Lord Xīn and Hannah

A carriage with no guards to accompany it arrived at a farm. It traveled for a day and a half from the capital as it was decorated to show royalty. The farmer and his wife went out to greet it while someone stayed inside. Prince Zhēngfú stepped out of the carriage, he looked out to what will become his temporary home with an angry face. "Welcome, your majesty." said the farmer as he and his wife bowed. A grunt of acknowledgment was the minimum required for the soon-to-be-former prince.

"We understand that this will be different than what you're accustomed to, we can help you in any way possible." stated the wife.

"I don't need your help, I can take care of myself." snapped Prince Zhēngfú. He stormed passed them and into the house where someone else was waiting. Looking back at him was a girl with green eyes, innocent on the outside but mischievous on the inside. Her tangled blond hair came down behind her back. There was something about how he looked at her that made him curious. "Who are you? Why do you look so familiar though he just met?" he thought to himself as their eyes locked.

Zhèng Yì fiefdom was the closest one to the capital, its borders stretched to the mountain range that protected the capital to School Town to the Merchant's Road and had about sixty-seven miles just south of the fortress. Zhōng, Jack, and John rode in, their horses were in good condition to keep going but they had to meet the lord of the fiefdom.

"Shouldn't he already supplying men to fight?" asked John.

"Lord Xīn didn't fight for the empress in the Eight-Year War, however, he didn't fight for my side either." stated Zhōng.

"So out of all the fiefdoms, he's the one with the freshest troops." concluded Jack.

"And we're here to request him to fight." stated John.

"Well," began Zhōng, his friends noticed his pause and looked at him confused. "I came to ask permission to take some bandits and request him to block off any trails leading into the capital."

"Why not ask for troops? I'm sure they'll be better off than bandits who are looking for money." asked John.

"Well at least they're better than bounty hunters, that'll for sure break his and ours' pockets." stated Jack. Suddenly a throwing knife hissed past his head impaling the stone ground as it stood up and still.

"Unlike bandits, we prove our worth." said someone. They towards the direction where the knife was thrown to see a bounty hunter twirling another knife. "Long time, no see, Fallen Prince. I see you're still alive." said Kettei.

"Likewise, Muffler," responded Zhōng, "although I'm barely holding to life. How about you?"

"Well, he tried to kill me, but I reminded him he could be as terrible as you or even worst." said Kettei as he walked down a set of stairs he was on to greet them.

"That's comforting," murmured Jack.

"Did you do something wrong to upset him?" asked John noticing the coldness of Zhōng but it wasn't due to the weather.

"More like what my father did," began Zhōng as Kettei guided them in to meet the lord. "He killed his parents."

"Captain!" cried out a messenger to Captain Howin. He was surveying the army's movement as they marched back to the capital. "Two hundred more troops will be arriving tomorrow at this location."

Captain Howin sighed, it's been two days since they left heading towards the capital and men were suddenly starting to join them. He ponder what to do and then he said, "Very well, let the commander know to quicken his pace a little, we'll slow for him to catch up."

"Yes, captain!" replied the messenger as he rode away to where he came from.

Empress Wēi rode up to Captain Howin as he pondered for the next speed of pace. "That brings our total to seventeen thousand, including the Old Party." she said.

"While we'll have a better defensive position, we're still outnumbered four to one, your majesty." stated Captain Howin.

"Then we need to quicken our pace." suggested Empress Wēi.

"With an army this size, the pace we're going was the minimum pace Emperor Huo accepted. If we go any faster then we'll burn energy from the men making it easier for the rebels to overtake us, your majesty." reasoned Captain Howin.

"I guess you're right, captain." sighed Empress Wēi. She scanned the army as well before stopping to look at her daughter and her friends. They were laughing and happy, it's been years since she saw her daughter smile that big.

"Your majesty," said Captain Howin snapping Empress Wēi's gaze. "I don't think I ever have seen your daughter this happy. I was told when you visited the old royal family, Princess Zhen and Zhōng became friends quickly."

