Kouji stared at Sora in suprise. 

"Umm...princess? Did you get knocked in the head during the battle or something? I’ll take you to the infirmary if you’d like..." 

Sora glanced at her friend and huffed indignantly. Drawing herself to her full height, a towering 5 foot, 7 inches, she still had to look up a good three inches to see the Winguardian's eyes. 


"Damn you’re inhuman height. Oh well. Anyway, what do you mean? We’re going to the Honoshiro! Right now! Come on already!" 

"You and I are going someplace I’ve never heard of, called the ‘Castle of Fire’, all alone, in the middle of the night. This is not one of your better thought out plans, baka. I’m going back to bed now, I’ll have a lot of explaining to do in the morning, and I’m damned tired." 

Sora smirked, "Ha! I knew you’d say that! But it’s not just us! I talked to Kirehashi before coming in here. He’s with us. And, Shinja is capable of taking your place temporarily, ne?" 

Kouji ignored this last comment, "WHAT! You’re dragging Kirehashi into this? He’s still wounded!"

"Oh come on, you know Kirehashi would never let us...you especially...leave without him. He’d just follow us, and without our protection, he’d be in even more danger." 

"Well...but...truthfully Sora, I think I’d rather have you stay here. In the Castle. Where it’s comparatively safe." 

"But that’s just it Kouji! It’s not safe here in the Kazeshiro...not anymore. I was talking to dad earlier today, and he strictly forbade me from going after Chika. But, I know Chika better than anyone. I think he’s going to try to make some allies, and than come back." 

"Nani? What in the @&#% are you talking about? He said he was going back to the Mizushiro. I’m going to guess everyone there is already allied with him." 

Sora rolled her eyes, "Listen, you said it yourself earlier today. The Kazeshiro is nearly impenetrable, sitting on the top of a cliff, surrounded by forest and everything. As we proved today, in a short battle, we’d easily be able to hold the defensive, and with the help of the Winguardians and the Sorasai, we can also have a superb offensive. But, in a long battle, our strength becomes our vunerabitlity. It’d be impossible to get past a large enemy to get to the surrounding trade villages." 

Kouji’s military mind was fast at work, "He’d cut us off. We’d be powerless to get any food, supplies, or new weapons...we’d be starved out of our own home. But, that has nothing to do with any allies." 

Sora nodded seriously, "I’m getting to that. However, the Kazeshiro is powerful in itself, and allied with every other kingdom on this continent. But, as you know, this continent is small. I snuck back into father’s office tonight...I wanted to see if he knew where the Mizushiro was, and exactly where Chika is headed, so I could follow him. But, instead, I found something far more interesting. Father had maps all over, and on one of them, the one on his desk, there were five kingdoms circled in red. The Kazeshiro, and the Mizushiro, Chika’s new home, were both on there. But, so were some other Castles...called the Honoshiro, and also the Shoomeishiro and Chikyuushiro. They formed a sort of star shape...Anyway, notes had been scrawled in the corners...they were in the Old Language, I couldn’t decipher them all. However, I did manage to translate that each of these Castles is the Guardian of a mystic sword...kinda like the Sorasai, but they control five different elements. Twenty-four hours ago I had no idea the Sorasai had any match in power...now, suddenly, it has four equals. Anyway, I don’t think Chika won’t be back until he has all four on his side." 

Kouji inhaled sharply, "If that bastard had the strength of four Sorasai’s...we wouldn’t stand a chance." 

Sora nodded, "Exactly. And once he had the Sorasai, I have no doubt he turn on his allies and take their swords. That must have been why the Kurohane were so sure we’d fall to Chika...I mean, with the strength of all five swords...I’d hate to think what he’d do. And, having the Yokosai would give him some credibility to the other kingdom’s...which means, we have to get to these other Castle’s before he does! Thankfully, we’ve got an Ace. The Kurohane’s will slow him down considerably, they’re known for always bickering amongst themselves and fighting constantly. Plus, he won’t know we’ve left anyway, so he won’t be trying to beat us there. I wrote down all the Castles coordinates, and left mom and dad a note, so no one outside the Kazeshiro will be alerted of our absence. The Honoshiro is the closest, we’ll go there first." 

Kouji was obviously impressed, "I can’t believe you did that all by yourself! And, in so little time!" 

