16Thanks for the reviews dumblesmore, Chi-chan, 4n9l3 A, steph557, haruna06, and Guest! This persuaded me to write as soon as I could (which was admittedly a very long time) I'm so sorry, I've been so busy I haven't been able to update even my other stories!
Hope this chapter answers some of your questions. I haven't included Shirayuki nor Obi into the story yet because that would be cliché. They'll appear soon enough though, so don't worry. Please don't hesitate to leave a review, I really want to hear your thoughts! I haven't seen a time travel story about AnS yet so I am kinda worried about your reactions.
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Chapter 3: Fort Laxdo
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The cold air is a very welcome change from the rather warm weather back in the capital. Kiki smiled when the strong frigid wind made her purple cloak and blonde hair fly wildly behind her.
She has always preferred the cold.
It was a good thing she had asked Mitsuhide early on to teach her how to ride a horse, or this situation will be more than awkward. It would be a taint to Kiki's –and now her – reputation if anyone saw her riding behind another rider instead of riding on her own. Besides, the real Kiki would be very disappointed with her if that did happen.
Her companions are oddly silent throughout the journey. She didn't know if this was normal or not, but it filled her with unease. She has no idea what she changed during her six-month stay in this world, so she was constantly treading on dangerous and unknown grounds.
Her hands tightened on the reins; she knows they are still uncomfortable around her. She wasn't the 'Kiki' they once knew, and they both realized that. She knows they are still wondering why she remained different. She just didn't know how to fix that problem. She can't act like Kiki forever. Sooner or later, they just have to accept that she changed.
Though that didn't stop them from talking about it whenever they thought she wasn't listening. It turns out they are blaming her 'amnesia' on the incident that happened days before. Apparently, they were trying to resolve a situation in one of the lands under Zen's jurisdiction, a place called Yurikana.
To her knowledge, it seems a huge fire started there. Raging flames swallowed whole forests in the area at an alarming speed, inadvertently taking along the villages and homes surrounding it. There had been a flood of reports and exaggerated rumors about the situation that caused panic at the castle and the tension was at an all-time high. As the only remaining monarch in the castle and also the one in charge of the land (Prince Izana is at the castle in Lyrias due to official matters, and the Dowager Queen is at the castle in the north) Zen was responsible for the safety of the residents. He, along with Mitsuhide and Kiki, organized the evacuation and relief efforts, and when that was not enough, the Prince himself helped with the effort, arriving at the scene along with soldiers and additional helpers to try and take out the fire.
In order to cover more ground at once, the three split up. While Zen and Mitsuhide led their side to safety successfully, Kiki's group wasn't so lucky and got trapped in the fiery forest. According to the witnesses, Kiki had noticed her group's plight and displayed excellent leadership skills; doing everything she could to save the citizens and thought on her feet to keep everyone alive. At one point, Kiki had even disappeared when a burning log separated her from her group, but managed to return after several precious moments.
Zen and Mitsuhide had been nearly hysterical with panic when they found out, and was repeatedly pushed back by the soldiers for attempting to enter the forest to rescue her.
At the end though, she sustained burns and had inhaled a lot of smoke, making her pass out when they finally escaped.
Ultimately, Zen and Mitsuhide suspected that it was trauma that made her 'lose her memory' like this, though they remained suspicious. Their other theory is that something happened to Kiki at the time she became separated with her group.
What puzzled them is that for the next few days since the incident, Kiki looked fine and still acted like her normal self. Zen voiced out his theory that the trauma might not have hit Kiki immediately.
She clutched her reins tightly, 'And now that I'm here, they will never know what really happened that day…'
'What truly caused this?' 'Kiki' has no idea. She sometimes hopes she can speak to the original blonde-haired warrior, who had endured and gone through so much just to get replaced by a weakling like her. She was still holding out the hope that Kiki just got sent into her original body and they are both now living each other's lives. At the very least, that's a hundred times better than death.
However, recalling all that wouldn't help her current situation. Zen and Mitsuhide are both too quiet, and she has the insane urge to fill the awkward silence. She knows they won't mind, but it still felt like she was intruding sometimes. She opened her mouth to speak–
"We're almost there." Mitsuhide informed them.
Her mouth closed with a snap, thankfully unnoticed by the two.
"Oh, did you want to say something, Kiki?" Apparently not.
She quickly wracked her brain for anything sensible to say until her eyes suddenly caught sight of the sky, "There's a storm coming." Classic icebreaker, talk about the weather.
