Being twelfth-ranked dark knight of the Dark Territory, I don't really pride myself in that. Though serving under Commander Vixur ul Shasta was an honor, since I know how much he's always yearned for peace with the Human Realm. (I never gave any thought that it could even be possible) Even so, I didn't want to be a knight growing up, but my family forced me as it would give them recognition. I didn't even enjoy cadet school… that is until Lipia changed my mind about all of that.
Lipia Zancale… so beautiful and strong-willed. That long, flowing, ashen-blue hair, her dark-toned skin, her complexions of nobility. At first glance you would never have guessed that she is the eleventh-ranked dark knight. But how could a woman be in so high a position? She was always looked down upon by other women for not choosing the path of dark arts. But Lipia had a talent for the sword, and she had such elegance, such poise, and yet not afraid to strike when necessary. However, she wasn't always like this. She definitely had her doubts and uncertainties. She and I started at the same time, but I didn't bother realizing other knights in training bullying her for being a woman. Even the trainees for dark knights would prank Lipia with disgusting bugs to frighten her.
The day I truly met Lipia was when I found her one day crying at a corner in the courtyard, away from peering eyes. Lipia thought I was another knight with rocks in hand to throw at her. I don't know what I did or how I did it, but I was insistent in listening to her and she would eventually open up to me. After telling me about those knights and dark mages shaming her, I was appalled. I thought the Human Realm was bad enough, but to think that there are people just as equally repulsive in the Dark Territory sickens me. I guess my childlike character of helping anyone in need sprung, and Lipia was surprised to encounter a cadet unlike the others she met. That day onwards, we both promised to be by each other's side and a new spark ignited in her.
Over time, Lipia and I grew really close, even sparring in our free time. I wound up getting bruised up by those wannabe knights. They don't like people trying to be something else than what society intended for them, but I guess they have more hatred towards someone supporting that person defying society. Despite all those punches and beatings, one good outcome was that Lipia wasn't bothered by those same cadets. She felt ashamed that I wound up carrying her burden and tried to make up for it, but I'm not asking for anything in return. Just as long as Lipia uses this opportunity to hone her strengths and improve her sword skills without anyone pestering her, that was enough for me. At that moment, I began to fall for her, but I was insecure about my feelings, so I said nothing.
Still, that didn't change the fact that Lipia and I fought our way through training that it left quite an impression on Commander Shasta. It's thanks to him that Lipia and I were ranked number eleven and number twelve, and we were barely twenty-one. No knight has ever gotten so high a rank at that young of an age (not since Shasta, I think), but Lipia and I weren't in it to make history. We just gave it our all, and the results spoke for themselves. Still, Lipia and I were so content to see the two of us get so far together. We stayed by each other's side for the next four years, never faltering nor forgetting our promise we made that day. Lipia even managed to set up a nursery for abandoned children until they were old enough to attend school. Besides me, no one else knew about this, not even the commander. How Lipia and I were able to maintain this secret is quite the mystery, but it just shows that Lipia is not your typical Dark Knight who disgraces every human. I think it's also Shasta's influence for peace played a role too. Either way, I remained beside her all those days.
Except for one day, rumors of chaos in the Axiom Church and a mysterious black swordsman who defied its rules began to spread. Commander Shasta tasks Lipia to investigate these rumors, but she had never set foot in the Human Empire. There was definite concern she would get caught, but this was also the first time Lipia and I would be apart, having been on many missions together. At twenty-five, we're mature enough to withstand a few days apart, but I know I'll feel lonely. I was there to see Lipia off when the arrived she would embark on her mission.
"It's gonna be weird not being by your side for a while," I admit to Lipia. "I've actually gotten used to having you around."
"What would I do without you?" Lipia laughs. "But I'll be back before you know it."
We give each other a farewell hug and I watch as Lipia departs, astride her dragon Miokake for the Human Empire. Shasta stands by my side, patting my shoulder.
"She's stronger than she lets on," the commander says. "In fact, I'd say she's even tougher than me."
"Even though she's number eleven?"
"Ranks are nothing but numbers. It's more than just skill," Shasta reminds me. "Seeing the harmony that you two have… reminds me of my youthful days."
"Reminiscing the past?" I joke. "That's not like you, old man."
Shasta chuckles, "You know, if I didn't ask you and Lipia to be so casual when it's just the three of us, I'd beat your ass!" He startles me by getting into a fighting position, and I respond with a fighting position of my own.
"You can try!" I laugh. I never thought I'd act so casual around the commander, but Lipia and I have looked up to Shasta as a father figure. It was an unusual feeling when the commander ordered me and Lipia to not be so formal when it's just us three, but it's nice to know there are some people who don't believe in the old ways anymore.
It's about a week since Lipia left to investigate the truth about the Administrator. The old man and I are sitting in couches at his chambers. He has a bottle of wine he swiped from the Treasury the other day. He offered me a glass, but I kindly reject the offer and choose to have tea instead. (I'm not much of a drinker myself)
"Hang on. Remind me again how long you and Lipia were under my command?" asks Shasta as he pours himself another glass of wine.
"Let's see here. We were 21 when we joined you," I ponder, "so about four years now."
"Four years? Been that long already, huh? I really am an old man."
"Pardon me, sir, but you don't look a day over forty," I joke again to which Shasta chuckles.
"Just last week, you called me an old man. Now you're saying I'm not? C'mon, kid. Make up your mind." I couldn't help but laugh at his little outburst. Soon after, a loud knock is heard at the door, alerting the two of us. "You may enter," Shasta responds in his commanding voice. The doors swing open and out appears Lipia. My heart warms up, knowing that Lipia doesn't appear harmed. Still wearing her jet-black armor when she left, she forms a fist with her right hand and places it over her heart before bowing down.
"Thank you for seeing me, my lord. I, Lipia Zancale, have returned," Lipia announces herself formally.
