chapter 1

Elwyn's POV

Sitting alone in the dark, a sense of urgency was clawing at the back of my mind. I have to get away, I have to run but where? The last images I remember were of my home burning as I struggled to get onto my horse and flee. My father and mother had been trapped and yelling at me to run, to save myself. I felt a pain flash through my head, snapping me to reality.

I finally opened my eyes as I looked at the unfamiliar surroundings. I could see a dense forest as I realized I was on the ground. I tried to move but the pain was so intense. Suddenly there was a sound of metal clanking off beyond the trees. I started to slowly sit up when an arrow whizzed by my face, just missing the end of my nose; panic and anxiety set in as I realized my worst fear. I was in the middle of a battleground.

"Don't move!" a voice said from behind me. I froze yet still tried to find the source of the voice. As I waited for the stranger to speak again, I sat up just as another arrow was shot towards me. In the blink of an eye, a figure jumped from a nearby tree and cut the arrow out of the air before it could reach me. I watched in complete awe.

"I told you not to move. Who are you anyway?" the stranger asked rather upset. Looking me over from head to toe. I thought long and hard about his question before responding.

"I am Elwyn... Elwyn Rain.. I think, but anything other than my name I don't know. I don't even know where I am" I spoke softly and slowly holding the back of my head. I had no memories. Yet I feel as though I know something important, but what I was unsure.

The stranger scoffed then without another word lifted me up onto his back and began to sprint through the foliage, he moved like lightning and yet never made a sound. I held onto him tightly as he carried me to safety. Soon we were in clearly a war camp. As I looked around I noticed many young men tending to wounds and at the back of the camp was, as I assumed the General.

"My lord, I found this woman in the forest. She claims she had no memories or know who she is." The strange man bowed as the man he was addressing turned to face us.

He looked at us with kind eyes. It was rather refreshing considering the man who rescued me was so cold and unfeeling. He gave me a small smile of reassurance.

"My name is Minoru Hoshi, welcome Miss Rain." as he addressed me several of the other men moved closer as if to see what was going to happen.

"Mizuki here says you can't remember who you are, yet you appear dressed as a nobleman's daughter. Can you tell me where you are from?" he as gently ignoring the men who now encircled us.

I shook my head slowly, wincing as it caused pain. "I am sorry sir. I don't recall. All I remember is nearly getting run through with arrows when I work up in the forest." I replied as I spoke I could hear the others scoffing.

"Minoru, you can't possibly believe her, she could be a trained assassin sent to destroy you." one of the other men said harshly.

"Now, Soji. You know as well as I that the enemy, the Gyemon clan would not be that stupid, besides I can tell she's telling the truth. Look at the blood on her clothing, and obviously she is injured." he spoke as he slowly reached out and had me turn motioning to the dried blood on the back of my head.

I heard them all gasp, as nobody else questioned his words, but it was short-lived. Mizuki spoke up, "so what do we do with her. No memory and no family, obviously she can't stay here." I looked at Minoru also wondering what was going to happen.

"She will be my guest at the capital. She will stay with us until her memory returns," he announced. I could see the smiles on all the men's faces, all but one. "But Minoru.." Mizuki started to interject but Minoru cut him off. "I am placing you in charge of taking care of Elwyn. She is gonna need someone to help her tend to her wounds and during this time of war need someone to keep her safe."

Mizuki simply bowed. As he did a black stallion came running up into the camp and stopped right in front of me. I reached out and petted her. "Kryslyn?" I said softly as the horse whinnied and nudged my shoulder.

"You know this horse?" Minoru asked shocked. Looking at him I nodded. He smiled and also ran his hand along Kryslyn's mane. "A beautiful horse indeed. Perhaps you were riding, and she threw you when the battle started." he thought aloud.

"I don't remember. I just know her name is Kryslyn, but now I know her is a mystery." I answered as I followed them all back to their headquarters in the capital of Golden ridge. I was silent the rest of the way there, trying to figure out who I was and why I woke up on a battlefield.

