Chapter Text
Most of the world, by now, was ruled by a great and powerful dictator, known simply as the Emperor. There were still a few countries which had escaped his control: two of which were neighboring states far beyond his nearest borders, which still maintained their own monarchy. They were known as the “Free Kingdoms”.
The Kingdoms, Iwatobi and Samezuka, had always had a bit of tension in their political relationship. Mile-long scrolls of truces and treaties had kept them from invading each others’ lands, but the affiliation was more than a little uneasy. Samezuka’s reputation for aggressive military strategy and less-than-savory trade agreements clashed wildly with Iwatobi’s neutral stance on war and focus on public welfare. With no other nations within thousands of miles to focus on, they often butted heads. Their councils handled the brunt of negotiations, but the monarchy wasn’t without a role to play.
Rin Matsuoka was the young king of Samezuka. Having lost his parents at a very young age, he took the throne as a figurehead (as Samezuka’s laws did not forbid it), with the council primarily handling political affairs. However, Rin learned very quickly how to use his position to his advantage, and was called spoiled and cruel by many.
His rule was sullied with countless examples of his heartlessness. At the age of fourteen, when the kingdom went through a terrible drought, he had all the water he could shipped in to the palace to keep himself and his household hydrated. The people were appalled and probably would have revolted if they hadn't been dying in the streets. It was the Kingdom of Iwatobi, or rather, Lord and Lady Tachibana, who insisted that they send shipments of water from their own lands, which had been much more fertile that year. Despite their kindness, King Rin was resentful and used his massive military to keep his people in line after that, closing off the trade-routes in a controversial political move. Although Iwatobi welcomed asylum from the neighboring kingdom, Rin made it a crime to leave, effectively closing their borders.
Lord and Lady Tachibana of Iwatobi were polar opposite of Matsuoka legacy. Their rule was marked with the highest public approval in history, and even those who opposed their taxes had to admire their rulers for not abusing their power as so many had before them. They boasted the lowest poverty rates in the last century, despite still living in relative luxury themselves. However, as if it were too good to truly last, a terrible illness took both Lord and Lady Tachibana far too soon. But not before they bestowed upon the world the gift of a righteous heir, who had been raised with the kindness of his parents and the love of their people.
Prince Makoto was sixteen when his parents passed away, leaving him to care for his two younger siblings, twins Ren and Ran, who were merely infants at the time. The council did handle nearly all political affairs for him in his youth, but Prince Makoto was determined to be his parents’ legacy, throwing himself into his studies to learn all about politics, the kingdoms and the realms beyond.
King Rin, however, never quite outgrew the greediness his power had given him. And so, it was in the weeks before his twenty-fifth birthday when he sat in his throne room, thinking about what it was that he wanted. Every servant and even the council doted, offering suggestions for gifts that would be worthy of their ruler. Rin dismissed them all. Eventually, he just kicked everyone out, save for Nitori, his most faithful companion, and mused to himself about what would make him truly happy on this momentous birthday. Several minutes of silence passed as he thought, brooding.
“I want Iwatobi.” The king said finally, twirling a very expensive-looking goblet in his hand as he lounged sideways on his throne, legs swinging over one arm of the ornate chair.
“The…kingdom, my Lord?” Nitori, the silver-haired boy, clarified.
“Yes. I want Iwatobi. Let’s just invade it and claim it for Samezuka.” Rin answered decidedly, no irony in his tone.
The younger boy stammered. “B-but, my Lord, are you certain that is wise? The kingdoms have enjoyed an era of great peace and the people of Iwatobi are…fond…of their ruler. Would that be the best—?”
“Screw him!” Rin growled, pegging the goblet across the room where it clattered against the marble floor. Nitori cringed at the sound. “Such a little goody-two-shoes, that Makoto. Even with all the skirmishes I’m causing at his shores, he still refuses to assemble his troops. Pathetic. He’s weak!”
