Chapter 4: A new Prince, a New Plot

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Days passed in monotony. Nothing new really happened. It. Was. Bliss. There were no plots, no problems, just utter calm. I had created a daily routine for myself. I got up early, practiced my knife throwing before attending breakfast with Yuri, the sisters and occasionally Prince Kail, after breakfast, I tested my luck with horseback-riding with Kikkuri. I would either skip lunch, or snag some fruit from the kitchen and have more training with Rusafa in swordplay and archery. When the light made it impossible to see my targets, I would head to Ilbani's room for tutoring sessions.

It was nice. But…I could not help the feeling in my stomach. The feeling that this calm was about to shatter. That this was merely the calm before the storm.

It was utterly calm. I wonder when I began to look at this kind of life as "normal". When did the routine become a normal everyday thing for me? It truly made me think of how easily people adjust their lives. Even under such drastic changes, Yuri and I have adjusted almost seamlessly into daily life in Hattusa. Is that how it is in Japan, I wonder? Has Yuri's family moved on and continued living their daily lives? My mother as well…Has she already erased my presence from her mind? It's a scary thought. That one can be so easily be erased. Because no matter what, the world will move on. Days will continue, life goes on.

"Ouch!" I flinch as the practice sword collided into my shoulder painfully.

"Don't let your mind wander." Scolded Rusafa. " Such a mistake could cost you your arm next time."

"Boo." I pouted, " Can we have another run?"

Before he could answer, an attendant came running in. "There's news! Prince Zannanza as returned!"

Before I knew it, the palace was in a flurry. Servants, maids and even guards were running around, confusion surrounded the entire area. I spotted Ilbani scuffling past muttering something as he was habited to do when he was stressed.

"Ilbani!" I call, "What is going on? Who is Zannanza?"

He turned and glanced at me with slight annoyance at the interruption. "Prince Zannanza is the younger brother of Prince Kail, He is Prince Kail's most trusted brother."

I had to rush to keep up with Ilbani's long strides as we hustled down the long hallways of the palace.

"Brother! It's been a long time since we last met! How do you fare?" The voice reached us before we saw Prince Kail welcome his brother home with a warm embrace.

"Fine, I am doing fine! I came to see your goddess of war! I hear she was a vision of beauty!" Zannanza said.

Kikkuri, Ilbani and I could hardly keep in our laughter as the prince snagged Hadi's hand, saying how she truly had the beauty of a goddess. Kikkuri and I lost it completely, dissolving in giggles, as Hadi pointed out that Yuri was Ishtar, and Zannanza scolded her brother for falling for a child.

Sitting down for a lunch with Prince Zannanza, the topic of war rose it's ugly head.

"With both goddesses on the side of Hattusa, victory is surely on our side!" Zannanza laughed.

Yuri looked solemn for a moment, "Prince Kail. Do you wish to have dominion over the orient?"

Such a goal would not be uncommon among leaders. Power. Humans have always strived for power. The fact that Yuri and I were here and not in Japan was proof of the thirst for power in Queen Nakia. But power actually corrupts. Yuri's Kail, will he fall into corruption as well? Even if his intentions were pure…Where does Yuri fit into this? Was she merely a symbol? Was she just Ishtar, a goddess of war? Or did he see Yuri for Yuri.

"If I become king, I wish to build a… Country without prejudice and war, in a peaceful world." Kail answered. " You must war to conquer peace. For the sake of a peaceful world, I must gain the dominion. "

Yuri had a face of longing hope as the brother's toasted this, then her face fell and I saw a sheen of tears in her eyes.

"Looks like we are out of wine. I'll go refill it." She muttered, rushing off.

Before I could even go after her, Ilbani inquired, " Until now, I disapproved of you bringing along your concubine, but since people have acknowledged her…No matter what, before choosing a princess, let her stay beside you, as she may be of use."

I looked at him, anger snapping in my eyes, before I could even open my mouth to shout at him, Kail exploded, " I am NOT bringing Yuri just because she is Ishtar!" before going after Yuri.

I turn to Ilbani, "What were you thinking, saying something so insensitive?!" I say coldly, disgust lining each word. I don't know why my temper rose so quickly, I generally didn't anger that quickly, but what he said rankled me for some reason.

