I rode for a while. I had no idea where I was going. I could be outside of Clarines by now. No probably not. They would stop Beauty at the border crossing. That means… I haven't come across any people. I found a hill up ahead. I would climb it and get my bearings.

I tied Beauty to a tree and proceeded to climbing the hill. I got to the top and looked around me.

WE HAVE GOT A PROBLEM! NO ONE ANYWHERE!

I climbed back down. And walked over to Beauty. "Beauty, get us out of this mess, right now!" I mounted her again. "Let's go home." It wasn't ideal, but at least it was a direction. She started to lead her own way, leaving no other option but to trust her.

It seemed to take forever, but she pulled it off, I could see Wistal in the distance. "Thank you Beauty, you're the best! I can take it from here." I turned her in the direction of the Count's estate and rode as fast as possible to make up for lost time. If Kiki was alright, she would be there.

Finally, trotting up in front of the gates of the Count's home. To my fears come alive, there was no sign of Kiki anywhere! No this can't be happening! Kiki!... Kiki...nooooo... The guards took Beauty's reins as I slowly got down in shock. Hoping beyond all hope, that she was going to walk out of the manor at any moment. People wonder why I have so many nightmares.

I was about to lose all my composure, just when I was supposed to be the most composed. I told myself to forget Kiki until the meeting was over. It worked but barely. They offered me a room, but I declined. I was only thinking about going out there to find Kiki. It never crossed my mind that it was going to be dark soon.

Once again, Beauty and I, were on the road again. I was staring at the signs, indicating the direction to Difila and Wistal. I couldn't make up my mind. I wanted to go back for Kiki, but it could already be too late. Or I could go to Wistal and explain, not only why I was so late, but also what happened to Kiki.

I have to go find Kiki! I can't give up on her! I finally made up my mind and took down the road to uncertainty.

How did I end up in this forest in the pitch black, again? I made my plans. I was going to the town on the way, use my authority to mount a search and rid this forest of the monster who lurks within its treeline. I don't have time to sleep. I must find her!

I couldn't see my hand infront of my face. How was I supposed to know, if I was still on the trail. Beauty was still calm, that was a good indication, that we were safe. I saw a little light. My heart told me to be cautious.

I slowed Beauty down, just before I would get close enough to hear. I heard a bunch of armed men muttering amongst themselves. I got off of Beauty and left her at the base of a tree. I climbed the tree and snuck up to their camp. I listened in.

"I'll get it first! It doesn't stand a chance against me!"

"Put that ego away before you hurt yourself!"

"You'll be the first it targets, your nothing but meat."

"Ya and it'll use your bones to pick him out of its teeth."

"And you'll be the bait!"

"That is because I am the only one here who's worth its time."

"You guys are all idiots!"

"I'd rath'r live 'n be 'n idiot…"

"Then die being cautious…? That doesn't even make sense."

"Make all the comments you want you guys, but only one of us is nabbing the prize."

I finally stepped in, launching myself out of the tree. I practically scared them all half to death. "What are you talking about?"

"P-Prince...ss… Please don't… I mean, Your Highness!" They all stood up and bowed.

I never liked repeating myself. So I just waited for a response.

"We are hunting a cougar, Your Highness. It has been in these parts wreaking havoc. Recently, it killed several people in a village nearby."

"The farmers and villagers put a nice price on it, so many people have been out here hunting it down for days now."

I pondered to myself. Would that cougar be responsible for those merciless attacks on that one campsite? And Kiki? If it is that vicious, what am I dealing with?

I could tell they were serious about this, noticing the alcohol around their campsite. I thought sarcastically. Maybe the campsite that was attacked was sheltering drunks. Could I afford to be relieved?

"I don't think that drinking is going to help you confront this creature." I had to be the voice of reason.

"Don't look at us. He is the only one drinking." One man pointed to another.

"So what are you doing here alone?"

"And why don't ya have s'me guy with ya?" The drunk guy demanded.