"Yes, they did," said Empress Wēi, looking back at the memory. "I think this is the first time, since that visit, she smiled this big. I often wonder, if I didn't declare war, what would their lives be? Would my fear come true or did I worry for nothing?"

They stood silent until Captain Howin said, "It's hard to say, I don't think I would recognize Zhōng for what he could have become. A boy studying to become an advisor to the emperor or the emperor who might not know they're those who lust for his power. Because of what you did, you created a fighter that is always on his toes and never gives up. I can't say the same about your daughter, but what I've seen in recent years, she became alive and mature when she is with her friends or with Zhōng, your majesty."

"Well, I guess that is a good reason for me to rebelled." noted Empress Wēi.

"Let's hope wherever he is, he brings more help than this." commented Captain Howin.

"Your majesty," cried out Lord Tyron as he approached them. "A farmer not too far from here has offered his lands to be used as camp. I think it would be wise to stop there so that any more men coming can catch up." he said.

"Well then, I suppose we can stop for a night or two." said Empress Wēi.

After an hour of waiting and five minutes to speak, Zhōng led them out and towards the stables. "Well that could've gone better." stated John.

"No, I expected it to end that way." said Zhōng as he begin to ready Yáo for leaving.

"So we're on the road again?" asked Jack.

"Yup," replied Zhōng.

"How come you won't plead for him to reconsider?" asked John.

"Because no matter what I do, he won't change his mind. Let's save our breath for those who want to hear us." replied Zhōng as he got ready to climb back onto his horse.

"And I thought having people hear you was your specialty." said Kettei, he follow them shortly after they left the lord's presence.

"How did you guys ever become friends?" asked Zhōng as he adjusted himself on his horse.

"I'm sure nothing surprises you, I was paid by him to protect him. He feared your father would soon come after him like he did to his parents. As the years passed on, we became good friends as I was gifted resources to complete other jobs. Perhaps seeing fear on his face is why I play with my targets, both mentally and physically." said Kettei.

"Well, you miss one besides me." stated Zhōng.

"And yet your reputation is an interesting one." begin Kettei. "You're the shadows behind every person. A snake with two swords for fangs, eyes of fire and cold. Those who crossed you, don't tend to stay alive for long. One way or another you find a way to get what you want. Is that why you wear that mark? Or is there another reason for you to wear it?"

Zhōng lightly touched his forehead, the mark was almost gone and he didn't touch it up before leaving. What was left was barely anything as it could barely be seen. "The reason why I wear this is not to be feared but to remind me who I am." said Zhōng.

"And do you remember what you were these last five years?" asked Kettei. Zhōng groaned and climbed down his horse. He started to walk back towards the way they came before Kettei stopped him. "How about we talk to him at a different spot." he suggested.

"Hannah, I need you to go get another barrel." ordered the farmer's wife.

"Yes, mother." replied Hannah, she was with the girls talking and telling stories. She hurried away to get more drinks for the soldiers.

"Do you need a hand?" call out Pina but she was too far away to hear her.

"I think she's got it." replied Kotori.

"Won't hurt to help." suggested Xing.

"We now have a duty, to protect the princess." said Cortana.

"Why not do both?" suggested Princess Zhen, the girls looked at each other and then got up to follow Hannah.

"You have a wonderful daughter," commented Lord Tyron. He was with the farmer outside the porch while the empress and the lords discuss what they'll be doing next.

"Shouldn't you be inside talking?" asked the farmer.

"Although I'm a lord, I don't have men to follow me, not anymore." declared Lord Tyron. After his brother evoked his status, he had to rebuild himself and became known throughout the black market. He soon was the leader of it and soon found Zhōng and Xing and bought them home. For five years, Xing helped him with his public business while Zhōng helped him in the shadows, though as the years went on he became more secretive. Soon he decided to retire but once he did, chaos broke and the hierarchy was destroyed. While Zhōng ran from guards and chased down the people responsible, he returned to pick up whatever was left from the destroyed system.

"She's grown into a fine girl, does she remind of someone?" asked the farmer.

Lord Tyron shook his head, "No, well, maybe some part of her I've seen before but it must be a long time ago." he said as he thought on it more.

