Hi guys, welcome to "Kingdom" once again. Hope you all are fine and safe.

Many many thanks to Cutetyhil, Sohana Sarkar, TwilightUniverse018, LadyPeach7, IshuRock8, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Jyotsna, Sehun is hottttt, Rock the Road, Justafan, Bahubali, Alpha Beta Gamma and Stark02 for reviewing. :D

IshuRock8: Yes, I know...anyways, if you're feeling annoyed with this speed of updating, please, don't hesitate to let me know, okay? Yes, Wasabi is really a spicy thing and you know what? If affects the nose and the ears more than the tongue. Once I ate wasabi-flavored fried peas, then I was like, "Pardon me, holy lord, I'm not gonna eat that twice in my life...". But it's really admired in Japan with sushi.

Don't worry about the angels born in the house of that devil Blackman. Our warrior seraphs are there for them. Actually, the plot of this story is set before the birth of the Christ, so there wasn't any great king like Maharana Pratap or Akbar the Great. Yet, you can count on Vikramaditya :P

What the hell? So many assignments? Anyways, don't be sad, my darling. They'll be completed within no moment, trust me. Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing :D

Jyotsna: No worries, you aren't that late. For you, here's another TalaJuli moment. Yeah, I love spicy foods (With a bit sour sensations). Thanks a lot for reviewing :D

Sehun is hotttt: No no, you aren't being nonsense at all. Your review is proving how much you are excited reading the chapter. Boris will surely face a cruel death. Thank you so much for reviewing :D

Justafan: What to do, dear? Hilary's cooked foods were so tasty that everyone literally licked the plates (Are you expecting to have foods with Tyson around? Woah, you're daring xD). Yes, you're right. The trick never gets old.

Killing you? I wanna hug you, dear! Hi-five! Even I cannot tolerate the smell of fishes. My mother literally scuffles with me a lot to feed them to me (Although when kebabs are made from them, my tongue wholeheartedly accepts them.) And our dear aunt's reactions lie in this chapter. Actually, Robert's parents believed his uncle a lot (Yes, you shouldn't trust everyone closing your eyes, this story again proves it...) Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing :D

Bahubali: Yes, Kai's the best *Fangirl squeals* The villains will surely get to taste their own medicines. Thank you so much for reviewing :)

Alpha Beta Gamma: Hi! It's okay, I can understand. Studies are hectic sometimes *Sighs*. Thanks a lot for reviewing :D

So...here's the next chapter with a new (canon) character.

The open field was boundless with the bounty of knowledge, yet, roped in the periphery created by the towering red-maple trees. The ruby and tangerine leaves were messed in piles under the dry stems. Those trees were the pillars of the roofless, door-less building which wasn't even built at that time. Unlike the concrete walls, they were happily letting the sunlight enter the learning center. The streaming wind flurried in the territory of wisdom, blowing the arid leaflets which were only divulging the existence of the end of the season and the beginning of a new one. Spreading jute mats, young children were sitting there in lotus pose. Before them, there were open chessboards, each containing 64 squares with 32 pieces in black and white. Despite being caressed by the airstream; they weren't falling down.

There, an orange-haired young girl around 18-19 was strolling around, delivering speech to her students. With her hair back-brushed and a side-braid, she was wearing a puffy-sleeved sheath gown in the tints of green and yellow with an olive-colored sleeveless apron. From her earlobes, a pair of tourmaline wire-hook earrings were swinging. Her grayish-blue orbs were shining with a strange fervor as she was discussing about her most favorite topic: The game of intelligence. Dropping their jaws in awe, the learners were listening to their teacher attentively. Some sternness, some weight and a little mellifluousness were mixed with one another in her voice.

"Children, this game is called 'Chess'", She spoke, "Understanding this game may seem easy to you but playing this game is not as stress-free as you are thinking."

"Why, Miss Watson?" A girl questioned, "What lies in this game?"

"Life, my dear," The orangette snickered, "The whole life of a human being lies in this game. Sixty-four squares and thirty-two chessmen-this is the story of a lifecycle. Sometimes, we are pawns. Sometimes, we are kings and queens."

"My lady, I cannot understand anything," Another boy puckered his brows, "What do your words mean?"

"You don't need to understand them now, Aiden," The mentor laughed, "Just listen to my words and keep them safely in your brains. According to this game, the pawns...yes, which are guarding the main pieces of the battlefield..."

"But...it's a chessboard!"

"What do you think?" The young maiden raised her brows, "Two kings are facing each other with bishops, knights, rooks, pawns-at last but not at least, with their queens. Surely, it's a battleground, isn't it? Anyways, I was saying that they are the most low-ranked pieces but..."

