Hi everyone! Thanks a lot to HeavenRider, Cutetyhil, Desires of autumn leaves, Subha-Chan and rock the road for reviewing.
To Neha: I was waiting like mad for my 50th review. Then suddenly, you reviewed all the chapters. I can't be happier than that anymore! Thank you thank you so much for reviewing! This chapter is dedicated to you :'D
Flashback:
"Kai!"
The carrot-nosed little boy screamed, almost drowning in the water. He was tossing his hands and legs to rescue himself. But the force of current was working against him. It was trying to gush him as far as possible. Somehow holding the branch of a fallen tree, he was maintaining the balance. His other cousins were standing at the shore of the cascade, shuddering and shocked. But none was approaching for helping him.
"This only happened for you, Bryan!" Tala chided, "Who the hell told you to show your bravery standing on that branch? Besides, where did your bravery vanish when the sword fell in the water?"
"I wanted to fetch that but Ian insisted…" The falcon gawked at him, "So I couldn't help letting me bring it."
"Stop making excuses!" The redhead muttered, "Now who will save him? Have you thought once? Can you swim in this high current?
"Tala, Bryan….please stop you both!" Another Russian kid blurted, "Don't fight now. Just think how to save him. Search for Kai. Where's he?"
Out of the blue, a slate-haired Russian boy showed himself at the spot. Running, he reached the edge of the cataract. Some elephants were drinking water in it. Leaping, he landed on the back of one of them. Stepping on another's back, he used them like a bridge. The poor beasts couldn't feel the touch of his reflexive footsteps. They were absorbed in their task.
Diving into the water, he swayed, spreading his arms away. Picking his head up, arriving at the helpless kid, he tightly clutched his waist. The little Russian was heavily breathing. His body was going to get limped.
"Ian…..hold me tightly…!" Kai spoke, "Don't worry…I'll save you…"
Hearing him, Ian seized his neck, almost tearing the chain which had been gifted to him on the occasion of his birth. Nonetheless, he didn't care. Hugging the stranded kid resolutely, he came up, on the coastline.
"Ian!" All the boys rushed towards them. Holding him, Kai reposed him on the ground. Tilting his head at the right side, he pressed firmly on his back. Water streamed out from his nostrils and mouth. After two or three presses, he slowly opened his eyes.
"Ian, you alright?" The lilac-haired boy worriedly asked.
Coughing, he nodded. Sighing in relief, Kai attempted to hold the locket which kept hanging from his neck always. Whenever he was relieved or worried, he silently kissed on it. But to his horror, he met the blinding nothingness.
It was gone.
Flash forward:
It was raining heavily. The sky was covered with the thick coats of darkened clouds. Thunder was sparkling by fits and starts. Amid them, some people were carrying the adorned silver coffin of a dead body. In it, the ex-emperor of Russia was captivated. From now, it was his house. Could he ever rule his people? Would he ever be able to walk on the agate-studded floors of his castle? What about taking his grandsons amidst his bold arms?
Never.
Ian was wailing. Tala and Spencer were trying to comfort him. Bryan was cursing himself like a mad guy. He was discreetly repenting and blaming himself. Last but not the least, the dual-haired, amethyst-eyed Russian was standing beneath the pine tree, closing his eyes, crossing the arms on his chest. Exploding his lungs, only heavy sighs were wanting to come out. Flooding his face, tears were attempting to claim their rules upon him. But he was gradually managing himself.
Yes, I'm responsible for your death, grandpa. If I weren't careless, if I didn't lose it, you would never leave me, would you? But what should I have done, grandpa? At that time, Ian was the most important being for me. It's you who taught me to serve people selflessly. For protecting my selflessness, I've lost the most valuable gift of mine which was given by you on the day when I was born. What will I do now, grandpa? I wish there could be way through which I could revive you…
Poor eight-yeared child, he didn't know that death is inevitable. Nothing can stop it. Nothing.
