Hi my dearies! I'm back! Yesterday was my birthday and so I couldn't update soon. Sorry for that xD
So...here's the next chapter. The main story starts from here :D
Enjoy!
Later; 12 years:
According to our modern wall-clocks and wrist-watches, it was 4.30 am. Like the own concept of the people of that period, the Sun God was appearing from the womb of the ocean. His effulgence was gradually enlivening the asleep ecosphere. The soft, reddish glow of sun was checking its reflection, using the ocean and the watery places as its mirrors. The blue waves of the sea having white-frosty crests were rising high and trying to flirt with the sandy ground.
In front of the ocean, a certain slate-haired, 20-year old guy was standing, crossing his well-toned arms on his shapely chest. The surfs were rushing towards him and stroking his toes moderately. The half-risen sun was softly sprinkling its smooth and roseate flowers of sparkles upon him.
Globules of saline waterworks were seeping down from his indigo bangs, soaking his forehead and cheeks. Washing his feet and shoes, he put on them. Then, kneeling down on the sands, he stretched his hands and joined them. Closing his eyes, he pronounced some chants and deep inside his heart, he lost somewhere for a few moments.
When he opened his eyes, the sun fully rose. Still, its beams didn't become scorching. Standing up and dusting the sands from his cloths, he took a deep breath, inhaling all the fresh oxygen inside his lungs. The pure, unpolluted air of the beach contented his body and mind.
Then, leaving the gigantic basin behind, he headed for the learning center.
"Where's Kai, lady Vetrova?" Alexandrov asked.
"Don't you know where he is, Sir?" Smilingly, the zinnia-eyed lady was wiping the musical instruments, "Everyday, before the sunrise, he goes to the beach for exercising. Then, taking a bath and completing his prayer, he comes to us."
"The best student of our learning center has grown up, hasn't he?" The principal smiled too.
"Yes, tomorrow is his 20th birthday, Sir," Keeping the instruments at their positions, Vetrova replied, "Today we're sending him and his brothers to the palace. They all have completed their education."
"Honestly speaking, they're the best citizens of Russia," Alexandrov asserted, "No, not because of being the members of the royal family. They all have been performing the best for the last twelve years. Remember the day when they came here for the first time?"
"Of course," The female teacher seemed lost in the net of memories, "They were so little children at that time. But Kai never behaved like an eight-year old child. He was so matured!"
"Yes, because he thought….no, he still thinks that his irresponsibility indirectly made his grandfather die," The chancellor sighed, "So, he wants to atone for his own-thought mistake by being the best ruler of his nation and serve his subjects. I've heard that this child was so cheerful, kind, friendly and gentle when his grandfather, the late king of Russia, Voltaire Hiwatari, was alive. He was the most favorite grandson of King Voltaire. But when he died, Kai lost his cheerful persona. He became cold."
"But he's still kind and gentle," Vetrova stated, "He still takes care of his brothers when they become ill. He feeds the starving animals and birds of the learning center. Our cats have become fond of him already."
"Who'll say that Kai is so polite and soft-hearted if they meet him once?" Alexandrov grimaced, "His stern facial expression and well-shaped body structure can remind people of only a suitable warrior. Basically, I can confidently announce the fact that…"
"Good morning, Sir Alexandrov." A manly voice could be heard, "And good morning to you too, lady Vetrova."
Hearing the voice, both the teachers turned back. There were five young adults, around 18-21. Four of them were smiling while the fifth was standing without any smile.
"Good morning, my most favorite students," Vetrova let out a flashy smile, "Today, we've called you five for a special reason."
"Sure, lady Vetrova," The redhead nodded, "We're ready to know it."
"Look who cannot wait to return home!" A lilac-haired slapped on his shoulder, "Don't be sad, home-boy!"
"Shut up, Bryan," Tala glared at him, "It is you who were weeping in sleep, blabbering, 'I want to go home! I want to go home!'"
At this, everybody burst out laughing. Even the phoenix-prince bit his lower lip to hold his laughter.
"Stop laughing, boys!" Alexandrov raised his hand, "We've called you here to announce that all your education has been completed. From onwards, you'll be considered to be the elite citizens of the kingdom."
"Yippe!" The carrot-nosed guy punched in the air.
"Shush!" The whale held him firmly, "Don't behave like a child, Ian. Elite citizens don't do these things."
"Why're you chiding him, Spencer?" Tala rolled his eyes, "He turned 18 in the last month. Still he has to cope with the behavior of adults."
"Not only he, but also you all." The dual-haired prince muttered, gritting his teeth.
"Kai, have you spoken something just now?" Wrinkling his eyebrows, the redhead looked at his cousin.
"Nothing, Tala," He huffed, "Sir Alexandrov, lady Vetrova, I'll miss you all and the whole learning center."
"Don't be upset, my son," Vetrova patted his back, "When you'll be the king, visit here once a week or a month. If you come here, we'll be very elated."