"But still they hold a lot of importance, don't they?"

"Michael!" Hearing one of most favorite persons, her heart bubbled in bliss. Squeaking, she turned to the American blonde who was smirking at her. Realizing that the sun had already gone to the west, she clapped and voiced, "Dismissed."

Putting the chessmen in the boxes, the children folded their boards. Standing up, they creased the mat. Keeping it under a tree, they bowed to the orangette and left the place. Once the spot became empty, mischievously leering, the wise maiden approached the chief-commander of America.

"How did you know that I was going to deliver that sentence afterwards?" She trudged around him, narrowing her eyes.

"Because I can read your mind, Emily," Tweaking her chin, the flaxen-haired guy raised her face, "Why not? After all, we are two bodies but one soul."

"Your words are so melting," Gently chortling, the girl rested her head on the statuesque chest of the soldier with a hand, stroking his ribcage. He buried his nose in her silky orange tresses, placing a hand behind her head and encompassing her waist with another. They both remained drowned in each other for a few moments. Bit by bit, the severe sweltering of the sun mitigated, their shadows extended. A kite flew above them, whirling.

"By the way..." Emily tickled the neck of her lover, "What was your motive behind coming here? Not only expressing your love for me, is it?"

"Don't you become tired always speaking the right thing, Emily?" Michael loosened the hug, "Yes, you're correct. I came here with a view to giving you a letter. It has arrived from Japan."

At this, her grayish blue eyes glinted once again in happiness. Beaming, she made her embrace tighter, "From Japan? Are you speaking the truth, Michael?"

"Has this Michael Summers ever uttered any lie to you, my lady?" Releasing her, he popped out a folded scroll from the pocket of his baggy pant, "Here it remains."

Almost snatching the parchment, the orangette unfolded it. There were written:

"Dear Emily,

How're you? I hope you're fine by the grace of the Almighty. We all are also fine by His grace.

But I won't talk to you. Guess why? Yes, I've been very angry with you. Why didn't you come to the groom-choosing ceremony of Hilary? Like me, she's been also very sad with your absence in one of the most important moments of her life. Twelve years have passed since she met you. Can you guess even? Twelve years! I think she has almost forgot your face. I don't know whether she and my friends in Japan will be able to recognize you properly or not. But...who could let your intelligent glares sink into oblivion?

Anyways, a formal letter will be on the way to America regarding her marriage. You know, her wedding has been fixed with the mighty prince of Russia. With utmost prowess, he won the groom-choosing contest of Hilary as well as her hands and heart. I want you to be present in her wedding ceremony with your full family and close ones. It's not a prince's message to a minister's daughter, rather a friend's request to his childhood friend.

We all will eagerly be waiting for you.

Hoping you to be hale and hearty,

Yours ever,

Max Tate."

"Oh my God!" Emily squealed as pure happiness brimmed from her ogles, "I cannot believe! Last time when I met Hilary, she was a little girl...running behind the flying butterflies and birds across the garden! Now she's gonna get married!"

"C'mon Emily," Michael giggled, "You're saying as if you were an adult back at that time. You've also grown up, my lady."

"How time does fly, doesn't it, Michael?" Nostalgia flickered from the eyes of the orangette, "When did I think that our naughty relation in our childhood would turn into a romantic rendezvous?"

"Okay, my queen..." The commander-in-chief put a hand on her shoulder, "Now stop travelling down the memory lanes. If we always keep dwelling in the past, how will we live the beautiful present? How will we adorn our shining future?"

"Perhaps, you're right, Michael," Emily let out a glitzy grin, forcing her tears back, "Anyways, the sun is about to set. We're getting late. Let's go, my dear."

"Let's go." Holding each other's hands, keeping their sapphires fixed at each other, both the lovebirds left the place, letting the sun sleep peacefully at the lap of the sky.

Lifting a pigeon softly from the ground, the chocolate-haired girl left it. Straightening its head, fluttering its wings, the symbol of peace found its realm in the infinite expanse of the blue as the cage of the ruby eyes of the brunette caught it through the rectangular window. Through the same opening, a butterfly in the shades of blue and black sat on her shoulder. Blowing it off gently, she smiled. Though the white bird found freedom, the princess felt she achieved her own independence. The fringes of her gown twisted as she swirled, spreading her arms. Her anklets clinked as she recollected some honeyed moments which were still walking down her memory lanes.

"Prince, are you joking?" The brunette pouted, "You could have told me if you hadn't liked my cooking, I could have prepared something else for you. But why are you troubling yourself in this way?"