"Excuse me…" Why does everyone think I need a protector?

"What he means to say is the exact same thing, I asked. Please excuse his terrible manners?"

"It's alright. I can take care of myself…" I was cut off by the drunk, who burst out laughing.

I gave him a death glare, but he thought it was hilarious.

"Never thought such a pretty face, could be so intimidating."

"Why are you here, Your Highness?"

"I am here for the cougar." I stated confidently.

The drunk burst out laughing again.

"You're going to die from laughing, you know that right?"

"Such a shame, he won't even get to see the monster in action."

"He is the first one to go, I bet 400 dil on it."

They all looked at me again.

"Have you even handled a bow?"

"It is not my preference, but I have." I hit the bullseye most of the time, but it isn't a hundred percent. That is why, I would rather throw my knives.

"Would you show us, Your Highness?"

"Sure." I agreed.

He handed me a bow and arrow. He picked up an apple.

I know that when I increase the pressure, I don't miss! With most things anyways. I held my breath as I held up the bow. "Place the apple on your head. I will not miss!" I commanded confidently.

The guy handed the apple to the drunk guy, instructing him to do it.

The drunk smiled dumbly and placed the apple on his head.

Great, even more pressure. Don't you dare kill him, Miko! You can do this! Pressure always helps. I released my breath. I glided the arrow down the shaft and it hit the apple just off center. I sure hope they don't ask me to it again. But here they were, lining up.

"You want a show?" I asked mischievously. I put down the bow and pulled out my throwing knives. I throw a knife hitting dead center of the apple and all the other apples at the same time. I did like to show off a little.

The men all stared at their apples with a blade in each one.

"I don't believe it!"

"She's awesome!"

"Can I keep her?" The drunk added.

"Uh no!"

"This has been fun, but don't we have a cougar to hunt?" I tried to get them back to the main focus.

They handed me, my blades back. "In the dark?!"

"Only a madman would try that!"

"Not that you're mad or anything!" He tried to cover up the last remark. "You have the necessary skills. We aren't ready for that."

"I see. While we are goofing off, my attendant could be fighting for her life out there!" I raised the intensity.

"So ya do have a man!" The drunk exclaimed. "Ohhhh… man…. I wanted to be."

"Tough luck."

"Actually, Kiki is a woman." I corrected.

"Ya he'r that, she's w'th a woman!" The drunk announced.

"Just ignore him."

"Alright you guys, this changes things. There is a lady in danger. She needs our help."

"Right. We can't ignore someone in need."

"'specially a woman."

"You heard him. Get your stuff together, gents!"

"Do you have a horse, Your Highness?"

I whistled to Beauty and she trotted up to me. I mounted her gracefully, then turned to them as they mounted up. I felt better, knowing that we had strength in numbers. I watched as the drunk guy pulled himself onto his horse and slid himself over the other side, till his head was near the ground. It was obvious, he needed a chaperone. Once he was on his horse properly, we left. I chose to use the bow, because everyone else was. We rode through the dead of night.

Nothing… It was a deafening silence. I wanted to call out Kiki's name, but I knew that would give our position to the predator. Like it needed another advantage. "At least it is dark, so we should have an even chance." I thought out loud, under my breath.

"They c'n see in da dark, too, sweety pie!" I can't believe that drunk heard me. Wait! They can see in the dark?! New information! No one said anything about them having some kind of night vision! Crap! Kiki! Where are you?!

"Stop! Do you hear that?" Someone said, although I couldn't tell who. It was too dark!

We were all alert.

"Just keeping you on your toes."

"Trust me! We're on our toes!" I didn't need him playing around at a time like this.

"That wuz great!" The drunk giggled.

"Would you shut up. You're going to get us all killed."

"If you want to kill yourself, go right ahead. Leave me out of it!"

"Everyone quiet!" I hissed.

"Yes, Your Highness."

We rode in silence for a little while.

