HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wow my first chapter of 2012! This chapter is also dedicated to my very first reviewer of the new year! YuYuChan777 this fic will not be dropped/abandoned. Though I've started a revised version of it, I will still continue this one!
Now onward to the new chapter of the new year! But first, Gomenasai! I'm so sorry for making you wait so long for this chapter! Please say you'll forgive me!
Disclaimer: (Please see previous chapters)
Summary: The fight with Naraku ended a year ago and Kagome was pulled back into her own time. While she was on a 'forced' date with Hojo, Kagome was yanked down a puddle into ancient Hittite by an evil Queen wishing to sacrifice her. And just when she thought her life couldn't get any worse she becomes the 'concubine' of one the princes that reminds her of a certain perverted monk.
Kail and Kagome has been reunited and all is well until a messenger from Egypt comes bringing news that their queen wishes to marry one of the princes! Zannanza has won the competition and is being carried off to Egypt, but Nakia has other ideas.
Where the Sky and Red River Meet
Kagome sat in the large courtyard, staring absently at the sky and swirling her toes in the cool water of the pool below her. Zannanza-sama is going to be the king of Egypt… Kagome shifted her blue eyes behind her when she heard the high yet boyish voice of her young servant.
"Did you hear, Nee-chan? The new appointments for the other princes have been announced!" the boy rushed over to where his older sisters were. "Prince Piyasili will be governor of the newly acquired territory of Carchemish. Prince Telipinu will govern Halep."
"I had heard that Prince Juda was originally assigned to Carchemish, but Queen Nakia opposed it on account of his youth." Shalla commented.
"What about Prince Kail? What was his appointment?" Hadi questioned.
Tito grinned widely. "He will be the Gal Meshedi naturally. He's been officially appointed!"
The three women cheered loudly as Kagome rounded the corner. She paused as she overheard the say the Kail was appointed to his new position.
Gal Meshedi ka? Kail wanted Zannanza-sama to be his Gal Meshedi someday. And I… Kagome rushed into the room. "Where is Prince Kail-sama?"
"Kagome-sama!" Tito chirped, eager to answer the questions of the woman who save his life. "Kail-sama is greeting people who have come to congratulate him." Tito called out for the young woman when she turned on her heel and raced out of the room.
"Prince Kail. Congratulations on your appointment as Gal Meshedi."
"Congratulations, Prince Kail."
"Prince Kail-sama!"
Kail stopped greeting those who came to wish him the best as the voice of the only person who called by that title. Shifting on his heel, the third prince turned and spotted her. Kagome was running towards him, her midnight black hair flying out behind her and her sapphire eyes glittering. A smile spread over his lips, she was so beautiful.
"Prince Kail-sama, I have a favor to ask of you." Kagome panted, placing her hands on knees as she fought to catch her breath. "I wish to accompany Zannanza-sama to Egypt. I want to say my goodbyes to him. I'll return when we reach the border."
A golden eyebrow rose until it was hidden beneath a waterfall of blonde bangs, "What? You want to see him off? Kagome, Zannanza is going to Egypt to marry the queen. He cannot take a woman with him."
"I'm not just a woman! I'm Ishtar and a miko! I'm the Goddess of love and fertility and I can bless his union with the Queen. There should be nothing wrong with me escorting him!" Kagome argued before bowing her head. She couldn't help but to feel guilty about what happened, even though everyone tells her not to. The least she wanted was to see him off and wish him happiness.
Kail watched her facial features turn sad and he did not like it one bit. He preferred it when she smiled; it warmed his heart when he beamed up at him.
"That's finally over."
Zannanza's voice started the couple as they looked over at him.
The fourth prince sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. "I didn't realize greeting everyone at the temple would be so tiring."
"Zannanza-sama." Kagome breathed.
Hazel eyes blinked curiously. "What's the matter, Kagome, Nii-sama?"
The older blonde looked at Kagome before smiling at his younger brother. "Zannanza, Ishtar wishes to accompany you to the Egyptian border.
"Prince Kail-sama."
Zannanza shifted his bright hazel eyes to the young woman beside his brother. "Kagome wants to accompany me."
"Please accept her offer."
Kagome looked at the fourth prince with pleasing electric blue eyes. "Zannanza-sama… I truly wish to see you off. I can also bless you since I'm a miko."
The younger blonde smiled at the female, his eyes softening and kneeled, taking hold of her hand and placing a gentle kiss upon the back of it. "This is the best farewell gift I would for. Please, Ishtar-sama, grace my travels with your presence."
"Queen Nakia, the preparations are complete." Uruhi announced. "I handpicked these men from among your personal guard. They'll murder Prince Zannanza and his men and it look like the Egyptians did it. No one will ever suspect us." He smirked coldly. "When our people hear the news, they'll howl for war, and in the confusion, we'll enthrone Prince Juda. We shall kill two birds with one stone."
Nakia smiled evilly. "I like it." Pointing her thumb down towards the ground she addressed the soldiers. "Make sure you leave no witnesses, none of Zannanza's retinue must survive!"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"What a fine looking procession! Indeed!" a priest commented. "The Egyptians are sure to be impressed."
