章節 10: 10
Meanwhile, back in the forest clearing, tension hung thick in the air. Princess Hana rested against a tree, her breathing steadied after Kazuki had tended to her wound with the limited supplies they had. The princes of Arashihara stood in a protective semicircle, their gazes scanning the darkened forest for any sign of danger.
"We can't stay here much longer," Kazu said, his voice low but firm. "Whoever sent that ambush won't stop until we're all gone."
Ryuu crouched next to Hana, concern evident in his eyes. "How are you feeling, Princess?" he asked softly.
"I'll be fine," Hana replied, though her voice was strained. She clenched her fists, frustrated by the vulnerability her injury imposed. "This is far bigger than any of us anticipated."
Satoru, the eldest, stepped forward, his commanding presence quieting the group. "We need to move. Staying here will only make us an easier target. The question is—where do we go next?"
Haru glanced at the map they had laid out earlier, his finger tracing their location. "There's an abandoned village nearby, just past the river. We can rest there and regroup."
Daichi nodded in agreement, his sharp eyes watching the treetops. "It's our best option. But we'll need to stay alert. Whoever attacked us will be hunting relentlessly."
Kazuki, standing protectively beside Hana, frowned. "We need to find out who's behind this—and why. They knew exactly where to find us, and they're clearly after more than just bloodshed."
"It's connected to the scarlet moon," Hana said, her voice quiet but resolute. "This isn't just about me or the princes. It's about the balance between our kingdoms. Whoever is orchestrating this wants that balance to crumble."
Yuji, the youngest prince, looked at her with curiosity and a hint of admiration. "You've been thinking about this for a long time, haven't you?"
Hana met his gaze, her expression serious. "Ever since I first set foot in Arashihara. I could feel it—the tension, the secrets. My father has been hiding something, and so has yours. If we don't uncover the truth, both our kingdoms will fall into chaos."
"Then we're in this together," Isamu, the middle prince, said decisively. "Whatever it takes, we'll find the answers."
Satoru gave a curt nod. "Agreed. But first, we need to make sure everyone gets out of here alive. Ryuu, Haru, scout ahead. Daichi, help secure the princess. We move in five minutes."
As the group began preparing for their next move, Hana looked up at the scarlet moon glowing faintly above the treetops. She felt a strange pull, as if it were calling to her, urging her to uncover its secrets.
Kazuki noticed her gaze and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure this out, Princess. Together."
Hana nodded, determination hardening her expression. "We have to. For the sake of both kingdoms—and everyone we've left behind."
The group moved cautiously through the dense forest, the sound of rustling leaves and the distant call of nocturnal creatures filling the silence. Ryuu and Haru scouted ahead, their sharp eyes scanning for any threats, while Daichi helped support Hana as they navigated the uneven terrain.
"Are you sure this village still exists?" Kazuki asked, his tone wary as he kept a hand on his sword.
"It was abandoned during the border conflicts years ago," Haru replied over his shoulder. "No one's gone back since, so it should be safe—at least for now."
Hana winced as she stepped over a fallen branch, her wound aching despite Kazuki's efforts. She bit her lip to keep from slowing the group down. "We don't have much choice," she said quietly. "We need a place to regroup, and if it's close, it's our best chance."
As they pressed on, the faint outline of buildings began to emerge through the trees. The village was eerily quiet, its wooden structures weathered and overgrown with vines. A single well stood in the center of the clearing, its stone walls cracked but intact.
"This will have to do," Satoru said, signaling for the group to stop. "Search the area. Make sure it's secure."
The brothers spread out, checking the perimeter while Kazuki helped Hana sit near the well. He knelt beside her, his brow furrowed in concern. "You shouldn't be pushing yourself this hard, Princess."
"I don't have a choice," she replied, her voice firm despite the exhaustion in her eyes. "If we don't act now, we'll lose our chance to stop whoever's behind this."
Ryuu returned, a small smile on his face. "The area's clear. No signs of recent activity."
"Good," Satoru said. "We'll rest here for the night. Daichi, Haru, take first watch. The rest of you, stay close."
As the group settled in, Hana took out the map and scroll they had retrieved from the archives. She spread them on the ground, her fingers tracing the faded markings.
"What are we looking at?" Kazu asked, crouching beside her.
"This," Hana said, pointing to an unmarked area near the border of the two kingdoms. "This is where we'll find the answers."