Sora grinned, "Hey, you can’t train for war for years without learning a little something about strategy. I figure that, between you and I, we can take down any enemy that comes our way, ne? Kirehashi, too! He’s waiting outside with the horses." 

Kouji blinked, "Horses? Oh no. I just got my wings back. I’ll be flying to the Honoshiro, thank you very much." 

"Kouji-chan, it’s much to far to fly all the way. Plus, we need supplies, they’d be too heavy for you to get very far with them all on your back. Don’t worry though, we’re be taking a boat most of the way anyway!" 

Kouji blanched, "A boat? One of those rocking pieces of wood? That’s going to be the only thing standing between you, me, Kirehashi and the element your evil brother is lord and master of? Wonderful. Just freaking wonderful." 

Sora grinned cheerfully at her unhappy friend, "Hey, come on! We’re gonna save the world! You can get a little wet for that, right?" 

_ 

Kaze no Densetsu 
Chapter Two: Ryuujin (Tenshi no Honoo) 
_ 


The small group trudged along through yet another forest. They had been traveling for about a fortnight on land, and had grown used to the hardship of sleeping in the opening, catching and cooking their own food, and fighting the small monsters that challenged them along the way. 

Kouji had been exceedingly glad to leave the boat, though their journey had been uneventful. The small vessel’s captain was a loyal friend of the Kumo family, the crew had been kind to their princess and her friends, and the ship ride to their neighboring continent had been both short and easy. Once on land, the three had unloaded their horses and supplies and set off. 

Kouji and Sora still practiced together each night to hone their skills. Kirehashi always managed to be absent during their mock battles. Apparently, he just didn’t enjoy something about watching two of his best friends duel each other. Also, Kouji had begun using with two swords, instead of one, in hopes of improving her dexterity, and increasing her abilities. Sora enjoyed the challenge, and had promised to purchase matching swords for her friend when they found a reputable blacksmith. However, all in the group were eager to find the Honoshiro...fresh clothes and feather beds seemed to increase in allure every day the went without them. 

"Where is this Fire Castle again, Sora?" asked Kirehashi for about the tenth time that day. 

"Actually Kire, it should be coming up very soon...if this forest ever ends!" 

As if to spite her, the forest just suddenly stopped. A huge fortress loomed before them. It was situated in the middle of the largest village any of them had ever seen. People were screaming at each other as they tried to buy, sell, or steal merchandise. The clamor was audible, even from the distance of the woods. The group reined their horses in quickly in order to get a better look at the chaos. 

Kouji was incredulous, "This place is supposed to be home to royalty?" 

Sora nodded, obviously unimpressed, and the group set off in the direction of the huge gates that encompassed the town. Passing by the guards with no trouble, they dismounted and began the search for food, new clothing, and shelter for the night. However, in the middle of the extremely busy street, Kirehashi suddenly just stopped and stared. People bumped against him and cursed the boy with the metallic arm and canvas wings, but he stood still, as if transfixed by something in front of him. 

Following his gaze, Sora and Kouji  noticed a man standing on the roof of the large fortress in front of them. It was about six times higher than any of the other houses in the town, and from the numerous guards surrounding it, it was fairly obvious that this was the town’s castle. 

"What in the...what a baka! Doesn’t he realize it’s dangerous for someone without wings to be all the way up there?" 

At Sora’s comment, Kouji and Kirehashi burst out laughing. 

"You’re one to talk about being high up without wings!" 

Sora blushed but recovered quickly, "Well...I’m used to it." She squinted. "Strange though...if I didn’t know better, I’d say he was looking at us."

The man on the roof was indeed looking at them. He murmured to himself, "Mmm...not often we get a pair of beautiful girls on the same day. And that guy their with looks a little young...I really should do us all a favor and introduce them to a real man." He stood up, satisfied, and slung the large sword he was carrying across his shoulders. The sun shone off his dark ebony hair, and the silver sword sparkled, emphasizing the glint of glee in his clear gray eyes. As the group below watched, he quickly placed his sword into the holster on his back and ran down the roof towards the edge. Leaping off, he hung there in the sky for a moment before beginning a fast descent to the earth below... 

Sora yelped, "Is he INSANE? He’s going to be smashed! And, these people around us don’t even seem to care! We’ve got to help him! Shiza-KAZE!" 

