Me: Hey, everybody! Sorry for taking so long to update! I've been super, SUPER busy!
Mihara: (huff) Always making excuses.
Me: I have been busy! ;_; At least I update this story more frequently than I do Shades of Solace! I've really got to get on that, haha...
Mihara: Well, get on this! Stop rambling so I can start the chapter!
Me: Okay, okay, jeez! So pushy, Mihara! I know you're anxious for this chapter, since you actually play an active role, but dang!
Mihara: (ignores) ElementalGuardianProtector owns nothing but this story and her characters.
Me: And just so everyone clearly understands, Zelena, Shoen, and Mihara are characters that don't belong to me, they belong to SylphWindDancer!
Chapter Nine
"Nnnn... Volug?" Aaliyah stirred in Eva's arms. She, Eva, and Volug were standing on the outskirts of Serenes. "Shhh. Go back to sleep. You need to rest. You really took a lot out of yourself back there. Stop pushing yourself so hard." Volug cooed gently, caressing Aaliyah's cheek.
"You're leaving, then?" Aaliyah asked, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice. Smiling at her, Volug pushed a strand of hair behind Aaliyah's ear, "I will come back to see you as soon as I can. I promise. Nothing will happen to me."
Unable to stop herself from smiling back at the black wolf, Aaliyah nodded, "Okay. Please be careful. I worry about you." "I could say the same to you." Volug whispered before kissing her lips passionately.
"Ugh. I was kind enough to tolerate your lovey dovey goo-goo gaa-gaa mushy gushy love crap, but this, this I cannot handle. I know you love each other and all that good stuff, but please refrain from making out in my arms!"
"Ah! W-we weren't...! We're sorry, Eva!" Aaliyah blushed furiously. "Oh. Why, hello there, Eva. I had forgotten you were there." Volug smiled innocently. "Sure you did, Volug. Just hurry and wrap this up. I'm ready to go." Eva rolled her eyes with a martyred look on her face as she sighed.
"Ah, yes, Eva." Aaliyah nodded. "It isn't fair for Eva to have to wait on us, so... I have to go. I love you, Volug." "I know. I love you, too. Please take care of yourself."
"I am relieved... That she is all right. That, at least, is good..." Volug murmured to himself as he climbed through the open window of a room of Castle Begnion. To avoid being caught, the black wolf crept through the dark room quietly.
"Welcome back, Volug."
Freezing in his tracks, Volug held his breath, as though he had been caught red-handed in committing a crime. As the bright lights switched on, Volug twitched, looking like a deer caught in headlights.
"You're so totally busted." Nailah crossed her arms, smirking at the 'Ah, shit, I'm busted' look on Volug's face, giving him a 'Haha, it's pretty much SOL for you' look in return. "Yes... I suppose I am." Volug regained his composure, turning back to close the open window he had entered from.
"I had actually intended to slip in through the infirmary, but it was crowded and lively in there. I assume that Mihara is all right?"
"Yes. The Hawk Princess is just fine, miraculously. I haven't seen her myself yet, though. Empress Sanaki will not allow anyone beside the Bird Tribe to see her. Ranulf obviously has special privileges, because he's being allowed to see her, as well."
"Ah, I see. I cannot blame Empress Sanaki - seeing them alone may be too overwhelming for Mihara right now. I will be sure to see her tomorrow, then." Volug responded. As Volug walked past her, the Wolf Queen closed her eyes and spoke up, "...Volug, you don't honestly think I haven't noticed... Do you?"
Volug stopped. "...Whatever could you be talking about? I fail to understand." "...The first thing that made me suspicious was how you insisted so vehemently that you were taught modern tongue and began studying as soon as we defeated Ashera and things were back to normal." Nailah began.
"I was confused to see your sudden enthusiastic endeavor, but as you wished, I made it possible for you to be taught. Though your speech was god awful, you refused to speak in anything but modern tongue. How serious you were about becoming fluent surprised me.
"Also around that time, I noticed how you would always disappear. Before meeting Micaiah, no one knew of Hatari, so I never really required too much of you, and I never paid your absence much mind. You disappear to go do lord knows what, and every time, you return with that particular scent all over you.
"I would like to know, Volug... I would like to know why my right hand man feels as though he needs to creep around, as though he cannot trust his queen."
"...Queen Nailah, I am nothing but loyal to you. There fails to be a single task you have given me that I have ever so much as even though about hesitating to perform. The very moment you need me, I am always there. So I believe that it would be fair... If I asked that you not worry about my personal life." Volug responded.
"So, then... You deny your queen the information in which she seeks?" Nailah turned around to look at Volug. Her green eyes clashed and locked with his purple ones, battling silently. A moment of silence passed between the two.