"Here kitty, kitty, kitty… Ya know wut cats 'r fraid of… Dogs! Why's that, tis kitty's bigger than doggies!" The drunk rambled.

"Tell me, why we brought him again?"

"Cuz I'm bait!" He smiled dumbly.

"Isn't bait supposed to lure something into a trap, not to us?!" I was losing confidence in this group fast.

"Ya but we couldn't leave 'm behind, he would get eaten for sure."

"It was very unwise for him to drink before going on a hunt this dangerous." I declared.

"Please don't be so hard on him… Before this trip… he lost his two young daughters and eldest son to the monster… His wife and infant are all he has left…" He pleaded for sympathy.

I couldn't even imagine what he had been through. I suddenly found a lot more patience for him. It didn't change the fact, that we could all die because of his stupidity. But it was my idea to gallivant into the bush at night for this creature. We were drawing near to the location, where Kiki and I split up. I held my breath now, as I watched the sun start to peek behind the mountains. I could see very little though.

Beauty came to an abrupt halt. Then the other horses followed suit.

This was it!

A very large cat jumped down on the man's horse in front of us. His horse caved to the intense pain shooting through its neck and toppled to the ground. The man threw himself off the horse and we rushed to his side. As soon as we dismounted all their horses abandoned us.

I knew Beauty would do the same, so I held her reins firmly in my grasp. She reared up and whined, wrenching hard.

The men were scrambling to the monster, but it disappeared. This creature must be familiar with their attack strategies. Can't even imagine how many hunters it has taken on already.

I used this moment to tie Beauty to a tree. If I had to, I would cut her reins, but for now, I could not go on without her. Then the cat came out of nowhere. It grabbed the drunk man, quickly navigating for his throat.

I sprung into action. I grabbed my bow and fired an arrow, everyone else was quick on the draw, as well. The cat took shelter in the bushes again. I rushed to the man, who was in really bad shape. That last attack came from the trees. It can come from anywhere.

I couldn't afford to spend much time inspecting this man's injuries, but the others didn't care, immediately rushing to his aid. These men were close friends, not recruits.

The cat attacked another man, knocking him to the ground. These attacks were done like a pro. I could see why so many people lost their lives to this creature.

I threw down my bow, pulling my daggers out. But as I threw the dagger the cougar ran from its victim towards me. I couldn't really see it, so I missed each time. It darted into the bushes near me. I took in a deep breath. I was its next victim! The light peered a little, vision was improving, but only a little. I held my daggers firmly, ready to strike.

I heard the men yelling at each other and the big cat, while they were at it. Two of the men were down, only three more to go.

"Is everyone alright?" I wasn't asking about their injuries, more like, if the victims were alive.

"Still breathing, but their situation looks bad."

"I knew this was a bad idea, right from the start."

"We are all going to die!"

No way are these men giving up now! "Pull yourselves together! You give up and you're already dead!" I gave them a stern look, just before I felt a large force slam me to the ground. Beauty wailed at the sight. I whipped around to stop the cat's advance, it was going straight for my throat. I slammed the last dagger into its mouth, keeping it from the final blow, I was fully expecting. It wrestled, trying to get the sharp object out of its mouth. It darted away, before anyone could land a hit. They almost hit me with an arrow. Some back up!

It was clear that the enormass cat finally got its mouth free, because a dead silence fell on the forest. I quickly retrieved as many daggers as I could find. But I had my sword in my other hand drawn from its sheath, just incase it decided to strike.

"You alright, Your Highness?"

"I am…" But if I was really honest with myself, how could we keep this up? Its movements were unpredictable and its tactics refined. This was nothing like any other wild animal, I had ever come across.

The forest was too silent. Had it given up. I don't think that was possible. But the calm in the air, drove the men to caring for their fallen friends. Can I really let myself believe it had left?

