Ever The Same

[*~Star Of Hope~*]

You know the drill! I don't own any of the original Koei Warriors Cast but I own may characters and DDB owns hers, ext, ext.

Ok! This story is kind of like Promise Within The Song but it's all changed around and such. I hope you all enjoy it and crud. It'll get bloody and there will be death and war and such. There may also be a bit of crude hummor as well as a fare share of romance. This is not ment for anyone under 13 but who cares! Just be mature. AND YES! There will be a lot of tears and everything in this story, for tears and sadness are in just about all of my stories! *Jumps up for Joy.* Yay. (Not)

During this story there will be side stories/Chapters that are important but not extremely importatant to the entire story, all exept for the first one which is marked as a side story only because it mainly deals with the Dynasty Warriors Cast but it is really important to the first few chapters. Some of these side stories/chapters will be memories but you can always look at the scene setters...

Scene setters are all generally the same. Though the ones for Japan and China are slightly different.

Japan:

Japan, Hizashi River, July 4, 8:00 PM

China:

China, Yi Province(The Camp), 204 AD, 9:00 AM

As you see there is only a small difference in the two. In Japan I can tell you the day so that you already know the season from looking at the day. (I can do this because the Japanese Calendar is very similar to our's.) However with China I can tell you the year rather then the date because Dynasty warriors tells you more about the year then Samurai Warriors, I can't tell you the date because the Chinese Calendar is very hard to compare with our's.) But yeah...if it's the past in Japan I'll tell you, and with China, I'll tell you how many days have passed (if any) between each scene setter.

I don't think I forgot anything that time but if I did then I'll fix it later. Peace out people and I hope you enjoy my story.

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Introduction

About four years something happened. Orochi, a horrible demon came into China messing up all of time and space. In this the Samurai Warriors of Feudal Era Japan and the Chinese Warriors of The Three Kingdoms had to unite to defeat this horrible demon.
Now something similar has happened only this time it happened in Japan. A horrible demon named Yokoshima has broken out of a legendary seal and wants to take over all of Japan. Now the Ancient Warriors of China have come to Feudal Era Japan and must now replay their debut to the Samurai. However only a select few have come from China to Japan’s aid.
The fateful day these Chinese Warriors awoke none other then the Samurai met them. They joined together as well as created more alliances with several others. Yet it is when you put people that hate each other together in an alliance that bad things begin to happen.

[*~Star Of Hope~*]

Side Story: Old Forgotten Memories Returned

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 19, 8:00 AM

The sun rose slowly over the trees as Pang Shae sat up in her bed and slowly got ready for the day. She knew very well it was an important day for them all. It was February 19th, and it was that day exactly 21 years ago, that Zea Tai was born.
Yes it was the great day of Zea Tai’s birthday and nothing could go wrong, nothing at all. Things were truly looking up. Pang Shae smiled widely pulling on her now washed and very clean clothes. She sighed and looked at Jiang Ai and Lu Chun, both of which had been very worried the night before and Pang Shae still could figure out why.
Shae sighed shaking the thought to the back of her head as she left the tent looking around slowly as she watched the sun rise up into the sky. Her eyes landed on Zhou Yu who came storming out of his tent followed closely by Zeo Yu whose eyes were shining with anger.
Zeo ran in front of Yu still glaring upwards at him. “Listen! This isn’t Lu Chun’s fault! This isn’t Lu Xun’s fault either! Can you please just get over yourself for one d*mn day!” She screamed.
Shae jumped backwards. She’d never seen Zeo so upset with her brother before, normally they got along so well. She continued to watch from a distance.
“You’re going to ruin Zea Tai’s birthday!” Zeo continued glaring up at Yu who frowned. “Is that what you want? Is it!? She’s my best friend! She’s going through a lot right now and you’re going to rip her heart to shreds by trying to take out your hatred towards Zhuge Liang and Jiang Wei on Lu Xun and Lu Chun!”
“Listen Zeo Yu! You have to relax! I promise I’ll try to behave!” Yu said walking away from his sister who stood completely still, fuming. She frowned and marched off towards the tent finally spotting Shae who stood transfixed on the spot.
“Hello there, Shae!” Zeo said smiling widely as she looked at Shae who nodded good morning to her friend shaking the scene out of her head. She smiled. “Well! I have my present ready for Zea Tai! I’m going to give it to her now only so someone doesn’t ruin it later.” Zeo said glaring over her shoulder at Yu’s tent.
“Hey guys! I thought I’d wake up early and come to give Zea her present.” Jiang Wei said walking up slowly smiling as he looked from Zeo Yu to Pang Shae.
“Come on in then…I believe that it’d be a better idea to give it to her now.” Zeo said glancing once again over her shoulder at her brother’s tent. “I’d wait for him before giving it to her but I doubt he cares so…” She sighed trailing off.
Shae nodded looking into the tent to make sure everyone was dressed and awake before leading Wei and Zeo into the tent.
“Good morning girls!” Wei said smiling widely still. “Zea Tai…I came in to give you your present which is from me and my sister. Also I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday.” He said looking down at her.
“Thank you Jiang Wei!” Zea Tai screamed standing up and throwing her arms around Wei’s neck. She looked up at Ai who smiled slightly trying to force the worry off her face. “You too, Ai!” Zea said.
“Ok! Here you go!” Jiang Ai said after Zea Tai had let go of Jiang Wei. Ai handed Zea her present, which was wrapped neatly.
Zea pulled the wrapping off of the present and looked downward before looking back up smiling. “This is beautiful thank you both so much!” She said smiling as she pulled the well-crafted bracelet and held it up to the light. She put it on slowly and smiled.
“Here! This is from me!” Chun said handing Zea her present. Zea slowly opened the package and smiled looking back up at Chun as she pulled out a long and soft slickly blue ribbon. “It’s for your hair.” Chun said taking the ribbon in her hands and tying it up in Zea’s hair.
Zeo Yu came up next and looked down at Zea Tai whose eyes were shining with joy and pride. “Zea…I want you to know one thing…I want this to be the happiest day of your life and I want you to not shed a single tear in the next week…but I’m not so sure this will happen…This present is from Zhou Yu and I and both of the Qiao’s…I want you to remember that no matter what Zhou Yu does that might hurt you…he’s really trying not to make you upset today.” Zeo said handing something to Zea who looked down.
It was an amazing painting of the waterfall, it was Zea’s favorite spot to just sit and think and do nothing all day. She did just about everything there. Tears began to well up in her eyes as she put the painting on her bed and hugged Zeo.
“Thank you so much!” Zea said smiling widely fighting the tears in her eyes as she hugged her friend.
“You’re welcome.” Zeo whispered in Zea’s ear.
“Hey! Is the little birthday shrimp in here?” Came Ling Tong’s arrogant voice for the entrance of the tent. Zea Tai looked up and smiled nodding slowly. “Great! Then I have a present for you!” Tong said smiling as he walked up to Zea who nodded.
“Close your eyes.” Ling Hin said flatly looking at Zea who nodded again and closed her eyes.
Tong placed something in her hands.
“Open.” He instructed looking down.
Zea followed orders and her eyes landed on a pair of smooth leather archery gloves. They were a dark navy blue. Zea slide them on and looked up. “Thank you.” She said her voice chocked by tears.
“Hello everyone!” Guan Ping said walking in unaware of what was happening. He looked at all the other people in the tent and then watched Ling Tong and Ling Hin leave. “What’s going on?” Ping asked.
“Oh! Well you see we’re all giving Zea Tai here our presents.” Pang Shae said looking up at Ping who nodded and pulled something out of seemingly nowhere. He handed it to Zea Tai who ripped it open and pulled out a well-crafted sheath that fit her scimitar perfectly.
“Thanks guys.” Zea said grinning as she exchanged sheaths, placing her old one on her bed carefully.
“The others will give you their presents later. Don’t worry, kay…everything is going to be perfect, I promise.” Zeo said as Zea stood up and nodded leaving the tent without another word.
“She has no clue, does she?” Jiang Ai asked after Ping and Shae left the tent.
“No…she doesn’t and I hope to keep it that way.” Zeo Yu said looking at Chun, Ai, and Wei who all nodded.

