A/N: I don't usually update this fast, lucky for you that I had the first few chapters written before I actually posted them. I'm not actually sure about the specifics of the epigraph here, all I know is that it's from Bleach and I liked it. If anyone knows who said it, etc. I would be most grateful.
"When you counter, don't let them cut you. When you protect someone, don't let them die. And when you attack, kill."
-Bleach
One would have to be blind not to notice Ryuce's new excitement and enthusiasm for this quest when he announced that they would now be seeking the Water Dragon Knight, rather than Light. The others were surprised, since Ryuce had told them that because he knew the Water Dragon's location, that it would be the last one they would seek. Still, it was hard to deny his cheer, or the great sense of relief at already knowing where the Water Dragon would be found.
He moved them with an alarming pace, back to the coastal village where he had first seen Kahaku and Ryula. However, by the time they found themselves in the village, she had left, and no one they asked knew where she had gone off to. "She left with a young man, I don't know where they went." The reply was the same with everyone they asked. Ryuce was heartbroken. Hadn't she promised to wait for him? So where was she now, when he could finally return to her?
Ryuce had, by his own admission, forgotten all sense of time since beginning this mission. The only time he knew was that he had been gone far too long away from the woman he loved. But how long had it been since he returned to this place? A lifetime? More? And how long had she actually waited here for him? There was no way to tell.
But Ryuce had to remember that he was here for a reason. He returned to the grove that she had shown him, where she kissed him and promised to stay. Ryuce stopped as he entered. The spot where the frozen Water Dragon had been placed was empty. There was no Dragon even waiting for him. Had a Knight found it, or was this just one more thing Ryuce had failed at?
He sank to his knees in despair. He had started with such enthusiasm, only to end up like this—bleak, lost and forsaken by the woman that had kept him going all this time. He put his head in his hands and wept, alone, with no one to hold him.
He woke up the next morning, unsure of when he had fallen asleep. As he sat up, he gazed around the clearing: Kene, Sonas, Lera and Sarazar were all still asleep. He hadn't asked them to come, but they had found him. Suddenly, he felt much better. There was still a deep hole in his heart where what he had worked for had been lost, but something else filled it: the unwavering loyalty and faithfulness of his Knights, followers…and friends. Ryuce lied back down, giving into this new, strange comfort while the first of the Dragon Tribe rested.
Later that morning, after the others had awoken and dew was drying from blades of glass, Sarazar asked Ryuce, "If you would like, I could learn where she is."
Ryuce needed no clarification as to who "she" was, and was grateful that Sarazar had not said her name. Right now it hurt too much to hear. "I would rather not talk about her, Sarazar." He would have to eventually, but not now. Now he simply wanted to push the pain as far away from himself as he could. "But, please, can you tell me what happened to the Water Dragon?"
She closed her eyes, the cross marked on her forehead shone. When she opened her eyes again, she was smiling. "You will be happy to hear this, my lord. The Knight of Water has already been found, and he is searching for you. The one who told him to find you was your Ryula."
"Ryula?" Ryuce repeated. The name made tears sting his eyes. He had not wanted to know what had happened to her or where she had gone just yet. Now, he heard her name, and he could see her beautiful face in his mind. "Do you know why she did not stay?"
Sarazar nodded. "She left with the Knight in search of you."
Ryuce, who had been sitting, now sprang to his feet. "Where is she going? How will I see her again?"
Slyness glinted in Sarazar's eyes. "If you love her, she will find you."
"Sarazar, this is no time for games," Sonas said, his tone making him sound sharper than he meant to. "There is one more Knight and Dragon out there that needs to be found."
Kene shot the Fire Knight a glance. "Sonas, please. We've trusted Sarazar enough so far. Do not speak so harshly of her now."
"I act such because I want you to use your brains rather than have all the answers handed to you," the fortune teller retorted to Sonas. "And thank you, Kene, for believing in me."
Ryuce, however, had not paid attention to any of this. "If I love her," he muttered under his breath, still trying to puzzle everything out, "will she find us if we remain here? Or should we go searching?"He shook his head. Searching for her had all been in vain. She would have to come and find him, and he would stay here, waiting for her, for as long as it would take.