Apraxia was crying. Her father-in-law wasn't her father-in-law, he was her father. After the demise of Susumu, he had taken care of her. When Susumu had expressed his wish to marry her, Voltaire had been the one who had approved it. Even for the people, he'd been a great ruler. A little strict, but great, undoubtedly.
"Mom…" Someone whispered, standing beside her, "Have you called me?"
Turning her eyes, she discovered that it was her son. Wiping her tears, keeping a hand on his shoulder and clearing her throat, she spoke, "Son, I've called you for talking to you about an important thing."
"Tell me," He accepted.
"Look my son…." Apraxia began, "Your grandfather had a dream regarding you. He always wanted you to be the greatest ruler of Russia. He always wanted you to be greater than he. So, it's high time you fulfilled his wish."
"You mean….I've to be the king?"
"Not now, my son," The Queen caressed his cheek, "You're too young for the throne. I'll send you along with your cousins to the learning center. There, you can learn martial arts, sword arts, archery, science, geography, history, religion and many things. For being a suitable ruler, at first you need to be knowledgeable enough. My son, are you ready for it?"
Kai remained silent. The mother kept voicing, "Remember, there will be no difference between princes and other boys. You've to leave wearing these valuable attires. You've to eat the simplest foods. You've to work hard. Last but not the least, you've to leave the palace. Now tell me about your decision. You've your time till the next morning. Now you may go."
The toddler walked towards the doorway. The words of his mother had been stabbed at his heart. He had never spent his days without his mother in this short lifetime….now he had to do that. But the dream of his grandfather…wasn't inferior. The old deceased man still deserved it. Turning his head, he articulated:
"Mom, I'll go."
I'm sorry mom, for the things I put you through,
I'm sorry mom, for not doing the things you wanted me to do,
I'm sorry mom, for leaving you so soon,
I'm sorry mom, for disturbing you in afternoons,
Leaving you was the last thought of my mind,
Just like so many, I guessed, it was my time…
Not waiting for the reply, he left the room hurriedly. Reaching his balcony, he sat there on his wooden chair. The nocturnal wind roamed around him, blowing his silky two-toned hair. He didn't care, didn't think anything. He had to do something for his grandfather. He had to do something for his subjects. He had a sacrosanct duty to fulfill for the sake of his family, his clan. For the sake of the esoteric truth of his name.
As a Hiwatarian.
Mom, I'm flunked,
Said me...
Son, never worry,
I'm happy you tried...
ONE DAY I'LL MAKE YOU PROUD, MOM!
"Ugh! I'm bored enough!" Mariam stood up, "Now I can't fish anymore."
"Tired so soon, huh?" The navy-haired boy mocked, "Now I've just caught three fishes but I haven't been tired yet. You seriously lack of energy."
"I don't know, Tyson," The female blunette articulated apprehensively, "I love the fishes but they don't love me at all."
"Be patient, Mariam," The princess comforted her friend who had already caught ten fishes, "Fishing is nothing but the game of increasing patience. Father says that patience is a tree whose root is bitter but fruit is sweet."
"Oni-Chan, you always speak so difficult things that I can't understand them at all," The purplette kept her hands on her waist, "Patience is a virtue, isn't it? Then how has it got root and fruit?"
Everyone laughed at her words. Not caring at them, Hilary simply tried to explain, "Dew, now you're very little. That's why you can't understand it. When you'll grow up, you yourself can get it. Okay?"
"Woah! The fourth one!" Tyson pulled the fishing rod out of the water. Nothing but a pendant came out.
"A fourth one…..is this your fourth one?" Mariam rolled on the ground, "Hahahaha…..I can't stop laughing…."
"Shut up, Mariam!" Tyson yelled, "You haven't got anything yet. You have no need to laugh at me, understand?"
"Ah Tyson…don't rebuke her," Hilary approached him, "Just look at this locket. How beautiful it is!"
