Sorry Sardoniyx, I said I would post this yesterday...and then forgot. But you may all give her thanks for getting this chapter so soon. I asked her if she wanted it and she said, "Yes" LOL!
Some of you asked (or rather begged) for there to be more. Let me explain when I said this was unfinished, I meant uncompleted. I already have 7 chapters and 171 pages written. Still going strong. So there is much more to this story. I am not even close to done with it, it is an epic. That said, I never like to begin posting something that isn't completed or a few pages from finished.
There is going to be a pause for a week or two on this and my other fics as I will be cleaning another book for publishing. Want it done on the ides of March! Please be patient and know that this baby is going to be a long one.
Please check out my Tumblr page for more updates in the future, if for no other reason than to bug me about another update. Don't forget, there is a playlist for this story, the link is on my page. Or follow this story so you know when I update.
Thank you to all who reviewed! Philiynz, TropicalRemix, Moonlight Usagi-chan, Lady Aya (Love your name 'wink'), angeljme, Buffy fan, SailorMoon489 thank you guys so much for your words of encouragement. I was worried that I did not do the language, setting, or theme justice. Please let me know if I continue to hit the mark or not!
Chapter Dwai
"What is deemed as "his-story" is often determined by those who survived to write it. In other words, history is written by the victors...Now, with the help of the Roman historian Tacitus, I shall tell you Queen Boudicca's story, her-story…"
― Thomas Jerome Baker, Boudicca: Her Story
Water filled his boots, surely slowing his journey all the more. Utsery was nothing more than a large swamp, the one they now stomped through an example of such. The main army was off, heading straight for battle at another small castle while they made their way behind it, hoping to end any one coming at them at their backs.
Four Knights and a Squire along with ten soldiers, they moved at a snail's pace through the marsh. His reins in one hand, sword in the other, he pulled his steed behind him, using himself as a guide for the level of the waters and to keep anything from spooking the beast. The others walked beside him, Zoi the closest, Mamoru on the other side with Kunzite next to him and Jedite on the end.
There were two creatures to be on the lookout for and he hated both of them. One was a water dweller, long and strong jaws that were covered in sharp teeth, it liked to snap its mouth over you and drag you under to drown. Its scaly body made it easy to blend in with the moss and logs in the water so they had to be vigilant.
They were not even the worst of they faced, the worst begin Dragons. Yet to see a large one, they mostly dealt with babes, the small creatures more of an agitation. However, their bite was strong and though young, could still lite you on fire with ease. It also had the men quaking with fear, worried that the rumors were true of Dragon riders. They hadn't seen a single beast large enough to ride but that did not mean they weren't such creatures in Ultrior, the center of Utsery. The largest town, home of the leader of this land, it would not be strange for all their resources to be there, waiting.
He dared not take his eyes off his task, knowing that any second he did, they could be overtaken by man or beast in an instant. He did not like the position they were in, deep water slowing them and thick shrubbery for others to hide in. But he dare not show this, not to the men that traveled closely behind them. The five of them had become some kind of legend among the men, a rabble group of Knights that most wanted to at least see in action before they died.
Mamoru among them, no one seems to mind that he was, in fact, still a Squire. No longer a boy, the five years in battle had turned the scrawny lad into a fierce looking warrior. Almost as tall as Kunzite now, he wore his armor without a struggle, the pieces fitting him better now that he had grown up and out. The young man had proved himself many times already in his book, yet Kunzite was yet to give him his title. It caused him to wonder just what held the man back, but then again, Kunzite's standards were far different from his.
They were a strange group; Zoisite never acted his age, still pulling pranks and messing around even with his title; Jedite was like the resident healer, his intelligence aiding in keeping the men alive after a battle and during it with his strategic planning; Kunzite who didn't need any of them to get the job done and yet kept them close regardless; and then Mamoru, the Squire with the potential to be just as great if not greater than all of them. They were destined to become legend at the rate they were going, as all now knew their names and faces.
Calling all to a stop, Kunzite took a few steps more, standing before all of them and silently looking over the area before them. It was not an uncommon move, Kunzite wanting to survey an area before sending the bulk of them out. However, this time it caused unease within him.
Glancing over at Mamoru, he could see he was not the only one to feel this way, the Squire knowing his Master the best had a look of dread on his face.
Without turning, or making much movement at all, Kunzite began to slowly step back. "Fall back. Everyone move slowly."
The tension was thick in the air and although they moved with care, the men at the back were not as well trained, a majority just farmers forced to take up arms. A few panicked, moving too fast and too loudly.
Two blood red eyes pierced the darkened forest before him, large and round with blood in its desires. Now all the men ran save for the five of them at the front. Readying their weapons, he wasn't surprised in the least at those who stuck by Kunzite's side.
Three swords and two bows, it seemed so little when the creature pulled itself from the shadows. Easily 60 hands long, its brown scales flexed in the dim sunlight, the creature reminding him of a snake with feet. Long claws stretched out towards them, the beast wasting no time in striking them. One swipe and it sprung over them, going straight for the retreating lot. The horses raced off and no one held onto them, knowing they would be in the way and just get eaten. Before Mamoru or Zoisite could get an arrow off, it had one of their men in its mouth, the crushing jaws and sharp fangs killed the man instantly.
The rest scattered, a few arrows hitting yet bouncing off the thick scales. It managed to get two more men in its jaws before an arrow sailed straight through the thin skin of its ear. A scream came from the creature, a sound like that of nightmares, turning its upper body quickly and twisting to face them now. Although he did not send off the winning arrow, it faced him all the same. Its jaws opened in slow motion, his body moving just as slow, it felt, as he dropped it backward and into the waters behind him.
His eyes open, he was just barely submerged when the bright yellow and orange danced just above the waters. The heat of the flames was so intense, the water around him was heating to almost boiling. He remained still though, knowing he could bare it more than the actual flames. Sparing a glance, he could just make out the other figures of his comrades, the other four ducking down into the murky water with him.
He was thankful when the flame receded, unable to maintain his position any longer. The Dragon anticipated this, its craw landing hard on his ribs and tossing him aside, slamming into Zoisite as he flew. His blow knocked both their weapons out of their hands and far away into the dark waters. Zoisite still had his sword, his bow being in his hands at the time, but he was now left without a weapon until he retrieved his sword.
The two of them were still gathering their wits, the sound of splashing added to their scrambling. He was on his hands and knees trying to recover his breath, a hand holding the blood of his wound in as tightly as possible when legs appeared over him.
Looking up, he found Mamoru with his bow at the ready. He had it pulled back as far as possible, the strain clear on his arms but not his face as he glared back at the creature without fear. Something he had come to expect from the ward of Kunzite.
"Just take care Neph. You are too wounded now."
Mamoru didn't take his eyes off the Dragon as he spoke, causing him to look back over at the battle, Kunzite trying to strike the creature through the heart with his broadsword. It wasn't long before Jedite was at his side, hoping one could distract so the other could plunge in their weapon.
Their plan failed, the beast knocking both of them back on the backsides, ready to dig its talons into them. He heard the arrow before he saw it, the whistle and pop making it over the confusion, soon followed by a roar. When the Dragon stilled enough, he could see the arrow that now stuck out of one of its eyes. It scratched and pawed at it, trying to knock it out, but it held firm deep inside the flesh.
