Hi everyone! What's up? :D

So, here's the next chapter of "Kingdom". Thanks to Ladypeach7, Scarlet witch of Terra, MagicalPhoenix12, KaiHilnator, Guest and CuteTyHil for reviewing.

Benzaiten: The Goddess of art, education and music in Japanese mythology, just like the Hindu Goddess "Saraswati".

So, here's a glimpse of Sati culture in ancient India. Don't feel bad my dear readers, since the plot is set in medieval ages, it will open different dark chapters of different kingdoms. Umm...that's it!

Enjoy! :D

The sun had taken its leave earlier. Then, the sky lost its usual glistening glow. It was overcast with thick layers of clouds. They were obscure and furtive, being the messengers of the deities of rain and thunder. The wheel of time was saying that it was morning in Japan. Then again, the nature was protesting, claiming that the evening was being deeper. The cooling breeze was hovering around the quiet residence of the royal clan of Nippon.

It was the first day of the rainy season. Yet, a single droplet of rain hadn't fallen on the earth and drenched the sandy surface. The clouds, somehow, had managed to convince the sun but they couldn't have been successful to accomplish their eternally assigned goals still.

From the third floor of the eastern fort, an elderly brunette appeared and stood in the balcony. Placing her hands on the railing made of white stones, she looked above. Beneath the ambiguous blue, the grassy yards and the flowery gardens were looking mysterious. Sometimes, the rainy gull was swaying the branches of the trees, making the lifeless leaves fall and sleep on the bed of soil. The azure water of the ponds and lakes turned dusky, mimicking the sky. Tiny birds couldn't be seen tweeting, sitting on the twigs. Only, a group of peacocks was restlessly striding on the courtyard, waiting for the first gush of the rain of this year.

She sniggered. In these twenty years, the helm of seasons was always satisfied with Nippon, the country of beauty, love and art. Summer, rain, autumn, winter, spring-all flavors of the year were regular. None acted out of their league. All the favors and positive changes happened only because of her daughter.

'I can still remember that day.' She mused.

Flashback:

"Ah!"

She shrieked, quivering. Her whole body was covered in sweat. Her bangs were clinging to her forehead. Her breaths were being choked and shaky. A sheer pain was travelling across her body, originating right from her abdomen. Her throat dried; lungs were craving for fresh air.

Alas! There was no water in the ponds, lakes and rivers of the country. Not a single globule. The bronze pitchers of the royal kitchen were also empty. Maids were running here and there but couldn't give their queen a sole drop of the liquid called life.

Tears rolled down on her cheeks, but they couldn't be quenched to satisfy the burning thirst. She was going limper, there was no energy left inside her.

"Your Highness!" The midwife clasped her wrist firmly, "Don't break down so soon. I know you're in pain but you've to do it."

"Ichika….." The empress mumbled, gasping for dear air, "Why? Why are my subjects suffering in this way? What have they done? What have we done?"

The nurse sighed, looking outside. The sun was gorgeously gleaming, spreading his scorching and luminous beams everywhere in the kingdom. She felt as if the wind had stopped blowing. Let alone dark clouds, the white vapors couldn't be seen in the sky. Trees were drying, so were their leaves. They became crunchy and comatose; creating piles beneath their origins. Cracks appeared on the soil of water-lands. Like the queen, they were also yearning for getting drenched. Crops were dying. A famine was about to break out. Grasping their foreheads, farmers were crying. Fishermen were heaving sighs.

Like them, their queen was also in pain. Her agony was more absolute because she was going to deliver her baby.

"It's not the time to think these things, your Highness," Ichika stroked her temple, "Think about your child."

"The subjects are my children….too….ah!" She clutched the bed-sheet forcefully as if it'd been a precious thing that'd been going to be stolen.

"Push a bit more, your Highness!" The midwife wiped her sweaty forehead with a piece of cloth, "Everything will be alright."

'I…..I have already failed to save my people…..' She pondered while groaning, 'If…if I become unsuccessful to bring the child to the world safely, I'll never be able to look at the eyes of my husband. Neither I will be a perfect queen, nor will I be a perfect mother. No no…I….I can't let it happen. I….I have to bring my child….on the earth…'

"Aaaaah!" She applied all the strength of her body, jolting up on the bed. After hearing a sharp cry, she collapsed again, fatigued.