The sun stared into my eyes directly, forcing me to cover them. I heard hollering and shrieks. My eyes flew open, I could barely see it, but a man was thrown onto his back. The cougar's mouth clasped around his neck. "No!" I ran over to them, abandoning my dagger strategy. I prepared to swing my sword at it, but as elusive as it was, it escaped. It got the back of the man's neck, not fatal, but devastating nonetheless. The last remaining men were trembling in fear. None of their tactics were working against this powerful beast. Frankly, neither were mine.

"If we don't get outa here now, we'll be next!"

"We can't leave them here, they need our help!" I wasn't about to abandon them. Not like we could get away.

"If you want to stay, you'll die next!"

"You leave and you will die. It's already too late!"

The man cringed.

No one was going to die! I can't let that happen, no way!

Kiki… she was dead… how could she have survived this creature…? And I... just left her there…

Panic was starting to take over. What can I do? Nothing is working!

I scanned my surroundings as we waited for the light to greet us. I saw two glowing eyes in the tree, near me. That must have been it. Waiting for a perfect opportunity to pounce. I was the one closest to it. I was its target.

"Get behind me, Princess! I will protect you till my dying breath!"

No more cowering, it was time to face it head on! I walked towards the tree, knowing full well, what was going to happen. I gripped my sword. It lunged at me, so I swung my sword. Its mouth grabbed onto my sword after impact. This creature didn't give up even with the blade digging into its mouth. Its mouth was dripping with blood, mostly the blood from its victims. There was a possessed look in its eyes, as it whipped its head, trying to pull the sword away from me. I slid my hand down my back, snatching a dagger and struck it, in its side. It growled. It backed off, but did not retreat. It roared at me. The sound was piercing. I could feel any last courage, I had left, threatening to leave me.

The arrows fired at it, were terrible shots. The men hesitated, knowing full well, that they have nearly hit me several times already. They should have brought swords!

It paced back and forth, observing me. I breathed heavily. This was a different behavior it was displaying from the rest of the night. I saw a clearish white substance at its jaw line. It wasn't there before. It lunged towards me again. It was going to die! This time for sure! It slammed against me, but this time, my sword ran it through. I froze at the moment it stopped moving. The panic had made its rounds now.

The men scurried over to me, pushing the limp corpse off of me, allowing me to pick myself off the ground.

"Your Highness?!"

"It's over! You killed it!"

I breathed heavily. "I never dreamed a cougar would be so difficult to bring down." True, I had never seen one til now.

"I've hunted cougars before. That was no cougar! That was a demon!"

"You mean to tell me, that there are more out there?!"

"Not like that, there ain't."

"Why would this beast attack us so desperately?"

"It appears that it was sick. Look!" He pointed to its mouth and the rest of its fur looked pretty unhealthy too. "Cougars don't look that way, especially when they are eating that many people. Princess, you have rid us of a huge scourge on our villages. Can't thank you enough."

"How many… people…?" I was a little hesitant to find out.

"A whole village…"

I gulped at this knowledge.

"We need to get them medical attention. With only your horse, I don't know if we'll get there in time."

"We need to bring this beast with us too!"

"For the reward? Are you serious? Our friends are more important!"

"No, we need to worn them. What if this illness is contagious? We will need to know what we are dealing with!" I defended the other man.

"And what if we get sick, Your Highness?"

"We are already exposed! If it is that contagious, it won't matter anyway." I reasoned.

"So what's the plan? How are we going to get them all the way to Difila?"

"It isn't that far by horse. If you make camp and tend to their injuries the best you can, I will go and return with supplies and a physician." I explained my plan.

"Maybe some horses too?"

"Of course." How else were we going back?

They nodded and I approached Beauty. "Easy girl." I spent a moment trying to calm her down. A little while passed and she finally settled. I untied her and mounted her, immediately. I know I was going to Difila, but there was something I needed to check first.

As I rode, I found the campsite. It was even more gruesome, now in the light of day. I shuttered to think what happened here. I retraced our movements that other night. When I was sure that I had traveled far enough, I still didn't see any blood or… dead bodies… I don't think being on a horse would give much of an advantage, given the performance it displayed earlier today. It was light on its paws, she would never have even heard it coming…

Tears drained from my eyes. I looked down and noticed that my royal attire was covered in the monster's blood. I cringed at the sight. I couldn't go back to the castle looking like this. My Father was already in a panic, I'm sure.