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 19, 9:00 AM

“Thank you all so much!” Zea Tai said looking over her shoulders at the girls in the tent behind her. They were the girls of the Samurai army, which has given her a long a beautiful blue and white Kimono as well as a new red and white one. Zea was wearing her long blue and white Kimono as it matched her ribbon she had gotten from Lu Chun.
She smiled looked at the three bracelets on her wrists. One was from Zhen Xu, a beautiful sapphire bracelet, one was from Jiang Ai and Jiang Wei and the other was from Zhang He, which was a butterfly, just what Zea expected. She had gotten a lecture of justice and a new pair of boots from Ma Chao and Zhao Yun, Sing Shang and their son had given her new leather quiver.
Zea seemed to be lost in dreams of another place far from the one she was in…and far from the one she belonged in. She was brought back into the real world when she heard Zhou Tai’s growling voice from behind her.
“Oh! Zhou Tai!” Zea gasped turning to face Tai, she bowed slowly.
“There’s no need for that today Zea…” Tai grunted. Zea nodded slowly looking at her brother who opened his hand to reveal a ring in his hand. It was beautifully made with a ruby, en emerald, and a sapphire surrounding a diamond. The band was made out of solid silver.
“What’s this?” Zea asked looking down at the ring, which sparkled in the sunlight.
“Its mom’s ring…take it…it’s for you.” Tai grunted again handing Zea the ring and walking off without a word.
Zea Tai gazed down at the ring. It was her mothers. Her eyes filled with tears and she fell to her knees, just the thought of holding something so valuable, something that her mother had once treasured, the symbol of love between her parents, tore her heart to pieces.
“Hello, Birthday girl!” Came Lu Xun’s voice. Xun’s eyes landed on Zea who closed her eyes tightly trying to find someplace inside of her that hadn’t been taken over by the chilling sorrow. “Zea Tai? Are you ok?” Xun asked running to Zea’s side.
“Lu Xun!” Zea cried hiding her face in Xun’s arms. “No! I can’t cry! Zeo Yu will be upset if she sees me crying…I can’t believe…” Zea pulled away from Xun looking at the ring that rested in her hand.
“It’s beautiful.” Xun said looking down at the ring, which he took slowly and slipped it onto Zea’s finger before stepping backwards.
“It was my mothers…wedding ring…” Zea whispered looking back up at Xun who nodded. “I’m sorry I was crying…it just upset me…they way Zhou Tai gave it to me…that emotionless look in his eyes.” She muttered.
“Come on…” Xun said looking around carefully as if making sure someone specific wasn’t there. “Let’s get you into my tent, I have something for you…then after that we can take a walk and then we can do whatever you want.” He said.
Zea nodded standing up slowly following Xun who looked around again. He knew it’d help if he was with Zea for the day but the only thing he wasn’t sure of was the fact that Jiang Wei would keep himself out of trouble with Zhou Yu.

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 19, 8:00 PM

“Wow! This is great! This is amazing! This is…thank you…all of you…” Zea Tai muttered looking around at the others who had gathered in the large tent. She looked around taking note of who was there, but three people were missing. Zhou Yu, Jiang Wei, and Lu Chun.
“Where is Yu and Wei!?” Zea asked looking around quickly. “I don’t want to start until I find them!” She said and then gasped as Jiang Wei came stumbling in and he wasn’t smiling, in fact…a look of pure terror was written on his face.
“Wei what happened?” Zeo Yu asked jumping up quickly looking at Wei who was shaking violently now.
“Lu Chun…Zhou Yu…” Wei said flatly clearly upset about something. “Chun…in trouble…Zhou Yu…very mad…” Wei shook himself back to a normal state. “You guys got to save her!” He said.
“What?” Lu Xun yelled standing up quickly. “What is he going to do to my sister? He better not hurt her!” Xun yelled running out of the tent.
“No! Lu Xun, don’t!” Zeo yelled looking after Xun who was already far out of sight. “Dang! It’s all falling apart now!” She muttered, “He promised he’d behave!” She growled.
Zea stood up looking after Lu Xun. “What’s going on!?” She asked quickly looking around, her eyes wide with worry.
Jiang Wei started explaining everything to Zea Tai whose eyes grew wider with every word. Before Wei could finish she had left the tent and was now running after Xun.
“You! How dare you jump in my way!” Zhou Yu yelled looking down at Lu Chun who stood completely still looking up at him with eyes full of pain.
“I’m sorry Lord Zhou Yu. What I did was dishonorable and I beg you to forgive me.” Lu Chun said in her simple and now clearly spirit broken voice.
“You do not deserve my forgiveness!” Zhou Yu yelled clenching his fist and bringing it down towards Lu Chun how hung her head awaiting the blow, but it never came.
Chun looked up to see Lu Xun standing in front of her taking all of Zhou Yu’s angry blows. She gasped and stumbled backwards before looking back up. “No! Lu Xun!” She screamed.
Zea came running up to the scene. “ZHOU YU STOP!” She and Zeo Yu both yelled at the same time. Zea Tai ran over to Lu Xun stepping in front of him and grabbing Zhou Yu’s fist as it came down once more. She was clearly stronger then he was.
“Let go!” Zhou Yu growled. Zeo seemed to be the only one who noticed he was no longer in his right state of mind. Yu brought his other fist down on Zea who caught it in her hand. Yu laughed and kicked Zea straight in the chest sending her backwards.
Zeo ran to her brother’s side and dragged him away from Zea, Chun and Xun. “YU! Pull it together! Look what you’ve done!” Zeo yelled.
Yu closed his eyes and opened them again looking around slowly his eyes landing on Xun who was in a curled lump on the ground. Chun was leaning against a tree holding her side and Zea gasping for breath on the ground. “Zeo…did…did I do this to them?” Yu asked looking at the three.
“Yes you did but don’t worry…everything will be ok.” Zeo said hugging her brother who sighed watching Zea scurry over to Xun who didn’t move at all.
“Xun?” Zea asked slowly looking down. “Xun…Xun…Lu Xun?” She asked her eyes filling with tears as looked down at the motionless boy in front. “LU XUN!” She screamed pulling Xun up into her arms holding him tightly as she rocked herself back and forth.
“Zeo…I…I…” Yu started looking down at Xun. “I can’t believe this…” He muttered pulling away from his sister.
Jiang Wei came running up and looked at Lu Chun who smiled weakly waving slightly holding her side still. Her eyes landed on Xun and she gasped tears rushing into her eyes. “N-No.” She muttered walking slowly to Zea Tai reaching downwards.
“Don’t touch him!” Zea screamed tightening her grip on Xun. “Don’t touch him.” She muttered.
Chun gasped and almost fell over. Wei ran over to catch her. “Wei! He’s gone!” Chun screamed sobbing into Wei’s arms. Wei sighed and looked at Xun trying not to cry from the shock of seeing him in such a state. “My baby brother…” Chun whispered.
“Lu Xun, wake up…please.” Zea said looking down at Xun who remained still. “Please, wake up.” She whispered pulling Xun into her chest as she cried silently into his shoulder.
“Zea…what’s wrong?” Came Xun’s weak voice. Zea screamed and clung to Xun not letting him go. “Don’t worry…I’ll be fine.” Xun said looking at Zea who continued sobbing.
“You’re alive.” Zea muttered finally releasing Xun from her firm grip. Chun rushed over and hugged her brother followed closely by Wei who smiled looking down at Xun. Zeo joined the group looking down at Lu Xun.
Zea Tai stood up and walked over to a tree leaning up against it. She sighed and looked up at the sky. “At least he’s ok.” She muttered looking up at the stars in the nighttime sky.
Zhou Yu slowly walked over to Zea who looked at him. “Zea…I’d understand if you hate me or something like that…in fact I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I really am sorry for ruining your birthday, if you can find it somewhere in your heart to forgive me then…thank you.” Yu muttered and turned to leave.
“Hey, Yu!” Zea yelled her voice still slightly weak. She ran over to Zhou Yu and grabbed his arm to stop him. “Zhou Yu…we’ve all had our moments when we’ve been mad and I understand what you are going through…” She muttered. “…And Zhou Yu…I know you’re not a bad person and…I forgive you…” Zea said looking up at him.
Yu nodded and pulled his arm from Zea’s grasp walking away slowly. “Thank You.” He muttered looking at the ground as he walked.
Zea looked back at the sky and watched a star shoot across it. “A falling star…” She muttered.
“Or a shooting star?” Came a voice to her ears. Zea looked around and sighed closing her eyes. “You’re a strong girl, I’m proud of you…we all are…” The voice said.
“Sun Ce…” Zea muttered leaning once again on a tree.
“What about Sun Ce?” Came a familiar voice. Zea turned around and looked at Xun.
A smile spread across her face and she hugged him. “Nothing…” She whispered barring her face in his chest. “It’s nothing at all.”