"We all know your brother expelled you from the family, the reason why is you started believing in ghosts." said the farmer.

"I wish I was hallucinating, but the fact my nephew was tortured night and day by him, I wish my brother seriously believe me." commented Lord Tyron.

"Did you believe in him? Do you think he just?"

"When we were little, I fell into a river while playing with him and my sister. He had no hesitation and helped me out. As the years went on, something was bothering him. The death of his wife is what pushed him over the edge, I remember coming to see him only to see his children alone. It wasn't till a year later I finally saw his face again."

"Interesting," noted the farmer.

"To the best of my knowledge, he kept all his vows and fought till the end." declared Lord Tyron. He looked at the farmer and saw something familiar. "Are you somehow related to…" he didn't need to finish as realized who he was talking to.

"To Lord Xīn, I'm his father," declared Former Lord Guǐ, he was old as gray had almost taken over his black hair. His brown eyes carried wisdom behind them, he was longer a trained fighter but a mere farmer. "And my wife is Former Lady Yurei, his mother."

"But how? My brother executed you and your wife for refusing to join him." said Lord Tyron, believing he's seeing ghosts again.

"Well, there were reasons for that, our fake death isn't the only thing your brother kept secret from you." declared Former Lord Guǐ, sparking Lord Tyron's interest.

Zhōng, Jack, and John begin to walk towards the dining hall, they were invited by Kettei to dine with him and Lord Xīn. "I wonder what we'll be having." said John.

"Hopefully something good and delicious." replied Jack, the two of them never had any rich food growing up. Whatever they could find was what depended on how much they ate.

"It's dull and nothing special, they dressed it up to make look good. If you add the same ingredients and mixed them together, you couldn't even tell the difference." said Zhōng, he was still showing coldness as he was hoping to leave after only one try.

"We need his men, were you seriously thinking about leaving after one try?" asked John.

"Yes," said Zhōng with no hesitation.

They entered the dining hall where Kettei was waiting for them. "I see you found it." he said.

"If you were expecting us to get lost, then pick a spot for us to stay that isn't in a tower." said Zhōng.

Lord Xīn soon entered and the four men bowed in respect as he sat down at one end of the table. "I thought I told you I won't join." he said to Zhōng.

"You did, but your friend invited us over for dinner." said Zhōng.

Lord Xīn turned his attention to his trusted friend and advisor. "He defeated me, I had to apologize and give him some sort of a reward." defended Kettei.

"Very well," sighed Lord Xīn, with a motion of his hand, the four boys sat down on each side of him. The food arrived soon after and when the plates of Jack and John were set down, they began to scruff it down. Lord Xīn noticed this but what had his attention was that Zhōng hadn't even once touched his plate though he was the first and was looking at him. "Not hungry?" he asked.

"It's courtesy to wait till the host of noble lineage eats first." said Zhōng, he turned his attention to his two friends as they paused realizing what they have done.

"But you are royal blood, therefore you should eat first before any of us." said Lord Xīn.

"Though my blood is royal, my staus isn't. Therefore I must eat after you." replied Zhōng.

"But if you're status is this low, why are you requesting an army?" asked Lord Xīn, cutting a piece of meat and eating it.

"The empress needs…" began Zhōng.

"You told me earlier, perhaps I should rephrase my question." interrupted Lord Xīn. "Why are you gathering an army on her behalf? You don't have rights nor orders to do so."

"Cause I know what's coming, she won't stand long if she's alone." said Zhōng.

"Tell me, Zhōng, can you take them on your own?"

Zhōng was about to reply before he remember something. On his back hip still was the Ninja Sword, the blade passed down to him. He then remembered the fight he had against the Vow Keeper, how he barely was able to activate and control it. If he fought now, he believe there'll no way to activate it. "Does what I answer affect what you'll decide?" he asked.

"What I choose is final but I would still hear you out tomorrow. Perhaps then you'll come better prepared." said Lord Xīn, taking another bite of his food.

