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Warriors At Heart,
Chapter Three,
By WW3000
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It was a great portion past noon and the swords were still clashing against one another. Outside the done of energy, there were sharp in takes and cheers or groans when the fighter inside gets wounded. The peanut gallery was shivering with fear and eagerness for the end.
"Hey healer, how long do you think they're going to be at this?" Shizuka asked, but also kept her concentration from letting the dome move.
Shrugging unsurely, Mai shook her head. "I have no idea hon. But let's just hope that Huntress kicks that guy's butt."
Jou was still angry having been flipped over, by a girl nonetheless. "Hey Yuugi, when are they gonna stop?" Honda asked the shorter boy.
Looking at his older brother, Atem was focused on other things, so he just gave the general a shrug. "Till it ends I guess." Yuugi said. I hope it ends soon because if it goes on like this, then the war wouldn't be over anytime soon. He thought.
Inside the dome, both enemies are lashing out at one another. Anzu had somehow ended up with some cuts all over her arms and her shoulder that was injured yesterday was aching. Seto was panting hard, having to dodge her quick and accurate aims. He "was" in a better condition, only having an injured right arm and a big, but shallow cut across his chest.
They were both running into a deadlock, but instead of blocking, Anzu took the blade in her previously injured shoulder. Her own was driven into his side, turning this fight into a bloody massacre. Falling backwards from jerking her sword out, Anzu landed on her back with her sword flung a few feet away from her. Seto was hanging onto his handle for support.
The mage was shaken, too scared to pull back the power. Honda and Jou were banging onto the invisible barrier. Mai was clinging onto her whip and Isis was looking away. Yuugi and Atem were shocked and stood rooted to the ground. Gasping for air, Anzu crawled over to Seto and punched his gut. On the ground, Seto tried getting up, but his side was hurting too much. The huntress took out a long dagger from her right boot and got on top of him. "What are you...?" the general said, coughing out some blood.
Bending down, the brunette whispered in his ear. "The time of your life is going to end here, Kaiba. Thank you for your friendship." As she brought down the knife, Seto managed to hold it from stabbing his chest. Their wounds were bleeding endlessly and mingled together when it met. "I... will not be... defeated by you!"
He rolled her over, putting him on top and threw the knife a great distance away from them. Anzu bit her lips from screaming out loud; painful and shameful tears welled up on her lash line. I... can't kill him. Why can't I kill him? She thought as the salty liquid flowed down her cheeks. A line of blood tricked down from her lips and closed her eyes. Seto looked down at her and then everything went black.
Outside, Shizuka screamed and sealed the dome. Everyone ran to the fallen fighters. "Huntress!" "Kaiba!" Yuugi, Jou, and Honda hoisted the general from the girl and carried him over to their side. Mai and Shizuka dragged the girl from the ground and carried her to her room.
Turning to the king, Isis apologized. "I apologize on my tribe's behalf for Huntress's actions. I didn't expect her to go as far as killing him. As my apology, I would like you to stay until your man is well. And perhaps we could discuss the matter that you came here for. Please, this way." She led Atem to her own hut and Yuugi trotted over to him.
"This way sirs." Shizuka murmured. The blond and brunette carried Kaiba into Anzu's room as the red head held up the bearskin door. They placed him next to the huntress and backed away when they spotted a pair of yellow eyes in a corner. The wolf barked angrily at them when they were near her mistress. Jumping, the guys sped out of the room to the outside for safety. Laughing at them, the animal limped over to Anzu. "Could you help me dress their wounds Shi?" Mai asked. Nodding, Shizuka waited for Mai to get the ointments and other needed things.
"Hey there. You feeling better?" The young girl asked the canine next to her godmother. Mai came back a few moments later with all materials in hand. She took some crushed ashflowers and added with the snake oil to the white bandage. Holding up Seto with one arm, she gingerly took off his shirt and washed his side. Shuddering, the mage never really liked touching strangers. She quickly wounded the bandage around his waist, trying to get away from his as soon as possible. Tucking in the loose end, she scurried over to Mai and helped with whatever was needed. "Mai, you think she's okay laying next to him? I mean wouldn't she start killing him when she wakes up?" the little mage asked, passing some poultice to the healer.
