Chapter Text
A long time ago, on an island archipelago far away, there can be found a kingdom called Inazuma, made up of several islands: Narukami Island, Yashiori Island, Seirai Island, Tsurumi Island, and Watatsumi Island.
However, this seemingly prosperous land is actually split in half. Humans lived on one half of the land, Yokai lived on the other. The side humans lived on was the Narukami side, while the Yokai were on the Watatsumi side.
The reason for this was that the humans worshipped Beelzebul, the land's creator who was known as the Goddess of Eternity and lightning.
Meanwhile, the Yokai worshipped the Serpent God, Orobashi, who was struck down by Beelzebul on Yashiori Island many years ago.
Yokai species consisted of Kitsune, Tengu, Dragons, Katzlein, Zombies, Adepti, Mujina, Serpents, and Oni. Each tribe is unified and living in harmony on Watatsumi Island.
Humans were led by their Shogunate, who were the military force and ruling occupation within the Narukami side. The noble clans that watched over this were:
The Kujou Clan, the Kaedehara Clan, the Hiiragi Clan, the Kamisato Clan, the Takatsukasa Clan, the Sangonomiya Clan, the Gunnhildr Clan, the Lawrence Clan, the Ragnvindr Clan, the Alberich Clan, and the Naganohara Clan.
But this disharmony between the humans and the Yokai would not last forever.
The story all begins on the side of Narukami in the Tenshukaku Palace, where supposedly Beelzebul herself dwelled with her most trusted clan that was appointed leader of the Shogunate clans titled the Tenryou, the Kujou Clan.
Currently, the members of the Kujou Clan was the Clan Head, Kujou Takayuki, his two sons, Kujou Kamaji and Kujou Masahito, and his daughter, Kujou Sara.
Though it has been law against Yokai interaction for countless years, Sara is more open than her father. Though she is graceful and elegant, she is also brave and determined and curious.
Though Sara was considered a princess, she didn't live up to her title. She always admired her brothers and their military prowess, and was skilled in strategy. In her youth, she wanted to study ways with the bow.
However, Kujou Takayuki thought otherwise, considering Sara unfit for military life due to being a woman, and also for the fact that she always struggled with recalling memories of the past.
She would wake up unable to remember events from before as a child. Though it has not happened in years, Takayuki turned down his daughter's potential capabilities in favor of her being a housewife.
Sara spent much of her life within the walls of her home, not allowed outside to interact with the commonfolk. But even the walls of a tower or palace cannot hide a princess's adventurous spirit.
Sara was nearly 20 years old when it all started. She was up early, as per the usual, taking notes while eating. “Quiet, graceful, polite, delicate, poised... Punctual?”
As she finished, she tucked the note into her sleeve before heading to check and see if anyone was watching before excitedly heading to meet the dog that helped the servants with chores.
“Hi, buddy!” She woke it up, and he proceeded to start barking at her with excitement. “Can you help me out?”
She creatively tied a bag of chicken feed to the dog, and a bamboo stick with a string attached on. She tied a bone at the end of the string, so the dog soon chased it out the door past the chickens, spilling feed behind it.
Sara giggled at this. “Haha, good boy!” She handed some food to the horses.
“Sara?”
She turned to see Masahito approaching her. “Sara, why are you still here? Are you doing the chores again?”
“I find that I earn a sense of satisfaction from doing the work myself.” Sara told him. “Let me guess, you're going to tell Father.”
Masahito rolled his eyes. “I'm the older child. I don't have to tell him anything!”
Sara smirked. “Thanks.”
“Shouldn't you be getting ready? Father is always reminding you to-”
“Uphold the family honor, would you relax? I'll be fine.”
Seeing he was discreetly telling her to get going, she turned around. “Wish me luck!”
“Hurry!” He called to her. “...I think I'm going to go pray some more.”
---------------------------------------------------
Takayuki waited outside impatiently for Sara's arrival. One of the ladies inside stepped out in annoyance.
“Takayuki, is your daughter here yet? The matchmaker is not a patient woman.” She reminded before going back inside.
The Kujou Clan Head groaned in annoyance. “Uggh, Sara. Of all the days to be late.”
Kamaji, standing there with him, glanced at his father. “Hey, she'll be here. She may be late sometimes, but she doesn't forget. Besides, you know she hates the idea of marriage, Father.”
Horse hoofsteps alerted them to someone's arrival. Sara arrived on horseback and slid off with a flourish, her hair and clothes still messy from the chores.
“I'm here!” Seeing Takayuki's glare, her smile faded. “What? Father, I had to-”
“None of your excuses! Come on, let's get you cleaned up.” He just cut her off and guided her indoors while Kamaji took care of her horse.
Immediately, the ladies inside the spa worked their magic, washing off the dirt and cleaning out her hair. At their insistence, Sara wore a long fancy kimono dress and carried a parasol.
Woman 1: "This is what you give me to work with? Well, honey! I've seen worse! We're gonna turn this sow's ear... Into a silk purse!"
Sara instantly resisted the bath as soon as she was in the water. "Good grief! It's freezing in this thing!"
"You know, it would've been warm if you were on time." Kamaji laughed, earning a deadpanned glare from Sara before she had water dumped over her as the woman continued to sing cheerfully, clearly ignoring Sara's irritation.
"We'll have you washed and dried! Primped and polished 'till you glow with pride. Trust my recipe for instant bride, you'll bring honor to us all!"
