(Inbox is blown up by reviews) … (sees that most are from EGP wanting to review every chapter) … (reads review for chapter 5/4) ...CHILD BOO! YOU GOT ENOUGH 'CHILD BOOS' IN DER?!?! (attacks you with the Black Object of Wonders – which belongs to EGP)
Ahem...anyway... Man, I just got sick again and am momentarily writing this chapter while everyone else is at school in my crazy ADHD History teacher's class. (hugs EGP) Sorry, imoutou-chan!
Vampireizzy: Yeah, I'm sorry about Ike and Sylvia. But still, they could become besties! But...who knows? Maybe I'll change my mind...! (evil laughter) Thanks for reviewin'!
Iline: Oh, no! Don't forget everyone's faces! (sob) Yeah...poor Leanne... Still, when I read that after I finally made a relationship at the end with them, I completely went, "AWWW!!!" Hehe, I just think it's sweet.
Predator Drone: I'm glad that you checked out EGP's story! She's grateful, too, but like she said, it's hard for her to get online at the moment. Well, as you wish! Here is the next chapter!
Chef Colette: Yay! You're back! My review box and I missed you! (gives you a cookie) Thanks for your review and the encouragement!
ElementalGuardianProtector: I repeat: You got enough child boos in there? Haha. Thankies for all da reviews, Stini-! ...(reads review for chapter 7/6) ...Child boo, getcha mind outta da gutter! Let's see...what else... Tibarn/Soren fangirl moment...well...NICE. (watches you throw the crucifix at Ashera) Hot damn, we all in trouble! (runs for life, screaming:) WATCH OUT, Y'ALL! CRAZY ----- ON THE LOOSE!! Hehe!
NasiraWolf: Yeah...they did...(twitch) Just kidding! ...Or am I...? I'm glad you liked the chapter and Irea will soon be a very big character... (dramatic music)
Knowlee: Hehe, that idea just popped into my head. Cats don't like getting wet, so... (throws you a Tibarn doll) Now you can hug him! (smile) Thanks for the review!
Disclaimer: Man, I don't own anything of Fire Emblem...except all my cool people that aren't from the original plot... I DON'T EVEN OWN THE BLACK OBJECT OF WONDERS! MY LIFE SUCKS!!
XxXxXxX
Chapter 24
Mihara looked around with awe at the size of the inside of the Tower of Guidance, despite why she was there. She turned and saw the enormous doors and guessed that Ashera only transported them to the bottom floor. She looked at Irea. "So, Ashera's here?"
"That is correct. She is on the top floor, in her chamber. Please follow me." Irea began to walk towards the stairs and the next door.
"Irea. Stop."
Irea instantly stopped moving. "Yes, my goddess."
'My goddess'-?! Mihara turned back around to look at the doors. Instead of seeing Ashera standing there, which was what she was expecting, she saw Sanaki standing there instead, her eyes a crimson red. "Wh-...wha...?"
Sanaki smirked and cocked her head. "What's the matter, daughter of Tibarn? Wondering why I've taken over the young empress' body?"
Mihara closed her mouth slowly and remained silent, a grim look on her face.
Sanaki laughed, even though it was all Ashera's voice. "Don't be so serious, young Mihara! You will not have to remain here long. Once we are finished, you may go about your way. Come now, let us go." She walked towards the two.
"...How does nobody notice that she's missing?" Mihara inquired softly.
"That is a secret of mine, Hawk Princess. Come now." Sanaki walked past Mihara, gesturing for her to follow.
Reluctantly, she did. With a quick glance at her wings, she then asked, "Why did you turn my wings black?"
"Oh, that? That is something you will learn in a moment."
Why do I not like the sound of that...? Mihara groaned inwardly. It's going to be like a 'messenger of death' role or something psychotic like that...
Sanaki turned to face Mihara with a wickedly evil grin. -Well, young one...that is exactly what I have planned for you.-
XxXxXxX
Zelena flew up from her bed, sweat covering her brow. Her fair hazel eyes were filled with panic, but also new knowledge. She looked around her room and saw that it was empty. Tibarn wasn't there with her...he must've still be out looking for Mihara...
Still...even if he were all the way in Daein, I need to tell him this information!
