Hi, my dearies! What's up?
Thanks to CuteTyHil, Guest and TLP for reviewing. I'm so glad that you're liking the story. :D
Here's the next chapter of Kingdom. Enjoy!
Warning: A tiny bloody scene :P
Dombra: A Russian guitar-like musical instrument
Tall trees were standing by both sides of the narrow sandy lane of the jungle, raising their clustering leafy heads which set their vision at the ceaseless blue. Daylight was peeping through the dense bushes. At that time, the forest was a belle, wearing an emerald satin gown embroidered with golden silk threads. Amidst all of them, two brown-colored steeds were running. Their hooves were mercilessly smiting mother earth, creating miniscule holes into her. However, she didn't protest a bit, maintaining her usual nature. Astonished, numerous birds sitting on the branches of those tress were staring at them. They forgot to tweet, they forgot to fly. Only the hunter birds like eagles and falcons were viewing the equestrians, floating in the top.
"Hilary, can you be slow a bit, please?" The navy-haired boy panted, "My…whole body is aching…."
"Says who?" Looking at him, the princess rolled her eyes, "You were the one who challenged me, Tyson."
Tyson facepalmed, "Uh oh….I didn't know that my energy would be wasted like this…."
"Then, you literally lack of energy, Granger," Hilary smirked.
"Forgive me, princess….." While trying to slow down the horse, the dragoon-wielder joined his hands together, "I cannot waste my valuable strength just by horse-riding. Don't forget that I've to shoot these explosive arrows too!"
"Okay okay, I haven't forgotten it yet, Tyson," Coming closer, she patted his back, "But you also shouldn't forget what I've told you."
"I haven't, Hil," He smiled, assuring her, "I carefully preserve every single word of you inside my brain."
"Really?" The brunette cocked an eyebrow, "Then, recite them."
"What?" It looked as if he'd fallen from the seventh sky.
"You've heard it right," The princess tightly held the rein, "Recite those words chronologically."
Gulping, he started scratching his head. Certainly, he remembered all her words, actions and decisions. The whole Japan knew them as best friends. Often, they cracked jokes, rode horses and had friendly duels. But…memorizing? That was something beyond his capabilities!
"Oh look, we've reached."
Her voice entered his ears as he sighed in relief, thinking that he wouldn't have to attend a test whose subject would be nothing but their friendship. Soon, his mouth dropped as his eyes discovered the plot.
They'd crossed the woods. Then, they were standing on a hilly area. Greeneries could hardly be seen there. Boulders and sands were playing with each other, rolling on the ground. Here and there, a few grasses were growing up, penetrating the dark and ruthless surface. The rays of morning sun encircled the duo from the north, south, east and west. Only darkened crests of mountains could be seen where there eyes were going.
"This is the best place," Hilary firmly fastened her mare to a nearby leafless tree, "Nothing will be harmed if we explode these arrows here."
"Great idea," The Japanese guy got down from his stallion, taking the bow and the arrows from its back.
'We're gonna have fun today…'
The yard was filled with people. Children, old people, men, women, black, white, believers, atheists-the representatives of almost every walk of life had arrived there. Red velvet carpets were being rolled down on the ground. Holding silver plates containing piles of flower petals, beautiful maids were standing beside the runners. Musicians were waiting with their flutes, drums and dombras. Hundreds of oil lamps had been lit before the holy statue of the ancient deity of Hiwatari clan. Golden flags, having the paintings of a particular red phoenix, tied to the higher branches of the trees were gently blowing. The folk were excited to see their prince. They couldn't wait for his arrival.
"Can you remember the day when prince Kai was born?" An elderly man asked his wife.
"Yes," The woman smiled a bit, losing herself in those memories, "Blizzards were going on. We all were shivering. Fire couldn't be lit. We felt as if the sun had been angry with us. Then, the prince came on the earth, forcing the scorching, yet life-giving star to appear and burn all our sorrows into ashes. Storms stopped, icy lakes and ponds melted. Flowers bloomed, leaves grew and birds started chirping again."
"Before 20 years," He took a deep breath, "He came to us."
"But when will he appear?" His wife seemed impatient.
"Relax, my lady," He gently squeezed her shoulders, "He must be praying. Completing his prayer, he'll come."
Suddenly, the drummers stroke the drums with the sticks in their hands. Flutes and other musical instruments kept being played. The feet of the slate-haired Russian fell on the carpets as the maids started sprinkling flowers upon him.
People collided against one another in order to have his glimpse once. The prince was wearing a velvety, dark-violet overcoat beneath which there was a black undershirt. The over-garment was printed with navy blue artworks, crossing his knees but letting the beholders see his grey-colored baggy pants and polished shoes. The deep and dark colors embodied his shimmering snowflake complexion very smoothly. The white cape hanging from his neck was stroking the downy floorings. Silver wrist-cuffs encompassing his wrists were glimmering in the sunlight, along with the gold-rimmed buttons and hanging badges attached to his attire. The fine diamond headgear was containing a piece of amethyst, flourishing the exquisiteness of his forehead. Though people were standing far from him, the seraphic aroma of his cloud-like hair didn't forget to caress their nostrils.
