My Hero Academia Oneshots

You read me a chapter of storybook love

When the night was a blanket around us

One day in the (Last Name) estate,a young Dame sat in her bedroom,cradling her newborn daughter. Rocking the child gently,she looked over at her son,who was standing by the door anxiously. “Come,Akirou,meet your sister.”

Akirou nervously stepped into the room,slowly approaching his mother. When his mother tilted so he could see the face of his sister,his (Eye Color) eyes widened at the sight. “She’s pretty..”

“She is,isn’t she? Her name is (First Name). Isn’t it a pretty name?” Shio smiled at her son,continuing to carefully cradle the baby. 

“I like her..” Akirou muttered,before turning and running out of the room suddenly. He ran back in a few minutes later,holding out his favorite black bear. “Mama,can I give her this? A pretty girl needs a pretty bear,right?” 

Shio couldn’t help but laugh,the loud noise waking the sleeping baby in her arms. When she noticed how Akirou jumped back at the sudden eruption of wails from the once sleeping child,she laughed even more,unable to stop herself. 

Thinking he had somehow upset his sister,Akirou’s own eyes filled with tears,the little boy throwing his head back as he cried. “I’m sorry!”

Shio kept laughing until the nanny came in to help,the Dame finally regaining her composure. She slowly rocked little (First Name) back to sleep before placing her in her crib,gently touching the girl’s cheek with a fond smile on her face. While Shio was a cold and calculating warrior,she was also a loving mother. 

A few hours passed,and Terushi finally arrived to see his daughter for the first time. While he would have preferred being there for the birth of his second child,he had been in a meeting with the Emperor. Walking into the room,the brutish man was absolutely amazed at the sight of the tiny baby. “She’s so small..” 

“She’s healthy,so don’t worry. The doctor already checked her over and said she is perfect,” Shio assured her husband,patting his back as she peered into the crib as well. “The Emperor will seek an audience soon,won’t he?”

“Unfortunately so.. He’s giving us a month,” Terushi carefully reached into the crib to touch his daughter’s hand,hesitating at first. When he felt the newborn grip onto his finger,he couldn’t help but grin,thinking she was absolute perfection. “We must pray she is not the child of prophecy..”

Looking down at her daughter,Shio’s heart wept at the idea of sending such an innocent baby to the castle. Nearly five years prior,she had endured this hellish feeling when Akirou had been born. 

A month passed by in what felt like a flash,and the day came where the (Last Name) family walked into the Emperor’s palace. 

Clearing his throat,the Master of Ceremonies pushed the door to the audience chamber open. “Introducing His Grace,the Duke of the (Last Name) family. Introducing Her Grace,the Duchess of the (Last Name) family. Introducing Lord Akirou,the heir to the (Last Name) family. Introducing Lady (First Name),the youngest member of the (Last Name) family.”

Squeezing his father’s hand,Akirou stepped into the audience chamber,the boy wanting to retreat immediately after seeing the familiar face of the Emperor. “Papa..” He whimpered out,pressing closer to his father anxiously. 

“Hush now,Akirou,” Terushi scolded him softly,before lowering his head to the Emperor. “It’s good to see you again,Your Majesty..”

“Come now,Your Grace,don’t pay attention to such things for now. Bring the child forward so we may see if she truly is the child of prophecy.” The Emperor ordered,beckoning Shio forward. 

Shio hesitated,gulping slightly as she stepped forward. While she knew it would be suicide to deny the Emperor,she couldn’t help but feel wrong about risking her daughter like this. “Your Majesty,ma-”

“Is he gonna hurt sissy?” Akirou interrupted loudly,gripping onto his father’s hand tighter. “I like sissy!”

“Lord Akirou,keep your manners in mind. The prophecy predicts a true warrior is to be born into a noble family the same year a royal baby is born,and that they must grow together in order to make the kingdom prosper,” The Emperor looked at Shio,narrowing his eyes. “Bring the child forward,Duchess.”

“Forgive me,Your Majesty..” Shio carried her darling little (First Name) the rest of the way to the Emperor,holding the child tightly. 

The Emperor looked down at the child,before looking to the Royal Magician. “Check to see if she is the child of prophecy or not.”

The Royal Magician approached,a red orb in his hand. It glowed dimly,but when he touched it to the sleeping child’s face,it disappeared,making his eyes widen. Clearing his throat,he turned to look at the Emperor. “Your Majesty,it would appear that this child is the child of prophecy indeed.”

Shio felt her world break apart,her voice slipping out before she could stop herself. “No,please,it can’t be..” She whimpered out,her arms going limp. Little (First Name) slipped out of her mother’s arms,only to be caught in the arms of the Royal Magician. 

“Your daughter will be serving an important role in the future of the kingdom,Duchess (Last Name). Duke,take your wife and leave. I have other duties to attend to now,” The Emperor looked at the now wailing baby,disgusted etched on his face. “Take the child to Lady Izumo,and tell her the child is to be treated like a Princess would.”

“Yes,Your Majesty..” The Royal Magician gave a sorrowful glance to the heartbroken Duke and Duchess,before turning his back and hurrying out of the audience chamber. 

Four years passed,and (First Name) awoke before sunrise. After being forced into the bath and having a brush dragged through her hair,she was sent off to her tutor. 

Standing in front of the large oak door,she raised her hand and knocked,waiting to hear the familiar ‘you may enter’ from her tutor. Pushing the door open,she lowered herself into a curtsy,a polite smile on her face as always. “Good morning,Mr.Ishiyama.”

“You are early once again,Your Ladyship. It’s pleasant to see you so early in the morning,” Ken replied,his gray hair tied back in a bun and his black glasses resting on the tip of his nose. With a polite smile,he nodded to the chair across from him,adjusting his glasses. “Sit and recite yesterday’s lessons.”

(First Name) walked over to the chair,before looking at the man. “Mr.Ishiyama,you are to pull the chair out for me. I am of a higher status than you,so it is rude for you to stay seated.” 

Ken’s eyes widened,a smirk appearing on his face. “Indeed. Good job catching my trap,Your Ladyship,” Rising to his feet,the man pulled her chair out for her,pushing it back in once she was seated. “Now recite yesterday’s lessons.” He ordered,taking his seat as well. 

“Yesterday,we covered the names of the royal family members of this kingdom,the Golden Knight kingdom,and the Green Knight kingdom,” (First Name) recalled,crossing her legs to keep herself from swinging her legs. “We also covered the basics of formal address.”

“Review the current members of our royal kingdom.” Ken marked it off on the parchment in front of him,looking at her. 

(First Name) paused for a moment,before clearing her throat. “His Majesty the Emperor,also known as Reon le Oltera Hitoshi,is the ruler of our kingdom. Her Majesty the Empress,also known as Rinka de Miyato Hitoshi,is the woman who rules by his side. The first Prince is Kinshito le Oltera Hitoshi. The second Prince,the one I am to serve faithfully,is Shinso le Oltera Hitoshi.” 

“You memorized it down to the very last detail.. Impressive indeed,Your Ladyship.” Ken chuckled,before turning his attention to the door when he heard it open.

Hitoshi walked into the room,his butler close behind him. “Mr.Ishiyama,it’s time for my lesson.” 

“Indeed it is,Your Royal Highness,but Lady (First Name) was here first. You must remember that you being of a higher ranking does not automatically mean you will be favored,” Ken smiled politely at the child,before turning his attention to the little girl across from him. “Lady (First Name),please head to the library and find a book written on the history of the Golden Kingdom as your homework. We won’t be doing any more studies today since you memorized the royal family so quickly.” 

“Thank you,Mr.Ishiyama. I look forward to attending class tomorrow,” (First Name) slid out of her chair,pushing it back in before curtsying to Hitoshi and the butler. “Forgive me for delaying your lessons,Your Royal Highness. Glory and blessings to the second sun of the empire.” 

Hitoshi stared at the girl,before hesitantly nodding. While he wasn’t a shy child,the second prince had never been one to interact ‘normally’ with children his own age,let alone one of lower ranking. “To you as well..” 

“That is the improper response,Your Royal Highness. Come now,let us review the correct forms of address.” Ken urged,nodding towards the chair with a smile. 

“Right..” Hitoshi climbed into his chair,completely forgetting that his chair should have been pulled out for him. 

Late that night,little Hitoshi waddled into the royal library,carefully carrying the candle holder. With the only light being from his candle and the moon,the little prince roamed around the library silently,squinting to try and see the titles of the books. “Where is it..?”

“Your Royal Highness? What are you doing out of bed so late at night?” (First Name) questioned when she heard him,carefully gripping her candle holder as she peered into the dark aisles of bookshelves. Barely spotting the prince,she walked over,a small book of fairytales tucked underneath her arm. 

“I’m looking for a book.. What have you got there?” Hitoshi looked at the green book she was holding,his eyes lighting up when he saw the title; ‘The Jovial Knight’. “A book about knights?”

(First Name) gripped the book tighter,looking down at it. “I wanna learn more,but I don’t know some of the words..” 

“Want me to read it to you,then?” Hitoshi grinned slightly,eager to show off how smart he was; while he didn’t excel at using his manners,his tutors all praised him for being able to read better than most kids his age.

(First Name)’s eyes widened,her excitement overriding her cautiousness. “You’d do that,Your Royal Highness?”

“Of course. I like reading,but we can only read one chapter tonight since it’s late,” Hitoshi reached out,grabbing the book and walking over to one of the tables. Setting his candle down nearby,he watched as (First Name)’s candle was set down as well. “How come you chose this book?”

“I’m gonna be a knight like my mother,so I wanted to learn about knights.. If one can be friendly,I wanna be like it..” (First Name) confessed,sitting down and watching as the boy cracked the book open. 

“Once upon a time,in a far away land,there was a kind knight and a pretty princess. The princess was loved by everyone ‘cause she was pretty,but the knight was loved ‘cause he was strong and kind,” Hitoshi read aloud,squinting his eyes as he tried to see the words. “When the princess met the knight for the first time,she wanted to throw him out. She said he was stinky.”

“Stinky? If he’s a knight,he’s just sweaty,right?” (First Name) asked,tilting her head to the side. 

“Yep. But he’s probably super stinky,so she didn’t want him around,” Hitoshi explained,returning his attention to the book. “While the princess wanted to get rid of the stinky knight,people liked him,so they told the princess no and sent her to live in a dark and dirty palace.” 

(First Name)’s eyes widened,the girl leaning closer. “Really? They can do that?”

“Of course they can do that! An empire is only able to run with the wishes of the people,so if everyone likes one person,they’ll keep them safe!” Hitoshi grinned at her,glad he could show off how smart he was. “Didn’t you know that?”

“No.. Mr.Ishiyama told me that the word of a member of the royal family is law.” (First Name) confessed,looking down in embarrassment. 

“Well that’s ‘cause you’re gonna be a knight,right? Royal words are law to knights,” Hitoshi returned his attention to the book,peering down at the words. “The knight wanted to keep the princess safe,’cause he loved her,so he followed her to the dirty palace and asked her why she hated him so much. After a while,the princess told him she didn’t think badly of him,but that she didn’t wish to have a stinky knight by her side.” 

(First Name) listened keenly,though she let out a soft yawn. Rubbing her eyes,she leaned her head against her palm,feeling really sleepy now. “What happened next?”

Looking at (First Name)’s face in the dim candlelight,Hitoshi blushed slightly,looking back down at the book. “The knight promised the princess he would bathe and return to her smelling of flowers,and he did just that. The journey to smell of roses like the princess wished caused the knight to nearly lose his life,but he made his way back to his princess happily..” The prince trailed off when he reailzed (First Name) had fallen asleep. Shutting the book,he laid his own head down and shut his eyes,glad he had been able to read with her. 