"Even your enemies will not say that your dishes aren't likable, princess," With a sad look, Kai stared at her, "I'm only speaking the truth."

"But...even the people of Japan struggle a lot to eat this wasabi paste," Hilary frowned, "Being a Russian, how can it be possible for you?"

"Because of the hands of the cook, everything is possible, princess," Kai gave a mild smile, "They are beyond our imaginations. They can turn a bitter-gourd into a pineapple, princess."

"Hil!"

She faced the door of her room since she discovered her dual-haired cousin standing there with a bright and playful smile in her lips. Rushing to her, the brunette asked, "Julia, you're here?"

"He's in the central temple," She blinked, "Wanna meet him?"

At this question, the chocolate-haired girl didn't open her mouth. Her reticence chained her feet with shackles that were very strong. Her heart scuffled against those, screaming that it wanted to be free from those manacles. Her gapes touched her feet. Smiling a bit somehow, she shook her head left and right.

"Why?" Julia screwed her brows, "Don't you love him?"

"It's not like that, Julie..." Hilary sheepishly tried to give an excuse, ignoring her question completely, "Look, according to the rules and rituals of Russia, it's forbidden for the groom and the bride to meet each other before the wedding takes place..."

"Come on, Hil!" The Latina pulled her hand, "You haven't got married to him. Yet, you have already started behaving like a bride of Russia?! As far as I know, there's no such prohibition in Japan, is there? Then, why are you stepping back? Do you want to say that you aren't wanting to meet him once?"

Her face, which was like the inner portion of an apple, turned cerise like the outer part of a ripe one. Shying away, she shook her head negatively.

"Then...it's been fixed!" Julia cheered, "You're going to meet him in the temple! Now let's go!"

Almost dragging her brown-haired cousin, not listening to a single word of her, the dual-haired princess brought her out of her room.

Silver bells were hanging from the arched entrance of the shrine beneath which a circular, red velvet carpet with golden tassels was laid on the agate ground. On wooden lamp-stands, outdoor ornate hurricanes made of stones were producing blazes. The white composite pillars of the temple were fastened in the festoons of white lilies and camellias. On the steps of the marble staircase, clay lamps with tiny flames were placed. From the joss-sticks, aromatic steams were being disseminated, making the atmosphere of the worldly place heavenly. Outside, pigeons, nightingales and sparrows were flying from branches to branches, roaming like vagabonds through the fruit-bearing trees of the yard.

Inside, a young, dual-haired Russian was sitting in diamond pose before the granite statue of the deity. His eyes were closed as he was drifted into deep prayers. Everybody in the shrine was praying for not falling in any danger. But he was an exception. His wishes were to have the capabilities of facing the risk bravely. Climbing the stairs, the brunette was coming to the sanctuary. His ears twitched at her footsteps when her eyes flickered having his sight. At the very next moment, they stooped, thanks to the shyness of their owner which appeared throughout her round-shaped face. Her lotus feet were trembling to proceed. She loved him but without any reason, she was hesitating to advance. Her brain commanded her to make the phoenix-prince wait a bit more. Her bent gazes caught the edges of his fluttering scarf whose portions rested on the painted artworks of the ground. Butterflies roamed in her stomach, giving her tickling sensations. He turned back at her, she revolved her appearance from him. Not delaying, she quickly treaded down the staircase. Sighing, the phoenix-prince came out. For a single time, he thought to call her once. Since he noticed her unwillingness, he let it be.

Down the stairs, her cousin was waiting for her. Seeing the chocolate-haired girl, the Spaniard cocked her eyebrows, "Hil, where are you going? Didn't you go inside the temple?"

"I have to go to river Fuji, Julia," Clearing her throat, she replied, "I forgot that."

"But...at first have the sight of the deity at least!"

"I have to fetch holy water for sprinkling it at her statue," The brunette tried to give an excuse for playing with her lover a bit, "That's why, I'm going there."

Not giving any chance to the dual-haired girl to speak, she stormed off. Seeing no other way, the Spanish also started running behind her cousin, clutching her skirt.

"Hil..." The twin-haired princess was hastily following her sister who was almost out of her sight, "Wait for me!"

She could never imagine that the brown-haired girl could have pulled her feet that fast. Eventually, her heart started banging. Lungs inside her chest began to crave for water, so did her heated skin. Yet, her toes remained smiting the ground with sheer speed as the clasp of her on her gown went tauter. Velocity increased as she accelerated, until...

"Thud!"

"Splash!"

