Thanks a lot for the votes and comments guys! Really made my day! ^^

This is going to be longer than the previous parts. Read at your own risk.

Enjoy!

..~*~..

The battle was so sudden and short; they barely have enough time to process what just happened.

The once calm and quiet village was now nothing but a rubble and a wreckage — a very eventful spectacle for those who have lost everything from the madness; left what was once shared a happy memory. The silent vacancy of the area only added a very nauseating aura for the villagers as they gloomily helped each other drag their carriages and wagons which were filled with their personal belongings that they seem to have rescued when the assassins terrorized their village.

Carefully helping the 7 year old boy stand up by his own after almost tripping himself on the bumpy road, Kamui smiled as the kid gave him a respectful bow before running to the others. Kamui watched him blend in and couldn't help the worry creeping inside him for the villagers. It was great news that there's a nearby good village with kind people (who heard of the unfortunate event) and heartily welcomed the villagers who lost everything from the dilemma, but still, it worries the prince a lot. Nonetheless, he still continued forth with that overflowing determination.

It was somewhat quiet when they reached the unharmed village nearby. The villagers who welcomed them provided them little food and clothing for them. It's a pleasing sight for the Hoshidan siblings but they couldn't help but sympathize. The homeless was brimming with gloom at the misfortune that befell on them. They barely talked to their neighbors and friends. The only noise could be heard is the cries of the toddlers and the faint coos elicited by the parents who are doing their best to calm down their children. The Hoshidan army could only watch them as they succumbed into self-pity. The event really did traumatize them hard. If it wasn't for them, they would've been dead by now.

The time flew by fast and before they knew it, the night dominated the universe. They were supposed to leave after helping the villagers, but the villagers insisted that they stay the night for gratitude. Since they are very exhausted and slightly wounded, they begrudgingly accepted the kind offer and prepared a camp outside.

The army was tending to each other's wounds as the others rested. Sitting on the stump alone was Takumi. After giving a short observation of his bow and arrow, Takumi watched the villagers from afar. From his position, he saw an elder shivering from the cold — when suddenly; a considerate petite woman offered a blanket to him. His eyes squinted from the dark as the woman's armor shone from the moonlight.

'That armor seems familiar...'

He focused even more and when he realized who it was, his back straightened. It was (f/n). He continued watching her like a hawk and when she smiled down at the elder, his eyes narrowed further before she left. Takumi clutched his weapon tightly, standing up as one thought passed through his mind.

That's not (f/n).

..~*~..

"That should do the trick."

(F/n) wiped away the sweat rolling down her forehead with the back of her hand. She sheathed her sword, Starlight, in a brief momentum. She was training in a clear vicinity near the village — just not too far away from the camp — with an illuminated torch providing her light. Just minutes ago, she offered the shivering old man a blanket and asked of a clearing where she can continue her rehearsals, which led her here.

Staring back at the dummy she used to sharpen up her skills; while thinking of ways on what to do, a certain prince popped out in the depths of her mind.

Takumi.

Her shoulders slouched at that one thought. These past few days, he was avoiding her whenever their paths meet. Honestly, it hurts (f/n) a lot. She's now growing fond of the youth, especially those few moments they shared from everyone whenever they had the chance to. But after that one night — when she caught him strolling through the wisp of darkness in the middle of the night; upon learning one of his secrets — he was starting to avoid her at all costs.

Did she do something that might've offended him? It might be so. Takumi wouldn't do that to someone unless he was irritated at them. Or maybe that's the reason? That he was irritated at her? (F/n) gave a cluck of her tongue in annoyance of not having her questions being answered. It irked her a lot that she doesn't know a single thing about his sudden cold disposition. She would've talked this out with him but no. He was avoiding her!

Taking a step towards the dummy that was lying on the floor, worn-out, she suddenly felt another presence behind her not too far away which deliberately stopped the woman from her second step. Everything was still and quiet. Her breaths came out in small labor huffs but her posture is still and sure, the way her hands are tensed on her sides made her muscles twitched.

