Hi everyone! How're you? :D
Thanks a lot to Cutetyhil, Sohana Sarkar, Misaki, TwilightUniverse018, LadyPeach7, IshuRock8, Nenu, TLP, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Rock the Road, Bahubali and Sehun is hottttt for reviewing. ^_^
Misaki : Tala and Julia parts will be here soon. Thanks for reviewing :D
IshuRock8: Hey, never call yourself useless. You're a good singer, you know. And...I wanted to mean that my voice reaches the "Paa" of Taar Saptak. But I prefer light musics to classical ones. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Nenu: Hope you've understood. You all will start liking Tyson again here. Thanks for reviewing :D
TLP: Yes, even I was hyped to write this chapter ever since I'd begun this. Now, you'll no more. Thanks a lot :)
Bahubali: Oww...poor you. But you've got it back, right? So, cling to this story. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Sehun is hotttt: No, Kane doesn't know anything about Kai. You'll no more here. Thanks a lot for the review :*
SO...enjoy the next chapter! :D
"Order the servants to bring the best candles from the market," The brown-haired emperor of Japan commanded, crossing his arms on his chest, "Besides, tell the gardener to pluck the freshest flowers from the rose garth. I don't want to see any kind of scarcity tomorrow in the engagement ceremony of my daughter, Granger-san."
"Hn." The elder Granger replied, closing his eyes and bending his head down. He was feeling embarrassed to look at the eyes of his king. Inside his chest, his heart was discreetly lamenting. Beneath his closed eyelids, tears were glittering. Anytime, they could trickle down on his cheeks. Since the unwanted accident, countless daggers had been being stabbed at his heart but he couldn't even scream in pain, thinking what people would have imagined about the personality of the prime minister of Japan. He was scuffling hard against those harsh memories that were grappling his neuron cells. He was struggling to forget them but they were visiting him again and again despite not wanting.
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...
No no, he also had burnt all his cherished dreams and repressed wishes. Losing the elder one, the old man had engraved the seeds of his hopes in the fertilized soil of the talents of his younger grandson. But he'd hardly known that only weeds would have grown from them. Tyson Granger had been considered to be the most righteous warrior of Japan. With great skills of warfare, he had contained enough senses regarding disciplines and justices too. Then why? What had happened all of a sudden that he had had to break the rules and regulations of the battle? Why had he tried to play with the life and feelings of his own best friend? Couldn't he have been able to control his jealousy anymore? What had been his intention for which he had had to even insult Dragoon by slamming a whip on the battleground?
"Besides, go to the jeweler and check whether the crown of victory is being built properly or not," Hayashi smiled, "Moreover, send a letter to the rulers of Russia about the upcoming wedding of my daughter with prince Hiwatari. Tomorrow, Hilary will make her fiancé put on the crown in the engagement ceremony. Yes, today she was supposed to do it. But...forget it, happy times are still left. We must ensure so that we cannot miss them."
"You're right, your Majesty," The old man exhaled blue, still not opening his eyes. Screwing his eyebrows, the king looked at him.
"Granger-san, are you alright?" He frowned, "What happened?"
"Pardon me, your Majesty," Finally, Ryu opened his tear-glossed eyes, "I'm not worthy enough to be your prime minister."
"What?" The king glowered, "That's not true. You're the most skilled of all prime ministers whom Japan has ever got. Then why're you complaining to me about yourself?"
"Maybe..." Gloomily, the minister grimaced, "Maybe, I'm a good prime minister, your Majesty. But...I've failed to be a good grandfather. I'm not a worthy guardian at all."
The emperor of Japan remained silent, not uttering any word. Strolling slowly in the consultation room, the rector kept blabbering, "I was dreaming of building a strong and noble family which would always right by the side of the royal clan of Japan. When my elder grandson, Hiro Granger, was growing up with the mentality of serving his motherland and her people, I was so happy. I was willing to handover the guardianship of Dragoon to him. Then, Tyson was born. We both were equally excited. But on the same day, without any logical reason, he left his home. My daughter-in-law couldn't bear the pain of losing her elder son. Depressed, she died. Unable to take it, my son also ended his own life. I, this lonely old man, brought the infant up single-handedly and taught him everything that I knew. He kept learning and satisfying me with his skills. My heart used to leap up in joy when Tyson blindfolded himself and pierced all the bulls' eyes in front of him with arrows. I...I thought...I thought he would be a great warrior who would be the honor of Japan and Granger clan, who would be the deserving guardian of Dragoon. But, once again, my fate showed me that I and my expectations are nothing but a joke."
