Hello everyone! What's up? Hope everyone is safe and sound :D
Thanks a lot to Sohana Sarkar, Cutetyhil, LadyPeach7, TwilightUniverse018, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Misaki, Stark02, Jyotsna, IshuRock8, Alpha Beta Gamma, Rock the Road, Justafan and Emerald Vivian Rami for reviewing :)
Misaki : Hey no problem. Actually, Julia has already fallen for Tala but she cannot realize it. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Jyotsna: Hehe...don't worry, you're not late at all. I also love MichaelXEmily. You'll know more about Tala's reactions later on (Don't explode your stomach then, please...) MaxXMariam moments will be in the next chapter since it's written all about China and Hong Kong. Kai and Ray will also meet each other soon. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
IshuRock8: Hey, you didn't need to review thrice, it's the problem of not showing the reviews, often, this site goes crazy and wild. Aww...don't call the boys moron, staying with Kai, they're now realizing and learning many things just like the original Beyblade series (After all, it is also an unwatched part of original Beyblade xD) But pardon me dear, I don't think this chapter has been that beautiful :P Anyways, thank you so much for reviewing :D
Yes, it's based on the epic. But...since Hilary wasn't born from the ground, there is no chance of her to go back to the earth. But...without sourness, chaat doesn't remain chaat (I love it!). So...hmmm...
Sehun is hottttt: Hello! Yes, I also feel awesome at Kai's heroism (Who doesn't? WHO DOES NOT?!) The more Bladebreakers collabs will be here in future. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Alpha Beta Gamma: Hi! Yeah, like I said before, Kai's parts give me extra thrills to write. So, my story has made you like KaiHil? Now, this Misty has been successful *Squeals* Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Justafan: Hey, no problem, dear. At least you have read and reviewed and it's enough for me. And thanks a lot for reading "Thanks a lot for your selfless love". Getting your review, I was really touched. Yes, Hilary meant Kai's mom there. I don't think whether I'll write any separate story for Kai and his mother but in this story, there'll be some moments about them.
Now I'm blushing *Covers my face* Glad that you're so much fond of my writing skill (But I'm sorry dear, I think I have lost that touch in this chapter :P) Actually, you've guessed it correct. There are Ramayana vibes for sure. What to do now? Since I'm a Bengali, aren't Tagore vibes obvious? In this chapter, I've also added some lyrics of a Rabindrasangeet. And...I portrayed Hilary just like my nature *Blushes hard*. Thank you so much for reviewing.
So...sorry if you think that this update has been late, lately, I was so sad because one of my favorite actors has left the world. You must know him, I just...couldn't believe my ears when I heard the news. *Sniffs*
But the matter that is more important is: Depression is a serious issue. Don't overlook it, don't make fun of it. If you're depressed and want to talk to me, my pms are open. I'm ready to listen to you. :)
So...enough of my blabbering, here's the next chapter.
Warning: Self-hurting attempt/Suicide attempt. Man, it was really very tough for me to write after hearing such a shocking news T_T
P.S: Extremely sorry for disturbing you once again, dear readers. But please, if the notification of the uploading of this chapter comes to your email account once again, do check this chapter. Not the whole, only the last one. I thought to put it here. Pardon me, pleaase!
From its tight schedule of giving daylight staying in the workfield of the blue, finally completing its job for that day, the sun had already left its workplace. Little by little, the soft crimson signs of its existence were disappearing as the deities of darkness started pouring their ink all over the environment. The shadows reflected on the crystal-clear mirror of the river, turning the water surface from sapphires to black diamonds, yet, spared its flickers there. Sitting on the fresh leaves of the trees surrounding the stream, the fireflies enjoyed the sunset. Hurriedly, some vampire bats crossed the upper territory of the place. On the earth, a few soldiers were protecting the area with wooden Qiang spears in their hands, red handkerchiefs tied to them.
Guarded by them, the scarlet-haired princess gently progressed towards the vast oval inlet, holding a cubic paper lantern on her palms. Set on a wooden platform, it was white in color containing some Chinese letters on its plates. Despite being tiny, the blaze inside the box was surpassing the sparkles of the creek under the stars. It was illuminating her globular face too, highlighting her onyx orbs. Beneath a tree, the blue-haired prince was waiting for her. As their eyes met each other, they shied away, smiling a bit.
