Fastidioso

It seems as if the air has gotten dyer. Mafuyu woke up to sunlight burning her irises, having taken a nap on the ride. She stirs on the saddle, her vision slowly taking in her surroundings. The vast moor slowly but surely became less and less, until it was just soil and a few shrubs here and there. Sweat dripped down the knight’s temples, her black clothing feeling heavier than usual. The steed seemed to be hazily taking each step, sorta wobbling back and forth. 

Not to mention the white knight, who has equally walked the entire trip. His knees buckled with each step, swaying as if on the verge of collapsing. Mafuyu winces at the sight, quickly leaping off the horse.

“Here, lean on me,” Mafuyu offers her shoulder for the white knight to rest upon. He shakes his head. Mafuyu blinks at the motion, before grabbing the man's shoulders. “Listen, I'm sorry for my cruel behavior to you. Let me make it right.”

The white knight slowly turns to the prince. “No, I'm sorry. I just don't know how to…” he sways. Mafuyu quickly runs in front of the man to catch him. As soon as his white head lays on her chest, Mafuyu can't help but notice her heart pounding. 

The white hair was messing with her again.

She shakes her head, lifting the knight off the ground and placing his body over the horse. She quickly apologizes to it as it huffs in dissatisfaction. With a sigh, Mafuyu offers it her last sip of water. 

“The Kingdom should be near. We can do this,” Mafuyu reassures the horse… well mostly herself.

The horizon had become orange. How late was it? Didn't the white knight say they'd arrive at the Kingdom by midday?

The horse seemed to be energized with the water, beginning to gallop much quicker than before. Mafuyu picks up her own speed as well, spotting an abnormal structure in the horizon. No, a building. 

Mafuyu grunts as she begins to pull the horse by the lead.

…

The Kingdom was quite smaller than what Mafuyu remembered. Actually… It was very different. She recalled protective walls and guards demanding tariffs for entry. Large brick streets decorated with shrubs on the sides with cement sidewalks. Copper lamp posts turned green from the prolonged exposure to the sun holding banners of the Kingdom. Buildings of limestone and clay. Perhaps this was another city? Here, merchants flooded the narrow dirt roads. Its sandy brick buildings were so close to each other there was barely any room to breathe. This city was clearly not watched over like the rest of its kingdom (at least from what Mafuyu remembered), with no exterior walls to protect it and its main street being a long and singular large dirt path running through it, splitting the city in half. Along the main path were small wood stalls of merchants trading and selling food, clothing, armory, and arts. The thinner streets seemed to lead to specific permanent brick and wood stores or two-story buildings hosting parties that had live music leaking into the outside. 

On the paths, the more desperate merchants went up to crowds watching street performers. Stray dogs surrounded the stalls that sold street food, whining for consumers to feed their empty bellies with a piece of meat. Mafuyu hated to admit the sweet aroma of smoked meat made her stomach growl. 

Mafuyu eventually squeezes through the thinner road to the main street, keeping her horse close by. Her eyes scanned through various buildings, noticing the majority of the walls were tarnished with wanted signs and graffiti. 

“What's a fine fellow doing in a place like this?” A creaky voice startles Mafuyu. The person that had approached her was completely cloaked and covered despite the heat. Alarms started going off Mafuyu's mind, though as a prince she figured she looked threatening enough.

“I'm just passing through,” Mafuyu replies, her voice calm, continuing her journey.

The person follows her. “Just passing through, huh. Are you even aware of where you are?”

“Doesn't matter.”

“This city is full of scammers and delinquents. A noble such as yourself is easy prey right now, fu fu!”

“I'm not… a noble.”

The person laughs, making Mafuyu's ears itch. “Ah, don't be modest, boy. I know you're a royal. So let's be honest, you're the Prince of the Morning.”

Mafuyu stops her track. “What the hell do you want from me?,” she growls, hand resting on the handle of her black sword. 

“Now, now, Your Highness. No need to get so tense. Everyone with a brain knows not to mess with you,” the cloaked person says, “I've just come to say to be careful, and I mean especially you. This place happens to be one of the hot spots of the Resistance.”

The Resistance? Mafuyu rolls her eyes. “Thank you for your concern but I will be fine.”

“Suit yourself. I was going to offer you-”

Mafuyu commands the horse to kick the stranger away. They begin galloping away, further into the city.

Eventually Mafuyu finds a tavern, near the other end of the city, exactly what she needed. Mafuyu approaches the wide entrance with caution, keeping the horse to her side at all times. Eyes immediately begin to bore into the prince, its loud chatter and ambience slightly diminishing at her presence. Though as soon as Mafuyu met their gaze with a death stare they all returned to their conversations. 

