A/N: Here is part two! Please enjoy it!

As the weeks went on, Gunter learned just how energetic and bubbly the little princess actually was once she opened up. He would wake up to her jumping on his bed, and she always insisted on sitting on his lap during meals like he would disappear if she didn't hold him down. And so, wherever Gunter went, Princess Kamui was sure to follow. Even during his patrols of the fortress, she would trail behind him like a baby duckling, trying to copy his "general's stance" while waving around her wooden sword. Gunter saw the guards and servants snickering behind their hands, but a sharp glare from him would shut them up. Kamui was also a wonderful pupil during their training sessions. Every time he knocked her down, she would pull herself back up and insist on continuing, an undying fire burning in her eyes. And to be honest, though he would never admit it, Gunter enjoyed Kamui's presence. He truly did. She reminded him of happier days and made the hole in his chest shrink.

Not by much but bit by bit.

"Gunter!" Kamui bounded into his room on late afternoon and twirled around. "Look at the pretty dress Big Sister got for me! Do I look beautiful?"

He smiled and placed the spear he was polishing down so he could give her his full attention. Shortly after his arrival, King Garon finally gave his permission for Kamui to meet her siblings. He could remember standing at the drawbridge while Kamui hid behind his legs, staring at the approaching group of children in wonder. Xander, the eldest at fourteen years old, was leading the group with one year old Elise in his arms. To his right was twelve year old Camilla who was holding the hand of three year old Leo. For a moment, the siblings stared down at their new sister and Gunter could feel the fear radiating off the girl digging her nails into his legs. As the silence grew, Gunter began to worry that this meeting was a terrible idea and that the siblings weren't going to accept her. But her and his fears were for naught because the royal siblings immediately greeted Kamui with huge smiles. Camilla embraced her tightly, fawning over her "adorable little sister" while Xander stroked her hair with a gentle smile. Leo stared at his new big sister in wonder before reaching into his pocket and giving her a piece of his precious tomato candy as little Elise giggled and tugged at Kamui's unruly locks. Gunter stepped back and watched the scene, noting how delighted Kamui looked and he felt grateful that the royal children hadn't changed like their father had. However, since the fortress was so far away, their visits were restricted to two times a month, but they always made the most of it. The siblings, Xander and Camilla in particular, always bought toys, candy, and clothes for their sister; the dress Kamui was currently wearing being a perfect example. It was tailored to her size and the color of cream brocade with a gold lace that decorate the neckline. A dress truly benefiting a princess. Gunter was pleased to see the princess coming out of her shell and color returned to her pale face with every passing day. Yet, every time the siblings asked if they could take Kamui home or out of the fortress for a day, he would firmly deny their request. Even if they were of his own flesh and blood, King Garon was not above killing his children or forcing them to kill each other. Gunter didn't want any more unnecessary bloodshed nor did he want to take away what little family Kamui had. Gunter also had another reason. While the fortress was barren and isolated, Kamui was safe from the King's clutches as long as he were there beside her. Out here, Gunter could help the little girl flourish into the princess he knew she could be and keep her away from any manipulation by the king. He never wanted that fire in her eyes to die out, but he also didn't want her to be locked away. So that is why he allowed the stable hand to bring his son, Silas, into the fortress so Kamui could have a playmate. The duo always played under his watchful eye, and, as he watched the princess play tag with the boy, Gunter felt warmth grow in his chest at how content Kamui was. And during one of these moments of peace, Gunter made the error of thinking of Kamui as his own daughter. He quickly dashed those thoughts away and was disgusted with himself for such thoughts. Kamui was a princess and his duty was to protect and train her until she was strong enough to protect herself. Besides, he had a daughter. And what did he do? He failed to protect her when she needed him the most. Gunter couldn't bare it if he made the same mistake with Kamui. But yet, every time she smiled and raced over to take his scarred hand with her tiny ones, he couldn't help but allow the thought to resurface. And eventually, Gunter stopped repressing the thought, and the warmth in his body reached his fingers and toes.

Things were peaceful for a while and Gunter was glad he brought Silas to the fortress. But, that was until Silas tried to sneak Kamui out of the fortress and was caught by a patrol guard. Once upon a time, Gunter wouldn't have hesitated to execute the child on the spot for disobeying the King's orders. But that part of Gunter had dimmed away thanks to the little girl begging him to let Silas go. He wanted to pardon the boy and let him continue to visit the fortress for Kamui's sake, yet Gunter knew his act of kindness may float back to the castle. So, Gunter banished him from the fortress and that was the end of that. Kamui cried for her lost friend, but she never blamed Gunter.

That only made him feel worse.

As the seasons changed, Kamui grew stronger yet her bleeding heart remained intact. One such example was when she nursed a baby bird back to health, though Gunter wasn't sure the creature could count as a baby anything.