He looked at me long and hard. "Did I answer your first question?" He almost whispered.

"What?" I seethed, quickly checking my temper. First to lose their head is always the loser.

"I can see it in your eyes. Every time you look at them. The uncertainty. You are afraid that Prince Kail is using Yuri as well, no?" He was so damn calm. And here I was, struggling to grasp my temper back and take in what he said.

That's why I was angry. His words, they were my fears, I was too afraid to ask, too afraid that my own fears would be confirmed. When Ilbani said those things, I wasn't angry at the words themselves, I was afraid of the answer. Of what Prince Kail would say.

I laugh weakly. "Are you a mind-reader or am I transparent?"

"Aw don't feel bad, Ilbani has always had a thing for reading people. Even after only a short time." Zannanza grins, sipping more wine. "Are you going to go after them?" He asked me.

I look at where Prince Kail and Yuri went. "No. This is their problem. I think I am going to bed. It is getting late. Goodnight, Prince Zannanza." I say tiredly. Standing up and turning.

On my way back, I hear the telltale almost silent clicks of Ilbani's footsteps and turned around. I took another calming breath, my temper had already reigned itself in.

"I was tentative of them as well. But time and time again, they have proven me wrong. In time, you will see it too." He said quietly.

I look at him, "I think I'm beginning to. Thank you, Ilbani." I say before I shut the door.

As I lay in bed, the relief of their confirmed affections did not last long. If they loved each other so much, I can't help but wonder how Yuri will feel when she has to go home. Will she be able to leave him? Choosing between her family, country…. versus Prince Kail. No matter what choice she makes, I have no doubt she will hurt. I slept restlessly that night.

"HAH!" Yuri shouted, running forward to swing once again at Prince Zannanza, her sword narrowly missing is stomach. They've been at it for quite a while, and I must say I was quite impressed with Yuri's skill with the sword. It was strength that eventually failed her. True Yuri was quite strong for her size, but that was nothing compared to Zannanza's strength. As Yuri moved to block a full out swing, she could not recover fast enough to block Zannanza's next strike. The result was a sword to her throat.

"Excellent. Let us stop there for the day" Prince Kail said from his seat near the balcony. "Considering Zannanza was your opponent, you did quite well."

"Yuki! I always see you practicing your swordplay, perhaps you would like to face Prince Zannanza as well?" Yuri asked breathlessly.

Yes, my swordplay has improved as of late, but strength must be built over time. I would never catch up to Zannanza. But Yuri and the sisters urged me, so I picked up a blade and readied my stance.

We both stood there a while, waiting on who would crack and make the first strike. Both of us slowly circling each other, waiting. I studied him a moment, the way he holds his sword indicated that his right hand was dominant, but then again one can never be sure. In the midst of my thoughts, Zannanza took a leap towards me, I raised my blade and deflected his strike to my left.

If I allow his strike to hit head on my blade, then all is finished. I did not have the raw power to face him when it came to muscle. Back and forth this went, I may not be able to strike, but at least I could keep deflecting his attacks to buy some time.

I considered the facts: He was stronger, he favored his left side, he doesn't leave any front openings when he strikes, swung side to side rather then up and down, he had a much further swing then me due to his size, and he stands with a strong, open stance, legs spread, arms out wide. I was faster, smaller, weaker and he was pushing me back so much I can't even get a solid stance. This doesn't look too good. I deliberated a bit. But then again…

Instead of deflecting his next strike, I ducked, swinging low, forcing him back. I didn't allow him to take a stance, quickly rushing forward and concentrating on his left side, continuing to swing low. When he finally got a stance, I was only an arms length away. He swung, only to have me duck and roll under him. There was enough room due to he wide stance, but the roll had disoriented me, it took me much too long to recover. This earned me a sword to my back.

"Clever girl. Aiming for the obvious weaknesses, huh? And I must admit, a petite girl like you swinging so low is difficult to block. I commend your ingenuity." Zannanza said.

