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Kami Matsuri (Chapter 11 added)

DL 

By DL 
in Creative Writing

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This is an original story, I only know what half the title means. (Natsuri sounds japanese, so in it goes.)

 

I put alot of thought into the titles.

 

You might think "Love Hina" when you read it. Let me tell you, it's more supernatural than love hina.

 

EDIT: Chaged the title to Kami Matsuri = God Festival

 

And, without further ado, I present, Kami Natsuri!

 

BTW< chapters are on page 1 and 2.

 

[spoiler=Chapter 1]

 

Chapter 1 - Words Aren’t Able to Ward off Savage Dogs

 

 

A teenager with dark blue hair was running his daily one kilometer jog. Running from wild dogs all the way to school. He tripped on a small rock in the otherwise perfectly spotless pavement and he fell on his hands.

 

He looked back as the dogs closed in on him. “Not again…”

 

The dogs jumped to attack him, and he raised his arms above his head and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes again, the dogs were knocked out, and standing in front of him was a girl with brown hair in a ponytail. She was holding a wooden sword.

 

The girl turned to face him. “You’re always getting into trouble, aren’t you, Daisuke?”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “You saved me again, Mitsuki-san. I don’t know how to thank you, but I can…”

 

“You can what?”

 

Daisuke blushed slightly. “Well, from this position, I can see your underwear, somewhat…”

 

Mitsuki smacked Daisuke in the head with her wooden sword. “Pervert…”

 

Daisuke rubbed his head. “No… I didn’t mean to… anyway, we should get to class.”

 

Mitsuki turned around and headed toward their high school. Daisuke stood up and followed behind her. They reached a building with a large sign that read “Shinkoku High”.

 

Daisuke glanced at the sign, and then sighed. “This is the last day of school, huh? I wish something interesting would happen sometime.”

 

Mitsuki glanced back at him. “You mean like being chased by several wild dogs?”

 

Daisuke shook his head. “No, that happens every day… well, I’ll miss English if I just stand here, so I’m going on ahead. I’ll see you after school, Mitsuki-san.”

 

When Daisuke said those words, the world seemed to freeze for a split second, and then all was normal again.

 

A young girl with expressionless eyes stood on top of a building, her long, golden hair waving in the wind.

 

The girl gazed at Daisuke. “Daisuke Kato… he is the one…”

 

The girl turned around, and vanished.

 

Daisuke looked out the window. “I could have sworn I saw someone there…”

 

The teacher tossed a piece of chalk at Daisuke’s forehead, snapping him out of his trance. “Daisuke Kato, you know that not paying attention in my class gets you a detention. Now, you are to stay after school and clean the blackboard, while everyone else gets to enjoy the beginning of their summer break.”

 

Daisuke sighed as the bell rang, and the students began walking out of their classrooms. After his classroom emptied, Daisuke walked to the front of the room. He was about to start cleaning, when a girl’s voice called from behind.

 

“Daisuke Kato…”

 

Daisuke turned around to face the girl. He was stunned by everything from her long golden hair to her eyes, which were expressionless, yet seemed to hold worlds inside.

 

Daisuke faintly blushed. “Ah, yes, that’s me. Who are you?”

 

The girl gazed into Daisuke’s eyes. “My name is Rina. I am here to tell you that your destiny will soon be revealed to you…”

 

The girl vanished, and Daisuke reached out as if to bring her back. “Wait, Rina-san, what do you mean, my destiny?”

 

Daisuke waited for a few moments, and then turned to clean the blackboard again, but the classroom door opened before he could begin. Mitsuki stood there.

 

Mitsuki pulled out a folded slip of paper and tossed it to Daisuke. “Here, it’s a little something for you.”

 

Daisuke opened the paper. “What is it?”

 

Mitsuki let out a small chuckle. “Well, you see, my grandfather went on vacation, and he left his business to my parent’s care, but… my dad doesn’t much care for it, and my mom’s too busy. So I was left in charge of it, but I can’t take care of it by myself, and since were childhood friends and all, I thought maybe you could help me care for it during the summer.”

 

Daisuke stared at Mitsuki with a blank expression. “Wait… could that be what that girl meant by my destiny?”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 2]

Chapters 2 - Hot Springs are not Places to have that kind of Fun

 

 

Daisuke looked at the wooden building in front of him. “So these are the Matsuri Apartments… I can’t believe I’ll be starting work here as of today. This is my first job in the seventeen years I’ve been alive.”

 

Mitsuki let out a small laugh. “Yeah, I can’t believe it either, but, I have to tell you, the residents are a bit…”

 

Mitsuki was about to say something else, when a girl sped by them on a rocket, and hit the ground, causing a small explosion.

 

Daisuke slowly turned his head. “What… was that?”

 

A young girl with a remote control on her hands ran up to them, her purple hair waving in the wind. “Mitsuki-chan, Miyu and I are testing out our new device. We like to call it the ‘Super Awesome Riding Rocket’!”

 

Daisuke pointed at the young girl. “Mind explaining who that is?”

 

Mitsuki looked at Daisuke. “Oh yeah, this is Mayu, one of the residents here, and the one who just flew by was Miyu, her twin sister.”

 

Daisuke looked at the explosion that occurred where the rocket had landed. “Wait, they look like grade-schoolers, so why are they living here? No, more to the point, why is no one worried about that explosion?”

 

Mitsuki turned to see smoke was now rising from the point of explosion. “They’re both twelve, but they’ve lost their parents, so they live here. Also, about the explosion, don’t worry, she’s fine.”

 

Daisuke walked toward the smoke. “Are you sure? I mean, that looked pretty dangerous.”

 

Daisuke reached into the smoke, and his hand gripped something. “I think I got her.”

 

The smoke cleared, and Daisuke’s hand was on Miyu’s chest.

 

Mitsuki stared at Daisuke. “Wow, I didn’t know you were a pedophile. Either way, you need to keep your hands off of the residents.”

 

Daisuke stepped back, blushing. “No, that was an accident! I thought it was her hand!”

 

Miyu blushed and looked at Daisuke. “I… didn’t know you felt that way about me… I don’t know what to say.”

 

“I don’t feel anything for you! This is a misunderstanding!” Daisuke yelled.

 

Daisuke was embraced from behind by a woman with black hair, who looked to be in her late teens. “Oh, don’t you mind her. I know men can’t tame their sex drive.”

 

Mitsuki shifted her gaze to the woman. “Ayame, please get off of him. He’s not your toy, he’s the new co-manager.”

 

Daisuke was looking at the ground, his face completely red. “Breasts… on… back…”

 

Ayame stepped back and turned Daisuke around to face her, her purple eyes gazing deep into his own. “Don’t worry… if you ever need some action, I’m always available…”

 

“Like I said, he’s not your toy!” Mitsuki yelled.

 

Ayame looked at Mitsuki, then back at Daisuke. “I can be your toy, then, if you want.”

 

Mitsuki shivered. “What is wrong with you?”

 

Ayame pouted. “I’m just trying to get a little fun. Jeez.”

 

Mitsuki looked at her wristwatch. “It’s already six o’clock, so I’m sure she’ll be here any minute.”