"It's close to the Arashihara Mountains," Isamu noted, frowning. "That area is treacherous. Few people who go there ever return."
"Then it's exactly where they'd hide something important," Hana countered. "If the scarlet moon and this heir are connected, this is where we'll find the truth."
Kazuki looked at her, his expression a mix of admiration and concern. "Are you sure about this? It won't be easy, Princess."
Hana met his gaze, determination shining in her eyes. "I'm sure. This is bigger than any of us. We have to see it through—no matter the cost."
The princes exchanged glances, their unspoken agreement clear.
"Then we'll go together," Satoru said. "But we need a solid plan. Whoever's behind this won't make it easy for us."
As the scarlet moon continued to rise in the sky, casting its ominous glow over the abandoned village, the group huddled together, their resolve unshaken.
The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were united by a common purpose: to uncover the secrets of the scarlet moon and protect their kingdoms from destruction.
The abandoned village was silent, save for the occasional crackle of the small fire they had built for warmth. Hana sat with the princes and Kazuki around the flames, the map and scroll spread out between them. The weight of their mission hung heavily in the air, but no one spoke of their doubts—they couldn't afford to.
"Let's break it down," Satoru began, his tone authoritative but calm. "We need to prepare for every possible scenario. This location near the Arashihara Mountains—what do we know about it?"
"It's isolated," Isamu replied. "The terrain is rough, and the area is surrounded by myths. People say it's cursed."
"Cursed or not," Ryuu interjected, "it's clearly where we're meant to go. Otherwise, why would the map lead us there?"
Hana nodded. "The text on the scroll mentioned a 'final convergence,' which I believe refers to the scarlet moon. This spot must hold the key to understanding what it means—and who this heir really is."
Kazuki frowned, his arms crossed. "We'll need supplies if we're going to trek through the mountains. Food, water, and medicine. And we can't risk staying here too long—whoever attacked us earlier might still be tracking us."
"Agreed," Daichi said. "We can scavenge what we can from the village, but it won't be much."
"I'll handle that," Kazu volunteered. "Haru and I can search for anything useful."
"Be careful," Satoru warned. "Stick together, and don't stray too far."
As the twins left to scavenge, Yuji leaned closer to the map, his finger tracing a faint line near their destination. "This could be a path through the mountains," he suggested. "If we follow it, we might avoid detection."
"It's risky," Isamu said, shaking his head. "If it's a path, it's also a likely place for an ambush."
"We'll deal with that when the time comes," Hana said firmly. She looked at the group, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. "I know this won't be easy, but we can't let fear stop us. If we don't act now, everything we care about will be lost."
The princes exchanged glances, each of them silently acknowledging the truth in her words.
"We're with you," Satoru said, his voice resolute. "All of us."
Hana smiled faintly, the warmth of their support easing the burden on her shoulders.
As the firelight flickered across their faces, a sudden noise broke the silence—a faint rustling in the distance.
Kazuki was on his feet in an instant, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Did you hear that?"
The others tensed, their eyes scanning the darkness beyond the firelight.
"It could be an animal," Yuji whispered, his hand hovering near his weapon.
"Or it could be something else," Daichi added, his voice low.
Haru and Kazu returned, their arms full of supplies, their expressions alarmed. "We saw something," Kazu said, his voice barely above a whisper. "A shadow, moving fast. It's not far from here."
Satoru stood, his expression grim. "We need to move. Now."
Without hesitation, they gathered their belongings and extinguished the fire. The map and scroll were carefully secured, and Hana was helped to her feet by Kazuki.
"Stay close," Satoru ordered as they began to move, the group slipping into the shadows of the forest.
The scarlet moon loomed high above, its ominous glow casting long, twisted shadows over their path. Whatever awaited them in the mountains, they knew one thing for certain: they were not alone.
Ryuu stepped forward, his strong arm steadying Princess Hana as Kazuki struggled to support her weight. "I'll help," Ryuu said quietly, his usual playful demeanor replaced with serious determination. "She's exhausted, and we need to keep moving."
Kazuki nodded, grateful for the assistance. Together, they carefully guided Hana as the group pushed deeper into the forest. The faint rustling sounds from earlier seemed to follow them, growing louder with each passing moment.
"Whatever's out there, it's closing in," Daichi muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the dense trees.
Satoru glanced back at the group, his voice low but commanding. "Keep quiet and stay together. We don't know how many there are—or what they want."
