Within the Shadow of a Hero(Language, Blood, Violence)

Chapter 1

**86 Years Later**

A young adult female Kitsune laid in her bed, her mother promised her that tomorrow that they would be heading to Verbana and would be there in a couple of days. She looked outside of her window, it was night and she couldn't sleep, she was worried about everything, she wanted to know this Yoshiro who happened to look so much like her. She closed her eyes and sighed, remembering when she was in her teens about how she lost her step father and worried about losing her mother and her new stepfather, the man who had raised her ever since, an aging Menschilche scientist by the name of Cornelis.

Her eyes opened and, she couldn't stand it anymore... she walked over to her computer and started up the call program. She tried to insert Yoshiro's number from what she remembered, and it started connecting to Verbana. However an elvish creature with red hair and green eyes, and kitsune ears appeared on the screen, "Hello, this is Harumi, who may I ask am I speaking to?" Yoshiko became nervous, "Y-Yoshiko." Harumi nodded, "And who are you trying to reach?" Yoshiko gulped, "I'm trying to. I'm trying to reach Yoshiro." Harumi turned her head and raised her voice, "Dad! A kitsune named Yoshiko is trying to reach you!" A voice from off screen spoke up, "Why is she trying to reach me?" Harumi shrugged, "I don't know."

Yoshiko sighed slightly, expecting that she wouldn't get to see Yoshiro, but suddenly a Kitsune wearing a silver crown with a sapphire inset on the front and a cape walked onto the screen, "Oh, I remember you, Cornelis' adoptive girl, right?" Yoshiko nodded nervously, and opened her mouth to speak, but no words would come out. Yoshiro smiled, "I was just like that once, Yoshiko, don't worry. Your mother's a friend of mine, how is she doing?" Yoshiko looked down and Yoshiro frowned, "I'm sorry, Yoshiko. I'd be there to support you, but I'm currently in a different star system." Yoshiko shook her head, "She's alright, but she's really homesick and she wants to move us onto Verbana." Yoshiro sighed, "Cornelis is a Sagittarius Menschilche..."

Yoshiko frowned and placed her hand on her chest, "But he, he isn't anymore, he's a Serpentarius citizen." Yoshiro nodded, "Well that changes things." Yoshiko frowned thinking that Yoshiro is being sarcastic and she spoke softly thinking he wouldn't be able to hear her, "You're a jerk." Yoshiro arched a brow, "That's honestly a new one on me, but I'm serious. If he's a Serpentarius citizen, he's allowed to stay on Verbana if he wishes." Yoshiko nodded, "Yoshiro, your face, it looks so very much like mine." Yoshiro shrugged, "Kitsune can shapeshift, for all you know this isn't my real face." Yoshiko frowned, "Is it?" Yoshiro smiled, "Well if you're going to come here, I guess you'll have to see for yourself. Look, I got to head out, I have to meet the Mofeta king in about an hour."

Yoshiko nodded as she cut off the call and her mother walked in, "Yoshiko sweetheart... what are you doing up at this late hour?" Yoshiko turned to see her, "Hi Mom, I just wanted to see Yoshiro and get to know him for myself. What was he like when you first met him?" Her mother smiled, "Well I knew him long before you were born, Yoshiko." Yoshiko frowned, "Mama, please tell me." Her mother nodded, "Alright, back when I first knew him, he was young. He was very gentle and very shy. Much like yourself, however, he was also very courageous and had a strong sense of justice. Though he refused to fight, he would allow himself to get hurt to stop someone from hurting someone else."

Yoshiko looked down, "And we saw him at Stepdad's funeral?" Her mother looked out the window, "He had changed, not only had he grown, but he was armored with a weapon on his belt and a shield on his back. I introduced you to him, or at least tried to, but you didn't want to come out. You were scared of him, he was there because he wanted to pay respects to a friend that was killed a few hundred years ago. When he found out what had happened to your stepfather, he told me that he would help bring him to justice. But even though he had grown and he had changed since I last saw him, I knew that deep down inside, he was still that kid that I knew hundreds of years before."

Yoshiko nodded, "Why did you join the Menschilche?" Her mother sighed, "Because I liked science. I liked working with machines and trying to help people, it was the only way to do it." Yoshiko nodded, "Mom, why does Yoshiro look so much like me." Her mother sighed, "You're an adult and it's time you find out the truth. Honey, I'm going to love you no matter what, I did give birth do you. But you're a clone." Yoshiko frowned and then chuckled, "Nice one, Mama." Her mother frowned, "I'm not joking, Yoshiko. You are a female clone of Yoshiro, I was used as the surrogate." Yoshiko frowned, "I'm not... real?" Her mother frowned, "Yoshiko, please never think that, honey, you are real. You are my daughter and I will love you forever." Yoshiko started to cry as her mother held her, "Yoshiko, I promise, first thing tomorrow, we will go to Verbana. Yoshiro will tell you the same thing I have here, I promise." Yoshiko nodded, and closed her eyes, crying herself to sleep in her mother's arms.

Chapter 3

As the group entered Maan Valssi, Yoshiro smiled, they had been walking for the past four hours and he knew where he wanted to go to. Yoshiko however started complaining, "Can we rest and get something to eat, it feels like I've been walking for fifty kilometers." Lilah sighed, "Are you going to complain the entire way?" Sumiko shot Lilah a glare and Yoshiro shook his head, "Lilah, she's not used to this. Yoshiko, it's just half a kilometer more to the Kani castle, but first... I need to buy a few things." Yoshiro stopped at an office supply store and walked in alone, when he walked out, he walked over to the wall and started writing something down in a notebook. When he was done, he walked over to Rogelio, "Hand this over to Sinikka."

Rogelio took the notebook and saluted, "Yes, Milord." Yoshiro looked at Lilah, "You go with him." Lilah nodded, though she didn't look happy to go. As Rogelio and Lilah walked off, Sumiko sighed, "Can we please get something to eat, Yoshiro. On top of this we haven't rested since we started." Yoshiro shrugged, "Sure, you can sit here and rest right now, but if you tough it out, you'll get to meet one of my closest friends, who happens to be the King of the Kani." Sumiko nodded, "Come on Yoshiko, it's not that much farther." Yoshiko nodded and the three of them walked down the main street towards the castle. After about fifteen minutes of walking, they arrived at the front gate.

