Royal Companion

by kuroraikounokami

She, a princess from a small kingdom with the weight of her country on her shoulders, wishes for more freedom. He, a man who's life has gotten a bit boring, wishes for a change to happen. She calls to the universe to deliver her someone to converse with. He answers the call for a new adventure. Will he be able to give her what she wants?

10. Chapter Ten: War on the Horizon

Chapter Ten: War on the Horizon

"Humanity fears what they do not know and reject what they perceive to be wrong."

Water Spirit

~XXX~

The moons were beautiful tonight. Their glow brought a sparkle to the water of Lake Lagdorian. The stars reflected like diamonds with the soft waves Marcel's body was making.

Floating on the water's surface with just a pair of black swim trunks, Marcel's eyes were closed and his mind was calm with the occasional twinge discomfort on his face.

Coming to the lake served a purpose other than a late night swim. His body was heating up and Marcel needed an ample supply of water to cool off until the effects of his condition wore off. He'd been here for hours now since dusk just floating and waiting.

What was happening to him was what happened to all other Shadowknights eventually. When one's power became too much, the body would undergo a sort of metamorphosis to adjust. It could be anything from a simple fever to a complete breakdown and reformation of the cellular structure. It hurt like hell and you wished you could die. The only saving grace was, if you were lucky, you could pass out and wake up once it was over.

Two arms made of water rose up from either side of him and took him into an embrace. While the water was cool, a phantom heat spread on his back.

"You know, for a water spirit, you seem to be amorous to a stranger," said Marcel with a chuckle.

The water spirit herself knew of the words the man in her embrace spoke, but didn't find them relevant to what she was doing.

"I am merely taking the opportunity you have presented me. My feelings foryou are irrelevant," said the Water Spirit in her monotone voice.

Marcel laughed. He was just joking with her, but it was a futile attempt since she didn't seem to have a sense of humor.

"I know, you are just absorbing my excess energy." Marcel went silent and left the spirit to do her deed. With her absorbing a lot of his power, he was able to relax a bit. This by no means took care of the main problem and knew he would eventually need to face it. Power like his could destroy a human in seconds if it remained unchecked. Cruel was the fate of one such as he.

More of the water spirit took shape beneath the surface of the water with her body becoming denser and less translucent as time went on. Pretty soon, a blue nude female shape held Marcel in what could only be called a loving embrace from behind and dragged him down slowly until both were just floating just under the surface.

It was calm, peaceful and no noise to distract him. Marcel didn't need to draw breath during this time since it was the same as deep meditation and concentrated on the two people that meant the most to him in this world.

Henrietta was struggling with herself. Wales death tore her inside and could only work herself to exhaustion until sleep would claim her. One time she asked him to spend the night with her in an embrace for her fear of being alone. It was nothing sexual, just a bit of comfort from a trusted friend. Although she did get clingy and ended sleeping on top of him with with one hand on his chest and her head in the crook of his neck.

Agnes was taking her lack of sleep far better than he expected. She used the extra time to study various things like new forms or knowledge on mages magic. It was a precaution in order to formulate plans to stop any opponent when necessary. The blonde began to open up to him and speak about her past. What Agnes wanted was natural to someone in her position. The only thing he could do for her was be there and help her. Revenge can consume you and he would not let that happen.

Soon, Marcel had no more energy left to release and in turn was released from the spirits embrace. He swam to the surface with the spirit following behind.

"You've taken your fill and I appreciate you not speaking directly to me the first time we met," said Marcel when he breathed fresh air.

The Water Spirit arose above the water, taking the shape of Henrietta as she did. It was a perfect copy, one she got from his mind. With the extra amount of energy in her, she was feeling stronger than ever.

"When I first saw you standing with those humans, I knew you weren't one of them. I sensed your power and the urged to hide it from them. You are not like mortal men." The Water Spirit spoke as she expanded into the great being she displayed herself as, more translucent than what she was now.

Swimming to shore and to his clothing, Marcel stripped off his trunks, not minding the gaze of the spirit, and used a small amount of energy to heat his skin enough to dry it. He dressed quickly and fastened his belt with a silver hawk skull before throwing on his trench coat.

"While I would like to reveal a lot more of myself to Henrietta and Agnes, I am afraid of how they'll see me when darker parts come into the light," Marcel said, facing down to adjust his pendant. "I can't even remember the many horrors I might have committed before," he whispered.

Marcel's memory was fractured from a previous incident. He could feel them at the edge of his mind just out of reach.

"Humanity fears what they do not know and reject what they perceive to be wrong." The Water Spirit hovered closer to shore.

"Maybe," Marcel faced the spirit. "I thank you for this," he gestured to the lake. "If you need anything in the future, don't hesitate to ask."

With the amount of spiritual energy she received, the Water Spirit doubted she would need anything for a while. The only thing that could be better would be the return of her treasure.

"There is nothing more I require from you. Know that what you have given me, I will remember this. My favor will extend to you until the end of times." The spirit spoke with conviction.

"Then I suppose you can ask the same of me. If you need something." He could only smile at the thought of the Water Spirit asking him for a favor.

Marcel left without another word, for he knew the Water Spirit wouldn't say anything else.

~XXX~

Agnes read the book cover to cover in one night. Not being able to sleep had its perks, but tended to confuse time for you since your body didn't cycle.

It was afternoon and she had trained with Marcel for most of the morning while the rest of the musketeers ran through their routines over and over to build both muscle and stamina for what was to come.

The book she currently read was about smithing. General techniques was the first part. Then came more specialized depending what you were working on, like blacksmithing for example. She didn't know how much it took to forge a simple rapier of a gagger for that manner. Smelting, flattening, folding, beveling, grinding, it was endless.

"You're telling me I have to learn all this if I want to make my weapon when the time comes," asked Agnes with a grunt.

"Yep. If you don't then your sword or whatever will be brittle and filled with imperfections. It might not break to regular steel, but it would be insulting to the craft if it comes out unsightly." He added pressure to Agnes shoulder to pop it back into place. "Next time I tell you to take a break, just do it okay."

Agnes had gone through so many forms of unarmed combat over the past week. That's to say she didn't stop until she dislocated her shoulder trying to perform a lariat she read about in another book.

"I'm fine," she grunted again, "it doesn't hurt that much anyways," she said while holding the book with one hand.

Marcel stared at the back of her head with a deadpan expression. He grabbed her arm and shoulder, jerking it back in place with a pop.

A howl of pain rang in Agnes' bedroom with no one else around to hear it. Every other musketeer was busy with the latest training assignment.

"You did that on purpose didn't you?" She dropped her book and gave him a glare.

He shrugged his shoulders. "Thought it didn't hurt."

The blonde just shook her head. She stood up and rotated her shoulder to test it out. It was still throbbing, but it was barely anything anymore.

Accelerated healing was a very good thing. A perk from having this foreign energy in her. Cuts, scrapes healed quickly. Pain was bearable even when punched in the face.

"What do you want to do now," Agnes asked. She stretched her arms up and her head. There was something satisfying about the pain in one's body.

"Nothing right now since Henrietta is having lunch with her mother," explained Marcel.

"Really?" She raised an eyebrow. It wasn't everyday that the princess would socialize with her mother. "Who invited who?"

"Henrietta did," he said as he picked up the book. "She wants to try a build a relationship. A better one than what they currently have."

"I see. I suppose I can get back to searching for information on the mage squad." Agnes put on her tunic and boots.

After telling Marcel her story, she told him about her little hobby, if you would call it that, on finding anything that would help her find the ones responsible for burning her home and killing her family.

"Alright. Just find me if you need anything." Marcel left through the door and moved silently down the hall to the outside.

~XXX~

Marianne was with her daughter in her room of all things. She was called without reason other than she was wanted there.

A small table sat in the middle of the room with two chairs. On the table were different types of finger food like sandwiches, stuffed tomatoes and rolled sausages. A teapot with cups and fix-ins sat in the middle.

"Hello mother." Her daughter greeted her and gave a tired smile. She may not have been the most perceptive person in the world, but that smile held sadness as well.

"Hello dear." She returned her daughters tired smile with one of worry.

"Please sit," said Henrietta, "I have many types of food prepared today. I hope you will join me for lunch and a chat." Henrietta move to sit and waited for her mother to follow.

Marianne was confused at the setting, but didn't hesitate to sit in front of the princess. "This looks delicious. The palace chefs do seem to out do themselves from time to time," the Queen remarked.

Her innocent remark was received with a slight frown. Henrietta didn't like that someone else was taking the credit for the work that Marcel puts into making things for her. "The palace chefs did not make this. My friend prepared all this at my request," she said in order to clear up some things. That as lie. Marcel would cook for her even if she didn't ask for it. He would never let her starve herself no matter how sad she became.

