#ikesennw

Mirai wasn’t sure what to think of all this. A day off for all the hard-working people of Azuchi was a step in the right direction, but it could just be one of Nobunaga’s passing fancies. There was no guarantee that this festival would become a tradition. Plus, she could barely pronounce the name. Christ-moss? Clip-mass? Whatever.

And just how was she meant to look for openings to rid the land of these warlords when the castle was flooded with people preparing for a banquet? 

Ever since she’d arrived in Owari under the Nakamura banner and the guise of a sickly princess, she’d made sure to document the routines of the six key warlords, but they’d seemingly scattered to the winds. Mirai had caught a glimpse of Masamune Date cooking up a storm in the kitchens, the door to Ieyasu Tokugawa’s office had been barred from the inside, and Mitsuhide Akechi… was nowhere to be found. According to Honoka, he’d last been seen heading out to the town centre. She can’t say that trying to track him down is a wise thing to do - princesses don’t usually go around tailing people. But the sheer volume of people stocking up on winter goods and preparing for this strange festival provided safety in numbers and a golden opportunity to see what the kitsune was getting up to.

So here she is, standing at the edge of a crowded marketplace, attempting to track a man who’d perfected his disappearing act and to blend in all the while. 

If she wasn’t so experienced, she would never be able to find him.  She cleared her mind and focused on the smells, sounds, and sights of the market, and kept pushing forward. Out of the corner of her eye, Mirai sees a swirl of teal and ivory. The chase is on.

He’s a worthy opponent. Mitsuhide ducks, dodges, and weaves through the town with the grace of a heron, while Mirai follows in his tread, slinking just out of sight. She can’t survey him from the rooftops (damn these unwieldy kimono skirts), so she darts into one of the many alleyways to stay out of sight. Their pattern of fox and mouse holds, right until the kitsune stops in his tracks at the very edges of the market, turning to examine a stall surrounded by trinkets and charms. Mirai is a tad surprised - he didn’t seem the type to enjoy frivolity, or anything uninvolved with torture for that matter.

His exchange with the shopkeeper lasts mere moments before he’s off again, out of sight and drifting away like a spirit with questionable taste in clothes. Thus comes an end to her fruitless chase. She needs to head back to the castle soon, anyway. After he had overcome his initial animosity, Hideyoshi seemed convinced that Mirai might drop dead from a cold as soon as the sun sank below the horizon. There was a slim chance he’d be too busy to notice her disappearance, preparing for the banquet and worshipping the ground Nobunaga walked upon, but it wouldn’t do to be questioned. 

The road back to the castle gates was so much more boring without a target to prey upon. The crowds had dissipated a bit as it neared sundown, though some citizens milled about, browsing and discussing the coming winter. The winds were even more chilly, but she kept a measured pace.

There was something glinting in the last rays of the day. Mirai inclined her head towards the source, a blanket laid out with accessories much like the ones that had caught Mitsuhide’s attention. She was in no rush to return to the castle - regardless of the festivities, it was just another night of endless posturing and waiting for openings to strike. Looking at pretty things might suit her disguise. 

She crouched to examine the wares, her eyes drifting over the kanzashi, hairpins, and obi charms. Aha! There was the culprit. A group of silver animals hung upon cords were caught in the light and a tiny fox curled up against its tail rocked gently at the forefront.

“You gonna buy anything? I’m about to close up,” came a rough, unrefined voice. 

Mirai barely spared a glance for the man before responding in a cool tone. 

“I am just admiring your wares, sir.” 

“Well, admire them quicker! I’ve been busy all day with this… Crossmarch nonsense the Oda are putting on. I swear, all you girls are like this.”

He must have been blessed by the gods, because if Mirai didn’t want to blow her cover, she’d have attacked by now. Her newfound acquaintance was dressed head-to-toe in scarlet and his head, clearly empty, was crowned by a mop of brown hair. He also seemed to be the world’s worst spy - six golden coins were emblazoned on his chest, marking him as one of the Sanada. She grasped for the little fox she’d been examining, tucked it into her pouch, and chucked a few coins onto the blanket. Not the best use of Rui’s funds, but needs must when playing a princess.

“Good night, merchant. You may want to use those funds to buy a new kimono. One that’s less conspicuous.”

She glided away from the blanket, taking careful steps, only half-listening to the spluttered retorts of the merchant-warrior. 

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The moon peeks out from behind the heavy clouds to cast her light over the courtyard, lighting it up in splendour, and Azuchi’s newest princess watches in turn. She had broken out in shivers from the frigid air long ago, but the stillness provided a balm for her mind. The banquet had been so loud. The further away she was from crowds of rowdy men, the better - at least Mirai can be herself here under the moon’s watchful gaze. 

The day wasn’t entirely a loss: she’d learnt the layout of the town, confirmed the presence of enemy forces, and managed to find a fox - just not the one she’d set out to catch. Her charm was threaded onto her obi cord, but Mitsuhide was still shrouded in mystery. 

With his wit, guile, and access to information, Japan could be his. So what was his motivation for following a distasteful man like Nobunaga?

The moon slips away at the same moment she feels that something, or someone, lurking in the dark behind her. She’ll have to feign surprise if the presence behind her decides to declare itself, but her thoughts race - everyone has the same primal response to shapeless beings in the dark. Kaede’s words echo across time in her thoughts.

‘You are a warrior, but don’t forget the frightened girl that you were. Your past exists within you, dear Mirai. Use that fear to spur on the strength that will always rest in you.’

The words bring a pang to her heart, but she cannot say whether it is fear or pain or grief. She forces herself to breathe.