"Very good. Please, have a seat," Shasta responds. Lipia approaches and sits right next to me, and I couldn't help but smile. Of course, Lipia doesn't smile back right away since she puts her duty before herself first. "And you don't have to be so formal. It's just us three here."
"I understand, but officially I am still on duty," Lipia answers back. It's so much like Lipia, to be formal even though she doesn't have to be.
"So… tell me your findings," Shasta said in a more serious tone, setting aside his wine glass.
Lipia clears her throat. "The rumors are true. The Pontifex of the Axiom Church… is dead." Both Shasta and I are alarmed by this news. "I found it hard to believe myself, so I spent this past week confirming it."
"Huh," Shasta mutters. There is a bit of silence before Shasta speaks again. "Perfect."
"I'm sorry?" I ask confusedly. "Perfect for—"
"A chance for peace," Shasta proclaims, to which Lipia and I are surprised by his answer.
"Do you honestly believe that's still possible, my lord?" asks Lipia.
"Whether it's possible or not, it must happen no matter what," Shasta replies.
"But you have to convince the other nine in the Council. How do you intend to do that?" I ask.
"And would the Order of the Integrity Knights even entertain the thought of peace negotiations with us?" Lipia adds on.
"I'm certain of it. If the Pontifex is dead, that puts old man Bercouli at the helm now. I can't stand the guy, but he is worth reasoning with. It's the Council of Ten that will really put a thorn in our feet. As contradictory as it sounds, we may be forced to eliminate them." To think that Commander Shasta would go to such lengths to attain peace is remarkable and frightening all at once. To kill the lords of the Council? But which ones? Shasta must have read my mind because he continues, "I can think of at least four."
Lipia seems to know which four. "You mean the two Goblin chiefs, the Orc leader and…?"
"It's the head of the Dark Mages Guild that is the biggest concern," Shasta finishes as I picture the devious Dee Eye Ell. I only knew her by reputation, but the thought of her scares me. "That woman wants nothing except obtain the Administrator's secret to immortality, and maybe be empress. She'd never accept any talk of peace."
I stand up, placing my hand on the table and blurt out, "Lord Shasta, we all know you can take down the Goblin and Orc generals, but that diabolical woman is another matter entirely!"
"It really is," agreed Shasta. "I've a bad feeling about all this." And wouldn't you know, on the other side of the room is another wide door, where it swings open violently and out appears a very bloated short guy. (I think that's the head of the Commerce and Industry Guild)
"Emergency at the Throne Room! Emergency at the Throne Room!" he cries out. "The sealing lock is shaking!"
Shasta, Lipia and I stare at each other in shock, realizing what's behind it. Shasta was right to trust his instincts. Of all times for the Emperor Vecta to suddenly show up, why now? Before we know it, everyone has gathered at the Throne Room, with all ten generals standing in front of the thousands behind each of them. And in front of us stand two people. A dark knight, though I've never seen him before, stands upright next to the man sitting on the throne: Emperor Vecta of the Dark Territory. He looks nothing like I imagined, but he had that look of terror in his eyes. As each general introduced themselves to the Emperor, Lipia and I stand close to each other, and a lot of questions pass through my head. Even when the Emperor declares war on the Human Empire, hearing the shrills and savage scream from all the orcs, goblins, giants, ogres and humans made me more frightened than ever.
Lipia, Shasta and I are back in Shasta's chambers, thinking about everything that has happened. Shasta and Lipia are across from each other on the couches while I'm pacing. I don't really pace around, but something about the arrival of Emperor Vecta bothered me. His sudden appearance felt… wrong. Since the Administrator of the Human Empire died six months ago, whether this was coincidental or not baffles me; the timing is way too precise.
Shasta is the first to break the ice. "I really hate how my intuition tends to be right. Why did the Emperor have to show up now?"
"Does this mean the plan to kill the four generals is now scrapped?" I stopped pacing at this point.
"No, it hasn't," said Lipia as I turn to her with confusion. "The plan just simply changed. We should focus on getting rid of him." I stare at Lipia in shock, wondering how she would even dare suggest a thing.
"Wait a minute. Are you—? Tell me you can't be serious right now," I shake my head, trying to pretend I didn't hear what she just said. "You do know who we're talking about, right? This is the Emperor! We don't know how strong he is if he claimed to have the power of the gods!"
"He looks no more human than you or me!"
"Outward appearances can be deceiving, you know! He was probably emperor for a reason. He could even be more powerful than all three of us combined!"
"I don't care if he's a god!" Lipia shouts. "Gods don't bleed, do they? We just need to get close to him—"
"Lipia, listen to yourself! Now you wanna plan an assassination on him!? What if you do get to him and you fail? You'll die by his hands!"
"How do you know that!? Have you fought him before!? No! No one has! Because no one's seen the Emperor for millennia! Not me or Lord Shasta! So what, if he's here now? Just a setback! We have a better chance for peace if we take him out of the picture. It's a necessary risk if we want to attain peace!"
"There are better ways on the path to peace, but you act like this is the only way! Is it really worth dying for!?"
"I'll gladly die if it means we can finally join with the Human Empire."
"Don't say that. Don't you dare say that! I can't believe I'm hearing this now. I can't believe in you!"
"Oh, you don't believe in me? After all those years we were together? In cadet school, with Lord Shasta!? You supported me when no one else did! When people didn't want a woman to lead an army of men, you were there to back me up! And suddenly, you finally see it their way!?"
"Hey, I took all those beatings for you! Every prank those witches set on me, I suffered for you! You're right! I was there to comfort you, but who was also there to get you back on your feet? Who agreed to spar with you every night and day? Who told you that you can do it when no one else thought you can!?"
"Don't act like this is about you!"
"Then stop pretending this isn't about you, Lipia! You promised that you would be the best knight out there! There was nowhere in that agreement that said you're supposed to die just to prove people wrong!"
"We're all knights of the Dark Territory! I think it's implied!"
"So you're gonna go out with your sword held high and greet death as a friend, just so you can finally become the best!?"