Her head collided against someone's rock-hard chest as she heard the sound of something breaking. Before understanding anything properly, the Spaniard found herself drenched completely from her top to her toes. Her wet top clang to her skin as she shivered in abrupt coldness. In a way, she discovered her wishes to be fulfilled. At her feet, the crushed pieces of an earthen pitcher were scattering, soaking the ground. Noticing two hands on her arms, she looked at their owner. Within no moment, her surprised countenance changed. Anger and annoyance took that place on her face.

"What the hell have you done?!" She yelled at the wolf-prince who was totally dumbfounded at the Spaniard. When his sapphires captured the emerald flames burning in wrath, he decided to remove his shock from his appearance.

"What have you done?" The redhead screamed with equal force, "I was taking the water for the horses!"

"Do I look like a horse to you?" However, biting back for the scarlet-haired Russian wasn't a right choice at all as it was proved by the Latina through her stoic voice, "Is it a way to behave with a woman?"

"Look...I haven't done it purposely..." Lowering his tone, he tried to convince the agitated girl before him, "I'm sorry..."

"How did you dare do that?" The girl didn't seem to be persuaded or softened as she continued searching for her cousin, "Hilary...where are you?"

Once the Spaniard was out of his sight, in relief, the red-haired Russian sighed. Quickly, a mischievous thought lingered in his mind as he heard the name of his soon-to-be sister-in-law from the mouth of the Spanish princess. Winking and smirking impishly once, he twisted his ankles 180 degrees, on his way to the temple where his cousin was praying.

Reaching the chocolate-haired girl, the Spaniard huffed, "Finally, I have found you!"

"Julie?" The brunette glowered at the sodden dress of her cousin, "How have you got wet?"

At that moment, the Latina had a lot of annoyance in her heart for the wolf-prince. She'd been wishing to chop him off. However, before her cousin, she couldn't utter the actual reason. Blushing, she replied, "Well...accidentally, I slipped into the river."

Her trembling feet were clearly exposing that she was lying. Nonetheless, she understood the causes of Mariam's carelessness on that day when they all had been in the refugee camp of sage Dickenson. Hilary's cutting fingers being absent-minded also made a sense to her at the end.

Pressing her lips against each other, the Japanese princess smiled, guessing the perfect reason.

By another shore of the Fuji, on the crest of a slanting knoll, a man with the complexion of the sleets was standing, keeping his hands behind. The tropical wind of Japan pushed his silver locks a bit as he closed his crystal-clear eyes in coziness. Following the moment, his orbs wandered through the other verge of the holy river and the state by its side. The pinnacles of different-sized hillocks in the shades of blue and green were visible to him. From their vertices, silver threads of cascades were finding their ways to mother earth. The ground was covered with the runners of velvet grasses, looking like a meadow. Through it, narrow and wide streets passed by. On their surface, the people were seeming mere ants. Ripping the veil of the fogs created by the fountains, the shrines and temples were raising their heads high. He grimaced at that as he remembered his promise made to his lord.

"Go to Japan and destroy the land completely with your chills, Cayden," The purple-haired man commanded, "Ensure that the king of Japan should leave his life in the end so that he can see the sorrows and sufferings of his subjects, his near and dear ones with his own eyes. Turn the land of spring into a plot of destruction! Go!"

"You wish, I severe my head, my lord," The wolf-man bent his head down, "Your ordered will be obeyed word by word. Don't worry, my lord."

Gritting his jaws, he shut his eyes and uttered a few chants. From the gaps of his fingers, beams in icy blue started rising. Completing pronouncing the psalms, he unfastened them, pushing his palms towards the river. From their centers, the white and icy blue rays fell on the surface of the water as bubbles emerged from the place. The shades of the blue started getting deep on the canvas of the sky. Under the hillock, people were looking confused. They exchanged stares with one another, not understanding what had happened to the nature all of a sudden.

"Look!" One of them marked the sky with his index finger, "How the sky has changed!"

"I think...it's going to rain," Another tried to predict, "That's why, the change has occurred."

'Of course, your thoughts aren't wrong at all,' The wolf-man snickered evilly, 'But this time, instead of water, ice will rain upon your beautiful land. Freezing, you all will die. Not only people, but also animals, plants, birds-no one will be no more on the earth. No one! Soon, the rest of the world will forget that once upon a time, there was a kingdom named Japan. A single sign of her won't exist on the earth! Hahaha!'

"Have you analyzed the horoscope and the other parchments of princess Tachibana, sage Alexandrov?" Worried, the queen questioned, "What do they indicate?"

In reply, the chief mentor of Russia leaned forward to examine the scriptures more attentively. His eyebrows furrowed, sending some jolts of fears to the heart of the tensed mother. Then, a smile rose in his lips as he raised his head. Turning to the empress, he silently nodded which meant his positivity.