Abruptly, a fierce gust of air interrupted and attacked the flame. Restless and disoriented, it started fighting against its enemy. The castle of paper protecting it from all the directions wasn't enough. The princess frowned. Worried expressions rose on her façade, her lips slightly parted away from each other as she gasped. Before understanding anything, she found two hands defending the lantern from the east and the west, clinging to the paper surfaces. Since she looked at their owner, he gave her a silent nod along with a gentle leer which was quietly saying to her that he would always be by her side no matter what the world presented for her. Blushing, she looked below.
"Help! Help me!"
A bit far away from the tributary, the screeches from a feminine voice hit their ears as their embarrassment got substituted by surprised looks. Following that, the sounds of heavy and running footsteps were also heard by them. They felt as if the earth had been shaking when the steps had been falling on her. Flinching, they looked back.
"Save me!" The fat crown princess of China was routing with her wobbly footsteps. Behind her, a four-legged, tiny brown creature was chasing her. Snickering a bit, the blunette moved away from his fiancée. The wide hip of the running Chinese woman was swaying here and there. Somehow reaching her sister-in-law, she panted with her sweat-streaked face. Her heart was pumping in the speed of whirlwind; throat became a piece of dry timber. Signs of weariness were obvious on her puffy cheeks. Clutching the hand of the redhead, she breathed, "Sal...that demon..."
"Demon?" Salima frowned, "Biyu, that was nothing but a puppy behind you!"
"Huh?" The chubby woman looked back and saw the four-footed baby animal sniffing the ground, fluttering its fluffy tail. A droplet of sweat seeped on her neck as she sighed in relief.
"I cannot believe, sister-in-law!" The sister of her husband rolled her eyes, "In the end, you got scared by a cute puppy! Sometimes, you become impossible!"
"Who...who said that I was scared?" Her mound-sized body was still shivering, exposing her lies, "I...I thought to run for a while by the shore of this river. Physical exercises will be completed; thus I'll keep fit forever!"
The red-haired girl covered her mouth with one of her palms, yet, failing to hide that she was laughing. Her sneering irritated the raven woman. Her cheeks went fifty shades of crimson, unknowingly for her infuriation or tiredness or embarrassment.
"Now, stop laughing, Sal!" She rebuked, "At first, complete the task for which we have come here! Cannot you remember that we have to start for China after a while?"
"Okay okay..." Sighing, the redhead headed towards the river. Since it was a feminine ritual, the men weren't allowed to take part. Yet, they kept an eye on everything in the leadership of their prince. Noticing it, Biyu poked at her arm, "Look at your prince once, Sal. He's daydreaming...sorry, evening-dreaming about you. Go and meet him once! What and why are you waiting for?"
"Biyu..." Grouching, Salima annoyingly narrowed her eyes at her. Gulping, the crown-princess stepped back.
"I don't want to meet him," The princess screwed her nose, " If I do it, we'll be late."
"Why? Why don't you want to meet him?" Biyu cocked an eyebrow, "Only for this thing, I have come up with an excuse and you're stepping back now? How can I let my hard work go in vain in this way, huh?"
"But I feel shy..." The mighty warrior princess of China almost curled herself into a ball, murmuring.
"Shy?" The raven was dumbfounded, "You're saying this and thinking that I'll believe it? Woah, now that's called the sun rising from the west! Where did it go when your groom-choosing ceremony was held and you bet the shit out of every candidate there? Stop giving excuses, go and meet him!"
'Uh oh...' The redhead scratched her head thoughtfully. Suddenly, she hit upon an idea how to avoid the nagging of her sister-in-law. Widening her eyes, she whispered, "Sister-in-law, did the puppy bite you?"
"Nope..." Biyu shook her head, "Not at all."
"Did it scratch you?" Salima pretended to think for a while.
"What?" She puckered her brows, "Why are you asking me this?"
"Well...I have heard that..." The princess swallowed fearfully, broadening her eyes, "If the fangs or nails of a dog pierce someone's skin, the person falls ill with fatal disease. Neither he can drink water, nor can he speak."
"R...reall...really?" Biyu stammered. Again, her legs started shaking.
"It depends on the dog actually," Salima explained like a wise lady, "If it gets mad, the man also becomes crazy. If the dog dies, the patient also..."