Months passed, and the road-weary travelers became integrated into the village's lifestyle, and still Ryuce waited. It was a much needed rest from the road for all of them, and no one could deny how much happier they all were in one spot, that they could wake up in the same place every morning. Lera, now thirteen years of age, attended school with others her age. Although the other children could be cruel and occasionally were, she did well surrounded by company her own age. Sonas quickly became renowned in the small area as the best chef for leagues, a title he accepted with an embarrassed and humble look on his face. Kene was able to share some of the limelight, while Sarazar enjoyed quiet moments that the days had to offer. And Ryuce waited.
Now I would like to present you with another scene, one which might have happened if any of them had been allowed to live a normal life.
In the mornings, Lera would walk to school, more out of the need to be around others rather than a true desire to learn anything. She would gossip with the other girls and learn more things outside the classroom than in.
Sonas would shop for food. Though the village was small, the fact that it was by an ocean guaranteed fresh ingredients most days. He would prepare meals for himself, his companions, and more than a few times half the village.
While he was doing this, Kene and Sarazar often would enjoy the peacefulness of this place they had found. Occasionally the passed the time with a few board games, but mostly just enjoyed spending time with one another. It was also agreed by everyone that they should not play cards and especially not gamble with a woman who could see the future.
In between these happy memories, Ryuce waited, only hoping that Ryula would return to him. In many ways Ryuce was suffering here while everyone else found this time away from the road a small piece of heaven.
Still, the Knights and Sarazar never saw this as permanent. They were going to take what this short time had to give them and do their best with it. They knew better than to project into the future, because they always had to be prepared. Someday their lord was going to tell them it was time to leave, and they would follow him as they always had. There might have been some reluctance to leave this normal life behind, but Lord Ryuce mattered more. They loved him, and would follow him to the ends of the earth should he lead them there.
He was not leading now. He was waiting. Then one day, out of a pure blue sky, she was there.
Ryuce had been spending much of his time sitting in the grove when he heard footsteps behind him. He craned his neck around to see Ryula, lovely as ever, walking towards him. Before he could stand up or say anything, she wrapped her arms over his shoulders. "I'm here now, Ryuce."
He turned around, got to his feet in a rush. "Ryula," he gasped. He had hoped for her, but logic made him fear that he would never see her face again.
"Ryula, is this where—" Someone else stepped into the clearing. Long, dark hair, angled face, deep brown eyes. There was something in his features or his presence that made heads turn. He commanded attention wherever he went. He stopped talking once he saw the two of them together. "This is him?"
Ryula nodded. "This is Ellis," she indicated the person who had just entered.
"The Dragon Knight of Water," Ellis introduced himself, and bowed. "We have been hoping to find you."
Ryuce nodded. The world was spinning, and he felt sick. Was this real? Was she really here with him, and the Water Dragon Knight? No, this couldn't possibly be right. "Ryula, may I speak to you alone?"
She nodded. After Ellis had left the area, he embraced her. The soft touch of her skin assured him that he was really in her arms, or if this was a dream, it made him wish to sleep forever. He breathed in the smell of her hair, the beauty in her eyes and knew that he wanted no other woman in the world to hold him but her. "Why didn't you wait for me?" He whispered.
"You were gone five years, Ryuce. When Ellis awoke Kahaku, I told him about you. He left to find you, and I went with him." She cupped his face with her hand. "Everything I did when I was apart from you, I did it so we could be together again."
He took her hand and held it in his own. "For me as well. And I was faithful to you every moment. I thought of no one else."There was a hidden question here, and part of Ryuce was afraid to know the answer.
She smiled, like she was about to share some secret joke. "You needn't worry about Ellis. I will be frank with you and tell you that he has no interest in women."
Ryuce let out a small, surprised chuckle, and then stopped himself. He was overjoyed at this reunion, but there were other things that he could not forget. "We should have the Knights meet each other."
Ryula nodded. She started to step away, but Ryuce stopped her. "Before you take another step," he said, and kissed her. When their lips broke apart, her eyes were shining. "I love you," Ryuce whispered.
Ryula held him for a few seconds more. "I love you, too."
Ryuce and Ryula could not keep the joy off their faces when Ryuce went to introduce her to his companions. Ellis went with them, eager to meet the other Knights.
Sonas and Kene were enjoying a card game while Sarazar sat smugly away from them, trying not to laugh at the bad moves they were going to make. It was a good chance to use her gift on such silly, frivolous things for a change.
