Yuuzen had worked hard most of his life to gain respect and rank among his Guild of assassins, and that hard work had paid off. Musume mostly had to leave him alone, Youbo paid him more for successful missions, and he got to pick which jobs he felt were worth his time.

Well, he did unless Youbo ordered him to do a job. This was one of those instances. He really did not feel like snatching some bratty little princess in Kutou and babysitting her until a trade-off could be made. Not even a worthy trade-off, in his opinion. If this job was for ransom, he wouldn't mind so much. No, apparently he was supposed to snatch the princess, just so her brother the Emperor, and a Seriyuu Seishi, would trade her for his Miko, Whoever had hired Youbo for the job wanted the Miko brought to them for some unknown reason. In his opinion, it would be much dimplier to just snatch the Miko and be done with it...but Youbo had insisted she'd be too well guarded within the palace for that to be plausible.

When he'd pointed out the princess would be just as well guarded, Musume had snapped at him to stop stalling and do his job...unless he was refusing. To refuse a direct order from Youbo was a death sentence, so he'd simply turned and left, stating it would be done.

He had spent the next three days watching the palace from a safe distance in an attempt to figure out their schedule, and decide how best to access the princess. His information on the women within the palace was limited. HE knew the Emperor had twin younger sisters, about nineteen years old, though he never saw them in the outer gardens. He did see an older woman-the Emperor's mother-a young white haired woman-one of the Seriyuu Seishi-and a tall woman with red hair-the Miko-but he never saw twins of any sort. He was assured they were identical, and rarely parted company, except when one went riding, as the other didn't have a fondness for the activity,

He was on the verge of giving up this plan and just infiltrating the palace in the guise of a servant or guard to preform a room-by-room search when he spotted a young woman, about the right age that he hadn't seen before. She was talking to the Emperor, and he seemed quite relaxed as he spoke with her. It was obvious she was not simply a courtier, as he seemed too at ease with her, and the bond felt far closer. His suspicions were confirmed when he saw the woman head for the stables to prepare for a ride. She had to be one of the Princesses.

Yuuzen had started to form a plan almost the moment he'd received the order. The royal family of Kutou was notoriously kind hearted, and would go out of their way to help others...including strangers. He smirked. Some people really made this far too easy. He knew the path she would ride, as it was the one those from the palace always rode, and he moved to his position to wait.

The path was lined with trees on both sides, and he could easily hide until he heard her comeing. He'd used animal blood and a few well places slashes to his clothing-thankful he'd worn an older set of clothing he didn't mind ruining-to give the appearance of someone who'd been badly beaten and was in urgent need of help. He had a cloth coated in essence of Yume Hana stored up his sleeve for easy access.

The plan was simple. He'd wait until he saw her coming, stumble out of the woods mumbling about bandits or something, and when she came to help him, he'd hold the cloth over her mouth until he passed out. He had the note detailing the trade-off in his cloak, which he would send back on the girl's horse. He'd carry the princess to his own waiting horse, and take her to the rendezvous location to wait. If the Emperor didn't follow his demands, the girl would die, and Yuuzen would get paid either way.

Of course, he had no way of knowing that the Princesses had both left Kutou a week earlier, and were currently enjoying a quiet getaway on Nyosei Island. He also had no way of knowing the girl he was so sure was a Princess was actually one of the Emperor's advisers...

Fumiko had a busy day with much work, and though she enjoyed it, things like these made her eager to be in the wilderness and so the moment she was given some time to herself, she decided she would leave all her things in her chambers, have a nice conversation with Shun and then go for a ride. It was a beautiful and warm day and she did not want to be indoors while it was so lovely outside. She reached the stables and smiled looking at Aoi, her beautiful black Azteca stallion. Many persons questioned her reasons for spending such a long time in the palace in the company of the royal family or her father, instead of being more in touch with her own family but, she easily dismissed those words. She did not like her stepmother, at all, especially since that time she tried to harm her, no one else knew and she had no heart to tell her father. But knowing what she was capable of and how angry she made Fumiko, the best thing to do was to ensure she was as far away form this menacing woman as possible. Being busy with work and hobbies was the bet remedy and in a way that was what she wanted right? She wanted Fumiko as far away as possible and so she would gladly oblige.

True, at times it was too much for her to bear and there were still times when she cried herself to sleep remembering the assault against her life when she was but a child, which resulted in her having that nasty scar on her neck and shoulder…it never left and sometimes it came back to haunt her at night or when she least expected it. So her one way to avoid all this darkness that constantly tried to consume her, was to get busy with all the things she usually had to do. That would also ensure she was tired by the end of the day and had no time to think about anything that made her upset. However, riding was one of those pleasures that allowed her to relax and enjoy herself in the company of a dear friend, Aoi. This act in itself relaxed her a lot and gave her the peace of mind she needed to keep on going for the rest of the day.

