Chapter 2

A/N: ...I'm BACK! Mwahahahahahahaha! Well, didja miss me!? No...? Okay...TT-TT...anyways, I think I'm turning yandere...welp, moving on! Special thanks to my first reviewer(s) DragonSoulSC

Thank you guys! Saki ni douzo, kudasai dawa!

Hilda awoke, aware that someone was in her room without her direct permission. They were going to be undeniably dead when she sat up. Her staff was off to the side of the bed; no matter, it was only a conductor and store of energy. Her eyes flicked to her left, towards the shadow of her intruder. Who ever it was, was about to cease all existence. But for awhile she didn't hear anything, which made Hilda uneasy, as she was relying on that hearing to find this cretin. Deciding risk would be better than just laying there petrified, Hilda made out like she was just waking up, groaning as she pulled her self up with mock sleepiness. The shoulder of her nightgown slipped, revealing her ivory skin, which she had to resist to pull back up, not wanting to ruin the act.

There. Movement right there...

"Show yourself, craven," her voice rang clear in the silent darkness. The shadow stiffened, then the figure took a tentative step towards the shaded window...

"Sheesh, I know I'm a bit of a con, but you don't have to be so mean to me...mou~..."

"Ravio! I was about to blast you to pieces!"

"Yikes! Well I'm mighty glad you didn't!"

"Shhhhh! Keep your voice down! How did you get in here anyway? Get out! You can't be in here while I'm sleeping!" Hilda went very quiet and very red. She remembered her gown was still off shoulder, and decided to take advantage of Ravio's innocence, you know just for vengeance giggles.

"...R-ravio...were...you...watching me sleep?" She brought her blanket over mouth in a very convincing show of weepy cuteness.

Of course he took the bait," N-n-nonononono! I was not doing that! I would never do that! I'm not some creepy pervert!" He hands were waving wildly in weak protest.

"You said it, not me~," Hilda sing-songed very uncharacteristically.

"Ugh...Hilda, noooo...no no no..."

"So what were you doing here, anyway?" She still wanted to know, because he was here in the middle of the night for something, right? Well, what was it?

Ravio was trying the best he could to avoid her wide curious gaze, averting his eyes before saying," I, uh, was trying to check the tree outside, you know, ...in case anybody else was up there trying to watch you...and...the window was unlocked...so I just wanted to check on you...and..." A bright blush that was creeping from his neck had entirely covered his face.

"Heheh...Ravio, keep doing that, and I might as well take on the role of hero as well," Hilda chuckled as she fell backwards to her pillow.

"Now as for your punishment..."

"Aww, come on..."

"You have a choice. You can have a little session of sword practice..."

"Oh, Goddess, no..."

"Or, you can sit next to me...over here..."

"...What?"

"Choose quickly or I will choose for you."

"What kinda choices are those?!"

"Keep your voice down! Well? Hurry and pick!"

"I...I choose option number three!"

"What!?"

"Escape through the conveniently unlocked window!"

"Don't you DARE!" Hilda was able to grab both ends of Ravio's scarf, and yanked back with all her strength, which was more than Ravio could say. Somehow, Hilda had managed to squeeze all the air out of him, resulting in a Fainting Ravio.

Hilda sighed," Ohh, this lucky fool...," well, lucky enough that she liked him. Not that she would admit it out loud. She drew her legs up to her chest, and watched the breath return life to her raven haired friend. He was soon in a state of sleep, and she found him vulnerably adorable. She couldn't help pinching his cheeks together, he truly did resemble a rabbit... Ok, it was time to stop that.

Hilda gently put her head next to his, careful not to wake him. If she was looking from just the right angle, Ravio could strike as beautiful. His skin had been sun-tanned, being he was out most of the day. And for a boy, his eyelashes were quite long, which really just added on to the innocent factor. She watched his breath rise for a moment before closing her eyes to dream again.

" Don't do it..."

'...? Don't do... what?' Was he sleep talking?

" Please...Hilda...please...everything...apart..."

