Chapter 7: Six
Disclaimer – I do not own Naruto
Chapter 6 – Our Story
"The maelstrom has vanished, my lord." Came the hollow voice from a kneeling man clad in full-plated armor. "He was last seen departing the Oaks' estate the date we lost contact with our spies. I assigned new people to establish a relationship and build trust once more after several days in the dark, and we have been successful in find out that he has been missing for five months to date." A foreboding silence crept into the barely-lit room, the kneeling knight not wanting to disturb his commander's thoughts.
"Interesting…" the man finally spoke. "It seems the storm is more than capable of keeping himself hidden, dissipating when need to, and reappearing when least expected..." The man rose from a massive wood-carved chair, behind a large oaken table strewn with maps, quills, parchments and small geometric figures that represented army units. He was clad in a black armor, with a helm that sprouted two mean-looking horns from its temples that arched backwards. His thick, brown beard was striped with white in multiple places, his mustache already grey. He addressed the kneeling soldier. "Keep your eyes and ears open for this man. We must either recruit him to the Order of the Eastern Sky, or ensure he will not join the other orders." His next words, echoed through the room as he raised his voice and turned to look the rest of the troops, placing his knights in attention. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Sir, Lord Gafgarion!"
Within the Desert of the Elemental Nations –
Naruto walked along the streets of Hidden Sand. His disguise, as minimal as it was, conveyed the most results. Using Temari's advice of dyeing his hair red, tying it up on a high, spiky pony tail, and covering his whisker-like scars with makeup, Naruto had introduced himself to many he met as Gouki, a distant cousin of Gaara who had come to visit his homeland after a long and self-imposed pilgrimage to the Elemental Temples that were located throughout the continent. His claim to achieve 'Enlightenment' was well accepted due to his demonstrations of his incredibly high affinity to wind and water, something that surpassed the wind-masters of Hidden Sand. He dressed in a dark blue gi, whose sleeves had been ripped off. His pants were frayed. He had wooden geta shoes on, along with large, mandala beads around his neck that hung just over his stomach.
Walking past one of the stands in the Bazaar area, 'Gouki' was stopped by the call of several of the merchants in the area. Throughout the past five months since his arrival to the capital, he's grown to be known throughout the city as a generous individual. Any person should only require asking, and his help would be provided. Many took advantage, while others compensated him with fruits, meats, and knick-knacks. He would never accept any sort of coin or obvious valuables.
"Gouki-san!" the call of a girl who worked a fruit stand reached his ears. He nodded, acknowledging her call and made his way toward her stand. Her wares included dates, figs, pistachios, desert limes, and manketti nuts. "Gouki-san!" she called again as he approached her. "I managed to obtain some Red Dragons for you!" she said as she lifted a small burlap bag from behind the packed counter. As Naruto reached the stand, she opened the sack to reveal some pink and green fleshed bulbs, leafy in appearance. The pulled one of the fruits out and deftly sliced it open, one half landing on Naruto's reaching hand, revealing a white flesh and contrasting black seeds inside a half-inch thick cover of the leafy skin. He smiled as he took his own knife out and cut his own piece in two; giving him better access to the fruit's inside and took a bite out of it.
"This is good." He said. "Thank you, Nanami-san."
Nanami gave him a big, toothy smile, and then tied the bag up and handed it to him. "You're welcome, Gouki-san. Once my father and I have need of your assistance again, I'll make sure to have more Dragons for you as payment! Ja ne!" She waved him off as she turned around to haggle the price of some figs and pistachios some customers wished to buy from her. Naruto simply smiled and walked away, munching on the slightly sweet fruit as he walked to the tower of the Wind Shadow.
In Ivalice –
"Lavian, Alice; take squad and set up a perimeter around the camp. I will stay with Princess Ovelia as per her command. This is as far as we travel today, and we must ensure we're secure by nightfall." Agrias Oakes' commands were issued as she unhorsed herself. Lavian and Alice immediately saluted to their commander, their fist touching their heart by the side of their thumb and index finger. The action prompted two small 'clanks' of gauntlet against breastplate, though it was done in unison by the twins, which made it sound as one. Immediately, the two knights spread out issuing commands. Lavian told the master at arms to set out his best scouts and rangers to set up a perimeter around the camp, while Alice told the leader of the Royal Guard to set up his men within the camp to random patterns in their patrols to ensure no one would catch them unguarded.
