Wow, we've finally reached over 200 reviews! Thanks guys so much for your support, you're all awesome :D Chocolate fudge cookies for everyone :3 btw, I'm sorry it took so long to update, I've been really busy lately :( But no worries, I will never ever abandon a story so rest assured.
One night of the hunter, One day I will get revenge...
-Night OF The Hunter; 30 Seconds To Mars
I have never really witnessed the process leading up to the new Queen's coronation. Of course, that could always amount to the fact that I had never actually been outside of Wrathwood…ever.
The preparations were like nothing I have ever expected – it was vibrant and hectic instead of stuffy and dull. Moonhaven was practically buzzing with activity and excitement.
Nod had told me that air traffic would be pretty congested and that I was not allowed to fly – General Ronin's orders though I think it was more of Nod's input – due to the fact that I was still inexperienced and needed more training.
With flying virtually nonexistent and nothing I could do to alleviate the boredom I would always somehow end up watching Nod practice with the other recruits (it did give me a secret opportunity to check him out though, so no complaining). I admired the way how he would parry his opponent in a blink of an eye, his moves too swift for me to discern. His blows were calculated and meticulously thought out before they were executed and I found that talent extremely enviable.
This time, the Leafmen were preparing for their most arduous task yet: protecting the Queen during the ceremony. Nod was hard at work, swiftly blocking, deflecting and hammering out blow after blow. On a raised platform, Ronin was regarding his recruits with a watchful eye, careful to take note of their performances.
He caught my eye for a minute and smiled. I gave a small wave back and he returned his attention back to the sword play at hand.
A whistle blew, signifying the end of another hard training. Some of the recruits sagged in relief, their swords trailing behind them as they moved to the changing room. Nod swung his onto his shoulder and gave his opponent a firm handshake. Inadvertently, my eyes skimmed over his taut arms; face heating up as I imagined what it would be like to drown in his embrace.
Nod sauntered up to me, an easy grin gracing his lips. "Hey, Red."
"Hey, Stinky," I replied, wrinkling my nose for added measure. Nod smirked as he grabbed me, purposely putting his arms around me so that my face was up against his sweaty torso.
"Eww," I squealed, trying to push away but he just held on tighter. "Get away from me you stink bomb!"
Nod chuckled, releasing me. I took a dramatic gasp of air, rolling my eyes to his amused grin.
"Nice to see you too, Red."
We walked side by side to the common hall, my stomach rumbling.
"So, what did you do today?" he asked conversationally, wiping the sheen off his forehead.
"Stay grounded…literally," I retorted, giving him a pointed stare.
He grimaced. "It's for your own good, M.K, you're not swift enough with your turns and it's-"
"-it's a busy airway up there, I get it," I finished for him, casting a stubborn gaze to the ground. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."
Nod was about to form a reply when a Ronin called for him. We both turned to find the general striding towards us, his walk purposeful.
"I just wanted to congratulate you on your fencing today, Nod, you're getting better," Ronin mustered a small smile. Nod composed himself well enough to stutter out a, "Th-Thank you, Sir."
"In fact, I'm thinking of putting your name in for Lieutenant," he commented, not noticing Nod's increasing flustered disposition.
"Me?"
"Yes you, soldier. You fight almost as well as someone I remember."
Nod beamed, his face both eager and awed at the same time. "Thank you for your kind words, Sir, you don't know how much that makes me grateful." He stopped, brow furrowing. "May I be so bold as to ask who do I remind you off?"
Ronin nodded, turning, making as if he didn't hear Nod's last question. "Report to the field tomorrow for a briefing," his curt façade than cracked, revealing some warmth in his Arctic blue eyes. "I was talking about your father."
The general left Nod in a state of shock which I had to pry him out of, pulling his arm gently. "Hey, if we don't get there in time, all the food will be out," then amended, "Your dad must've been one heck of a warrior."
Nostalgia and yearning filled his warm brown eyes. "Yeah, he must've been."
~~O~~O~~
The morning of the choosing celebration dawned bright and warm, filling Moonhaven with illuminating sun rays and an atmosphere of happy calamity. The Queen's servants were rushing to and fro, their hands full with fresh laundry and an assortment of random stuff.
In the field, soldiers were assembling their rides, checking to make sure their saddles were all in place. Nod was one of them, riding in the front. He felt my gaze on him and gave me a bright smile.