Finally, Volug shook his head, turning his back on Nailah as he faced the door. "My business is my business, and my business alone. I am your servant, and you are my queen - Just as your personal life is no business of mine and it does not concern me, my personal life is no business of yours and it does not concern you."
After a moment, Nailah slowly grinned. "Hmph. Tryna give me the cold shoulder, are you? It's something so important to you that you both deny and disrespect me, your queen? Now that's really interesting. Tell me, Volug... Is this about a girl?"
"...A girl? For what reason would I challenge the authority of my queen simply for the sake of a mere female?" Volug looked back at Nailah, straight-faced and solemn.
.
.
.
"Oh. So it's much more serious than that, huh? Why, Volug, you sneaky little bastard... I never thought you to be the type..." Nailah trailed off, smirking. "...? Queen Nailah, what are you talking about...?" Volug blinked in confusion.
"Why, you and your forbidden sex goddess, of course! I know that you have entered manhood, and men have powerful and uncontrollable needs and desires that must be satisfied, but if you really wanted it that badly, you didn't have to go out and seek to get laid - you could have just asked. Or is it that I am not woman enough for you, hmmm, Volug?" Nailah grinned slyly.
"Wh-what the HELL are you going on about, Queen Nailah?" Volug's eyes widened, blushing furiously. "Q-Queen Nailah, I do not like the way you are looking at me... Whatever you are plotting, stop it, and refrain from coming any closer to me!"
For every step backwards Volug took, Nailah advanced a step forward until the black wolf was backed up against the wall. "Volug... There is something you should know..." Nailah whispered as she seductively ran a finger down the black wolf's chest. "Q-Queen Nailah... Stop...!" Volug gulped.
"...I'm only kidding, pup." Nailah grinned, crossing her arms. "O-of course... Only you would find something like that humorous." Volug twitched, trying to force his blush to die down. "I'm a bored woman who takes amusement in many things. Besides, you're cute when you blush." Nailah shrugged.
"On a more serious note, though... Your little secret is still safe. I've come to the conclusion that that scent is feminine, but I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. To me, the scent itself is so... Alien. At any rate, you may be excused. I'm rather tired from today's dramatic events, so I will be retiring to bed."
"Understood. Thank you, Queen Nailah." Volug nodded. "...Oh, and Volug?" Nailah called the black wolf as he began to walk away. "Yes?" He turned to look at the Wolf Queen. She crossed her arms with a grin. "...Tell your sex goddess I say hello."
Blushing lightly, Volug sighed and turned away sharply. "Queen Nailah, you are absolutely impossible." He muttered, leaving the room. The Queen of Hatari laughed lightly to herself as she watched Volug, a soft smile playing at her lips as she began thinking to herself.
"Volug... I remember a time when you were much more arrogant, brute, and rough... A time when nothing mattered to you but yourself and getting stronger and stronger... A time when you were still but a mere pup who always got in trouble and mixed up with all the wrong things for all the wrong reasons. Your ignorance blinded you and stopped you from seeing that the reason you could never truly grow strong was because of that mindset.
"Looking back on it now, you have done much growing since back then... And I want to say that whatever that secret of yours is... It is the reason why you changed. That must be why it is so important to you and why you choose to stand by it and protect it, even from me. If that secret of yours has the power to transform the mangy pup I once knew into a true warrior wolf of Hatari... Then I approve of it.
"...You really were a good kid, Volug. You just needed to be guided in the right direction, and I think that secret of yours helped you see the light and led you down the right path. Take good care of it." The Wolf Queen turned out the lights, leaving the dark room and closing the door behind her.
XxXxXxX
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play dumb with me. I'm fully aware of your feelings for her. You can't fool me."
"...Hmph. Then, I might as well drop the act... Right? Since you already know?"
"You might as well, because I'm not buying it."
"I see... What exactly gave it away?"
"What gave it away? Oh, please. Don't be ridiculous. Nothing gave it away - it was as clear as day, from the very beginning! Even a blind man could see it."
"Oh! Is that so? Hm. Well... Sorry if that bothers you, Princey... You feel the same way about her as I do, don't you?"
"Of course I do. And you know that."
"Hehe. Well, well, well... That makes you my rival in love, now doesn't it?"
"I suppose it does. We've always had a quite competitive relationship, since our childhood... May the better man win."
"I won't lose, you know. Especially not to you."
"Nor will I. You may have won many times in our childhood, but so have I. This is not a war I intend to lose."
"Same here, Princey, same here. Good luck."
"If I were you, I would save the luck wishing for myself. Because quite frankly, you are the one who will be needing it."
"What is wrong, brother?"
Reeled back into reality, Reyson looked up to see Leanne standing over him. He saw the worry in her green eyes shining brightly and as clear as day. "You have been very quiet for a very long time now, Reyson. I am worried about you."