Despite everyone insisting that she allowed others to tend to her horse or ready him for her, she liked doing those things herself. It also made her feel more connected with her horse and their bond was stronger if they would spend more time together. Besides, she was rather responsible, and she thought that if Aoi was her horse then she and to look after him. And so, once she reached the stables and greeted her friend she put the cloth on his back and then the saddle and fastened i properly. She then took out the reins and placed them on her horse’s mouth and then tied them properly. Once all was done she nodded at the stables hand and he opened the doors for her. She thanked him softly and then she embraced her horse’s snout before she played with his mane and buried her head in it as she embraced him again.

She could tell Aoi was as eager to take part on this ride as she was. Se laughed softly and then looked outside, it was indeed a beautiful day, just what they both need for a pleasant ride. She climbed on the saddle and sorted the stirrups to her comfort and proper leg length and then she took the reins and urged her friend on a walk. Once they reached the path to follow they began to move at a trot. After ten to fifteen minutes they began to move t a canter and she laughed softly at the wonderful feeling, she always felt free and as if she could fly whenever Aoi broke into a canter. She laughed for a moment and closed her eyes feeling a cool breeze caress her cheeks and long dark hair which she seldom wore bound since it concealed that one scar that tormented her constantly. She looked around and then the horse moved at a trot, she saw some apple about to fall from a tree and she caught three, she would have one and then allow Shun and his mother to have the other two, they looked ripe. She smiled and then placed them in her saddle bag.

She then urged Aoi to canter once more and they reached beautiful fields and plains, she knew how far they could go before she had to return, but she did not know she would be unable to return that day, for something dreadful was about to happen and yet the innocent girl only thought of how much she enjoyed riding Aoi and spending time with her equine in the wilderness.

Yuuzen watched her approach and double checked that all was ready. He'd hidden his own horse, as well as his sword, though his hidden weapons were still present. He looked the part of a poor battered man, and knew he could pull off the act without a hitch...he'd used this ploy before to gain access to a target.

Standing out of sight, he practiced swaying on his feet until he was sure he looked injured and weak, not drunk, and then he made his move. Stumbling, he landed roughly to the side of the path she was on, well within view, but not suspiciously so. He gave a loud moan of pain, and clutched at his faked, bloodied injuries. He moaned again as he half rolled to face the approaching woman, though he was careful not to overdo it.

His aquamarine eyes were scrunched up in feigned pain for a long moment as he caused his body to shudder slightly. He opened his eyes weakly, and knew they shone with fear and vulnerability he did not really feel. He wasn't even sure he had it in him to feel either any longer.

He flinched at the approaching hoofbeats, as if he was scared whoever had attacked him was returning, though he then looked cautiously hopefully at seeing the lady. "B-bandits, my lady..." He stammered, in a voice as weak and shaky as he could manage, and he pretended to warn her. "Y-you'd best turn r-round. 'snot safe..."

As he shivered once more, he pretend to try to rise from his prone position, but collapsed once more. In truth, this was just to shake the drugged cloth down his sleeve so he could access it quicker. Everything he knew of the royal family told him she'd get off her horse and come to check on him, and she would not be prepared for him to move against her.

Really, he figured, it was the girl's own fault. Shouldn't a princess-any lady, really-know better than to ride all alone? No nation was completely safe, after all, and there's always the chance bandits or slave traders could happen by. He was helping her really...assuming her brother came for her, and he didn't have to kill her to collect his pay, this would be a lesson learned for the future. Yes, Yuuzen considered himself quite the good Samaritan in moments like this...

Fumiko smiled and knew that once they reached that cherry blossom tree they would have to turn around and go back to the palace. It would soon be time to eat and she was hungry, but she needed a nice warm bath first, otherwise she would not be presentable at all. She wondered what Shun thought of the current situation, she had been looking at the stars for the past few days and some Seishi constellations that were not of the same kingdom were connected. She wondered what that could mean. Either way she found herself smiling and stretching a hand to catch one of the cherry blossoms and she smelled it and looked at it, it was such a beautiful flower. It used to be her mother’s favourite and she herself was quite fond of it, she often decorated books with those flowers or even had decorations or paintings on the wall that reminded her of that beautiful flower. As she held the flower, however, she saw something falling in front of her and she gasped silently but she ensuring Aoi stopped cantering and moved at a slow trot, she was kindhearted but not a fool.

She examined the man as he struggled to get to his get and seemed in a lot of pain. His eyes met hers for a moment and she realised she had never seen eyes of such an intense colour, were they…aquamarine? She was a bit shock at such colour of eyes but she soon made Aoi halt. She would not fall for some good-looking man’s tricks if she could help it. And then, she took a moment to examine his clothing, it looked like the man had taken quite a beating and he was…bleeding? Had he just escaped bandits of some sort? Her hand moved quickly to the hilt of her katana hanging on her back. She looked around but saw no one and Aoi did not seem too concerned, surely a man with those injuries could not have run far, unless he had an adrenaline rush…

“B-bandits, my lady...Y-you'd best turn r-round. 'snot safe…”

Long purple hair shook with the wind as he lied on the ground in such a pitiful state and Fumiko could not help it but to feel moved at the man’s pitiful situation, she could not help it but to grin at the man’s words regarding bandits, “Do not worry about them, I have taught them lessons before in these areas.” It was true, although she did not kill, she still won every battle and they would leave never to return for the pathetic reason of having been beaten by a woman…

She dismounted and removed her cloak placing it around him, the katana’s hilt on her back shone piercingly as she embraced him and said, “I will help you to my horse, then you will be well looked after, I promise. Everything will be fine.” She was a bit impressed by the deep purple colour of his hair and his eyes were indeed aquamarine, she had just realised her suspicions were correct now that she was very close to the man. She slowly moved to help him to his feet so that Aoi could carry him and she would walk with her Katana in hand.