" T-thank you, Prince Zannanza." I wheeze. I was completely out of breath, whereas Zannanza looked like he just took a casual stroll through the park. Yuri had only looked winded after her match. I added stamina exercises to my training list.

"A word, if I may? There will be a celebration tonight, celebrating the reunion of both princes tonight. Both of the goddesses were also invited as guests." Ilbani declares.

"So that means Yuki and I are attending as well, right?" Yuri asks, taking another gulp of water. I scowled a bit, I'm not one for fancy events.

"Yes. But beware. It was Queen Nakia herself who asked their attendance." Ilbani warned.

I had this unpleasant feeling that my perfect calm was about to shatter. That the cracks were already forming. What a shame. I was finally beginning to enjoy it here.

That night, we headed towards the door to the party, Prince Kail and Prince Zannanza escorting Yuri, while I trailed in the back, chatting with Ilbani and the sisters. Hadi was frustrated that both Yuri and I had opted to wear boys' clothes once again. The women at the party obviously noticed the odd getup. Some didn't even bothering to hide their whispers. I held my head high, looking straight ahead. I laughed to myself; it's almost like high school. No matter what time period it is, some women never change.

It was all going fine, until Queen Nakia came. She greeted the princes politely enough but when her eyes fell on Yuri and I, she screeched.

"You two! How dare you come through this entrance looking like that? You look like maids, not goddesses. You're both a disgrace to Prince Kail's taste!" She laughed.

"Yep." I thought "It's high school all right. With the public humiliation and everything."

Yuri got a pained look on her face. And began to look unsure of herself. I held my stance, with my head held high. I was determined not to let her influence be, but Hadi had other plans as she dragged Yuri and I off to change.

As the sisters prepped Yuri and I, I couldn't help but wonder why the Queen was so adamant on us changing our clothes. What did it matter to her what we wore? It's a trap. While the sisters bustled over Yuri, I snagged a dagger and slid it under my long dress, attaching it discretely to my thigh. I chanced a look in the mirror then. Those sisters knew how to work magic was all I could say.

My eyes were lined in dark kohl, winging up at the ends, giving me a dark, sultry look. My lips were painted strawberry red, my long black hair was loosely pulled over my right shoulder and tied at the end, giving it volume and making my hair look soft and fluffy, exposing my smooth neckline, colorful ribbons winding down the length of my hair... Stringed coins and jewels graced the top of my head, jingling every time I moved. The dress was long, but it had slits all the way up the side to almost my hips, similar to Yuri's. But unlike Yuri's, my dress had a dark blue bodice that laced up the front of it; wearing nothing under it, I admit it was uncomfortable. The sandals were adorned with jewels and clattered every time I took a step.

I didn't recognize myself. The sister's were truly magical. Somehow, they had taken my childlike form and molded me into…Well into a goddess. A dark, beautiful goddess. We were ready.

We stood behind the curtain, Hadi had already announced Yuri, but she was hesitant to step out from the safety of the curtain. It was only when Zannanza urged her that she stepped around it. The quiet on the other side of the curtain made me tense, until and explosion of voices complimented her on her extraordinary beauty reached my ears. After things died down a bit, Hadi decided to introduce me as well. I took a deep breath, and stepped out. I was no coward, I held my head up high and confident, even if my hands were shaking as I clasped them in front of me.

I swear I saw Ilbani drop his wine glass and Kikkuri practically tripped over a woman in front of him as he went to fetch the dropped goblet. Everyone just stared at me.

And this is why I hate this kind of thing. This feeling reminded me of when a teacher had students sing happy birthday for me when I was young; all the attention on me, and me unsure what to make of it all.

In the middle of my musings, the crowd had decided that I was indeed stunning. Voices chimed together, I looked like a different person, not as childlike things like that. The King himself had claimed I truly looked like the dark goddess. I know it is trivial and vain…I had to admit, it felt nice to hear all the compliments.

Queen Nakia's POV

...

I looked at the two "goddesses". They truly were like different people.

" Who would have thought those scrawny field mice could actually look good?" I muttered to myself. " Ah, well, all the better for my plan. Two breathtaking goddesses. Prince Zannanza, which will you chose?"

