Hi everyone! I'm really very sorry to disappear like smokes *Ahem*...actually I was so busy with my exams, cultural competitions of college, national photography contest and all other chores (Along with tasting new animes like "Ghost stories" "Naruto" and others :P) So here's the chapter. Enjoy!

"I have a dream. When I will grow up, I'll be the best son of my mother. I won't only belong to my mother, but also belong to the whole Nippon. For that, I'm practicing from now. Currently I've learnt sword-fighting, horse-riding and archery. Soon, I'll learn tossing javelin, riding a horse by clenching the rein in my mouth. Oh no…..it's high time I went to the battle arena. Grandpa must be worrying for me. I've to go now. See you, dear diary."

A feather of white peacock was kept between those thick pages. Dried ink could be seen at its nib. It was seeming to be the dark spots on the moon…nah, not that much. If it was drenched in lime water, it could get its previous whitening beauty. But what about the moon? What about the ink of disgrace that the desperate boy had tainted on the white blameless canvas of his family?

'Why, my son, why?' The old man bit his lips, 'Why did you leave us in this way? Hiro, you were the pride of our clan. If you were with us, you could be the lightening gem of Nippon. Just being jealous of your younger brother, how could you do that? Tyson is not your opponent, but your comrade. Both of you could protect the dignity of Japan. If your goal was to be the best son of your mother, why're you attacking her now? As the chief minister of the kingdom, I am to perform my royal duties for the sake of my motherland and her security. But…..can you realize what I am undergoing?'

He heaved a sigh. Ever since his elder grandson had left them, his family was afflicted with pain and sufferings. At first, his daughter-in-law had died, failing to bear the departure of her loving son. Losing his son and wife, Tatsuya had also hung himself with the highest branch of a banyan tree in a very dawn. How could the old man live? How could he breathe? But he had to live. For the sake of his kingdom. For the sake of his younger grandson.

"Grandpa!"

Closing the diary swiftly, Ryu Granger turned to the navy-haired boy and smiled softly. His grandson was wearing a determined smile on his face while his brownish eyes were sparkling with an immense resolve. Going to him and stroking his hair, he asked, "Are you ready, my boy?"

"Yes, grandpa…." Tyson nodded but stopped in the midway. Screwing his brows, he queried, "What happened, grandpa? Why are your eyes glittering? Were you crying?"

"No no, Tyson, not at all," Quickly Ryu shook his head, "I think something went into my eyes. Besides, why will I cry? Today is such an auspicious day for my dear grandson. If I remain sad, how will he be able to accomplish his tasks?"

"That's why you shouldn't be sad at all, grandpa," The navy-haired boy beamed, "Don't worry at all about me. I'll be safe. Not only I, but everyone will be safe as well. If Hilary is with me, we won't let no injured soldier be untreated."

"And I'll always be with you, Tyson."

Hearing the familiar girlish voice, both the grandfather and the grandson stared at the doorway. There was their adorable eight-yeared brunette, dressed in the outfits of traditional martial arts which contained a dark-blue sleeveless Qi Pao, a black three-quarter leggings, a white waistband black elbow and knee protectors made of net, dark blue fingerless hand gloves and iron shoes, seeming to be any kunoichi. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail. She was carrying a bunch of arrows and a parabolic bow on her back. A dagger was tucked under her waistband in a silver sheath. She also had a confident smile all over her angelic expression.

"Hilary!" Tyson gasped, "Why are you carrying so many weapons with you? Are we going to cure the wounded warriors or to fight against them?"

"Tyson, relax a bit," The brunette kept a hand on his shoulder, "Look, we don't know when or how the danger can come. These weapons are not for fighting against them, but for protecting ourselves. Besides, what if one of our soldiers loses all his weapons? That's why I've taken these things so that I can help them."

"Really, Princess Hilary, you're worthy enough to be praised," The aged man patted her head, "You're the real princess of our kingdom."

"Master Ryu, don't call me princess now," She bowed in respect, "I'm only princess in the royal court. But in your house, I'm your disciple. And a disciple should respect his or her master, not the vice versa."