Nitori scuttled over to pick up the discarded cup. “My Lord…”
“You’re right, though.” Rin interrupted, heaving a sigh as he sat up properly, planting his feet on the floor. “The people do love him. If I want his kingdom, I’ll need to get rid of him first.”
"Sire, you're talking about--"
"I know...if I have him killed, it'll spark a war. Big deal. I'm bored! How long am I just going to sit here and watch the councils bicker amongst each other while they kiss Iwatobi's ass to keep them from interfering?" Rin stood, clapping his hands together. "Find me the best assassin in the kingdom. We're going to start a hostile take-over."
- - -
Nitori was certain this was a terrible idea. He'd been serving King Rin for many years...first as a companion in his younger years, then as an assistant of sorts, but he'd never seen him do anything quite this rash. Rin refused advisors: he had all of them either killed or banished in fits of rage, usually. Only the council was spared, because they did all the political dirty-work and Rin didn’t fancy having to actually do something to run his country. Having someone near to his age who only occasionally interjected their opinion was about the only way to get through to Rin. Unfortunately, though, when he had his mind set on something, it was nearly impossible to stop him.
And that was why they were in the middle of the forest on the outskirts of the kingdom, draped in cloaks and faces hidden in the dramatic sort of secret, midnight meeting only Rin would have bothered insisting upon.
"Where is this guy?" Rin grumbled to Nitori and the two nearest guards. They'd only taken a small caravan; a single carriage, Rin himself, Nitori and four guards. Nitori had arranged the meeting after following a trail of underground knowledge down through the ranks of the military police and into the less savory, black market occupations. Apparently this assassin was known as the most skilled in the entire kingdom…so skilled and secretive that no one even knew his name. "You think he'd be punctual if he wanted the job..."
"Well it wouldn't be a very good first impression if you spotted me straight away, either, would it?" A calm, somewhat monotone voice came from above them. The soldiers were on-guard instantly, pointing their lances at the darkly-clad figure who was atop their carriage. The stranger dropped down silently, several paces from Rin as to not cause any unnecessary alarm.
The king gave him an appraising look. "That was very well done. My guards didn't even notice you. Perhaps I should have you kill them for their incompetence, and that way I can see how you work."
The guards balked, shivering in fear only because they knew Rin was more than capable of that.
"I haven't been paid yet." The stranger replied softly.
Rin stared at him silently for a moment before laughing heartily. "Oh, I do like you! All right, then. I think you've certainly proven you're worthy of my consideration, at least."
The figure nodded, but didn't speak.
“So, then…what’s your name?” Rin asked.
“No names. Not in my business…” The man said quietly.
“Hm...well, you seem competent, and you come with quite the reputation according to my research. All right, then…you’re hired.” Rin added with a decisive nod. He tossed a pouch at him through the darkness.
“The target?” The stranger asked, voice just as low as before as he caught the pouch with ease, measuring the contents in his hand.
“Makoto Tachibana, Prince of Iwatobi.” Rin watched for a reaction, but he got none. At least not in what was visible of the man’s face. His eyes barely flinched.
“This will not be enough.”
“Of course not. That’s your deposit. The rest is for when the job is done.” Rin motioned to the carriage behind him. Nitori, clad in a dark cloak as well, moved to open the chest at the back of the wagon, revealing a mass of sparkling coins and jewels. “That, plus full diplomatic immunity for the crime, should you be discovered. Do we have an arrangement?”
The dark-haired man’s eyes raked over the treasure before settling on Rin’s, offering his hand. “We do.”
- - -
Haruka Nanase was arguably the best assassin in the two kingdoms.
Unfortunately for him, though, work was a little slow.
There was plenty of corruption in the dark underbelly of Samezuka, mostly because it ran unchecked thanks to the unethical practices of the military police…but no one who wanted those people dead actually had the money to hire him. He had to wait for one of the rival gangs to get irritated enough over one of the others to call him in to get the job done, and even then, they weren’t paying the high dollars.
