Chapter 24: Miru Kozuku: Part 1

12 Years Ago

Miru's POV

10:00 A.M.

I was known to be the youngest Faithful Knight in my village at the age of 5. Playing slingshots and observing my Father's shooting skills paid off, including the hellish training.

Before I knew the Princess, I lived in a two-story, log house near the river, far from the city. The family I had was my dad, Kufu, in his mid-forties, and my older brother, Yoriki, by five years. I. . . didn't know much about my mother. All I knew from my father was that she left us at a young age.

"Coward" was what my father quoted.

"I have some good news boys," Dad in his long, white robe, sat in his chair, setting plates of grilled fish and potatoes for breakfast. "Finally. Five years into the Frost War, one of our Knights from the spy group was able to find the Dark Knight's hideout. That raining village, Upshurl. Tonight is when we invade and catch their boss."

My attention was on the fish, taking a stab with my fork. "That's great news."

"You look like an old god every time you wear that robe." Yoriki laughed.

"Nothing wrong with having long white hair at this age." Dad laughed, flexing his arms. "At least I'm built like Zeus!"

"You're not even a mummy and you already graying out."

"It's white you fool! I dyed it, or did you forget about the hair appointment I took you? I ought to dye your hair!"

"I love my natural black hair, thank you. . ." Yoriki stuck his tongue out, taking the largest piece of grilled fish from the plate. All this hair talk made me pick a piece of my light blue hair. The one that was different from Dad's and Yoriki's. Both of them had black hair. And I was left with this color. The one Mom had.

"Miru, Boy," Dad called out from across.

"Yeah, Dad?" I looked up.

"During your time in the city, have you come across the Princess of Potions, Makato? I heard she's around your age."

"We go to the same school, there's no need to look for her in the city," I answered.

"Ah. . . Son, at this rate, you're gonna be single forever." Dad shook his head.

I blushed as the fork shook in my hand. "What the hell are you talking about?! I'm only a kid! It's. . . it's not like that. . ."

"Then what is it?" Yoriki asked. "Does baby brother have a crush on her~~?"

"I mean. . . who doesn't?!" I burst into a cherry. "Every freaking guy in the school finds her cute, even the upperclassmen! I'm too chicken to talk to her. . ."

Dad sighed. "The young Princess still hasn't chosen her retainer yet. This is your opportunity to show what you got! Won't the Princess be eager to know that a Faithful Knight at her age goes to the same school? She would ask you to be her personal retainer! Take that position before I make Yoriki do it!"

"I thought I would be your first pick!" Yoriki slammed his fork on the table. "Fuck you, Dad!"

"That's not how you speak to your dad you little runt!" Dad held his cup, with his eyes still on me. "Go to the castle and apply to be Princess Makato's retainer before it's too late!"

"You just want the privilege of being a retainer to the Princess. . ." I said. But it was a great deal. Becoming a retainer meant moving into the castle. A better fulfilling life for the three of us.

"I don't want you back until you do so, ya hear?!"

"Ok, ok!" I gave in to my Dad's demands and got up from my chair. A few minutes into refreshing myself, I pull on a dark blue tank and gray shorts, topping it off with boots. Near the door, I picked up my bow and a bundle of arrows with me.

"Don't forget your badge!" Dad called out, watching me.

I pulled out the badge from my pocket, showing the circular gold piece initialed with a young woman with long hair. The words "Faithful Knight" were embroidered on it, circling the woman. "I'll be back."

(oOoOoOo)

Walking was something I was used to when living far from society. It took about an hour to make it to the city. People filled the streets buying things from the market. I could have taken a detour, but I may catch some street food or new slingshots for me to buy.

Passing by a ramen cart, I left the main city and was right on the outskirts of the main road. Two men struggled to hold a. . . large sack, darting past me and headed for the large oak tree. I stopped and hid behind a nearby bush as they tried to keep whatever was in the bag as still as possible. An un-behaved puppy perhaps? A stray cat? It kept squirming and squirming.

The bag loosened and pink strands of hair appeared from the bag, then a small head. They were forced to set the bag down on the grass, revealing her soft orange tent dress and white Mary Jane's.

"She woke up? That quick?!" A young adult man said.

A bearded man with a cigar let out a puff of smoke. "Hey, Little Princess, we promised to take you on a big adventure if you behaved."

"Liar! You put me to sleep when I'm not tired!" The girl exclaimed. "I prefer not to be in a sack!"

That voice. It was Makato!

My heart sank. This was an attempted kidnapping. My skills as a Gunslinger weren't at Father's level, but I had to try. She needed my help. Instead of the bow, I pulled out a small pistol from my pocket and loaded it with five bullets.