“Hello, little mouse.”

She casts an upward glance at the voice’s source. With his white robes shrouded in the pale moonlight, the man could pass for a ghost.

“Good evening, Lord Akechi.”

“Oh, do call me Mitsuhide.” His crescent moon smile is wickedly sharp.

“Mitsuhide, then.”

They remain in silence for a few moments.

“Why is our darling princess out here? You’re missing all the festivities.”

“I prefer quieter company. Everyone in the banquet hall is awfully loud for my tastes.”

“I see. You must be tired from your excursion into town, as well. Such a busy day,” he tuts.

Had he spotted her trailing after him? No matter. There was a challenge in his voice and she would not rise to it. 

“I haven’t had much chance to explore. I had missed seeing new places and people, after being ill for so long.” 

“No need to defend yourself, little mouse. I merely noticed your fetching new charm.” He gestured to the sleeping fox in the centre of her obi.

The kitsune brought something out of his robes and set it beside her, as his other hand rested upon her head. It was a battle for Mirai to resist raising her hackles at him.

“A Christmas present for you. I heard you like this particular bird. Good night, little princess.”

Then Mitsuhide was gone, disappearing down the corridor and leaving silence in his wake. 

Takeuchi Sakura — 竹内 桜

(picrew used for all the girls: https://picrew.me/image_maker/43383)

The oldest daughter of the Mikumo household and Sasuke’s older sister, Sakura works as a child pediatrician at Kyoto City Hospital, and as a result has a lot of fun badges and stickers on her lanyard to share with her child patients. She’s the only kid in the family who isn’t good at history, much to the shock of her parents, so that’s why she became a doctor. Also the only kid to not inherit the Mikumo blindness.

Takeuchi Ritsuo — 竹内 茂吉

(picrew: https://picrew.me/image_maker/31304)

Sakura’s husband, and Sasuke’s brother-in-law. A ward nurse at Kyoto City Hospital, he kinda works under Sakura’s supervision. Absolutely adores Sakura, and gets along really well with Sasuke. Has the unfortunate habit of slipping up at work and calling Sakura “honey” or “dear” instead of Dr. Mikumo. He’s an ambivert but doesn’t like going out as much as Sakura does.

Takeuchi Shotaro — 竹内 章太郎

(picrew: https://picrew.me/image_maker/74885)

Oh boy. Sakura’s first and only son, Shotaro mostly goes by “Taro” or various other nicknames. He’s that one kid that you see in high school, the one that’s at the top of the class every year, plays on a sports team, and runs for student council... and manages to throw wild parties at the same time. Kid is basically a jack of all trades. There isn’t anyone he can’t get along with, simply because he just has the power to charm anyone and everyone he meets. 

Mikumo Shiori — 三雲 撓

Sasuke’s second older sister and the second child of the Mikumo family. She’s a high school history teacher at a local school in Kyoto. Known as the “demon teacher,” Shiori is known for her strict rules in the classroom and in the dojo. She’s also in charge of the school’s judo club, and has a black belt in both judo and mixed martial arts.

Mikumo Seiko — 三雲 晴子

The youngest child in the Mikumo family and therefore the baby, Seiko is a first year university student at a beauty school in Kyoto. She does makeup tutorials as a beginner beauty vlogger on Youtube, and loves all things fashionable including clothes, jewellery, and hairstyles. Sakura, Shiori, and Sasuke would Die for their youngest sister.

Tachibana Aiko — 立花 愛子

My custom MC for ikesen!! If you’ve been following my blog for a long time you might remember there was a time when my url was “iamaikotachibana” — that would be the name of my custom MC~ Aiko is Japanese-American citizen who was born and grew up in the US. After graduating college she moved to Japan to stay with her uncle for a year, but was thrown back into the Sengoku along with Sasuke. Married him after they return to the modern day.

Mikumo Arisa — 三雲 有紗

Sasuke’s first daughter, Arisa is a second year highschool student and training to be a cop like her mum. She gets ninja training in the modern day, along with Tsuki and Taro, from her dad Sasuke, so she knows how to defend herself. Likes to go stargazing with her dad every once in a while.

Mikumo Tsukiko — 三雲 月子

Sasuke’s second daughter and the last of the Mikumo family, Tsukiko prefers that her friends and family call her Tsuki. First year high school student. She’s rather quiet and soft-spoken, and prefers to read or study astrology rather than go out with people unlike her sis and cousin. Her favorite aunt is Shiori, because Shiori lets Tsuki watch R-rated horror films.

Some random stuff about the family

Sakura and Shiori both call Sasuke Zousuke (the kanji for “zou” meaning elephant, or alternatively, statue) because according to Sakura “Once you get Sasuke talking about space or history, he never shuts up. It’s like listening to an elephant constantly trumpeting.” Shiori calls him that because he has an expressionless face, just like a statue

Seiko is called Haru by all her siblings because the first kanji in her name can be read as the kanji for spring

The siblings have different ways of bonding with each other. Shiori and Seiko play trivia games together, while Sakura and Seiko go shopping for cute clothes. Meanwhile, Sakura and Shiori bond by recommending mystery thrillers to each other.

Sasuke used to be shorter than his two older sisters when they were kids, but he grew taller than Sakura and Shiori when they grew up. They’re still salty.

Sakura was the one who taught hair and makeup skills to Sasuke. After Sakura moved out, Sasuke would do Seiko’s makeup for her parties. It’s why she became interested in being a beautician.

