Hi everyone! Sorry, actually I...had no idea what to write next. Thankfully, I have been able to complete this chapter. Tons of thanks to all the reviewers who reviewed in the previous chapter. So, enjoy this one! :D

They both were standing in an exposed arena, burning each other with respective death glares. The elder one was holding a wakizashi sword, with the upper part of its blade being slightly curved but somewhat narrow which can be defined as a hybridization between a scimitar and a straight katana sword. Its handle was black in color with cream-colored horizontal stripes, made of wood. On the other hand, there was a butterfly sword enclosed in the right hand of the younger one. Its blade wasn't as long as that of his opponent, yet it was sharpened as its owner used to rub it twice for five minutes against a certain boulder every day. Its foil was deep orange in color with the paintings of yellow butterflies on it. Its right and left edges were somewhat designed like the butter knife kept on your breakfast table. Seeing it, his opponent couldn't resist his laughter.

"Woah!" He smirked, "Look, a kid has bought a toy to fight me. Hey kiddo, how can you expect to win a duel using this butter knife?"

"This is not butter knife, Mister," The eight-yeared kid bravely replied, "In case you are not familiar to Japanese weapons, you should know that it's called butterfly sword. The more it looks like a butter knife, the more it flies and attacks the enemy like a swift eagle."

"Your tongue runs well, kid," Hiro rolled his eyes, "I hope you will be able to operate your weapon like your tongue."

"So, what are you waiting for?" Tyson yelled, "Let's start!"

From the inner tent, the princess was observing their activities. She was holding the rectangular piece of a red-colored cotton cloth. Noticing the gesture of her best friend, the brunette slowly dropped the cloth on the ground and hid herself behind the white curtains as they both got engaged into a fierce fight.

At first, the navy-haired kid upstretched his sword and marched forward like a regular soldier. Suddenly, changing his direction and rushing towards his opponent, he leaped and was about to land on him. But at the very moment, the cautious rebel caught his ankle and revolved him at the opposite direction of the hands on a clock. Failing to keep balance, the youngest grandson of the Japanese prime minister fell on the ground, not landing on his back but his toe-tips. Raising his head, he rained a chill current that passed through the blood of his elder brother. Not caring, he dashed in the speed of whirlwind and tried to hit on his head. But the kid blocked him with his cute butterfly blade and standing up on his own feet, he kicked at his gut.

That could only made him step back and nothing. Laughing, Hiro Granger turned around and jerked his little brother in the same power. His small body couldn't bear it. He fell back. Seeing the opportunity, Hiro slid his weapon beneath his thighs but it was too late. Already the cunning boy somersaulted and stood again.

"You can be a good escape artist, kiddo," The elder Granger whistled, "But if you want to win a duel, you must know the attacking skills as well."

"I know those far well," Tyson spat, "Besides, what if you discover that Tyson Granger is a balanced warrior?"

"As in?" In surprise, his elder brother lifted his right eyebrow up.

"Just keep watching!" The toddler again raced at his target and flung his butterflies at him. As the opponent blocked his attack easily, he surprised. Out of nowhere, he caught the lower part of the handle of his butterfly sword and pulled. Like the magic of a wizard, another copy of the weapon came out.

"What the hell!" Hiro couldn't but admit secretly that Tyson was a good warrior indeed.

"Surprised, huh?" Winking, the little guy hit the handle of the scimitar of his opponent with another butterfly but it couldn't affect much.

"I have to admit of your skills, Tyson," The so-called servant of his motherland grimaced, "But you can't trick me with your cute tricks! Just dare handle my stormy move!"

Their swords kept clinging against each other, producing metal sounds of sliding and hurting.

"Sleech!"

"Slatch!"

Along with operating respective weapons, the elder brother was making his headway whereas the younger one was lagging behind thought it was nothing but one of the intriguing moves of him. Within a glimpse, he discovered a large tree behind him. Its leaves were bright lime green in color, with dark green parallel venation on its back. Sniffing, he tended to get its scent. As the fragrance of lotus flowers tickled his nostrils, he learnt that it was one of his familiar trees.

'If I'm not wrong,' He pondered, 'It is the tree whose cuticle is so sticky and clingy. Once this Hiro penetrates his sword into its branches or shoot, he will never be able to pull it back…at least in this life. Sorry Grandpa, I have to cheat in this duel. But if this cheating brings everything well for Dragoon and our motherland, I'm ready to do this.'