Looking at him she said, “Can you walk?” She nodded for Aoi and the horse immediately moved toward them although the black stallion suspected something about the man, Fumiko shrugged it off as a mere hocked of the pitiful conditions of this man standing there. She wondered where he could be form though, since he looked nothing like the people she had seen in Kutou or Hokkan…

Yuuzen thought he might've overdone it when he saw her reach for her katana-did princesses usually carry arms?-but he then realized it was because she suspected bandits before the lie ever left his lips. She would make this far too easy for him, really. He almost felt bad. It was a bit like targeting a child...no challenge at all.

“Do not worry about them, I have taught them lessons before in these areas.”

He fought hard not to roll his eyes, and instead feigned another wince of pain. He wasn't at all convinced that she could harm anyone besides herself with that blade. Still, it didn't matter. She was falling nicely into his trap, and if she got close enough he could have her knocked out before she even thought to use that sword.

She dismounted and approached him, but he did not make his move right away. He had to make absolutely sure she believed him. She put her cloak around him, and he decided it was a shame she was so foolishly trusting. Her eyes were the color of honey, and she was actually quite pretty. If her twin really was identical, they must have a trail of broken hearts following behind them. Again, he almost rolled his eyes. If he cared for a pretty face, Musume would be a lot happier.

“I will help you to my horse, then you will be well looked after, I promise. Everything will be fine.”

"Thank you...my lady..." He stammered, his eyes full of gratitude. Indeed, he was grateful she was making this so easy. If all went well, he'd have this job behind him before nightfall. She helped him to his feet, and he swayed in that practiced fashion, as if he couldn't quite get his balance. Under the cloak she'd covered him with, he pulled the drugged cloth into his palm and prepared to move.

"Can you walk?"

"I-I think so...my lady..." He made to take a step, and stumbled. It was as practiced and precise as all of his actions had been, and he bumped into her, putting her at last into the proper position to make his move. In an instant, one of his arms wrapped firmly around her to hold her still as the other hand pressed the cloth to her nose and mouth, The drug would start to work as soon as she took a breath. Many he knew would feel the desire to say something witty as she passed out, but Yuuzen considered that a waste of energy.

Once she was unconscious, he gently laid her on the ground. He approached her horse, and wedged the note where it would easily and quickly be found before he urged the horse to return to the palace. As he did this, he found two apples, and with a girn, he took them. They'd go nicely with his dinner later. He then turned back to the princess and lifted her in his arms. She seemed light as a feather, and once again he doubted she had the strength to wield that katana.

He carried her to his own horse, and paused long enough to tie both her wrists, in front of her, and her ankles before he removed the katana and placed it with his own. He laid her across the saddle while he mounted, and then he pulled her to his chest to hold her as he rode, he paused long enough to wrap her cloak around her. To any observer, it would simply look like she'd fallen asleep while they'd been on a ride. He'd have to remember to look at her as if he were a doe-eyed fool in love, should they pass anyone. That would always keep people from asking too many questions.

He reached the place the trade-off was to take place, and got down, the princess still in his arms. It was a small one-room cottage in the middle of the woods. There was a small stable hidden behind the cottage, and once the girl was squared away inside, he'd return to put his horse out of sight. He carried her inside, along with a pack with a few supplies. The cottage was empty except for a cot along one wall and a small chair and table. He put his pack on the table, and put the princess on the cot.

He went back outside and put his horse away, collecting his sword, as well as the girl's and his hood and gloves. He'd put them on once the Emperor's group approached. He could do nothing about the fact that the girl had seen his face, but that didn't mean he'd show off to just anyone. He reentered the cottage, and leaned her sword against the wall by the table. He slid his own back onto his belt. He then moved to make sure the knots holding his captive were secure before he settled into the chair and looked through his pack for his simple dinner. Bread, cheese, dried meat and water. Oh, and those apples he'd found. If the girl did not bother him too badly, he might share with her. He was not heartless, after all...

Fumiko did her best to help the man as they moved toward her horse, she felt a bit sad at the effort it seemed to be for him to move and was glad Aoi moved closer to them to help them out. It was strange though, as he leaned on her for support he did not seem to be an average Kutou man, rather he seemed strong like those soldiers back in Kutou she had watched train so that she could improve her skills at sword-fighting.

Her father would probably shake his head at her and she was probably being foolish in trusting this man so soon but she believed that, unless proven otherwise, everyone deserved one chance. Of course, trust was very important for her and so if this man lost her trust it would be difficult to get it back. She was determined though that these thoughts would not be necessary and that the sooner she helped him to her horse the better. She still found it strange that her horse had not warned her about bandits and yet he seemed…uncomfortable…Could there be something about this man?