(First Name) woke up the next morning to hear an absolute uproar,the little girl rubbing her eyes sleepily. “What’s going on..?”

“Your Royal Highness,you mustn’t just sneak out of bed whenever you wish! Everyone in the castle thought you had been kidnapped!” The butler shouted at the little prince. 

“I already said I’m sorry..” Hitoshi muttered,gripping the book still. “I just wanted to read a book,but I fell asleep..”

“That is not an excuse! You had the royal guards in a panic!” The butler snapped,turning his attention to (First Name) when he felt the girl tug on his shirt. “This is your fault,isn’t it?!”

(First Name) flinched at the butler’s tone,pulling her hand back. Clenching her little fists,she cleared her throat and forced the words out. “Sir,whether you are a butler or not,you aren’t allowed to talk to His Royal Highness like that. You are of a lower ranking.”

The butler’s last shred of patience snapped,his hand flying across the child’s face. In his anger,he didn’t even hear the door to the library open. “I don’t know who you think you are,but you’re nothing more than a brat! You are not to speak to me like that again,am I understood?!” He shouted,drawing his hand back to hit her again. 

“I wouldn’t recommend that,Sir Seimei,” Shio growled out,her sword pointed at the butler’s neck. “Lower your hand and step away from her.”

(First Name) looked up at the woman in front of her with wide eyes,knowing exactly who she was; she had only seen the commander of the royal knights a handful of times,but Lady Izumo had told her this woman was her mother. While her eyes filled with tears and her cheek stung,she forced herself not to cry,wiping at her eyes stubbornly and letting out a sniffle. “Forgive me for breaking my rank..”

“You are the daughter of a ducal household. You are not to apologize to a scumbag like him,” Shio hissed,lowering her sword once she saw Seimei lower his hands. “Sir Seimei,you are to come with me. The Emperor has sentenced you to death for your negligence in the caretaking of the Prince,and I’m sure he will worsen your punishment after he hears of what you did to the child of prophecy.” 

Seimei felt his blood run cold,looking back down at (First Name). In his anger,he hadn’t even noticed the high-ranking child. “Forgive me,Your Grace,I didn’t know it wa-”

“Lady (First Name),are you alright?” Hitoshi questioned the girl,holding his hand up to help her off the ground. Looking at his pleading butler,the purple-haired boy couldn’t hide his look of disgust. “Even a dying pig only screeches so much,so you would do well to keep quiet.”

Seimei collapsed to his knees,struggling and crying out for the prince to have mercy as Shio dragged him out. “Your Royal Highness,please! Please,I’ve served you faithfully all these years!” 

“Your Royal Highness,are you alright?” Izumo asked as she walked over,draping a blanket around his shoulders gently. After seeing the prince nod,she reached out to touch (First Name)’s cheek gently,grimacing at the sight of the mark. “My Lady,we must be sure to use some cream on your cheek to make it heal fast..” 

(First Name)’s eyes filled with tears as she looked up at the maid who had raised her,unable to fight back her tears any longer. Latching onto the maid,she buried her face and sniffled,desperately trying to keep her tears hidden. “It was scary..” She gripped onto the maid tighter,her small frame shaking. 

Izumo held the girl tightly,rubbing her back and trying to calm her. “Shh,My Lady,it’s okay now.. You were very brave.”

Hitoshi didn’t know what to do,but the boy still gripped the book in one arm. Looking back at the title,he gripped it even tighter. “You.. You were fantastic,like the knight in the story!” 

(First Name) sniffled and peered out at the prince,unable to stop herself from smiling slightly. “Rea.. Really?” 

Hitoshi nodded wildly,giving her the biggest grin he could. “Just like him! Super tough!” 

I think we both knew that the dream would dissolve

When the cold light of morning had found us

Three years passed of laughter and fun before (First Name)’s childhood came to an abrupt stop. Her seventh summer,the child was no longer able to see the prince she had grown up beside. While Prince Hitoshi was still attending lessons with the best tutors in the empire,she was now a page,meaning she was no longer to be treated like a princess. 

Looking up at the large knights,(First Name) couldn’t help but wish to cower. She could tell how rough their hands were,and she could see the scars they proudly displayed. Despite wishing to run away,she stayed in place. 

“Ah,is this that ‘child of prophecy’ the commander speaks of?” One of the men,Kiyonobu,asked his friend curiously. 

“I believe so.. The commander’s daughter,right?” Sukekiyo stared down at the pipsqueak,thinking it was rather hilarious that such a tiny child was supposed to become some ‘brave warrior’. “She doesn’t even look strong enough to hold a shield..” 

“Lady (First Name),run three laps around the training grounds,” Shio ordered,knowing she couldn’t show her child any favor. “The rest of you,begin your duties.” 

“Yes,commander!” The royal knights shouted at once,setting to work on their duties immediately. 

“Yes,commander!” (First Name) shouted as loudly as she could,her voice standing out from the mature voices of the adults around her. Her cheeks burned from embarrassment,but since nobody reacted,she told herself that nobody had noticed. 

The first lap around the training grounds took the girl nearly half an hour,the girl pausing and panting as she tried to catch her breath. “This.. Hurts..” 

“Continue running! The knights are able to run the length of the training ground within ten minutes!” Shio shouted,before turning her attention to the knights. “Sir Suke,continue breaking in that horse! Sir Kiyo,be glad I don’t kick your ass for botching your falcon’s training! Sir Kito,continue chopping the wood! Sir Lyria,Sir Lypia,you being twins doesn’t mean I can’t tell when you switch places!” 

“Forgive us,commander!” The knights shouted,doing their tasks properly now. 

(First Name) panted,gripping her knees. Wiping the sweat off her face,she started her second lap,feeling ready to pass out any second. She stumbled halfway through and tripped,just laying on the ground and regretting her entire existence. “This is.. Ridiculous..” She muttered,forcing herself to sit up. “I.. I hate this!” 

“Nobody likes this. If you want to complain and give up,go ahead. Just know that His Majesty will punish your maids for failing in your upbringing,” Shio walked over,looking down at her daughter. Behind her cold demeanor,she desperately wanted to squeeze the girl’s cheeks and praise her for even being able to do one lap,but she kept that side of her tucked away. “Do you wish for me to tell His Majesty that you have given up?” 

(First Name) stared up at her in shock,shaking her head quickly. “His Majesty wouldn’t do that to Lady Izumo!” 

“He would. There is nothing preventing him from killing anyone he pleases,” Shio rose to her full height calmly. “I shall take my leave to inform him you have given up,then.” 

(First Name) trembled,shoving herself off the ground. “I’m not giving up! I’ll do it! Just don’t let him hurt anyone!” She shouted,terrified of losing the woman who had raised her. 

Shio looked back at (First Name),biting back a smirk. “Then begin running.”

“Yes,commander!” (First Name) yelled,wiping her face once again before starting to run again. She didn’t stop until she had completed her last lap,collapsing once again and panting. While it had taken her nearly two hours,she was glad she had completed it. 

Shio waited until she was sure the child had caught her breath,walking over calmly. “You have never seen a falcon up close before,have you?” 

“No,commander..” (First Name) looked up at her,her face covered in sweat and her hair an absolute mess. 

“The first thing you need to know in falconry is you aren’t to show fear. Understood?” Shio waited until she saw the child nod before letting out a loud whistle. Her falcon swooped down and landed beside her immediately,flapping his wings in annoyance. 

(First Name) tried to stay still,she really did,but the sight of the large bird sent her scrambling back. Realizing she wasn’t being attacked,she peeked out,her eyes widening when she saw that the falcon had calmed. “It.. It’s not gonna attack me?”

“His name is Shin,and he won’t attack you. He’s a falcon I’ve trained since he was a hatchling,so he won’t harm you,” Shio thought the girl was absolutely adorable,but she knew she would have to scold her for showing fear. “I told you once,but I’ll repeat myself again; in front of a falcon,you show no fear. If you run,they are likely to attack you.”

(First Name) slowly approached the falcon,trying to seem as confident as possible. “Do.. Do I touch it?”

“No. Most falcons dislike being touched,” Shio replied,thinking it was rather cute that she would want to pet it. “There are many types of falcons that I’m sure your tutor has told you about. Is there one in particular you wish to train?”

(First Name) hesitated for a moment,remembering the falcons her tutor had shown her. “His Majesty promised to give me a Gyrfalcon for my birthday this year..” 

“Surely you’re joking? The Gyrfalcon is a bird only kings are allowed to have,” Shio looked down at the child,her eyes widening when she realized she wasn’t joking. “His Majesty favors you that much?”

“He said he ordered the greatest falconer in the kingdom to bring in a yearling for me,and they’ve found one,” (First Name) peered up at her calmly. “His Majesty is truly kind.”

“Indeed..” Shio muttered,amazed that her daughter was favored that much. 

A month passed before the Gyrfalcon arrived,and (First Name) was amazed when she saw it in the cage. The way it flapped its large wings and screeched made her feel horrid,the realization sinking in quickly that she was the reason it had been encaged like this. 

“Lady (First Name),His Majesty wishes to see you.” A butler informed her,watching with a look of disgust as one of the knights carried the caged bird off. 

(First Name) nodded,heading off to see the emperor quickly. Arriving at his office,she knocked on the door and waited to be granted entry before opening the door,lowering herself in a curtsy. “Good afternoon,Your Majesty. I was informed that you wished to see me?” 

“Indeed. The bird I promised you arrived today with the group from the West,did it not? I know you were down there to see it,so how did it look? They’re quite beautiful,are they not?” Reon smiled at her,setting his quill aside and looking at her. “I was informed that they captured a male for you,so be aware that he will be quite sassy. I recommend you sew his eyes shut.”

(First Name)’s eyes widened,though she instantly fixed her expression into a smile. “Your Majesty,I will forever be grateful for your kindness. I will not be sewing his eyes shut since I wish to build a strong bond that is positive,but I appreciate your suggestion.”

Reon looked at her,studying her face for a moment,before nodding. “Keep in mind your role,Lady (First Name). You are a child of prophecy,and you are to bring prosperity to the kingdom. Kindness and positivity has no place in a warrior’s heart,” He reminded her,leaning into his chair. “You may leave now.” 

“Yes,Your Majesty..” (First Name) replied,hurrying out of the office. While she desperately wished she could live up to the expectations placed on her,she couldn’t imagine sewing a living creature’s eyes shut. 

Progress came quickly for the child. While many people around her told her to sew the falcon’s eyes shut,she refused to do so,instead taking the slow route. After running her daily three laps,she spent hours beside the falcon’s cage,carefully throwing pieces of meat to it and speaking slowly. 

“You don’t have to fear me,Mr.Falcon.. I assure you,I’m a good person. I’m sorry you were robbed from your home,but I can’t release you.. If I could,I would,you know?” (First Name) asked,looking at the angry falcon with pity. “You need a name,you know? What should I name you?” Since she only got a screech in response,she sighed and leaned against the tree. “How about Milo? It kinda suits you,ya know?” 

Koji watched the child’s attempts at bonding with the bird,knowing she couldn’t understand what the angry falcon was screeching. “He’s saying his name is Youki.” He told the girl,deciding to leave out the curses the falcon had screeched. 

(First Name) looked up at Koji in shock,her eyes widening. “You can understand him?!” 

“Yes,but I can’t help you in calming him. He is your responsibility,” Koji listened as Youki screeched another string of curses,clearing his throat. “He doesn’t like ham,by the way.”

“Thanks,mister!” (First Name) grinned,before turning her attention to Youki. “I’ll get you something else,okay Mr.Youki? I’ll be right back!” She told him excitedly,running off energetically. 

“They capture me and then expect me to obey a child’s orders!?” Youki screeched at Koji,flapping his wings angrily. “I won’t do it!” 