If I could let him know I was okay, I would. But I can't. I burst into tears. "I'm sorry… I'm sor-ry… Kiki… I let you...d-ie… It's… all my fault…"

"I'm alright."

Kiki? No, it was my imagination. She wouldn't be here.

"I am glad to see you're alright. I thought you might come back this way, when you never showed up at the castle."

"Kiki?!" I turned my head in disbelief. It was her. I saw the horror overtake her features. I had never seen her show this much emotion. I realized that she saw the blood on my clothes.

"Are you alright?!" Kiki's voice was halting.

"Oh, this isn't mine. But my friends need help." I saw guards were with her. My Father wasn't?! I'm surprised.

She relaxed. "Where are they?"

"They are in the forest. There are five, but three are injured severely."

Kiki held up her arm, to receive the bird. I hadn't even noticed it was there. She placed two messages around its neck. She sent it on its way, with a blow from the whistle. "I will notify Difila, then they will send a message back to Zen."

"Is he…" That was a stupid question. I already knew he would be.

"Not really. He knows you can handle yourself. But, to not worry at all… that would be impossible." Kiki smiled.

He really believes in me? I never thought he would ever trust me like that.

"Let's hurry, I can update you later." I instructed.

She agreed.

We headed to Difila. I kept on looking back at Kiki, to make sure she wasn't a figment of my imagination and would fade away from my sight. She didn't, however. I could breath easier.

We hurried up and guided the people, who were ready to escort us to the victims. We rode towards the place, I had left them to make camp. They rose up, when they saw us. As soon as we arrived, the doctor immediately went to their aid.

The Duke had accompanied us too.

"What did this?" He demanded from the men.

"It was a cougar, sir! We owe the Princess our lives."

Kiki looked at me harshly. "What does he mean by that?" She was bracing herself for my response.

I had received new noble attire in Difila. "The blood was actually from a cougar…" I answered sheepishly, knowing full well of Kiki's reaction.

"What?" She said in a lower tone than normal.

I led Kiki and the Duke to its resting place.

"That is not normal." He pointed out.

"It certainly isn't." Kiki agreed.

"It was unusual…" Kiki gave me a look that told me to go on. "It came at us like a demon and wouldn't stand down no matter what we did."

Kiki placed a hand on my shoulder, while the Duke was too busy examining the body of the beast to notice us. "Why didn't you go back to the castle?"

"I couldn't." I held back my tears. "If something had happened to you… I would never forgive myself."

Kiki knew that was true. "That is my job, to protect you no matter what fate decides. You're insane." Kiki flashed me an appreciative smile.

"Is this your attendant, Your Highness?" I had no idea that one of the men stood next to us now.

"She is." I allowed Kiki's hand to fall from my shoulder, as she drew it away.

"I am very glad to see that she is alright." He bowed.

"And I appreciate you trying to protect her, as well." Kiki smiled with gratitude, at him.

"We didn't do much… She did all the rescuing." His face was a little pink. I had to stifle a giggle at that. It wasn't everyday someone would blush for anyone else, but me.

"We should load this creature up. I would like to have it properly examined." The Duke interjected.

"I will inform the King of these matters when I get back to Wistal, as well as Prince Zen." Kiki offered.

"I would really appreciate it." The duke bowed towards us, before loading everything.

Kiki and I mounted up and rode towards the castle leaving the guards to help out. Only one accompanied us back to the castle.

I thought about, what awaited us at the gate, upon our return.

"What do you say, we don't show your uniform to Zen? I can't imagine how devastating it would be for him to see it, before you even get a chance to explain." Kiki advised.

"That would be best." I agreed.

I was offered fresh clothes from the Duke.