"Where is Lera?" He asked them.
"She won't be back for another hour, my lord," Kene said, laying another card down on the table.
"There is someone I would like you to meet. The Dragon Knight of Water, Ellis—"
Their heads shot up, finally attentive. Ellis bowed to them, just as he had when he saw Ryuce.
"And Ryula." Ryuce took her hand, still hardly daring to believe that she was really here.
While the others met and mingled, Ryuce and Ryula spent time in their own world, where the only people there were the two of them. "They call you, 'my lord' now?" Ryula asked, amused.
"A title Kene gave me. One I never asked for."
She curtsied with a playful smile. "And what shall I call you, my lord?"
He stood her up so they were looking into one another's eyes. "To you, I will always be Ryuce."
The next few weeks were the happiest that Ryuce could remember. All the Knights, save Light, were together, and each morning he could wake up next to Ryula. He could have been content if things stayed like that forever. Everyone was happy. Finally, at long last, they were all together and could be at peace.
Dragon Eyes. The words tore Ryuce from his calm slumber one night. Dragon Eyes. The last piece of the puzzle, the one last thing he had to find. What were they, and how could he ever hope to find them? He looked at Ryula's sleeping form and touched her skin softly. He didn't want anything to take him away from her ever again.
Her blue eyes opened, sparkling like gemstones. "Ryuce?" She asked, still rather sleepy.
Dragon Eyes. There they were in the woman he loved. He knew then—he could not do this alone. He would need her to stand at his side, from now until the day he died. He had continued on this quest for her, only for her, but now she was going to bring it to an end, at long last. He kissed her cheek. "I love you, Ryula, and I would be the happiest man alive if you would share your life with me."
She snuggled closer to him, feeling his warmth. "I would gladly give the rest of my life to you, my lord."
He put his head back down on their bed, one arm around her waist. "My queen," was all he whispered in reply.
Shortly they were wed. It was a simple affair. With none of the grandeur that kings and queens have today. There were flowers, there was the soft spoken word of "yes", there was a promise of eternal love that was sealed with a kiss.
After, the Knights approached them with a gift for their Lord and Lady.
Yes, this glorious palace that you love so well was a gift from the first Dragon Knights. They used their magic, their Dragons, and the secret wonders of this world to create it. As the world grew healthier and stronger, so did the castle. It would be much like the home they all shared in that village, but on a much larger scale. And what King and Queen did not live in a grand castle?
I believe that if the Knights knew then what they did at the end of their lives, they may have done things very differently. Ryuce certainly would have. At this moment, though, there was nothing but happiness for them. Yes, it was going to change quickly, but let them enjoy it while they could.
The place felt too big and empty the first night they spent there. If this was going to be their home, it certainly didn't feel like it. More than that, the area around the castle was blank and empty. Lord Ryuce remembered Sarazar's prediction that his mission would change the course of the world, but how could it even leave a mark if no one knew of the Dragon Tribe's existence?
At this time, demons and youkai had sprouted up across the land in dangerous numbers. They had formerly only been found in distant places, away from cities and villages, attacking travelers that wandered away from their paths. Now their numbers seemed to be increasing every day. Reports of demons bursting into defenseless villages, killing humans and destroying everything they owned were becoming scarily common.
The palace's walls were thick around them, and Lord Ryuce thought it was only right to open its protection to those that needed help. The Knights would travel, trying to keep villages safe from attacks that always felt too close. Any refugees, any wanderer in need of a safe place to rest his head was welcomed into the halls of the Dragon Palace. Notices were sent to far-away places, inviting anyone who felt the threat of demon attack to the castle. There would be those that stubbornly refused to leave their homes, and those who would not survive the trip. Still, the doors of the palace were open to all.
The first handful was nothing more than a group of scared refugees that had lost almost everything. They were grateful for whatever kindness was being offered to them, and ready to give whatever they could back. Among them was Iden, who had actually come at Ryuce's request. The large collection of swords in the palace basement were all made by him. There was also the bard, Loria, often too clever for her own good; Josa, who helped make the palace gardens as beautiful as you see them today; Raeli, a master fencer; Orlaith, a sneaky young woman who was later asked to leave due to her uncontrollable kleptomania. They brought what skills they had to those that tired to save them in hopes that they could repay the Dragon Tribe somehow.