"We'll cause attention at this rate. Is it really worth traveling all the way to Upshurl for a crate of gold coins?" The young man asked his accomplice.

"Yeah, dumbass. That's the deal our client made to us." The bearded man grumbled, stuffing his hand into his pocket. "Most of the Knights are deployed for the Frost War. It's the perfect time to take her-"

The bearded man caught my attention. The way his hand formed inside his pocket I froze. It was a pistol.

"Get back in the sack." He ordered.

"No!" Makato shook her head. "I want to walk and explore and gather as many ingredients as possible!"

I covered my lips to keep them from bursting into laughter. She was standing up for herself? Defenseless? No guards or maids with her?

"She's crazy. . ." I smiled. And I liked that about her.

"I won't ask again." The bearded man showed his pistol, waving around for her eyes to catch.

Makato froze from the gun and kept still. This wasn't good. What a great way to traumatize a young girl. I aimed my pistol and closed one of my eyes.

"Get in the bag-!"

I fired the shot right for his hand as he hollered in pain. The Princess began to back away, confused about where the shot came from, and crouched into a ball. Good. That left me more room to shoot them. No. I'm not attempting murder.

They tried to search for the third party but failed to look in my direction.

"Who's there? Is it Kufu?!" The young man cried out.

"Shit! Kufu the Sniping Bird of Niho?!" The bearded man glanced at the young princess and reached his bloody hand. "I gotta get a hostage!"

"Predictable," I muttered, shooting another round for his thigh. This time he fell over on his side and screamed even more like a girl. Embarrassing~.

"Yeah! Not worth it! Byeee!" The young man attempted to make a break for the forest but my bullet was fast enough to hit his ankle, tripping over to the dirt.

Once the targets were immobilized I stood up from the bush and rushed toward the scene. Makato was still curled up like a ball. The bearded man fainted from the pain. The young man clenched his ankle as much as he could. This was some great practice for a future situation.

"Princess Makato, are you hurt anywhere?" I kneeled, touching her back.

"Ah!" The slight touch caused her to jump and the tears gushed out like a waterfall. She. . . she was crying? She always put on a brave look, but this was the first. Getting a closer look at her ocean eyes got my heart racing.

"Thank you very much. . ." Makato wiped her eyes and stood up with me.

"It's no problem." I nodded. "I was on my way to the castle when I saw them carrying a large bag. I'm glad I came in at the nick of time." I pulled out my badge and clicked it. One of the badges had a special feature invented by the magic wielders. Double tapping on one's badge would show the immediate location of the Faithful Knight, which usually meant an emergency.

(oOoOoOo)

We waited for a few minutes and it didn't take long for a few Faithful Knights to arrest the two suspects for attempted kidnapping.

"Who are you?" She then asked.

I froze and blinked a few times. Wow. I was that much of a stranger to her even in class. How embarrassing.

My face began to heat up. "I'm Miru. Faithful Knight's gunslinger. I'm part of the lower ranks."

"Oh! So it was you!" Makato smiled. "You're the boy that passed the Faithful Knight's exam! How?! You're only- -how old?"

"Five years."

Makato gasped and squealed holding onto my hands, swinging them. "You're my age! Wow! I'm so happy to meet you!"

The iceberg began to melt off my shoulders. She talked as if we knew each other for a very long time. I broke a half smile.

"It's an honor to meet you, Princess-"

"Call me Makato."

"I- -I can't! My dad would kill me if I called you by your name in such a casual manner. Also. . . it's part of being a Faithful Knight."

She giggled. "That's so silly. Alright, whenever nobody's around, feel free."

Princess Makato. She was so cute. The pink buns on her hair, her smile. Even her giggles. My face should be about a cherry now.

I cleared my throat. "Anyways, I best get going. . ." Before I walked away, I felt a tug on my shirt. I turned around, seeing the Princess holding on with a frown.

I gulped. Why was she sad?! The bad guys were gone so why-

"Be my retainer," Makato said.

"Excuse me?"

Was I hearing clearly?

"For. . . saving my life, I want you to stay by my side. . ." Makato said, gripping tighter to my shirt. "Become my retainer! And I'll make you my guinea pig! I. . . uh. . . need a guinea pig and I think we'll have so much fun!"

"Makato. . ." I muttered. To think this would happen to me. I, Miru Kozuku, became a retainer in a day without filling out an application. No more living by the rivers, chopping to get firewood. The luxury life was right in front of me. And. . .

A new friend.

"I could kiss you. . ." I smiled, as tears rolled down my eyes. I realized the words that came from my mouth and covered them up immediately. "Excuse me!"

Makato laughed. "Alright. It's official! I'll let Mother know I have my chosen retainer! No more of those adults begging on their knees. Start packing your things and we'll send a carriage to your place tomorrow!"