At this rate, he was never getting to Iwatobi.
He grew up hearing stories about the Kingdom across the waters: how it was ruled by a just and noble Lord and Lady, how taxes were fair and their people were happy. But the borders were heavily guarded and attempt to flee the country was an immediate sentence of treason, the punishment for which was usually a public hanging. If you were lucky, you got thrown in a dungeon to rot for the rest of your life…not that it was much of a life after that.
When Haru had been hired, he assumed that a political meeting of some sort had been arranged which would bring Prince Makoto to Samezuka. He was more than a little surprised to find out that his client, whoever he was, apparently had connections within the military police. He was given a map, rations and a boat with guaranteed safe passage across the sea to Iwatobi to see his job completed.
It occurred to him that he didn’t even need to do the job…he could simply get off of the boat and disappear into the neighboring kingdom, never to be seen again. But he didn’t have any marketable skills. The deposit was not nearly enough to live, or even start, a comfortable life for himself…and he doubted there was much money in his current business beyond the waters in that utopia known as Iwatobi.
So he resolved to do it, get back to Samezuka and get his pay, then perhaps find some way to return to Iwatobi. He didn’t bother to think what kind of impact slaying the prince would have. Surely he was just a figurehead, and the councils handled most negotiations. He was bound to be a spoiled prince, just like their own spoiled king, sitting on his throne and letting others do everything for him.
Yes. He would get the job done, and it would benefit the kingdom in the long run, surely.
…Haru was a little naïve about political affairs. He hadn’t gone to school, like most children from his poor village on the outskirts of the kingdom. But he never had much motivation to do anything other than just get out of that dead-end town in this fascist kingdom, get away from this place that had only ever caused him pain.
But, of course, watching your parents get murdered in front of you at age six probably wasn’t the best for your psyche.
And explaining to the military police why you plunged a knife into their killer's back three-dozen times just seemed a little daunting, so disappearing and living on the streets seemed like the only viable option. It only made sense in the circle of life that he had ended up making a career out of killing (mostly bad) people.
It's not like Haru enjoyed it. Well, Haru never enjoyed much of anything. But he did feel a sense of justice from it, and somehow, it was freeing.
But nothing was truly free in Samezuka.
- - -
It took Haru nearly two whole days to cross approximately two-hundred nautical miles of sea and get to the shores of the Kingdom of Iwatobi. He arrived just before dusk on the second day, but what greeted him was more than unexpected.
Along the shore, to the port side of his boat, he saw dozens of ships. Some of them were in pieces, destroyed either in storms or attacks. Some appeared completely operational, however, clearly cared for as they rocked in the gentle waves, tied to a hand-built network of small docks.
Less expected, however, was the figure running toward the waves, arm outstretched and holding a lantern. The stranger’s free arm waved wildly, like a signal. They didn’t appear to be hostile.
Haru steered his boat into the shore, and the stranger, an older woman, he could now see, set down her lantern to help him pull the boat out of the water.
“You’re a refugee from Samezuka?” She asked, looking him over. “Just you, then?”
Haru blinked, pausing for a moment before nodding. “…yes. I’m alone.”
“What a shame…then again, it’s only the small boats that get through these days. Come on inside, then…let me get you some tea.” She said, picking up her lantern and ushering him away from the water.
“You…you assist refugees from the other kingdom?” Haru queried, dumbfounded, as he followed her, even if it didn’t show on his features.
“Well of course! No one over there is going to!” The woman scoffed. “Can’t tell you how many wrecks have washed up over the years…the way the currents run, all the ships end up where you saw; that’s why my husband built our home here. He wanted to help all those people trying to cross…and honor the poor souls who didn’t make it. Suited him better than retirement, and he did always love the sea.”
The woman hung her lantern just outside her door on the porch before going inside, turning to beckon him again. He followed.
The cabin was small, homey and warm with all of the comforts one could ask for in a simple life. She showed him to a small table in the kitchen before going to her stove to fetch the kettle.
