Hiya people! It's me again! And this is the very last chapter of "The Prince And The Valkyrie Cero!" Wait, no, that's not right at all. Let me start over: Welcome to the final chapter of "Necromancer Chronicles" It's been a hell of a long road, and it was a very hard writing as well, very, but enjoyable as well! So, don't let this Mushroom bore you to dead, or undead, hahaha (It wasn't funny) I know it wasn't! Let's reply the reviews, shall we?

Kungfupandalover: Thanks again, it is updated!

Kit2000: Yay! Birthday girl is not mad! And I need to stop calling her birthday girl, lol. Glad to know you both liked the action. This chapter doesn't have action at all, but oh well, I hope you like it anyway. Sadly, Princess Jillian won't have such relevant role in this chapter. She is mostly benched, although she plays some minor key roles here. But there is someone who will come to the party (cough) Princess Claire (cough). Anyway, lady, you need to hold your excitement about the wedding, because I'm horrible at writing those. I just hope it at least turned out decently for you and lil Anna to enjoy. So, I'm looking forward to know what you think! It is the last chapter after and, and the longest!

Guest: That intel would have served me a lot earlier, but it was a fairly interesting reading anyway, thanks for sharing it my friend. Glad you enjoyed last chapter, and I'm looking forward to reading more of you!


Prologue:


July 30, 480 A.C. Valentine Kingdom. Research Lab.

"This will work! It certainly will work! It needs to, Princess Jillian depends on it!" It took the caravan a couple of days to arrive to Valentine Kingdom. And once reaching the lands of the Eagle Emblem of the Valentine royal family, Rebecca was placed immediately into researching by the King and Queen of Valentine kingdom. Not that she would have thought otherwise, but once again, for reasons uncontrollable for her, she was forced into ignoring her promise to her groom, this time to save the life of a Princess she barely knew. "Need… some sleep… I have been working none stopping on this… what a complex formula. I have found seven different base components. Nothing works… but this time I'm sure I got it."

"Do you always speak to yourself like that, doll face?" Rebecca suddenly jolted out of surprise when her groom entered the alchemy laboratory with Sherry following him closely. "We brought you dinner." And Rebecca then faced out of the window, only to notice it was already night time. "I'm not supposed to be the one cooking! That's a spouse's job! Men are for war!" Billy complained, and Sherry then pulled his black cape, since the man wore his armor almost all the time. "What do you want now?" He added coldly.

"It was I who prepared dinner! You are just here for the transportation of the goods!" Sherry mentioned, and Billy faced the girl in annoyance. It was obvious the two didn't like one another that much, but where forced to tag along because of someone who both liked a lot. "Mama! Come and eat with us! You are always busy." Sherry mentioned, and Rebecca let out a soft smile toward her now soon to be adoptive daughter.

"You can't call me that yet… to adopt you I need the royal permission of the King… so even if that's my intention, I still can't seem to keep either of my promises." Rebecca continued, and faced Billy with bangs adorning the corners of her eyes. "And yet you still wait for me so patiently… the bond must be really strong then… I wonder how many times we have shared our lives… and how many we haven't… I can't know, since… the memories just vanish on reincarnation…" And Billy raised an eyebrow, and was about to speak when Rebecca interrupted him. "Don't even mention it… I'm too tired as to think straight."

"Whatever you say, princess." Billy complained, and then placed some plates by the table. "You need to eat. It's fruitless if you research and fall asleep in your potion mixing. I don't want any more explosions." And Rebecca smiled softly at that last. And the three sat down by the table and began eating some chicken and smashed potatoes Sherry had prepared. "Looks like the dwarf knows how to cook! Dwarves secret recipe?" Billy joked.

"I'm not a dwarf!" Sherry complained. "It's only roasted chicken. The trick is to roast it with the fire only intensifying. When the lumber gets too coaled then it's not roasted, it's burned." She explained, and Billy tried the mashed potatoes, and widened his eyes in surprise. "The potatoes are the ones I mashed with a secret recipe I'm not telling you about."

"Milk." Rebecca added, and Sherry's jaw dropped. "You mixed it with milk to give it a different consistence. And since milk takes away the flavor of the potato you also mixed from two to three portions of salt… there is pepper too… garlic… and oregano… did you also place ginger on it?" And Sherry blinked twice out of surprise. "I'm an alchemist. Tasting the potions usually allow me to find the base components." And Billy flinched. "I didn't taste the blood samples! That's gross!" She yelled out of annoyance when finding out about Billy's thoughts.

"Run! She is a wizard! An evil wizard that will turn us into flying-rat-pigs!" And Sherry yelled and began running and yelling playfully. "Run faster! She will fire us with her spooky flame casting powers!" And Rebecca raised an eyebrow at the two.

"I'm not going to chase you." And Billy took his spoon, placed mashed potatoes on it, and began bending it as if pointing a catapult. "I told you I'm not…" And Billy launched it, and it hit her face. "You will pay for that!" Rebecca yelled out of annoyance, and Sherry once again yelled out playfully, and Rebecca began chasing them both around the table. "Billy! Apologize to me you brute!" She continued complaining, and in the end she breathed out heavily and extremely tired, but happy since Billy and Sherry were making fun of her. They slowly began looking like a real family, even if they still weren't.

"Ow… I… Billy…" She began, and Billy ran to her way and caught her before she fell down. "…Thank you…" Rebecca added, and Sherry faced her supposed mother in concern. "I really need some sleep… but Princess Jillian needs that medicine… I won't be able to hold the infection for much longer… I need to…" She tried to continue, but Billy didn't allow her to.

"That's enough. You won't be of any help to the princess in this state." Billy added, and carried her princess-style. "Dwarf. I will be back for dinner, but your mother needs to sleep." And Sherry nodded in agreement, while Billy carried her out of the lab, and into the room in front of her. "Seriously… working so hard to be this tired and not allow me to undress you…? That's so cruel of you, doll face."

"You truly have a sharp tongue." Rebecca complained weakly, and Billy placed her down at their bed. He then got ready to leave, but Rebecca took him from the cape, and he turned around to see her. "If you want we can… you know…" And Billy just laughed at her, leaned closer, and delivered a kiss to her, which she returned, and they began caring for one another softly. But Billy interrupted the moment and moved away, breaking the kiss, and leaving Rebecca there to sleep.


Resident Evil: Necromancer Chronicles.

Chapter Seven: Promises.


July 01, 480 A.C. Redfield Kingdom. Steward's Study.

"Nothing works!" Wesker yelled out of annoyance and hatred, as he furiously looked at several investigations all around the table. The place was immersed in total darkness. Luckily enough, Wesker could now see very clearly on it, since his golden eyes allowed him to. And yet, the knowledge of acquiring such ability wasn't at all important to him. The whole contrary, he loathed it, since such blessing, was nothing but a constant reminder of his fear and weakness. "It's not only fire! It's light in general! It burns me! It hurts my skin! Lord Marcusius! Be dammed for the eternity! I swear to you I will find a way!" And suddenly, Wesker heard the door being knocked, and he calmed down a little. "Come on in." He added.

"I heard you yelling. Is everything all right?" Prince Christopher wondered upon his arrival, and Wesker just calmed down. "Aren't you a little… dark in here? Why is the chimney off? Ran out of lumber?" The prince spoke casually, which only added to Wesker's hatred, but Prince Christopher didn't seem to notice.

"It is nothing to be concerned about, my young prince." Wesker added calmly. "Maybe I am just getting old… the light bothers me." And Prince Christopher delivered an odd stare to him. "I am also horrified for my dear friend's passing away. Birkin… a necromancer apprentice… the thought clouds my judgment. It's like if there was no one you could actually trust anymore." He lied. He was good at it, enough for Prince Christopher to be tricked.

"You can trust me, Steward Wesker." And the blond haired man nodded in agreement. "It will surprise you to know, that even after the fire, and the murdering of a whole unit of soldiers, my father refuses to let the public know about a necromancer once haunting these lands. People keep on speaking about the Tyrant being the cannibal, and Billy being a hero for slaying it. But I am concerned. People should know about the necromancy scheme."

"Prince, I need to advice you on the contrary." Wesker mentioned, and Prince Christopher faced him in disbelief. "Think about the horrified families, and the trauma they could have if knowing their loved one's deaths wasn't because of the sick mind of a creature… a cannibal as we let them know." And Prince Christopher didn't understand it. The citizens now gone 'close ones' were dead anyway, even if it was by the hand of a cannibal or a necromancer. "This got a more religious intention than anything. The dead coming back to life… is blasphemous… is a sacrilege… what do you think happens to the souls of those unfortunate ones?" And Prince Christopher was horrified. "If we tell your people their familiars died because of a cannibal who murdered them, then they will at least know their souls are with the divine one… but a resurrected body… well… how to tell them the souls of the undead were dammed?" And Prince Christopher nodded in agreement.