“She is doing everything she can to keep you safe right now. If you had been given to another,your eyes would have been shut and you would be punished for misbehaving like this. She is kind,and she will never hurt you. You may spread your wings again after you prove you can behave,” Koji sighed,feeling horribly for the falcon. “You are both cooped up birds,you know? That child is supposedly a ‘child of prophecy’,and she has spent her whole life trapped here,away from her true family. At least you were given an opportunity to fly freely.” 

Youki stared at Koji,finally folding his wings and turning his head away. “She is no bird.. If behaving will earn my freedom,I will do so.”

“Good luck,Mr.Youki.” Koji walked away,returning to the pack of hunting dogs he was training. 

After a while,(First Name) returned to the caged bird,peering in at him with a grin. “Mr.Youki,I grabbed you some turkey!” She bragged proudly,giving him a piece. Seeing how calm he seemed excited her,her expression lit up. “I’m sorry for feeding you ham this whole time,but I thought you’d like it! I’ll feed you turkey from now on,’kay?” 

Youki ate the turkey,before turning his attention to grooming his feather in annoyance. He would behave if it would earn his freedom,but he didn’t know if his pride could ever recover from this. 

After a week of Youki behaving well,(First Name) grinned proudly as she stood in front of the knights. “He’s well-behaved now! Look!” She bragged,opening the cage. “Mr.Youki,you can come out now!” 

“Why do you call him ‘mister’? He’s a bird.” Kiyonobu asked curiously,his eyes widening when the white-and-black falcon flew out of the cage in a blur. 

Youki instantly flew into the sky,glad he had finally been released from the cage. Hearing the cheering from below,he paused in the sky and looked down,seeing how excited the child looked. “Is she an idiot?”

“Look at how high he is! He’s gotta be having fun,right?!” (First Name) shouted,giggling excitedly. “Have a fun flight,Mr.Youki!” 

“Are you an idiot?! He’s going to fly away now!” Sukekiyo shouted at her,pacing anxiously. “His Highness will flip when he finds out! He’ll kill us!” 

(First Name)’s excitement faded,the girl looking at Sukekiyo in confusion. “Why would he fly away? Mr.Youki’s a nice bird,so he’ll come back!” 

Youki wanted to fly away,but he hesitated upon recalling how Koji had called (First Name) another caged bird. Knowing fully well he would regret this someday,he swooped back down,landing on top of his cage and looking down at (First Name). 

(First Name) looked up at Youki,grinning as the other knights began to freak out about it. “Mr.Youki,did you have a fun flight?! Why don’t you go stretch your wings some more?!” 

“How did you teach him that in a week!?” Kiyonobu shouted at (First Name). 

Youki looked down at (First Name),before landing on the ground beside her. He let out a loud screech and flapped his wings at the other knights to scare them away from her,stopping once they were far enough away. “You idiots! Idiots! I hate you humans!” 

(First Name) carefully reached out,gently touching the back of Youki’s head. “Mr.Youki,you can fly longer if you’d like.”

Youki looked at (First Name),before deciding he would take her up on that. He took off into the sky once again,though he kept a close eye on the child. 

“It.. It’s literally impossible..” Kiyonobu muttered,collapsing to his knees. “How the hell did you teach him to do that?”

“A nice mister told me Mr.Youki’s name,and then he told me Mr.Youki doesn’t like ham,so I fed him turkey instead. Mr.Youki’s just doing what he wants,I didn’t teach him anything.” (First Name) explained,honestly just as amazed as they were. 

“It’s gotta be because she’s a child of prophecy,right? She’s just not normal..” Sukekiyo muttered,staring at (First Name). “She can’t just tame a falcon like that in a week..” 

“You’d be correct,Sir Suke. Violent and tough animals are naturally drawn to the child of prophecy because of her powers. She is naturally blessed in animal handling,” Shio confirmed,watching the large bird in the sky. Turning her attention back to (First Name),she looked down at her. “You call him Mr.Youki,correct? Why?” 

“Well it’d be rude of me to call him only by his name,right? So I gotta call him Mr.Youki.” (First Name) grinned at her,pride radiating from the child. 

Staring down at (First Name),Shio couldn’t help but think she was absolutely adorable. Pinching her nose,she turned away in an attempt to hide her grin,taking a deep breath as she regained her composure. “Well,talk to Mr.Youki and ask him to learn some tricks or whatever.. You’ve already seen the tricks our falcons know,so teach him some.” 

“Yes,commander!” (First Name) replied happily,the other knights thinking she was the cutest child they had ever seen.  

A month later,and (First Name) was given her first horse; a black Courser horse with a white muzzle and white spots on it’s rump. Since the Courser was relatively young,(First Name) was in charge of training it. 

“You see how my horse lets me mess with her hooves? You’ve gotta teach yours to be fine with it as well,” Sukekiyo told her,looking over at her. Seeing how anxious she looked,he sighed. “You’ve got a colt there,so you need to be sure to teach him carefully. Horses are smart,so if you give it a name and treat it well,it’ll serve you faithfully like my Blue here does.” 

“Your horse’s name is Blue?” (First Name) questioned,looking up at the giant horse and gulping. “She’s big..” 

“She’s just an older Courser. Yours will grow big as well,which is why you’ve gotta teach it now. I’m not entirely sure why you declined getting a Destrier,but to each their own,I guess.” Sukekiyo released Blue’s leg,patting her side. 

“The one he wanted to give me would have been taken from the wild instead of being raised in captivity,” (First Name) replied,looking at her new horse curiously. “I don’t want another animal to be trapped here because of me..” 

“What’s the difference between a horse being in a stall and a bird being in a cage? Just ‘cause you let ‘Mr.Youki’ spend all day out of his cage doesn’t mean we’re jerks for keeping ours in cages. You’ve just got a weird bird.. Where’s he at,anyways?” Sukekiyo looked around,not seeing the bird anywhere. When the child had decided to let the bird live ‘freely’ in the woods near the palace,everyone had been shocked to see it return when she called,but he still expected it to disappear. 

“He’s probably flying around,” (First Name) hummed,before walking out of the stables. Looking around,she grinned when she couldn’t see the bird. “Mr.Youki,come here! Meet my horse!” She called out as loudly as she could. 

Youki flew over and landed on the roof of the stables,peering down at his ‘handler’ silently. He didn’t like Sukekiyo much,but he had stopped attacking the other knights after he’d been lectured on it. 

“Look,aren’t they pretty?” (First Name) questioned the bird,grinning cheekily as she pointed at her horse. “I’m gonna find Mr.Koda and ask him if they have a name or not.” 

“Kid,you’ve gotta stop talking to your bird like that. They’re not people. You name your horse,teach it,and that’s it. You don’t have to talk to them.” Sukekiyo sighed,shaking his head as he brushed out Blue’s mane. 

“Well you talk to Blue!” (First Name) huffed,looking up at Youki. “You can come see Mr.Koda with me if you wanna,Mr.Youki.”

Youki just flapped his wings in response,taking off into the sky once again. Seeing Koji with the dogs,he flew down and landed on a rock,looking at him calmly. 

“Ah,you again? How’s life been treating you?” Koji asked Youki upon seeing him,hushing the dogs when they barked at the falcon. “I assume you’ve decided to stick around after all?”

Youki cleaned his feathers,annoyed with Koji’s attitude. “I merely decided to stick around since that child isn’t normal. She gives off the same feeling a dragon does.” 

“As a dragon? What’s that supposed to mean?” Koji raised an eyebrow,confused as to how such a small girl was anything like a dragon. 

“She’s got power behind her,but it’s small for now. I am interested in seeing how it develops,” Youki replied,looking down at the dogs in disgust. “That child is going to use those creatures for hunting?”

“If you two do well together,she won’t need dogs. You can get a better view than dogs can,so if you can figure out how to signal to her that there is game,you two won’t need dogs.” Koji chuckled,shaking his head. “The dogs are mainly used for when the nobles want to be considered brave without experiencing much risk. They send them out during hunting parties.”

“I will do what I can to prevent the presence of one of those things,then.. Such stupid creatures need not assist that child and I in hunting.” Youki took off into the sky after seeing (First Name) approach,disappearing into the trees once again. 

“Hey,Mr.Koda! Did you and Mr.Youki have a good chat?” (First Name) grinned as she ran over,her hair tied back neatly.

“We did indeed,but you were given a young colt today,correct? I heard rumors when walking by the stables.” 

“Yeah,and he’s pretty,but I wanna know if he’s got a name already or not.”

“I believe he does. I checked him out myself because I wanted to see why His Majesty keeps insisting you are given stubborn animals,but he has a good temperament. His name’s Keima.”

“Really? So if I call him Mr.Keima,he’ll be nice,right?” 

“I don’t believe that’s how it works,but you don’t have to call him or Youki ‘mister’. He’s younger than you,so it’d be weird for you to call him like that,don’t you think?” 

“I guess..” (First Name) trailed off,getting distracted for a moment before returning her attention to Koji. “So I just call him ‘Keima’ and call Mr.Youki ‘Youki’?” 

Koji nodded,chuckling slightly as he looked at her. “The animals you have been given so far are known to have attitudes,so be careful,Lady (First Name). You were lucky Youki didn’t attack you,and you’ll be lucky if you don’t get kicked by Keima.”

(First Name) nodded and grinned up at him,holding out a flower she had picked on the way. “Thanks,Mr.Koda!”

Koji took the flower,thanking her for it and ruffling her hair. “Be careful,Lady (First Name).” 

“I will!” (First Name) told him,running off eagerly. 

Two years later,the girl had a bow placed in her hands for the first time. While Kiyonobu had trained her on the basics of swordsmanship,she had never used a bow before,so she just stared at the weapon stupidly for a moment before looking up at Lyria. “Sir Lyria,why have you given me a bow?” 

“You’ll need it. Your sword is made for you,but you don’t have the proper strength required to force an opponent back how Kiyo does in battle,so the commander asked me to teach you how to use a bow,” Lyria replied,grabbing his own bow. Pulling the string back and nocking an arrow,he fired it straight at a nearby tree calmly,looking at (First Name). “Think you can do that?” 

(First Name) hesitated for a moment,looking down at the bow in her hands. Remembering how Lyria had postured himself,she tried to do the same,her eyes widening when she realized how shaky her hands were when she pulled the string. “Why are my hands so shaky?” 

“Firstly,your stance is wrong. You must relax your legs and stop leaning if you want to get a proper shot. Secondly,you must not imitate others. No two archers are the same,not even Lypia and I,so imitation will not get you anywhere. Lastly,you are too weak still. Begin carrying the water pails to the horse stables from now on.” Lyria turned his attention to his brother,who was busy with his falcon. “Lypia,put Rilo up. You’re to teach the girl about proper tracking.”

“Forgive me,brother. I merely wished to let him stretch his wings,” Lypia replied,putting the falcon away and looking at (First Name). “We’re going into the forest on foot.”

(First Name) nodded,running over to Lypia quickly while still holding the bow. “Do I need to bring the bow?” 

“Carry it with you at all times from now on,and stay close to me. We’ll be gone for days,not just one night,so grab your pack and your dagger.” Lypia grabbed his own bag,throwing it over his shoulder. “Brother,take care of things here and assure the commander that we’ll be fine.” 

“Of course,brother. Remember to protect her well.” Lyria set his own bow off to the side,knowing his brother would do well. 

“Let’s go,(First Name),” Lypia ordered the girl,who hastily grabbed her dagger and slid it into the belt on her side before grabbing her pack. Starting the walk towards the royal forest,the knight waited until he heard her footsteps behind him before speaking. “What do you know of hunting?”

“I’ve been banned from participating in the events His Majesty has hosted,but I know that the falcons and dogs are used,as well as bows.. Besides that,I know what deer tracks and bear claws look like,Sir Lypia..” 

