Taro was out of the loop entirely.

He hadn’t been there to witness the way the world fell apart at its seams. He’d simply woken up to the magical, blue chasms and the full lack of sun. Whatever chaos or struggles the masses had to face for the previous year, Taro dealt with them for only weeks.

After crashing with the Tianlong wolves, he’d managed to catch their vibe well enough. It was much more… Controlled? Stiff? Cold? Different. From the way that Izu ran the Dynasty. But still, Taro liked them. Especially his new best friend, Kèshàn. And his future best friend, the emperor himself.

Of course, all good things come with a steep price. The world healed. Every ounce of darkness gone. The random crevices were sealed. No freaky blue magic. But with this, the imperial princesses and various members had vanished into thin air. Worry not! Taro was there to help!

What started as a “quick search” stretched into days, then a week, and then… however long it ended up being. He didn’t care. He wasn’t going to stop until he came back with someone. Anyone. All of them. Taro was relentless. Thorough. A little lost himself.

If I were a missing royal, where would I— He stopped, frozen in place as he noticed movement up ahead. A girl. Composed and carried in a way that didn’t belong in the middle of nowhere. Well I’ll be damned… a whisper, a wide grin spread to his lips. This was one of the princesses, he knew, but the name was fuzzy. He wasn’t exactly acquainted with them.

Taro stood up tall, approaching with a subtle woof to announce himself and avoid any startling. Once close enough—the “proper” distance—he stopped, bowing how he’d been taught over the years. Greetings, Princess of Tianlong, his native tongue used out of habit.

Greetings, Princess of Tianlong. You’re one of the ones I’ve been lookin’ for, A goofy yet confident expression of joy, his tail wagging with ease. Oh yeah, the emperor would be his BEST friend after this.

Lilac eyes softened, a subtle sweep given over her to verify her state of wellbeing. I’m relieved you’re safe… a hushed comment, mostly to himself.

Taro blinked once. Then twice. His mouth very slightly ajar.

The gears in his head were turning, albeit slowly. The young princess had responded to him in fluent Japanese, a thing he had not had since being with his family. Lilac eyes lit up, shining brightly as a mirthful grin replaced the initial shock. Taro’s tail wagged habitually, the aura around him somehow lifting up more than usual. Your Japanese is beautiful. It’s’a hard tongue to learn, so color me impressed, princess, Again, he bowed, this time with more personality but still polite and well practiced. Names Taro Fujiwara. The emperor sent out a good amount’a folks. The empress is home, but both of the imperial princesses are MIA, Well now only one was missing, technically.

With a lopsided grin, Taro eased into a sit, briefly looking around. Yeah. He had no idea where to go. South. But that was all he could recall. But at least he found her! Together they would be clever enough to make it back, he was certain!

Are ya hurt? Starvin’? Tired? Taro’s head cocked to the side, while still brightly enthusiastic, you could see the hint of worry glinting in his gaze. May not look like it, but I’m at least capable of gettin’ food and keepin’ ya safe. He would even go as far to risk his life to ensure she made it back home. Izumi would be proud of him, wouldn’t she? Promsie.

Taro paused, caught off guard once more. With his brows knit, he quietly stared for a moment. Were… Were her eyes sparkling? And not in the flirty, silly way he’d use as a compliment. But like… ACTUALLY sparkling? Your eyes look like starlight, lil’ lotus, Did she know? Was that normal? Who the hell was this girl? Was it a princess thing?

Taro’s expression softened even more as she spoke of language coming so easily. Even if it was taught when young, speaking multiple languages was a gift not many could master as well as she had. Then again, she was a princess; a personified flower with a posture straighter than temple pillars and eyes that shone like fireflies on a summer night.

His tail swayed easily behind him, enjoying the shared words until asked of Princess Fen. Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. Taro felt himself clench his teeth slightly, but externally he remained casual and confident. The playfulness of his expression dimmed some, but never fully vanished. Right. This was serious.

Both of the princesses are missin’. Some type of prisoner guy and his sister are missin’. A few others, but all the court and higher ups are around, I think. Few members were injured too, not sure what happened to ‘em. No deaths as far as I know. The dynasty is still standin’ tall. The emperor sent who he could in search of those missin’. Of course, the princesses were most important regarding who was found and brought back.

Taro watched in real time as the princess reeled in her emotions, shifting into a state of control and calmness. It impressed him, but also kind of worried him a little too. The restraint she wielded was one of lifelong practice. When looking back at him with an expression of subtle warmth, it caught him off guard when compared to the small outburst.

As she commented on his capability, Taro stood up a little taller, his signature lopsided grin beaming her way. Thank you, I’ll be sure to have ya back home in one beautiful piece. And then the emperor would be his best friend in the whole wide world. He knew it. All he had to do was not fuck this up.

Then came her compliment in response to his remark. Polished gems? Taro short circuited, forgetting how to speak for a few seconds. Lilac eyes widened with a sudden suspicion, as if trying to discern if she was making fun of him. But it sounded sincere.

Taro’s tail wagged, an ardent expression given as he cocked his head and smirked. Now I’m for sure never lettin’ anything happen to ya, lil’ lotus, a playful wink was given as he once more got distracted by the twinkling lights in her eyes.

But I think we should find some fresh water, so you can see what I’m seein’. Your eyes are full of fireflies, princess.