire magic. Some people could have water magic, etc. Most people seek for a husband or a wife that is a Tachibana."

"Why?"

"So they can have children that will have magic power in the future. Or in another case, they want to get some of their power by having sex. That's the only way to get a Tachibana's power. I think. Sometimes bad people would even kidnap a Tachibana for their own use. Like they would use them for trading, for stealing, for killing, for wealth, etc."

"O_O"

"250 years ago, there was a village name the Tachibana Village. Most Tachibanas live there."

"So what happen to the Tachibana Village?" I asked.

"They got bombed by the Dark Knights. Most of them died."

". . .Oh. . "

"The Dark Knights demanded their women but they refused so they bombed them."

"Oh I see. They wanted to be stronger."

"Yes. The case might happen again so my great-grandmother made a plan. For everyone to go their own separate ways to avoid danger and to not speak of their last names in public. She was only 18 years old. Very beautiful. Everyone agreed with that planned and started right away. And that's when my great-grandmother and her future husband migrated in this very place. They called it the Village of Niho. Most random people live in the Village of Niho. And that is when my grandmother was born from my great-grandmother. And my mother was born from my grandmother. And I am born from my mother. My mother said that she has 3 children including myself but they live somewhere else. I'm the youngest child in the family. Still, even the years go by, some Tachibanas will randomly bragged about their last name, causing them great suffering. Not all Tachibanas were strong."

"Whoa. You know a lot about you family."

"Mother told me." Makato smiled.

"So was the Village of Niho created by great-grandmother?"

"Yes. She made the rules and all. Every Tachibana were considered a prince or a princess because of our powers we inherit."

"Cool."

"Anyways, That's my last name. Tachibana. I'm done telling the story now." She yawned, opening the blinds and unlocking the door.

"Thanks for telling me your last name and a whole lot of information."

"You're welcome. I can't wait to test you on many potions! Honestly I never tried them myself." She giggled. I gulped. Is that even a good thing?!

9:00 P.M.

On a stormy night, us Faithful Knights sneaked in the enemy's base and attacked. Their base was a giant rock cave where they put their prisoners here and trade gold and stuff. We were attacking the Dark Knights. Last time on a bright sunny afternoon, they attacked our village and attempted to steal the Queen and the Princess. So we're going to put an end to their games and kill them all. Or at least make them surrender. So far, father and the other knights are fighting against the Dark Knights. Meanwhile, me and my older brother, Yoriki, were going for the big guns in their base. To secretly kill their leader and claim victory.

"Come on! Shoot him!" My older brother whispered in an angry tone. I was in the spot to shoot the leader of the Dark Knights while hiding behind a giant rock. I was sweating and he was pressuring me and I didn't like it one bit.

"Shut up. It's harder than it looks."

"He's sitting on a chair ordering his men. You better hurry up. Before someone sees us."

"Okay, okay." I was looking around the hideout before I shoot. Right when I was about to pull the trigger, a little boy, about my age, with a gray bold cut, wearing a black shirt with black shorts and brown sandals ran up to the leader. He had a sad look on his face, his gray eyes were teary, and he had bruises on his face.

"What are you doing here son of mine?!" The leader yelled. Is that his father?

"I-I'm s-sorry. It's just…I think you should stop attacking the Village of Niho. It's wrong! And I don't want you to die." He cried. What did he just say? I thought he was evil and all but it seems that he didn't want anyone to get hurt.

"Shoot both of them!" Yokiri whispered.

"N-no."

The leader of the Dark Knights growled. He stood up from his throne and smacked his son across the face. I got angry.

"SAY SHIT LIKE THAT AND YOU WILL DIE! DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I AM THE LEADER OF THE DARK KNIGHTS AND I MAKE THE RULES, YOU UNDERSTAND?! NOW GET OUT OF MY FACE!" He lashed out. The leader's son only responded in tears and ran. I was so angry! How dare he!

"He's a dead man!" I yelled. My older brother covered my mouth.

"Shut up! We might get-"

"Hey! There's two brats hiding right there!" one of the Dark Knights pointed. The Dark Knight leader glared at us. I gulped.

"It's too late for running now! There's 10 of them so lets do it!" Yoriki said, getting his twin blades out.

"Get them!" The leader yelled. The 10 Dark Knights started to attack the rock that we are on with their powerful swords, destroying it into a million pieces. My brother and I jumped off of the rock and we were surrounded by all 10 of them. I pulled out two pistols with lightning speed. Yoriki and I were back to back.