~☆~

The Prince and the Frog

The full moon always reshaped the world to Nari's eyes, casting a glow that seemed to transport his very being to the fabled realm of the Fae. Even the dense forest that spanned the back of the castle transformed under the silver luminesce and beckoned for him to explore.

For as long as he could remember, Nari's father had forbidden anyone from entering the dark expanse of trees and thickets. Several missives had been received from villagers and lords alike offering their clearing services over the years that were all denied. An infestation of wolves always cited as the reason for his caution but, in all the years Nari snuck from his room, not so much as a howl had been heard.

In fact, he heard nothing in the forest other than twigs snapping beneath his boots. No owls hooted from the canopy, no foxes scurried about. There weren't even any chattering raccoons despite these weeks being the prime of their mating time. Only a silence that Death themself would find comforting.

Well… and Nari.

Nari enjoyed discovering the forest's secrets in the silence that was such a welcome change from the daily bustle of court and castle life. He didn't mind assisting with leadership or working towards a better way of life for all his father's subjects, as he would soon take over that chief responsibility, but the close minded opinions of the other courtesans were beyond tiring. And that didn't even include the numerous marriage proposals received on a daily basis. The only reprieve of late were his fencing lessons with the knights while he awaited the full moon so he could continue his mapping quest of the forbidden forest.

Nari slumped against his favorite pine, breathing deeply of the sweetness the early summer night elicited from the trees surrounding him. What does this forest possess that unsettles Father so? All the years I've spent studying and still nothing out of the ordinary…

Ribbit.

Nari snapped to attention so fast, his head slammed into a low hanging branch. A thud reverberated from the tree but he could still make out the distant croaking of frogs over the ringing in his ears. He stumbled a few paces before righting himself and continued in the direction of the calls. The telltale trickle of a creek joined in the chorus of amphibians hidden behind a wall of thorny briar bushes. It was for just such situations that he never entered the woods without a machete after his first night exploring.  

The scene that greeted him nearly took his breath away in its ethereal beauty. A bubbling creek seemed to spring from the ground from nowhere and pooled into a moderate fishing pond. Crystal clear water shimmered in the moonlight, revealing sleeping fish nestled along the pebbled bottom. Clusters of green frogs huddled along the water's edge, catching mosquitoes as they flew by.

All except for one.

“Well, I've never seen anything like you before.”

Sitting away from the rest of the group was an exquisitely colored frog of night black skin with silver streaks accenting the ridge of its back. Pulling a kerchief from his pocket, Nari knelt to lift the creature into his covered hand for further inspection.

I could say the same of you.

Nari turned back to the opening he cut in the bushes, expecting to see the woman the voice belonged to, but found no one there.

Down here.

Glancing to his boots now, there were no sign of any legendary pixies or brownies.

The mysterious voice released a sigh. I'm in your hand. You just picked me up.

“My hand…?” Pulling his gaze back, he found himself confronted by eyes suited more for a person than a frog. Warm, chocolate depths that glittered the same as the water watched him with the focus of a scholar.

There you go. Now you found me. The voice floating through his conscious was weak but there, fluttering like silk on the wind and definitely not his own.

“How is this possible?”

You should know. You're the one who found me.

“Only by accident, I assure you.” He turned to the other frogs gathered nearby. “Do the rest of you speak?”

The same croaking as before was his only answer.

I've given up speaking to them. They've never responded to me.

“How long have you been able to communicate like this? Do you have a name?”

For as long as I've been a frog, I've been able to… think? Talk? And I know I had a name-- once-- but I've forgotten it a long ago.

“As long as you've been a frog? Have you been something else?”

Soft laughter washed over him, rough from disuse. I was a person once. I still have… visions?

“Memories?”

Yes, memories. Very few as they are, but there all the same. I remember my father and his funeral… a neighboring king was there with an enchantress. And then I was here.

“Why do you remain? Why haven't you--”

Tried to leave? She scoffed. I have tried… I'm bound to this pond just as I'm bound to this skin. I can go about five hops until I hit an invisible barrier. And the enchantress made sure only magical beings can find this spot on a full moon. She ended on a sigh.

That… would explain the absence of wildlife in the forest. Was it not common knowledge animals could sense magic at work?

So… how did you find me?

He smiled down at the dark amphibian. “My mother’s grandmother was rumored to be Fae. If what you say is true, then I can only assume the rumors were correct.”

She sighed again as she huddled down in his palm. It's… nice. Finally being able to talk. What may I call you?

“You may call me Nari.”

Nari… another tired sigh. I can feel the dawn approaching. You should return home.

“May I visit you again?”

Yes… please.

He left her his kerchief, carefully wrapping it around her as he settled her where he thought the sun would shine most. The morning sun was just breaking through the trees when he stepped over the briar bush barrier. As he turned back, his breath was nearly taken from him for a second time since leaving his room.

The pond was gone.

As he made his way back to his castle home, Nari was filled with a sense of purpose and bypassed the breakfast prep in the kitchens for the library. He only had until the next full moon…

He had research to do.

~*~

A fortnight later, Nari dropped the book to the table with a thunk while rubbing his eyes after removing his glasses. He had spent countless hours scouring the expanse of books and what did he have to show for it? Whispers of legends and fairy tales that sounded ridiculous even to him. Nari grimaced at the shelves before him. It would take far longer than another fortnight to continue researching at this pace. He needed help.

He needed information.

~*~

If the town tavern was known for anything, it was its rampant activities of questionable legality. The few times Nari had crossed its path previously was from behind the safety of an armed escort when Father attempted to put on a show of concern for the people, more than once having witnessed an unruly patron be tossed from the entrance.