"I'm not the best! I'm ranked eleven of all the Dark Knights! But if the ten before me is not willing to do it, then someone's gotta try!"
"But I don't want it to be you!"
"And why shouldn't I go and take on the Emperor myself, huh!? Why should I even listen to what you have to say if you're just gonna argue with me!? And why do you even care about me all of a sudden!?
"BECAUSE I CAN'T LOSE SOMEONE I LOVE!" My voice echoes the room as Shasta and Lipia stare at me in shock while tears stream down my eyes. Each breathe I took is heavier than the last, but it took a while for me to realize what I just said and. Now I feel too ashamed of myself to say any more.
Shasta finally speaks to me, having held back his thoughts during our argument. "Why don't you head back to your quarters? It's been a long day for us."
Trembling, I bow before Shasta and leave for the doors as I wipe my tears off my cheeks. As the doors close behind me, I can't help but wonder what Lipia must be thinking right now. But I doubt she cares about what I think anymore, so I sadly drag myself back to my quarters.
That was the start of what would become the longest night of my life. Even changing into my sleepwear never felt so prolonging before. I guess all I could think about was Lipia. Thinking that time we fought, I don't even know why I argued with Lipia at all. I shouldn't have, but to see Lipia suddenly become a totally different person in just one week. Did her time at the Human Empire change her perspective on everything? What did they do to poison her mind? I know change is good and inevitable, but why? Why do people give up their fantasies in exchange for reality? Why do people want to die just for one simple goal? Just why, Lipia?
I shut my eyes and reflect back to those bygone days. The emotions I felt when I officially met Lipia crying in that courtyard from all the harassing. The sound of swords clashing from those sparring practices she and I would throw in each night to pass the time away. The excitement we had when Lord Shasta personally picked us to be among his ranks. That hug we gave each other before Lipia had to leave over a week ago. I even thought about that outburst I had, admitting my love for her. What I wish I could do to take it all back.
Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock. I suddenly wake up to the loud pounding on my door. I react quickly as I lunge out of my bed and dash for the door. Opening it, I see a young female apprentice, Lipia's apprentice, waiting on the other side. Solana, I think her name is.
"What… what are you doing here?" I ask Solana, who bows down nervously.
"My lord, forgive me," she answered. "Lady Lipia has not returned to her quarters."
"Wait, what?" I look at the time. It's nearly eleven o'clock. "So why come to me?"
"I was under the impression that Lady Lipia would be with you, having changed into the night gown you gave her. I apologize for my assumption."
"Night gown?" I question myself, then I remember. Lipia was eyeing a thin, translucent, purple night gown passing by a vendor one time. I never knew Lipia would be so enraptured by something so suggestive. Sadly, it was a display case only, but there was a sensational glow in her eyes that I wanted to see again. I returned to the vendor and convinced the shopkeeper that I wanted to surprise the girl of my dreams and admit my love for her. That following week, Lipia was surprised to see the display-only gown I gave for her 25th birthday. She thanked me immensely for it, but I knew it wasn't so much the present she appreciated; the fact I was determined and went through much length just to get it for her. As I return back to reality, something else pops in my head. "Hang on, how long ago was this?"
"About an hour ago, but she said she would return in fifteen minutes," Solana responded. "I thought she would go to you, and I'm worried for her, sire." Yeah, so am I. But why should I be? We had an argument about the Emperor, how she was willing to lay down her life— Oh, don't tell me she's… Lipia's gonna try to murder him!
"Damn it, Lipia!" I mutter and start to run before I turn back to face Solana. "Do not tell anyone about this! I'll find her!" I then make a dash for the Emperor's quarters. But why am I doing this!? Why am I trying to save the one person who heavily disagreed with me about gaining peace? Why would I care about Lipia anymore? All these questions keep running through my head, but somehow there's only one thing that coming back. I CAN'T LOSE SOMEONE I LOVE! Why that, of all things to remember!? She doesn't love me! She never cared about my feelings! She never truly appreciated me! But I've always been there for her! I faced those knights and mages for her! I stood by her side! I laughed with her! Cried with her! Fought with her! Hell, I even fought her! I can't stop thinking about her! Damn it, I love her! I can't let this happen to her! Not now!
All these thoughts running through my head, and I never realized how fast I already arrived at the Emperor's quarters. But upon arrival, there's too many doors that I can't tell which one. I pant with worry, not sure if I made it in time. Before I make a choice, I hear a woman's grunt and the sound of choking coming from the door on my left. I race over there and try to listen in to see if I'm not mistaken. I could finally hear what sounded like the Emperor's voice in a calm tone.
"Who put you up to this?"
"I'm here of my own volition!" the woman cries out. That's Lipia's voice! I reach for the handle, but it won't budge. I keep turning my head to see if there's anything I can use to break down the door. It wasn't the greatest option, but it was the next best thing. I run towards the center of the main hall where some couches and a table with a wine bottle and some glasses remain. The table looks sturdy and planted onto the ground, but I don't care! I grab the table and pull with all my might. Forget about its durability or if I need to use magic to rip it off! The woman I care for is about to die by the hands of that treacherous psychopath! Come on, stupid table! I scream with all my might once more, and then suddenly I find myself up in the air momentarily before immediately landing on my butt, with the ripped table now by my side. I stumble back up on my feet and pick up what remains of the table as I hear more of Lipia struggling to speak.
"For the good of the land!" exclaimed Lipia. "If war breaks out, it will set history back hundreds of years! We cannot revert to the old ways where the powerless suffered under oppression!"
I have to hurry as I charge backwards and face directly at the Emperor's door. There is a spark of rage swelling inside me as I breathe heavily. How dare this guy harm Lipia! How dare he calls himself a god! How dare he come back to this world and claim to take back what is his! If that's what he wants, then I'll be glad to hand over a tombstone to send to the grave! Without a second to waste, I charge for the door, screaming as loud as my lungs can. I'm halfway there… now feet… inches… There is a great impact I make on the door and all of a sudden, I find myself in the same room as the Emperor and Lipia. But I didn't even stop running. I continue charging straight for the Emperor as he turns around and notices me. I lunge forward, bringing the table right in front of me. I hit my target just right. There is another loud impact, this time between the table and his head. It's like hearing someone cracking their necks from a few feet away, but amplify that sound a hundred times and that's what I hear. The Emperor is thrown off the bed, where he was on top of Lipia. The two of us land hard on the floor, but even harder for him due to that smackdown he received.