A baby girl was being cradled in the arms of the nurse. Her tiny, round head was covered with soft brown hair, just like the newly grown grasses on a field. Shutting her eyes, she was crying. A blob of tears slid across her right cheek.

"Boom!"

A lightning of thunder struck. Within no moment, the onyx vapors concealed the sun, along with the sky. They bellowed, contenting the eager ears of the children of Japan. A bead of the sacrosanct fluid fell on the dehydrated surface of the planet as it gulped.

Then, two…three….four….countless…..

It started raining cats and dogs. Gradually, the water-lands became filled. Once again, new leaves began to grow on the branches of trees. Animals, birds, fishes, plants drank water fulfilling their hearts' content. Smiles rose in the lips of the farmers. Little children came out from their houses, leaping and cheering. Their cloths got spattered with mud but they didn't bother.

"Look! It's raining!"

"Let's go to play!"

Nature drummed the strings of the clouds. In an anonymous euphony, rain sang, pleasing the audiences. Lilies, jasmines, lotuses blossomed. Their heavenly fragrance filled the aura. From the luxurious compartment of the palace, the new mother saw everything. Her smiles and tears got mixed with each other, embodying an emotion called pure happiness.

"It's a miracle!" The baby was still in the caregiver's lap, "Look! I have told you that everything will be alright, haven't I?"

"Yeah…" Somehow, she nodded, taking a deep breath, exhaustedly lying on the queen-sized bed, "After all, all my children are safe and happy. Nothing can be more satisfying for a mother than it. Nothing….."

Flash forward:

The chains of her thoughts became severed as she felt a hand placed on her left shoulder. Getting startled and turning back, she discovered her husband.

"What were you thinking, Sayoko?" The king of Japan asked, with a broad smile.

"Nothing," The queen lowered her gazes, "Just enjoying the view."

"I see," Hayashi chuckled, standing beside his wife, "You know, every season has its own beauty. They all are unique."

"They surely are," Sayoko acknowledged. They both kept standing in the porch, watching the natural beauty of the rainy season without blinking once. The queen slowly leaned her head against the reliable shoulder of her husband. Understanding it, the king wrapped his hand around her shoulder.

"You remember Hilary's birth?" The Regina asked, gazing at his face.

"Yeah," He nodded, "I can never forget the day. In fact, it's the most memorable day of my life. That day, I understood the deep significance of fatherhood. It completed me."

"Not only us, but it completed the whole Japan as well," Sayoko asserted, "After her birth, all things have gone well. Wars have easily been won, no natural disaster has come to us yet. The environment has been well-balanced."

"We're lucky to have her in our life, honey," Hayashi cupped her face, "If she's with us, there will be no problem."

"But she won't be with us forever, you know," Sayoko's tone gloomed a bit, "She's a girl. Sooner or later, she has to go to her in-laws' home."

A sudden silence fell upon the couple as the first rumble of thunder could be heard. They both looked at the ceaseless roof of the earth, going shadier bit by bit.

"I don't know," The queen's voice was getting chocked, "You must have remembered that sister Fumika, Senor Fernandez and Raul came here yesterday."

"Yes," The king nodded, "I have remembered it. But it's a matter of happiness, isn't it? Couldn't you see how happy Julia-chan was seeing her parents and brother after such a long time?"

"Of course, it's a happy event," Sayoko agreed, "But….but the previous night, when I was passing by their room, I overheard their conversation."

"What?" Hayashi frowned, "Sayoko, you shouldn't have done it. It's out of our etiquette!"

"Pardon me, Hayashi," The mother bent down her head, "I didn't intend to do that. But….they were talking 'bout marrying Julia off as soon as possible. Raul and Julia weren't there at that time. Their parents were doubting…."

"Doubting what?"

"Doubting…." She sniffed, "Whether Hilary will ever get married or not…."

Pin-drop silence fell upon the aura. The emperor felt baffled, not able to decide what to speak. He watched his wife sobbing quietly. Inaudible tears cascaded down on her face as she covered her mouth. Another rumble of thunder pitched down on the earth.