While we are on the subject, invitations were also extended to the Spirit Tribe, though no faerie sought refuge in Draqueen during that time. I believe that you, Rune, are the first faerie to become a permanent resident of the Dragon Castle.
And still more arrived. Those strong in body and brave in heart were trained to become warriors, the first of the Dragon Fighters. As more people arrived, homes were built, the land was farmed. A city, a kingdom was growing.
With help, Ryuce was able to create wards around the castle so that any demon that entered would feel incredible pain, if they could enter at all. If they stayed on the wrong side of the barrier for too long, it would kill them. It was must stronger in Lord Ryuce's time than Lord Lykouleon's. I could never tell you for certain why, but I think that this was because Lord Lykouleon believed that no one was truly evil. Yes, this was a risky even naïve way to think, but allowing demons in the palace ended up being better than most would have thought. Or am I wrong, Lord Rath?
Thank you, Thatz. I thought not. Let's continue.
The growing kingdom prepared itself through defense: training its citizens and watching out for demon activity. The Dragon Knights and volunteer Fighters were sent out to kill more dangerous youkai.
These were fearful times, and even before Nadil, demons were smarter than we would have liked to give them credit for. They knew their enemy and knew that it had to be destroyed, somehow, before it wiped out them. Just as the Dragons were preparing for this fight, the demons were amassing an army of their own.
Two scouts, Orlaith and Briana, discovered this, though Briana never made it back to the Dragon Castle. "My lord," Orlaith said in a rush, after bowing to Ryuce. "I am afraid that they outnumber us." She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. "They killed Briana. Their sheer numbers will overcome us."
Ryuce thought on this for a moment. "No, they will not,"he said, his voice holding more confidence than he actually felt.
Once she left, Ryuce called a meeting with his wife, Sarazar and the Knights to tell them the dismal news. "She fears that we will be overrun."
"Never," Ellis declared.
Ryuce smiled. This was the kind of spirit that he had hoped to see. "You four are the best chance of survival we have. I want to send you to fight and kill as many as you can before they arrive here."
Sarazar nodded. "I do not see a better option. Send the Knights to destroy what they can now and lower their numbers before they arrive in Draqueen. It is the best chance that we have."
Sonas paled slightly. "You mean that we might not win?"
"There's always the possibility," Ryula said solemnly.
Lera sat across the table, wondering if this was the only way to do things. "I think that we should do this," she decided, "but we have to make sure that our Dragons are safe. Once they're wounded, we fall back. That way we should have time to recover before their army clashes with ours."
"As a last resort, we could have the citizens seek refuge in the palace," Kene put in.
"Or have all those untrained to fight stay here as the battle goes on," Ellis added.
Sonas smiled. "No. We put everyone here, warriors and civilians alike. Give them hope for the battle before it even starts." He nodded. "Then charge from the castle at the right time."
Lera stood up, now growing to become a beautiful young woman In the time that it had taken to build the castle and train soldiers, she had up quite a bit, but still would not acknowledge that she might have had more growing left to do. "If everything is settled, my lord, I think I would like to be excused." She let out a small chuckle. "I want to put my war paint on."
Kene scowled. "Lera, who says that you're going?"
"Lord Ryuce does." She looked over at him. "Right?"
"My lord," Kene objected. "Lera is still—"
"Don't you dare say that I am a child or that I'm just too young." Lera had her hands on her hips, her usual defiant stance. "I am sixteen years old now, and I've bested both you and Sonas in the practice ring!"
"To be fair, it is not that difficult to win a match against me," Sonas pointed out.
"And you only bested me once, Lera. And never Ellis."
She let out a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes. "But I am the Wind Knight! And --"
"Stop." Ryuce interrupted. "Kene, this is not for you decide. Lera is a Knight, just as you are she, too, will fight. Have faith in her."
Kene's lips thinned, but he returned to his seat. "Very well, my Lord. I apologize."
Ryuce nodded. "Thank you, Kene."
There was silence around the table. "Is it agreed then?" Ellis asked.
Consent was given all around.
Lera was still upset after plans had been made, scowling in the corner. "I am not a little girl anymore, Kene!"
"You think that, Lera, but how much do you really know?" The Earth Knight was in as much of a stormy mood as her.