Zelena slowly rose from the large bed, stretching her light golden wings, the tips looking a couple of shade darker. Not even caring about brushing her hair, Zelena grabbed some ribbon and began to tie back her incredibly long dark brown hair that fell to her lower waist. She swiftly changed out of her nightgown and into fresh clothes for her long flight ahead. The second she opened her door, Janaff stood there, his arms crossed, his eyes obviously telling Zelena that he hadn't slept a wink that night. He glanced up.
"Lady Zelena. Where are you headed?" he softly inquired.
"Janaff, I must find Tibarn. You will not stand in my way." Zelena began walking past Janaff, closing her bedroom door behind her.
Janaff had other plans. He blocked Zelena's path and his eyes were narrowed. "My lady, that is out of the question. His Majesty may be across the continent. With you unable to transform, it isn't a safe journey for you to make."
"Then come with me, Tibarn's Eyes." Zelena looked up at Janaff slightly, the royal aide not too much taller than she. "This is of the utmost importance. I believe that the goddess has spoken to me."
Janaff frowned and blinked with confusion as Zelena made her way past him. When what she said clicked, he turned around and followed after her. "Wait a minute... What? You think that the goddess Ashera spoke to you...?"
Zelena slowly came to a halt. "N-no... Something deep inside me says...that it wasn't the goddess Ashera. That it was...someone else."
"Then it could've been the dark god." Janaff looked at Zelena with a pleading look. "Still, Lady Zelena, please give Ulki or I the message for His Majesty! He specifically ordered me to not let you leave! He's worried about you..."
"Janaff..." Zelena spoke softly. "You've been at Tibarn's side longer than me. You know him so well, perhaps even in aspects that I have yet to learn. Still, this message is direly important and is meant for his ears only. Surely you can understand that."
"...Of course I can understand it, but I must follow Tibarn's orders." Janaff made his way in front of Zelena once more. "I cannot let you go."
Zelena's usually peaceful eyes narrowed dangerously at Tibarn's aide. "Janaff. Let me pass. I repeat, if you're so worried about me, come with me and make sure that I am not harmed. Carry me if that makes you feel even better, but one way or another, I will find Tibarn."
Janaff opened his mouth to make a retort to Zelena, but no words came out. He sighed, long and hard, then slapped his face with his left hand. "Fine... But let me talk to Ulki, first."
"No need," came Ulki's voice from up the hall. Janaff and Zelena looked down the hall at him with curiosity. Ulki continued, "I do not agree with this either, Lady Zelena, and do wish you would leave this to Janaff or I, but if you are completely set on it, I suppose we cannot change your mind."
While Janaff muttered, "Speechy much today...?", Zelena smiled. "Thank you, Ulki. Come, then. Let's leave before everyone wakes up."
XxXxXxX
Zelena...
Tibarn and Ranulf's flight was completely silent. Both were worried and grim. Not only were they worried about Mihara, but for what Ashera wanted with Mihara. They had crossed the Begnion border around an hour ago and were now nearing the capital of Sienne. Even far off in the distance, they could see the Tower of Guidance. Nothing was out of the ordinary. It wasn't glowing or anything of the sort. It appeared like it always had.
The first words on the journey came from Ranulf, who asked, "What's your plan?"
"Go in, kill Ashera, get Mihara out of there," was the quick reply.
"What if she has soldiers like last time?" Ranulf winced at that idea.
"We kill them."
The feline shrugged. "Easy enough plan to follow."
Tibarn nodded, ever so slightly, then fell silent once more, Ranulf fidgeting in his talons, which had tightened just a little. Ranulf could only guess that Tibarn was on the verge of exploding, but he supposed that Tibarn decided to save his anger and let it all out on Ashera.
Slowly, Sienne grew closer. The air only grew more tense and heavy around the two. They passed over no one – the villages and small towns surrounding Sienne were void of life. It was as though everyone was simply gone. This was obviously not going to help their nerves and only made them more guarded and suspicious.
It was probably about between five and ten minutes later that the two entered Sienne's borders. As usual, the city was bustling and filled with life. Some people even looked up and children pointed at the flying Hawk King and the cat warrior in his talons. Tibarn just kept straight on course and the two came to the Tower of Guidance. Tibarn hovered about five feet away from the ground before releasing Ranulf, who skillfully landed on his feet. Tibarn shifted back to his half form while Ranulf shifted into his full form. They stared hard at the doors.