[*~Star Of Hope~*]

Chapter 1: Keep Holding On

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 20, Dawn

The sun rose once more over the trees of Hinode forest, this time the light hit Zhou Yu perfectly in the face at just the right angel to wake him up. The only thing Yu wanted to do was sleep but even that was impossible over the sound of Zhou Tai’s snoring.
Yu sighed and pulled on his robes before leaving the tent. The fresh morning air felt good on his skin. He yawned and stretched widely before looking at the tent nearest his. Zea Tai, Lu Chun and Jiang Ai were there and in the tent next to them were Zeo Yu, Ling Hin and Pang Shae.
Jiang Wei, Lu Xun, and Zhen Xu were sharing a tent in between Ling Tong, Guan Ping, Zhang He and Zhang Liao’s tents. Next to Yu’s tent on the right was Ma Chao, Zhao Yun, Zhao Tong and Sing Shang’s tent and to the left was Cao Yin, Cao Yang, Zhen Ji and Cao Pi’s tent.
Yu sighed and looked at the ground as Cao Pi came walking out of his tent to be greeted by Mitsunari who was smiling. The two walked over to Yu who waved sleepily. “Good morning you two.” Yu said softly.
“Morning, Yu.” Mitsunari said looking at Zhou Yu who shook his head to get the hair out of his eyes. Yu nodded looking at Mitsunari who walked off followed by Cao Pi.
Yu stood still looking around. He knew that most everyone was likely to sleep in very late after what had happened the previous night. Yu was a bad person to hurt such a young girl like that, and on her birthday.
Yet, something more amazing had happened. The strength of the Lu family had shone through the rain that night, through that dark moonless night. Lu Chun had jumped in front of Jiang Wei and had taken the blow for him. Then…Lu Xun had done the same for his sister.
Yu sighed. He understood why Sun Ce had respected Lu Chun so much. Yu looked up at Zea’s tent and sighed. Even after all he’d done, Zea Tai still had to courage, the compassion to forgive him.
“What are you thinking about?” Asked a voice from behind Yu. He looked up and sighed his eyes landing on Zhou Tai who was standing in the entryway of the tent, fully dressed.
“You’re sister is a very strong girl. She is very kind to forgive me the way she did.” Yu said looking at Tai who nodded slowly and walked away looking at the ground letting out a long sigh.
Yu looked up at the raising sun ignoring everything around him as he walked forward. He continued on his way until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He spun around and his eyes landed on Zea Tai who stood behind him smiling weakly.
Yu sighed looking at the ground trying to avoid the girl’s kind eyes. “…Zea…Tai…” Yu muttered finally looking at Zea who stood tall still smiling. “I don’t deserve this…” Yu sighed.
“You do, Zhou Yu…we all deserve to be loved. We all deserve to be forgiven and I know that you’re not a bad person…you’re just going through a hard time right now.” Zea said. Yu opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Zea who continued. “I know that you were upset with Lu Chun because she jumped into your way but…she did it because she really cares about Jiang Wei…” Zea explained.
Zhou Yu nodded slowly understanding what she meant. Zea looked at the ground. “Yu…you’re like…you’re like a father to me, you…and…I…” Zea’s eyes started filling with tears as she looked at the ring on her hand.
Yu gasped jumping backwards and then stared down at Zea who tried her hardest not to look sad. Yu sighed and pulled his arms around the young girl.
“Zhou Yu…I miss Sun Ce…” Zea muttered, “And My mother…and my father…” She said fighting the tears that filled her eyes.
“I know…” Zhou Yu sighed looking down at Zea Tai who nodded and smiled as Yu let her go. “You’re a strong and compassionate girl. I envy the man you is to be your husband.” Yu said smiling.
“But you have Xiao Qiao…and she loves you so much.” Zea Tai said smiling. “Unless what your saying is that you are proud of me and you believe that any man, even one of your statures, would be happy with me.” She said.
“I think that, that is what I mean.” Yu said. Zea smiled and nodded before walking away.