"This girl is very auspicious, your Majesty," The principal acknowledged, "With her birth, a long-time famine ceased in Japan. After a lot of years, there rained in her kingdom, eradicating droughts which had been the parts of the lives of the farmers. She's modest, well-mannered, educated, brave and talented with a lot of qualities. Sage Dickenson himself has clarified the facts. According to these scriptures, she'll be the best bride for our prince and the greatest empress of Russia of all times."

As the words of the savant entered the ears of the Tsarina, her violet orbs twinkled with absolute ecstasy. Her teeth flickered through her lips. She felt as if someone had lifted a great burden from her heart. Joining her hands, she silently prayed and thanked the Almighty.

"Then...why're we being late, sister-in-law?" The lilac-haired lady offered, "Let's start the preparations!"

"How, Vera?" The blonde objected, "Amongst five of us, still one isn't ready to agree with us to the alliance. In fact, she's not even willing to understand the significance of this association. I knew that excessive affection for someone turns a person blind but never got a proof. Lately, I've got it."

"Though we sent a confirmation letter to the emperor of Japan, we couldn't tell him the reason behind our delaying, Apraxia," Irina sighed, "God knows how he will feel when he gets to know about this."

"Pardon me, your Majesty."

A sarafan-worn maid was standing on the doorway, lowering his head. Enclosed in her hands, there was a round golden platter. On it, a pair of tubular boxes was placed, made of copper. Bowing, she spoke, "Prince Hiwatari has sent these letters to princess Natalia."

"Give us that," Trudging to the servant, the blonde took the tray, "We'll deliver them to sister Natalie. You may go now."

"Thanks, princess Sasha." Greeting her respectfully, the maid left the place. Turning to her sister-in-law, the second daughter of Voltaire Hiwatari smiled, "Apraxia, I think our Natalie will understand now."

"Good luck for your mission," The queen chuckled, "Go there and try to convince your sister for the last time. Sir Alexandrov, you wait here and let me fetch some sweets for this auspicious occasion."

"Sure, your Majesty." The mentor nodded. Once the hallroom went empty of the royal members, he looked at his female colleague who was standing in front of a Tuscan pillar, stooping her gazes and face. Reaching her, glowering, he asked, "Lady Vetrova, you aren't looking satisfied. What happened? Is everything alright?"

"Everything will be alright once princess Tachibana arrives in Russia being the bride of Hiwatari clan, Sir," Outstretching her head, the sky blue-haired lady answered, "Except her."

"What does it mean?"

"Don't try to hide the prophecies, Sir!" Vetrova cried, "Ignoring them won't be a successful attempt to avoid them. Along with me, you also know what is written on the fate of this angelic girl. Of course, she'll be a great empress but what about her indescribable sorrows? What about her relentless estrangements from the person whom she loves more than her life? What about the nasty fingers of the subjects? Will she be able to tolerate them? Will she?"

"She will," Alexandrov sighed, trying to appease the female teacher, "Only the gold can be purer by burning in the flames, not paper and clothes, my lady. Sweltering, she will be more virtuous, stronger and braver. This kingdom will bring a lot of challenges before her and I believe that she'll be successful to fulfill them. I have full faith on her."

"My opinion never changes, Sasha," The scarlet-haired lady didn't even face her sisters properly, "You three know far well about my nature. Then, why have you come here? I am not going to listen to your words, no matter how much you chatter."

"I know, sis," The youngest of the ladies placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know that you won't listen to us. But...won't you want to listen to the words of your Kai once?"

"Means?" Revolving to her, Natalia cocked an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Vera placed a tray on her hands, "Your most favorite child in this place has written a letter to the dearest of all his aunts. Don't you want to read it at all?"

The expressions on the face of the mother of the wolf-prince mellowed a bit. Taking the platter, she lifted a casket. Putting off its lid, she pulled out the scroll. Unfolding it, she started reading:

"Dear aunt,

I hope you are fine by the grace of the Almighty. We both are also alright by His grace. However, I don't think that you are very pleased with me at present. I know that it was your dream to get me married to the princess whom you consider to come of a strong, enriched and well-trooped kingdom. I also know that Japan isn't one of those according to your perspective.

Aunt, you may think that I'm blabbering much but what to do, it's my right to support myself and my choices. An adult guy in Russia doesn't depend on the decisions of his parents and guardians regarding marital issues. But I'm writing this letter to you because the importance of your opinions about my life matters a lot to me.