That was when Kamaji found the notes Sara had taken that morning, which she had hidden in her sleeve before.
“Sara, what's this?”
“Uhh, notes! You know, in case I forget something?” She answered awkwardly.
Kamaji just rolled his eyes and left the notes nearby for her, feeling sorry for her as he was aware that she never had the energy or motivation to memorize them. When Sara was at the hair area, she secretly slipped the notes into her sleeve.
Hairstylist 1: "Wait and see! When we're through..."
Hairstylist 2: "Boys will gladly go to war for you."
Hairstylist 1: "With good fortune-"
Hairstylist 2: "And a great hairdo,"
Both: "You'll bring honor to us all!"
Female Retainers: "A girl can bring her family great honor in one way. By striking a good match, and this could be the day!"
Sara wound up following her father and brother and their retainers to the next area. She stumbled upon a pair of men playing Go, and made the next move for the struggling man, making him smile. That is, before she was pulled away again.
Next was her outfit, Sara's least favorite part.
Stylist 1: "Men want girls with good taste."
Stylist 2: "Calm, obedient,"
Stylist 1: "Who work fast-paced. With good breeding,"
Stylist 2: "And a tiny waist-"
Both: "You'll bring honor to us all!"
“A-are you sure this isn't too tight? I feel like I can't breathe in this thing!” Sara complained, struggling to resist the urge to tug on the waist to loosen it.
The woman just secured the knot and smiled cheesily. “Nonsense, dear! You look perfect!”
“Pfft. Yeah, for a stick ornament contest.” Sara grumbled, highly irritated. “You already made me remove my mask and necklace, is that not enough? You going to make me abandon my fan too?”
“Yes, of course! They don't go well with the look!” Another lady took the black feathered fan from Sara's hands, much to her dismay
These items. Sara did not go anywhere without them, she just couldn't function or think straight if she did not have them on her for some reason.
She had them for as long as she remembered, though she did not know why. The strangely-patterned red mask seemed to be a part of her, she did not know the crest carved into the necklace, and the fan felt like a childhood toy that carried treasured memories.
Either way, even though these things looked like junk, to Sara, they were her treasures. So it really bugged her she would have to face the local matchmaker without any of them on her.
Especially since from what she heard, that woman was as mean and strict as she was pompous. Sara only saw the woman a handful of times from the sidelines, just never met her in person, but the lady reminded Sara of a few of her father's generals.
The kinds with no sense of humor whatsoever. Sara was fairly certain none of them ever even giggled once in their lives. As she was walked out to her next appointment, she noticed a pair of boys snatch a doll from a young girl. Annoyed, she snatched the doll away and returned it to its owner.
Female Retainers: "We all must serve our Ogosho who guards us from the huns! A man by baring arms, a girl by baring sons!"
Makeup Artist 1: "When we're through,"
Makeup Artist 2: "You can't fail."
Makeup Artist 1: "Like a lotus blossom,"
Makeup Artist 2: "Light and pale."
Makeup Artist 1: "How could any fellow say 'No sale'?"
Both: "You'll bring honor to us all!"
The first woman smiled at their work. "There, you're ready."
"Not yet!" The oldest woman had some remaining trinkets. "An apple for serenity, a pendant for balance... Beads of jade for beauty... You must proudly show it!" She handed a cricket over to Takayuki. "Now add a cricket just for luck, and even you can't blow it!"
Sara was anxious as she headed out, singing her own verse as she prayed to the heavens. "Archons there, hear my plea, help me not to make a fool of me, and to not uproot my family tree, keep my father standing tall..."
She wasn't the only girl getting ready to face the matchmaker. Multiple high-society ladies were there as well, each dressed in their finest. Honestly though, Sara thought they all looked a bit stiff.
Still, she tried to mimic them and make a good impression, raising her nose in the air and everything while trying to ignore how foolish she felt.
Chorus: "Scarier than the undertaker, we are meeting our matchmaker. Destiny, guard our girls, and our future as it fast unfurls. Please look kindly on these cultured pearls, each a perfect porcelain doll~!"
Girl 1: "Please bring honor to us-"
Girl 2: "Please bring honor to us-"
Girl 3: "Please bring honor to us-"
Girl 4: "Please bring honor to us-"
Chorus: "Please bring honor to us all~!"
When the doors to the matchmaker's burst open, the woman spoke in a loud voice. “Kujou Sara?”
“Uh, present!” She called, raising her parasol to reveal herself.
“Speaking without permission?”
“Oops...” Sara spoke quietly to herself at the matchmaker's remark, realizing she had already screwed up.
Sara forgot, women were not allowed to speak without being given permission first. She was out of practice.
“Who spit in her bean gourd?” She heard Kamaji grumbling as she entered the building, the matchmaker slamming the doors behind her.
Sara struggled not to flinch back as the matchmaker leaned to examine her. She looked disgusted.
“Hmm... Too skinny. Not good for bearing sons.”
Sara wasn't even insulted, she was too busy mentally cheering. She had been right to question how tight the clothes were! Yes! She'd definitely have to get back at the tailors later about this!
Her thoughts were interrupted when the matchmaker ordered, “Recite the Final Admonition!”
Nodding, Sara took the regular folding fan from her pocket and held it in front of her. “Fulfill your duties calmly and... Respectfully...”
Struggling to recall the verse, she shot a glance at the notepad she had stuck onto her arm under her sleeve. The undried paint had smeared a bit, but was still readable.