They continued to eat in silence as Jack leaned over to John and whispered, "He's right about the food, it's just a little more presentable."

Hannah was practicing sword technics with the girls. Each one of them gave her suggestions for her to try. She got the hang of it quickly and soon followed Xing's style of fighting. After thirty minutes of practice, they decided to have a break and do a snowball fight. Lord Tyron was sitting on the porched bundle up and angry to keep himself warm. What was told to him the night before, he was finding hard to believe. His blue eyes glared like his nephew's as he focus on Hannah.

"Something bothering you?" asked Empress Wēi, she decided to come out to watch her daughter when she noticed the cold look on Lord Tyron's face.

"Nothing to concern yourself, your majesty." assured Lord Tyron.

"And yet I see those kinds of eyes from your nephew when someone makes him angry." pressed Empress Wēi.

Lord Tyron sighed and leaned back as he asked, "Though my brother had issues with his shadow, would you still consider him as one to look up to?"

"If we ignore his massacre for assassins, your brother I guess to my knowledge was someone to keep promises. I don't know if his men followed him due to fear or not, Captain Howin was a mere bodyguard during the war." replied Empress Wēi, hearing her words made Lord Tyron frown as he continued to watch.

"Heads up! Hannah!" cried Kotori. She, Pina, Silica, and Cortana were on one team while Princess Zhen, Xing, and Hannah were on the other. She threw a snowball at Hannah who ducked at the last second.

After the snowball flew by, Hannah stayed down as Xing threw one and hit Kotori. "Right back at you!" called Hannah as she fire snowballs at the others again.

"Well, you guys are in sync," noticed Princess Zhen before being hit by a snowball. She made another one and flung it towards Cortana who hit her.

"I guess that's how we roll." said Xing as the three of them begin their charge.

Lord Tyron soon had enough and got up to go inside. "I'm going to take those following my nephew and continued the march towards the capital." he said.

"You still haven't answered my question." reminded Empress Wēi.

"I don't plan to, your majesty." said Lord Tyron going inside.

Empress Wēi sighed as she sat down to ponder what Hannah did to make him angry. "Your majesty," greeted Former Lady Yurei as she came back from the barn.

Empress Wēi looked at her as she looked familiar. "Lady Yurei?" she questioned as she suddenly recognized the aging woman.

"It is, your majesty." confirmed Former Lady Yurei as Empress Wēi stood up.

"How? Emperor Huo executed you." marveled Empress Wēi.

"It was a private execution and not everything he declared was true. He and my husband made a deal. If we forfeit our status in the war, we could live in peace and our fiefdom would not go punished." she explained.

"Why would you take that offer? Was it death if you both didn't accept?"

"It pains me to leave my only child to rule on his own, but we knew a secret of Emperor Huo." said Former Lady Yurei as she looked to see Hannah playing with her new friends. "She is Emperor Huo's second daughter."

Lord Tyron was directing his nephew's troops for departure when Empress Wēi approached him. "I now know why you are upset." she said to him, calmly.

"They told you," concluded Lord Tyron as he marched through the camp. "Did they tell you her age?"

"No, they didn't."

"Almost one younger than Xing. One year," grumbled Lord Tyron. "I remember him being in his room almost all the time. No one would disturb him yet someone did, how else do you explain that?"

"I can see why you might be angry." assured Empress Wēi.

"No, you don't, your majesty. I grew up with him, I fought with him and for him, I advised him, and been there for him. Only to find out he cheated on his dead wife by doing it with another creature." expressed Lord Tyron. "There were days I walked by his door, not a sound, not word came from the other side. I sometimes knocked to inform him about something, just so he could at least open the door and come back to life. We all mourned for her and pay his respects by doing it to another one a short time later."

"And so are you going to abandon her and never have her feel your family's love?"

"She's fine here, she doesn't need us."

"I think your niece and my daughter would disagree." said Empress Wēi halting Lord Tyron's march.

"Well it's a pity it's my decision, I won't accept her into the family."