“Kuraku Azai?” Came Mitsunari’s voice. Kuraku looked over her shoulder at Mitsunari who was standing with Cao Pi and a woman. “This is Kana…she needs to talk with you.” Nari said.
Kuraku nodded slowly looking at Nari, Pi and Kana. Nari took her arm and lead her into a tent. Kuraku looked up at Kana who smiled gently. “Kuraku Azai, you have gone through a lot in life and I know what you are still going through.” Kana said and pulled something from her cloak.
It was a beautiful silver box. Kana handed it to Kuraku who opened it slowly and pulled out a well-crafted sliver mirror. “What is it?” She asked looking up at Kana.
“It is the mirror of Shinzui.” Kana said looking down at Kuraku. “This mirror opens a portal between our world and the world of the Chinese Warriors. You will find a good use for it.”
Kuraku turned to leave looking at the mirror before turning suddenly only to find Kana, Pi and Nari were all gone from sight. She sighed looking into the mirror.
The glass was foggy and suddenly a vision appeared in the depths of the fog. It was her reflection, or it looked like her reflection. It turned and winked looking at Kuraku before turning once more and walking off into the fog, which began to clear showing a large, scorched terrain. A woman was lying in the rubble of a burning tent. She was dead.
The scene suddenly faded to another. This time it was in a castle of some sort. A woman with long dark brown or maybe black hair was sitting in a chair. She was very pretty. Sitting in the room with her was another girl who seemed to be the first’s sister. The second had lighter brown hair then the first.
A soldier came marching in. He looked at the second girl and gave her a grim smile. “Hello Lady Xiao Qiao.” He muttered. So the second girl’s name was Xiao Qiao. The soldier looked at the first girl who looked up slowly.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“Lady Da Qiao…it’s the camp you’re daughter was in…” The soldier said looking at first girl, Da Qiao who froze, a look of panic came across her face.
“What happened?” Da Qiao asked looking up. Xiao Qiao gave her a worried look.
“The came was burnt to the ground and…your daughter is dead.” The soldier said and left the room. The last thing Kuraku saw was Da Qiao sitting in the chair, tears running down her face.
“What’s going on?” Came a voice from behind Kuraku. Kuraku stood up and spun around her eyes landing on Zea Tai who smiled slightly.
“You’re one of the Chinese Warriors! Do you know a lady named Da Qiao?” Kuraku asked.
“Y-Yes…” Zea Tai stammered looking at Kuraku. This girl was beginning to become very strange. How did she know Da Qiao? “W-Why?” Zea asked slowly.
“I can see into your world with this mirror! I just saw Lady Qiao and a soldier came in and…Da Qiao’s daughter is dead.” Kuraku said looking at Zea Tai who froze in place her eyes growing wide as she looked at Kuraku.
“Lu Xun’s wife!” Zea Tai gasped and took off running. She was stopped when she felt the absence of her mother’s ring from her finger. She instantly dropped to the ground searching franticly for the ring.
“Zea Tai…” Came Kana’s voice. “You are the daughter of Sei Tai…barer of the ring of Tsukiai. You have many great talents and have been given the gift of being able to love anyone. You have the gift to bring people together, no matter what else is going on. You have been giving gifts that you already had…the wonderful gift of being able to forgive and the gift of pure kindness towards everyone.” Kana said reaching down for Zea Tai who looked up to see Kana open her hand.
Resting in Kana’s palm was Zea’s mother’s ring. She snatched it and put it on before looking up at Kana. “You are a strong young girl…I wish you luck.” Kana said and walked away. Only a few more… Kana thought.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“This is Lu Xun’s tent…though I’m not sure why you need to talk with him…Kuraku, make is short, I don’t want him up for too long.” Kikuhara, one of the medics for the Samurai and fiancé of Yukimura Sanada, said looking at Kuraku who nodded slowly and entered the tent.
“L-Lu Xun?” Kuraku asked looking down at the bed in the middle. She wasn’t too sure it was Lu Xun until she heard someone move in the other bed.
“That’s Xun’s bed.” Jiang Wei said nodding slowly before leaning back into the pillows letting out a yawn as he curled up once more. “I’ll leave so you two can talk alone.” He said standing up and leaving.
Xun sat up in his bed looking at his guest. “What is it?” He asked slowly looking at Kuraku who sighed.
“You know a lady by the name of Da Qiao…right?” Kuraku asked. Xun nodded slowly. “I had this vision, you see I’m…” She trailed off.
“A girl named Kana wrote me a letter saying that someone in the camp was able to see what was happening where I’m from…is that you?” Xun asked weakly.
“Yes! That’s me and I have to tell you that…well I saw something and Da Qiao was sitting in this room and this soldier came in…he told her something.” Kuraku said standing at the foot of Xun’s bed.
“What did the soldier say?” Xun asked quietly looking up at Kuraku who sighed looking at the ground as she turned away.
“He said that…Da Qiao’s daughter is…Lu Xun…your wife died in a fire…” Kuraku said and ran out of the tent stopping next to Kikuhara. “You’re not going to want to let anyone in there for a while.” She whispered.
Kikuhara looked inside of the tent to see Lu Xun lying in bed, a look of pure terror on his face. She quickly pulled her head out of the tent and sat down.
Xun curled up into a ball and cried into his pillow, feeling lost and alone.

