Soldier's Oath

Chapter 1

Author Notes: So...this came as a random mental vision? Daydream? Something along those lines while I was at work and to be frank...it won't leave me be. So as per usual it's time to get to typing. And with a series that was a huge part of my childhood.

I do not own Shinzo! Oh and before I forget... this is not a typical au or canon based story. All of the characters are considered humans and there are no super powerful, shapeshifting creatures. No mystic mumbo jumbo to be found here folks!

3rd P.O.V

'Mushra I refuse to marry that kingdom's prince! Though I know it is my duty to bring peace among our people and stop the horrible bloodshed-I just can't do it! Not only is he cruel by nature-not at all caring about his people but I can't love him! My heart belongs to another...you.'

It's been two years since Princess Yakumo proclaimed her love to him-and he her.

How he wished that would be the 'end.' But this wasn't some fairytail, no. This was reality that he had to face.

If he had any hopes of being reunited with her, he had to fight.

"Get up Mushrambo-the battles' about to begin." An annoyed grunt comes from the warrior laying down. His thoughts were of course returning to better days of his past. When he was a loyal knight that protected his princess. When their kingdom was in a state of prosperity.

When he was called his true name Mushra. "Up with you! Less you wish harm to come to the girl." He was up within an instant, glaring his cold, silver blue eyes on the pathetic guard that released the locks holding him captive.

He swore...as soon as opportunity comes, he will strike. Killing every last one of these wretched beings. 'Mushrambo' holds his tongue, biting any sort of insults or snarky statements that may come to bite him in the ass later.

Unfortunately he was not in the position to fight back, he had to buy his time-as he's done the last two years now and fight for the survival for him and his beloved. "Let's go." The enslaved warrior was escorted out, following the same dull corridors.

There was barely any sort of light to guide them, the best they had being small torches hooked on the walls. But it didn't take any time at all to reach the illuminated exit. From beyond the doors should he enter would be a huge crowd of people waiting in anticipation for his arrival.

He's become somewhat of a favorite among the civilians of the Entaria Kingdom despite being an enslaved gladiator of the Shinzo army. He could only sigh as two giggling women approach, marveling at his body.

As per usual they don armor upon his frame, his face scrunching in distaste as their fingers linger on his muscles. Immediately he pushes their hands away, glaring at them as he pulls his long purple hair into a ponytail. His companion grunts, attracting his attention as he throws a sword Mushrambo's way.

"I shouldn't need to repeat myself since you've lived two years of this but I gotta job to do. You go out there, wow the crowd, kill your enemy and you'll get some quality time with your sweetheart at the end of the week. You should be grateful our lord is so compassionate."

The ex soldier grips his weapon tightly, trying to hold back the desire to slice the fool before him in half. Of course he already knew what to do. This wasn't the first time he was forced to entertain an audience of bloodthirsty abominations that he dared to call human.

What he wouldn't give to end this farce already. He was so tired of fighting, of killing. Most of his opponents were individuals just like him. Innocent civilians or warriors that were captured and enslaved after the Entaria ruler attacked. It was torture to do this every single day.

However so long as she was being held hostage there was nothing he could do but obey. For her safety he would do whatever need be. "Good luck Mushrambo-you're going to need it for this one." The wretched man laughed as he opened the doors, temporarily blinding the Shinzonian soldier as he was pushed forward.

At one point he was a loyal knight, sworn to fight and protect not only his people, but the royals who he served. Many considered him the best of Shinzo, having reached the rank of general despite his young age. Now look at him, a disgrace turned into some form of enjoyment for the very kingdom he was unable to defeat.

Sighing he marched towards the center of the large battle arena, noting the obnoxious wails and cheers grow louder now that he was present. But that wasn't the worst part about this terrible spectacle. No...it was the fact that the Entaria king, Lord Ryuma always forced Princess Yakumo to watch his battles.

Finding some sick enjoyment of the kind woman's despair. On one hand she never wished to see her lover harmed, let alone killed. But she was always a pacifist. Someone who never believed violence to be the solution much like her father.

No matter what she would be upset, doing her utmost to not cry, much to Ryuma's amusement. "Yakumo..." As per usual, she was there, sitting by the blond king's side, wearing a beautiful dress made of the finest materials the Entaria territory had to offer.