"I'm fine, Leanne. Thanks for the concern, though." Reyson smiled at his sister. "Are you sure? Is there something wrong - anything at all? As the beorc say, a thought for your penny, yes?" Leanne sat down beside of her older brother.
"No, it's 'a penny for your thought', Leanne - not 'a thought for you penny'. Very close, though. You're getting a lot better at modern tongue."
"Ohhh... I see... A penny for your thought... But, brother... What exactly is a penny?"
"...Who knows..."
"It is a mystery..."
"Ah. Reyson, Leanne - there you are. I've been looking everywhere for the two of you."
The two Heron Royals turned their heads to see their elder brother walk towards them with a gentle and pleasant smile on his face. "Hello, Rafiel. It has been quite awhile since we have last seen you, brother." Leanne trotted up to the earthbound heron and hugged him.
"It has been quite awhile, hasn't it? I've been meaning to visit all of you in Serenes, but I've been a bit busy myself in Hatari... How is father?" Rafiel asked. "Father is doing very well. He is active, up and about, but we are still far too worried about his health to allow him outside of Serenes." Leanne answered.
"I'm very surprised you aren't with Queen Nailah, Rafiel - you're always at her side. Is there something you need?" Reyson stood up and joined his two siblings. "Ah, yes. I just got back from visiting Princess Mihara. She's acting her usual self, so I think she's fine." Rafiel informed.
"That's good to hear."
"Yes, very good. Leanne has already gone to see our dear Princess Mihara, as well, Reyson."
"Mihara and Leanne are best friends. I expect Leanne was the first one to see Mihara, even before the healers. Is there a point you're trying to make?"
"...You are the only one who hasn't gone to see Princess Mihara besides Ulki, because he's still in very, very deep sleep. They say he's going to be fine, too, though."
"I expect no less from Ulki. He's very strong."
"...Are you not going to go see Princess Mihara, Reyson?" Rafiel asked with confusion. "She is one of us, a member of the Bird Tribe... It's only right that you pay your respect to her."
"I'm going to go see her. Just... Not right now. Later." Reyson replied, turning and walking away. Leanne tried to go after Reyson, but Rafiel stopped her, allowing their brother to leave the room.
"...Why did you stop me, Rafiel?" Leanne inquired as soon as Reyson closed the door behind him. "You must let Reyson go, Leanne. A lot has happened today. A lot more is necessary... Yes, I can tell he needs a lot more time to think and be alone. There's something heavy on his mind." Rafiel answered.
"Is there something wrong with Reyson? He tells me nothing and it is worrying me."
"No, there's nothing wrong with Reyson. You needn't worry."
"Then why has our bother been acting this way, I wonder?"
Rafiel smiled gently to himself, his eyes slightly sad. "You see, Leanne... Reyson is continuing to grow and mature. What he's going through is both natural and necessary. It's just that... I suspect he's having a hard time letting go of the past." Rafiel explained.
"I don't understand... What past do you suspect Reyson of having a hard time letting go of?" Leanne cocked her head in confusion. "...There is a saying that the beorc use, Leanne. Let sleeping dogs lie. I believe this is one of the situations where that beorc saying comes into play." Rafiel gently rubbed his sister's hand.
"What happens from this point on... Is up to the three of them."
XxXxXxX
"Dad... Shoen... I know you're both worried to death about me, and I appreciate all the love and concern, but OH. MY. GODDESS! I need some SPACE! BACK OFF!" Mihara barked, irritated. She knew her family was worried about her, but dang! I mean, what the hell ever happened to THREE FEET OF PERSONAL SPACE? Does that not exist with these people?
"Uh oh. Someone's getting a little cranky. You guys had better back down, before she bites your heads off." Ranulf crossed his arms with a smirk on his face. "Hey, don't get all worked up now, sis! We were just making sure you were really all right." Shoen held his hands up defensively.
"Yeah? Well, thanks for the concern." Mihara rolled her eyes. " I told you, I feel better than I've ever felt before in my life! I don't know what Mitsuru put in that remedy, but it sure is working! And stop being so loud - Don't you see Ulki's still resting?" Mihara scolded.
Tibarn busted out into a strong laughter. "We had better be careful - it looks like Mihara's as good as new, and with much energy to spare. I'm glad you're all right, Mihara. I'm so relieved... It's good to have my little girl back." the Hawk King looked at his only daughter with loving eyes, his smile soft and warm.
"...It's not like I was really gone or anything, Dad. You should've know... I would never leave you and Shoen behind, no matter what. We're a family and a team, remember? We'll never be separated again, ever." Mihara murmured, turning away.
Ranulf blinked. "...Oh? And what is this? What do we have here? Mihara... Are you... Blushing?" he slowly grinned, slightly rising from his leaning positing against the wall, his arms still crossed. His grinning earned him a death glare from the Hawk Princess.