Soji took Kryslyn to the stable and made sure she was alright, while Mizuki showed me to my room and tended to my head wound. He never spoke a word as he removed pieces of stone, dirt, and bark from the wound. I winced slightly when he would pull a piece of the scab that had formed.

"I am sorry. I will try not to be a bother to anyone here." I said softly looking down at the scratches on my hands. I heard Mizuki get up and move to face me. I saw that he had one deep blue eye and one emerald green eyes. "Oh, he is so handsome up close' I thought to myself.

"Look. I don't know who you are, but just take care of yourself. I have enough problems trying to keep Minoru safe." he said coldly, his gaze harsh and unemotional. All I could do was nod in response. "Now get some sleep.," he said as he left the room.

I laid on the bed and tried to sleep. My mind reeling as I tried hard to remember who I was and why I was found in the middle of a battlefield. 'Why can't I remember. All I know is that I have to get my memories back, so I don't cause any more problems for Minoru and his soldiers.' I thought to myself as I slowly fell asleep.

It had been several days since Minoru took me into his home, and I had convinced the servants to allow me to help with the housework and with making the meals. It would be my way of saying thanks for taking care of me.

I was in the middle of serving men breakfast when Soji smiled. "Wow, Elywn this is delicious. You're a really good cook, I always look forward to your meals." I blushed slightly. "Thanks, I am just happy to help as a way of thanking all of you for taking care of me. I just wish I could do more." I smiled and then left the room to go clean up the kitchen.

I sighed and began washing the dishes, I just had to keep busy or I would give in to my grief from losing my memories. I silently washed the pans and was in the middle of washing a knife when Soji came in.

"Do you need any help Elywn?" he asked softly yet it was enough to startle me and I accidentally cut my palm. "Ow," I winced and tried to play cool as I didn't want to worry him. I hid my hand in the hot water. "Elywn, what's wrong?" He asked stepping closer, he slowly took my wrist and pulled my hand into view. "You need to get this taken care of immediately," he said concerned yet kindly

I followed him over to the table, and he took out a first aid kit. I watched as he carefully put a salve on the cut before bandaging my hand to keep it from getting infected. I watched his amethyst eyes shine with purpose. I couldn't help but smile. "I'm sorry I am so clumsy" I apologized.

He kissed the back of my hand softly. "It's okay. Just try to be more careful, after all, it's my fault for startling you. I am sorry." he softly brushed a strand of hair from my eyes. I blushed not used to being around so many men, let alone be touched by them. Yet I liked it when Soji was tender and sweet with me.

He got up and finished the dishes, then left to go and join the strategy meeting. I faintly heard they were trying to find the three sacred treasures when I heard the name I instantly began to get dizzy. 'Why do I feel so strange?' I thought to myself. Somehow it felt like I had a connection to the treasures, but how?

As I sat and listened to my headache, got stronger and suddenly I fainted. While unconscious, I could faintly hear my mother and father telling me to run, I heard my mother scream as I felt the heat of flames, yet there was no scene to match nor was there any faces to the voices I heard. I suddenly woke up startled, breathing heavily as if being awoken from a nightmare

I was not alone, Mizuki, Minoru, and Soji were gathered in my room taking turns watching over me. I slowly sat up holding my head, they all seemed relieved at my awakening. I looked around still somewhat dazed. "What happened?" I started to ask.

"You fainted, do you know what caused it?" Minoru asked kindly as he took a cool cloth and placed it over my forehead. I slowly shook my head, I remember they were talking about the sacred treasures then everything went black. I didn't want to say anything as I couldn't explain to myself what happened, or why the mention of the treasures made me blackout.

Soji looked worried, he looked over at Minoru and then putting on a brave face he asked. "Minoru, may I be the one to take care of Elywn? I know you told Mizuki to care for her but..." he trailed off as he looked down into my confused expression.