Kunzite and Jedite both popped up, the beast now fully distracted, they both dived for the heart. Zoisite raced to join them, sword now in hand although not his strongest weapon. Their swords pierced the scales and some of the flesh, but not down to the heart, the creature rallying and flinging them back again. This time it managed to get Zoisite's shoulder, the appendage going limp while he held on tight to the flesh. Kunzite was knocked up and out of the water into a tree, a sickening thud coming from the sound of his body hitting it hard. Jedite followed, landing hard on a few roots that stuck out of the water, rolling off them and into the depths.
Mamoru was now the only one left standing and all he had was a bow.
"Mamoru, find my sword!''
The Squire didn't drop his stance, walking carefully away from him and towards the area his blade was last seen. The Dragon watched Mamoru with interest, not moving either as its one remaining eye looked his next victim over. Glancing between the two, he could see that the creature was waiting for Mamoru to drop and look for the sword while Mamoru refused to do so. An arrow at the ready, Mamoru kept his sights on the Dragon while searching the water with his foot.
Suddenly, he stopped. Freezing, Mamoru glanced his way once more, the Dragon shifting slightly as it prepared to pounce.
It all happened so fast; Mamoru shooting off his arrow and tossing his bow; the Dragon dodging it as it raced towards him; Mamoru dropping to the water, his hands disappearing in the muck; and finally, the Dragon landing on top of the boy to smother him it would seem. A scream stuck in his throat, wanting to call after the boy but it was useless now.
All of that and now the swamp was silent and still. Mamoru and the Dragon had disappeared under the water. The lack of movement and bubbles had him sure that the brave Squire was now dead, in the belly of the beast. Over the past five years, Mamoru had come to his aid so many times. And he had done the same, he liked the boy immensely. Mamoru was smart, clever, well behaved most of the time, and witty. This was not how he would have wanted such a soul to go but it was better than most.
He was unsure how many deaths he had seen now in his lifetime, but this was surely the first he felt mournful for in a long time.
Zoisite flopped to the water next to him, staring at the spot Mamoru had occupied last. He was holding his shoulder together it seemed, he would be lucky if he didn't lose his arm. Tears were already in the man's eyes, being close to Mamoru and the most emotional of them all, Zoisite was feeling his death the most.
"Mamoru? Where is Mamoru?!" Kunzite had rallied but had missed his own ward's end, fear in the man's voice for the first time since meeting him.
Jedite swayed over to them, looking just as hard as Kunzite. He opened his mouth to speak, Zoi not having the ability, when a body jumped up out of the water, sputtering. If it wasn't for his dark mass of hair, he would have believed it was another soul, thoroughly surprised to see the boy alive after such a blow. His clothes were heavy with water and mud and torn in a few places. As was his flesh where his armor did not cover, a few deep scratches in the metal now. This did not stop Mamoru from wading his way over to them, his breath heavy as he handed his sword back to him.
"Thank you Neph, it was very helpful." Sword back in his hands, Mamoru turned back, pulling at the large limp body from the water like a large snake. "Anyone hungry?"
oOo
"Where is that brat?!"
Ami spared her a glance before shrugging and returning to her reading. Even though she knew Ami would not aid in Serenity's disappearance, she searched the area regardless. She wouldn't put it past the clever girl to sneak past Ami while she sat unaware.
Leaving Ami behind, she stomped out of the sitting room and down the hall. Many jumped out of her way, silent as she seethed. No matter what she did, Serenity continuously tried to escape her lessons. The girl was going to end up a heathen instead of a lady.
Coming to another room a few moments later, she pounded on the door as hard as she could. It wasn't long before the door was pulled open, a scared maid shaking behind it as she passed.
Mina was looking far too innocent at her vanity, brush in hand as she stroked her shiny locks. "Where is she, Mina?"
The girl didn't even flinch. "How should I know?"
"Because the two of you are conspirators!"
"Tisk tisk, Diana. That sounds a bit paranoid."
"MINA!"
Turning to face her, the golden haired girl finally gave her her full attention. "Where do you think she is? Where does she always go to hide that activity from you?"
Her teeth gritted together hard, forcing her words out through them. "Are you telling me she is up to that again?!"
"Of course she is! She is young and vigorous and she enjoys it. How else do you expect her to expend her energy and boredom?"
"By learning to be a lady, not a...hussy!"
Mina was shaking her head at her, "You shouldn't think so lowly, not everyone sees it as troublesome."
"Well, I DO!"
Now knowing where to find her Princess, she left Mina to sulk at her and her opinions. She lacked the care, no way was Mina ever going to convince her that such activities were that of a lady. Especially with the King not lifting a finger otherwise, not caring either way what his daughter did as long as she was healthy and happy. It was going to get her name tarnished and herself hurt.
All those she passed jumped out of her way, it had her wondering just what kind of face she was wearing at the moment. If it was anything like she felt, it was that of the devil himself.
She could hear them as soon as she got close, the sound of grunts clear as they echoed off the walls without care. Temporary blinded, the bright summer sun met her as she stumbled into the bailey. There they were, in the middle of the day, without a care in the world as to who saw them.
"Serenity!"
The Princess had the decency to stop and look at her with a sheepishness of one who had been 'caught'. "Diana! What a surprise!"
"Do not even speak like you are anything but guilty!"
"I am not! I have done nothing to be guilty of!"
Stepping closer, she eyed her charge and the man next to her closely, causing the man to shiver slightly. "Tell that to your face!"
"There is nothing wrong with what we were doing, why should either of us feel shameful?"
"Because you are a Princess! Sword fighting is unbecoming and unnecessary!"
They both lowered their blades, letting the tip rest on the ground. "How is it so? I should be able to protect myself should I not?"
"That is the duty of our King, your husband, or the Knight in charge of your care!"
"Father is too busy, I have no husband nor do I want one, and the Knights are all still in Utsery!"
It had been six years since all the men save a few left for battle. And more had left since, needing reinforcements over time. The only time they heard anything from the war miles away was when a letter of death came to a family. And with all the confusion and strife, those had stopped coming years ago. Everyone was not nieve, knowing it was not due to a lack of casualties.
"You must not lose faith that they will soon return."
The man that had been giving Serenity her lesson slowly made his escape, leaving the two of them alone. "I'm sure they will...some of them."
"Just because the one you want to return may not be among them does not mean you will not be in their care."
"I do not want the care of any other!"
With her anger waning, she laid careful hands on her shoulders in hopes of steadying the young girl. "When Mamoru left, he was but a Squire. Perhaps it would be best to prepare yourself for the worst."
Shrugging her off, Serenity pulled away harshly. "He may have been a Squire but he was under Kunzite. There is no doubt in my mind that he was more powerful than the rest and special. There is no one more worthy to be by my side and no one that I will want there. If it is not Mamoru, then I do not want them!"
Turning on her heel, her ward spirited away, moving with the speed that vexed her at times. There were more than enough rumors of the girl's blood, why she felt the need to add to them with such unearthly movements left her worrying. As if she did not have enough as it were to keep her up at night. Now she prayed that Mamoru would make his safe return and that it would be soon. There was no telling what would become of her ward if the man did not come home.
oOo
Even though he sat, calm by a fire, the sounds of battle raged on in the near distance. This was something he was never prepared for when he left all those years ago for war. The idle moments waiting to continue his plight.