"Why?" She murmured, "Why did they think it? How could they? Isn't Hilary their niece? Twelve years ago….they left their daughter in our castle. We nurtured and educated her like our own daughter. Hilary also treated her like her biological sister, not like her cousin. Then how? How could they think this about our daughter?"

"Sayoko….."

She looked at her shoulder. Seeing the familiar hand, she turned her stares to its owner. His face was filled with the usual satisfying smile.

"Don't worry," He consoled, "Our Hilary is well-educated, well-mannered and skilled in archery, horse-riding, cooking, literature, music, art, craftwork….."

"I know," The mother wiped her tears, "She is such a qualified girl. From her birth onwards, she has always made us proud. She has never done anything disgraceful. That's why I worry for her, Hayashi. Most of the men of this time are pretentious. They don't know how to honor the talent of a woman. What if she gets hurt?"

"My dear queen…." The king spoke, "Have I ever forbidden you to exercise your talents?"

Sayoko didn't reply. Again, she curved her eyes down. There were no more tears in her eyes. Rather, a honeyed leer rose all over her face.

"Then…you don't need to worry at all, Sayoko," Hayashi assured, "I admit that such men are rare but not extinct at all. If Hilary is on the earth, he'll be somewhere too. He who will respect our girl and her qualities. He who will never hurt her."

"Perhaps you're right, Hayashi," Sayoko expressed her relief, "But…what if our children get to know about the conversation?"

Within another tick, the face of the emperor darkened, kicking out all the brightness of joy and satisfaction. He walked off, leaving his wife behind him.

"You didn't say anything about that," Sayoko was about to follow him, "Won't they be sad knowing it?"

"We shouldn't let them guess it, let alone knowing," The ruler turned back, "Why don't we send them to the hermitage of sage Stanley Dickenson?"

"Stanley Dickenson?"

The jaw of the empress of Nippon dropped. Yes, she had heard the name before. Stanley Dickenson was one of the most knowledgeable sages of the world. In fact, he knew the skills of weapon too. Once upon a time, he'd been a well-trained warrior who'd been death itself to his opponents. Still he was capable enough for utilizing the secret powers of different sacred spirits about which most of the people of the world didn't know or imagine even in their dreams. Then again, his appearance never expressed his expertness and heroism. He was gentle, humble and open-minded. Even having his sight once was considered to be a sign of good fortune.

"Yes," Hayashi grinned, "I know you're being amazed hearing it. Our children will be impressed and ecstatic too when they'll get to meet him once. So, why to be late? Let's send them there!"

"Sure," She agreed but didn't feel comfortable at all. Looking at the sky, she made her eyes busy in enjoying the game of clouds and bolts of thunder.

'Is it a solution to flee from the problem? Ever?'

"Girl, now you're behaving just like our Emily!" The hyperactive American exclaimed, "How on the earth can one cling to books in this way, Hils? How?"

The female blunette narrowed her eyes, hearing the name of the American girl. Nonetheless, she remained silent, not uttering a single word.

"Take a look at least, Maxie," Hilary offered, "Swearing by Lady Benzaiten*, you won't have to repent at all!"

"Really?" Max cocked an eyebrow, "What's the specialty of this book by the way?"

"Hahaha….my dear brother, you will get it when you give it a read," The brunette chuckled, "It's a civics book."

"What?"

The blond gulped. Unknowingly, a bead of sweat appeared on his temple. Quickly, it vanished as his cheeks flushed, temperature of his body rose. Slowly, he started shivering.

"Yes, a civics book," His cousin didn't seem to bother, "Along with a bit of geography and culture. This book deals with different cultures, customs and ruling systems of different kingdoms of the world. Currently, I'm reading about the cultures of Russia."

"C'mon Hil," The royal-blue haired girl approached her, "You know, these things aren't your cousin's cup of tea. Look, he's already got a fever."

"Max, the book isn't that boring," Hilary tried to convince the American, pointing at a page, "Here, the author says that except a few traditions, all conventions of Russia are quite praiseworthy."

"Which traditions?" The dual-haired girl seemed curious, "Please tell us, Hil."