Whirling around upon hearing something sliced through the gale, (f/n) swiftly unsheathed her sword and cut the arrow that was directly aimed at her between her eyes. It split into two as it fell in a heap on the ground. (F/n) kept away her sword and her eyes met those fierce Amber eyes that she hasn't seen for days, his bow and arrow directed at her.

"What are you—?"

Another arrow shot at her in extreme speed but it ricocheted on her sword once she lifted it in precise timing before it pierced her face once more.

"Show yourself, (f/n)."

"I-I don't understand—!" Another arrow met her but she blocked it away with her sword. She took a tentative step back as Takumi took another arrow from his quiver.

"This isn't something (f/n) would do."

"What?!" Parrying the arrow that Takumi drew, she gritted her teeth from Takumi's puzzling disposition as she readied her stance. "Takumi, what are you saying?! It's me, (f/n)!"

"I know it's you, you idiot." He dropped his bow, his eyes met hers. "You are (f/n), but you're not acting as yourself."

Her stance quivered. "Takumi..."

"Tell me," Before she has the chance to react, Takumi bolted at her; and once he's near enough, he took out a dagger out of nowhere, and knocked her sword away by the hilt of the dagger in a blink of an eye —which took her by surprise — as it fell on the ground with a heavy thud. Snaking an arm around her waist, he lightly pressed the dagger to her neck — quite similar to the stunt she presented to him that night when she first comforted him — eyes glaring to hers. "Why are you putting up an act like this?"

(F/n) couldn't speak, nor she heard what he said; she remained frozen from his hold. The only thing she's fully aware of is the proximity of their bodies and his youthful face blocking everything the view. Something within her stirs. Her heart gave a very huge leap of beat and she's feeling the fluttering in her stomach which she has never felt before. It was somewhat... new to her, yet very pleasant.

Takumi, on the other hand, just remained staring back at her. He doesn't know what's going on with her mind, but whatever it is, it seems not really good at all considering the fact that she's blushing.

"(F/n), did you even hear me?" His voice came out annoyed.

"I..." She glanced away, clearing her throat. "I.. Well ah..."

Takumi just raised a brow at her.

"Um... You learned my tricks?" She nervously answered back, tittering. Takumi just gave a blank look at her.

"I did. I thank you for that. Now back at the topic," He began, his eyes luring her in. "What is going on? Why do you look sullen when you gave that old man a blanket?"

(F/n) was surprised. He saw that? Was he watching her all this time? Another heat crept down her cheeks. Is he...? Is he thinking about her? Her heart skip a beat once more.

"You saw that? How.."

"I did. Now answer me." He demanded.

(F/n) was silent. She kept her composure in check, knowing that if she made the slightest move, she might break down in front of him. And that's the last thing she ever wanted.

"(F/n)—"

"I felt useless."

Takumi reeled back, accidentally releasing her. "What?"

The woman sighed, "A while ago when we are in the middle of the battle, I saw a child hiding in the haystack by the wagon." She began, "I rushed to him to protect him. I did." She paused for a while, and her hands coiled into fists. "But it was never enough. I was surrounded. I was fighting far away from the others that's why they never knew that I'm in trouble." Her voice grew faint as it quivered, Takumi had a hard time to catch up. "I did my best. I really did. I tried to fend them off by myself but the child— he– he.."

She never had the chance to continue anymore. Takumi knew already what was the outcome and so, he just hesitantly enveloped the woman in his arms as she cried on his chest. This would've annoyed him, but it didn't. Instead, he felt the sudden urge to protect her and have her in his embrace, which confuses him a lot.

Since when did he start being like this?

Takumi was really confused and wanted to ask. But for her sake, he kept it in and just held her. He'll just ask her someday. There's enough time for that. Right now, they just remained standing there for a while, hugging each other for comfort.

"It's not your fault. You did your best. You rescued a lot of lives and that's what matters the most."