Showers of the salty liquid of grief streamed from his eyes, "Again, my own blood insulted me and my clan. For the second time, I was deceived. In front of my eyes, breaking all the rules of the duel, Tyson recklessly kept hitting prince Hiwatari, forced Dragoon to attack him and I could do nothing, your Majesty! I...I..."
His voice became clogged as he burst into tears, covering his mouth. Biting his lower lip, the king approached the minister and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, your Majesty," Ryu sobbed, "My own grandson has tried to destroy the life of your daughter and make the relation of Japan with Russia bitter. Pardon me if possible, your Majesty."
"Don't blame yourself for the guilt of someone else, Granger-san," Hayashi tried to console the old man, "You're completely innocent. You didn't know that your grandson would take this step. Brace yourself, my honorable prime minister. You have no fault at what happened today."
"Then why aren't you punishing the actual criminal, your Majesty?" The tone of the vicar seemed impatient, "Why haven't you given Tyson death penalty yet? If you spare him, I myself will push him to the jaw of demise. Please, allow me to that!"
"You don't need to do it, Master," A feminine voice could be heard from the threshold of the consultation room, "I myself have already ensured his punishment."
Puzzled, they both looked at the open entrance of the room. There was standing a chocolate-haired girl in the outfits of a kunoichi. She was covered with sweats all over her body. One of her hands was holding a sword whose silvery tip was smeared with the crimson liquid remaining inside the body of a human being. Seeing it, the old man brokenly knelt down on the marble floor of the chamber, guessing the worst. A single wave of sound couldn't escape from his throat. Even, the mighty king of Japan couldn't believe his own eyes. Rushing to his daughter, he looked at it.
"Hilary!" Hayashi gasped, "What's this?"
"Father, you yourself permitted me to punish Tyson," The brunette stooped the weapon, "I have only performed one of my responsibilities as the princess of Japan."
"But...my girl," The father felt hesitated, looking at the shattered grandfather, "You didn't have to be so cruel by taking his life in this way."
"You're mistaking, father," Hilary leered, "I didn't end Tyson's life. Only, the alive people can be given death sentence, not those who are already no more."
"What?"
Nodding, the princess of Japan approached her teacher. Squeezing his shoulders, she helped him stand up. Wiping his tears, she assured, "Don't worry at all, Master. Your grandson is alright."
"Thank goodness!" The brown-haired man huffed, "You almost gave me a heart-attack, Hil!"
"Why did you leave him alive, princess?" Ryu sniffed, "Don't you know that the weapon of a warrior doesn't feel satisfied unless it tastes the blood of the opponent of its owner?"
"My sword has already savored it, master," Hilary answered, "But Tyson has realized his faults. No other punishment can be as merciless as realization. That's why, I didn't need to kill him anymore. But of course, he's atoning for his deeds."
"Atoning?" Hayashi cocked an eyebrow, "But Hil, will he be alright?"
"Don't be anxious about him, father," The daughter held his hands, "I know my best friend very well. He's Tyson Granger, the most persistent citizen of Japan. He'll do everything to get back Dragoon. Without him, without his sacred spirit, our motherland will never be able to complete herself. Master Ryu, you also shouldn't worry about him. I believe that he'll work hard to retrieve the fame of your clan."
"Thank you so much, my girl," Ryu wiped his tears, "I'll be grateful to you forever."
"No no, Master, don't need to thank me," Hilary quickly shook her head, "I've only accomplished my responsibilities as a student and as a friend."
"Hilary, it's been a while since you were awake," The father kept a hand on her cheek affectionately, "Tomorrow, your engagement ceremony is going to be held. For it, you must look fresh. That's why, you need to rest. Go to your room and sleep, my girl."
"Sure, father," Blushingly, the princess concurred, "Good night."
"Good night, my child." The father patted her head. Smiling in return, the girl turned back and left the room. Looking at the elder Granger, the brown-haired man spoke, "Granger-san, take care of all the things. I'm going to sleep. If needs be, don't hesitate to inform the soldiers to call me."
"Sure, your Majesty," Ryu bowed, "Good night."
"Good night." The king also departed from the chamber, leaving an unaccompanied, frustrated old man behind. Sighing, the prime minister glanced all over the room once.
'See?' He pondered, 'How generous the royal family of Japan is, Tyson! Even after committing such a heinous crime, they have let you go. And here are you, paying them back by hurting their sources of love and life. Will you ever understand the kindness of your best friend, Tyson?'
Through the loopholes, the clover-leaf rays of sunshine seeped on the serene face of the Russian prince as his eyelids trembled a bit. Squinting, he opened his eyes. They met the soft golden beams of the new day. Yawning and rubbing his face, he slowly got up. Turning his head, he discovered his scarlet-haired cousin resting his head beside his pillow and sleeping sitting on the tool. The slate-haired guy smirked a bit seeing that. Instead of shaking him, he gently patted the head of his cousin. Shrilling slightly, the wolf-prince jumped.