"L... let me examine myself once...to check whether it bit me or not..." The raven woman stopped nagging as the tricks of her sister-in-law worked, "You go and perform the ritual."
As the crown-princess of China out of her sight, the redhead breathed in relief. Huffing, she advanced towards the edge of the river. Feeling the touch of a hand on her shoulder, she looked back. There was the prince of Hong Kong, lovingly gazing at her. His romantic blue eyes sent butterflies to her stomach.
"They say that the moon shine in the sky getting the light from the sun," He praised, "In the radiance of this lamp, your face is looking more enlightened than the moon."
Getting the praise of her beauty from her would-be groom, she bent her head forward, flushing. Her heart banged in her chest, pulsating the feelings of the blunette too. Coughing, he again started, "Now, we will get to meet each other in our engagement ceremony. Don't know when it will take place because our marriage will be delayed due to the suggestions of the sages and priests. I'll miss you, my lady."
"I'll miss you too, Kane," Salima muttered, "But...don't be sad. Everything in this world happens only for our welfare. If our marriage is happening late, there must be a certain reason behind it. Anyways, I have to hurry. Please go back, I have to perform the ritual."
"Sure, princess." Nodding, the prince of Hong Kong strode back where the soldiers were watching the atmosphere. Kneeling down on the last step of the wharf, the girl gently placed the lantern on the river plane. As she pushed it a bit, it started floating by itself. With amazed eyes, the princess kept staring at it.
'Oh God!' She mutely prayed, closing her eyes, 'Please, along with being a nice daughter, let me be a deserving wife and a worthy queen. Don't let anyone take the advantages of my feelings, I beg to you.'
Little did she know that she was being followed. The stalker couldn't be seen around her. How? After all, he wasn't on the earth. Rather, he was approaching her through the waterways. He shot back his muscled arms as his well-toned legs dogpaddled. The water around him bubbled, he kept advancing. He had to snatch something from her at that moment. Though he was waiting to take a greater thing from her, then, it was necessary for him.
"Aaah!" The redhead gasped as she felt a tug at her wrist. She tried to stand up when her feet slipped. She was about to fall in water but before that, another pair of strong arms caught her protectively. Pouring his gazes in her deep black orbs, he worriedly asked, "Are you alright?"
"I'm..." Puffing, she stood up on her own feet, "Thank you so much, prince."
"Thank goodness..." He smiled, seeming contented, "These steps are so slippery. Please, be careful."
"I will." Nodding, she approved. In relief, she looked at her hand where she had felt the pull. Hardly had her eyes become amplified when they met nothing but the vanity there. There was no sign of any jewelry, let alone the one which had been gifted to her by her most favorite person on the earth.
It was gone.
"Oh no!" She winced, trying to find the ornament by groping in the invisibility of her wrist, stroking it, "My bracelet!"
"What happened, princess?" Kane seemed tensed, "Is there any problem?"
"I... I have lost my bracelet..." Salima cried, not able to utter her words properly, "Father...father gave me that... I think I have...dropped it in water..."
"What?" Not wasting much time in being surprised, the prince turned to the soldiers, commanding them sternly, "Guards! Search it fast!"
Bowing, the Chinese guards rushed to the water and jumped there one by one. Like the blind people, they scrabbled in the river. Some tried to pierce the ground with the tips of their javelins but all their attempts were proving to be futile. With tearful eyes, the redhead looked at the blunette.
"What will I say to father?" She bit her lower lip.
"Don't worry, princess," Kane patted her shoulder, "It will be found."
"We're sorry, prince," One of the soldiers raised his head from the creek, "But it isn't being discovered."
"No no...it should be there!" Crazily, the princess shook her head, "I can remember!"
"Please, stay calm, my lady," The prince of Hong Kong tried to appease her, "Besides, I think you must return. It's been very late. At this time, you shouldn't remain here. I'm sending some soldiers with you who will leave you to your tent."
"But...my bracelet..."
"If I find it once," Kane assured her, "I'll send it to you. Please, leave the place now."
"Okay..." Murmuring sadly, she heaved a heavy sigh. Looking at the river once, the girl turned back and walked to her tent. Her heart which had been jovial before a while got surrounded by agonies of a loss. Deeply breathing once, the prince of Hong Kong ordered the soldiers, "Go deeper."