As Sora quickly drew her sword and cast her spell, hoping to slowly lower the man to the ground. The black haired one smiled at the girl’s efforts. Before her spell could even reach him, he had grown beautifully long, pure snow white wings. He flapped them once, as Sora’s wind spell reached him, and used the current to float upwards gracefully, disappearing behind a cloud. 

"A Winguardian who can retract his wings? I’ve never heard of such a thing!" Kouji snorted indignantly. 

Sora just shook her head, "I’m glad he’s okay at least. Maybe we can finally just rest for a bit, now that he seems to be gone."

A male voice behind them laughed, "Why, not so. Whoever you are, my beautiful lady, you just saved the life of the High Prince of Fanelia. And, I certainly can’t have one as...kind...as you in my kingdom without getting to know her." 

Sora warily turned around, sword still in hand, to meet the one who had spoken. 

The winged man bowed gallantly. 

"I see some of the power I detected belongs to you, my lady. I’m just naturally assumed it belonged to the youth there." The black haired one indicated Kirehashi briefly, who somehow managed to bite off a retort. Kirehashi knew he was younger than Kouji and Sora, but the man in front of them looked to be barely twenty. 

Kouji moved to stand beside Sora. Each of her hands gripped a sword. It was fairly obvious that no one in the group believed a Winguardian claiming to be a prince. And, from his plain white wings, it was fairly obvious he wasn’t even an officer, just a normal soldier. 

"Who are you really?" 

The "prince" smiled condescendingly at Kouji’s deadly swords and equally dangerous words. If he answered incorrectly, he would get the smile knocked of his face faster than he could blink. 

"My name is Ryuujin, but you two may call me Ryu. I apologize if I caused you any offense. I see all the fighting power I sensed must belong to you two gorgeous girls. However, it was only natural. Here in Fanelia, we don’t need to teach our women to fight. We can protect them ourselves." With this said, he glanced slyly at Kirehashi, and smirked a bit more. 

Injury or no injury, Kirehashi moved to teach this guy something about what men of the Kaze Kingdom could do. Kouji was right beside him, still clutching her own swords and completely ready and willing to slice Ryu in half. However, Sora stopped the two by laying a hand on each of their shoulders. 

"Sir", Sora began gallantly, "We have traveled for quite some time to reach the Kingdom of Fire. I had thought this was it, but apparently your town is called Fanelia. Could you direct us to the Honoshiro?" 

The winged warrior was obviously caught off-guard, but managed to recover quickly, winking at Sora. 

"Why, my lady. This IS the Kingdom of Fire, though I haven’t heard anyone call it that in quite some time. Fanelia has long been known for the Dragons living in the woods that surround us...I am surprised you did not encounter one, actually. Most who don’t use the main road don’t survive. The Dragon’s breath is, of course, the hottest flame, and magic besides. It helped our sorcerer’s to create this." 

With these words, the prince unsheathed the sword hanging at his back. The move was natural and lightning fast. Before he could move the weapon however, Kouji and Sora had both positioned their own swords. Sora’s sword was positioned to defend, and Kouji’s swords, to attack. The warrior noticed this, and smiled a little more, moving his sword to a angle where all could easily see it, while putting himself at the girls mercy. 

"This is the Honosai. The eternal flame of our Kingdom."

The girls inspected the sword, and noted it was almost the same as the Sorasai and Yokosai, the only difference being the color of the obsidian handle-in this case, a brilliant red. Suddenly, the man’s magnificent wings disappeared. He just continued, however- 

"Since the time of my great ancestor, King Van of Fanelia, my family has possessed this sword. Their is much mystery surrounding it. My lady’s sword is the first I have seen to compare with my own. If I may ask where you got it from? Your fiancee perhaps...obviously a prince?" 

Sora turned an interesting shade of red, "No, the Sorasai is my own. I earned it. Further, I have no fiancee, nor any intent of marrying. Do you not think it possible, SIR, for the Princess of the Kazeshiro to earn her own weapon? Especially when she knows exactly how to use it?" 

Kouji smiled in spite of herself at the astounded look on the man’s face. It was always nice to see Sora out-class a prince... 

Ryu coughed, "Princess? My Lady will of course forgive my previous...comments. If I may ask why you chose to visit our Kingdom? We received no previous word of your arrival." 