"Your friend?" 'What friend,' the queen thought. She doubted Karin's youngest daughter could cook.

"Marcel," Henrietta chirped, that's his name." She moved a few things to her plate with her hand, nothing fancy about it.

"Marcel? Is he the young man I've heard about?"

"He is." A genuine smile pulled on Henrietta's lips.

Marianne didn't know what to make of this. Her daughter was in mourning over the loss of her lover, yet she could smile at the mention of this man. "Will it be possible to meet this Marcel?" She was careful not say something that would upset her daughter again. By the smile, she said the right thing.

"Of course it's possible." She raised her cup and an arm covered in black fabric poured tea in it from a white and blue pot.

Marianne turned her head to the man standing right next to her. Her eyes widened for she didn't hear him come in or any noise for that matter. The other fact that he was in her daughter's room was not missed by her either.

Marcel was tall and handsome in the queen's eyes. His darker shade of skin was contrasted by his piercing platinum eyes. His clothing seem to be made of the finest fabrics. A black button down shirt covered his torso while a pair of pants, similar in color went down his legs to polished boots.

"Thank you." Henrietta said with a smile. "Mother, this is Marcel." She couldn't help but giggle at her mother's reaction. She called Marcel as soon as he was mentioned and watched as his form folded out from behind the queen's chair.

"Nice to meet you," Marianne whispered. She was still surprised by his sudden appearance.

"Nice to meet you to." He gently took her hand, one that held an empty cup, kissed the knuckles and filled the cup with tea.

Marianne pulled herself together and took on a regal pose. She didn't expect this man to be so bold with his actions.

Marcel did a quick scan of his friends mother. He had seen her from afar a time or two. She was mourning all the time and didn't smile but on the rarest of occasion. She was beautiful with elegant features and it gave him a good idea how Henrietta might look in the future.

"I must say Henrietta, I can see where your beauty came from." His remark was charming and innocent.

Both woman blushed. One to be compared to her daughter, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in Tristain. The other to be compared to a woman who despite her age was stunning and stood tall with poise and dignity.

Although the restrained grin on his face meant he was probably teasing them.

"I must say, you do not seem in anyway what you were described as." Marianne said. She took a bite out of a small sandwich. A burst of flavor brought forth a moan of delight.

"Good isn't it." He smiled at her reaction. Henrietta did the same.

Once more, Marianne was flushed with embarrassment.

"I do believe what you've heard of me has been exaggerated."

"How so?" said Marianne as she dabbed a napkin to her mouth.

"Well," he started. "Normally when I go places and meet people, they tend to fabricate a lot of rumors. An example would be that I am a rude and crude person or that I am scheming something." He looked at the queen with a grin and a chuckle. "So what was said about me this time?"

Marianne was speechless since the men from the council said words similar to Marcel. "I've heard those words before." 'And then some.'

"You shouldn't believe everything you're told. It tends to get in the way of knowing a person." He saw Henrietta smile and nod in approval. "I should go."

"Are you leaving already?" Henrietta was a bit sad Marcel was leaving.

"Yeah. I just need to take care of a few things." Marcel padded her head and stroked her hair. "See you later." He left with one last smile.

Once again, Marianne heard no sound and when she turned around, the man was gone.

"I didn't hear him leave." She whispered.

"No one does. He moves through the palace with such silence that no one notices him." Henrietta explained. She was cheerful at the moment. Nothing like a good meal and pleasant company.

Some time passed as both women ate in silence. Enjoying the simple meal was easy since the food was good and possessed a flavor that brought warmth to you.

Marianne took a sip of her drink and found it satisfying.

After some more silence and quiet eating, Marianne brought up something she didn't want to, but needed to be said.

"I received a letter from Germania today," she said.

Henrietta's hands stop moving. She waited for her mother to continue.

"They have refused the marriage proposal on account of your infidelity. After some strong words, they decided to simply and clearly annul it." Marianne was looking into her cup as she spoke. It wasn't from shame that her daughter caused the fallout. What loving mother would want her daughter to be used as bargaining tool in an alliance. She was disappointed in herself for not being their when she needed her.

Henrietta stood up. "I see." Her hair covered her eyes obscuring her features. She walked around the table and stood in front of her mother, no, the queen of Tristain. She knelt on the floor. "It is my fault that things have ended this way. As Queen of Tristain, you have the authority to punish me. I'll accept any punishment you see fit for my mistakes."

Her daughter was willing to subject herself to punishment. Even with her heart in pieces like it was, she was willing to take in more pain just to satisfy a common practice. Reprimanding.

"Haven't you suffered enough already?" Marianne asked with a kind yet sad smile.

Henrietta lifted her head to meet her mother's eyes.

"You have known the loss of your lover. Is that not punishment enough?"

Henrietta was surprised by her mother's words and the look of compassion on her face. Her mother stood up with open arms, coaxing her to receive the type of love that was absent for most of her life.

Marianne felt pain in her heart to see her daughter react so strongly to a simple gesture. She really should have done this more often.

~XXX~

This could not have been the worst day of her life. She's been saying that a few too many times already. Henrietta clutched the letter in her hand with a vice grip while snarling.

In the letter was word from Germania, stating how much of a whore she was and her impending unfaithful behavior if she married into the family. Many things were said and only after, was the marriage annulled.

"This is a disaster," Henrietta said as she ran a hand through her hair. She took off her tiara and placed on her desk, not caring for it at the moment.

"How is you not getting married to some guy you don't know and having to put on a facade of the happy bride, a disaster?" Marcel was sitting down in a chair located in front of Henrietta's desk, sharpening the points to his lightning gauntlets.

Crumpling the letter and setting fire to it with a candle on her desk, Henrietta threw it in a trash can next to her desk. She leaned back and let out a sigh of frustration. "It's not the marriage that is a disaster. We needed that alliance to keep this country safe. Our army is small compared to Albion and they have the Dragon Knights which against our Griffins, they would run us over. Not to mention the tactical advantage of attacking us from the air."

"And here I thought you wanted to be free." Marcel spoke low. He wasn't too happy that duty would force this young woman at the start of her life to sacrifice herself for others.

"What I want is no longer a concern. It is the well being of this country and its people that are more important." Looking down at her hands, the princess couldn't help but let out a stray tear or two. 'Yes, my happiness is second only to the people I swore to serve.'

Marcel stopped what he was doing and walked around to where his princess was. He knelt on the floor and took her hands into his. "You do not have to place all the burden onto yourself you know. You are a country and as such must work together to defend yourselves."

"How can we fight against great odds? We don't have the resources to go to war against another country. We have been lucky that Gallia has respected our treaties and not simply tried to conquer us." Henrietta would really like to simply give in to her freedom and while it has been the most fun ever, her country came first.

"That's why you have friends to help you and a knight captain who would cut down anyone who opposes you." Henrietta chuckle. "And also a certain friend might get mad if he can't use his hard earned skills in combat to help a woman he has come to love."

Henrietta's eyes widened. She could see Marcel looking at her with affection, not like a lover, maybe, but more like someone you cherish just the same. Fresh tears fell and she became speechless.

"I care for you. If you don't want to, I won't fight for you." He made sure she was looking into his eyes when he spoke his next words. "That still doesn't mean I won't fight because of you."

~XXX~

Loud noises were heard from the musketeer's quarters, in particularly the kitchen.

A blonde haired woman with dark gray eyes held a tall dark haired man at knife point. "I'm telling you, you're burning the meat," yelled the woman named Mary.

"And I'm telling you, once the meat is browned, we can use the bits left in the pan for a sauce," Marcel exclaimed.

Mary was the cook for the musketeers, a job she took with great passion. She still trained with the others, just not as much. When Marcel cooked for them, she felt a sort of kinship since no swordsman she ever knew had the heart to cook great food like he did.

After a talking to him, Mary found herself attracted to him. Not romantic, but more like budding friendship. They spent their free time learning about each other's cooking methods, tips and tricks. The more they got to know each other, the more comfortable they got.

"That means when we make the stew, the meat will be overcooked."

"Only the outside will brown quickly, but the inside will finish with the vegetables." Marcel stirred a pot of milk for a dessert he was making.

"We shall see," said Mary. A ghost of a smile on her lips.

~XXX~

"So we are on our own." Cardinal Mazarin spoke to his fellow councilmen. He and the others pondered over the contents of the letter which the Princess admitted to burning out of anger.

"I'm afraid so." Henrietta answered back. "Without the aid of Germania, we are at a disadvantage. We must now prepare to protect ourselves since we won't know when and where we might be attacked." She decided it was pointless to wallow in self pity. It was now time to step up and take command of her forces and hope she had what it took to lead them in these troubled times.

