I've been really busy, so I don't know how often I'll be able to update. If you get bored in between updates, read some fics by Yarningchick. She's awesome!! J
Toto landed in a deserted field so as not to scare anybody who happened to be watching. Baron shrunk him into normal-size so Toto could ride on his shoulder. They walked down the pathways to the castle, Muta catching a few stares. Most people just stared at Baron's fancy clothes.
"Sir, who are you and what is your business?" asked a guard when they were stopped before the bridge to the castle.
"I am Baron Humbert von Gikkingen. I have come to see Prince Aaric," Baron explained. The guard looked a little startled.
"This way sir," he said, pointing them down a stone pathway that led to the gardens. "His Highness is in the back of the gardens." Baron tipped his top hat in thanks and set off down the designated pathway.
Muta looked at all the flowers. They were beautiful. Maybe he would be able to get a few for Kai. He couldn't wait to see that tan-ish colored cat again. She was so beautiful and kind…
Muta snapped to attention when Baron stopped and bowed before 2 cats, a cream colored cat and a pink cat .
"Aaric, Rhiaanon how are you?" The cream colored cat smiled, stood up and shook his old friend's hand.
"We're fine, thanks. How about you? And where's Haru? I would think that you wouldn't go over a few yards away from her!" Aaric laughed. Baron's face fell.
"I'm fine, but Haru…" he trailed off. Aaric stopped laughing and looked at him seriously.
"Maybe we should go inside." The Vlthean crown prince helped his wife get up. She curtsied to Baron.
"I had hoped Haru would be with you. I enjoy her company," the pink cat said. Rhiaanon was from an island country called Tylthea. It was considered to be even stranger than Vlthea before Baron had come along. He had opened up the way to trade, making everyone more interested in culture.
The trio followed Aaric and Rhiaanon into the castle. Everyone in the corridors bowed to the royals, but, like Baron, they were used to it. They walked into Aaric's study and settled into chairs, Muta needing a whole couch for himself.
"Okay Baron, what's wrong with Haru?" asked Aaric. Baron cleared his throat.
"It seems she has begun to vanish," he started.
"And you need to know if we know," Aaric concluded.
"Not exactly. I know what I need. I just need your help getting it."
The Vlthean royal sighed. "And can I safely assume that you need a black rose?" Baron smiled grimly and nodded. "And you already know that the kingdom has to be in your debt before it's even considered?"
"I believe the count is 68 favors," Baron said with a smile.
"Even then, you will have to defeat our best samurai in battle," put in Rhiaanon.
"Well, where is he?" asked Muta. "Chicky only has 5 days left, so this fight will have to be today."
"I think we can arrange for today." Aaric pulled a red rope. 5 seconds later, a brown cat appeared. "Bronw, go get Deltheo. Tell him to prepare for battle." The brown cat looked at the foreigners with wide eyes before bowing to his prince and running off. "Baron, if you need any weapons or armor, just ask."
"Actually, I could use a sword."
In three hours, the majority of the people who lived in the capital city, Métris, had gathered to watch the battle. Deltheo was already waiting.
"Don't worry Baron, I know you'll win," said Toto, trying to give some moral support. Baron smiled at him in thanks. He picked up the sword, took a deep breath, and walked into the arena. There was a wild cheer. Baron was well know in this area. Deltheo, on the other hand, was immensely unliked, being extremely cruel to the poor and normal people(a good analogy for him would be George Bush, except Bush is stupider!).
Deltheo sneered. "Finally, the one and only Baron Humbert von Gikkingen. Now's my chance to prove I'm the best!"
"Shall we start?" he asked. Deltheo nodded. A servant rang the gong and the battle began.
Deltheo charged him, and Baron swerved to the left. Deltheo turned and charged him again. Baron kept on playing with him until, when Deltheo charged again, Baron jumped over him and did a 360. He started walking away.
"I win."
"What are you talking ab…oh." Deltheo was cut off when all his clothes fell apart. The crowd was silent for a moment, then there was a roar as they cheered. Baron smiled at them and waved before turning to Aaric.
"Where are the Black Roses?" Baron asked.
Aaric sighed. "Well, you did win. Follow me." He and Baron walked out of the arena followed by Toto and Muta.
Aaric led them to the back of the garden. He checked to make sure nobody was coming before pressing a stone in the wall. It opened to reveal a chamber with a floor of dirt. There was another chamber made of a material that looked like glass in the middle of larger chamber. Guards surrounded the smaller chamber. When they saw Aaric, they bowed. Aaric nodded and the guards backed away from the clear chamber. Baron could see what was in the middle of it: 3 plants that looked like normal rose bushes except for the flowers, which were black, black as the night sky.
"That's it," whispered Baron.
Yay! Chap. 7 is up. Now the story will be a lot easier.