Japan mayn't be as rich as Russia. In comparison with our kingdom, her size may be nothing but that of an ant. But the hearts of her people are broader than the mighty Pacific. They are so cordial. In some kingdoms, outsiders are seen as enemies. In some, they are considered to be guests. But I think this is one of the rarest countries where outsiders are treated like long-lost dear ones. Japanese people can be soft like the earth, cooling like the air, strong like the fire and life-saving like the water at the same time. A brave soldier of the kingdom has taught me this. May God keep him victorious always.

As for princess Tachibana, she's not only the daughter of the emperor, but also the offspring of all the people of her kingdom. I have seen a lot of flowers in my life, aunt, but never in my life have I met a floret who gives honey to the butterflies and poison to other pests. She's the one who took care of my Dranzer. She protected her like a worthy guardian though she hardly knew about the sacred spirit. Only with her help, I have been able to win her groom-choosing ceremony and retrieved Dranzer. The whole Japan loves her as much as Russia loves you, aunt.

I have sent you another box in which there is the portrait of the princess of Spain, aunt. Before a while, I saw her with Tala. They look kinda good with each other. If you find her to be suitable enough to be your daughter-in-law, don't forget to send a proposal letter to the king and the queen of Spain. Don't worry, it's my responsibility to make Tala agree. He can disobey everyone in the world except me.

I know that you are self-willed but I believe that you cannot be an oppressor ever. Please, accept this relation with your consent and blessings.

With much respect,

Your nephew,

Kai Hiwatari."

Quickly opening another casket, she extended the picture of the Spanish princess. The forehead of the painted lady was covered with orange-colored bangs. Chocolate-colored hair cascaded down on her back, almost crossing her knees, displaying the waves of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Underneath her tangerine strands, there were two pieces of scintillating tourmalines set in her eye sockets. The unstable beams of light were forwarding through those pools and becoming stable once again, not violating the rules of polarization. Her coral lips were twisted a bit in a smile, beneath her 110-degree nose. The aunts of the phoenix-prince collided against one another to have the glimpse of the Latina.

Leaving the portrait to them, the scarlet read the letter more than once, again and again. Her heart leapt up with utmost joy. Tears seeped on her face as she bit her lip. After a long time, the phoenix-prince had written to her, expressing his heart before her. He'd been very open unlike his nature. Knowing about the princess, a bizarre calmness filled her core. The girl had helped him retrieve Dranzer. She had showered her love on him. How could Natalia be angry with the brunette who had rubbed the golden stick of liveliness against the arctic nature of the dual-haired Russian? It was only her influence. Her love for him, his love for her-both had made him expressive. He might be cold after it, not icy.

"Sasha, Vera, Irina..." She continued, "I usually don't change my decisions. But this time, I'm doing an exception. After all, my Kai has chosen his own life-partner. Neither his words can be false, nor can his choices be wrong ever. I'm giving my consent to this marriage, go and inform this to sister-in-law."

All the three royal ladies exchanged surprised, yet, pleased gazes with one another as Natalia added, "Though Kai told me to think of the Spanish princess whom he chose for Tala, I don't think I have to because I have full faith on his choice. He cannot choose something wrong for his cousin. Let Apraxia know about it too. But...I have a condition."

"Condition?" Sasha titled her brows, "What's it, sis?"

"It is..." Natalia beamed, "All the preparations and arrangements of these weddings will take place under my supervision. Do you agree?"

"As the wish of her highness of princess Natalia!" Irina chuckled, making the rest of the ladies burst out candid laughter of pure pleasure.

In an unexpected way, unlike its usual nature, the sun gulped. Its dispersed beams throughout the sky converged at the center of the fireball as the ripped slices of the murky vapors made it submerge from the right and the left. Someone seemed to drop a bead of ink in the white streams of milk in the sky. Clouds held the helio as their captive in their dungeons. Though it was noon, the nightfall descended on the earth in the very land where the sun rises at first of all the countries in the world. Steams collided against one another, sparks flew. A bolt of lightning shimmered through them, claiming the place of the sun rebelliously.

The chocolate-haired princess of Japan had come to the shore of the Fuji in order to collect some holy water for worshiping. Seeing the unusual changes in the nature, she screwed her eyebrows. The wicked wind tickling her skin was whispering into her ears that something ominous was going to happen. She looked at the translucent surface of the river. Using it as a mirror, the sky was giving a final checkup to its new style of embellishment. The grayish blend increased through the silver water expanse. The hue of the tributary was moving to the darker shades. Unknowingly, her heart throbbed. Turning to her cousin, she ordered, "I don't think that the condition of the nature is in our favor at this moment. Go and send Tyson and Max here. Also tell Raul and the guard of the capital to be aware."