Her mother sat beside her at the head of the table. It's been long since she was active in a meeting that she found it important to be here with her daughter to see the how she handled herself.

A mumble was heard from one of the men at the far end of the table. It was inaudible and aggravated.

"What was that councilmen?" Henrietta asked leaning in his direction to hear him better.

"I said this wouldn't have happened if you weren't foolish to send that letter to the Prince of Albion." The man stood from his seat abruptly.

With a calmness that came from the soothing words Marcel spoke in her head, she asked in a firm voice. "Tell me, how was I to know that a simple letter I wrote, long ago mind you, would be used against me?"

"The problem is you're too inexperienced. You are driven by your emotions and that's why the enemy has the upper hand now."

"Are saying that all this is my fault?" Henrietta didn't like the way he was speaking to her. Did he not know she was his authority.

"Yes, that's what I'm saying. This wouldn't have happened if this country had a king on the throne, not some child."

"You will hold your tongue!" The princess was red with anger as was the cardinal.

They weren't only ones. Marianne face morphed from the calm, collected, serene, to cruel beauty with her frown, the kind that could scare the devil for messing with a mother's child.

The man just smirked. "Typical," he whispered, "you don't have a backbone."

Marcel heard it all and laughed. Was this guy seriously thinking Henrietta would let it go just like that. The idiot seemed to think Henrietta was a helpless girl that they could break with petty words.

In the time he has known her, Henrietta has mature more than most people could see. She was still scared inside, not going to lie, but a fire brewed in her and her mind has changed. It was no longer devoid of information about her country and its people.

Henrietta continued to grow in anger until she simply stopped. She took a deep breath and sat down like nothing happened.

The man who challenged her thought he was clever. The princess couldn't do anything while her mother was there with them. The queen wouldn't do anything just like always, sitting back and watching things unfold.

"You think I will sit here and let you insult me." Henrietta was warily calm. The air grew colder, enough to show breath as whisper of mist as everyone exhaled. Henrietta didn't feel it nor did her mother.

"You are mistaken."

The man was yanked out of his chair by water whips and slammed to the ceiling then down to the ground.

Henrietta stood up again while ignoring the commotion coming from the men in the room. Her mother didn't say anything or moved. Once she was close to the man on the floor, she knelt with her dress covering her legs.

"I don't know who you think you are insulting me, not only in front of the council, but also the queen." She ordered her familiar to raised the man by his hands.

Marianne watch the scene unfold. She wasn't sure what to make of the familiar, it wasn't what was important though. Her daughter had defended her honor and allowed herself to stand tall in the face of her aggressor. She couldn't be more proud at the moment.

"I don't care for your status as a councilmen," Henrietta started with a firm voice, "you will leave the premise of the palace as soon as I let you go. You will wait in your home until I find a suitable punishment for your actions today. I will not take kindly to insubordination."

With the Tide Surfer breathing down his neck, the man had no choice but to comply.

Everyone watched the man leave as soon as he was let go with a wobbly step and a bleeding arm. He wasn't even given the choice of medical attention by the princess. He tested his luck with the insults and lost.

"Your Highness, I apologize for what has transpired today," said Cardinal Mazarin.

Henrietta gave it little thought. She knew one day, someone would challenge her expecting a weak little girl. What she had shown right now was a strong woman who wouldn't be bullied by people who only thought of themselves and their self gain.

"It is fine. I'll deal with him later." She cleared her throat. "We must now discuss the letter Reconquista has sent us."

Henrietta pulled a wrinkled letter from her pocket. It was delivered this morning to her office and after extensive scrutiny to determine whether or not it contained a booby-trap, did she read it. The letter was a formal request to surrender to Reconquista.

"What do we do about this," one man asked.

"We must send an envoy to discuss negotiations." Another man said.

There was bickering amongst the council on the best course of action. Marianne was saddened by the revelation that soon, their little country might go to war.

Henrietta stood up again. "We will not surrender," she nearly yelled. "While war is imminent, we must prepare ourselves. We can not let our people suffer and be vulnerable."

A councilmen spoke up. "What do you plan on doing?"

"I plan to raise and army and fight if needed." Henrietta was sure of her decision. She was not going to let anyone harm her people and will use her life to make sure of it.

"Very well," said Cardinal Mazarin, "we will help you to get the soldiers prepared."

Henrietta gave a nod. "I will have to send out a message to all of the country. Cardinal, please start with the Magic Academy. Tell them to suspend classes until further notice."

"It will be done your Highness," the cardinal assure her and began his task on parchment.

Marianne watched her daughter give out orders quickly and efficiently. Each word was precise and well thought out. She spoke of her plans and contingencies just in case they needed an out.

For the first time, Marianne felt her chest swell with pride, knowing Tristain would be in good hands.

~XXX~

Things had certainly become interesting. He wasn't a warmonger, but the occasional scuffle was good for the body. He knew quite well that war was over the horizon and it would be a battle of will.

Agnes sat in front of him like she had done in recent nights just minding her business and reading by candlelight. One reason was she still couldn't sleep. Another was the opportunity to learn more than you could in only the hours you were normally awake for was too good to pass up. The last reason was more personal. Agnes secretly liked to sit on Marcel's lap with her back to his chest while he rubbed her stomach as she read. It was soothing and relaxing.

It was strange to think that a few months ago she would've been repulsed by the idea that she enjoyed being held. It stem from not being held a lot in her childhood. Not that it mattered right now.

"Now this is interesting," Agnes heard Marcel say.

She looked up from her book to see what he was talking about. Her eyes scanned the area and landed on two shapes in travel cloaks coming out of the barracks. With her currently good eye sight, she recognized Anna and Marybell.

Anna was pulling the other woman by the hand while looking around with caution. Marybell, a young girl with a chestnut pixie cut hair style, let herself be dragged to the walls.

Agnes blew out her candle and froze in place as to not make a sound. Not out of fear, but more towards stealth. She felt Marcel pull her closer to himself and plant a kiss on her neck.

"This place better be worth it." Marybell spoke to Anna in a whisper. Agnes still heard, although faintly.

"Trust me, it is. And besides, we're not doing anything wrong here. Tomorrow is our day off so we can just sleep in an inn." Anna assured her companion.

"If Captain catches us, we'll be scrubbing the floors till next week."

"You're too tense. Besides, she's probably asleep right now," the girl pointed out. "I mean, she did fight Marcel until they got tired right?"

They reached to wall and studied it, trying to find the right place to climb it.

"What about Marcel?" Marybell asked, adjusting her cloak for the climb.

"What about him, I doubt he's nearby. Come to think of it, where does he go at night?" Anna ran at the wall and kicked off to gain some height on her jump.

Marybell did the same.

"He's probably off pawing at some hussy at a sleazy establishment," Anna said.

Marybell stopped to look at her friend once she was on the wall. "You really don't like Marcel do you?"

Anna huffed. "That guy is probably a big pervert just wanting to see us in those skimpy clothes he 'suggested' will help us train better."

Marybell was tired of hearing the same things day in and day out. Marcel was this, Marcel was that. He's a slave driver or a pervert.

"He's a good person that is willing to train us. Besides, do you think Captain would have asked him to help us if she didn't believe he had something to offer?"

"Frankly I just think she asked him so she could get a sparring partner. It's not like she cares what else he does except fight her and train us." said Anna.

"Your impossible," Marybell just sighed.

"Let's just go," Anna said with an air of aggravation.

They jumped of the wall together, landing on their feet in a crouch.

Agnes saw them leave with a scowl on her face.

Was that how Anna saw Marcel? Those had to be the most disrespectful words she had ever heard. Both to Marcel, to the Princess and to herself.

"Can't say that surprises me," said Marcel in a light tone.

Agnes wondered how he could be calm in all of this.

"I feel insulted right now." Agnes said.

"Why?"

"She just called me a hussy." It was true in a sense. Here she was, reading a book on a tree branch with Marcel caressing her stomach.

Marcel chuckled and held her even closer. "I doubt she would say it if she saw you face to face."

"I'm going to have to talk to her." Said Agnes, going back to her book on Metal Raiders.

"Don't fret too much. She's just judging me probably based on some past experience probably."

"Maybe, but past experience shouldn't cloud your judgment needlessly," Agnes said with a huff.

Marcel chuckled. 'Your one to talk.'

They stayed like that a little longer, until Marcel asked a question.

"Why is it that you let me hold you like this," asked Marcel with a frown.

Agnes stopped reading. She was sure of a lot of things in life and this was one of them.

"I don't have much experience with relationships as you can see," Agnes started. "I never had the need for it or for human contact. It was only recent that I realized it wasn't so bad to be held."