"Y-yea!" The joy burst from my eyes. This was the best day of my life!

The joy suddenly diminished from my eyes, remembering the Frost War.

"Even for my age, I'm part of the sniper group. All archers and gunslingers are needed for tonight's raid at the Dark Knight's hideout. I won't be able to pack my things tonight if I make it back alive. . ."

It was dumb. The lack of archers in our village was so sad. Many who became Faithful Knights took their time to learn how to wield hand-held weapons and never magic or archery. Now few archers were needed, and someone like me was forced to take on high-ranked missions due to the lack of ranged-weapon wielders.

Makato stared at me for a bit. Great, I just had to set the mood. For comfort, I stared at the grass below my feet, thinking of another way to start a conversation.

"I'll be waiting."

". . .!" My eyes widened from her words and I glanced back at her.

Makato nodded, holding my hand.

Oh my God. Soft like cotton. It made me teared up a bit.

"I believe you'll be fine. So don't give up!" Makato said. "I'll have my Mother order the other Knights to pack your belongings at your home. When you come back from the raid, you'll be with me, at the castle!"

"Th-thank you. . ." I hiccuped.

(oOoOoOo)

After another hour or so of walking, I returned to my home and told my Dad and Yoriki the news. From stopping kidnappers to meeting the Princess to becoming a retainer in a day.

Their jaws dropped. Both of them doing target practice at dummy darts.

"WE ARE MOVING INTO DA CASTLE!" Dad kicked the straw dummy, exploding into a confetti of straw. "HAHAHAHAHA! NOW THAT'S MY SON! YOU'RE COMING TOO YORIKI!"

"Huh?! You plan on leaving me behind?!" Yoriki dropped his twin blades, glaring at Dad.

Dad rushed over to me, lifting me with his arms, and twirled me around. Every time he did the spins, I tend to get nauseous.

After he set me down, Yoriki walked over to me, slapping my back.

"You're lucky to have a cute girl by your side 24/7." He said.

"S-shut up." I grew flustered by his comment.

"Pack your bags, boys! We are going to leave right now!" Dad placed his hands on his hips with a big grin on his face.

"Right now?" Yoriki and I asked.

"But, Dad. There's no time- -and the Frost War-" I said.

"Who cares! I wanna eat some fancy steak and goggle down some Nihoian wine!" Dad laughed his way inside the house and both of us stared at him in disbelief.

"I see. . ." Yoriki muttered. "This is war. We don't know when we get the privilege of living after this. Start packing, you idiot."

"But-" I stopped and took in what my brother said. He was right. We were at war.

This may be our last time to enjoy life.

I smiled. I couldn't wait to see Makato again.

(oOoOoOo)

2:00 P.M.

Castle

Making it to the border of the castle, Dad hopped out of his brown horse. I rode with Yoriki and his black horse.

"Well, I'd be damn! This is enormous!" Dad said. "Stay here, kids, I'ma talk to the guards."

I didn't think we paid attention to what Dad was saying. The castle. . . it was. . . pretty.

Up in the hills and far from the city. Built with white stone and pointy black roofing. A stone gate surrounded the castle and guards appeared from every corner. As I assumed. The nature around the castle was crisp and clean like it was straight from a painting. The flowers bloomed and fresh. The sun shined brightly.

This was going to be my new home.

If I made it out alive.

"Alright, kiddos! Let's ride!" Dad came back and got on his horse. The iron gates opened and we walked the horses, along with our belongings, into the castle. Once our horses were with the other horses, a bunch of maids gathered our belongings immediately like NPCs. I hopped off the horse and grinned.

"This is awesome!" I ran for the large fountain that stood in their front yard, feeling the cold waters against my fingers.

"Don't embarrass me," Yoriki called out.

"Well excuse me, princess,"

After having short conversations with each other, two maids approached us with their heads glancing down. A black and white maid attire with their hair covered, only to show their bangs.

"The Queen has asked for your presence. If you please follow me." The red-haired maid said.

I stared at the maid with dark hair and then at the one with red hair. Both of them were pretty. This whole castle so far was filled with pretty faces. I could only imagine what the Queen of Niho looked like.

"Hey, are you single?" Dad popped from nowhere with a grin.

"Dad!" Yoriki and I said.

He laughed. This was quite an uncommon sight. Usually, he wouldn't mention or even look at women since Mom left. It must been the new change in life- -me of course, triggering the whole thing.

The red-haired maid blushed. "If you please follow me."

"Ok. Let's go, boys." Dad said, walking ahead of us. Yoriki and I exchanged glances once more. He was. . . I guess, handsome for his age?