"Like how your brother didn't accept assassins?" asked Empress Wēi, hitting a sensitive topic."Throughout the five years, you worked so hard in the black market. You became someone to look up to, like your brother. I'm sure you promise him that you'll take care of his children. Doesn't Hannah deserve the same treatment? She is your niece therefore you should keep your promise." said Empress Wēi turning back the way they came. "If you don't, you're no different then your brother." she called out.

"Your other nephew said the same words you just said but to us a long time ago." said Former Lord Guǐ after the empress left. "He soon left afterward, leaving Hannah depressed and broken. Having her feel neglected and useless is why she tries so hard to achieve things. Whether you accept her or not, she has the determination like your brother."

"You don't get it, you won't have the guilt hang over you like us if I accept her." said Lord Tyron.

"But if you don't, you betray your vow to your brother. Are you okay with that?" asked Former Lord Guǐ. He turned and walked away, leaving Lord Tyron to ponder on what was said to him.

Jack paced back and forth as they waited for Lord Xīn for the final time. "Pacing won't help," said Zhōng as he waited quietly with John.

"How can you be so calm? This is our last chance to plead to him to reconsider." said Jack as he continued.

"Cause I know he's toying with us, he said it last night. He made his decision." said Zhōng.

"John, surely you know there's a different reason for all of this." reasoned Jack.

"I did notice that, but like Zhōng said, there's nothing we could do." replied John.

"Did you guys lose hope?"

"No, we know this is over." said Zhōng.

Jack grew tired of Zhōng's emotionless responses as he stopped pacing and looked at him. "You were someone against the odds. No matter who your opponent is, you always find a way. By force or by reason. If you can get us to change our minds, mentally and physically, then you can change his. And we'll have a large force of an army for the empress."

Zhōng stood up and walked toward Jack. When there was barely any air between them, Jack could see the blue fire and demons in his eyes. "Would like to say that again?" growled Zhōng.

"Nothing is impossible, somehow you always get your way." said Jack, he was shaking but he wouldn't back down.

"He's ready for you," stated Kettei when opened the door. Zhōng step back and led them into the room for one final time. "The Fallen Prince and his friends, my lord." announced Kettei.

"Speak," ordered Lord Xīn.

"Yesterday, I approached you and requested for you to join the empress's army as she'll try to defend this empire against the rising threat." began Zhōng. "Today, I'm going to tell you why."

"Very well, tell me."

"After the Eight-Year War, the empress punished those who fought against her. You were the only one that didn't fight for nor against her, thus you did not have to face any of the trials. However, while you didn't, the Old now hates you for abandoning the emperor in his time of need. You could stay out of this conflict, but you could perhaps not escape the trials that could come. The empress won't have them against you if she wins, but if she loses, there'll be a trial for not joining the Old." said Zhōng.

"I'm impressed, instead of begging at my feet, you advised me why I should fight." applauded Lord Xīn. "But why didn't the empress send me a letter to request help? Why is it you came all the way out here, to request for me and my army? Why should I trust and follow your words?"

Zhōng ponder on the questions asked. The first could be she didn't send one to him or if she did, it was struck down. The second one is he came for the number of bounty hunters and bandits nearby that could make up for the missing men. The last one, he struggled to reply for he couldn't think of an answer.

"Because we do, my lord." said Jack. Zhōng turned around to see his friends determine looks on them as they stood by his side.

"We might not have known him for long, but he's always got our backs." declared John.

"He's done everything to make sure we get what we want by sacrificing most if not all of what he wants."

"There was no one there for him since he was dethroned. No one came to his side."

"But he came to others, he knows the empress needs his help and all he needs right now is yours."

"You guys," marveled Zhōng as a small tear quickly fall down his face.

"This empire owes him a dept that can only be filled by helping him." said Jack.

"If what Zhōng said is true, you can either follow us and face the threat with the empress or face them by yourself." said John.

"Silence, you two." ordered Lord Xīn, he looked at the two boys who glared back at him. "Fallen Prince, if I join you, will it be enough to defeat your brother?"

"No," said Zhōng as he turned back around to face him. His eyes were determined as they were. The fire was ignited in them as they dance aggressively. The old self began to emerge from his plain body of his new. "But it will be closer."