In her tent, the lavender-haired girl was packing her stuffs fiercely. Though tears weren't brimming in her eyes, she wasn't much happy. The wound of the last night had surely stopped paining but still, it didn't dry. It could clearly be said by reading her face. Folding a cloth, she was about to push it inside her sack. Suddenly, she heard a voice:
"May I come inside?"
Looking back at the entrance, she saw the raven-haired neko-jin, bending his head and waiting for her approval. Silently nodding, she permitted him. Bowing, he trudged into the chamber. Droplets of water trickled down on the carpet from his messy hair. His cloths were also soaked. Glancing at her appearance once, he stretched one of his hands to him. It contained a bangle-bracelet. Made of pure gold, it was broad and adorned with aquamarines. In the hundreds of clay lamps surrounding the compartment, the gems were shimmering, trying to fulfill the scarcity of enough light in the room, being the best lanterns. Tapering her lilac eyes, the Brazilian glimpsed at the jewelry.
"What's this?" She asked stoically, not realizing its actual price, "What have you done to yourself? Where were you?"
"It's her ornament." He answered to only one of her questions, absolutely neglecting the rest of them.
"Whose?"
"Who has snatched your love from you, my lady," The neko-jin replied, shocking the lavenderette, "Salima, the princess of China."
Hearing the name of the redhead who had snatched her most precious thing from her, she felt as if someone had pierced her eardrums with prickles. Her eyes went narrowed, a sheer pang of jealousy and hatred rose there. Automatically, her fists became tighter. Clutching the cloth tightly, she turned her face away from him.
"Why have you brought it to me?" She pretended to be busy in her chores, not caring at the object which was still on his hands.
"Because I want you to keep it with you," He demanded, "As long as your revenge doesn't get fulfilled."
As the word 'Revenge' was mentioned before her, the Brazilian stopped her task. Again, moving to him, she looked at him with baffled stares. Clenching her teeth, she questioned, "But why?"
"Because, from you, she has snatched your most favorite thing, my lady," Ray didn't take much time to answer, "Now, with you, there will be her dearest object."
Lifting the bracelet from the palm of the Chinese, the Latin American glanced at it carefully. Raising her eyebrows, she spoke, "So, this is her dearest object?"
"Yes," Ray nodded, "Her father, emperor Zagart, has gifted it to her."
At that time, it didn't remain as a jewelry to the fisherwoman. It was some oil that had fallen in the fire of her vengeance, thus, fueling it more. Smirking wickedly, she encircled her wrist into it.
"Now, she's feeling the same pain, my lady," The neko-jin seethed as if it had been his own revenge, not Frankie's, "Which you are undergoing at present."
"That was my most favorite thing, Biyu!" The redhead cried in front of the dumbfounded crown-princess of China, restlessly strolling here and there in her room, "I promised my father that I would never lose it. I said to him that I would keep it with me always. I cannot believe how I lost it!"
Two droplets of tears rolled down on her cheek. Her heart banged as she clutched her head. For a princess like her, it might be a mere ornament. But for a daughter like her, it was the gift of her father. Trusting her, he had bestowed his blessings upon her in the form of that bracelet. To her, someone had stolen the affection of the Chinese emperor from her. No no...only for her carelessness, that had happened. It was like a safeguard to her. Without it, she was feeling very stranded.
"Salima!"
Spiraling to the entrance where georgette curtains were drawn off, the princess saw her concerned father, the mighty emperor of China. The speed of her waterworks increased. Rushing to him, she embraced him. Keeping her head on his chest, the girl burst into tears.
"I have lost the bracelet which you gave me..." She muffled, "I'm sorry, father. Please, forgive me."
"No, my child," Zagart stroked her head affectionately, "You're alright at this moment and nothing is more pleasing than this to me."
"With how much love you gifted that to me!" Salima sniffed, "I...I failed to protect it!"
"Salima, to me, the most important thing of the world is only you," The king consoled his daughter, "I want to see you safe, sound and happy always. Now, give up your sadness, my girl."
"No, father!"
Within no moment, her angst turned into anger as she rotated her face back. Gnashing her fists and fangs, she blurted, "My anger and sorrows will go when I'll get my bracelet back!"