Across from him sat Zoisite and Nephrite. Three years later and Zoisite still favored his left arm over his right. That Dragon had been a fierce creature sent to kill them all. He had doubted it, even with Nephrite's rantings. It wasn't until they arrived at their final battle, Utrior, that he found the truth in Nephrite's words.
Upon first look, it appeared to be like all the other strongholds they came across, its size nothing surprising. The tall walled gate that surrounded it was made of the same black rock that the other castles had, the darkness seeping inside the walls as well. It wasn't until they neared did they show themselves, the creatures that surrounded and protected the walls.
No one rode the Dragons, so at least they had that on their side. They did, however, protect the walls. Somehow, the people of Utrior convinced these beasts to protect them and attack any threat.
Just as it had been that day in the swamp, taking down a Dragon was no easy feat. He had only done it by luck that day, the Dragon in question getting hasty with its kill and landing itself on his blade. Its scales were hard, but not as hard as its inners, the heart of the beast like a rock. Had it not been for its own weight on top of him, he was unsure if he would have been able to pierce it.
It took ten men to take down one Dragon and many still did not make it. Being so close to the end, they couldn't spare the men as it was. Now they had to send them to their deaths to take out Utrior's defenses.
Even with all their efforts, he could still hear the roars of the remaining beast over the cries of men in battle.
Zoisite poked the fire before them, ambers dancing up into the sky as a result. None of them spoke, thinking over the day's events in silence. That is, until Jedite sat down with them, a huff coming from him as he fell.
"The King joins us tomorrow."
"What?" Zoisite always struggling to contain his thoughts and feelings almost yelled.
Jedite nodded, the three of them waiting for more. "The battle is almost over. He has to be here for show and it will build moral."
The other two seemed satisfied with that response, leaving him to question it. "Do we really need such? Not to mention the addition of a person to protect."
Shrugging, Jedite made it clear it was out of everyone's hands. "This is how it is done. He will be here for the end and claim the glory. While we make sure he isn't killed in the process."
He made sure to remain silent, sure his disdain for the man would come through his tone. The others continued their conversation, him staying out of such topics while pulling the leather strand around his neck. Taking it out from deep inside his shirt where it hid, he gathered the pouch on the end of the strand out and carefully opened it. Made in haste a long time ago, the leather of the strand was weathered while the pouch was simple in design. The leather had been taken from a pair of old boots a fellow Knight threw out, the scratches in the dark brown fabric still clear.
The pouch and strand were not the important part though, it was what they carried that he considered precious. Even after all these years, the golden strands had yet to fade. Even the small pink ribbon that held them together was just as bright as ever. He figured this to be a part of her powers, the Sidth's parts staying alive and vibrant even long after leaving the body.
None of his friends were paying him any mind so he pulled the strands free of the pouch and rubbed the soft gold with his fingers. If he lifted it to his nose, he knew it would still carry her scent, another one of her tricks or one of his imagination, he was unsure. Surrounded by blood, mud, death, and rot, her locks still smelled sweet of honeysuckles. Just like the girl they once belonged to.
Letting his mind wander, he wondered what the girl looked like now. No doubt a beauty, the child already a heavenly creature when he left her. Had she continued to grow in the light she deserved? Or had the light died long ago? For all he knew, he would return to an empty shell of a woman, one that lacked the glow she always had. Worse still, she could be married or on her way to be. Perhaps it was the vision of the child he once knew but the idea of Serenity aligning herself with anyone made his stomach twist. She would always be a mysterious creature to him, a child that no one would ever deserve.
He had hoped to return to her as a Knight so he could stay by her side, but with the war ending and him still a Squire even after all he had done, he had lost confidence in that dream.
With haste, he put his treasure back in its hiding place. "Tomorrow promises to be a long one. I am off to rest in preparation." He stood as he spoke, the others sparing him a glance as he left them for his tiny tent.
The whole camp was set on one of the few dry spots in the land. They had only seen a handful of places that were not marsh and this was one of them. That meant being surrounded by thick forest and murky waters full of dangerous creatures. Utsery was truly a place of monsters and they slept in the middle of them. The residents of this land were hardly their biggest concern even though surviving in such a place had truly hardened them all. It was fair to say that at any point, one could be dragged off into the darkness by human or creature and no one be the wiser till dawn.
But it was not the dangers around him that kept him awake for hours. Letting himself think of Serenity for the first time, he was restless knowing that if he survived the next few days he would be seeing her again soon. Doing his best, he tried to imagine what she would look like, but the years had been too many. Eight when he left, she would be around 16 now and there was no telling what changes she had undergone. In place of the images he lacked, he focused on the ones he had, the soft and chubby arms that use to wrap around his neck and the gentle twinkling of her voice in song. And, of course, the smell of honeysuckles.
Dawn came soon enough and he was glad for it, wanting to press on and end this war as soon as possible now. He had to steady himself; it was thoughts like those that lead to mistakes and death. He needed to be his best, not only needing to focus on his survival but the King's as well.
There were still two Dragons that they knew for sure of and he questioned again the need for the King to come at this time. It would have been best if he had waited till all the Dragons were slain before arriving at the field.
If his opinion ever mattered, it was all for not now anyway, the King's caravan arriving with a restrained flourish. Trumpets sounded as he dismounted his horse, rows of men forming to bow at his feet. He made sure to do the same, lowering himself as low as he dared. When the King's procession stopped before him, he slowly lifted his head, finding the King standing before him and looking down right at him.
"Mamoru?"
He lowered his head again to speak. "Yes, your Majesty."
The King chuckled, "Rise, my boy, let me look at you!" He stood, looking the King in the eye and strangely finding warmth in them for him. "I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised, you under Kunzite's care. It is good to see that you were able to become a man. And a Knight!"
"I am not a Knight yet, my Lord."
Clapping a hand to his shoulder, the King continued to look at him with unbridled care. The King now showing some age, his hair had streaks of grey mixed in with the chestnut brown while a few wrinkles now touched the edges of his face. "Have no fear my boy, you will have it by the end of the week. That I am sure of. For if Kunzite does not award it to you, I will."
His kindness surprised him, hoping to hide it by lowering his face again. "Thank you, my Lord."
"Think nothing of it. I know Serenity would be very disappointed if I let you come home without your sword." (AN: Squires are not given a sword until made a Knight. It is part of the process, they are awarded it with their title. Along with a pair of spurs.)
With that, he continued down the line, making his way to the largest tent that held everything they needed to wage and win a war. The King paused once more at another man. The only Knight under the King's banner who hailed from Utsery, the man's coloring matched his. So much so the two of them could have been brothers and this bothered him at times. He had heard his name a few times, a strange one Indion or the likes. The King gave the man a few words before continuing onto the ten. Maps, weapons, and Jedite and Kunzite; the two of them planning every assault. Usually, he would be with them but being a Squire of low blood, he felt it would be inappropriate for him to stand in the room with the King.
The tent opened, Kunzite greeting the King at the door. As the King passed the threshold, Kunzite's eyes landed on him. A gesture so fast, he almost missed it, Kunzite silently told him to come along.