“Thank you...my lady…”

She smiled at him and said, “No need. Better not talk much and save your energies to recover.” She allowed him to lean a bit more on her as she reached for the saddle and lowered a stirrup so that he could get on more easily. Aoi still looked at her pleadingly and she still did not come to realise the danger she was in. But no one ever realised the danger until…it was…too late.

“I-I think so...my lady…”

She felt him stumble and bump into her and as she turned she suddenly felt him take hold of her and his other hand placed a cloth on her mouth and nose. She did her best not to breathe and eh did her best to try and shrug him off her. She elbowed him hardly on the sternum so he would gasp for air and she kicked his leg as well, but eventually the drug was too strong and she passed out.

Aoi was neighing nervously and that was the last she recalled…

She did not know how long she had been unconscious, but she suddenly awoke feeling a light headache and her eyes blinked a couple of time before she slowly began to look around. What had just happened? She looked down at her wrists and ankles they were bound but she tested the ropes, she could easily break free… She took a deep breath and then almost gasped but it never sounded when she saw the man who had pretended to have been seriously wounded simply sit on a chair and eat his food happily. She raised an eyebrow, he had lied to her?

She felt deeply hurt at the fact that he had abused the trust she and placed on him and looked at the window, her father would be terribly worried, of that she was sure. And her katana, where was it? She looked at a wall and sighed relieved to see it not too far away, she and heard she might have lost it or something. She was beginning to feel truly angry at such audacity and she wished she had the strength to break free and kick him before leaving this place, who knew where he had taken her… And why kidnap her? What could anyone gain in taking a mere advisor? The Emperor could easily take up another on her stead…

Yuuzen really hated jobs like this. It was much dimplier to just go in, take out a target, and collect your pay. When you had to deal with hostages and trade-offs, and the like, you had to start worrying about things that complicated everything. Would the hostage have a bad reaction to the sleeping drug? Would they put up a fight? He absently rubbed at his sternum. She's elbowed him pretty hard, and landed a good kick to his leg. He'd been through worse with his training, but it was still an annoyance. He also had to try to keep her calm and quiet. this was a fairly secluded area, but if she got to making too much noise, it could cause trouble...and while he had no issue with taking life, it complicated things to take more than strictly necessary.

You also tended to second guess the little things. Were the ropes tied tightly enough? He'd have to double check them before she woke up. It would be very annoying to have to chase her down at this point, and considering she'd fought the first time, he was sure she'd fight harder the second time. He sighed deeply, rubbing at his forehead. Hostages were just too much of a hassle. No, it was much better to check the ropes now and save himself the trouble later.

He looked over toward the cot and nearly groaned when he realized she was awake already. She should've been out for another hour at least...perhaps he'd misjudged the amount of drug he'd put on the cloth. He was glad no one would know of that little slip-up. That was just the sort of thing Musume liked to tease about, and he could hardly stand that woman when she wasn't poking fun at him.

As he looked at her, he caught her eye for a split second before she looked toward the lone window. Was that...hurt...he saw in her honeyed gaze? He almost felt bad for what he had to do. Almost. As he'd decided before, perhaps this would teach the little princess not to be so trusting in the future. He reached for his pack and pulled out his spare canteen of water and a second wooden plate. He took a moment to split his food in half, placing one of the apples he'd taken, some of the meat, bread and cheese on the plate before he stood and approached the cot.

He sat the food and water to one side. "Hold out your wrists." Without waiting for her to comply, he took her hands and made sure all the knots were secure, but they were tied in a way that still let her eat. He did the same with her ankles, tightening both so she could not break free. He then moved the food and water within her reach. "Just because I have to keep you here doesn't mean you have to starve." Some would think it odd that he would do this for his hostage, but as far as he was concerned, she couldn't yell and scream and cry, or whatever else women did, if she was busy eating. Hopefully it would buy him a few more moments of peace.

As he checked the ropes and passed her his food, he didn't notice that his scarf slipped loose a little in the front, displaying the long scar that ran clear across his throat. He straightened once more, his aquamarine eyes focusing on her for a moment. "Don't worry that it's poisoned or something. If I'd wanted to kill you, I'd have had ample time to do so on the way here." Satisfied that she couldn't escape, and that the food was there, whether or not she chose to eat it, Yuuzen turned and crossed back to the table to eat his own food.

He didn't have much expirence with hostages...but the princess seemed quieter than usual. Maybe the drug hadn't fully worn off, or maybe she was too scared to make a noise, but so far she hadn't made a peep, and while he wasn't complaining, he had to wonder why she wasn't reacting the way women usually did. His mind flashed back to the hurt he'd seen in her eyes, and again, he felt just a little bad about it.

He pushed that thought aside, and adjusted his scarf without really realizing it had moved in the first place. It was nothing personal...surely she realized that? He was just doing his job. Moreover, if he failed at this...like letting the hostage go, for instance, Youbo would be very displeased, and while he was too valuable to kill, that didn't mean he was above reproach. He could be punished as easily as the next guy, and he'd vowed after the last time he'd slipped up that he'd never do so again. So, whether or not her feelings were hurt, this was his job, and he was going to see it through. At least he was treating her nicely...some of the others wouldn't have done that, if they'd been given the job. Even Musume would've figured out some twisted way to pass the time while she waited with the girl. At least with him, he only asked that she sit there quietly and not make a fuss. And she got food and water. He took a bite of the apple and looked over at her to see if she was eating, or what she was doing.