The older girl said without looking up, "I know she would. Which would make things here more amusing. I think I smell a rat between these two. It's reasonable too. Anzu hadn't killed him, but she would've if it were anyone else. I think she's not telling us something about him, but I hope she doesn't keep it in her heart."
Mixing some ferns with snake oil, Mai rubbed it on the girl's cuts and wrapped her in bandages. The wolf snuggled closer to Shizuka as she reached out and scratched the spot between its ears.
Dusting off her hands, Mai stood up and checked on the animal's leg. "I hope things will get better soon. Especially in finding your brother, the upcoming anniversary, and this war. I have a feeling somethings, later on, would get complicated." The healer said with a long sigh.
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Groaning, the brunette rubbed her eyes. Where am I? She asked herself. Last time I checked, I was supposed to be fighting. But now...Growls had brought her attention to her left. Her wolf was suspicious of that... man next to her?! Okay...she's probably in her room because she passed out earlier. Then Mai patched her up, from the looks of the dressed up wounds, and now she's with a guy in the same room. And next to her too!
"About time you're awake. If you are done talking to yourself, then call off your wolf." A voice hissed next to her. Blushing in the dark for talking out loud, Anzu crossed her arms. "Why should I? After all, you are in MY room!"
"I would've left if it weren't for this monster." Seto muttered. The wolf snapped at him, coming closer to the mats that they were sitting on. "I shouldn't because you just went and insulted her. But of course, I would if you pay a price." Anzu said slyly.
She was hoping that he would agree because then, she could kill him. "I don't make deals with barbarians." The general grunted. He felt around in the darkness for his shirt. Great, how the hell did I become undress? Snorting, Anzu held up something. "Looking for this?" It was a cotton shirt with dry blood stained on it.
"Hand it over Mazaki." He stretched out his hand to take it from her, but she hid it behind her back. She was lucky because she wasn't fully dressed herself. "Never." Anzu groped around and found her shirt not far from her. Slipping it on, she rolled to the side when Seto lunged for his shirt. "Give it to me now." Smirking, she said, "You aren't the one here to give orders. This is my place not yours, so just shut up."
"You little brat." Seto jumped onto her and grabbed onto his shirt. Her face was only centimeters away from his; their bodies were against one another. Blue eyes met blue. Seto bent his head slowly and brushed his lips against hers. Shocked, Anzu released her hold on his shirt and turned into an extremely bright shade of red. Getting up, he took the shirt from her and putted it on. Dazed, Anzu looked at him, only to find him smirking victoriously at her.
"Hey! Who are you calling a brat, you hentai!" Anzu shouted. Chuckling, (AN: I never thought I would live to see this) Seto said, "A mere way to get you to loosen your grip, girl." A growl rose from her throat. "You little...." An eyebrow twitched on his face, having been referred to as little. Glaring at her, he snapped, "I am taller and older than you, if I remember correctly Mazaki. So don't you start calling me little."
"That's it." The twig had snapped in half as Anzu launched herself at him, tackling him to the floor. This time, she reached into her left boot and pulled out another dagger. (AN: I love the sight of daggers from random places, don't you?)
Pressing the cool metal against his neck, Anzu grinned evilly. "Now, I'm really gonna kill you. No one here's gonna stop me, either." A sudden light had sprayed into her room. Turning their heads to the door, they saw seven people standing at the doorway.
Mai and Shizuka were perplexed at first, but then fell into a fit of giggles. Jou and Honda were grinning madly, nudging at each other. Atem, Yuugi and Isis had a neutral look. Clearing her throat, Isis said, "It seems that you two are closer than we've expected, ne Huntress?"
A rush of warm blood traveled to her cheeks and she scrambled off him. Embarrassed, she directed her attention to her wolf companion across the room. Seto dusted off his pants and put on a mask of indifference. "Could I have a word with you Huntress?" Mai asked.
Leaving the room, Anzu followed Mai to somewhere deeper in the forest. Shizuka came along, wanting to have some company other than the men. They stopped at a spring where ducks and swans were swimming at the moment. Sitting down on a rock, Mai suggested that the other two do the same. A long eerie silence hung over them. Only crickets and rippling of water could be heard. Clapping her hands together, Mai said, "So Anzu, you wanna tell us what happened in there?"