With the King, Kunzite, Jedite, and a few of the King's guards inside, the usually large tent was now a bit stuffy. Kunzite and Jedite were bent over a map, the King standing near them and listening as the two of them went over the strategy they had discussed at length once entering the land of Utrior. The King was silent, nodding his head every now and then, his eyes following what was pointed out to him.
"And where will I be positioned?"
The question seemed to shock no one in the room except him. The King actually wanted to be on the battlefield with them? "My Lord, you should stay back until the Dragons are taken care of."
"Such beast of the devil are of no concern of mine. I have no fear of such creatures."
He watched on in silent rage as his Master reworked the strategy to include the King. A man they would have to risk their lives all the more to protect while he flounced on the field for glory. It was going to be a long day.
oOo
"Diana, you promised. I kept up my end of the bargain. Now it is time to pay the piper!"
She glanced over at the two, complete opposites in every way, Diana with her dark, almost black, brown hair and Serenity with her gold. Light blue eyes met violet as they stared one another down, neither flinching in the slightest.
Diana broke first, glancing over at Ami, the dark haired beauty was also watching. Her blue eyes so dark they were closer to Diana's then Serenity's. "Has she completed her studies?"
"Yes. She was well behaved and astoot."
It was a true sight, the mighty Diana crumbling to their Princess, Serenity was the only one who could do it too. "Alright then fine. I will hold up my end of our agreement then."
The blonde jumped up with a squeal of excitement, the rest of them remaining seated in the grass. The sun was warm and bright, the first days of Spring were upon them. The plate of meat pies and gooseberry tarts was quickly emptying, her work that morning satisfying all. She was glad for it, the joy it brought her to have her abilities appreciated so thoroughly made it all the more pleasurable.
Mina settled next to her, snatching up the last gooseberry and moaning as she bit into it. "Juno, you are truly a master of my tastes."
Both her and Ami giggled, the dark yellow haired one dancing a little next to them as she ate in delight. "You are most welcome to more. Any time you are in the kitchen. I should probably head back and help with dinner."
"No Juno, stay! You could learn too!"
She had already learned so much, being one of the Princess's confidants. What with being nearly forced to remain near her so much, even during her lessons, she was almost as well educated as the Princess herself. Now there was a new skill the Princess desired and it appeared that she was to learn as well.
Remaining where she was, she continued to watch with the others, making sure to listen closely as Diana gave instructions.
"Place one hand here so that you have a small window of sight and the other here on the bow string just below the Nocking point. Now pull back on your string as hard as you can."
She was not the only one shocked when the Princess had no struggle in not only following Diana's instructions but her ability to pull the string back with no trouble. Diana's shocked face told her that this was not expected either. No one said a word. She figured it was either her 'secret' sword practice gaining her some strength or the rumors of her blood. Either one would upset if mentioned so they all remained silent.
"Alright….here, take an arrow. Place it in your Notch. Aim for that tree over there, the center of the bark."
Serenity took an arrow and placed it where instructed. Then pulled the string and the arrow back without struggle yet again. Taking a few seconds, they all held their breath in anticipation. There was a small pop and a whistle in the air but the arrow never appeared again, missing its mark and disappearing in the forest behind it.
"Damn I missed!"
She heard the others release a breath with her, all trying to be silent so not to let on to the Princess. However, they all heard one another loud and clear. Now she wondered if they had all expected the same thing, Serenity making the mark instantly as yet another strange occurrence with her blood. The rumor was that she was Sidth, a fairy, so that would not account for her archery had she made the target. No, that was an Elfin trait or so she was told. It was believed that Kunzite the great was part Elf but he was known for his sword, not his bow. So either the rumor of his blood was wrong or that of archery was.
"That is to be expected." Nothing in Diana's voice let on to her words being true. "Now you get to learn yet another lesson in archery. Retrieve your arrow."
"What? But it sailed into the woods, it is lost for sure!"
Diana glared back at the girl, "In a battle, you are not afforded an endless supply. Nor when you are hunting. Your arrows are too precious to allow even one to escape, so now you need to learn how to find and retrieve one."
Pointing out an arm, Diana silenced any further discussion, the golden girl lowering her head and slowly making her way into the dark woods. "Is that wise, Diana? Letting her off on her own like that?"
Not taking her eyes off of where their ward disappeared, Diana nodded, "She needs to learn that not everything will always be handed to her. That is the only reason I agreed to this in the first place."
"Did you expect her to miss?"
Taking only a second to glance back at her, she caught the shocked look on Diana's face before she turned away. "No. A small part of me did not."
"I did not expect it at all. So maybe Serenity isn't impervious after all." Mina laid back, disinterested in the rest as she stretched out in the sun.
"It is to be expected that she did not succeed at everything, is it not?"
She looked over at Ami, not looking as if she believed her own question. "Does that mean you expected her to miss, Ami?"
Taking a second, she looked back down at her book, a few black strands slipping in front of her face to hide it as she shook her head back and forth to say 'no'. Even the intelligent Ami had expected more from their ward.
"Got it!"
Serenity emerged from the woods, her hair catching the light and glowing. Even with the sun, the girl somehow managed to shine brighter. Which was probably why none of them noticed at first, the dark mass that was quickly approaching behind Serenity.
"Serenity! Look out!"
Diana was grabbing up the other bow, Serenity had hers still in hand. They all cried out, hoping to warn the girl and scare the beast. But the boar continued its rampage, its sharp tusk aimed directly at Serenity's heart.
It all happened so fast, all she saw was the aftermath. Serenity's body, crouched and turned while the boar now laid still on the ground. Her arms were still in position, the one releasing the string frozen in the air from the release. It took a few heartbeats, although rushed before her mind caught up with reality. Diana was at Serenity's side, checking her over as she rose from the ground, grass staining her dress. Then they went to the boar turning it over on its side. It was then that she saw the arrow sticking right out of the creature's heart, a perfect hit.
No one said a word either out of fear or shock. She suffered from a mixture of the two. However, Serenity once again did not disappoint, the truth of it all being that she had not missed her mark a second time.
They all still sat frozen ot the ground, watching on in awe as Serenity turned her bright smile on the three of them. "Anyone hungry?"
oOo
The five of them surrounded the King, the man valient as his steed pranced into danger. He did not fear the men, the soldiers, although fierce, were not a match for them or the King. It was the demons that roamed the stronghold that had him troubled.
The first thing the creatures had accomplished was destroying their catapults, lighting them on fire or knocking them over after only getting a few shots off. One had sat on the gate, casting fire upon anyone who dared to go near it, leaving their battering ram useless. Circling in the air now, they dropped often to pick up a man, pull them high into the air, only to release them so that they fell to their death. He couldn't help but notice, they did not seem to differentiate sides, picking up those from Utrior almost as much as those from Theoden or Clannad. The beasts were not as well trained as they would have them believed, they were a convenience. Those of Utrior had something they used to control the beast and if they were to lose such an advantage, the battle would be theirs in an instant.
His sword sliced through a man, the lifeless body falling to the hooves below him. A second to spare before he was challenged again, he glanced around, looking for the one he could trust most. His black hair in Theoden armor stood out against the others even as it blended into the background, the dark lands matching his charge more than expected.
