Hello everyone! How're you? :D Hope you all are fine and safe, specially from the cyclone which nearly devastated Bangladesh and some portions of India :'(. My supports are with you, guys. :')
Thanks a lot to TwilightUniverse018, Sohana Sarkar, Cutetyhil, LadyPeach7, IshuRock8, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Rock the Road, Justafan, Misaki, Stark02, TLP, Emerald Rami, Nenu, Sehun is hottttt and Bahubali for reviewing.
IshuRock8: Hehe...this chapter has more, my dear. You've cursed? Then, prepare your tongue for more. And...don't feel sorry for Frankie, soon, you'll start hating her. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Justafan: Hmm, typical politics this is called. Don't sympathize for Frankie, rather, sympathize for someone else. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Misaki: Yes, he surely dug his own grave and this chapter has the proof. Hehehe...your thought sounded amazing. Something like this will surely happen later on. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
TLP: You'll shiver more seeing Boris in this chapter. Thanks a lot for reviewing :D
Nenu: Dirty? Man, he's a garbage! Don't feel sorry for Frankie...hehehe...anyways, thanks a lot for reviewing :D
Sehun is hottttt: Yes, online classes are just...*Sighs*. And...don't call Kane a jerk, he's just doing what Tyson did. Besides, who loved Boris and Zina? xD Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing :D
Bahubali: *Gulps* Dear, Boris is the main antagonist of this fic. If I kill him so soon, the story will also end so soon. Do you surely want it? :P As for Zagart's owning three bit-beasts, well, they are the cyber versions of the original bit-beasts. Zagart doesn't own the real sacred spirits. In this life, the illuminative (Or cyber, same thing) beasts were created from their reflections and different body parts. As an Indian, it will be easier for you to recognize, they were created from Maya. Hope it's been clear for you. Thank you so much for reviewing.
So guys, some lyrics used in this chapter were composed by me being inspired of the story "Kai Hiwatari Story-I'm the fire, you the ice" by LadyPeach7. :P
Warning: Sexual assault.
So...enjoy! :D
The roof of the temple was way higher than the height of the people of Russia. Standing beneath it, one could easily feel like an ant. The pictures of ancient Slavic deities were painted on blue backgrounds of the agate walls of the room. The wallboards were made of gold, creating niches in the barriers. Inside them, the holy idols were placed. In front of them, aromatic steams from the joss-sticks dipped inside the terracotta crocks were being emitted. A maroon-covered sacred book was open on a wooden lectern before the primal statue of the shrine. Over it, a circular luster was hanging with the support of a gem-studded rope. Along with the flames, it was swaying left and right as the gusts of wind were flustering into the holy place through the round windows.
Sitting in diamond pose before the structure, a violet-haired lady around 50 was joining her hands and devotedly gazing at the idol. She was completely drifted into prayers. Usually, she would close her eyes while venerating. But that day, she was absorbing the beauty of the divine being into her purple orbs. For an unknown, yet, mystical transformation, inside her brain, the images of a dual-haired Russian were appearing. Though there were hundreds of lamps lit before her, the radiance of the young man was outshining them. The joints of her fingers went firmer, she hummed:
Oh lord! Cleanse everything,
Gratify us, by wiping the dirty sense,
Remove all the stains of false fascinations,
By giving us the sunshine of righteousness.
Millions and billions wishes are rushing,
Towards the depth of darkness,
We don't know when they will be plunged
Into the ocean of poison, which is limitless.
"Aunt!"
Startled, the purplette rotated her head back. There was standing a tall and blond Russian, holding a velvet scroll in his hands. Standing up, she smiled and headed towards the doorway.
"Spencer," She spoke, "Good morning. What brings you here, my son?"
"Good morning, aunt Apraxia," He bowed, "Actually, I have just received a letter from Japan."
Apraxia's heart skipped a beat as she almost gasped. Puckering her brows, she asked, "A letter from Japan? My son, can you read it out once?"
"Sure, aunt." Nodding, the Russian prince unfolded the document and started pronouncing the words calmly:
"Honorable empress of Russia,
Accept our heartiest greetings. Hope you and your dearest ones are alright by the grace of Almighty.
