Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)

Chapter 1

I was restless, it'd been a year since I laid eyes on Keiko and just like before, after that day, she vanished.  I hauled my cousin to greet the princess the next morning as they were leaving, but she wasn't there.  I stalked to the lake, the memory fresh on my mind.

***

The second handmaiden moved in front of the princess as we rushed over.  That's different.  Nothing about the way she carried herself showed she was a threat, but clearly she moving to defend.  "Can we help you?"

The princess looked at us curiously, but the monotone of the handmaiden is what we were greeted with.  Youta glanced around, searching as I was.  "Just introducing myself to a fair princess..."  Usually the next move was a kiss on the hand, but that was impossible with the human barrier, so he bowed slightly.  "Crown Prince Youta of Wu..."

The princess gently touched the girl's sleeve, but I didn't miss the flash that betrayed her face of indifference as she stepped aside.  "Crown Princess Asami of Shu.  I believe we met... some time ago."

His smile came easy, it was when we had finally laid eyes on his cousin after she had her accident.  "Yes, but I remember... two of you."

If that surprised either girls, it didn't show as she giggled.  "Two?  Surely you're mistaken."

He paused.  "No... there was another.  The princess in the trees." He pretended to think for a moment.  "Sa... Sakura... no... Sa..."

Her head tilted as though curious.  "No... there wa-"

He perked up.  "Sayomi!  That was her name."

She looked as if he had grown to heads as she turned to her handmaiden.  "Shizu... I think... it's time we go."

She nodded and guided her to the carriage.  I was surprised when she intercepted my hand, frowning when I went to stop her.  No... not normal at all.  "Sorry, but... she was there.  I called her down for dinner.  I especially remember her childishly huffing and glaring at me after she did."

Shizu released my arm and I had to stop from rubbing it.  She's strong... almost as if...  "We don't know a Sayomi and it sounds like children's dreams.  Please, I need to get Princees Asami home.  Genki?  Please ensure safe travels."

The carriage driver tilted his head, but seemed to be watching us closely.  "Of course, Lady Shizu." Lady? What handmaiden is a lady?

With that, they left, leaving us dumbfounded.  "Children's dreams?"

I frowned as I stared after the carriage.  "It was her yesterday, Youta.  No one can wield blades as she does, you know that."

I saw as he swallowed thickly.  "Yes, the same girl at her side during court.  I know that was Keiko, Ryoma.  What are they hiding?"

I could barely contain my rage.  Wherever she was, it clearly wasn't with them, so she had to either still be in this kingdom or left to go somewhere else.  "I don't know, but we'll do everything we can to find out."

He turned to me frowning.  "That empress won't grant us audience after last time.  This princess and her handmaiden are denying her very existence when she stood by them not 24 hours ago, Ryoma.  Shu is the most heavily guarded kingdom to date.  What in the hell makes you think you will find anything?"

Rarely, had I seen Youta pissed, but since that night his temper almost matched mine.  "I don't know... but we have to try."

He stalked past me.  "We have to, before she is lost to us forever.  Whatever they are making her do..."  His voice cracked.  "We'll search for something here first.  Ayama can keep her brother and father entertained, but she wasn't in that carriage and no one has left yet."

I nodded and looked around the grounds.  "True... let's begin."

***

I drew my blade as my mind raced.  We found nothing... others said they remembered her being there, but still nothing.  Just a memory.  As I cut through the air, I felt as I slipped from my reality to the battlefield in front of me, one girl standing just beyond my foe.

We searched everywhere imaginable, but... something was just not making sense.  How could a girl, who people literally saw, just disappear like that?  Not just once, but multiple times.  I would hear stories of someone who sounded like her in one location and hear another that happened at the same time nations away.  It was impossible, but... I know not every person we came in contact with was just imagining it.  They all remembered one thing clearly... her eyes.

I was deep into my trance when the sound of someone hitting the ground broke it.  Who...  As I turned all I saw was a nest if disheveled hair in men's clothing as they gulped the lake water.  I approached slowly, blade ready, just in case.

"Who's there?"  I startled the person, a girl and she tried to stand.  Impossible...

Instantly, she was on her knees spilling every ounce of water she just drank unto the ground.  It can't be...

I didn't think as my blade clattered to the ground and she did the same.  "Miss! Miss! Are you okay?"  My hands were shaking as I lifted her to me.  "Hey... hey... wake up."

She struggled to open her eyes, but when she did, my heart stopped.  It's her...

She passed out again and I gathered her up and ran towards the estate.  Her breaths were shallow and lips blue.  Blood was spattered on her clothing and dripping down her leg, but it was her.  "Please, please don't die."

I burst through the door.  "Nurse!"  Everyone came in panicked and froze when they saw her limp form.  "Get all of the medical staff here now!"

They jumped and one of them approached.  "She's just a h-"

"Do everything you can for her."  I snapped and nearly lost what little control I had when they hesitated.  "Now!"

An older nurse came and glared at the younger one.  "Right away, My Lord.  This way..."

I was praying to whoever was listening as I laid her in the bed she brought me to.  "Please..."

She nodded.  "I have to undress her, I'll let you know when she is ready."

I didn't want to leave, but I knew I couldn't stay.  Please don't die.  I paced in the hall, seconds moving painfully slow.  Please don't die.  You finally came home...