Marcel tightened his grip and Agnes leaned back into his embrace. "I would have thought you would've hated to be held." Marcel went on to plant another kiss on her neck, one that made her shudder.

"It's not so bad," said the blonde with lidded eyes. "For a fleeting moment you won't care about world."

~XXX~

Before Henrietta knelt the one person she wasn't surprised to see.

Louise heard from Guiche who in turn heard from town about the impending war with Albion. She couldn't, in good conscience, allow the princess to go to war without her. It would be shameful to the La Vallière name if she didn't help in any way possible.

"Louise, please stand," said Henrietta. She sighed to herself for she knew what this was all about.

"Your Highness," Louise started, "I come here to lend my services to you."

Henrietta stared at her friend, yes she was still considering her a friend, with indifference. "Louise, I have an army of soldiers who will listen to my commands without question. The Griffin Knights are high class triangle mages with years of battle experience. Marcel is a faithful friend who will no doubt protect me even if I don't want to. Captain Agnes of the Musketeers is brilliant with a musket. What do you have to offer that I don't already have?"

Louise was speechless like other times the princess has spoken to her in a firm voice. She thought that simply showing up and offering her help would be enough. That didn't seem to be the case here.

"I...I...um," she stuttered out.

Henrietta let out another frustrated sigh. "Louise, what I need are friends. People I can count on without it being forced on them." Henrietta sat down on her throne.

"I've probably said this before," said Henrietta with a softer, gentler tone. "I want the friend you use to be. The one who got in trouble with our father for eating too many sweets, running barefoot through the mud after thee rain or when we were caught playing water mages by our mothers."

Louise was embarrassed by the last one. Her mother scolded her for being indecent with the princess.

"Your Highness," Louise started, but was interrupted.

Henrietta stood once more to approach Louise. "You've said before how using my name would be disrespectful."

The pink haired girl nodded.

"Well, every time you refuse to say it, you make me feel like and item. A fixture that only has meaning but no identity," stated Henrietta. Her ire was rising with each passing moment.

"That's not true," Louise quickly yelled out.

"Then why do you make me feel like it," the princess yelled in return and stood abruptly. "Your actions only prove my point," said Henrietta in a softer voice.

The young mage curled into herself. She came here to help the princess, not make her upset.

"Mother told me to show the Royal Family proper respect," Louise answered back softly.

Henrietta made her way to her friends side and placed both hands on her shoulder. "When we are with company and official business, then I am a princess." She grabbed Louise's chin to focus on her eyes. "When we are alone, I am just Henrietta."

Louise gave a nod. "Then can I just call you princess as a term of endearment," Louise asked, hoping the woman before her would agree.

'Well, it's a start,' though Henrietta. "I believe you can. We can move into more familiar grounds later," said Henrietta with a smile.

Louise was happy to hear that. She was even happier to see a smile on the princess face.

Henrietta embraced her friend without warning. She was glad Louise was at least trying.

The young mage was caught off guard by the sudden affection. It took her a minute to realize and return the hug.

~XXX~

It was nighttime in Henrietta's room, with Marcel as the only other occupant.

She wasn't sure when standing with just a pair of panties in front of her friend was normal or even comfortable, but Henrietta couldn't bring herself to care. He had already seen everything during her baths so no point in feeling bashful.

Marcel analyzed all the pieces that made up Henrietta's battle armor and chuckle.

"Is there something funny?" Henrietta asked with a tone of confusion.

Marcel brought up the main piece and scrutinize it. It was a one piece swimsuit like item that was the first layer with overlays of metal to cover most of it.

"I'm just remarking on your choice. This seems out of a knight's sexual fantasy." Marcel went through the rest with equal mirth.

"Do you believe so," Henrietta asked while looking over her armor with a dusting of pink on her cheeks.

The armor was gifted to her by the same man who made her father's armor so many years ago. She suppose that as a princess, even if she was in the middle of a war, she wouldn't need to fight. The soldiers she would have were the best line of defense. That raised the question on why it was so, tantalizing looking.

The armor, once worn, left a lot of cleavage, enough to hide something within. The skirt had a slit that went well past her hip and in the right moment, she would flash her crotch at the unsuspecting soldier.

With a shrug Marcel helped put the first piece on. "As a person who knows of battle, I find it pointless to wear armor that has so many weak points." He ran a finger over the exposed part of her chest making the young woman giggle.

Henrietta thought for a while as her skirt was fastened with shoulder guards, and arm guards. She sat down on the edge of her bed to have Marcel pull up her thick black stockings and fasten her metal plated boots. Finally, her purple mantle was draped over her back with the last piece being a gold collar with three emerald jewels encrusted.

"So what do you believe the perfect armor would be," asked Henrietta while she checked herself out in a full length mirror.

Marcel walked behind her with a mischievous grin. "The prefect armor is one where I can't do this." His hands shot out to poke Henrietta's ribs and tickle her.

Henrietta began a fit of laughter, trying to wiggle out of his grasp. "Stop," she tried to speak out. "Please stop."

Marcel let go and dusted his hands.

It took a bit of time for Henrietta to calm down. "I will take it into consideration next time," she said once she caught her breath.

"As you should," said Marcel.

With a nod, Henrietta finished her final fitting.

This was just a preparation for if she needed it. She hoped it was unnecessary.

~XXX~

Matilda found herself on the top deck of an airship, the wind strong yet giving her a pleasant feeling. The dark set a fitting mood for this situation. She and her compatriots, or whatever they were, flew to the site of the first battle on foreign soil.

The woman in the green cloak was not too fond of the situation she was in. Sure she had the time to visit a person dear to her while in Albion, but the fact that she was needed back in Tristain didn't sit well with her.

Ever since the whole deal in La Rochelle with delaying the princess' messengers, it felt as the earth grew heavier, the air thicker and her life shorter. Matilda felt dread crawl up her spine, a feeling she knew was not just her imagination.

With a drink of brandy in her hand, the thief contemplated jumping over the edge and running away. Somewhere safe where she could probably get an honest job that gained plenty of money to live peacefully.

'No such thing,' she thought.

Life had not been the best for her, not after her fall from grace. She would struggle for years just to make enough money to take care of the one that meant the most to her. Seducing a man to invite her into her home and rob him blind would be the standard for a while until simply robbing would be more efficient.

Matilda was a thief and mercenary.

The woman downed her drink in a gulp and let the burning soothe her. The devil was on the horizon and this day may be her last.

Their target drew near as the ship inched its way onto Tristain soil. Even at night one could see the tiny village illuminated by orange glow from the torches. Its was a pity that the innocent will die for their righteous cause.

~XXX~

Can't say she saw this coming.

Henrietta was in armor just to test the fit and stood in front of her troops to simply explain to them what might happen. What she wasn't expecting was a messenger telling her Tarbes was under attack by Reconquista.

Marianne was next to her daughter as she heard the news herself. Fear entered her heart just thinking what it meant.

Henrietta wasted no time in commanding her soldiers.

"Your Majesty," said Henrietta as she faced her queen and mother. "I shall defend this land to my dying breath."

It was sad to see someone so young say those words. Marianne gave the princess a sad smile and was about to speak to her when she held her tongue. This was not the time to reprimand her.

"I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor and pray for your safe return." That was all she could say without breaking down.

Henrietta nodded and moved out along with her troops.

~XXX~

Agnes was in Marcel's armory with him in search for better weapons. She'd lost some of her pistols on her trip to Albion, not to mention her arm sleeves when Marcel cut her out of them. She still didn't know how that was still possible since other means couldn't even scratch them.

Henrietta told Marcel on the situation and he wasn't happy. From the time the attack was discovered and the time it took to give the message to Henrietta, it was already more than a half a day. Once they got things ready and reached Tarbes, then a full night would have passed with the troops reaching the small village by late morning.

"What do you suggest I take," Agnes asked Marcel. She was staring at the pistols with scrutiny and the rifles with a sort of lust.

The shadow knight wasn't sure how the blonde came to the conclusion that anything in his armory was hers to borrow or have. A good percentage of the items were forged by him and the rest were gifted.

"You know, not everything here is for you to take, right." He spoke to her in a light hearted tone.

Agnes knew that. Someone who spent time collecting something of this magnitude would have some reservations on letting others borrow them.

"I know," she started." I just don't have time to replace the ones I lost."

With a sigh, Marcel grabbed the two vertical double barrel pistols from the shelf. "These hold two rounds each and fire each round separately on each trigger pull." He opened one to show the two chambers. "They use these self contained cartridges which make it easy to load. When you open the barrel the shell will eject automatically so it's fast to reload." Marcel demonstrated with a single brass cartridge.

Agnes was drooling, not caring that she never seen or heard of these types of pistols before.

"That will work," said Agnes as she reached for one.