Agrias always thought it curious, the twin's actions; always in perfect synchronization. It was hard, when sparring, to deal with both of them at the same time. It did not matter who she had as her sparring partner, Leon the Bold, Branden the Wise, or Rolf the Beast. Agrias the White was hard pressed with any partner to deal with what the twins, dubbed the Twin Saints, as you could never tell one from the other. One on one was one thing; two on two against the perfect synchronization of the sisters was truly, something else. Even groups of three or more were hard pressed at the tactics the two shared. 'It's as if they were of one mind in two bodies.'
While she pondered the innate abilities of her sword and shield, Agrias made her way to the moving quarters of the princess; a carriage large enough for a family of five to comfortably live inside it for extended periods of travel time, that was fitted with feather pillows, quilts, blankets and multiple barred shelves that kept items in place.
Princess Ovelia Atkascha was inside said carriage, staring out one of the large windows. She turned to the opening door, nodding at the knight. Agrias was one who would speak to the princess as if she were not one. She would share her stories, her experiences, her dreams, and interests. "Sir Oaks, please come in." she gestured at the cushions. "Sit with me and report me about today's progress." Agrias unhooked her sword belt and laid it at the entrance of the carriage, over one of the larger pillows. She sat down at the entrance, removed her boots to not soil the delicate fabrics that adorned the insides of the carriage and after closing the door, she kneeled a foot or so inside the quarters.
"My apologies your highness." She said. "It has been quite a long ride, and I do not believe that I should be this close to you, as you may not find my presence…bearable." She hesitated. Being riding for the better part of the day, with the sun beating down on them; mixed with the smells of horses and packing mules…well, she knew it would be unpleasant in a closed space. However, this particular conversation happened every day when they set up camp.
"A princess commands, Sir Oaks." She said in a serious and commanding tone.
"And your knight obeys; your highness."
Agrias approached the princess, who turned her serious visage into that of someone who was greeting family at their doorstep. "What stories do you have for me today, sister?" the princess asked the girl.
Agrias smiled at this. Growing up as the half-sister to the King of Ivalice had allowed Ovelia to learn the manners of the court, but not actively participate in them. She would be allowed to talk to the servants, pass her times with them on occasion, gifting her with friends. That was, until her half-brother's first born died in his crib. King Ondore III's wife, Queen Louveria was pregnant with a second child, who mysteriously died days after his birth, three months after the death of their first.
The King and Queen were deeply distraught and suspected treason deeply resenting many of the Royal Court whom had placed distrust in the Royal Family recently, so both in agreement, brought Ovelia in as the heir to the throne of Ivalice, which took away any and all friends she had with the servants of her mother's house.
She had been taken to the capital, provided new servants, and those whom she met, would not approach nor warm up to her in the fashion like the ones from her previous home.
Agrias however, was a breath of fresh air to her new miserable existence. She immediately became attached to the older girl, being five years her junior, treating her as the older sister she never had. Agrias was reserved at first, but warmed up to the princess after several months in her service.
"Unfortunately Princess, I have training with Lady Celia, thus am unable to stay here for long. I've been told that I have taken the training rather impressively and am close to learning everything the Holy Order of Sacred Knights can teach." She placed her right hand over the Princess' shoulder and smiled warmly at her. "Once they deem my training complete, she will anoint me through the Church of Glabados as a Holy Knight, and then depart back to the Training Academy to instruct the next generation; and I'll be free to stand always by your side as your sword and shield."
"Then, I command you to return to me as soon as possible!" Princess Ovelia commanded in a not-so-serious manner. "I overheard Lavian talking to Alice about one of the squires who seem to have become smitten by you."
Agrias raised an eyebrow at this. She knew of Alice's and Lavian's quirk where they didn't need to speak to each other to convey any information; a simple look sufficed. 'She must have heard this elsewhere, but knows that those two are my own confidants. Interesting.' She thought. "That…that's something I would rather not deal with currently, your highness. Not now, at least."
"Is this about your mystery man? The foreigner with the whisker marks you claim exists?" Ovelia replied.
The princess was privy to the story of the man who washed upon the shores of the Black Coral Sea, near the Oaks Estate. She knew the story, told to her by Agrias herself; of how she claimed to love him, of how he promised to return, of how he has been gone for almost half a year and she had yet to hear back from him. Not even a single letter had arrived with the merchants from across the seas.
Agrias gave her a wishful stare and nodded. "It is, your highness."