Yet...to him she's never looked more radiant or natural then when she was wearing the casual Shinzonian dresses as she and he would sneak out of the palace. On several occasions throughout their time together since childhood the two would be interacting with the common folk. Helping the those living in poverty.

How he wished he could've prevented this mess. "We're in for a real treat today ladies and gentlemen." Immediately the swarms of humans hushed, allowing their ruler to speak, knowing their lives would be forfeit should they fall under the misfortune of angering him.

He smiled down at Mushrambo with a knowing glint in his eyes, as if able to read his every thought and desire. There have only been a few times when he's had to interact with the cruel king, and each time were far from pleasant. Especially as he would make sure to pull the princess close to him.

Much like he was doing now, as if daring Mushrambo to act against his contract. It was getting harder and harder for the Shinzonian knight to hold back, to not take that provocation and shove the sword right up the antagonizing royals' ass.

"As per usual we have our champion of champions Mushrambo here to protect his title! Today though may prove difficult as our latest challenger has been making his way quickly through the ranks despite his short time among us. Ladies and gents...I present to you our newest gladiator. Saguta!"

The doors on the other side of the arena open then, allowing the next combatant to make himself known. And how Mushrambo wish he didn't as he was easily able to recognize the man standing across from him. Yakumo gasped into her hands, already feeling her heart cracking.

Both of them uttering the warrior's true name in horror. "Sago..." In the two years, like with Mushra the once kind, wise Shinzonian servant has gone through a dramatic change. No longer was he the awkward, lanky teen that hides himself away with his helmet.

Now he stands tall, his own sword clenched tightly at the hilt as he just as easily realizes who his opponent is. "Mushra..." Both gladiators take in their new appearances while the crowd screeches into a frenzy.

Mushra bitterly realized that despite the extreme growth spurt he's received in the last two years, Sago still had him in height. And now he had muscle to go with his already slim, lanky build. He no longer wore his signature helmet, allowing his ice blue locks to flutter freely into the wind.

He had grown incredibly handsome, probably would've had several of the girls in their kingdom swooning if they got just a glance. The change was so different that were it not for the familiar dark green eyes Mushra wouldn't have even known this was his friend.

"I can't believe you're alive. After what happened to the king and palace...we thought you were dead. Kutal and I searched everywhere!" Just like how Sago would've never guessed that the intimidating man with dark purple hair and cold aura was the once fun loving, mischievous soldier. "...I'm sorry."

There was so many things Mushra wanted to apologize about. Worrying his friends and being unable to help them in their time of need was just scratching the surface of the regret he felt deep inside.

Sago gave his friend am understanding smile, his gaze hardening as he took a glance up at the podium. "Don't be." In near perfect unison they got into their battle positions. Neither were holding their preferred weapons of choice, but still went to their specified stances all the same.

For a moment nostalgia hits them both, flashing back to when the many times they sparred in the courtyard, improving their skills. How they wished they were back in those days. "This is too cruel." Yakumo covered her face in her palms, unable to watch. Her lover and best friend were down there.

Forced to battle to the death for the sake of some sick, twisted performance, with her unable to do anything. As always she turned to the Entaria king. "Please-I beg of you to stop this." His emerald green eyes take in her heartbroken stature for a moment, not saying a word which made the brown haired woman hold her breath.

Praying that he for once finds the compassion to allow her request. But all hope she has dies in a matter of seconds. Instead of taking pity or holding guilt in this cruel game, he laughs. There was no remorse or pain to be found, he was actually RELISHING this.

"May our two gladiators give us a show to remember!" He raises his goblet then, cheering for the match to begin.

to be continued

Author Notes: For the record Mushra looks like Mushrambo right now but before then he and Sago(at this moment) are in their hyper forms, gotta love a growth spurt. So this was an idea that came to me one day and it instantly reminded me of one of my favorite episodes from the Restaurant to Another World anime.

I love the one with the lion so I was like you know...this is a thing. The fact that I used to love watching Shinzo as a little kid and I still do is a total bonus, especially since I still ship Mushra and Yakumo.

So yay! That is it for now folks. Thank you all so much for reading the start of my new mini series for Shinzo. If you like this so far please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton to me! Tchao for now.