"Are you ready, Ranulf?" Tibarn finally spoke.
Ranulf crouched. "You bet."
"Wait!" A voice behind the two called.
The two groaned inwardly, narrowed their eyes, and turned around to see Tanith standing on the stairs leading up to the Tower. She twitched from the anger in the two's faces, but demanded, "What do you two think you're doing?!"
"I would suggest standing down, Tanith. Now is not the best time," Ranulf advised, swishing his tail around.
"Even if you two are among the group of heroes, I can't allow you into the Tower of Guidance without permission from Empress Sanaki." Tanith crossed her arms.
Tibarn snapped, "That will take too long. Time is one thing I do not have. Either you remain out of my way or you and I will fight."
"What in the world is so urgent and is in there, of all places?!"
"Ashera has my daughter. I will warn you once more to stand down," Tibarn threatened, his body tensing up, preparing for transformation and an attack.
Tibarn's words shocked Tanith. "...What?! Ashera?! But Empress Sanaki was summoned by Yune to stop-"
"Has she come back?" Ranulf interrupted her.
"...No, but she and Commander Sigrun are expected back tomorrow morning."
"I would be expecting her sooner. Things did not go as planned and now Ashera has Mihara in her clutches." Ranulf's claws slowly extended out. "So, we're here to deal with Ashera."
"By yourself?! There's no way! I mean, you two are powerful, but alone, you think you can-?!"
Tibarn growled, not putting up with Tanith any longer. He turned away and shoved the doors open. Tanith stuttered, "Wa-wait-! King Tibarn, Ranulf-!"
"Tanith, you can't stop us and I would not advise you standing in our way any longer." Ranulf walked inside after Tibarn. He turned around. "So just remain here."
The doors closed after them.
"Wait! Shoen, what the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"Get out of my way! I've...I've got to help my sister!"
XxXxXxX
Mihara cried out loud, "What?! You said that neither of us would kill anyone!"
"That is true. I did say that." Sanaki's head glanced upward in thought. "Perhaps you've misunderstood. When you thought 'messenger of death' and I agreed with you, I meant for you to interpret it as the death of the way life is at the moment."
Mihara glared at the back of Sanaki's head. "What's your real plan?"
The possessed Empress stopped before the largest doors in the Tower yet. Judging from all the inscriptions on them, Mihara guessed that inside was Ashera's chambers. Mihara turned her head and glanced at Irea, who simply stared straight forward blankly, as though she were a doll. Sanaki finally said, "I have given up with this world. So, I shall merely try again with another."
At last, it all made sense. Mihara's eyes widened with fear. Ashera wants to take over...Earth?!
Sanaki giggled and held out her right hand. There was a stretch of silence before the doors before them creaked open. Sanaki turned her head slightly and said, "Please...come in."
How can I still help her?! Mihara screamed in her mind, not even caring anymore if Ashera could hear her. She wants to freaking take over Earth...! ...Even though I can't remember names and faces, I know that there's important people to me there...! Still, despite her feelings, Mihara's feet carried her forward.
Once she and Irea were inside, the doors slammed closed behind them. A male voice chuckled. "Hello there, daughter of Tibarn."
Mihara turned around – almost frantically – and saw Stasik and Karoline standing against the wall, giving her identical evil smirks. She flinched and took another step away from them. Karoline scoffed. "Please. We aren't here to fight you."
"Then why are you here?" Mihara growled.
"Why, to serve Lady Ashera, of course," replied Stasik, who crossed his arms.
Sanaki echoed the siblings' words, "They will not harm you. They are working for me."
Mihara still gave the children of Petrine suspicious and wary looks before turning back towards the possessed Empress. "...What do I need to do?"
Sanaki waved her hands towards the center of the room. The floor began glowing, forming symbols on the floor. With a brighter flash, the glowing faded and the symbols were white on the floor and were covering about half of the room. "Stand in the center, there, on the circle."
Silently, Mihara made her way across the room, being cautious. She had no idea what these symbols or the spell or whatever it was would do to her. Whatever it is, it can't be good.