Fumiko had never been kidnapped before and though she could understand the terrors of it, she had a clear head, and so she used her little advantage of waking up silently to look around her and see what she could and could not use as a means of escape. Until the man realised she was awake, she had a great advantage and so she did not move her head too much while she looked around, there seemed to be only one door and one window and sadly that was exactly where he was. So he was a professional then, she had to git it to him, his acting had been quite punctual, she had fallen for it like a ridiculous pathetic brat. And it disgusted her that anyone would use the kindness of others to bring them to harm. In fact she hoped she would not have to dal with him anytime soon, she was still pretty upset at everything and she knew that she was not the most enjoyable of presences she she was angry. But, who could blame her? In her eyes truth and loyalty were invaluable traits people had and she cherished them greatly and so since she openly showed him the key to her trust, it was truly heartbreaking that he had so easily used that against her and showed no remorse whatsoever. He was probably doing jobs like these and then simply getting his rewards, people like him seldom though of the consequences of their acts, right? They never considered the aftermath of killing someone. She had to accept the fact that he was a professional and, as such, he would shrug off any of this should she speak her mind and at this moment all she wanted to do was escape. If he thought that mere ropes would stop her, he should think twice about it. She was not like other women, she would put up a fight…

She heard him sigh deeply and move toward her and she almost cursed under her breath. She was hoping he would not come to tend to her or annoy her and simply leave here there so she could plot how to escape. Now she had to stand his probably boasts about how easily he captured her and what a pathetic and simple hostage she turned out to be and he would probably remark that trusting strangers was foolish anyway so that…made her a dumb person. But she would not put up with any of that, she also had her limit and when reached she would not let anyone offend her, as much as she could love to do so just to keep them away. She was a rather proud person and her father always fed that stubbornness in her unknowingly, it was one of the things that ensured she survived her stepmother an it would help her fight this situation now. She did not care if this time it was not her stepmother, or at least she did not think if had been her. Did she pay this young man to kidnap her? No, if she did any of the sort it would simply be sending someone off to kill her. Yes, that was more her style. So she was back in square one trying to guess why she, of all people, had been kidnapped. Looking back at him she realised he could not be that much older than her, and yet he already lived a life that removed him of any comfort a simpler life could grant and though she did not want to admit it, a seed of compassion was growing in her heart for him, but she dismissed the thought when he looked at her. Why feel compassion for someone who had just abused her trust?

She a lost raised an eyebrow when she watched him partition his for rations for two people. When she saw him eating she did to expect him to share his food. Why was he doing any of this? Why was he not being the typical kidnapper who ensured whenever forgot this experience? Or was he feeling guilty for what he had done?

"Hold out your wrists…Just because I have to keep you here doesn't mean you have to starve.”

She did as he asked her to but her eyes fixed on his deep aquamarine eyes. When she had first looked at them they were full of emotion, when he was trying to fool her so that she would be unable to escape him. But now she realised that if she had looked more carefully she would have noticed the emptiness of them at his acting. And now, she felt as if she could see beyond what he wished others to perceive and it scared her slightly. She sought to avoid thinking too much on that and instead tried to concentrate on his last words but they puzzled her even more. She looked at the food for a long moment, was he truly expiating her to eat with these uncomfortable ropes on her wrists and arms? Besides she was beginning to feel uncomfortable in that position, she shifted her position into kneeling but it was uncomfortable because of the ropes on her legs so she changed her sitting once more. She honestly did not want to eat the rood or water he offered her because it symbolised, in her heart, tat this man had won and she would submissively do everything he wanted her to. What…he thought she was afraid and that he controlled her completely? Was he that satisfied with his work? It disgusted her to no end. Still she spoke no word and simply looked up at him, no fear whatsoever in her eyes. She was not trying to annoy him either but she felt the need to show she would not have any expected reactions nor would she simply break and cry, that never solved anything…and she swore to herself that, once she survived her other’s attempt, she would never be that defenceless again and he had only gotten her here because he had used the trust she and granted him to capture her, she still could not believe he had done such a thing…but he did.

"Don't worry that it's poisoned or something. If I'd wanted to kill you, I'd have had ample time to do so on the way here.”

She rolled her eyes at his words, this time she was unable to keep quiet and though when they met her voice had been sweet and caring, right now it was brewing anger, “I am fully aware of that.” Truly, must he show off like that? She watched him place the food and water next to her as if she were some sir tot pet when suddenly she became curious as to why he would wear a white scarf but…she noticed…she blinked, could it truly be? He also had a scar on the neck? And it looked quite harsh as well, it made her remember her own scar and she looked away or a moment feeling the compassion in her grow a bit more. Once he moved to the table she leaned forth to puck the plate and canteen just as a small gust of wind entered the room and played with her hair, revealing a scar of her own on the neck, it went down to her shoulder. At first she was busy drinking water to realise what had happened, but she soon looked at her neck and pulled her hair back into place quickly trying to hide that scar as if it were the only thing to prevent her stepmother from appearing at that very moment to kill her. Just the mere thought of it made her shudder and she leaned more against the wall to eat the food in a way to seek shelter and comfort in itself, without the need of another person’s touch.