"We'll try our best, lady Vetrova," Spencer bowed, "You all are our teachers. Staying with you all is always a pleasant thing to us. You taught us a lot of things in the last 12 years. You all have made us perfect and suitable. Now I can confidently say that we won't be unable to cope with any unfriendly or hostile situation in future. We are proud to be your students and a part of this learning center."
"Thank you so much, boys," Alexandrov's eyes glittered with tears, "We also feel proud that you're our students. I know that you'll always dignify us and protect our honor wherever you go and stay."
"We will, Sir Alexandrov," The redhead nodded, "Surely we will."
"Boys, along with history, geography, general science, mathematics and a lot of subjects and courses, you've also mastered the operation of different weapons," The sage cleared his throat, "You five boys have successfully become skilled at five different weapons. Spencer in jetting spears, Bryan in smashing the enemies with clubs, Tala in moving swords, Ian in revolving axe and at last but not at least….Kai in archery."
"We can open a battalion then," The carrot-nosed grinned, "And…brother Kai will be our captain, won't he?"
"Hn," Nodding reluctantly, the slate-haired guy took a few steps backward. Then, he took a bow and an arrow from the nearest bench. Adjusting the barb, he pulled the string of the bow. His eyes were set at the tree under which the teachers and his cousins were standing. Since it was spring, the flowers in the shades of red, yellow and orange bloomed there. Kneeling down, leaving the center of mass on his left knee, he took a deep breath. Finally, he left the string, ending up launching the arrow which got stabbed at one of the highest branches of the tree and showering several flowers and flower petals upon them. Those who beheld the scene couldn't help bursting into wild applause.
"That was my style of showing honor to my teachers," Kai stood up and bowed down.
"You're great, Kai!" Keeping the pile of flower petals beneath her feet, Vetrova clapped, "All the boys who wish to be warriors should learn archery from you."
"You've crossed even me, my boy," Standing beside the shark-fin-cheeked boy, Alexandrov kept a hand on his shoulder, "Now I can proudly announce that you're the best archer in the world!"
"Oh my goodness!" The purple-haired lass clapped, seeing a metallic circular object dropping somewhere, "You're the best archer in the world, Tyson!"
The people were in an orchard. It was summer at that time. The sun was waiting to set, mutely sitting in the west. The beams in the shades of orange and golden were adorning the clouds, almost making them look like colorful cotton-candies. The scorching and pitiless heat of sun was slowly leaving the blue. The gentle breeze of afternoon was slowly passing by the young adults. With its rhythm, the emerald leaves were dancing with jerky steps. Watching their dance, the ripe and succulent fruits also applauded, encouraging them.
Meanwhile, a navy-haired guy had shot an arrow because his friend had been crying as a naughty crow had snatched her ring and put it on the uppermost twig of a tree. The ring couldn't have been seen because of the density of leaves but the guardian of Dragoon had never been one to give up.
Picking the ring, he approached the purplette as she rushed towards him. Handing her the jewel, he smiled.
"Thank you so much, Tyson!" She took the ring, "Oni-chan gifted me on my 16th birthday. You know, it's one of my most favorite ornaments!"
"No problem, princess Dew!" Tyson showed his right thumb, "Cannot I do a little thing for one of my closest friends?"
'How many close friends does he have?' Dew alleged, 'I wish I could be special…..'
"Tyosn, Dew, you all are still here?" Almost running, a blunette huffed, "The prize-giving ceremony is about to begin!"
"Mariam ni-chan, which ceremony?" Dew confusedly asked, "For what will prizes be distributed?"
'Ugh…you've again forgotten it, Dew!" Tyson facepalmed, "Yesterday I told you about that! The first national sculpting competition has already ended. Today, the results will be announced."
"What will I do with the competition?" The turquoise-orbed girl orbited her gapes, "It's not a dancing contest!"
"Dew, for the sake of the holy lord…" Mariam gritted her teeth, "Let's go there! Your sister has taken part in the contest!"
"What?" The eighteen-year old girl couldn't help frowning, "Oni-chan has participated in the sculpting competition?"
"Yes," Furiously, the navy-haired lad nodded, "We all are expecting that she'll be the winner! Just let's go!"
"Okay…." Somehow shaking her head up and down, the purplette started running along with the blue-haired duo.
Encircling the amphitheater, a lot of people from different walks, genders and ages were sitting in their seats. Standing at the center, the anchor was announcing something.
"His Majesty, her Majesty, honorable judges, dear ladies and gentlemen…." He stated, "Today is the last day of the first national sculpting competition which had lasted for seven days. Agreeing to the terms and conditions, being fair and honest, the judges have reached the conclusions which have already reached my hands. A lot of people took part in this competition. Only 32 people were selected in the preliminary rounds. Then through second rounds, quarter-finals and semi-finals, two people qualified in the final round of the tournament. Among them, one has been the champion of the competition. So, the best sculptor of the tournament is…"
The spectators held their breaths. They were feeling nervous. Their heartbeats and pulse rate increased. Some of them bit their lips in tension. Gritting their fists, they kept waiting for the name of the winner to be announced.