I manage to look towards the bed and see Lipia with her eyes closed. I couldn't tell if she's breathing or not, so I try to reach out to feel for her pulse. However, I get held down by the Emperor before being tossed to the other side. Getting back on my two feet, the Emperor is already in front of me, sending a barrage of punches at me. This guy knows how to fight! This is nothing like the training I learned as he tosses one punch after another at me. I'm being reminded of those cadets hitting me, but back then I didn't care. Now I do, so I do my best to block each attack. Clearly, it does no good since the Emperor manages to land a hit on me over and over. I look around and see if I can use anything to my advantage. The first thing I notice is a vase. I grab that and toss it at him, but he manages to block it with his arm as it shatters. Crap! I grab both his arms and try to kick him, but he knew what I was trying to do and repels me with his own kicks. They hurt like hell, but I can't stop now! I attempt to throw a punch, but the Emperor grabs it and twists my arm, and I shriek in agony before he kicks me down. I hit hard as I feel the cuts and bruises all over me. I pant for a breath, but all I can do is crawl on the floor, looking for anything I can use against him, but to no avail. He brings his arm around my neck and puts me in a choke hold. I gasp for air but it's pointless. I'm picked up and I can barely stand on my two legs. He's not that much taller than me, but he now has the advantage that could easily break my neck. I look over at the unconscious Lipia as tears run down my cheek.
"Are you the one who planned this? Did you send her here?" he asked but then sighs. "Not that it matters; you both will die." Lipia's still alive? Thank the gods, but I literally have no words to say. "I will take her life and devour her sweet soul as you watch, writhing in agony and begging me to stop. The fact that you won't be able to help her is beautiful to behold. No knight in shining armor to save her."
I can't believe I'm hearing this. I think to myself that this is now the end. I look at Lipia one last time as I slowly lose my breath and fade into a forever fall of unconscious sleeping. I keep my mouth open, trying to gasp for air, but the next thing I did was very stupid, and yet effective. With my mouth open, I bring it down to grip onto the Emperor's arm around my neck. I bite down hard and I remember hearing the Emperor scream in agony and letting go of me. Before I knew it, I immediately gasp for air and yank on his arm. I flip myself over until I have my arm on his head. I swing the two of us around until I toss him aside, and his head smashes against the wall. I hear nothing but groaning from this guy as he tries to recover, but I waste no time as I find the table again, reach for it and swing at his head as hard as I can. The table smashes into pieces, and the Emperor grunts as and falls down unconscious as blood trickles down from his now injured head. I look over and notice he's still breathing. How could this guy still be alive!? But that's no concern of mine; Lipia is still on the bed! I run over to her and notice she really is wearing that night gown I gave her, but I immediately place two fingers on her neck and see if I can feel a pulse. Please… please… Don't be dead, don't… A heartbeat! She's still alive! I hurry as I'm about to pick Lipia up, but before I could, however, I soon see that same dark knight who was standing next to the Emperor appear at the broken door. He looks everywhere around him and even sees the unconscious Emperor on the floor. This clearly angers the dark knight as he storms over to me.
"How dare you, you bastard of a child!" he growls as he runs straight for me. I quickly look around and notice a small dagger on the bed next to Lipia. I reach for it and throw it over at the dark knight's direction, hoping my aim was true. A scream bellows the halls and I watch as the guy falls onto his knees and holds the dagger that has pierced his neck. Blood is dripping from the side, but I close my eyes from the awful sight of it. The guy tries to reach out, so I decided to make sure he doesn't come after us. I kick him right in the face, sending him flying and crashing against the floor, knocking this guy unconscious. I turn back to Lipia and carry her in my arms, almost like a groom holding the bride in his arms on their wedding day, but this is not a wedding. This is a life-or-death situation. I race out of the chambers around the corner and set Lipia down, allowing me to check for her pulse again. I find it but it's faint, really faint.
"Come on, Lipia," I say desperately. "Please don't do this to me now." With very little options available, I place my two hands on top of the other and put them over Lipia's chest around where her heart is. "You're gonna live, you hear me!" I press down on her chest with my hands and continue this motion several times. I lost count after ten because all I could think about was getting Lipia back breathing. "Come on, Lipia! Come on! Please!" After several of these compressions, I stop momentarily and reach for her mouth. I open it and take a deep breath. I breathe into Lipia's mouth, giving her air a couple times. That didn't do anything, so I go back to the chest compressions and try again. "You promised we would be together, that we would be by each other's side! Don't go where I can't follow!" I cry out as I return to give her ventilations through the mouth. Still nothing. I keep going with droplets from my eyes turning into real tears. I don't know how long I've been doing this, but forever is an understatement. "You can do this, Lipia! I know you can hear me! Wake up! WAKE UP!" I compress her chest again, and then I reach over to her mouth for more ventilations. After the second ventilation, a glimmer of hope shines. Lipia suddenly coughs. I gasp as I lean back and watch Lipia regain consciousness and coughing loud. As Lipia shakes her head, trying to wake up, she looks over to the side and sees myself all exhausted and worn out.
"Are you okay?" I ask her. Lipia doesn't say anything at the start. She looks at me, then looks down at the ground. A little whimper, and Lipia breaks down in tears. She reaches over me and embraces me real tight. I can't help but shed some tears myself, just looking at Lipia like this. She was hurt. She's ashamed. She's filled with regret. It really is a terrible feeling knowing you have failed your mission, and wondering what will punishment awaits from your failure. But Lipia already knows what that result is, but do I really want to remind myself of it? All I could do is hug her back.