She ate silently while she considered any way she could simply escape, but for now it seemed she was getting rather tired and the experience had been such a shock to her she had no energy to argue with her own thoughts. She watched him eat once she finished, she placed everything back as orderly as she could on the nearby table and she placed her arms across her chest, why was he not like other assassins? And why had he kidnapped her? “You could at least tell me why I was kidnapped and why I am n this place…” She truly hated silent games.

“I am fully aware of that.”

Yuuzen smirked. That fit more like his image of a princess. He supposed next she'd order him to release her, 'or else'. It was probably all just for show. She had to be at least a littel scared. He knew first-hand that being held at someone else's mercy was not enjoyable in the least, and though he tried in his own little way to lessen any discomfort, at the end of the day, she was his captive, and those roles were clearly defined. He couldn't risk messing up this mission. He didn't know who had hired Youbo to do this, but he knew they had promised a large payment, and Youbo cared for nothing more than money and comfort.

He thoght the girl was going to be stubborn and not eat, but she began to eat, and he at last returned his attention to his own food. It probably wasn't what she was used to at the palace, but it would fill her stomach. At any rate, it wasn't something most would've done if they'd been the ones to capture her. She could've done far worse than him for a kidnapper. Still, he hoped the Emperor would come soon. He got nervous when he spent long periods of time with others...it came from letting his guard down once too often, and he wore a constant reminder of that time around his neck.

As he looked over at her, he saw a gust of wind move the hair away from her shoulder. She had a scar too, it seemed, and a nasty one at that. He saw her shudder slightly, and noted a look of...fear? But he was sure he wasn't the cause. She moved her hair back to cover it, and he wondered what the princess had experienced already to leave such a mark and cause such a response. Perhaps the lives of royals were not as nice as it seemed from the outside...

“You could at least tell me why I was kidnapped and why I am n this place…”

Oh, how he'd wished she'd been the sort to sit quietly, too scared to question anything. He hated explaining himself, but knew if he ignored her, she'd just keep asking. "It's quite simple, Princess. Your brother gets my little note, and brings the Miko here. I'll trade you for her, and then we'll both be merrily on our way." Would she be the sort to bribe him for her freedom? She obviously had little of value with her-nothing to make up for the money Youbo would lose-and she didn't look like the sort to think her body wa bribe enough-not that he'd have accepted such an offer-so no, bribery was out. What then? How would she respond to this?

He watched her shift on the cot, trying to find a comfortable sitting position. He sighed. "If I untie your ankles so you can get comfortable, you'd better not try to escape." She wouldn't be the first to do so, and if she did he wouldn't be nearly as kind to her the second time he captured her. He'd make sure she was drugged enough to stay out of his hair until this was over. He pulled a knife from one of his inner cloak pockets and moved to cut the ropes binding her ankles. His motions were quick, and he had cut the rope and moved back, our of any possible attack range before many would've been able to follow. It was habit to be quick and effective, and it was what had earned hims the name Shinja..."The Sacred Snake". He put his knife away and turned the chair away from the table so he could face her before sitting down once more.

She heard him smirk and though it annoyed her completely since that-in her own opinion-meant that he was mocking her, she realised that this was also the most human side he had shown her all this time. She turned to look back at him and for a moment he appeared another person who, alike her, when through hardships of his own and now he was the result of such life. She wondered why obstacles and tribulations he survived and went through, it seemed to her he had not been treated kindly from a very young age and she looked down, her own problems seemed minuscule compared to his, in all honesty. Even though it was not easy to accept the fact that someone truly close to you could harm you like her stepmother had, she doubted this was much in comparison to what his cold aquamarine yes hid constantly. Did he ever tire of being constantly on his guard? It had to be a difficult job being an assassin. Just the thought of it made her feel exhaustion, you could never sleep in peace at night and always had to hide i the shadows, you could not walk freely and had to always hide your identity, you could never make friends or love anyone because those persons would be in danger to get to you, and no one saw in you a person, but rather a means to achieve things…a tool. She looked down at her hands and she felt helpless for a moment, was that how he felt with each passion moment? It was true that he earned a lot of money with each and every job but, that did not mean he liked this, surely if it had been for him he would not have freely chosen this way of life.

This strange sensation of compassion that filled her heart was confusing. She had been abducted, her hands and feet bound and she had been verbally threatened by a professional assassin, a man capable of torturing her or taking her life with the link of an eye. She should hate him for what he represented and for the many instances of murders she had heard of in the past. These should be her feelings and she should be coherent with what everyone else would think or feel in her situation. Yes, no one would judge her if she were a bit more realistic and accepted the fact that this man had stained his hands with blood several times. And he was a master of disguise, she still felt hurt because he had played with her trust. Must girls would be crying or demanding to be released or trying to draw attention to this place. So far those were the acceptable reactions of a victim, of a person imprisoned until rescued or released and at this point Fumiko doubted either of them would ever come to pass. So then again, she realised these should be her thoughts and she should be furious with this man for taking her in the first place…but…she realised she did not feel any of the sort. Neither hatred nor rage, she was still a bit hurt and angry with him. But other than that, she could not be so reckless as most people were, and she disliked stereotypes.