Haru fell into step beside Isamu, his grip tightening on his blade. "I hate this," he whispered. "Being chased in the dark, not knowing what's coming… It feels like we're walking into a trap."
"We probably are," Isamu replied grimly, "but we don't have a choice."
Hana, her voice faint but steady, spoke up despite her fatigue. "If it's them… the cloaked attackers… they won't stop. Not until they have what they're looking for."
"And what exactly are they looking for?" Ryuu asked, his gaze flickering to her as he adjusted his hold on her arm.
"The heir," she replied, her words barely audible. "The prophecy. The balance of the scarlet moon… It all connects to the heir. But who—or what—the heir is, I still don't know."
Kazuki frowned, his jaw tight. "Well, they'll have to go through all of us before they lay a finger on you, Princess."
Satoru suddenly raised a hand, signaling for everyone to stop. The group froze, their breaths barely audible as the rustling grew closer, now accompanied by the sound of footsteps—soft but deliberate.
"Stay behind us," Satoru instructed, motioning for Ryuu and Kazuki to move Hana back. The princes formed a protective line in front of her, their weapons drawn and their eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.
The footsteps halted, and for a moment, there was only silence. Then, a voice called out, low and taunting.
"You think you can run forever?" It echoed through the trees, its origin impossible to pinpoint. "The scarlet moon has chosen its path. You cannot escape it."
"Show yourself!" Daichi shouted, his sword gleaming in the dim light of the moon.
A sinister laugh responded, followed by the sound of movement all around them. Shadows flickered among the trees, their figures indistinct but numerous.
"Prepare yourselves," Satoru said, his voice calm but firm.
The attackers emerged from the darkness, their cloaks blending with the night. They carried weapons of various kinds, their faces obscured by hoods.
Kazuki glanced at Hana, his expression fierce. "Stay close to Ryuu and me. No matter what happens, we'll protect you."
Hana nodded, her fear evident but overshadowed by a growing resolve. She clutched the scroll tightly, knowing that it—
and whatever secrets it held—was worth risking everything.
The first attacker lunged, and the clearing erupted into chaos.
The clash of metal echoed through the forest as the princes met the attackers head-on. Satoru's sword flashed in the moonlight as he deflected a strike aimed at Daichi, their movements perfectly synchronized. Haru and Kazu, the twins, fought back-to-back, their fluid teamwork cutting through the enemies like a well-oiled machine.
Kazuki, wielding his spear with precision, stood as Hana's first line of defense. He struck down anyone who dared approach her, his fierce determination unwavering. "Stay behind me, Princess," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos.
Ryuu, ever the wild card, unleashed a flurry of attacks that left his opponents stumbling. He grinned at Hana, trying to lighten the tension. "You owe me a favor after this, Princess."
Hana couldn't respond. Her gaze was fixed on the attackers, her heart pounding as she clutched the scroll tighter. The words of the prophecy echoed in her mind. *The scarlet moon binds the fates of Kagayaku and Arashihara… Should the balance be disrupted, the kingdoms will fall into chaos.*
"Stay focused, Ryuu," Isamu called out, slicing through another opponent with a swift motion. His tone was calm, but his eyes betrayed a growing worry. "This isn't their full force. They're–"
Before he could finish, another wave of cloaked figures emerged from the shadows.
"There's too many of them!" Daichi shouted, his breathing labored as he cut through another attacker.
"We've handled worse," Satoru countered, his voice sharp. "Hold your ground!"
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the crowd, taller and more imposing than the others. Unlike the rest, this one carried an air of authority. Their hood fell back, revealing a scarred face and piercing eyes that seemed to burn with malice.
"So, this is the infamous Princess Hana," the figure said, their voice cold and mocking. "And the mighty princes of Arashihara. How quaint."
Satoru stepped forward, sword at the ready. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The figure laughed darkly. "What I want? Oh, that's simple. I want the heir. The rightful heir to the power of the scarlet moon. And you're all standing in the way."
Hana felt a chill run down her spine. Her grip on the scroll tightened. "The heir… Who is it?" she demanded, her voice trembling but firm.
The figure's eyes flicked to her, a cruel smile spreading across their face. "You don't know, do you? Poor little princess. So eager to find answers, yet so blind to the truth."
Kazuki stepped in front of Hana, his spear raised. "You won't lay a hand on her," he growled.