“You’ll be learning how to kill. Are you prepared for that?” Lypia looked at her,seeing the shock on her face and knowing the answer immediately. “You wield a sword,and you’ll learn to wield a bow,but training is meaningless should you be too much of a coward to deal a killing blow. Hesitance will get you nowhere.”

(First Name) nodded slightly,following close behind him. “Forgive me,Sir Lypia.. I will keep that in mind..” She looked at her feet as she walked,anxiety welling up at the thought of actually killing something. She knew it was impossible for her to avoid it,she had always known it,but she couldn’t actually imagine doing it. “I will not hesitate,then..”

Lypia sighed,pity filling him; while this child was a child of prophecy,she was still nothing more than a child at the end of the day. Thinking of how his own daughter would feel should she be in this position,he patted (First Name)’s back. “It is fine to hesitate the first time,but you must work through it.. On the battlefield,your opponent will not hesitate purely because you are a girl.”

(First Name) nodded,gripping her bow tighter. “I’ll do my best,Sir Lypia..” 

Three days roaming around the forest,tracking elk and hares,passed peacefully before Lypia ended up injured after he got a deep gash across his leg that left him immobile. 

“(First Name),you must leave me here and go. I can’t move..” Lypia muttered,his back against a tree. “You’ve got enough food left over to last until you make it back to the palace.. Take it and leave.”

“I won’t leave,” (First Name) replied,still in the same spot she had been in for nearly two hours now. “If I leave you here,you’ll die.. I won’t let you die.” 

“I will be fine on my own. If you make it back to the palace,you can get help,” Lypia reasoned,knowing he was lying; he wouldn’t survive if she left. “You can make it back on your own.. You remember the path we took,correct?” 

“It took us three days to get here. Even with your leg wrapped like that,you’d be dead by the time help got here.” (First Name) pulled her pack open,angry that she had only packed jerky and water. Looking over at Lypia,she could tell he was going to pass out once more. “You’ve gotta tell me what to do.”

“Just..” Lypia blinked a few times,not wanting to pass out like this. “Leave..” He muttered,unable to stay awake any longer. 

(First Name) stared at the man,gripping her knees tighter to her chest. Her eyes filling with tears,she wiped them away,looking around at the plants nearby to distract herself. She had used yarrow on his gash because she knew it was good for treating cuts,and she had cut most of her sleeve to make a wrap to stop the bleeding,but she knew he needed proper healing. “I.. I need to get him more water,right? The commander said that injured people need plenty of water and rest..” 

Despite knowing what to do now,it took the girl a while longer before she finally got up to search for a water source. After wandering for a while,she found a river that looked clean enough,refilling the gourd before looking around when she heard a twig snap. Looking carefully,her eyes widened when she saw a wolf across the river. Recalling how Lypia had told her that wolves chase if you run,she decided she would just be as loud as possible to try and scare it away. “Get away! Get away! I’m a big,scary human,so get away!” She shouted,waving her arms and glaring. When the wolf backed off the river,she relaxed,picking the gourd back up and walking back to Lypia quickly. Setting the gourd down beside him,she sat down and tried to think about what to do next,dozing off after a while. 

(First Name) woke up to growling,opening her eyes to see three wolves around them. Seeing that Lypia was still asleep,she knew she needed to think of a way to protect him. Reaching for her sword,she froze when she heard the growling get louder,pulling her hand back. Remembering the time she had spent watching Koji train the dogs,she hoped she was making the right decision as she unhooked her sword and slid it away. “I’m not gonna hurt any of you guys. I’m here with my friend,and he’s injured,but we are not food. If you are hungry,I have some jerky.” 

Lypia began to wake up,a little delirious at first. Looking around,his eyes widened as he came to his senses,panic filling him. “(First Name),you need to get up a tree.. They’ll attack you..” 

(First Name) kept her back against the tree,moving slowly but deliberately. Ignoring Lypia’s words,she reached into her pack,throwing some of the jerky to the wolves and watching as they scarfed it down. If what Koji and the commander said was true,she should be able to turn them to her side; the only thing she could do was try. “I am not going to hurt you guys. My name is (First Name),and I am a page. I am going to be a knight in the future. I have thrown my sword and dagger to the side,meaning I am defenseless. The giant one is the leader,isn’t he?” She nodded towards the largest wolf,clenching her fists when she was growled at. “I’m sorry if that was offensive. I cannot understand your language,but I am under the assumption that you found what I said wrong,so please forgive me..” She trailed off,just holding her hand out as she swallowed her fear. “May we be friends?”

Lypia’s eyes widened when he saw her hold her hand out,the man desperately wishing he could scare the wolves off. Squeezing his eyes shut,he prepared himself to hear her scream. After a moment of silence,he opened his eyes slowly,shock filling him when he saw the wolves sniffing (First Name)’s hand. “They.. They’re not attacking?” 

(First Name) kept her hand still until the largest wolf nudged it,taking the action as an invitation to pet them. She slowly ran her hands through their fur,her eyes widening when she felt how soft they were. “Thank you for being kind to us.. I’m sorry for scaring one of you earlier,but I was worried you would attack me..” She told them,relaxing when one of them licked her cheek. 

“They’re not attacking..” Lypia muttered to himself in disbelief,shaking his head. Leaning against the tree again,he blacked out once again,unable to stay awake. 

(First Name) spent that night in a pile of wolves,sleeping comfortably next to them despite their differences. 

Upon waking up,the girl was shocked to see a bunch of pups running around,looking down when she felt a weight on her lap. Seeing a sleeping pup in her lap,she gently pet the ball of gray fur,looking over at Lypia to see that the pups were all avoiding him. Carefully setting the pup on the ground,she stood up and stretched out,deciding she had to find a way to get help. 

Climbing into a tree,(First Name) sat on the highest branch she had managed to reach,cupping her hands around her mouth. “Youki! Youki,come here! I need you!” She yelled as loud as she could,her voice cracking. Upon not seeing the falcon,she yelled for him once again,praying he would be able to hear her. 

Youki flew above the training grounds,annoyed when he couldn’t find (First Name) for the fourth day in a row. Deciding to look elsewhere for her,he took off in the direction of the forest,swooping down when he saw the girl sitting in a tree. “What in the blazes are you doing here?!”

(First Name) relaxed when she saw Youki,relief filling her. “Youki,you need to get help. Sir Lypia is injured and can’t move,and we need help..” She told him,gripping her sleeve and ripping it. Tying it around Youki’s leg,she looked at him,praying this would work. “Go directly to Mr.Koda,and tell him what’s going on. If the commander doesn’t listen to him,make him show the cloth,okay? She’ll definitely come then. We’re by the Eastern river.”

Youki stared at her for a moment,before taking to the sky once again. He disappeared moments later,flying off to do as ordered; he wouldn’t allow his handler to die. 

To (First Name)’s delight,help arrived only a day and a half later,the girl riding back on the back of the commander’s horse with a pup the pack had left behind in her lap. 

“The fact that you managed to survive an encounter with a pack of wolves is hard to believe,but it’s believable because it’s you,kid,” Shio muttered as she rode back towards the palace. “What are you planning on doing with that pup?”

“I’ll teach her to hunt like the dogs do.. They left her behind for me to take care of,so I’ll have to raise her well,” (First Name) replied,leaning into the woman’s back and relaxing. “I’ll make them proud..” She muttered sleepily,dozing off on accident. 

You have what you need,and it isn’t from me

And it hurts,but it’s not a surprise

Years passed,and fourteen-year-old (First Name) sat on the edge of the woods with her back to her horse,leaning against the stallion’s flank as she peered up through the leaves on the trees. “Hey,Keima,do you think we should try to find another rabbit? I know we’ve gotten plenty,but I’m sure Youki would like more..” Hearing a lazy whinny from the stallion,she rolled her eyes and pushed his muzzle playfully. “You’re such a lazy stallion when we’re not working,you know that? Just because I’m a squire now doesn’t mean we get to laze around.”

A low growl erupted from Oka when she heard footsteps,the wolf raising her head and looking towards the noise. Taking in a whiff of a familiar scent,she laid her head back on her paws,deciding she wanted to sleep longer. 

“(First Name),have you finished your tasks for the day?” Sukekiyo asked the girl when he made it to her,sighing when he saw her sprawled out on the ground. “Have you at least finished your laps?”

“Of course I’ve finished my laps,Suke. I’m not a dunce. I caught three hares,filled the water for all of the horses in the stables,and even stripped the bedsheets in the barracks,” (First Name) bragged,looking at him with a smirk. “But I happened to notice that a certain lad decided to lack in his duties since he was off with a certain lady,so I decided to do his tasks as well.”

Sukekiyo’s face burned with embarrassment,the man turning away and clearing his throat. “Lady Cheri doesn’t come around often,so I had to give her my undivided attention..”

“Whatever you say,Suke.. Cough up the arrows you’ve been storing if you don’t want me to tell the commander about how I had to fulfill your duties.” (First Name) sat upright,looking at him calmly. 

Sukekiyo sighed,heading off. Grabbing the arrows he had stores in his bed-chest,he returned and held them out to (First Name). “You’re totally ripping me off right now,you know? Those arrows are worth more than the coins you have in your pocket.” 

“Anything is worth more than zero,you moron. I spent my remaining coin on getting a better halter for Keima.” (First Name) grabbed the arrows,storing them in her quiver and looking at him calmly. “When will you be asking for Lady Cheri’s hand?”

“Sometime soon,if I can keep enough coin in my pocket. Even with my father owning land,I am still only a knight,so her family may very well deny my proposal,” Sukekiyo admitted,sinking against another tree and looking at (First Name). “Have you thought of who you wish to marry?”

“I have spent nearly half of my life running laps in the training yard,how would I have someone in mind to marry?” (First Name) sighed,shaking her head. “I don’t wish to marry at all,honestly.. It seems rather pointless,don’t you agree?”

“Well you’re close with His Royal Highness,are you not? Considering how he is always observing you during your training,you two must be rather good friends,right?” Sukekiyo questioned,knowing not to pet Oka; even though the wolf had been raised around people,she was still uncomfortable with people besides (First Name) touching her randomly. 

“His Royal Highness and I were raised together,and we are two different ranks. There is no romance between us,Suke.” (First Name) looked back up at the leaves on the trees,watching as a few came floating down with the wind. “I am a warrior meant to bring prosperity to the kingdom by His Royal Highness’s side,nothing more. A knight does not marry the person they serve.”

Looking up as the leaves came floating down,Sukekiyo blew his hair out of his face,wondering if there was a way the child across from him could live in peace. “I pray that one day you will not have to lift a finger,(First Name).. There are many ways you could bring the kingdom prosperity outside of knighthood,but I’m glad you’re here..”

(First Name) looked at Sukekiyo,smiling softly. “Thank you,Suke,but I would die of boredom if such a day ever came.. Hunting,riding,and training are all fun.”

“You won’t think killing someone is fun,(First Name).. Killing animals hurts,but we only kill them for food; when we kill a person,we kill them to win a fight they probably didn’t even begin..” Sukekiyo sighed,pulling his knees to his chest. 

(First Name) studied her hands silently,seeing the rough skin and the blisters she had earned from her hard work. “The first day of my training,I was terrified.. I came walking out to a giant training field,and there were a bunch of men covered in scars and blisters looking down on me..” She trailed off,smiling fondly at the memory. Holding her hand up,she grinned at Sukekiyo. “But I’m happy now.. The people I once feared are now men I would entrust my life to gladly,and my once smooth and inexperienced hands have now become rough and blistered. The people who looked down on me now see me as a friend,and I have forged strong bonds that way. For everything,I am truly grateful.” 

Sukekiyo stared at her,chuckling slightly. “Your optimism truly astounds me,(First Name).. I’m going to head to the barracks for the rest of the afternoon.. You coming with?”