"I got it… so… it is more a religious approach." And Wesker nodded in agreement. "Then… we need to act as if everything was because of a cannibal… you are right, my father is right… we need to spare our citizens from such pain…" And Wesker smiled evilly. "Politics and religion are truly complex subjects. I will keep the secret, and take it to my grave with me." And Wesker nodded. "Now… switching from religion to politics… my sister's wedding wasn't interrupted because of the fire. In only a week she will get married to Prince Richard of Kennedy Kingdom."

"The young princess must be very impatient." Wesker added out of annoyance. As usual, he cared little about the prince's personal affairs. "It needs to be done, my prince. You know the friendship between Kennedy Kingdom and Redfield Kingdom is uneasy, regardless of your strong friendship with Prince Richard." And Prince Christopher nodded in agreement.

"Sometimes I believe the tales from my father were true and we were cursed by Valkyrie blood." Prince Christopher added, and Wesker faced him in disbelief. "You know, that legend from my family… about Queen Iolanda being a Valkyrie and marrying my great-grandfather. The curse of Valkyries only giving birth to one gender and the reason of why Claire's marriage is such a huge celebration." He speed-explained since Prince Christopher knew that Wesker didn't care about such talking. But in reality, Wesker was very impressed. "I know. It's only a legend. Just like the legend about immortality from the kingdoms of the north. Listen to this. There is a legend that says that if you dive into a giant kettle filled with boiling milk, then in a kettle filled with boiling water, and lastly in a kettle with freezing water, and immediately afterwards you hunt a dragon for his tongue and eat it, you will achieve eternal youth and life! Isn't that ridiculous?"

"Not if dragons weren't extinct… which was basically the problem." And Prince Christopher raised an eyebrow at Wesker, imagining him doing such ridiculous task for the sole purpose of achieving immortality. "But Valkyries… aren't extinct… are they…? It's worth the try I suppose." And Prince Christopher remained in silence. "Oh… are you still here, young prince?" And Prince Christopher made a mockery at him. After all, he came for the sole purpose of cheering Wesker up. "Shouldn't you be worrying about the Princess' posture over the wedding?"

"You are right." Prince Christopher added. "I'm not going to give up into saving Claire from her marriage with Prince Richard. Friends or not, there is nothing worse than your best friend marrying your sister. You know… it's like wanting to hurt him if he touches her…" And Prince Christopher began biting his lips out of annoyance. "You may think I'm such a kid some times, Wesker." The prince added.

"All the time." Wesker replied, and Prince Christopher left the room. "Valkyrie blood. I am certain I have heard that before." And Wesker walked out of the room, and headed straight to the library. "All fairy tales got their portion of true. Normally to teach the readers a lesson, well hidden into their pages. But sometimes, the stories are messages passed down from a wizard to another one. Messages to mysteries they wish to share only with the knowledgeable few who are worthy of such knowledge, never to the brainless ones who pollute this land with their jokes and unworthy behavior. No one would seek for a secret inside a fairy tale anyway." And Wesker reached the library, and the bookshelf with the secret passage to Lord Marcusius' mansion, and then ran his fingers until finding a book reading: 'The Valkyries Blood' and when reading it, a soft smile appeared on his lips. "The Norse believe in maidens whose role is to lead the warriors to promised lands of cold and riches. Their sweat a veil of mist, their blood as cold as ice, no fire can touch these maidens. The claws of Hel, pagan goddess of the underworld can't touch their holy blood." And Wesker turned the page and continued reading. "Blood so pure that repeals all evil, Loki the Norse god of fire and mischief, played a joke on the Valkyries. Joke so cruel had never been thought of, so cruel it is, even bards can't mention it. Young Valkyrie yield in tears and pain, hatred against the god of mischief she could only feel. Boiling blood, pure no more, tears and hatred polluting her soul, Hel claimed the Valkyrie, pure she was no more, and the goddess of hell drank her blood. Fire could not touch her anymore, she became a Valkyrie of her own, feared by fire, feared by light, even Sun and fire giants touch her could not. Loki the god of fire and mischief a treat to her daughter no longer was, daughter surpassed, where her father could not." And Wesker closed the book with an evil smile drawn on his face. "Then… to be feared by fire… the blood of a cursed Valkyrie I need to drink. Stupid Norse… the secret to survive the deadliest of all elements was under your very noses, but you never noticed. If Loki, the Norse god of fire couldn't even touch Hel in the story, it means that a Valkyrie's blood got the power to surpass even the wrath of the gods."

Valentine Kingdom. The Nursery.

"You will be all right, I swear." Rebecca added with concern toward a princess Jillian on her third day at bed. The young woman was breathing heavily, and Rebecca was taking some bandages away from her shoulder, where a horrible wound was found. The skin around the wound was black and hadn't sutured in the less, and Rebecca ended once again with her eyes in tears and holding her dagger on her hand. "I'm sorry… I swear to you I'm doing my best."

"Just do it, Rebecca… I know just how hard you have been working…" And Rebecca nodded, and approached the dagger to the princess, who began biting a leather rope. Jillian's eyes then widened in pain, and watered immediately while she began yelling hard despite biting the leather strips. "Aaaaaaaaaah!" Princess Jillian yelled, and Rebecca immediately threw the rotten and black-colored skin to the wooden made floor. "Please tell me you found a cure! I can't tolerate you ripping apart my skin every day!" Princess Jillian yelled, and Rebecca took some liquids from her purse. "What is that?" Prince Jillian asked with tears in her eyes.

"If we are lucky… the cure…" Rebecca explained. "Listen… princess… I need to clean the infection with my own hands… that means I will be rubbing your wound a lot… it needs to be completely clean, or else, the infection will return." And Jillian nodded in agreement. "This is the hardest thing ever."

"Rebecca… I appreciate you always speaking your mind out but… you explaining it to me only make me feel more uncomfortable." And Rebecca nodded in agreement. "Do what you have to do… and I swear to you… that I will never forget your dedication to my health… do it…"

"Nurses." Rebecca began. "Lock the door… and each grab the princess' arms and legs…" And the nurses did as they were ordered, and trapped the princess' limbs, while Rebecca began filling her hands with the potion. "No matter how much the princess begs, do not let her go, understood?" And the nurses all nodded in agreement. "Be strong, Princess Jillian." And even thought Jillian's body was covered by a black cape, not allowing the nurses to see bellow it, they were horrified when Rebecca began working, and Princess Jillian began shaking abruptly.

"Aaaaaaaaaah! Hell! It burns! Rebecca! Hurrry up! Aaaaaaaaaah!" And Rebecca nodded, and began working as fast as she could. "Let me go! I can't take it! Aaaaaaaaaah!" But suddenly, Princess Jillian lay down, and breathed out now calmer. "…Is it over… is… is… it… finally over…?" Princess Jillian asked, and Rebecca then delivered a soft smile for her. "Please speak your mind out and tell me if it is over… Rebecca…" Princess Jillian begged in pain.

"The potion… is burning the infection away." And Princess Jillian cried hard. "It's over. I found the component that is able to kill the infection." And Rebecca faced a horrified nurse. "I need bandages, a lot of them. The infection prevented Princess Jillian's body to heal, so the wound is now wider than it originally was since I had to cut a lot of damaged skin. Princess Jillian… maybe… you won't be able to wield a sword ever again… but your shoulder will heal."

"That was so cruel for you to say… but I suppose it is only natural in you… you are so innocent that you don't even notice how much you wound me with your words…" And Rebecca got worried, but continued bandaging the Princess' shoulder and arm. "But you know… I like that sincerity of yours… you are someone that can be trusted… aren't you… Countess Rebecca?"

"I'm not a noble, Princess Jillian. Much less a Countess." And Princess Jillian just smiled warmly for Rebecca. "You knew that… didn't you…?" And Princess Jillian nodded in agreement. "Co-co-countess!" Rebecca suddenly yelled, backed off, and hurt the back of her head with the wooden made door, forcing Princess Jillian to laugh hard at her while she slowly began incorporating after having her arm mended. "Aw, aw, aw, aw, aw! That hurts!" Rebecca added while rubbing her head hard. "But seriously… Countess?" And the princess nodded in agreement.

"Lady Rebecca… you aid me where no doctor in my kingdom dared helping…" Princess Jillian added while standing up, and Rebecca immediately tried to stop her, but decided against it, allowing the princess to act as noble as Rebecca knew all nobles did, showing no weakness, and being strong willed for the witnesses. "I wouldn't trust my life to any doctor in my kingdom after seeing them backing off in fear when seeing my wound. You were the only one who always did her very best." And Princess Jillian took both of Rebecca's hands with care, although while doing it so, she hurt herself a little. "Ow… that… hurts me a lot…" She admitted, and Rebecca just faced the princess with concern. "Stay in Valentine Kingdom as my countess. I restore your royal heritage, as Lady Rebecca of house Valentine. You will be now my personal doctor, and live with me in the castle."