Both looked up at that. "You're right." The Prince said. "We left early but it's already getting dark."
"We should hurry; the last thing we want is to be stranded in a blizzard." Mitsuhide told them.
And with that, they urged their horses to go faster. They never strayed from the path, wary of the forest that is typically a bandit's territory. For the hundredth time, she wondered why the Prince doesn't have an entourage whenever he goes on an inspection. In case of an ambush, two aides cannot fully protect the Prince. Surely, Clarines have guards to spare.
For a moment, she thought of Obi, about how he managed to join the group effortlessly and practically became the third aide of the Prince. This trip would probably be less awkward if he was here. However, that did make her wonder, where is he right now? Is he already at the castle, working for Lord Haruka? (Who, in her opinion, is extremely annoying but justified in his nagging for the Prince's best behavior at all times) if not, is he still running rogue then, wandering the country until hired?
Should she try to contact him, speeding up the process of his inclusion in the group? Or would that do more harm than good? She would certainly feel safer if he's here; she's still not up to the standards of the real Kiki, and would probably be a liability in a fight than an asset.
She made a mental note to think about that later.
Finally, the looming stone walls of the Fort came into view. Right on time too, as the dark clouds overhead are rolling from the north fast, making the air colder and the winds harsher. Snow is already falling, and she could clearly see the Fort preparing for the storm: barricading the windows and bringing in the guards, horses, and equipment still outside.
The Fort, unlike what she expected, does not look like a deserted building. Even from a distance the place was literally buzzing with activity. There are several soldiers that lined the top of the walls and a couple were also standing guard outside the gates. One lookout spotted them coming and quickly announced the Prince's presence. They waited as the message was passed on until the gates finally opened and another soldier, obviously the commanding officer, came out.
They waited until the man finally reached them, their postures and presences strong and commanding, as Kiki had learned they always did. Only when there is no one around did they try to loosen up.
"Your Highness." The commander bowed stiffly. "Welcome to Fort Laxdo."
"We've come for the inspection." The Prince announced without preamble, mindful of the incoming storm. The commander nodded in understanding before proceeding to lead them inside. The guards stood at attention as they passed until finally, the wooden gates behind them closed with a bang, and the Fort was then revealed in all its glory.
It certainly looked like a defense fortress. She observed as guards patrolled every corridor, lookouts kept an eye out on top of the walls, barracks are filled with resting soldiers, there are training areas further out occupied by even more soldiers… if not for the epidemic, this would've been what Shirayuki saw when she had first come into the Fort.
Zen's next statement abruptly jolted her back to reality. "You mentioned in your regular reports about the increase in bandit activity?"
"That is correct, Your Highness." The commander confirmed before leading them inside the building. "It started a few months ago, and since then, there have been a couple of skirmishes around the area; bandits suddenly appearing and stealing from the occasional caravans and attacking travelers. There are also the groups spotted wandering near the towns and houses. Fortunately, no one has attempted to attack the towns nor the Fort yet."
Zen's expression slowly became darker at the news. "Are there any civilians injured? Any casualties?" He demanded. "Why am I only informed now if this began months ago?"
"With all due respect, Prince Zen, but we can handle a few bandits." The commander informed him slowly, as if talking to a child. Kiki inwardly bristled at the obvious offense. "Besides, we thought it best to handle it on our own first instead of bothering you with such small problems. There haven't been any casualties, only mild injuries, so we don't think they are planning an attack."
"I highly suspect it won't be long." She suddenly said, and everyone glanced at her in surprise. "What's to say the bandits will be satisfied with just the caravans? They will soon get bolder and bolder, especially if they are met with no resistance." She crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at the commander. "Though I don't think it's such a 'small' problem if you ended up calling us here after all." Everyone was still staring at her, and she belatedly realized that only the Prince should speak at times like these.
Her eyes widened and she almost blushed in embarrassment.
However, she knew she was right. A couple of months from now, the bandits would sell wood to the soldiers and wait until they all succumbed to the poisonous fumes it will produce once lit. They will then raid the Fort and make it their hideout, with everyone too sick to stop them.
"That's certainly a possibility." Mitsuhide agreed before the silence could become even more awkward while Zen sent her a reassuring smile before quickly sobering up.
The commander looked offended. "Kiki-dono; I assure you that we will know if such an attack occurs, but as of now, there are no signs at all. And even if there is," He turned back to Zen, "the Fort is more than prepared for it."