Like the steps of a feline, he diagonally pushed his right ankle behind and blocked Hiro. In such a way, they headed towards the notorious tree. Seeing it, the elder bluenette felt doubtful and tried to observe the tree more carefully. As his younger brother noticed it, another sudden yet naughty plan arose inside his brain. He bent down and attempted to hit Hiro's ankles. Though Hiro became successful to guard it, already his brother completed what he had to do. Like sweeping a broom on a dusty floor, he swept his sword. As a result, a little sand entered inside Hiro's eyes.

"Ouch!" Covering his eyes with one of his hands, Hiro kept crisscrossing his weapon with another hand of him. Not able to see anything, he accidentally, according to Tyson's plan, tucked the sword into the cuticle of that tree. Utilizing that identical moment, the tot leaped again and placed a double kick on the back of his rival. As Hiro's face was about to touch the ground, his little brother landed on his back and covered his face in order to save him from injuries. At that time, Tyson saw a special sign painted on the neck of his opponent. The sign wasn't unfamiliar to him at all…..

'Dragoon's tattoo?' The boy seemed astonished, 'But it's only a sign that remains on the bodies of the people of Granger clan…..'

Flashback:

"Grandpa, what is it on your neck?"

A four-yeared Tyson Granger, being curious, asked his grandfather about the tiny painting of the mighty blue dragon, seeing it on his neck while the old man was pretending to be horse, making his youngest grandson a prince.

"Boy, it's the sign of our clan," The elderly guy patted his shoulders, "Long ago, the first predecessor of our clan meditated for a thousand years. Satisfied with him, the Dragon deity came to bless him and offered him to ask for boons. In return, thanking Him, our ancestor asked for all the positive characteristics of a dragon. The deity denied but said that he would give us dragoon, a special sacred spiritual force, in return. Getting dragoon, he decided not to hand it permanently to any outsider who doesn't belong to our clan. In order to identify the members of Granger clan, he started making permanent paintings of the blue dragon on the neck of every child. This mark can't change our internal strength but it can surely change our outlook by increasing our self-confidence, courage, determination and kindness towards other people."

"Oh, this is the story," Little Tyson gave an amicable flash of his teeth, "Thank you so much, grandpa. One day, I'll be a great warrior like dragoon."

"Bless you, my child," Ryu Granger kissed on the temple of his young grandson.

Flash forward:

Swiftly, Tyson got down from his back and helped him stand up. Making him sit underneath the tree, he asked his opponent, "Tell me who you are."

"I'm Hiro," It was his stern reply.

"I am not asking you about your identical name, Mister," His jaw was tightened, "What's your surname?"

"What will you do with my surname?" Hiro didn't pay any heed to his question, "You've defeated me. As a result, I'll never attack your country. That's it."

"But you don't have any right to attack your own country despite being her own child," Tyson insisted, "You've to reveal your identity."

"I won't!" Hiro raged, "It's my personal matter. You have no right to interfere in this, kiddo!"

"Your surname is Granger, right?"

Hearing his younger brother, the eyes of the elder Granger widened in shock. He felt countless sharp daggers being stabbed right at his heart. His heart throbbed, he gulped. Tears brimmed in his eyes.

"Answer me, Hiro!" The little kid demanded, "I know your surname is Granger. Yesterday, my grandpa was talking to his Majesty in the courtroom. I went there and heard their conversation. Hearing them, I decided to join this war and accompany our princess. But there's one more thing about which I learnt from that talk. Your full name is Hiro Granger, isn't it?"

"A lie it might be," Hiro again denied, "Besides, you must have had hallucination at that time."

"Okay, don't confess the truth," Tyson grabbed his shoulders, "At least tell me about the tattoo on your neck. What's its significance?"

"I like dragons a lot," Hiro's voice was quite reluctant, trying much to hide the truth, "So, I made a paint of it on my neck."

"But why on your neck?" The toddler bluenette was so obstinate, "Your hair isn't too short to expose that tattoo. Besides, you are wearing high-necked shirt. In this age, nobody draws tattoos on neck. Why is the color the dragon blue? Why are its nails so long? Why? Can you answer?"