Next, you must have remembered that before a few days, we sent the invitation letter of the groom-choosing ceremony of our daughter to Russia. In reply, you informed us that your son was neither in Russia, nor in Japan. Fortunately, he still didn't leave for Russia then. Assuming your response as your silent consent, he participated in the contest with the approval of sage Dickenson. I'm feeling so elated to notify you that he has not only won the competition with utmost prowess but also regained his long-lost companion, Dranzer, the sacred vermilion bird of the south. Seeing his robustness, talents and attitude, we all have been sure that for our daughter, we'll never be able to find any husband as deserving as he."
Reading the first three paras, the clear-gray orbs of the tall Tatar gleamed in excitement and elation. The vibes reached the purple pools of the Russian empress too. Her face wore a flashy smile instantly. With quivering voice filled with the emotions of victory, she uttered, "Kai!"
Sneering, Spencer continued reciting the rest:
"According to the rules of the groom-choosing ceremony, your son, Kai Alexander Hiwatari, the prince of Russia, is now the fiancé of the princess of Japan, Hilary Tachibana. So, I would like to request you to make Japan consider herself lucky by stepping on her surface and lend a hand to proceed the auspicious tasks of wedding, thus giving your consent and blessings to the lovely couple.
Waiting for your reply.
Sincerely,
Hayashi Tachibana,
The emperor of Japan."
In glee, tear blobs mustered in the corners of the lilac ogles of the queen. Sniffing, she closed her eyes. Once again, her son made her proud of him. In Japan, the phoenix-prince had won his duel. Whereas, despite sitting in Russia, the mother felt victorious. It wasn't the triumph of the slate-haired prince. It was the victory of a mother. It was the success of a kingdom. Dranzer was back to her actual owner. After losing her, all the jovialness and exuberance of him had vanished. He'd become cold, he'd started maintaining distance from those who had been loved and adored by him the most once upon a time. With the flames of the scarlet phoenix, all the ice inside his heart melted. He would again mix with his dear people. Again, he would smile. Apraxia thought who had touched her son with the glimmering golden stick of liveliness. Who had poured innocent delight inside his stiff soul? Before Dranzer's arrival, had there been someone for him?
"Spencer, go and inform your cousins soon!" Apraxia declared, "I'm going to your mother and aunts to tell them the good news. Distribute foods and cloths among the subjects. Adorn the castle so gorgeously that no one can blink! Go!"
"Sure, aunt," Bending his head respectfully, the blonde left the room. Turning to the statue, the empress bowed once. Wiping her eyes, she also exited.
'Susumu,' She contemplated, 'Finally, your wishes are going to be fulfilled. Our son is going to get married in Japan. He has utilized his right to choose his bride independently, not waiting for our decisions. Father Voltaire, your trustworthy and most favorite grandson has finally retrieved Dranzer who was your pride. Are you seeing everything from heaven? If yes, you must be so happy right now, mustn't you?'
In the obscure, icy sky of Russia,
Finally, there has risen the sun of euphoria.
All the frosts of pain and silence will melt,
The happiness of many lives will be felt.
In the dark nights, the moon will rise,
Making the snowflakes shimmer, where happiness lies.
Soon, colorful tulips will bloom in the bushes,
Zinnias will be overwhelmed in pink blushes.
The whole world is dancing, so is the sky,
Free from the cage, in ecstasy, now birds will fly,
Two souls are going to join each other very soon,
Sing, dance and merry! From the deities, it comes as a boon.
"What?"
The pupils of the three remaining ladies almost came out from their sockets as their jaws dropped in awe. Exchanging surprised but gratified gazes with one another, they beamed.
"Yes, I'm speaking the truth, girls," The empress of Russia furiously nodded, "My son has found Dranzer in Japan. Now, he's going to get married with the princess of Japan."
"Our Kai has won it!" The lilac-haired lady exclaimed, "Not only the hands of the Japanese princess, but our Dranzer too! I cannot be happier ever than that!"
"By the way, sister-in-law," Irina seemed curious, "How does the princess look?"
"With the letter, the messenger of Japan has brought one of her pictures too," Apraxia looked at the doorway where the kimono-worn envois were waiting, "You may come inside."
Getting the permission, bowing, the Japanese entered the room. Trays in their hands were filled with valuable cloths and jewelries made of precious gems. On one of them, there was a rectangular frame covered with a piece of blue silk fabric. Putting it off, the holder gently approached the noblewomen. All the Russian ladies gathered around him in order to have a glimpse of the future crown princess of their kingdom.