"That's why you're my most favorite student, Hilary," Ryu acclaimed, "On the other hand, here's Tyson who knows nothing but sleeping and eating."

"Grandpa!" Tyson spat, "This is unfair!"

"Hahaha…..I know, my boy," His grandfather also palmed his head, "You may be lazy a bit but you're a good fighter as well. Both of you kids make such a good team together."

"Yup!" The Japanese toddler punched in the air, "My bond of friendship with Hilary is so strong that no one can severe it. No one in the world! We will always be with each other, no matter what happens! If any third person interferes between us, I'll behead him!"

"Tyson!" Hilary cocked an eyebrow, "Don't be so overprotective. Let everyone enter between us, yet our friendship won't fade away so easily."

"I wish I could enjoy the cute scene," Ryu cleared his throat, "But I'm afraid to say that it is high time you both went to battleground. The batte must be starting by now."

"Of course, master," The brunette agreed, "Don't worry about us. We'll be safe and sound there. Please pray so that we can win this battle."

"May God bless you, my children," The elderly guy assured them smilingly.

Showing victory signs, the children came out of the house. Two ponies were tied with the wooden poles which were grazing, closing their eyes in comfort. As the princess softly stroke their mane, they opened their eyes and let out a soft whine, understanding that they had to start for the trench.

"Tyson," Hilary jumped on the back of the white one, "This black one is yours. Sometimes, he becomes moody but don't worry. Just treat him well and he'll be obedient to you."

"Sure thing, Hils," Tyson also caressed his colt. The black animal softly hummed, expressing his satisfaction.

"Woah…" Hilary became astonished, "Looks like he's been easily tamed by you. I've to admit that you are such an animal-lover."

"Told ya," Tyson winked, riding the horse, "I've a deep relation with animals. But I think you're closer to animals than I."

'Come on….' Hilary whispered, blushing. They were about to make the horses run but someone interrupted them.

"Children!" The prime minister of Japan was panting while carrying a glistening sword in his hands. The sword had a flashing aura around it. In the center of the holder, there was a shimmering gemstone, somewhat like aqua-blue sapphire. Carefully looking at it, a vibrant granule of blue light could be seen as though any spirit had been living into the stone.

"Tyson," He handed the weapon to his grandson, "Keep it with you. It will protect you from all kinds of danger."

"But Grandpa," Tyson asked, "We've taken enough arrows and combat knives with us. Why to carry this heavy thing?"

"Don't overlook its power, my boy," Ryu articulated, "It is not any ordinary weapon. It is the protector of our kingdom. The prime ministers of Japan have been in the charge of this safeguard since ages."

"What?" Hilary cocked an eyebrow, "Master, you've only taught us about these types of arms where mystical spirits reside and help human beings win a battle. But you have never told us that you have such a weapon."

"Hilary, my girl, I was scared," Tyson's grandfather mentioned the reason, "You must have heard that the king of the underground, Boris Balkov, was about to snatch the protector of America in which he was assisted by an eleven-yeared kid. That kid even tried to kidnap your cousin, Max Tate, the prince of America."

"Yes," She nodded, "Aunt Judy told me about the incident."

"You also know that Draciel, the legendary tortoise is the weakest of all mystical spirits. But Balkov wanted power and so he could think of stealing Draciel. But the supernatural beast in this weapon, Dragoon, is more powerful than Draciel. Just think what Boris Balkov can do to gain it."

"Then why're you giving it to us?" The navy-haired boy questioned, "What if it is stolen from the battlefield?"

"My boy, Dragoon is well-aware of his duty," Ryu brushed his fingers through the hair of his grandson, "Like other animals, he has also his own feelings, senses and perceptions. As far as I know, he won't let himself keep his identity only within a circle of a belonging that can be traded easily. Mark my words, he will not only protect himself, but also protect you guys."

"Thank you very much, Master," The princess expressed her gratitude, "Now our self-confidence has increased more than its previous state. If Dragoon remains with us, none can defeat our platoon."

"I hope so, Hilary," The aged man waggled, "Now it's time to go to the warzone. Be safe and sound, treat the injured soldier well."