Mihara stopped just before she stepped into the center of the circle. With a deep inhale, she took the last step forward. When she stopped moving, the symbols began shining again. From an invisable force, Mihara's body was taken into the air and turned around, facing the doors. Then, her arms spread out horizontally, her wrists immobile, as though she were chained to a wall. Mihara's heart beat fast and hard in her chest and a large knot formed in her throat and stomach. She closed her eyes as tight as she could, trying not to think about what was happening. -I'm scared...-
Bam!!
"Mihara!!"
The young laguz's eyes opened and widened. "...Dad...?"
Bam-! Bam!!
"Mihara, are you in there?!"
"R...Ranulf, too...?"
Sanaki tsked with disappointment before turning to face the doors that Tibarn and Ranulf were throwing themselves against. "They got here sooner than I thought they would. The Hawk King must've carried the cat straight up here. Stasik. Karoline."
"Yes, Lady Ashera?"
"Let our guests in."
The siblings frowned slightly with confusion, but they nodded. When their hands went to open the doors, Mihara found that she could scream, "Dad! Ranulf! Get away from here!!"
Sanaki turned back to face Mihara with a frown upon her face. "My spell must be wearing off. Her eyes are golden again."
The doors opened. Tibarn and Ranulf, in their full forms, shot inside. Tibarn wasted no time in knocking out Irea, who had been in his way. She flew against a far wall and fell to the floor with a quiet moan. The twp stopped short from seeing Sanaki, who had turned back around, and her red eyes. Tibarn glimpsed at Mihara behind Sanaki and saw what was happening. His body shook with uncontrollable rage. Ranulf, however, cautiously growled, "...Sanaki?"
"Terribly sorry, feline, but Sanaki is not here right now," Sanaki answered.
Ranulf narrowed his eyes. "Then...Ashera?"
Mihara shrieked, "Dad! Ranulf! Behind you!!"
The two flung around. Ranulf just barely dodged a roaring flame – that still slightly singed the fur on his chest – and Tibarn flew out of the way of Stasik's arrows. Sanaki snapped around and glared at Mihara. "I do not need you conscious for your purpose."
Sanaki waved her left hand at Mihara. Instantly, the Hawk Princess felt drowsy. She fought to keep her eyes open. However, the darkness began to engulf her. The last thing she saw was her father and Ranulf, fighting to stop Ashera. The last thing she felt was a sharp pain in her right leg. Because of that pain, the last thing she managed to think was: Shoen...please...
XxXxXxX
Naesala smiled warmly at the fourth Heron Princess. "Hello, Leanne."
Leanne ran forward and wrapped her arms around the former Raven King. "Naesala!"
Naesala gently returned Leanne's hug. "Is everything going okay?"
"...Some things, yes. Some...no."
Understanding what she was saying, Naesala inquired softly, "How's Lorazieh?"
Leanne's voice quieted. "Very ill."
The raven's eyes flickered with deep sympathy. "I'm sorry, Leanne. Is there anything I can do?"
"It's...in the hands of the goddess now..."
Sylvia fidgeted uncomfortably.
Leanne glanced behind Naesala. "Who do you have with you?"
"Oh." Naesala released Leanne and stepped aside. "This is, umm, Sylvia. Tibarn's daughter's friend."
Leanne gave Sylvia a warm smile. "Nice to meet you. I am Leanne."
Sylvia grinned back at Leanne. "It's nice to finally meet you, too." When Leanne have her a puzzled look, Sylvia stuttered, "O-oh, I mean, uhh...Mihara, umm, talks about you a lot, s-so I was looking forward to meeting you."
Leanne paused, then nodded understandingly. Then, she looked around. "...Where is Mihara?"
Sylvia's face turned grim and sad. Naesala put a hand on Leanne's shoulder. "Leanne...we need to tell you something."
XxXxXxX
Tibarn saw his daughter's body, limp in the air, her wings drooping behind her. He glared with hatred at Stasik. "Get out of my way, human!!"
Stasik set another arrow to the ready on his bow. Aiming at Tibarn, he taunted, "Come and move me yourself."
Tibarn screeched and shot at Stasik. He watched his moves, especially his hands. Even though Tibarn didn't give a damn if he was struck by an arrow, he knew that he wasn't going to be of any use to anyone if he were injured. He extended his talons, ready to tear Stasik apart himself, this time.