"I'm so sorry!" Lipia wails. "I'm so sorry I was angry at you! I thought I could handle it! But he held me down! I was gonna die!"
"Don't be, Lipia. I'm glad you're okay now. You did what you thought was right, but I thought I was gonna lose you."
"But I was wrong! You told me this would happen, yet I refused to listen! I can't face Lord Shasta like this…"
"Neither can I. I was foolish to let my feelings for you get in the way of my duty. Shasta knew how to control his emotions and put his duty before others, but I didn't. I shouldn't even be a dark knight anymore. But I won't ever let it happen again."
"No… I never considered how much you cared for me. You were there for me and I never truly appreciated you for that. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry too," I respond as Lipia continues to cry and keeps embracing me. This was definitely the hardest night of my life, but I'm glad I got to save the girl I love from a terrible fate. About a few minutes later, both Lipia and I separate from our hug and begin wiping our tears. We don't really say anything, but I figured I'd break the ice. I look at Lipia in that gown, and I must admit, she actually does look amazing in it. "So you decided to wear that gown I got you?"
"Seriously? That's the first thing you ask?" Lipia chuckles as she wipes off more tears.
"Well, someone had to break the ice before it melts," I say. "Honestly, though, you actually look kinda hot… when you're not being choked to death."
"Oh, shut up," Lipia grumbles as she lightly punches my shoulder while I chuckle calmly. It didn't hurt, but I still did repel back from the force of it.
"We should get you back, but your quarters are far from here. Are you okay if we head to my room?"
"But what about—"
"I'll let Solana know. Can you stand?"
Lipia is unsure. She holds me as she tries to pick herself up, but then she stumbles to the floor as I catch her safely.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I—"
"Don't worry," I comfort Lipia. "I got you." I pick her up in my arms, just like the bride and groom after exchanging vows and about to move into a new house. I look at Lipia's ashen-blue eyes and she stares at my hazel eyes. Whatever we said earlier in that fight, it's been washed away now that we trust each other again. I put one foot in front of the other as I make my way down the midnight halls with Lipia in my arms.
I open the door to my room and bring Lipia over to my bed. I set her there and she lies down in relief, against all that agony she had to suffer through. I then turn over to my mirror and drawer, where my towels and basin are. I hang a towel on my arm and carry the basin over to the bathroom sink. I turn the faucet on, and out spews warm water. There's enough water filling the basin after about fifteen seconds, and I turn off the faucet, heading back to Lipia. I pull up a chair next to her and sit down. I take off the towel over my arm and place it in the basin to let it soak. No longer than ten seconds or so, I wring up the towel to squeeze out all the water I can, but not so much that it dries out. Taking Lipia's left hand beside me, I start to rub the drenched towel onto her soft skin. I try my best not to press it too hard on her, but enough to treat her wounds and wash off any sweat. There's nothing to hear but the soft breeze gently blowing from outside. I'm not fond of the bleak weather during the day, but at night when you get to watch the stars is a breathtaking experience that I enjoy. After getting her left arm, I proceed to switch to the other arm and I bring it over her body. Since her arm doesn't reach out that far to my chair, I stand up this time around and resume my washing.
Getting both arms, I bring the towel back into the basin and dab some more water with it. I then sit in front of Lipia's legs and gently scrub her feet with the towel. From her feet, I look at her and gesture to her by raising my eyebrows as a way of asking if it's okay for me to lift up her gown. Lipia barely grins, though not exactly a grin you give when you're happy, but more like smiling at someone after a terrible tragedy in your life and that's the only sign you receive with a glimmer of hope still shining. I accept that as a yes, so I bring her gown up to her knees and set it aside. I start bathing her lower legs with the warm towel and go as far as her knees and stop there. Even as a guy, I know better than most that there are some boundaries you can't cross when engaged with a woman. After her legs are done, I take the towel and dab more water, but this time I only use a corner. I then reach over for Lipia's head, but I hold myself back. I gesture to her again if it's okay for me to get her face, and she concedes. I place one hand on Lipia's chin, but barely holding it while I have the towel in the other hand proceed to dab it on her forehead.
After finishing soaking her forehead, I'm about to start on Lipia's cheeks. I place it on her right cheek, but then Lipia brings her hand and places it on mine as her eyes are closed. I stop and watch as she slowly breathes while still feeling my hand on her cheek. I also start to notice a bit of pink appearing on her cheeks. I guess she wanted to feel the warmth again, to which I'm assuming she nearly lost all sense of feeling when she encountered the Emperor. I remember when I entered the room when he had his hand on her neck, there was a chilling sensation that entire time. Just looking at him was no different than if your eyes were pierced by icicles. I could barely bring a smile on my face, but I try anyway, since nothing else at the moment could make me feel better than to watch Lipia take this chance to find life coming back to her again. She opens her eyes and those glistening shades of silvery-blue is beyond compare. She lets go of my hand as I finish on her other cheek. I wring the towel to get rid of any excess water and dry it up as best as I can.
We haven't said a single word to each other during that whole time; I don't even want to talk about what happened. What's done is done, and there's no need going back to it. As I stand up with the basin and towel in hand, Lipia reaches for my arm closest to her and holds it. I'm startled by this, but didn't react frighteningly like I was about to drop the basin. "Is it true what you said earlier?" she asked.
"Was what true?" I try to understand what she's getting at. Maybe I should have known what she was asking, but I got lost in thought. Most guys do, anyway.
"You said you couldn't even imagine the sight of losing someone you love," Lipia explains then pauses. "Is that how you feel about me?"
Lipia clearly wants me to look her in the eyes and tell her the truth, but I'm nothing more than a stammering mess as I try to answer her question. "I… uh… um… I'm… hmm…" I should be answering her straightaway, but it's my shyness getting in the way again: being at a loss for words, my heart rapidly pumping as if following to the drums a slave owner beats for rowers on a ship. I can't answer her for some reason, and I drop the basin and towel onto the floor and press both hands on my head as I lean down the side of the bed. My breathing is labored and I'm not sure what to do. Before I think I end up losing my mind, Lipia places her hand on my shoulder. That touch must have been all I needed as my heart calms down, my breathing paces slower.