On the white background, the portrait of a beautiful brunette was painted. Her complexion was warm ivory, just like pasted almonds in the milk. Round cranberry pools were succulent, inclosing the miracles, daintiness and serenities of the world. Auburn locks were swaying by her rosy cheeks. The rest of her waist-length, thick, chocolate hair cascaded down to her hips. Her figure was slender, hourglass-shaped, yet gorgeous. The luscious smile clinging to her coral lips didn't belong to this material world. Seeing her captivated exquisiteness, the hearts of the Slavonic women thawed.
"Aww!" Hearts seemed to emerge from the eyes of the blonde, "She's such an adorable angel!"
"I've never seen such a beautiful girl in my life, sisters!" Irina squeaked, "She'll only prettify Russia."
"Don't be late, sister-in-law!" Holding her hands, Vera gently shook the queen, "Make her the bride as well as the pride of our kingdom!"
"I wish..." Sasha murmured, "Sister Natalia were here at present."
When the name of the elder daughter of Voltaire Hiwatari was mentioned, the environment went shushed. All of a sudden, the joyful ambiances disappeared nowhere. Tensions encircled it instead. Worried, the queen bit her lips.
"She would be very happy hearing it!" The mother of Ian cheerfully squealed, breaking the pause and lightening the atmosphere, "After all, she loves Kai the most among all our children. Though she didn't give him birth, she fondles her like her own son. Cannot you remember?"
Flashback:
"Tink tink! Tink tink!"
The soft hooves of the tiny golden horse kept tapping the marble floor of the room with the help of the scarlet-haired lady. Seeing a petite figurine plodding inside the room, she smiled and playfully blurted, "Halt! The mighty prince of Russia, Kai Alexander Hiwatari, is entering!"
Traipsing with small wobbly feet, a little boy around two, walked towards his aunt. He had the complexion of white roses all over his body, only the plump cheeks possessing the tints of pink ones. Airstream brushed his creamy two-toned hair gently as genuine happiness twinkled in his round amethyst ogles. Seeing the familiar lady, he let out a smile of his tiny white teeth, advancing towards her spread arms. The scarlet gestured him to come. As he tried to wrap his miniscule hands around her body, the woman kissed on his forehead, embracing him.
"And do you know who is inside it?" Taking a miniature golden palanquin, she placed it on the ground, "Here's the most beautiful princess of the world who is going to descend. Come down, princess, come to my Kai."
The little prince giggled as his aunt nudged her nose affectionately against his cheek. Meanwhile, all the daughters and daughter-in-law of Voltaire Hiwatari along with the king of Russia stepped inside the playing chamber. Seeing the redhead showering all her affection on her nephew instead of her son, they all chortled.
"Natalia, my girl, you've already started planning about his future!" The Russian emperor leered, "But from where will you bring him such a girl?"
"I'll, father," Natalia was fully confident, "I promise, searching every corner of the world, for my Kai, I'll find out such a princess whose riches...whose rank will be equivalent to Russia!"
Flash forward:
"Natalia wasn't even agreeing with me to send Kai to the groom-choosing ceremony of princess Tachibana," Apraxia spoke, "She doesn't think that Japan can ever be similar to Russia. I don't know how she will feel."
"Don't be upset, sister-in-law," Irina squeezer her shoulders, "I know that sister Natalia is somewhat possessive when it comes to Kai. But she won't feel bad knowing the news. Let's inform her!"
As the princesses of Russia were about to head towards the chamber of the scarlet, the violet-haired lady protested, "No!"
"But why?" Sasha frowned, looking back, "The sooner we will let her know it, the better she will feel."
"I know," Apraxia nodded, "But it will be better if I myself tell her the news. Thus, she won't be offended."
"Sounds great," Vera chuckled, "Go ahead, sister-in-law."
'Hmm...' The Russian queen pondered, 'Hope you won't be angry with us, Natalia.'
Across the illuminated lobbies, the Tatars were walking, gossiping with one another and laughing. By their sides, the light curtains hanging from tops of different rooms were gently wavering. Brass torches clinging to cobblestone walls were floodlighting the royal lanes. Slaves and maids were heading to the guest room with metal jugs of juices and ripe fruits in round wooden baskets. Though a few maids were looking slightly sad, smiles could be noticed on most of the faces the servants. Suddenly, a young red-haired girl stopped before them, running. Seeing her, the boys ceased talking and looked at her with amused eyes.
"Brothers," She asked, wrinkling her eyebrows in curiosity, "What happened? You're looking as if you all gulped countless pieces of potato cakes."
"Natasha, guess what?" The youngest boy winked, keeping his hands behind.