"Then so be it. I will leave you be, Agrias. Please return as soon as you can and tell me once more the story of how you met him." The princess smiled as she waved her arm towards the door. Agrias smiled and gave her a quick hug before she stepped towards the door of the carriage.
She was approached by Celia as she was closing the door to the moving home. "Come, Agrias. I have prepared the reflecting pool for today's training." Agrias nodded and followed.
With the Suna Siblings –
Gaara sat behind his desk, reading a missive brought by an envoy of Hidden Leaf. His face was a blank slate, never conveying emotions. Temari and Kankuro were standing next to their Shadow, flanking their brother. The scroll carried information in regards to the aftermath of retaking Hidden Leaf from Danzo, the Usurper.
"Danzo's corpse has been examined and revealed to hold multiple eyes of Uchiha origin that had been grafted to his right arm. His right eye has been identified as Uchiha Shishui's eye." Gaara's eyebrows lifted to this. "It makes sense as to how he was able to place himself in a position of power." After a few more minutes of studying the report delivered to him, the leader of Hidden Sand laid down the scroll and looked up to the envoy. "Hyuuga Neji. You shall have my response within the hour." He turned to his brother. "Kankuro, please accompany our guest and inspect his equipment. We need to ensure it is in top shape, if we're to establish the Allied Corps."
Both Kankuro and Neji smirked. The alliance between Konoha and Suna was strengthened greatly not three years ago, after Hatake Kakashi had been named the 6th Fire Shadow. During the inauguration of Kakashi's position, the Sand's Wind Shadow became smitten with a lavender eyed woman, known as Hyuuga Hinata. After a year of courting each other, they became engaged and wed, joining the House of Sand with the House of Hyuuga. This brought both Villages much closer together than previously imagined. The Clan Leader of one of Konoha's most prestigious clan and the leader of a village. Neji Hyuuga was placed as Hinata's personal bodyguard and family advisor in Hidden Sand, along as the position of Ambassador to the Leaf, taking over Nara Shikamaru, who became his Consul in Hidden Sand, along with his wife, Nara Temari.
When the war between the Leaf and the Root broke out, Hidden Sand assisted their new brothers and sisters in law with the re-taking of the village, instructing several of Hidden Leaf's nin with the art of puppetry.
Naturally, the shinobi who excelled at creating and controlling the chakra strings were those whom had mastered their chakra control. Many Jonin and Chuunin joined the ranks, including the entire Hyuuga Clan. However, instead of actively controlling a puppet, the Hyuuga added extra limbs, to assist in their Gentle-Fist, namely the birth of the Puppet-Play: Gentle Fist (Karakuri Engeki: Jyuken). The extra limbs would allow additional strikes to be thrown in unison at their target, only at a different tempo as their regular strikes, which proved invaluable in the taking of Hidden Leaf back from the Usurper.
As Kankuro and Neji left the office of the Shadow, they ran into a red-headed, shaggy haired man, with blue eyes that was eating an exotic fruit. The Konoha Nin on assignment gave him the once over and saw what his eyes told him; a shaggy haired man that was eating a white-fleshed fruit with black seeds, as they clung messily to his cheeks. He had seen this man around the tower several times, and he came to learn that he was a distant relative of Gaara, a third cousin of sorts who went on a pilgrimage to understand what is the real meaning behind Chakra. Or so he heard.
The man waved indifferently to both as they walked out the door, then stood up and walked through the open portal. Kankuro turned back as 'Gouki' wiped the seeds off his cheek, while smiling back at him, only to remove the makeup that hid his scars. Kankuro smirked and patted Neji on his back. "I'm glad you find the Puppet Corps' extra limbs useful, Neji-dono." He spoke. "Lady Hinata has requested her puppet arms to have an additional set, as she is wishing to practice using the Gentle Fist with six arms." Neji nodded. Since Hinata's marriage to the Kazekage, she used her political influence in the alliance between Sand and Leaf to annul the barrier between the Main House and the Branch House. While they removed the seals, allowing the houses to intermingle once more, she was unable to revoke a long-standing law of non-pureblooded Hyuuga from receiving the Caged Bird Seal, to ensure it does not leave the village, in case of marriage with Non-Hyuuga. The seal however was modified to destroy the Byakugan at death, and not to be used as a disciplinary control. Neji began providing input to Kankuro's explanation for a 4 armed version of the Gentle Fist Puppet Arms, and both made their way to the workshops, to test new prototypes.
In room without walls –
"I cannot…cannot stress how important…we…we must not allow him…to roam…" Olan's tired voice broke the silence. "From this point…forwards…we do not…cannot…allow it. Do I…make myself clear?"