She bit her lip to keep from speaking again, 'do not be so sure, commander.'
However, it seemed Zen noticed her unease, because he suddenly turned to the commander and ordered him to show them their preparations and defenses. Kiki stared after him in surprise, before letting out a small grateful smile.
"That commander is too arrogant." Mitsuhide suddenly whispered beside her. Kiki nodded in agreement. "Good call, Kiki."
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In spite of that though, the inspection revealed the Fort's equipment really is more than enough for such an attack. The soldiers also looked like they can hold their own against a couple of bandits so that's a point in favor of the commander. However, while both Zen and Mitsuhide seemed satisfied by the results, Kiki knew weapons and skills are useless against an attack from the inside.
She has no clue how to stop that though. Should she allow it to happen? But she could not, in good conscience, allow the soldiers to fall sick, especially if she already knew how to prevent it.
They are currently on the training grounds overseeing a duel. The two soldiers had straightened in attention and bowed when they saw the Prince before continuing.
Now that she had trained under Mitsuhide for practically the whole time since she arrived here, she now noticed certain mistakes in their stances and footwork. Even the occasional overextended arm made her wince at the soreness that will cause later on. It seems the soldiers here are only fit to fight against bandits but against more skilled enemies? Not a chance.
That was when she was struck with an idea. A mischievous smile almost overcame her features but she quickly smoothed it out before anyone saw.
"Pardon me, Zen-denka." Kiki swiftly interrupted the commander's running monologue about the Fort's defenses, causing Zen to look at her in relief.
"Yes, what is it?"
She remained stoic, despite the smile that was threatening to break out on her face. "I wish to test how prepared these soldiers really are." She saw Mitsuhide sneak a grin at the corner of her eye. "By your leave, Your Highness."
"Granted." Zen's mouth betrayed a twitch, but he remained just as serious.
Nodding, she began crossing the field to enter the grounds, ignoring the commander's irritated glare. The two soldiers stopped and bowed at her approach. She knew Mitsuhide and Zen already realized that she just wanted to prove the commander wrong about his precious defenses, but that's not her only reason. She also wanted to test how far she had come during all her training, with opponents that are neither one of her teachers.
In other words, she would be killing two birds with one stone.
However, she also knew that there's a risk. If she cannot defeat two mediocre soldiers, then she's not worth to be the Prince's aide. The commander would certainly hold this over her head.
Though it doesn't look like Mitsuhide and Zen were worried about her. Instead, they both looked confident in her ability to win. Seeing that, her nervousness began to disappear and she started to stride confidently towards the two soldiers, who looked a bit intimidated at her approach.
Stopping in front of them, she began unsheathing her sword. She knew they both heard what she said back there, but she repeated it anyway. "I challenge the two of you to a match."
In response, the two soldiers drew their swords as well. Observing them, she quickly realized something; one of the soldiers seemed familiar somehow…
One soldier suddenly charged with a cry after the Prince signaled the start of the match, swinging his sword in a downwards slash. Kiki proceeded to block that before jumping out of the way of another sword swing courtesy of the second soldier. Their aggressive start to the match forced Kiki on the defensive, though she knew she can easily change the odds in her favor.
She has two choices: drag it out until the soldiers tire, assuring her of an easy victory, or end the battle now, making her victory a harder but quicker one.
However, dragging the battle out won't impress the commander at all. Knowing his arrogance, he would simply think that she's not strong enough to hold her own in a quick fight, or something along those lines. The thought instantly irritated her, so she ultimately decided to try ending the battle faster. With that thought, she suddenly switched to the offensive and began a series of blows that forced the first soldier to defend himself. To her surprise, he managed to block them all, ducking under a slash before successfully charging past her defenses. She gritted her teeth, completely determined not to lose this fight. She sidestepped and dodged his attacks, waiting for the right time until… there!
Pouring all her strength, Kiki quickly slashed her sword sideways, the force causing the soldier to promptly lose his grip on the hilt. His sword went flying before clattering to the ground.
"I yield." He panted. She nodded before turning to face the second one. One look and she can already tell that this would be easy. The man was positively quaking in his boots, though his eyes held a determined glint.
She feinted to the right. The soldier hurried to block but instantly froze because of the blade near his throat. He gulped nervously before dropping his sword hand. "I yield."