 

Daisuke snapped out of his trance. “Who will be here any minute?

 

Mitsuki pointed at a small figure in the distance. “Her.”

 

Daisuke stared at the figure until he could make out her hair, which was long, and golden. When she was close enough that her eyes could be seen, Daisuke saw that they were expressionless.

 

Daisuke was stunned. “R-Rina-san…”

 

Mitsuki turned to face Daisuke. “Huh? How do you know her, Daisuke?”

 

Rina walked over to Daisuke. “Ah, you must be the new co-manager. Welcome.”

 

Daisuke stared at Rina. “Uh, Rina-san, what are you doing here?”

 

Rina walked over to the sign that said “Natsuri Apartments” and pointed at it. “My last name is Natsuri.”

 

Mitsuki gazed at Daisuke. “Her grandfather owned this place alongside my grandfather.”

 

Daisuke was startled. “What? So… that must mean…”

 

Rina looked at Daisuke. “Yes. Since Mitsuki-san’s grandfather left, I am the new owner, along with Mitsuki-san, and you are the co-owner. Which means you will be living here from now on.”

 

Daisuke sighed. “Well, at least I get paid, right?”

 

Rina nodded once. “Yes. You will earn twenty percent of the residents’ rent. Ten percent of which will be used for repairs and expenses of the apartments, and about five percent of which will be spent on your living expenses here.”

 

Daisuke sighed. “Great. So my paycheck is pathetic. Is there anything else?”

 

Rina nodded once more. “Of course, since both me and Mitsuki-san are girls, you shall be doing all of the physical labor.”

 

Daisuke raised up a hand. “Fine, I get it. So, when does my job start?”

 

Rina pointed at a bucket filled with water next to the door. “It starts right now. Go wash the residents’ rooms.”

 

Daisuke sighed again, and then headed for the bucket.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 3]

 

Chapter 3 - They say Outer Space, yet it’s inside the Galaxy

 

 

Daisuke was wiping the floor of the hot springs, stopping every few seconds to dip the rag he was holding in a bucket of water by his side.

 

Daisuke wiped the sweat off of his forehead, sat down, and placed the sopping, dirty rag he was holding on the ground. “Wow, I never knew cleaning this whole place would be so much work…”

 

Daisuke heard the door to the hot springs slide open.

 

Ayame walked in, a towel wrapped around her. “Mitsuki-chan, I wonder if it’s okay to let Daisuke-kun do all these chores by himself…”

 

Mitsuki followed behind her, also covered with a towel. “Well, it was Rina-san’s decision. Besides, I don’t think Daisuke has a problem with it.”

 

Daisuke, who had hidden behind a rock once he saw Ayame walk in, began to blush. “Wait, what are Mitsuki-san and Ayame-san doing here? This is bad. If they catch me here, they’ll think I’m peeping or something…” Daisuke thought.

 

Ayame took off her towel and walked into the hot water. As she sat down, she let out a sigh. Mitsuki followed her in.

 

Ayame looked at Mitsuki. “Hey, I have something to ask you. You and Daisuke-kun have been friends since you were children, right?”

 

Mitsuki nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been friends ever since we were six.”

 

Ayame stared at Mitsuki. “So, what do you think about him?”

 

Daisuke blushed from behind the rock. “That’s so… sudden… what’s Mitsuki-san going to say?” he thought.

 

Mitsuki shrugged. “He’s one of my best friends, but that’s about it. I don’t feel anything special for him…”

 

Daisuke smiled glumly. “Yeah, I guess someone like Mitsuki-san wouldn’t see me as more than a friend…” he thought.

 

He sneaked out of the hot springs, through the door Mitsuki had left open.

 

Daisuke left the apartments. “Well, since I finished the day’s work, I guess I’ll go home to get some stuff, since I’m going to be moving in here from now on.”

 

Daisuke turned to leave when he saw a girl with pink hair appear out of nowhere. The girl began walking in Daisuke’s direction.

 

Daisuke stared at the girl. “Where… did she come from?”

 

The girl walked passed Daisuke.

 

Daisuke turned around. “Excuse me, who exactly are you?”

 

The girl turned, making her pink hair flash in the sun. “My name is of no concern to you, human. Now tell me, do you know of one called Rina?”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Let’s see… I last saw Rina-san… yesterday. I think she’s still asleep inside.”

 

As soon as Daisuke finished, the girl headed inside, and Daisuke followed her. She pulled out a small needle. A few moments passed, and the needle bent to the left. The girl followed the needle until it began pointing toward a door to the right. The girl opened the door. Inside, curled up on her bed, was Rina.

 

Daisuke blushed and leaned toward the girl. “What are you doing?”

 

The girl walked toward Rina and stopped right beside her. She pulled out a small device and placed it in front of the sleeping Rina. She then pushed a button on the device, and a screeching sound emanated from it, and it was surrounded by blinding light. After a few seconds, the device stopped screeching and flashing, and the girl picked it up and put it in her pocket. Daisuke stared in shock as Rina slowly sat up and rubber her eyes.

 

The girl poked Rina on the shoulder. “Rina… wake up…”

 

Rina slowly opened her eyes and stared at the girl for a few seconds. “Sakuno-san, is that you?”

 

Sakuno nodded. “Yes. I have been sent here by my mother to retrieve you. Also… who is this man that followed me? Is he what you’d call a stalker?”

 

Daisuke held up his hands weakly. “No… please don’t confuse me with a stalker. I’m just the co-manager here. I do have one question, and it’s the one I asked before. Who are you?”

 

Rina nodded at Sakuno. “He’s the one in the prophecy. You can tell him.”

 

Sakuno looked at Daisuke. “I am Sakuno Sasegawa. I am fifteen years old. My home is what you humans call the moon.”

 

Daisuke laughed. “You mean you live on the moon? You’re joking right?”

 

Sakuno shook her head. “Not on the moon, foolish human. My people live inside the moon, in the lunar city of Kami Matsuri.”

 

Daisuke looked from Sakuno to Rina. “Okay, this is some sort of joke, right? Where are the cameras?”

 

Rina shook her head. “It is no such thing. You do not have to believe it, but one day, your destiny will call upon you, and you will have to make a choice.”

 

Daisuke furrowed his eyebrows. “Okay, let’s say I believe that there are people living in the moon. Don’t you think there’s too much coincidence for this lunar city to be named after these apartments?”

 

Sakuno stared out the window. “On the contrary, these apartments are named after the lunar city. This place has been somewhat of our location on Earth. I have come here to fulfill my mission, which is confidential.”

 

Daisuke stared at Sakuno. “You still didn’t answer my first question. Just who are you, as in, why are you the one to come here?”

 

Sakuno turned to Daisuke. “Me? I’m the princess and heir to the throne of Kami Matsuri.”

 

 

[spoiler= Chapter 4]

Chapter 4 - I Think the Moon is out of Cell Phone Range

 

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Wait… you’re telling me you’re a princess?”

 

Sakuno nodded. “That is correct, and I’m afraid you, as well as the residents here, will have to come with me to Kami Matsuri.”