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 20, 9:00 AM

“What do you mean I can’t go in?” Zea Tai yelled glaring at Kikuhara who cringed at the harsh tone of Zea’s voice. “I have to go in there! I have to talk to Xun!” Zea screamed.
“Please, Tai-Chan…you can’t go in here, Xun is far to upset to talk to anyone right now.” Kikuhara said looking at Zea who froze. Someone had already told him what happened.
“Please! Please, I have to go in there!” Zea said now resorting to begging rather then yelling. “Please…” She muttered.
Xun opened his eyes at the sound of Zea’s voice. He looked up his eyes red from crying. “Zea Tai!” He cried. It was like a child crying for his mother, or was it a man crying for the only woman that could comfort him. “Kikuhara…let Zea Tai in.” Lu Xun commanded. He was sure what it was but what he did know is that Zea’s comforting touch was exactly what he needed.
Kikuhara sighed and moved to the side letting Zea Tai enter the tent. Xun looked up at her and closed his eyes. “Lu Xun…” Zea Tai muttered stepping forward looking at Lu Xun. “…I’m sorry…she was my friend…and…”
“Zea Tai…stop.” Lu Xun commanded. “Come here…please.” He muttered. Zea stepped forward once more and stood up tall trying not to cry. She could see the pain and sorrow that Xun felt by the look in his red eyes.
“Xun…” She whispered looking down at him. She sighed pushing his hair out of his face.
Xun felt ever muscle in his face relax. He looked up at Zea Tai who stood over him still fighting tears. Like his mother after his father had died. They both tried so hard not to cry as they comforted him. Like his wife had after Sun Ce’s death. Like he had comforted her when her father died. Xun closed his eyes and sat up quickly sweeping his arms around Zea who gasped quietly with a blank yet surprised look on her face.
“X-Xun…Oh Lu Xun…” Zea muttered pulling her arms around Lu Xun in turn. “I’m so sorry…you must be so upset.” She said quietly.
Xun let out a pleased and somewhat happy sigh though it didn’t sound like that. He felt very relaxed now.
Zea turned her head to the side hearing Xun sigh. “L-Lu Xun…maybe Kikuhara was right…maybe I shouldn’t be…” She started but was cut of by Lu Xun who tightened his grip on her.
“Don’t leave me…” Xun muttered holding Zea tightly not daring to let go of her yet. “I need you…please…Zea Tai…don’t leave me…” He whispered. Zea sighed still hovering over Lu Xun she kneeled down still not feeling him let go of her.
“Lu Xun…this isn’t right…you’re wife just died and…” She was cut short once more.
“You’re all I have left…you know how I feel…” Xun said looking at Zea Tai. She understood what he was saying. All of his life he had been torn into two by his feelings. Part of him loved his wife while the other loved Zea deeply.
“I-I know…” Zea muttered hugging Lu Xun once more. “I won’t leave you…” She whispered in his ear, “I promise…” Zea shook her head once again forcing down tears. It hurt her to see Lu Xun in so much pain. She closed her eyes and finally realized she couldn’t keep the tears back any longer. She started crying silently, warm tears streaming down her face.
“Don’t cry…I’ve got you…don’t cry…” Xun said looking at Zea who pressed her face into Xun’s chest. “Don’t worry…I’m going to be ok.” He muttered hugging her tightly.
“Xun…I…I…” Zea started trailing off. “I love you…” She whispered.
“I know…I know…” Xun muttered and closed his eyes leaning backwards.

~~~~~~~Continued~~~~~~~

[*~Star Of Hope~*]

Chapter 1: Keep Holding On (Continued)

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 20, 9:10 AM

“Man, Tai-Chan, I hope you don’t upset him anymore then he already is…” Kikuhara said looking up at the sky. She leaned backwards lying out on the ground yawning widely as she stretched out.
Kikuhara continued to watch the clouds drift lazily across the sky. She began to drift into a light sleep, her mind wandering off in her imagination.
“Chan…Kiku-Chan?” A voice said pulling Kikuhara out of her dream world. She shot up quickly looking at the man standing in front of her.
“What is it?” Kikuhara asked stretching.
“It’s Yukimura, he’s been hurt.” The man said looking at Kikuhara cringing in fear of her yell, but it never came.
“What are you saying? He went out on a scouting mission not to war!” Kikuhara said her voice rising as she watched Keiji’s horse trot through the camp. She ran up to him. “Keiji, Yukimura is alright, right?” She demanded.
Keiji jumped at the sudden sound of Kikuhara’s voice. It took him a moment to regain balance and process her words. “I don’t know…he got hit by that rock pretty hard and the arrow wound was pretty deep…He’s a strong guy, he’ll be fine!” Keiji said. He smiled and looked down at Kikuhara who ran off.
“Where is he?” She demanded running up to Mitsunari who just happened to be the second person she saw.
“He who?” Mitsunari asked looking at Kikuhara who growled clenching her fist.
“Don’t you he who me! You know who I’m talking about!” Kikuhara yelled trying not to slug Mitsunari.
“I do?” Mitsunari asked clearly very clueless.
“YUKIMURA, YOU IDIOT!” Kikuhara screamed glaring at Mitsunari.
“Kikuhara?” Asked Yukimura’s voice. Kikuhara spun around and looked at Yukimura running towards him tackling him to the ground. Yukimura laughed looking at Kikuhara who buried her face in his chest.
“I can see…” Yukimura flinched in pain, “I was missed.” He said smiling as he pushed himself up slowly, which was hard due to the fact that all of Kikuhara’s weight was on him. He collapsed under the weight.
Kikuhara laughed and stood up pulling Yukimura up with her. “You were.” She said smiling as she led him of quickly.
“Hey! Where are you going? You just drug me pass my tent!” Yukimura said watching the tent pass them by.
“Having you spend some well earned time with me before they drag you off to another question and answer session.” Kikuhara said looking at Yukimura who sighed.
“I’d rather a question and answer session then a tear session.” He sighed looking at Kikuhara.
“Oh be quiet!” Kikuhara snapped looking at Yukimura who sighed letting her drag him on. “You know I just want to cheek up on some people.” She said laughed.

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 20, 9:30

Jiang Wei let out long yawn as he walked towards the tent. He frowned noticing Kikuhara was gone as he walked in slowly. “H…hello, what do we have here? Lu Xun, Zea Tai, did I interrupt something?” Jiang Wei asked grinning sheepishly as he looked at the two.
Xun placed his finger to his lips telling Wei to be quiet before pointing down at Zea who was fast asleep next to him. Wei nodded rolling his eyes as he sat down throwing a pillow at Xun who caught it and growled.
“What did that other girl have to tell you anyway?” Wei asked looking at Xun who sighed.
“My wife died in a fire…” He muttered looking at the top of the tent.
“And now you’re sleeping with Zea Tai…this is just great…you sure are a ladies man.” Wei said laughing, as he looked at Xun whose face flushed bright red.
“SHHHHH!” Xun growled. “And she just came in here to comfort me and she fell asleep, it’s not as horrible as it looks.” He muttered stroking Zea Tai’s hair. Wei rolled his eyes. “This is no dishonor to me! I am a single man!” Xun said his face growing more red the before.
“Right and Zea Tai is a single woman…a single, very, very, innocent, young woman…” Wei said smiling devilishly as he waited for Xun to get himself out of the hole he had created. “…People are going to think that you’re trying to take advantage of this very young and innocent girl…”
“Well! I…umm…” Xun trailed off thinking very hard. “Wei, you don’t really think I’d try to take advantage of Zea Tai, do you?” He asked.
“No! Of course not!” Wei said looking down at Xun who frowned. “Really! I wouldn’t think that sort of thing! I’m not that horrible!” Wei said laughing.
“What kind of horrible things do you think, anyway?” Xun asked sitting up slowly and trying to stand but failed and lied back down. He smiled evilly looking up at Wei whose face flushed bright red.
“That’s none of your busyness!” Wei said looking around for a way to change the topic.
“Why won’t you tell me?” Xun demanded glaring up at Wei who continued looking around, getting more frantic.
“Well…because…I…trust me you don’t want to know, Xun!” Wei said his eyes landed on his bed. Wei gasped and ran over to the bed grabbing a pillow and throwing it over what looked like a paper.
“It either has something to do with me or with my sister. That or…” Xun looked from Wei to Zea and back again. “…Her…” He muttered an angered look coming across his face.
“AHH! No, Xun calm down…not Tai…no that wouldn’t happen!” Wei panicked trying to keep Xun calm.
Xun relaxed and leaned backwards into his pillows nonchalantly. “Then who?” He asked in a now calm tone. “Chun? Me?” Xun shuddered suddenly grabbing the blankets and pulling them up tightly to his chest. “Who?” He asked.
“EWWWW! No way! Not you! Xun, That’s just wrong! What crazy ideas or visions has Zhang He placed in your head?” Wei said looking at Xun who didn’t let the blankets go but clearly relaxed a bit.
“He put no thoughts in my head!” Xun scolded glaring at Wei who rolled his eyes and nodded. “Wait…that means…” Xun almost fell out of his bead laughing. “Chun!? Wei! I can’t believe you!” He said grabbing his side, which began to hurt terribly from laughing. Xun stopped suddenly sitting up. “Wait…what exactly goes through that mind of yours?” He asked suddenly.