"Kai!" He blurted, "How're you feeling now? Alright?"
"Hn." Kai got down from the bed.
"Hey!" Tala grabbed his left shoulder, "Where are you going? You need to rest. Don't you know what the physician has told you?"
"I'm fine," The phoenix-prince replied, unwrapping the bandages, "You don't need to worry about me, Tala."
"Wait!" The redhead ejaculated, "Why're you undressing your wounds? They haven't been recovered fully yet."
Not answering, the Hiwatarian wheeled to his cousin. His ocean-blue orbs became widened as they saw the plain chest of the prince of Russian. There was not a single stain of cuts or bruises on his skin, let alone being raw. The long smirch of the sword had no-when vanished mysteriously. The redhead knew that his cousin was strong enough but his brain wasn't agreeing to believe something against the law of biology and medical science. Seeing the reaction of his cousin, the phoenix-prince simpered.
"Happy?" Kai spoke, "If yes, let me have a bath."
"Of course, lord Sourpuss!" Tala pointed a finger at the bathhouse, "There, hot water is bubbling to get the touch of your skin once. Go and satisfy it in which way you satisfied sister-in-law..."
"TALA!"
The hall of the castle was decorated like the courtroom of the king of heaven. The garlands of white marigolds were hanging from the ceiling with the quartz chandeliers. Petal-shaped blazes were burning on threads of fragrant candles, sitting on metal lamp stands. Tuscan pillars were draped with the lianas of roses and morning glories. Golden-fringed red and navy-blue velvet carpets with basket-weave patterns were covering the marble floor of the room. From the top of the entrance, colorful ribbons were swinging in the air. Inside the chamber, the invited guests were comfortably sitting on velour and gold-made chairs. On the podium against the northern wall, the emperor of Japan was on his throne with his queen. Beside him, with a bunch of familiar girls, the princess was there on her lotus-like seat.
That day, she was wearing a sheath-shaped, off-shoulder, olive-colored gown with ball-sleeves cut from her elbows and a sandalwood yellow, net belt around her waist. Much to Julia's request, she had had to put it on. Her silky auburn hair was nicely brushed and parted at left and right, embellished with verdant orchids and white bouvardias. From her ears and neck, threader jade earrings and a long, golden tourmaline locket were dangling. Sitting with her friends and cousins, she was nervously crossing her fingers. She'd already been questioned countless times by them about her deeds in the healing compound with her fiancé at the previous night. She knew that she hadn't done anything immoral, yet, her heart had been losing its beats to tell them.
"Attention!" One of the guards announced, "Prince Kai Alexander Hiwatari, the soon-to-be groom of princess Hilary Tachibana, is entering!"
Two guards at the entrance kowtowed and tapped the ground with their javelins since the phoenix-prince entered the hall. Everyone stood up to show him honor including his fiancée. A high-neck kosovorotka shirt in the shades of black was covering his torso with deep-violet crisscross linings and golden belt, making his pale complexion blossom. The edges of his grey baggy pants were tucked inside his dark fabric boots with golden buttons, reaching his lower knees. The typical white scarf was swaying in the air from his neck. Long golden bracelets were encircling his wrists. With no headgear, his two-toned hair was blowing slightly. His deep amethyst eyes were holding an emotionless, yet, aristocratic mien. The scent of fresh mint leaves was surrounding him and his footsteps. As those violet gemstones fell on the rubies of the princess, immediately, the latter ones stooped as roses brushed her moon-like face.
Gently bowing to everyone, he trudged to his seat and had it with his male companions, so did everyone as trumpets played. Standing up from the throne, the emperor cleared his throat and started:
"Dear ladies and gentlemen, honorable invited guest, I, Hayashi Tachibana, the emperor of Japan, wholeheartedly welcome you to the engagement ceremony of my daughter. Though she already got engaged at that time when her fiancé defeated his opponent, still it needs a formal function. For that, there is the program of today.
At first, I'm cordially apologizing to everyone for the mishap of yesterday. That shouldn't have happened. On behalf of everyone, I'm extremely sorry for it. Therefore, please, let me perform my responsibilities of today's function as a king, as a host, as a father."
The welcomed guests started jubilating by the name of the man as he stopped.
"Hail His Majesty of Hayashi Tachibana!"
"Hail His Majesty of Hayashi Tachibana!"
Once the crowd went silent gradually, the king again started:
"According to the old rituals, the soon-to-be bride has to make the winner wear a crown as a symbol of victory. Servants, let it be brought in the assembly room!"