Sora grinned a bit, happy with the Prince’s obvious embarrassment. "We had no time for protocol, sir. We have come in search of the Fire Sword you possess. If we could possibly be allowed into the Castle, perhaps we could explain in to the rulers of this kingdom...as well as yourself?" 

Ryu actually blushed a little, "Yes, the Emperor. Of course. Please come with me." At this point the prince began to smile again, "We’ll get you out of those dirty clothes, and into something far more comfortable." Catching Kouji’s look, he continued easily, "That is, if you wouldn’t mind. I think my father, the Emperor, will have many questions, and I for one am eager to learn as much about you two as possible." 

Sora smiled and fell in step with Kouji walking behind her. Kirehashi brought up the rear leading the horses, and Ryu walked in front the three travelers. Sora grabbed Kouji’s arm and whispered, "This is great!" 

Kouji glanced at the man in front of them and stated simply, "I don’t trust him."

Sora rolled her eyes, "Well, of course not. But, he seems willing to listen to us. I’m sure once he and his family hear us out, we’ll have a new ally, and Chika will have yet another Kingdom in which he is unwelcome." 

Kouji nodded, "I hope so. I’m actually curious how his wings retract, that would be useful in battle on the ground...less unguarded area to worry about." 

Sora murmured her agreement, and then, realizing both Ryu and Kirehashi were trying to eavesdrop, feel quiet. The group walked the rest of the way through the noisy Kingdom in utter silence. That is, until they reached the palace gate. 

Ryu turned to Kirehashi, "Now my lad, would you so good to take the your horses to the stables? I’ll show these ladies to one of the guest rooms. They may need some help settling in, after all. You can also bring their luggage in when you come back. I would, but I don’t know who’s baggage belongs to who." 

Before Kirehashi could respond, Ryu motioned a guard. "Testsuo here will show you where it is. You may meet us in the Dining Hall in a few hours. Now, off with you! Ja!" 

Sora and Kouji glanced at each other and mutually shrugged. Kouji mouthed, "Free food!" 

Sora grinned and mouthed back, "Comfy mattresses!" 

Kouji nodded vigorously in agreement and the two followed Ryu into the large Castle. It’s Main Hall was decorated far more elaborately than the Kazeshiro. Ornate tapestries and gilded armor and weapons from ancient battles hung in each available space. The prince barely acknowledged the finery around him, instead informing a few maids in the room to make sure two guest rooms were prepared. As the two women curtsied and disappeared though a hidden door, the prince smiled at his two female companion and proceeded directly into a maze of corridors and stairways. Kouji tried to follow all the twists and turns they took in her head, and eventually gave up. Along the way, Ryu stopped to point out various portraits of his ancestors and inform the girls of the glorious battles they had fought and won. Kouji simply nodded, obviously bored, while Sora tried to place each battle with her own families heritage. After touring the Castle for awhile, the group suddenly arrived in a long, wide, hallway filled with doorways. Guards with various colored uniforms were scattered along the hall, each standing in front of a different doorway.

Ryu grinned, "You two are actually quite lucky, we only have one room in this hall left, for our most distinguished guests. You’re little friend will have to sleep somewhere else...Actually, though, this is perfect timing, I have a feeling that besides being royalty, you two are from across the sea...which means you will be received as guests of honor! I’ll announce you both as my Royal Visitors at the banquet tonight. Won’t mother be surprised. Now, what were your names again?" 

Sora blushed, "Forgive my exceedingly poor manners. I am Sora Kumo, High Princess of the Kazeshiro, and this is my friend and trainer, Hana Kouji Darou, Commander of the Kazeshiro’s Winguardian Army. And, our friend in the stables is Hontou Kirehashi Roku, Kouji’s Second in Command." 

"Yes, of course he is. I can’t imagine the boy would be allowed to call himself superior to either of you. Now, I am giving the room at the opposite end of the hall to you two. You may ask one of the server’s we’ve hired if you have any questions, and their should be some maids waiting to help you prepare for tonight’s feast. I’ll be back at six to escort you both down, so that gives you a few hours to get ready. Oh! And, you’re little friend will be at the dinner, too. I look forward to seeing you both then." 

With a quick bow, Prince Ryu had disappeared down the staircase, leaving the two girls alone in the hall. 

Sora gave a low whistle, "Wow! Now that’s what I call a smooth operator!" 

Kouji smirked, "That’s what I call a over-confident baka. Still, he did have nice...wings." 