Suddenly a voice spoke up, "Who are you?" Yoshiro looked up and took off his helmet, "I am Yoshiro Miyamae!" A rabbit anthro guard showed his head over the wall, "What is your business here, 'Yoshiro'?" Yoshiro was angered by this Kani's arrogance and he spoke back in Draconic, "Mi si ti shalada ekess ocuir sia juanth thurirl?" The guard blinked, "You speak gibberish." Suddenly a voice Yoshiro recognized spoke up, "That's Draconic, you blithering dumbass!" Yoshiro sighed and muttered, "Oh wonderful, it's him." Suddenly a Kani with an eye scar and short brown hair looked over the wall, "So you wish to see the king, huh, Yoshiro? Fine, I'll open the damn gate for you!"

As the gate opened, Sumiko looked at Yoshiro, "Exactly what did you say to him?" As they walked in, Yoshiro replied, "I asked, 'Am I not allowed to see my old friend?' As for who that is, that's Hannu, he's probably still sore about me kicking him out of the Dracoknights." Yoshiko blinked, "Wh-what did he do?" Yoshiro sighed as he stopped in front of the stairs leading to the throne room doors, "He killed three fellow trainees. It's also one of the reasons he's not a Paladin, unlike our mutual friend, Kauko." Yoshiko frowned, "Doesn't that mean that you and he are..." Yoshiro interrupted her, "Hannu and I are not friends, he and I have never once seen eye to eye. It's a story that I'll have to tell you after we see the king, alright?" Yoshiko nodded, as Yoshiro stopped a servant, "Excuse me, is Kauko here?" The servant nodded, "Yes, Yoshiro."

Yoshiro smiled and motioned with his injured arm for the other two to follow him as he walked up the stairs and opened the door to the throne room. A Kani wearing the distinctive armor of a Paladin stood up from the throne, "Who enters my throne room unannounced!?" Yoshiro walked into the room and dropped his helmet onto the ground to free up his good arm. He pointed at the Kani king, "Kauko, you know full well who I am." Kauko sighed, "Sorry, Yoshiro. A couple of Leo faction Menschilche were here earlier asking about the Kitsune clone. When I told them that I had no idea what they were talking about, they threatened Seija. Neither of the Menschilche are still alive." Yoshiro nodded, "Kauko, I bring two Serpentarius citizens with me."

Yoshiro motioned for the two others to walk in. Sumiko walked in and immediately knelt before Kauko, and Yoshiko hesitantly walked in and knelt alongside her mother. Kauko took his helmet off and sighed, "Both of you may rise. So, Yoshiro, is the younger one the clone?" Yoshiko gasped and Yoshiro nodded, "Yes, she's my clone." Kauko crossed his arms, "You know that cloning a full being is illegal, correct?" Yoshiro nodded as Yoshiko frowned, "I... I'm illegal?" Kauko looked at Yoshiko, "No, you're not. But what Yoshiro has done is an intergalactic crime." Sumiko was the first to stand up, and she defended Yoshiro, "Yoshiro may have killed someone, but he's not the person who wanted a clone of himself! He didn't even know about Yoshiko's existence until she was ten!" Kauko placed his left hand on his chin, "Come closer and say that please."

As Sumiko walked over to Kauko, Yoshiko stood up and held out her hand, "Mama, please!" Yoshiro placed his injured arm in front of her, "Yoshiko, don't do anything rash." Sumiko stopped in front of Kauko, "Like I said, Yoshiro didn't know about Yoshiko's existence until she was ten, your highness. He didn't desire a clone of himself, I would know, I gave birth to her. I remember asking for a daughter, I didn't know at the time I was going to give birth to a clone, but I wouldn't take it back, not for all of the wealth or power in the world. I love Yoshiko, and that's never going to change." Kauko nodded, "Your eyes did not waver, nor did your voice or conviction. Yoshiro, she is telling the truth." Yoshiko breathed a sigh of relief as Sumiko stood tall in front of the Kani King.

Yoshiro nodded, "Of course she is. Kauko, my old friend, I have but three requests of you." Kauko nodded, "Of course my old friend. What do you need?" Yoshiro smiled, "One, I wish for these two to eat from the royal kitchen." Kauko nodded, "Of course." He motioned for a servant to come to him and a female Kani walked over to him and bowed, "Yes, sire?" Kauko smiled, "Take these two Kitsune down to the kitchen and let them eat." The Kani nodded, "Excuse me, but can the two of you follow me?" Yoshiko and Sumiko both nodded and followed the Kani servant out of the room, Sumiko closing the door behind her, leaving Yoshiro and Kauko alone. Yoshiro continued on, "Two, I wish for a place to stay for the night." Kauko nodded, "I have a couple of apartment rooms that can be furnished for the night just sitting around in the city."

Yoshiro nodded, "I'll take them." Kauko sighed, "I guess the third request has to do with the fact that neither Rogelio nor Lilah are guarding you currently?" Yoshiro shook his head, "Not at all, they've been sent to the Paladin Temple so that a message could be sent to my grandmother, who is currently in the Kitsune capitol." Kauko blinked, "Let me get this straight... you sent an assassin to the Paladin Temple." Yoshiro nodded, "Lilah will not kill or cripple anyone permanently unless I give the okay or my life is in danger. I neither gave her the go ahead, nor is my life in danger." Kauko sighed, "Okay, what's the third request?" Yoshiro sighed, "I wish for a small detachment of Kani Paladins to guard us until we get to the Kitsune capitol."

Kauko sat back in his throne, "I will grant that request, under one condition." Yoshiro had a feeling this was going to happen, "What's that?" Kauko chuckled, "Well two actually. One, you get an actual cast for that wrist. Two, you speak to Seija, she's currently in the medical hall." Yoshiro nodded, "Alright." Kauko pointed in the direction of the Medical hall and Yoshiro walked down the hallway, until he reached the castle infirmary. A female Kani with long red hair was sitting in a chair, she looked a bit worried, "I hope Kauko's going to be alright." Yoshiro placed his good hand on her shoulder, "Seija, it's been a while." Seija nodded, "That it has. Oh! Your wrist, what happened!?"

Yoshiro shrugged, "Instinctively blocked a war hammer, unfortunately I tried it without a shield strapped to my arm so that one didn't end well for me." Seija nodded and walked Yoshiro over to a 3D printer and took the makeshift cast off his arm and started to ensure that the bones were set in place, before running the arm through a scanner. Once the scans of the arm were complete, Seija walked over to a computer and started a 3d printer, which started printing out a new cast for his wrist. Once it was finished, she placed it on Yoshiro's arm, taking care not to move the bones and she smiled, "There you go, Yoshiro. Try not to get your wrist broken again." Yoshiro nodded, "Thanks Seija." He hugged her, "Kauko's going to be fine by the way." Seija smiled and quickly hugged back, before breaking it, "Go Yoshiro. I know you're a busy man." Yoshiro nodded in understand and left the infirmary to go meet up with Yoshiko and Sumiko.