Entering the castle and seeing its beauty was on a whole new level. Golden chandeliers from the ceiling, white, untainted sofas displayed in the living room. Two sets of spiral stairs ascend to the next floor. I glanced down at my shoes and was mesmerized by the stone pattern. The gold carpet below my feet felt as if I was walking on clouds. Light shined from the glass windows. There were many rooms I'd like to explore, but meeting the Queen was a top priority.

In every hallway that we passed, there was a Knight, a butler, or a maid on standby.

This was insane.

We continued our walk and I was able to catch a glimpse of another room. A large grand piano and a harp. That must be the music room.

Oh God, I'm getting excited.

"I smell food. . ." Yoriki drooled. "Turkey~"

I took a whiff of the air. Besides the turkey, there was the smell of freshly baked bread.

A Knight walked past us and froze when he caught a glimpse of my father. "Knight Captain Kufu, Sir! It's an honor to meet you!" He then saluted.

"Hehehe. . ." He laughed. "It's great seeing you too, Derrick."

The maids stopped in front of the closed room where Derrick stood on the side with another knight.

"We will now enter the throne room where the Queen awaits your presence." The dark-haired maid said. Derrick and the other Knight opened the large doors in full, revealing the Queen sitting on her throne from afar.

She. . . she was a goddess! Golden hair with a bun on top, jeweled in golden hair pieces. Her long orange dress and the long transparent sleeves show her clear skin. Two Knights stood beside her, and a man in all black. That had to be the butler. There was another person, a much older person who had a chair perpendicular to the royal thrones.

The more we walked, toward the Queen's chair, the more my body shook. The other seat was empty, assuming the King was absent.

It didn't take that long for me to check who the small girl was, standing beside the Queen.

Her eyes widened when she made eye contact with me. "Mother! That's my new retainer! Can I greet him?"

"In a bit." She spoke.

Once we were at a reasonable distance from the Queen, we did the protocol, bowing on one leg and staying in that position when told.

"Please stand." She said. Her voice was soft, but firm.

We got back up on our feet and I took a glance at Dad. His face. . . that old man- -he was blushing! I looked back at the Queen. Her brown eyes were sparkling like gems. Okay, Dad. I see why.

The Queen stood up and extended her hand, showing her orange-gloved hand. It was different. Only her fingers were covered and part of her palm.

"Welcome to the Niho Castle. I am Rosalinda, Queen of Niho, Queen of Healing. And this is my daughter, Makato. Princess of Potions. Forgive me, I would like to introduce more of my family, but unfortunately, they are absent. The King is on a mission with my two elder children."

"N-no problem." Dad bowed again. "I am Kufu Kozuku. Faithful Knight. Captain in the Archery division."

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

"I'm Miru Kozuku. Faithful Knight." I said.

Queen Rosalinda nodded at our greetings and placed her hands on her lap. "I wanted to see who my daughter picked for her retainer. Was it you, Faithful Knight Miru?"

"Y-yes, Your Majesty."

I watched the Queen slowly getting up from her throne as she walked toward me. The clicks on her heels per step were nerve-racking.

"As Queen of Niho, I grant you my blessing as Princess Makato's retainer. You are to protect her at all times and stay by her side. Do you understand?"

"Yes." I nodded.

The Queen smiled and placed her hand on my shoulder. Her hand began to glow a soft blue color. The tiredness, the soreness, whatever lingering pain I was feeling evaporated into thin air.

After releasing my shoulder, she did the same with my brother and father, all feeling that sense of rejuvenation. This was the Queen's power of healing.

"We'll have our knights gather your belongings later tonight as scheduled."

"No, need, Your Majesty," Dad smirked. "We took everything from our house-!"

"Yeah about that. . . Dad, I forgot my favorite pair of shoes," Yoriki said.

"I forgot to get a few of my coats." I then said. Might as well tell him now.

Dad smacked himself in the forehead. "Way to go. . . now you have to make the Queen do more work!"

"I assure you, it's alright." The Queen said. "For now, let's celebrate with a meal. Maids, take them to their new rooms."

(oOoOoOo)

After setting our belongings in our new rooms, we visited the large public baths in the castle. After that, we ate the turkey and the bread that was smelling the house castle in the dining room. After that, we had a tour around the castle. Makato tagged along with us just to see my giddy expressions. This was something I needed to get used to. My new home.

During our free time, I followed Makato to her chambers. Surprisingly, it was farther from where we Knights were sleeping. Complete opposite sides of the castle.

Makato opened her door, entering her room first. "This is my room." She said.

Her room was big as to be expected. Big as one of our classrooms. She had the space to make potions. The witch pot in the corner and the shelves of empty bottles said otherwise. There were boxes and boxes with labels. "Animal parts", "Plants", "Rocks". . . And her queen-size bed; pink like her hair.