Hiro remained quiet for a while, bending his head down and looking at the ground. Then, slowly lifting his eyes towards his little brother, he heaved a sigh. Clearing his throat, he spoke, "Looks like you've found out the truth. Yes, I'm a member of Granger clan."

"I knew that, Hiro," The dragoon-wielder wasn't satisfied still, "But what's your relation with me? How does my grandfather know you? Why do you want to battle us by the way?"

"Relax, kiddo," The light-blue haired guy softly patted his shoulders, "I'll tell you everything. But promise me, you won't get shocked at the truth."

"Tyson is also a Grangerian, Hiro," Tyson announced with utmost self-confidence inside him, "I promise you that I won't be shocked a bit."

"Then listen," Hiro breathed and started, "I'm your elder brother."

"Brother?" The guardian of the great dragon screwed his eyebrows, gasping a bit to digest the fact. He fell the ground crumbling underneath his feet. The whole world stopped spinning in front of his eyes. Somewhere, thunderbolt struck a tree, producing a large boom and it started burning.

"What happened?" The metal-driger wielder interrogated, "Haven't you promise me not to be shocked?"

"I'm not shocked, Hiro," Tyson shook his head, swiftly managing himself and giving a realistic smile, "Grandpa has never told me that I've a brother."

"Why should he tell you?" Hiro giggled, "He would tell you about me if he considered me as his grandson."

"But why?"

"Because…" The banished Granger sighed again, "I betrayed them."

Hearing him, Tyson swigged as his eyes seemed coming out from their holes. He yelled, "What? Why did you betray us? You announce yourself as the best servant of our motherland, don't you? Didn't you feel ashamed doing that?"

"Nope, little bro," Hiro bit his inner lip, "At that time, I felt so proud of my fighting skills and agility that I couldn't help being blind. When you were born, I was so excited. I took you in my arms. At that moment, you lifted my sword which was tucked inside the foil and aimed at my chin. Shocked, I couldn't hold you anymore into my arms. I felt as though I'd been carrying tons of boulders or a sphere of flames. Grandpa couldn't bear my irresponsibility. Saving you, he slapped me. I felt so humiliated at that. I thought…..I thought you were my archenemy. Unable to tolerate the pain and humiliation, writing a letter, I left my home in the next morning."

"But brother, I'm not your enemy, believe me!" That little kid pleaded, "If I knew our relation, by God, I would never raise my weapon upon you! My grandfather has always taught me to respect elders. Even he didn't tell me anything about you! Why did you leave me, brother? You could be my best friend. Together, we could make a great duo. If you didn't leave me, this day would never come in our life. These lives wouldn't leave earth. I wouldn't have to raise my sword upon my own brother!"

"This happens, little bro, this happens frequently in our life," Hiro squeezed Tyson's shoulders softly, "But you've opened my eyes and helped me see the light. You've helped me see the truth. I've known that none but you are the real son of our motherland. Japan will be proud of you, Tyson. You're the one who are capable of controlling and protecting dragoon. I promise…..I'll never show my temptation for dragoon. But you've to promise one thing."

"What?"

"Promise me that you'll take good care of dragoon, little bro," He smiled, "You'll never hurt him. You have to ensure the fact so that none can hurt him ever. No matter what happens, you will keep him safe always."

"I promise, brother," Tyson nodded, "I'll try my best to keep my promise. But what about you? What will you do? Won't you come along with me?"

"No, Tyson, I have a lot of tasks to complete," Hiro refused, "I need to atone for my deeds. That's why, I have to keep myself far away from my family."

"Please brother, return to us," The ruby-colored eyes of the youngster were glittering with tears, "If I tell Grandpa, he'll forgive you. Together, we'll make a happy family."

"I know he will, Tyson," Hiro cupped his chin, "Yet I've to complete my training. Being defeated by you doesn't mean that I'll give up. One day, we'll again confront each other when you'll grow up. By that time, Japan won't like to fall in my shadow."

Hearing him, the little kid became silent for a few minutes. Understanding, his big brother smiled. Patting his head, he took out a peacock feather. Its color was dark blue at the center, being surrounded with a sky-blue circle. The sky-blue one was at the midpoint of a yellowish-golden ellipse with turquoise borders. Then, bluish-green furs were coming outside from the central part. Its spindled portion was white.

"Peacock feather?" Tyson asked, being curious, "What will I do with it, big brother?"