Chapter 5

**That Evening**

Yoshiro stood in the living room of one of the apartments that they were given for the night. He was looking out of the window, "I see that you're all gathered here. Rogelio has brought it up to my attention that one of the worst criminals and greatest threats that Verbana has faced is currently on the planet." Yoshiko frowned as Yoshiro's voice was very cold, but she kept silent. Yoshiro closed his eyes, "Yoshiko, know that by being my clone, you have earned his disgust, but he will not try to kill you." Yoshiko nodded, and Yoshiro continued, "I owe this to all of you, including you, Rogelio." Yoshiro sighed and turned towards them, opening his eyes, "Rogelio, you are the only one here who remembers the Kitsune Civil war, correct?"

Rogelio nodded, "You and I are veterans of that war, milord." Yoshiro nodded, "I know. What no one here knows, and for good reason. Mamoru is part of my family. This... unfortunately leads to a strange situation where my only surviving half-brother, Takeshi is also my cousin. Mamoru is my father's first cousin, which is why Father doesn't want to go after him." Rogelio looked at Yoshiro, a little shocked, while everyone else looked a bit confused. Despite this, Yoshiro continued speaking, "Mamoru was lauded as a hero of the Liberation war, however, because of Menschilche DNA engineering, his youngest son was a Psionic and later went insane. This was when the Kitsune Civil war was kicked off. People were killed for defying him, so fearing for my life, I escaped."

Yoshiro pointed at Rogelio, "The Kitsune Resistance movement, led by Former Queen Chiasa, found refuge and allies within the Mofeta Territory. This is where I first met Rogelio and where I saved his life. Rogelio here owes me what is known as a Mofetian life debt. This means that he is honor bound to serve me as my knight until either he or I die. It is also where I first met Julius and got close to him. I didn't find out until later that my boss, the Late King Hideo, was killed by Mamoru. Needless to say, the young Masaru was very angry about this and during the last battle of the war, he personally led the Resistance into battle. Unfortunately, my little brother was captured by Hiroshi quite early in the battle. Hiroshi was hoping for Takeshi to walk into the room, but got me instead."

Yoshiro sighed and closed his eyes, while turning his back to them and folding his arms, "A young gentle Kitsune who had never killed before in his life, who had joined the guard to help protect people while only subduing criminals rather than killing them. A Kitsune that hated killing more than anything in the world. That's what I was back then, but I was given a cruel choice. Hiroshi was using Tatsuya as a meat shield, so there was no possible way I could've paralyzed him with Wyvern Venom. So I was left with the choice, let Hiroshi slit my little brother's throat, watch him die and know that I did nothing to save him. Or kill Hiroshi, knowing forever that I have bloodied my hands and I could never go back to the way I was."

Yoshiro relaxed and looked up at the ceiling, "I put an arrow into my half-brother's eye. I killed him, to save my little brother. I was scared and I was angry, so I ran. It was only later that I found out that Mamoru had escaped. Mamoru is considered the most dangerous man this planet has ever known. Ruthless, yet charismatic, he's capable of invading a kingdom, killing its king and taking over without any issue. Then, I found out the names of the people he wanted to kill and why. First and foremost is Masaru, for taking the throne that he viewed as rightfully his. Second of all is Takeshi, his own son for being a General in the Resistance movement and betraying him. Finally, the last one on that list is my name, because I took the son he wanted to find a cure for out of this world and away from him."

Yoshiko frowned, "I... didn't know." Yoshiro smiled, "Something very few people know about the reason I chose the location of the Kilvish kingdom to be in the middle of Dragon territory. I didn't do so because of my love of Dragons and Wyverns, I did so because it was naturally well defensive. Any enemy trying to go over the mountains would run the risk of running into a dragon's nest, which wouldn't end well. And the one safe path that leads into the kingdom has several natural choke points. Meaning that while you have your army go through single file, mine is sitting on the other side and above you, raining death upon it. The entire reason for this decision is that honestly, Mamoru is the one person in existence who scares the shit out of me."

Sumiko frowned, "What do we do if we encounter him." Yoshiro sighed, "You and Yoshiko will flee, the escort that will be traveling with us tomorrow as well as Lilah will protect you. If too many people fight Mamoru, we will become more of a danger to each other, rather than to him. My objective is to deliver Yoshiko safely to the Kitsune kingdom, after that and we get this minor invasion mopped up, she'll be free to wander around the world. Speaking of which, your friends in the shuttle are more than likely in Kitsune territory." Yoshiko nodded, "I hope that they're alright." Yoshiro smiled, "They are." Sumiko frowned, "Yoshiro, what do you plan on doing against Mamoru with your arm broken like that. He's a class five threat."

Yoshiro looked at his broken arm and smiled wide enough to show his teeth, his canines showing off, "Rogelio and I are going to kill him. Now, we have quite a bit of ground to cover, so Ladies, can you please go to your apartment?" Sumiko and Yoshiko nodded, leaving the apartment, but Lilah stayed, "Yoshiro, promise me that you'll come back alive." Yoshiro nodded, "I promise." Lilah smiled and hugged him, surprising him a bit, before she left to go to her apartment. When they were alone, Rogelio looked at Yoshiro, "Lord Yoshiro, do you have a plan?" Yoshiro shook his head, "Sadly, I wish I did. The only way into Kitsune territory from Kani territory is to either go through Drider territory, which would end in Mamoru's swift demise. Or go over a bridge spanning a lake which is neutral territory."

Rogelio nodded, "Lord Yoshiro, why did you choose me to stay rather than Lilah. She's an assassin, she would be much more suited to the task of helping you slay Mamoru." Yoshiro sat down on the couch, "You want the truth, Rogelio?" Rogelio nodded, "Yes, Milord." Yoshiro sighed, "Lilah is an employee of mine, I hired her as a bodyguard and if necessary a spy. She can be told to defend other things or people, so long as I am paying her. You are sworn to protect me until either one of us dies. While I honestly would like to have Lilah, as Mamoru doesn't particularly know about her." Yoshiro smiled, "Honestly, my old friend. You and I have been through thick and thin and I know that even if I ordered you to flee, you wouldn't abandon me." Rogelio nodded, "I'm going to get some sleep." Yoshiro smiled as Rogelio went to his room and left him with his thoughts.