“I’m gonna stay out for a while longer.. I don’t feel like going inside today,” (First Name) admitted,leaning into Keima’s flank once again. “Tell the commander that I’m just going to sleep outside tonight.. I feel like stargazing.” 

Sukekiyo hesitated for a moment,before standing and brushing himself off. He disappeared in the direction of the barracks,already used to the girl’s strange habit of sleeping outside instead of in the barracks. 

(First Name) was practicing her marksmanship a month later when she heard Hitoshi call out for her,the girl stopping instantly. Lowering her bow and sliding the arrow back into her quiver,she walked over to the prince. “Good morning,Your Royal Highness. Do you need something?” 

“My brother’s engagement celebration is in a month’s time,and I need you to attend as my guard,” Hitoshi informed her calmly,wincing slightly at how she reeked of sweat; no matter how often he had smelled the odor,he grimaced every time he breathed it in. “You will have to be well-groomed that day,though,and you must send your animals away.”

(First Name) stared at the prince in silent shock for a moment,taking in a deep breath. “Your Royal Highness,you understand that I am still nothing but a squire,correct?”

“What of it? You are my future guard,are you not? In a month’s time,you are to accompany me to the celebration and make sure everything goes smoothly. I will not entertain any complaints. Am I understood?” Hitoshi looked at her,narrowing his eyes when he wasn’t answered immediately. “Did you not hear me? Am I understood or not?”

“You’re understood,Your Royal Highness. Please forgive my insolence in not replying immediately.” (First Name) bowed her head,remembering her status. Whether she and Hitoshi had grown up together or not,she was nothing but a mere squire compared to the prince,so she had no way of denying his orders. “I shall make preparations immediately to accompany you.”

Hitoshi smiled,glad she had obeyed; he wanted her to have the opportunity to try the exquisite food she had missed out on for the last seven years,and the engagement celebration was the best time for that. “Swear you will attend?”

“I am yours to do as you please with,Your Royal Highness. Any request you make of me,I shall abide so long as it does not pose a risk to your safety.” (First Name) kept her head down,a neutral expression on her face until she saw the prince disappear back into the castle. After he was gone,she gripped her bow tighter,wishing to relieve some of the anger she had pent up for years now. While she had been raised with a strict upbringing to serve the royal family faithfully,she couldn’t help but despise the difference in ranks; if Hitoshi were ever to order her to throw herself off a cliff,it would be treason to disobey,and that fact alone made her blood boil.

“(First Name),come with me today,” Kito ordered as he walked towards her. He had seen the whole exchange,and he knew the girl needed to burn off some steam. “I am to accompany you to the forest to take down an elk.”

(First Name) hesitated for a moment,before taking in a deep breath and nodding. “Forgive me,Kito,for I am in a rather low mood currently.. I shall ready your horse for you.”

“Don’t bother. My Lyssia isn’t like your stallion at all; she’d get herself killed roaming the forest. I’d prefer to keep my mare alive.” Kito grabbed his bag,pausing when he saw (First Name) grab her sword. “Leave your sword behind and bring extra arrows. You’re better with your bow anyways.” 

(First Name) nodded and made sure her quiver was full before throwing her pack over her shoulder,leading the way to the forest instead of following the man. She had accompanied many people to the forest over the years,and she was confident in her actions. Seeing that Oka was following,she pointed towards the woods. “Oka,stay behind. You need not burden yourself with trying to hunt an elk when I can take it down with ease.”

Kito watched as the wolf let out a huff and retreated back to the woods,the man shaking his head. “The fact that you were able to form a bond with an animal like that is still startling to me.. She could easily rip you apart in moments.”

“Oka’s not a dog,Kito. No matter how long she is with me,she will never behave exactly like a dog. A wolf is strong and independent,while dogs are strong and dependent. Oka doesn’t like strangers,and she doesn’t like being touched by them either; a well-trained hound is only vicious towards animals. She will always be a wolf.” (First Name) kept walking,not looking back at the man. “I will never consider her anything she is not,nor will I ever consider her anything she can’t be; Oka is Oka,as she always will be.”

Kito stared at her back,chuckling slightly as he looked off to the side. He hadn’t spoken much to her over the last seven years,but he understood now that this child was certainly peculiar; whether it was because of the prophecy or not,he did not know,nor did he care. If this child was truly to become a true warrior,he would do his best to assist her. “Lypia is the one who taught you how to hunt and track animals,isn’t he? Who taught you to think in such a peculiar manner?” 

(First Name) paused,thinking for a moment; as far back as she could remember,she had always thought this way. “I do not know.. I have always been taught that the word of the royal family is law,that war is inevitable due to human greed,and obviously I’ve been taught about the chivalric code and everything,but.. I don’t believe anyone taught me to think of anything else..” 

“Well you’re a child of prophecy,right? What was it they gave you again? The soul of a dragon or something?” Kito questioned,chuckling slightly. “I don’t know much about dragons,considering they’re almost extinct,but I know they’re strong. Do you have any sort of dragon feelings?”

(First Name) glared at him slightly,turning away from him. “Don’t take it lightly.. Even if I’ve never met one,I know dragons are righteous creatures. The way you speak is offensive.” 

“How would you know if you’re not a dragon? Do you think a dragon would really care what a human has to say? They’d just set us on fire.” Kito chuckled,walking passed her and smirking. “If you’re a dragon in disguise,tell me,you beast!” He shouted,pointing his sword at her jokingly. 

(First Name) moved without hesitation,sweeping the legs out from under the man and grabbing his arm so he couldn’t slash at her. Keeping him pinned to the ground,she glared down at him. “Anything else you wish to say,Sir Kito? Remember,even if I’m nothing but a squire right now,I am still a warrior. Do not look down on my strength.”

Kito stared up at her in shock,before he burst into laughter. “Sorry,sorry,I just thought it’d be funny to tease you! I didn’t mean anything bad about it!”

(First Name) let go of him,stepping back and sighing. “If you hardly know anything about the prophecy,don’t run your mouth.”

“I know plenty about the prophecy,” Kito replied,grabbing his sword and sheathing it before standing up. “I know the magician who announced it,actually,and the very day you were brought into the palace. Lady Izumo was assigned to be your guardian,and I had to drag Duke (Last Name) from the palace that day.”

“Don’t lie,Kito. Duke (Last Name) is a man even His Majesty praises for his intelligence and maturity.” (First Name) walked into the forest,looking at the ground to try and find tracks. 

“I’m telling the truth. His Grace was heartbroken,and even Lord Akirou cried about it. You were only a month old,but you had been ripped away from the family that had hoped for a daughter for years.. Even the commander stayed away for another year to cope.” Kito grimaced at the memory of seeing Shio’s pained face when she had returned. “The day the prophecy was announced,I was stationed at His Majesty’s door.. The Royal Magician came running by with this glowing orb,and we worried he would harm His Majesty,but we were ordered to let him by regardless. He announced to His Majesty that a new prophecy would come to fruition soon,and that the soul of a dragon would be the one to make the decision. His Majesty had asked many a question,but only one stood out to me.”

(First Name) casted a glance at him,unable to pretend to be uninterested any longer. “What was the question?”

“He asked if the dragon would live on through the chosen one,and the magician said it would in unexpected ways.” Kito looked at (First Name),grinning. “You’re the closest thing to a dragon I’ve ever met,so I’ve been paying careful attention to you throughout the years.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” (First Name) raised an eyebrow,sighing as she looked at him. 

“I’ve been taking notes on what you’re like,and I’ve found plenty of interesting things. You prefer meat even more than the average person,and you bond quickly with ferocious beasts others would find unapproachable. You are able to start a fire much faster than the average person can,and you’re extremely agile. Your eyesight is much better than most,and you prefer to sleep outside while others enjoy the indoors.” Leaning closer to her,Kito smirked down at her. “And the most interesting thing I learned is that you don’t fear fire. When lightning struck and set the stables on fire four years ago,you didn’t hesitate to run inside to release the horses. The first time the commander made you start a fire yourself,you nearly caught your sleeve on fire,but you didn’t even flinch.”

(First Name) stared up at Kito blankly,wondering if she truly did do all of that. After thinking for a moment,she nodded. “I believe you’re correct,but I don’t know why I do all of that. Whether it be because I am a child of prophecy or because I am me,I do all of those things. I do not fear fire at all for fire will only harm you if it touches you,and I don’t consider any animal ferocious for they are animals. I am agile since it is important I be able to maneuver around an opponent,and I prefer meat over vegetables since it is something I can share with Keima and Youki.”

Narrowing his eyes at the girl,Kito stepped back and sighed. “At the end of the day,it doesn’t really matter to me. You are still my commander’s daughter,and you are still my comrade,so I will remain loyal to you.”

A week before the wedding celebration,news came that a small band of marauders had struck a town on the Eastern border and had kidnapped an important guest that had been traveling to meet the emperor. 

“(First Name),wake up and grab your horse. We need to get to the Eastern border immediately,” Shio told her as she shook her awake from her afternoon nap. “Wake up,you moron.”

(First Name) woke up tiredly and looked up at her in confusion,sitting up and rubbing her eyes. “Commander..? What’s wrong?”

“Wake up. His Majesty has ordered us to travel to the Eastern border to rescue an important guest.” Shio rose to her full height,shouting at the other knights to hurry up. “Pack the essentials! Fill your gourds,saddle your horses,and bring your weapons! Bring plenty of food,as well,since we’ll be riding throughout the night!”

(First Name) jumped up immediately as she came to her senses,grabbing her pack. Filling her gourd with water and grabbing her weapons,she quickly saddled Keima and called for Youki and Oka,relaxing once she saw them. Getting on Keima’s back,she looked up at Youki first. “Youki,follow us,” She ordered,before turning to look at Oka. “Oka,I’ll need you to come with us. Follow us closely.”

“It’ll take us at least a month to get there since we’ll need to stop and rest often. How do we know this ‘important guest’ isn’t already dead?” Kiyonobu questioned Shio,saddling his horse quickly. 

“They sent a letter to His Majesty saying they’re keeping the man for ransom,meaning they’ll keep him alive. We’re making it there in three weeks,and I don’t wish to hear any complaints. Am I understood?” Shio snapped,looking at her knights. Spotting (First Name),she gripped her reigns tighter. “I won’t entertain any complaints about this. Am I understood?” 

“Yes,commander!” The group barked out,(First Name)’s voice no longer sticking out as much. 

(First Name)’s first actual journey outside of the palace walls was rough,the girl hardly able to keep up with the rest of the group. Stopping in towns to rest for only a few hours before returning to their journey,the girl completely forgot her promise to Hitoshi. 

Upon arriving in the town the man had been taken from,the rest of the group decided to rest for the night at an inn and wait until morning to go into the forest; (First Name) was the only one that chose to explore during nightfall. 

Tying Keima up,she patted the horse’s flank before grabbing her quiver. Upon hearing the nervous whinny,she paused and looked at him. “I’ll be back by morning,Keima. Don’t cause a fuss now,alright?” She asked,giggling slightly when he nudged her cheek. Patting his muzzle,she backed away and disappeared into the forest. 

(First Name) realized quickly that she needed to switch up her tactics. Since this was a rescue mission,she needed to prioritize saving the prince that had been taken,which meant she would need to avoid a hostage situation. Whistling for Youki,she held her arm out,the falcon landing on it. “Youki,I need you to see if you can see any fires,alright? If you do,come back and get me without getting spotted.” 

Youki stared at her in silence,his talons carefully gripping her arm without piercing her skin as he perched there. Taking off into the sky once again,he disappeared to do as told. 

Looking down at Oka,(First Name) ruffled the wolf’s fur. “Oka,I know we don’t have a fresh scent to go off of,but you smelled the carriage he was taken from,didn’t you? Just try and track as best as you can.”