Both Zen and Mitsuhide's proud smiles could light up the sun. The commander was practically glowering at this point, but she really couldn't bring herself to care. They all know he won't be able to defend the performance of his soldiers, especially if he said that the match was unfair since Kiki was already a seasoned soldier (which she's not.) That would imply that his soldiers can't handle themselves against stronger opponents, thus humiliating him, their trainer.
In short, he's stuck.
She wiped the sweat from her forehead and smiled. Her first fight against people that are not her teachers, and she won. The first soldier was certainly tough, but the second was the complete opposite, though he certainly made up for it with his determination. However, she still can't shake the feeling that he's very familiar…
It was like a lightbulb went off in her head and she turned to look at him in surprise. "Ah."
The second soldier blinked. "Huh?"
Kiki stared curiously at him. "What's your name?"
"Uhh… I'm Shuka, Kiki-dono…"
She inwardly smiled at the confirmation of her suspicions before another idea formed in her mind. "Would you mind if we talked later, Shuka-kun?"
He looked absolutely bewildered. "N-Not at all, Kiki-dono."
She smiled, "Thank you. I will meet you here later."
With that done, she began walking back to where they were still waiting for her. When she got there however, she found the Prince once again questioning the soldiers' skills and the Fort's defenses to the commander, who looked like he swallowed a lemon.
"Good job, Kiki." Mitsuhide told her with a proud smile, and her heart lightened in happiness.
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"Shuka-kun, what is your personal opinion about the Fort's defenses? And please be honest."
The soldier looked startled by her abrupt question. They are currently in the training area again, the place now devoid of any soldiers. She had excused herself to Zen and Mitsuhide who were convening in the commander's office to search for official reports and records about the bandit activity. She wondered if the commander was among the sick when the 'epidemic' took place, and that's why he never appeared in the anime. If so, she hoped he didn't give Shirayuki a hard time. He was irritating enough now as it is.
That doesn't mean she would allow the bandits to attack the Fort. While she certainly would like to see the commander eat his words, the soldiers don't deserve suffering through all that. She knew if she had any chance to help, now would be the time.
The soldier hesitated for a moment, before thankfully answering as honestly as he could. "I think they could be better."
"So you think if ever the bandits attacked the Fort, you won't be able to defend yourselves?"
"We're not that helpless, Kiki-dono." He grinned, "We can take them out. They won't be able to enter the Fort if we can help it."
She hummed in acknowledgement before glancing at him, "What are your duties?"
"Well…" He scratched the back of his head. "Since I'm still just a recruit, I'm mainly stuck on guard and lookout duty." He shrugged.
Bingo. She adopted a stern expression, channeling her inner Zen whenever he acts prince-like. "We've received reports that there is an increase in bandit activity."
He nodded, "There is, ma'am."
"However, that is not the only information we have. We've also received rumors that they may attack the Fort soon. Not directly," She immediately added when the soldier opened his mouth to ask for details, "Instead, they will supposedly attack from the inside."
Shuka's eyes grew wide in shock. "What?"
She nodded grimly, trying hard not to wince for essentially manipulating him. She knows he's very loyal to the Fort and his companions, and using that just to accomplish her goals seem underhanded.
However, she's still protecting them, so wasn't she doing the right thing?
She tried waving away the thought for now; she has far more pressing concerns to address. "Unfortunately, the commander is too confident in the Fort's defenses, so he won't take the threat seriously. It is the job of the lookouts to inform everyone ahead of time if there is an attack coming. That is why I'm talking to you."
"H-Hai?" He said tentatively.
"We've received information from a source that the bandits are planning to sell poisonous wood to the Fort a few months from now. Once made into kindle, the fumes produced by the burning wood will cause everyone to fall sick, making it easy for the bandits to conquer the Fort."
He looked stunned at that information. "I… I– what?! Seriously?"
She nodded solemnly, "Everything is true. His Highness commands that you avoid getting any of the wood inside. You can inform the other lookouts and soldiers but not the commander."
"B-But Kiki-dono, merchants are always selling wood to the Fort. It's how we stay warm."
She frowned at the unexpected problem, but quickly found a solution. "If you're really not sure, check by lighting it. Once someone falls sick, it's them. Since the commander won't listen, I'm leaving the job to you. Apprehend the bandits the moment they tried to sell the wood and defend the Fort. If you discover them, send word."
He needed no more prompting. "Yes ma'am!"
She smiled. "Good luck, Shuka-kun."
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They left the Fort early to try to evade the incoming storm. Glancing back at the Fort's walls atop her horse, Kiki hoped with all her heart that she did the right thing.
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