"What?" The princess frowned, shrugging, "How'll I know that?"
"Cannot you predict?" The eyes of the lilac-haired boy boogied, "Don't you know why Kai and Tala are being so late to return to Russia from Japan?"
"Nope," Puzzled, Natasha shook her head, "Maybe they have lost their ways?"
"No, silly," Spencer patted her head, "Kai has got someone."
"Got someone?" She glowered, "Whom? He went to Japan with brother Tala only for finishing a demoness, right? Then?"
Not answering, all the boys surrounded her, making her rotate her head 360 degrees. The eldest prince started singing:
Though the prince went to kill the demoness,
He's ended up offering his heart to a princess,
The ever-straight Hiwatari has got himself curled,
Unbelievable, yet true, he has got a girl
(Chorus) He has got a girl!
"Oh my!" Natasha's violet eyes became widened as she squealed, "Are you speaking the truth, Ian?"
The boys continued:
Some truths are bitter and some are sweet,
This news has come to us like the birds tweet,
Along with the belle, he has got Dranzer,
The sacred vermillion bird of the south, being her ranger.
"Hallelujah!" The princess raised her arms diagonally, "Still, I cannot believe my own ears! By the way, how does the girl look?"
The lilac-haired Russian replied:
Never have seen her in front of our eyes,
Yet, from the portrait, looks like she landed from the paradise,
Medium height, slim but not a bamboo tree,
Heart-warming smile she owns-none can disagree,
Her hair is the woods and rubies are her eyes
Milky skin she possesses, beautiful, elegant and nice.
"Aaa!" Natasha squeaked, "Hearing only the descriptions from you, I'm dying of jealousy, brothers! But...has everyone accepted the fact?"
The whale-prince rejoined:
There no question arises to rejecting the relation,
This was fixed from the deities, with much love and affection,
In her groom-choosing ceremony, he appeared like the sun,
His opponent roared, making the wind run,
And swinging the sword on him, yet couldn't win,
When Kai rotated his, the blade became so keen,
Making the phoenix screech and descend on the ground,
Our Hiwatarian captured her-all the happiness was found.
Blushing, Nipponista set the crown of victory on his head,
To the realm of elation, by each other, they were led.
Mothers are preparing for the festivals of joy,
Let's go and be merry-before anyone makes a ploy.
"Then, why're we being so late?" Natasha sprung, "Let's go and inform mother about this!"
"Sure!" All the three boys furiously nodded and rushed towards the room of the elder princess of Russia together.
Two tall vases were placed by both sides of the lounger. In them, the sticks of light-pink and white gladiola were tucked. Behind it, the georgette hangings were pulled apart by the quadrangular window, trussed with silk brackets. The globular moon was peeping through the opening inside the chamber, her soft streams of light seeped on the granite floor as it glistened. Sitting on the velvet couch, the eldest princess of Russia was penetrating a needle stuck with silver threads into a piece of baby-blue cloth, trying to embroider a wolf. Suddenly, hearing someone strolling inside her compartment, she raised her eyes. As they met a familiar person, she leered and stood up, keeping the stuffs on her seat.
"What happened, Apraxia?" The mother of the wolf-prince approached her sister-in-law, "You're looking so jubilant today!"
"Why shouldn't I, Natalia?" Hurrying, the violet-haired lady seized the hands of her and swirled, "Kai's marriage has been fixed with the princess of Japan!"
The scarlet flinched, stepping back from the touch of the queen. Her grips were clenched, so were her fangs. With a stiff jaw, she turned away her face, screwing her eyebrows and nose in disgust and disapproval.
"Sister-in-law, I have already told you that fixing an alliance with Japan will be nothing but the ultimate level of idiocy for us," She spoke, "They don't deserve our Kai."
"But why, dear?" Apraxia titled her eyebrows, "Why do you think that they don't deserve him?"
"Have you ever seen the size of Japan?" Natalia rolled her eyes, "In comparison with Russia, they are nothing but a dot. They have no strength. Otherwise, how can a kingdom be attacked ever by an 18-year old? Can you ever imagine?"
"But it happened before twelve years, a long time," The queen said objectively, "Japan is such a peaceful country."
"They seem peaceful because their army forces are weak," The scarlet grimaced, "Other kingdoms feel pity on them. That's why, they don't challenge Japan for a battle or a war. It clearly says how fragile and useless Japan is. I really wonder how Kai reached in that groom-choosing ceremony. Anyways, I have decided that we'll make no relation with Japan."