“You live out here all by yourself?” Haru asked, still looking around as he sat.
“Since my husband passed. This was his legacy, really…but I couldn’t let it go.” The woman told him in a wistful tone, stoking at the fire under the stove. She glanced out of the window toward the sea every few minutes, like it was a habit. That must have been how she’d spotted Haru’s boat, even in the setting sun.
“It’s not…dangerous for you?”
“Heavens no!” The woman scoffed, waving the statement off. “Everyone I pull out of that water is just grateful to be on our shores, and the only other people who come out here are the lovely gentlemen who cart my shipments in from the village.”
“But you said you and your husband had come here to retire. How can you afford all that?” Haru asked bluntly.
The woman seemed nonplussed by the question, merely beaming with pride. “Would you believe…years ago, just after the drought when that dreadful King Rin closed off the borders, we started taking in refugees. We put them up for a while, then sent them to the village and they were on their way…well…one day, we got a visit from one of the palace’s personal messengers…”
Haru listened intently as the woman spoke with clear pride. She told him how one of the refugees had made his way to the palace and told them about all the good they were doing. Lord and Lady Tachibana sent them gold and horses and eventually they had so much support that the local village itself became involved. It had been overhauled into a refugee camp of sorts…there were still locals who lived and worked there, but many of their careers depended upon refugees. There was a bank which accepted Samezuka coins and traded them for Iwatobi gold. They melted down the originals to make them into their own currency for future travelers. There was a halfway house where weary travelers could stay while they earned a small living working the many odd-and-end jobs in the town until they had enough to move on to one of the larger villages, or perhaps one that better suited their needs.
And even after his parents’ deaths, Prince Makoto continued to fund the town, making sure their trade-routes with other villages were safe and that they could continue the work that they did, even in hardship.
“Prince Makoto himself attended my husband’s funeral. He gave a beautiful eulogy…said he was devastated by his loss.” The woman said, sniffling and wiping a single tear from her eye. “That family has done more for us, and for Samezuka’s people, than the Matsuokas did in their entire family line.”
Somehow, Haru didn’t doubt that for a single moment.
- - -
The woman offered Haru a place in her barn to stay for the evening until the carriage came the next morning, which could take him to the village. He accepted, and the thought crossed his mind that he could simply steal one of her horses and leave. The idea was unappealing to him somehow, and he dismissed it before falling into a restful, but alert, sleep.
The next morning, as promised, the woman’s shipment arrived, and the man with the carriage was more than happy to give Haru a ride back to the village, even refusing the tip he offered once they got there. Before leaving him, the man pointed out where he could find what he needed in the village as he apologized, explaining he had another shipment to get to before offering a fond farewell.
Haru made his way to the bank to exchange his Samezuka money, learning all he could about the kingdom while he was there. The banker was kind enough to mark the safest and quickest route to the palace for him, even complimenting his map and saying it was the finest he’d ever seen (it was given to him by his client, so he imagined his wealth and apparent connections had a role in that). He spent most of his money to obtain a horse, but was pleased to learn that the palace was only a few days’ ride away and most of the vendors there would be glad to buy the horse from him. Haru set off on the road after buying a few provisions, almost sad to leave that kind and welcoming village behind.
The journey to the palace gave Haru a lot of time to think about the people here in Iwatobi. Already, within hours of stepping onto its shores, he had been greeted with more kindness than he’d seen in his entire lifetime in Samezuka. It made him wonder if he should really complete the job. If he couldn’t just start a life here, even with what little money he had. Perhaps he could join the military police? With his skills, it was probably the only job he was suited for. But still, he had taken a contract. He had agreed to the job.
He started to wonder if he wasn’t just doing it for the money anymore. Maybe he did enjoy killing.
The thought rolled around bitterly in his skull as his horse galloped on.
- - -
Haru arrived at the capital a few hours after dawn. As promised, he found a vendor to buy his horse back and barely lost any money in the process.