The figure's smile faded. "Foolish loyalty. It will be your downfall." They raised a hand, and the attackers surged forward again, more ferocious than before.
The princes rallied, their exhaustion evident but their resolve unshaken. Hana, clutching the scroll, felt the weight of the prophecy press down on her. She knew they couldn't hold out forever.
Then, a low rumble shook the ground, the sound cutting through the battle. Everyone froze as the scarlet moon's glow intensified, bathing the forest in an eerie crimson light. The figure's smug expression faltered.
"It begins," they muttered, their tone shifting to one of unease.
The rumble grew louder, the earth beneath them trembling as if something ancient had been awakened. Hana looked to the sky, her breath catching as the moon seemed to pulse with life.
"What's happening?" Ryuu shouted, his voice laced with panic.
Hana's voice was barely a whisper. "The prophecy… It's starting."
Before anyone could react, the ground beneath them cracked, and a blinding light erupted from the earth.
The battle was forgotten as both sides shielded their eyes, the power of the scarlet moon unleashed in full force.
As the blinding light receded, a heavy silence fell over the battlefield. The forest seemed frozen in time, bathed in the scarlet moon's haunting glow. Both allies and enemies stood motionless, their eyes fixed on the source of the light—a glowing fissure in the ground, pulsating with an otherworldly energy.
"What… is that?" Haru asked, his voice trembling.
Hana took a step closer, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe. The light felt alive, its presence pulling at something deep within her. "It's… connected to the prophecy," she murmured.
Satoru was the first to recover, gripping his sword tightly. "Everyone, stay on guard. This could be a trap."
The imposing figure, their confidence shaken, stumbled back a few steps. "No… This wasn't supposed to happen yet," they muttered, their voice tinged with panic.
"What do you mean?" Daichi demanded, pointing his blade at them. "What is this?"
The figure scowled, regaining some composure. "It's the scarlet moon's awakening. But it's too soon… Someone must have triggered it." Their eyes darted to Hana, suspicion and anger flaring.
Kazuki immediately moved to shield her. "Don't even think about it."
Before the figure could respond, the fissure erupted again, this time sending a shockwave through the forest. The ground beneath them cracked and splintered, forcing everyone to stagger or fall. From the fissure, a shape began to rise—a towering obelisk of glowing red stone, ancient markings etched into its surface.
"It's a seal," Isamu said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"A seal for what?" Ryuu asked, his grip on his weapon tightening.
Before anyone could answer, a deep, resonant voice echoed from the obelisk, shaking the very air around them.
*"The balance has been broken. The heir must rise, or both kingdoms shall fall."*
The voice sent chills through everyone present. Hana felt her legs weaken, but she steadied herself, clutching the scroll tightly. "The heir… Who is it? Tell us!" she shouted at the obelisk.
The light from the obelisk dimmed slightly, and the voice spoke again, cryptic and unwavering.
*"The heir's blood is the key. Seek the truth hidden in the scarlet moon's shadow. Only then will the path be revealed."*
The figure who had been commanding the cloaked attackers snarled in frustration. "Enough riddles!" They stepped toward the obelisk, as if intending to force answers from it.
But the moment they touched the stone, the obelisk flared with a fiery red light, sending them flying backward. They landed hard, coughing as they glared at the ancient structure.
Hana took a hesitant step forward, her heart racing. The obelisk's light seemed to respond to her, pulsing softly. "It's… connected to me," she said, her voice trembling.
"No," the figure hissed, staggering to their feet. "It cannot be you."
Kazuki grabbed Hana's arm. "Princess, we need to leave. Now."
Satoru nodded, his eyes narrowing at the cloaked figure. "They've lost their advantage. Let's regroup while we can."
The princes and Kazuki formed a protective circle around Hana as they began to retreat. The cloaked attackers, still dazed from the obelisk's power, made no move to pursue them.
But the figure's voice rang out behind them, sharp and venomous. "You can't run forever! The scarlet moon's fate will find you, no matter where you hide!"
Hana glanced back, her determination solidifying. She didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was clear: the truth of the scarlet moon—and her role in it—was closer than ever. And she would face it, no matter the cost.
Meanwhile, in the Halls of Kagayaku's Palace
King Daiki stood before the grand council chamber, his brows furrowed in deep contemplation. Beside him, Queen Emiko sat poised, her fingers tightly clasped as if trying to anchor her composure.