Chapter 7

**The Next Morning**

Yoshiro awoke at first light, he noticed that there was a familiar scent in the apartment, and he wasn't too happy about it. He stood up and threw his shirt on before grabbing his sword and pulling it free from the scabbard. He walked over to his door and pushed it open, to spot the cloaked figure on the couch. The cloak smelled of Mamoru, but also of Takeshi. Yoshiro quietly walked over to the figure and held his sword with the point at the figure's throat, "Show your face, or die." The figure opened one eye and looked at him, "So this is how you greet your older half-brother? You've changed." Yoshiro blinked, "Takeshi!? What are you doing here and in your father's clothing!?"

Takeshi sighed as he sat up, "I'm here to kill my father." Yoshiro sighed and lowered his sword, "I can't allow you to kill him, Takeshi." Takeshi looked at him, "And pray tell, how will you stop me?" Yoshiro sighed, "Well for starters, I'm the only one here that's actually armed, so if you try anything, a flick of my wrist can kill you." Takeshi arched a brow, "How do you know that I'm not armed?" Yoshiro sighed, "Takeshi, you have knives on you, but you don't have them out. Speaking of which, if you reach for them, I will kill you, understood?" Takeshi sighed, "Alright. What are your other reasons why you won't let me kill my father?" Yoshiro growled, "Because he's your father. Even though you turned against him, he never wanted to kill you!"

Takeshi growled, "He was the one who killed Hiroshi!" Yoshiro's grip on the hilt of the sword tightened, "No, he didn't!" Takeshi looked at him, "How would you know, you fled from there..." Yoshiro frowned, "Takeshi, I killed Hiroshi." Takeshi sighed, unable to believe what he had just heard, "That's impossible." Yoshiro sighed, "Disarm yourself." Takeshi looked at him and took his knives off his belt and Yoshiro motioned with his broken arm for him to toss them away. Yoshiro spoke up, "Rogelio! Can you come get these knives and my sword?" Rogelio walked out of his room and looked at Takeshi, "Hello, Sir Takeshi." Takeshi nodded, as Rogelio retrieved the knives and Yoshiro's sword.

Yoshiro sighed and closed his eyes and Rogelio left the room, "Takeshi, how did Hiroshi die?" Takeshi looked at him, "He was killed by an arrow going through his right eye, why do you ask?" Yoshiro opened his eyes, "Takeshi, what was my primary weapon back then?" Takeshi didn't hesitate, "Silver Oak longbow, with a string made from Neushoorn hide. Your arrows had swallowtail arrowheads, covered in wyvern venom. The same..." Takeshi looked at Yoshiro angrily, "You killed my brother!?" Yoshiro nodded his tone becoming sullen, "Takeshi, I've lived with that guilt for 320 years now, I've hidden this from you and my mother. I would apologize, but I'm afraid that too much damage has been done already."

Takeshi punched Yoshiro in the jaw, "You fucking bastard! You were the one who killed my brother and you weren't man enough to admit to it to your own family!?" Yoshiro turned his head back towards Takeshi, "I deserved that, and much worse. But right now, I have to at least try to set things right. If Mamoru gets to the Kitsune kingdom, he will be executed on the spot. Your brother might have gone insane and ended up dead at my hands, but I swear your father won't." Takeshi sighed, "And tell me, how do you plan on fighting him, you lack any armor and your right arm is broken." Yoshiro sighed, "Takeshi, I can still use a shield with a broken wrist, it risks further damaging the wrist, but I'd take having to set the bones all over again and slower healing than dying any day."

Yoshiro then motioned for Takeshi to get up as he walked towards his bedroom. Takeshi soon joining him, Yoshiro pointed over to his armor and Takeshi sighed, "You have basic plate mail with a stylized helmet. Looks good, but you do realize that my father uses piercing weapons and will try to get in through the cracks in your armor, right?" Yoshiro shook his head and took the helmet off, and then pointed in the armor. Takeshi walked over and looked to see chain mail, but the color of it was off, "You painted your chain mail. You realize that's not going to help, don't you?" Yoshiro smirked, "It's ilma metalli." Takeshi blinked, "There's no way, there's only a handful of people that can forge it." Yoshiro nodded, "Help me get into my armor."

Takeshi started to put the armor onto Yoshiro, "How long did the chain take?" Yoshiro thought a bit, "About two, three months." Takeshi frowned, "I hope you're not messing with me, ilma metalli should be able to protect you against a guy on foot. But if my father knows you killed my brother, then I might have to return a corpse to your wife." Yoshiro blinked as Takeshi put his helmet on him and Rogelio walked in, armored and carrying his sword still, handing it to him, "What do you mean." As Yoshiro put his sword in his scabbard, which was then attached to his armor's belt as Takeshi placed the shield on his right wrist, Takeshi chuckled, "I'm coming with you. I'm eager to see how many of these years you've actually spent training."

Yoshiro nodded and the three of them left the apartment to see the ladies up and ready to go, "I'm pleasantly surprised. Well we got a long trek ahead of us. With any luck, we'll get to the Kitsune territory just before nightfall." Yoshiko nodded, "Alright, Yoshiro, do you know this strange person? He was talking to Siskia." Yoshiro sighed and rolled his eyes, "Takeshi, you're not the type to talk to assassins." Takeshi shook his head, "I wanted my brother's killer to be stopped, should've figured it was you when she refused to take a contract on you." Yoshiro nodded and smiled as they started and Takeshi frowned, "Why are you smiling?" Yoshiro looked up to the sky, "She won't do so, because I ensured that her grand children won't become bloodthirsty psychopaths like their father was." Takeshi shook his head as they walked down the streets, towards the gate to exit the city and head towards their destination.

Chapter 9

**That Evening**

Yoshiro found himself in front of the open gate to the Kitsune castle, he had not been here in decades. He sighed slightly, as he walked forward into the courtyard and removed his armor, Yoshiko close beside him, "Should I be in royal attire, Yoshiro?" Yoshiro shook his head and handed the armor to Lilah, "No. Rogelio, you and Lilah take Mamoru and my armor elsewhere. I don't want Masaru trying to have him executed any time soon." Rogelio nodded, "Yes, Milord." Takeshi spoke up, "I'll go with them, I have some catching up to do with my father." Yoshiro nodded, "Sumiko, Yoshiko, you're both on me." As Yoshiro entered the courtyard, a kitsune wearing a gold colored gown walked over towards him. Yoshiro noticed the gentle look in her eyes, "I got your note, are you okay?" Yoshiro frowned and took off his shield, "My arm's broken, Grandmother. Aside from that, I'm fine."