"Japan mayn't be equal to us but their prestige is as high as ours is, Natalia," Apraxia retorted, "King Hayashi Tachibana is a great ruler. If his daughter comes to Russia as our daughter-in-law, we'll be proud. Look, had marriages been done always by checking qualities, no alliances would have ever been possible. I also would not have got married with your brother and become the bride of Hiwatari clan. Natalie, if we don't agree, it will be an insult to king Tachibana."
"Only for protecting him from humiliation, will you put Kai's future at stake?" Natalia narrowed her eyes, "Won't it be an injustice to our Kai? How can you do this to your own son? How can you see his life getting destroyed in front of your eyes?"
"Kai himself has chosen princess Tachibana as his bride, Natalia," The empress tried to convince, "If he thought it to be injustice, he would never go to the contest."
"Fine then!" The scarlet-haired lady gnashed her jaw and curled her fingers into fists, "If this is your decision, don't expect me to be present in any ritual of the wedding. Even I won't see the face of the bride! Keep this in your mind!"
Heaving a sigh, Apraxia left the room. Her eyes didn't fall on the eavesdroppers who'd been hiding under the curtains. Hearing the eldest princess of Russia, their eyes also went widened. Forcefully, they gripped the hangings. Their cheerful and carefree attitude vanished all of a sudden because of the words of the mother of the wolf-prince. Like the empress of Russia, they also couldn't accept her reaction.
"Why's mother doing this?" Natasha whimpered inaudibly, "She knows it too that brother Kai will be contented only with princess Hilary Tachibana."
"I thought she would be the happiest person in this palace after knowing the news, guys," Ian scratched his head, "I never expected this behavior from her."
"I'm going inside, people!" Bryan blurted, "Let me talk with aunt Natalia once!"
"Halt, Bryan!"
The falcon-prince puckered his brows as he discovered a hand on his shoulder. There was the most composed of the current noble-people of Russia, the whale-wielder.
"I know that you're getting worried because of aunt Natalia's decision, Bryan," Spencer calmly conversed, "But try to understand one thing. She loves Kai the most among all of us, even more than Tala, her own son. That's why, she thinks that she has all the rights on Kai and it is true. As a result, she's reacting in this way. She doesn't want anything bad for Kai, you know. Talking to her at this time will only increase her infuriation. Things take time to be better, Bryan. Eventually, she'll also understand and accept the relation. Just have patience."
"I hope so, Spencer," The lavender-haired guy sighed, loosening his jaw, "I hope so."
"Why're you taking so much time to determine the moment when we should start for Japan, priest?" The purple-haired monster rumbled, strolling with his hands behind, "I have planned to attack the land and destroy it, killing the emperor with his entire family and drag the princess here."
"Pardon me, your Majesty," The pastor stood up from his desk on which a lot of unfolded documents were laid with a black feather-pen dunked inside a porcelain ink-pot, "But according to the current location of the stars and planets, there is no auspicious moment to start our journey to Japan."
"What?" Turning to the vicar, the ruler of the underground strode towards him and snugly clutched his collars, "You couldn't fix a proper time for us? What the hell were you doing then? Only counting the signs on your palms?"
"Leave him alone, my lord! I'm begging to you!"
As an identifiable and dulcet ladylike voice entered his ears, the expression of his face slightly softened. Leaving the neck of the minister, he revolved to the doorway. There was standing a lady in her late forties with pallor skin-tone. She had silver-blonde hair tied into a crested bun. Her aqueduct orbs were packed with concerns and fear. Seeing her, the priest bowed and silently left the room as nodding, she entered.
"My lord, how can you think of doing this?" She stared at her husband, "Don't you know how many curses are hanging over your head just like swords? Cannot you match the face of the princess of Japan with someone else?"
Boris gritted his teeth hearing his wife. Yes, she was right. The feature of Hilary Tachibana was surely similar to that of someone.
Flashback:
A purple-haired man in his early thirties, was standing on his flying chariot which was made of gold. At its front part, there was the feathery face of a black phoenix with its golden beak. Its jade orbs were burning like cannonballs. Dark, plumose wings embossed with golden armlets were attached to its sides, cutting the air and making the vehicle progress. In the blue sky surrounded with cotton clouds, it was running without the help of its wheels. Keeping his hands on his waist, the evil king was grinning and enjoying the view of the world from its top. Suddenly...