"When you left, I argued with Lord Shasta that love was just something off the fairy tales," Lipia says calmly, "that it was getting in the way of everything. You know what he said to me? He told me how people go through their whole lives without ever finding true love, that they never realize what's in front of them until it's too late. He begged me not to make a choice I would regret all because I didn't believe in love. He's right. I don't want to waste my whole life without ever finding love, especially if the person I love is right in front of me."
The person she loves in front of her? Wait, has she been waiting to say this too? I thought Lipia was somewhat reserved about herself. Does she actually feel for me? I shut my eyes to focus. I can finally take deep breaths and wonder what to say. But I feel like I'm overthinking it, so I shake my head and do my best to get rid of second thoughts in my head, anything I used to say holding me back. I get back up and turn around to face Lipia. But instead of standing, I sit beside Lipia and I reach for both of her hands with my own, holding them together. Here we go, I thought, as I make the decision to seize the moment.
"Lipia Zancale, I love you. Everything I said to try and get you to stop was all because of that. I don't know when I felt that way, whether it was the day I first met you or when I got that first left cross to the face in defending your honor, or even from that moment when I promised that I'm always right by your side, through thick or thin, against all odds. You are an amazing person with such strong will and determination that I appreciate how you refuse to let anyone push you down from achieving your goals. And you're so beautiful too. Each time I look at you and see those lovely eyes, time always seems to stop for me. Any guy would be so content to have you around in their lives, even Lord Shasta. But for me, I feel I'm the luckiest one of all. I can't imagine my life without you, and I don't want to. I care too much for you to let you go. Even tonight, when I fought the Emperor, all I could think about was you. I feared for you when you were on that bed. And I thought I'd lose you forever. I know that time and tide will eventually separate us, but that doesn't mean I won't fight. I'll cut through every enemy if it means I can find you and be with you again… because I love you, Lipia."
You ever have those moments that you talk on and on, rambling over something because of how passionate you are on the subject that you don't notice how much time has passed until you stop? That's exactly how I felt, admitting my true feelings for Lipia, though I notice tears swelling up in her eyes. She shuts them tight and allows those shimmering tears stream down her cheeks. She wipes them off and opens her eyes to look at me again.
"I love you," Lipia admits. "I think I always have, since you found me that day crying in the courtyard, when people said I shouldn't even try. You stood by me and guided me to be the best I could and can be. I would never have made it this far if you hadn't been there to lend a helping hand. I always took it for granted because I didn't want my emotions to get the better of me. I didn't want my feelings to impede on my duties. But I won't ever make that mistake again. I don't want to lose you. I need you by my side, and I swear I will continue to be the best for you… if you'll let me."
More tears stream down Lipia's face, but I get closer to her and reach my hand out to wipe one of them off. We look at each other for a few seconds before I bring my hand to touch her cheek again. Lipia closes her eyes and touches my hand again to feel the warmth. She smiles a bit more this time, a smile that has more confidence, even if just a little. I start to notice that I'm getting closer and closer to Lipia. I didn't even feel myself moving, but that's no concern of mine now. I close my eyes and place my forehead on hers in a loving, affectionate way. I feel the warmth of her breathing on my face, and she most likely can feel my heavy breathing. After a little hesitation from the two of us, we lift our heads together and seal our lips with a kiss of timeless passion. I never felt such passion before and those warm feelings I had all jumbled into that one instance as Lipia and I stay locked with our kiss. This really was the longest night of my life, but not just because it was the hardest, but also because it was the most memorable.
As Lipia reaches her hand to grab hold of my head from behind, I feel the two of us lean down onto the bed until she is lying her head on a pillow and me on top of her. I don't press my body against her, worried that she might not be able to withstand my big body on top of her, but that doesn't stop us from kissing more and more passionately. I soon find myself eventually leaning down on Lipia until I can feel her chest pressed against mine. The feeling of that silk gown is nothing I've ever felt before, and I enjoy any moment I can. Even the feel of her cleavage on my chest, despite being well guarded by the bra of her gown, makes me shudder at the thought. Still, I don't ever want to forget this feeling.
Without even realizing it, my hand cups one of her boobs and caresses it gently. I was somewhat hesitant that maybe Lipia and I aren't at that part of the relationship, so I thought she'd remove my hand forcefully or slap it away. Instead, through our kissing, Lipia lets out a small moan that I never heard before and see her blushing pink again. I've only heard Lipia moan when she's complaining or writhing in agony, but this was neither; this was a moan of pleasure. Something she probably never experienced in the years we've been together, and she could not have been more content with me satisfying her. The more I press my hand against her breast, the more Lipia moans through our continuous kissing. I don't want to stop, but we both separate our lips to take some deep breaths and recover from that exhausting but amazing moment. I look at her again and she's still blushing, but now it's a little more reddish than pink, and she's smiling more. To turn Lipia on like this, she must really be enjoying it, but I can't deny that I am too.
Continuing to press on her boob, I start to feel something at the center of what I'm grabbing slowly poking my palm. Not poking like you were pricked with a needle, but I could definitely feel it. This must be Lipia's nipple getting hard. It's unbelievable that I'm turning her on more and that she doesn't want me to stop. In fact, she presses her palm on top of my hand and presses down with it, copying my hand motions. Holy shit, this really is incredible. I listen intently as Lipia moans a little louder now, since it's no longer muffled from all that kissing. I knew it was music to my ears to listen to Lipia moan, but hearing it in its prime is insane and hot. I thought I couldn't go any farther than that, but I was wrong.