"Of course," Tyson smiled, "Take care of yourself, Grandpa. Hilary, let's go!"

Both of the children rode those ponies and softly kicked at their right frontal ankles. Getting the hint, the foals started racing, creating a sandstorm behind them. When everything was clear, there was none.

Two droplets of tears rolled down on the cheek of the prime minister. Wiping them, he mused, 'How could I reveal the identity of the intruder, Tyson? He's none but your own elder brother. I know when you'll know it, you'll be very happy. But he won't be happy at all seeing you. Be careful, my boy, he won't let you live in peace."

The forest was somewhat far from the learning center. All the learners were there in order to gather timbers from the woodland. They had to do many things. Besides achieving knowledge and improving their life-skills, they needed to clean their bedrooms and washrooms, take care of the garden, plants, pet animals and birds, earn money by going to the houses of rich or solvent people and doing their chores, wash their cloths and utensils regularly, help the chef in kitchen and what not? At first, they had used to get bored but now they could do everything. They understood that it was all for their own well-being.

This one was the most enjoyable task to the prince of Russia and his cousins. As they all loved the pin-drop silence of forests, they were always excited to come here and collect timbers for cooking. While puckering them, they had found many unknown tiny flowers and herbs hiding beneath grass and sand. Their teachers had taught them about the wild herbs which could work as antiseptics and antibiotics against many germs and diseases. Often the princes amalgamated them so that they could use them in diseases or accidents. Like other days, collecting his own lumbers, Ian was searching for those plants. Gleaning a few of them, he turned back to his timbers. But where were they? They disappeared like smokes!

"My timbers!" He cried, "Where are they?"

Hearing him, everybody looked at him. The carrot-nosed Russian pouted his lips. His jade eyes were brimming with tears. He sobbed, "If I can't find them, teacher will punish me. Tonight I will get no dinner."

"Don't worry, Ian," The redhead tried to console him, "You must have forgotten where you've kept them. Search attentively, you'll find them."

"Wrong," The slate-haired Russian denied, "Despite being a child, Ian never forgets his duty. His memory is strong enough. I think it must be someone's prank."

Opening his closed eyes, he observed everyone carefully. Smirking slightly, he approached a blond-haired. Grasping the collar of his shirt, the Russian jerked him. As a result, the timbers fell on the ground from his vest.

"My timbers!" Ian exclaimed in joy and rushed at them when Kai pressed him hard against a tree as flames could be seen in his lotus-eyes, asking, "How dare you do that? Don't you know stealing something is a sin? Haven't teacher taught you this thing?"

"I'll do whatever I have to do for getting dinner and staying in comfort," The boy named Jeff retorted, "Who are you to stop? Remember, you're the prince only in the castle, not here!"

"That will only be appropriate in the fields of my privileges and lifestyle, not in the case of my responsibility!" The dual-haired Russian shoved him towards the ground, "In future, I'll have to rule this kingdom. Remember, Kai can never tolerate any injustice or crime. As it's your first mistake that I've witnessed, I will spare you. Henceforth, never dare commit such crimes!"

As the phoenix-prince turned back and started walking, Jeff stood up. Getting the dust off from his cloths, he approached a tree and started breaking its tender boughs ruthlessly. In order that he could get the stiff branches, he bought his axe and started cutting them.

Everyone gasped at them. Hearing everyone, the Russian prince stared at Jeff who was busy in collecting timbers through a heartless process. Whirlwind passed across his body. Rushing towards him, he gripped Jeff's hair and made him turn back. Then, slapping tightly on his cheek, he knocked him off.

"You immature!" Kai hissed, "What the hell were you doing?"

"Prince Kai, you didn't let me collect timbers," Jeff snarled, "That's why I was collecting them in my own way."

"You're ridiculous, Jeff," The prince was furious, "In order to cherish your goal, you have hurt those trees? You should've known that trees are like our own mothers. They protect all the animals and the environment. How could you do that with them? Didn't your hands tremble a bit?"

"Stop!" Someone blurted.

