Sayomi's eyes opened as we neared, she and the tiger had dozed off after he let her get some bandages on him. She looked around expectantly until her search landed on Shika and a small sigh escaped her as she exited the cart. "Sayomi!"
She caught the princess a grateful expression on her face. You'd think she was the one wh- "I'm fine, Asami." She glanced up. "Thank you for keeping her safe."
I looked at Ayama, who smiled, nothing of the jealousy or hate lingering from before. "Someone had to do it. Come, you must be starving."
I was between praying Ayame wouldn't say something out of line as she watched Sayomi tend to the princess and fearing what would come next. She made a move, now they are searching for them both. Sayomi hasn't said anything about putting it all to rest. What's on her mind?
When Asami finished she guided her to a room. The rest of us sat silent for a long time deep in thought. "She... I misjudged her..." I gave her a curious look. "Asami... she..."
Sunako looked towards where they disappeared and I saw them returning. How did she... "We need a plan."
The girl's head nodded slightly. "The palace is in turmoil, they are looking everywhere for us."
I frowned because of news I received earlier. "Your empress's guards came to the estate and left, but that doesn't mean they aren't watching."
Ayama spoke next. "They haven't come here."
Sayomi nodded, calculating. "There are reports that you don't get along with Sunako and I, this will be the last place they look." She looked to me. "I need you to inform the emperor and Prince Youta of what's going on. You can't come back here, you will be followed."
A pain went through my chest. I can't just... not after what happened... "I can send..."
She looked determined. "No... it has to be you, you're the only one I can trust." I could only nod as her attention turned back to Sunako. She's right, but... "Ready the troops, looks like the war will be starting early."
She nodded. Troops, what troops... and war... "Already in motion."
Asami had been listening up to this point. "I need to confront Horuma face to face."
We were all surprised by that. Definitely not the girl I met, but even they are shocked. "Asami... are you sure?"
She smiled and nodded. "I'm ready, I may not be brave or strong like you, but if I'm to lead a kingdom... I have to be someone they can depend on, right Ayama?"
Sayomi smiled softly, proud, but maybe a little annoyed. Don't you want her to... "I'm proud of you. Ayama, I hate to intrude, but it looks like we'll need to stay here for awhile."
She smiled at her, which surprised Sayomi. She can play nice sometimes... "My home is yours for as long as you need it."
I sat, a weight on my chest as mostly Sayomi and Sunako gave brief, undetailed comments to each other. I need to talk to her, I can't just leave when... I couldn't shake the images that plagued me and they only served to fuel my fear.
Finally, the princesses went to bed and Sayomi watched as Sunako was literally swallowed by the night. I have to ask about that... "I can send a trusted servant..." Chiyo... she likes her... "The emperor will understand."
Her head shook, wheels still turning in her head. "It has to be you in order to ward away suspicion. The empress has to see you and you need to join the search effort." How can you be so calm about this... they...
I clenched my fist as I searched the ground for an answer. "If something happens..."
I met her gaze as she grabbed my arms, willing me to understand and go along with this. "I'll be fine, Sunako has given me a sword and some knives. I was not armed when I was taken."
I searched her face and sighed. Why didn't you have yours to begin with... "I can't leave you... after what I saw..."
She cupped my face. Too close... I can't think if sh- "You came in time, that's what matters."
I gently took a hand and kissed it, still fearful of what could have happened. "Not soon enough..."
Her gaze softened, but her decision was made. "The flute... the flute and my blades were left in my room and on the table. A servant would never be allowed to enter, but you can."
I frowned. Why can't she just..."You have a sword."
She smiled softly, there was no way I could deny her when she was attached to gifts from me. "But not mine, they are an extension of me. I will come to you when it's safe tomorrow night to get them."
I heaved a breath, defeated. "You are determined."
She nodded. "It's the best way to throw her off if even for a moment."
The beast that saved her crossed my mind. "If that tiger didn't come first..."
"Why did you start calling me little tiger?"
Her question caught me off guard as the memory flooded my mind. "You saved one once, from the river." She watched me remember, intrigued. "He was being swept away the current and you jumped in and saved him even though Youta and I tried to stop you."
Her head shook a small smirk on her lips. "Apparently, I was always a handful."
I smiled because it was the truth. "The mom came to you and thanked you afterward before leaving. I've called you that ever since."
Her smile was breathtaking. "Well looks like he may be repaying a debt, assuming it's the same one."
My eyes widened. I never thought... "Maybe..."
It hurt when she pulled away. "You have to go now, it'll be daybreak soon."
I bit my cheek. "Looks like you're not giving me a choice. " My heart twisted as she shook her head again. "Where will you meet me?"
Her expression turned mischievous. What does she have planned... "Stay at the palace and I will find you in no time."
I hugged her, never wanting to let go. This isn't the end... that's what I'm truly worried about... "Stay safe, little tiger."

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Asami's Shadow (Ryoma's POV)
FanfictionEver wonder Ryoma's thoughts. Well here you go.