Okay so here's the next chapter...I'm not going to lie. I don't really no where I want to go with this from here...so it might be a while till the next chapter. Sorry.
He glanced up, irritated. Was everyone around here incompetent? Send someone to accomplish a simple task and they end up captured. Good thing he had a man follow Derrick, to stop him from talking—just in case. The Major looked around his encampment, displeased. They had followed shortly after he had sent Derrick off after the girl, wanting to hear of the results immediately.
"Major!"
The Major turned to look over his shoulder as his lieutenant came running; skidding to a halt in front of him. "Major" the lieutenant gasped, slightly out of breath.
"What is it lieutenant?"
"The men are getting restless and they're concerned about the G'ladheon as well. They want to know what you plan to do. They want results." The lieutenant backed away slightly, afraid of the Major's response.
"They want results, do they?" the Major growled, "They'll get their results. Send for me the Black Ravens."
The lieutenant's eyes widen, "T-t-the Black Ravens?" he gasped cowardly, "B-but don't they only go on the top priority missions?"
The Major's eyes narrowed, "Is this not a top priority lieutenant?" he waited for a moment, "WELL?"
"O-of course, you're right, top priority. I'll go get them right away." he stammered, scrambling backwards.
"Of course I'm right. Now fetch them immediately." Imbecile he thought miserably, a complete imbecile.
O-O-O-O-O-O
Laren waited patiently for Zachary to speak. Watched as he just sat there, long legs crossed, fingers linked propping up his chin, gazing out of his window...calculating. She wanted to speak; after standing there for 20 minutes in silence, she was starting to get extremely nervous. Just when it felt like she couldn't take any more, he opened his mouth to talk.
"How long have you known me Laren?" he asked nonchalantly.
Laren stared in confusion at his random question, "Excuse me, Sire?"
"I asked, Laren, how long have you known me?" he repeated, his voice a bit firmer.
She counted off the years silently in her head, "Since you were just a boy, Sire."
He continued to stare out away from her, "Since I was a boy..." He repeated, nodding his head in affirmation. "I believe it is safe to say, that within that time span, we've grown to know each other relatively well, wouldn't you?"
Again, she looked at him in confusion. "Yes…Sire." Her words drew out slowly in uncertainty.
"Good, good." He said, suddenly turning towards her so swiftly, that it caused her to jump slightly. "So tell me Laren…what do you think of me?"
Laren's eyes widen, he wanted to know what she thought of him. Something about this screamed trap but Laren couldn't figure out what. She answered hesitantly, searching for any sign from him that she might have answered wrong. "I think you're a strong, loving leader…much better than what your brother would have been…You're fair and just, surprising me every so often by coming up with a solution when it seems like there is no other choi—"
"Would you say Captain," she cringed at his suddenly severe and formal tone, "that I would be willing to die for my country?"
"What?" she asked incredulously.
"Answer the question Captain."
"Y-yes, I believe you proved you'd be willing to two years ago, with Amilton and the Eletian...Yes, you're more than willing to do what it takes for your country, for Sacoridia."
"I'm glad to hear you think that Captain, because you destroying my letters had me thinking otherwise." He rose out of chair, his eyes now boring down deep into hers.
"Y-you know?" Laren whispered, suddenly terrified.
His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Did you honestly think I wouldn't find out Captain?"
"I-I…I didn't—"
"WELL Captain? Did you, or did you not believe I wouldn't find out?" he demanded, his voice no longer his cool, in control usual.
Laren straightened back her shoulders, standing as tall as she could, "I didn't think about you finding out," she answered truthfully, "only that you were potentially jeopardizing the nation, and causing emotional pain to yourself and my Rider. I'd do it again, if I had to." And she knew her words were true as soon as she voiced them. There was no way she could have gone through with what she did, without being completely certain is was the correct choice.
Zachary was now glaring at her, "So you admit it then? Did you not just say moments ago, that I would do anything for my country?"
"I did."
"So then tell me Captain Mapstone, why you would take it into your own personal sense of duty to destroy my letters, if you think me capable of doing what is right for Sacoridia?"
Laren glared back, "Though you are capable, it doesn't mean you wouldn't slip. Doesn't mean you wouldn't let your feelings for Karigan get the better of you, and make the wrong decision."
"If you really felt that way, then you should have come and talked to me. Now however, you leave me with the question of whether I can trust you or not."
"You can trust me!" He must understand that she was only protecting him from himself! That she would do anything to protect him.
"No…" he whispered sorrowfully; causing Laren more agony than when he was yelling at her. "…I cannot…You're dismissed, but this is far from over, Laren." He said turning away from her.
Laren shut her eyes tightly, "Of course, Sire." before quickly making her way out. The rift between them, that had mended after her ability had gone haywire, was now inexplicably destroyed. He would never again be her moonling.