"Sure, Hilary." Furiously nodding, the dual-haired girl ran towards her palace. Biting her lips in tension, she strolled by the edge, noticing the waves in the river. Her breaths hitched as cold flurries tickled her warm skin. She wasn't used to it. However, according to her, the wind was more heartless than the weather of the home of her soon-to-be husband. Doubts and panics rose in her heart. Nervously crossing her fingers, she gulped.

It shouldn't happen at this moment. It is not the season of rain. Then why is it happening? Why?

"Hilary!" Two young guys rushed in her direction as she turned to them. The blonde man asked, "Have you called us here?"

"Yes," She nodded, "Look at the water of the river once. How it has changed! I don't think that it's a good signal."

"Hilary, are you being afraid of rains?" The dragoon-wielder cocked an eyebrow, "Has the sun rose in the west today or what?"

"Tyson, I'm serious!" Hilary's jaw stiffed, "I'm not being afraid of rains. Besides, I don't think that the sudden change of the weather is normal."

"So, sis wants us to enjoy the beautiful view of Japan before the rain," Max chortled, "It could be viewed from the castle also. Why have you called us?"

"Max, it's not the time to joke, you know," She narrowed her eyes, "Sometimes the things which we see may seem normal..."

"...But they aren't actually normal."

A third voice sounded from the coast. Immediately, she recognized the pitch. It belonged to none but her fiancé, the phoenix-prince of Russia. His vocal cords affected her cheeks with the red tints of the roses. Moving her head to him, she greeted him, bowing. With a silent nod, he responded. His right hand was seizing a bow which had been gifted to him by her before her groom-choosing ceremony. Attached to his back, the quiver was carrying sharp-tipped arrows. The center of the arc was glimmering with a scarlet gemstone. Rays disseminated from it were trying to omit the sudden darkness caused in the nature.

"You're...here?" Almost inaudibly, she queried, "At this moment?"

"Hn." He replied. Looking at the sky, he tried to behold the unseen which was concealed behind the visible things and changes. His eyebrows twitched together, the grip on his bow went tighter. However, the people beside him couldn't understand the reason behind his unusual facial expression.

"Thank goodness, Kai, you've arrived here," Tyson huffed, "Now, convince your fiancée. She doesn't want to listen to us at all. How many times are we telling her not to worry without any logical reason? Still, she isn't paying any heed to us!"

"Shut up, Tyson!" Hilary clenched her teeth, "You won't be able to understand that the changes are abnormal!"

"How?"

"Here..." The brunette took some water from the holy river in her palms. Going to her would-be groom, she tried to give him an insistent, yet, pleading look.

"Look, the water is so cold," She poured some in the knuckles of her fiancé, "The river water before the rain isn't usually so chilling. Prince, it won't rain. Never has this happened in Japan before it."

"C'mon Hils," The navy-haired guy tittered, "You're being so nervous. It doesn't suit the princess of Japan."

"Tyson, I'm not being nervous," She shook her head, turning it to the dual-haired Russian, "Prince, I'm just worried because of the upcoming massacres. You mayn't believe me but my words aren't illogical at all."

"Hnn..." Closing his eyes, he felt the temperature of the water. Opening them, he rolled his eyes a bit. Seeing his snicker, she bent her head down. Tears were brimming in her eyes. Nobody was going to believe her words. Her kingdom was at stake. None was getting a simple hint.

With his soaked hands, he enfolded her shoulders. His freezing touches made her shudder. However, they weren't as ruthless as the arctic blusters.

"I'll always believe and respect your words, choices, deeds and decisions, Hilary," A smile rose in the corners of his lips that assured her heart, "No matter what happens, be in this life or the next life."

Blushes tickled her cheeks as she bent her head down. Unknowingly, a relief claimed the place in her mind, eliminating all the restlessness and panics. She knew that he was by her side. Nobody'd been going to believe her but he had. What else did she need at that moment? She had already achieved what she had required. It was nothing but his support.

Keeping her behind, the young prince of Russia protectively stood before her, spreading his arms. Glancing at the dumbfounded duo, he commanded, "Prepare your weapons."

Through the river, an ice-berg which was as high as a hill of Japan was rapidly routing in their direction. The colorless wind turned white like smokes. Shards of ice showered on the fertile land of Japan. Trembling, the Japanese princess curled her arms on her chest, lowering her head. Her teeth clattered against one another in coldness. Noticing it, the Russian put off his scarf and wrapped it around her torso so that she couldn't freeze. Though arctic gall was wafting surrounding them, the garnet heat of embarrassment climbed up to her face from her neck.

"The iceberg shouldn't reach the shore of the river," Kai commented, "Otherwise, it will erase the existence of this land."