I smiled grimly. I don't care which girl, I will have one of their heads on a silver platter. Only my son will be taking the throne to Hattusa!

The thought of the crown sitting on my own son's golden hair brought a smile to my face as I handed some wine to a maid, instructing it to go to Prince Zannanza.

Yuki's POV

The party was a political sand trap. All I saw were people trying to kiss up, all being too overly polite. I had lost track of many of the noble's names, just nodding and smiling half the time. Yuri had gone outside and was chatting with Zannanza, Prince Kail was talking with some foreign delegates about the trade routes and the upcoming war, and Ilbani…Well he was being Ilbani, fading into the background effortlessly.

Even if I did not do much, after the party, I breathed a sigh of relief and pulled my hair down.

"You did quite well today." Ilbani said behind me. Yuri, Prince Kail and Prince Zannanza trailing behind him.

"Fuuuuu. I don't think I'm cut out for politics. Half the things they were discussing seemed ridiculous to me. So what if that noble's paycheck goes down a bit. He looked well fed and dressed to me." I grumble, brushing out my hair with my fingers and taking off all the frustratingly loud jewelry.

"That's because half the things they say are ridiculous." Prince Kail sighed.

"I'm going to take a bath now." Yuri announced, waving off the three sisters. " I just need a bath, then I'm going to bed." She assured them. Before rushing into the bathing chamber and shutting the door.

I turned and chatted a bit with Prince Kail, Kikkuri was beginning to clean up after the party, and I moved to help him. Not even a minute passed before Yuri's scream pierced the air.

We all rushed into the bathing chamber to find Yuri being held by Prince Zannanza. His eyes didn't look right. They were clouded with lust.

"Zannanza! What is this all about?" Prince Kail shouted.

"Brother. Let me have this girl. If she was your princess I'd forget it, but it shouldn't be a problem for you to let me have your concubine!" Zannanza shouted back. " Let me have her! I'll love her dearly…." He held Yuri tightly against him.

" He is being possessed." Ilbani affirmed.

I watched as Prince Kail lunged forward and struck Prince Zannanza Square in the jaw. The impact was not enough to pull Yuri from his grasp, but he made a move towards the window behind him.

"If I cannot have her, I'll kill her now." He said grimly.

"NO!" I screeched, seeing the resolution in his eyes before he leapt out the window with Yuri in his arms. I hopped out after them, nearly losing my footing on the landing and chased them to the horse stables. Zannanza was already mounted and nearing the gates by the time I finally mounted Huwant. I pushed Huwant faster, pushing past the gate before it closed and continuing through the sand after Zannanza.

Queen Nakia's POV

I smirked contentedly as I listened to my husband, His Majesty, harshly scold Prince Kail for fighting with his closest brother over a mere woman. The people around us murmured disapprovingly at the entire situation.

Good! Let them see how unfit Prince Kail is to wear the crown. Let them see how weak he has become over the presence of a measly woman! Let his reputation plummet!

"Come Urhi." I command after the prince departed, " Let us enjoy the show."

Yuki's POV

Days. It's been days, riding through nothing but sand. I wiped the sweat from my eyes. I was following Zannanza's trail, but even I had to make some stops or risk dehydration. We were just heading south. Further and further south. My sun-baked brain could not really comprehend why, until I remembered what Ilbani had told me during one of our tutoring sessions. The border to the south borders with Mittani. I urged Huwant faster. Kizzuwadna. I have to get to Kizzuwadna now.

When I reached the gates of Kizzuwadna, it was obvious something was wrong. Soldiers were all over the area, swords drawn high and collecting money from houses. A thick smoke drifted up to the sky from the fires spread across the town.

I pulled a woman aside. " What is happening?" I demand.

The restless woman pulled away and called back, "Mitanni has attacked!"

Damn it all! I cursed to myself, pushing deeper into the crowd to find Yuri. Hoping with all my heart that she was safe. That even through Zannanza's daze, he was still able to protect her.

The sights and smells were horrifying. Bodies of women and children were strewn everywhere, blood painted the streets and the thick smell of smoke lingered the town. I noticed a soldier had been struck down dead. He had a bow and a quiver of arrows on his back.