Oka sniffed around,the wolf taking in the many scents the forest had to offer. After a moment,she recognized a scent,turning her head in the direction of it and signalling she had a trail to follow. 

(First Name) watched her,grinning when the wolf signalled to her. Now that she knew the general direction she needed to head in,she didn’t want the wolf to risk herself. “You wanna run,right? Go ahead,but don’t get spotted.” 

Oka stared at her for a moment before taking off,disappearing into the bushes to explore the large forest. 

(First Name) looked around,walking through the forest silently. When she noticed Youki signalling for her,she headed in his direction quickly,stopping when she saw a man tied to a tree and a bunch of shelters. Sending Youki back to the inn with a scrap of her sleeve tied to his leg,she decided to just buy time for now. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to transport the prince on her own,she climbed up a tree nearby and pulled out her bow,nocking an arrow and setting the tip on fire; she had learned how to start small fires using her hands a year ago,though she hadn’t spoken of the new ability before. Aiming the flame-tipped arrow at one of the shelters,she released it once she was sure it would hit,doing the same with a few other arrows. Screams rang out from the people who had awoken to find themselves on fire,but there was no relief for them anywhere; the nearest river was too far away for it to matter. 

The general was the only one that startled (First Name). The sight of a giant man walking out of a tent with a full suit of armor on was a new one,but she knew not to hesitate; her job was to rescue the prince,and the general was the only one standing in her way. Seeing the man head towards the prince,she aimed another flame-tipped arrow at the brush in front of the man,releasing it and watching as the ground caught fire. Dropping onto a lower branch,she decided to make as much noise as possible. 

“Back away from the Prince!” (First Name) screamed above all the yells of pain,her voice strong and full of malice. “I’ll kill you if you don’t run away!” She shouted,nocking another arrow and training it on the armored general; she just needed to buy time. 

Snarls erupted suddenly,and a pack of wolves came bursting out from the trees. Oka had led a giant pack of the hungry creatures to the makeshift camp,and there were plenty of people there to attack. The prince was amazed at the sight of a ravenous pack of wolves tearing at the throats of the men,though the sight of the armored general drawing his sword nearly dashed his hopes of being rescued. 

(First Name) climbed down the tree quickly as the pack tore the marauders apart,making it to the ground on time to see the general grab a sword. Drawing her own sword,she rushed forward,ignoring the flames she ran through. With fire nicking her feet and her sword drawn,the girl managed to block a slash meant for Oka,putting as much strength as possible behind countering the man. 

“(First Name),you must learn to wield your sword as if it is an extension of yourself. It is made for you,and your name is engraved on it. Do not think of it as a weapon,but as a shield; use it to protect those important to you,” Kiyonobu had advised the girl years prior,showing her the proper way to counter a bigger opponent’s slash. “You are small and swift,so you must use it to your advantage. Many of the opponents you will face in battle are going to be much bigger than you,so you must use your strengths to your advantage.”

“You little brat!” The general shouted,slashing at her since he couldn’t get to the wolf. 

(First Name) flinched as she felt the blade cut her skin,but she kept her stance in front of the prince and Oka stubbornly,leaving no openings for the man to pass her. “I am (First Name) (Last Name)! I am the child of prophecy! I will not waver!” 

The general gripped his sword tighter,glaring at the child in front of him. Stepping forward,he drew his sword back to slash at her once again,his eyes widening when the child knocked his sword away with her own and latched onto his waist. “Let me go,you heathen!” He shouted,bringing his fists down on her back. 

Gripping onto the man’s waist after throwing her sword towards the prince,(First Name) latched onto his waist,making her hands as hot as she could; if she couldn’t pierce his armor,she’d boil him alive in it. Ignoring the pain from her waist and the gash on her stomach,she kept her grip on him tight,listening as his screams of anger turned into screams of agony. When the man finally fell back,unable to fight any longer,she let go of him,hardly able to stay on her feet. Breathing heavily,she looked around at the carnage,her vision getting blurrier. Right before she fainted,she heard the commander yell her name. 

Two days passed before (First Name) opened her eyes once again,the girl blinking a few times as she laid there. She slowly forced herself upright,her eyes widening when she realized she wasn’t in pain. Pushing her hair back and pulling her shirt closed,she slid off the bed carefully,walking over to the door shakily. Pushing the door open,she leaned against it and looked around,wanting desperately to know what had happened. Seeing a familiar face sleeping at a table,she walked over and shook the woman.“Commander..?” 

Shio blinked a few times as she woke up,coming to her senses immediately upon seeing (First Name). “You’re awake..? Thank the gods..” 

“What happened?” (First Name) asked,sitting down in the empty chair beside the woman. “Where are we?”

“We’re at the inn. You played the role of a brave warrior indeed,but you were injured in the process.” Shio looked at her,shaking her head and sighing. “You scared everyone. Youki came to my window with a scrap of fabric,and I knew you’d done something stupid,but confronting the entire group on your own was suicidal. Your injuries would have killed a normal person!”

(First Name) looked down at her wrapped-up stomach,not wishing to know what her injury looked like. “Then how am I alive?”

“It has something to do with the soul of the dragon is all I know,” Shio confessed,leaning into her chair. “The Prince you rescued is trying to gain Youki’s trust,and the others are waiting for you to awaken. We all thought you were going to die,(First Name).”

“I’m sorry,I just.. I thought of what they had probably put him through,and I couldn’t wait another night..” (First Name) muttered,looking down. “I won’t do it again,commander..” 

Shio studied her for a moment; even though she knew (First Name) was her daughter,this child was much stronger than she had been at her age. This child was more dragon than human. “Go bathe and change into clean clothing.”

“Yes,commander.” (First Name) disappeared into the room once again. 

After a bath and a fresh change of clothes,as well as a few pieces of jerky and some stretching,(First Name) stepped out of the inn,blinking a few times as her eyes adjusted to the daylight. 

Sukekiyo,who had been brushing Blue’s mane,looked over when he heard the door to the inn open. Seeing the girl,he had to do a double-take,excitement filling him when he registered that she had woken up. “(First Name)..? It’s (First Name)! She’s awake!”

Kiyonobu looked up from his spot underneath an awning,the man rushing over. He picked her up and hugged her tightly immediately,gripping her tightly. “You scared me,you idiot!” 

“It’s about time you woke up,little hunter!” Lypia chuckled,ruffling (First Name)’s hair when Kiyonobu put her down. 

“I should kick your ass for how dumb you are,but I’m just happy you’re alive..” Lyria patted (First Name)’s back,grinning at her. 

(First Name) looked between all of them,her eyes wide as she realized how much her carelessness had frightened them. “I..” 

“Little dragon woke up!” Kito laughed,pouncing on the girl and ruffling her hair. “Welcome back to the land of the living,you moron!”

(First Name) couldn’t help but laugh,happiness flooding into her. “Thank you guys for coming to save me.” 

“We’re comrades,Dame (First Name). We will always come to your aide.” Kiyonobu grinned at her,pride radiating off of him. 

“Dame..?” (First Name) looked around at their grinning faces,her eyes widening as realization sunk in. “I’m a dame now?!” 

“Dame (First Name),it’s a pleasure to officially meet you,” Neito greeted the girl,bowing his head to her. “As the future King of the Icretus Kingdom,I have decided to elect you to become a Dame instead of a squire once we reach His Majesty’s palace.”

(First Name) just stood there stupidly,in complete shock that a prince was lowering his head in front of her. Slowly,she came back to her senses,remembering her manners. “Please,Your Royal Highness,raise your head. I did my job,but I did not do it alone. Not only did I receive assistance from my comrades beside me,but I also received aide from unlikely creatures.. Forgive my insolence,but if you wish to elect me to become a Dame due to my actions,please reward those around me as well. Sir Sukekiyo’s pay is too low for him to give the Lady he loves a proper future,and Sir Kiyonobu is unable to afford new armor. Sir Lypia and Sir Lyria are unable to spend time with their families,and Sir Kito is unable to afford a knowledgeable tutor. The commander deserves to be a Dame as well. If you elect them,I’m sure His Majesty will give them a higher pay.”

Raising his head,Neito stared at her for a moment,taking in the face of his savior. His gaze slowly traveled to the panicking group of knights,the Prince chuckling. “Since all of you saved me,I shall elect all of you to a higher title to repay my debt. I shall forever be grateful to you all.” 

The journey back to the palace took a month since they needed to provide ample time for the Prince to rest between rides,but they all had a good time. Bonding with her comrades and the Prince,they spent their time laughing and talking happily. 

Riding into the palace with Prince Neito on the back of her horse,(First Name) couldn’t help but feel pride when she saw the shocked expressions on the face of the maids and the butlers. Pulling on the reins lightly to make Keima stop after hearing the commander order them to halt,she peered around the knights in front of her to see what was wrong. Seeing His Majesty standing there to greet Prince Neito,she knew exactly what she must do. Sliding off Keima’s back,she extended her hand to Prince Neito,keeping her head down. “Come,Your Royal Highness.. His Majesty is here to greet you.”

Neito looked down at (First Name),letting out a scoff. Sliding off Keima’s back,he grabbed her hand and pulled her with him. “Raise your head,Dame (First Name),” He ordered as he walked,keeping his head high with confidence radiating off of him. Stopping in front of Emperor Reon,he lowered his head only slightly,keeping his grip on (First Name)’s hand tight. “Greetings,Your Majesty. I am the heir to the Icretus Kingdom,Neito Monoma.” 

Hitoshi stood slightly behind his brother and father,though he stepped forward when he realized Prince Neito was holding the girl’s hand. He wanted to storm over and shout at the girl,but he stayed in place silently. 

“Greetings,Your Royal Highness. It is a pleasure to meet you. I see you have taken a liking to the child of prophecy as well. She’s quite a unique specimen,is she not?” Reon kept his tone pleasant,though he wanted to chase this brat away from the girl; (First Name) was a blessing,and he wouldn’t allow a mere prince to try and take that blessing from him. “Lady (First Name),return to your horse.”

“Your Majesty,I wish to elect this woman and the knights behind me for new titles. I wish for all of them to officially be given new titles.” Neito looked the emperor right in the eyes,not flinching when he saw the carefully hidden fury. “They have all proven themselves to be outstanding in all aspects,so they deserve new titles. In the name of the heir to the Icretus Kingdom,I wish for the knights to be given the title of ‘Baron’,and for the Duchess to be given the title of ‘Archduchess’.” Gripping (First Name)’s hand tighter to keep her in place,he raised his voice. “This girl bravely fought a group of fifteen marauders and nearly died by their general’s sword to keep me safe. She is no squire,nor does any prophecy matter to me; she is Dame (First Name).”

Reon’s blood ran cold at the news that (First Name) had nearly been killed,the man clenching his fists. Deciding he needed to hurry things along,he decided to promote all of them. “We will hold an official ceremony in a week’s time celebrating your safety,Your Royal Highness. For now,I need to see Duchess Shio in private.”

“Yes,Your Majesty.” 

The sweetest of words,and our storybook love,

Are the sweetest of storybook lies

Sixteen-year-old (First Name) sat at the tea party she had been invited to,feeling completely out of place as she watched the other girls socialize. While she had spent the majority of her life training,these girls had been raised to sew and make their way in noble society; she respected their work,but she couldn’t understand why they wanted her there. 

“Dame (First Name),you have met the Prince of the Icretus Kingdom,correct? Is he as brave as the rumors say?” Lady Mina asked her. The daughter of Marquess Ashido,she was the host of the tea party. 

“I heard he approached His Majesty without hesitation.. Is that true?” Toru,the daughter of an Earl,questioned her curiously. 