His breathing had grown heavy, ragged. As if he was being constricted. She began to worry, is it a nightmare? Her hand took hold of his, squeezing tightly, trying to let him know that he was okay. It seemed to be working, for Ravio's shifting and muttering had ceased almost as soon as she held his hand.

'...This is the first time we're holding hands...'

Hilda felt her cheeks warm up, and tried the best to resist the urge to fling him and his hand off her bed. No, she would do that later when it was time to kick him out. Right out the window...nope, too much, just out the door would be fine.

Making sure she had a good grip on him, lest he try to leave without waking her, Hilda let herself drift back into the world of dreams.

" Thank you, Hilda."

" I'm sorry."

" Please, forgive me."

" Forgive me for what I am about to do..."

" I'm so sorry..."

" And what have we learned thus far?"

" Don't try to jump out of windows..."

" And...?"

" And don't climb in through the window in the first place..."

" Good," Hilda uncrossed her legs and stood up. She was near bursting with giggles, giggles she was trying to hold in because they would sound unnatural coming from her.

" Now, I need to prepare for a council meeting, and I need to get my files together...," Hilda walked back towards her desk, flipping through piles to remember which was which. Ravio sheepishly shuffled toward her, unsure of what actions he should take.

" Do you...do you need me with you, or should I just wait around...?"

" As much as I would love for you to keep me company, I am afraid others may take advantage of your naivety, and use you for entertainment. A privilege which solely belongs to me."

" Oh...okay...," He gave a nervous chuckle," Y-yeah, it might be better not to show up then..."

Grabbing another pile of paper to take, Hilda glanced over at his anxious posture. She knew he wanted to be useful, but if it didn't have anything to do his business or profit, he would be downright lost.

" If you want, you can wait for me here and I'll comeback and let you know if there are any business opportunities for you."

His anxiety withered, and his mood immediately perked up. Hilda swore his rabbit ears stood straight up as well.

" Oh, that would be just sweet as pie! Thank you Princess!" Right on cue, he smiled, something so infectious that she couldn't help but smile as well. She was glad that he had that effect on her, it was rare to feel a smile on her face.

" I'm not quite sure how long it is supposed to take, but I'll try to return soon."

" Don't worry, your loyal merchant will be here as always, my lady," Ravio pulled a mock bow, like how some of her previous suitors had done before, and a quick laugh passed through her lips at his impression.

" See you later, then..." Hilda maneuvered her way out the door with her stack of papers. Now all she had deal with today was a room of people that she didn't like. Terrific.

"...being the sole reason why I would like you to support this project, Princess Hilda. It may very well prove useful if we can clear out the Thieves Town, and restore it to its former glory as Kanariko Village, primarily-"]

" Clarify something for me, Chancellor Kreibes,"a cold, detached glare burned through the thick middle-aged man, with a bad comb-over, visible shivers running up and down his body. He answered with a faltering voice," Y-yes, my lady...," Many of the other attendees were muttering nervously to each other in their seats. Yuga just looked his smug self as ever.

" Do you mean to have me approve of a project that would slaughter my own people?"

" W-well, not exactly, Your Highness, I meant that if we were to get rid of the Thieves gang and the monster worshippers, then the village would be clear for r-restoration-"

" And killing the populace of the town would help restoration how?"

" T-t-that wou-"

" Understand this for me," the air around Hilda began to change," Whether they do or do not, my people have yet to give me reason to support a full on execution. They are barely getting on as is! They only turn to thievery and blasphemy for them to be able to live. Because we are so inadequate of a higher structure, we are unable to keep them from turning to thievery! And then on top of that, of all things, you suggest that I kill my own subjects!? Might I suggest that I throw your lot in with that idea? That would get rid of the majority of bad ideas, and i'll be rid of your head!"

After a full verbal humiliation, Chancellor Kreibes muttered an apology and quickly sat down. Hilda rubbed her temples with one hand, the other gripping her staff tightly in frustration.

" Unless any of you have something that will improve our system, and the condition of my people, and gain my full support, I will consider this meeting over. All is dismissed."

Hilda rose, everyone else after, and watched her council file out of the room.