I knew I needed more weapons then the small dagger I had secured to my thigh before the party so many days ago. I knew I needed that bow. But stealing from a dead man? Yes. We are at war. It was either that or risk losing Yuri.

Steeling myself, I snagged his bow and turned him to his stomach so that I could take his quiver of arrows. The sickening thud that his body made as I flipped him over made my stomach churn. Clenching my teeth, I maneuvered the quiver off of him and onto my back.

I silently apologized to him as I hurried off to find Yuri. I spotted her and Zannanza in the midst of a brawl with a group of soldiers. I pulled myself up onto a roof to bet a better shot. Right as a man was about to slash at Yuri from behind, I let my arrow loose. It grazed his hand and startled him enough to drop his sword. It was enough of a distraction for Yuri to turn around and hit him in the head with the hilt of her sword. Neither of us was ready to steal a life. I hoped she never would have to.

"Yuki!" Yuri cried, running for me. "Yuki, Mittani has invaded Kizzuwadna, we have to…"

" I know. We have to act fast or Kizzuwadna will fall." I reply curtly.

"Yuki, can you and Yuri get out of town?" Zannanza asked. I nodded in response. " Then you must meet with Kail. He will be on the way here to look for Yuri, warn him of the invasion and have him take troops from Kanesh. I will hold out here to buy time."

" I understand. We will be back in three days time." I respond, grabbing Yuri's hand.

" And Yuri. I am very sorry for the things I have done. I know they are unforgivable." Zannanza addressed Yuri.

" It's fine. It was the Queens spell talking…" Yuri said quietly.

"We can finish your apology in three days time, Prince Zannanza." I say, rushing off with Yuri on my heels.

We head to the alley where I had hidden Huwant, I snagged a cloak from a hamper and tossed it at Yuri to hide her face with. As I was untying Huwant, a feminine scream ripped through the night air.

Soldiers, grabbing a woman and her son. Their intentions were obvious. And so were ours as Yuri readied her sword and I raised my bow, taking aim. That is, until a hand on our shoulders stopped us from acting.

"Don't go over there. I know you pity the woman, but you cannot help her now. If you go over there then you will share her fate. " A middle aged woman advised us.

Behind her, dirty, miserable faces lost in the shadows. Women, children; all of them just civilians caught in the crossfire of war. It was then I saw who truly suffered in war. The ones who could do nothing. The ones who were forced to hide in shadow, and to watch one country after another kill their brethren. The ones who cannot protect themselves.

"AHHHHHH!" The woman screamed again as a soldier raised his sword on her young son.

I jumped into action, grabbing a discarded sword on the ground and deflecting the blow, at the same time I grabbed the child, pulling him away from the soldiers before stepping in front of him with my blade at the ready.

Yuri was already at my side, working on disarming the other soldiers.

" How dare you!?" One shrieked at us.

" No, how dare you! You like picking on girls? Well try me!" Yuri yelled back.

I raised my sword, " What kind of man goes after the defenseless? Have you no dignity?" I say frostily.

Before long, Yuri and I drove the men off with their tails between their legs. The villagers around us cheered, the mother embraced her child, thanking us profusely. In return, the older woman offered to show us another way out of the city. When we reached the place where the wall had collapsed, creating and escape I couldn't help but feel guilty leaving. I looked at the faces of the villagers, who had no where else to go.

Yuri mounted Huwant and held her hand out to help me up. I shook my head and stepped back. The shock and hurt on her face was apparent.

"Yuri. I can't just leave them here. You know that. I have to stay. Besides, Huwant will travel faster with less weight." I say, smiling sadly at her.

"No! No, Yuki, please! I'm begging you, come with me! Please!" Yuri cried, looking at me with those pleading eyes.

"I'm sorry, Yuri. I can't. You have to hurry now, that man surely misses you." I say before smacking Huwant's rump and sending Yuri off.

" Girl, we have another horse. You can still get out." The old woman said kindly.

I shake my head. "No. Nobody has protected you before. It is time to change that." I say decisively. " Now, we must find a place that is closed off. One entrance. A place that can fit many people."