“And think before you snack... Act!” She caught herself. “This shall bring you honor and glory!” After finishing, she lowered her fan with a sigh.
The matchmaker grabbed her fan and checked it for cheat notes, grabbing her arm where her notes were. When she found the fan had no notes, she gave the fan back and pulled her across the room.
“This way.”
She let go of Sara to push a tea set over to Sara, the ink of the notes coming off on her hand, but thankfully she didn't notice.
“Now! Pour the tea. To please your future in-laws, you must give a sense of dignity.” Her hand rubbed more of the ink onto her face, looking like a beard.
Sara, in her distraction listening to the speech, realized her tea was pouring onto the table and quickly fixed her mistake, hoping the matchmaker didn't notice the spill. But she soon noticed a large sakura that somehow fell in the tea, floating there.
But before Sara could remove it, the matchmaker took the tea to drink it. Worried about a choking hazard, Sara reached to try and take the cup back.
“Excuse me, can I just take that back... For one moment...”
Despite her attempt to be polite, the matchmaker resisted this. The fight resulted in the tea spilling and the matchmaker losing her balance and falling into the fireplace, setting her butt on fire.
“AAAAAAAHHHH!”
Sara barely managed to think of a solution before the matchmaker burst open the doors outside, screaming “PUT IT OUT! PUT IT OUUUUUT!”
SPLASH.
Sara threw the tea in the pot over the matchmaker, soaking her in the tea, but thankfully putting out the fire. Handing the teapot back, Sara just excused herself silently and quickly walked to rejoin her brother.
But the matchmaker wasn't done humiliating her yet and approached her angrily again. “You are a disgrace!” She slammed the teapot onto the ground and shattered it in her anger.
“You may look like a bride, but you will NEVER bring your family honor!” She went back indoors as the crowd dispersed.
Sara didn't have to turn around to know that her father was glaring angrily at her for her mistake. Despite her brother's comforting touch, Sara could not stop the sick feeling in her stomach.
She had tried her best, but hiding her true self was easier said than done. Especially if she had to be the complete opposite.
---------------------------------------------------
The next while was uneventful, but Sara spent the majority of it away in her room or in the gardens by herself. She mostly did it to avoid the gaze of her father.
One day, Kamaji went and joined her in the garden. “Hey, Sara.”
“Hi.”
He sat next to her in an awkward silence. At least until Sara spoke again.
“Was there something you wanted to see me about? If it's about Father, go away.”
“No, it's not. I just wanted to check on you. I know you've never really had a close bond with Father, but you've never just flat-out avoided him like this.”
“Well, it's his fault. He's the one who's coddled and retrained me my whole life anyway.”
Sara wasn't wrong. Takayuki, in his bid to have her become a noble, respected member of the society, had her spend most of her life pampered and guarded like a fragile child.
After a while, it just became very suffocating.
"Are you still upset about the incident with the matchmaker?" Kamaji finally asked.
She glared at him. "What the heck do you think?"
"He only wanted what was best for you..."
"Best for me or best for him? Face it!"
Sara stood to her feet and stared at her reflection in the water, unconsciously singing a song to herself as Kamaji followed her around the estate over a small bridge, through the stables, and into a shrine before returning to her spot under the sakura tree.
"Look at me... I will never pass for a perfect bride. Or a perfect daughter, can it be... I'm not meant to play this part?"
"Now I see... That if I were truly to be myself, I would break my family's heart..."
"Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me? Why is my reflection someone I~ Don't know?"
"Somehow, I cannot hide who I am, though I've tried... When will my reflection show... Who I am... Inside~?"
"...When will my reflection show... Who I am... Inside~..."
All was silent a while longer again. Then Kamaji finally spoke with a soft smile.
“The sakura trees are blooming wonderfully this year.”
His sister looked at him finally as he glanced at a blossom on the sakura tree by them.
“Oh, that one's still asleep. Something tells me that when it blooms, it will be one of the prettiest.”
Finally, Sara couldn't resist a smile. Suddenly, Masahito was heard nearby, clearing his throat.
“Ahem.”
The two turned to him. “Masahito? What is it?” Sara asked.
He went to join them. “Sara, Father asked me to look for you. He wants to see you.”
She turned away. “No.”
“I'm sorry Sara, but it's urgent.”
She gave in with a huff. “Fine, fine.”
Masahito led her back inside to the family room, where Sara saw Takayuki with two other men sitting on the couch. When Takayuki saw her, he gestured her over.
“Ah, Sara. Come here, please. There's someone I'd like you to meet.”
Uncertain, Sara just sat down next to Takayuki as her brother left the room. “What is it?”
Takayuki looked strangely excited. “These are members of the Takatsukasa Clan. The clan head Takatsukasa Sumusu, and his son, Takatsukasa Tokibeitetsu.”
“How do you do.” Sara greeted politely.
Tokibeitetsu just smiled stupidly. “Ahhh, so this is the girl!”
She had a hard time keeping up with the conversation after that. Sara yawned, trying not to fall asleep while waiting for her father to make his point about why she was there.
She was about ready to stand up and leave when Tokibeitetsu finally said, “About my marriage with your daughter, when shall we make this entire thing official?”
Sara flinched. “Excuse me, what did you say?”
“You didn't know? Well then, surprise!” He obviously ignored the fear in her eyes.