"I was not blushing, Ranulf! Talk what you know!" The princess warrior vehemently insisted. "Oh, I am talking what I know - because you were blushing. Uh-huh, uh-huh." The heterochromic laguz nodded.
"Yeah, right! How could I be blushing? I don't blush, and you know that, Ranulf!"
"Well, apparently, you do now. Perhaps the Almighty Princess Warrior of Phoenicis is... Embarrassed?"
"As if! What do I have to be embarrassed about?"
"...You know, I'd love to just go down the list, but because of the way you're so intimidatingly cracking your knuckles, and because of your cranky mood, I think I'll just keep my comment to myself... I'd rather not lose my front fangs, thanks."
"Yeah, that's what I thought!"
"Jeez, Lady Mihara... You're so violent... Bullying my poor pal Ranulf like that... He's only teasing you." Janaff muttered. "Yeah. Mihara and Ranulf are really good friends, but they do bicker a lot. They argue like a married couple all day, everyday, so you'd better get used to it. They never shut up." Shoen mumbled.
In response to the two laguz, Mihara narrowed her eyes at Shoen, "Excuse me, little brother? You wanna repeat that to your darling big sister?" at the same moment Ranulf raised an eyebrow at Janaff, "What? Um, excuse me, sir? I don't think I heard you correctly - Did you just call me your 'pal'? I think you're sadly confused. Since when have I ever been 'pals' with someone like you?"
"Don't get upset now, Mihara! I was only kidding... Er, I love you, sister dearest... You're the best big sister ever..." Shoen sweat dropped, laughing nervously. "WHAAAT? Ranulf... My friend, my buddy, my man, mi amigo... How can you say something so cruel to me, after all that we've been through together?" Janaff gasped in utter horrors and bewilderment, flinging himself at Ranulf.
"Yeah, that's what I thought I heard you say the first time, Shoen. I mean, unless you want me to cold bust you, anyway." Mihara folded her arms. "I haven't know you for so much as twenty four hours yet. Why are you touching me? Get off." Ranulf deadpanned, shoving Janaff away.
"Ooohhh. Two blows, right in the gut." Tibarn crossed his arms and shook his head in sympathy for his son and right hand man.
"That's enough, you three. I believe you're caused more than enough ruckus for tonight."
The laguz all looked towards the door to see Sanaki approaching them. "Empress Sanaki... It's nice to see you again." Mihara greeted the beorc ruler. "It's nice to see you again, as well, Princess Mihara. How are you feeling?" Sanaki inquired.
"I feel great. As good as new - no, even better."
"That's a relief. You had us all worried."
"Yeah, I know... Thank you. For so willingly taking me into your care and hospitality without hesitation."
"I was more than happy to help, Princess. You are my comrade, after all."
Mihara noticed how Sanaki's eyes had been focused on her left hand the entire since the time she walked into the room. Feeling uncomfortable with Sanaki trying to get a better few of it, Mihara drew her left hand back slightly. Noticing this, Sanaki snapped out of it and turned away.
"...Though Princess Mihara seems fine, allowing her to rest tonight wouldn't do her any harm. It's only to make sure - I'd rather be safe than sorry. Also, Ulki seems to still be recuperating. With his impeccable hearing, all of you have probably disturbed his sleep, even if he has yet to say anything of it."
"...Yeah... I suppose you're right. If we're done here, for Ulki's sake, I think I'll go hit the hay." Janaff stretched, walking towards the door. "Goodnight, King Tibarn, Lady Mihara, Lord Shoen, and Empress Sanaki. I'll see you later, Ra-nulf." Janaff winked teasingly at the cat laguz before leaving the room.
"...Why is it that out of all of the people in this room, I happen to be the only one who gets a special goodnight?" Ranulf sighed, sweat dropping. "Ulki needs to hurry and wake up so he can tame his partner..."
"For once, I think I'll follow Janaff's example and retire to bed. Goodnight, everyone." Shoen told everyone before making up with his older sister and hugging her goodnight. "Get some rest, Mihara. We'll see you tomorrow." Tibarn ruffled his daughter's hair. "Will do. Night Dad, Shoen." Mihara smiled at her family.
At that point, everyone exchanged their goodnights before leaving the room. Everyone, Mihara noticed, besides Ranulf.
"Hey... What's up? Is something wrong?" Mihara turned her body to face her companion completely. Ranulf remained in his position, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He remained silent, studying Mihara's face. As his heterochromic eyes pierced her golden eyes, she saw a mixture of tightly suppressed emotions swirling within the depths of his colored orbs.
"...I'm sorry, Mihara." Ranulf finally spoke up, apologizing. "Eh...? What are you apologizing for?" Mihara blinked in confusion. "Tibarn asked me and Janaff to look after you and Shoen... But because we took so long to get to you, you were badly hurt. Had it not been for Tanith, and if we had taken any longer... You would have been killed. You could be dead right now." Ranulf moved to stand in front of Mihara, his arms still crossed with his eyes lowered.