“Nothing that bad! I’d never harm your sister or do anything to her that she didn’t want me too.” Wei said standing up tall. He walked over to Xun and pulled his friend up. “Promise.” He said grinning.
“Ok.” Xun said nodding as he sat back down on his bed. “I feel a lot better…but…” he sighed looking at the silk cloth on the table. “I still miss her…” He whispered.
“But…you’ve told me so many times that you love Zea Tai…” Wei said looking at Xun who nodded.
“But…just because I love her doesn’t mean I didn’t love my wife.” Xun said. “I don’t know what to think anymore.” He sighed looking around.
“Move on…it’s what she would have wanted.” Wei said and turned to leave the tent. “…She would have wanted you to be happy, rather it was with another woman or by yourself.” Wei said leaving the tent.
“She would have wanted me to move on…she would have wanted me to be happy…” Xun sighed and looked at Zea Tai who shuddered and quickly reached for his hand before opening her eyes slowly, Xun could tell she had been awake for a bit now.
“What’s wrong? You worried I’m going to get up and leave you? Think if I go I won’t come back?” Xun asked smiling slightly as she sat up and looked around.
“What were you and Jiang Wei talking about?” Zea asked in a drossy tone. “Were you talking about me?” She asked slowly.
“Yeah…nothing bad though…and we were talking about her…” Xun sighed leaning back into his pillows. “I’m not sure…” He muttered.
“I heard what Jiang Wei said…he’s right, she would have wanted you to move on, sure she would have wanted you to miss her a little, that just means you loved her but she wouldn’t have wanted you to just sit here and think about it for all of your life.” Zea said looking at the ground.
“But…that’s not what’s confusing me…” Xun started.
“Is it what Wei said about her wanting you to be happy? She would have wanted you to be happy. That’s all she ever wanted was to make sure you were happy, even if it meant you weren’t happy being married with her. She knew how you felt about me but she didn’t care as long as you were happy…” Zea explained.
“Really? She never told me that…I wonder why?” Xun muttered looking at the ground. “I just wish that…well I’m getting this feeling…like I missed something…” he said looking down at his hands.
“…You might feel bad that you didn’t get…to tell her good bye…” Zea said looking up at Xun. “You know…like Chun freaked out because she never got to say goodbye to Sun Ce…” Zea muttered her grip on Xun’s hand tightening.
“Yeah…I understand…I never got to tell her…goodbye, and that…I love her…” Xun said looking at the ground once more. Zea sighed and nodded slowly. “She was the only one in my life that wanted just me to be happy…or she’s the only one I know of…”
“Lu Xun…are you happy?” Zea asked looking up at Xun who frowned.
“Not really…not right now at least…” He muttered looking at the ground.
“I don’t mean to ask because I want to make you mad…I asked because I care…your wife wasn’t the only person on this earth that wanted just for you to be happy and I’m trying hard to find a way to show you…” Zea sighed leaning back being sure not to fall off the bed.
“Really! Then who else is there? Who else cares? Go on, tell me if you know so much.” Xun said his anger level suddenly boiling. Zea jumped at the harsh sound of his voice and fell off the bed hitting her head hard. Xun gasped. “OH! I’m so sorry…anger got the better of me there…” Zea stood up glaring down at Xun.
“Who cares? WHO CARES?” She screamed now slightly ticked off at the boy who was cowering in front of her. Zea finally regained her composure and fell to her knees so she was eye level with Lu Xun who was now lying on his stomach. “Your sister cares…Zhou Yu, Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, Ling Tong, Zeo Yu…they all care…Lu Xun…Jiang Wei and Jiang Ai…Pang Shae…they all care about you being happy.” Zea Tai paused closing her eyes and rocking forward so her face was hardly centimeters away from Xun’s. “Lu Xun…I’d die if it made you happy…” Zea muttered.
“That’s not going to happen.” Xun whispered looking down at Zea who nodded slowly. “I would never ask you to throw away your life just for me…that’d be horrible…I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself…” He said.
“I’d be with you…no…I’ll be with you forever…that’s a promise I’m forcing myself to keep…” Zea Tai muttered pulling her arms around Lu Xun’s neck moving forward once more in the process. She closed her eyes. “Forever…” She whispered.
Xun nodded looking Zea in the eyes watching her get closer every second. “You better keep that promise…” He whispered. Zea moved forward and kissed Lu Xun.
Zeo Yu walked in and her eyes landed and Xun and Zea. Her face flushed bright red at the sight. “Z-Z-Zea Tai…Erm…w-w-what are you two doing?” She asked finally ripping her eyes away and fixing them on the floor.
Zea Tai looked up and let go of Lu Xun who had a dazed look on his face. “OH! Zeo Yu! What are you doing in here? Did you see that?” Zea asked slowly looking from Lu Xun to Zeo Yu who nodded slowly giggling.
“Well! That’s some catch you’ve there.” Zeo Yu said looking at Lu Xun who shook his head and looked up.
“You think so…it didn’t take such a big net.” Zea said smiling widely. “It just came right up to me.” She said, “And I’m happy it did…I just hope that this great catch is happy…”
Xun smiled and nodded slowly. “I’m happy…of course I’m happy.” He said in a quiet and somewhat timid voice. “I’m really happy…well…as happy as I’m going to get right now…”
“Lu Xun, I heard what happened…” Zeo Yu said looking at Xun who sighed.
“I’d rather not talk about it right now…” He muttered.
“I understand.” Zeo said looking at Zea who sat up tall and proud at her victory. “I can’t wait to tell Lu Chun! She’s gonna freak!” Zeo said looking from Xun to Zea.
“I’m going to freak?” Lu Chun asked from behind Zeo Yu.
“She’s going to freak?” Jiang Wei asked from behind Lu Chun.
“I walked in and Zea Tai and Lu Xun have finally hooked up!” Zeo said pointing to the two, now very red, people near the bed.
“YOU WHAT? Zea Tai! It’s about time!” Chun gasped looking at Zea who hid her face in the blankets.
Zeo Yu walked in and grabbed Xun’s hat, smiling. “Either they just kissed for real or it’s the annual kiss Xun day.” She said.
“There’s an annual kiss Xun Day?” Chun asked in an amazed tone. “What if it was both?” She asked slowly.
Wei sighed looking at Chun who was now very confused. “Anyway…Xun…it’s really about time…” He sighed looking down at Xun. “I knew you were planning something, you little runt.” He laughed.
“She’s the one that did it!” Xun said pointing down at Zea whose face had disappeared in the blankets. “Really! She did!” He added.
“And you’re the one who liked it.” Chun teased looking at Xun who blushed and buried his face next to Zea.
“Ok…leave them alone…” Zeo said putting Xun’s hat on Zea’s head as she left the tent. “Let the lovers have their space.” She added giggling, only to be it in the face by a pillow. Wei and Chun followed after her all of them talking quickly.
“You know…they’re going to tell everyone…” Xun said taking his face out of the blankets and looking at Zea who nodded coming out of the blankets slowly.
“I figured they would…but it was written all over your face…you knew what was happening.” Zea teased poking Xun’s forehead. “But…you’re right…I did it…great…Zhou Tai’s going to lecture me again…it’s bad enough I fell asleep in the bed…hope Jiang Wei didn’t tell anyone.” She muttered.
“I doubt he did.” Xun said kissing Zea’s forehead. Zea smiled unaware of the fact that they were being watched.

“That’s some good gossip…yes it is…I say we take the boy…looks like more fun to torture.” Muttered one of the spies looking into Xun’s tent.
“Good idea, and if we take him, the girl with the ring will come by her own will.” One of the others said.
“Yes…exactly.” The first said.

[*~Star Of Hope~*]

Chapter 2: Powers of the Gods

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, February 23, 12:00 PM

“So…what’s going to happen now?” Mitsunari asked looking at Hideyoshi who sighed leaning backwards. His eyes scanned the tent and landed on Kuraku who was working quietly in the corner.
“I’ve had young Kuraku Azai study the legends surrounding Yokoshima and such. She’s found out a lot now but she hasn’t been able to find how they defeated Yokoshima last time.” Hideyoshi said in a bored tone.
“My lord…someone is here to see you.” A soldier said entering the tent slowly.
“Who?” Hideyoshi asked looking down at the soldier.
“She said she is a friend of Mitsunari Ishida and she requests to see you as soon as possible.” The soldier said.
“Let her in then!” Hideyoshi said smiling as the soldier left and soon returned. Following him was a young looking girl who seemed to be around 17 years old. She had long shining white hair and stunning blue eyes. She wore a tight, white and blue top with no straps and a matching skirt. She held a blue scepter.
“Lord Hideyoshi.” She said bowing low to Hideyoshi who motioned for the soldier to leave. “My name is Kana Keiko.” She said in a quiet tone of voice.