"Thank you…" Kiki said quietly, snapping me back from my thoughts of our conversation earlier.

"For what?" I was really confused. I didn't do anything, except put myself and others in danger… again.

Kiki smiled at me. "For coming back for me."

Even though it was stupid, I noticed a genuine appreciation Kiki had for my rash actions. At least, my stupidity was for a cause and not just to entertain myself.

We entered the palace gates. My Father stood there relieved to see me.

We dismounted in front of him and Mother too.

"What were you thinking? Next time you get separated, head back to the castle, right away!" Father was not as angry with me, as I had expected. Maybe he was used to this, by now.

Shirayuki smiled. "At least you're alright. That is the important thing."

"I took care of your meetings for now. I suggest you get some rest, you look tired. We'll talk later." Zen offered.

"I will." I walked past my attendants, as well.

Once in my room, I didn't wait for the door to close, before I allowed my legs to give under my weight. I scrunched down to my butt. I held myself tightly, releasing the fear and anxiety that I had bottled up for show. I was exhausted. I pulled myself off the floor and slid into bed. It felt good to be in bed.

Before I allowed sleep to take me, I pondered to myself why I thought thrills had so much appeal when I was younger. Not that this changes how I feel. I was getting more adventure than I bargained for. The look in that monster's eyes haunted me. When I opened my eyes in the dark room, I could imagine them still burning into me. I didn't feel safe even in my own room. I was scared to fall asleep, for I knew I was going to have nightmares. I was not going to allow it… I couldn't sleep thinking it would pounce on me at any minute. It didn't seem to matter that I knew it was already dead. I closed my eyes scrunching my body, clinging to the sheets. I saw its deadly face inches away from mine. The blood dripping from its mouth onto my cheek.

I cried. "Please leave me alone… please…" I had never come to grasp with this much fear before. Not even with the madman, when I was ten. "...go away…" I didn't even know if I could ever work up the courage to leave the castle again.

How could I let this fear control me like that?

I heard a knock on my door. I allowed Kiki to enter. I sat up, drenched in sweat. I hadn't even slept yet. "Kiki?"

She came over, sat next to me and wrapped me in her arms. That wasn't normal for her.

"You are safe here." She consoled me, she then pulled away to look at me. "Forgive me, but I needed to check on you."

"Kiki… did you see it too? When it was alive... I mean?" I couldn't stop thinking about it.

"When you left, my horse didn't want to stay, either. Horses don't like predators, can't imagine why." She smiled playfully.

I chuckled. "Why is that?" I joined in. "I never knew Beauty was so skittish, until now."

"I am sure it's a lack of experience. She needs to find more confidence in you, as her rider. At least, she holds her ground in a fight. Maybe, I could employ the guards to desensitize her for you."

"If that helps, then please do." I can't say why, but talking with Kiki, did help me feel a little better.

"I hear Princess Suna was looking for you, earlier."

"Oh?" I was interested to find out why.

"It seems she has a sudden interest in hearing about your adventures."

"Is that so?" I wasn't really good with bringing up the past.

"I understand that you probably don't want to talk about it. But you never know, sharing it with Princess Suna might change your whole outlook."

"How is that?"

"She might help you embrace a different point of view. As long, as I have known you, you beat yourself up, for the many mistakes you've made and don't give yourself any grace. If you got Suna's perspective, you may even feel like a hero."

"I doubt that. That is wishful thinking."

"Maybe, but there is one way to find out."

"I-it's too painful…"

"That is why it's necessary. You can't keep it bottled up forever. It could change who you are." I remembered one of my nightmares recently showed me how that was possible.

"If you really think it will help… then I'll try." I forgot just how much I appreciated Kiki. It was nice to spend some time with her again. Aside from Shirayuki, she was like a mother to me, as well. I never told her that and probably never will.

"She looks up to you, you know. I can clearly see it."