Everyone glanced at the jewelry. Indeed, it was one of the most mesmerizing things of the world. The thread was equipped with pellets of rhombuses while the locket was made of untainted translucent crystal in the shape of a flying bird, expanding its wings. Inside it, a scarlet fleck of sheen could be observed properly as though the conflagrations of torches.
"Wow…" The female bluenette whispered, "It's….awesome!"
"Tyson, I'll give you all my fishes," Hilary requested, "In return, can you give me this? Please?"
"Sure Hilary, I'll give you this," Tyson bobbed, "But you don't need to give anything in return. This is a gift for you."
"Really?" The brunette jumped, "Thank you so much, Tyson."
"You're welcome, princess." Tyson bowed and approaching her, he put the chain on around her neck. Then he spoke, "Hilary, just look at your reflection in the water once."
Being curious, the girl looked at the water. The necklace was radiating more lustrously than the night moon in her neck.
"The locket is looking more beautiful than you, Hilary," The dragoon-wielder commented, "Because you've increased its beauty."
The eight-yeared girl couldn't help blushing at that. Clearing her throat, she murmured, "Thanks, Tyson."
"Princess Hilary?"
In a wheel, the princess looked behind. There was a maid, lowering her head.
"King Tate with his family has come here. They are waiting for you in the palace." She let her mistress know.
"Wow! I can't believe!" Hilary rejoiced, "Uncle Taro, Aunt Judy and Max have arrived. I can't wait for meeting them."
She ran towards the fortress. Mariam was also about to follow her but being hindered by Tyson and Dew, she stopped.
"Mariam ni-chan, where are you going?" Dew asked, "You often tell that you don't like Max ni-san. Then why are you going to meet him?"
"Arrgh!" She scratched her head, "Whenever he comes here, I like to frighten him. I can't wait for seeing his scared face today. Hihihihi…"
Giggling, she started sprinting again. Heaving a sigh, the navy-haired boy looked at the purple-haired girl. Her face was darkened. She was bending her head. Her turquoise eyes were glittering.
"What happened, princess Dew?" He softly inquired, "Is everything alright?"
"Today Oni-Chan has got plenty of fishes," She pouted, "But I haven't gotten a single fish yet."
"Aww…don't worry," He knelt down before her, "I've got three fishes. We'll grill them and eat together, okay?"
"Okay," She innocently tilted her head.
"But in return," Tyson pinched her cheeks, "You need to help me. Are you ready?"
Dew's face dimmed but at the same time, lit up like candles. Nodding furiously, she gave her consent.
"That's a good princess!" Tyson stood up, "Let's go and meet Maxie. Then we'll cook them, okay?"
"Tyson, you go first, I'm coming," Dew voiced.
"Alright," Tyson left the place smilingly.
The purple-haired little girl sat at the shore of the river. Throwing pebbles one after one, she pondered:
'Before a few seconds, Tyson gave the necklace to Oni-Chan but took nothing in return. Then why will he take my help giving me fishes? Doesn't he love me at all?"
"Maxie!"
The little American prince looked at the doorway as his face beamed up with joy. His brunette cousin rushed to him and hugged him. In return, he also gave her a soft hug.
"Hilary, how're you?" He asked, "You know, I missed you a lot!"
"I missed you too, Maxie!" She responded back. Seeing his parents, she bowed her head following the rituals of her country, "Greetings, uncle Taro and aunt Judy."
"Greetings, Hilary-chan," The Queen patted her head, "You've grown so up in these days. Can you remember what you and Maxie did when we visited you last time?"
Hilary frowned. Then suddenly, her eyes became widened as she burst out laughing.
Flashback:
"Maxie! Catch me if you can!"
The five-yeared little girl was running. The border of her gown was sliding against the marble floor of the castle. The four-yeared American boy was chasing her; not that swiftly.
"It's cheating!" He yelled, "You can't cheat me, Hilary!"
"Who says that I'm cheating you?" Turning back, the brunette showed her thumb tilting it down, "You're a looser, Maxie!" As she ran again.