Within a few moments, two kimono-worn maids entered the chamber, holding a rectangular bronze platter containing a pile of rose-sepals. On it, there was a golden coronet encompassed with four king-pieces of chess and three hawthorn leaves on its upper band. Between two rings, moonstones were shimmering, meeting the conflagrations of the hall-lamps. The queen of Japan left the throne. Taking the tray from the servants, she approached her daughter with it.
"Therefore," Hayashi declared, "I would like to tell the princess to congratulate prince Hiwatari by crowning him."
"Hilary," Sayoko handed her the tray as the latter softly lifted the reward, "Putting this on Hiwatarian, welcome this divine and unique moment, my girl. Go."
Blushing and nodding, the brunette stood up. The performers blew fifes and bet drums. All her friends gathered behind her.
"Julie," The blunette whispered, "You've got the rings, haven't you?"
"Yeah," The Spaniard frowned, "But what're you saying this to me, Mari?"
"Look, prince Valkov is standing behind prince Hiwatari," Mariam pointed at the redhead, giggling, "Go and capture his finger into that ring. In the same courtroom, four lives will be fixed with one another. Should I tell His Majesty?"
"Lame joke." Though Julia narrowed her eyes, her face didn't forget to be pink for a while.
With sluggish footsteps, the princess of Japan was progressing towards her fiancé, holding the crown, the emblem of success. Beside and behind her, the royal girls were supporting her, gently enfolding her shoulders. Again, all the musical instruments released seven melodies of harmony as the girls sang:
Make the lotus-eyed, the conquering one,
Wear the crown of victory,
Hiwatarian is before you, a rare chance it is,
Don't lose it, do hurry.
Make him wear the crown of victory.
The smile of pride rose in the faces of the emperor and the empress of Japan. The princess felt as if something had been embracing her feet and preventing herself from advancing. Though she was silent, her heart was bubbling with the untold, unheard words of love. Suddenly, the crown in her hands seemed heavier than the rocks.
Why? Why was it happening to her? Was she so fragile that she couldn't lift a jewelry? No no, she had almost carried the unconscious dragoon-wielder in a forest to save his life. Why was she failing to hold the crown anymore? Was it love? But she took the vow to make her love her strength, not her weakness, right?
Her heart stopped as she beheld the light purple orbs of the phoenix-prince, so did her feet cease moving. Like the floral creepers, lassitude clinched her from everywhere. An invisible golden stick touched her from nowhere and turned her into an alive statue of stones.
With tentative steps smeared with shyness,
Why cannot you gather the courage to move ahead?
Kai picked up the sacred vermilion bird of the south,
Why cannot you put the buoyant jewel on his head?
By putting the circlet around his head who has won,
Give him his reward of winning, oh, princess Hilary!
Make him wear the crown of victory!
Make the light of your life, the victorious one,
Wear the crown of victory!
Hearing her friends, Hilary raised her head. As garnets touched amethysts, the slate-haired prince silently let out a gentle smile. That assured her, that started snatching the restlessness from her heart. Taking a deep breath, she pulled her feet forward. Yet, she didn't want to be so quick. She willed to savor the taste of the passing moments bit by bit. Enjoying the period was her motive.
His eyes are so close by...
Let mine trust at first,
This long-awaiting, honeyed moment of his sight,
Let me realize at least, please, don't be fast.
Oh dear, let me realize, please, don't be fast.
All her companions silently chortled seeing the princess in her baffled condition. Then, they poked gently at her shoulders, gesturing her to go ahead.
Without hesitating, oh Nipponista,
Don't delay, go forward. If possible, then scurry.
Oh, make the light of your life wear the crown of victory.
Make the phoenix-prince, the victorious one,
Wear the crown of victory!
With tangling tracks, the princess of Japan proceeded to the prince of Russia, entwining her heart in the winning reward, just like a pie crusted cuckoo towards the moon. Stopping before him, she beamed a bit. His stern amethysts eyes mellowed seeing her. Slowly, he bent down which he had never done in his 20-year long life. In a gentle way, the princess put the tiara around his forehead. The guests stood up from their chairs and clapped as countless myrtles got showered on them.
"Hail prince Kai Hiwatari!"
"Hail princess Hilary Tachibana!"
"Hail prince Kai Hiwatari!"
"Hail princess Hilary Tachibana!"
"Halt!"