"But my princess… such honor is… beyond my imagination…" And Princess Jillian smiled softly at her. "Are you for real?" Rebecca whispered, and Princess Jillian nodded. "I'm a noble!" Rebecca suddenly yelled and hugged Princess Jillian hard, who then yelled out in pain. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! That was a… random move quiet outside of my normally calm and reserved behavior…" Rebecca excused herself and made a reverence.

"Right… Rebecca… I don't mind being hugged but… right now… I forbid you from doing that again until I heal…" Princess Jillian added out of annoyance, and Rebecca felt some sweat covering her face. "But well, now that you are a noble… I remembered something very important…" And Princess Jillian blinked at Rebecca warmly.

Redfield Kingdom. The Royal Suits.

"Claire… are you there…? May I come in?" Prince Christopher wondered while knocking the door of the princess' room. Because of the whole dilemma with the necromancer and the fire, he hadn't been able to speak to his sister openly. He even had a discussion with his father without consulting Claire first, so he was basically trying to find out Claire's last posture about the forced marriage. "Claire… I just want to talk…" And the door was finally open.

"Brother? You are being noisy." Princess Claire added. Prince Christopher then found a princess wearing some long pink pajamas, and her mahogany hair being a total mess. She looked tired, but at the same time it was obvious the girl had been locked inside of her room for far longer than anyone would. Perhaps in deep thoughts. "I was asleep."

"This late?" And Claire nodded softly. "May I come in?" And Claire nodded in agreement and allowed her brother inside of her room. "Claire… I know you don't like to speak about this, but… what's your posture about this marriage?" And Claire remained in silence, not knowing about what to say next. "Forget about my friendship to Prince Richard… or the ties of our kingdom… what do you think about him?" And for a few moments, there was silence.

"I think Prince Richard is a fine gentleman… and a prince any princess would be looking forward to marry to." Was her reply. But it sounded just as if Claire had been preparing to deliver such answer for a while already. "Brother… are you against this marriage? If you are, what are your reasons?" Claire wondered.

"Didn't our mother the queen teach you not to answer a question with another questions?" And at that very moment, Claire giggled a little. "Wait… I just answered a question with another question, didn't I?" And Claire nodded in agreement. "Claire… what I'm trying to say is… I will marry Princess Jillian when the right time arrives… I love her, but I'm not ready…" And Claire nodded in agreement. "It's a fact. The Redfield's and the Valentine's will become members of the same family. Even the military prowess of Kennedy Kingdom wouldn't go to war with such powerful kingdoms. It disgusts me how war can erupt only because of the selfishness of the rulers. Allow me to convince our father… you don't need that burden in your shoulders."

"Brother… it is no burden…" Princess Claire added. "It is my duty." And Prince Christopher moved his head in negation. "If you can't decide into tying our kingdom to another bloodline… then I have to stand where you don't want to stand… it's not a burden at all… it's my duty as a princess." And Prince Christopher lowered his head. "There is nothing to discuss… mother says… that I will grow to love Prince Richard as he deserves… and I'm going to trust her."

"Right… because there is no other option." And Princess Claire lowered her head ashamed. "You can't blame me for trying, sister… I love you too much as to see you in pain… there are other ways…" And Princess Claire faced Prince Christopher with interest. "Thanks to our great-grandmother, Queen Iolanda, you may have the Valkirie blood as your heritage… but mine was her wisdom." He explained. "There are other ways… father calls me a dreamer… he believes I'm wise, and an excellent warrior… but hot headed as well… he thinks he is smarter than me… he thinks he knows what's best for me… I don't care about being smart, I care about being fair… and this… is unfair…" And Claire didn't respond to that last. "If you want to change your mind… you can count on me."

"Thank you… brother…" Was Claire's only reply. Prince Christopher then began leaving the room, and once he was outside, Claire lowered her head and took out a deep breathe. "But I already took my decision… I need to honor my royal responsibilities, even if I don't agree with them entirely." And Princess Claire went back to bed.

Outside, Prince Christopher found himself in deep thoughts. He didn't know how to help his sister, and apparently, his sister didn't want to be helped to begin with. Princess Claire trusted in her parent's judgment enough. Still, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted, when Wesker came running to his side.

"My prince! It is an emergency!" Steward Wesker yelled while waving a note in his hands, it had the seal of the golden eagle printed on it. "A guard from Valentine Kingdom arrived with this note. It's from Princess Jillian!" And Prince Christopher widened his eyes and took the note in his hands and began reading it.

"My dear Prince." He began while reading. Trusting Wesker enough as to let him know. "Dark times have fallen upon the once peaceful kingdom of the golden eagle. In my moment of weakness, bandits had rampaged the lands outside the castle's walls, and have pillaged entire villages, spreading the shadow of dead and painting the grass in red." And Prince Christopher grew worried. It was evident in his trembling hands full with rage. "Without my guidance due to my injuries, there is no one I can ask but you to aid in the restoration of my father's kingdom to the days of glory and order. You know how it wounds me to admit defeat. You just need to know my situation is severe. My heart is heavy, and empty right now. Please be the knight to assist me in these times of great need." And Prince Christopher crushed the letter in his hands. "I don't get it. Jillian would rather die than accept defeat."

"Which means the situation is that out of control." Wesker explained, understanding the prince suspected. "Princess Jillian is hot headed, but she is no fool. She places the lives of her people, before the selfishness of her pride." And Prince Christopher nodded in agreement.

"It's her hand writing… I have seen it before… but her words are off…" And Wesker bit his lips in annoyance. "Get my horse ready. I'm riding my personal battalion to her lands." And Wesker vowed in obedience. "I may not return for my sister's wedding day. Our kingdoms are two days away, and getting rid of these bandits may not take that little effort. I'm going to the king to inform this, you get it all ready." And the prince walked away, and Wesker smiled evilly.

Valentine Kingdom. The Market Place.

"So… we are supposed to spend some time together… doctor's orders…" Billy mentioned, and Sherry faced him in disbelief. "So… what does… girls your age usually do to have fun?" He wondered and pointed at Sherry, who rubbed her chin with interest.

"I don't know… I have been locked inside the mansion since I was born." Sherry explained, and Billy raised an eyebrow at that last. "Anything is new to me… even walking around the castle was a great adventure. Took me hours to find the kitchen." She explained, and Billy rolled his eyes annoyed. "You don't want me like your daughter… do you…?" And Billy flinched.

"Hey, I like kids all right." And Sherry faced Billy with curiosity. "Taking care of girls is more a woman thing, not a man's job." And Sherry crossed her arms in annoyance. "If you were a boy, I would go buying a wooden sword and go practicing with you, turn you into a warrior… but you are a girl, and the divine one knows I'm not good with those."

"You are good to mom." Sherry added, and Billy blushed when hearing that last. "So, why don't you teach me to be a warrior then, I'm bored." And Billy faced her in disbelief. "If you teach me to be a warrior, I teach you to cook! I saw you stealing mom's smashed potatoes."

"First of all, she is not your mom yet… heck… she isn't even my wife!" He added out of annoyance. "Second, I can go asking Rebecca to cook for me." And Sherry made and odd smiling face toward him. "Fine, deal!" And Sherry giggled a little. "Incredible, a warrior woman? Just incredible. I'm Thane of Redfield kingdom and training a girl to be a knight?" And Billy walked in front of a woodcutter's store, and from the desk he took a couple of wooden made swords and a shield, and placed a gold coin there. "Keep the change." He added and then saw a wooden made helmet, and took it as well. "There you go. Which arm is your good arm?"

"Left one!" Sherry added cheerfully, and Billy raised an eyebrow at her doubtfully. "What? I'm lefty." She explained, and held her sword with her left arm and her shield with the right one, Billy then rudely placed her helmet on. "Hey! Don't be mean to me." She complained, and Billy took his wooden made sword, which was too small, but he did anyway. "What do I do now?" She wondered, and Billy delivered an evil smile to her.

"For starters, you run for your life." And Sherry raised an eyebrow at that last. "Because I am the Scorpion King! And I am the greatest mass-murderer Valentine Kingdom had ever encountered! And only the bravest of warriors can stand in my way!" And Billy roared, and began chasing a yelling-playfully Sherry all around the market place, and winning the attention of everyone in town. "I will cut your head off, and I will drink your blood though your skull!" He yelled in-character.

"First of all, that's gross! And second, my blood would fall from my eye-holes!" Sherry complained, and readied her wooden sword. "I am Princess Jillian! And I will slay you, Scorpion King!" And Sherry began hitting swords with Billy, who easily blocked every clumsy hit from the girl. Many kids around the market witnessed it all, and faced the girl who seemed to be defeating a grown up in a sword fight. Or at least it was like that to their eyes. "Give up! I am Princess Jillian! I crush my enemies with my powerful magic sword which throws flames!"