“I'd like a room,” Mafuyu informs whom she assumes is the tavern keeper, judging by his clothing with signs of high status and his position behind the counter.

“The horse stays outside,” the man replies before peering over the horse’s shoulder, “What's wrong with your friend?”

“Just exhausted. Do you happen to have a room with separate beds?”

“No.”

Mafuyu blinks. “No?”

“We are quite a popular establishment in this city. Our rooms are quite occupied,” The tavern keeper explains, “All we have left are the singular rooms. You could try looking elsewhere, though you won't find a place safer than here. I can guarantee it, kid.”

Mafuyu sighs, pulling out her bag of money. “Fine, I'll take it. And a refill for our jugs, please.”

“I'll lead you to your room. Leave the horse here with my staff.”

Mafuyu obeys, handing the lead over before going to the back of the horse to wake up the white knight. She lightly taps his shoulder, in which he only responds with a grumble.

“Wake up,” she mutters, tapping harsher. 

“Five more minutes Kamishiro…” the white knight grumbles. Mafuyu blinks in bewilderment, before rolling her eyes and pulling the man off the horse with gentle care in order not disturb his sleep. Surprisingly, he's very light weight. She places him on her back, making sure his arms are wrapped around her neck before nodding to the tavern keeper. The older man leads the prince up creaky wooden stairs, down into a rather dimly lit hallway. The floor was covered in colorful tapestries and the terracotta walls were lined with lanterns using red stained glass to give it that cozy dim light. Mafuyu eventually led to the end of the hallway. The tavern keeper opens the blue painted door before tossing the keys to Mafuyu. The prince nods gratefully before walking inside and shuts the door with her foot. The slam that follows makes her flinch.

“Hmm? Where are we?” The white knight rasps.

“We'll stay here for the night. I also refilled your jug if you'd like to take a sip,” Mafuyu explains, putting the man down on the mattress. 

The white knight continues to rub his eyes, stretching before taking a look at the dimly lit room. “Mafuyu, where are we actually?”

“A tavern. No te preocupes,” Mafuyu replies with a stretch. She was so ready to hit the hay.

“Tavern? Were they out of rooms in the hotel by the palace?” He questions.

Mafuyu blinks. Actually, now that he mentioned it, Mafuyu hasn't seen the palace. “I think we're in a more poor city of the Kingdom,” Mafuyu comments, “I haven't seen the palace yet. This place is different from what I remember.”

The white knight’s eyes widened. Could he go any paler he would. “W- What? Are we not in the Sunny Forest Kingdom?”

Mafuyu narrows her eyes. “We're in the middle of the savannah, white knight. When I woke up you were leading us here. I continued your direction,” Mafuyu huffs, “¿Onde no has llevado?”

“¡Carajo!” The white knight snaps, immediately leaping off the bed, “He betrayed me… he… Mafuyu we need to get out of here.”

The prince takes a step back. “Who? What? Who betrayed you? What are you hiding?”

The man refuses to meet the prince’s gaze. “I'll explain later. Right now we should-”

“Speak now,” Mafuyu demands.

“¡Qué fastidioso eres! Don't you understand, we have no time to speak!” The white knight scowls before sighing as he notices the purple knight refusing to move out the doorway, “We're in the Outlaws Territory. The Resistance is here.”

The Resistance? That's the second time she's heard that today. Mafuyu frowns. “What is that?”

The white knight's right eye twitched. “The Resistance… the rebels against the war? Like… the people who were protesting outside your palace when I first met you?” 

Mafuyu shrugs.

The man sighs. “Listen. All you have to know is that they want you dead. And since I… please let's just go.”

Mafuyu scoffs while stepping aside. “Fine. Lead the way.”

The white knight nods, cautiously opening the door and sighing in relief as they're greeted with the dimly lit empty corridor. With his hand he motions Mafuyu to follow. Mafuyu could nearly laugh at how serious the white knight seemed to be, attempting to hide in the shadows despite the empty hallway. They can hear the muffles of conversation from the other rooms, as well as snores. They seemed to put the white knight more on edge. 

Eventually they make it down the stairs. The tavern was as busy as before, which seemed to give the man a sense of relief and horror at the same time. 

“Where's the horse?” He asks.

“They told me I couldn't bring it further inside, so it's in the stable.”

“You brought the horse in here?!”

The two froze as eyes began to focus on the two. Though just as quickly they returned back to their business. 

“The Resistance knows you're here,” The white knight face palms, “Go fetch the horse while I watch over. Meet me by the entrance of this tavern if all goes well.”