In the gigantic room, circular and elliptical velvet couches in the shades of red, blue and violet were surrounding the floor. On them, girls and ladies were leaning against silk bolsters and fluffy pillows. Maids were folding several cloths and outfits. Golden and silver jewelries were placed on round platters on four-legged tables. The more they were checking the quality of the ornaments and dresses, the more they were being excited. Their fingers were caressing the smooth texture of the precious attires. Prudent eyes were examining the threads, the embroideries on them. As always, red qipaos with golden floral cross stiches were at the topmost position of the hotlist. Some modernists were opposing the idea, not forgetting their jobs.
"Salima will wear this." One of them placed a satin gown on the lap of the scarlet-haired princess who was smiling, being amused.
"Nope!" Another protested, trying to check a violet georgette qipao against her skin, "Salima will look very beautiful in it."
"No, this."
"No, that!"
"Have you seen its color once? It's looking like...yuck!"
"What about yours? Have you ever seen any bride wearing black on her wedding day?"
"You're right!" The chubby crown-princess rushed towards them and almost snatched the dress, "Salima won't be able to wear it because I'm the one who is going to put it on!"
"Hey!" One of the ladies objected, "But why?"
"Why not?" Biyu rolled her eyes, "After all, I'm the sister-in-law of Salima. I also have the right to look pretty on her wedding day. Moreover, in this color, I look like a bamboo tree!"
A storm of laughter passed across the room as the chubby lady shot death glares at the maids, "What are you waiting for? Come and tie the waistband around my slender waist!"
Gulping, the servants came to her slowly. Biyu demanded, "Make sure that I should look very slim and beautiful."
"No, not in this way, Biyu!" A short girl inhaled, "Your belly should be inside...like this!"
Following her, the raven woman drew her breaths in, trying to press her bellybutton against her spinal cord. Her cheeks became like air-filled balloons. She found herself struggling against retaining the air in her lungs. Soon, after a few moments, her energy level dropped. Not being able anymore to do that, she exhaled. The carbon-di-oxide came out of her mouth and nostrils as if someone had pierced a paper-bag.
"Hahahaha!" All the ladies almost rolled down on the couches, clutching their bellies, "Oh my God!"
"Hey! Why're you laughing at me?" Biyu pouted, "Because I held my breaths, I couldn't wear it."
"What's happening here?" A lady in her early fifties entered the chamber, crossing her arms on her chest and straightening her backbone. Her posture clearly told everyone that she was none but the empress of China. That's why, leaving the seats, everyone bowed to her.
"Greetings, mother-in-law," The crown-princess replied, "Actually, we were choosing cloths for the engagement and the marriage of Salima."
"These simple dresses for Salima?" Frowning in disgust, she threw one of them on the floor. Sitting beside her daughter, she embraced her arms, "After all, it's the marriage of the daughter of the emperor of China! She's not going to wear these artless outfits on her engagement day. My daughter will put on only the best of all attires of this kingdom."
"But...they aren't bad at all, mother," Salima didn't mind, "Why do you all need to trouble so much for me?"
"What are you saying, Sal?" Biyu slapped on her shoulder which hurt a lot, "Marriage takes place only once in the life of a human being. In my wedding, I literally cultivated all the kingdom to collect my wedding dress, you know!"
"Okay okay, she'll agree with me," Standing up, the queen ordered, "I wanna talk to her for some moments. So, please, leave the room."
"Sure, your Majesty." Bowing again, all the women left the room. Once the chamber contained only two people, turning to her daughter, the empress sighed.
"What happened, mother?" The redhead felt curious, "Why have you ordered all of them to leave?"
"Look, Sal," Clearing her throat, Shaina started, "I know that you love your father a lot. But there are some things which can be shared only with the mother."
"Means?"
"When your marriage with prince Yamashita was fixed, I wasn't there," The mother tried to explain, "But it doesn't mean that I won't be able to understand your feelings. The relation of a mother and her daughter is deeper than all other relations of the world. Please, don't hide anything from me."
"I cannot understand what you are trying to say, mother," The younger redhead shrugged, "I'm happy and satisfied with this marriage. I have no grudge against it. Why are you feeling that I'm sad?"
"I'm not asking you whether you are contented or not," Stern the voice of the queen was, "Why have you agreed for it?"