"It's not an ordinary feather, Tyson," Hiro asserted, "Only a responsible, intelligent, devoted, pious, brave, generous, hardworking and sacred person can be the real and suitable owner of it."

"A person with so many qualities?" The navy-haired boy couldn't help being overwhelmed, "All these eight qualities in a single person? Such a person can only be found in the royal clan of Japan. She's none but Princess Hilary."

"I know her well, Tyson," The light blue-haired guy affirmed, "She's so aware of her responsibilities, ethics and manners. If all the girls of Japan become like her, Japan will never fall in any difficult situation. Even though she falls, she won't plunge there forever. Ironically, despite having all the qualities of ruling a country, princess Tachibana doesn't have any sacred power with her like you. So, it's for her. Together, you both will uplift the head of our country in front of the whole world."

"I promise, brother," Tyson held his hand, "I'll never let our country bend her head down. I'll always help our princess and royal clan in every positive activity and thought of them. If they accidentally accomplish any negative work, I'll convince them and show them the right path."

"May God bless you, little bro," Brushing his fingers through the hair of his younger brother, Hiro wished, "Okay, the time for my departure has arrived. If God wants, we'll again meet each other. Farewell, Tyson."

"Farewell," He sadly murmured.

Giving another sad smile, he kept walking forward. The navy-haired boy kept watching his footsteps. Suddenly, someone patted his shoulders. Turning back, he smiled a bright smile. The person wasn't unfamiliar to him.

"Tyson!" The chocolate-haired girl exclaimed, "Congratulations! You've won the duel. I'm feeling so proud of you, my friend!"

"Thank you so much, Hilary," Tyson bowed and handed the colorful feather to her, "Look, it's for you."

"Wow! It's so beautiful!" The brunette rejoiced, "Thanks a lot, Tyson. I owe you a lot."

"Friends don't owe each other anything," Tyson smiled, "But you're looking so cheerful. What happened? Have you been successful to treat all our warriors safely? Are they out of danger now?"

At this, Hilary's face beamed up with joy like the morning sun. Giving a flashy smile, she nodded, "Yes, you have guessed right, Tyson. But the incident was quite unexpected."

"Unexpected?" Tyson frowned, "What do you mean, Hilary? What happened when you were inside the tent?"

"Then listen." Hilary replied and started narrating her experience.

Flashback:

"Ah….." The wounded soldier was barely breathing. His forehead had a gash from which it was heavily bleeding. His whole body was also bearing a lot of scrapes and bruises. His left ankle had got broken. His heartbeats and pulse rate were so slow. In each second, his eyelids were being heavy. He couldn't open his eyes easily.

"Relax," The brunette kept stroking his forehead gently, trying to console and pacify him, "Nothing will happen to you. You'll be alright."

"It's impossible, princess," One of the maid sadly acknowledged, "He has lost much blood. Our medicines have been finished. He can hardly be saved at this moment."

"Don't say that!" Hilary pleaded, staring at the maid with a pair of painful eyes, "If something happens to him, I can never forgive myself."

Leaning forward, she gently shook his shoulders, "Come on, wake up! You can't leave us in this way!"

As she bent her neck, the luminous red-colored locket touched the face of the injured warrior. A single spark of reddish glow came out from it and lit the face of the soldier. Within a single moment, his breathing became normal. Seeing the event, everyone turned astonished. None could believe respective eyes. Even, the brown-haired princess also remained stunned.

"It's a miracle, princess!" The same maid became able to brace herself at first, "Look, he's opening his eyes!"

"Right you are!" Hilary exulted, "Now, our soldiers won't remain untreated despite the lack of medicines!"

Flash forward:

"Oh my God!" Tyson wondered, "Seriously Hilary? Have you been able to save everyone with this magical locket?"

Nodding, she said, "Yes, Tyson. I'm feeling so happy. But….."

Not finishing her words, she lowered her eyes as the dark clouds of sadness smeared her face which had been igniting like the sun.

"What happened, Hilary?" Tyson worriedly asked, "Why are you feeling sad?"

"I was feeling sad for those who died in the battle field," Hilary sobbed, with her tear-gleaming ruby-colored orbs, "I wish they were alive."

"Don't be sad, Hilary," Tyson wiped her tears, caressing her shoulders, "We should feel proud of them because they have sacrificed their lives for their motherland. Look, their sacrifices haven't gone in vain. This is the fate of a war."