“And if not?” Mafuyu challenges. 

“I'll distract them while you get out of the territory.”

Mafuyu's eyes widened. “B- But-”

“Trust me, okay?” The white knight says with a soft smile that wasn't quite met by his eyes, “I know what I'm doing, Mi Principe.”

His hands gently reach for hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze. Mafuyu lowers her gaze. “I'll be in your care then.”

Mafuyu watches as the white knight runs towards the main entrance. She goes down a separate hallway, leading to the back of the tavern to where the white knight claimed the stables. She felt gazes burn into her, the employees looking rather confused at her presence. Was she even allowed to be here?

Eventually the hallway ends, leading to the outside. There's still sunlight, thankfully. She jogs over to the far stable, noticing the snout of her black horse sticking out of the gate. Strangely there's no one protecting the horses. Actually, there's no one around. Mafuyu takes the lead of her horse, tossing the gate open after breaking the lock. The horse seems displeased with having to be on the move again after just settling down to relax.

“I am tired too. We'll rest in a bit, I promise,” Mafuyu tells it, rubbing its chin. The horse neighs as a response.

“Already leaving?”

Mafuyu's heart begins to pound at the familiar voice. She spins around to face the cloaked man from before. She draws her sword out, stance ready to fight. “You followed me?”

“I told you, Prince. The Resistance was here,” The cloaked man says with a chuckle, “By the way, thanks for the kick earlier today. Helped crack my spine just right. Really needed that.”

“Why are you here?” Mafuyu hisses, beginning to move.

“Well, at first I was going to be nice and just let you go, fu fu!” The cloaked man says with a shrug before raising his arms above his head, “But you were just so rude and well… you were supposed to be long dead already, I figured I might as well do the job myself.”

Mafuyu gasps as balls of fire summoned before the hands of the cloaked man. What was this, magic?

“Who are you?” Mafuyu demands, taking a step back.

“Ah, have I not introduced myself?” The stranger says, before taking off the cloak, revealing bright purple hair with blue streaks and blazing yellow eyes, “My name is Kamishiro Rui. Sorcerer and leader of The Resistance.”

Mafuyu quickly ducks as a ball of fire comes to her direction. Her horse screams in terror, leaping on its hind legs before galloping away. Mafuyu cries out to it, before it disappears into the horizon. Mafuyu inhales sharply as she notices several other people come into view.

“I will fight you all if I must,” Mafuyu snarls, “Your army and magic doesn't scare me.”

“I have no doubt of it, Prince of Death,” The sorcerer says calmly, “Though understand we must do this.”

A giant red blaze circles around them, trapping Mafuyu along with The Resistance. The men begin charging towards Mafuyu, waving swords above their ends like clueless children. Mafuyu breaths in before charging back, black sword angled in a way where it was easy to just-

A man screams as Mafuyu slices through his chest in a single swing. More men began to circle around her. She was greatly outnumbered. Mafuyu continues to move her sword with ease, quickly able to calculate everyone's incoming blows and spot their weaknesses. Yet they somehow manage to slice her arms. She growls in pain, seeking for an exit. That's when a fist lands straight on the middle of her face. The pain pulses throughout her body followed with a crack, making her stumble for a bit. Then hands seize both her arms from behind, twisting them to her back. And before she could reach a harsh kick against her calf forces the prince to fall on his knees. A sword is pressed against her neck, drawing blood.

“Now, gentlemen. Remember I'm going to be the one that ends him,” Rui says, shoving multiple men out of the way, “I'll make this as quick as possible.”

The sorcerer kneels down to the purple knight, rubbing his hands together until they softly emit a soft blue glow.

Mafuyu begins to struggle, backing away from the sorcerer’s incoming hands. A kick against her side forces her to lean forward. Mafuyu yelps in pain, her vision being blinded by the bright blue glow inching closer to her face. 

Her chest pounds. What about the white knight? What about her dearest? Mafuyu can't die now… not without seeing Kanade one last-

“Hey!” Rui growls followed by the huffs of what Mafuyu makes out to be a bull. Mafuyu blinks hazily as she sees Rui be tackled by the large muscular animal, fur as white as winter. The sorcerer is flung several feet away. 

How did a bull get in here?!

Mafuyu watches as its attention turns to the other men, eyes narrowed in anger. The men behind Mafuyu begin to run as the bull scratches the ground with its front foot, ready to battle. Mafuyu collapses, watching the bull run towards her…

And jump over, releasing angry noises. She closes her eyes.

“Traitor!” One of the men says before being launched several feet in the air.

“We trusted you!”

Who were they talking to?