"I've faced dangers as you have, I've fought with you at my side!" Tears brightened in her eyes. "Do you not think that I could do it again, or…do you really not believe in me?"
Kene sighed and massaged his temples with one hand, his usual unhappy gesture. "Lera, of course I believe in you."
"Then it would do for you to show a little support." She squared up her shoulders. "Don't forget: I'm also a Dragon Knight!
Kene gave her brief nod and a sigh. Teenagers.
They had no way of knowing how long they had until the demon army would attempt to overtake them all. The Knights have prepared as quickly as they could but they were still things to do.
"You should have Loria give you a kiss just before we go," Kene teased Sonas over what may have very well been the Knights' last meal together.
To everyone's surprise, a light pink hue warmed on the Fire Knight's cheeks. "Now I really don't think that she --" the others burst into laughter.
"It's impossible not to notice the look she gives you," Lera interrupted. "It's like—"
"When Lady Ryula looks at Lord Ryuce," Ellis filled in.
"And what about you, Kene?" Sonas teased right back. "When are you finally going to get down on one knee and marry Sarazar?"
"He can't ask," Ellis said, failing to hold back a smile. "She'd see it coming!"
"As soon as Ellis, the most beautiful man in our humble kingdom --" Kene waved his arm at the Water Knight, "Ellis, who has girls chasing after him the moment he steps in the street, as soon as he takes interest in one of them!"Another loud burst of laughter was heard around the table.
"See, now they've got me curious," Lera added. "All right, brave Knight of Water, which of these fellows do you fancy most?"
There was a pause in the happy conversation. Ellis looked around the table at his friends and comrades in arms. A grin appeared on his face. "Yes, having more interest in men than 'the fairer sex', I look at you lot and... I think I prefer Lera over all of you!"
Lera pretended to fan herself over more laughter. "Oh, but I'm just a child! How can one ever introduce me to this strange ways of love?" A slight sarcastic jab at Kene, who was never going to let her grow up if he could prevent it.
A few minutes a friendly abuse, insults, and riotous laughter followed. But soon, it was time to quiet themselves and appreciate the seriousness of what they were going to do in the morning. "If you love someone, you should tell them now," Ellis said. "Or you may never get another chance."
Kene raised his eyes to the ceiling. He knew she wouldn't be able to hear him but he spoke just the same. "I love you, Sarazar."
Sonas, sitting next to him, also spoke. "And please notice my affection for you, Loria."
Ellis, sitting next to him, didn't speak for a moment. Finally he said, "And I love you, my friends."
The sun was rimming over the horizon the four Dragon Knights rose on their Dragons flying westward, away from the rising pink light. They had their plans arranged, but only hoped that they would succeed. For a long time they felt the weight of agelessness upon them, but now understood better. They were not immortal. The cut of a sword could still overcome them. They could be felled on the fields of battle.
Before they found the demon army, they landed. The sun was finally reaching the western skies as they drop back to earth, concealing their Dragons within the swords Iden had made for all of them.
They ducked down in whispers, and made their plans. They would have to split up, get in as far of the mob of youkai as they could, and bring up their Dragons out once they were in the thick of it. Of course, once the first Dragon was out, any surprise they had left would be gone, and then it would be time to turn to all-out force.
They divided themselves up, each hoping and praying to whatever gods they might that this would not be their last time seeing each other -- or fighting together. They whispered their goodbyes and Godspeed's, and that was it.
Ah, narrating such large battles so is troublesome. Where to start and how to make is still sound interesting? How to keep track of each person involved? And no, before you ask, I don't think I'm going to spare the gruesome details. Thirsty for blood, even at this new time of peace! Is that what you old Knights all are? Alright, you three have gotten me off. Let's start with Sonas and Honoo. No, no more questions until I say so!
Sonas was not exceptional fighter. He was a head above of the Dragon Fighters, and when it came down to it, he really did have nerve. The problem was with this technique, or lack thereof. He started with wild swinging and dumb luck, hoping to hit something. That soon changed to wild swinging was some idea of what he was doing, and magic. Sometimes, even before he was in a Dragon Knight, always had a talent for pyrokinesis, which only grew stronger once he had Honoo fighting at his side.
He approached the enemy, stabbing and swinging, killing any demons by sheer chance. He waited until he had their attention.