"...? But I'm not dead, Ranulf. I'm still here. I'm just fine. You shouldn't be so worried... It wasn't your fault. It's mine. I was the one who was reckless."
"Are you sure you're all right?"
"Yeah. I feel so good, I could kick your butt while being blindfolded and bound - easily, too!" Mihara grinned. Ranulf stared at Mihara for a moment before he slightly tilted his head to the side and gave Mihara a gentle and absolutely gorgeous smile.
"Uh... Why are you looking at me like that?" Mihara asked the cat laguz. For whatever reason, she felt her cheeks growing warm. "Oh? So you can defeat me that easily, huh? Is that so? Well... If you feel that powerful, then promise me one thing, Mihara." Ranulf placed his right hand on the Hawk Princess' left shoulder.
"Promise me you'll be careful. That's all I ask." Ranulf practically ordered the Hawk Princess. "R... Ranulf...? What's going on...?" Mihara furrowed her eyebrows. She didn't like the look Ranulf was giving her, or the sudden solemnly serious face her now wore.
"Just promise me you will, okay? I've got a really bad feeling... It's kind of stupid, I know, but... I need that security. I need to know you're all right and you'll keep on your guard from now on."
"...Yes, of course. I will, most definitely. So don't worry about me so much, all right?" Mihara nodded. "I promise." "...Good. I needed to hear that... I think. Anyway, I've got to go, and you'd better rest up. Also, make sure you stay out of trouble while I'm gone, though I know that's pretty much impossible for you." Ranulf grinned, his hand on his waist.
Mihara gave a horrified gasp, "What? Trouble? Me? Nooo, not me... I would never... Nope, never!" She smiled innocently. "You know you aren't fooling anyone, right? I see those horns under there, as clear as day." Ranulf retorted, walking towards the door.
Mihara stopped the Gallian warrior as soon as he gripped the door knob, "Ranulf?" "Yes?" The warrior turned his body to face the princess without letting go of the door knob.
"...You shouldn't feel so guilty about what happened to me today. It really was a result of my guard being down. Shoen's not much of a fighter, even though he could easily beat me if his heart was in to win it during our spar matches, so I've grown a bit rusty and slack, too. You, Janaff and Tanith saved me... That's all that matters. I'm alive and well. Like they say, there's no use in crying over split milk. Next time, I'll tear that assassin up and have her running for her money." Mihara grinned.
"Just don't beat yourself up over this, all right? That's an order, too."
"Oh? Since when did I have to take orders from you?" Ranulf raised an eyebrow at Mihara. "I see your point... So I'll try not to be so hard on myself. But if anything happens to you again, Tibarn and Shoen will have my head on a silver platter." Ranulf shuddered.
"The situations you manage to get yourself in, eh?" Mihara folded her arms. "Yeah. Being tossed around by Tibarn and Shoen is right up there with my hatred of flying and being dropped into icy oceans. Tibarn just doesn't know the meaning of the word mercy...!" Ranulf twitched, recalling several painful sparring sessions with the Hawk King and Hawk Prince.
"You poor, poor cat."
"Seriously. The things I go through are terrors that no cat should ever know or have to go through. What a life... Though, on the bright side, between being Skrimir's side kick and Tibarn's errand boy, a dull moment never seems to go by..."
"I'm not sure that's actually a good thing, Ranulf..."
"...You're right, there is no bright side. At any rate... I'll see you around, Mihara."
Ranulf walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. Mihara watched the cat laguz walk out of her view and stared at the door silently as soon as it was completely shut.
"Ranulf... What did you mean by telling me to stay out of trouble... 'While you were gone'? I... I don't understand." Mihara whispered.
"Are you... Is Ranulf going somewhere? But where could he... Why does my heart feel so heavy... Why do I suddenly feel so... Afraid?"
XxXxXxX
His hand still clutched the door knob tightly.
His body still remained firmly in place.
Though he was still there, just outside of the room...
He felt as though he had left his head and heart behind.
The heterochromic laguz let out a deep sigh. "I've got such a bad feeling, Mihara... It's like it's eating me alive. I don't know why, and I don't know what we might go up against, but... No matter what, I'll protect you." Ranulf vowed.
"Are you sure you can keep that vow of yours?"
Ranulf turned to see Reyson walking towards him. "Well, if I don't want Tibarn on my tail, I'd better try my best." Ranulf grinned, letting go of the door knob and putting that hand on his waist. "...You shouldn't make promises you can't keep." Reyson walked passed Ranulf and grabbed the door knob.