Lipia brings her hand down, since her other hand is still holding my head, and reaches for her gown. She slowly brings it up, and I didn't think I'd get so horny watching her do that; it made me want her more. She continues lifting up her translucent gown until her panties are finally exposed. I shudder again but not from the cold. She lets go of her gown and places her hand on my hand that was groping her boob. She gently grabs it and brings it slowly down. I raise myself so I'm not longer pressing her body with mine, but I lay slightly by her side, keeping my head above her. At first, I thought she wanted me to place my hand on her lower body where her belly button is, but as our hands don't stop there. I can only hold my breath in surprise. I look down at my hand as Lipia brings it further down to… her panties?! I widen my eyes at the fact Lipia is even allowing me to touch her there. Her blushing turns redder than ever, even as my hand finally reaches the goal of touching her panties. Whether my face was just as red as Lipia's or redder, I don't know, but what guy wouldn't blush if they got to do that with the girl of their dreams?
The two of us kiss again as I slide my hand down her panties and begin to rub them. I listen to Lipia moan once again as my hand feels her wet vagina. I'm barely touching her there, and yet Lipia squirms so seductively that she ends up rising her chest upwards and back down, in sync with my hand movement and arching her back each time. Goodness gracious, what more is there that turns her on? I figured I'd try something daring and proceed to find the straps of her panties with my one hand still available around her hips and try to slide them down. Lipia understands this and shakes a bit to help. I pull her panties through her legs and she brings her legs up so it's easier for me to remove. I set them to the side as I go back to kissing her and bring my hand back to touch her wet pussy now. Lipia moans again even more and louder as I proceed to get a couple of my fingers in there. She holds her breath in astonishment and I can feel her vagina tightening up, but she giggles at the feeling. She also notices something dangling below my body. She brings her hand over and gets a feel of it, and I'm surprised to notice my cock already hard. She gasps in surprise.
"Oh my, I didn't know you were this hard for me," Lipia says in a playful manner.
"I'll do whatever you want me to do," I respond back, which impresses her. Lipia responds to my answer by bringing her hands up my chest and slowly unbuttoning my robe. I help her out by unbuttoning the last few (since she's gotten most of the buttons) and take off the shirt, revealing my skin body. Lipia touches around it, even though it's not the most fit. As she's doing this, I slowly bring my pajama pants down and come closer to Lipia, embracing and kissing her again. She could feel my now exposed long shaft resting just on top of her vagina. She touches it, and I hold my breath in awe, enjoying the feel of her hands on my dick. She then stops and looks at me, as if she's about to give me an order.
"I want to feel you inside me. I want you to make me yours. And I don't want you to stop, no matter what."
"As you wish, my lady," I teasingly reply in a very formal gesture as I proceed to go in. I lean down until my head is right beside hers, almost resting it on her shoulder as I make sure I have my cock going into her wet, warm pussy. I shut my eyes tight as I slowly thrust inward. It's a little painful at first and I hear Lipia grunt a little, like I accidentally hurt her. I bring myself up above her again. Her eyes closed and still smiling, Lipia starts to gently bite on her lower lips to hold back this immense feeling. We both breathe heavily from our body warmth, and I close my eyes before bringing my head down to kiss her. And, as if we thought alike, we both open our eyes at the same time and look at each other, and I can tell we're both thinking of the same thing: we're actually having sex.
I kiss Lipia again as my thrusts become more relaxed. To hear Lipia moan each time I bring myself into her is so hot that it's making my cock harder and harder. And Lipia feels that in there too, which probably makes sense why she's biting her lips more and shifting her head around a lot. She looks like she's in pain since she has both her hands now gripping onto the bed sheets, but she doesn't want me to stop since she suddenly swings her hands to grip onto my back. I continue going back and forth in her with heavy breathing. Lipia takes one of her hands off my back and removes the loose strap over her shoulder before taking off the bra covering her breasts and reveal them to me in pristine condition. I never expected her tits to be so enlightening. How she could still wear that gown and her armor with those, I have no idea, but I do have a much bigger respect for women now. Lipia then cups her boob and pinches her nipples, making them hard again and moans even more while I'm still thrusting her on top.
"Oh my… I love your cock in my pussy," Lipia moans. "It's making me nipples so hard."
"Yeah?" I respond. "I bet I can your nipples even harder." While still fucking her, I bring myself down to Lipia to grab both her boobs with my hands and begin to lick her nipples. She moans loudly at the feeling of my tongue lathering all over her perky tits. Lipia reciprocates by bringing her legs over my back and straddling me. I'm still groping her tits, licking her nipples and fucking her hard. I think this is the most I've given it my all, even more so than all that sparring and training at cadet school. As for Lipia, she's straddling me, yanking the bed sheets left to right with her hands, and groaning in ecstasy like she never felt before. I want to ensure that she keeps enjoying, so I go in deeper… faster… harder… and that did the trick. The two of us are fucking the hell out of each other before I feel a little satisfying sensation down there. "Oh, Lipia. I think I'm gonna cum…"
"Ah, me too, baby!" Lipia exclaims. "I wanna cum so hard." I don't even know what else to say as I'm panting my breath, with thrusting Lipia even faster. I find myself upright and sitting on my knees, but keeping my dick inside her amazing clit. I grab her hips and push in more and harder, forcing the two of us to moan in sync. The more I kept doing this, the closer I was to cumming. I shut my eyes, unable to bear this exotic copulation as my mouth widens and getting ready to orgasm. Lipia sees this and brings her head back, also closing her eyes and screaming in pleasure.
"Oh, shit! I'm cumming, Lipia! I'm cumming!" I proclaim loudly, but from a distance, you wouldn't have been able to discern what I said over Lipia's screams.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! Give it to me! Cum inside me!" Lipia cries as we reach the pinnacle of our climax. We both cry out as I can feel myself ejaculating in Lipia's pussy. We both tremble and react from the continuous discharge of our semen for a few seconds before it finally calms down. We both sigh in relief as I let go of her hips and remove my cock from her pussy and lie down next beside her. I'm still finding it hard to believe that we just did that, and yet here we are. Lipia covers her eyes with her arm over her head before laughing from the intense experience of wonder. I couldn't help but laugh a little myself, recovering from the fact that both Lipia and I came at the same time, which apparently was a rare case for a couple to come at the same time. Despite the exhaustion, Lipia takes this chance to roll over and sit on top of me, with her breasts still exposed and her panties, as I noticed where I tossed it, hanging on one of the bed posts. She leans down for a kiss, and I don't hesitate to accept that beautiful offer of her lips. It comes nowhere close to that first kiss we gave each other, but it's still just as memorable. Lipia strokes her hair so it's not waving over her face and smiles at me.