Marcel pulled it away from her grasp and have her a serious look.

"I don't think I have to tell you to take care of them now do I," Marcel explained with an eyebrow raised.

Yes, she knew. By this time, she knew well not to lose anything he gave her or he might not lend her anything again.

"I understand," she said.

"I also need you to promise not to show these to anyone or sell them or even take them apart, you understand?" Marcel was firm with his words.

"Yes," Agnes answered without hesitation. "But why," she asked out out of curiosity.

"Weapons like these are common where I come from. Here, they are too advance and if someone replicates it, it could lead to an imbalance of power," Marcel finished as he looked for some holsters and ammo.

Agnes thought upon his words. 'Would it be so bad to have an advantage against the mages,' she thought.

"And if that imbalance went against Henrietta?"

Agnes eyes widened and turned to Marcel, who was still searching for the holsters.

"What," Agnes asked, a bit shocked.

"You were thinking about it, weren't you?"

"Am I that transparent?" Agnes wasn't sure if he was a mind reader, which to her it wasn't farfetched, or she didn't hide her thoughts as well as she thought.

"No, it was just a lucky guess. Now, do you prefer hip or lower back," Marcel asked, presenting two belts.

One belt wrapped around the waist and strapped to the legs while the other just the waist.

Agnes chose the one for the lower back as it added the ability to conceal the weapons.

Marcel presented her with a small gray box with thigh straps. "This holds your ammunition. Just press the button to dispense one round at a time."

She finished getting herself ready while Marcel grabbed a sheathed short sword from a nearby rack.

Marcel was dressed in loose black pants and tight black short sleeve shirt. His boots were lace up steel toe. On his wrists he wore a set of gun blue metal bracers, each one had his emblem in silver and carved with intricate designs. Strapped across his lower back was the short sword he'd chosen. He donned a shorter black leather jacket, worn in design, with the hem stopping at the waist.

Agnes wore her Musketeer's uniform, mantle included to identify her on the battlefield. The two pistols were holstered on her lower back and the extra ammo on her left thigh, on her right was her water dagger with a normal one just beside it.

"Ready," asked Marcel.

Agnes gave a nod and made her way to the door with Marcel behind her. It wasn't until she reached the door that she stopped and think.

War was now on the doorstep of their country and her highness was in the forefront of command. She didn't know if it would escalate and they would need to do more missions. This could possibly be the last time for peace.

"You okay?" Marcel wondered why Agnes stopped.

The blonde turned around and walked up to Marcel. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Let it be known that not a lot can surprise Marcel. This on the other hand proved to be one of those occasions. He didn't take long to hold Agnes by the waist and return the kiss.

They stayed together for a minute just enjoying each other and taking the edge of the lust both started to build.

Agnes had been feeling odd a few times she would be with Marcel alone. She would get this twinge at the pit of her stomach when ever he trained her, spoke to her and listened to her.

Both separated when the need of breath arose.

Agnes smiled as she walked away without another word and Marcel was left to watch her leave with a sway on her hips.

He left after her with a smirk on his face. "Tease."

~XXX~

Reaching the outskirts of Tarbes, one could clearly see the smoke rising from the burning buildings. The fields themselves were scorched black with dying embers. People ran from their homes to escape the death looming above their heads in the form of an airship. Henrietta's army stood behind the princess in shock to see the destruction.

Marcel was right about the time table and could only hope the casualties were low.

Agnes stayed close to her princess as she to saw the land burning. Flashbacks from that fateful day clouded her mind to the point that she would like nothing more than to attack. She couldn't do so for risking her princess life on a stray attack. She held back until she was ordered to move.

Marcel was ready to attack at a moment's notice. This was a classic situation of invasion and subjugation for a noble cause. These people felt entitled to rule how they believe they should rule. Others were to either join them or die as opposition.

Louise, who came as well, was horrified to see the destruction caused by nobles of a foreign country. Everything she was taught since she was a little girl seem much more romantic than what she was currently witnessing.

"Loyal soldiers of Tristain," Henrietta began to speak with an amplified voice. "The enemy has burned a piece of our home. We must not allow this disrespect to continue further." She scanned the scene in order to determine the best possible plan.

Her mind worked fast as she accessed Marcel's thoughts to choose the best way to attack. There we're no ground troops, only the sky ship and a swarm of Albion's finest dragon mounted forces. The ship possessed cannons and mages to fire spells from above. The dragons only got close to the ground to use their fire breath.

The troops could take care of the dragons while her Griffin Knights can fly at the ship. 'No, that won't work. The dragons would pick off the ground troops then go after the Griffins.'

'How about you let me worry about the dragons and you have your soldiers try and take down the ship." Marcel suggested his plan. He was raring to go. Maybe this would give him extra time to his dilemma.

'You alone against the dragons?' Henrietta almost yelled in her mind.

'Is there something wrong with that?'

'I'm debating the condition of your sanity. These aren't like the people you've fought before.' She grew worried at the thought.

'That was insulting.' Marcel thought. 'I said I would fight for you or did you forget that.'

She didn't forget, but she couldn't let a dear friend get hurt. One man, no matter how skilled, could not take on a whole army by himself. 'I'm sorry Marcel, but I can't let you fight alone. Please allow for the soldiers to take on the ship while the Griffin Knights take on the dragons."

Her words were final and he knew that. 'Fine.' Was all he said.

Agnes saw a frown on Marcel's face and thought he was angry at seeing what the enemy did to an innocent village. She became uncertain of it when the princess looked at him with concern as he walked away just a few steps in front and stood there, staring, unmoving as the fire's of Tarbes consumed it.

Henrietta felt anger from Marcel. Was it directed at her. Did he not know that she couldn't see a friend get hurt. She would find out later. Now was the time to act and she hoped her plan worked.

"Griffin Squad, take out the dragons. Mounted troops will try to bring down the ship." Henrietta gave her orders and raised her scepter as a signal.

The soldiers behind her raised their weapons and gave a mighty war cry.

With her scepter high in the air, Henrietta gave the order and everyone charged.

The griffins flew high in the sky to stop the dragon forces coming from the sky ship. The troops charged on horseback towards the underbelly of the ship in hopes to bring it down with a few well placed spells.

Agnes stayed beside her princess while keeping an eye on Marcel as he stood in the same spot while beasts passed beside him in a stampede.

The princess saw her troops get near where they needed to be when cannons thundered from the sky. The first few cannonballs crashed ways away from the soldiers and only got closer to their target as time passed.

~XXX~

Guiche was having second thoughts about being here. He only agreed to join the army because of his family's military history. He himself was afraid of dying.

True, his family had a rich history with the military, but he wasn't trained to fight in the field. Not until he finished the academy was he to go home and have his family polish him to be an outstanding mage knight.

The cannon fire alerted him of danger as he saw his fellow soldiers get blasted along with their horses. His horse, scared by the loud sound threw its rider off in order to get away to safety. Guiche groaned as he sat up. More horses and soldiers passed him by without looking at him.

"How are we supposed to take that down?" Guiche asked himself when he noticed the sky ship closer to them.

~XXX~

The griffins found the dragons in front of them just meters away. Each of the mages took out a wand and fired their strongest wind spells, hoping to take them out.

The trouble with dragons, if your opponent was using them, was they were agile creatures by nature and possessed a strong flame as their main form of attack. When the Dragon Knights saw Tristain's griffins closing in, they dodged the oncoming spells and fired back.

Griffins and their riders fell from the sky like flies.

Henrietta saw this and could only cringe. She was close to crying over the potential death of her men when Marcel gave her a quick thought. Right away and without question she sent out her Tide Surfer to catch any of the falling mages it could. The creature had absorbed so much of her magic, that by now it was complete.

No longer translucent, its skin was a light sky blue with spots of green in the tail, chest and mouth.

Water whips stretched far and fast as it caught men left and right without moving too far from in front of Henrietta. Some griffins were able to recover and continue the fight. Others not so much and those were the ones it caught. Once it had everyone, she pulled them back from harm's way.

A stray dragon and its rider headed straight for Henrietta in a dive bomb. Agnes looked up with an open mouth in shock. She couldn't believe what was happening as time slowed down for her. Her hands grabbed for her water dagger in a futile attempt to stop the death of her princess.

Henrietta to looked up and as the beast got closer her fear rose with it. Time slowed for her as well and couldn't believe her life was about to end today.

Both women could hear their hearts in their ears as the dragon was too close for anything to be done.

Agnes screamed and jumped off her horse to try and get to Henrietta in time. "Your Highness!" Her heart sank when the dragon opened its mouth in mid fall and fire boiled in its throat. 'No,' were her only words.

The dragon did not complete its intention. Marcel slammed his body into the neck of the creature with enough force to crack the bones and throw it off course. He then wrapped his arms around its throat and spun it around until a sickening crunch was heard clearly over the sound of cannon fire.