Minoru smiled, "Are you sure you want this responsibility?" he asked almost jokingly then looked at Mizuki "And you, are you okay with Soji taking your mission of protecting Elywn?" Mizuki simply nodded, "I just want to end this war" he finally responded then left the room. Minoru looked at soji. "Alright then, You're in charge of keeping her safe." He patted Soji's shoulder and exited the room leaving the two of us alone.

I smiled softly. "Thank you." was all I said before he laid down beside me and pulled me against his chest, I blushed and felt safe in his embrace. "Feeling warmer?" he asked as I realized I had been shivering. I nodded and welcomed the sleep that came soon after. I slept peacefully for the first time in days. My heart pounded as I was trying to figure out what feelings were running through my body.

The next few days were like clockwork, helping with the meals and doing the housework. I felt like the more I could help the less I let my anxiety show from the loss of my memories. I also did most of the shopping for the other maids, everyone was so grateful for my added help around the house.

I was on my way to the market when Soji stopped me at the door. I looked at him confused and asked him what was wrong. He looked down and sighed before he finally answered he took my hand protectively, and pulled me aside, so we were out of earshot of the others.

"Elywn, I can't let you go to the market on your own. We have heard the news that members of the Gyemon clan have been spotted in the capital. I'm going with you to make sure you stay safe." he looked me in the eyes and I could tell he was concerned. I gave him a gentle smile and patted his shoulder.

"I'll be fine. I have been to the market many times besides the Gyemon don't even know anything about me. I promise I'll be careful and back before you can even say 'Heavenly asura hell fire'' and with that I left the house, not knowing that I should have listened to Soji.

As I walked to the closest fruit stand and greeted the owner, chatting lightly as I picked out an assortment of fruit for dessert, a stranger wandered by and eyed me. I paid and moved on to the next food stand as I continued getting this week's groceries. As I moved about I started to feel uneasy, so I decided I had enough items and was heading back to the house when the same stranger I had seen earlier grabbed me and pulled me over into an alley.

"Where are they?!" the man asked forcefully as I tried to get away, I paused at his question. "I don't know what you're talking about! Let me go!" I said trying not to show fear, wishing I had let Soji come along. The man grabbed my hair as I started to walk off. Wincing I let out a cry of pain. "Tell me what I want to know and your life just might be spared." He said evilly, neither one of us noticing the Falcon that flew above our heads.

As the man continued to assault me, and question me about some important mysterious thing, I continued struggling to getaway. I heard someone calling my name. 'Soji?' I thought I opened my mouth to call for help when the man covered my mouth noticing I was going to call for help. I suddenly bit his hand hard causing him to curse out loud, "Why you little Bitch!?" He growled and took out a long Katana holding it against my throat.

"Elywn!?" Soji said as he came running towards the ally after hearing the shouts. He already had his weapon drawn and was charging at the stranger. Their swords clashed as I was pushed aside and fell to the ground. I watched in horror as they fought, Soji was determined to kill the man. I got to my feet and tried to get Soji to leave the alley with me, but during the fight, my arm was grazed by one of the swords.

"Agh." I winced as they both looked over at me holding my right arm in pain, blood running down my arm. Soji used the last of his efforts and caused the man to fall on the ground and then picked me up and carried me to the house along with my shopping baskets. I looked up to see his face, I looked back down as I could tell he was beyond furious. "I'm sorry, I am nothing but a bother to everyone,'' I said softly as we reached the house.

Soji took me to my room and silently got the first aid kit and started to assess my wound. I watched him work swiftly yet skillfully, after about half an hour the silence was getting to me. I opened my mouth to speak and Soji looked up at me. "Yes?'' He asked in an almost detached voice, his face blank of emotions.

"I should have listened to you, I realize that. I am sorry." I hung my head tears filling my eyes. I didn't want him to see me crying.