 

Daisuke looked out the window. “Going to Kami Matsuri, huh? Why me? Why any of us? I’m pretty much the most average guy in existence.”

 

Sakuno shook her head. “There’s no time to explain. We must go as quickly as possible. Get the other residents and meet me outside in five minutes.”

 

Daisuke walked off to find the others. “I wonder… what I’m going to see there. If it actually exists, that is. If Sakuno-san wasn’t such a cute girl, I might suspect she was behind something, but…”

 

Daisuke’s train of thought was interrupted when he was embraced from behind by Ayame.

 

Ayame giggled. “Are you going somewhere, Daisuke-kun? Who’s this Sakuno-san?”

 

Daisuke laughed uncomfortably. “Well, Sakuno-san is my… acquaintance, and she told me to gather the other residents and meet her outside.”

 

Ayame got teary-eyed. “Daisuke-kun, are you… cheating on me with that Sakuno girl?”

 

Daisuke shook his head, embarrassed. “That’s not it at all! We just met, but she told us to meet her outside, so I’m going, because I don’t think Sakuno-san is a bad person.”

 

Ayame’s eyes dried again. “Well, fine then, I’ll believe you… for now. The twins are already outside, testing out a new invention I think they called the ‘Ultra Hyper Human Launcher…’ or something... anyway, I’ll be right outside, let me just put some pants on.”

 

Daisuke looked down and immediately shot his head upward, his face red. “Ayame-san, please don’t walk around the house in your underwear! It’s indecent!”

 

Daisuke slipped away from Ayame to look for the twins outside. He saw Miyu, with a device strapped to her chest, and Mayu, holding her from behind.

 

Mayu grinned. “No worries, Miyu. This is completely safe.”

 

Mayu let go, and Miyu rocketed upward, leaving a smoke trail behind her. Daisuke stared at the airborne Miyu, mouth slightly agape.

 

Daisuke got his wits back and began running around with outstretched arms. “Don’t worry, Miyu-chan, I’ll catch you!”

 

Miyu fell down in Daisuke’s grip. “Daisuke-sama… I never knew you had such adult tastes…”

 

Daisuke looked at his hand to see that it was gripping Miyu’s chest. “No, Miyu-chan, this is a misunderstanding!”

 

Daisuke dropped Miyu on the ground, and standing before him, wooden sword held high, was Mitsuki.

 

Mitsuki smacked Daisuke on the head with her wooden sword. “You pervert. I bet you were planning to grope her like that.”

 

Daisuke rubbed his head. “Like I said, this is a misunderstanding!”

 

Ayame walked outside, followed by Rina and Sakuno.

 

Sakuno raised a thin rod high in the air. “Good, everyone is here. Off we go.”

 

A light flashed, and the next thing Daisuke knew, he was surrounded by darkness. Not one ounce of light was around.

 

Daisuke’s eyes tried desperately to adjust to the sudden lack of light. “Hey, where are we?”

 

Sakuno snapped her fingers, and a row of blue lights lit up to reveal the group was in a hallway. Daisuke looked around and saw that everyone was there.

 

Daisuke sighed in relief. “Well, where do we go from here?”

 

Sakuno ignored him, and pressed a button on the wall. Instantly, the floor under their feet began to move at rapid rate. When it finally stopped, they were at the mouth of a cave.

 

Sakuno finally spoke. “This cave is short, so we’ll be out in a few minutes, but watch out for anything dangerous.”

 

Daisuke flinched. “What do you mean anything dangerous? We’re not in any real danger, are we?”

 

Sakuno remained silent again, and proceeded inside the cave, followed by Rina and Mitsuki, who was followed by the twins.

 

Ayame grabbed Daisuke’s arm. “I’m scared, Daisuke-kun…”

 

Daisuke laughed weakly. “Well, to be honest, I’m a bit scared myself. I mean, we’re on the moon. Who knows what’s in there… but, I trust Sakuno-san. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”

 

Ayame hugged arm harder. “You say that… but she did say that there might be dangerous things in there…”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “True… but, don’t worry, Ayame-san. If anything dangerous appears… I’ll do what I can to make sure you’re safe.”

 

Daisuke followed the others into the cave, with Ayame still hugging his arm. After they had walked for several minutes, they finally saw light ahead.

 

Sakuno pointed to the light. “Alright, now, once we get outside this cave, Daisuke’s my fiancée, got it?”

 

Daisuke blushed. “What do you mean, I’m your fiancée?”

 

Sakuno kept walking. “No questions right now. I’ll tell you guys everything once we get inside our rooms.”

 

After walking for another minute, they were finally outside. They were greeted by two tall men in blue cloaks.

 

Sakuno grabbed Daisuke by the arm, forcing Ayame to let go. “I am Sakuno Sasegawa, and this is my fiancée, Daisuke Kato. Oh, and the rest are guests.”

 

One of the tall men nodded. “Of course, Sasegawa-sama, dinner is being prepared as we speak. Would you like us to escort you to your rooms?”

 

Sakuno shook her head and began walking again, still clutching Daisuke’s arm. “That will not be necessary. I shall guide them myself.”

 

The man bowed. “As you wish, Sasegawa-sama, we will send a messenger when dinner is served.”

 

Sakuno pulled Daisuke closer, turning his face even redder than it was before. “Listen here… after dinner, we’re going to be presented to my mother. Make it convincing that you are my fiancée.”

 

Daisuke gulped. “I’ll try…”

 

When they finally reached their rooms, Sakuno motioned at Rina. “Rina-san will escort you the rest of the way. This is mine and Daisuke’s room.”

 

Mitsuki glared at Daisuke. “Daisuke… you better not do anything weird to her…”

 

Daisuke shook his head rapidly. “Do you think I’m some sort of pervert or something?”

 

Mitsuki shook her head and left, guided by Rina. The twins followed, grins on their faces. Ayame hesitated for a second, and then followed behind them. Sakuno led Daisuke inside the room. Daisuke was speechless as soon as the door closed and he looked at the sheer size of the room.

 

Daisuke looked around, trying to observe every inch of what he was witnessing. “Wow… this is amazing. Not only is this room enormous, it’s also incredibly stunning.”

 

Sakuno nodded as she sat down on her bed. “Yes. It seems to be the perfect place to live in, doesn’t it?”

 

Daisuke looked at Sakuno. “So… you mean it’s not?”

 

Sakuno shook her head. “It was the best place I could possibly have been born in, but… it all changed when I turned fifteen a few weeks ago. My mother insisted that I get a fiancée, but I just don’t have feelings for anyone right now…”

 

Daisuke sat down beside her. “Haven’t you told her that?”

 

Sakuno looked down. “I have… but… it’s a tradition. All women who carry the inheritance on their shoulders must marry someone at the age of fifteen. It’s practically a law…”

 

Daisuke stared at Sakuno’s green eyes. “Sakuno-san… so that’s why you lied about me being your fiancée... but, why me? There must be others…”

 

Sakuno shook her head. “You don’t understand... the person I marry has to be the one in the prophecy…”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “See, that part confuses me. What makes you think I’m the guy from the prophecy?”