"Foooolissshhh human warrior," they hissed at him. "Trying to topple ussss!"
Sonas actually sheathed his sword, stretched his arms and hands away from himself, across his torso. A rope of orange flame burned between them. He lashed it's out like a fiery whip, burning anything that it touched. It made grimy demon skin sizzle and char. It kept the monsters he was fighting back far enough, created a perimeter around him, giving him a chance to prepare another spell. He flung back his arms, the area around in exploding in fire light. Any demon in the inferno would be incinerated before they can even come close to touching Sonas.
Ellis was born in Arinas, which was a civilized country like Dusis, a long time ago. I suppose "civilized" is a general term; even when it was populated by humans alongside demons, it was a place that only the strong would survive. Ellis was taught to hold a sword almost as soon as he is able to walk. He had been raised to fight and kill if just to defend himself.
He was silent, strong, and deadly. His favorite way of attacking was surprise: a stab in the back, through the vital organs and his opponent was dead before could scream. In a group like this, or situation is dangerous this, he didn't have the time to be precise. He cut; steel slashed through the air and into the flesh of his enemies. He is not as careful as he should have been, and more than once his thick heavy armor saved his life. He did not kill every monster and youkai he fought, but often he left him incapacitated, shortly to die from their wounds. He was not merciful and had not seconds to spare to be so. This was a slaughter, a killing spree at the point of his sword and there was no room for clemency.
As might have been expected with his protective nature, Kene was normally all about defense. He could protect himself, but no one around him if he did not use the blade to strike back. He thought of Lera, Sarazar, Lord Ryuce and the Kingdom. He established it, and would protect with the edge of his sword. That thought alone was enough to pull the blade away from himself, to swinging, coating the steel with black blood.
Lera -- now, there was promise! She is already a wonderful swords woman at such a young age. There are vast amounts of potential in her to become great. Still, at this time she was a neophyte in this violent art, though she could hold her own very well against these lower ranking demons. There must have been the blood warrior her unknown heritage, for she fought more ferociously than few could hope to live. This sword felt natural and her hands, and if she bled -- her enemy would bleed ten times as much!
Ah, yes. I forget myself. That was the promise she showed. We should not glorify too much -- it is a veil for our eyes. She made short work of the weaker demons, but when stronger ones approached, she still needed more training. She strived valiantly against them but they soon surrounded her. They formed a circle, closing in on her. The girl, now terrified, lost her concentration. They stepped in, disarmed her, and she fell, not taking care to place her feet properly. She was on her back, away from her weapon, scared. She extended one of her arms up to the sky and yelled, "Hayate!"
The wind Dragon burst around her. She climbed onto its back, watched as it extended its wings, bringing several demons to the ground as it did so. It released a roar into the air that they say made bones quiver.
That was the cry of alerted the other Knights to her situation. Honoo, Riku, and Kahaku all came to protect and serve their Knights.
Hayate took to the sky with Lera on its back, creating gales with the movement of its wings. Honoo, guarding the near exhausted Sonas, burned anything that came close. Riku planted its feet, Kene behind him, each holding their own, sending waves of the Earth to topple their enemies. Ellis and Kahaku rose into the air, waiting for their chance.
The first one other Dragon received much of it was time to return to Draqueen. Honoo took the first blow from a monster that had snuck up on the two. Sonas hated to withdraw from the fight. He still felt his friends needed him, though he was spent and now Honoo was wounded. He had no choice, only wished he did. "Honoo, are you strong enough to take us both out of here?" After the affirmation, Sonas mounted the Dragon and, reluctantly, left the others behind. He looked back at the battlefield over his shoulders. "The best of luck, my friends. I will see you, all of you, when you return."
The next, Hayate. When swooping down to attack, the Dragon suddenly screeched in pain. Lera, holding on as tightly she could crawl to its belly to see something like a spear piercing and her partner. The Dragon veered upward, nearly tossing Lera off. "Hayate!" She screamed she tugged at the spear, but that only agonized Hayate more. She climbed to the Dragon's back again. "Please, Hayate. Deal with this pain for aslong as you can. We must return to Draqueen."
As they flew away, tears fell on the back of Hayate's neck. Lera was feeling the same thing Sonas was, and Kene would when he was forced to withdraw as well. "I'm sorry, Hayate," she said over the rush of air off the Dragon's wings. "I couldn't protect you. I failed you. I'm sorry."