We were all holed up in a large house. A merchants house probably, but it had been ram shackled and stripped bare. With only one entrance, only so many soldiers could get in at a time, giving me time to take them out one by one. At least that was the theory. Luckily, none have actually gotten in yet.

I hustled around, tending to the wounded and sick. It had been quite a feat to get here. Some of the elderly could not walk and had had to be carried; I myself supported an old woman on the way up here. It was merely luck that we had gotten this far without trouble. These villagers knew all the back alleys, the secret passages that no soldier wandered through.

I was sitting by the door when a small hand tugged on my tunic. The boy from earlier, the one Yuri and I had saved with his mother, was standing there looking at me intently.

"I want to fight too!" He declared, a determined look in his eyes, a large stick already in his hands.

I smiled tiredly at him, "What's your name?" I asked

"Zashi!" He announced, " My name is Zashi! And I want to fight, like you do!"

"Zashi, I hope you will never again have to fight." I say wearily. " For now, please tend to your mother." I say. The crestfallen look on his face was heartbreaking as he trudged away.

There was a slam on the door. Someone was trying to get in. I got up, and motioned for the villagers to all get back into the corner, near the back window incase an escape was necessary. Several agonizing moments later, the door finally burst open, soldiers beginning to burst in. I stood my ground in front of the door, pushing some back. There were only three there, but they were big, burly men.

"Awww lookie here boys! A little girlie thinks she can play soldier! Ain't that just adorable?" One of them cooed mockingly. Drawing closer and closer to me.

I said nothing, just stood absolutely still, when the first man came at me, I wasted no time disarming him, kneeing him in the stomach and while he was bent over, striking him in the back of the neck with the hilt of my sword; effectively knocking him out.

" You damned brat!" The other soldier roared, running at me, this man was bigger, lumbering his way at me. I managed to deflect his attacks, but it was wearing me down. I couldn't go on forever like this. A rock suddenly flew through the air, hitting the man in the shoulder lightly. He looked over to see who had thrown it.

To my horror, Zashi stood there, another rock poised to throw, the other villagers holding back his wailing mother.

The distraction was enough for the soldier fighting me to disarm me and grab a fistful of my long hair, facing me towards Zashi as the other man made his way to him.

"Little bitch, you'll pay." His said, his hot breath brushing by my ears.

Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion, I couldn't reach my sword fast enough. My bow was useless close combat. He was getting closer to Zashi. Without thinking, I grabbed the dagger strapped to my thigh, and reached behind me, chopping off the hair that the man had a hold on. I rolled away And sprang toward Zashi.

I can't make it. I gritted my teeth as I watched the soldier raise his sword. I wouldn't be able to block with this little knife. So I did the only thing I could do. I jumped in front of him, gathering him in my arms in an embrace and tucked my head. I heard Zashi's cry and saw the blood before I felt the pain. I felt it though. I felt it as soon as the cold outside air hit the deep wound on my back. I pushed back to pain and fear. I had to act.

I turned and threw the dagger with menacing accuracy, the knife striking the man in the head. I watched him fall backwards, and wasted no time grabbing the sword in his had and killing his partner while he was distracted.

I was breathing hard as I pulled the dagger out of the man. I felt numb. I didn't even feel any pain from my wound. It was as if I was watching from the outside. Then I heard a call outside: The Hittites had arrived.

Hadi's POV

Princess Yuri had warned us of Mittani's attack on Kizzuwadna, and that Prince Zannanza and Princess Yuki were still in Kizzuwadna buying time for us.

When we reached Kizzuwadna, all was in chaos. Prince Kail had brought the much-needed aid, and Yuri, Ryui, Shala and I were going into the city to find civilians. I looked admiringly at Princess Yuri. She had told all the soldiers not to mistreat the civilians; she always had an open heart. But I noticed the worry lining her eyes. We had still not found Princess Yuki, or very many civilians for that matter.

I was beginning to feel worried myself, until I saw Princess Yuki herself. But I believe I got even more worried after seeing her. She was leading a group of villagers, a long cloak covering most of her body, her hair cropped short, and her hands and face smeared with blood. It was understandable when Yuri jumped off her horse and ran to her with concern in her eyes.