The air was thick with tension as the guards filed out, leaving the rulers of Kagayaku alone in the room.
"They're moving," Daiki said, his voice low and heavy. "The obelisk has been triggered."
Emiko eyes widened in alarm. "It's begun? But how? No one was supposed to discover it—not yet."
"The girl," Daiki muttered, pacing the room. "Hana. She must have come into contact with it. The scarlet moon's energy resonates through her bloodline."
Emiko rose to her feet, her expression hardening. "She's still a child, Daiki. She's not ready for what's coming. You should have told her."
Daiki turned to her sharply. "And what would that have accomplished? Throwing her into this chaos unprepared? She would have resisted, and it would have put the entire kingdom at greater risk. No, she must find the truth on her own. Only then can she understand the weight of her role."
Emiko shook her head, frustration evident. "We've kept her in the dark for too long. If the obelisk has awakened, it won't be long before Arashihara senses it as well. Daiken will act."
In the Throne Room of Arashihara
Meanwhile, King Daiken sat on his throne, his gaze fixed on the shimmering map laid out before him.
"It's confirmed," Daiken said, his voice cold and calculated. "The scarlet moon's energy has resurfaced. And it's tied to her."
"The princess?" The royal adviser asked, his tone clipped.
Daiken nodded. "Yes. Kagayaku's heir. She's the one who carries the balance in her blood."
The adviser's lips pressed into a thin line. "And what of the princes? Your sons have ventured too close to the truth. If they uncover it before we do, it could jeopardize everything."
"They're ambitious, but reckless," Daiken replied. "We must let them believe they're in control for now. They'll lead us to the answers we seek."
The adviser hesitated for a moment before speaking. "And if they fail?"
Daiken's eyes darkened. "Then we'll have no choice but to intervene directly. The scarlet moon cannot fall into Kagayaku's hands entirely. If it does, neither kingdom will survive the coming storm."
The Silent Pact
In both kingdoms, the rulers shared a common fear: the truths buried by the scarlet moon would not only unearth ancient rivalries but also demand sacrifices neither side was ready to make.
Yet, in the quiet spaces of their thoughts, both emperors and queens harbored doubts—about their secrets, their decisions, and the growing possibility that their heirs might carve their own destinies, outside their control.
For the scarlet moon demanded balance, and balance would always come at a cost.
Meanwhile in Kagayaku Kingdom
King Daiki paced the grand hall, his face grim. His voice carried authority as he addressed the council members and the guards stationed nearby.
"We must find the princess," he declared, his tone edged with urgency. "She's reckless enough to defy my orders, and I'm certain she's snuck out in search of answers."
Queen Emiko, seated on her throne, clasped her hands tightly in her lap. "She's putting herself in grave danger, Daiki. You know she has no idea what she's walking into."
Daiki's jaw tightened. "Which is why we cannot waste any time. If she learns too much, or worse, falls into the wrong hands, the balance will be shattered."
He turned sharply to one of the guards standing at attention near the chamber doors. "Gather the royal guard and prepare the horses. I'll lead the search party myself."
The guard saluted without hesitation and hurried out to relay the emperor's command.
Emiko rose to her feet, stepping toward Daiki. "You're leaving yourself vulnerable, Daiki. If Arashihara senses this, they might use it to their advantage. You can't expose yourself like this."
"I don't have a choice, Emiko," Daiki replied, his voice heavy. "She's not just my daughter—she's the key to everything. If anything happens to her, it's not just Kagayaku that falls. It's both kingdoms."
Emiko placed a hand on his arm, her eyes softening for a moment. "Then promise me you'll bring her back. Safely."
Daiki nodded. "I will. But if the princes of Arashihara are involved, this might be more complicated than we thought."
Moments Later
Outside the palace, the royal guard assembled swiftly, their armor gleaming under the light of the rising scarlet moon. Emperor Daiki mounted his horse, his expression resolute.
"Spread out and cover every path leading out of the capital," he commanded. "The princess cannot have gone far. Search every village, every forest trail. And if you find her…" He paused, his gaze steely. "Protect her at all costs."
As the party rode off into the night, Kaede watched from the palace balcony, her heart heavy with worry. Somewhere in the distance, her daughter was stepping into a storm far greater than she could imagine.
And with every passing moment, the scarlet moon loomed brighter, its silent power weaving the fates of Kagayaku and Arashihara closer together.
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