" That was well handled, Princess Hilda..." Yuga came around the back of her chair, and Hilda felt her back freeze like hackles on a cat," But really, you didn't need to be so rough, they are only fools, they don't know any better but to be selfish."

" That wasn't the point, Lord Yuga. Shall we speed our downfall, or shall we try to impede it and possibly stop it all together? Oh sweet Lolia, what can we do..."

Yuga's hand reached to rest on her shoulder, but Hilda stood, wary of his intent," I will excuse myself, I feel light-headed..."

She moved quickly, wanting to get out of range of his atmosphere; it made her feel sick. She wanted to get back to her silly Ravio and forget the events from the last couple of hours.

Hilda stood as he was about to lay his hand upon her shoulder. Cursed...! He pulled back quickly, her posture stiff, obviously uncomfortable. Blood red glanced over, letting him know she was leaving to rest.

Princess Hilda was too smart for her own good. If he could somehow break past the ice, he could easily gain her trust. How had the bloody rabbit done such a task!? Was it fools luck, something he would never posses? Or was it something more. Young people were like that, once upon a time...

Never mind that, if it came to it, fine but not yet...how to have someone in the palm of your hand when they could easily squash you with theirs? This required a bit of thought, now didn't it?

Yuga laughed, something haunting and insane, walking out the council room to ponder the ideas in his head.

"...Why do I feel so drained...?"

" Well, Princess, sitting in a room full of arguing old bogies would certainly exhaust some..."

" Hmph...now I feel upset..."

Ravio looked over at her face, pretty eyes narrowed down, if only they would shoot lasers, there would be a hole in the floor...wait, she can use magic, can't she already shoot lasers!?

"...Ummm, Hilda?"

"...Mm?"

" Can you shoot lasers from your eyes?" He sounded as if it was the most serious question in the world, and with his mood now in that spectrum, her Ravio almost looked like a hero.

" Ravio...,"Hilda started,"...you don't look too bad..."

" Hah!? What's that supposed to mean!? T-that doesn't even answer..."

And the illusion was broken. Oh, trolls...

" Oh my...sometimes you're too much, Ravio...,"Hilda just smiled, the smile she saved for him when it was just them," Don't worry, I'm just teasing..."

" Awwww...Hilda...stahp...,"The loveliest shade of pink settled on his face. Hilda pinched his cheeks,"Uwaa~! 'Dis is my favowite face!"

" OW-OW-OW-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow! Awck! M' cheeks!"

When Hilda did let go, Ravio's cheeks were bright as cherries," Why would you do that? Ow~...," His hands flew up to try and soothe the probably bruised skin.

Hilda just clasped her hands together, false innocence apparent," Because you're my favorite, and as such, you must suffer such heavy consequences. Oh, poor Ravio..."

Hilda wished that these times were something of an everyday occasion. Wished that there wasn't such a need to worry about the end. The inevitable end...Just wished that she could keep these moments she had with Ravio forever. That none of it would disappear...

" Princess...what's wrong?"

" Hmm?"

" You looked real sad for a sec' there...did anything happen with the council?"

" Ah, no. Just some wishful thinking, wishing that wishes come true..."

" Huh...really now...y'know, it's okay to tell me stuff, Princess, I'm right here for you. Even if I might be a coward at heart, if you would give me a smile, I'd do just about anything."

Was he sparkling, or was her sanity finally going? She gave a half smile," Thank you, Ravio. That's why I like you the most, really. You'll at least listen to the contents of my burden. Thank you, my dear friend."

" Please forgive me for the pain I'll cause you."

And there is chapter 2, finally! GAWD, that took a little bit...well, a lotta bit...BUT here you guys go, if anyone was waiting... And yes, I know that they might seem a little bit OoC, but I was trying to play on Hilda's want to be a bit more carefree than she is able to and try to lift the burden she is forced to bear, as well as Ravio's cowardice on a majority of things, and how he's kind of the submissive partner in their relationship, as well as the amount of care he holds for Hilda. I kinda want to see a M lemon fic of them, if I don't write one myself... OMC they are sooo kawaii desu3! Oh the fluffs!

Thank You! Reviews are lovely!