 

Sakuno raised her head, and her eyes met Daisuke’s. “There’s no doubt about it, Daisuke-san. You are the one in the prophecy. ‘He who is accompanied by the one with the wooden blade’ is who the prophecy states. There’s more, but it all points towards you.”

 

Daisuke looked at the door, then at Sakuno again. “So, what am I supposed to do as the one in the prophecy?”

 

Sakuno paused for a few moments. “As the one in the prophecy… you are the one who must lead our armies… and protect Kami Matsuri.”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 5]

Chapter 5 - Prophecies are Only Wrong Five Percent of the Time

 

 

Daisuke stood up and slowly backed away. “You want me to lead an army? Whoa, whoa, whoa, I can pretend to be your fiancée, but you’re crazy if you think I can lead an army. I’m too much of a pacifist to even practice martial arts or any sword fighting sport.”

 

Sakuno gazed at Daisuke. “Don’t worry. You’ll all be trained on the form of combat that best suits you.”

 

Daisuke shook his head. “I know Mitsuki-san is a good sword fighter, but what about Ayame and the twins? How will they fight?”

 

Sakuno pointed at a small mirror on top of a desk. “Don’t worry, they were all chosen to come for a reason. They can each contribute to the war. Now, let me tell you about that mirror. That mirror was given to me by my mother on my fifteenth birthday. Whoever looks upon it, if they know who their true love is, will live happily with that person for eternity. I want you to have it.”

 

Daisuke blushed. “Huh? Why me? I mean, I’m sure you want to use it.”

 

Sakuno shook her head. “No. Keep it. I don’t mind. It’s unlikely I’ll ever need it anyway…”

 

Daisuke was about to argue when a robed man burst into the room. He dashed for Sakuno, holding a dagger. He was slashed at Sakuno, who managed to pull her head back just in time. Daisuke charged in without thinking and slammed into the man, knocking off his feet. The man scrambled back up and held his knife up, ready to strike down Daisuke.

 

A sweat drop slid down Daisuke’s forehead, his eyes wide with terror. “No… don’t…”

 

The man brought the knife down, but the knife never reached Daisuke, as the man was thrown off his feet by a sword… a wooden sword.

 

Daisuke stared at the girl in front of him. “Mitsuki-san… you saved me again…”

 

Mitsuki looked away. “I didn’t do it for you, you know, I was keeping watch outside, because I knew that if I left you alone with a cute girl, you’d probably do something perverted to her.”

 

Daisuke shook his head. “Either way, you saved me…”

 

Rina walked into the room. “Um, Mitsuki-san… why did you suddenly run out of your room?”

 

Mitsuki chuckled. “Well, I had a feeling that Daisuke would be in trouble, and I was right.”

 

Sakuno walked toward them. “Thank you for saving us, but we really should begin your training soon.”

 

Daisuke turned to Sakuno. “Oh yeah, Sakuno-san, what was that? What did that guy want?”

 

Sakuno smiled glumly. “That was just another assassin trying to kill me… it’s happened several times recently… well, anyway, let me guide you to where you’ll be training.”

 

Sakuno led her comrades to a room filled with guns. “This is where you’ll train, Mayu. You’ll learn how to wield many artillery weapons here.”

 

Mayu looked around, her eyes shining. “So when do I get to start?”

 

Sakuno began walking. “Right now, we’ll be back to pick you up in a few hours.”

 

The next room they went to was filled with potions of all sorts. “This is where you and Miyu get off, Ayame. Here, you’ll learn all about the magic arts.”

 

They stopped at one last room. One filled with swords of all shapes and sizes.

 

Sakuno looked at Daisuke. “This is where you and Mitsuki-san will train, Daisuke-san. A trainer will come teach you both soon.”

 

Sakuno walked off, leaving Daisuke and Mitsuki alone.

 

Daisuke picked up a nearby sword. “Whoa, these are pretty sharp.”

 

A girl stormed into the room. “Don’t touch that!”

 

Daisuke dropped the sword as he turned around in surprise and it hit him on the foot, making him yelp in pain.

 

Mitsuki smacked him in the head with her wooden sword. “Hey… swords are dangerous…”

 

The girl walked up to Daisuke. “Hey you, stop messing with my swords! Who are you?”

 

Daisuke turned to look at the girl. She had blue hair that fell down on her eyes. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know they were yours. My name is Daisuke Kato. What’s your name?”

 

The girl crossed her arms and tilted her chin. “I am the one and only Suzuki Katsuma, seventeen years old, and I’d like to know why you are messing with my swords. If I don’t like your reason, you’re dead. If you’re a thief, I’ll kill you…”

 

Daisuke began to sweat at he retreated behind Mitsuki.

 

Mitsuki sighed. “Forgive him, he’s just a coward. Let me explain. We’ve been sent here by Sakuno-san, the princess, to train.”

 

Suzuki snapped her fingers. “Ah, you must be the new apprentices. Forgive my outburst, it’s just, plenty of people have tried to steal the famous Katsuma blades before. Since I’m the heir to the Katsuma School of Sword Fighting, as well as the Katsuma Blacksmith, it wouldn’t look good if people could steal from us so easily.”

 

Mitsuki grinned. “So you must be a sword fighter and blacksmith.”

 

Suzuki chuckled. “Not just a sword fighter and not just a blacksmith. I am the greatest swordfighter in the world! My blacksmith skills are beyond comparison! Yet, I have very low stamina, so I can’t sword fight or make swords very often. Father thinks I need to improve my stamina, but I don’t know if I can…”

 

Daisuke slowly inched out from behind Mitsuki and placed his hand on Suzuki’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Suzuki-san, I’m sure you’ll get more stamina eventually.”

 

Suzuki looked up at Daisuke, her eyes filling with tears. “Thank you… Daisuki-kun…”

 

Daisuke laughed weakly. “Actually, it’s Daisuke, not Daisuki…”

 

Suzuki embraced Daisuke, tears flowing from her eyes. “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me, Daisuki-kun! Will you be my friend, Daisuki-kun?”

 

Daisuke laughed weakly again. “Uh, sure… but please stop crying…”

 

Suzuki raised her head immediately. “I’m sorry, you’ve said such nice things to me… and I repay you by wetting your shirt. I’m sorry!”

 

Suzuki bowed while on her knees. “What can I do to make it up to you?”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Uh, pleas stop apologizing, it’s embarrassing. I’m not worried about my shirt getting wet. I just don’t like it when girls cry. Also, Sakuno-san mentioned something about a trainer. Do you know where he is?”

 

Suzuki smiled. “Why, that’s me.”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 6]

Chapter 6 - Sakuno’s Tears, Daisuke’s Choice

 

 

 

After a few hours or so of being coached by Suzuki, Daisuke finally collapsed.

 

Daisuke was panting. “When is this… going to be… over, Suzuki-san?”

 

Mitsuki sighed. “Well, it seems Suzuki-san isn’t the only one with low stamina here.”

 

Daisuke groaned. “Gimme a break, I’ve never even swung a sword before.”

 

Suzuki giggled. “Don’t worry, Daisuki-kun, you did great for a first lesson. You caught on to the basic moves pretty quickly.”