The Kitsune nodded and looked at Yoshiko, "I assume this is the clone spoken of in your note." Yoshiko frowned, "I don't like being called his clone, ma'am." The Kitsune hugged her, "I'm sorry dear, I'm Amaterasu, I already know about you, Yoshiko." Sumiko gasped slightly, "Your grandmother is the Deity of the Sun and Fertility!?" Yoshiro nodded, "Despite my ice magic, I'm a sun blood." Yoshiko tilted her head, "Would that make me a sun blood too?" Yoshiro smiled, "Of course." Amaterasu smiled, "I'm sure you would love to get to know the rest of your biological family." Sumiko frowned and Amaterasu smiled softly at her, "I know that you feel bad about that, but Sumiko?" Sumiko nodded, "Yes, Lady Amaterasu?" Amaterasu smiled, "Please, no need to be so formal. How would you like to be my daughter?"

Sumiko gasped, "What!? I can't. I'm not worth enough to be your daughter!" Yoshiro frowned, "Sumiko, please don't act like that. I wouldn't mind if you were my aunt and Grandmother is offering for free." Sumiko looked down, "But I lived amongst our slavers for the past few hundred years." Amaterasu nodded, "My grandson put in a good word for you. He has a good heart in his chest and a good head on his shoulders. He doesn't show it, but he feels close to you and Yoshiko here." Yoshiro chuckled slightly, "Come on, let's go see the rest of the family." Yoshiro placed his hand up to his mouth, and let out an imitation of a Lupine howl. A lupine with brown hair walked over to them, "Damn, it's been a right long time since I last saw ya, Yoshiro. How've you been? Who are these two people?"

Yoshiro smiled, "I've seen better days, Killian. And these are my clone, Yoshiko. And her mother, Sumiko." Killian nodded, "It's nice to meet the two of ya. I'm Killian Jaeger, adoptive brother of Yoshiro. I see you two have met Grandmother. Hold on." Killian turned his head, and cupped his hands to his mouth, "Hey, Tatsuya, day's over! Come see who's here!" Tatsuya walked out of the smithy and walked over to Yoshiro who smiled. Yoshiro hadn't seen him in person since he fled that day, "You've grown, little brother." Tatsuya nodded, "You've become far more confident, big brother. What's it like being a king?" Yoshiro shrugged, "Yoshiko, Sumiko, meet my little brother. If we go into the castle, we'll meet the rest of the family."

Yoshiro led Yoshiko and Sumiko into the castle, where he led them straight to the throne room where Masaru sat on the throne, his wife sat next to him. Yoshiro watched as Masaru got out of the throne, "You haven't been here in decades, Yoshiro. Do you not have time for your family anymore?" Yoshiro walked forward with the other two kitsune in tow, "I'm really only here because of Yoshiko and Sumiko here. I'm sorry, I was scheduled to visit here in a couple of months, but as of late, I've been swamped with diplomatic meetings and issues with my kingdom." Masaru nodded as the Queen stood up and walked over to Yoshiro, "Your arm is broken big brother..." Yoshiro hugged her, "Reiko, my sweet little sister. You don't have to worry about that. I'd break my arm again and again if it meant that I was saving an innocent."

Reiko smiled and hugged back, "So, is the lady that looks a lot like you, Yoshiko?" Yoshiro nodded and broke the hug, "That she is." Reiko walked over to Yoshiko and bowed slightly, "Hello, ma'am. I'm Reiko, the Queen of the Kitsune. If there is anything you wish to ask me, please feel free to do so." Yoshiko looked upon Reiko and then at Yoshiro, "Is she always this gentle?" Yoshiro smiled, "Reiko was born with a pure heart, despite all of the adversity in her life, she's managed to keep it, for better or for worse." Yoshiko nodded, "Um, your highness?" Reiko frowned, "You don't have to call me that if you don't want to, you could just call me Reiko if you like." Yoshiko smiled softly, "Reiko, I have one simple request." Reiko smiled sweetly, "Yes?" Yoshiko looked at Yoshiro, "Please don't refer to me as his clone or copy."

Reiko frowned at the fact that Yoshiko thought she would even consider it, "I would never do that, Yoshiko. It's very disrespectful and hurtful." Sumiko nodded, "Yoshiro, I would like to go talk to your grandmother. I've considered her offer and I'll take it." Yoshiro nodded and Reiko looked at Yoshiro, "What did Nana ask her, Yoshiro?" Yoshiro smiled, "Yoshiko is going to be family very soon, and Sumiko will be our aunt." Yoshiko smiled, "So, I'll be your cousin?" Yoshiro nodded as a male voice spoke up, "You'll be my niece." A male Arctic Kitsune walked over to them as a female Forest Kitsune followed him, Yoshiro hugging the female forest Kitsune tightly, "Hi, mommy." The female smiled, and stroked his hair, "Yoshiko, I'll be your Aunt Minako and my husband will be your Uncle Akira."

Yoshiko felt a little intimidated, she never thought of having a family like this, it was all so much for her. Yoshiko suddenly started crying and both Akira and Reiko hugged her. Akira frowning, "Why are you crying, Yoshiko?" Yoshiko frowned, "I'm scared." Minako frowned, "Why, sweetheart?" Yoshiko broke from their hug and moved back, "I... never had a large family. This is all so much for me." Reiko nodded, "Take all the time you need, we won't rush you, but we will always welcome you with open arms." Yoshiko nodded slightly and walked out of the throne room, where she met a kitsune that looked a lot like her, except with red hair and green eyes and very slight facial differences, "Excuse me. I need to get to the throne room for a second, I left my sketchbook there."

Yoshiko walked back out into the courtyard where a dragon now stood, she recognized the dragon as the one who saved her life yesterday, "J-Julius?" Julius looked at her and then back to Amaterasu, who looked at her, "Your mother agreed to be my daughter. Yoshiko, I know it can be intimidating, but we're all your family. Yes, even Julius here who is now your cousin. We love you and we're always going to be there for you, every step of the way." Yoshiko nodded, slightly intimidated at the Dragon's sheer size, the Dragon however spoke in Common, "Yoshiko, no need worry. I will not hurt Yoshiko." Amaterasu smiled, "Don't let his speech patterns when speaking in Common fool you, Julius is the most intelligent creature here and if he says he won't hurt you, he will not hurt you." Yoshiko nodded and walked over to a garden where she could be alone with her thoughts. She truly felt like she was just one girl in all the world.