"Hail the protector of Dranzer, the sacred vermilion bird of the south!"
"Hail the protector of Dranzer, the sacred vermilion bird of the south!"
Someone was jubilating by the name of the majestic phoenix and her owner with her honeyed voice. Boris felt as if he'd been listening to any inebriating song. It pleased his heart and soothed his ears. When he looked below, he could only found the clustering leafy tops of the trees. He couldn't understand who was praising from a forest. Frowning, he commanded, "Kuro Suzaku! Let's land!"
Diagonally, the chariot descended on the ground of the woods. Landing from it, the violet-head searched for the owner of the tone, looking here and there. He didn't have to go far because he found her beneath a large banyan tree. The huddling spread branches of the tree were covering almost all the sky, wearing the jewelries of reddish-orange and verdant leaves. The crunchy ones scattered beneath it, on its sprawled roots penetrating deep inside the soil.
A beautiful chocolate-haired girl was sitting in lotus pose under it. Keeping her hands on her knees, she was enunciating the holy names. She was as fair as the mixture of milk and honey. Her face was moon-shaped, having no sign of tiredness, wounds or freckles. Her silky auburn locks were tied into a bun and its extension crossed her hips. Her eyes were closed, keeping her arched eyebrows over them. Her long and thick eyelashes were caressing her upper cheekbones. Under her arrow-like nose, the rose-petal lips were wobbling. Her cloths were way simple but they didn't diminish her comeliness a bit. In the deep and dark woods, she was blossoming like a lovely jasmine. The evil eyes of the emperor travelled across her appearance and figure. Salivary glands got activated inside his mouth, he lustfully bit his lips.
"Beauty," He approached her, "In this deep jungle, what are you doing alone?"
Bit by bit, the girl opened her eyes, revealing the radiance of her bulbous garnet lamps. It fueled the fire of sex urges in the heart as well as the testicular glands of him. With a calm voice, she replied, "Penance."
"Penance?" Boris cocked an eyebrow, "A beautiful young woman's doing penance like you is an insult to her beauty and youth."
Amplifying her eyes, the woman glared at the purple-haired man, almost shooting him with invisible arrows of wrath and death. However, Boris didn't cringe a bit.
"Anger?!" He seemed amused, "This behavior of you with a lover of loveliness like me who is devotee of daintiness and youth is insulting, beauty."
"My name is not beauty, Boris Balkov," She stood up, enraged, "I am Ilaria."
"So, you know me." The purple-haired man's eyebrows almost touched his forehead.
"Due to austerity," Ilaria retorted, "I know of everything in this universe of all times."
"Oh, I see," Boris felt curious, "But why are you doing penance?"
"I'm the daughter of King Camillo Dante, a saint emperor," She replied, "He had been childless for ten years, his kingdom was suffering from a deadly drought too. So, he venerated the four sacred spirits with utmost sincerity and devotion. Satisfied, they blessed him. With their energy combined, they created me and gave me to him as his daughter. With my birth, the droughts and famines fled away from the empire. Dranzer was the first one to respond to his call. So, as a thanks, he decided to offer me to the worthiest protector of Dranzer, the sacred vermillion bird of the south, as his wife. That's why, in order to attain him, I am doing penance."
"Buhahaha!" The purple-haired man laughed, pointing at himself, "Intelligence and beauty can never be related to each other. At least, the learned say so. You're proving this right by your behavior. Oh Belle, you're destroying your beauty. You're ruining your youth only for that guardian of Dranzer who gives no importance to your glorious attractiveness. Just look here at me, beautiful lady. I am Boris Balkov. Strength, ability, courage, greatness, riches-no other man in all the three worlds is as mighty as I am. Not even your guardian of Dranzer."
In disgust, the brunette wanted to puke right on his face. Yet, she controlled herself, being modest to her guest.
"My lady, be my wife," Boris continued, "This Boris will be the slave of your beauty and youth. He will place this planet beneath your feet. He will make you the queen of this universe!"
"Balkov!" Ilaria snapped, "To attain the guardian of the holy phoenix is the sole motive of my life. This is my oath. Only he'll be my husband. No one else! Immediately leave the place!"
"Idiot woman!" The evil man hissed, "You're refuting Boris Balkov? Then listen one thing! Boris applies force and gets what he wants if he doesn't get it!"