"Is it a question of asking?" Salima raised an eyebrow, "I like prince Kane. He's a handsome, nice, modest and talented young man. We also met each other in our childhood, remember? He is the best and that's why father has chosen him for me."
"Not for that, my girl," Shaina sighed, "You're really very naïve. You understand what your father makes you understand. At this moment, you're in love with the prince. That's why, you cannot see the dark politics behind the world of your colorful amour."
"What the hell are you saying, mother?" Enraged, the girl grated her teeth, "Why will father do it to me? He loves me a lot. He only wants my well-being above all."
"Your father loves power the most," The empress snickered, "I know him for twenty-five years, my daughter. For attaining more power, he can do anything! So, remove the curtain of blind love for him from your eyes and try to face the reality. Otherwise, you will have to repent one day!"
"Enough, mother!" The princess exclaimed angrily, "You know so well that I don't like to hear a single word against my father. I've wholeheartedly accepted his decision. He is happy, so am I. Why are you trying to destroy this feeling? Why?"
"Because you have only a crush on Kane," Shaina pointed out, "You're not in love with him actually. Swooning over someone's appearance and personality doesn't mean falling in love."
The crimson-haired princess flinched. Yes, her mother was speaking the truth. Each word delivered by her wasn't false at all. She liked Kane, she was infatuated with him...but did she love him? Or was she only seeking for a shelter to escape from the raven-haired guy who had left her stunned with haunting memories of her groom-choosing ceremony on that day? Had the embrace which they had shared been made of love? Or had the redhead let it happen because she'd been feeling secured in his arms?
"Maybe or may not be," Salima tried to show logic, not giving up, "But it's true that I'm going to get married to him. Soon, I'll be the queen of Hong Kong. Perhaps, he's the one with whom I am destined to be in love."
"Oh really?" The queen grimaced, "And what if the person with whom you should have been in love came before you but you couldn't recognize him?"
All her logics disappeared like smokes. Wordlessly, mute, she kept standing before her mother who carried on lecturing. Had...had the person really come in front of her? Did she know him? Like which was he? A sandstorm? A bolt of lightning?
He started rushing towards her. Leaving two steps forward, he jumped in the air. His weapon was about to land on her but it couldn't, getting obstructed by one of its lookalikes. The scarlet-haired girl had already been prepared for that, kneeling down on the ground. In fact, she was always ready for these cases.
"Tung!"
The collision of two swords gave an unexpected surprise to that night. The cloaked girl stood up on her own feet, rotating her weapon once again. This time, it was his turn to defend.
"Sleesh!"
He kept advancing towards the girl and she kept retreating, leaving their swords originating metal sounds that were tearing the discreetness of the night into hundreds of pieces. But they didn't care. They only cared for the victory. Their wrists were revolving artistically, so were their rapiers, sometimes clashing against each other, sometimes drawing pictures on the invisible canvas of the air.
Swirling on her toe, the redhead attacked back, forcing her opponent to retreat this time. The air didn't help her much, making the hood fall back and reveal her face. Not caring, she raised her sword. Unexpectedly, he dropped his foil on the ground, holding the weapon of his opponent with his own hand. That was sharp, opening a wound on his palm. His blood dripped on her face, reddening it a bit.
The dazzling moonlight encircled them from the north, south, east and west. They kept gazing at each other. One's eyes were filled with wrath; another's eyes were carrying the signs of astonishment.
What was he made of? Sweetness or bitterness?
"Relax, princess..."
The redhead gulped, noticing the unusual calmness of the tone. As her lungs got gladdened once, she stopped wheezing, waiting for the reply.
"Princess, I don't want to hurt or harm you, believe me," The bold voice continued, "You're safe here. After a while, the soldiers will come here for you following the marks of the hooves of the stallion. I'm going now."
"But...why did you come to my palace in this way?"
Salima heard a short chuckle after asking the question. Then, the neko-jin replied, "Why were you following me when I was roaming in your castle?"
"Because it's my responsibility as a princess to try my best to keep my family and my residence safe," Salima courageously retorted, "I felt unsecured when you were wandering in the palace."
"And it's my responsibility as a warrior to keep my kingdom safe," The raven-haired Chinese countered, "Be it from an outsider or an insider. Princess, if fate permits, we'll meet each other again. Till then...goodbye."