Sora laughed at her friend, "Sure! Wings! I bet that’s the first thing you noticed, ne?" 

Giggling, the two warriors went to their newly designated room to relax and clean up. 

At exactly six o’clock, Prince Ryuujin knocked on the girl’s door. Dressed in full formal light battle gear, red cape swirling behind him, and gray eyes sparkling, he looked incredibly handsome. He also seemed quite aware of this. However, when he knocked on the door he was completely unprepared for what greeted him. Instead of two dusty females in travel worn outfits, he was greeted by a pair of startling pretty ladies. Kouji emerged first. Her long dark brown hair had been swept up into an ornate knot, with only a few curly strands being allowed to hang down. She was outfitted in her Winguardian formal wear, a light blue and silver suit. Her swords hung from silver link chains wrapped around her waist. Next, Sora appeared. Her short light brown hair was decorated with small silver combs, and someone had found a dark blue gown for her to borrow. She wore it well, and gave the impression it had been tailored for specifically for her. She was also wearing her sword on a belt of twisted silver, and with her dark blue heels, almost matched Kouji in height. 

Ryu wore the look of a child on Christmas morning, "You both look...wonderful! I’ve made arrangements for you two to sit on either side, if that’s all right." Not waiting for an answer, Ryu continued happily, "I can see I’m going to be the envy of every man at the feast." 

Kouji asked suspiciously, "Where will Kirehashi be sitting?" 

Ryu looked surprised, "I’d completely forgotten about the little boy. Well, I suppose we can squeeze him in at our table as well. Somewhere near the end though...there won’t be much room. As I suspected, my father is anxious to hear your story, as am I. Two brave and beautiful women, leaving home without any sort of man to escort or protect you. It must be quite exciting!" 

Kouji and Sora shared a look. Sora said diplomatically, "The journey itself hasn’t been very interesting, up to today. However, it is what leads us to take the journey that drives Kouji, Kirehashi, and I. I look forward to sharing our story with your family and the neighboring nobles. Dinner should be very interesting." 

Half an hour later, all the guests had been seated, an the first course had been served. The guests from the Kazeshiro had even been presented with special gifts from Ryu. Amazing really, for the short notice he had had...Kouji received a pair of long straight swords with the symbols for "wings" and "air" overlapping on each blade. "Forged in the heat of dragons breath!" Sora acquired weighted bracelets with over-lapping emblems of "air" and "fire". "Practicing swordplay with weighted braceletes helps improve speed you know!" Kirehashi meanwhile, procured a simple scroll for, "Writing down all your beautiful friend’s adventures...you look the bookish type." While Sora was in her element in this enviroment, trained to both act as a princess or a fighter when the need arose, Kouji was completely miserable.

"I HATE formal parties." Kouji muttered to Sora, squirming around in her seat.

"Calm down...This'll be our first good meal in a while. Unless you like eating that nasty ship food-"

"All right, all right." Kouji set her head in her hands, glancing down the table at Kirehashi. He looked similarly  bored. He turned his puppy-dog eyes to her. She stuck out her tongue at him and looked away. (Whiny kid. Why the heck did we bring him again?)

"Ahem."

She looked up to see Ryu grinning at her. "My dear lady, how do you find these accommodations-"

"Dull-ack!" Kouji moaned in pain, glared at Sora, then glanced up at Ryu. "Darling. Just DARLING."

A warning jab under the table from a well placed chopstick can do wonders for ones manners.

Sora harrumphed. "Excuse my friend, she was raised as a warrior."

Ryu laughed, "That’s quite all right-" He turned his sparkling
eyes to Kouji. "Female Winguardians not charming? No matter what you say, I’m all ears."

"Don’t patronize me, Ryu." She snorted. "I could behead you without standing up."

He laughed, obviously unconcerned. "My, what a temper...a fiery temper for a windy warrior, hmm?"

"You could say that." She grinned, showing her fangs.

A seat away, Sora shuddered. She gave Kouji a meaningful,
please-try-to-behave-yourself glance. Kouji replied with an innocent little smile, which worried Sora even more.

Ryu, oblivious to the female's ability to speak without speaking (as most men are), thought the conversation was lagging. He turned to Sora. "So, why exactly did you come to our country?"

"Well, its about the Honosai." Sora sighed. "My brother, Chika, will stop at nothing to gain it’s powers...He wants to attack my castle and kill my family and destroy all of our Winguardians!"