The silence was palpable, and the insecurities were noticeable in all of the mages present . "The floor…is open…then." He gestured with his hand.
"We have taken everything that we have learned from the Maelstrom." Red Mage Celes spoke. "The merger of spiritual and physical energy, Chakra, as he calls it; it is an interesting concept; however it seems that if not trained since a young age, one cannot access it as easily as one who has." She shrugged. "However, I have received information that the Royal Assassin Guild and a few of the monasteries that were established in Ivalice from before the 50 Years War are able to channel the Chakra in smaller quantities. The monks have displayed certain abilities to an extent, however not to the shinobi mastery."
"It seems that the humans from the Elemental Nations are more adept at combining the energies than the people of Ivalice." The green mage Verre chimed in. "They channel the elements and their military discipline is incredibly precise."
"We best be happeh dat dey want'n no part o' Ivalice." Strago added. "Dun no if de ord'rs 'n mers'nary comp'nies could take dem on in op'n warfare."
The wall-less room became deathly quiet. They understood the implications of Strago's statement. A single Hidden Village from the Elemental Countries could and would annihilate the most seasoned of knights of the realm. The range and reach that their northern counterparts had in their elemental control; while won't outreach a bow; a single shinobi could decimate a company of knights and their squires. The speed that the ninjas displayed, in conjunction to their mastery over Chakra, made them enemies that they did not wish to face.
"Indeed…" Olan's voice conveyed the room's feelings about the matter. "All in agreement…to stop the Maelstrom?"
One by one, hands were raised. White then Red; Green followed. Violet and Grey were the next two, however Blue and Black stayed put. "No." said Maria, the Black Mage, a frown on her face. "Nope." said Strago the Blue Mage, with a smile that threatened to split his face in two.
"The council…has not agreed." Olaf said. "Please explain the…reasoning on…the morrow, and we…will…reconvene on the…fortnight."
The figures disappeared from the room, and then, it went dark.
With 'Gouki' –
Gaara stared impassively at the disguised Jinchuuriki that stood next to another man, tall with flaming red hair and purple marks on his cheeks and chin. "Gouki" the Kazekage addressed him. "Is it time?"
"It is, Lord Wind Shadow." His answer came, almost wistfully. "I have mourned, I have relaxed, I have improved. I have done all that I could have done here. My presence is needed elsewhere. We must go."
"Very well then" Gaara replied. "I shall escort you to the sea, where you can book passage to your destination." He stood up and walked around from behind his desk and stood before Naruto and the Kyuubi's human form. The three nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke and a swirl of sand.
The trip was taken slowly. Once the trio appeared outside the walls of Sunagakure no Sato, they proceeded to reach the border of Wind Country within two days. Gaara and Naruto chatted amicably through the trip. Kyuubi would simply be there, or not. It didn't matter. If he wanted to stretch his legs, Naruto would summon him, otherwise he would spend his time sleeping inside the seal.
Gaara, true to his word, accompanied him to where he could book a passage ticket to Ivalice. "I must say goodbye, Lord Kazekage. I do not know when I will return, for I have new duties to attend." He eyed his ticket. 'I'll be in Ivalice within the next week or so, depending on the weather.'
Naruto reached out to take Gaara's forearm, and noticed the sand peel away from its owner, the Wind Shadow removing his Sand Armor to show the scarred visage of a wounded warrior. He had been on the receiving end of an S-Rank Lightning Technique, Sasuke's Kirin. After his betrayal to the Allied Shinobi Forces and his attempted murder of the Five Shadows, only two survived, Gaara and Mei. Tsunade, Oonoki, and A were killed while inside the Infinite Tsukiyomi of the 4th Great Ninja War caused by Madara and Tobi. Kirin broke through all of his Sand based defenses, cutting the Earth chakra with its weakness to Lightning, and caused Gaara's skin to char and crack. He was saved by the Medic Nin Corps, but he sported white scars throughout his body that show the path the bolts of lightning struck him and almost killed him.
Gaara returned the motion, taking Naruto's own forearm. "I see. I will miss you, my brother, however I promise to visit when I can." Using his other hand, he pulled a scroll and extended it to Naruto. "Here, I want you to have this."