"Yeah, fire swords are becoming really popular after the incident." Billy mentioned a little saddened. But of course Sherry knew nothing about the way her father died. She just knew Billy had defeated a Necromancer using fire swords, and that her father was supposedly killed by a monster. "I will send my minions after you! Wake up my scorpion army! Get her!" And Sherry began hitting the floor as if smashing imaginary scorpions. "Oh no! She is mashing scorpions! That's the secret ingredient of her mashed potatoes recipe!" Billy joked.

"It's not! It's Ginger!" And then she covered her mouth. "Hey! Not fair! You made me tell you a secret!" And Billy made fun of her. "Now you have to tell me a secret to compensate for tricking me you bully!" And Billy readied his wooden sword.

"Maybe I will, if you beat me." And the girl ran after Billy, and both hit swords, and Billy faked being outmatched, and lead Sherry toward a small garden in the middle of the town, where he faked tripping with a tree branch, and allowed Sherry to climb him and point her wooden sword to his neck. "Oh no, I'm so defeated! Princess Jillian is too much for the Scorpion King! Now I will have to obey her every demand!"

"I beat you! Now you tell me a secret!" And Billy laughed hard at that last and sat with his back hitting the nearest tree. "And it needs to be a very important one. Promise?" And Billy waved his hand as if indicating he cared little, but encouraging her to ask. "Why are you so afraid of mother not marrying you?" Sherry wondered, and Billy flinched.

"What the hell? Why are you asking something such ridiculous? Ask something else." And Sherry moved her head in negation. "You are too young to even understand it. Even if I wanted to explain it to you." And Sherry continued moving her head in negation, only a little faster.

"That's not fair, you promised!" Sherry complained. "If you don't keep your promise, then you are a liar, and if you lie then you lie about loving mom." And Billy bit his lips hard. "You love mom, don't you? Really and truly?" And Billy faced away. "Then you don't!"

"Of course I do, dwarf!" He complained, and Sherry flinched a little. "And you are not supposed to call her mother until she adopts you… she is still not your mother… and she is still, not my spouse…" He explained, and then faced the freaked out Sherry, and felt guilty since they were getting along just fine until then. "Listen… when Rebecca and I met… she was a noble, and I, the son of a farmer…" And Sherry nodded in agreement. "Marriage between us both was impossible unless she gave away her nobility, which she did, and I was glad, we were both commoners. But I was a criminal as well, I did some bad things, and they wanted me with the bad one down there, do you understand what I mean?" And Sherry nodded in agreement. "We couldn't get married… no King would wed a criminal to a commoner… I had to clear my name… and I did… and was knighted a Thane…" And Sherry nodded at that last. "But… being a Thane means being a noble, and Rebecca is no noble… so once again I can't marry her… I can't renounce my noble title either. It would mean being back to be a commoner, and as such, without the protection of Prince Christopher… a murderer to the eyes of the townspeople of Redfield Kingdom…" And Sherry began understanding. "I can't go back to be a commoner… being a noble I'm protected… I'm a hero who killed the cannibal of Arkay Forest… without my nobility… I'm back to be a damn criminal… and forced to run away."

"Run away with mom and me." Sherry explained, and Billy faced her. "I'm good at running now that my heart is repaired. I don't mind." And Billy smiled, placed his hand on the girl's helmet and took it off, and then he messed with her hair, forcing the girl to giggle a little.

"I can't do that to her." Billy mentioned. "Every day I would worry about what to eat. Every day I would feel the burden in my chest of not being able to deliver to you or Rebecca what you both need. Every day I would be living with the burden of asking myself… if I'm really worth it… and if you or Rebecca regretted their decision." And Sherry nodded in agreement. "Sometimes… you just accept the bad things of life over the good things of life… only for the sake of the ones you love." He explained.

"But that breaks your heart." Sherry explained, and placed her hand at his chest. "Is it really all right to suffer… because you want someone else to be happy?" She wondered. "That's sad… I think it is sad… why can't everyone be happy? Why is life so hard?" And Billy was surprised to hear that comment coming from a 12 years old, but smiled anyway.

"Because if life was any easier… it wouldn't be fun… would it?" And Sherry smiled at that reply. "I can't marry Rebecca… I would be placing too many burdens on her, regardless of how much I love her. I can't ask her to sacrifice so much for me. She already did enough, more than I should have asked perhaps." And Sherry grew a little worried. "Once Princess Jillian recovers her health… I'm going to leave." And Sherry widened her eyes. "You wanted to hear a secret… and an important one… that's my secret, and secrets can't be told, or the bad guy down there gets mad, very mad." And Sherry gulped. "Stay with Rebecca, and take care of her in my name." And Billy delivered the wooden sword to Sherry and began walking away. "I'm going for a walk!" He yelled with enthusiasm.

"More like preparing your flee." Sherry added, and Billy stopped his march abruptly. "You are totally going to be sorry because I am the best daughter ever! And because Rebecca is the best mom ever!" And Sherry stuck her tongue out. "You are bad!" And she cried, and that wounded Billy's heart, and the girl then threw her wooden sword and shield to the grass and kicked the helmet away. "I hate you!" And she ran away.

"Yeah… I get that a lot…" Billy replied and walked to the stables in silence. He then approached the horse merchant. "How much for your fastest horse? Gold is not a problem." And Billy placed several gold coins at the desk of the merchant, and then took his broken sword out. "Oh but if you don't sell to me your fastest horse, I cut your throat… I'm Thane Coen, no guard can arrest me." And the merchant then pointed at a black horse. It looked like a horse for a prince. "I take it… but I will come back it this horse fails me. Keep it in mind." And the merchant nodded, and Billy climbed his horse and got ready to leave.

"I don't think your plan is well though through." He suddenly heard a voice, and turned around to see a blond haired man, with a blond shadow of facial hair, on his way. The man was wearing a robe, very similar to what Rebecca wore when they first met. "Sir Dewey… we met when you killed the cannibal, remember?" The man added.

"I don't care." Was Billy's reply, and he began riding his new horse toward the front gates of Valentine Kingdom. And while doing it so, he rode next to the wooden made toys he had bought for Sherry, and his heart felt heavier.

"She will look for you." Sir Dewey added. "You are Thane of Redfield Kingdom. Your ring can only be justified on the territories were the Redfield's got close ties with the other royal families. So basically, you are stuck into the territories of the three rivers. Between the kingdoms of Racoonheim by the west, the borders of Kenney Kingdom on the southern lands, and Valentine Kingdom by the east. Redfield Kingdom is in the center, and Rebecca is too smart, she will trace your route easily… unless you want to escape to northern lands, but you will only find the sea there." And Billy took his broken sword out. "Listen… I'm a former member of S.T.A.R.S. Bravo brigade… and I was in love with Rebecca." And Billy pushed his sword closer to his throat, only it was a difficult task due to the length of the sword. "I'm like you in some way… sacrificing my own happiness for her… I want to see Rebecca happy, and I'm telling you… your selfishness will only bring her pain."

"She will find someone else." Billy informed, and Sir Dewy moved his head in negation. "Maybe someone deaf so she doesn't bore anyone to the grave." And Sir Dewey smiled softly at that last. "Bah! You are not worth getting my sword dirtied with your blood." And Billy hid his sword.

"No one would be scared of a broken sword if you hadn't killed a cannibal with it." And Billy waved his hand out of annoyance, and continued riding away. "You are the only one who can understand her! Some of us tried and couldn't! She needs you just as much as you need her!"

"I know I need her… but she doesn't need me… you are in love with her, are you not?" And Sir Dewey ran and placed himself in front of the black horse. "I'm really thinking about taking my sword out again." He informed.

"She was never open to anyone before." Sir Dewey explained. "I don't know how you did it. Rebecca was, usually, a men repellent… she never, ever, let anyone in… anyone but you… and the divine one knows I tried… if you leave now, she will be back to be the same untrusting girl who secluded herself in her investigations… who never socialized, who crushed the hearts of the men who tried to get close to her." And Sir Dewey took his dagger out. "I don't want that… I rather see her happy than seeing her back to be a self-destructive girl… she was killing herself with her own sadness, don't you get it? Rebecca… never smiled as she does now. I'm doing this for her… not for you…"

Redfield Kingdom. The Castle's Gates.

"Do be careful, my son." King Michael added while he saw his son climbing his horse. "I am proud for you for thinking about the welfare of the neighboring kingdoms. This will eventually close ties between our political forces. But remember, immortality is nonexistent. Don't push yourself too hard." The king added. Prince Christopher convinced his father the king into allowing him toward Valentine Kingdom with only a political strategy in mind. He mentioned nothing about Princess Jillian at all, since he knew the king would think about it as an excuse to go meet her.

"I will be careful." And Prince Christopher then faced Princess Claire, also there to see him depart. "What needs to happen will have to happen I suppose." He mentioned while finally fixing himself on top of his horse. "My blessing to you, my sister, and to your soon to be husband, Prince Richard of Kennedy Kingdom." And the princess nodded in agreement. "And good luck." And Prince Christopher began riding away, the whole time thinking about his sister, who would much likely be married already upon his return.