The jovial atmosphere of the courtroom turned into vapor in an unexpected way. Love escaped from the ogles of the slate-haired prince and the chocolate-haired princess. Perplexities and shocks claimed those places. Stopping jubilating, the guests turned to the doorway. There was standing a steel-blue haired young man in black shinobi attires, around 29-30. His jaw was gnashed in fury that was literally flaming in his auburn orbs. His fingers were curled into fists. Blue veins were visible beneath his beige skin. He was fuming as invisible flames were being exhaled through his nostrils. The convulsion of his shoulders could easily be seen. In one of his hands, there was a double-edged axe whose bits were blood-besmirched. A quiver of arrows and a longbow were attached to his back. Two watchmen rushed to him from behind but he showed them his palm. As a result, they stopped, being terrified.
"Hi...Hiro?" The prime minister of Japan stammered, "You...you're here?"
"Wow, grandpa!" The bluenette's eyes danced, "Twenty years have passed since I left my home. Yet, you haven't failed to recognize me. You're really intelligent."
"Why the hell have you come here?" Ryu gritted his teeth, "You weren't invited in this ceremony at this auspicious moment."
"I know," Hiro retorted, "Neither I have come here with a view to attending the ceremony, nor is the moment auspicious to me. Where's the brat?"
All the people exchanged stares, confused. About whom was the elder grandson of Ryu Granger talking?
"Where has he gone?" The Jin of the Gale roared, earsplitting the joyous environs, "Where has he fled after kicking Dragoon out of Japan?"
"What?"
"Cannot you understand that I'm speaking of Tyson Granger, the greatest warrior of Japan?" Hiro lifted his axe which shushed everyone, "At first, that spoiled navy-haired kid came to me and pleaded me to train him so that he could defeat his rival. Then, taking the sword where Dragoon was trapped, he landed in the duel ground. How careless could he be?"
"Language, Hiro!" Ryu protested, "Don't forget that he's your younger brother."
"I have nobody on the earth!" The enraged warrior rumbled, "I'm alone, just like the sun. As the moon, he only came to me for attaining my help to be the best. It doesn't mean that I have formed any relation with him. He has got the sword broken. The weapon which couldn't be dirty a bit since the last 400 years is no more! Dragoon, the protector of Japan, is absent. For all these things, Tyson is responsible! By the way, who had the courage of destroying the rapier? Who?"
"How dare you!" The brunette cocked an eyebrow, "Coming to my engagement ceremony, you're humiliating my teacher and my father? Why haven't the soldiers arrested you yet?"
"Because they don't have the guts of raising their gazes before me, let alone their weapons, girl," Hiro rejoined, "If you cannot believe me, you may check out the corpses which are lying outside. I have enough destructive powers. With them, I can destroy all of it as far as your kingdom stretches!"
"He's speaking the truth, princess," A guard rushed inside the room, "We all tried our best to stop him but most of the guards had to pay a hefty price of it by sacrificing their lives."
The invitees started trembling in fear. Water evaporated from their throats, leaving them as dry as a desert. Some of the liquid substance appeared on their skins, showing the fright. Their legs and hands shuddered as some of them almost slumped on their seats, unable to maintain balance. They were even failing to stare at the eyes of the intruder properly. Only, the slate-haired guy protectively hid the princess behind him, folding his arms and closing his eyes, maybe annoyed at the scenes created by the blunette.
"Pardon me, warrior," The red-haired Russian didn't seem afraid too, "We have broken so many swords like this in our childhood while playing but no one became upset with us like you."
"You're considering this sword like the rest of the swords of the world?" Hiro steered his hatchet at the eyes of the wolf-prince.
"I myself am a swordsman, shinobi," Tala remained calm, "A sword is just a sword for a sword-artist."
"Sage Dickenson!" Hiro blurted, "Your student himself is inviting my wrath!"
Hearing the tone of the trespasser, the brave princess of Spain, the dual-haired girl gasped, clasping the wrist of her royal-blue haired friend. Her heart almost stopped, reaching her throat. She felt too hard to gulp accurately.
"Shinobi, I just want to say that no one is guilty at what happened yesterday," The redhead conversed, "It was nothing but an accident."
"This brat is cunning and evil-minded," The Jin of the Gale hissed, "This criminal is committing a great sin by not giving the sword of Dragoon any importance. Sage Dickenson, didn't you teach him anything properly?"
"But..." Tala tried to object.
"Shut up!" The blunette placed one of the edges of the hatchet against his neck which silenced him, "If you utter one more word, my axe will not descend without tasting your blood!"
"Prince Valkov..." Julia quietly neared him, mouthing, "Please, for the sake of everything, calm down. Stop screaming like a goat lost in a forest, it helps the tiger catch its prey easily."
Without any pre-warning, Tala's face went red. He felt tickling sensations as Julia's mouth was near his ear. Coughing, he lowered his gapes.
"Your Majesty!"
A guard was at the entrance of the room, huffing. Turning to him, the king asked, "What happened?"