All the boys stared at the owner of the tone. The person was one of their teachers. Nobody knew when he had come here.

"What happened, Kai?" He asked gently, "Why are you scolding Jeff?"

"Sir, pardon me for my impertinence," Kai respectfully bowed, "But Jeff has committed two grave mistakes. Firstly, he stole the timbers that have been collected by Ian. Besides, in order to get kindling, he has broken the soft branches of a tree. He has also raised his axe on it."

"Jeff, is it true?"

Jeff furiously shook his head, replying in negative.

"Another grave mistake, Jeff!" The falcon aimed his index finger at him, "All the boys have witnessed your error. If you commit any misdeed, you must admit of it. You won't be despised for that. Rather, you will be honored."

In humiliation, the blond-haired boy bent his head down. Realizing the situation, the eldest of the Russian princes went to him and tenderly squeezed his shoulders, "Don't be sad, Jeff. Let bygones be bygones. Come with me, I'll help you collect timbers."

"Thanks a lot," His voice was still anger-struck, "But I can do my work himself. You don't need to show so-called kindness to me!"

In a speed of a steadfast stallion, he left the place. Sighing, one of the boys asserted, "Jeff always acts as if he were the king of this universe!"

"No no, Chris, not that thing," The teacher convinced the student, "Actually, Jeff has come of a poor and broken family. His mother died when he was only two. After the death of his mother, his father remarried. His step-mother hates him like hating a snake. She doesn't love him at all. She has always beaten and scolded him mercilessly. She has kept him in starvation. He had to do so many tough chores which were almost impossible for a kid like him. Don't despise him, boys. Make him feel the atmosphere like a family. Talk with him, play with him, help him do his jobs, mix with him. Soon, he'll change."

"I also think so," Spencer agreed, "But there's one thing that we have to admit. Kai has taught him such a good lesson. If he remains same in his adulthood, I'm sure that there will be no crime in our empire. He'll be a great emperor when he'll grow up."

Everyone applauded as the phoenix-prince smirked in victory.

Two particular platoons were standing two opposite corners of the battleground. Armor-worn soldiers were sitting on energetic black stallions. Only their leaders were sitting on gigantic elephants. Colonel Saito, the commander of Nippon, was experienced enough. Before this, he had won many tough battles. The slight grayness in his hair and moustaches was expressing his knowledge and familiarity. His keen eyes were peacefully observing the movement of the opponents. Wicked smile was hugging his face.

On the other hand, the elder son of the Grangers was calmly breathing in order to remove all his tensions and pressures. His chocolate eyes were holding a calm, cool, yet fierce and evil mien. Inside his lips, his teeth were clenched. Screwing his eyebrows, he was watching his opponents.

'Colonel Saito,' He pondered, 'One of my most favorite persons. With his gifted sword, I've improved my fighting skills. I can't believe that I've to hurt him with his own sword gifted to me.'

Huh, what to do now? This is the game of the nature.

Meanwhile, the princess and the little warrior reached the trench. Getting down from the ponies, they tied the beasts with two banyan trees. Seeing their reserved tents, they approached them.

Two maids were standing in front of the tents. Seeing the princess with Tyson, they bowed. Greeting them warmly, Hilary asked, "Are all the arrangements ready?"

"Yes, princess," One of them replied, "All the necessary ingredients for aiding the wounded warriors and essential furniture have been prepared."

"Thank you very much," The coco-haired girl put off her diamond hairclip and gave it to them, "Here remains your reward. If you help us treat the injured, I'll tell father to promote you both."

"As you wish, princess." The second maid guaranteed.

Smiling, the children entered into the marquee. Keeping the weapons in a certain place, they sat down on the soft velvet carpet.

"Tyson, ensure the enough service of water," Hilary suggested, "Whenever a man becomes injured, he needs water at first. No matter what kind of injury it is, be it broken bone, or cut, or scrapes….."

Her words stopped as she discovered her best friend snoozing and snoring loudly. Being furious, she shoved him towards the ground.

"Ouch!" The navy-haired boy gasped, "What was that, Hils?"