That command of the informal and unannounced captain was enough for the hyperactive American. Lifting his javelin, he rotated it horizontally with the support of only two fingers over his head. The weapon span in the same rotation speed of an electric fan of modern ages, changing the directions of the airstream.

"Draciel!" Holding the lance at 40-degree angle with the horizon, he flung it at the coastline, "Aqua shield!"

From both sides of the spear which pierced the ground, two walls grew at the left and the right, made of pure water. It was very thick and higher than the iceberg. It was looking like water but actually, it was no less hard than the crystals. The barrier ceased the flow of the chilly winds which were rushing to the people standing on the edge of the river.

"Dragoon!" Breaking his arrogance, the navy-haired guy upstretched his bow, adjusting an arrow against the cord of that, "You know what you have to do!"

A raging dragon like the shades of sky flew up. As it breathed, zephyr blew in 180 degrees of its original direction. It broke the shackles of the dark clouds which had been chaining the sun. The glimmering star of the daylight beamed with its pure gorgeousness as the slices of the kohl steams moved away.

The wind doesn't have to be the enemy of the sun always, after all.

The amethyst eyes of the phoenix-prince quietly measured the height of the defensive wall created by the draciel-wielder and the distance between their owner and the rushing iceberg. Not delaying, elevating his bow along with a barb, he blurted, releasing the dart, "It's the time, Dranzer!"

That worked. The barrier which couldn't be dodged by the icy wind discharged by the iceberg dumbly kept standing beneath the flame-tipped arrow of the dual-haired Russian projected in half a right angle. Maintaining the condition of the highest range of projectiles, it landed on the blade of the freezing mound as the screech of a phoenix echoed throughout the area. Flames caught the icy hill. Within no moment, it melted and got mixed with the pure water of the Fuji.

Ultimately, all the ink-smeared clouds turned white like the cotton-balls. The water surface of the creek became a translucent mirror through which the aquatic herbs could be viewed. Wind lost its terrifying colors and speed. The temperature of Japan rose along with the second sunrise on that day. Sighing in relief, the birds came out from their nests and flew in the blue shadows.

"Yay!" Max leaped in the air, "Finally, we have defeated our enemy and protected Japan!"

"Yes!" Tyson shared a fist-bump with his American friend, "But...all the credits go to Kai. Couldn't you see how he pierced the ice-berg, not breaking your barriers?"

"You're right, Tyson," Cheerfully, the blonde acknowledged, "Hail prince Kai Hiwatari!"

"Hail prince Kai Hiwatari!" The dragoon-wielder also joined.

"Shut up!"

As the phoenix-prince seethed, their jubilation stopped. Swallowing, the dragoon-wielder and the guardian of the black turtle of the north looked at each other with startled looks. Then, they both gawked at the dual-haired prince, questioning him silently. The eyebrows of the Russian were wrinkled since his eyes were shooting the duo with death glares. That glance of him snatched all the water from their throats.

"You all are praising me because I have melted that iceberg," He hissed, "Have you thought once whether I could do it or not if Hilary didn't express her rightful worries?"

"Kai..." Tyson murmured, meandering his head. He felt ashamed of his words what he had told his best friend before a while. The joyous vibes from the face of the hyperactive American also turned into vapors. They both walked to the chocolate-haired princess whose face was reddened in bashfulness.

"I'm extremely sorry, Hil..." The dragoon-wielder mumbled, "I shouldn't have ignored your doubts then. You were right."

"It's okay, Tyson..." She let out a smile, "You don't need to apologize at all."

"But you need to be admired for your knowledge about the nature, sis!" Again, the ball of sunshine yelled, "Because of your wisdom and prudence, this danger could be avoided. Hail princess Hilary Tachibana!"

"Hail princess Hilary Tachibana!" The dragoon-wielder blurted.

'Kai...' Without uttering any word, the brown-haired princess questioned as the tears of gratitude gleamed in her ruby orbs, 'Did you need to do it? Did you really have to praise me?'

'Why not, Hilary?' Closing his eyes and leaning against a tree, the phoenix-prince smiled at her, 'After all, your efforts and knowledge are beyond admiration. Your proposals and thoughts are experienced. No matter what happens, in future, in this life or the next, no matter how many people reject your ideas and plans, I'll always be with you in this way. I'll recognize your latent talents.

I promise, Hilary, I promise.'

So...how was the chapter? Though our heroes have escaped from the danger, how long will they continue doing it? What's written on the fate of princess Hilary? Why's Sir Alexandrov hiding this truth from everyone in Russia?

Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical and the spelling errors. Also, pardon the stupid fight xD

Take care and stay safe :)

-Misty ^_^