Nari pulled his cloak’s collar tighter around him. The last three days leg work of investigating the legitimacy of outlandish wizard tales and spellwork had all led him to the seedy establishment in search of one man. A man said to have a hand in many circles, both local and abroad, with a network capable of tracking down the truth behind any rumor…

“And why, pray tell, would such a goose chase be of interest to me?”

The golden gaze levelled upon Nari sent a bead of sweat rolling down his spine but he remained uncowed. Despite a show of comfortably lounging among richly colored purple pillows and sky blue blankets, the white hooded man embodied predatory dominance as a fox would over a brood of hens. Predators fed off fear and he would show none in the face of this one.

“As I hear it, you enjoy chasing such game.”

“Perhaps,” a slight tilt of his stein in agreement before hovering at his chin. “But ventures on such unstable… foundations tend to fall apart quickly and have an expensive upkeep until they do.”

I expected as much. Pulling a pouch from his inner pocket, Nari tossed the tightly wound coin bag onto the table next to the pile of pillows. The soft clink of metal sliding across metal earned an arched eyebrow of interest and a flutter of silver lashes before landing upon Nari again.

“My my,” the barterer sat straighter now, having ruled the interaction worthy of his full attention. “What motivates our dear prince as to fund an exploration of tall tales?”

Guess even the borrowed clothes of a stable hand wasn't enough to throw off this fox. “My motives are my own. I expect weekly updates and, when I have what I need, you'll receive the second half of payment when the job is done. Is that reasonable, Kitsune?”

“Please,” a chuckle rumbled between them as he finished the contents of his stein, eyes never leaving Nari’s and an intrigued smirk lifting the corner of his lips. “My partners call me Mitsuhide.”

~*~

Nari received the first update two days later and the amount of information in the letter rendered his knees useless. He hadn't been able to gather this much knowledge in the fortnight he had spent holed up in the library! The basics of the spellwork, the power and supplies needed, as well as theories on how to undo such casting were lined out in a neat hand.

Theories only. If the letter were to be believed, a reversal by the original caster would be the best route. For that, they would need to know the identity of said caster. Would the frog know the name of the enchantress if she didn't know her own? Unlikely, but only one way find out with the next full moon just days away. In the meantime, Mitsuhide had included a magical bind breaking method that required a bit of interesting preparation.

The sharp, angry click of riding boots against the marble floors pulled him from his mental checklist.

Uh-oh.

“Mitsunari!” The booming voice of the only man who insisted on using his full name barged into the library just as Nari concealed his letter by closing it into a book. The edge of Father's lavender silk lined riding cloak swept the floor as he came to a halt at the edge of the table, scowling down with no attempt to hide the fury forming in his eyes. “Before I left to visit your brother’s lands, did I not make it clear you were to have chosen a fiancée by now? It is already summer and the autumn social only two months away. The social when an engagement was supposed to be announced!”

Nari sighed as he slumped into a nearby chair. “Apologies, Father. It must have slipped my mind with your role of kingship falling to me in your absence. Also, it is quite a difficult decision not only by the quantity but quality as well. The few I have already met would not make for suitable queens, and how can anyone choose a future based on the biased words of their fathers?”

His jaw ticked. The signal marking his fury. Father never before raised his voice in anger, lest ‘unseemly’ rumors stir and tarnish the golden image he worked so hard to achieve. Nari had no fear of an outburst, but the slim narrowing of Father's eyes as he crouched low and whispered lower was always a reason for concern. “You have two months. I suggest you spend as much time looking over the proposals as you do your books.”

He turned sharply and marched from the library as furiously as he came, the draft of his cloak scattering a few loose pages across the table.

Well, that was to be expected… afraid I can’t put off that princely duty for much longer, can I? Glancing back to the book in his hands, Nari pulled the letter from its hiding place. At least, I might be able to accomplish one meaningful thing before that time comes…

Daylight hours of the next week were meticulously spent placating his father by looking over the accumulated marriage offers, going so far as to craft a comparison chart of the candidates listed qualities and accomplishments in an order of preferred queenship.

“Hirona of Hiroshi… Cecilia of Rothmere… Annette of Wellington? Those are your top choices? Royalty of farming peasants?” The disdain laden words of Father as he read over the first reports Nari had crafted sent a familiar wave of dread through him even as he straightened his shoulders and defended the honor of women never met.

“Princess Hirona has been invested in politics and headed many crucial meetings on behalf of her father for several years. Lady Cecilia is quite skilled in numbers, often working alongside her country's treasury and advocates against governmental corruption. Ms. Annette is beloved among her people, frequently seen with healers to achieve new methods of healthcare and hygiene. Each realm produces varying crops that we do not have the climate for here. I thought you would appreciate the trade opportunities as, I believe, our textile and fur crafting specialties would benefit all three provinces.”

The effort proved worthy as Father didn't interfere with him after that. Choosing, instead, to be happy with the progress and dispatched the chosen trio’s invitations to the autumn festival.

Nari spent his nights gathering the listed materials for the bind break provided by Mitsuhide. One of which, required soaking a coin bag of cinnamon sticks in holy water under the moonlight for three nights before use. The fourth night was the full moon and-- per routine-- he used the vine growth of the castle to his advantage as he descended the concealed rope to the shadowed ground. After picking up his usual machete from the garden shack, Nari was on his way down the carefully construed footpath he had crafted for himself. He made record time through the forest and soon the song of chorus frogs reached his ears through the deafening silence of the forest, guiding him to his destination.

His feet froze in place at the sight of a figure crouched over the edge of the pond, draped in a sparkling white cloak kept tight only by the sky blue sash about the waist. A familiar chuckle danced through the night as the figure stood. “I was wondering how long we would be kept waiting.”