"Shoen, what the hell are you doing?! Look at you – you're covered in bandages! You're in pain! Leave your sister to Tibarn!"
"I can't just sit by...and do nothing! Get out of my way!"
Stasik released his arrow. Damn it, I don't have time to move out of-!
Ranulf suddenly jumped in front of Tibarn. He raised his left paw, claws extracted, and swiped the quick arrow away. However, before he could move completely out of the way, Tibarn's talons barely scraped Ranulf's front right leg. Tibarn winced when he felt himself strike his comrade, but he didn't slow down. He continued on his path towards Stasik. The son of Petrine's eyes widened.
"STASIK!!!" Karoline screamed at the top of her lungs.
The archer's eyes were sliding shut and his bow slipped from his hand. He parted his lips to whisper, "...Sis...ter..."
Tibarn withdrew his talons from Stasik's body, which fell with a thud.
"There is another intruder. Well, no matter. I now have what I need from her." Sanaki looked away from the bloody scene. "As well as the little empress."
Tibarn and Ranulf momentarily ignored Karoline, who fell to her dead brother's side, screaming his name, and they faced Sanaki.
Everything seemed to slow down from there.
Sanaki's body flashed with light before falling to the floor, another figure now at Sanaki's side.
Ashera.
Tibarn flew at Ashera with insane speed. Ashera whispered something that fell deaf on Tibarn's ears – but not to Ranulf's. "It is time...Ian."
A raven cawed and the main doors opened. Suddenly, a familiar, young male called, "Dad!!"
A black figure shot past the two heroes and then it flew past Ashera. It opened its talons and grabbed Mihara's limp body, causing the light from the symbols to fade. Tibarn hadn't even heard Shoen – his target was still right before him. So, Ranulf dug his paws into the floor and charged – not at Ashera, but at whoever it was taking Mihara. Shoen flew into the room after them, in his full form. The raven flew up higher into the air so that Ranulf could not reach him. Ashera began to turn. Tibarn suddenly slammed into a small barrier that surrounded Ashera, who suddenly flinched. My power is not yet strong enough to hold him back...
"YOU!! YOU KILLED MY BROTHER!!!" Karoline roared, drawing forth her rexcaliber tone.
"Dad!!" Shoen called again. "Move!!"
The winds began to rip around Tibarn, but he continued his assault, pushing against the barrier. He could feel that it was not powerful. It will break, it will break...
There was a shattering noise that was cut off by the howling of winds. Tibarn's talons dug into Ashera's shoulder, but he was then viciously attacked by the rexcaliber. Ashera's face displayed shock. The goddess was not bleeding, but was still feeling pain. She grasped her shoulder and hissed, "Ian...go. You know what to do..."
The raven cawed again and made a break for the doors. However, not only did Ranulf chase after him, Shoen blocked the door. While Karoline bellowed, "DIE, YOU BASTARD!! THIS IS FOR MY BROTHER AND MY MOTHER!!", Ashera gave off a silent cry of pain. Her body flashed and a wave of energy shot throughout the room.
The raven that had been rushing at Shoen did not even hesitate. Just as he would have collided with Shoen, the Hawk Prince's body flashed with light as the wave of energy hit him, and he collasped. In the raven's talons, Mihara's body, too, began glowing. She then began moving groggily, as though she had just woken from a deep sleep. She then cried, "Dad! Ranulf! Shoen!"
And she was gone.
Ranulf growled with frustration. He swerved and did a one-eighty, then knocked Karoline to the ground. She thrashed around, screaming, trying to get the laguz off of her. The rexcaliber winds died down and Tibarn fell to the floor heavily, his body cut up and bleeding severely. Karoline snapped, "Just kill me!! I don't give a damn anymore!! Kill me!!!"
Ranulf flinched at her demand, but still took his claws out. He brought his left paw back and slashed, digging his claws deep into her chest. Instantly, Karoline's eyes slid shut and she released her last breath. She was then motionless, lying beside her brother. Ranulf got off of her and rushed to Tibarn's side. "Hey, Tibarn. You okay?"
The Hawk King groaned quietly and he let go of his full form, reverting back to his half-beorc form to save energy. He growled, "Go after Mihara."
While Ranulf moved away, he inquired, "Do you know who that was?"
Tibarn's eyes narrowed and his eyes drifted towards Shoen, whose body had stopped glowing. "That...was Vlas."