The red dragon landed away from Henrietta in a limp heap of flesh with the rider's leg pinned under the animal, still very much alive despite the disorienting crash.

The armored knight didn't know what happened. One minute he was about to kill the princess and commander. The next moment he was thrown off his mount and pinned underneath it. A shadow on the ground brought his vision up and into the eyes of death itself.

Marcel stood in front of the man that tried to kill his princess with a thoughtful expression. He should be angry, but he wasn't. Henrietta was alive and in good health, so there was no need to be angry. It was times like this that he wondered 'what if'.

What if he met this man, young by his eyes, outside of battle. Would they share drink and talk about old flames. Or would they just pass by each other unaware of the others presence.

It was useless to think about it now. The man was still disoriented and no fear was present now so far.

Marcel grabbed the guy's head in a firm grip and rotate quickly until a snap was heard. Quick and painless. The enemy might have tried to kill Henrietta, but what soldier in the middle of a war wouldn't try to kill an enemy commander.

Agnes stood still and unable to draw breath. It happened too fast for her mind to process that she was shaking in fear at what just happened. She was afraid for her princess' life that she was ready to dive in and take the blow for her.

It was just a split second that Marcel took out the beast by breaking its neck, a feat no man or woman would be capable of, and killed its rider in the same manner without a shred of hesitation.

"You okay Henrietta?" Marcel asked with concern. He even went as far as to check her for injuries, running his hands over her arms and legs.

"I'm fine," she said holding her beating chest. The princess saw her friend give a nod of approval before he turned away again. Her horse stood as though nothing happened. Its training show.

"Good," was all he said to her.

If she didn't know better, she was sure that Marcel was truly angry with her. His concern changed back to what looked like boredom.

"Next time, please don't insult my combat skills." Marcel said off hand as he scanned the skies.

'Insult you,' she thought. "I wouldn't dare," she whispered to herself.

"Princess, are you hurt?" Agnes asked in near panic.

"I'm fine," Henrietta assured her knight. "Marcel prevented the dragon from getting close."

Agnes sighed in relief. Marcel was a few meters away from them and it took all control not to go to him and thank him for saving the princess. What he did was effortless compared to the struggling Griffin Knights. "Why aren't you attacking?" Agnes whispered.

Louise was frozen in fear when she saw the dragon approaching. She began to breath again when Marcel walked away. In her mind she found it impossible for a man, mage or otherwise to do what he did.

This was one of the situations where the Metal Raider in her pocket was necessary. Agnes was about to pull it out when a strange buzzing sound was heard over the horizon.

Besides the sky getting darker, a figure flew at what would be considered blinding speed.

Marcel saw a green airplane flying high above them, circling the battlefield. 'That thing is seriously out of place,' he thought.

Louise looked to the sky to see the Zero fighter plane circle the battlefield. She immediately recognized it and thought of Saito.

~XXX~

Louise was tired of trying to punish Saito. He was the perfect servant, clean and methodical in his tasks. She couldn't really complain since he did everything she asked for no matter how ridiculous.

The more she spent time with him, the more she liked being around him since he was one of the few people who didn't ridiculed her about her magic abilities.

Even though he improved in serving her and had no real complaints, she felt jealous anytime he would speak to the maid with a smile on his face and to her with nothing more than expressionless attitude. It was like she wasn't worth at least a pull on his lips.

It was at a later time where the Dragon's Raiment was discovered hidden away in the maid's village. Saito quickly recognized it as well as the writing on a stone slab outside. It proved to her he was from another world, one she ripped him out from.

Professor Colbert, her teacher, informed them that it was possible for Saito to return home if he flew into the next eclipse.

Which was today.

~XXX~

The plane flew high while chasing after the dragons. Saito had the enemy in his sights and fired his main weapons, machine guns, at the dragon in front of him.

One by one the red beasts fell out of the sky like meat flies.

Henrietta felt her chest swell in joy as the enemies fell. She thought of this as a miracle by the founder, his divine hand helping them towards victory.

Louise could see the sun fading from the sky and the eclipse almost upon them. The girl commanded her horse to gallop straight into the field in order to catch up to Saito despite Henrietta's pleas to stop.

Agnes ignored the situation for something more important. Three dragon riders broke from the mass of death and came straight for them.

"In coming," Agnes yelled out. Taking out her pistols and aiming proved a bit difficult since they weighed more than her old ones.

Henrietta was not caught off guard this time around and commanded her Tide Surfer to intercept.

Marcel drew his short sword from his lower back and took a one handed stance.

The three waited until the targets were close and attacked together. Henrietta was the first to attack with help from her familiar. A shot of compressed water fired at the three enemies breaking one of them like glass. Bone and flesh rained from the sky.

Agnes aimed at the rider with one pistol and the dragon with the other, firing one shot each. Her bullets crashed into the the knight's armor, easily breaking through and injuring the man underneath. Her other shot caused the most damage. It hit the dragon in the mouth, rupturing an oil sack causing it to explode before it too close.

Marcel used enough energy to launch an invisible shockwave towards the final dragon, slicing both it and the rider in half. It was a clean cut from front to back, head to tail.

All three stood looking at their kills, each one as spectacular as the last.

"I've got to say," Marcel started, "your reactions were much faster a second time," amusement evident in his voice.

"I won't be caught off guard twice in the same day," Agnes said with determination. Henrietta nodded in agreement, she was still shaken from what she had done.

Marcel gave a nod and took a second stance. Lightning ran on his blade with a crackle and blinding light. The shadows around him twisted into a macabre dance. He fired a beam of light so fast, a dragon exploded in the far distance. The heat from his attack was felt by those close by, even Henrietta felt herself sweat.

A smile on his face told everyone how much he enjoyed doing what he did.

~XXX~

Above on the ship, a frantic Cromwell was asking his associates about the green metal dragon.

Wardes was more concerned with the princess leading the charge against them and the man standing next to her.

Fouquet was looking at the scene below her in pity. She had seen the same sight before long ago. The same conflict over and over. Her attention was brought to the plane Saito was flying, then to the princess and entourage. Her blood ran cold when she saw Marcel standing there looking directly at the ship.

The next moment, a dragon exploded in a flash of light several meters in front.

"Who is that man standing next to the princess?" Wardes asked in confusion. While he confident in his skills as a mage, he liked to have enough info on the enemy to to ensure his victory.

"His name is Marcel," Matilda started. "He's the one who stopped me from taking the Staff of Destruction in the first place."

'Strange how I've never seen him before,' Wardes thought. "Do you know what kind of mage he is?"

Matilda shook her head. "From what I know, he's not a mage. He was fast and strong when we first fought. A white energy wrapped around his fists and it was enough to break my golem."

'Wandless magic,' "No matter." Wardes began to walk away only to stop and tell Matilda to get ready.

Matilda on the other hand was reluctant to go out into the battlefield, not because she was afraid of the soldiers, but afraid of what the knight clad in black would do to her.

Still, she had no choice.

~XXX~

The battle took a turn for the worse when a black dragon appeared in the sky and attacked Saito. The same thing happened when Fouquet appeared on the battlefield and retaliated against the soldiers on the ground.

Henrietta was formulating a plan to bring down the airship when a few things happened. One was strange feeling in her chest, the one that started when Marcel blew up the dragon into pieces. It was a feeling of slight pressure in her chest that has yet to go away, the other was the appearance of two new opponents.

Agnes, with the enhancement the energy flowing through her provided, she could see the rider of the dragon was Wardes.

"The traitor," Agnes sneered in a whisper.

Marcel saw the dragon, he frowned when Agnes radiated anger. It seemed that the rider and the knight had some history. His attention changed to the stone golem which rose in the middle of Henrietta's army.

The golem swatted the men away like flies. Many landed in broken heaps on the ground while others were lucky enough to be blown away from the drag wind the stone creature produced.

"Do you still want me to hold back," Marcel asked his princess while looking at the carnage taking place with a frown.

She didn't know what to do. The green airplane, based on Marcel's knowledge, was locked in combat with the traitorous Wardes. Her troops were getting decimated by Fouquet and her golem.

All of her training on military strategy told her she was at a disadvantage from the beginning. The enemy had the higher ground with a superior air force. A highly trained mage knight led the battle with an equally dangerous earth mage taking the battlefield below.

"Go, stop them at any cost," was her remark, devoid of any emotion. For the first time, maybe, she issued a direct command to Marcel. Henrietta wanted to foolishly keep a loved one from getting hurt in the first place. He had proven himself numerous times to be capable of protecting not only himself, but what he holds dear as well.