Soji sighed, "No, it's my fault... I should have gone with you. I failed to protect you." He lightly lifted my chin and wiped my tears away, before hugging me. "Promise me you will listen next time I ask you to stay out of harm" I looked up into his eyes, they were full of concerned mixed with a strange emotion. All I could do was nod my head and take comfort in his warm embrace. It wasn't long before I was quietly sleeping.

As I slept Soji stayed by my side the entire night making sure I was safe and well. My mind kept wandering in and out of nightmares trying to figure out what the stranger wanted from me. His questions replayed in my mind like a recording. Suddenly I remembered the three sacred treasures was something my mother and father had talked about. I was their only child and the emperor had put my family in charge of keeping the treasures safe. My father on the night before Mizuki saved me had told me that I was to keep the treasures safe. He told me the legend that told where each of the three treasures was hidden so the Gyemon couldn't find them and gain power of the country.

I woke up gasping as all my memories suddenly flooded back to me. Sweat ran down my spine, as I pulled my knees to my chest and wept knowing I had no family or home to return to. My crying woke Soji, he pulled me into a hug asking what was wrong.

"I.. I remember my parents and who I am. I am the heir to the Rayne family who have been entrusted with keeping the treasures safe." I said through tears, I continued slowly, "My mother and father were killed by members of the Gyemon and burned down our house. I may have gotten my memories but.." I couldn't finish the thought. It was too painful, I took a deep breath and looked down tears running down my cheeks. "I am glad that I have finally gotten my memories back but at what cost?"

Soji didn't speak as I told him all about my past and how I came to be found on the battlefield, my voice was hoarse and weak, after I finally finished my tale he suddenly spoke, his voice almost detached.

"So you're a nobleman's daughter, or are you a princess?" he asked as if he didn't really want to know the answer; as if he felt it would change the way I saw each of them.

"A nobleman's daughter who was promised to the heir of the Fire village where I am from," I replied sadly, Soji suddenly let go of me and excused himself from the room. I watched after him sadly as I realized I was beginning to develop feelings for him, even if I didn't have any right to. After some time he returned with one of the other men in the house whom I suddenly recognized as Aoi.

"Elywn is it true?" Aoi asked a small smile playing at his lips. I simply nodded, as he walked over and embraced me. "Oh Ely.. I was so worried. I should have told you who you were, but I was afraid you wouldn't believe me, seeing as you didn't remember your own life." I hugged him back, then looked over at Soji his face clearly showing heartbreak. I started to speak to both men but before I could Soji left Aoi and I to be alone.

A few hours later I was out with Kryslyn, brushing her mane and giving her some apple treats. "Oh Kryslyn what am I to do?" I asked her, I remembered when I felt lost while growing up I always felt I could confide in my best friend Kryslyn. "I have finally gotten my memories, yet I feel so lost. I know mother and Father would be happy that Aoi and I have come together, and he can help me protect the family legacy, but.." I sighed and Kryslyn nudged my shoulder understandingly. "I don't love him. How can I be expected to marry a man I don't love?''

As I continued to confide in Kryslyn Aoi came to check on me. "And just who is it that you love?" He said, I jumped at his sudden voice and become quite tongue tied at his question. "I..I..don't know" I said softly, avoiding his gaze, I put the brush away and walked past him, and back to the house. I could feel his eyes watching me.

I went to the kitchen and decided to make some sweet cakes for tomorrow's dessert. Keeping busy kept my mind from wandering, as I began baking I hummed to myself, it was the same tune Soji would hum if I had nightmares and couldn't sleep. I kept humming as I worked and a smile appeared on my face, lost in thought, I hadn't noticed that Soji was standing against the doorframe watching me. "Quite a catchy tune isn't it?" he said softly, smiling as he watched me work.

I looked up and smiled back warmly. "Oh, well I learned it from the master, plus it helps me calm down." I responded, putting the rolls in the oven. "Come sit down." I motioned to him. He shook his head, "you should be resting, not cooking." he chuckled and sat at the table. "So what is on your mind?"