He walked, looking at nobody, holding a regal mien all over his face. Reaching the podium, he bowed to the queen who raised her hand, smiling. Then, he moved towards his mentor and showed respect by nodding.
"Be victorious, my son," He blessed.
Turning to the excited people, no sooner had he waved his hand than huzzas began:
"Hail Prince Kai Hiwatari!"
"Hail Prince Kai Hiwatari!"
On this day, you were born,
Before 20 years, being the successor of the throne,
Enlightening the world, glowing the kingdom,
Being our sun, killing the boredom,
Of the icy lands, of the snowflakes,
Taking the light of hope, being a threat to rakes,
Criminals and the evil. They'll be afraid,
Of you. On them, when you will raid.
Drums and flutes kept originating dulcet resonances. Among all jubilations and musical tunes, the queen and other royal members stood up from their sits, beckoning the spectators to be silent.
Once all the sounds stopped, the prince cleared his throat and started:
"Dear people of Russia,
I thank you all from the core of my heart. I've really been overwhelmed seeing your cordiality and heart-warming affection. My grandfather always used to tell me that I'm not only the son of my mother but the son of Russia as well. Like Queen Apraxia Hiwatari, Russia is my mother too. Towards her, I have the same responsibilities that I have towards my birth-giver. Today, swearing by all the deities of my clan, my ancestors, my parents, my mentors and my self-respect, I'm announcing that I'll fulfill them. From now onwards, know me as one of your most trustworthy and obedient servants, not as your prince.
Thanks again."
His precious words buzzed in the ears of the onlookers as they burst into wild applause.
Russia is your mother, give her the respect.
Protect her, because you do have the prospect.
You're her hopes. Happy birthday, dear prince.
May God bless you and keep you far from all sins.
Bowing once again, the prince got down from the stage. Slowly, a redhead came and stood beside him.
"Happy birthday, Kai," He whispered into his ears.
"Hn."
"Woah!" He rolled his ocean blue eyes, "For the subjects, you've delivered such a verbose speech. And for your own cousin, you have nothing but a 'hn'? You're really very pathetic, Kai."
"It's you who have wished me so late, Valkov."
"C'mon Kai," He yawned, "You know, I'm not a morning person like you. Yet, I wished you before Bryan, Spencer & Ian who are currently enjoying fishing. Moreover, the squishy pillow and the warm blanket lulled me to such a relaxing sleep. How could I get up early?"
"Wish you never woke up, Tala."
"Have mercy on me for the sake of humanity, Kai!"
"What's mercy? What's humanity, by the way?"
"Arrggh!"
"Prince Kai!"
Their light banter got interrupted as a young man, around 23-24 rushed towards the slate-haired prince. Reaching him, he knelt down on the ground, heavily panting. There was a gash on his forehead. From it, warm blood was seeping down on his right cheek.
"Be careful!" Both the princes hurried towards him, helping him get up on his own feet. Enfolding his shoulders, the redhead asked, "What happened to you? Are you alright?"
"Demons….." He could barely speak, "Demons have attacked us, prince Tala. They've burnt our houses. Kidnapping several sages and their families, those….inhuman beings are inflicting heavy torture on them. Have mercy on us, princes, save us from them!"
"Tala, take him immediately to the royal physician!" Kai ordered, "I'm coming."
As the wounded guy was taken inside, the phoenix-prince got on the stage. Standing before the scared people, he announced, "Dear people, we're sorry for this. But you had better return your home for your own safety. Thank you."
Jumping down, he dashed inside. He was routing so fast as if whirlwind had passed across his body. Then again, he had no choice. The only thing that he had was an accountability, a significant mission.
At any cost, he had to save his own people.
"No!"
The lady stood up from her throne. Biting her inner lip, she was wearing a tensed countenance all over her face. Her eyebrows were wrinkled and orbs were glittering.
Before her, two warriors were standing. Though they were princes, they weren't looking like those ones at that time. They were wearing steel-made armors having the emblems of phoenixes and wolves. Brassy arm-protectors, knee-guards and waist-straps were concealing their sensitive muscles carefully. Swords were hanging down from their belts. Bow and arrows were attached to their well-built shoulders through hooks and sashes. Only their gem-adorned headbands were displaying the fact that they were the members of a royal family.
"We have well-trained soldiers, my sons," The queen approached them, "I'll send them. I can understand that you both are worried for the victims but it doesn't mean that you'll put your lives at stake. You're the future of Russia."
"And that's why they need to go there, your Majesty."
Everyone's eyes met the greatest sage of Russia who was standing at the doorway.
"Greetings, Sir Alexandrov," His students curved their heads down. The queen did the same thing.
"Greetings, princes," Alexandrov entered the hall, "So, you're ready?"