He immediately set off to assess the castle walls, determining the best way to get inside. Now that he was so close to the goal, it was easier to slip into that familiar place inside himself to prepare for what he needed to do.
Only...it wasn't what he expected. The walls merely towered along back of the castle, on the cliff-side which faced the ocean; the rest of the palace was virtually open. The shops and homes of ordinary citizens stretched almost all the way to the palace grounds. Cobblestone walkways led up to sprawling gardens, which were the only thing separating the castle from the main village. There was a large, stone wall outlining the garden, but the ornate metal gates were wide open, with only two guards posted.
This was nothing like Samezuka's palace. Even in his youth, Haru could see it from the slums he called home; carved into the shadow of the tallest mountain overlooking the kingdom with a massive sheet of black stone walling it off from the commoners. It was a symbol of power, of greatness. Not this beacon of light shining in the sun, kissed by the sea.
It was literally a night and day difference...and Haru wasn't sure how to live outside of the dark anymore.
Still, he would need to adapt. Every day turned to night, and so, he used the daylight to scope out every break in security before using the night to slip inside the walls.
It was remarkably easy. Even with the bright, nearly-full moon illuminating the night, Haru made his way into the gardens with ease. The larger trees on the outskirts were perfect hiding places, as were the lines of massive shrubberies creating borders along the grass. Off in the far corner of the garden, near the overlook by the sea, there was a little shed where the groundskeeper kept his tools. That would make a fine hiding place…but he found himself wanting to go deeper. If it was so easy to get into the gardens, what about the castle itself?
The presence of guards was minimal by palace standards. There were one or two sentries at each main entrance and few along the walls. Most of them busied themselves playing cards or talking amongst each other…Haru found several opportunities he could have slipped past them. At one particular post, the guard had actually fallen asleep. That’s the one he chose to use, finding it to be a servant entrance into the kitchen. The interconnected network of tunnels, as it turned out, led to most places in the palace, including the servants’ quarters. They were all asleep, looking comfortable in actual wooden beds, which Haru thought were probably considered fairly impressive conditions for servants.
The tunnels, he found, actually led to all corners of palace. What amazed him, however, was the lack of guards. There wasn’t a single sentry on post inside the castle. Haru made his way through a particularly promising-looking door which led to a spiraling stone staircase. He followed it up, where it let out into a massive hallway adorned with rich tapestries and marble statues. He ducked behind one of them to scope the area, but still found no guards. There was carpet here, in a stunning royal blue and gold, making it easier to mask his steps.
They also masked the steps of others, so he had barely noticed the other person in the hallway until it was almost too late. He quickly slid behind one of the large, stone columns across the hall, pressing back into the shadows of the walls.
“Ren? Ran? Is that you?” The blond boy asked, rubbing his eyes sleepily. “You know your brother doesn’t like you wandering around at night…”
Haru barely breathed as the young man took a step closer to where he was hiding.
“I promise, I won’t be mad if you come out right now.” He tried, taking another step.
Haru’s hand went to the knife at his hip. He didn’t like unnecessary bloodshed, but he’d come too far to be discovered now. He would do what it took to get the job done.
“Nagisa?” Another voice asked in a harsh whisper. Another man, taller, with sapphire hair, came from the same doorway the blond had. “What are you doing up at this hour?”
“Oh, Rei…you startled me. I thought I heard something and I figured Ren and Ran were wandering the castle at night again.” Nagisa explained, turning to him. “I even thought I saw them, but it must have been the shadows playing tricks on me again.”
“The full moon certainly feeds your imagination.” Rei responded with a sort of chiding, yet fond tone.
“Ooh, that’s right! Maybe it was a werewolf!” The blond piped up.
“Don’t be ridiculous…” Rei adjusted the spectacles he was wearing, and though he was trying to dismiss the other man’s claim, his voice faltered, revealing a bit of nervousness at the thought. “…and keep your voice down. Mako and the twins are bound to hear you down the hall. Now come back to bed.”