This halted Ranulf. "What?! Vlas?!"
"Yes. He's the fastest warrior I had, aside from myself. Now go, Ranulf."
Ranulf turned and ran for the door, but he glanced at Shoen. Something was...different about him. His...body seemed bigger...and...his clothes...seemed smaller...
Shoen groaned softly and pushed himself up. Ranulf did a double-take, almost stumbling over his paws. "Sh-Shoen?!"
"Ugh...what hit me...?" he mumbled, rubbing his head. He looked at Ranulf with a frown. "What? Shouldn't you go after Mihara?"
Ranulf blinked a few more times and then muttered, "Uh, y-yeah..." before running off again.
Shoen winced as he rubbed his head. What in the world was Ranulf freaking out over, anyway? He walked over to his father's side and leaned down, not taking notice that he wasn't limping anymore, not did his wing ache. "Dad... You okay?"
Tibarn managed to get himself up to a sitting position, somewhat noticing that Shoen's voice sounded different. "I'll be fine... Are you oka-?" Tibarn's eyes widened when he saw his son.
Shoen frowned. "You, too? What is going on?"
Tibarn looked at Shoen, but who he was seeing was someone he wasn't expecting for another fifteen years or so. Shoen appeared now to be easily eighteen years old with slightly longer hair, a more mature face, and more fierce eyes. His wings were more flexed out, as was his body. He had more muscle and was obviously much taller. However, how Shoen wasn't noticing how much smaller his clothes were was beyond Tibarn. He hissed with pain before saying, "Son...hold out your hand."
Shoen blinked with confusion, but held out his hand. He must've seen it for real for the first time, since he looked at it with total confusion. Tibarn held out his hand close to his. Shoen's were still smaller, but they were much bigger than they had been. "Shoen...the spell that had frozen your aging has been removed..."
There was a quiet groan from Irea, who had been unconscious for the entire event. She pushed herself up and rubbed her temples. When she opened her eyes, she mumbled to herself, "Where am I...?" Catching sight of Tibarn and Shoen, she blinked. "Who are you...?"
XxXxXxX
Ranulf was exhausted. He had been in his full form so much lately and he had no laguz stones or olivi grass to use to replinish his energy. He had chased Vlas to the outskirts of Sienne before he had to go back to his half form before he ran himself into the ground. Still, he ran as hard as he could. Mihara...I promise not to let my dream come true...I wouldn't be able to see you in that much pain without truly losing control...
There was a loud scream of pain and agony – from Mihara. And she was close. With his heart pounding, Ranulf pushed himself. Still, he was half-expecting the men in his dream to show up. But none stood in his way and there was no snow on the ground – just sand, from the entrance to the Grann Desert. There was another scream from Mihara that echoed around Ranulf.
"Damn it...!"
Ranulf came to the top of a hill. At the bottom of it was Mihara, laying on the ground, gasping for breath through her choked back sobs. Vlas stood above her, chuckling softly. Ranulf ordered, "Stop!" He then ran down the hill.
Vlas turned his head up to look at Ranulf. "I see I have interference. No matter. You are worn out. You do not have the energy to transform anymore."
Ranulf growled at him before catching sight of Mihara. It was not the Mihara he recognized at first. Whatever had happened to Shoen happened to her, as well. She now looked about nineteen or even twenty beorc years old. Her hair was long – much longer than Shoen's hair had grown. Her hair fell to just above her butt and her clothes were slightly smaller. However, just like in Ranulf's dream, Mihara's eyes were brimming with tears of pain. Her wings were now their original color, but her right wing lay in an awkward position at her side. There was no arrow, but Ranulf still knew that that had to hurt like hell. "R-Ranulf...!"
Ranulf took another step forward, trying to keep himself in control. "Stop it, Vlas."
"Why?" Vlas swiftly moved and grabbed Mihara's right wrist, pulling her up as high as he could (Ranulf not being able to help but notice that Mihara was taller). Mihara tried to restrain her scream, but simply couldn't. It hurt too much.
Ranulf's blood boiled and he already felt his body begin to tremor. "Let. Her. Go."
Vlas laughed, obviously enjoying this. "Is that a threat, little pussy?"
"You bet your ass it is."