Scratching his head thoughtfully, the hyperactive boy went to the Spanish princess, Julia Fernandez. She was half Japanese, half Spanish. Her mother was the sister of Hilary's mother. As a result, she was another cousin of the Japanese princess. At that time, she was painting on her white canvas.
"Julia?" He peeped in her room.
"Come in," The dual-haired girl pulled the brush on the white background.
Entering into the room, Max coughed.
"What happened, Max?" She poured the brush into water, "Do you need anything? Do you want to learn painting?"
"No, I can paint," He dramatically kept his arms on his waist, "I need your help catch Hilary. I'm chasing her but she can't be caught."
"Oh, this thing?" Julia smiled, "Then you're not as strong as she. You should eat more and more."
"Ugh! Nobody helps me!" Weeping, he left the room. At that time…
"Boo!"
"Aaaa!" Max screamed and fell on the floor. Rotating his neck, he discovered the female bluenette there, laughing madly.
"Hahahaha….prince Max, you're really so coward…." She was giggling, clutching her stomach, "You can't even tolerate that…let alone catching Princess Hilary...…"
Flash forward:
"That happened when I was a baby," Max grouched, "But now I'm so strong and brave. Nobody can beat me, huh!"
"So you tell you don't need my help, Maxie, do you?"
Again looking at the doorway, Hilary's eyes were widened. Then rushing towards the little girl, she hugged her tightly.
"Juli!" She exclaimed with joy. In return, she smiled softly.
"Hey…" The Spaniard muffled as the Japanese girl freed her from her hug. Squeezing her shoulders, she asked, "How're you? And where're Raul, Uncle Fernandez and aunt?"
"I'm fine," She answered brightly, "They're in Spain now. Raul couldn't come because he hasn't returned from learning center yet. Father and mother are busy in their chores. So, they sent me here. From today, I'll live here with you."
"Seriously?!" Hilary again embraced her, this time chocking her breaths nearly.
Max was smirking. Suddenly, he turned behind.
"Caught ya!" He leapt in joy.
"Oh no!" The bluenette muttered, "How has this guy become so cautious?"
"Because I've grown up!" Bravely he retorted, "Now I'll end up catch you."
"Alright, then follow me!" Mariam ran out of the room. Max followed him as swiftly as he could.
"Let's play, Julia!" Hilary dragged her female cousin clasping her wrist.
"Do you know?" The coco-haired girl enquired, "In the next week, the marriage anniversary of my parents is taking place!"
"Wow!" The blond boy wondered, "Really, Hilary?"
"Yes," She shook her head affirmatively.
"Then we should plan something for uncle Hayashi and aunt Sayoko," The Spanish girl conversed, "Shouldn't we?"
"Of course!" Hilary stood up in excitement, "That's why I've composed a drama."
"Drama?" Mariam asked, "About what is it, Princess Hilary?"
"It's about the story of demoness Medusa, Mariam," The Japanese princess reacted.
"I'll be Perseus and you'll be Andromeda!" Tyson blurted.
"Of course you'll be, Tyson," Hilary told, "But I can't be Andromeda. Because she was weak. But I can't be weak."
"Come on, Hils, that's a drama only…" Julia pleaded.
"Nope." Hilary shook her head, "Dew is so cute for this role. That's why, she'll be playing this role."
"Really, Oni-Chan?" The youngest of the children clapped, "Then it'll be fun!"
"Obviously," Julia didn't forget her duty, "And Mariam will be playing the role of Medusa. It's perfect for a demoness like her, isn't it?"
"Oh yes," Mariam mocked, "Although I'm not going to be that proud queen for whom that disaster came upon the subjects. That role is perfect for you, Princess Julia!"
"You're right," Max showed his teeth, "And I'll play the role of the adviser, okay?"
"Then everything is okay now!" Hilary cheerfully asked, "So can we start the rehearsal?"
"Of course!" Everyone rejoiced.
So, how's it?
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and the spelling errors.
Neha, I hope you've liked this :D
-Misty ^_^