"I think such a beast is best left alone, my lady." Gunter advised, following after the eight year old princess who was scurrying towards the medical ward with the 'patient' in her arms.

"I have to help her, Gunter! She is in pain and I'm going to heal her! Now, hand me a wet cloth." Kamui ordered, her tiny voice laced with absolute authority that Gunter couldn't help but crack a smile.

The 'bird' was healed within a week and disappeared without a trace; Kamui cried for days against Gunter's chest at its sudden disappearance. But the bird was soon forgotten with the arrival of a new servant, a boy Kamui's age named Jakob. The boy had quite a mouth on him, but like Gunter, he had fallen for Kamui's charms and vowed to surpass Gunter so he could be the princess's one and only butler. He chuckled at Jakob's challenge and accepted it, observing a change come over the boy as his skills as butler and warrior improved tenfold. Then, like a great flood, three more children were brought to the fortress to serve the princess. Two of them were the daughters of the Ice Tribe's Chief. They were brought here as prisoners to keep the Ice Tribe from rebelling, yet they were very kind to Kamui despite King Garon being her father. And, although they were like Jakob in that they were forced into servanthood, they adjusted more easily than he did upon arriving. Gunter liked to tease the sharped tongue boy about that when he got on his nerves. Flora, the eldest of the twins, was more domestic and formal while her younger sister, Felicia, was only graceful on the training grounds. Day after day, Gunter could hear Felicia drop something, followed by Jakob reprimanding her and Flora trying to keep the peace. The other child, Gunter had no idea where she came from. She called herself Lilith and said she was the new stable girl. Although Lilith was very sweet and seemed especially fond of Kamui, Gunter had the strangest feeling he'd seen her before. And when Gunter had a strange feeling, he prepared for the worst. During Lilith's first few weeks, Gunter monitored her closely, fearing she might be a spy sent by King Garon or a Hoshidan ready to sneak Kamui back to her rightful home. If that were the case, a part of Gunter wanted to let Kamui be free, but another part of him said Kamui was a part of Nohr now and that she was destined for greatness. So Gunter made sure to keep a close eye on her because no one was going to take someone he loved from him again.

Just like Kamui had done with her pure soul, the other four children had wormed their way into Gunter's heart and he went from having one child to five. Jakob could out sass the best of them, but he had a good head on his shoulders and made Gunter proud. Felicia had the miraculous ability of tripping over nothing, but she had the heart of a good retainer and an endless amount of perseverance that Gunter couldn't help but admire. Flora complimented her sister perfectly, and Gunter applauded the girl for her ability to be so levelheaded. And Lilith, though Gunter still had some doubts, had proved her unwavering loyalty to Kamui time and time again. With the five of them running about the fortress, Gunter never had a dull day, and he never felt cold again. No, those rascals had given him an endless supply of warmth, and he never wanted those days of peace to end.

But time doesn't stop for anything.

Or anyone.

One moment, they were children, playing around in Kamui's room before Felicia tripped and covered them all with the sheet she was folding. Then, when Gunter lifted the sheet, they were adults and he was an old man.

'Where did the time go?' He thought, watching Jakob call Felicia a "clumsy fool" while Flora and Lilith helped a giggling Kamui to her feet. She had blossomed into the beautiful, strong, and benevolent princess he always knew she would be. Any day now, Kamui would turn eighteen and Xander would come to test her abilities. To see if she was ready to leave the fortress and live in the capital. But Gunter wasn't afraid to let her go now. He had taught her everything she needed to know, she just had to apply that knowledge now. And it wasn't like Kamui would be alone. No, Jakob, the twins, and Lilith would follow her to the ends of the Earth.

Especially Jakob, who had fallen deeply in love with the princess.

'He has become a fine young man,' Gunter mused, smiling at how Jakob gazed at Kamui with utter adoration. 'They have all become fine adults.'

Sparing the group one last glance, Gunter excused himself and stepped out into the hallway. He should be pleased to return to the castle after so long, to see his old room and the familiar sights. He was only supposed to train the princess to reach her full potential. That was it.

So….why were his eyes stinging?

Why were there tears flowing down his cheeks?

"So foolish." He laughed to himself, wiping his cheeks with a smile. "I know the answer to those questions already."

It was all because of that little girl who cracked the barrier around his heart and made him feel like there still good in the world. And that same little girl brought joy to a small group of misfits, creating the tiny family they had now.

Yes, a family. Kamui had given him a family when he thought he'd never have one again.

"Thank you so much, Princess Kamui." Gunter glanced back at her bedroom door where laughter could be heard. "My liege, my pupil, and….my daughter. Thank you for teaching an old fool how to love again."

A/N: I love the North Fortress family. They need all the love. And Gunter and Kamui are the best father/daughter ever!