Hadi bowed before her princess. "Kagome-sama, we can't accompany you, but please have a safe trip.
Kagome smiled at the older woman. "Thank you Hadi-san."
"Nii-sama, I'm leaving now."
"Zannanza…"
The fourth prince's hazel eyes gleamed over with sadness as he addressed his beloved older brother. "Kail-nii-sama, forgive me for not fulfilling my promise to stay with you. I shall remember your dream, that there should be no more war in the orient. Even though I shall be living far away and may never see you again, but I shall try and so more for you than I could here. Together, we will make your dream come true."
Kail smiled after his younger brother's speech and shook his head. "Zannanza, when you become the king of Egypt our countries will be at peace, so we shall see each other whenever we wish."
Zannanza chuckled softly. "Of course. How did I forget that?"
Kagome watched in happy silence as the two blonde brothers enveloped one another in a brotherly embrace with a small smile teasing the corners of her lips. Zannanza-sama truly is Kail's most loyal brother. Kail loves and trusts him more than anyone else. She let her grin break free when Kail broke the hug and punched Zannanza lightly on the shoulder. Raising her hand into the air, Kagome announced, "Let's go!"
"Queen Nakia," Uruhi whispered. "They have departed."
"Good." Nakia smirked slightly. Her plan was coming into action. What she didn't plan was for her son to overhear their small conversation.
"Mother, what are you talking about?"
"Nothing you need to worry about." she remarked almost coldly.
Though Juda was used to his mother's coldness, he didn't like what he had heard and rushed to tell his brother. "Kail-nii!"
"What is it, Juda?"
Juda spoke in a frantic and hurried tone. "My mother is acting strangely. I…I know she doesn't like my Aniki very much, but I…"
Kail didn't allow the young boy to finish as he turned to face Kikkuri. The young servant nodded before bowing and rushed off.
"Kail-nii…" Juda said.
The older blonde smiled down at his youngest brother. "Don't worry, Juda. You should go home."
Juda nodded slowly and retreated back to his palace. No sooner than when the sixth prince left the room, Kikkuri ran back inside.
"Prince Kail, I've learned of something terrible. A detachment of the Queen's guard has left the city. A shepherd told me he saw them heading south." Kikkuri informed them of what he found out.
Kail cursed underneath his breath. "Queen Nakia means to kill Zannanza and Kagome in the desert!" he rushed to his room and grabbed his blade, barking out orders in a frantic tone. He would not allow Nakia to go through with her plans. Not when he was realizing his feelings for Kagome. Not when they involved his beloved brother. Never.
"We can't attack until the reach the Egyptian border?" a man with receding scraggly black hair questioned.
"Shut up. Just be sure you don't lose Zannanza's trail, got that?" a brunette scowled at the man.
A bald guard grinned smugly. "We'll be rewarded for each person we kill? And double for the prince and Ishtar?"
The brunette smirked over his shoulder at him. "Yes. And since we're going to kill them all, there will be plenty of gold for everyone." He blinked when he noticed something up ahead, blocking there path. "Oh, Prince Kail, sir. Why are you here, your Highness?"
Kail notched an arrow on his bow lazily. "I had a sudden urge to celebrate my brother's upcoming nuptial with a hunt." He sighed, smiling drunkenly. "But I'm afraid that I've drunk too much. I can't seem to control my aim."
As if on cue with him, Kail's soldiers pulled their strings taunt and aimed at the Queen's guards.
Kail opened his blazing, anger topaz eyes, glaring icily at the offending men. "I'm afraid that I may shoot someone's dogs by mistake. You men had better hurry back to Hattusa…for your own safety." Pulling back the string of his own bow, he took deathly aim at one of the men's chest. "Hurry back to your owner!"
The Queen's guards hurriedly snapped the reins of their horses and headed back to the Hittite Kingdom. "Y…Yes, your Highness!"
"What? Kail was able to intimidate my soldiers? Those cowards!" Nakia scowled and folded her arms below her chest in irritation.
Uruhi bowed before the queen and apologized. "You have my most humble apology. I'll discipline them and send other men immediately."
Nakia glanced over at her most loyal servant and a sly smile reached her blood red lips. "You needn't bother. I suspected something like this might happen, so I have a contingency plan in place."
"Prince Zannanza and Kagome-sama, would you like some more wine?" a servant offered to refill their cups.
"No thank you." The fourth prince declined.
Kagome smiled sweetly at the man, saying a word of thanks, but also refusing. "I'm fine, thank you."
Zannanza looked down at the small woman fondly, his bright hazel eyes locked with her cobalt orbs. "Kagome, it will take ten days for us to reach the Egyptian border. You're free to run back at any time."
"No, I will not. Zannanza-sama, I wish to be there when the Egyptians receive you. Once they do, I will bless you and return back to Hattusa." Kagome felt heat rise into her cheeks as she continued gaze into his clear light brown eyes. Even though she knew in her heart that she was in love with Kail, Kagome also knew that if she had met Zannanza first… maybe, just maybe, she would have fallen for him. How could any woman not fall for such a kind and loving man?