 

The door opened to reveal Sakuno. “Dinner is served. I’ve already picked up your friends. Daisuke-san, I’ll give you further instructions on the way.”

 

Daisuke nodded weakly. “Sure, just let me… catch my breath.”

 

Ayame walked in, holding a vial. “Don’t worry, Daisuke-kun, if you drink this, you’ll be up in no time.”

 

Ayame opened the vial and poured the contents inside Daisuke’s mouth. After a few seconds, he began foaming at the mouth, and a green vapor was emanating from his mouth.

 

Ayame looked at Daisuke in terror. “Oh no… I think I picked up the paralysis potion, rather than the stamina potion…”

 

Miyu ran in, holding a white vial, and poured the contents in Daisuke’s slightly agape, and foaming, mouth.

 

A few moments later, Daisuke sat up and wiped the foam from his mouth. “What happened? I felt like I died…”

 

Miyu smiled. “Ayame-chan made you drink a dark potion, but I gave you a holy potion. So you’re all better, Daisuke-kun.”

 

Sakuno let out a small laugh. “Entertaining as this might be, we have to get going.”

 

The others followed Sakuno out the door. Outside, Rina was waiting for them. They headed for the dining room. When they opened the doors and entered, Daisuke’s eyes first focused on the table, which was as wide as any regular table, but unlike a regular table, this table was at least a dozen yards long. The next thing that caught his attention was what was on the table. There were dozens of platters containing all kinds of food.

 

Daisuke gazed in amazement. “This is… amazing…”

 

A woman laughed from behind them. “I’m glad you think so. Our cooks have prepared this food to celebrate this day, in which I meet my daughter’s fiancée.”

 

Daisuke blushed and turned to face the woman who had spoken. She appeared to be no more than thirty, and her pink hair fell neatly to her waist.

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Oh, you must be Sakuno-san’s mother. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I must say, you look very young.”

 

The woman laughed. “Actually, I am quite young, thirty one, to be exact.”

 

Daisuke turned to Sakuno. “Wait… Sakuno-san… how old did you say you were?”

 

Sakuno looked at him with indifferent eyes. “I’m fifteen.”

 

Daisuke stared into space for a few moments. “Wait… thirty five minus fifteen equals… sixteen! Your mother had you when she was sixteen?”

 

Sakuno nodded. “That is correct.”

 

Daisuke smiled uncomfortably. “Will you excuse me and Sakuno-san for a moment?”

 

Daisuke pulled Sakuno aside, out of earshot. “Sakuno-san… your mother got pregnant with you a year after she married, right?”

 

Sakuno nodded. “Yeah, it’s expected. Giving birth to a child means the passing of inheritance and crown.”

 

Daisuke looked at Sakuno with serious eyes. “Sakuno-san… I agreed to pretend to be your fiancée, but I can’t go through with this. I just don’t feel it’s… right.”

 

Sakuno frowned. “What do you mean? It’s just something that has to be done.”

 

Daisuke placed his hands on Sakuno’s shoulders. “Sakuno-san… I agreed to be your fiancée. This isn’t part of the deal. I’m sorry, but I can’t go through with it. If your mother tells you to have children with your fiancée, I’ll have to confess the truth.”

 

Sakuno looked at the floor. “I see… it was to be expected... I mean, you are seventeen. I’m sure you have a crush or two… but… you don’t understand, do you? This isn’t about love… it’s about my life! If you and I don’t get married, I don’t get the inheritance, and I don’t get the throne! I can’t support myself without something to hold on to!”

 

Daisuke noticed that tears were falling down Sakuno’s cheeks. “Sakuno-san… I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that. Don’t worry. I’ll try to find something… some way… that I can solve this…”

 

Sakuno shook her head. “No… I’m the one who’s sorry. I put too much of a weight on you. You don’t have to go through with it.”

 

Daisuke looked at Sakuno with concern. “Sakuno-san…”

 

Sakuno wiped her face with her hands. “I’ll be fine. Let’s go eat, they can’t start without us.”

 

Daisuke nodded, and they both went back to the dining room. Daisuke noticed Rina was staring right at him throughout the whole meal. Afterward, Rina walked toward Daisuke.

 

Rina pulled on Daisuke’s sleeve and motioned toward an empty room. She left toward the room. Daisuke took one last look at Sakuno, and then followed Rina.

 

When Daisuke stepped inside and closed the door, Rina began to speak. “Daisuke-san… I overheard your conversation with Sakuno-san. It’s truly a bad situation. Either you give up your outside life and life here as Sakuno’s husband, and her child’s father, or you leave her here alone, where she will probably encounter misery and despair. This may be the decision I was talking about. Now make it.”

 

Daisuke processed Rina’s words for a few moments before speaking. “I have to make… a choice… whether to stay here with Sakuno, or destroy her entire life? You think that’s a choice? That’s not a choice… there is no choice… I can’t just abandon Sakuno-san here if it means that bad things will happen to her. True, I may not want to stay here all my life, but leaving her here alone just isn’t an option…”

 

Rina nodded. “Well said.... I suppose this is your final decision? If you hesitate, then you should ask yourself who you want to be with…”

 

Daisuke’s eyes widened. “Who I want to be with?”

 

Rina walked up to Daisuke. “Yes. This means you only get one decision. That’s it. I suggest you choose wisely.”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 7]

Chapter 7 - Decisions are Harder to Make When Love is Involved

 

 

Daisuke sat down on his bed with a sigh. “I get one decision, huh? On one hand, I don’t want Sakuno-san to be sad, but on the other hand, there’s too much to consider.”

 

Daisuke lay down on his bed. “Rina-san asked me who I truly liked. Could it be Ayame-san? No, she just seems me as a toy. It can’t be Mitsuki. We’ve been best friends since we were little kids. Not the twins, or Suzuki-san, we’re barely acquaintances.”

 

Daisuke stopped to stare at the ceiling for a few moments before continuing. “What about… would Rina-san be the one I like? I do think she’s attractive, but can someone like her really fall for a guy like me? I doubt it… and Sakuno-san… she’d be happier if I stayed here…”

 

Daisuke rolled off his bed, and then shook his head. “I have to make that choice, but… I really can’t. Even so… can living here with Sakuno-san really be that bad?”

 

Mitsuki walked in and sat down on Daisuke’s bed. “Hey, Daisuke, I saw how you looked upset during dinner. What happened?”

 

Daisuke stood back up and sat down next to Mitsuki. “Well, the thing is, some… things happened, and I need to make a choice, but I can’t. I just can’t.”

 

Mitsuki smiled. “At times like this, you need to listen to what your heart tells you.”

 

Daisuke shook his head. “No. That’s not possible, because my heart is as confused as I am.”

 

Mitsuki stood up and looked straight at Daisuke as she placed her hand on his shoulder. “Daisuke, no matter what you choose, just know that you have my full support.”

 

Daisuke faintly blushed. “Uh, thanks, Mitsuki-san. I really appreciate it.”

 

Mitsuki frowned. “I’m tired of you always calling me Mitsuki-san. We’ve known each other since we were kids.”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “I know, it just… I don’t feel comfortable calling you Mitsuki.”