"Honey… are you well…?" Queen Elisabeth wondered. And Claire faked a smile for her mother, but mentioned nothing and just walked away. "Darling, I think we must do something to help Claire." The queen mentioned, and the king faced her with concern. "The wedding is in a week. And Claire's mood seems to be lowering more and more. How about we take her out of the castle walls for a little trip? It may help to ease her mind."

"It is a great idea, your majesty." Wesker interrupted. He was wearing a black cloak around his body. The sun rays wounded his skin after all. When seeing him, the king and queen were both surprised. "Forgive me for my uncharacteristic attire. It is my way to show respects for the fallen Sir Birkin. I may wear it for some time." He informed, and both royals nodded. "But returning to the matter at hand, I would strongly suggest the queen's idea doesn't go to waste. A picnic to the mountains, the forest nearby is burned so it would have to be farther away. Perhaps close to Kennedy Kingdom." Wesker suggested.

"It doesn't sound like a bad idea… it will certainly clear Claire's mind." And Wesker nodded in agreement. "Very well, my trusted Steward. Begin the preparations, we leave in two days." And the advisor nodded in agreement and left. "I hope this will help Claire to clear her mind."

"Darling… I think I got a suggestion." And the queen walked toward one of her guards. "Ride to Kennedy Kingdom. Invite Prince Richard to a picnic with the Redfield Royal Family." And the king smiled at his queen's cleverness. "It will be a great opportunity for them to start getting along. Shall we inform Steward Wesker?"

"Wesker is too busy to be bothered with such trivial matters, my queen." The king informed. "A guest more, a guest less, it doesn't matter to him, he just obeys." And the queen nodded in agreement. "Also, Prince Richard dislikes him! It will be fun to watch his face of surprise when Prince Richard arrives. Prince Richard always says there is no way in hell that Wesker can be honest. Can you believe that? He suspects Wesker is only in it for the power. As if that was even possible." The king added.

"Wesker had been there for us always. What can Prince Richard possibly be thinking?" The queen continued, and both royals walked their ways back to the castle with smiles on their faces.

Valentine Kingdom. The Stables.

"I'm not going to run away just yet! So quit on pushing me before I knock you out cold!" Billy yelled out of annoyance, and Sir Dewey backed off in fear while Billy tied his new horse to the stable. "It matters not… Rebecca needs to take care of Princess Jillian. Once that is done, I will have paid my debt to Prince Christopher and I'm out of her life, and she is out of mine. So keep on pushing your luck. And the next one out of this life is you!" Billy yelled.

"She needs you! Why can't you just understand it? I want her happiness." Sir Dewey insisted while they made it out of the stables. "Look at me into the eyes and tell me she is the same woman you met that day she got lost from our unit, and I will quit on bothering you. You saw the change!" And Billy took his sword out, and Sir Dewey backed off and closed his eyes.

"Repair this." Billy suddenly mentioned, and when Sir Dewey opened his eyes, he noticed Billy had delivered his broken sword to a merchant. "I don't have the other half, but this sword is forged in silver." And Billy placed some gold at the table. "The fuller is made of gold, so don't try your luck forging it of silver." And the merchant nodded. "And it's a hand-a-half sword! Not double handed, not single handed, hand-a-half. Got it?" And the merchant kept on nodding in agreement. "Now… you were saying?" And Sir Dewey flinched.

"You know a lot about swords… don't you…?" And Billy waved his hand out of annoyance. "What's a hand-a-half sword anyway?" Sir Dewey wondered. He was trying to change the subject enough for Billy to calm down and try to reason with him.

"A sword longer than a normal sword, but not enough to be a double handed sword." Billy explained. "Few are the warriors who know how to wield these swords, because they are heavy, and it's hard to protect what you want with it since you lose control over a powerful swing. You need a lot of skill to wield it correctly, one mistake, and you slay the person you wish to protect… and yet… it helped me protect her fairly well, the chain must have helped… I always knew exactly where she was… I grew to like hand-a-halves swords." Billy mentioned, and then saw a chain with an iron weight on its end. "What's that?" Billy wondered.

"Oh? That? It's a chain-weight. Not a very popular weapon. Very hard to wield." The smith mentioned while tempering some silver to fix Billy's sword. "You craft it to your glove, and carry it around it. In battle, you are supposed to untie the chain from your glove and use it as a hammered whip. Very destructive, especially against shields. But since it is heavy, it is choosing between carrying the chain around your arm, or lifting a shield. It's too hard to do both. Most people choose the shield." And the blacksmith continued working, but Billy then smiled.

"I take it." And Billy took the chain with the weight and placed some gold at the man's table. He then took his glove off. "Attach it to this glove, I was never good with shields anyway, and I'm already used to chains." And the man nodded, and took the glove and the chain.

"I saw your fight with Prince Christopher. The way you wield the chain was amazing, but this chain got a weight-like end." Sir Dewey explained, while Billy just saw the glove being crafted together to the chain, and the blacksmith surrounding the black glove with the chain.

"It's not that large as the chain I carried. And back then I had a heavier weight." Billy explained, and then he spaced out, thinking about his enchained days. "If it weren't for that damn handcuff… maybe none of this would have happened. And he faced his handcuff. The one Rebecca wanted to see as their marriage item. "She said the chain was stronger." And then Billy felt a soft body launching herself to him, and Billy was surprised to see Sherry hugging his waist hard. "What the hell?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry I said those things! Please come with me! Please!" Sherry pulled, and Billy refused. He then noticed the way the girl was dressed. She was wearing a soft green dress, and a crown of white roses. Her hair was also adorned in wavy curls. She looked like if she were to attend an important event. "Come on! I said I'm sorry!"

"Sorry about what?" And Sherry opened her mouth as to say something, but she decided to remain in silence. "I'm busy waiting for my sword and chain to be ready. Go play elsewhere." He finished, and Sherry moved her head several times in negation. "Go bother Rebecca, I'm busy here." And Sir Dewey faced the girl, and then at Billy.

"But I want you to be my father!" Sherry mentioned, and Sir Dewey smiled softly. He knew about the relationship Billy and Sherry had. He had been spying on them for that long. "I can't tell you, just come! Come on! Come on! Come on!" She added out of annoyance.

"We will play once I get my belongings, so quit it!" And Sherry faced toward a direction, then at Billy, then at that direction once again, and she finally breathed out in defeat and nodded in agreement and defeat. The group waited there for about an hour or so, in which Sherry kept on facing a certain direction over and over again. She was impatient, Billy knew it, but he pay it little mind, regardless of how much he liked Sherry, or Rebecca, he had to slowly place his barriers. He would get along with them only until Princess Jillian was in good health so Rebecca would be focused on her healer's duty. The day after, he was out of their lives for good. That was the plan.

"Here you go, Thane Coen." The blacksmith mentioned, and the name felt uncomfortable somehow. But it felt even heavier when Billy accepted his sword back from the blacksmith, and saw the beautiful and shiny blade, and its amazing crafting job. I was even better than when Billy got it. "That's a fine blade, Thane Coen. One of the best I have ever seen." The man continued.

"It belonged to a horrible man thought." Billy began while admiring the blade. "He wasn't worth of such sword. It belonged to Lord Regan… my superior…" And Sir Dewey was surprised upon hearing such revelation. "I snapped his neck the day I was sentenced, imagine my surprise when a year later, I would find out I was to be executed with this very blade." And both Sherry and Sir Dewey faced Billy, and at the way he admired his blade. "Lord Regan must be rooting in his coffin out of hatred. After all, now I'm using his precious sword. It's an enjoyment to wield it, since I know Lord Regan's soul is restless thanks to this blade. I also like hand-a-half swords, and apparently, chains too." And Billy took his gauntlet and placed it on, and tied the black chain around it. "Very well… now, what do you want?"

"Ah! Right! Rebecca!" She yelled, and Billy raised an eyebrow at that last, thinking Rebecca was in troubles and he had ignored her by waiting for his sword and chain to be ready. "We need to hurry! Come on!" And Sherry took his hand, and Billy followed the girl all around town. Sir Dewey also followed them out of curiosity.

After a little running, the group made it to the doors of a church, and without waiting, Billy kicked the doors open, thinking something was wrong all the time, he even pulled his sword out. Once that was done, he heard the yell of surprise from a young woman wearing a beautiful white dress, and a silk-made blanked-like cloak covering only her shoulders and the top of her head, much likely a religious symbol for a very important ceremony.

Billy was caught off guarded. Rebecca was the girl wearing holly clothing in front of him. A deep blush also adorned her face, as if feeling exposed or naked in front of the man only arriving. There were many guards around them, saluting Thane Coen upon his arrival. And Princess Jillian was facing Billy's direction, with a priest at her side from the front of an altar to the divine one.

Billy was confused, he didn't know how to react, or if he could find the strength to stop staring at the beautiful woman in front of him, who immediately covered her chest as if thinking Billy was looking though her clothes, and blushing madly at the sole idea.