"I don't think we can do this. They are too powerful and we might get killed." I said.

"We can do it. Just shoot them in the heart or in the neck or in the head or something."

"Yea…"

"Attack!" The Dark Leader yelled. The 10 Dark Knights drew their swords and ran towards us. Before they came any closer, I shot 5 knights in head while Yoriki slaughtered the other 5 men.

"Interesting." The Dark Leader grinned. The Dark Leader pulled out his flaming black sword.

"I'm gonna kick your little butt!" I yelled.

"We'll see!" He swiftly ran toward me and kicked me so hard that I crashed landed through a sandy tall slab of brown stone, through another stone, and another stone. And yet I'm still alive.

"MIRU!" Brother yelled. I thought I was going to die. I started to see blurry people. Then I heard the same kid who was crying.

"FATHER! STOP IT!" He cried loudly. He mumbled some words and then a thick, black smoke appeared around him. It circled him very quickly.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" His father yelled furiously with a shocked look on his face.

"Sorry father but this is the last straw for you." He said. A another tear flow from his cheek. The last thing I saw before I closed my eyes, was a huge, bright light.

9:43 P.M.

"Wake up!"

Huh?

"Wake up for idiot!"

What? Am I still alive?

"Don't die!"

I heard angry yells from my brother. I slowly opened my eyes. Seeing my brother in tears for the first time. I also saw my father. Rain drops go on my face. Clouds still roaring. Most of the Faithful Knights were talking. I slowly got up. Then I fell back down.

"Idiot! You are injured. You need to lay down. . ." Yoriki said.

"On stone flooring?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad you were ok son." Father said.

"We wrapped your wounds." A medical Faithful Knight smiled.

"I can't believe your survived. That little boy exploded the whole hideout. Every single Dark Knight in the hideout perished, including his father. The rest of the Dark Knights escaped."

"Oh. Where is he?"

"He passed out. We wrapped his wounds too. It seems that the spell he did hurt his body. We will be taking him to the Queen. And probably to jail."

"NO! He's not a bad person!" I stood up quickly in a fast motion. Then fell back down.

"Stupid." Yoriki murmurmed.

"I know. But he almost killed you so I can't allow him to move to his free will."

"He did it to stop his father!"

"Ok, enough Miru! I get it. But we have to see what the Queen will say. Understand?!"

"Yea."

Father sighed. "We don't have all day to stand here in this cold rain! We defeated the Dark Knights! Some people want to go home. Now let's get going!"

"Yes sir!" Everyone cheered.

11:30 P.M.

We'd returned to the castle very late. Very surprising the Queen was still awake and Makato was sleeping of course.

"Mi'Lady, we'd brought back victory. But we are sorry some of the Dark Knights escaped with terror in their eyes. And we brought back a little boy. The father of the Dark Knights who end this war. It seems he wasn't in any violence. He killed his own father and most of the Dark Knights with a spell he did." My Father said kneeling down to the Queen, including me, my brother and the rest of the Dark Knights. The little boy was being carried by a Faithful Knight. The Queen was sitting on her throne. in her night gown. Its was bright yellow with flowers on it.

"First, congratulations for winning. Second about that boy. . .hmm. What shall I do to him? Ok then. I think I got it. We shall put that boy to sleep and he shall live in this castle. I want him to share a room with Miru. And I want Miru to watch him. He shall not move outside of the castle until we get information out of him. For now he will stay inside this castle. Is that an order? And objections?"

"No Mi'Lady."

"Is that ok with you Miru?"

"Yes. Thank you Queen." I responded smiling.

"You are very welcome. I can tell that you two boys will be great friends. And also what is his name?"

"He never mentioned his name to us."

"Oh ok. Let me heal him." One of the Faithful Knights brought the pale boy to the Queen and put him on a stall wooden table with cushions on it. She lay her hand on his stomach and a blue glow shined on her hand. The wounds started to disappear.

"Excuse me Queen, but how come you don't use your powers often?" A Faithful Knight asked.

"It's for the best. Only when I need to. Wake up sweet child." The little boy open his eyes.

"Where. . .am. . .I?" He slowly asked with a monotone voice.

"I shall tell you tomorrow. But first tell me. What is your name?"

"My. . .name is Mikoru Fumiharu."

A/N: Finally! At long last this chapter has finished. You might be wondering on why I am mentioning the last names to the characters on a chapter like this. First, I didn't know what last name to put on till this chapter. :P Thanks for reading! R&R. Till next time!