The next, Kene. Riku rose on its head the wings, flying low but transporting them both out of danger. The Riku's stone skin had not actually been damaged, but Kene could clearly see Ellis and Kahaku hovering, begging him to leave.
"I don't want to leave you alone here!" Kene shouted over to him once they were close enough to hear one another.
Ellis grinned, a smile that Kene could barely see across the way. "Trust me!"
"You better come back to Draqueen in one living piece!" Kene called back before turning. He felt guilty, and I believe that if he could live his life over, he would have acted differently then. He always felt that this was his greatest moment of shame.
"Are you ready, Kahaku?" Ellis asked. The magic that had been awakened with him combined with Kahaku's own power made water in the crust of the world stir, pooling around the demons. Ellis raised his arm, and all the water drew to one side of the army beneath him. Drops piled on one another to form a wave, tall deadly, and held back only by the Water Knight. It shimmered under the sun, waiting to be released.
Ellis thrust his arm forward, and the wave toppled, sweeping through the demon ranks. Satisfied now, he and the Water Dragon turned, at last, back to Draqueen.
The passing hours upon returning to Draqueen were spent in healing and recovering. The Dragons were seen to first, and then their Knights. The remainder of the day and long night was spent in much needed and well deserved rest for the warriors.
Ryuce was restless that night. He had seen their wounds, and all he could think of was how he had ordered the Knights, sent his friends to this. "I feel responsible for every cut and bruise on them," he told Ryula. "This was my fault."
She shook her head. "No, love. You tried to protect everyone with just a few. There are no demons pounding down the door outside, and your people are safe. Your Knights are safe, and your orders saved countless lives."
Ryuce stepped away from her. He didn't want to hear her silken words, mainly because he knew that she was right. She often was. "We were partners and friends once. There was a time when they never would have fought without me by their sides."And yet, look at him now. Was sitting on a throne all that he was really good for?
Ryula ignored his obvious protest to be left alone. She walked up to him and lightly touched his arm. "You are still fighting, but in a different way. I want you here with me, and—" She stopped herself.
"And?" He asked.
"I…" for the first time, Ryula was at a loss for words. "I was visiting with Sarazar today. She told me—" her face spread into a wide smile, "that we're going to have a baby."
Ryuce didn't respond for a second. He stared at her for a tense moment before he, at last, smiled. "A baby? That's wonderful!" He kissed her. Despite the events of the day, he was utterly delighted with his wife's news. He embraced her tightly. He could feel her breath on him, warm. He held her closer, feeling her golden hair on his face. "Ryula, I love you. Nothing in the world could make me feel the way I do right now. If I could…I would hold you and make this moment last forever."
But the moment did not last forever. The night wore on and dawn broke, and Ryuce had to be a ruler once more. He was a husband, a king, and soon to be a father. There was no wealth or status in the world could have made him give those things up. It was one of those exceptionally rare cases where a man has no price. He cannot be bribed or bought with any of the treasures of the world, simply because he had everything he needed and wanted. If only the world stopped turning in person when he asked it to!
He met with his Knights, waiting to hear the report before he told them his own news. "We've done all he could," Ellis started the report. He shot a sideways glance at Kene. "Each of us did their part. No more, no less. I would not say that there were any heroes in this fight."
"To the citizens of Draqueen, you risked your life for them, and are certainly heroes." Ryuce Smiled.
"If accounts are accurate, it is very possible that we decimated them," Sonas, who had a head for numbers, said. "One out of ten were killed. Possibly more."
"Their numbers have been considerably lowered, my Lord," Kene added. "We shall have more than a fair chance at beating them should they dare come to Draqueen."
"But the Dragons, Hayate and Honoo are hurt," Lera added. "If they're kept inside the swords, they will heal on their own, but even that takes time. I don't want Hayate on the battlefield until I'm certain it has fully recovered."
"Iden informs me that the Dragons will heal faster in the swords," Ryuce told her."And I have some news for you, my friends. Good news, for difference." They looked up at him in anticipation. "Ryula and I agreed to have a baby!"
"Congratulations, Lord Ryuce!" Kene, kneeling formally, got to his feet. And suddenly, all formality between them was gone. He was not their Lord and they were not his Knights. They were friends, equals, the way that it should always have been.