"I-I-I'm not your spouse! Quit looking at me with su-su-such indecent eyes." She blushed, and Billy raised an eyebrow at her. "Yo-yo-you are late! What is wrong with you? Le-le-leaving your bride to wait at the altar for your arrival?" She scolded while facing away. She wouldn't even look at him straight to the eyes. She was that nervous. "I was getting worried you fool… I was scared you might have… ran away somewhere… it was heart breaking." And Billy felt his heart shattering when hearing that last. "Where were you?" She suddenly asked.

"What is… going on here…?" Billy asked, not being able to deduce what was happening, or not wanting to admit it to begin with. "You are a commoner." Billy mentioned. And Rebecca breathed out in annoyance, and with her body fidgeting over the huge embarrassment of the situation. Her heart was even racing faster than ever, and with trembling hands, the girl showed a golden ring with the eagle head adorning it. "A Royal Seal?"

"Co-Co-Countess Rebecca of house Valentine to you!" She added out of annoyance. "As I mentioned before… I'm not yo-yo-your spouse! Not yet anyway! So you are not allowed to address me in such un-un-uncaring way…" And Billy blinked twice at that last, and opened his mouth as to speak, but Rebecca shut him off. "Yo-yo-you want to ma-ma-marry me or not! Say something dammit! I'm dying of fe-fe-fear here and you don't react according to my expectations! I-I-I'm keeping my promise… am I not?" She wondered. "No! It's not that… I love you enough to do this… do you… Billy? Do you want me to… be your spouse…?" And Billy blushed madly at that last. "Just say something." She added while rubbing her arms nervously.

"…Umm… I'm too overwhelmed as to come out with a clever comment at the moment…" And Rebecca slapped her own forehead hard. "Let's get married then, doll face." He grinned, and Rebecca faced him with teary eyes, as the man in front of her delivered his arm to her, so both could start walking their way to the altar. "This is going to be fun." Billy made fun of her, while the girl weakly and still fidgeting out of nervousness grabbed his arm. She then allowed Billy to lead her to the altar, and Sherry immediately ran to Rebecca's back to help her carry her slightly long skirt. "You do understand we met only a week ago, don't you?"

"Does it even matters?" She wondered in annoyance. "I'm not going to wait… I don't want to wait… this is me here and now, and I refuse to lose you again… I already… felt that horrible feeling consuming my heart once some days ago when you cut our chain." She added in fear. "A life time or a week… I don't want anyone else…" And both then arrived to the priest's side, and greeted Princess Jillian with a warm smile, which she returned. "What is… this chain anyway?"

"Umm… a reminder…" Billy confessed, and then remained in silence, treasuring the moment, while the priest began his long but needed sermon. Billy and Rebecca were both forced to stand in front of one another, and held hands together for the duration of the ceremony. The whole time, Billy's piercing eyes intimidated Rebecca, who couldn't help it but feel embarrassed and exposed, and yet, she smiled for him. It was no secret for them both than neither of them was paying any attention to the priest's words, so, when the time came, the priest cleared his throat and woke both of their senses. "Eh? Sorry… what do I have to say now?" Billy wondered.

"Saying I do would be a good idea, Thane Coen!" Sir Dewey yelled from his sitting spot, not only winning Billy's attention, but also Rebecca's one, who hadn't met Sir Dewey since the day of the incident. "Or else I will take her away from you!"

"Maybe I should just cut your tongue off!" Billy complained, and Rebecca made a mockery at him, so did the priest and Princess Jillian. "What?" He wondered. "He started." And Rebecca moved her head several times in negation.

"For the love of the divine one. Can you ever pay attention to anything?" She complained. "What is that which you need to say in a moment like this?" Rebecca encouraged, a warm smile on her face and a small blush on her face. "Do you want to marry me… Thane Coen?" She asked, and the man gulped hard.

"I do." Billy replied, and when he did, he heard the priest continuing. He hadn't even noticed the moment in which he had accepted to the terms and conditions of the marriage, he just replied to Rebecca's question, and the girl smiled at him and giggled a little, and then faced the priest when he asked her the same question.

"I do!" She added cheerfully, and the priest continued with the ceremony, while Billy just faced Rebecca with curiosity. "You just accepted to marry me." She added. "Unreal… this is truly… unbelievable… a week ago I was having a discussion with Sir Dewey about finding a husband. And today, he is looking at me getting married to you. I don't think this is the way he imagined it happening." And Billy smiled.

"A week ago I was being transported to my execution site." Billy added. "My life was going to end… and now… it's only beginning…" And Rebecca nodded, and both then heard Princess Jillian clearing her throat.

"Will you two ever pay attention to the royal Princess of Valentine Kingdom authorizing your marriage?" Princess Jillian added, and took her sword out with a little of pain. "By the royal authorization of King Julian and Queen Arturia of Valentine Kingdom, and with the eyes of the divine one as witness. I, Princess Jillian of House Valentine, declare Thane Billy Coen of house Redfield, and Countess Rebecca of House Valentine, united in sacred and political marriage!" And Sherry was the first one to yell her anxiety and clap her hands several times, forcing both Rebecca and Billy to face her back and smile for her enthusiasm. "You may kiss the bride."

"Oh I'm going to do more than just kissing." Billy added and forced her into a deep kiss, and Rebecca returned the kiss. It was finally official. After so many hardships, after so many ups and downs, their roads lead them both toward the same direction, until their vows were sealed, and their lives linked.

Redfield Kingdom. The Dining Room.

"A picnic?" Claire wondered, and her mother and father both nodded in agreement. "So close to the wedding day? Shouldn't I be helping with the preparations instead of leaving it to the servants? There are preparations that are still needed to be made." Princess Claire mentioned, while she faced her plate of soup, as if expecting the answer to come from it.

"Claire my dear." Queen Elisabeth began. "Your father and I believe it would be best to allow you to clear your mind a little from the tension of the wedding preparations. We understand it is a very important day for you. Every weeding needs to be well thought of, but Wesker will manage it." The queen explained, and Claire nodded in agreement. Actually, having a distraction from the wedding and her royal responsibility would be mostly appreciated.

"The kingdom is really looking forward to the celebration." King Michael mentioned with happiness. "But relaxing a little before the great day is also important. We don't want you fainting out of anxiety on your wedding day." And Claire let out a breath of annoyance, unintentional thought, despite the king noticing. "Is there anything you need to say about your marriage?" And Claire flinched out of surprise and moved her head in negation. "You agree with this marriage, don't you?"

"Is there a reason not to, father?" Claire mentioned. "…It is what the kingdom deserves…" Claire whispered to herself. Although, once again, the king noticed. "May I retreat to my room for a while? I'm not truly hungry today. Being honest, the pressure of the wedding may be messing with my hunger. I need some time to assimilate this. The picnic will surely be a lot of help as well… soon, I will be married after all… the anxiety is killing me…" And the queen smiled at such words from her daughter, but the king just rubbed his beard.

"You may leave, Claire my dear." The king mentioned, and Princess Claire made a reverence and left. The whole time until she leaving the dining room, the king was left in deep thoughts, and he faced his queen when he knew Claire was out and wouldn't be returning. "Perhaps I should be thinking about Christopher's words… maybe Claire isn't as anxious of this marriage as I believe she is." And the queen moved her head in negation.

"Don't be ridiculous, dear." The queen added softly. "Claire is just confused. Prince Richard is a fine gentleman. She will grow used to the idea, and all our doubts will be cleared in two days when the picnic takes place. You will see that Claire and Prince Richard are meant to be together." And the king nodded in agreement.

"Still… I wish Claire was more open with her feelings to me." The king mentioned. And he began thinking about the possibilities. "Very well…" He suddenly mentioned. "If after the picnic, Claire doubts this marriage. I will call the marriage off, and listen to Prince Christopher's advice." And the queen was surprised to hear that last, but accepted the king's decision.

Valentine Kingdom. The Royal Suits.

"Eeeeeeeeeeh?" Sherry complained. "Why do I need a babysitter? It's not fair!" Sherry continued, and the maid by her side only sweat dropped. "Why can't I spend the night with you two? I am also part of this family! It's not fair!" She continued.

"I can tell you why, but that would traumatize you for life." Billy added. "You have your own room. You are a big girl now, so go there, we are going to be busy tonight." And Sherry filled her cheeks with air out of annoyance, but obeyed Billy and went to her room, which was just in front of his and Rebecca's one. "I thought she would never leave." Billy complained.

"In a way… I hoped so…" Rebecca replied while her mind wandered. Lost in thoughts when thinking about what was supposed to happen now. "I thought I was ready… but the truth is I'm really nervous…" And Billy made fun of her by laughing. "You are supposed to feel sympathy over my fear… not laugh at it…" Rebecca explained.

"Whatever you say, doll face." He continued making fun of her, and took his armor off, forcing Rebecca to feel uneasy. "You are married to me anyway, so we will have to do it sooner or later. And being honest, for me, the sooner the better." And Billy took his clothes off, until only his pants were on, and revealed his slightly muscular body to her.