"Lord Granger has been found," He panted, "In the dragon temple of the northern wing of the castle. But..."
"Say no more!" Hiro seethed, "My weapons were waiting for him. Tyson, I'm coming!"
The temple had countless doors at the north and the south, with arched-tops and made of crystal. At the east, there was the statue of a mighty dragon which was expanding its wings and opening its mouth, displaying its knife-like fangs. It was made of granite, situated on a round pedestal. A few oil lamps were lit in front of it. The scent of joss-sticks was surrounding the room. Facing the idol, a navy-haired guy was hanging from the ceilings. Both his arms were tied to the roof-touched hooks with ropes. On his palms, a pair of firepots was placed from which steams were being emitted. Flames and sparkles also could be seen. His teeth were clenched in pain. For much pressure, the veins of his biceps and triceps were visible under his tanned skin. They were showing themselves inside his throat too. His breaths were being unsteady. The gravity was trying to pull him downward. But he was trying his best to remain there. He hadn't taken a single sip of water, let alone having his meal on that day. Yet, he didn't care. All for which he cared was his Dragoon, his precious sacred spirit. For him, the Grangerian could even battle against the whole world.
The doors got opened since a blunette in his early thirties entered the chamber. Following him, the slate-haired guy ran inside too but the Jin of the Gale didn't notice him. Seeing the sagging blunette, his heart skipped a beat. Biting his lower lip, he tried to control his shocks that he had received from the sight of his rival as well as the worries for him. However, the axe-holder didn't show a tiny point of mercy or concern. The rest of the people was about to cross the threshold of the temple but before it, the elder brother pronounced some chants and threw something invisible towards the doors. Thus, they got locked. Despite knocking them or trying to break them, the people couldn't get inside at all. Seeing his elder brother, the orbs of the navy-haired guy got dilated but he didn't leave the firepots. Quite reasonable it was, his penance was more important to him than any other thing.
"Ni-san?" Yet, he showed his surprised mien, "What're you doing here?"
"Surprised, aren't you?" Hiro chewed air inside his mouth, "The same my condition was when I got to know that you lost Dragoon."
"Ni-san..."
"Hold your tongue!" The brother pointed a finger at him, "Don't call me that. I'm not your sibling anymore. In fact, I don't want to keep any relation with him who cannot keep a single promise."
Flashback:
"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."
Flash forward:
"Ni-san, please forgive me," Tears found their own ways to the chin of the dragoon-wielder, "My intention was never to insult Dragoon, believe me. I...I..."
"Whatever your goal was, your deed wasn't something godly, Tyson!" Hiro spoke, "You failed to keep your promise. So, I have to raise my weapon on you so that Dragoon feels to get justice."
In front of the horrified eyes of Tyson, his own brother dropped the axe. Putting out an arrow from the cylindrical basket, he attached it to the bow-cord. Aiming the arc at the man who was struggling hard to get back his sacred spirit, he pulled the string. Gasping, Tyson closed his eyes. Soon, the arrow would pierce his chest...
"Shoop!"
Someone caught the dart, dumbfounding the attacker. Never had anyone obstructed his raid in this way in his life. Grabbing the weapon, the phoenix-prince came forward from a side, facing the eyes of the Jin of the Gale. Just like breaking his pride, he twisted the arrow with the fingers of a single hand and shattered it into two pieces. Throwing it, he spoke, "You're attempting to punish the wrong one, warrior."
"Who...who're you?" For the first time on that day, Hiro felt confounded, "I haven't seen you before."
"Kai Alexander Hiwatari, a warrior like you," He retorted, "As well as the most hated person of your brother."
"Prince Hiwatari!" Tyson blurted, "Why have you come here?"
The phoenix-prince looked at the hanging man. His heart ached when he saw the scuffles of the frustrated and helpless dragoon-wielder. His voice went soft a bit, "For giving you justice, Tyson."
"It's Dragoon who needs justice at this moment," Hiro fumed, "It can be attained only by shedding Tyson's blood."
"Warrior, if you think that blood can satisfy Dragoon," In front of Tyson, Kai spread his arms, "The sacrificial lamb is before you. You can do whatever you want to do with him."
Out of the temple, everyone was there, colliding against one another to get in but their attempts were going in vain. However, hearing the words the phoenix-prince, the princess of Japan gasped. With her soft palms, she slammed on the glass doors to open them but her attempts went in vain.
"What?" Hiro cocked an eyebrow.
"Yes, shinobi," The dual-haired Russian retorted, "You've heard it right. Tyson has no fault at what happened to Dragoon and your legacy. I'm his criminal, I'm responsible for it. So, leave your younger brother."