Her head whipped around to look at her father. “Father, what is the meaning of this?! Tell me he did not say what I think he said!”
Takayuki did not seem to care about his daughter's emotions of betrayal. “Alright, I'll get to the point. Sara, I decided to take the matters of your marriage into my own hands, I decided to pick a husband for you, Takatsukasa Tokibeitetsu.”
“What?!” Her voice raised in volume. “Wait just a second here! Don't I get a say in this?!”
“Quit being stubborn, Sara. If you're not going to pick for yourself and won't make a good impression on the matchmaker, then I have no option but to take this matter into my own hands.”
“What if I'm not ready for marriage, or I don't want to get married? Did you consider that?!”
“Sara!” Takayuki raised his voice, angered at her rebellion. “I am safeguarding you and the future of the Kujou Clan. This is for the greater good of Inazuma. You would do well to hold your tongue in a man's presence!”
“But if you-”
“I know my place! It is time you took yours, Sara!”
Sara felt her hands clench into fists. “This isn't fair! I won't do it, you can't make me!” She shoved Tokibeitetsu away from her when he went up to her. “Keep away from me, you creep!”
That was the last straw. “Sara, that's enough!” Takayuki grabbed her wrist. “This is no longer your decision. You're doing this whether you like it or not, return to your room this instant!”
“Not my decision?! Are you kidding?!” Sara shouted, frustrated, before two of Takayuki's guards grabbed her from behind and dragged her upstairs to her room.
“Hey! Let go of me, I can walk myself!”
When they got her upstairs to her tower room, Sara was shoved inside with the door shut and locked behind her. She immediately went to try and open it.
“Hey! Let me out!!!”
When it became apparent that no one was going to answer, Sara just flopped back down on her bed with a loud groan, deciding to while away her time talking to the paintings and portraits instead of trying to force open the lock on her door.
“I can't believe he's choosing to make a huge life-changing decision like this for me. But marrying me off to some guy I've never met?! What is with him?!”
She groaned again. “I don't understand why he treats Kamaji and Masahito with such respect while I take second place all the time. That kind of behavior is just- Just-! Arrgh!”
---------------------------------------------------
Sara didn't know when she fell asleep or how long she was asleep at all. But she was jolted awake from her nap not long after the sun set in the distance to a thump at her window.
She sat up with a jolt, looking around. Nothing happened at first, but she turned to her window when she heard the thump again.
“Huh?” She slid off her bed and walked to her window as a round dark shape hit her window, causing another thump. Not long after that, a while bunch of them barraged her window.
Highly confused, Sara opened the window and ducked as a watering can flew at her face. Thankfully, it flew over her head instead, slamming against the (still locked) door.
“What the heck?! Watch it! You almost hit me!” Sara scolded, leaning out her window to look at the person who threw it.
Her response came from below. “Sorry, I ran out of apples!”
It was Kamaji standing below with a dark-haired girl with blue eyes and wearing a long blue kimono with flower patterns. They had an empty bucket and a long rope with a hook attached at their feet.
“Kamaji? What are you doing out here throwing stuff at my window this late at night?!” Sara asked.
Kamaji put a finger to his lips. “Ssshhh! We're busting you out, Sara!”
“We?” She echoed, eyeing the girl.
The girl shyly waved at her. “Hi! You're Kamaji's sister Sara, right? My name is Hiiragi Chisato, of the Hiiragi Clan!”
“Chisato... From the Hiiragi Clan at Ritou? What are you doing here at Tenshukaku? How do you know me and Kamaji? I've never seen you before, so you can't have ever been a guest.”
Kamaji blushed red in the face, making Sara turn to him with a scolding look. “Kamaji?”
He explained nervously. “Ah, see Sara... Due to certain situations in Inazuma, Chisato and I have been dating secretly, so... You can't say anything about this. I asked her to help get you off Narukami Island.”
Her eyes widened. “Wait. Off Narukami Island?!”
“Yes! The situation on Narukami is extremely unstable, and your father or the Takatsukasa Clan would find you no matter where you hid on the island.” Chisato explained seriously.
“Though the dangers on Yashiori Island are high, that's the only way you can find a transport to Seirai Island where they won't find you.”
Seeing no other option, Sara nodded. “Alright, let me just grab a few things!” She turned and went back inside her room, grabbing a satchel and proceeded to gather food, water, her mask, her necklace, her fan, and her Vision.
Beelzebul was not the only god in the world. When her or another of the gods in the world, even outside Inazuma, looked at people with favor, they would receive a Vision and gain the ability to command that Element of nature.
Sara's Vision was a purple Electro Vision, granted by Beelzebul herself. Though due to her father not allowing her to learn combat, she didn't understand how to use it.
Still, better safe than sorry.
Finally, she packed an extra outfit she made herself, a white and black outfit with a yellow ribbon tying around the waist as a bow. It had tall socks and a long skirt, and red geta-style shoes. There were also black gloves, gold bracelets, and long white dangling sleeves.
After packing up, Sara went to meet her brother at the window again. “Okay, Kamaji!”
“Catch!” He threw the hook upwards and Sara caught it, securing it to her windowsill and sliding down the rope.
“Whew! That actually gets easier!” She commented after her slightly sloppy landing due to her kimono dress. Landing from a rope slide in geta platform shoes, fancy jewelry, and a long dress usually guaranteed a trip to a doctor.
Chisato helped her regain her balance, just as Kamaji heard voices coming their way.