"Mamoru!"
A man jumped before him, having the advantage of being on top of his steed while the man on the ground it would be a quick battle. A sneer still graced the man's face, a mere soldier and yet he lacked the fear of death like all those of Utrior. It made his stomach turn how many had no problem dying as a distraction.
The soldier's wild eyes were stuck on him, his pale coloring making him a target of interest as it usually did. Mamoru was making his way to his side, a good 10 feet away and 20 men between them still, yet he was steadily cutting through them all. Once their steeds stood side by side, the two of them were panting from the strain.
"Utrior has something, something they use to control these Dragons. You must infiltrate and find it. Destroy it, whatever it is."
"Master, the King?"
A man rushed them, his boot landing heavily in the attacker's face kept the dagger from landing in Mamoru's thigh. "We will care for him, you must go. Anyone else would stand out too much. You are the only one I trust."
Challenging him no more, Mamoru hitched his steed, the brown Destrier carrying him far and fast into the chaos.
Returning to his mission, he found the King in mid battle, not taking long to render his match lifeless. But another came up from behind, the battle thick with chaos. His mouth opened, knowing deep inside it would be too late by the time his words reached his Lord. Just as the blade made to take the King's head, another clashed with it, stopping the blade mid strike. Both himself and the King were taken aback, the Squire that came to rescue nearly a stranger to both of them. He struggled to remember the man's name but the King thanked him without strain, the name Endymion passing off his lips. Thankful and forever in debt, his only true struggle was just how much the man looked like Mamoru in many ways. It was almost startling and had he not already sent his ward off, he would have thought they were one an the same at this distance. But then he took into account the man's lack of steed and his choice of weapon, a Ji instead of a bow, and the differences were becoming clear.
Zoisite was by his side a moment later, struggling to pull his bow to fire. He was managing, but his arrows lacked the power they use to have, all thanks to the beast that attacked them years ago. Mamoru claimed luck but there is no such thing to his knowledge. No, Mamoru had almost single-handedly taken down that monster. If it weren't for his lack in self-confidence, he would have awarded him then and there of his title. But Mamoru had none and he required at least a little to be an effective Knight, the confidence in one's abilities allows for one to make snap decisions without doubt slowing.
If he survived the mission he gave him, there was little doubt, he would require such confidence. As long as he survived.
oOo
"Are we not going to tell the King about this?"
Juno was whispering, all unsure who could be listening even in the darkened and empty halls. "No, we will tell no one. The King is oblivious regarding Serenity and her mother. He sees them as fair creatures in which to place on a pedestal. If he were to learn of this, he would only set her up higher. And even we may not be able to reach this time."
Silently, they all nodded, agreeing with Diana the makeshift mother to them all. Especially Serenity. "Now there is the question of the girl herself. She is clearly morose."
"I will handle it."
She turned away, neither Mina, Juno, or Diana questioning her or stopping her as she left them in the hall to find and care for their charge.
Although bright with the fading sun, the atmosphere was dim. The large room held the small girl, made to look smaller given her size in comparison. Even the large bed, white sheets standing out against the dark wood, paled in size of the room. The bright white curtains that hung from the canopy of the bed danced a little in the breeze, a crack of an opening in one of the windows made by the Princess as she sat.
The large window jutted out, allowing for two or three girls their size to sit in the alcove of its shelf. Small cushion met her as she sat across from her Princess, her highness' knees in her chest with her arms wrapped tightly around them was making herself as small as possible. Her cheek rested against one of her knees, pushing her stare out the window even though she saw nothing. It was fixed to the horizon a blind gaze as she truly focused on nothing.
"Serenity. Would you care to tell me what is troubling you?"
The remaining light reflected off her hair and skin, glowing. "Do you believe the rumors of my blood Ami?"
Not sure of the path they were on, she attempted to play it safe. "And what rumors are those my Highness?"
Serenity sighed loudly, very unlady like and she was glad Diana was not the one in her place. "Please, do not placate me."
"Alright. You are asking me if I believe that you are in fact half Aos Si? As I do not believe in such creatures' existence, then I do not believe you have their blood in your veins. Half or not."
This did not seem to appease her ward, her only growing in sadness. "You do know of legends of Sidths correct?"
"A few yes. It is hard not to when it is a belief so ingrained in our Histories. The question of your blood has never bothered you before Serenity. I doubt that it is what vexes you now."
Finally, Serenity turned those eyes on her, the bright blue of them so pure and clear, it was more than enough to give her doubt on Serenity's blood. "Then you know of the legend of foresight? Of them knowing of things before they come to pass?"
"I have heard of a few instances. They were rare and just like Sidths themselves, unfounded."
Turning bright blue eyes back to the horizon, Ami now wondered what it was her Princess was seeing. "I have no way of knowing what this is but I can only describe it as such. An ominous feeling has taken hold of me, Ami. And I cannot rid myself of it. I feel as though something truly terrible is going to happen. I do not pretend to know past that."
"You think it is foresight? That the rumored Aoi Si blood is telling you of bad tidings coming our way?"
"Our way…" She stopped, turning to look her in the eye, no doubt to convey her seriousness. "Or to those in dire straights as we speak."
oOo
Five men followed him as he rounded the back of the stronghold, the wall stretching high above him even before he dismounted. It was quiet and clear save for the Utrior men that followed and the swamp that threatened to swallow them all whole. Stopping, he turned his steed to face them, a good five feet away yet still keeping up with him on his four legged friend.
Waiting, he allowed them to catch up, but only close enough for him to bare his bow. He wanted them to see his weapon, give them a chance to flee or face their deaths. It was unfortunate, the lot of them continuing and facing his arrow without recourse. However, it was what he had come to expect with all of those in Utsery. It was death or nothing.
He let his arrows fly, each one meeting its mark no matter how much it moved. Once still, he jumped down and hastily collected his ammo, doing his best to ignore the final moans of his victims. He would need all of the arrows for his mission.
It was a risk, but he removed his armor, its weight would only slow him down and make the climb more difficult. Climbing back up onto his steed, he steadied the beast as close as possible to the wall, standing on its back and using as much of its height that was afforded to him. Any advantage he could get, he would take without question.
Using the dagger he kept in his boot, he dug it into the clay between the stones and pulled himself up. A combination of the dagger and his fingertips and he scaled half the wall by the time the sun had dropped to the edge of the horizon. Once he reached the top, the sun was gone and the moon was in its place.
Many ran past him as he carefully found his way down the other side but in the dark night and his silent approach, none looked up to notice. His feet reached the end of the stairs and loud yell pierced all the others. A large man ran at him, a battle ax in his hands and high over his head. Someone noticed he did not belong it seemed. A few steps from him and lacking any armor as well, he threw the dagger that sat in his fingertips, the blade sinking into the man's flesh and heart. He froze, ax still over his head as his mind caught up to his death, his body falling to the side soon after. The man still bore a shocked expression, even as his heart stopped beating, broken by Mamoru's small blade.
Not wasting a second, he removed his dagger and the ax from the man's hold and twisted away into the dark Castle. The outer walls were dark but nothing compared to the inner parts of the stronghold. It was as if these people thrived in darkness and did all they could to keep themselves bathed in it.