“Mitsuhide? What are you doing here? How are you here?”

“Can't have word going around of my services failing. I'm here to ensure the bind breaks and you get your pay worth. I was just telling the lady here I have some of my best men tracking down leads on who her enchantress may be.”

“I'm still curious as to how you are here.” It didn't escape Nari's notice Mitsuhide avoided one of his questions.

“That's not important right now.” Mitsuhide held his palm out to Nari, enchanted frog in question swaddled in the center.

Is it true, Nari? Her voice was far stronger now than the last time he was here, free of the lethargy that plagued her as she crawled into his hands. You've found a way to break it?

He couldn't help the smile forming at the hope in her voice. “I'm afraid I couldn't risk being seen researching such topics outside my home but I located a man who could. Mitsuhide seems to think this worth a try, I can only trust his word.”

“Such praise… I’m honored to be considered for it but might we get on with breaking the barrier? There are far more profitable ways I'd like to spend my evening.”

Gently setting her to the ground, he pulled the materials from the pack and set about the instructions. Mitsuhide assisted in perfecting placements of the soaked cinnamon and transferring her to the bag. Nari took a deep breath to calm the jumble of nerves that had formed in his stomach after all was set as it should be, forcing a smile for his amphibian friend. “Ready?”

Her uneasy laugh trickled across his conscious. As ready as I can be.

Mitsuhide slouched against a tree beyond the briars, tapping his fingers along his crossed arm in an intentional show of impatience. Each pace Nari took shook his nerves like the earthquakes of the eastern lands. What if it fails? She sounded so faded when we first met, what if this drains her of what miniscule energy she has left?

A hundred different ‘what if’s were still swirling when a hand smacked him in the forehead to stop his pacing. “Planning on walking off a cliff, are you?”

Nari blinked down at the white rapids that rushed the bottom of the ravine. “Oh! I’m sorry, I hadn't noticed. I was focusing on back up plans if this should fail.”

“Well, no need. She is still in your hands and we are much farther than her confinement previously allowed.”

Nari beamed down to his palms. “How do you feel?”

I feel… her contemplative silence had Nari holding his breath until she gushed with a smile in her voice. Wonderful! I feel as if a heavy blanket has been lifted off of me. Thank you! Thank you, both!

“Always a pleasure to rescue a distressed damsel.” Mitsuhide raised a finger to her forehead in a way of greeting. Nari thought he could see a deep swell of relief flood through those golden depths of his, but it was gone in the next instant. “I must be off now. I will send updates as I can but they will not be as frequent as previously agreed.”

“You’re leaving?” Nari was stunned as he stared after the fluttering cloak of his accomplice. “Where to now?”

Mitsuhide glanced back over his shoulder with that usual smirk while checking his hood’s placement. “To catch a goose.”

~*~

Nari thought it would be hard to conceal a large frog throughout the day but, after experimenting with several places in his coat, they found his shoulder to be the best place she could grip. The position also allowed her to easily peer out from under his lapel without being spotted. Convenient for reading.

With the hours they spent in the library, Nari learned the frog was a skilled reader and possessed an incredibly comprehensive mind. He concluded the mental stimulation was beneficial as she slowly began to remember different pieces of her past, events of the nation's history, and even her favorite stories. Each day held a new surprise as they read over reports of the area or complaints from local nobles. She was filled with an unexplainable need to help in any way she thought she could.

Sometimes… it was simply reminding him to eat.

Nari! Her voice blasted across his mind with the force of a gale wind, pulling him completely from his book. Lunch arrived some time ago. The tea will get cold.

“Oh, thank you!”

He could hear the suppressed laughter in her voice. It's ok. I'm kind of envious you can ignore the rest of the world like that. I never could. Every flutter of a bird or shout of a servant would distract me from my studies as a kid.

He smiled openly as she continued with the newly revealed memory as he ate.

“I'm almost done here for the day. Would you like to see about the town?”

Can we? There was no hiding the interest in her eyes.

He nodded. “I haven't toured through town in some time and it may help you discover more of who you are.”

Thank you.

It wasn't long after calling for a guard and mounting his steed that they were trotting through the cobbled paths of the bustling city proper. Merchants hocked various wares to anyone within earshot of their carts and stalls. Farmers haggled with fur crafters on reasonable trades in early preparation for Winter. To the common eye, it would seem like a time of prosperity.

But her eyes were far from common.

There are so few sellers… and fewer customers. There is variety but each peddler seems to have a monopoly on their products. Is there any government over prices?

Nari fluffed his coat and whispered into his shoulder. “There is a merchants guild but many of the members have my father's ear.”

So they have free reign. I'm sure the fee to join is out of reach from the common peddlers, isn't it?

A grunt of confirmation.

She remained silent for several long moments as they continued through the streets while Nari extended greetings and smiles to the people. She spoke again only once he had regained a safe distance from the ears of the guard. May we visit the city’s edge?

“My friend…” he started. How could he persuade against the idea when her question was so strong? There even seemed to be an edge of challenge as she awaited his answer. “It is not… well off.”

I'd still like to see it, Nari. Please?

He resigned to his fate with a sigh. “Alright.”

~*~

She was furious.

Nari knew he had trouble with reading people most of the time but even he could sense it. Waves of anger radiated from the creature perched on his shoulder the moment the city’s outer edges became visible.

She was silent.

He feared he might set light to a powder barrel if he made any wrong move as he gently settled her upon the special pillow he had set aside as a bed for her. Since bringing her to the castle, she had been nothing but questions and stories as her memories slowly uncovered themselves. The silence was unsettling.