Besides, she could not avoid thinking on the small instances where she had seen kindness in him and experienced it firsthand. Although, well subdued under his usually cold and silent demeanour, she knew he was not completely void of emotion as he seemed to claim. She had seen it in his eyes a couple of times as well and the fact that he fed her and tried to ensure she was not that uncomfortable was the best proof. Were he like the men she and heard stories about, she would probably be dead by now, if not worse. She did not even want to think on what could have happened had it been someone else, but she was also no weak person and she would not have gone down without putting up a fight.

She sensed tension in the air and slowly moved her eyes in his direction. Once he ate his food he seemed to only stare at the window. His body was tense almost as if he awaited his worst enemy and she could not help it but be intrigued at what could be making him so…uncomfortable. Could it be her presence? She knew form the beginning that he was not a very sociable person, he was rather quiet and practical and seemed to get annoyed or frustrated whenever she spoke, it did not matter what she could be saying, she almost got the same reaction in the end. She looked at the window as well and closed her eyes feeling a small gust of wind touch her cheeks. She finally looked back at him and said softly, “You can relax, there is no need to be so tense around me…” she was not sure what brought her to say what followed, “I would not attack you even if I was not bound so you can relax it is the best way to wait for things.” Her mother always said that either thinking of fond memories or singing could help soothe your soul and she had always been told she had a beautiful voice. She hoped he would not take her words wrongly but she did mean them. She always preferred the more human emotions rather than being impulsive and judging everyone for their titles or deeds. She felt she wanted to understand this man and perhaps help him if he let her. but it would be no easy task.

“It’s quite simple, Princess. Your brother gets my little note, and brings the Miko here. I'll trade you for her, and then we'll both be merrily on our way.”

Is that what this was all about? She raised an eyebrow but said nothing at first. So he thought she was Shun’s sister? She almost smirked but decided against it, she had the feeling that, if she revealed whom she was then he would either slit her throat or released her and that meant he had failed either way. And she did not want him to go back empty-handed and be punished for reasons beyond his control. She looked back into his eyes, “But…you are a professional right? Wouldn’t your boss earn more money if you at times worked on both sides? It would have been simpler to have told the Emperor the truth and then either take the miko or someone pretending to b the miko, you would earn double the pay.” And he would be helping Kutou and creating ties with the country, and connections were always good to have, especially when you were an assassin. But then again she knew nothing about him or his guild so she decided she would not keep on commenting about random ideas she had, for one she one he disliked her talking too much, she did not want him growling at her to stop taking. This was not because she was afraid of him, but because she knew that eventually she would start growling back and that would not be something pretty to watch.

“If I untie your ankles so you can get comfortable, you'd better not try to escape.”

To be honest, she had been panning her escape at the first opportunity. Yes, that was her initial plans and she had examined the small cottage and did her best to design several plans and now the chance moved forth and she could grasp it. But, there was something that stopped her from actually running away. On the one hand she-unlike him-could not bring herself to hurt the trust he was placing on her by untiring her ankles. On the other hand, she felt she had to at least try and help him, she wanted everyone to have some joy in their lives, and so she looked into his eyes and extended her wrists saying, “Trust must not be granted by halves, if you trust me not to run away you must also trust me not to attack you, like I trusted you before.” She even extended her hands so he could cut the bounds more easily and did not feel threatened at all. “I will not run away, nor will I attack you, I promise.”

There was no lie in her eyes though, they sparkled with her own benevolence. And though she still felt like snapping at him for all that she had gone through, she decided that for now she would use her head instead of her impulsiveness, after all, being young at times meant being reckless.

“You can relax, there is no need to be so tense around me… I would not attack you even if I was not bound so you can relax it is the best way to wait for things.”

Yuuzen raised an eyebrow. Was this girl serious? She couldn’t seriously think that he was worried about her attacking him. Even if she wasn’t tied up, she had to realize she was outclassed. And then a strange thought occurred to him. What if she didn’t mean she thought he felt threatened by her… What if she meant she actually wanted him to relax and feel less tense, for his own well being? That was nearly enough to make him laugh. No one had ever cared for his well being but himself. What made this girl care now? If he had been in her situation, he would have prayed his captor was captured and executed. He wasn’t sure why, but he found himself answering her words quietly, without a hint of mockery or scorn. “This is not an occupation that typically allows one to relax. I do not fear an attack from you, as I know anything you could try to do would not be as much as I have already lived through.” He looked away from her, back toward the window, and he subconsciously adjusted his scarf once more to make sure the scar was well hidden. What a strange princess she was… He had expected threats and bribery, and any number of things except for the quiet, gentle tone of her voice and the calm acceptance of her situation.

“But…you are a professional right? Wouldn’t your boss earn more money if you at times worked on both sides? It would have been simpler to have told the Emperor the truth and then either take the miko or someone pretending to b the miko, you would earn double the pay.”