“Oh no, it's father's guards!” Kamaji realized, unhooking the rope and handing it to Sara. “Chisato, get Sara out of here now.”
“What about you?” Sara asked, stuffing the rope and hook into her bag.
“I'll cover for you, okay?”
“What?! No, that's way too dangerous!”
“Sara, listen!” Kamaji grabbed her arm, stopping her from arguing. “I don't want to alarm you, but I think it's best that you're told. Even I don't know the whole story, but Father seems to have been hiding things from you.”
“...Hiding things?” Sara repeated, confused.
Kamaji nodded. “Yes. He's never allowed you to leave Tenshukaku in your life, and has been controlling your life the entire time. I have a very strong feeling that he's doing so for something far more sinister.”
“But what I do know is that Inazuma is not the prosperous place that Father told you it was.”
“W-what are you talking about?” She asked, confused.
Chisato stepped in to explain. “Inazuma is split between the humans and Yokai, yes. But the reason Yashiori Island is so dangerous is because of the civil war that's been going on.”
“War?!” Sara echoed.
“Yes. A war supposedly started by the Yokai against the humans, causing the other side great suffering. But the other clans and the people of the Narukami side have been going through a state of subjugation and suffering at the hands of the Tenryou, all of this being claimed by our father that it's all for the good of the kingdom and the Shogun's will.” Kamaji nodded.
“But I know for a fact that these are all falsehoods, but this has been going on before this war even started.”
Sara was shocked. “No... Why would... But...”
“It's true, Sara. The reason I couldn't meet Kamaji until now is because of the hostilities from the Tenryou. The Kujou and Takatsukasa Clans seem determined to seize complete control over Inazuma. You only know and see what he wants you to know and see.” Chisato revealed.
Sara shook her head, shocked. “So Takayuki... He is deliberately deceiving the Shogun and forcing control of Inazuma? And the Yokai side is next? Why?!”
Kamaji sighed. “I'm not sure, but my guess is that he's paranoid the other clans or the Yokai will attempt to try and bring down the Kujou Clan and replace it as Tenryou. So he's 'safeguarding' the Clan's future.”
“Yeah, 'paranoid' is a good word for it.” Sara commented.
Kamaji nodded. “And if Father's been hiding the truth of the matter from you this whole time, and hasn't even allowed you to leave Tenshukaku your entire life, then I have a very strong feeling that you're involved in some way.”
“That's what Kamaji and Masahito are focusing on understanding.” Chisato agreed. “But if you're here while they're at it, it could risk your safety. Especially given the Takatsukasa Clan is downright horrible, who knows what they'll do to you if you're married off to them!”
“That's why Chisato and I are helping you get out of here. I know it's tough, but it's the only way.” Kamaji finished.
Sara was shaking. “I... I understand... Just please, be careful! I'm already having a hard time believing it all as it is!”
Kamaji linked pinkies with her. “I promise. But in turn, make sure you get someplace where Father and the Shogunate won't find you.”
“I'll... I'll try.” She finished.
Kamaji finally turned around and left, creating an opening for the two women to get to the exit of Tenshukaku. Chisato quickly put on a mask to conceal herself, as did Sara put on her red mask, and the two walked through Inazuma City.
Sara was devastated by what she saw. There were Shogunate patrols everywhere, the shops were struggling to stay open, the place was almost in ruins, and people lived without hope.
She felt her hands clench. “I don't understand... Why is Tenshukaku just fine and yet the rest of Inazuma isn't?”
“The Tenryou.” Chisato answered simply. “Tenshukaku is where all the important people live, and he disregards anyone lower than that. Basically, Tenshukaku is the only place that has people who agree with his views.”
“Everyone else that rebels... They end up in this state of subjugation?” Sara finished, terrified as all the lies were revealed. “Everything I knew in my life... It's all just a lie?”
Chisato looked sorry. “Yes, I'm really sorry, Sara.” She grasped Sara's hand, which squeezed her tightly in response as they kept walking.
---------------------------------------------------
It was a long walk from Tenshukaku to Ritou, as Ritou was across Narukami Island from there. Each new settlement Sara saw was worst as the last one, far contradicting what she had been told by her father.
When Sara finally made it to Yashiori Island, her goal was to find some way to get to Seirai Island. Thankfully, Chisato told her where to find the boat waypoints, so she would have to navigate her way around the Shogunate camp.
But honestly, Sara found it hard to believe there was a camp at all. She hadn't seen a single soldier since she landed on the island!
But she quickly figured out why that is.
“I don't know where I am... I think I'm lost!” She realized, looking at the unusual terrain. This was the cost of living a sheltered life, your sense of direction is almost nonexistent.
Still, she had no choice but to keep moving. Suddenly, she heard footsteps and voices coming her way and ducked into hiding.
“Orders from the top, find Kujou Sara immediately!”
It was the Shogunate. Word had gotten out of her escape!
“Ah!” She tried to get out of view as a squadron approached her position in a hurry.
SNAP.
Sara gasped, having stepped on a twig.
“Who's there?!” A soldier instantly turned in her direction. “Wait!”
Sara gasped again, having been spotted, and she turned around to try and escape into the green.
“Retrieve Madame Kujou!” Another soldier ordered, and they went after her.
Running in a forest in a kimono was next to impossible for Sara, and soon her skirt got caught on a branch and stopped her.