"But.."

"That one death has nothing to compare with a hundred of lives, (f/n)." His mind is working, "Yes, it really is saddening to think that he didn't make it but you did all what you got." The woman could only tremble in his warm embrace. Harsh, yes, but he's just saying the truth. Takumi continued, patting her back. "He will be remembered. Don't worry."

"Alright.." She nodded, sniffing.

Takumi didn't reply. He just embraced her, watching her succumb with self-pity. Silence took the next role. The only sound that could be heard in the calming atmosphere is the wheezes and sniffs insinuated by the devastated woman, but that silent moment broke when the female suddenly called his name. He loosened his hold for her as she leaned back to face him, tear stained face.

"Takumi-san, why—" She choke out, tears gently cascading down her face which made Takumi uneasy. "Why are you avoiding me lately? Have I done something to offend you?"

Now he really wished he hadn't done that.

"No. I was..." I was just annoyed of you. A lot. I actually don't want to talk to you, is what he wanted to say but he can't find himself to say it out loud. Not when she's emotionally wounded at that state. "Why do you need to know anyway? Does every question requires an answer?" He gruffly replied, huffing as he crosses his arms.

"...I was just worried that I might've done something to irritate you.."

'In fact, you did.' He thought out loud, but he kept silent.

"I'm so sorry, Takumi-san. I was really feeling down so lately after the... incident a while ago. Then you came.. The feeling just only intensified.."

Takumi was downright irritated at that. "So now you're rubbing it to me?"

"No! That's not it!" She shook her head, "It just really hurts me a lot. I mean–" She blushed a bit, "we're beginning to get close. I learned a bit about you and it makes me happy that you barely scowl at me now. But when you avoided me... It really hurts a lot." She pursed her lips and looked away, flustered. "I actually like spending my time with you."

Takumi blinked and lowered his arms. It took him a while to process everything she said, and when it did, the fuse broke inside him and he started blushing. "W-what are you saying?! Tsk!" He turned around, flustered.

"Heh." (F/n) wiped away any noticeable stained tears as she grinned. "Are you flustered, Takumi-san?"

"Shut up! You're so annoying!" He harshly said with his back still facing her. Her grin faltered.

"I'm so sorry."

Takumi heard the hurt of her voice and he sighed, his shoulders slouching downwards as he did so. He derisively turned around and just frowned.

"Don't give me that look, woman."

"I'm really sorry.."

Takumi's feature softened a bit. Just a bit. He sighed once more and took a step forward, enveloping her in his arms once more.

"You just never stop, do you?" Takumi gave an annoyed grunt as she embraced him back. This woman is really getting to his nerves, judging by the way how he glared to no one in particular.

"I guess." She laughed, before releasing him. Once she did, the prince took a step back and fixed his clothes, scoffing. (F/n) could only grin at him, Takumi rolled his eyes and bent down to pick up the dagger on the ground which fell from his grasp after his minor shock.

"Is that–?" She rummaged through her hidden pockets to check but they're empty which only means one thing; her eyes widened and Takumi just gave a hum as he twirled the dagger. "Is that my dagger? How did you get that?"

He shrugged; and without warning, he sharply returned back the dagger to her by its hilt, the sharp edge pointing at him menacingly. "You need more practice. This time: on how to distinguish your opponent's intention."

A small smile broke free from the latter then she chuckled. "Very well then. Another practice it is." (E/c) orbs glinted in determination as a smirk etched her lips, "Mind teaching your dear comrade a two on how you did it?"

Takumi just smirked. Maybe... this is what he needs. A new ritual this time.

..~*~..

Me: I really love how I wrote this! *throws confetti* I'm so proud of myself!

Takumi: Not my type o—

Me: Next chapter will be Takumi. I decided to finish his before updating Robin's story. The next chapter, however, is going to be sad. In simple word: ANGSTY.

Takumi: ...

Me: That's all! See you next time, peeps! Feedbacks are very much appreciated! ^^