 

Mitsuki smiled and bent over, kissing Daisuke on the cheek.

 

Daisuke turned red and touched his face with one hand. “W-What was that?”

 

Mitsuki walked off, and walked out the door, but poked her head through the crack before leaving. “That’s your reward for being less of a coward and calling me Mitsuki. Plus, it might help cheer you up.”

 

Daisuke reached his hand Mitsuki closed the door, and then he fell to the ground with a sigh. “It doesn’t help at all. In fact, I’m more confused than ever…”

 

Ayame walked into the room and leaned down toward Daisuke, embracing his head. “Daisuke-kun, you look depressed. Why don’t you tell me all about it?”

 

Daisuke blushed. “Uh, could you please stop hugging me, Ayame-san? You’re chest is…”

 

Ayame looked down to see Daisuke’s face pressed against her chest. “Oh, sorry about that Daisuke-kun, now tell me what’s wrong.”

 

Daisuke watched as Ayame sat down in front of him. “Well, the thing is… something happened last night, and I need to make a choice, but… I can’t.”

 

Ayame snapped her fingers. “So that’s what had you depressed. Well, you’ve come to the right person. Is it a choice about love?”

 

Daisuke’s face turned red. “Well, not really… uh, maybe… yeah, it does.”

 

Ayame sighed. “Well, Daisuke-kun, I’d like to know the exact situation, but since you haven’t said it, I’m not going to pressure you. Now, if you need advice about love, I’d say the first thing to do is to wear a condom.”

 

Daisuke blushed and shook his head. “Not that kind of love!”

 

Ayame stood up. “Oh, well then, I can’t help you much, but I can say that if you’re happy with what you choose, then I’m happy too. Now, I have to find Miyu and Mayu, they ran off with my underwear, said it was for some invention… bye, Daisuke-kun.”

 

Daisuke weakly waved goodbye, and then lowered his head. “If I’m happy with what I choose, she’ll be happy too? That’s fine, but… what if I’m not happy with what I choose?”

 

The door opened again, and both Miyu and Mayu walked in. They each sat on opposite sides of Daisuke.

 

Miyu sighed, and opened her hand, revealing panties. “Okay, I got it, but why do you need this, Mayu?”

 

Mayu grinned and took out a small vial. She grabbed the panties and rolled up a small tip of it. Then she opened the glass vial and inserted the pointed part of the pink panties into the purple potion. The potion began turning red.

 

Mayu laughed. “It’s a success! I have developed a love potion!”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Wait, you made a love potion?”

 

Mayu nodded. “Yep, give this to anyone to drink, and they’ll fall right in love with you.”

 

Daisuke stared at the potion. “Hey… mind if I have that?”

 

Mayu looked suspiciously at Daisuke. “Don’t you sexually harass my sister enough?”

 

Daisuke blushed. “No, I’m not planning to use it on your sister!”

 

A tear formed in Miyu’s eye. “You mean… you just wanted me for my body?”

 

Daisuke’s face was bright red. “Like I told you, those were misunderstandings!”

 

Mayu looked at the potion, then back at Daisuke. “Well, why would you need something like this, then?”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Well, I don’t know, it might come in handy… seeing as I’m in this predicament. I know you’re gonna ask, so I’ll just tell you. Yesterday, I looked depressed during dinner, right? Well, that was because I heard that I have to make a choice about love, and I’m still not sure what my choice should be…”

 

Mayu looked puzzled. “You were depressed during dinner?”

 

Miyu nodded. “I noticed. Daisuke-sama, you weren’t talking to anyone, and you barely touched your food. I also noticed Rina-san staring at you for the whole meal. What happened?”

 

Daisuke laughed weakly. “It’s hard to explain, but if you don’t want to give me that love potion, that’s fine. It probably won’t make a difference.”

 

Mayu held out the potion. “Here, take it. If you don’t want it badly, then there’s no fun in me keeping it. I hope it helps. Alright, Mayu, next, we have to sneak these panties back to Ayame-san’s room! Let’s go!”

 

Daisuke watched the twins leave, and then held out the potion. “This potion… I wonder who I should use it on. Or, rather, do I actually want to use it?”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 8]

Chapter 8 - There’s More to Friendship then Meets the Eye

 

 

Rina sipped her tea. “So Sakuno-san, what will happen if Daisuke-san decides to stay with you?”

 

Sakuno tilted her head. “Huh, what do you mean?”

 

Rina put her teacup down. “Well, if he stays here, you will have to have a child with him. Are you really okay with that?”

 

Sakuno faintly blushed. “It’s not like that. It’s something I have to do to inherit the crown from my mother, but… I don’t think Daisuke will stay here with me. He has a life to live. I don’t want to hold him back.”

 

Rina shook her head. “When I spoke to Daisuke-san about it, he said it wasn’t a choice for him. If he had to choose between leaving you here alone without anything, or staying here, and letting you inherit the crown, he said it was obvious he was going to stay here, but…”

 

Sakuno turned red in the face. “He said that?”

 

Rina nodded. “Yes, he said that, but he hesitated when I asked him if it was his final decision.”

 

Sakuno looked down. “I see… what else did he say?”

 

Rina stood up and headed for the door. “He said nothing else, but… he will have to make a choice soon. Whatever he chooses, whoever he chooses, you must not interfere.”

 

Sakuno nodded weakly. “I understand. I have to let him make his choice… but… that doesn’t mean I can’t try to win him over!”

 

Rina let a small smile appear on her face. “That doesn’t sound like the melancholic Sakuno-san I know. I can’t believe your falling for him.”

 

Sakuno blushed. “No, it’s not like that at all! I’m only thinking about the crown!”

 

Rina let out a small laugh and walked out of the room. On the way out of the room, she ran into Mitsuki.

 

Mitsuki wiped sweat off of her brow. “Hi, Rina-san, I just got out of sword training. What have you been doing?”

 

Rina shifted her gaze behind Mitsuki. “Where is Daisuke-san?”

 

Mitsuki grinned. “He’s getting extra practice from Suzuki-san. He still has a long way to go before he can match swords with me, but Suzuki-san is an incredible trainer.”

 

Rina nodded. “I see, but… aren’t you worried?”

 

Mitsuki scratched her head. “What are you talking about?”

 

Rina glared at Mitsuki. “I know you’ve sensed a change in Daisuke’s mood. I also think that you know what it’s related to.”

 

Mitsuki shook her head. “I asked Daisuke, but he only told me he had to make a difficult choice…”

 

Rina closed her eyes for a few seconds. “I see… well then, if he didn’t tell you, then I’m not going to speak about it.”

 

Rina turned to leave, but Mitsuki held out her hand. “Wait, what is it… that Daisuke-san is hiding? Please tell me…”

 

Rina turned to face Mitsuki. “Do you really want to know? Then I’ll tell you. Daisuke-san is now being forced to choose whether he will stay here with Sakuno-san and be her husband and her child’s father or if he will choose someone else over Sakuno…”

 

Mitsuki’s eyes widened. “So that’s what was bothering him… but if he doesn’t like Sakuno-san, there’s no reason for him to stay, is there?”