"How are the prince and his companions?" a guard whispered to other.
A dark haired man grinned evilly. "They suspect nothing. Good do nothing to arouse their suspicions."
The light haired one let out a sinister chuckle. "We'll serve them faithfully until we reach the border."
Zannanza leaned against a pillar gazing at the stars and marveling their beauty. He unconsciously compared their shining beauty to that of Kagome's and a small smile teased his lips. Kagome's beauty truly gave the stars a run for their gold.
"This is the last night you'll see the stars over Anatolia." Kagome soft melodious voice interrupted the prince's star gazing and he looked over his shoulder at her. "Are you sad to be leaving, Zannanza-sama?"
He pushed himself off of the wall and pulled his decorative cloak around his shoulder, protecting him from the chill of the night air. "No. We'll cross the desert tomorrow. Tonight will be the last time I'll sleep in a comfortable bed for a while."
Kagome moved to walk beside the fourth prince, her gazed kept low. "You act as if you are happy, but I can feel your aura's deep sadness. You are very noble to go and marry a woman you have never met for the sake of your country, but what of your own happiness."
"If I can't marry the only woman I've ever wanted, then it doesn't matter whom I marry."
Kagome cut her bright sapphire eyes at the tall male beside her as she whispered his name. Her mind brought up flashbacks of Zannanza's attempt to claim her as his own when he was under Nakia's influence. A bright red blush spread over her face as she recalled him declaring his love for her.
Zannanza stopped and turned to face her, "I want to carry you off and escape."
"Zannanza-sama…?" Kagome echoed his name again as she took a step back.
The blonde prince advanced upon her, trapping her against the wall and caging her head between his arms. "If we lived among the Nomads in the desert, no one would ever find us." His lips were inches from hers.
Kagome shivered as his warm breath fanned over her mouth. He was so close that all she had to do was lift her face and their lips would be connected. This time she wasn't afraid of the fourth prince, she trusted him and wanted to see him happy. "Zannanza-sama…if that will make you happy."
Zannanza pulled away from her slightly, seeing the sincere look in her dark blue eyes. A small chuckle escaped his throat before he removed himself from her person, laughing and holding his abdomen. "I'm, joking. If I were to disappear now, it would mean war between Egypt and the Hittite Empire."
Kagome puffed her cheeks out angrily. "Why you! I can't believe I! Uhg!"
The young man lowered his head, his long wavy bangs falling to shield his hazel eyes. "Anyway, if I don't send you back to my brother, he'd never forgive me. I fear that even more than war." he turned on his heel. "Good night. We'll be rising early tomorrow."
"Zannanza-sama!" When he turned back around to face her, Kagome acted quickly before she lost her nerve. Sliding her arms around her neck, she pressed her mouth to his in a small, light kiss.
The fourth prince was shocked at first, but he soon got over it and wrapped his arms around her slender waist and moved his lips over hers in a gentle manner. He felt his heart soar to the heavens. Zannanza never expected to receive such a touch from the woman he loved from the bottom of his heart. Though there was some guilt for kissing the woman his older brother was in love with, Zannanza could not bring himself to regret this.
Kagome pulled away from the blonde, her breath coming out in little puffs. "I know that you love me, but please love Queen Ankhesenamen just as much if not more than you do me. I only wish for your happiness."
"Kagome…" he placed a kiss on her forehead. "Thank you. Even though she isn't the one I truly wish to wed, I will love her and make her happy. I will do my best to be loved by her and her people. So I can live happily there."
"Zannanza-sama…" she pressed her face into his chest. "Are you sure that you are able. I hope that I haven't upset you with my actions."
He shook his head. "No, you did quite the opposite. I most likely would have wallowed in my sorrows of not fighting Nii-sama for you, but with this small token of your affection. I can live in Egypt alongside my future queen. I will keep the peace between the two countries and see that I will find happiness with her. So, don't worry your pretty little head." Zannanza unwound his arms from around her and moved away. "Good night again, Kagome."
Kagome smiled lightly and brought her hand to her lips. She will explain to Kail what she did and why. Kagome knew that she had betrayed Kail, but she did it for Zannanza's own happiness and that is what truly matters right now. She yawned and decided that she, too, should head to her bed, since they will be leaving at dawn's first light.
Unknown to her two traitors watched the entire thing that happened between the two and they laughed silently.
"Isn't that sweet. Ishtar has blessed the prince with happiness. Anyway, how will we kill them?"
"There are only five of us. It won't be easy for us to kill so many."
The other chuckled once more. "The Queen told me to lure them into the desert near the border and poison them. Once the poison has weakened them, we'll finish them off with our swords."
"Zannanza and his party must have reached the desert by now. He'll be dead in a day or two. I can hardly wait." Nakia cackled loudly as she sipped her wine from her goblet.
"Yes, but Prince Kail's men are watching you."
Nakia's cackles grew louder. "Let them watch. It's too late for Kail to do anything now. He can only pray that his brother and "concubine's" souls find rest. The desert swallows the bodies of those who die there."