“Agh!” Sara stubbornly yanked at the cloth, and when she finally got free, she ended up losing her balance and falling over backward, knocking herself unconscious.
The Shogunate patrol arrived just as she fell, and after checking to see if she was okay, the man said, “She'll be alright. Send word to Takayuki we have Madame Kujou in our possession.”
With that, they brought Sara back to the nearby camp.
---------------------------------------------------
“Are we there yet?”
Itto rolled his eyes at this complaint. “Oh for the love of Orobashi, Paimon! I told you, we get there when she get there!”
“But it's taking forever! How long have we been walking for?!” Paimon continued.
Aether, the blond boy next to her, pulled down a shrub. “About five minutes?”
“Just what kind of muscles does floating around use exactly?” Gorou, the Kitsune boy nearby, asked with a frown.
Paimon turned to glare at him. “So insensitive! You have no idea just how hard floating around is!”
“Guys, don't fight!” Lumine interrupted.
“It won't be a fight! Paimon could whip him behind Paimon's back!” Paimon insisted.
“I'd like to see you try, Pet.” Gorou laughed.
Yae Miko, the Kitsune maiden, turned to glare at them. “When you're done arguing, we're arriving at the Shogunate camp right now.” She pointed to the camp just down the hill they were on.
Itto checked the sun's position in the sky. “Shinobu and Yelan should be back by now with her intel.”
“I'm here, Boss.”
“BAH!”
The entire Arataki Gang jumped as the ninja girl and her companion appeared out of nowhere next to them.
“That-! That was terrifying! Couldn't you have given us a little warning first?!” Paimon screeched.
Yelan, the dark-haired girl sitting on a tree branch, clambored down from her perch to join them. “Dude, you should be used to it by now, don't you think?”
“Back on topic.” Tsumi, the snake-masked shrine maiden girl next to them, decided to intervene. “Did you manage to gather the information needed?”
“Sure did. The camp is laid out the same as the last one.” Shinobu laid out the map of the area she and Yelan diagrammed.
Lumine leaned for a look. “Yeah, the only difference is the access amount of patrols.”
“Tsumi, got any strategy?” Itto asked.
Tsumi examined the map and gazed towards the camp back and forth for a moment before talking. “Okay, so here's my plan. The only entrance is here, so I'll use my Serpent call to divert the gate patrols away from their posts.”
“Yelan and Shinobu will cover Aether and Lumine sneaking into the camp, where they will take cover in this tent. On my signal, they will go inside and burn the provisions.”
“Gorou and Miko will cover Itto, Ushi, and Beidou with their speed while they charge the entrance, I'll deal with the people that I lured from their posts. Paimon will lure any other hostiles out towards the middle where everyone else will pick them off.”
“Remember, check your fire. We don't know if this is a hostage situation yet, so when Shinobu and Yelan give the all clear on that, then we can get wild.”
Beidou nodded. “Gotcha. You heard the Serpent, let's go!”
The gang headed down to deal with the camp. Tsumi hid in the nearby forest and let out a loud screech.
“Huh, was that a roar?” The first guard asked.
“It sounded like... Serpents?” The second guessed.
“Quick, let's hurry!” The third said, and the men abandoned their posts. About three seconds later, the gang heard the sound of Tsumi's Serpent form knocking out the men.
“AAAGGGHHHHH!”
Meanwhile, the twins infiltrated the camp with Yelan and Shinobu's help, and panic was soon heard as the provision tent was set aflame.
While the two ninja girls went exploring the camp and striking down the men Paimon lured out, Itto and the others went on the offensive just as Tsumi appeared in her Serpent form.
When the camp was finally deserted, the group quickly demolished the entire camp. “There, like it never happened.” Miko sighed in satisfaction.
“Another job well done, gang!” Itto cheered. “Jeez, these guys are getting closer by the day.”
“I know, right? Wonder what those men were doing this close to the Watatsumi Camp?” Gorou wondered.
Tsumi sighed as she transformed back into her human self. “What's important is that there's one less camp to worry about, and it's no longer blocking our supply route. I wonder how the Shogunate knew where our supply route was?”
“I have no idea...” Shinobu admitted.
Aether vanished his sword. “So we can leave now, right? I'm not cut out for this field work!”
“Sure! So let's get-” Itto trailed off. “Ey wait, where's Yelan? Anybody seen her?”
The group looked around in confusion for a moment before a pair of feathered wings got their attention.
“Eyyyy, Yelan! Is that you?!” Itto shouted, getting the Tengu girl's attention.
“I just noticed that we missed a tent!” Yelan announced, flying back to the ground.
Lumine whipped her blade back out. “Great, let's kill it.”
“Hold on a minute, guys!” Itto stopped them. “See that? Use Elemental Sight.”
Everyone did, and it revealed a life force pulsing inside.
“A person?” Shinobu realized.
Yelan nodded, observing the sight. “Yes, the life signs are female. She appears to be unconscious.”
“You think she's a Shogunate hostage?” Gorou asked, ears wiggling curiously.
“Only one way to find out!” Itto curiously opened the tent and stepped inside to see who it was. “Huh? Hey guys, check this out!”
Laid on a bed nearby within the dim tent was a girl with light skin and dark hair the color of a raven's feathers and wearing a fancy kimono.
A bag sat nearby her, indicating it was hers. Though she appeared to be sleeping peacefully, her expression said otherwise.