“Prince Neito approaching His Majesty in such a manner could have ended in his death. Approaching one of higher ranking like he did is not wise no matter the circumstances. What he did was not bravery,it was idiocy,” (First Name) replied,looking down at her teacup. “Prince Neito is a kind man who will lead the Icretus Kingdom well,but he will need to mature quickly before his coronation.” 

“You’re so smart for a knight!” Pony complimented her,noticing immediately that the others at the table had become uncomfortable after her words. As the daughter of a Baron from the countryside,she hadn’t quite adjusted to ‘city life’ yet. “Did I misspeak again?” 

“What you said could be considered offensive,Lady Tsunotori. When praising someone,you should not compare them to anything besides themselves. Saying I’m intelligent ‘for a knight’ is like saying my comrades are not as intelligent as me,which would be a lie because there are many types of intelligence. While I only know the basics of sewing,I am an expert at marksmanship and swordsmanship,which are things you know nothing of. Our differences and specialties are what makes our land thrive,and we should never discount the hard work people put into just being alive.” (First Name) smiled at her,grabbing her teacup and taking a sip politely. Setting it back down,she looked at the blond. “Do you understand,Lady Tsunotori? Every job must be valued.” 

“I didn’t know such things.. Forgive me for being ignorant,Dame (First Name).. Also,feel free to just call me ‘Pony’. I don’t care much for titles.” Pony smiled brightly,glad she had learned something new. “May I call you by your first name as well?”

“All of you may call me (First Name). Among the knights,we don’t use our titles,so it feels weird being called Dame (First Name),” (First Name) confessed,looking at the other girls. “May we drop the formalities?”

“Absolutely! It’s boring calling each-other ‘Dame’ and ‘Lady’ and all of that!” Mina leaned across the table,grinning at (First Name). “You’re the bodyguard to the second Prince,aren’t you? Is he as rude as the rumors say?” 

“Rude? His Royal Highness isn’t a rude person,so what are these rumors about?” (First Name) asked,anxious that false information may be spreading. 

“Well,according to Her Majesty,the second Prince is a rude and hateful child,and that’s why he isn’t allowed to be the heir to the throne,” Toru told (First Name),tilting her head to the side. “Her Majesty told all of the ladies of the court that he has tried to attack one of the maids..” 

“Her Majesty must have been mistaken,then. Prince Hitoshi is a kind boy,and the maid only claimed he attacked her because he threw a cup at the door when she wouldn’t quit pestering him while he was sick. I assure you,Prince Hitoshi has never harmed a hair on anyone’s head.” (First Name) made a mental note to look into these rumors,keeping a polite smile on her face for now. 

“You were raised with him,weren’t you? What was he like as a kid?” Pony asked curiously. 

“As a child,Prince Hitoshi was..” (First Name) trailed off for a moment,recounting the days she had spent chatting with him and the night he had read a book to her. “Prince Hitoshi was a delight to be around.. Compared to the first Prince,Prince Hitoshi is more tolerable.” 

“His Majesty is sending him on a journey to greet the neighboring kingdoms,is he not? Will you be accompanying him?” Mina asked curiously. 

“It will be a year-long journey where Prince Hitoshi will be trying to gain support for his faction while learning what it’s like to be on the road. I am his knight,so I will accompany him for the entirety of his journey,” (First Name) sighed,leaning into her chair. “He wishes to challenge the first Prince for the title of heir.”

“The first Prince postponed his coronation because his bride-to-be fell ill,didn’t he? Has she recovered?” Toru asked worriedly. 

“She has yet to regain her health,and the first Prince has decided to hold off until he sees who the people wish to have as the future Emperor. Prince Hitoshi’s only hope to become the heir is to earn the approval of all four neighboring Kings,turn public approval to his side,and gain the support of the Ducal households,” (First Name) explained,still unsure as to why Hitoshi was so desperate to become Emperor; he could live a peaceful life with no responsibility if he just let his brother have the throne. 

“If he truly can earn the approval of the neighboring kingdoms,I’ll have my father endorse him.” Mina grinned,jumping up. “For now,let’s take a walk around the gardens!” 

(First Name) rose to her feet,nodding slightly and following the group into the gardens. While she felt out of place among the nobles,she enjoyed them now that they no longer cared for manners. 

Once summer came,(First Name) was given her first summer off. For the first time in her life,she was allowed to go to Duke (Last Name)’s household,but she stood at the door,hesitant to knock. 

“You need not knock,(First Name),for you are a member of this household. Open the door,” Shio urged the girl,smiling as she stood behind her. 

(First Name) slowly pushed the door open,her eyes widening when she was suddenly being hugged tightly by a giant man. She panicked,trying her best to push him away. “Excuse me,sir,but please release me!” 

“You’re home! You’re home!” Terushi shouted,throwing his head back and laughing as he tossed the girl into the air like she weighed nothing. “You’re finally home! I can hold you again!” He caught her,overjoyed that his daughter had finally set foot in his manor again. Setting her down for a moment,he turned his attention to Akirou. “Akirou,come,greet your sister! She’s home!”

Akirou stared at (First Name) for a moment,taking in the sight of the sister that had been ripped from his mother’s arms so long ago; she had grown into a beautiful woman,but he could tell she had been through more than any noblewoman should ever endure. Taking the stairs two steps at a time,he hugged the girl. “Welcome home,sister.. It has been too long.” 

(First Name) stood there as she was hugged once again,her eyes widening when she smelled a scent that was familiar somehow. 

“Lady (First Name),you must stop sneaking out at night! You could get kidnapped by a scary monster!” Izumo scolded the five-year-old as she brushed her hair,sighing when (First Name) only laughed. “It’s not funny,Lady (First Name).. Now stay still.”

“If I get caught by a scary monster,then I’ll kick them and bite them!” (First Name) grinned at her ‘mother’,giggling when she saw how annoyed she looked in the mirror. “I get to play outside today,right? I wanna run around the garden!” 

Izumo bit back a groan,knowing the child would end up dirtying the dress she was wearing; laundry was always a hassle. “You may play outside,but you must promise not to play with strangers,alright? And find the gardener should you need help.” Finished with the girl’s hair,she pulled her hands back,knowing she needed to let the child have fun during the break the girl had been allowed. “Now go play,My Lady.” 

“I promise!” (First Name) grinned,jumping up. “Love you,Izumo!” She added,running out excitedly. 

Step-by-step,(First Name) made her way through the palace,making it to the vast garden quickly. She wanted to find someone to play with,but she knew Hitoshi was busy with his extra classes,so she had to play alone for the day. Wandering around the garden,she looked at the flowers,trying to remember all of their names. “Izumo likes lilies,and His Majesty likes roses,and Her Majesty likes daisies,and Mr.Ishiyama likes daffodils,and..” She stopped picking the flowers when she saw the flowers on one of the cherry blossom trees had sprouted. She threw her makeshift bouquet to the side and ran over to the tree,wanting to pick one of the flowers for Izumo. Climbing up onto one of the lower branches,she tried to reach out for the flowers,frowning when she couldn’t grab one.

“Hey,what’re you doing?! You’ll get hurt up there!” Ten-year-old Akirou shouted at the girl,annoyed that she was putting herself in danger. 

“I’m getting a flower!” (First Name) scooted closer to the edge of the branch,grabbing part of a smaller branch that had flowers on it and breaking it off. She carefully made her way back to the ground,grinning as she picked one of the flowers. Holding it out to Akirou,she grinned. “They’re pretty,right?!”

Akirou stared at the pink flower for a moment,before looking around at the flowers around them. Spotting a freesia,he picked it,holding it out to her. “Freesias suit a kid like you better than cherry blossoms do. They mean friendship,” He told her,turning his head when he heard his father calling for him. Taking the flower she held out to him,he turned and ran off. 

“You’re the freesia-picking boy,aren’t you?” (First Name) asked,looking up at Akirou. 

Akirou laughed,nodding slightly. “Indeed I am,though I am surprised you recognize me.” 

“You still smell like freesia.. Do you grow them?” (First Name) tilted her head to the side slightly. 

“Father prefers freesia over roses,so they are planted in the backyard.” Akirou ruffled her hair,stepping back. “Welcome home,sister.”

(First Name) nodded slightly,though she didn’t quite know how to feel about being here; the only home she had ever known was the palace and the barracks,so calling this place ‘home’ felt strange. “I’m glad to be home..”

“Come,let me show you to your room!” Terushi urged her,grabbing her arm and pulling her along excitedly. “You have many presents to open!” 

“Presents? For what?” (First Name) stumbled after him,confused as to why she would have anything.

“For your birthdays,you silly girl! The three of us have been getting presents for you for sixteen years now,and you have yet to open a single one!” Terushi laughed,knowing his wife and son were close behind them. Making it to (First Name)’s room,he flung the door open. 

(First Name) peered inside curiously,her eyes widening at the sight of the beautifully decorated room. There was a giant bed with beautiful blankets on it,a couch with pillows on it,and a table. In the corner was a desk,and she had her very own balcony. “This is my room..?”

“Do you like it? We can redecorate it if you’d like!” Terushi grinned when he noticed how shocked she looked. “You’ve been sleeping outside most of the time,right?”

“I love it..” (First Name) admitted,smiling slightly. 

“I’ll fetch the presents! Sit on the couch while I do!” Terushi rushed off excitedly,Shio leading (First Name) into the room and to the couch. 

The first time (First Name) opened presents from her family,she was overjoyed to just have something that showed she wasn’t a forgotten child. Seeing the teddybears they had purchased when she was a child,the knives they had bought,the clothing and the mirrors,the jewelry and the books,she finally understood where she belonged. Whether she had grown up in this house or not did not matter,for she was loved,and love came in the form of a black teddybear her brother had tried to give her when she was just a newborn. Love came in the form of a mirror her father had wished to give her when she was a child,and love came in the form of a dagger her mother had purchased that had carefully been hand-picked. Love came in the form of presents to let the child know she had never once been forgotten,nor had she been abandoned like she had convinced herself; this whole time,she had been loved. Breaking down into sobs,the girl wiped at her eyes,desperately trying to let her panicking brother know the tears were from happiness. While Shio would have loved to laugh at how cute the sight of her panicking children was,she began crying as well,glad to finally have her daughter home. 

You read me a chapter of storybook love

My hope overcame my suspicion 

Upon winter ending,(First Name) was sent back to the palace so she could travel the land with Hitoshi. The duo made their way to the neighboring Kingdoms,making friends with each of the future Kings and earning their favor. Prince Izuku was the easiest,the green-haired boy promising to join Hitoshi’s faction so long as Hitoshi promised to be a righteous ruler. Prince Neito promised his loyalty immediately,but only on the condition that (First Name) was allowed to choose her suitor in the future. Prince Denki agreed on the condition that Hitoshi promised to lower taxes on his land. Princess Ibara was the hardest to please,the girl believing Hitoshi an unfit ruler until she realized how animals adored (First Name),and only agreed on the condition that Hitoshi had to befriend a wild stallion. After the Prince fulfilled her condition,she promised her endorsement.

The following summer,(First Name) stood guard outside Prince Hitoshi’s door,turning her head when she heard him call her name. Opening the door,she peered inside. “Yes,Your Royal Highness?” 

“Come in,and shut the door,” Hitoshi ordered,looking down at the book a maid had given him today. The familiar shade of green had immediately caused him to recall the night he had read to her,though he doubted she still remembered. “Do you remember this book?” 

(First Name) looked at it for a moment,her eyes widening and lighting up when she saw the title. “The Jovial Knight? How could I ever forget it,Your Royal Highness?” 

“I read the rest of it the day after I read you the first chapter,and then I kept it because it doesn’t have a happy ending,” Hitoshi looked down at the book. “Do you still wish to hear the next chapter? I’ve finished my work for today,so I might as well read it to you.”