"Prince Kail, please go to sleep. The Queen has done nothing suspicious since you returned." Kikkuri begged. It was late at night and staying up at this time was not healthy. He sighed when Kail shifted his eyes at him and back to the sky. If only Kagome-sama were here.
"I know, but Nakia never rests."
Hadi stepped forward, her twin sisters falling in line behind her. "If Prince Zannanza doesn't make it to Egypt, it will mean trouble. I'd like to believe that the Queen has given up."
"So would I." Kail divulged. "But, I know her too well. I can't eat or sleep for worrying."
Kagome fanned herself as the unforgiving sun beat down upon her skin, almost as if it wanted to cook her flesh. "Ugh, it's so hot! It's almost like it's an ocean of sand! Remind me to never get lost out here; I'd be a mummy in less than a day!"
"Ishtar-sama, there is an oasis a short way from here." A guard pulled his stallion up beside hers and grinned. "Would you like to go there and refresh yourself?"
"Nani?" she turned her to look at the carriage. "I don't need a break, yet. What about you, Zannanza-sama."
The red curtain slid back, revealing the fourth prince's handsome face. "It's dangerous to leave the caravan trail. To get lost in this desert is certain death."
"It's not far." He begged. "Your Highness, we must rest. Please let us go."
Zannanza frowned, he didn't want to leave the trail, but his men did look tired and weary. Kagome was looking no better. Her pale skin was pink from the sun's rays and covered in a light sheen of sweat. Those beautiful blue eyes were glazed with fatigue. He sighed. "Very well. We'll take a short break."
-A few hours later-
"Hmm…strange. The oasis should be around here. We may need to go a little farther."
Zannanza denied the action. "No, it's too risky. Let's forget the oasis and return to the road."
"Yes, your Highness, but we are so thirsty. May I serve wine to everyone?" one of the traitor's sneered behind his hand when the prince gave him the okay, but told him to be quick about it. "We shall be."
"Drink up! There's plenty for all."
"Ahh, that is refreshing!"
"You too, your Highness."
Zannanza accepted the cup with gratitude.
"And you Ishtar-sama." The traitor offered her a goblet.
"No, thank you. I don't drink." She gave him an apologetic smile. Kagome had a bad feeling about these men; they were acting a bit too friendly and were more forceful about getting their way.
The man smiled albeit too widely and offered her to goblet once more. "Ishtar-sama, I insist. I don't wish for you to suffer dehydration."
Kagome frowned. "I said I don't want any!"
"Uhg!"
"Ah, Zannanza-sama!" Kagome gasped as she pushed the man out of her way and rushed to the crumpling prince's side. She saw the bluish tint of his lips and covered her mouth. Chikuso! The wine was poisoned. Kagome heard the sounds of the men screams and her eyes flashed pink with her powers. They were traitors among them. "What the hell are you doing?"
"We bare no grudge against Prince Zannanza or Ishtar-sama, but you have to die."
A man rushed at Kagome, but she sidestepped the attack and lifted her leg, kicking him in the back. "Zannanza-sama, please just stay down. I'll handle these traitors." She placed two fingers to her lips and whistled.
Aslan rushed over to his master, following her call. Once the midnight colored stallion was near her, Kagome pulled her blade from it's sheathe. The miko twisted on her heel and clashed swords with another traitor with dirty brown hair. She pushed him away and swept his feet from underneath him. Once he was down, she showed him no mercy and drove her blade through his stomach.
"That was for the men you slaughter." She gasped when Zannanza let out a choked cough as he struggled to breathe. "Zannanza-sama, please hold on."
"Hehehe, the queen's poison works well. Even if you succeed in defeating us, the poison will kill the prince." Another traitor taunted.
Kagome felt her reiki flare up and she was almost positive that it was visible in pale violet waves. "Nakia is behind this. Doesn't she realize that if Zannanza-sama doesn't make it to Egypt that will mean war!"
The fourth prince saw a defector sneak up behind the woman and struggled to his feet, his head swimming. He took his own blade and stabbed the man in the shoulder. "Kagome run from here and tell Nii-sama what's happened."
"I'm not leaving you!"
Zannanza sliced another man across his neck, splitting open his jugular vein. "Go! Only you can advert a needless war! Niii-sama is dedicated to peace and so am I! That is also another reason why I chose to go to Egypt!" he swayed on his feet as he quickly moved over to the female and lifted her up onto Aslan's saddle.
"Zannanza-sama! Stop!"
He smacked the horse on the rear end, urging it to run before she could climb off. "Go, Aslan!"
The surviving three traitors took out their bow and arrows, taking aim at the stallion. "Don't let her get away! Kill her!"
Three arrows embedded themselves into the animal's side and it fell to the ground. One of the men rushed at Kagome with a spear.
"Die Ishtar!"
Kagome closed her eyes and waited for the pain to envelope her, but it never came. Something wet and warm dripped onto her face and she open one eye. What she saw made both of her eyes shoot open. "Zanna…nza-sama…?"