O-O-O-O-O-O
Zachary paced his study in frustration. Nothing was going right. There were so many questions. How could Laren do this to him? How could she not trust him to do what was right? The biggest question, what was he going to do about it? He had seen the toll it had taken on the Green Riders, when their Captain had been incapacitated over the summer; how strained the Riders had looked. Seen the toll it had taken on Karigan; even though she had managed to pull the Riders together to overcome it.
That was another problem. She was on his mind even more so than ever. He wanted to go to her, to ask her why. Why did she kiss him back, only to run? Karigan loved him, he knew. He had seen it in her eyes—felt it when she had kissed him. Yet there had also been something between her and Alton at one point, how strong, he did not know. Did she still feel something for him? At least they were on an equal playing field now, if she wanted someone else, at least she did so knowing how he truly felt about her.
"Fastion…" Zachary called softly, knowing his Weapon would hear.
A shadowy figure pulled away from the darkness positioning itself in front of him. "What is it your Majesty?"
"I assume you know what happened between me and Karigan in the library." Zachary asked point blankly.
"We Weapons aren't old maids swapping tales." He stated flatly.
Zachary raised one eyebrow, "Fastion…" he said amused.
"I might have a vague idea of what happened. We only share information for security purposes I assure you. And only amongst ourselves." A slight smile tugged at the corner of Fastion's mouth.
Zachary grinned, "Nevertheless, because of this incident, I don't think it would be wise if I train Karigan for awhile. I'd like you to, in my stead. Follow my instructions and…take some inspiration from Drent if you must. Help her take her mind off things, release her stress."
Fastion couldn't control the smile that spread across his face now. "I'll do whatever it takes, Sire."
O-O-O-O-O-O
Karigan rolled over to her stomach, hugging her pillow tightly over her head. "Go away!" she groaned as light peeked in through the curtains landing right where her head rested. Why does the sun always seem to get here so early? She wondered miserably as she dragged herself out of bed.
Groggily, she managed to make it over to her bathroom without tripping or running into anything. Red, puffy eyes stared back at her, as she examined herself in the mirror.
"Five hells, I look awful." She stated miserably.
Karigan had cried through most the night, over her torn emotions for her King; every part of her yearned for him. There was only a tiny piece that remained stubborn, holding on to reason, refusing to yield to her desires. Yet she refused to do anything, unless she was one hundred percent sure it was the right thing to do.
Still…she had learned over the years as a Green Rider that love didn't always have to be like her mother's and father's, to be pure and meaningful. Just because life put obstacles in between lovers, shouldn't they strive to be together in whatever way they can? Karigan sighed, she had little personal experience with love but she didn't think things should be so difficult.
"Zachary…"she whispered, testing the feel of his name on her lips. "Maybe I should go talk to him…"
Karigan hurriedly bathed and dressed—wanting to look her best—rushing her way to the door. Bumping into something tiny, she stumbled backwards in surprise.
"Eva!" she gasped, spying the short brunette girl. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you since after the dance."
Eva cocked her head slightly in confusion, "I thought you didn't like people waiting on you?"
Karigan laughed, "Well, you're right but it was nice having someone to talk to in this place. You don't have to wait on me, in order for us to hangout do you?"
"Well no…" Eva's face lit up, "You mean we're friends?"
"Well of course we are silly!" Karigan smiled at her, amused she would think otherwise.
The sprite size girl jumped up and down giddily, "I'm so happy!"
Karigan chuckled, "So why are you here anyways…if you thought I didn't want to see you?"
Eva blinked, her reasoning forgotten. "Um…oh I remember!" she squealed excitedly, "One of the Weapons—I think his name was Fastone or was it Fastine?" she rambled on.
"Do you mean Fastion?" Karigan suggested hopeful. She was on extremely good terms with the Weapons, getting most to greet her when she passed, even if they were on duty—they had even gone so far as to say that she was an honorary Weapon—but the one she felt closest too was Fastion. Perhaps because he was the first one she had met, or the one who opened up the most to her…It didn't matter, whatever Fastion needed her for; she would do what she could to help.
"Yeah that was his name! An extremely good looking fellow to, do you know him? Maybe you could introduce us?" Eva asked optimistically.
"Sure, sure" Karigan laughed at her buoyant little friend, "But what did he want?"
"Oh yeah, sorry, forgot. As I was saying, Fastion wanted me to inform you that you will be training with him for an indefinite time, starting today. You're to meet him in the instructor's yard in an hour's time."
"What?" Karigan gasped, hurt by what this could mean. The only reason Fastion could be training her was because King Zachary didn't want to see her. Her face dropped slightly in disappointment, but she quickly forced a mask into place; not wanting Eva to think there was anything wrong with her.
"Can I come with and watch?"
"What?" Karigan asked again, this time dazed and slightly shamed from being caught off guard.