Princess Yuki patted Princess Yuri on the head and turned to me. "Hadi, can you please see to it that all these villagers are taken to a safe place? I must go and look for more." She said monotonously. She sounded cold, but under that, she sounded sad.

"Yes, Princess. It shall be done." I say, already telling Ryui and Shala to guard the back of to group.

Princess Yuki smiled weakly at me, " I told you to quit calling me 'princess'" she said before running off. Yuri took off after her.

I pulled the old woman away from Princess Yuri, urging her to stay with the group so that we could get them all to a safe place.

" Young lady!" She cried, grasping my shoulder, "who are those girls?"

" The girl who got help was Princess Yuri Ishtar, the concubine of Prince Kail. And the girl that stayed with you was her sister, Princess Yuki Ereshkigal." I answered impatiently; we had to go.

" Those tiny little things?" The woman said in awe.

I looked off to where our Princesses had run off. "Yes. They are the goddesses that protect Hattusa."

When we reached the safe zone, I turned around to go find Princesses Yuri and Yuki, but a young boy stopped me.

"Wait Miss!" He shouted, I turn to her, " I must tell you, that lady, Ereshkigal, she was sliced open on her back! She tried to hide it and made me promise not to tell, but please…" the child trailed off, wailing.

I did a poor job of hiding my surprise. Why would Princess Yuki hide something like that?

" Thank you for telling me." I pat the boy on the head before rushing off to meet with Princess Yuki.

Yuki's POV

There were too many. The mayor had already submitted. The Mittani soldiers were advancing faster then ever, even with the reinforcements, it wasn't enough. We had lost this battle already.

I grimaced, holding my wound under the cloak. We were so close! Just as Prince Kail was about to call in the forces and retreat, the most amazing thing happened. Boiling water, bricks, rocks and anything else throw able was raining down from the roofs of Kizzuwadna.

"Even if our king sides with Mittani, we will be behind Hattusa, where the goddesses protect us from harm!"

"If we must be ruled, let it be under Hattusa and the sister goddesses!"

"We will not hide in the shadows any longer!"

Shouts melded together as the villagers revolted, driving off the Mittani. Hattusa had won.

After Prince Kail addressed the crowd, it was decided that we would stay in Kizzuwadna for the night. A goods nights rest would do some good. Before I could even enter my room though, I dropped to my knees outside a creek, scrubbing blood off my hands. Even after the blood was gone, my hands still felt dirty.

All the emotion I had not felt on the battlefield suddenly hit me. I had killed someone. Taken their life away from them. Push myself up to my feet shakily. My wound had opened again, the blood dripping down my legs.

"He was right." Hadi's voice came behind me, " You are hurt. Why would you hide it? Please, Princess Yuki, let me see." She pleaded.

"It's nothing Hadi. I just didn't want to worry anyone about it. It's nothing. And quit calling me 'princess.'" I attempt to walk past her, only to have her stand directly in my path.

"There is nothing wrong with asking for help!" She shouted, " Please, I beg you, just let me see how bad it is! If it truly is nothing, show me and ease my mind!"

I shake my head, moving away. " There are other wounded to tend to. Some cannot even walk. I am walking fine, though." I say, my head was swaying though. I was losing too much blood.

I was about to tip over, but yelped in pain as the ground was swept from under me and all of the sudden Ilbani was carrying me like a child. His arm supported my bottom and knees as I leaned forward into his chest. He was struggling to carry me in a way that would not touch my back any more then necessary.

"Ilbani? What-" I began.

"Silence." He demanded curtly. Walking towards the inn we were staying at. Once in his room, he placed me gently on the bed, " take off the cloak." He commanded. For some reason I could not disobey. It could have been the coldness in his voice or my exhaustion. Either way I did as I was told. He examined my back through my tunic.

"The tunic will have to come off too." He says, his voice warming the tiniest bit.

When I took off the last of my clothing, I did not feel vulnerable, as I lay on my stomach on his bed, nude. Perhaps I was comfortable with him. Or perhaps I was just too tired to care. Or possibly that I knew that he preferred girls not like me. A man like him probably desires girls that are curvy, not ones who looked like adolescents.