Chapter 11

**The Next Morning**

Yoshiko stood in the courtyard of the kitsune castle, a Dragon and a Wyvern stood near her. Yoshiko watched as her mother climbed onto the dragon, along with Lilah, Yoshiro smiling, "Sorry, but Rogelio, you're going to have to carry Mamoru. Takeshi, you can't come with us. Yoshiko, you're going to ride with me, we're going back to my kingdom." Yoshiko frowned, "Yoshiro?" Yoshiro nodded, and helped her onto Julius, "Yeah?" Yoshiko watched as Yoshiro climbed onto Julius' back, "Can you help me and mom find Cornelis and the shuttle?" Yoshiro smirked as Rogelio put Mamoru on the Wyvern's back and he chuckled, "Cornelis and the shuttle is safe, they're in the Kilvish kingdom."

Before she could ask how he knows Julius took off into the sky and Yoshiro smiled as the Wyvern spoke, "Si dartak nomeno Inculta..." Yoshiro turned his head back, "Minerva, I know you hate that particular Kitsune. To be honest, I'm not thrilled about him either, but he needs to get a trial." Minerva grunted and continued following Julius, as Yoshiko asked the question that was on her mind, "How come you know where Cornelis is?" Yoshiro looked forward, "Simple, Julius told me. Julius can fly faster than wyverns, so he was able to catch up with the rest of the Dracoknights. And yes, I do understand Draconic, if I only speak a little. I speak elvish better than I do Draconic." Sumiko nodded, "The wind is a little much, could you slow down?"

Yoshiro laughed, "You get used to it." He took off his helmet and held it in his broken arm, letting the wind hit him in the face. Julius reached into a pouch and handed Yoshiko and Sumiko a pair of goggles. They both took them and put them on their head, Yoshiko noting that it was far better. Julius took Yoshiro's helmet and handed him a pair of goggles. Yoshiro put on the goggles and looked back at them, "There's nothing I love more than flying on the back of Julius. I feel free as a bird up here!" Rogelio chuckled, "It really is liberating, Milord. However, we must remain careful nonetheless." Yoshiro smirked, "Aren't you a regular stick in the mud? I thought I finally got you to see that stick up your ass and remove it." Rogelio blinked, "E-excuse me, Milord!?"

Yoshiro and Lilah both laughed, and Yoshiro turned to look at Rogelio, "I'm messing with you, Rogelio. You're a good guy, but you really do need to relax a bit." Rogelio grumbled, "It's my job to protect you with my life, Milord." Yoshiro arched a brow, "Oh, I thought your job was to make and serve coffee in the cafe right outside the castle. I wasn't aware that I was paying you to protect my life. I thought you were the one who swore that you'd protect me with your life, for free." Yoshiro laughed as Rogelio pouted, "I did swear that I would protect you with my life." Lilah chuckled, "Rogelio, relax. He's messing with you." Yoshiro nodded, "She's right, Rogelio." Rogelio frowned, "Can you please stop?" Yoshiro nodded, "Sure. All you ever had to do was ask." Yoshiko looked at Yoshiro, "Why did you do that to him?" Yoshiro sighed a bit, "Rogelio doesn't really know how to have fun, he was raised as a knight so I'm trying to teach him to cut loose and relax."

Yoshiko nodded, "How long until we get to the Kilvish kingdom?" Yoshiro shrugged, "I know you're rather impatient and want to know about what happened to Cornelis, but we've only been flying for five and a half minutes, Yoshiko. We're in Kani Territory right now." Yoshiko frowned, "I don't know how long it takes." Yoshiro turned around and looked at her, "Yoshiko, enjoy the sights, enjoy the scenery. At this rate, it'll be another half an hour before we get to the border, another forty-five minutes til we get to the capitol. By the way, you look great in Kitsune clothing." Yoshiko blinked, "Excuse me?" Yoshiro sighed, "I'm not hitting on you, cousin. I'm saying that Kitsune clothing fits you better than a Menschilche jumpsuit."

Sumiko nodded, "I agree, it's far better looking as well. I grew up wearing these clothes, but you know. I lived most of my life in the Menschilche empire." Yoshiro sighed and looked up at the sky, clouds were starting to form, but the sky was still a beautiful shade of blue. It looked like it was going to rain later on in the day, if not the next day. He sighed and closed his eyes as Yoshiko watched as the landscape slowly changed from forests to a mountain range. She watched as Wyverns started to fly around more and more, she was nervous, but she tried to keep her cool. Sumiko noticed this and hugged her, but soon, Julius started to land. Yoshiro opened his eyes and sat up as Julius landed in his castle's courtyard.

Yoshiro helped Yoshiko and Sumiko down, "Welcome to the Kilvish kingdom. If you don't mind, I wish to enter it alone, I want to surprise you." Yoshiko nodded as Yoshiro walked in and she looked at Sumiko, "Mom, what do you think he's going to show us?" Sumiko shook her head, "I don't know, but I don't think we have anything to worry about." After about ten minutes, Yoshiro walked out wearing his royal attire, which was a blue shirt, black pants, brown boots, a blue and green cape along with a silver crown. At his side was a Sea Elf wearing a white dress, white gloves and white sandals. Her long purple hair moved in the wind as she moved towards them, "Hello Yoshiko and Sumiko, welcome to our kingdom." The Sea Elf bowed, "I am Elbereth Miyamae, Yoshiro here is my husband."

Sumiko blinked, "I didn't think it was true, but you really did marry a Sea Elf, Yoshiro." Yoshiro nodded, "Of course, Aunt Sumiko." Elbereth rose and smiled, "It's a pleasure to have the two of you." Before they could speak, an armored Dark Elf walked over to them, "Yoshiro, sire. I have to confess." Yoshiro looked at him, "What is it Caladwen?" Caladwen looked up at Yoshiro, Yoshiko noticed his violet eyes and long white hair, she found him somewhat attractive. Caladwen sighed, "Sire, I disobeyed your orders and lead the Menschilche here. I risked everyone here, and risked the lives on the shuttle." Yoshiro folded his arms, "Is that so, Caladwen? Well hmm... you're not used to not being punished for disobeying orders. Last I checked the Dark Elves are still run by a Matriarchy, right?"