I returned his gesture, mouthing 'good luck'. He winked, unwillingly turning my insides into goo.
"…Hurry, we have to set the stage for Nim Galuu…" a passerby said.
"Don't worry, he always does things his own way," another said.
I frowned, the name striking a chord. Nim Galuu, Nim Galuu…where have I heard it before?
It came back to me like a tidal wave: Nod's presumption that I was a Stomper, my apparent vague back story, the strange reason of why I was adopted. I then realized with a horrific look that, in the business of trying to fit in here, I had completely forgotten the reason why I was here in the first place.
M.K, how could you bloody forget? It wasn't my fault, my conscious replied, I was just so caught up with actually having a life that I didn't care to find out the truth of it.
I ran to the doors, trying to see if I could catch Nod before he left. A whistle sounded and the whole place was filled with the thrumming of hummingbirds' wings as the urgency to find Nod shriveled like ash inside of me. My mouth set in a grim line; I would just have to tell him after the Pod Choosing ceremony.
Crowds of Jinn were making their way to the pond followed by the rest of Moonhaven's occupants. In my nondescript brown tunic and dark pants I was just like any other, streaming into the flow, unnoticed.
The crowd's murmuring intensified with excitement, like an insistent rumble after an earthquake. People were talking, laughter and jokes could be heard when they gathered by the ponds' edge.
Everyone waited with bated breath as a shape took form in the sky. It was a carriage, pulled by a dozen bright winged butterflies that glided over the surface, landing lightly on a wide lily pad. Everyone cheered when Queen Tara, looking resplendent in an intricate gold green gown – stepped out. She gave a small wave, smiling benignly at her subjects.
The Queen tentatively took a step forward, scrutinizing each pod that came into view. She daintily stepped over the water surface, lily pads rushing to meet her every step. The crowd drew a collective breath, waiting for the moment when she would make her choice.
Instead of choosing the bigger, healthier looking Pods, Tara settled on a small, diminutive one. She lifted it up and nodded to the crowd who gave a cheer. Tara placed the pod in the crook of her arm, making her way back to the carriage when chaos erupted.
They came from the trees, disguised in mud and dead leaves, hurtling towards the Queen and her Pod. Teeth bared and weapons gleaming, they took Moonhaven by surprise. I heard Ronin call out, the sound of swords and clubs clinking in the air. Pandemonium ensued from the crowd, everyone was trying to escape. I swerved out of the way, avoiding a panicking mother and her child.
Somebody gasped. "The Queen, she's defenseless!"
I looked up to see Queen Tara running away, the lily pod tight in her grip. Ronin and the rest of the Leafmen were busy with driving the Boggans away, leaving Tara unprotected.
In a moment of clarifying panic I gave a sharp whistle, hoping that Leira had heard it. Luck was on my side as my beloved hummingbird flew in sight, twittering nervously. I quickly straddled her and took to the air, my eyes scanning below for the Queen.
She was being chased by two of the Boggans, manipulating the forest around her so that it formed a shield from her chasers.
"Come on, girl, we have to save her," I said in an urgent tone. Leira seemed to get my message as she practically swooped down, leaving me to cling onto her feathers. I turned her reins, putting her into a looping motion that centered the gravity. Leira managed to swerve upright before her body could crash to the ground, careening into the tall grass. Vaguely, I wondered how impress Nod would've been if he saw me pulling that stunt.
The Queen had disappeared from sight, blending in with the meadow's tall grass. I reined Leira in, searching frantically for Tara.
"Well, hello there traitor." From the shadows of the grass came an almost familiar face that I didn't recognize immediately. It was a mosquito, holding a club in one hand and a sword in the other. His face was set into a harsh sneer.
"Mox?"
He cocked his head to one side, grinning. "M.K, great to see you after so long," he commented, swinging the club casually. "So, how have you been?"
I fumbled for a dagger, anything sharp but came up empty handed. Cursing, I realized that I had not brought any weapons with me. I circled Leira away but Mox followed my every move. We danced around each other cautiously, each not sure of what the other would do.
"I've been better, thanks."
Mox shrugged. "Mandrake misses you."
"I know, I felt his love from a mile away."
Mox suddenly dropped all pretense of niceness and lunged toward me with his sword. I barely missed when the sword scraped my arm, opening up a gash. He grinned. "Still slow, M.K?"