Nagisa chuckled quietly, taking Rei’s hand. “Fine, sorry.”
He followed the blue-haired man back into the room, shutting the door behind them. Haru felt himself let out a small sigh of relief that a confrontation had been avoided.
So then…this was the prince’s own wing? He seemed to have either family or trusted members of his court nearby, if that were the case. He must also have been very close to them if they referred to him so informally. There were several doors along the hall, but Haru thought it best not to attempt to open them in the night, as the sound would likely not go unnoticed.
Instead, he felt that he had much to think on that night as he found himself a place to rest for the remainder of the evening.
- - -
The castle in daylight was harder to traverse.
Servants milled about busily, the guards much more active, even if only in how they interacted with the castle staff; they still seemed unworried about any possible danger. Regardless, they did not seem to notice the shadow of a man lurking in the rafters. Haru had found his way up to a higher perch where he could observe without being observed, and it had proved useful.
He had learned many things, even in just the early hours of dawn. He had seen Prince Makoto’s younger siblings, Ren and Ran; rambunctious twins whose tutor, a woman by the name of Miho Amakata, patiently chased after them all morning until they sat long enough for her to teach. He learned that Rei, the man with the glasses from the night before, was the prince’s most trusted advisor and Nagisa, the blond boy, was a childhood friend of Makoto’s who had grown up in the castle.
It was nearly noon when Haru finally laid eyes upon the prince himself. The moment he walked into the vast main hall of the castle, Nagisa jumped up. The assassin watched them closely, taking in the prince’s every feature. Wild, soft brown hair, bright green eyes and a friendly smile…he was tall and tan, with a muscular build, much more befitting of a knight than a royal. He dressed in simple, but elegant clothing in muted greens and whites, greeting every guard he passed with a grin. He was not like any noble Haru had ever seen.
The young blond darted right over to him, whining. “Mako!”
“Yes, Nagisa. I’m coming, I’m coming.” The prince soothed, chuckling as he caught up to the enthusiastic boy. Haru couldn’t help but be somewhat amazed. He was certain if anyone had called Samezuka’s king by anything other than his proper name or title, it would be their head. Or perhaps their tongue. It was one thing to do it in private…but in his presence? Unheard of.
“You still have to pick out a gift for grumpy King Rin today.” The tone the boy had used on the nickname even had Rei laughing under his breath.
“Nagisa.” Makoto chided softly, no actual anger in his tone.
“Nagisa does have a fair point, your Highness. King Rin is rather…picky. It will be difficult to choose something which will not offend him.” Rei pointed out.
“Not that it matters. From past experience, all our shipments are destroyed or seized by the military police guarding the borders.” Makoto replied, tone weary. “They seldom make it to the king’s door.”
Rei tapped his chin. “Yes, that is true…the last messengers were nearly killed trying to make the delivery…”
“I’ve taken every precaution to prevent that this time. Now I’ll just need to decide what we’re sending.” Makoto said determinedly, though his lips held a hint of a smile. “Nagisa, you’re very good at this sort of thing. I expect you have some very valuable input for me…”
“You bet!” Nagisa yelped happily, grabbing Makoto’s arm and pulling him into the strategy room down the hall. Rei followed behind, smirking knowingly and shaking his head.
Haru watched them go, ignoring the unfamiliar twist in his gut as he rounded the corner and slipped out of sight. He had put a face on his target.
He only wished it hadn’t been such a beautiful one.
- - -
Haru had several opportunities over the next few days to kill Makoto, but every single one of them seemed to get interrupted.
One night, he had managed to slip into the prince’s room before he went to bed. He watched from the shadows as the man stripped, refusing the doting housemaid’s help before sending her away (in a very kind manner, with several thank-yous) before climbing into bed. He kept a single candle burning, for what purpose Haru had not determined, and swiftly fell asleep.