I started to feel a little pride in that. I am pretty sure Keno always has, too. I am the oldest, afterall. I wasn't too sure, if I should be that flattered. "I guess." I leaned my head on Kiki's shoulder, mostly because it was starting to feel too heavy to keep elevated. "I have other concerns though…"

"What would that be?" Kiki asked.

"I don't want to inspire her to be reckless like I have been. I don't think I could change, even if I wanted to. That is all the more reason, why I don't want Suna following the same path."

"That's a good point. I don't think Zen and King Izana would want to chase after the both of you." Kiki gave her usual slightly cheeky smile.

I am sure I would have taken a lot more offense at that, but right now, I was barely keeping my eyes open.

I snickered at the thought, instead. King Izana would be livid. Suna would be getting the brunt of it, but I would be held responsible for putting those ideas into her head. That was most likely, why they haven't told her anything about my adventures, either.

"I... would...n't… eith…" My eyes closed and I fell into a deep sleep.

Kiki allowed me to slide into bed again, placing the covers over me, before she left.

The next day, I had a bigger workload than ever. I wasn't leaving for a while. I had a meeting with my Father, updating him on what happened. He was upset, but he expressed how proud he was of me, off record anyway. From a professional standpoint, I was scolded. A princess never engages in these matters, but if we want to get technical… A princess doesn't do any of the things I have done… So I'll just add this to the list.

I had been surrounded by my attendants, but for the most part… things were not the same between me and Desti. I avoided him, I couldn't allow myself to risk starting anything. Not just when the King is here, either. He could send Desti away, whenever he wanted.

"So that's it… We can never be…" I felt a tear drip down my face.

"If there is a way, we'll find it." Kiki smiled sincerely. She was trying to stir up some hope.

Can I really believe that they will.

Suna knocked on my door, snapping me back to reality. She entered and came excitedly to my desk. "So what happened out there?"

"I have a lot to do. Being away, has really set me back." I didn't want to talk about it anyway. But still I wondered if what Kiki said was true. It might not hurt to share this with her, it might even keep her from leaving the castle. I let out a sigh. "But we can talk, later."

"Great!" She took a seat near Desti. I could sense an awkwardness around Desti. It made me wonder what happened while I was away. Did it really matter? I can't be with him anyway! I wondered if she would be allowed, considering she was adopted, she isn't of blue blood. Somehow, I still don't think King Izana would allow it, either.

The hours passed and I found it hard to concentrate. I didn't get half the work done, that I wanted.

I left for a brief meeting with the King and then returned to work. Mostly, what I got from it, was that he told me to leave without my attendants, he never said to go alone. So, I misunderstood, big deal. I decided it would be best to have a break. I stood up from my desk and locked eyes with Suna. Oh, right… I forgot… Let's get this over with.

"Let's go outside, I will tell you all about it, when we get there." Will this really change my perspective? From my point of view, I convinced a bunch of idiots to follow me into the bush, in the dead of night, to pursue a monster that has night vision and nearly got us all killed! Three men were even severely injured because of me, trying to save someone, who wasn't even there! How could it possibly get any better?! I was stupid, to think I could handle this mess alone.

They all sat on the grass and I leaned against the tree near them. Suna wasn't the only one who wanted to know the whole story. I could see them all anxiously waiting.

I stood there, contemplating whether or not I was going to back out. I did give my word, so now I have to.

"Well, are you going to tell us or not?" Kat insisted.

I sighed. This was it, my humiliation… "Kiki and I stayed at an inn… then… I had an unexpected meeting with… Nyra…"

"Are you serious?!" Kat nearly shouted in shock.

"Who's Nyra?" Suna was intrigued by the topic.

Desti was curious too, it seemed. But he remained silent.

"She was obsessed with The Red Whirlwind. She put herself in danger just to have a moment with him. It was hilarious!" Kat was laughing at it all.

"It wasn't that funny…" I commented to myself, even though they could hear me.

"You have got to tell me what happened!" Kat insisted.

"She was embarrassed at first, but then she changed. She was pushing me to answer a bunch of ridiculous questions." I answered.