Makato spun around in her room. "I cleaned my room before you came here just to be safe. I didn't want you to smell anything weird."

"So, the scented roses and honey is just-"

"Yeah, it's a potion to mask the scent." She explained. "Usually when I make potions, it gets really stinky! Like rotten milk!"

I took a step in and went for the shelf of books. "Do you read a lot?"

"I have to. My mind is filled with things to create! I have to write them down in case I forget." Makato opened one of her books and showed it to me. There were pictures and live samples of her potions and the language. . . what was it?

"I can't read it," I said, pointing to the squiggly-looking text.

"Oh, you can't? Mother said the same thing." Makato shrugged, closing the book. "I'm so happy that I have a guinea pig!"

"Hehehe. . ."

Why did I say yes? I planned not to be a bird or something while being tested.

I didn't know much about her family now talking to her. How was she born with this talent? It was completely different from her Mother's. I wonder if her other siblings had similar talents to Makato's.

"Your mother doesn't have the same power as you. Did you learn how to make potions?"

Makato shook her head. "Nope, I was born with it. That's all part of being a Tachibana."

"Tachibana? What does that mean?"

Makato quickly cupped her mouth. "Ah. . . I'm not supposed to mention my last name. It's a golden rule that our family generation follows."

Makato Tachibana. Now that I thought of it, she never mentioned her last name when we first met.

"I'm curious to know," I admitted. "If I'm going to be your retainer, then I should know everything about you, right?"

Her eyes brightened up and then a wider smile. "Ah. . . yes! Yes! That's right! I'm not alone anymore!" She clasped her hands together. "I'll tell you a story that my Mother would tell me."

I watched her climb onto her bed and then patted the space beside her. "Come sit with me."

"Ok." I gulped. The closer I climbed my way next to her, I could smell the traces of honey fuming her.

Makato stared straight ahead at the witch pot and swung her legs freely. "Long ago, the gods blessed a young selfless girl, who used her magic to help others. Elaine Tachibana. When the gods gave Elaine her blessings, she possessed all the magic that the earth could offer her. Thus being called the Goddess of Magic.

"Decades later, she got married and passed down her magic to her children. Since Elaine's magic was unlimited, each of her children possessed something different than the other. Like a tree, her magic was distributed from the elemental, the mind, and the soul magic.

"The Dark Knights figured out their power and sparked a war, abducting, killing, and torturing most of the Tachibana clan. Then one day, a man named Leo Tachibana, King of Mind Control, spoke through every Tachibana through the brain. He said all Tachibanas should never speak of their last name and keep their clan a secret from the world, for our magic is a sacred thing from the Founder.

"Far and wide the clan scattered in different parts of the earth to live a normal life as a wizard with magic powers. A woman named Niho Tachibana, Queen of Life, moved mountains and rivers to create land for her people. Centuries later, it was called the Village of Niho. How Niho brought life into this village. She was the ruler of the land as its Queen with her husband as its King.

"Till this day, we don't know who's a Tachibana in this village by appearance, it's only by blood we can tell. But we must never mention that name in public. . ."

The story was long. But it was good. Unlimited magic blessed by the gods. Elaine, the Goddess of Magic, the founder of the Tachibanas. That was interesting.

Makato smiled and tapped her head. "Mother told me to memorize the story for my children to learn one day."

I nodded. "Thank you for telling me this story. I've learned a lot from meeting you."

In the Frost War we were in, did the Dark Knights figure out Tachibanas were living in the Village of Niho?

Based on the story, was there a possibility that I could be a distant descendant of the Tachibana Clan?

I shook my head and remembered Makato's words. By blood alone, one will know a Tachibana.

(oOoOoOo)

9:00 P.M.

Upshurl

Dark Knight Hideout

The weather turned for the worse once arrived near the Dark Knight's main hideout. Lightning and heavy rain in the dark sky. Upon arriving, a secretive route was provided by the spy group that led us straight into the camp without being spotted by any of the Dark Knights. A dirt tunnel led to a large cave filled with hundreds of people in black cloaks. Dark as the night was, they used their magic to provide light in the cave.

It was only me, my brother, and a Faithful Knight Spy, Shuren who tagged along with us. Dad was fighting out on the front lines with the top-ranked soldiers against the Dark Knights. It was up to us- -well, it was up to me to shoot down the leader of the Dark Knights.

Every main archer was forced to battle out in the front upon doing a sneak attack, leaving me to do the heavy work.