The assassin was certain now was the best chance he had. It was night; no one would come to check on him until morning as long as he did it silently and he could slip out of the castle undetected once the deed was done. He wrapped his fingers around the hilt of his largest knife, listening to Makoto’s soft snores. He was certainly asleep.
So then why couldn’t he make himself move?
After a long moment of stillness, a noise startled him, though the prince didn’t seem to notice it. Two small figures came through the door and wormed under the covers, snuggling next to the person already in the bed. Makoto groaned, barely opening his eyes.
“Ren…Ran…what are you doing in here?” He asked tiredly, although he didn’t sound remotely annoyed.
“I had a bad dream.” The boy told him.
“And he woke me up!” The girl huffed.
Makoto chuckled fondly, opening his arms. They only burrowed closer as he hugged them to his sides. “All right, then. You can sleep with me tonight. But tomorrow it’s back to your own beds; I have a very important tour of the village coming up.”
“We promise.” They piped up in unison.
“Good.” He kissed them both on the tops of their heads. “Now get some rest.”
“Good night, Mako.” They both sighed sleepily.
Haru looked away, trying not to notice the loving smile on the young man’s face as he fell back asleep right along with them.
- - -
Similarly, every other attempt in the following days had been stopped before Haru could even make his move…not that he was even following through on his endeavors. It was always when he hesitated that something went awry. Usually it was the twins or Nagisa and Rei. Another time, it was General Sasabe, informing the prince of the status of his gift to King Rin (shot out of the water, as usual, despite the royal flags flying on the mast…no injuries reported, as the crew had moved to a separate ship in preparation). Even the council had interrupted on one occasion, calling a meeting because they had heard whispers of an impending attack from Samezuka. Makoto had listened, nodding grimly. He refused to ready his troops, though, as he didn’t want it to be misconstrued as an invitation for war. After a bit of convincing, though, the council did get him to agree to a bit more security. He would have a guard with him and one with the twins at all times.
Haru was certain that the fates were just toying with him, now.
And yet, he still managed to sneak in and out of the castle without being seen, even managing to follow the prince on his trip into the village. He watched from the rooftops as Makoto traversed the city with his caravan. Only, it wasn’t him in the carriage. He walked next to the wagon for the entire day, stopping to talk to his people, who so clearly adored him. The carriage was actually filled with gold and food for the needy. He gave to every beggar he saw, bought produce from each grocer he found and gave whatever he’d bought to anyone who had a need for it. Haru was amazed at just how few poor there were in the town…a result of fair taxes and a truly caring monarch, he supposed.
Haru watched as one little boy stared at the prince in awe, having been shoved into his path by some of his friends, who were chuckling nearby. Makoto just smiled fondly, handing a shiny fruit from his cart to the child as he took a knee in front of him. He was speaking too quietly for Haru to hear, but it sparked a memory in him…of long ago.
Haru, having lived on the streets since the age of six, was hit particularly hard by the drought that had ravaged Samezuka all those years ago. Barely over ten years old, he had no job, and therefore almost all his water and food had come from nature. When nature took away the rain, he would dry up just like the rest of the earth.
But then, like manna from heaven…one day, a carriage arrived in town. He would never forget the kind smile on that woman’s face as she gave away all the water she had, saying it was from across the sea, from Iwatobi, as was she...and that, as neighbors, it was her duty to share it.
Prince Makoto had that same compassion in his eyes.
- - -
In Samezuka’s palace, Nitori was pacing frantically. He nearly jumped out of his skin when another person entered the room. He sighed a bit in relief when he realized it wasn’t their ruler.
"Captain Seijuurou...please tell me you bring good news."
The taller man, with hair like fire, gave a grim frown, shaking his head. "I'm afraid not in the eyes of the King."
"Still no word? Do we even know if there was a failed attack? Was the assassin captured?"