I sighed and looked at him. "I know my mother and Father promised me to Aoi, but I just can't honor that promise. I don't love him." I spoke softly as I cleaned the dishes. Soji got up and started to help me. "Oh, then what will happen?" he asked as he started to wash the dishes as my hand and arm were still healing. I simply shrugged. "I will marry the man I love, if I find him." I said.

"What if someone already loved you?" he said softly, looking up at me, I looked into his ocean blue eyes and replied. "If they loved me, then I hope I find out before I return to the capital." Soji, dried his hands and walked over to me. Softly he took my hand and brushed the hair from my face. "I love you Elywn. I have since the moment Mizuki found you and brought you to the camp.'' He blushed as he admitted his feelings openly. I blushed and responded. "I love you, too soji. I have since you helped take care of my wounded hand."

As the night continued we found ourselves admitting our affection for one another. Little did we know that fate would not be on our side.

Several months had gone by since we recovered the treasures and won the war against the Goemin clan. I was busy restoring my family's home with Soji of which we had been living peacefully for many months. We would keep in contact with Minoru and the rest of the gang by letter making sure all was going well. One day a rather troubling letter came from the capital city where former emperor Jun-lei was living, he wrote that the treasures had been taken. Worriedly, we packed up and rushed to the capital for more information. Little did we know it was all a plot for revenge.

A few days later, we arrived at Minoru's mansion. He was surprised to see us, and we told him about the letter we had gotten. He allowed us to stay at his mansion while we were in town. Soji and I thanked him, I helped us both get settled in and announced I was headed to see the emperor. I saw Soji stand up and grab his sword.

I shook my head, "Soji, I need you to stay here in case one of the others heard anyone talking about selling one of the treasures. It is my duty to check on them. I will be back before nightfall," smiling whole heartily walking over to Soji kissing him softly, "I'll be safe remember, I know how to handle a sword you've taught me well." I got on Kryslyn and rode off towards the home of former Emperor Jun-lei.

Emperor Jun-lei's home was on the outskirts of the capital, so it was several hours to get there; Halfway there I stopped for a rest near the river to let Kryslyn drink and regain her energy. As I did, I felt as though I was being watched, I walked calmly to Kryslyn and carefully took the dagger out my father had given me before he was killed

I knelt down to drink from the cool river water, keeping all my senses peaked. Suddenly out of nowhere a stranger grabbed me from behind startling Kryslyn. "What's a beauty like you doing out here all alone?" the Stranger asked in a velvety voice. I remained quiet, though my heart was racing and my face was flushed. He grabbed my arm forcing me to drop my hidden blade and face him.

"Who are you?" I finally managed to get out after an uncomfortable silence. I looked at this stranger, he was tall with charcoal colored hair, and piercing blue eyes. He smiled amused. "Azusa Kuze" he said confidently, staring at me.

"Who are you young lady?'' He asked, a sinister smile played on his lips.

"I..I'm Elywn" I said trying to avoid his gaze. Suddenly his demeanor changed and he spun me around and bound my hands. "W...Wait what are you ..." I was unable to finish as he gagged me and dragged me over to his horse that was waiting in the shadows. I watched him with bewilderment as i tried to fight him off.

"Enough, You wouldn't wanna hurt that beautiful face would you?'' He said sadistically, before he walked over to Kryslyn and Smacked his hand against her flank causing her to run off in the direction we had come. I began to get worried, Soji will be pissed if she gets back without me.

"Now let's get moving, wouldn't want the boyfriend to find you so easily" He snickered as he mounted his horse behind me and took off into the woods heading far away from the capital city and away from Soji. Softly, tears stung my eyes as I realized we had been tricked.

Tears ran down my face as I was taken further and further away from the capital, Azura remained quite calm despite the iminate fight that would be coming. Soji I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have made you stay behind. I thought also wondering what this man had planned for me. We rode off towards the mountains where we finally stopped for the night.