 

Rina shook her head. “There’s more. If Daisuke-san doesn’t stay here, Sakuno-san will never inherit her fortune, or the crown, and will be forced to live in poverty. In other words, Sakuno-san’s entire future depends on Daisuke’s decision…”

 

Mitsuki dropped the wooden sword she was holding as a sweat drop slid down her cheek and time seemed freeze around them.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 9]

Chapter 9 - a Mission is one Thing, saving her is another Thing

 

 

Daisuke stared at the love potion. He walked to a nearby shelf and took out a book, and then placed the potion back and the book after it. Then he walked to his desk.

 

Daisuke picked up the small mirror Sakuno had given him. “With this… if I know who my true love is… I’ll live happily with that person. Maybe… my true love is really Sakuno-san. No, I can’t decide on a maybe, I have to be sure…”

 

Daisuke picked up his wooden sword and walked out of his room, heading for his daily training, but got bumped aside when Mayu and Miyu came running through the hallway.

 

Daisuke began following them. “Hey, what are you guys doing?”

 

Miyu turned to look at Daisuke. “Daisuke-sama, the castle is under siege! We’ve been ordered to help fight the invaders!”

 

Daisuke froze. “Under… siege? Wait, does that mean we’re under attack?”

 

Miyu stopped and nodded. “Yes, Daisuke-sama, and we have to help fight the invaders.”

 

Daisuke shivered. “That can’t be right, I haven’t even learned anything beyond the basics, and the same probably applies to you two, so how can we be expected to fight?”

 

Miyu shrugged and ran off. “I don’t know Daisuke-sama, now please hurry.”

 

Daisuke stood there in a daze, until Sakuno ran past him. “Sakuno-san, you’re going too?”

 

Sakuno nodded. “Yeah, you don’t expect me not to do anything while my kingdom is in danger, do you?”

 

Daisuke shook his head and followed her. “I must be crazy…”

 

When Daisuke got outside, he expected to see people fighting people. There were people in the battlefield, but they weren’t fighting other people. They were battling creatures that stood about two feet off the ground, and had pointy ears. Their teeth were pointed, like a dog’s, and their skin had a purple tinge. Standing behind them, on top of a large rock, was a tall man in a robe, whose skin was also a purple tinge, but who stood up straight. The man held an open book in one hand and a staff in the other.

 

Daisuke looked around. “What… are these things?”

 

Sakuno looked back at him. “These are called Kribbons. The one on top of that rock is an Azukar. They command Kribbons, which are the native species in the moon. I’ll explain more after the fight. Now come on, you’ve been learning how to fight, right?”

 

Daisuke nodded. “Yeah, but… I’m not that good. I’ve barely just begun.”

 

Sakuno pointed to a nearby rack of swords that a person was carrying around. “Pick one of those and fight, unless you’d rather watch your friends fight and not help them.”

 

Daisuke looked at the battlefield again. He saw that his friends were, indeed, fighting. Mitsuki was slicing at the Kribbons who were attempting to surround her. Behind her was Mayu, holding a large gun and shooting at the enemy. Miyu was treating to the injured and Ayame was tossing vials into the enemy lines. Some exploded, while some caused all enemies in the area to clutch their throats and fall down.

 

Daisuke gulped. “I can’t let my friends do all the work… I have to help…”

 

Daisuke picked up a large sword from the rack, and the weight made him drop it, the sword nearly cutting his foot. Daisuke backed up a step, chose a smaller sword from the rack, and swung it around a couple of times to test it out. He nodded, and ran toward the battlefield. Daisuke noticed that Sakuno had joined the fight. She held a thin rapier and was battling the Kribbons. She brushed aside their attacks with ease and stabbed at them.

 

The Azukar on the rock chuckled. “She is the one were looking for. The princess of Kami Matsuri…”

 

The Azukar raised his staff, and Daisuke noticed everyone stop what they were doing. Mitsuki froze in the middle of a swing. Mayu froze in the middle of reloading her weapon. Miyu just sat there, still in the middle of giving medical aid to a wounded warrior. Ayame froze as she was about to take out more vials from her pocket. Sakuno was the only one who was unfrozen. She looked around to see that everyone except for the Azukar and her were frozen. All the while, Daisuke could not move a muscle. The Azukar jumped down from the rock and landed in front of Sakuno.

 

The Azukar leaned close to Sakuno. “Princess, you will be coming with me. My master has ordered me to capture you, and I do not intent to take no for an answer, nor do I recommend you try to struggle.”

 

Sakuno took a step back and held her rapier up. “I won’t go with you. Even if it means I have to kill you….”

 

The Azukar chuckled. “So it seems I have to drag you back… so be it…”

 

Sakuno lunged at the Azukar, but he sidestepped and hit her in the stomach with his staff. She bent over, grimacing. The Azukar swung at Sakuno with his staff, but Sakuno managed to duck and stab at him. The tip of her rapier hit his stomach, but never pierced his skin, as it was stopped by a protective layer.

 

The Azukar chuckled again. “My master was right, you are quite feisty. It’s a good thing I placed a magical coat on myself for this battle… either way, I’m through playing with you…”

 

The Azukar spun his staff around and hit Sakuno in the back of the head, knocking her out. He slung her over his shoulder and turned back.

 

Daisuke shook. “Leave… her… alone…”

 

The Azukar turned to face Daisuke. “Interesting… it seems you can still move while under my spell. Either way, I have already gotten what I needed to obtain, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

 

Daisuke ran after the Azukar after a few seconds of struggling. “Give her back!”

 

The Azukar chuckled and began to disappear. “You’re interesting, boy. I have a feeling you and I will meet again.”

 

Daisuke reached out, but the Azukar had already vanished, and the Kribbons had vanished after him.

 

Rina appeared next to Daisuke. “Are you going to let them take her?”

 

Daisuke looked at Rina, and then fell down on his knees. “I can’t help her… I’m too weak… Sakuno was so powerful when facing the hunchback guys, the Kribbons, but when she faced that guy… the Azukar… she was completely overwhelmed. I’m out of my league here…”

 

Rina shook her head. “Daisuke-san… you are the one in the prophecy, which means you are the one who will rid this land of evil. You have the power to rescue her, but do you have the resolve?”

 

Daisuke looked at Rina again, then at the ground. “I don’t think I have this power… and I don’t even know where she could be… but if there is some way of saving her… then I’ll try my best.”

 

Rina nodded. “Very well, you have chosen.”

 

Daisuke was about to ask what he had chosen when Rina touched his forehead gently with her finger. A small but intricate circle appeared, and vanished after a few seconds. Daisuke stood up and moved his hand up to his forehead.

 

Rina turned around and began walking back toward the castle. “Daisuke-san… it is now your mission to save Sakuno-san…”

 

Daisuke reached out a hand. “Rina-san… what am I supposed to…”

 

Before Daisuke could finish, time began to flow again. Mitsuki continued her swing, just to notice her target was gone. Mayu finished reloading, and saw that there was nothing to shoot. Miyu and Ayame looked around and gazed at the battlefield empty of enemies. They saw Daisuke, standing there, and walked toward him.