The prpince shielded her body with his, taking the spear into his back and out through his chest. "Kagome…please…I must…send you back…to Nii-sama…" his hazel eyes closed for a final time and did not open as his breathing slowed until it finally stopped.
Tears collected in her sapphire eyes. "No…" Zannanza can't be dead. He just can't! "Zannanza!" three hollow thumps sounded as an immense pain filled Kagome. She had been shot. Kagome slumped over, falling to the ground beside Zannanza.
"Success! I killed both the prince and Ishtar! I'll live as a king!" a red headed traitor sneered. The gold is all mine!" He twisted around and brought his blade down on his own comrades. "Queen Nakia commanded me to kill all witnesses." The traitor laughed smugly and climbed on his horse and raced off.
Kagome twitched, her reiki flooding into the wound and closing it up. "I must go…I must save Zannanza…He has to be the King of Egypt." She rose up on her elbows, her eyelids still heavy from the blood she lost. "So, sleepy…" the miko fell back into the ground and closed her eyes.
A sandstorm began to pick up.
"I killed both Prince Zannanza and Ishtar! The queen will reward me well for this!" the surviving traitor gloated. "So what if it leads to war?" the wind blew harshly, sand flying into his and the horse's eyes. "A sandstorm…perfect timing. The sand will bury the evidence."
Kagome moaned when sand brushed over her wound, striking the arrow and causing it to move slightly. The sand is covering us. No, I have to save Zannanza-sama…he's going to be king of Egypt and rule it to bring peace to the land! I can't allow the sand to bury him! "Zannanza-sama…"
Aslan's ear twitch at the sound of his mistress's voice and he struggled to stand. Once he made it to his feet, he trotted over and scooped her up on his back.
"As…lan?" Kagome opened her eyes, her vision bleary, but she felt the soothing aura of the stallion. "Aslan…I know it is a lot to ask of you, but please…you must gather Zannanza-sama as well…"
The black horse snorted. She was enough for him to carry; a little extra weight shouldn't be much of a problem. He scuttled over to the body of the deceased prince and lowered his head to lift him onto his back as well. His legs bucked under the weight, but he fought to remain standing. His mistress asked a favor of him and he will do well to honor it.
Aslan walked slowly to accommodate the weight and before long he was far away from the place that would have been their burial site.
Kagome opened her eyes as she felt herself being carried. "Aslan?"
The horse whinnied softly.
She lifted her head up and spotted Zannanza's body draped over the stallion's body alongside hers. She smiled weakly. "Thank you, my friend. Please stop so that I may treat your wounds."
At that moment Aslan collapsed onto the ground, tired and weary from traveling so far and long with him being injured. Kagome slid off of the animal's back, reaching up to tug Zannanza's limp body off as well. She lifted her hand and brushed his long blonde hair out of his face, "Zannanza-sama…" Aslan's pain filled whinny echoed through her ears and she gave the fallen prince one last look before tending to the animal's wounds. "It's not much, but I'll alleviate the pain you feel." The miko closed her eyes and concentrated on bringing forth her healing ki.
Her palms began to glow silver with her reiki and she smiled. Kagome was worried that since she hadn't practiced or trained with her miko abilities that they wouldn't work correctly. The dark haired girl pressed her hands onto Aslan's body and let her ki flow into the stallion. When she began to nod off she stopped her reiki, and removed her hands in favor of stroking the horse's long neck gently. "There, I couldn't fully heal your wounds, but you should be able to bear the pain easier."
Aslan lifted his head and nuzzled his mistress's face gently. Kagome giggled and ran her fingers through his long, black mane. Her eyes turned somber as she shifted her gaze back to Zannanza's body. "It's now or never…" She moved over to the prince's body and reached for the broken spear jutting from his chest when dizziness clouded her mind. Shimatta, I used to mush energy… The last thing she heard was her stallion giving a worried whine as he lifted her and Zannanza onto his back once more.
"The Hittite Prince and his party still haven't arrived?" an Egyptian nobleman exclaimed. "We've journeyed all the way to from Thebes to receive them!"
A small crown of the nobleman began to crowd together.
"They've kept us waiting for days! Perhaps Suppiluliumas has deceived us."
"If he has, he shall pay a heavy prince."
A tanned Egyptian with heterochromatic eyes glanced over at the men and scoffed, placing his sword on his shoulder. "What are the ministers whining about now? Don't they realize what a disaster it will be to have a foreigner sit on the throne of Egypt? I'd be happy if this Zannanza never showed up."
"Commander, you're speaking too loudly." A soldier grimaced. "As the commander of the Hittite Prince's escort you…"
The gold and sepia eyed man shrugged his shoulders. "My feelings are no secret. Whoever assigned me to this was a fool." He walked over to a pale brown horse and hopped on its back.
"Commander, where are you going?"
"They sat the Nomad Women around here are quiet comely. I intend to discover if that's true." The commander stated nonchalantly.
"But you mustn't sir! We'll all be in trouble if they find you've left!"