"I ran into Tibarn and Empress Sanaki on my way down here. They are in the Royal Study and asked you to stop by. Afterwards, Prince Skrimir wants you to report to him."
"I see. All right, I'll get on it." Ranulf nodded, beginning to walk away. "...Ranulf?" Reyson called back to the cat laguz without looking at him. "Yes, Prince Reyson?" Ranulf answered the Heron Royal without turning back.
"...Why are you so kind to me? And why do you not stand your ground?"
"Because you haven't done anything wrong to me and I have no ground to stand."
"...You realize we can't be friends, don't you?I will never be able to forgive..."
"Yes, I understand. After all that has happened, the feeling is somewhat mutual... But that doesn't mean I have to follow in the foolish footsteps of my father. And for the record, Prince Reyson... Neither do you."
"What do you know? You don't know anything."
"That may be true... Maybe I don't know as much as I should. But for her sake... We can't make the same mistake."
"I hope you realize that just because you won't do anything..."
"Go ahead. I won't stop you. In the end... It's still her decision. There's nothing either of us can do about that."
"Still... Do you expect her to give up everything? Just for you?"
"I don't expect anything. Whatever will be, will be. So for now... I'll just do what I can." Ranulf replied, walking away. "...You're right. So... I'll just do my best." Reyson murmured before opening the door and walking in.
May the better man win...
XxXxXxX
"Dammit... Do you really have no more information?" Tibarn cursed under his breath, irritated. "Calm your nerves, King Tibarn. You've done enough blowing up today for a good, long while." Sanaki replied, still flipping through books.
"What do you know about it?" Tibarn inquired. "Not a lot at all, really... All I know is what it's called, and the fact that I do recognize it." Sanaki answered.
"I recognize it, too... What about Tanith and Sigrun? Have they found anything yet?"
"Not yet... They're still going through Begnion's Royal Archive. They haven't found anything of enough significance to report back definitely."
Sighing, Tibarn sat down, rubbing his temples. "Don't stress yourself out over it, King Tibarn. We'll figure it out." Sanaki assured the Hawk King. "...I really hope so... Before it's too late." Tibarn closed his eyes.
"...She tried to hide it. Mihara tried to hide the mark on the back of her left hand, but I saw it, right away. Of course I would recognize that thing... Her mother bore the same exact marking on the same exact hand."
"Queen Zelena also bore that symbol? That's interesting... It's called the Emblem of Divinity, or the Divine Emblem. Those who bear it are usually referred to as Emblem Bearers. As far as I know, it isn't something that can be passed down through genetics like brands can, so it's a bit surprising to know that both Queen Zelena and Princess Mihara are bearers..." Sanaki trailed off.
"Do you happen to know anything else about that emblem?" Tibarn asked. "Zelena didn't talk about it much because she truly didn't know too much about it herself, so there isn't much that I can tell you about it."
"Queen Zelena was an Emblem Bearer, but her information of the symbol imprinted on her skin was very limited? How interesting... Even in the Royal Archive, I can barely find anything on it." Sanaki told Tibarn.
"Just tell me as much as you know."
"Well... The Emblem of Divinity has something to do with a celestial being named Serenity. Apparently, she chooses three capable chosen to bear the emblem, and a new one is selected to replace each one after their death. It is not always something a selected chosen is born with, but in many cases, that happens to be so.
"People usually referred to as Crest Wearers have the ability to awaken the Emblem of Divinity. In fact, until an eligible chosen comes in contact with a Crest Wearer, the Emblem of Divinity lays dormant. The reason these people are called Crest Wearers is because they bear a crest called the Crest of Divinity, or the Divine Crest.
"While there are always three Emblem Bearers, there can be somewhere between one and five Crest Wearers. When a Crest Wearer awakens the emblem of a Emblem Bearer, that particular Crest Wearer is in charge of that specific Emblem Bearer. They can choose to either assist or eliminate the Emblem Bearer.
"The Emblem Bearer's emblem can evolve if the Crest Wearer assists the Emblem Bearer, but in turn, the emblem can also be destroyed if the Emblem Bearer's Crest Wearer kills the Emblem Bearer. That's all the information we know."
"You seem to have found out a good bit of information on those Crest Wearer people... It's somewhat useful, but not as much as I hoped." Tibarn sighed.
"Or is it? Just think about it for a minute... Our initial stance is that Rayne returned to being an assassin and was hired to kill Mihara by someone higher up than herself. All right, well, what if we try to make up our own explanations besides the obvious initial stance?" Sanaki proposed.
"Mihara is an Emblem Bearer - there's no question about it. Crest Wearers have the duty to awaken an Emblem Bearer's emblem and then they decide to either assist or eliminate the Emblem Bearer. Even if it's only because someone might want Mihara out of the picture, Rayne has sworn to assassinate Princess Mihara. Before her confrontation with Rayne, no one has seen the marking on the back of your daughter's left hand, King Tibarn."