Caladwen blinked, "What do you mean?" Yoshiro looked into his eyes, "Caladwen, how many Dracoknights died?" Caladwen didn't hesitate, "Zero." Yoshiro looked up, "How many people on that shuttle lost their lives?" Caladwen frowned, not knowing why Yoshiro was questioning him, "Zero." Yoshiro smiled, "How many of the Leo Menschilche managed to escape to try to cause damage to other nations?" Caladwen sighed, "Zero, sire." Yoshiro placed his hand on Caladwen's shoulder, "You took a risk, and it paid off. I don't punish disobeying orders if you were following your gut and you got results, Caladwen. You're a Major, correct?" Caladwen nodded, "Yes." Yoshiro smiled and assumed a professional stance, "Caladwen, I am hereby promoting you to Lieutenant Colonel."

Caladwen blinked, "Why!?" Yoshiro sighed and shrugged, "I don't believe in punishing people when they get results, it's counter-productive, not to mention counter-intuitive. Go home to Valindra and tell her that you go a promotion. Tell your kids as well Caladwen, and you also have the day off. As do the rest of the Dracoknights. I don't think I'm going to need my honor guard to deal with the criminal that we've captured, Rogelio and Lilah will work just fine." Caladwen nodded and left and Yoshiko smiled, "Are you always this kind to your men, Yoshiro?" Elbereth nodded and hugged Yoshiro, placing her head on his shoulder. Yoshiro bent down to kiss her and Yoshiko chuckled slightly.'

Yoshiro broke the kiss and smirked, "Yoshiko, I believe that the way to lead a nation is to listen to your people. To choose the needs of the many over the desires of the few. If you ignore the many to give the few what they want, you will be a failure of a leader, and you will lose the trust of your people. The problem is, as a leader, you need the people more than they need you. They can always find a new leader, but you will be hard pressed to find a new people. Anyhow enough of this, come into the castle and rest a bit. I'll have a messenger send for Cornelis and the rest of the crew of the shuttle." Yoshiko smiled and nodded, "Okay." Yoshiro moved to the side and raised his arm towards the castle, "After the two of you." Yoshiko and Sumiko walked into the castle, but Yoshiko couldn't help but cry, it was going to be soon that she'd be reunited with Cornelis. She could hardly wait.

Chapter 13

**Three Days Later**

Yoshiko watched as the shuttle was loaded up with supplies, she felt sad that she was going to be left behind on the planet with her mother, but she knew it was for the best, this was where she belonged. Yoshiro smiled at her, wearing a flight suit, but not armor, "Hey, Yoshiko. Want to go up with me and Julius? They're guests and they deserve a royal escort." Yoshiko blinked, "Really?" Yoshiro nodded, "You'll have to hold onto me, flying upwards isn't like flying straight, gravity tends to want to pull you off the dragon and well, I could always put you in a harness and tie it to Julius' arm. That way if you do fall, the shock won't kill you or injure you."

Yoshiko frowned, "I don't like the sound of that. It sounds dangerous." Yoshiro nodded, "Alright, Yoshiko." Yoshiro walked over to Cornelis as he put on a headset microphone with a receiver, "My frequency is 140.96, set your radio to that, Julius and I can accompany you up to two kilometers off the ground, after which I'm going to have to turn around." Cornelis nodded, "Alright, oh, by the way, before I forget I have this to give to you. One of Noah's descendants gave this to me to give to you." Cornelis handed Yoshiro a device and Yoshiro put it in his pants pocket, "I'll look at it later, come, it's time to depart." Yoshiro turned around to see Yoshiko standing there, "I want to come." Yoshiro nodded, "Alright."

Yoshiro walked to Julius, who was waiting for him, along with Yoshiko. Julius looked at Yoshiro, "She coming too?" Yoshiro nodded, "Yes, brother." Julius picked Yoshiko up and placed her on his back as Yoshiro climbed up. Yoshiko wrapped her arms around Yoshiro as Julius took off into the sky and Yoshiko watched as a hundred Wyverns joined them. A voice spoke over Yoshiro's headset, "Cornelis here, can you see us?" Yoshiro looked over the side of Julius, "Affirmative, Serpentarius Shuttle. You're cleared for takeoff." Yoshiko watched as the shuttle lifted off the ground and flew up to meet them, she waved to one of the windows and watched as Cornelis waved back, "Tell Yoshiko that I'm glad she's on the back of Julius."

Yoshiro smiled, "Cornelis says he's glad that you're here with me, also stop waving, if you lose your grip, I'll have to turn around." Yoshiko frowned and held Yoshiro tighter, "I'm sorry." Yoshiro strained a bit, "Loosen up just a bit, please." Yoshiko looked down and loosened her arms, "Sorry about that." Yoshiro nodded, "It's fine." Yoshiro looked at the shuttle, "Shuttle, are your systems checking out?" A voice crackled over the headset, "Yes, all systems are in the green. We thank you for the repairs, Yoshiro." Yoshiro smiled, "No problem. Bravo Flight, Charlie Flight, spread out a bit more. Alpha Flight, close in on me. Delta Flight, you're fine where you are."

Yoshiko watched as the Wyverns around her did as Yoshiro commanded, "That's amazing. How... how did you get them to do that?" Yoshiro smirked, "I lead the Dracoknights, they're my handpicked and personally trained Honor Guard. Besides, the Wyverns would listen to what Julius ordered them to do, regardless of what their riders try to get them to do." Yoshiko tilted her head, "What do you mean?" Yoshiro sighed, "Wyverns are subservient to Dragons." Yoshiko frowned, "Oh." Yoshiro smiled, "Don't worry about it, Julius won't order the wyverns around unless they're becoming a threat to another Dracoknight. Which is extremely unlikely." Cornelis' voice spoke over the headset, "Yoshiro, we're approaching one kilometer, are you sure you don't want to go back with the Dracoknights?"

Yoshiro sighed, and looked back at Yoshiko, "Do you want to return with the rest of the Dracoknights?" Yoshiko looked down at the ground, "Y-y-yes, Please!" Yoshiro nodded, "Alright. Serpentarius Shuttle, the Dracoknights and I are breaking off, Yoshiko has a bit of Acrophobia, so I'm going to get her back on the ground. But first, look out your windows." Yoshiro smirked slightly, "Dracoknights, Demonstration formation Zeta." The Dracoknights spread out in a diamond formation, and they started to pair up and fly in a double helix formation. Yoshiko watched this closely and was amazed at how perfectly in sync the Dracoknights were. It was absolutely stunning and she couldn't believe her eyes.