Without any warning, the purple-haired guy grabbed the long and smooth brown hair of the nun and pulled her towards him. The woman tried to free herself but couldn't do it despite scuffling a lot against the brawny body of the man. With another hand, he grasped her face lustfully and fondled her lips, pinning her against a nearby tree. Drawing his filthy mouth closer to her, he sucked and bit her lips hard, causing to bleed from there.
The lady couldn't tolerate more. All of a sudden, she placed a karate chop on her hair which was still in the hands of the assaulter. With a swing, the cut extension of those brown silky threads remained in the knuckle of the purple-haired man as she freed herself. Gasping, he looked at those tresses. He couldn't believe his eyes. Since when did hands start working as swords?
"Sinner!" She bellowed as the crystal tears of wrath, agony and humiliation slid on her cheeks, "By molesting me with your unholy hands, you have destroyed my purity too! Now I don't wish to live anymore."
The violet-head gulped, stepping back for the first time in his life. He was still struggling to believe that a woman could own so much strength.
"But I won't be satisfied without revenging!" Ilaria gritted her teeth, "I'll be born again only for causing your death. Through all my penance and good deeds, I'll reappear in the world as the daughter of a righteous man, be the love of the most deserving guardian of Dranzer as well as the reason behind your destruction. You'll be doomed, Boris! You'll be doomed!"
Closing her eyes, she joined her hand. In front of the horrified face of the demon, she pronounced as two droplets of tears streamed across her cheekbones, "Oh, the holy bird of fire! If I am chaste, if I have offered all my body, mind and soul to the worthiest protector of you even without seeing him and knowing whether he is on the earth or not, consume me! Plunge me inside you!"
Out of nowhere, the earsplitting screech of a phoenix could be heard. Following that, flames encircled the brunette from all the directions. Those blazes were rampaging, having the abilities of causing a lot of pain to general people. Yet, Boris couldn't see any sign of distress or inflammation on the face of the chocolate-haired girl. Rather, she seemed to meditate, to connect something that was out of the world with her heart. Even the smirches of burns weren't appearing on her skin. Soon, she vanished along with the fire, keeping no mark of her or the remaining ashes.
Boris's eyes remained dilated in shock. He couldn't move a single organ of his body. His chariot was waiting for him there but he forgot to ride that.
For the first time in his life, he discovered that he wasn't undefeatable.
Flash forward:
"Don't worry at all, Alendra," The purple-haired man snickered, "If princess Hilary is that Ilaria, it will be better for me because I will have a chance to prove her wrong. And about the curses? My dear, those who are weak curse because they cannot do anything else without that. I'm strong, I'm able. Then why should I worry about them?"
"But..."
"No Alendra," Boris shook his head, "Don't stop me. It's the duty of a warrior to revenge his humiliation. Let me perform it!"
Not giving his wife any chance to speak, the demon stormed off, leaving the room as well as the helpless lady. Sighing, she slumped on the couch, miserably trying to hold something.
'My name is Alendra,' She pondered, 'It means defender. Keeping the honor of my name, I'll also be the protector of my husband. I'll keep him safe from every curse and danger. For that, even if I have to donate my own life, I'll happily do that.
It's the vow of a wife!'
The mauve-haired princess of Japan was standing on the balcony of the ground floor, enjoying the view of the night. Under the parasol of the soft moonbeams, the night-queens and gardenias were blooming. Kohl bumblebees were hovering around them, engaged in a fierce but carefree competition with the yellow and black-striped butterflies. Fireflies were also beholding the scene from a close distance. Sometimes, shattering the nocturnal silence, bats were flittering their wings, crossing the sky held in her eyes. She was feeling very relieved after two days filled with distress. Why not? After all, her beloved sister had finally achieved what she had wanted.
"Dew!"
The manly pitch behind her caused slight shivers across her spine. Keeping the garden behind, she moved back. Her turquoise eyes met the auburn of the navy-haired guy who was smirking, keeping his hands behind.
"What happened?" Quickly, her ones stooped, "Why have you come here? What do you want from me?"
"Dew..." Strangely, his voice seemed soft, "I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Frowning, the princess raised her face. It was unbelievable, yet, she saw his chocolate pools brimming with tears. His inner lips were bit with his teeth. It was clear that he was struggling to brace his emotions.
"I know I have done a lot of injustices with you," A sob escaped from his throat, "But believe me, I didn't do them intentionally. Please, forgive me, princess."
'Tyson...' She whispered. The bumblebees and butterflies stopped playing hide-and-seek with one another and kept staring at the duo.