Master had been right to choose him, his dark complexion allowed him to blend in more than he expected...or liked. Moving with ease around the place, he felt as if he were in a labyrinth, turn after turn leading him nowhere fast. He needed to find stairs, even on the bottom level, he knew whatever it was they had, they would keep it as low as possible. The deeper in the ground the better, it would make it more difficult if not impossible for the Dragons to retrieve whatever it was.
Turning another corner, he ran into a body, the woman screaming once she hit the floor and took a good look at him. The Utsery had no problem using women in their warfare, coming across many a woman in heavy armor. Even though it was difficult to discern their women from their men at times, there was no doubt the person on the floor screaming at him now was a woman. Her fiery red hair reminded him of blood but other than that she looked unharmed.
Stooping down, he pointed his dagger at her, threatening but not harming as he stared her down into silence. "The stairs to your armory. Where are they?!" Silent now, she shook as she pointed down the hallway she had just left. "Run. Far away from here and do not stop until the cries of death are nothing but a memory. Or else I will kill you."
He didn't concern himself with her past that, leaving her to make her own decision as he continued his mission.
Just as she pointed, the stairs appeared before him after two more turns. The dark stone hiding in the downward sloping hall, not a speck of light to be seen. Taking caution, the last thing he needed was a slip up that would maim him so close to his goal. That, and it would be shameful for him to find his end to a set of sharp stairs.
His sight had yet to fully return when he found the end of the spiral stairwell, taking one last step on air and causing himself to trip slightly. The air was thin and stale, lacking in even the smallest wells to the surface.
They were trying to be quiet, but they had no clue as to mask their scent, the smell of onions from their breath hitting him just in time to step back and dodge. No one had ever taught the adversary he now faced to breath down wind. Or to not have a meal heavy with onions and wine before a fight in the dark.
That said, he knew exactly where the battle was, but he could not see what his attacker intended, his next move unknown or what kind of weapons he had on him. The zing of a blade caught his ear, his other senses heightened in replacement of his sight as he heard his partner pull their blade from a sheith. Armed with only a bow and battle axe, he was at a disadvantage to a man with a blade.
Stilling himself, he listened carefully, the sound of the blade as it sliced air just barely audible. At the last second, he pulled the ax up, its handle blocking the blow and embedding the blade deep in the thick wood. Before the swordsman could react further, he jerked back the ax, the shock of it causing the sword to leave the fighter's hands and clatter as it hit the floor. As fast as possible, he swiped at the air, not intended to hit the other person, but strike the floor instead. The heavy metal of the ax and its sharp edge hit the rocks that made up the floor, causing a small but bright spark. It lasted less than a single heartbeat, but it was more than he needed to see the room and the one he fought, who was also blinded from the flash of light in the dark.
They were short, a few hands smaller than he was. This was important to know for a fast and clean kill. Not wasting any more time for the man to rally, he swung again, this time holding the blade flat and low. As it passed through the air, it caught something, taking away from some of its ease and slowing it slightly. But he couldn't let it stop, he had to make a clean and thorough slice or he would not sleep at night ever again.
Its journey at an end, he dropped the heavy metal to the ground following the two thuds that came before. The first, was his attacker's head and the second, his body. Even without light, he knew this to be the scene that played out in the dark.
Careful not to touch much, he groped for the sword he took from the man and then found the notch it had made in the handle of the ax. Taking a few moments, he sawed his way the rest of the way through until he had a long stick. Then he tore the fabric from the body and wrapped it around. It took a few strikes against the floor but he got the cloth to light, it blinding him for a moment from the new brightness.
The hallway stretched out before him, the small flash he had afforded in battle did not allow him to take in the length of the place before. It was a long and narrow way but at the end stood a door. The handle was a ring that had to be pulled upwards to unlatch. It was heavy, rust thickening it and making it rough on his palm. Although he was going for stealthy, the whine of the aged door alerted all they lay inside, the sound echoing over and over again till death came not a moment too soon.
Devoid of light, there was little to be seen inside the room, its round walls and lack of furniture made it impossible to hide anyone or anything within. It looked like a normal room, empty. He had been mistaken, this was not where he needed to be. But why would a man guard such a room? If there was truly nothing inside, why leave a man to stand in the dark waiting?
Turning, he looked again, going deeper into the room. Something crunched under his boot, hay and lots of it. It all led to the center of the room, a large pile sitting as the main event. As he neared, it became increasingly clear that this was, in fact, exactly where he needed to be.
Eggs. Large and speckled with gold. There were seven nestled safe and warm. The bastards had stolen the Dragons' eggs and held them hostage. If he destroyed them as Kunzite instructed, they would all die in the end, taken out by the Dragon's rage. Once returned, surely the beast would take revenge without hesitation. This was the ruin of Utsery. Now only one man on guard seemed too little, it had him troubled.
As if listening to his thoughts, the door banged open behind him, the room filling with men of all shapes and sizes. Taking a step back, he held his torch over the eggs, a few red cinders falling and coming dangerously close to lighting the whole place of fire.
"Hold. Or we all burn."
A tall and gangly man sneered at him, claiming himself as the leader. "We do not fear death."
He chuckled at the man's ignorance. "Aye, but what about your people? Your Kingdom? We burn and so do the eggs."
"They are Dragon eggs. They can withstand flame."
The strange voice clearly held doubt in it and he seized on it. "You are certain? They may be Dragons but they are still eggs. And eggs cook."
"You are bluffing. You would not give your life for this."
The tall leader was starting to sweat, the glare he sent the leader's way doing well to intimidate. "And you know me well?"
No one moved, his flames hovering over the nest while the others judged his resolve. There were 12 in total between him and the door and there could be a few more in the hall. It was impossible to know for sure, their bodies frozen and blocking his view.
He didn't waste time, ripping his cape off and laying it over the nest. They moved after that, running towards him all at once. The men of Utrior may be fierce in their resolve but they lacked true heart and training. Running at him all at once, a few even tripped, rolling and getting trampled. The sword he stole from the body in the hall was his best weapon, pulling it up to block the first blow. Another came at him from the side, forcing him to use one hand on the sword and the other on his dagger to keep from getting cut in half. The blow was hard on the small blade, a jarring effect on his wrist and arm. Pushing back with all his might, he managed to get both men off of him.
Adrenaline threatened to take hold and he pressed it back down. The natural drug made one jittery and sloppy, neither of which he could afford at this moment.
Two more lept at him pushing him back, his dagger finding its way into the neck of one and killing, while a third sliced his back across his shoulders, the blood burning as it flowed down. His roar startled the one before him, stunning him long enough for him to push back and slice, the man falling to the floor with a gut wound.
Two unconscious, one dead and another dying he was left with eight. No more entered from the hall, this was all he had left to handle. The leader ran at him this time and he was ready, swiping his legs out from under him before he reached him and sticking the tip of his sword into his heart as he laid on the floor. The remaining looked at him with wild eyes, either out of fury or confusion he wasn't sure. Pain from his wound kept him from truly caring, wanting to finish this battle and get out of this hell.