Soon they entered a triangle formation and flew down in perfect formation, closing in on each other and then fanning out at the last moment. Yoshiko couldn't believe her eyes, it was so amazing, and a voice spoke over Yoshiro's headset, "Thank you for the informal demonstration, Yoshiro. Your Honor Guard are exceptionally well trained. I'm glad to have seen this. Also thank you for the escort." Yoshiro nodded, "You're welcome Serpentarius shuttle." Julius turned to head back towards the Kilvish city, along with the rest of the Dracoknights. Yoshiro sighed a little, "I know you're sad, Yoshiko, but you did the right thing. At least you'll now be able to have an easier time sleeping at night, knowing that you've seen him while he was leaving."

The ride back to the city was silent, and when Julius landed, Yoshiro helped Yoshiko off of his back. Yoshiko looked at Yoshiro, "Aren't you coming in?" Yoshiro shook his head, "I have to be at a court in Kani Territory within three hours. Mamoru is going on trial, but I already have a feeling that I know what is going to happen. They're going to sentence him to prison, he's going to be put in prison within Kilf Territory or Sea Elf Territory, probably going to end up being my problem. Doesn't matter anyhow. Yoshiko, take care of yourself and enjoy your time here. Elbereth's in the throne room if you need anything, alright?" Yoshiko nodded and Yoshiro smiled as Julius took off into the sky. Yoshiko walked into the castle with a sigh, already missing Cornelis.

Epilogue: Yoshiko

**Five Years Later**

Yoshiko found herself on the recently completed space colony, Lodestar. She was amazed at the technology that the Verbanans had and their willingness to work together on large projects such as this, however she felt alone in a park on the station. She had come in Yoshiro's stead as a representative of the Kilvish kingdom, along with Elbereth, because Yoshiro had to be in the southern hemisphere on the planet for a trade negotiation deal. However Elbereth went to go talk to some sea elves, leaving her alone. She sighed as she sat down on a bench, "I wish someone would be here. I don't know many of these people." Suddenly a female Kilf with vivid red hair walked over to her, along with a female Mofeta, "Hey there, Yoshiko, why the long face?"

Yoshiko looked up at her, "Harumi!" Harumi blinked, "Guess my parents told you about me?" Yoshiko shook her head, "You were the first Verbanan that I talked to that wasn't my mother, remember, it was five years ago. I was still on the Serpentarius homeworld back then and we spoke over a video call." Harumi sighed, "I'm sorry, but I don't remember. It's been a long five years for me, only four years ago, I took the throne of the Sea Elves from my grandparents on my mother's side. They were happy to finally give up the throne. They wanted to give it to my parents, but they decided to found their own kingdom. Being a king is quite busy work, I'll tell you that." Yoshiko tilted her head, "King, but I thought only males could be kings?" The female Mofeta frowned at her, "Yoshiko, just because a person is a woman, doesn't mean that they cannot be known as a King. A king is merely a ruler of a kingdom, while a queen is their wife."

Yoshiko nodded, "I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage, ma'am, what's your name?" The Mofeta smiled, "I'm Elena, Rogelio's daughter." Yoshiko blinked, she couldn't believe that this woman was Rogelio's daughter as she found Rogelio to be a bit of a stick in the mud. Yet, this woman was rather gentle. Elena smiled, "I know, it's hard to believe, my father didn't even want me to marry Harumi here, not because she is a woman, but because she was at the time a Princess. While I was just the daughter of a knight and this was against the honor code of a Mofeta. Our parents ended up actually fighting for the first and only time in their life. Yoshiro won."

Yoshiko nodded and Elena held out her hand, "Come on, you're family, though. You shouldn't be sitting here moping all alone. You should be enjoying the scenery, spending time with us." Yoshiko took her hand and got off the bench with a smile, and the three of them walked through the park. Harumi turned her head towards Yoshiko, "Tell me, how are you liking Verbana?" Yoshiko smiled, "I love it, it's such a wonderful world and it really does feel like home. There are so much wildlife that I get to see and there are so many books I can read and I don't know what I want to go to college for either!" Elena giggled, "Most people are afraid of that, Yoshiko, not really happy." Yoshiko's smile grew, "I know, but I can't wait for Verbanan college!"

Elena smirked slightly, "Harumi isn't one of our daughters going to college too?" Harumi nodded, "Of course, she'll be a freshman this year. I think she wouldn't mind going to college with you, Yoshiko. If that isn't a problem with you." Yoshiko shook her head, "Of course not, I would love to get to know your daughter. After all, she is part of my family." Harumi chuckled, "You remind me of my great-grandaunt. She's around your age too." Yoshiko tilted her head, "How is that possible?" Elena smiled softly, "Her great-great grandmother is Emiko, the Kitsune Deity of Death. She had a daughter about ninety-one years ago. Don't worry though, despite her aspect, Emiko is actually a very nice woman."

Harumi nodded and pointed at a cafe, "Hey, who wants some coffee?" Elena smiled, "Let's get some." Yoshiko tilted her head, "Coffee?" Harumi smiled and led them over to the table, and they sat down. A Kitsune waitress came out, "Welcome to the first Verbanan Cafe in Space, what will you have?" Harumi looked up at her, "I'll have a dark roast coffee, black." Elena looked up at the waitress, "I'll have a medium roast coffee, with a little bit of caramel cream and some sugar." The waitress looked at Yoshiko, "What will you have?" Yoshiko frowned, "Um... just a coffee, please." The waitress nodded, "Alright." The waitress left for a minute and came back with three mugs. She placed them in front of each of them and Harumi and Elena went to drinking theirs without hesitation.

Yoshiko picked up her mug and placed it to her lips. When she started drinking, she found out that it was extremely bitter. She placed the mug down and sighed as she swallowed the sip of coffee. Elena looked at her, "You don't like it?" Yoshiko shook her head, "It's so bitter, how can the two of you like it?" Harumi smirked, "It's an acquired taste, cousin." Yoshiko nodded slightly and looked up at the dome, the stars were so beautiful and so different from the ones she saw while growing up, however for some reason she couldn't explain, she felt like she belonged. She no longer felt alone, no longer just a clone of another person. She felt like she was her own person and that this world was now her rightful home. She was for the first time since she arrived on Verbana, five years ago, truly happy.