Shaking her head, the brunette kept quiet. It was bad enough that she had been caught showing some sort of emotions, happy and fun ones to be exact, in front of an enemy. But now, people think that there's something going on between them. "Come on hon. It was obvious that you two were at each other's necks trying to kill one another." Knowing that she wouldn't have peace till she talks, Anzu reluctantly told them what happened.
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Leaning his backside on the great oak tree, Seto mused on what just recently occurred in his life. A long "lost friend" had suddenly appeared back into his life. Then he battled with her for a matter or life, honor, and peace. Not to mention death too. And after passing out, he woke up lying next to her. All of a sudden, they throw a tantrum like little kids, suggesting to the others that they are in a twisted relationship.
Today was definitely not his day. First of all, a girl almost, ALMOST, had beaten him in a duel. Secondly, he KISSED his ENEMY! And for what? For his shirt, his dignity was at loss when everyone saw the situation that they were in. Hearing a shuffle of feet, Seto opened one of his blue eyes just to see a certain male walking up to him, smiling crazily.
"Hey Kaiba. 'Sup man?" Jou asked, pushing one of his arms on a pine tree and crossing his ankles. Ignoring him, Seto just stood there listening to the wind. "SO, what'sup with you and that girl? You two looked pretty comfortable in there earlier, ya know?" Glaring coolly the blond, he hissed, "Shut up will you, mutt?" Smirking, Jou did the opposite. "What ya gonna do about it? Tie me onta a leash?" he said sarcastically.
"I would if you say one more word dog. Now scram before you become manipulated." Seto said threateningly, taking out his sword from its sheath. Backing off, Jou raised his arms in a surrendering pose. "Okay man. Chill." Sighing, Jou looked up into the multi-colored sky. He was in his own thoughts now.
He always wondered about the same things over and over again. Like will he ever find his long lost sister or will he ever beat Kaiba in battle. He never liked the fact that he was a hedgehog for experiment, then end up turning into a dog. He was persistent to defeat Kaiba in anything. Anything, other than eating of course. He and Honda could win any bet that had to do with food.
Fingering the golden chain around his neck, he dug in his shirt and pulled out a half locket. His mother had broken the whole locket into two pieces; each side had a picture of when they were younger. Somehow, he felt that he had met the little girl with auburn hair somewhere. Flipping it open, a little baby about four months old looked up at him with bright emerald eyes.
This was the only portrait that he had of his sister. His father, gone half insane, had burned every picture of his mother and sister that existed. The documents from his mother's diary had been shredded and thrown into the river. Now the halls in his house were empty. Various gaps that used to have a large painting of a beautiful auburn female were filled with random pictures of his ancestors.
Retreating his gaze to the sky once more, he made a vow. I'm gonna find you, little sister. If I have to go as far as to the end of the world, the deepest ocean or the whole universe, I would find you and be there for you.
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Mai squealed loudly and Shizuka clamped a hand over her mouth. Anzu rolled her cerulean eyes, waiting for the worst part of the girl conversation. "You said he KISSED YOU!? Oh my Kami! What's it like? Did you return it? Are you two courting?" Mai asked in one breath. The huntress caught herself before she fell backwards into the water. Shizuka was looking curiously at her too.
"It was... odd. No. And no. Are you done with the questions yet Mai?" The brunette scowled in annoyance. Smiling, the healer shook her head. "Not by a long shot hon." Throwing up her arms, Anzu muttered, "Save me Kami. I wish you were more like Shi. She listens more than she talks, which is a good thing around strangers." Flashing a small smile of apology, Anzu said, "Sorry if it offends you, Shi. But it's a good thing."
"So... this thing is like out of the fire into the frying pan, ne? I mean, while I was out, did Isis and the king discuss about the peace treaty?" She asked. Sighing, Shizuka spoke up. "Isis and that King Atem did talk, but they were waiting for everyone's agreement. The treaty wouldn't be accepted unless everyone signs their name by magic, saying that they will not break out war. If they do, then they'll be banished from the treaty. And I know that will be hard for you, Anzu." With her shoulder's hunched, the little mage was lost in her own world. The crickets and the other animals were gone, other than the owls looking for breakfast. "Let's go home. It's getting darker." Agreeing, the girls stood up and walked back.