"….Hilary Tachibana!" The commentator boldly let out, "The princess of Japan has won the tournament! Dear audience, let's have a big hand for her!"
Everyone started clapping. Some of the spectators also gave standing ovations. Amidst all the huzzas and applauses, a certain brunette appeared on the stage. Her untied, creamy chocolate-colored hair was blowing with the cadence of the zephyr. Her ruby orbs were glistening in glee and confidence. The soft radiance of the setting sun was caressing her butter-like skin. Honeyed smiles were clinging to her soft rosy lips. The rose-colored georgette fringe of her white-colored satin gown was stroking the ground gently while she was walking. Two tiny flowers dropped on the grass-covered surface from her wreath which was encompassing her forehead but she didn't care. A gust of wind hurried towards her, swaying her coral earrings slightly.
Reaching the stage, she bowed towards the judges, the chief and special guests her parents, her mentors and the audience. Then, softly smiling, she stretched her chameleon-flower arms as the chief guest of the ceremony handed her the golden crest, decked with different rare gemstones. Bowing again, she placed the prize on a large metallic tray which was being carried by two maids.
"Thank you so much, everyone," She clearly pronounced, "I'm feeling really very blessed receiving the award. I want to thank the Almighty, my parents, my mentors, my friends and family members for their support, blessings and care. I want to share my happiness with all of you. Thanks a lot, again."
Delivering her speech, she got down from the podium as the spectators burst into applause once again. Slowly leaving the ceremony spot, she stood outside. Seeing a group of her favorite people, smile rose again in the corners of her lips.
"Congratulations, Hil!" The navy-haired boy expanded the palm of his hands, "You deserve it!"
"Thank you so much, Tyson!" Hilary smiled as they shared a fist-bump, "You all have helped me a lot. If you didn't help me, swearing by God, I would never win it."
"Why're you saying these things, oni-chan?" The purple-haired girl kept a hand on her shoulder, "We all know that you're the best sculptor in this kingdom. Your sculptures are outstanding!"
"I can still remember that Hilary gifted me a statue of Dragoon on my thirteenth birthday," The dragoon-wielder recalled, "I've conserved that figurine so carefully. But….Hilary, what did you sculpt in the final round?"
"Umm…..a phoenix…." She blushed.
"A phoenix?" The blue-haired girl raised an eyebrow, "Hilary, when we were children, you made a phoenix too."
"Yes, but this phoenix is not like that…." The brunette explained, "This phoenix is red. I also gave it golden armors. It's also quite large in size."
"Oni-chan, have you imagined the posture of your sculpture?" Dew curiously queried.
"No, sweetheart," The coco-haired girl heaved a sigh, "One night, I had a dream of it while sleeping. The mighty, grand and gorgeous bird appeared in front of my eyes, spreading its wings. Its wings were lidding the whole sky. Its armors were shinier than the sun. Its feathers were like the feathers of a rose. When it croaked, I felt that it was saying, 'Please, return me to my worthiest owner.'"
"Worthiest owner?" Tyson frowned, "Hil, I never knew that phoenixes have owner."
"Neither I," The brunette lowered her head, "It cried as if it had been in pain. Its sorrows were beyond description."
"Don't be sad, Hil," The blunette kept a hand on her shoulder, "It was nothing but a dream."
"Perhaps you're right, Tyson," Finally, the princess managed to smile a bit, "I shouldn't have been tensed."
"Hil, I have a good news," The royal-blue haired girl seemed hyped, "In the next week, we'll arrange a celebration party on the occasion of your victory. Max and Julia will come there."
"What?" Forgetting her tensions and sadness, the brunette leaped, "Really, Mariam? Are they really coming?"
"Yes," Mariam nodded, "It's been a while since we met them."
"Sarcasm intended," Tyson chuckled, "But seriously, girls, it's such a pleasure for us! My best friend is coming to Japan!"
"Mine too!" Tears gleamed in the garnet eyes of the princess, "Let's prepare for welcoming them."
"Sure," Giving his consent, the dragoon-wielder punched in the air, "Let's return to palace. I'm hungry!"
"Hungry?" Mariam cocked an eyebrow, "You've eaten snacks just now."
"Snacks?" Tyson wrinkled his brows, "Appetizers they were! Taking them, my appetite has increased. If I don't eat something now, I'll die!"
"Tyson, I'll cook something for you," Dew proposed, "Wait for a while."
"Thank you so much, princess Dew," Tyson's smile got broader, "Let's go!"
"Mention not," The lass spoke, "Oni-chan, we should return to palace, shouldn't we?"
"Yes," Nodding, the brunette stepped forward. The girls followed her but the guy stayed behind.
'Hilary,' He pondered, 'You've always regarded me as your best friend. But….cannot you improve our relation a bit?'
Done!
Do read and review. Pardon all the grammatical and the spelling errors. Take care :D
-Misty ^_^