"You aren't doing this any simpler to me." She confessed, and Billy began kissing her neck, forcing her to feel uneasy, but pleasant at the same time. "Be gentle." She added, almost as if begging, and Billy began untying the ropes at the back of her dress. "I don't get it… on prison you didn't show this excitement over my body before…"

"I was undressing you in my mind if to be honest." And Rebecca felt sort of annoyed when hearing such declaration. "And if I remember correctly. You were the one trying to seduce me back then." And Billy pushed her gently to bed, and slid her dress down a little until it barely covered her chest. "You are guilty for forcing me to fall in love with you."

"Perhaps I got too carried away in my experiment." And Billy faced her in annoyance. "Sorry… I'm nervous…" And Billy separated a little from Rebecca, while the girl only blushed and faced him barely. "This is the first time ever that I can't think straight about anything… but this is the moment I should be enjoying the most… that's what girls do… right…?"

"Not really." Billy mentioned. "Somehow, women always find the way to be a total pain to us men…" And Rebecca delivered a curious stare at him. "But that only seems to force men into feeling more deeply in love with women." And Rebecca rubbed her chin with interest.

"That's a fascinating revelation." And Billy breathed out of annoyance. "I need to record these findings. It is vital information for women in general." And Billy decided to shut her up and start moving his hand below her dress, and when he did, Rebecca reacted violently, and pushed him away. "What was that?" She added out of embarrassment after being invaded by an unfamiliar pleasure.

"Hahahahaha! This is going to be way funnier and pleasant than I even thought it would be!" Billy added with an evil grin on his face. "Lady… you wanted me to teach you how to be a woman, then the lessons are on already. For starters, let the scorpion lead his female into a dance under the blankets." And Billy kissed her softly again. "And don't kick me."

"I will try not to." And Billy then covered them both under their blankets. That night, the scorpion finally managed to impress his female, and there was much more, than just a scorpion kiss as his price.

July 03, 480 A.C. Arkay Forest.

"We have invited Prince Richard to join us at the picnic." Queen Elisabeth mentioned once everyone was sitting by the table. They were in the middle of Arkay Forest, surrounded by their royal hut. King and queen of Redfield Kingdom smiling at their daughter, just at the very moment she was about to drink from her plate of soup. Princess' Claire's eyes were wide open in panic.

"But mother! Why didn't you tell me?" She yelled out in both anger and pain, since she felt betrayed and tricked by her parents for playing such joke on her, or for controlling her life as they saw fit.

"Your father and I had a discussion about this event some days ago. We assumed that it would be a good chance for you to know Prince Richard better." But they were wrong. Claire didn't want to get to know Prince Richard better. She didn't truly know what she wanted. She had hopes in understanding, not being forced into understanding, it was far different.

"My dear child, we are trying to help you." King Michael intervened. And then he placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "As your parents we wish the best for your wellbeing. Prince Richard will be a good king, and you will accompany him through all the hardships and merry moments in your lives. Just like your mother has always supported me in my vocation. You will be there for your future husband. Both of you will become great and wise rulers admired by our people." The king explained, and the conversation suddenly lost importance to the one eavesdropping from the other side of the royal hut. Wesker was furious.

"Prince Richard? Here?" Wesker whispered to himself. Anger and rage evident in his tone of voice, as he knew that the arrival of Prince Richard, the man capable of 'mopping the floor', as Prince Christopher had mentioned, with his opponents, was a real treat to his plans. "I need the princess to hate… I need her Valkyrie blood to lose her purity… not to feel the pleasure of being next to her beloved one…" Although Wesker was wrong. Claire wished anything over being wed to Prince Richard. "And the prince will surely bring guards with him." And Wesker faced the sky. He had chosen the perfect moment for the picnic, since it was a cloudy day, which allowed him to move freely under the little light, and soon it would start raining. Readfield Kingdom had been enjoying rainy days since the fire clouded the skies. "Certainly, this is troublesome… the formula isn't ready… I am yet to find the way to control the undead… I never imagined it would be this troublesome. I will have to speed up the progress." And Wesker then saw Claire leaving, probably after a discussion with her parents that Wesker didn't catch due to his thoughts. "It's now or never. Later, I will be surrounded by Kennedy Kingdom's guards." And Wesker entered the royal hut. "My king… my queen…" Wesker began, an evil smile drawn on his lips. "I'm afraid your ruling, is now over." And both king and queen faced one another, thinking Wesker was joking somehow. "I declare myself a traitor to the crown." And the guards exchanged looks, not knowing what to believe. "And the greatest wizard Redfield Kingdom had ever seen!" And Wesker kicked the face of one of the guards, so strongly, that it bended his neck horribly, and king and queen of Redfield Kingdom, witnessed, the beginning of the saddest day of Redfield Kingdom. "I am immortal!"

Valentine Kingdom. The Royal Court.

"And it's official!" Princess Jillian mentioned, and Rebecca smiled widely. "Lady Sherry Birkin, is now officially declared daughter of Countess Rebecca of house Valentine, and Thane Coen of house Redfield." And Billy scratched his head confused. "You are Thane from Redfield, that makes you a member of house Redfield, just as Rebecca is my countess, by title a member of house Valentine. Sherry however, is yet to find her royal house to belong to, but for now, we may just call her Lady Sherry from house Coen. Considering you wish to claim property in Valentine Kingdom of course. Once you claim property, Sherry will have her own familiar seal, and the Coens will truly be an honorable family." And Billy faced Princess Jillian with confusion.

"He didn't get it, but I will make sure we are all house Coen soon." Rebecca explained, and then she received a hug from Sherry. "Uff! Careful Sherry… I'm still sore…" And Sherry raised an eyebrow, Billy blushed, and Princess Jillian delivered an evil grin to her. "It's nothing!" She suddenly yelled. "At any rate, what Princess Jillian is trying to say is, that until we find property, we live under her and Prince Christopher's homes. Once we have residence we can name it home Coen, and start using it as our last names." And Billy scratched the back of his head once again. "Just work until you can purchase property!" She complained, and Princess Jillian giggled a little. "Princess… it is time to change your bandages." And the Princess of Valentine kingdom made a mockery at that last. "Don't give me that face, princess! I know you are dying to wield your sword again, but you aren't healed yet. And you won't heal if you keep asking my husband for sparing sessions."

"I can't help it! After seeing him fighting Prince Christopher with a broken sword and a chain, I want to learn his style." And Billy rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Speaking about Prince Christopher… I heard his soldiers are roaming my lands. Whatever could have happened for him to move such an extended battalion to my kingdom? It almost looks as if her were attacking my lands." And Billy moved his head in negation.

"Prince Christopher is smarter than his father gives him credit for. I know, since I pledged loyalty to him the day I was made Thane." And Princess Jillian nodded in agreement. "I will scout to the forest and meet him." And then Billy faced Rebecca, who blushed a little with happiness. "Don't wait for me awake. I like to catch you off guarded when you sleep."

"That wasn't something the princess needed to know!" Rebecca complained, and Princess Jillian laughed at that last, while Billy made his way out of the Royal Court, only to find Prince Christopher walking inside as he was trying to leave. "Prince Christopher!" Rebecca yelled with happiness, and Princess Jillian vowed, trying to hide her anxiety.

"Thane Coen!" Prince Christopher added, and shake hands with Billy. "Fine Lady Rebecca!" And Rebecca smiled and showed her ring to him. "A seal of the Golden Eagle? You are a noble again?" And Rebecca nodded happily. "What else did I miss?"

"Papa and Mama got married! And they adopted me!" Sherry added with enthusiasm, and Prince Christopher faced Billy, who gave him a thumbs up. "But they are bad, my prince. They don't allow me to sleep in the same room they do anymore."

"And that's the way it should be." Prince Christopher added, and Sherry made a mockery of disappointment. "My dear Princess Jillian. I came as fast as my tired horse would allow me." And Prince Christopher kneeled in one knee, and Princess Jillian blushed a little. "I scouted your lands, but I'm afraid I found no trace of the bandits you spoke about in your note."

"Note? Bandits?" Princess Jillian asked, and Prince Christopher nodded. "My prince… I haven't sent a note to you in ages… not since we were kids at least…" And Prince Christopher took a note from below his armor, and Princess Jillian read it. "I don't know what to say. You really think me as the kind who would ask for your help like this? My pride wouldn't even allow it." And Prince Christopher was wounded.

"That thought even crossed my mind." He admitted. "But truth or not, I had to be sure. If this note is not yours, who else could it be from? It is your hand writing after all." And Princess Jillian was as surprised as Prince Christopher. "Could it be… maybe someone wanted me out of the castle walls…" And when the realization came to his mind, the horror filled everyone's faces. "Claire!" He yelled and ran out of the court.