Not to be told twice, Marcel started to walk towards the battle, stopping before Agnes. He placed his hand on her shoulder and leaned down next to her ear. "Keep Henrietta safe and yourself as well, okay?" Base on the angle in which they were standing, the princess could not see what they were doing nor the guards that stood behind her.

Agnes nodded in affirmation. "Be careful yourself," she whispered to him. Was she worried for him,yes. Was she going to stop him, no. Knowledge told her he would get mad.

With a nod and a brief unseen kiss to her cheek, one that made Agnes blush and irritated, Marcel made his way towards the golem at a relaxed pace. He reached out with his right hand into thin air with it disappearing for a brief second and returning with a mask.

Everyone stared as the man placed it snuggly onto his face, a seamless fit. Marcel removed his coat, dropping out to the floor it landing with an earth shattering crash; throwing dust and debris into the air.

Agnes didn't know his coat weighed that much. It was inhuman.

The dark brush metal gray mask framed his face well. It fit him like a second skin without the flexibility. Marcel's pendant was etched onto the right, elongated and distorted just under an eye hole. Another design of three lightning volts ran over the left side.

One second he was in front of the blonde knight, the other he disappeared without a trace.

"Did I do the right thing?" Henrietta asked herself. She felt uneasy about letting someone she cared deeply about fight. Even Agnes, a woman who obeyed without question and took her role very seriously, was put into the group of people she could trust and felt safe with.

~XXX~

Fouquet was having fun smashing into the bodies of the enemy soldiers knowing she really shouldn't. She didn't know how long it would take for that man to show up and it wouldn't be wise to stick around when he did.

A loud explosion rang off in the distance. The golem prepared another strike when a new explosion sounded closer now. In the span of a few seconds, the explosions kept getting closer until the corpse of a dragon fell in front of Fouquet.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Marcel said as he walked from behind the corpse.

Fouquet's eyes widen, her body breaking into a cold sweat. The man before her wore a mask to hide his expression from her and give an air of cold fury.

The air whipped around as another dragon descended from up high heading straight for the knight with both speed and accuracy. Marcel felt the change in pressure, his reaction tuned perfectly to counter the threat with a well placed strike from his sword. It would seem this dragon rider was a cut above the rest though as it dodged the last second. The red creature rose into the air and circled around for another attempt effectively cutting Marcel from his main goal.

"You're not going to be as easy as the others, are you?" Marcel spoke under his mask. He took a new stance; legs apart, crouched low to the ground and his sword horizontal.

The dragon came down again only this time, it fired its breath with the rider strengthening it with a good wind spell. The roaring white flame flew fast at the man in black.

Marcel was impressed. Both attacks as singles seemed strong, but together they were powerful. A shame the opponent had to die.

Marcel extended his hand as if to beckon the fire to stop. In the last moment he twisted his wrist with a snap and created a vacuum cone that killed the flame.

The dragon tried to pull out of the dive, only to prove fruitless. Both creature and rider got light headed from the lack of oxygen and crashed into the ground.

"Maybe I misjudged you." Marcel spoke to no one. His hand first glowed with a white mist. The mist soon arced into electricity, building faster than ever until it was release with a earth shaking boom.

The enemy disappeared into nothing while the ground scorched black.

~XXX~

Agnes was speechless along with every other person who bothered to pay attention. The power they all felt left them trembling; adrenaline coursing through their veins from the feeling.

Henrietta sat atop her mount with disbelief. Her friend, a man not known in this land, tore through dragon after dragon until he reached the golem. Even as he was about to be blindsided by another, he still managed to defeat it and unscathed mind you.

In her mind, she was wrong. He didn't need to be protected. The enemy needed to be protected from him.

~XXX~

Matilda wanted to run. She wanted to hide under a rock and not come out until time claimed her. What was she thinking sticking around. She should have jumped ship the second they reached Tristain or even earlier.

Another dragon rider of similar skill came after the last one was wiped off the face of the earth. Matilda wondered the state of mind of these soldiers. There was no strategy, just pure frontal assaults.

While she took this chance to get away, three academy students appeared before her. She only recognized the blonde one from her task of delaying him and familiar.

A fight began with the three students who used teamwork and a combination of wind, earth and fire magic to destroy her golem.

She managed to get away with light burns, but alive. Marcel was to occupied with yet another dragon rider who was even more skilled than the last two. Matilda escaped from certain death by shear luck.

~XXX~

The war ended the same day it started with a blinding light overtaking the whole sky above Tarbes sinking the ship in a ball of flames. Any survivors had no choice but to surrender to the Princess's forces. After what happened to the ship and the dragons, what choice did they have.

~XXX~

Agnes sat in Henrietta's room as per her princess' wishes. It was after the war when they found out the damage.

Many of Henrietta's troops were injured with only a minimal amount of casualties. Since the fighting lasted for a day, the amount of resources used was only the food the whole company ate during the ride to Tarbes.

Tarbes itself lost a good amount of crops due to the fires. There was enough for the village, but not enough to make a profit from the loses.

Albion itself lost everything. The dragon riders they were so proud of ended up in pieces all over the battlefield. Every resource they brought with them went up in flame and the survivors were behind bars.

Agnes had been called late at night by a messenger which was strange. At first she thought it was an emergency, but she was assured nothing was wrong. It was so sudden she didn't have time to dress up from her black shorts and a belly shirt she got from Marcel's extensive clothes collection. A pair of sandals and her cloak kept her decent.

"Agnes, I want you to be completely honest with me." Henrietta said from the place across the blonde. She was wearing her night clothing, a pair of panties and a sheer lilac nightie. Her mind was troubled by what occurred, not in Tarbes, but with Marcel

Henrietta's words piqued Agnes interest, "About what your Highness?"

Taking a deep breath and collecting her thoughts, the princess looked at her knight captain in the eyes. "Do you believe I insulted Marcel by telling him not to fight the dragons by himself?"

Agnes raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand. What do you mean," She asked for clarification.

"He told me he would fight off Albion's dragon riders while our Griffins and ground soldiers sunk the ship. I didn't think he would be able to do it alone so I changed that plan and told him to stay with me."

Agnes analyzed her words and thought for a moment with no interruptions. Only after she studied the sensation in her mind did she come to her conclusion.

"In my opinion, you did." Agnes saw Henrietta's face fall, but she didn't falter. "While you may have asked him to stay back from concern for his safety, you unintentionally called him weak."

"I would never say that about a friend." Henrietta was quick to say in desperation.

"He not just your friend, he's someone who has trained all his life to attain the level of skills he's displayed so far. To have someone tell him not to attack because he won't be able to handle it, is the same as calling him too weak to fight."

The explanation Agnes gave was probably not the right one, but if someone told her the same after so many years of training, she would probably be mad as well.

"I didn't know he felt that way. Why didn't he tell me?" Henrietta asked. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Those blue eyes shining brighter with emotion made Agnes swell with sadness. She may not care if another person is crying, but tears do not fit her princess.

"May I speak freely your majesty?"

"Of course."

Agnes braced herself and cleared her throat. "Henrietta," she started.

The princess eyes widen in surprise.

"Marcel has pride, but also consideration. He wouldn't speak out in the middle of a battle and destabilize your soldiers by disagreeing with you. That and he feels that you needed to learn for yourself instead of being told." Agnes tried to be clear without stepping out of line.

"Then should I let him fight next time?" She asked, hoping Agnes had the answer.

The blonde gave a nod. "It would be the best decision."

Both grew silent.

It was after a moment when Agnes asked a critical question. "Where is Marcel anyways; if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, he left some time ago. I don't know where, but I don't think I should ask." Henrietta was still a bit down, but feeling better.

"Understood," was all Agnes said. It was night so he could be anywhere. Before she was called, Agnes planned to bathe after the long day and spend her night reading more into the Metal Raider and forging techniques.

Most of her nights were spent up in a tree with a good book and being held in Marcel's arms. Not what she would expect to do, but she didn't complain.

~XXX~

Matilda was in her cabin in the woods packing anything she could for her trip to Albion. After the battle in Tarbes, she came to realize just how dangerous the man in black really was. She couldn't stay here any longer for fear that she would run into him.

What ever he was, he wasn't human.

Grabbing a dark green canvas bag she bought from a traveling merchant she threw clothing, some jewels she kept for herself, provisions for the trip and a pouch of gold.

"Well, no shame in getting away from the danger."

She gave her home one last look. It had been her hideout and place of comfort for many years.

Matilda walked out with a cloak and bag on her shoulder. She started towards the tree line then stopped cold.

There, standing just out of the moon light was her nightmare coming true.

Marcel just stood in the shadow staring at the woman with a look of pity. Her involvement led from a few dead to many who would no longer be able to stay as soldiers. His reaction at the time was to stop her as the bigger threat, but his focus was on the man he never met, Wardes. Even then he didn't engage in a fight with him.