Yoriki crossed his arms, tapping his twin blade on the dirt tunnel. "That's him, Kuroi Fumiharu, leader of the Dark Knights. Long gray hair in black armor. Just shoot him already." He whispered, irritated that it was taking at least ten minutes to adjust my sniper rifle.

He reminded me of how our dad looked. The same buff build but his eyes were as black as the night's and his skin was pale like snow. An aura of a smoky purple surrounded his body and had the resting bitch look.

"Shut up. It's harder than it looks." I muttered back.

No, it wasn't.

He was sitting on a throne, wide open. The Dark Knights were clumped up around Kuroi and I wanted to hear some of the conversations.

"So they made their move, huh?" Kuroi said, resting his hand on his chin. "Any updates on our abduction plan on Princess Makato?"

"Not yet, Sir." A Dark Knight said.

Faithful Knight Spy Shuren adjusted his black mask. "Take your time. . . but it's best to hurry before we get spotted."

"Ok. Ok." Taking my time would put my Dad at risk who was fighting for his life. I closed my bad eye and aimed for Kuroi's forehead. Right when I was about to pull the trigger, a boy with a gray bold cut, wearing a sack of a shirt with no shoes whatsoever ran to Kuroi. He looked poor and desperate when he shook the Leader's arm. His skin was just as pale to see the permanent bruising on his arms and legs.

"You fool! You dared to follow me all the way here?!" Kuroi shot up from his throne and yanked the boy's collar, lifting his feet off the ground.

"I-I'm s-sorry, Father. . . I. . . I don't want you to die. Like Mother. . . Please stop fighting the village." He cried.

I lowered my rifle away from my eye, shocked.

What did he just say?

"He must be an accomplice. I'd kill him too just in case." Yoriki whispered.

"N-no. Give me a second."

Kuroi glared at his child and soon launched him across the hideout.

"Agh!" He coughed out the blood from the impact. The Dark Knights never moved a muscle from the Leader's outrage.

"How I wished to kill you!" Kuroi exclaimed. "You dare tell me what to do, Boy?! You're lucky you're my son!"

The boy never got up from the crash. I was mad. He was. . . innocent, like me in a way. He didn't deserve to be dragged into this war!

"That bastard!" I lifted the rifle back to my eye and placed my finger on the trigger.

"Hey, shut up!" Yoriki smacked the back of my head.

"Hey! I see some kids over there!" One of the Dark Knights pointed to our secluded location.

The whole cave of knights turned their heads and stared at the small cramped space.

"We've been spotted. Over." Shuren said to his earpiece, communicating with the other spies.

"Ah, shit. . ." Yoriki cursed.

"Let's retreat as soon as-" Shuren was caught off by Yoriki's dagger, meeting the spy in the eye.

"That's not how we roll. It's do or die." Yoriki said.

"You're just kids. Don't be reckless-"

"Don't underestimate us. We make be young, but we're Faithful Knights for a reason."

Sometimes, I liked how Yoriki presented us when we were talked down. I packed my rifle away and pulled out my pistol.

But still, we had a long future ahead. These people were grown-ass adults! And we were still kids! Part of me wanted to retreat, but then I saw the young boy, outcold by his father. I had to do something!

"Kill them!" Kuroi said.

We jumped from our hiding area, and soon the spy joined us without saying a word. Our backs glued to each other forming a triangle, and the Dark Knights surrounded us like flies, armed with swords, spears, and axes- -I'm telling you hand-held weapons were so overrated. But besides that, they were good at dark magic and not much into close combat.

For Yoriki, this should give him an advantage.

"Take your other pistol out," Yoriki muttered. "Having one will get us all killed."

I did as told, taking another gun out. "I'm still a newb at this, so don't blame me when you die."

"I'll remember that."

I heard Kuroi scoff the moment we showed ourselves in their base. "Ah, just a bunch of kids. . . Don't waste your magic on them and end things swiftly."

"Yes, Lord Kuroi!" They repeated. The Knights began to run towards us, closing the gap. Yoriki broke out of his formation and formed a dance that was unpredictable for the enemy, tricking them like an acrobat and finishing the job with his daggers to their throats. With the many bullets I used, I was able to get some headshots but was forced to take a few steps back, aiming for their stomachs and thighs. This was enemy territory. There. . . there were so many of them!

"Ah. . . the only way is to kill the boss," Shuren said. "Sorry guys, try to protect yourselves."

I took a glance back, catching Shuren running towards the leader. His body began to glow, and then crystals of ice rushed from his hands. Was he an ice magician? Or. . .

Kuroi got up from his throne; his eyes lit up with excitement. "You're a Tachibana! Aren't you?!"

"You have a keen eye, but it's too late for you now! Ice blade!" Shuren jumped and made fast movements with his hands, creating slices of ice from thin air. Kuroi stretched forth the hand, observing all of his attacks in one go.