I parried with an unexpected blow, using Leira's momentum to fuel my punch. Mox's head cracked backwards but he straightened it with a sharp nudge. He glared this time, all easy confidence gone from his features.
"Why you little-"
Nod burst from the grass astride Seph, swinging his sword at the Boggan. Using the element of surprise to his advantage, Nod parried the sword back and forth, aiming for the chest. Mox clumsily avoided his throw, wing gashed from the cut of Nod's sword.
He propelled to the ground with a shriek, cursing their names.
Nod looked at me then, an expression close to anger in his features. "I said no flying."
"Tara's in danger, we have to help her." I blurted and said no more as I spurred Leira on, shooting through the foliage like a rocket, Nod close on my heels.
"Where was the last you saw her?" he called, the wind throwing his voice into strange distortions.
"I don't know," I yelled back. "But we just have to find her before-"
A shriek cut through my words, sharpening our senses into alertness.
"It sounded like it was coming from the right side," I said, turning in that direction.
The wind whipped past my face, making my eyes sting as we came upon the horrific sight before us. Tara was encircled by a group of Boggans led by…Dagda- one arm curled protectively against the Pod at her side and the other was raised up in defense, the forest coming to her aid.
I could see that her magic wasn't working well in these surroundings- the Boggans touched the tree limbs, turning it to rot before it could curled itself protectively around the Queen.
Tara's usual serene eyes were wild with a panic I didn't know she possessed, looking for a way out. Nod cut through the foliage, going at them with his sword raised high. Again, he took them unawares, cutting down the Boggans deftly, pushing the riders from their ravens.
Dagda turned, his sharp teeth bared. His looked taken aback when he caught sight of me but the expression melted to one of contempt.
The Boggans had dispersed, leaving Tara free to flee towards safety. She turned and with a sharp flick of her wrist, she made the grass elongate, wrapping themselves tightly around some of the Boggans' legs before drawing them down to the ground with a sharp thud.
Dagda's team now numbered three. Nod dealt with the other two while I was left facing my brother. His eyes were wild with the excitement of battle, a bow and arrow in hand.
"If it isn't baby M.K coming out to play," he drawled.
"This plan of yours is cowardly as it was stupid, brother," I spat the last word out.
"Stupid…but effective isn't it?" he sneered. Realizing how poorly armed I was - actually, not armed at all - I could only lift my arms to cover my face in a posture of self defense.
Dagda drew the bow, leering at me with fierce anticipation. The arrow's tip shone bright in the sunlight, deadly and sharp.
"Oh, and dad said hi."
I watched as his he drew the string until it quivered with tautness, the arrow poised to pierce through me. I was prepared, ready to pivot and fiend a downward spiral if he ever shot but the moment never came.
The point of a sword ran itself through his chest. Dagda's eyes froze, glazing over as he released the bow. It dropped to the dark depths of the grass, falling away into the green abyss. His mouth formed an 'O', wide with shock and at the same time understanding.
He pitched forward and fell from his raven.
The bird, realizing that his owner was gone, flew away in a rustle of black wings, cawing madly.
I looked up to find Nod staring at him grimly. No words were spoken as we communicated our thoughts: Are you alright? I'm fine, I replied with my eyes. His expression conveyed his apologies but I shrugged as if to say: he didn't mean anything to me, brother or not.
We headed away from the massacre, Nod inconspicuously wiping the edge of his sword clean. I ignored him, watching for any signs of the Queen.
"Look, to the front, what do you think that could be?" Nod asked, pointing towards an area of the forest.
I squinted and that was when I noticed it. The grass and tree branches around that particular side were bent forward, their ends curving in a strange fashion, almost as if they were…protecting something.
I raced forward, Nod bringing up the rear. We hovered above the strange sight, unsure of what to do. Nod was the one who reacted first; he swooped down, disappearing into the foliage's grassy embrace. I followed tentatively, my heart thrumming with trepidation.
Nod gasped. "M.K, hurry!" He sounded panicked and I quickly raced towards his voice.
The grass opened up to Nod, cradling a body to his chest, silently urging the person to wake up. His body obscured my view but I could recognize that familiar green dress anywhere.
It was Queen Tara, and she was bleeding.
I practically leapt off from Leira, running for them in a blind panic. I skidded next to Nod, breathing hard.
"No…"
A bloody arrow was lying beside Tara and Nod's hands were desperately trying to staunch the wound.