It was close quarters, but the five that lined the walls were a good enough distance away. Ignoring the sting, he pulled out his bow and landed arrows in one thigh, one shoulder, one neck, and two hearts before having to dodge the swing of a blade at his head. The remaining three only seemed wilder by his attempts, rushing him all at once as they lacked the honor of soldiers or Knights.
One got a blow to his arm, slicing down the top of his shoulder to his elbow. Another gained a stab to his chest, just barely missing his heart. Leaving the blade as he pulled away, he now stood before them nearly covered in his own blood.
Considering him dead, one approached slowly. He nearly was dead, struggling to move. However, he had no choice in the matter, he could not die in this room.
Pulling the small blade from his shoulder, he tossed it, the sharp end finding the man's breast with ease, sinking in as if it were butter. He dropped like a stone, the remaining two surrounding him after a moment of shock passed. Circling him like prey, they walked the walls of the small room.
One came from behind, the other in front, so he sat down. The idiots collided with one another, one of their blades sinking into the other's gut. Now having killed his comrade, the man screamed and thrust wildly at him. Rolling, he managed to dodge the majority of the blows, one landing on his thigh and slicing it open as well. But he had lost his sword in the tumble.
The remaining enemy had expended his energy in the move, panting heavily as he stood over him. He was reminded of the Dragon, its rage and haste causing it to kill itself on his blade. So instead of attacking again, he waited, the man doing just as he predicted.
Falling down on him, planning on choking him and killing him with his bare hands, he landed on top of him. The plan would have probably worked, had it been anyone else as he could do little to defend himself from the attack at this point. But he was no normal person.
A gasp of breath and a sick crunch. The man landed right on his blade, the small dagger hiding in his hand till the last second. He was quick to push the man off of him before too much of his blood landed on him. The idea of wearing another man's life made his stomach turn.
Those that survived the attack groaned from their wounds but did nothing else. Although alive, he had managed to render them immobile. He was almost immobile himself, struggling to get up off the floor.
His torch had landed safely across the room from the hay and was on its last legs. The small glow in the room was all he needed, wrapping up the eggs slowly and carefully before limping to the door. A few cried out after him, his response was the click of the lock as he left them there to rot.
The torch was sputtering, affording him just enough light to reach the middle of the stairwell. He hardly needed it past that, climbing the remaining steps with struggle from his wounds and his load, nothing else.
The hall was empty, the maiden that had fallen before him gone. Most likely, it was her that warned the mob that attacked him. He probably should have killed her on site, but he was not one to kill the unarmed, female or not. Once in the bailey, bodies mingled in battle, he saw a few familiar faces. Theoden had made it past the gate.
He had no clue as to the whereabouts of Kunzite, the King, or his fellow Knights and brothers. All that mattered was the location of the Dragons.
Leaving the Castle completely, a few calling out to him in his daze and saving him from a few blades as he could hardly fight for himself in the moment, he stumbled onto the thick moss of the outside land. The air smelled sweet, a dampness to it that only came with rain back home.
Searching the dark skies, he had little hope of finding any of the beasts at night. He had to hope they had already smelled the eggs he carried.
Setting them down quickly and carefully, he unwrapped them and pushed back anyone who came near, even if by accident or one of his comrades.
His last step back, an unearthly cry filled the air, a few stilling at the sound. Those of Utrior became statues, knowing the sound without doubt.
Screams filled the air, some of his men but most of Utrior as they ran. A crack in the air allerted him, looking up to see two shadowy and large figures descend from the black sky. They both landed with a heavy thump to the ground, it shaking slightly from the assault. He had no clue how many remained, the two before him three times the size of the one from the swamp. Instead of a snake with feet, these two were more bird like, long wings with shape edges. Sharp enough to slice through bone. He knew because he had seen it for himself.
Their long paws stretched out on the ground, baring their full weight while their thick talons dug deep into the earth. These beast were not brown like the one in the swamp. Instead, they were blood red, almost black, as if the blood of their victims made them so. A tail flicked back and forth like a cat, their senses on high and their irritation clear. One wrong move and they would swallow him whole.
One neared the bundle, sniffing the offering and checking its validity. While the other approached him. Its eyes dug deep into his soul, pulling on the fabric of it and threatening to rip it from his body. Then the creature sniffed him, surely smelling his blood along with the few drops of the other men. He wondered if it knew the difference if it could smell the difference in blood?
Satisfied, it took a step back, the other had the eggs nestled in its arms. The closer and bigger one let out a roar, the weight of it vibrating his bones as he continued to not move a muscle. Part out of fear and part out of inability.
With that one roar, the battlefield changed, the Dragons falling from the sky. The remaining four, all as large as the two near him and only varied slightly in color, now attacked with full force the land they once protected. He could just make out his fellow men racing out of the bailey, running for their lives as the stronghold began to crumble. A few others made it out, the number of remaining Utrior thinning quickly.
The walls fell and the beast turned on the remaining men and women, not caring about sex as long as they were of Utrior blood, they attacked. Soon, all those from Theoden were just running to get out of the way. The reward for returning their eggs was ending the war for them.
"Mamoru! You did this?"
He turned, finding his vision blurred from his wounds. "Eggs. They had their eggs."
Going off his vision alone, he never would have been able to tell you who he was speaking to. He knew from the voice it was the King, a few shadows coming around him and grabbing him before he fell. "You have single-handedly won the war, my son!"
Even with the war over, he now knew the danger he was in. He was dangerously close to becoming a legend that outweighed the King. "No my Lord, I only did as told. It was you who won the war."
He was sure the hands touching him now belonged to Jedite. Only he would be brave enough to inspect his wounds. "Then I am honored to have such a soul under my banner."
Hands went under his arms, holding him up higher. Something told him this was Kunzite, silently telling him to face his King regardless his pain. "The honor is mine, your Majesty."
"Well then, do not simply stand there! Get this man off the field and into care!"
His feet left the ground, getting carried off towards what he assumed was the tents. Everything ached as the not so gentle jarrings came to his entire body. He had been injured many times before. Just not so many at once. Or as deep.
"I need to get him stitched up before he bleeds to death."
"Then do it quickly! Nephrite, your hands are steady. You will aid Jedite. Zoisite, you come with me for a final sweep. It would not do for a single Utrior to escape reproach." He was laid as gently as possible on a hard surface, the yellow tinge of the tent above him the only thing he could see until Kunzite's face appeared before him. His mouth was drawn in a tight, straight line while his brows were knitted. "Live Mamoru. Survive. That is my last order to you as your Master."
Then he was gone, off to round up the remaining that survived the Dragons. The pulling at his skin was a strange sensation but he felt nothing past that. The rest of his pain covering it up.
Liquid splashed and burned him, Jedite forcing his mouth open and pouring the burning liquid down his throat right after. "Rest Mamoru. You have done enough for now."
Jedite's gentle eyes told him it was true. He could rest now.
oOo
The day had been long, but the night longer. Even with closing all of Mamoru's wounds they had not been fast enough to stave off infection, the dirty blades that cut him to blame. Jedite had ground strange herbs all night long, applying them to Mamoru's wounds, wiping away any puss, and force-feeding the unconscious man with his help the strange elixir that smelled awful. Other than holding Mamoru's head up and mouth open, he changed the cold cloth on his forehead for his fever. Neither he nor Jedite left Mamoru's side till dawn when his fever finally broke.
