Ishawari gently lifted the wheat basket, then strapped each cord over his shoulders. 

"The Yomiyawa dynasty will live on." He said to the Emperor, bowing slightly. The gesture pulled the prince's weight forward and onto Ishawari's back, which made the bodyguard bow even lower. 

"Sorry!" The prince whispered.

Ishawari couldn't help but smile at the boy's tender generosity, though in the back of his mind, he was concerned for the journey ahead. [i]Be strong, young prince. You must be strong, for all of us.[/i]

[center]***[/center]

Jin went off to scout the area, leaving the two in silence. Ishawari could hear the boy's breathing, which, given the situation, was surprisingly calm. And when the feint sound of sharp steel against wood echoed from the distance, Hotaru gasped, but even then, it was short and muffled.

"It's okay..." Ishawari refrained from using the boy's name. Things were different now. Aliases will be needed, but that will be for a later discussion. "Jin is clearing the way for us. Much like that time we got lost in the kami forest. Do you remember that?" 

Hotaru said nothing. Just then, Jin's silhouette approached with a dagger in hand. 

[i][b]"The very first part of the way is safe. Let me lead for the rest." 
[/b][/i]

"No arguments here," Ishawari grinned, "Though, please be careful." 

He knew she would, but he said it anyways.    

Ishawari adjusted himself to distribute the Prince's weight properly, then followed Jin's lead; spear held in both hands and pointed slightly off to the side. He glanced back at the secret door now sealed shut over head, then never looked back again. 

"Off we go..." He whispered. 

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/SA7e6ak.jpg[/img][/center]