His heterochromatic eyes pierced the two subordinates. "Tell those peacocks I've gone to look for the Prince. I can't stand this boring place another moment!" he snapped the reins and the stallion sped off.
"Commander!"
"Should we let him go?" one of the Egyptians asked timidly.
"How can we stop him?"
"Our Commander believes that Egypt should only belong to Egyptians. And he's been vocal in his opposition to a Hittite king."
The other man spoke up. "Should he run into the Hittite Prince and his party…he might use the opportunity to kill him."
A nervous laugh. "You're not serious…are you?"
"Halt!"
"Who goes there?"
Two Hittite guards rushed to stop the intruder in their lands before coming to halt when they saw who was draped over the horse limply.
"That man is…one of the guards who accompanied Prince Zannanza!"
"What's he doing here?"
Uruhi appeared from the corridor. "I'll take care of him. Go report this to the Emperor."
"Priest Uruhi!" they bowed. "Forgive the inconvenience, but Thank you, sir. Let's go!"
The golden haired man looked down at the panting man. "Welcome home. You know what to do now."
The man smirked. "Yes sir. I'll tell them the Egyptians did it."
"Good now take this with you. You word may not be enough." Uruhi pulled an arrow out of his cloak. "This is an Egyptian arrow. Present it to his Majesty as evidence."
"What? Zannanza's party was attacked by the Egyptians?" the Emperor's booming voice could be heard all throughout Hattusa. "Are you certain my son was killed?"
The traitor bowed lowly and lied through his teeth. "Yes, your Majesty…most cruelly by an Egyptian soldier's spear. I'm sorry to bring you such unhappy tidings."
"Damn! This means war!" the emperor cursed. "They tricked us! Just as I suspected they might!"
Kail raised his hand to object. "Please wait, Father! We should investigate this matter carefully…"
"Your Majesty…look at this!" the man presented the arrow. "I brought it back as evidence. It's one of the arrows the Egyptian soldiers shot as us."
The third prince received the arrow for the defector.
"That is an Egyptian arrow!" the emperor bellowed. "How dare the deceive us and murder my son! Damn Egyptians, they'll pay dearly for this!" his dark oak eyes blazed with anger. "I shall lead our armies myself! The Egyptians want war and they shall have it!"
"This means war!"
"Prepare for battle! Hurry up!"
The real murderer of the fourth Hittite prince smirked at the angry comments of the other soldiers and be proceeded to sling his way out…that is until a silky masculine voice stopped him.
"Is it true that my brother…and all those with him were slain?"
He spun around, quickly falling into a bow. "P-Prince Kail. It is true, I'm very sorry." Bowing once more he made his escape. "Pardon me, your Highness. I must prepare to leave with the expedition."
"All of them were killed?" Hadi questioned.
Tito lowered his head, his dark curly bangs shielding his dark brown eyes. "Even Kagome-sama…?"
"I can't believe it…" the twins stated simultaneously.
Kikkuri balled his fists. "I'll ready our war gear, Prince Kail!"
"Strange…" Kail's voice stopped the young servant. "How do you suppose he made it back when everyone else was killed?"
"Kail-sama…" Tito commented from beside his sisters.
"If what that man says is true, I'll destroy Egypt with my own hands!" the third prince stormed out of the room. "But first, I want to confirm his story. I'm going to Emesa!" Kagome and Zannanza dead? I can't believe it! There must be some mistake!
Kagome moaned as she began to emerge from her forced slumber. "Aslan, please stop." she raises her hand to cover her eyes; the sun was beginning to give her a headache. "I need to heal Zannanza-sama."
The stallion gave an affirmative whinny and lowered his body to the ground and allowed his mistress to slide off his back. Kagome reached up and stroked his neck affectionately.
"Thanks buddy."
The miko sighed as she set her gaze on the Hittite prince. Running her finger through her hair, she sent a mental prayer to the kamis that the jewel will allow this selfish wish and not be corrupted. She splayed her fingers and rested one on his forehead and one on his chest. Kagome closed her eyes and searched deep with her soul for the essence of the Shikon.
"What is it you want, child?"
Kagome twisted around and came face to face with the form the Shikon decided to take on whenever she comes to personally wish upon it. This time it has come to her the embodiment of two people.
Her sworn enemy, Naraku and the miko who created it, Midoriko.
The young miko scowled at the persona of Naraku and bowed when she slid her eyes over to the other warrior miko.
"Midoriko-sama. I ask of the Shikon to restore the life of the fallen prince of the Hittite Empire, Zannanza Hattusili."
Naraku sneered at the young woman. "And why should it do that? The Shikon is not a plaything for a child such as you."
The warrior miko placed a delicate hand on the kumo youkai's arm. "Hush. Higurashi Kagome, you do realize that this is a selfish wish and will have consequences?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes, I know, but, I will gladly give up anything to save this man."
"Little girl, I hope you know what you are doing, but we will allow this wish." Naraku started.
"And we will take something of value to you, but it won't be until later." Midoriko finished.
Together they said, "We, the embodiments of the Shikon, grant life back to Zannanza Hattusili, fourth prince of the Hittite Empire."