Should he say something? Ask something?

“I tried to warn you.” He whispered as he rested his head on his pillow.

Warn me?!

Uh-oh. Maybe that was the light to the powder...

The larger part of the population works to the bone and are left with what? Rundown shacks that let in more light than block it? Meager food scraps that are supposed to last them until… do they even know when their next meal will be? Isn't there anything to be done? You're the Prince, there has to be something you can do!

Nari let out a sigh as he reached his palm out to her. She climbed in his hand without question and nestled on his chest when he plopped her there. “I have researched all the laws and, since I was young, have worked to appeal many. I managed to gain traction several times when Father was away visiting my brother. But once he returned, all the changes I had implemented were overturned. Every time. Worse yet, any individual who had benefited from the assistance extended to them were forced to repay it… with interest.”

And if they couldn't?

“There was no leniency.”

Her silence now may not have been from anger but it was just as unsettling as it had been before, containing the same echo of helplessness he often felt over the years.

“It is late, my friend.”

I know. I just… She didn't have to finish. He knew the pain well. Can we walk?

“Walk? Where?”

I don't know. I just feel I need to be… somewhere.

“Alright, we'll walk.” It only took a moment for him to pull his night robe over his shoulders and adjust her position and then they were in the hallway. “Where to?”

“Towards the garden.”

Down the hall they went until they reached the landing to the staircase case that would take them to the courtyard.

Stop! Go left.

“Left? There is nothing to the left, it’s just a lounge area.”

Oh, something is there.

"To the left it is."

It was a moderate sized alcove, where two cushioned benches in the royal colors welcomed any potential sitters for easy conversations. A window stretched from floor to ceiling to let in as much light as possible. Flowers sat in large marble vases on both sides to complement the extravagant tapestries that lined the walls, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise cozy area.

Lift the tapestry on the right.

Nari raised his eyebrow to the far away tone she used. Could it be a new memory revealing itself again? Two had never appeared in one day before.

With his own curiosity further piqued, he lifted the fabric from the wall and almost couldn't believe his eyes. An intricately carved oaken door stood like a secret guardian just under his hand.

Look up to the left corner. See the stone that is longer than the others? Pull it.

Excitement got the better of him as the brick scraped against the others and echoed in the hall.

Quietly!

“Sorry!”

Using both hands now, he pulled the stone from its place as slowly as possible. Once removed he could feel its weight was half that of a normal stone and found the back side to be hollowed out. Turning it over in his palm, cool metal fell into his fingers.

The key!

“You know,” he started as he smiled to his friend, turning the bronze key in his fingers several times. “I've suspected for a while now that you were highborn. Such intimate knowledge of the castle now confirms you aren't just noble but something more.”

Something more?

He nodded as he turned the key in the door with a successful click. “You are royalty.”

After attaining an oil lamp to investigate the secret room, the number of journals and half-finished paintings made it immediately evident the room had been a private parlor. The name inscribed upon all the volumes had been the same.

Mai.

For years, Mai had been known as the Runaway Princess after disappearing immediately following her father's funeral pyre. A nationwide search had been raised but to no avail, leading many to believe foul play was at hand. No evidence ever emerged to solidify such claims but still, a rift was torn between the country’s two greatest allies and lead to the break of an alliance that had remained solid for four centuries. And now, they had discovered the stash of journals that may hold the solutions to unanswered questions.

That realization was quickly overshadowed when he heard his friend croak loudly in surprise.

That painting… that's my father!

Nari's head snapped to the depiction in question and he froze at the sight. Two men were featured in the craft. One sat upon a plush black velvet lined chair that was easily recognizable as the throne. The crown upon his head easily marked the man as King while the legendary scar crossing his features identified him as the most recent king before Nari's father… who was seen standing tall over the previous king's right flank.

“Which man?” Had his throat ever been so dry in his life?

The crown… the one with the crown.

Of course. Hadn't he just voiced his theory of her being royalty? It only makes sense that she was His Majesty Kennyo's daughter. Of course she was the missing princess.

And the other is the neighboring king who brought the enchantress.

“Pardon?” He heard wrong. He had to have heard her wrong.

The last memory I had before you found me was of that man ordering something to the woman. Somehow, I knew he was a king even if I didn't know his name. Do you know who he is?

A humorless laugh escaped Nari as he set the lamp on a table, lest his trembling fingers drop it and start a blaze. “I know him well. He would be your uncle then as he is the previous king's brother.”

She was stunned to silence a moment before her thoughts caught up to her. The ‘previous’...? But that would make him--

“My father.”

~*~

The only word from Mitsuhide arrived without signature or preamble on the last day of summer.

I caught the goose.

The missive was delivered to the garden courtyard where Nari had been in the midst of a demonstration of his skills for several visiting dignitaries. With the festival a day away, many had arrived earlier in the week to enjoy the change of weather and a fencing match against foreign knights had been in order according to Father. Three other princes from abroad were also embroiled in the sparring matches to form a mock contest between nobles and royals alike.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't enjoying himself. Analyzing the other fencers allowed him to spot patterns in their movements and easily turn the match to his favor. The letter’s arrival simply gave him the energy needed to push through the final obstacle in the way of relaying the news to his friend.

A round of applause spilled through the small audience once Nari successfully disarmed his last opponent. He bowed with a smile, accepting a kerchief from a nearby noble lady while she released a wistful sigh.