"This is some cause for celebration," Sonas suggested.
Wine was poured and a small dinner was held to commemorate the event. It was just as time had always been, when they were together and happy, albeit under a much grander roof this time.
After the short celebration, the Knights leaked out into the corridors of the palace. Kene caught Ellis before they headed to their separate rooms. "'No more, not less'?" Kene quoted the Water Knight indignantly. "A fine job you did, trying not to play the hero. You sent me away! I could have done more!"
Ellis nodded. He wasn't getting angry like Kene had expected. "I didn't want you to stay and be in danger. You had Sarazar to return to." He looked away from Kene's eyes. "You have no idea how jealous I am of that. How much I wish that I had someone to return to."
It would be difficult not to not feel sympathy for Ellis. "I'm sorry," Kene said simply.
Ellis shook his head. "What's to apologize for? We are entitled to some happiness. Yours is simply easier to find." He shared a sad wink with the Earth Dragon Knight. "I know about Nicole. I know how difficult it can be."
Kene frowned. Nicole, the woman he loved, the girl that he was going to marry. "I'd feel as though I'd be dishonoring her memory," he admitted.
"No, Kene. Especially not on a day like today. You deserve to be happy." Ellis put his hand on Kene's shoulder, supporting him with that little touch. "I can't speak for Nicole, but more than anything right now I want you to knock on Sarazar's door and tell her how you feel about her. Do it now, or spend the rest of your life wondering what would have happened if you did."
Kene found it surprising to listen to Ellis talk like this. "You sound like you've done this before."
Ellis shook his head. "There was someone. Is. Someone I am still very much in love with, since the first time I saw—" he stopped himself. "It doesn't matter now. I hesitated. They found someone else. Ruined any chance I had at all. But don't worry about me. Just don't end up like me, either."
Kene took a step away from him. He could feel how sad Ellis was, but was very grateful that he had decided to share it. "Thank you. I hope that someday, you too can find joy with the one you love."
Ellis replied with an uncertain half-smile. "I'm afraid that is impossible. But don't let my troubles worry you. There is someone waiting for you."
At first Kene was nervous to knock on Sarazar's door. They had become good friends in their time spent together, but it had grown to something more for Kene. Was it the same for the fortuneteller as well? Sarazar looked surprised to see him, but greeted him warmly. "I'm glad to see you fared well."
"I could have done more," he started to mutter, but stopped himself. "May I speak with you?"
Sarazar stepped aside to allow him in her room. "Yes, isn't that what you're here for?"
"I..." he wasn't sure what he wanted to say, but Sarazar was waiting for him. "When we went on this mission, we wondered if it would ever return. There were times when I truly feared for my life, and I thought of all the things I never said, things that people needed to hear." He was pacing around the room not even knowing he was doing it. "I want to make sure I have no regrets. There are some things that I can't change and many things that I would not." He leaned in and kissed her. "That is one thing I would not." His head was spinning. He had acted without thinking. He stood in silence, dreading the next words out of her mouth. He didn't even want to look at her face. He was just waiting for him to reject her, like she should.
Instead, she was laughing. Kene looked up, alarmed. Was this a joke to her? She shook her head, reading of his face exactly what he was thinking, like she always could. "No, no. It's just that I want to hear you say it first." She silenced herself, walking towards the Knights. "I was afraid to tell you the same thing, afraid that my feelings wouldn't be returned. But I'm glad they were." She had to rise up on her toes to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you, Kene." She gazed at his face, still smiling. "Look at you, a hardened warrior who slew a thousand demons yesterday, frightened by fortune teller."
"It wasn't nearly as many as that," he told her. "And... your answer?"
"My answer," she took his hands and her own. "Shouldn't you have always known that my answer was yes?"
He had her hands on his waist, feeling them move together. "A long time ago, I lost someone very precious to me. I know that it wasn't my fault, but I thought that if it had been a little different maybe I could've saved her. After I lost her, I never thought I could feel like this again." Then he whispered in her ear, "Thank you for proving me wrong."
That night, Draqueen slept in peace. Later, Ryuce would send out more scouts, later would he learn that the demon army was still on the move, and that the Knight's attack had appeared only as a minor detriment.
But for now, there was no death. Only hope, joy, and love.