Shuren froze, but kept up with his attacks, now going in close range. Kuroi read him like a book, dodging left and right like it was nothing.

"Ah!" Shuren gasped. Kuroi had no weapons but a heavy punch to his stomach made the spy spew out cups of blood.

"This is where I take your power! Ice Tachibana!" Kuroi smirked, pulling out a flaming sword.

"Fuck. . ." Shuren gritted his knees, collapsing his knees.

"Damnit!" Yoriki cursed, as a crowd of more Dark Knights surrounded him. "I'd help him, but if he can't even defeat the leader, then we don't stand a chance!"

I wanted to watch what was happening to Shuren and Kuroi, but I was occupied with a group of Dark Knights.

"Why is this taking so long to kill them?!" A Dark Knight growled at me.

"Come on, let's hurry up and help our Lord."

I sighed. And there was the boy, I wanted to make sure he was ok. All the bullets I used were gone to the corpses. I tossed them away and pulled out my bow and arrow. My next choice of weapon got the Knights laughing.

"That's even worse than a pistol, brat!"

Honestly, choosing this was my last resort. I only had ten arrows. And only ten for a reason. They wanted me to make my move and so I did. I aimed an arrow at the Dark Knight that mocked me and shot for the head.

He attempted to cut it in midair, but he failed to realize. . .

These arrows were special. Not made out of wood, but iron. Only ten pounds of it. And a finishing touch of mercury. I called them my Ghost Arrows for their homing attack and sturdiness.

The arrow ran straight through his head, killing him instantly as he dropped to the word. The Dark Knights sweatdropped, watching a pool of blood surrounding his body. They murmured in shock and gripped their weapons even tighter.

There were about ten left so I had to be creative and not waste any more than needed.

The group of Dark Knights were distracted by their fallen brethren. I used the time to pull out a smoke bomb and blast it to the ground, exploding the foggy gas. The light spewed out, blinding them as they were forced to cover their eyes.

"What the?!"

"That brat! Find him!"

I pulled on my special goggles and dashed to retrieve the fallen arrow. Using the same arrow, I ran close combat and stabbed them in the legs, making sure they were immobilized. I had to check on Shuren!

I hadn't heard from him in a while. I didn't want to think of the worst-case scenario. Making it feet away I stopped my steps and held my battle stance. Shuren. . . Shuren was nowhere to be found! All that was left was a blood puddle from where. . . I think Shuren was standing.

Kuroi eyed me and pulled out his sword once more. "Do you want to be absorbed like your Ice buddy? Ah. . . you're not a Tachibana. How disappointing."

"Where's Shuren?!" I asked, grabbing one of my arrows, and aiming for his head.

Kuroi was a giant. There was no way I could beat him. Wait, did he say absorb? He ate him?!

The proof was the ice particles surrounding his body and the smirk that backed it up.

"You. . . monster!" Anger got the best of me, releasing my arrow.

"Ah, aren't you the same age as my son? Useless?" He laughed, grabbing the Ghost Arrow in midair. He never dropped it, only to shrink it into his palms. . . and. . . That must be how he absorbed Shuren, the arrow was gone by the time he opened his palm.

"I'll have you join my son, in hell!" Kuroi was too fast for me to catch his boot striking my temple, sending me flying across boulder after boulder.

"Miru!" Yoriki called.

Kuroi let out a bombarded laugh. "Ahahaha! What a fine power! In the past, other Tachibanas killed themselves before I had a chance to take their power! I shall freeze up my enemies with the demons I possess inside me!"

My vision grew blurry, and my face felt cold and wet. I didn't know how I was still conscious of the attack, but I. . . it was starting to get cold every other second.

Fuck. . . was I dying?

"You're. . . just like me. . ."

A soft voice spoke to my ear. I tried looking without turning my head, seeing the same boy with the gray boldcut, crawling towards me.

He teared up and clenched his fist.

"I'm sorry. . . I'm going to put an end to this. . ." I watched him struggle to get on his knees, and then he was up on his feet, making every part of my body panic. What could he do? He just got slaughtered like a pig by his father.

"D-don't! He's strong!" I gasped out air, and soon couldn't breathe out a word. My eyelids grew heavy and the last thing I saw were the boy's dirty feet, soon black fog, and then his whole body was coated in that same fog.

I forced my head to see the gray-haired boy, limping toward his father in that black smoke that surrounded him.

"What are you doing?!" I heard the screams of his father and the expansion of the smoke growing bigger and bigger.

The Dark Knights yelled in panic as well, and I wasn't able to keep up as I fainted from the blood loss.

(oOoOoOo)

"Wake up!"