“If I had known of such a contest, I would have dressed more appropriately and thrown my blade into the ring.” Her dark eyes danced across the courtyard where many of the former combatants gathered to discuss different techniques and the different foil craftsmanship of their homelands. Unlike the typical extravagant curls and updos of royalty, her chestnut hair was gathered into a single plait pulled over her shoulder.

“My Lady,” her escort grimaced from her flank in a light attempt of scolding his charge.

“Dame, Edwin,” she corrected as if she had a thousand times before.

The seasoned guard held his tongue a moment before addressing Nari directly. “Prince Mitsunari, I present her Ladyship, Dame Annette of Wellington.”

“ ‘Dame’?” Nari smiled. “I’d heard of your healing capabilities but not of your knighthood. I’m sure we can arrange another contest before the end of your stay if you like?”

Edwin scrubbed a hand over his face as a flash of pink dusted across his charge’s bronzed features as she grinned. “I would like that.”

Nari smiled again as he dabbed his brow while he spotted his Father’s nod of approval. One impression down, two to go. He needed to keep dancing to his father’s tune for only a while longer, just until Mitsuhide returned with the enchantress who could testify to his misdeeds and restore the princess to her true nature.

And after?

He’d figure that out when the time came.

~*~

The next morning, he awoke to find the princess perched on the window sill staring down into the courtyard.

“Morning Princess. Something catch your eye?”

Morning Nari. I was just watching the guests arrive. They all seem rather stylish for a harvest celebration.

“Father's annual party has always focused more on the celebration aspect than anything.”

Ah, of course. If she sounded anymore disgusted he feared she might heave. A squad of mounted horsemen drew her eye once more and was that gasp he heard? Who is that?

“Lord Uesugi?”

Uesugi? Of Echigo? We have an alliance with them.

“Had,” Nari corrected. “Your disappearance so soon after your father's death put quite the strain on those relations. My father and the senior Uesugi never saw eye to eye on many subjects so that was the final nail in the coffin so to speak. This would be the first time anyone of Echigo has returned to this palace, much less four nobles.”

As if you needed any more to worry about.

Despite her words being directed to him, it sounded as if she were speaking to herself more than him. “What has you troubled?”

Just nervous, I guess. I've been like this for so long that I'm afraid I might not know how to function as a person anymore.

He scooped her from her place and pulled her to his shoulder. “Should you need anything, you need only ask. I’m sure it will be a shock to everyone once they see you again but I will be there to assist you during the transition of power.”

Nari… she rubbed her head flat to his neck in thanks for a moment before leaping back to the window sill. Alright, enough of that. We have a party to get ready for.

“Yes, we do.”

~*~

Nari had just placed Mai onto his shoulder under his coat when an urgent rapping sounded at his door. Father never knocked, and service staff would be busy in the ballroom.

Once he opened the door by a sliver, it was pushed open and a flash of white dashed into the room before clicking the door shut.

“Mitsuhide? I wasn't expecting you so soon. Who is this?” Nari glanced to the new woman beyond Mitsuhide’s shoulder. Her mass of golden curls were gathered into a twist at the base of her neck while lavender eyes peered out from under her black cloak hood.

“This, Dear Ones, would be our elusive goose.”

That's not the enchantress. Mai spoke quickly.

“Is it safe to speak here?” The woman stepped forward and glanced back to Mitsuhide. Once receiving a nod of confirmation, she smiled to the duo before her. “I am Moryn. Aura was my sister. You must be Princess Mai and you Mitsunari. I have something for you, from your mother.”

Nari gazed curiously as she rummaged through her satchel. “My mother died after childbirth.”

“Did the king tell you that?” She questioned dryly,  pausing in her search. From her bag, she pulled two folded missives bearing the royal seal. They were yellowed with age and appeared as if they would disintegrate under another's touch. One bore his name in an elegant hand while Mai's was inscribed on the other. “Your mother was a talented mage whose only crime was crossing paths with a greedy prince.”

“I don't understand.”

“It's all in the letter but that prince managed to trap Aura with a magic stone and bend her to his will. He forced her to devise the poison that killed the previous king and she was almost forced to kill the princess.”

Why didn't she? Mai questioned when Nari remained shocked silent.

“The king made a mistake. His words didn't form a solid order and she was able to improvise. She knew there was a hidden pond deep in the woods so she transfigured you into one of its residents, but your color didn't match the others. She was forced to enchant the entire area until she could retrieve you at a later time.”

But… that time never came.

Moryn’s smile softened. “No, it didn't. Casting on such a large area drained her significantly. She would have been fine if she were able to rest it off but the king's brother found her leaving the forest. His stone only forces actions from a person, not words, and he killed her when she wouldn't reveal what she'd done. Only said he would never find you.”

“Why?” Nari couldn't keep the anguish from his voice. All this time, he had been raised on lies. Raised by a man who killed his own brother… “Why would he kill his own lover?”

Moryn shook her head quickly. “They were never lovers. He simply needed someone talented enough to do his bidding with something he could hold as leverage over their head. You were Aura's. He captured you and threatened your life.”

Mai rubbed her head against his neck in a small gesture of comfort as he sat on the bed. So the king isn't Nari's father?

“Goodness, no!” She gushed before clearing her throat. “I’m sorry, I didn't know that was the situation. No, he's not. The last I saw of Aura’s sight was the king saying she failed her son and I’ve thought you dead as well all these years.”

Nari rubbed his eyes as he took in all the information. There were still pieces missing but the puzzle had mostly come together now. The rest of the ‘why’s would have to come from the king himself.

Nari glanced to his shoulder where Mai continued to rest her head against him in support. “So where do we go from here? How are we to restore the princess if the caster was killed? Shouldn't the spellwork have been undone already?”