"So... You're suggesting that Rayne might be a Crest Wearer, and she is the one who awoken Mihara's emblem marking?"
"It's never safe to simply assume anything, but doesn't it make sense if we look at it that way, as well?"
"Yeah, it does... But now, we have to ask ourselves this: What exactly is a Crest Wearer meant to assist an Emblem Bearer with, and why? Furthermore, what influences the Crest Wearer's choice as to whether they will assist or eliminate the Emblem Bearer? What happens if they do neither? What is Rayne's reason for deciding to kill Mihara instead of assisting her? If her reason is because she's been hired, who hired her, and why? Who wants Mihara out of the picture? Is there something more to it than just that?"
"...It looks like we have no other choice. All evidence and both initial stances and theories lead back to her." Sanaki sighed. "We have to find Rayne and get all of these answers from her. I get a strong feeling that she may know all of the answers to all questions we could possibly have... And more."
XxXxXxX
"Hn? You want to tell me something?" Mihara blinked. What on Tellius could Prince Reyson want with her? Though they were friends, they weren't exactly on a personal level, and never before has he pulled her aside to talk to her one-on-one, for any reason.
"Yes, I do. You don't mind, do you? It's all right if you'd rather not - I understand. You're still resting from today's ordeal." Reyson responded. Mihara was slightly confused - this seriously wasn't like Reyson.
"Um, no, I'm fine. We can talk." Mihara finally answered. Reyson smiled happily at her, confusing her all the more. "That's good. But... I want to take you somewhere private. Do you mind going on a fly with me?" Reyson held his hand out to Mihara.
"Only take my hand if you truly want to."
Was he crazy?
Of course she wanted to go with him!
It wasn't every day Reyson reached out to the Hawk Princess like this - how could she turn down such an opportunity, when it may never come again? Still, she wondered why he insisted to take her out here.
Why couldn't he tell her in the infirmary room?
Was that not private enough for him?
Mihara allowed her mind to wander to the details of the White Prince, stopping to think about him more closely than she had even before.
His long, regal blonde hair...
His fair, flawless pale skin...
His powerful, intense green eyes...
His strong, musical voice...
His tough, determined personality...
Mihara found herself admitting the fact that Reyson truly was a beautiful, interesting, and mysterious person... But even more than that, she had to include that he sure was stubborn.
"Okay. We're here, Mihara."
Hearing Reyson's voice, Mihara snapped out of it and landed with him. They were at a cliff, so far away from the Begnion Castle, their laguz eyes couldn't see it in the distance. Below them, Mihara could hear the waves of the ocean far below them gently rolling and hitting against the base of the cliff. Above them, Mihara saw the bright full moon in the dark sky.
"Reyson... It's beautiful out here." Mihara could barely whisper. The moon seemed so close, the Hawk Princess felt as though she could just reach up and touch it.* The air was so clean and prestige, every breath was like heaven, and the smell of lush vegetation and rain filled her nostrils.
"I thought you'd like it out here. When I come to Begnion, this is my favorite getaway area. It's the only area I can find in this country that the beorc have yet to pollute or harm. It's like my own personal escape from reality, my secret little piece of heaven. It can be yours, too, if you want it to be." Reyson offered.
"Yeah... I'd love to hand out in a place like this. It's beautiful and really peaceful." Mihara watched the blue ocean water shimmer in the moonlight.
"Anyway, Reyson... What did you want to tell me?"
"...Mihara, are you sure you're all right? I heard about your ordeal today..." Reyson trailed off. Sighing, Mihara crossed her arms and looked directly at Reyson. "First it was Dad and Shoen, then it was Ranulf, and now it's you. I wish everyone would stop blaming themselves for my recklessness!"
"...It's only because we all worry and care about you, Mihara. You're an amazing and beautiful girl - How could we not?" Reyson smiled, pushing a strand of hair behind Mihara's ear. A cool, gentle breeze began to blow and caught the two bird laguz's hair.
"...I'm not amazing, and I'm definitely not beautiful." Mihara eventually murmured in response, unable to look at Reyson. "Don't be so modest, Mihara. You are amazing and powerful, and I personally think you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met. That's the honest truth." Reyson gently held Mihara's chin between his fingers and made her look up at him.
"I don't need an answer right away. In fact, I want you to wait, so you can think about it thoroughly for a nice, long time. I want you to decide not because of my feelings, but because of your very own feelings. I don't care how long I have to wait, I'll wait patiently. Mihara, I... I really, really like you and I want to be with you... If you'll accept me."
"You... Want to be with me... Like, as in... My boyfriend?" Mihara blinked, surprised. She certainly didn't expect this. Reyson nodded, "Yes. Forever." he gingerly brushed his lips against Mihara's before claiming them as his own.