"What are you saying, Sir?" Apraxia looked astonished, "I cannot send our children to those demons!"
"Aunt, we're not children!" The redhead protested.
"Calm down, Tala," The mentor waved at him, "No matter how much you grow up, you remain children to your guardians always. On the other hand, your Majesty, if you don't send them to those monsters, my co-workers and students will be killed!"
"Sir, our soldiers are skilled and well-trained," The affectionate mother tried to explain, "If needs be, I myself will go there….but I will never send our children to the jaws of death!"
"Aren't the soldiers the children of their parents or guardians?"
Hearing this, Apraxia gasped, lowering her head, understanding how much selfish she was being.
"Your Majesty, Russia's future lies in the hands of your children," Alexandrov avowed, "Besides, Kai is the future king of our kingdom. A king should be worthy enough to protect his subjects from all kinds of jeopardies. Why aren't you giving him a chance to prove his worth?"
"Alright, Sir," Raising her head, Apraxia cleared her throat, "Kai and Tala will go there…but not alone. Our soldiers will accompany them too."
"Thanks, your Majesty," The sage expressed his gratitude, "Kai, Tala, go and get your stallions. We'll be heading for the notorious base in the jungle."
"Be careful, children," Heading to them, the mother patted their heads, "Along with being safe, save the destitute. May God be with you."
Looking at each other, the Russian princes nodded. Faintly smiling once, they turned back and quickly left the courtroom.
"Boom!"
Knowing its trajectories, the arrow pierced the dead, leafless tree as the noise of the explosion almost deafened the shooters. Within a blink, the stranded tree fell on the ground.
"Oh my goodness, Hil!" Tyson clapped, "Day by day, you're being such a skilled archer!"
"Thanks Tyson," Moving back, she showed a victory sign, giving a glitzy grin, "If you didn't teach me, I would never be so good."
"So, you've expressed the gratitude, haven't you?" He winked, "Now, stay tuned because Tyson Granger, the best archer of the world, is coming!"
"Sure, Tyson," She nodded, "But…before launching, make sure whether it will be harmful for other objects of the nature or not. Moreover, tie your horse. Otherwise, it may get scared."
"Scared?" The dragoon-wielder kept staring at the brunette as if he had seen any ghost. Then, suddenly, he burst out a hysterical laughter. Looking at him, she gulped.
"Don't joke, princess," He somehow controlled his laughing, "Also don't forget whose horse it is. When you launched the arrow, were it afraid?"
"No, because the boom created by me was tiny. But..."
"No ifs and buts, Hil!" Tyson showed his thumb, "Like the owner, it will never be afraid of the tiny booms! Just wait and watch!"
Not giving Hilary a chance to speak, he adjusted a couple of arrows with the string at a time. His eyes were set at a hill. Gritting his jaw and holding a devilish smirk at the same time, he pulled the cord and left it. Maintaining the usual action-reaction law, the arrows gouged the hummock. It got shattered, ending up being the powder of rocks.
"Bang!"
"Yay!" The navy-haired guy clapped. He seemed cheerful. Nonetheless, something wasn't.
The displeased beast neighed, cuffing the ground mercilessly with its hooves. Then, it started running crazily. The noose hanging from its neck enclosed the left ankle of the dragoon-wielder. Within a second, his back thudded on the sandy ground since his ligament got ripped.
"Ah!" He gasped. He tried to get up but failed as the dumb beast was desperately running forward. He attempted to grasp the ground. Again, it went it vain because his hands weren't reaching the grasses. The area lacked of grass.
"Tyson!" The princess yelled, stretching her arms. The steed didn't seem to listen to her screams at all.
"Stop, stop it!" Tyson shrieked. Nonetheless, the horse kept sprinting, almost losing its hearing power. His back hurt, scrapes and cuts appeared on the different spots of his body.
'Oh no!' Hilary gasped. Rushing to the tied mare, she unfastened it and got on it. Getting the hint, it started following its mad companion.
All of a sudden, the crazy stallion of the dragoon-wielder took a turn, causing the noose getting torn. Not able to maintain his balance, the poor cavalier started rolling down on the ground. When he reached the edge, turning over, he fell from the highland on a rock.
"Thud!"
A deep cut could be seen on his forehead, making his face blood-smeared. His breathes were shaky. He tried to see whether his comrade was coming for him or not.
Though he saw the brown-colored mare and its rider, he couldn't hold his consciousness. Everything got blurred in front of his eyes. His fingers grasped the soil, helplessly trying to survive.
Everything went in vain as he was quietened to the universe of void. The princess saw it, landing on the surface from the horse. Her jaw dropped, a cold current flowed across her spinal cord. All that she could do was to scream:
"Tyson!"
What will happen, my dear people? Will Tyson survive? Or not? What will happen to Kai and Tala by the way? Will they be successful in their mission? To know, stay tuned and keep an eye at "Kingdom"
Pardon all the grammatical and the spelling errors :P
Reviews? Pretty please! *Sniffs*
-Misty ^_^