'You don't need to be sorry, Tyson,' The purplette ruminated, 'Your concerns and affection are enough for me. Oh Kami, how long I was waiting for this day!'
"Hmph!" But her words said something else as she grimaced, screwing her nose, "Is this a way to apologize to a young woman? You're really mannerless, Tyson!"
"I know how to say sorry to a beautiful girl like you."
Tyson pulled his hands forward with a hairpin. It was made of wood, ocean green in color. Tiny lavender butterflies were painted on it. Seeing it, the teal orbs of the young girl gleamed in happiness and excitement.
"Thank you so much, Tyson!" She leapt, almost hugging him and making him red, "You know how much I love them!"
"I know," Releasing her, he nodded, "That's why I have brought it to you."
"If you have gifted it, then put it inside my hair!" Dew demanded, turning back.
Grinning, the dragoon-wielder approached the purplette. With rickety, shy but lovable hands, he pushed the jewelry vertically into her bun. While doing this, his fingers travelled through her hair. She shuddered but didn't protest, enjoying the thing. Fervor played on her honey-colored face too. Though she failed to express that, Tyson didn't fail to understand.
"Happy?" The indigo-head rolled his eyes.
"Yes!" Dew nodded, "You're forgiven."
"Glad I have been," Tyson chuckled, "Dew, to the rest of the world, you may not be a noblewoman. But to me, you were a princess, you are a princess and you always will remain a princess."
"Really?" The purple-haired girl cocked an eyebrow, "Why?"
"Because you have all the qualities," He replied, "You are not only beautiful but also skilled. You are generous and modest. I love your nature a lot."
"Thank you, Tyson," She lowered her head, "But...what about the sentence which I told you at that night when I secretly entered your chamber?"
He gasped, reddening his cheeks with the red of roses and gulmohars. The night seemed motionless to him. In shame, his head became curved down, slowly roaming through her toes peeping out at him through her sandals.
"Dew..." He stuttered, "I...I..."
"It's okay," Affectionately, the purplette placed a hand on his shoulder, "You may take your time."
"Thanks," Tyson expressed his gratitude, "Well, it's been very late. I think we should go to sleep."
"So do I," Dew acknowledged, "Good night, Tyson."
"Good night, Dew."
Smiling at each other once, both the young people turned in opposite directions and strode, emptying the place. After a few moments, another pair appeared there. The couple had been secretly watching the violet-head and the indigo-haired hiding behind the bushes. They also seemed amused.
"Aww..." The red-haired lady squealed, "How adorable they look with each other!"
"Keep quiet, Dranzer!" The bluentte placed a finger on her lips which left her hair color beneath the skin of her face, "Otherwise, anyone may hear us."
"You're so naïve, Dragoon!" The human-avatar of the phoenix lightly shoved him, "We are sacred spirits. We can show ourselves to whom we want."
"Yes, but do you really want the people of Japan to start believing in the existence of ghosts?" The dragon frowned.
"They are not stupid like you," Dranzer grimaced, "Anyways, I'm feeling so good to see you again."
"Why?" Dragoon's eyes danced in mockery, "You missed me a lot, didn't you?"
"I missed only fighting with you," The phoenix pouted, "By the way, why did you flee in that battle when you saw me? Felt scared?"
"No, I felt like a criminal, my lady," The dragon sighed, "You were fighting for justice. Whereas, I was being controlled by a black spirit. It embarrassed me a lot. I wanted to get rid of that. So, I fled so that it couldn't capture me. If you weren't present, it would never be possible."
"I know," The red bird let her nose touch the sky although it failed, "Though we both have been successful to join two lives with each other, still we have to flourish the love between another couple. So, it's not the time to rest, I guess."
"Hmm..." Dragoon scratched his head, "But what can we do?"
"I have a plan," Dranzer's golden eyes glimmered in mischief, "Wanna know?"
"Sure!" Dragoon furiously nodded as the phoenix whispered something in his ear. Lit up, the azure dragon jumped, fisting on his palm, "Yay!"
"How's it?" The redhead asked.
"Awesome!" Dragoon seemed nearly dancing, "My lady, you're talented!"
"I am," The phoenix looked proud, "So, what do you think? Are you ready?"
"Of course!" The dragon punched in the air, making his companion smile.
What is the plan of Dragoon and Dranzer btw? Hehehe...I know I'm crazy but they look awesome with each other. By the way, how was Alendra Balkov? Did you all like her?
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and the spelling errors. Take care :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^