"Why would you hide this?" He asks, a tinge of anger lining his voice. I bit my arm to keep from crying out as he dabbed cold water on the gash.

"I didn't want to worry Yuri." I muttered, burying my face in my arms. "Cleaning a wound was more painful then receiving it", I decided to myself as I fought not to cry out as the medicine was applied to my open flesh.

"You worry me, you fool!" Ilbani raised his voice. I glanced up at him in surprise. Rage radiated off of him, yet his hands were still as gentle as a butterfly's touch. " Don't you understand how agitated I am right now? If you won't come to anyone for help for a wound like this, then how in the world will I know that you aren't hurt?! You're going to need damn stitches!" He shouted.

Guilt struck hard. I didn't know Ilbani would worry. All this time, all these years, it was only Yuri who would worry. I only had to hide it from Yuri. But now…What does it mean to worry for someone. I must mean they care. The idea was odd to me. How could you care for someone after only a short time?

"I'm sorry, Ilbani." I say, craning my neck to look him in the eye. "I'm sorry." I offered him a small smile. Then flinched as I saw him holding a needle and thread.

He sighs. "It's fine. Now what else is bothering you? And hold still."

"Nothing." I felt the needle go into my skin painfully.

"Stop lying to me." In, out, in, out. Went the needle

"Am I truly so transparent?" In, out , In out.

"Yes." In, out, in, out.

I sigh. "Ilbani…today…I killed a man." I say forlornly. Hearing it out load was so much different then thinking it. Hearing it made it real.

"I know this is war, and that it is necessary…but…even though I understand that I had to, that I had no other options… why does it still hurt?" I moan, but don't allow the tears to fall. " Is it unforgivable that I am not sorry? That if I had to go back, I'd do it all over again?" SNIP. The string was cut.

"No. It means that you still have a heart." He answered, putting away the medical equipment. "Go to sleep."

I gladly obliged.

A knock on the door woke me the next morning. I opened my eyes; this isn't my room? I looked around a bit. Oh. That's right. Kizzuwadna. I stretched but was interrupted by my hand running into an object in bed. No not an object. An Ilbani who was sleeping soundly next to me. I sat up quickly, only to realize I was still naked, with only the bandage covering my back.

To make matters worse, whoever was at the door grew impatient and swept right in.

"Ilbani, we need to talk about…um…well…" Kail stopped, sputtered then laughed outright. Kikkuri and Yuri trailed in after him to see what was so funny. Yuri smiled cheekily at me, and Kikkuri blushed bright red and excused himself.

" W-wait! I can explain!" I began, pulling the blanket over me. Wait…could I explain without revealing my injury?

"Good morning Prince Kail. What was it you needed?" Ilbani was up and dressed in three seconds flat.

" Oh nothing important. You two go back to what you were doing." Prince Kail chuckled, sweeping out. Ilbani rushed after him and Yuri, leaving me dazed and confused and still naked in bed. My only thought:

"What the hell?"

On the way out of town, and constant teasing from Prince Kail, Zashi pulled on my cloak. His face was still dejected.

I leaned down, Ilbani muttered something about ripped stitches, but was ignored. " Why the long face, little man?" I asked him sweetly.

"I-I'm Chapter not a man!" He wailed. "I couldn't protect mum, and then you got hurt cause of me too! I can't fight!"

"Zashi, listen to me. You do not have to fight to be a man. Anyone can swing a sword, but not everyone has the bravery to do it. You cannot gain bravery. You already have it, and even if you never fight another battle in your life, your courage will help you in the future." I pull out my dagger and place it in his hand. "I am giving you this not to fight, but to remind you to always be brave. To always believe in yourself. One day, you will look in the mirror and see a man staring back at you." I say kissing his forehead. "May blessings follow you wherever you may head."

I turn and leave Kizzuwadna behind, hoping that young Zashi will never have a need to fight again. Hoping that the dagger will never taste blood again.

Yay Chapter 4! and the events are finally lining up with the manga! what do you guys think so far? since it's my first story, constructive criticism is welcomed!

Also, Zashi's name means "dream"

See you next time!