"That was for your foolishness, Tyson," The princess kept her hands on her waist, "What the hell were you doing? It is a tent in the battleground of a serious battle, not your own bedroom!"

"Come on, Hils, you know how long the journey was…." The Japanese boy yawned, "Besides, your ponies were so tough and steadfast….what could I do?"

"Be serious, Tyson," The brunette sat down before him, "Look, the battle has already begun."

"What?" Tyson cocked an eyebrow, "I haven't heard the beginning sound of the war."

"How could you?" Hilary mocked, "After all, his Majesty of greatest Tyson Kinomiya Granger was very busy in daydreaming, wasn't he?"

"Uh oh…" He bit his tongue.

"Let it be, nobody has been injured yet," The girl waved her hands in the air, "But we need to be conscious and careful always. The injured soldiers will be coming soon in our tents. We will serve them. We have to save them, got it?"

"What if we don't treat the enemies?" The dragoon-wielder pouted, "Why to serve them? If they become well, they may attack us."

"Fie!" Hilary slapped gently on his back, "Aren't you ashamed of your words? We're little kids. Don't you know that it is forbidden to attack the old people, the kids, the women and the disable people in the warzone if they don't attack anyone?"

"Shit! I've totally forgotten about that rule," Tyson sheepishly laughed, "Pardon my idiocy, Hils."

"Hmm…." She groaned. Soon her anger changed into panic as four slaves entered into the tent, carrying a stretcher. The young man reposed on the stretcher was badly wounded. Deep cuts and bruises were all over his body. He got a gash on his forehead from which it was bleeding heavily.

"Oh God!" Tyson gulped.

"Don't be panicked, Tyson," She held his hand, "We'll save him. Maids, who is he? What happened to him?"

"Princess, he is one of our soldiers," One of the maids answered, "He was fighting the opponents. He wasn't able to move his sword as he was severely injured. All his comrades requested him to rest a bit. But he didn't listen to them. As a result, he collapsed on the ground."

"Fortunately we could see him in this condition," Another one retorted, "Unless our eyes avoided her, God knows what would happen."

"He's looking terrible," The younger grandson of the prime minister was horrified, "Hilary, will he survive?"

"Why not?" The princess was confident, "Don't worry about him, Tyson. From the royal physician, I've learnt so many theories and things of medical science. We have enough medicines at this moment. He'll be safe and sound. Maids, go and inform the royal physician. I'm trying to retrieve his sense as soon as possible."

"Sure, princess," The maids left the room.

Sharply taking a breath, the young girl ordered, "Tyson, now it is time to fetch some water for me. With that, don't forget to bring clean cloth-pieces and the paste of lawn grass, okay?"

"Alright." The boy nodded and became busy in helping his friend. The princess felt the pulse and the heartbeats of the patient. Then, holding a tiny piece of paper in front of his nose, she observed the speed of his respiration. As she found the results positive, she tried to remain relaxed. Then her comrade brought the items which she had wanted.

Adding some grapefruit seed extract in the clear water, drenching a piece of cloth into it, she cleaned the blood from his wounds. Applying the paste of green grass, she finally dressed the cuts and bruises. As she sprinkled some water on his face, he fluttered his eyes and slowly opened them. Seeing her, he wanted to sit up but the brunette stopped him.

"Don't move now," She held his back, "You've been injured. You need to rest."

"But princess…." The soldier tried to protest weakly, "The war is going on. If I don't join my battalion, we may lose it."

"Don't worry about the war," Hilary consoled him, "We have well-trained and high-skilled soldiers. We will easily win it. Drink some water. You must be thirsty a lot. Tyson, please pass the water glass to me."

The navy-haired boy handed her the glass filled with water. Softly holding the chin of the soldier, the princess was about to pour the liquid in his throat. But she couldn't as a running arrow passed across the glass, shattering the beaker into pieces. It might have also pierced the soft palm of the brunette, nevertheless, she captured it into her grip.

"Hilary!" Tyson rushed to her and squeezed her shoulders, "Are you alright?"

"I am…." The princess was also awestruck at the sudden assault, "But who dared do it?"