"Oh, I see!" The elder brother rolled his eyes, "So, you're the one. What have you thought? You'll try to be great in front of me and I'll forgive you?"
"I haven't come here with a view to apologizing to someone or being great," Kai gritted his teeth, "My motive is nothing but to protect Tyson's honor, to save him from false accusations. Why should he be punished when he didn't do anything wrong?"
Tyson's heart skipped a beat. Bit by bit, tears started brimming in his almond eyes. What was he seeing? The person whom he had hated to see, whom he had wanted to crush was defending him. He was talking for him. He was ready to face even the death only for his sake. Was it a dream? Or the reality?
"But I'm a sinner, prince Hiwatari!" He cried, "You don't need to support me at all."
"No Tyson, you aren't a sinner!" Kai turned back, looking above, "Let the world misunderstand you, I won't leave your side. I know the actual fact. You were possessed at that time. You were under the control of Zina Balkov who wanted to only revenge on me. You have no fault at this, Tyson. You're innocent!"
Everyone's jaw dropped hearing the phoenix-prince. Again, they stared at one another with the looks of disbelief. Specially, the chocolate-haired princess was shocked the most. At the same time, she was willing to slap herself for being rude to her best friend. The navy-haired guy gnawed his mouth, looking down in shame and disgrace.
"Whatever!" Hiro announced, "I'm going to take the life of this Russian and nobody can stop me!"
"Dragoon!" The navy-haired guy screamed, "Will you still remain silent? Only for you, an innocent man is going to be murdered. You're the savior of the helpless, aren't you? Then please, appear! Don't let this injustice happen!"
'I have full faith on you, o, the sacred azure dragon of the east,' Kai closed his eyes, silently praying, 'If we both are faultless, if we both are true and deserving warriors, you have to show yourself. You have to protect your guardian from the wrathful hands of his own brother. No matter what happens, today, you cannot hide from us anymore!'
"Thud!"
"Clink!"
All the glass got shattered and landed on the marble floor of the prayer building. Through the open doors, stormy gusts of wind entered. Clouds hid the sun behind them, sands flew. Everyone covered their eyes with their palms. The tied hair of the girls became unfastened. The velocity of the air was so much that it almost flung the Jin of the Gale with his bow and arrows. Tyson's arms got loosened from the ceiling. The earthen pots of fire from his hands fell on the ground and got crushed into hundreds of pieces. The navy-haired warrior was about to fall to but before it, the strong muscular arms of the Russian prince caught his waist.
Breaking the roof, an azure light entered the cubicle. Wheeling a bit, it took the form of a dragon. Its scimitar-like nails were elongated. Its spiky, barb-covered, blue tail was swaying. Seeing it, the eyes of both the Japanese and the Russian fizzled. Closing his ones, the phoenix-prince smirked a bit. Whereas, the dragoon-wielder couldn't believe his own orbs, still held by the Russian. Not wasting much time, he unleashed another sword which had been tucked inside his belt. Stretching it, he blurted, "Welcome back, Dragoon!"
Nodding once, the beast rotated again and entered the rapier. Soon, the hurricane stopped. Clouds freed the sun from their dungeon. Wind turned into breezes. Blowing sands fell on the ground, stopping the rampages. Clutching the sword and pulling it closer to his chest, the dragoon-wielder couldn't stop his tears anymore. The slate-haired prince gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I still cannot believe my own eyes..." Hiro's jaw was dropped, "How? How is it even possible?"
"Because Tyson and his Dragoon have a connection that's nearly impossible to explain," Kai victoriously grinned, "When one is hurt, so is the other."
Turning to the navy-haired guy, he spoke, "Good job, Tyson. I'm proud of you. Your bond with your sacred spirit has greatly amazed me. That's why, I'm blessing you. You'll never lose him anymore. No matter what life brings for you, be it this life or the next, he'll never leave you. He'll always be by your side."
"Prince Hiwatari..." Tyson sniffed.
"I don't know whether my blessings will come true or not," Kai sighed, "Never have I prayed something for someone else. But...seeing your prowess and efforts, I couldn't help myself..."
"You're really great, prince Hiwatari!" Finally, the elder blunette managed to smile, "Flouting all the illusions, you could see through Tyson which I failed to do. You unearthed the true meaning of the friendship between a warrior and his assistant sacred spirit. Therefore, I'm also blessing you to be a great ruler and an ideal leader. No matter how many obstructions come along your way, you'll always stay stagnant. Nothing in the world will be able to remove you a bit from your position and determination."
With reddened face, lowering her gazes, the brunette entered the hall and stood beside her fiancé. Looking at the couple, a honeyed leer rose in the face of the enraged warrior, finally appeasing him.
"Besides, my good wishes will always be with you both," He raised a hand, "May you live long and happily together."