Again, this girl surprised him. The plan she suggested not only made sense, but he had offered Youbo a very similar one…right before he’d been backhanded and told he wasn’t paid to think only to follow her orders. For just a moment, he couldn’t help the look of impressed surprise that filtered into his aquamarine eyes, but then he shut out those emotions once more and shook his head.”Not a bad idea, Princess, but I am not paid to make the plans, only to enact thiem. For my part, this entire affair is… sloppy. Not at all how I would’ve done things, but the client was very specific, and so I do my job.” Why was he telling her all of this? It didn’t make sense, and yet he found himself more able to talk to her than most other people he had encountered. Perhaps it was because she was acting so differently from all of his past experiences. Perhaps it was because he wasn’t used to having live captives - he was almost always sent in to kill, not kidnap - or maybe… Maybe it was that hint of hurt he could still see in her eyes from time to time. Why did he care that he had hurt her feelings? HE didn’t, he told himself, but he looked away from her eyes every time he saw that look in them.

“Trust must not be granted by halves, if you trust me not to run away you must also trust me not to attack you, like I trusted you before. I will not run away, nor will I attack you, I promise.”

He looked at her for a long moment. He wanted to laugh at her words, but something about them shook him just a little and he felt…ashamed? Ashamed for how he’d had to betray her earlier. He leaned down to cut the rope between her andles, tough hands surprisingly gentle as he placed his own fingers between the blade and the skin of her ankles to keep her from getting accidentally cut. He found himself talking again as he did this. “I hope you understand, Princess, this is nothing personal. I do not enjoy betraying the trust of others, and I do not enjoy holding you here. I’d much rather send you home and be on my way… But I must deal with the hand I have been given” He looked at her hands for a moment, debating what to do. At last, he took hold of her wrists and showed the same gentleness to cut the bonds there. As he did, he glanced up from his work into her eyes, and he felt suddenly moved in a way he could not explain. Something in her eyes was so unlike anything he’d ever seen from another human being that it shocked him. As the rope cut, the blade slipped and nicked his thumb. “Damn.” He grumbled, stepping back and pulling his handkerchief from a picket to wrap around his thumb.as he stepped back slightly. What was getting into him today? This was all so unlike him…

Stopping the bleeding - it had been little more than a papercut anyway - he tossed the ropes aside, and was about to take his seat again, though he planned to move his chair closer to the girl to more easily intercept her if she tried to run. That thought was derailed when a very specific knock came at the door. It was the one members of his guild used to announce themselves to one another, and he shot the girl a look, speaking low so that she would hear , but the person outside would not. “I trust you not to run. If you do, know that the person at the door is less inclined to keep you breathing than I am.”

He was just turning to the door when it swung open, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful woman with dark curly hair and cold ees. Despite her beauty, Yuuzen looked more annoyed to see her than anything else. “What do you want?”

“I see you’re wasting time as usual.” She snorted. “Youbo won’t be happy to hear you are tucked away with some plain little girl, instead of capturing one of the princesses for the hostage trade, like you were instructed.” Yuuzen stared at her. and then glanced back at the girl on the bed. The woman’s eyes followed him. “Oh, don’t tell me you thought this silly thing was one of the princesses? She’s obviously too old, and not nearly elegant enough…”


Yuuzen felt his back stiffen. This girl wasn’t even the princess? Still, he said nothing. Musume was the type of woman that would keep talking because she liked the sound of her own voice, especially when gloating like she was now. The longer he stood there, the more she would tell him.

Sure enough, Musume continued talking. “Don’t you know that the two Princesses have gone to Kutou to visit that dull little child princess there?”


Now he had enough information to speak up. “Don’t be stupid. Of course I know that. I simply took up a side job escorting this young woman back home on my way to Hokkan. It will be easier to intercept the Princesses on their way back home than to try and attack them at the Hokkan Imperial Palace.”

“Does Youbo know you are taking on side jobs?” Musume sneered at him.

“Does hse know you’ve been selling the females under your control out as escorts, when they don’t have other tasks?” He countered with a raised eyebrow.

“What I do in my own time is my business.” She snapped.

“And what I do is mine.” He countered. “Now if you’re done wasting my time, I’ve got to get on the road. We have a long way to go.”

Musume snorted again, looking at Fumiko once more, and choosing to address her instead of Yuuzen. “Don’t get your hopes up, sweetie. Yuuzen is pretty, but he’s hollow inside. I made sure of that ages ago. You can't fix him, so you’d best save your doe eyes for someone else…” With that, she turned and left the small shack before either of them could say another word.

“Damn Musume…” Yuuzen growled, turning away from the door to look at the woman. When he spoke, his voice was quiet, but not angry. “You are not the princess? Then who are you to have been so close with the Emperor? I’m not a fool, I did observation for days before I took you.”

This also led him with a delima. Either he released this woman - who knew what he looked like, and thanks to Musume now knew his first name - or he could drag her along when he went after the princesses. Many in his situation would have just killed her and moved on, but that wasn’t his style. He did not like to shed innocent blood when he did not have to, and the girl had done nothing to him thus far…