"Since I felt you came really hard, I could tell you really enjoyed that, no?" Lipia asks me, and I smile in embarrassment.
"Yeah, I sure did, didn't I?" I agreed. "But you weren't so bad yourself. Did you take private lessons or something?"
"You'll find this hard to believe, but I got a few words of advice from Lord Shasta," Lipia admitted, which I'm surprised by her answer.
"I'm sorry, did you say Shasta gave you some tips?" were the first words I could get out, still shocked.
"All he told me was what guys tend to like," Lipia continued, "so I tried them out. I guess the solution presented itself really well."
"Well, guess that's another thing to add to the list of reasons I should thank Shasta," I mutter to myself and Lipia laughs at that remark. She stretches herself over me, and I got a great look at her tits over my face (thank the gods!) before she lies herself down next to me. She places her hand on my cheek and her leg over my upper body. I place my hand over her leg and gently stroke it, and I can't help notice Lipia blushing again. We both close our eyes, relieved but exhausted. As much as I wanted to stay in this position, there was still another matter to deal with. "Speaking of Shasta, what are we gonna tell him about the Emperor?"
Lipia half-opens her eyes with that look of shame, but can't seem to find an answer to my question. "I don't even know anymore. We're both pretty much considered outcasts now. And Lord Shasta has to remain loyal to the Dark Territory. We both will have to accept our punishment, I'm afraid."
I hate to think about it, but Lipia's right. We both attempted harm to the Emperor of some degree. It'll only be a matter of time before he and his follower regain consciousness from their quarters and issue a manhunt for me and Lipia. Shasta will have no choice but to follow, even though he's taken care of us these past four years. We pretty much ruined Shasta's hopes for peace… Wait a minute. I suddenly have a spark light up in my mind.
"We need to see Shasta right away," I declare as I rise off the bed, surprising Lipia.
"What are you talking about?" Lipia asks as she brings her bra back and covers her tits, though her cleavage remains quite tempting to any guy that got a good look at her.
"There is another way we can settle negotiations for peace with the Human Realm," I reveal to Lipia.
It's way past midnight when Lipia and I are in Shasta's room, having awoken him and revealing what transpired the past couple hours… with exception to the thing we had just a while ago. Shasta says nothing as I suggested my idea to him, though his eyebrows furrow and he doesn't look pleased.
"If Lipia and I go to the Human Realm and represent you, Lord Bercouli will have to listen and be aware of what's going on now that Emperor Vecta is here. Maybe they'll know who this goddess of light is. War is gonna be inevitable, and I know it's damn near impossible, but if this gets us one step closer to uniting with the humans over there, then I'm willing to risk it all."
There is a moment of silence that darkens the room more than the night itself. I'm afraid of what the commander has to say. He stands up and paces around the area, which I've never seen him do. Talk about desperate measures. Hours could have passed by here, but after a minute or two, Shasta stops and faces the two of us, still in my sleepwear and Lipia in her night gown. He has his answer…
Early that morning, before the sun slowly turns the sky blood red, Lipia and I have already packed our things, already clad in armor, and waiting next to Lipia's dragon Miokake outside the Dark Knight tower. Shasta is standing by the side and watching us. As we finish final preparations, Shasta approaches us with concern but remains steadfast as any general should.
"Make sure you request an audience with Bercouli and the Order of the Integrity Knights," Shasta instructs us one last time. "They must know what's happening here, otherwise the Dark Territory will tear this world apart, and any thoughts of peace will be demolished." Then Shasta does the one thing that he's never done. He reaches out to me and Lipia, and the three of us are locked in an embrace. I can only imagine what he's feeling right now. Having looked up to him as a father, the heartbreak that a parent is forced to say goodbye to their children must be unbearable. Shasta also sheds tears in his eyes, despite appearing all tough. "Be safe, please. I'm glad I got to meet you two while it lasted."
We could have stayed hugging, never wanting to say goodbye, but there's little time. Lipia and I scamper over to Miokake. I let Lipia climb up first before I follow suit. I sit behind Lipia as she takes the reins. Urging her dragon to set off, Miokake spreads her wings and casts off. We take off the ground and fly high up into the sky while I keep my arms around Lipia's waist real tight. I guess I'm not accustomed to riding a dragon, nor being at such high altitude. But that doesn't matter right now. Lipia and I turn around and see Shasta fading from the distance from what could be the last time we see him. The tears stream off our face from the blowing wind, but I am hopeful that we'll see Shasta again as we turn around and face forward.
"I'm surprised that the Emperor hasn't even called an emergency gathering regarding our assassination attempt," I bring up.
"We should be fortunate," Lipia replies. "For now, let's focus on getting there and meeting with the Integrity Knights."
"You think this'll work?" I ask Lipia. "I mean, I know I suggested it, but if there's even a slight chance of error…" I don't bother finishing my sentence as Lipia places her hand on mine still wrapped around her waist.
"It has to. In fact, I know it will work. Just as long as we're together," Lipia says softly, against the wind. "We'll face any obstacle, right?"
I smile as I repeat her last word. "Right… By the way, is it too late to admit how much I hate flying?" Lipia laughs at my side comment and gives a little whip on the reins, and Miokake surges through the sky faster than ever. Damn it, Lipia did that on purpose! I won't forgive her for that! I grip on tighter to a happy Lipia as we fly towards the mountains on the other side and meet with the Integrity Knights; preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best…