Mihara stiffened, even further surprised and unsure of what to do. She felt herself blush at least fifty different shades of red. Her heart was hammering in her chest at an inhumanely fast pace. Unable to decided what to do, Mihara cursed at herself mentally.
"...I understand. You aren't ready. You don't have to say or do anything right now. I know you must be very... Confused." Reyson whispered, kissing Mihara's forehead lightly before he stroked her hot cheek. "You're really cute when you blush - you know that, don't you?"
Mihara said nothing. She didn't understand why she now felt so nervous around her friend, who she would've felt just as comfortable around as her own father and brother not too long ago. Was it because he kissed her? That did change everything. What was she supposed to think? How could she possibly come back and act as though everything was normal, after he kissed her like that? This entire situation was too confusing and awkward.
But she wasn't sure if she could actually say she disliked the feeling of his mouth against hers.
"...Let's go back to Castle Begnion now, all right? Someone has probably noticed our absence by now, so we'd better go back before we worry them too much." Reyson took Mihara's hand.
"Reyson - " Mihara started, but Reyson shushed her, placing a finger on her lips. "There is a time and season for everything in this world - and this is neither the right time nor season. So wait, okay? Good things come to those who wait. Don't worry about me - Wait until you're sure you're ready."
With that, Reyson slowly began to take off, pulling Mihara into the air with him. "You'll know when you're ready, and you'll know when the time is right. All you have to do is make sure your decision is one you won't regret. Until then... I will wait for you, Mihara... Even if it's the last thing I do."
XxXxXxX
"And that's all I know about the subject at hand, sire."
Skrimir crossed his arms, thinking over the information that Ranulf had just reported back to him. The two beast laguz were in Skrimir's assigned sleeping quarters, having a brief discussion before they both turned in for the night.
"I see... So that is all that King Tibarn and Empress Sanaki are aware of right now..." Skrimir trailed off. "Yes. They both are still searching, but right now, unless we track down Mihara's antagonist, we have no way of knowing much else." Ranulf crossed his arms.
"However... Sir, I would like your permission for something."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I would like permission... To further conduct my own little research party."
"Is that so? For what reason?"
"I'm getting a very bad feeling. Everything that has happened today and how it all fits together, one way or another... It's no coincidence. There's... More. And if we plan to stay ahead of the game... We need to know what that 'more' happens to be."
"...Hm. Yes, you're right. I see your point."
"So I have your permission, then?"
"...Don't do anything stupid, Ranulf. I don't want to have to kill you."
"I won't, sir. Thank you."
"Ranulf," Skrimir stopped his right hand man as he began to walk out the door. "Yeah, Skrimir? I'm ready to catch up on some Z's." Ranulf yawned. "...Be careful. Don't do anything you'll come to regret. Don't get yourself in any sort of trouble. If you come across dire situations during your research, make wise decisions. Make sure you report any and all findings back to us. Immediately." Skrimir ordered.
"Yes, sir. I will, you have my word." Ranulf nodded. "If that is understood... Then you may be dismissed." Skrimir waved Ranulf off. "Good. I really am just bushed! See you later, Skrimir." Ranulf stretched, closing the door behind him.
"I'll definitely report back to everyone if I find something. There's no way I'd withhold vital information." The commander of the Gallian army thought as he strolled down the hallway. "But, Skrimir... I can't promise you I won't act alone... If worse comes to worse."
Me: Dun-dun-dun-dunnnnn!
Mihara: Dramatic setup... Question mark?
Me: xD Yes, dramatic set up! WARNING: Drama up ahead!
Mihara: Up ahead... Somewhere...
Me: Yeah... Somewhere... So, anyway. About the part where Mihara is commenting on how beautiful the moon is... So, here's the deal. SylphWindDancer was reading over my rough draft of this chapter in Biology class (I write most of these chapters down on paper before I type them, but they usually end up kind of different because I'm better at typing up a story than writing it), and she's like "Wow, did you read my latest chapter for Adjustments, because there's a part where Mihara is saying the same thing about the moon."
Mihara: (nod nod)
Me: So I'm like, "No, I haven't gotten a chance to read it, but wow, that's seriously freakish." and all. So, I wanted to make a disclaimer, in case anyone notices that, because I still have had yet to have a chance to get that far in SylphWindDancer's Adjustments story... I wrote that in the privacy of my bedroom, and I did not get that from her. When I write, everything simply comes to me poetically, and that paragraph came to me, just like all of my other writings and stories. I did not plagiarize off my best friend, just so everyone knows... So thanks! Just felt the need to mention that, in case any observant reader notices it.
Mihara: She no plagiarize, you no sue!
Me: Pretty much. Next up is the Greil Mercenaries! I know we all miss them and wonder how they're doing... :D
Mihara: Read and review, please!