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Isis said, "Would you like to stay before it's morning King Atem? It is getting dark and unless you would like to be lost in the dark forest, then I would suggest that you stay here for the night. The sky does not look promising for stars tonight, so it would be nicer to stay. Your men can somehow share with the girls. Mine is the largest, so your brother and yourself can room with me.
"I'm positive that Mage would prefer the company of Healer. So Healer's room could fit two. Huntress's room... you have to ask her about it. I'm not fully in charge of that girl. She's too independent and strong will, as well as stubborn. And here they come too." The three shadowy figures walked into the fire's light. Shizuka swiftly pulled on her white hood to protect her face.
"Don't worry, they could use it, but I'm stay outside. Kohaku will guard my room, and I think Healer and Mage would send their animals to Healer's room. Just in case there would be anything-suspicious going on in there. Not that I'm implying anything because you all are "respectable" royalties." Anzu shot a death glare at Seto who was in the shadows by the trees.
"Hm. Yuugi and I will be sharing with the Leader. Jou, Honda, you two take the Healer's room. Kaiba, take the Huntress's room. Um... Miss—" "Call me Huntress. I prefer that than any formalities." Anzu inserted. Bowing, Atem corrected himself. "Of course. Huntress, are you sure that you would spend a night out in the cold? My men may be violent, but they have their honors." Walking off to a nearby tree, she talked without turning around.
"It's perfectly fine. I wasn't born in the Wilderness for nothing, your royalty. Now if you'll excuse me, I would like some rest. Good night." Anzu grabbed hold of a lower branch with her right arm and jumped up. She went up about three more branches before stopping and sat there with her eyes closed. (AN: giggles so much like Inu-Yasha, ne?)
Jou whistled. "Wonda if I could do that." Honda whacked his pal's head and left for the room. The others followed the same suite and headed for some rest. Kaiba looked up to the trees to see Anzu peacefully asleep. When he saw her shivering a bit, he took off his cloak and flung it to her. Waking up with a jolt, she looked at the clothing confused, then looked down. Kaiba was walking to her room without a cloak. Smiling to herself, Anzu wrapped the cloak appreciatively around her for warmth.
AN: With all due respect.... I'm really sorry that I couldn't have updated earlier. But the computer kept saying "You're A: drive is not formatted, click to abort". I was like, abort my $$. These three chapters should've been up last Friday/Saturday, on the 28th or something. I'm also very sorry because this chapter isn't in...well... paragraphs. More like two sentences to make it longer. I just hope that I don't have to do that AGAIN! Don't forget to review... and if you like, I'll let this slip.
Next Chapter's Scenes:
Giving a howl of pain, he clawed his head. His body was shaking violently as it started to changed shape. His light blond hair turned into a mane, his body taking a form of a large wolf. The hands that were on his head became long nailed paws, as well as his feet. A bushy tail sprouted from his backside; a pair of ears and long snout grew from his face. Isis gave a gasp at the sight in front of her.
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"I hope they come back soon because they aren't holding on with normal medicine very well. The infection is spreading slowly, but efficiently. What do we do?" The healer sighed hopelessly. "We have to hope of the best. I could send for some doctors from my kingdom if you like." He offered. Shaking her head, her strawberry-blond braids shook loose. Placing a cool hand on the two sick patients' heads, she murmured. "Please get better soon, for Kami's sake. This place wouldn't be the same without you two."
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Losing their way on the mountain route, the brunette gave a long sigh. They were getting nowhere if they kept bickering on the right direction. "Look, we need to find shelter soon because I don't like the look of those black clouds." She said. Grunting, he muttered something like "Screw this damn path." Rolling her eyes from exasperation, she ordered. "Just help me find a cave or something in the mountain or some sort of place where we could stay for the night before we—". Rain started pouring down on the two, soaking them. "—Get soaked."
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AN: Now... just review! And the quicker I finish this, the better! I'm planning to extend this to about ten to twelve chapters and a sequel too. That is if I have any time on my hands. Don't forget to review!