“If Aura were a simple spellcaster then yes, but we are of Fae lineage with true magic in our blood. It doesn't just illude, it alters the subject at its core and even Death cannot supersede that.”

So… I'm to remain as I am? Only able to converse with magical creatures?

Mitsuhide chuckled knowingly from his place against the door. “No… there is still a way around it.”

The comment earned him a fierce glare. “Not helping.”

“Apologies, Little Mouse. Please, do continue.”

Moryn huffed out her irritation before turning back to Mai and Nari. “In this instance, there is only one thing needed…”

Alright… what is it?

Moryn inhaled deeply and covered her squinting eyes as if to hide herself before releasing the answer on a rush. “A kiss of true love.”

The room fell to silence for several long moments. Mitsuhide was the first to speak. “I do believe that was most painful for you to say, Little Mouse.”

“Shut it!”

Mai recovered next. I have been a frog for I don't even know how long--

“Twenty years.” Mitsuhide supplied.

--Where am I supposed to find that?!

Moryn recovered from her own embarrassment enough to suggest a solution. “There are many kinds of love, Princess… and most of them are true. An innocent kiss of a dear friend would suffice, I'm sure.”

“Worth a try.” Nari finally spoke again as he lifted Mai from his shoulder. “What do you say?”

She fidgeted in his palm as nerves got the best of her before she settled. It’s worth a try.

Before either of them could back out, Nari planted a chaste kiss to the top of her head.

~*~

The party was as silent as the forest.

It was Mitsuhide’s plan to reveal the Runaway Princess the same as the other visiting royal and dignitary arrivals were announced… by proclamation to the entire ballroom.

Gasps and cries of surprise had washed through the crowd like the season’s first rainstorm flooded croplands after a dry spell. There were even a few crystal glasses laying shattered on the otherwise shining floor. Now, the only sound to break the loaded silence were the taps and clicks of the Princess’s shoes-- and those of her attendants-- as they descended the grand staircase to the dance floor. Despite the still present shock of the gathered guests, many moved aside to form a clear walkway to the polished throne.

“Mitsunari!” The King’s voice bellowed uncharacteristically as his eyes landed on Nari at Mai’s flank. “What is the meaning of this?”

Moryn stepped in front of Nari. “I think you know well the meaning of this!”

The King rose to his feet in the next instant. “Guards! Arrest these three!”

“On what charges?” A familiar voice rose over the scramble of armed footmen heeding the order of their king. Dame Annette, accompanied by Edwin, marched through the crowd that now parted for her. Her braid was coiled into a bun on the top of her head while the dress from yesterday's brunch was replaced with a specially tailored uniform of her country's military officers. The glittering hilt of the blade at her hip reflected in the candlelight with silent promise.

“This witch was the one who poisoned my brother!” He snarled with a finger raised toward Moryn as she glared back just as vehemently as he shook his finger. “And now she poisons my own son against me by bringing this wretch into the Palace.”

Mai squared her shoulders as his accusations moved to her. “If anyone has been poisoned against you, I assure you, it has been by your own hand.”

“Guards!”

The footmen made to pull their swords from their scabbards but were met with the ready blades of Annette and Edwin on their hands while he purred to the men before him. “Now, now, gentlemen. Let’s not be hasty. I’d hate to send you home looking like Lord Masamune.”

“Always the jester, aren't you Sir Edwin?” The new voice joined with his blade poised in preparation of an attack. “If I recall correctly, I was the who gave you that slight limp you hide so well.”

“Boys!” Annette chastised before turning back to the King. “I thought it was known His Majesty succumbed to a winter sickness. That is what my father taught me.”

“As did mine,” The deep resonating tone of Lord Uesugi carried across the audience as his blade added to the defense of Mai. “How is it you know differently?”

“I am King here! I will ask the questions!”

“Not when you have been called to question on a murder.” Nari’s voice rose now for the first time since entering the ballroom. “As the law that our kingdom was founded on states… ‘even the one who wears the crown must testify when they are called’.”

“I would like to hear the answer Lord Uesugi’s question,” Annette smirked as the guards turned about face and caged the King in a semicircle formation.

Mai spoke again when the King remained silent. “You arranged for my father’s death out of your own greed. Forced a woman to craft an undetectable poison and then tried to have her kill me.”

“Which she failed to do!”

Another round of gasps spread through the crowd as the color slowly drained from the King's face with the realization of his own admission. “No, no! That's not what I mean!”

“It's exactly as you mean. You controlled the mage known as Aura with a piece Fae's Bane but failed to concisely order my death. Can you honestly deny that?”

The ballroom was plunged into unearthly silence once again as it awaited an answer that never came.

Annette scoffed. “Your silence is answer enough. Guards… I think you know who to arrest.”

He managed to keep what little dignity he had left by not kicking or screaming as the footmen escorted him out of the ballroom. Those who had gathered in the Princess’s defense each sheathed their blades as they all nodded to one another.

“Well, that was fun,” Lord Masamune grinned with genuine joy. “I’m going to have quite the challenge trying to organize a party more memorable than this. You even managed to drag Kenshin away from the plums.”

“Please,” Kenshin sneered. “I'm only here because I thought there we were going to battle.”

Annette rolled her eyes. “Ignore them, My Lady. The two dragons are known for their bickering and rivalry. I think everyone is interested in where you have been all this time.”

A trickle of relieved laughter spilled from the Princess as she turned to Nari, extending her hand to him. “That is quite a tale to tell. Nari, will you help me?”