Turning to his younger brother, Hiro spoke, "Tyson, now I have to go. At other times, I would remind you once again of taking care of Dragoon well. But today, I won't do it," He looked at the slate-haired Russian, "Because you have someone's support with you. I have full faith on him. Stay safe and happy. Be a great warrior, be victorious."
Finishing his words, he bowed to the dragoon-wielder and the couple. Smiling a bit, he left the temple from the backdoor.
Moving to the brunette, the navy-haired man dimly sneered, "Hilary, am I now able enough to be your best friend?"
"Don't embarrass me by saying these things, Tyson," Hilary wiped her tears, "Rather, it is I who must apologize to you for doubting you without any reason."
"No no, you don't need to be sorry at all, Hil," Tyson shook his head, "Of course, I didn't do that intentionally but it doesn't mean that I have no fault."
Wheeling to the dual-haired Russian, he joined his hands, "Prince Hiwatari, I know that I'm not worthy enough to be forgiven by you. What haven't I done to you? I tried to humiliate you, to take your life. When I failed to do them, I cursed you."
Tyson clenched his hands and tightened his mouth. His teeth almost sank inside his inner lips. Slowly, liquid pearls of rue and repentance rolled down on his face. Not able to control himself anymore, he knelt down on the ground, horizontally placing the sword before Kai.
"That's why, I'm allowing you to do everything with me," Tyson sobbed, "Please, free me from this pain. I cannot bear burning in the fire of guiltiness."
Taking the sword, instead of outstretching it on the dragoon-wielder, the phoenix-prince dropped it on the ground, puzzling his rival. Squeezing his shoulder, the Russian helped the Japanese stand up.
"Your punishment is..." The slate-haired prince closed his eyes, coating his face with emotionless expressions, "You have to call me only by my name."
"W...what?" Tyson puckered his brows, not believing what he had heard, "But...you're a prince. A royal personality should always be addressed by proper rank unless he or she is a friend of the caller."
"Then, what do you think?" Kai grimaced, "Am I summoning you to be my enemy?"
Once again, Tyson's mouth remained open. Covering the gap between his lips with his hand, he took a step back. His eyes remained widened, sparkling. Was he hearing the truth? Had the phoenix-prince poured nectar in his ears with his impassive voice? His mien was still stoic but his words were filled with love. Weren't such persons rare on the earth?
'He's really special, incomparable,' Tyson thought, 'After doing so many cruel things with him, he was ready to sacrifice his own life for me. Now, he's presenting his friendship before me.'
"K...Kai..." Somehow, he uttered the name, shedding two beads of waterworks.
"Tyson." The phoenix-prince gently voiced. The three and five-lettered names, originated from their vocal cords, chimed at each other's ears like the melodious chirpings of a bird. At first, the Japanese stretched his hand. The fingers of the Russian intertwined those of his new friend. Their grips went stronger, so did their amicable feelings for each other.
We will never break this friendship,
Till my last breath,
I will not leave by your side.
Furiously rubbing his eyes, the navy-haired guy turned to the rest of the people. Clearing his throat, he spoke, "Hey, why are you all standing here in this way, opening your mouths? Today, it's the engagement ceremony of two of my best friends! Go, sing and dance!"
Everybody had returned to the hall-room. The phoenix-prince sat on his chair beside his fiancée, the chocolate-haired princess of Japan. Instrumentalists blew the flutes and drummed the strings of the harps. Drummers thumped the tabors with the sticks. Dew, Julia, Mariam and Charlotte stepped on the stage, swirling and cutting the air with twisting their wrists. Leaping and smiling once, they moved away as the blonde and the dual-haired Spanish boy entered, keeping the navy-haired guy at the center. Spreading his arms, the dragoon-wielder sang:
Today, my heart is dancing in euphoria,
Ah, today, the whole nature is dancing in euphoria,
The princess of Japan is gonna be the queen of Russia.
Play drums, play flutes, today, pour ambrosia.
Dance, sing and welcome the adorable pair,
Happy times have arrived in Japan, ecstasy is near,
Forget all the pains. Let the flowers bloom in love and care.
Taking spears, as dancing steps, the male ones moved them over their heads. Placing two clay lamps on his palms, the dragoon-wielder stretched his arms, only to express his zeal. The fiancé and his fiancée exchanged happy and contented stares.
Hopes will be fulfilled,
The moon will rise,
Roses will bloom,
Wishes will be realized.
Happy times have arrived in Japan, ecstasy is near,
Forget all the pains. Let the flowers bloom in love and care.
How was it?
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and the spelling errors. Take care :D
-Misty ^_^
P.S: How were the poems? :P