There was a blinding white light and a gentle voice told the young miko to wake up.
"…gome. Kagome, wake up please."
The dark haired girl groaned as she struggled to open her eyes. "W...who…" she caught sight of flowing blonde hair and one name immediately passed her lips. "Kail…?"
A low chuckle. "No, I'm afraid that I am not Nii-sama, Kagome."
She shot up like a bullet. "Zannanza-sama!" when she looked into the prince's bright hazel eyes she lunged at him in a furious hug. "I'm so glad that you are okay."
"I wish I could say the same for you." he gently touched the arrow protruding from her back.
Kagome winced slightly at the small touch, but laughed it off. "It's fine. I've been shot in the same place once before." her expression turned somber. "Zannanza-sama, you must go to Egypt and stop the war that's going to happen with Hattusa."
"Yes, I know, but I can't just leave you here. And there's only one horse, Aslan, and he only listens to you." Zannanza stated.
The miko snapped her fingers after a moment's hesitation. This may further my consequences, but I must do it. "I know, I'll ask the jewel to bring you your stallion."
Hazel eyes widened. "Can you really do that?"
She nodded. "Yes. Now please step back." Kagome closed her eyes and was transported back into the realm of the Shikon.
Zannanza watched intently as the young woman before him seemed to leave her body as she slumped to the ground. At first he was worried that she had passed out from the heat, but when he heard her slow even breaths the fourth prince knew that she was merely sleeping. He waited and soon he heard a shrill whinny and he twisted around, spotting his peach colored horse. "Kagome, you did it."
Kagome panted slightly. "Yes, now please hurry. Go to Egypt and tell them that you was ambushed, but managed to get away. I will go to Hattusa to stop the war that will come."
The blonde prince nodded and climbed upon his stallion's back. "Please be safe, Kagome." He snapped the reins, startling the animal into a run. "I will always love you, Higurashi Kagome, Ishtar of the Hittites."
She waved weakly. "May the Goddess's blessings be with you, my Prince." Once Zannanza was out of eye-shot, Kagome slumped to the ground. I can't move…The arrow must have been laced with poison. A shadow casted over the young miko and she lifted her head, spotting a tanned man riding upon a pale brown horse. "Please. Help me."
"What's a woman doing here? She doesn't look like a Nomad."
Kagome put on her best acting face, not sure if this man could be trusted, so she gave him minor details of what happened. "I…I was accompanying the Hittite's fourth prince, Zannanza-sama, but our caravan was attacked. Please help me. I must report this in to Hattusa."
The man's eyes widened a bit before he burst out into load chuckles. "The prince's party was attacked? Good! How embarrassing it must have been for the Hittite soldiers to be defeated by bandits." he snapped the reins, turning away from Kagome.
"Matte!"
"You are none of my concern girl."
"You…you…cruel jerk!" Kagome screamed after him.
"If the Hittite prince is dead, what wonderful luck!" the Egyptian pulled of the cloth he used to block the sun's rays with revealing his short golden blonde hair. "I doubt our Queen will try to marry a foreigner again." He splashed water onto his face. "Now I can finally go home to Memphis. I'll return to my troops tomorrow and wrap up this pointless mission."
The young man was startled when he was held prisoner by his own blade, looking up at the person who dared to do such a thing, he gaped slightly.
"You will take me to Hattusa."
"The girl from the desert."
Kagome swayed on her feet, breathing harshly. Going to visit the Shikon always took a lot out of her, and having a poison laced arrow embedded in an old wound was not helping. "I have yo go to Hattusa…otherwise war will…"
The man's heterochromatic eyes narrowed. This woman is amazing…I wasn't able to sense her presence at all… Quickly he grabbed her arm and swung her down to the ground, taking his sword from her in the process. "What an audacious woman you are to threaten a soldier when you can barely stand! Why don't you just give up? It seems to me you're destined to die here." He began to walk away when something took hold of his ankle.
"I refuse to die here!" she panted. "I will not die here!"
The young soldier allowed his jaw to hang open. "What are you saying, woman?"
Kagome lifted herself off the ground, taking hold of the bronze chain hanging from the Egyptian's throat. "I will hate you even more than I do than my sworn enemy if you leave me here to die." Hot, angry tear began to flow down her face. "I have to get back to Hattusa! I can't allow myself to die here!" that last scream took up most of her energy and the young miko slumped forward.
Heterochromatic eyes widened as the girl fell before him, her back towards him and showing the arrow the still protrude from her flesh. "What manner of woman is she?"
Kagome felt consciousness seep back into her body as a man's hand gently placed her on a cloth. Kail...no, Kail is in Hattusa. Who is this touching me? Her sapphire eyes snapped open as the sounds of her shirt being sliced filled her ears. "Get your hands off me, Hentai!" she sat up quickly, groaned as the movement caused the arrow to shift.
"I was only trying to tend to your wound."