Vlas reached into the pocket of his black jacket with his free hand. He brought out Mihara's knife and observed it, as though he had never laid eyes on it before. "You know...I just don't see how I would benefit from letting her go. I think that killing her would save everyone, including you...a lot of trouble. She may have originally been from this world, but she still had the weak heart of a human."
Ranulf glared at Vlas, his hands balling up into fists. "That's such a filthy lie...! Her heart is strong...and you...of all people, should know that! You spent so much time training her!"
"Does it matter either way? Once I kill her, Lady Ashera will revive my wife and daughter."
"So you'll just take the life of someone else's daughter, who had also already lost his wife?!"
Vlas chuckled. "Heh. So ignorant."
"Wha-... What...?"
"Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I'll get rid of everyone's nuisance, now." Directed at Mihara, while he brought the knife up, he commented, "This is a nice blade. More than nice enough to be the cause of your death."
Mihara scoffed through her pain. "That's the second...time, now, that...my knife had been...used against me..."
"Then I shall gladly make this the last time."
Mihara's eyes slid shut a little. "Please, Vlas...we both know...that you're better than...than this. Your wife...wouldn't want to come back...like this..."
Vlas snapped, "How in the hell would you know what my wife would want?!" He flipped the dagger around in his hand and knocked the butt of it against Mihara's head, slamming her to the ground. There was now a small trickle of blood on the side of Mihara's head, dripping down across her forehead. Ranulf suddenly called on his energy and transformed as he ran between Mihara and Vlas.
"Why protect her?" Vlas demanded.
"You know damn well why," Ranulf hissed.
Vlas snorted. "Because you...love this creature who can barely be called laguz?"
Ranulf narrowed his eyes. "That's the main reason, you bastard."
Mihara looked up with shock at the back of Ranulf's head. Vlas threw his head back and cackled. "Isn't that just precious?! Hahahahaaa!!" Ranulf rumbled in his throat, warning Vlas that he needed to back off. He smirked and shifted to his full raven form. "Does this mean you have a little bit of fight in you, then?"
There was a flash of light from above the two and Vlas was suddenly struck. The two men looked up at the top of the hill in confusion. There stood Irea, holding an Ellight book closely to her chest. Behind her was Shoen, in his full form, looking at Vlas with a fierce loathing. Vlas grumbled and dropped Mihara's knife. "Reinforcements, hnn? Well, that is disappointing. Don't miss me while I'm gone."
With that, Vlas shot up into the air and flew off towards the desert. Once Ranulf was certain Vlas wasn't coming back, he reverted back into his half form. He kneeled beside Mihara. "Are you okay?"
Slowly and carefully, Mihara forced herself back up to her knees. Her tears were now spilling over her eyes. "Ranulf...! Ranulf...!" She threw her arms around Ranulf, only wanting comfort for the moment.
Ranulf wrapped his arms around her, as well, whispering soothingly into her ear, "It's okay, Mihara. I'm here. Nothing else is going to happen to you."
She sobbed quietly into his shoulder. "I...I want to...to go back home..."
Not quite sure of which 'home' she meant, Ranulf echoed, "...Home?"
"T-to...Altiaire..."
Being careful to avoid her broken wing, Ranulf scooped Mihara up and held her bridal style. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck and she still sobbed into his shoulder. Ranulf closed his eyes, wishing his heart would now slow down since Mihara was safe. He began to rock gently. "You're okay now, Mihara. I'm here..."
XxXxXxX
Okay, now, I know that a lot of stuff in here might've moved too fast or too much was going on at one time and you may've had to read stuff over and over again, and I'm sorry for that! A lot WAS going on, but I tried to describe everything as best as I could... On the plus side, Ranulf confessed his love for Mihara! Worth the wait, right?! ...Even though it wasn't the way everyone wanted the first time to be...
...Well...I hope it was worth the wait...
I have to ask an opinion of my reviewers – except EGP, 'cause I've already asked her this. (smile) Theoretically, say that Mihara and Ranulf wanted to try later in the future to have kids. Naesala and Leanne had kids, even though they were different types of birds, but they were still birds. Do you think that it would be impossible for a cat and bird or just that a dominant gene would decide what type of child would they have? Just an opinion! Trust me, if it DOES happen, it won't be for a long, long time.
Please review!