Xing and Hannah were watching Princess Zhen and Cortana sparing each other. Cortana was by the book, she swirled her practice stick in a sequence of strikes that could be deadly. Princess Zhen, however, was light and quick, her practice stick moved circularly until an opening appears. When it did, her blade moved like lightning with a quick strike and then pulled back. "Cortana got to loosen up if she doesn't want to be tagged." commented Hannah.

"If she loosens up, she might loosen too much and lose your weapon. This round is control versus endurance, if one can't keep up it's over. Changing your way to move your blade in battle isn't a smart thing to do, you have no idea how it might affect you. This would give your opponent an advantage" advised Xing. Just as Hannah predicted, Cortana overdo it as Princess Zhen was able to deflect and land a hit on her.

"What about your brother? Can he change his style of movement in the middle of a battle?" asked Pina.

"He can, but he had to do a lot of training to accomplish this, and so does my uncle who taught Zhōng, who taught a little bit to me." explained Xing.

"Why did he teach you some?" asked Kotori.

"Zhōng taught me for a competition, it's a story I don't want to talk about." said Xing remembering everything after she was being trained by him.

"I don't blame you," said Princess Zhen as she and Cortana joined them.

"How do you know, princess?" asked Kotori.

"Reasons," explained Princess Zhen, she too didn't want to tell the story.

"Xing, Hannah, can I talk to you two alone?" called out Lord Tyron, he was about ready to leave but he wanted to take care of some things.

"Sure, uncle, come on, Hannah." said Xing as she and Hannah went to talk with their uncle.

"What's that about?" asked Silica.

"I'm not sure," replied Princess Zhen as she watched the girls approach Lord Tyron. Her eyes widened as she read his lips.

"Are you two getting along?" asked Lord Tyron when they approached him.

"Yes, uncle." replied Xing.

"Definitely, Lord Tyron." replied Hannah.

"Good, that's good to hear," began Lord Tyron, he took a big, long sigh before he continued. "I was told by your 'father' there was someone else living with you guys for a short while."

"Yes, he joined us near the end of the war and stayed for a year or two before leaving. His name was, Zhēngfú, former prince of the Ninja Empire. Why? Is he in trouble?" replied Hannah.

"No Hannah, not yet I'm afraid." said Former Lord Guǐ coming towards them.

"Why did my father send him here? Why couldn't he hide in some alleyway in the capital like me and Zhōng?" asked Xing.

"Because your brother was brought here to split his family in half." explained Lord Tyron. "Two on the inside, two on the outside."

"Two?" asked both girls, both Lord Guǐ and Lord Tyron nodded their heads.

"One of his sons and one of his daughters." explained Lord Tyron as he looked towards Hannah.

"What?" questioned Hannah.

"You have the blood of Emperor Huo, not mine." explained Former Lord Guǐ.

"My brother knew having you would cause him problems. He asked Lord Guǐ to watch you since they didn't have any children yet." continued Lord Tyron.

"We were the only ones that knew about this secret and when war broke out, we figured taking you somewhere you will not be noticeable would be the best way to protect you." said Former Lord Guǐ.

"Cause if anyone knew my heritage, it could have my real father be in trouble." concluded Hannah.

"That means we're sisters?" summarized Xing as the news flooded her head.

"Half-sisters but yes, you both have my brother's blood flowing inside both of you." said Lord Tyron.

"Then that makes you my uncle," stated Hannah.

"Yes," said Lord Tyron as tears began to form. "I'm your uncle and I promise my brother, I'll protect his children. So welcome Hannah, to our family."

"Thank you," said Hannah as tears fell from her face when she ran to hug Lord Tyron. He was surprised but he soon hugged her back as Xing joined them in their hug.

"It's great to know I have a sister." said Xing.

"Same, maybe we can talk about the girls our brothers like." giggled Hannah and Xing joined her.

"Just make sure you leave me out of this." said Lord Tyron.

"Yes, uncle." said the girls as they continued to hug him until it was almost time for Lord Tyron to leave.