"Perhaps you're right, Tyson," She sniffed, "I think we're being late. Let's go to the palace. We should give our martyrs a great honor through an appropriate funeral. Besides, we need to give a large amount of compensation to their families."

"As you say, Hils," The navy-haired boy was about to ride his horse, but before that, he had to stop as another miracle was about to take place.

Unexpectedly, in spite of Hilary's clutching, the feather came out, crossing the gaps between her two fingers, ending up touching the ruby-colored translucent locket hanging from her neck. With that touch, a gigantic sphere of greenish-blue light could be seen.

"What's happening?" Hilary couldn't stare at that light, being compelled to cover her eyes with her hands, yet trying to observe the matter.

"Ouch!" The eyebrows of the dragoon-wielder were totally tacked. Clenching his teeth and fists, he recalled something:

"This is not an ordinary feather."

Gradually, the orbicular figure took a form of a peacock, spreading its distended feathery tails in a hyperbolic direction, crying with its honeyed tone. Its cries echoed in the entire battleground.

The blue turned quite dark. Substituting the white clouds, the black vapors claimed the sky. As they had friction against each other, lightning could be seen, looking like ripping the sky into two pieces. A large boom was heard by everyone. A droplet of rain fell down on the ground. Then two, three, four…

"Look! It's raining!" The little girl cheered in joy.

"Yes!" Tyson leapt, "And look! This water is neither so cold, nor so hot. How sweet its fragrance is! Have you smelled?"

"Yup," Hilary swiftly waggled her head in excitement, "A few droplets fell on my tongue too. They taste so sweet."

"Really?" The guardian of the air bit-beast sniffed, "I'm feeling like in heaven!"

The rain water fell on the bodies of the martyred soldiers. Unbelievably, they fluttered their eyes as they started breathing. Their fingers moved, so their toes did. Opening their mouth, they took the taste of the heavenly nectar, being showered on the earth in the form of rain. Within a couple of minutes, they sat up. Discovering it, the princess couldn't believe her eyes. So her best friend couldn't.

"Oh my!" Hilary's eyes were amplified in utter surprise, "They're alive! Look Tyson, they're alive!"

"I can't believe my eyes, Hilary!" The Japanese boy gasped, "Is it true? Aren't we dreaming, right?"

"No Tyson, we aren't dreaming!" The eight-yeared girl jumped, "It's the reality. They have been alive! I'm feeling so happy today! This day is the happiest day in my first eight years on the earth."

The peacock-looked spirit again cried, closing its eyes and expressing its happiness. Turning to it, Hilary smiled and spoke, "Thank you so much. If you didn't come here, this miracle wouldn't be possible to happen. We'll be grateful to you forever."

"Hilary, she likes you," Tyson told, with a smile all over his face, "Can you remember? Before a few days, you became sad because you don't have a sacred spirit. She wants to stay with you. Accompany her, she won't leave you ever."

Nodding in elation, Hilary put the bow off her shoulder and stretched it towards the life-force. Letting another cry out, the avian turned into a beam of rays, entering into the semicircle.

"Good job, Hils!" Her best friend clapped, "Now, you're also the guardian of a sacred spirit. Congratulations!"

"Thank you so much, Tyson!" Hilary ended up hugging him nearly, "If you didn't give me it, I wouldn't get it."

"I think we should return, Hils," Tyson suggested, "Otherwise, our guardians will be worried."

"I also think so," The princess leaped and sat on the back of her pony, "So, are you ready?"

"Yup!" Tyson also rode his steed as both the animals started running towards their direction.

Again, the clouds roared, thunder sparkled and it was raining cats and dogs. The dead soldiers were resurrected, having no sign of wounds on anywhere of their bodies. The bald trees started growing new leaves and aromatic vibrant flowers, along with succulent and honeyed fruits. All the ponds, lochs and rivers got purified again, with white geese and gold-colored goslings swimming in them. From the corners of the deep forests, peacocks and peahens came out. Spreading their colorful feathery tails, they started dancing. Amidst them, those mounts were running with their owners sitting on their backs and tightly clutching their reins.

Japan was going to start a new life.

So, how's that? :P

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

-Misty :* ^_^

P.S: Please help me complete my third century XD