"The boss of the bosses, the king of the kings, the best son of mother Nippon, Hiro Granger." A defiant voice retorted.

Not hesitating for a moment, the princess, the soldier and the dragoon-wielder looked at the doorway. The light blue-haired, 18-yeared young man was standing there, holding an arc firmly in his grips. It could easily be understood that it was none but he who had shot the arrow at them.

"You illiterate!" The princess blurted, "How dare you attack an injured soldier? Don't you know that it is against the rules and regulations of wars?"

"Silly girl!" Hiro chortled in despair, "You're the one who should know that everything is fair in love and war."

"Shut up!" The Dragoon-wielder stood up in rage, "Learn to talk respectfully with our princess, you spoiled brat!"

"Opps…." The elder Granger was seeming not to care his words at all, "If my eyes aren't cheating me, you're Tyson Granger, the grandson of the prime minister of Nippon, aren't you?"

"Correctly recognized," Tyson corrected, "But not clearly. If you had clearly known me, you would never have dared violate the battle regulations!"

"Woah…finally a mosquito has started scaring a tiger," The spoiled grandson of the prime minister pretended to clear his throat, "The doomsday won't be late to come."

"Mister, don't consider a mosquito to be weaker than a tiger," Tyson boldly ejaculated, "In this world, the rate of death in mosquito-driven diseases is more than the rate of death in tiger attacks. Moreover, a mosquito can easily suck the blood from the body of a tiger. But a tiger can hardly do anything to any mosquito. If you don't believe, let's have a duel. Let's see who is more dangerous!"

"Duel?" Hiro tilted an eyebrow, "Are you crazy, kiddo? In this age, toys suit more well in your hands than weapons!"

"And this is the foremost trait of the children of the regal families of Japan, Mister," The dragoon-wielder stated, "Along with protecting themselves, they can also take care of their families, friends and societies far well."

"Oh….I see," The Jin of the Gale gritted his teeth, "Okay, if you're insisting, let's have a duel. But if I win, you've to give me the most valuable thing with you at present. On the other hand, if you become the victor, I'll never attack Japan once again."

"Okay, okay," Tyson desperately flapped his head, "I'll give you a rich amount of money and gemstones."

"Fool you are!" Hiro burst out laughing, "You even don't know that only businessmen seek for money, not the warriors. They crave for power, not wealth. I need the power that you've been given."

"No!" Tyson boldly remonstrated, "Dragoon will live only with us. I will never let him go with such a mannerless and cruel man like you."

"It means…..you're afraid to fight me, aren't you?"

The guardian of the mystical dragon tightened his grips and jaw. He looked at the princess who was staring at him with sparkling eyes, placing the head of the injured soldier on her lap. One of her hands went to that scalpel tucked beneath her waistband and clutched it firmly.

"No, Hilary," The navy-haired boy forbade, "Don't do that!"

"But he has insulted us!" Softly reposing the soldier on the ground, she stood up, "Being a responsible princess of my kingdom, I can't tolerate it anymore! Let's make him taste his own medicine!"

"Hilary, I can understand your feelings," Her friend soothed her, "But it will be against the battle rules. He has been challenged by me, not you. Besides, you have to take care of the injured warriors. If you battle against him, I have to remain here for treating them which I can't do as perfectly as you. The lives of the soldiers are depending on you. Please, save them with your magical healing."

"Wish I could accompany you, Tyson," Hilary whispered, "But you've reminded me of my foremost duty. Good luck, Tyson. Do your best. If needs be, don't forget to inform me."

"Sure, Hils." Tyson pulled out his sword that had been given to him by his grandfather, "Now, this Hiro will never dare attack our kingdom! Hey, let's go outside!"

"Okay…." Hiro showed the amicable flash of his bright teeth as both of the boys left the room.

'Oh God…..' Hilary softly prayed while making the soldier drink some water, 'Please help Tyson so that he can beat that arrogant and proud man. After all, the victory won't suit Hiro at all….'

What will happen now? Which brother will win? Hiro? Or Tyson?

Do read and review. Pardon all the grammatical and spelling errors. Take care :D

-Misty ^_^