Tsumi walked to the girl with Itto for a look, checking her pulse. “She's fine, just sleeping. But the Shogunate aren't the type to worry about collateral damage or hostages. Who is she?”
“I don't know, I've never seen her before.” Aether admitted.
Suddenly, Itto indicated that everyone be quiet and bent down closer to her. The girl spoke softly in her sleep, as though she was having a nightmare. “Ah... No... Please... Let me go... Mother... F-Father... D-don't...!”
Her fists clenched the sheets of the bed she laid on, and she shifted slightly in her restless sleep. Yet she calmed down when Itto reflexively grasped her fist gently.
Miko noticed this. “I have a feeling she's not here of her own free will. She might be a hostage, given these fancy clothes of hers. Should we send her to Narukami?”
“Absolutely not, Miko.” Itto protested. “If she's a prisoner, then she needs help.” He carefully scooped his hands under her knees and back to lift her off the bed into his arms.
Shinobu frowned. “Er, Boss? What are you doing?”
“Bringing her back with us, what's it look like I'm doing?”
Lumine's voice raised in pitch. “Dude, are you nuts?!”
Itto glared at her. “I meant what I said, I said what I meant, an Oni is faithful 100%.”
“Dude, lemme explain the situation to you.” Aether started. “You're bringing a human girl with absolutely no sign of identity on her back to the Watatsumi Camp, which is full of YOKAI.”
“Yeah, I'm aware of it! Who's got a problem with that?! You've got a problem with that?!” Itto started to argue.
Tsumi put an end to this ridiculousness. “Break it up, all of you! I'm sure Itto has an explanation for this. Right?”
“The answer is simple, Tsumi.” Itto started in his firm voice. “I'm not one to leave one in need behind, and this girl needs help, and it is simple as THAT.”
Yelan shrugged. “The Oni's not changing his mind, so it's official: We're taking her.”
“Sigh, okay then.” Lumine relented.
Paimon floated around their heads. “We should head off, let's get going!”
The Arataki Gang exited the tent and returned to the fort camp, Itto carrying the strange girl and Shinobu carrying the girl's bag.
---------------------------------------------------
Sara woke up with a soft groan. Now, she had been expecting to wake up in a Shogunate tent or back in her tower room, but instead she woke to an unusual ceiling over her head.
She sat up to examine her surroundings. It was a small but sturdy tent building with unusual colorings, and there were various wooden furnishings. Her bag sat nearby, and the bed she was in had the softest silk sheets, which she found had been carefully hand-made.
There were voices chattering outside the entrance flaps, lots of them. What scared her was that she did not know who these voices belonged to. She just reached down and grasped her bag, checking and making sure all her belongings were still inside.
As soon as she confirmed that her stuff was still inside, she turned her head back around- And her nose was inches away from another face that had appeared right next to her without realizing it.
“Mornin' sunshine!”
“GAH!” Sara jumped back in her bed, taken by surprise and trying to scoot as far away from the stranger as she could.
The person was a man with long spiky white hair tipped with red. He had red eyes and red markings across his body, but the most striking feature were the red horns on his forehead.
Itto had taken a step back as soon as Sara had cried out. “Whoa, sorry! Didn't mean to scare ya!”
She struggled to even her breathing, so Itto kept talking. “Just, I was coming in here to see if you woke up yet! You hungry?”
Sara didn't know which end was up. “You... Are... A... You're a Yokai?!”
“That's me!” Itto answered.
“W-where am I? Who are you? What do you want?! Why did you bring me here?!”
“Hey hey hey, easy! One question at a time, please!”
Yelan suddenly came in with a tray. “So I take it she's awake?”
Sara flinched as yet more Yokai along with some humans came filtering into the tent. She felt cornered.
“Yeah, though she nearly had a heart attack while at it.” Itto explained. “I think waking up in a Yokai Watatsumi fort camp came as a bit of a surprise for her.”
“I what?!” Sara blurted. “Oh my gods... What am I doing here?! I shouldn't be here, I have to go! Agh!” She tried to stand up and leave, but instantly lost her balance and fell forward, only for Itto to catch her and sit her back down again.
“Hey hey whoa! Easy does it! You're still not quite strong enough to walk on your own just yet, okay? You gotta try and stay down.”
Tsumi nodded. “You were asleep for most of the afternoon yesterday, and all throughout last night. From the looks of it, you hit your head somehow.”
“You'll be fine, but you'll experience some dizziness until you finish recovering your stamina.” Miko added.
“Oh... I see. S-so...” Sara still struggled with the idea that she was communicating with people outside her little world of Tenshukaku, let alone Yokai. “...Where am I exactly?”
Gorou's tail wagged unconsciously. “Oh, right! You're at our camp within the Watatsumi Fort, on the West side of Yashiori Island.”
He grabbed a map and laid it out, pointing. “Right here, see?”
“The Yokai side of Yashiori? I suppose I should've expected.” Sara commented.
Shinobu nodded. “Our group is a mercenary gang that's contracted with the Watatsumi Army, the Arataki Gang. Itto here is our leader, he found you in the Shogunate camp we were sent to dismantle and brought you here for recovery.”
Yelan gestured to where the camp was. “The camp was right around here, on our supply route. That's why we were sent to dismantle it, given that these Shogunate troops have been getting closer and closer to us every day.”
“Paimon's still pretty sure there's a spy in the army!” Paimon insisted.
Sara frowned. “Mm... Actually, where's the patrol routes?”