"You know why I'm here, don't you?" His eyes glowed white to offset the black background.

"How did you find me?" Her voice shook as she took a step back.

Marcel left the shadows. "It wasn't hard to find you once I felt your magic signature. All I did was track you from Tarbes to here," he gestured to his surroundings.

Matilda reached for her wand and leveled it at Marcel's form. Her hand was shaking.

"Do you really want to fight me." He got closer to her, enough that she created her golem as a reaction.

Matilda stood behind her construct without moving or saying anything. Her mind was working hard to see a way out of this situation. To escape what could be a painful death.

The golem was just as he remembered it. Big, bulky, dusty. A few words to describe it.

"I guess you do." Marcel said.

"Why don't you leave now and I won't have to hurt you." Matilda's voice was shaking even if she tried to appear brave.

"That's just the thing. While I would normally ignore people like you, a simple thief, I can't ignore someone who has had a hand in making Henrietta's life difficult. Not only difficult, but painful as well."

"What are you spouting about?" Matilda was biding her time. The more he spoke, the better her chances were of coming up with a plan to escape.

"You distracted Agnes while the traitor Wardes killed someone Henrietta cared for. You participated in attacking her army in the battle of Tarbes. And I still haven't forgotten how you wanted to hurt her to escape at the academy." Marcel walked closer to the thief completely disregarding the mountain in his way.

Matilda waved her wand to move her golem in front of the advancing man. "Sorry about that. It's just business."

Marcel stopped short of the golem. He sighed to himself at hearing her words. She was scared, yet still no remorse for the pain she had cause. He knew he would also cause someone else pain for what he was about to do, but it was a price he could live with. Someone always got hurt.

"You made your choice."

His final words reached Matilda's ears just as a screech that could make your ears bleed, ripped across the small clearing like the golem who was now falling to pieces.

Marcel still stood in the same place he stopped at with his sword in his hand.

Matilda quickly used what remained of her golem to form spears of stone and shot them at her opponent. Another chant and she brought a wall up from the ground and launched it as well for good measure.

It was impressive what a person could do when death stared them in the face. Marcel weaved through the hailstorm the same way since the first time they met. He received a few cuts on his arms and legs, nothing too serious, and shattered the wall with a glowing fist.

Matilda started to run in the direction west of her cabin, chanting a new spell along the way. She reached the tree line when a breeze passed her head and a loud thud came from a tree to her left. She could see a black curved sword sticking to the trunk.

"Sorry, but your not going anywhere." Marcel appeared behind her.

With the spell completed, Matilda whirled around and struck fast. That's to say she tried.

Marcel grabbed her wrist and covered her mouth with his hand. He then squeeze her wrist until she let go of her wand.

A crunch brought a scream from Matilda, one that would scare the birds if a hand was not in the way. Her eyes filled with tears as she let out a whimper. Never did she think she would end up in this situation.

Removing his hand, Marcel looked into the thief's eyes. "You have taken much glee to make Henrietta's life difficult, haven't you."

Matilda tried not to move. Marcel's grip on her broken wrist hurt to much to even attempt to break free and run. "Please," she pleaded. "Don't hurt me."

"I will still hurt you, how much depends on how you answer my questions." He swore he saw her a little girl inside the woman when he spoke his words. "You've done too much to be forgiven. Not only did you get in the way of Agnes in Albion, you were an accessory to the death of Princes Wales and seemed to have fun when your golem was crushing Henrietta's soldiers."

Matilda shrank into the ground with everything she had done in the past few weeks. Each one was a nail in her coffin and the worst thing was how calm Marcel was. No anger. No disgust.

"Please don't kill me. I'll do anything you want, just don't kill me," she pleaded. The pain from her wrist made her collapse on her knees.

"Where can I find Wardes?" Marcel made sure to keep an eye on her movements.

Matilda wasn't sure if she heard right. The last she heard of Wardes, he was injured by the light that burned the ship to the ground. He disappeared without trace.

"I don't know," said Matilda.

Marcel jerked her injured wrist, getting a hiss from her.

"I'm telling the truth! He disappeared with the light!" More tears fell from her eyes.

Matilda was in pain and too scared to try lying and Marcel knew that.

"Then tell me all you know about Reconquista." Marcel crouched to her level making sure to loosen his grip a bit.

"I don't know much," she started. "They just feel that the countries should be under one rule. I was just hired to stall for Wardes and help out whenever they needed me too."

"Is that all," he asked.

"Yes," Matilda let out quickly. "I swear."

He wasn't sure if she was trying hide something or just didn't know. For today, since she was a good sport, he would let her go with a broken wrist.

And that's what he did.

Marcel walked away after he let go. No point in torturing someone if they didn't know anything else.

Matilda held onto her broken wrist as she watched the man walk away.

'This is it? This can't be it,' she thought.

She was still alive and that didn't bode well with her. He was just toying with her, trying to lure her into a false sense of security.

Marcel felt the uncertainty roll off the woman. She was over thinking why he left her alone which wasn't such a big mystery. He just wasn't in the mood to spill blood right now

Matilda had other ideas. She picked up her wand with her good hand and aimed at Marcel's back. It was on her belief that this was indeed a trap and she would strike first.

The prickly feeling on the back of his head alerted him of the impending attack. He frowned, but never stopped walking away.

'Don't be stupid,' his thought was towards the thief's action.

She didn't hesitate. Such was her paranoia that she created a lance of the hardest stone she could form and launched it.

In the time it took the projectile to fly, Marcel pulled out his sword and held it point to point with the spear. When the two met, the stone spear shattered, the pieces of stone fell to the ground with a thud.

Marcel didn't allow for a follow up. Moving faster than the human eye could see, he got behind the kneeling and punched her on her lower back.

Matilda's eyes widened as white hot pain flooded her body. Her mouth opened into a silent scream and slumped over unconscious.

"You could have left and never seen me again. For your actions, this is your punishment." Without another word, he left the area, leaving her to the fate of nature.

~XXX~

Julia, Marcel and Agnes sat in Henrietta's room enjoying a cup of tea and snacks prepared by Julia herself. They were having some relaxing conversations when Henrietta decided to tell them about a new plan of hers.

Agnes mouth dropped in disbelief. Maybe a hit from training was messing with her hearing.

Julia kept herself from spitting out her tea.

"Run that by me again," asked Marcel. He even went as far as to get closer to Henrietta and turn his ear to her.

"I want you to train me to fight," said Henrietta with resolution.

"I thought I heard right. Now my only question is," he got even closer to her face, "why?"

Both Julia and Agnes couldn't figure out if the princess was serious or not.

"You know it will be difficult and painful, right." Marcel wanted to make sure Henrietta knew what she was getting into. He was serious about training and would not accept half ass effort from her.

"I know." She looked out a window to the town at the foot of the palace. "I want to stand beside my soldiers like a true leader and not some damsel in distress. I don't want my soldiers to die for my sake."

Marcel listened to her reason and sighed. "That is a pathetic reason."

Henrietta's head shot quick to her friend. "How can you say that?" Her voice grew louder in tone.

"I can because you don't seem to understand that not everything is about you." Marcel paced around the room. "These men and women fight for queen and country. They know they might die on the battlefield or even just standing guard outside the palace. You can worry about them, but say you don't want them to die for you."

Tears form and Henrietta was close to crying. She wanted nothing more than peace. She wanted to stop these senseless deaths.

"All you can do Henrietta, is lead your army well to ensure they survive and respect that they chose to die for their country." Marcel cupped Henrietta's cheek with his hand so she looked at him. "Respect that I want to protect you as we'll," Marcel said as he gave the princess as kiss on her forehead.

Julia went to her friend and hugged her. She was just visiting when this little meeting took place. No longer was she made to wait at the door for someone to come and escort her to Henrietta. After an incident with the head of staff, which the man seemed to think it entitled him to speak lowly to her, the princess made sure to inform the whole palace on who her friend was and what would happen to anyone who would insult her in her presence.

The head of staff was fired and Julia was allowed to walk in at her leisure to where ever Henrietta was.

Agnes grew a bit jealous her princess could show her emotions so freely. She understood the situation and would support the young girl's decision. That's to say she will be there to help her.

"I will train you," stated Marcel, "With that said, you should prepare yourself because it won't be easy."

Henrietta nodded, "I know."

"Good."

A/N

Its been too long. I apologize to anyone waithing for this story to be updated. In short I kept revising the chapter over and over until i shelved it for some time then came back.

I'm still not satisfied with it, but your opinion may differ.

Anyways, thank you.

Reviews are my payment so dont be afariad to comment on how i can improve as a writer.

Cheers