“The ending doesn’t have to be happy to make it a great story. If you’re willing to read,I’m willing to listen.” (First Name) sat down across from him calmly. 

Hitoshi studied her for a moment,before holding the book out to her. “I want you to read it aloud,actually.” 

(First Name) stared at the book,before nodding and taking it from him. Cracking it open,she read the second chapter aloud,telling the tale of the stinky knight and the beautiful princess. She spoke of the knight’s journey to befriend a dragon,of the princess’s attempts to befriend the wildlife,and of the king’s attempts to regain his daughter’s loyalty. 

Listening to (First Name)’s voice put Hitoshi at ease,the purple-haired prince dozing off before she could even finish the chapter. Sleeping peacefully with his head on his desk,he didn’t even notice when the girl draped a blanket over his shoulders and left him there.

You spoke of ideals,and you made it seem real,

I suppose we both knew it was fiction

“(First Name),come in. I know you’re standing guard again tonight,” Hitoshi called out only a week later,chuckling when the door to his study opened and his knight came in. “Why must you stand guard each and every night?”

“It is my duty as your knight to protect you,” (First Name) replied,sitting across from him. “Have you finished your work,Your Royal Highness?”

“I have indeed.. Today,instead of reading,how about we speak of the future?” 

“The future,Your Royal Highness?”

“You know my brother is too incompetent to rule the empire,which is why I am after the throne. What do you think will happen from now on now that I have people joining my faction so quickly?”

“I believe your brother will target you,and that His Majesty will lash out since he does not favor you.”

“And what will you do if those things happen?”

“I will follow you loyally,Your Royal Highness,as I always have.”

“And if I told you to kill them?”

“I would do it without hesitation. Not because your word is law,but because I believe in you.”

“And you swear this?”

“I swear it.”

Hitoshi studied her,knowing her words were completely true; (First Name) would do anything he ordered her,as she always had. “I won’t order you to kill them,but what will you do when I become Emperor?” He asked,recalling the news that his engagement to Lady Sephina had been decided by his father. 

(First Name) looked down at her hands,thinking for a moment; there was no way she would be alive if he became Emperor. “I will still follow you loyally.”

“Even if that road leads you to your death?” Hitoshi clenched his fists,already knowing the answer. 

“I do not fear death,nor the road that leads to it.” (First Name) reached her hand out,grabbing his hand and making him unclench his fists. “Your Royal Highness,you need not fear. I will stay with you as long as I can.”

Hitoshi laced his fingers with hers,taking in every detail of her face. Every inch of her skin,every strand of her hair,every breath she drew,everything about her belonged to him,and it scared him more than anything else could ever. “And what would make you leave me?” 

(First Name) stared at their hands,her heart aching at the desperate tone in his voice. Pulling her hand back,she smiled at him. “Your Royal Highness,I will never leave you unless I am killed or sent away by you. Until that day comes,I will faithfully serve you.”

“Exit the room,(First Name),” Hitoshi ordered,waiting until the door was shut once again to wipe at his eyes. Reminding himself that (First Name) would die serving him if he didn’t become Emperor soon,he hardened his heart and drew in a deep breath; he prided himself on his honesty,but he could never reveal his emotions for her. The way to make her happy was to become Emperor and relieve her of her duties so she could live with her real family.  

‘Cause you have what you need,and it isn’t from me

And it hurts,but it’s not a surprise

News of Hitoshi’s engagement to Lady Sephina leaked the following day,and (First Name) was left feeling empty. Watching Prince Hitoshi fall in love with the beautiful woman,she found herself at a loss for words. She found herself with much more free time considering the prince had ordered her to stay away when Lady Sephina was around to avoid making his soon-to-be wife upset,and since the prince was always with Lady Sephina,she spent much of her time just sitting outside. She quickly realized that she was truly nothing more than a knight.

The sweetest of words,and our storybook love,

Are the sweetest of storybook lies

Months passed,and winter came quickly. Despite the snow making the barracks freezing cold,she sat in the barren room in silence. The other knights had all been sent away to spend winter with their families,but as Hitoshi’s guard,she was forced to stay. Shivering,she pulled her jacket tighter,her eyes filling with tears. She could easily have a room in the palace,but she’d rather freeze to death than hear all of the maids gossip about how wonderful Lady Sephina was. With Oka and Youki the only warmth she had besides her blanket,she wiped her eyes,trying to remain optimistic despite the relentless snowfall that only made things worse. 

You read me a chapter of storybook love

And we spoke of the union that bound us

Winter ended after what felt like an eternity,and (First Name) was called into Hitoshi’s room the night before his wedding. Sitting across from the man,she kept a blank expression. “Yes,Your Royal Highness?”

“We have a chapter remaining.. Shall I read it?” Hitoshi asked,looking at her calmly. 

“If you would like,Your Royal Highness.” (First Name) relaxed slightly,glad he hadn’t called her in for a serious reason. 

Hitoshi finished the story,which ended with the princess dying by her father’s hand. Shutting the book,he set it aside and looked at (First Name),studying her face once again; nothing had changed about her,but she looked different. “(First Name),what relationship do we have?”

“Your Royal Highness,what do you mean?” 

“What are we?”

“We are knight and royal.”

“Do you hate our relationship?”

“I don’t,but why do you ask?”

“You are bound to me simply because of a fictional prophecy a stupid magician created.. I shall dispose of this union after I become Emperor,” Hitoshi informed her,taking in the shock on her face. “After I become Emperor,you will be given the title of Duchess and returned to the (Last Name) estate.”

(First Name) clenched her fists,swallowing her anger and lowering her head. “If that is what you wish,Your Royal Highness.”

Each time we’re together,that story seems real

When we let those deep waters surround us

The next day,(First Name) watched as Hitoshi was dressed for his wedding. Reminding herself that there was no happy ending ahead for her,she exited the church,wishing not to see the wedding become official. She didn’t wish to see the man she loved marry another,but she knew her story with him would end soon enough. Sitting out in the stables with her back to Keima’s flank for a while,she looked down as Oka slowly moved her head to lay it on her lap,(First Name)’s eyes filling with tears as she looked down at the wolf. Hugging Oka’s neck tightly,she buried her face in her fur as she heard the cheers erupt from the church. 

But you have what you need,and it isn’t from me

And that hurts,but I’m not that surprised

A mere week passed before (First Name) was forced to say goodbye to Oka. In a fit of rage after losing the wolf,she confronted the first Prince’s knight,challenging him to a duel for the right to inherit the throne. Shouting what she wanted in front of the royals present,she wasn’t surprised when her terms were accepted,nor was she surprised when the knight told her it would take a week for an official contract to be written. 

The sweetest of words and our storybook love,

Are the sweetest of storybook lies

“Are you an idiot?!” Hitoshi shouted at (First Name) that night,gripping her shoulders. “You know he’ll win,and yet you challenge him?! You’ll be killed!” 

“I won’t be killed!” (First Name) snapped,jerking out of his grip. “What do you want?! I’ll win,you can become Emperor,and I can leave! Isn’t that what you want?!” 

“Not if you’ll die! I wanted to challenge my brother for the throne on my terms,not yours!” Hitoshi yelled,his anger boiling over. “For a chosen one,you’re an idiot!” 

“A chosen one?! You believe in the prophecy when it’s convenient to you,You Royal Bastard!” (First Name) shouted,unable to contain herself. “You act like you want me gone one minute,and then you’re angry the next! Choose what you want and give me proper orders! Use me!” 

“I don’t need to use you! I don’t want to use you! You’re more than a damned prophecy to me!” Hitoshi yelled,his eyes stinging with tears that refused to fall. “Why don’t you understand that?!” 

“I’m done,Your Royal Highness,” (First Name) ran a hand through her hair,pulling on it to keep herself from hitting him as her own tears began to fall. “I can’t do this anymore.. I can’t endure any of this anymore. I’ve done my best,I’ve fulfilled the damned prophecy,I’ve given all I can.. Let me fight one last time and be done with it,please..”

Taking a deep breath,Hitoshi wiped at his tears and turned away from her. “We will discuss this another time,(First Name). Leave.”

‘Cause you have what you need,and it isn’t from me

And it hurts,but it’s not a surprise

Blood splattered,and the fight was finished; with only minor injuries,(First Name) had won against the other knight,meaning Hitoshi had won the right to inherit the throne. Pulling her sword out of the knight’s chest,(First Name) wiped the blood off of it,walking to the foot of the stairs of the audience seats. Looking at Hitoshi,who was seated at the very top,she stabbed the sword into the ground,sliding her bow off of her shoulders and throwing it on the ground with her quiver. Discarding her daggers as well,she locked eyes with Hitoshi,hardening her heart. “I am no longer your knight,Your Majesty.”

Clenching his fists,Hitoshi rose from his seat,walking down the stairs. Standing in front of (First Name),he reached his hand out and gently touched her cheek,wiping the blood off and forcing his emotions back. “You have done well in your service to this kingdom,Duchess (First Name). From today onwards,you need not ever spend another night wondering if you belong here,for you never have and never will. You are a dragon through and through,and you should never have been locked in a palace like this. Duke Akirou is already in a carriage waiting for you.” 

(First Name) leaned into his touch,feeling like a weight had finally been taken off of her shoulders. Staring up at the prince she had faithfully served,she stepped back,knowing he would be fine without her; Prince Hitoshi had never needed a dragon like her to bring prosperity. Hitoshi alone would have been enough.  “Live well,Your Majesty,” She told him,turning her back on him and walking away.

The sweetest of words,and our storybook love,

Are the sweetest of storybook lies

Years would pass before the story would be told of a girl that entered the palace as a human infant and left as a woman with the soul of a dragon. A storybook love had never been prophesied for the girl,but everyone in the empire knew that Duchess (First Name) lived out her remaining days peacefully. A woman who only knew the basics of sewing,but an excellent marksman and expert fighter,was too much for any man to handle; rumor had it that even Emperor Hitoshi couldn’t handle the woman,but that wasn’t a problem since the girl didn’t wish to marry. Living her days with her family,Duchess (First Name) found the place she belonged was the place she never should have left.

The sweetest of storybook lies

Hitoshi looked down at the last page of the book,frowning when he realized the story was over. 

I write this now to remind myself that this is the path I chose. While I had every opportunity to disappear with my joyful knight,I chose to become Emperor to release her from the path thrust upon her. I write this now to tell future generations that it is my fault,and I write this now in hopes that she may one day see a green book about knights on a shelf once again,and that she may read it and realize none of it was her fault. I write this now praying that my joyful knight may once again smile.

I write this tale not to tell of the life of Emperor Hitoshi,nor to tell of the life of Dame (First Name),but to tell of the life of a child who was more monster than man,and of the life of a child who was more dragon than human. 

Hitoshi shut the book,looking at the title. In bright red letters,’The Joyful Knight’ stood out against the green cover. Shaking his head,he sighed,finding the entire tale to be ridiculous. He made a mental note not to accept random books from his father from now on,looking at his window when he heard a rock hit it. Standing and walking over,he opened it,looking down to see his best-friend standing on his front lawn.

(First Name) looked up at Hitoshi,waving and grinning. “Hitoshi,let’s go to the library! I wanna find a good book to read!” 

Hitoshi bit back a laugh,turning and grabbing the green book. “If you want a book,catch this one! You like knights,right?” He called out,tossing the book down to her. 

(First Name) barely managed to catch the book,looking down at the green-and-red cover. A grin spread across her face,the girl looking up. “You’re the best,Hitoshi!” 

And so,once again,a joyful knight held a green book in her hands. Once again,a new tale of storybook love had begun,but this time there was something different. This time,there was nothing preventing a happy ending,and even if something blocked the path to happiness,both Hitoshi and (First Name) were willing to create a new path they could travel together.