“Mafuyu are you okay?” 

Mafuyu opens her eyes to see glittery blue pearls looking back at her. Her chest relaxes at the sight. “I'm a bit beaten up, but I'm okay,” she replies softly before noticing the sorcerer reappear behind the white knight. She jumps at the white-haired man, rolling them bother over as another blaze of red comes forth. The white knight yelps at the sudden movement.

Mafuyu lands on top of him, her vision spinning in circles. She rolls off, feeling the ground for any sort of pebbles or rock, as she has lost her sword. 

“How dare thee side with the enemy?” Rui snaps, clearly beaten after the bull attack. Where did the bull go?

“Mi Príncipe is not an enemy!” The white knight snaps back, “You betrayed me! I told you I had everything under control! W- why couldn't you trust me?”

Mafuyu narrows her eyes. “What?”

“Mafuyu, you can trust me. Please,” The white knight pleads, pulling her close. She hisses, pushing him away. His eyes widened at the rejection.

“K, you swore!” Rui growls, red flames circling around his arms, forcing the white knight to return his attention to the man. His yellow eyes flickered with fury.

The white knight shakes his head. “No. I can't,” he replies, “Kamishiro… please… we can't.”

“Are you with the prince or the people?” Rui asks, “After everything… after all these years… you're choosing to side with him?”

The white knight’s eyes flicker to Mafuyu before returning his gaze to the sorcerer, “Are you making me choose?” His voice breaks with those words.

The sorcerer's eyes widened before narrowing once again. “I am.”

The white knight draws his sword and charges to the sorcerer.

Mafuyu gasps, watching as the two were engulfed in an explosion of flames. Her ears begin to ring as the shockwave throws her off. Purple sparkles go off. The air clouds with smoke, from Rui’s spells and the horse stable catching ablaze. She can hear the horse inside the stable scream in terror. 

Mafuyu finds her sword not too far away. She grabs it and swings to the locks of the stables, watching the horses speed away. She stops the last one, climbing on its back. The horse is black and white, with a mane so short it might be a donkey. Or a mule actually. She watches another blaze of fire warp through the air, followed by the snarl of some type of animal. 

Mafuyu inhales sharply, tapping on the neck of the mule. “Help me save him, please,” she pleads softly. The animal does not respond. Anyhow, Mafuyu lines it up to where she sees the sorcerer's hair peek out through the smoke. “Hyah!” She commands. The mule neighs before running towards the sorcerer at full speed. 

Through the smoke Mafuyu makes eye contact with the sorcerer, noticing a large nasty gasp across his face. It's like he had been attacked by a bear. Before he could even react the mule stomps over him. Mafuyu also takes the opportunity to grab the white knight from the collar. The man lets out a choked cry, coughing and gasping for air as Mafuyu pulls him off the ground. 

“¿Mi Príncipe?” The white knight rasps as Mafuyu tosses him over her lap. He coughs again… and feathers(?) escape him with every jerk. She ignores it, tapping on the mule once again. The steed runs forward, leaping over the ring of fire the sorcerer had trapped them in. 

The last thing Mafuyu hears is “You'll pay for this, Yoisaki!”

She'll remember that.

The mule doesn't stop its tracks. It dodged merchants and pedestrians, navigating the narrow roads with ease. It's like it knew the roads very well, and perhaps it did. Mafuyu didn't bother commanding it, trusting the mule to lead them to safety.

Before Mafuyu knew it, the city came to an end. Before them brew a vast landscape of savannah. Upon its view Mafuyu's body suddenly felt heavy, all the tension she didn't know she withheld exiting her muscles. She looks at her lap, staring at the white knight’s scalp. His white hair was tainted red, not to mention full of pebbles and dust. Her mind rushes with thoughts, emotions conflicting. 

“White knight,” she calls out. The man jerks at her sudden voice.

“Yes, Your Highness?” The man's feeble voice responds, slowly turning around to meet her face. Mafuyu's eyes widened upon view of his dull blues, noticing their puffiness and tears rolling down his cheek. The white knight only stared, as if he himself didn't notice his awful state.

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to ask. “Are you… crying?”

The white knight's lips quiver. “I- I’m crying?” He echoes, bringing his hand to his face, before gasping slightly as his fingers brushed against tears, “I- I'm sorry.”

“Who's Kamishiro to you?” Mafuyu questions, watching the white knight tense.

“He's um… he's like family to me,” The white knight explains before squeezing his eyes shut, “Mafuyu I… I don't want to talk about it. Not now.”

Mafuyu narrows her eyes. “Fine, but you have a lot of explaining to do,” she huffs.