"Prince! I'm coming too!" Billy yelled, and followed the prince in his rush, but stopped to face his worried wife and daughter. "I will be back!" Billy mentioned and kissed Rebecca deeply, and after doing it so, he kneeled and faced Sherry. "You take care of your mother while I'm out." And Sherry nodded several times in agreement. "Prince! My horse is the fastest of Valentine Kingdom! If we ride on it we may reach your kingdom today!" Billy instructed.

"Then we are ridding alone!" Prince Christopher mentioned. "My horse is the fastest of Redfield Kingdom! I was only slowed down by my guards! But with us two will have to be enough!" Prince Christopher yelled, and Princess Jillian tried to run to their aid, but Rebecca got in her way.

"Countess Rebecca! I am a warrior too despite being a princess! Do not stop me!" Princess Jillian mentioned, and Rebecca moved her head in negation. "Why are you standing in my way? Haven't I been fair to you? I thought I could even call you my friend now!"

"I appreciate your words… but… as your medic, and your friend… I'm highly against you lifting a sword with that wound." And Princess Jillian bit her lips hard. "I told you… with your right arm… you will never be able to lift a sword ever again… and you are inexperienced with your left arm… you need more training to be of help…" And Princess Jillian lowered her head. "I know it sounds horrible… I always say what I think… but it's true… if you go… you will only slow them down…" And Princess Jillian nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry."

"No… you are right…" Princess Jillian mentioned. "Thanks for caring about my health… friend…" And Rebecca smiled, and accepted a gentle hug from Princess Jillian. "Thank you… please… stay with me and help me overcome my weaknesses… I need to heal… so I can help the person I love… you understand that, don't you?" And Rebecca nodded.

"More than you may even imagine." Rebecca confessed, and helped Princess Jillian back to her throne. "Sherry?" Rebecca suddenly added, when she saw Sherry taking a wooden sword from her sag. "Why are you carrying a wooden sword?" She wondered.

"When I grow up, I wanna be a brave war-hero like dad is!" Sherry mentioned, and Rebecca grew worried when hearing that last. "Sorry mom… but… like father like daughter…" She mentioned, and Rebecca smiled and nodded in agreement. "I'm going to practice every day! One day I will even wield a real sword! And kill undead! And cannibals! And necromancers!" And Sherry began wielding her sword happily, lightening Jillian's mood, when seeing such a brave girl.

Arkay Forest.

"Mother! Father! No!" Claire yelled in pain, while she saw the bodies of her parent's by the floor. King Michael, and Queen Elisabeth, were dead. They were murdered. Just as at least 20 royal guards around her. She rushed to her father's side, and began shaking his body with concern, trying to wake him up. But the wise ruler wasn't reacting. And when Claire heard an evil laughter coming from her back, she understood the murderer was close, and her blood began boiling with hatred, becoming polluted.

"Yes princess…" Wesker mentioned, his hands covered in blood, his eyes reflecting hatred and madness. "Hate me! It's me who killed all of them!" And Claire's heart stopped, and her blood boiled even madder.

"Why? Why did you do it, Wesker?" And she bit her lips hard, and her hatred only rose higher. "My father has always trusted you!" She yelled, and Wesker could almost see, her blood, losing all purity.

"I didn't need them, honey." Wesker mentioned. "I needed you." And Claire backed off. "They were just a part of my plan to make you a perfect donor for my experiments." And Claire felt her eyes shattering into eternal tears. "I feel your blood is boiling in fury." He finished.

"I HATE YOU!" Her yell surrounded all of Arkay Forest, her blood pure no more, her hatred, unconquerable.


It began raining the very moment when Billy and Prince Christopher arrived to where many soldiers were found. Soldiers of Keneddy Kingdom. Prince Richard and his men had arrived first. Billy and Prince Christopher took their swords out, climbed their horses down and prepared to attack the group.

"Damn you Kennedy! Why?" Prince Christopher yelled, and he swung his sword against Prince Richard, who countered it skillfully. Billy then hit the face of several soldiers with his chain, knocking them out immediately. "Are you sending your men to war with Redfield? You wanted me out of the way so you could conquer these lands?"

"What the hell are you talking about you fool?" Prince Richard added, and kicked Prince Christopher away. In that very moment, Billy launched his chain and trapped the sword of Prince Richard, then pulled, and left him unarmed, and allowed Prince Christopher to capture him, and place his sword at his throat. "Rage is blinding your judgment, my friend! I'm not your enemy! We are friends! We are brothers! It wasn't me who killed your parents!" And Prince Christopher was horrified, and faced the direction where the king and queen were being covered with white capes. "It wasn't us… we too are victims…" And Prince Richard yelled. "Christopher… he took her away as well… we don't know where she is…"

"Claire." Prince Christopher cried, and then fell to his knees. "No… no… nooooo! Claireeeee!" Prince Christopher yelled, and Billy lowered his head ashamed. He felt as if he had failed his prince. "Who did this…? Who…? Who did this Richard?" Prince Christopher yelled.

"…Wesker…" And the prince lost it. "We don't know how… we don't know why… but I swear to you… he will pay…" And Prince Christopher saw Prince Richard kneeling down in front of him. "Long life King Christopher Redfield!" Prince Richard yelled.

"Long life King Christopher Redfield!" Billy yelled as well, and kneeled before the now forced to be king. "Long life Prince Christopher Redfield!" He continued yelling, and the crowd began chanting the new king's name, and Prince Richard took a crown from the body of the late king. "Long life King Christopher Redfield!" The chants continued, and Prince Richard delivered the crown to Billy, who as Thane was in the right to crown a new king. "We will avenge your family."

"Yeah… we will… friend…" And the new king was crowned, and the soldiers of Kennedy Kingdom all took their swords out, and so did Billy, saluting his new king. "I will need your sword… I got this feeling that dark times will raise once again…" And Billy nodded. "The pain in my heart is unbearable! But I am now king! And my ruling will be wise… and fair!"


Epilogue:


But regardless the efforts, no one found trace at all of the whereabouts of former Steward Wesker or Princess Claire. Those were hard and difficult times for house Coen, since despite the loyalty Billy had pledged for the now King of Redfield kingdom, his heart belonged to his wife, and adopted child.

Thane Coen made quite a name of himself, as a knight at service of King Christopher. His sharp sword, and the whip-like chain, were weapons that in his hands outmatched in the battlefield. He was the king's blade, the king's champion, and he brought order to Redfield Kingdom, and protection.

But he was also known as a loving father, who travelled back and forth from Redfield to Valentine Kingdom, to see his pregnant wife, and train his adoptive daughter. His fame, as a warrior, and as a loving man, was heard though the dominium of the three rivers. No one called him a murderer, no one called him a traitor, everyone called him a hero.

King Christopher left the blade, entirely absorbed by the politics. His rule was wise, and prosper. For the years to come, he would be known as a ruler more benevolent than his father. Yet the despair of losing his sister, wasn't the only one he suffered, as Redfield kingdom eventually fell, swallowed by the shadow of a strange disease, a dangerous and contagious one.

The infected grew starved, and were compared to the undead. Countess Rebecca found an antidote too late, mostly because of her pregnancy, and later birth to her firstborn. Redfield Kingdom became Infected Lands, and Rebecca became busier than ever, creating large amounts of serums to prevent the infection, and Valentine Kingdom grew healthy and prosper.

Eventually, Redfield Kingdom was completely evacuated, and Thane Coen trapped the infected inside of borders of chains, and mounted heavy guard around the little roads that were left untouched. The only route outside of Infected Lands was a straight road to Valentine Kingdom, were the infected where slain, or those who could still be saved, were healed.

Sherry became a soldier, and made her father proud. After her step-brother's birth, she functioned as example, and joined his father in the eradication of the infected at age 14, the youngest warrior ever heard of, and one of the few women to be knighted.

King Christopher and Princess Jillian eventually wed, and as queen, Jillian delivered the rule of Valentine Kingdom to his wise husband. With King Christopher, the wisest ruling was born, and the Kennedy's ties to the Redfield's, or Valentine's, was forged in treaties and peace offerings.

Perhaps this tale got no happy ending at all. But it is a tale that planted the seed of hope, of friendship, of loyalty, of wisdom, of love. Infected Lands or not, Valentine Kingdom grew strongly military, and scientifically. And for the generations to come, the lands of the fair, were open to legend, and pride.

But the brightest days were still to come. Infected Lands, and the murderer of the Redfields, would soon face, their greatest fears. Today, 25 years after the murdering of King Michael and Queen Elisabeth, a lone Prince, rides his horse around the forbidden Infected Lands. Young Prince Leon of house Kennedy. The noble birth of the house of the Golden Lion. A legend may have ended, the Golden Scorpion's days are over, it is time, for the king of the beasts to rise, and roar. The Golden Lion will now fight his war, and he will now protect his own princess, and fight his own evil wizard. This story… is long from being forgotten… and long to be finished.


To be continued in:

"The Prince and Valkyrie"

From Author Kit2000

(Ekaterina and Anna, twins by the spirit)