"Can I come with?" Eva repeated, her eyes suddenly growing in size and her bottom lip forming into a pout. "Please?" she begged, drawing the word out.
Karigan rolled her eyes, "I suppose." She mumbled with a slight smile.
Eva pounced on her, "Oh thank you! Thank you! I can't wait to watch you in action!"
Karigan groaned, maybe it wasn't such a good idea to let Eva follow.
Karigan returned to her rooms later that evening, completely battered and bruised. She hadn't expected Fastion to go easy on her, but she hadn't expected him to be that rough. Slowly she made her bath, grateful that King Zachary had piped water like the bathrooms in Selium. Swiftly she disrobed and slipped into the barely bearable hot water, thinking over the different teaching styles that she had undergone throughout her years.
Arms Master Rendle was unquestionably the best teacher. He explained things in ways that made it easy for her to learn. Arms Master Gresia was a kind woman—who reminded Karigan slightly of Captain Mapstone—who was pleased when any of her students perfected a move or technique. However it didn't seem as much of a challenge with her. Drent was pure hell, she was certain. He pushed her to the edge, but she had to admit that she had improved greatly because of him.
King Zachary had been a good teacher—much like Master Rendle—but Karigan had felt too awkward around him, fearing to make a mistake in his presence. Fastion, on the other hand, seemed to have been taking lessons from Drent. Karigan rubbed her thigh where a massive bruise started to form; bitterly remembering her session with him.
It had started off simple enough. Fastion joined her in running her normal fifteen laps before instructing her to run another five with her pack,—which was now ten pounds heavier—as well as carrying five pound weight in each hand. It exhausted Karigan enough, causing Fastion to have to wait for her to catch her breath for at least ten minutes. After that torture was through—and she had recuperated—he drilled her on several advance techniques that she had just barely begun to learn, before commanding several soldiers to attack her all at once. Not to mention Karigan still wore those annoying shackles around her ankles, making it difficult for her to turn when need be.
Several bludgeoning sessions later, Fastion was still nowhere close to being done with her. He released Karigan from her restraints and handed her a pair of throwing daggers.
"Your first test will be to hit the center of that tree over there." He said, nodding his head in the direction of a tree fifty meters away. Karigan cringed at the distance, she had barely been able to hit one half that span.
"Alright." She said gravely, licking her lips, eyes focused on her target. "I can do this." Not sure if her voice betrayed how unsure of herself she really was. Taking her stance at her indicated mark, she weighed the dagger in her hand carefully, gaining the feel of it in her grip. She took in a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves, before pulling her arm back. I can do this she chanted in her head. In one swift motion, the blade went flying, landing deep into the snow ten meters from her intended target.
Fastion eyes shifted towards her accusingly. "Keep at it until you are able to actually hit the tree. Then we'll move on."
Karigan stared at him in disbelief, "Just how long are we going to be out here?" Luckily her body had yet to realize the actual temperature due to her constant moving, but it was only a matter of time until she succumbed to the cold.
Fastion's eyebrows knitted together, "Are you questioning me Rider? I can make it longer if you like."
Karigan's eyes widen in fear, "No that's alright, sorry." She apologized quickly. She thought she heard him laugh slightly and mumble a "that's what I thought" as she ran to fetch the fallen dagger.
It continued on this way until she couldn't even toss it half the distance. When that happened, they moved on to thinking problems and strategies. Fastion tested her on survival skills, not something most Weapons or Sword Masters knew; but Karigan had a knack for attracting trouble and he wanted her prepared.
He tested her reflexes, challenging her to move quicker, faster. By the end of the day, she was jumping at the slightest movement and sound, expecting Fastion to be around the corner testing her some more. This was only the beginning of mental training, he planned to teach her how to pick locks, make weapons out of ordinary mundane objects, as well as take care of injuries by making ointments out of herbs. Karigan wasn't sure why she would need all this knowledge, but Fastion assured her that it was standard procedure—standard procedure for who he didn't answer.
After drying off and combing through her hair, Karigan slowly lowered her stiff form into the soft comforts of her bed. Curling up between the pillows, her mind drifted off to King Zachary. She needed to talk to him, explain why she left. If he was serious and willing to fight to be with her, she would try…at least she liked to…there was no guarantees. It scared her to death, more than anything she had ever been force to face. King Zachary could hurt her more than anyone else and she hated it, but at the same time she wanted to be with him. That is if he still wanted her…He might hate her now, for running away from him the way she did.
Karigan rolled to her side, mulling over how to approach the King. As soon as Fastion let up on his rigorous training and her mind could think straight again, she'd tell him the truth. Tell him she loved him.
Hoped you enjoyed, like I said, it might be awhile till the next chapter. I hoped you liked this chapter, even if it didn't have any ZacharyxKarigan in it. I'll try to update soon.