Jedite was grinding more herbs, green and yellow leaves with a few red seeds mixed in. As soon as they were crushed, their scent filled the tent reminding him of the time he was burned by a baby Dragon and Jedite treated him. He still bore a mark on his chest but it was lesser than it should have been, his flesh not falling off completely like it would have if not for Jedite's care.
Even though it had been one night, it felt like days since he stepped out of the tent, only a few souls near when he did. He was sore from the battle on the field and the battle he left lying in Jedite's care. And he was angry.
All jumped out of his way, knowing by the look on his face that he would not go around, he would go through. It did not take him too long to find the white haired man and luck was on his side that only Zoisite accompanied him. The two of them were pulling a batch of Utsery survivors out, a rope around their wrist, tying them to their backs and to the person in front and behind. It created a garland of men and a few women that the two of them marched out and to a couple of other soldiers waiting for orders.
By the time he reached the duo, their hands were empty and he struck, shoving the tall and fierce Kunzite hard without care. "What the hell did you do?!"
Kunzite's eyes went wide for a moment, only to settle back to their normal size to study him. "I did what had to be done."
"Then why not you? Why not go yourself?!"
Taking a step closer to him, Kunzite understood exactly what he was accusing him of. He did not appreciate being called a coward in the slightest. "Do you think I would have gotten nearly as far as Mamoru? Look at me! I would have been noticed instantly and the mission over."
"Then send someone else! Anyone else!"
He had grabbed his collar, a pointless motion but in his anger, he cared not. Kunzite was calm, staring right back at him and not pulling from his hold. "There was no one else. Only Mamoru would have been successful and you know it. He was the only one."
Releasing him with a shove, he stepped back but continued his glare. "You have taken away his life now! He will have no place with us!"
"Mamoru saved us all, he ended the war! Why would he not have a home?"
The youngest next to Mamoru, Zoisite was nearly frantic, not understanding the situation. They all cared for the man they now had to forsake. "It is because of that, that we cannot bring him home with us. He runs the risk of becoming more powerful than the King himself."
"There must be something we can do? We cannot leave him here, behind!" Zoisite was aiming his words at him, but it was not his decision.
"What say you Kunzite? Are you to leave your ward behind? The only person I have ever seen you care for so. Will you leave him in this place to rot? Forbid him to return to his home?"
The three of them were silent, Zoisite and himself waiting. But the sullen look on Kunzite's face was answer enough. "No matter how I feel about him, Mamoru cannot return to Theoden."
oOo
It had been almost a full moon cycle since father had left to join the battle. He had said it would take a bit of time, what with the war not fully complete and the need to both settle those that remained in Utsery and then do a victory tour. If they succeeded that is.
Father had been confident, but with her lingering feelings of dread, she was struggling to share his optimism. The blood moon above was doing nothing to calm her nerves either. It was hard to think of anything else, her studies suffering. She was sure another archery lesson would take her mind off her struggles, but Diana refused. Clearly, her first 'lesson' had worried them more than they had let on.
Sleep was evading her again, leaving her to sit at her window and wait for dawn's slow approach. Gold streaked across the land, showing her all that was to be under her command one day. She hardly felt worthy. And that was just of the land she could see.
Theoden's hold was over the entire Brennus Kingdom, at least eight Lords under her rule. She had only met half of them; Lord Bartlet of Grendlewart, former Knight of the crown and Kunzite's father; Lord Alistar, Mina's father and Lord of Trirus in the Northwest; Lord Ignatious, Lord of Saliseen and father to Diana; and Lord Kelven, father of Weylin and ruler of Clannad. The latter was the bane of her existence. Although the two had been missing since the war began, probably due to their involvement in the battles, she was sure that her reprieve was now over.
How long would it be until Weylin began asking for her hand? Mamoru had hinted that the man in question had been gunning for it when she was a child and too young to truly understand. Her experience with men was still little to non-existent. But she had Mina and Diana to help her now. They would keep unwanted advances from going too far or her mistaking kindness for more than it was. With the two of them at her side, there would be no misunderstandings.
Her mind hardly appeased, she ran her fingers over the rough leather that adorned her wrist. Even with care, the bracelet was worn looking. At first, she had struggled to keep the large braid on her wrist. Over time, she had grown while the gift seemed to have shrunk. She knew it was just her, growing into its size.
The leather had softened over time, feeling more like cloth that had been left to soak for too long. The only time she removed it was to bathe, not wanting to cause its demise.
Any day now, the men would return, whether they lost or won those who survived would be released to come home. Unless they held value like her father and a few certain Knights, they may not be allowed to return. She was on pins and needles waiting for word on the matter.
Her body had grown stiff, sitting and watching for the day to being, before leaving her perch. The Castle was in a full uproar when she braved the halls. She didn't even recognize half of them, people being pulled up from the town below to now work. It told her that either they were readying for the return of their master or their new one.
Running, she dodged many along the way, all gave her curious glances save for the ones she had grown up around. They were used to her and her strange ways.
The great hall was mostly empty, all the work going towards the Grand Hall in the center of the Castle. This told her that the group arriving was large but that meant nothing.
Diana stood in the middle of the room, directing those around her as she should be doing. But Diana was far more of a Lady than she had ever been. She had no problems allowing Diana to be in charge.
"Diana! What is it? Who is coming!"
"I'm sure you know the answer to that yourself already, my Lady."
Diana was smirking, enjoying her worry and concern more than she thought was right. "You know very well that I only know the Master is returning. But I do not know who the Master is now!"
Turning, Diana placed her hands on her hips but failed to drop her smirk even as she scolded her. "Honestly, child, it is, of course, your father! Like he would return without a victory. Have you no faith?"
For a moment, it felt as if the air inside her was light, lifting her up off the ground. The weight she had pressed upon her lifted at the news, her worries of foretelling her father's death leaving her.
"Goddess alive, you really did fear he would not return?"
Diana was watching her closely, her smirk long gone. "I...could not get it from my mind."
Pulled into a tight hug, Diana wrapped her arms around her, whispering in her ear. "Even if he did not come back, I would keep you safe from harm."
"Aye, but who would keep you?" Wrapping her arms around Diana, she returned the embrace.
"I am not important."
"You are to me. That is what matters more than anything."
A moment passed and the two released one another, Diana stepping back into her role while she drifted away into the flustered hallway. Once she found an empty hall, she rested against the wall, the cool rock meeting her overheated back.
In the silence, she felt it, dread. Her father was returning, the war was over. Then why did she still feel the end of something on the horizon? What more could possibly be to come? Something was not right.
Stomping her way back, she found Diana in the Grand Hall this time. "Let me see it."
"Pardon me?"
"Let me see the letter, Diana!"
She hesitated and it only confirmed her fears. Pulling out the small parchment, she snatched it from her, Diana not fighting her in the least. Scanning it quickly, she saw many names, mostly familiar, in the letter as far as who to expect. But one was missing.
No matter how many times she searched for it, Mamoru's name was nowhere on the letter. Mamoru was not returning.
Alright, be honest, how many of you were expecting something naughty in place of Serenity learning to sword fight? Get your minds out of the gutter, she is a Princess after all. Be back asap!