Her eyes were half lidded; her skin pale and clammy.
"How bad is she?" I asked, lifting Tara's hand to my own. Her pulse was there but it was severely weakened.
Tara then opened her eyes, wide with fear. "N-N-Nod," she whispered, breath rattling in her chest.
"I'm here," Nod replied, his grip on her firm. Tara squeezed her hand and then seemed to realize that I was there. "M.K?" she breathed in surprise.
A strain smile found its way to my face. "I'm here too."
Tara struggled for a moment, fumbling for something at her side. The pod was in her hands as she passed it over to me. Numbly I took it, my expression surprised.
"K-Keep it s-safe," she breathed. "A-And make sure you m-make it b-bloom."
I nodded. "I will, Queen Tara."
"Tara! What happened to her?" We both looked up to find Ronin stumbling from his hummingbird, his face set in panic. Behind him were a dozen stunned Leafmen, all looking around with wide eyes.
He pushed Nod aside and held her in his arms. His blue eyes were searching, wounded. "Tara, can you hear me? You're going to be okay, I promise." He made to lift her up but she stopped him with a gentle touch on his shoulder.
"It's time Ronin, I'm sorry I d-didn't tell you s-sooner," a grimace of pain colored her features. "I'm so sorry."
Realization seemed to dawn on the general's face. "You mean you knew?" He caught my eye and I shook my head, as taken aback as he was.
With straining effort, she nodded. Tara's eyes were slowly losing their light but her expression had turned serene. "Remember what I always told you?"
"To always smile more?" he asked, confused.
"C-Can I see it o-one last time?"
A facsimile of a smile appeared on Ronin's face but it was marred by harsh anguish. Apparently, that was enough for Tara. She leaned back into his arms, a content smile etched on her lips.
Her body glowed with a bright, blinding light. I threw my hands up to shield my face, trying to squint through the illuminating glow. With a brilliant glare, the light intensified and suddenly died down. I opened my eyes, blinking away the dark spots left by the light.
The place where Tara's body should have been was replaced tiny, twinkling lights, floating all around us. The sight would've been beautiful if it wasn't for the heart rendering fact that she was…that she was actually gone.
A moment of silence ensued as the rest of the Leafmen knelt, clutching their swords to their chest. Ronin's face was emotionless but his eyes told a different story; they were filled with raw pain. It made my heart hurt to see him look this sad.
Somebody was holding my hand and I looked up to see Nod, his expression heartbroken. I stifled a sob and twined my fingers with his, the both of us bowing our heads in respectful silence.
Ronin silently stood up, clenching his hands. His Leafmen followed suit, placing their swords back in their scabbards. Nod and I supported each other as we both got up, shaken by what we had just seen.
My hand was still clutching the pod and I passed it to Ronin. He gave me a quizzical gaze.
"Tara handed it to me, to make sure it bloomed," I said softly. "I think it would be better if you fulfilled her wish instead."
Surprising me, he pushed the pod back to me, his expression resolute. "She wanted you to do it, not me, it's yours."
I was sure I looked like a fish out of water, gaping and floundering for words. "B-But I'm not the right one for t-this," I stammered.
"She trusted you with it, M.K, there has to be a reason," Ronin replied, his gaze hardening. "I am going to make Mandrake pay," he seethed, turning back from me. He mounted his hummingbird and with a silent swoosh, Ronin and his troop were in the air.
It was only Nod and I now in the clearing. His surprised gaze mirrored mine as we both looked at the pod. "W-What are we suppose to do with it?" he asked. For the first time, self assured and even slightly arrogant Nod was replaced with a hesitant, wide eyed boy.
I pondered for a moment, worrying my lower lip. "Remember when you told me that there was a person named Nim Galuu who knew all the secrets in Moonhaven?"
"Yeah," Nod replied, not quite following. "What about him?"
"We could go there and ask him about the pod, what we should do now since there's no Tar – Queen – to complete the ritual." And also to find out who the hell I am, I thought, not daring to voice it out.
"That's a great idea," Nod exclaimed, agreeing with me. His expression held hope now, his eyes wide with excitement.
He summoned Seph and I called out for Leira. We both took to the air at the same time. The atmosphere around us was thrumming with electricity as a bubble of hope bloomed in my chest.
Maybe I could finally get the answers I wanted now.