"Sure," The Japanese princess nodded, "Do you know about the Sati culture of India?"

"Yes," Max waggled, "There, if the husband of a married woman dies, she has to immolate herself along with her husband."

"How cruel!" Mariam commented, "They shouldn't do these things."

"There is the same case in Russia," The brunette voiced, "But….there is a slight modification. If the widow is pregnant or has children, she doesn't have to perform the custom. Otherwise, she'll be dead."

"Wow!" Julia clapped, "What a favor!"

"Shut up, Juli!" The blunette snapped, "Be her a mother or not, no woman deserves it in her life."

Mariam was right. But she didn't know that they would have to thank the custom, to be more perfect, the little modification of the practice for a certain reason later on….

"Sister," The Spaniard held the wrists of his twin firmly, "Won't this rule change ever?"

"Relax, Raul," Julia patted his shoulders, "Why are you worrying? We're not Russians after all."

"But we should bother, Julia," The brunette gloomed, standing up, "A lot of people of Japan, Spain and America live there, under the citizenship of that kingdom. The kingdoms have given Russia full sovereignty and independence to perform the rules upon those people. But….we can hope. You know, traditions are like flowing rivers, always changing their curves and directions. Such people…at least…a single person will surely be there. The person who will understand the grief of widows. The man who will step forward to nullify the custom. It's my belief, guys, it's the thing that my heart always keeps telling me."

"Children!"

Hearing the motherly pitch, the people inside the room turned their visions to the doorway. There was standing Sayoko Tachibana, the empress of Japan. She was smiling but it could easily be said by noticing carefully that the smile wasn't genuine.

"Mother!" Hilary rushed to her, "What happened?"

"Nothing, my child," The queen stroked her cheek affectionately, "Tomorrow, you are going to the abbey of sage Stanley Dickenson."

"What?"

The eyes of the young people glossed in excitement. They exchanged stares with broad grins.

"Yes," Sayoko confirmed, "You must know him. To meet a learned person like him is a matter of good luck. You shouldn't misuse the opportunity. Wake up early in the morning. Good bye."

Somehow finishing, the tsarina left the room, not letting them utter a single word. Seeing her leaving, her daughter sighed.

"Heard that?" Julia leapt, "We have to get up early. For that, we need to sleep as soon as possible. Let's leave the library!"

Poor children. They didn't know what fate had stored for them….

The pinnacle of the temple was made of gold, trying to cross the limit of the limitless sky. By its both sides, there were different fruit trees. Mangoes, guavas, papayas were full of juice and sweetness, causing the mouths of children to water. Their sugary scent was spreading in the air. Behind the holy building, there was a flower garden. Devotees were entering and coming out, smiling. Sages and priests were talking to one another. Girls were plucking flowers, some were watering the plants. Then again, all the persons and things were being watched. The stalkers glared at one another. Smirking, they rubbed the pebbles against their arrows. Adjusting them to the bows, they launched them. The burning missiles hit the crest and the walls of the structure. Some stabbed the flower plants and trees too.

The flames rose high, burning the sacred shrine. Succulent fruits were being immolated, so were their origins. The sweet scent turned into the odor of urns. Utilizing the chance, the attackers got down from the trees. Unleashing their swords and scimitars, they jumped on the innocent people who were screaming, running here and there for their dear lives.

"Splash!"

Blood gushed out like fountain from the wounds and cuts. The limp bodies started getting mixed with the sands. Their gore drenched the dry powdered soil. Some were pulling the women by grasping their hair. Their aura-exploding screeches made the environment heavy. Their cloths got ragged, so did their dignity. None cared, none heard. Only the aggressors burst out frantic laughter.

"We've come here to worship!" One of them blurted, "The same place but the different deity! To worship the Satan! Hahahaha!"

That was a veneration of destruction…..

Darkness has surrounded me from four directions,

In the fire of sins, all have burnt, including holy erections,

The evil time has reached,

In amusement, the demon has screeched,

To death, my life has yielded,

Only by demise, the pain can be ended.

That's it!

So...how was it? Good or bad? What will happen after it?

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

-Misty ^_^ ^_^