“I like the name Keiko better. Do you mind if I call you Keiko?” Hideyoshi asked looking down at the girl who nodded. Kuraku jumped up looking down at the book.
“Kana Keiko? You were the fortuneteller in Hizashi Village more then 300 years ago!” Kuraku said pointing at Keiko who nodded slowly. “The gods put you in charge of their artifacts of power! I just finished reading about it, the gods gave you one thing and they put their power in it. The books say when and if Yokoshima breaks free you’re in charge of finding the people who are chosen to wield the gods artifacts.” Kuraku said.
“Yes…you’re right…like…Shinzui’s Mirror, Kuraku.” Keiko said looking at Kuraku who pulled the mirror from the belt of her Kimono. “It has the power to keep in contact with the world of Ancient China and it has other powers…like the power to see to the depths of one’s soul. To see their spirit’s true colors.” Keiko continued. “And then there’s Tsukiai’s Ring, a ring with an emerald, ruby, sapphire and diamond. It has the power to bring people together as well as light people’s life and gives the wearer the power to control the sun.”
“Wow…this is all really strange…” Hideyoshi said looking down at Keiko. “Tell me more…it’s really interesting!” He said laughing.
“Well…I’ve given Tsukiai’s Ring to Zea Tai and Shinzui’s Mirror to Kuraku. I know whom I’m going to give the others to already. I also request that you allow me to remain here as I will be a great aid in this war.” Keiko said looking up at Hideyoshi.
“What other power things are there?” Hideyoshi asked looking at Keiko who sighed. “Whom are you giving them to? I could help you out!”
“Well…all of the artifacts grant the person who holds the artifact of it to control that element. Like Kasai’s would let the wearer control element of fire. Get it?” Keiko said looking at Hideyoshi. “But there are other powers that the artifact has not including Hitotoki’s pendent, which grants the wearer to power to control time in any form. Using the artifacts, however, has its risks, but they also give the wearer more power both physically and mentally.” Keiko said flatly.
“Like what…tell me the artifact, the powers, then the risks.” Hideyoshi said looking down at Keiko who nodded.
“The first is the Shinzui’s mirror, you know what the powers are and the risks are that you may fall into the mirror and if you do you’ll be trapped forever, and using the mirror takes very little energy. Then there’s Itonami’s book, also known at as book of life, it grants the power to control the flow of life and it also grants healing powers, there are few risks with this other then the fact that healing a wound takes a lot of energy. The biggest risk to Itonami’s Book is also it’s best power, the power to raise the dead but in doing so you are giving your own life and you will more then likely die in the process. I’m entrusting the mirror to Shima Kikuhara.
“Then there’s the gem of Tsuki or the moon’s tear. This grants the power to make anything stronger, it also grants the power to give the other artifacts more power. The risk is that every time you use it, it takes more power from yourself and from the gem itself so it must be used wisely. I’m entrusting it to Sanada Tsukiko.
“The only artifact that I do not have power to entrust to is the Ring of Tsukiai which picks its bearer by itself and it has picked Zea Tai. The risk of even having this artifact is…” Keiko was cut off.
“Tsukiai was also known as Taiyou. She was the only god who died in the battle after giving her life give the others a boost of power to seal away Yokoshima. The bearer of this artifact always is doomed to die before reaching his or her goal. The person who has it while Yokoshima breaks free is rumored to be doomed to die during one of the many battles with Yokoshima.” Kuraku whispered.
“Yeah…The next four really only give the user the power to control the four elements, Fire, Kasai’s Bracelet, Water, Mizu’s Glass Orb, Wind, Kaze’s Scythe, and Earth, Daichi’s Gloves. And then there’s Hitotoki’s Pendent and its risks are that using it can take all of your energy and kill you.” Keiko said finishing.
“Great! Then we can give these artifacts to the people who you need to give them too.” Hideyoshi said looking at Keiko who nodded slowly. She continued on telling him who got which artifact and so on.
Hideyoshi called a soldier and told him to get the people Keiko needed and the soldier soon returned with Zeo Yu, Lu Chun, Pang Shae, Zhen Xu, Kasui, Tsukiko, and Kikuhara. Keiko smiled and explained the powers of each artifact once again and everything else once more for them before sighing.
“For Zeo Yu, Kasai’s Bracelet.” Keiko said handing Zeo Yu a ruby red bracelet. “For Kasui, Mizu’s Glass Orb. For Zhen Xu, Kaze’s Scythe. For Pang Shae, Daichi’s Gloves. For Lu Chun, Hitotoki’s Pendent.” Keiko said. They all nodded slowly not really making a fuss about it as they left inspecting their things.
“This is so strange.” Pang Shae said putting on the gloves.
“Yeah…you got that right…I can’t believe that we’re so special in this war.” Tsukiko said holding up the pale gem to the sunlight.
“…It’s really strange.” Kikuhara said holding the book, which was wrapped in brown cloth, tightly to her chest.
“But at least we know we can help.” Lu Chun said looking at the pendant that hung from a silver chain. She put the necklace on slowly and sighed. “This won’t be to bad.” She muttered.

Japan, Village, June 7, FLASHBACK

“Bye, Nagamasa-Sama!” Kuraku yelled looking out into the warm summer air. She looked around smiling and started forward. It was a beautiful day and everything was perfect. Kuraku smiled and walked towards the stables looking at her horse.
“There you are! Whose good girl! You are!” Kuraku said petting her horse as she saddled up and climbed on taking off into the forest. She smiled and stopped when she reached another village. This one was smaller then the one she grew up in.
“Who are you?” Asked a voice. Kuraku looked down and her eyes landed on a girl around her eyes. She had sharp green eyes and long blonde hair. “I’m Etsuko! What are you doing here? I’ve never seen you before.”
“My name is Kuraku Azai…I didn’t know that there was a village out here.” Kuraku said looking down at Etsuko.
“HEY! Etsuko! Who’s this?” Asked a boy, who came walking up quickly, he had blonde hair and blue eyes. A girl, who had long brown hair and bluish green eyes, followed the boy.
“This is Kuraku Azai, but I’m going to nickname her…Kanashi! She didn’t know our village was here.” Etsuko said helping Kuraku off her horse. “Kuraku, this is my brother, Ichiro and his girlfriend, Misaki.
“It’s nice to meet you, Ichiro, Misaki.” Kuraku said looking at the two. Misaki smiled and nodded. Ichiro looked at Kuraku and nodded grabbing her hand and shaking it.
“Ichiro! Let’s introduce her to the others!” Etsuko said looking at Ichiro. “Please!!!” She begged.
“Fine. Follow me, Kanashi!” Ichiro said walking off. Kuraku followed him quickly. She looked around at the many people that were there. “First off this village was founded by the Kimiya family, who lives up on that family. The mother, Ashi, the father, Hikaru, and their four children, Hikari, Mitsu, Riku and Masuro, all live in that house up there.” Ichiro said pointing upwards towards a hill.
“Got it.” Kuraku said looking at Ichiro who laughed and nodded continuing forward.
“Those guys over there are Tsubame, Hayato, Yuuki, and Sora.” Ichiro said pointing. “Come on! I’ll introduce you to them!” Ichiro said dragging Kuraku behind him.
“HEY! Guys, it’s Ichiro!” Tsubame said spinning around. She pushed her brown hair out of her brown eyes and watched Kuraku, who walked up looking uneasy.
“OH! And he has a friend!” Sora said shaking his messy brown hair out of his sharp blue eyes.
“Oh yes! A very sexy friend!” Yuuki said looking down at her with sparkling blue eyes. Kuraku blushed looking up at Yuuki.
“Ok! Don’t crowd her!” Ichiro said looking at the others.
“Ok! Ok!” Sora and Yuuki sighed both taking a step backwards.
“Guys this is Kuraku, but Etsuko nicknamed her Kanashi.” Ichiro said looking around. “Kanashi this is Yuuki, Tsubame, Hayato and Sora.” Ichiro said pointing.
Tsubame waved happily, Hayato nodded, his dark eyes watching Kuraku carefully, Yuuki grinned and Sora shook her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Kuraku said looking at them. Ichiro grabbed her arm and dragged her off once more.
“Those three there are Midori, Yumi, and Yuzuki.” Ichiro said pointing to three girls. One had brown hair and green eyes; one had dark blonde hair with red eyes, and the other had blonde hair and blue eyes. She nodded and was dragged off again.
“These guys are Mizuki, Taiki, and Riko.” Ichiro said dragging Kuraku up to another group of three people. “Mizuki, Taiki, Riko, this is Kanashi.” He said.
“It’s nice to meet you, Kanashi.” Mizuki said smiling. Her bright blue eyes watching Kuraku. Her long brown hair was pulled back and braided.
“Hello, Kanashi.” Riko said. Her dark eyes looking at Kuraku, she pushed her long black hair over her shoulders.
“Hey.” Taiki said looking at Kuraku, his blonde hair was really spiky and his blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
“There’s one more person I want you to meet!” Ichiro said looking at Kuraku who nodded and let him pull her off once again. He took her to a small house and quickly opened the door.