Kat gave a sly smile. "Like what kind of questions?"

"You know Nyra, what do you think?!" I gave her a little attitude. I really didn't want to talk about our conversation in the baths, so I hoped she would buy it. "She asked about you." Changing the turn of the conversation, before it could go in the other direction.

"Oh really? What did she say?" Kat was curious to know, I'd guess.

"She isn't a fan of yours." I smiled.

"Good! Because I am not interested!" Kat teased.

Everyone giggled.

"Okay, so what about the rest of your trip? That can't be all!" Suna's anticipation was not helping me, psyche myself up.

I reminded myself of Kiki's words, before proceeding. Being vague was my thing, but if I wanted to put Kiki's theory to the test, I would have to give detail. Just what I wanted…! Another sigh escaped my lips.

"Alright." I explained the events that unfolded, with my main focus on the cougar. I told them about Beauty leaving Kiki behind, about the men at the camp and how I almost got them killed. In explaining, I did my best to not allow myself to get emotional. I ended up telling my story, as if it was no big deal. Not the desired effect, but it was better than the alternative.

"You mean to tell me, that you killed the raging cougar, all by yourself?!" Suna marveled.

"I guess so." That was an unexpected reaction.

"Wow! That's amazing! You saved everyone!" She continued enthusiastically. "That big jerk didn't know who he was messing with! You're a hero!"

I-I am? She was impressed with my efforts? It did feel good to hear Suna's praise.

Kat and Desti didn't seem to share Suna's point of view. I think they were upset, that they weren't there to protect me.

"When I finally saw Kiki, she froze at the sight of the blood on my uniform and panicked. I hadn't seen her in that much distress, in a long time." I chose to wrap up my story.

"That reminds me of the run in I had with the wolves. I helped Gemini skin them and collect their meat. When my Father saw me he was frightened and furious at the same time." Suna shared.

A shadow under threat grew in my mind, we weren't alone. I heard the gnashing of teeth, from all corners of my view. I was surrounded. Of course, it couldn't get any easier could it! I could imagine my Father saying to me now, 'It is the world, there will always be adversity.' What would mom do? "STAY BACK! T-THIS is...my territ...!" The creature jumped at me from the shadows. I am nothing like you, mother. My horse reared up, I clung to him, but the wolf had bit my horse's leg, and fell over, crushing my leg under his weight. My sword was stuck too. Why does this always seem to happen? A flaming arrow landed right in front of me. I now saw the monsters face to face. They suddenly dispersed. "Oh, so you're afraid of a little fire!"

I had encountered wolves too… I'm sure I would have died that day, if it hadn't been for that noble, coming to my rescue. Suna must have been in real danger too. I couldn't even imagine King Izana being frightened either.

"Miko? Is everything alright?" Suna asked.

"I think we should get back to work. I still have a lot to do." I turned and walked away. As I walked away, I realized a little weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I tread a little easier, on myself, too.

I waited to hear from Difila. I wanted a report on those men's current condition and the physical state of the animal.

I called to Ru Ru. It landed gracefully on my arm. I secured the note around its neck and blew my whistle, giving 'm the correct signal. Ru Ru flew away. This had been the first time, I had sent 'm such a great distance. Thanks to the training with Kihal, I knew Ru Ru would make it, but I still felt uneasy.

The next couple days, Suna asked me about my adventures and insisted that I share them with her. She eventually wore me down and I agreed to share one a night. It was nice talking with her. She hung onto every word. Her unique perspectives helped me change my view on things. Every night, sharing became easier, with Suna anyway. I wasn't about to share them with anyone else. Even though, some already knew. For now, I shared 'The Tales of The Red Whirlwind' with her.

A/N: I am writing a story about the dream she had. You will love to read it, because it crosses her world with a magical alternate universe, which I am confident it is amazing. I will start posting it soon. It is just for fun and not actually that significant to this storyline. Mystical Cariparell is the title.