Ryu gasped. "My lady, although it isn’t my castle, a threat to my people is the same as a threat to me."

"Your people?"

"Royal or not, I’m still a Winguardian..." He shrugged and then continued thoughtfully. "The only one of the Honoshrio, actually, besides father..."

"How can a Winguardian be a prince?"

"My mother, a princess from another world, married my father. It’s a tradition, in my family, for Winguardians to marry humans and vice versa." He smiled at her. "Of course, I’d only marry a warrior...a charming lady warrior, who could surely hold her own against me."

Sora found herself blushing and turned away. "Well, I don’t intend to marry at all-"

"Not me!" Kouji announced. "I’m gonna marry dumb and rich!"

Sora stifled a giggle, silently thanking her friend for breaking the moment. Down the table, a choking sound was heard.

"Boy, are you okay?"

"I’m fine," gagged the blue Kirehashi. Kouji looked down the table with
interest, and he slumped down in his seat. (Masaka...)

Sora turned back to the prince. "Anyway, we need your help. We need allies in our quest to visit all of the countries that posses the elemental swords and make them into our friends and warn them before Chika gets there...he'd definitely turn on you the second he got any power."

Ryu nodded. "And I assume you’ll need my help on the quest?"

"Need is SUCH a strong word." Kouji muttered. "Besides, I think we could easily defeat that Chika bastard-"

"That's all I’ll listen to against Chika!" A voice burst from down the table.

"Ne?" Kouji looked down the table to see a young girl with long blue hair pulled back in a braid. She slammed her fist down on the table and stood, blue wings spread behind her.

"I won’t listen to you insult the prince of my castle anymore!"

"The prince of your..." Sora gasped. "Don’t tell me your from Mizushiro!"

She nodded. "My name is Nanami, and I’m the leader of my prince's defense." She held out her sword at Kouji. "I challenge you to a fight of honor!"

Sora eyed the wedding ring on the girls hand. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she hissed at Kouji. "This girl, I think, stands to lose quite a bit..."

"And let her insult our honor?" Kouji hissed back. "I’ll beat her for sure."

She stood and took out her two new swords. "Fine! Let’s go!" The two flew out the window. The dining party rushed to the large windows of the dining room to watch.

The two settled on the top of a tower not too far away from the dining hall for the fight. The girl attacked first, but Kouji easily ducked her. She flew behind the girl and took a warning swish at the feathers on her back-

and they came off, revealing leathery brown beneath. Kouji gasped. The girl shrieked, feeling more and more of her wingskin coming cold with air. Soon her wings were nude of feathers, revealing the dark wings of a bat.

"Get BACK!" She swung at Kouji, hitting her hard on the head with the hilt of the sword.

"Ack..." Kouji stumbled back, dazed. She pointed a finger at the girl.
"You..aren’t a Winguardian at all! You’re a KUROHANE!"

"URESIII!" The girl screamed, rushing at Kouji, the sword pointed straight at her neck.

"Tsa!" Kouji quickly darted away, leveling the sword at the girl’s neck. She gave the Kurohane a good-sized gash, knocking a silver locket from her neck.

The girl stood back, hand on her neck, blood running between her fingers. "Hana Kouji Darou...you collect enemies easily. My prince will be quite interested to hear of your quest...and even more interested to hear of his SISTER." She took off into the night. Kouji watched her go.

She shook her head, her long brown hair fallen out of its formal state. "How did that silly bitch know my name?" She walked over, picked up the locket. Curiously she opened it-and gasped.

There was a picture of Nanami and...Chika.

"Sora's brother is marrying a Kurohane..." (and what he wouldn't do to keep that secret KEPT...) She quickly swooped in to find Sora looking at her anxiously with an icepack. She ran over and slapped it on her friend's head. "Genki da? Genki da?"

Kouji nodded. "Sora, we need  to get out of here NOW. In a few days, Chika will know EVERYTHING..."

"There is a boat waiting for you at the dock with four horses inside it."

She turned to see Ryu. She looked confused. "Why four horses?"

"You don’t think I’m letting you two get away?" Ryu smiled. "I rarely leave the palace...it will be nice to get out and stretch my legs."

Kouji shrugged, "Whatever. I’ll get Kirehashi...you get ready to roll."

(Owari Chapter Two!)