“AKIRA!?” He demanded looking around.
“I’m back here, Ichiro!” Responded a voice. Ichiro grabbed Kuraku’s hand and pulled her off into the back room.
“OH! ICHIRO! If you were going to bring a girl you could have told me! I would have gotten dressed at least!” A boy who was lying on the couch said. He had messy black hair and soft blue eyes. Kuraku smiled and turned her back as he pulled on his clothes.
“Hello there.” He said walking up in front of her looking her in the eyes. “You’re very pretty, what are you doing hanging out with someone like Ichiro?” He smiled. “My name is Akira…it’s great to meet you.” He added smiling widely.
“OH! Thank you, It’s wonderful to meet you, Akira! My name’s Kuraku Azai, but everyone here seems to think I’m Kanashi so you guys can call me that…” Kuraku said smiling.
“Kuraku…it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Akira said.

Japan, Hizashi Village, October 3, FLASHBACK

“Wow…it’s beautiful! Look at that sunset!” Kuraku said looking out over the hills at the sunset.
“You are…” Akira said smiling looking at Kuraku.
“AKIRA! You suck up!” Kuraku said blushing furiously. “You really think so?” She asked slowly.
“Yeah! And you know what else, I’m going to unite all of Japan, and then everyone can be happy, even you…” Akira said pulling his arm around Kuraku. “Then no one will be sad anymore.” He muttered.
“Do you plan to do all that on your own?” Kuraku asked slowly.
“No…I plan on doing it with at my side. What do you say, Kuraku…will you marry me? Well not yet…we’d have to wait a few years, but will you?” Akira asked slowly looking down at Kuraku.
“Well! I um…what would Nagamasa think? And I’d have to ask Oichi and um…Erm…” Kuraku blushed again. “Maybe later…not yet, but I promise someday we’ll get married and we’ll be together forever.” Kuraku said looking at him with a grin.
“Promise…forever…really?” Akira asked looking down at Kuraku.
“Promise.” Kuraku said smiling slightly.

Japan, Hizashi Village, September 11, FLASHBACK

“Your mother is dead…”
“Kuraku…Mom died yesterday…”
“But…I didn’t get to say goodbye…”
“NAGAMASA!!” Kuraku came running in her clothes covered in blood. “Nagamasa! I’m a monster!” She cried looking up at Nagamasa.
“What do you mean, you’re a monster?” Nagamasa asked looking down at Kuraku.
“I killed them! I killed them!” Kuraku sobbed falling to her knees. “I killed Mizuki and Etsuko! And now Akira’s going to die!” She sobbed. “And now…for me…” She muttered pulling out a blood stained dagger. She took aim at her chest and Nagamasa grabbed her.
“STOP! Don’t you dare give in on me!” Nagamasa yelled taking the dagger from Kuraku.
“Nagamasa…I can’t believe this…I killed them…” Kuraku cried hiding her face in her hands. She stood up, “I have to go see Akira before he dies.” She muttered and took off running.
She darted into a small house and ran into the back room. “Akira!” She gasped running to Akira’s side and looking down at him. “Don’t leave me! I’m so sorry!” She sobbed.
“Kanashi…” Akira said in a weak voice. Kuraku looked down at him tears filling her eyes.
“Akira! Don’t go! Hang on, please!” Kuraku cried hugging Akira.
“Kanashi…I forgive you…” Akira whispered. Kuraku looked at him and started sobbing.
“Akira, Thank you.” She whispered. “Akira?” She asked slowly not getting a reply. “Akira!” She screamed. “NO! AKIRA!” She cried tears blurring her vision.
“Kuraku…” Nagamasa muttered walking in to the room.
“Nagamasa…this is all my fault…” Kuraku whispered looking up at her brother.
“No…it’s not…” Nagamasa muttered.
“Yes it is! I killed them! I killed my best friends! And…I promised him that someday…we’d…” Kuraku cut off. “Nagamasa, I’m leaving forever and I’m not coming back…because I don’t ever want to hurt anyone else ever again…”
“Kuraku! Don’t leave! It’s not something you can control!” Nagamasa said looking at Kuraku.
“I don’t care…I’m leaving…I’m sorry, Nagamasa…but there has to be some way to fix this…or somewhere I can go where I wont hurt anyone else.” Kuraku muttered looking at Nagamasa.

Japan, Hinode Forest Camp, March 25, Midnight

“Hey! Kanashimi, Kuraku! HEY YOU!” Yelled a voice. Kuraku looked up and then around quickly.
“Ranmaru!” Kuraku hissed glaring over her shoulder. “What do you want?” She demanded. “Do you have nothing better to do then bug me?”
“Hey! Calm down! Gosh why so snappy?” Ranmaru said looking at Kuraku. “I mean…you’ve been snappy before but never this snappy.” He sighed.
“It’s nothing.” Kuraku sighed looking over the hills. “See that huge castle way over there…it looks like a speck from here…” Kuraku asked pointing into the fog. “That’s the Kimiya family house…or it use to be…the house was destroyed many years ago and a castle was built in it’s place. At the foot of the hill is a village, Hizashi Village.” Kuraku sighed looking out through the fog.
“Really…how did you know that?” Ranmaru asked walking up next to Kuraku.
“What does it matter to you?” Kuraku asked glaring at Ranmaru. “Why would you want to know anyway? Why would you care?”
“You know you can’t keep acting like you hate me…remember, you’ve saved my life before so I know you care.” Ranmaru said looking at Kuraku.
“Just because I saved you doesn’t mean I care…why would I care about someone like you? Now that I’ve found Nagamasa and I know he’s ok I can continue on my way…I can reach my goal…” Kuraku said.
“What’s your goal?” Ranmaru asked looking at Kuraku.
“My goal? Well…my goal is to become the strongest person here…so that I can kill the person who placed this curse upon me.” Kuraku said looking up into the fog.
“Curse? What do you mean, Curse?” Ranmaru asked looking at Kuraku.
“Well…I don’t really think it’s a curse to tell the truth, though sometimes it feels like it. Long ago I went out in battle in hopes of getting killed because something horrible had happened. In battle I suffered horrible head damage and well…the next time I got upset I killed my best friends. I’m going to become strong enough to kill the person who attacked me during battle.” Kuraku said looking at Ranmaru.
“Really? And what if that person ended up being Lord Mitsuhide or someone that you care about, one of your friends?” Ranmaru asked looking at Kuraku who sighed leaning backwards.
“I doubt it’d be Lord Mitsuhide…it doesn’t really matter to me anymore…” Kuraku sighed, “I mean…I’ll do what I have to do and if I can’t do so then I’ll find another way. All that matters to me now is killing whoever attacked me in that battle, or the leader of those troops.” She said.
“Interesting…I don’t know how I can help you anymore…Kuraku…I’ve tried to help you and you just turn me away…I try to be nice and you snap out and hurt me in some way…” Ranmaru sighed, “But I know you’re not a bad person…” He muttered.
“That’s very kind of you…” Kuraku said looking at Ranmaru. “Why do are you so kind? I mean…you know what I’ve done to my friends in the past…”
“Because I know that deep down you are a good person.” Ranmaru said looking at Kuraku. “No matter what anyone else thinks, no matter what you say, I know you’re nice.” Ranmaru sighed looking at Kuraku.
“Really? You think so?” She asked slowly.
“Yeah…of course I do! If I didn’t that I wouldn’t have said anything…” Ranmaru said looking at Kuraku.
“I guess you’re not as annoying as I give you credit for…” Kuraku said looking at Ranmaru.
“Really!?” Ranmaru asked.
“Yeah…” Kuraku said smiling. She sighed and looked up at the sky. “Ranmaru… did you ever notice how pretty the stars were?” She asked slowly.
“Yeah…I did, why?” Ranmaru said looking up, “It’s too foggy to see then right now though…” He added looking at the sky.
“There’s no moon in the sky, and no stars are out tonight” Kuraku started. “The forest tonight is vacant, and I can’t see what’s right…it’s dark and cold and I’m alone, I only wish I could go back home, Back to the people that my heart holds dear, back to my family without having to fear, Them hating me for what’s inside, It’s for this reason I’m trying to hide. My heart says one thing my mind says another, I held you dear just like a brother. I only wish there was a way, to see you once more just to say, I love you and I know I can’t, let anyone else be harmed that way, I can still remember your smile that day, I hope you can understand, I’m lost without you’re faithful hand. As I look up I can see the stars, I knew once they could be ours, and I’ll never forget that wonderful day, you took my hand and lead the way.” She muttered
Ranmaru looked at her carefully. “That’s a nice poem.” He said slowly.
“I didn’t write it, my friend did. He wrote it for me, I only changed the words a little, There’s no moon in the sky, and no stars are out tonight, the forest tonight and vacant, and you can’t see what’s right. It’s dark and cold and you’re alone, you only wish to go back home, back to the people your heart holds dear, back to your family without having to fear…” Kuraku trailed off tears filling her eyes.
“Oh…Is your friend still alive?” Ranmaru asked looking at Kuraku.
“No…I killed him…” Kuraku muttered.
“Oh, he’s the one you killed.” Ranmaru muttered.
“Let’s not talk about it!” Kuraku said looking at Ranmaru, “I’m going back to bed, night!” She said looking at him with a worried expression.
“Night…” Ranmaru sighed.