Naruto took the scroll and gave Gaara a curious look. "Please, do not open the scroll unless your life, or your loved ones' lives are in danger, greater danger than you would be able to protect them from. It is my gift to you; it contains the love I have for you, as my family; as…as my brother…Naruto." Gaara seemed to almost choke at those words, and the Maelstrom smiled. He brought the red head into a hug and allowed him to weep, while letting his own tears fall.
"Of all people I know, Gaara; it is you whom I will miss the most, as you know what I have been through." He spoke after a few minutes of contemplation. "You were there to help me through my wife's demise. You were there to help me ensure that fallen villagers of Wave Country were laid to rest. You ensured my wife's remains will never be disturbed." Naruto's tears were flowing stronger than earlier. He broke the embrace and kneeled before his brother. "Kazekage-sama, I, a jonin of Hidden Leaf bequeaths from you a favor."
Gaara's sand returned to him, covering his hurting visage with his usual stony exterior, covering his tears, covering his pain. He waved his hand, telling Naruto to continue.
"As your brother" he stated as he removed his headband, which signified his allegiance to his village; he same headband given to him by Iruka. He turned it around, looking at the inside of the headband. Iruka's Shinobi Registration Number had been scratched out and Naruto's had been scrawled into it. "I request from you, Gaara" His hands grasped the cloth and metal, and tore it apart. Gaara looked impassively at the action. "That you deliver this to Hidden Leaf, along with the bones of any shinobi who could pass for me," he extended his mangled hitai-ate to Gaara, "and tell them that I did not survive Danzo's wounds during the retaking of the Leaf."
He produced another scroll, one that was covered with blood. "This is my will that states the Kyuubi was released and how my bones were to be returned to my home village. Tell them you found my remains in your desert; tell them…that my body was beyond repair…that it was more humane to return my bones without rotting flesh attached to them."
Gaara took the scroll and headband. With a nod, he placed them inside his utility pouch and turned around. "You should leave now, stranger." Gaara said. "I do not appreciate for strange ninja in my country. I do not know your allegiance; I do not know your intentions." His voice cracked. "Leave before my deserts swallow you and never release you to roam the world."
"As you command…Brother."
"Naruto!" Gaara turned around, to not see the blonde-turned-red head anymore. The sky began to darken, a storm seemed to approach from the mountains close to the sea, and seemed to spread towards the south. 'Goodbye…'
Near Orbonne Monastery –
Rain.
Nothing but rain for two weeks.
The skies had opened up, pouring torrents of water for the past two weeks. It had made the final trek to Orbonne Monastery extremely difficult, as the mountain passes needed to reach there became slick and more dangerous than normal. The creeks that slinked through the ravines became rushing rivers that threatened to slash and skewer anyone who fell into their speedy rapids. They lost many good soldiers on the trip due to the tricky roads, and had to dispatch a messenger to request additional support. They were met with a company of mercenaries and their commander struck a deal with Celia before she had to return to the academy. The mercenary commander made his way ahead to secure the road from brigands, while the rest mingled with the soldiers, squires, and knights; banners of the Order of the Eastern Sky mingling with the banners of the Royal House of Ivalice.
Rain.
Agrias had felt miserable for the past two weeks.
At first, she thought it was the water, constantly fighting to keep warm at nights, fighting the unpleasant feeling of being soaked to the bone; then she thought it was due to her moon's blood. However when that had past and the feeling had not gone away, her thoughts went back to Naruto. And it was then when she realized why she felt as she did.
Rain.
It was raining in her heart, as well as over her head. This day would have marked six months since she had graduated the Academy, today would mark six months without him; without Naruto. The pitter patter of the drops reminded her of the day he first spoke with her, of when she stroked her cheeks the night before. 'Blackmail', that's what she had called it. 'I never got to use it, and I wonder if I ever will. Ajora be merciful and grant me that opportunity.'
Rain.
Her training with Celia had come to an end a day after the mercenary band of the Order of the Eastern Sky had appeared. Ajora approved of her devotion to the Crown and to the teachings of the Church; having bestowed upon her the ability to call upon the final ability granted to Holy Knights, Divine Ruination. Celia was proud of her, and had informed her that she had been the youngest Holy Knight to fully master the abilities of one. She had been anointed as a Holy Knight of St. Ajora. She had been happy; she knew Alice and Lavian were happy for her; the princess was beaming with pride that her sister had become baptized in the light of Ajora; however she wished there were someone else around to share this moment with her.
Rain.