 

Mitsuki frowned. “Hey, what happened here? Where’s the enemy?”

 

Daisuke looked at her, his mind on the mission ahead. “They took her. They took Sakuno-san. I have to save her.”

 

Mitsuki sighed. “I see… I guess you’ve chosen Sakuno-san, huh?”

 

Daisuke shook his head. “This isn’t about a choice. I have to save her. It’s as simple as that.”

 

Ayame reached Daisuke. “Well then, were coming with you. You can’t save her by yourself, right?”

 

Mayu grinned. “Don’t worry. We’ll help you all the way. We can’t let our co-manager die, isn’t that right, Mayu?”

 

Mayu nodded. “That’s right. Well help you, Daisuke-sama…”

 

Suzuki ran out of the castle, panting. “Wait, Daisuki-kun, I want to come too!”

 

Daisuke nodded. “Hang on, Sakuno-san… we’re coming you for you…”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 10!]

Chapter 10 - Campfires are Always Good Places around Which Plan Revolutions

 

 

Daisuke and his friends had left Kami Matsuri in search of Sakuno. They traveled the inside of the moon, searching for any sign of her, or the Azukar that took her. Hours passed, and they could find nothing, Hours turned to days, and they were about to give up trying to find any clues, when they stumbled upon an encampment. The people around the campsite had lit a fire and were sitting in a circle. There were three of them. Normally, it wouldn’t have been so odd, if it wasn’t for the fact that two of them were Kribbons, and one of them seemed to be an Azukar, but much older than the one who had kidnapped Sakuno. Daisuke gulped and leaned closer to hear their conversation.

 

The Azukar grunted. “So it is decided. Tell your men that they are to be ready by tomorrow.”

 

The taller Kribbon nodded.

 

The Azukar stood up. “Tomorrow, we’ll show those bastards who they’re dealing with…”

 

Daisuke looked back and saw that Mayu was gone. He looked toward the encampment again, and saw that she was approaching the Azukar.

 

Mayu smiled. “Hey, what are you guys planning over here?”

 

The Azukar shifted his gaze toward the girl, as if surprised something as daring had come from one so small in stature. “Who are you, and what business do you have to know what we are planning?”

 

Mayu giggled. “I’m Mayu, and I heard you speaking about something interesting. Anyway, do you know Sakuno?”

 

The Azukar’s eyes widened. “You overheard our conversation? Then I suppose we have no choice but to kill you…”

 

Mayu shook her head hurriedly. “I just heard the last part. You see, me and my friends have come a long way in search of her. We were wondering if you knew where she was.”

 

The Azukar raised an eyebrow. “You speak of the princess of the kingdom of Kami Matsuri? If so, then yes. As to our mission, it involves the princess, but before I tell you where she is, I must ask who you are…”

 

Mayu motioned for Daisuke and the rest of the group to come out. Daisuke came out holding one hand up vaguely in pitiful hopes of warding off any attacks. Mitsuki sighed and followed him. She, in turn, was followed by Ayame. Suzuki moved close to Daisuke. Miyu came out slowly.

 

Mayu nodded. “You see, we left the kingdom in search of Sakuno, who was captured by a bad guy.”

 

The Azukar chuckled. “I see… if that’s the case, then our target is the same. Rakanor is the name of the one who took away your princess. It is hard to explain, but two sides of my race, what you humans call the ‘Azukar’, have gone their separate ways, one side, Rakanor’s side, is trying to exterminate the humans. We, on the other hand, are happy living without involving humans. I do not know what Rakanor has planned, but I know it involves the royal family of Kami Matsuri, which is probably why he kidnapped the princess.”

 

Daisuke smiled in excitement. “Wait, you mean you know where this Rakanor guy is? Please tell us! We need to rescue Sakuno-san!”

 

The Azukar chuckled again. “You are more than welcome to join our army’s march against Rakanor’s fortress. By the way, I am called Kanorra. What might your names be?”

 

Daisuke shook his head to clear it. “Oh yeah, my name’s Daisuke. You’ve already met Mayu-chan. This is Mitsuki-san, my friend, and these are my… acquaintances, Ayame-san, Suzuki-san, and Miyu-chan. She’s Mayu’s twin sister.”

 

Kanorra nodded. “I see, well then Daisuke, I suggest getting some sleep. Tomorrow we’ll assess your individual abilities, and place you in a spot that best fits your skills.”

 

Daisuke laughed. “Thank you, Kanorra-san. I appreciate you letting us go with you!”

 

Kanorra shook his head. “Think nothing of it. There are tents set up over there, but you may have to sleep two to a tent. We will discuss the actual siege in the morning.”

 

Daisuke nodded, and headed for the tents. The others followed him while Kanorra and the two Kribbons headed inside their own tents. When Daisuke and the group got there, they saw three empty tents. Mayu and Miyu entered the left one.

 

Ayame smiled. “Since each tent can only fit two people, I want to sleep in the same tent as Daisuke-kun…”

 

Mitsuki frowned. “Ayame, if we let you sleep in the same tent as Daisuke, I’m afraid of what would happen during the night…”

 

Suzuki hugged Daisuke. “I want to sleep with Daisuki-san! He’s my friend, aren’t you, Daisuki-san?”

 

Daisuke smiled uncomfortably. “Well, I guess, but I’d still feel more comfortable if Mitsuki was staying in the same tent as me.”

 

Mitsuki blinked and began to blush. “How can you say something like that so openly?”

 

Daisuke scratched his head. “Well, I’d feel more comfortable sleeping in the same tent as you because we’ve known each other so long.”

 

Mitsuki sighed. “Oh, that’s how it is. Well fine then, Suzuki-san and Ayame-san can sleep in that tent, and we’ll sleep in the middle one.”

 

Suzuki puffed up her cheeks and entered the tent on the right, while Ayame sighed and followed her in. Mitsuki entered the middle tent, followed by Daisuke. The tent was quite large, but it seemed small when shred by two people.

 

Mitsuki pulled off her bag and dropped it to the side. “So you finally started calling me Mitsuki, huh, Daisuke?”

 

Daisuke looked down. “I guess I did, sorry…”

 

Mitsuki shook her head. “No, I’m happy you’re treating me less like a stranger now… and by the way, that was not an invitation to harass me in my sleep.”

 

Daisuke chuckled nervously and put his head down, excited about the adventure that was sure to follow.

 

 

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DL  Contributor

DL 

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Yes, I like the name RIna (plus, it's the only 1 I could come up with)

 

I do think it;s going a bit slow, which is why I'm speeding it up. (it'll jump directly from character relationship chapters straight to the main story)

 

but I think if it were a manga, it'd work better, cause what the emotions/expressions I try to portray cannot be expressed in mere words.

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Nexev Newbie

Nexev

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This story was getting weird but this chapter is pretty normal.

 

...

 

I have a screwed up sense of what's normal don't I?

 

Remember if you have the army leader you need the young idealistic private with great power to fill the almighty janitor trope.

 

Plus i you need help just ask me, I'm better at this than you'd think.

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