Kagome gasped as she looked at the strange, yet handsome Egyptian man in front of her. His eyes…gold and sepia…they're heterochromatic… she noticed that his hair was a glittering blonde and Kagome vaguely wondered why everyone had blond hair. Kail, Zannanza-sama, Hadi-san, Nakia, Juda-kun, even Ilbani-san has blonde hair!
"Hold still. Let me pull that arrow out for you. If I don't do it now, I will be much more difficult later, because you flesh will harden." He placed his hand on her arm.
The miko slapped it away. "I don't care. Just keep your hands to yourself, Egyptian."
Gold and sepia eyes narrowed as the Egyptian soldier frowned. "You little wildcat. You held onto my leg and threatened to hate me more than your sworn enemy, and now you tell me not to touch you?"
"I don't need you to treat my wound, just take me to Hattusa, or at least the nearest town with a Hittite governor, please! I must get in contact with Prince Kail-sama or war will break out between the Hittite Empire and Egypt." she let out the part about Zannanza heading to Egypt to tell them what happened because of their first meeting.
The Egyptian walked over to Aslan and began to pull out the leftover arrows in his body. "War? Tell me what happened. The Hittite prince was murdered? Who killed him?"
"I cannot tell you that…just take me somewhere I can contact Prince Kail-sama before they think the Egyptians did it."
The tanned soldier smirked. "I see. There's a feud within the Hittite Royal Family, eh? That's a familiar tale." His heterochromatic eyes locked with Kagome's sapphire orbs. "But I would welcome war. War allows us soldiers to win honor and fame. Anyway, the rulers of Egypt and the Hittite empire are all corrupt. I hope they kill each other."
"Kail is not corrupt!" Kagome shouted. "I am the one who truly knows why Zannanza-sama decided to go to Egypt! I won't let this war destroy his dream!"
"Oh how kind I am…I could've been enjoying myself with several beautiful Nomad Women in an oasis by now." he grumbled below his breath. "So why am I traveling through the desert with the small girl with an arrow in her back?"
Kagome glared at the man, her eyes dark as the night sky. "Stop complaining, Ejiputo heishi. No one liked a whiner."
His brow ticked with anger. What did she just call me? I could just leave her here…? He looked back at her, seeing her breathing coming out in harsh pants. That arrow…it must have been poisoned…
"Ne, Ejiputo heishi, talk to me otherwise, I'll faint."
He snapped. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a pain? Stop calling me that, my name is…"
Kagome cut him off. "Don't tell me your name. I'm too dizzy to remember it properly.
The man gritted his teeth, before a thought traveled through his mind and a faint blush spread across his face. "By the way, I heard a woman believed to be Ishtar was accompanying the prince. Was she very beautiful? Seeing her was the only thing I was looking forward to on this assignment…"
She sighed. "I'm her."
"What? But I heard she was the third prince's concubine."
"That's correct."
"But they say the third prince could have any woman he desired…"
Kagome rolled her eyes. "Yes, he could, but there's only one Ishtar and that's me."
"You must be lying?" he exclaimed.
Kagome felt sweat rolling down her temple when she felt the slight depression coming off the man as his image of Ishtar broke away to reveal her. Hentai…
The Egyptian soldier stole a glance at the woman. She is Ishtar? Actually, when she isn't showing her fangs, she's more like a young desert gazelle than a wildcat. And still pretty for a fifteen year old child. An unreadable expression coated his tanned face. At any rate, little girl, your Hittite prince and I have different taste in women.
"Will you quit dawdling, Ejiputo heishi!" Kagome noticed movement up ahead. "What's that?"
"They're Bedouins. They seem to be on the move." The Egyptian explained. "That's strange. They don't normally travel during this season." He strolled his horse over to the dark cloaked men. "Ho! What's happening?"
"War! There's going to be a war! The Hittite armies are coming! And the Egyptians are preparing to fight back."
Kagome's eyes widened. Zannanza-sama, hasn't made it yet? "Iie. I have to stop it…I have to get to Kail…"
The tanned man placed his hand over her shoulder, holding her upright. "Easy now, you're injured! Take it slowly."
The miko fell against the man's chest, yelping at the pain when the arrow moved deeper into her flesh. "I have to stop this senseless war!"
"The Hittite troops have formed to the north of the town, and the Egyptians to the south." Tito observed, this was the first time he was allowed to leave the palace. "In a situation like this anything can happen."
Ryui brought her knuckled to her teeth, worrying them. "Will there be war, Kikkuri?"
"The chestnut haired man gritted his teeth. "Today's talks will decide that."
Zannanza's alive! I could not let him die! He's just too awesome! Again I apologize for the long wait for this fic, but I swamped with so many things right now that I probably won't be able to keep my normal schedule for this fic.
I'm truly sorry.
Anyway, I hoped you liked how I kept Zannanza in this story, now I just have to figure out exactly what I'm going to do with him.
I'll let you decide for me instead.
Should Zannanza…
Stay in Hattusa with Kail and Kagome
Go to Egypt to be king
Go and search for his own princess
Tell me in your reviews!
P.S. I wanted to post this before my birthday tomorrow and I did! Now my roommate can STOP nagging me about it. You know who you are….
~TLK