"Don't even think about running or you will never see the dawn of the new day" he said as he helped me down from the horse. I only glared at him as he slowly untied my gag. "What do you think your going to gain from kidnapping me.?" I spit out at him. Azusa ignored my question and instead started a small fire as the air was beginning to get cooler.

"Do you know Aoi?" he asked calmly as he tied his horse to a nearby tree. I looked at him, Aoi was my ex-betrothed; Who coincidentally served with Soji under Minoru during the war. Azusa watched me as he waited for an answer. I looked down, "Yes, but he ran off when I announced that I would not follow my parents wishes to marry him." I said softly regret deep in my voice. Azusa scoffed, "well Princess, how do you feel about seeing him again?'' I looked at him, surprised.

Azusa smirked then told me to get some rest we had a long journey starting at dawn. Sighing, I silently layed down on the other side of the cave from him and wished that Soji would come to rescue me soon.

*Soji's POV*

I walked around the capital trying to get any information about the missing sacred treasures, waiting for Elwyn to return. I slowly made my way to Minoru's mansion hoping she had returned from Former Emperor Jun-lei's with more news. Yet, when I approached the estate I was struck with horror, Kryslyn, Elywn's beloved horse had returned and was causing a ruckus.

Slowly I walked up to the horse, "Kryslyn, whoa girl.. What's wrong?" I grabbed onto the reins and slowly calmed her down. She looked at me and whinnied sadly, it was then, I realized Elywn was missing. I immediately jumped onto Kryslyn and ordered her to take me to where Elywn was last seen, soon we headed towards the forest headed toward Emperor Jun-lei's estate.

I prayed that Elywn was unharmed, as I rode to find her. My heart full of sorrow and anger. "Who ever took her will pay!" I huffed as we raced onward. As the sun began to rise hours later I noticed something shining by the river before us, I got off of Kryslyn and walked towards the object. I gasped, "Elywn's dagger" I searched the area for any other clues but there was nothing, not even a single sign of a struggle. Oh Elywn, Where are you my heart ached as I, defeatedly walked away and rode Kryslyn back to Minoru's estate to get more help. I was at a lost, surely she would have known to leave some sort of clue if she was ambushed.

As I reached the estate Mizuki was outside training, looked up slightly and noticed my detached, emotionless face. "Soji?" he started to call out to me, I was too lost in my own thoughts to realize he was trying to get my attention. After putting Kryslyn in the stables for the night I headed to my room for some meditation and planning.

Mizuki being concerned for the way his comrade was acting went to Minoru, letting him know that Soji wasn't himself and had arrived with Elywn's horse alone.

"She must be missing, we have to do something and quick" Mizuki said quietly just making sure Soji wouldn't hear them. Minoru nodded and then gathered everyone, except Soji and began the planning.

*Elywn POV*

I was awakened at first light by Azusa as we packed up our small campsite and started off on the seemingly never ending journey. I didn't ask where we were going but I managed to leave behind my hairpin as a clue knowing that Soji and the others would be looking for me.

After about another half a day of traveling we came to stop at an unfamiliar home. It was in the middle of an abandoned village. "Where are we?'' I asked him for growing uneasy. Azusa stayed silent and helped me off the horse before escorting me into the mansion that stood before us.

I was put in a room alone my hands still tied and was told to wait. As time dragged on, I grew more and more nervous. Suddenly the door slid open behind me, I slowly turned and gasped as I recognized the face that greeted me. "Aoi?!"

3rd Pov

After several months of searching for Elywn Soji finally found the mansion. He snuck in and freed her easily. Seeing her bruised and weak state he attacked the man who was in the room holding several throwing stars.

"You?!" Soji shouted looking at his ex-best friend. Feeling betrayed he killed Aoi, before taking Elywn back to the capitol where she was finally safe and sound.