"We've heard nothing. Iwatobi's military police haven't been on edge at all. The only uproar was regarding the gift Prince Makoto sent for the king. There were no casualties in the attack, so they did not feel the need to organize a retaliation." Seijuurou explained. "If the assassination attempt occurred, whether foiled or successful, they are doing a very good job of covering it up."
Nitori nodded grimly. "All right. I'll tell him. You should get back to your men, I don't want him taking it out on you."
The captain nodded, patting the boy's shoulder. "Thank you, Nitori. You're a stronger man than I."
He huffed a small, amused laugh as he headed off to the barracks. Nitori took a deep breath before entering the war-room. Rin had taken to poring over the maps there every afternoon, strategizing for the day he got the signal from his spies that the prince was dead.
He smirked when he saw the silver-haired boy enter the room. "You come with news?"
"I'm afraid there's still no word from Iwatobi, sire...it seems the assassin has failed." Nitori stammered, head bowed low as he spoke.
“Surely he's had enough time…” Rin grumbled, flicking one of the ships off of the map display in front of him. It rolled next to Nitori’s foot, so he picked it up, clutching it nervously in his hand.
“Your…your orders, sire?”
“Send another.” Rin snapped, slamming his fist down on the table. “And I want to know the moment he’s dead.”
- - -
It had been weeks since Haru had come to Iwatobi.
He was beginning to resign to the fact that he would not be able to kill Prince Makoto.
Under other circumstances, he may have been disconcerted by that thought. He may have worried that perhaps he was getting weak, and weakness often resulted in death in his line of work. But he couldn’t possibly regret not being able to end the life of this beautiful prince the people of Iwatobi so adored.
To Haru, it felt a little bit like humanity.
He couldn’t explain what part of this ‘humanity’ kept him perched up in the trees of the palace grounds, eating stolen apples as he watched the prince play with his brother and sister in the garden on sunny afternoons. Why, then, did he spend hours lounging in the rafters of the castle’s massive library, watching the prince study? What purpose did it serve when he snuck into the prince’s room and watched him sleep at night? He had obviously begun observing Makoto to learn his habits, to gain an advantage, find a lapse in his security, the best chance to strike. But now, when he had resolved he would not kill the prince, why had he decided to remain here?
Perhaps fate had been keeping him there, urging him to stay, to help him find his real purpose.
It came to him late one spring afternoon, some weeks after his arrival.
The sun would be setting soon, and Prince Makoto was having some trouble getting the twins to agree to go inside. He eventually cajoled them with promises of bribing the kitchen staff to make them their favorite pastries for the morning if they went to bed on time. After that, they readily agreed.
One of the guards left to accompany them back to the palace, leaving the crown prince with just a single guard, who was standing quite a ways off from him, watching the twins with the sort of fondness that only came from someone who’d seen them growing up. Haru found himself idly thinking that if he did still plan to kill Makoto, this would be a fairly good opportunity to do so.
Someone else apparently had a similar thought.
Haru felt a shift in the air and was immediately on high alert. From a different tree several yards to his left, a figure deftly fell, swiftly moving toward Makoto.
Haru lunged into action, not bothering to disguise his movements; from where they were, both men would spot the assassins within moments. The only question was, would the guard make it to Makoto in time?
Haru knew the answer was no.
Makoto turned at the commotion, just in time to see the first man launching at him with a knife. He yelped and fell back, finally catching his guard’s attention. Too little, too late.
Haru grabbed the assailant, and in a blur, his own knife had sliced through the other assassin’s throat. He let the bleeding man fall at his feet, glancing over to the guard, who had stopped mere yards from him. He looked again to Makoto.
“Who—?” The prince stared at the stranger even as he backed away along the ground, eyes wide in fear and awe.
“You there, who are you!? What are you doing here!?” The guard growled, brandishing his lance threateningly. The only reason the lance wasn’t going into the stranger’s chest was that he had just saved the prince’s life…and had made no move to take it himself as of yet.
“My name is Haruka Nanase.” The dark-haired man told them, eyes never leaving the prince’s. “And I am here to protect you.”