Huh?

"Wake up, idiot!"

That voice. . . it sounded like Yoriki. This had to be hell. There was no way-

A slap stung my cheek, forcing me to spring my eyes open. The thing I saw was Yoriki hovering above me and then, a bumpy ride on a wagon. I turned my head over my shoulder, seeing the Faithful Knights who weren't injured, walking around the wagon. I turned my head to my other shoulder, and my eyes widened.

That boy. Dead asleep.

He was alive. Thank God.

I relaxed my shoulders and closed my eyes.

"Hey, who said you could sleep?!" Yoriki pinched my cheek.

"Fuck off. . ." I muttered, slapping his hand away.

"I thought you died. . ." His voice croaked, squeezing me into a hug. I opened them immediately, shocked at my brother's actions. That's right. I almost died. After he parted from me, I looked at my body, to see bandage after bandage from my neck to my feet, and on my cheek. That fatal kick from the Dark Knight Leader.

Speaking of. . .

I opened my lips, looking back to a random Knight. "Where's. . . Kuroi?"

The Faithful Knight stared at me and glanced away. "Faithful Knight Spy Shuren's last call made us witnesses to what we saw in the hideout. We saw the leader of the Dark Knights, get part of his body ripped apart from that boy. Only half of his body remains dead. . ."

"What?" My eyes widened. If that was the case, why put this ticking timebomb of a boy next to me?!

The Knight saw my scared look and laughed. "Don't worry, that's why we're here. The other wagons were filled with injured soldiers. We wouldn't want you three getting crushed, do we?"

I glanced at him again. He was wrapped in bandages like me, except his hands were sealed with magic cuffs and so were his feet.

"It was a miracle you survived. Our medics didn't give up hope." He said. "Because you were the son of our Captain Kufu."

I lowered my eyes. "Shuren. . ."

"Yoriki told me what happened to Shuren. Everyone in that cave died the same way, except for you three. Exactly half bodies laid in the hideout, as if they were all half-eaten."

"But one's thing for sure." Another Faithful Knight joined the conversation with a smile. "Their leader is dead. This victory is ours. "

This was a lot to carry.

"We'll be questioning you three, just to make sure. Other than that, the Queen will have the final say on what to do with him."

I couldn't nod if I wanted to, so I responded with a few blinks. The Queen was known for being merciful. Surely after hearing our testimonies, she'd spared his life.

(oOoOoOo)

Village of Niho

Castle

After a few hours, before dawn, we returned to the castle.

Just upon arriving, we were immediately questioned about our knowledge of how Kuroi died, and how his only son survived. After receiving our answers, all three of us were taken to the Throne Room, where the Queen awaited us. The same elders in the castle sat only on the sidelines.

"After hearing what has happened in the hideout, the boy will be staying here." Queen Rosalinda said.

Murmurs filled the room of the Faithful Knights who weren't in favor of the Queen's decision.

I smiled and glanced at the boy. The boy looked back at me with shocked eyes, and more. . . more tears running down his cheeks.

"But he's the leader's son of the Dark Knights!" An elder said. "What if he were to come back for vengeance?"

The Queen opened her fan and placed it over her lips. "Vengeance? The boy took his father's life to protect Faithful Knight Miru and Yoriki. I see no intent on vengeance whatsoever. Any other objections?"

Dad shook his head. "I have no objections to the boy who protected my two sons. He has my gratitude."

After a wave of silence, the Queen lowered her fan with a smile.

"It is settled. This boy will be staying in the Castle of Niho until further. Also, the town is to prepare food and mountains of drinks to celebrate our victory."

"Yeah!" The Knights cheered, hugging and clapping each other.

I smiled. So far, things have been going well.

As people were cheering, the Queen got up from her throne and walked toward us kids, only making eye contact with the gray-haired boy.

He took a few steps back in fear, but stopped, gazing at her brown eyes. Another victim sucked into the Queen's beauty.

"Faithful Knight Miru, you two will be sharing a room from now on." The Queen said.

I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

She placed his hands on the boy as his body began to glow a light sparkly blue. His skin was still pale, but it began to glow away the cuts and bruises. Life was brought back to him.

He blinked a few times and checked his hands, then his arms. "What. . . what did you do? I feel. . . so good. . ."

"I'm a healer. Queen Rosalinda." The Queen then glanced at me, placing her hand on my shoulders. The same feeling of peace and cool air circulated my body, healing the broken bones and bruises that were wrapped with bandages.

"Thank you," I bowed.

I took a glance up at her face and the same sunny smile was brought upon me.

"What is your name?" The Queen turned to Mikoru, removing her hand from my shoulder.

"My. . . name is Mikoru Fumiharu."