When Shinobu mapped out the patrols, Sara's eyes widened. “Yeah, that explains it. You're focusing too much on the more difficult terrain and are leaving the other easier routes exposed. If the terrain is difficult even for Yokai to cross, the Shogunate won't even bother to try that route as humans will find it nearly impossible. Patrolling those areas is meaningless.”
“...Ohhh, I get it. Hey, you're pretty good at geography!” Itto commented. “And strategy, too. Not bad!”
Miko giggled. “We could certainly use your skills in the army! That is, if you don't want us to help you get back to Narukami.”
At this, Sara shook her head fiercely. “No! I came here to get away from all that! The atmosphere there is too suffocating! I want nothing to do with the Shogunate anymore!”
“Eh? Is there something going on within Narukami Island too?” Lumine asked.
So Sara told them of the people's subjugation, but didn't mention her identity as a Kujou daughter.
“That's terrible! How could they do that to their own people?!” Aether demanded.
Yelan shook her head. “Who would've thought that the Shogunate would even be subjugating their own people to start a needless war against the Yokai. We only want to live in peace.”
“Huh? So the Yokai didn't start this war?” Sara asked.
“Of course not!” Itto answered. “The humans have been needlessly tense towards us of late, and it's only recently they finally let loose!”
Shinobu nodded. “Yes, and that's why our mercenary group is in on this. Most mercenaries don't care all that much for the affairs of the higher-ups unless there's money involved.”
“Not us. We're with the army because we want to end this war!” Gorou revealed. “Why do you think we helped you? We're trying to save the innocents!”
Sara blushed softly. “Thanks for that. I owe you all my life, I feel as if I owe you a debt somehow.”
“Oh, none of that.” Miko laughed. “It's just what we do. But if you insist on this debt of yours... I do believe you just became our newest member.”
Sara jumped. “M-me? I don't know the first thing about mercenary life!”
“Oh, please.” Tsumi rolled her eyes. “We can show you the ropes! We're used to it. Besides, your knowledge of geography and strategy is a desperately needed skill in the army. Also, if we're going to do this, we may even have to take this war into unknown territory for us. You grew up on the Narukami side, right? We could use a guide.”
Aether nodded. “Besides, you said it yourself that your people are suffering, right? Do you really want to escape from this war after seeing all that? Plus, there's no place in Inazuma that hostiles wouldn't find you if you tried going into hiding. Traveling with us might be your best bet.”
“You're saying that I...” Sara struggled to get her words out. “...I can help save my people?”
“Absolutely!” Beidou answered. “Plus, you've got a Vision, a rare find for Narukami humans. That's enough of a self-defense already if you know how to use it. But if you want to learn how to use a weapon, that's perfect too!”
“We're equals in this army, Girlfriend.” Lumine insisted. “All we really want is to bring peace back to Inazuma, so that's what we're here to do.”
Sara's eyes widened. “I... Thank you so much! Oh, uhh... I don't know your names.”
“Oh, right! I almost forgot!” Itto realized. “Anyway, I'm the head of the Arataki Gang, Arataki Itto. As you can see, I'm an Oni! These are my friends slash partners!”
He gestured to them one at a time. “Beidou's captain of the Crux Fleet, so she's an honorary member, and she helps us with transport and sea battles. Shinobu's the younger Oni there and my little sister, she's our ninja.”
“The Tengu girl there is Yelan, she's the brains of the operation, so she acts as the intelligence and scout. Tsumi is a Serpent, she's our strategist and fights using her beast form, though she also acts as a healer and mage.”
“Aether and Lumine are basically our close-combat duo, they're twin humans that grew up in the villages here on Yashiori I took in after they were orphaned by the war. Gorou's our general and acting head, he's a kitsune.”
“Miko's also another intelligence, and is very good at coming up with battle strategy, though she primarily works with magic forces, and she's also a kitsune. Ushi's one of our helpers, he's an Akaushi Bull. Finally, Paimon's our decoy and mascot.”
Paimon glared at him for this. “HEY! Paimon's not a mascot!”
Itto smirked at her. “Scratch that, she's also our emergency food.”
“HEY! That's even worse than being a mascot! For the last time, Paimon is NOT emergency food!”
Sara burst out laughing at this, and the others joined in until Tsumi finally recovered enough to ask, “So Miss, what's your name?”
“Oh! It's...” Sara decided not to tell them of her real identity. She didn't know how to react. “...Sara.”
“Sara?” Paimon repeated.
“My name.”
“Oh, so your name's Sara!”
Aether held out his hand to shake hers. “Well, it's nice to meet you, Sara! We'd be happy to show you around!”
“You'll need to learn how to defend yourself around here, though.” Miko spoke up. “Is there any weapon in particular that you fancy?”
Sara immediately knew her answer. “I want to learn how to fight with a bow. I always have really, but certain circumstances stopped me from learning.”
“Well, now's your chance!” Itto promised. “Once you've finished resting up, we'll get you started right away! Am I right, Gorou?”
Gorou nodded. “I'll get some of the other archers to help out too!”
“Thanks!” Sara grinned before Yelan held out a tray.
“Bird Egg Sushi. You're going to need your energy.” Yelan insisted.
Sara reached over and accepted one, taking a bite. “Whoa... This is so good!”
“Right? Yelan's a great cook!” Itto cheered.
Sara smiled at her new friends. For the first time, she felt like she was home.
And so their adventures begin.