They reached their destination several days behind scheduled. Princess Ovelia was expected before the High Priest Simon for the Blessing Ceremony several days past, in order to be able to seat the throne and become a true heir to the Crown of Ivalice. By the time they arrived, however, the old priest came out to greet them personally; happy they had made the trip safely. "Ajora be praised." The old man spoke, relief clearly in his voice. "I feared the worst when the rains did not stop. The mountain roads can be very dangerous in the rain."
"Ajora be with you, Simon." responded the Princess. "Your prayers have been heard, and Ajora is merciful to allow us passage with little casualties." Ovelia's face showed grief and pain; clearly the loss of life was not something she was used to, especially from those who have traveled with her for her journey. "I will retire to cleanse myself in the waters of Baptism, Simon, and then we will begin." She took a step into the monastery. "Agrias, Alice, Lavian; please come with me."
The blonde Holy Knight stepped up under the threshold and out of the rain feeling a chill run down her spine as she did. The Twin Saints followed a step behind; all three were thankful to be finally in a dry environment.
"I will prepare my body, mind, and soul for the ceremony. We have lost time due to the inclement weather, and we must return with haste back to the Royal City of Lesalia. His Highness, the King will be expecting us to confirm the throne's succession." She removed her drenched cowl & cape, and handed it to Agrias. She looked at all three and smiled. "Please cleanse yourselves also, as I will need the presence of a Holy Knight within the Cathedral for the ceremony." The three knights clicked their heels together, their fisted right gauntlets clanged against their breastplate in unison, their heads bowed in solemn respect.
"Princess Ovelia" spoke Simon "please, follow me. I shall lead you to the purification chamber." He turned to Agrias, Lavian, and Alice. "I shall send a deacon. He will show you to your quarters. We shall meet in the grand chamber in three hours." With this, he ushered Princess Ovelia forward through one of the many doors of the cathedral. Agrias walked to the door that granted them entry to the building and began closing it, all the while, her eyes scanned the horizon.
She had a bad feeling about this place.
Inside a ruined building –
"The rains will help cover our scent so long it keeps up, however our tracks will be visible in the muddy ground. We must keep to the river if we're to hide our trail." A robed figure cloaked in dancing shadows of a single candle spoke. He stood over a broken table; a map strewn across it. "We travel in file; follow this creek to behind Orbonne. We can then enter through their garden and obtain quick access to the Cathedral's side entrance." Several grunts of agreement were heard. "We do not act until the Princess is unguarded."
The speaker looked up, his brown eyes shifted along the two men present. "Sir Lezalas," he turned to a young man with blonde hair and grey eyes clad in a heavy armor. The sigil of a Black Lion over a Red Field adorned his tabard. "You will take command of Fuchs, Diesch, Biggs, and Wezleft. You five will draw the guards from the inside of the building. Sir Bart," he said as he looked at a black haired man with black eyes and a large scar on his chin. "You will take command of the raiding party that will attack the outer caravan, drawing the procession's guards towards you. Remove your crests, change to the clothes I instructed you to bring. Act as common thieves, pelt them with arrows, have them chase you; and take lives when you won't risk your own. You will attack from here, here, and here" he pointed on several key locations on the map. "Our scouts have secured an escape route, and multiple rabbit holes that will cause confusion when you disappear."
He began rolling up the map once they nodded in agreement and gave their consent to the plan. "Sir Lezalas, you will begin your attack once the Royal Guard retreats around the mountain path's bend; look for the flash on the mountain. That will be your signal." He turned to the other man. "Sir Bart, your attack commences at midnight."
"And you, Delita?" inquired Bart with a smug smile.
Delita looked at his men with a shrewd gaze and smiled. He turned around without answering, his white cape emblazoned with the Black Lion on a Red Field. Lezalas stood waiting for an answer, however shrugged with he received none. Bart just smiled.
Delita made his way to the dilapidated stables and mounted his war trained mount, a massive two legged bird, barded with armor and metal spikes to enhance its already massive talons. He rode to the front of the building, signaling his two captains to follow suit and made his way to the aforementioned river to begin his part of the plan.
'I will kidnap the Princess.'
Chapter Six – End
A/N
Oh gods, I'm so late.
It's been YEARS since I've done a single update. Between bad health, bad jobs, marriage, child on route, and promotion, I've JUST managed to complete chapter 7.
I think, however, I should be able to have more time (or so I said 3 years ago).
I WILL finish this story. There is no doubt about it. How long it takes me? I wish I could answer that, but I will do my best to get it done before I die.
Please read, review, and comment. Flames will be used to heat my apartment, as my wife loves to keep it FREEZING.