'No no...' Furiously, the girl shook her head, 'Why am I thinking about him? Let alone in my heart, he's not even worthy of being alive in his own body. He's the enemy of my father, he's the foe of this kingdom. Besides, I am getting married to prince Yamashita. At present, for me, thinking about other men is a grave sin. I cannot commit this crime. No no...I have to stop thinking of him... anyhow...'
"What? A war against Hong Kong?" The chief commander of the battalion of Brazil cocked a brow, not able to receive the request of his daughter properly, "What happened there during these days?"
"Days?" The lavender-haired girl sarcastically grinned, "Within a few moments, the whole world changes, father. I have the logical reason for this war."
"Really?" Still, her father didn't seem to believe her words, "What's it?"
"Kane Yamashita, the prince of Hong Kong," Taking a deep breath and clearing her throat, the girl started explaining everything. Sometimes, her hands tightened, sometimes, her jaw. At some words, she shed a few beads of waterworks, at some, immense wrath reddened her face. Of course, she didn't forget to add some extra spices, knowing that they would surely burn someone without any trouble. Wrinkling his eyes, the soldier kept listening carefully to his daughter.
"Greetings, lady Frankie," He bowed, "How can I be proven useful to you?"
"Kane!" She rushed towards him. Without warning the prince, she enfolded his torso in her slim arms protectively, in a snug way. Instantly, the prince reddened. Biting his lips, he looked down.
"I love you, prince Kane!" Removing all the fears and tensions from her heart, filling it with candor, she frankly confessed, "I cannot live without you!"
"Lady Frankie..."
Whispering, gently, the prince separated her from himself. Still, the lavenderette didn't remove her gazes from his face. Without blinking, she was gaping at him. Her amethyst orbs were filled with a lot of requests. Though she was rich, she came here like a beggar. She was hoping that the donor wouldn't make her return with bare hands.
"I can understand how you are feeling at this moment," Kane started, "But please, try to learn the truth. Like you, I'm also in love-but with someone else. Maybe, I love her way more than you love me. I am extremely sorry, my lady, but I cannot keep any relation with you."
Blankly, the girl kept staring at the prince. All the feelings from her heart were turning into vapors little by little. The prince continued, "Besides, my parents have also decided to get me married to the person whom I love the most. If I accept your proposal, can you ever think what will happen? Won't she feel bad? What will her parents think? What about me? Won't the heads of my parents remain stooped before them always? What would you do if you were in my shoes, my lady?"
"Thud!"
The prince of Hong Kong turned his face away after the Brazilian's palm had fallen on his right cheek. Not satisfied, she thrusted him towards a pillar with sheer force.
"Shut up your nonsenses!" She bellowed, "You...you love someone else? Then why did you accept my invitation to meet me at that night on that day? Why did you show your moods for me rolling my letter in the women's chamber? I have heard everything which you spoke to Salima! If you love her so much, why did you raise the hopes in my heart then? Didn't you feel ashamed playing with my feelings?"
"Please control yourself..." Kane was about to place his hands on her shoulders comfortingly but before that, the Latina jostled them off.
"Stay away from me!" With her index finger, she steered at him, "I won't believe you anymore!"
That made the blood of his body reach his brain, getting it bubbled. Never had anyone, at least not a girl, insulted him in this way in his life coming inside his own room. He clasped his jaw and tightened his fingers. Flames rose in his azure orbs.
"You're ordering me to stay away?" He kicked at the table. From it, the chalice and the wine-jug fell on the floor. The red liquid splattered all over the carpet from the kettle. Colliding with the ground, the goblet clinked. But the prince didn't seem to notice it at all. The girl gasped seeing it, creating a distance between them.
"Who the hell are you?" Kane spat, returning the tight slap, "What's your eligibility? Are you any queen? Any princess? No, not at all! You're the daughter of the chief commander of Brazil who works under the king! You're the offspring of a mere servant of Brazil! Then why do you have so much pride?"
The lavender-haired girl kept staring at the blunette with her round amethyst orbs for a few moments, pressing her right cheek with one of her hands and trying to grasp the smooth wall with another. She forgot to blink. She couldn't remember where she was. She could not recognize who was in front of her at that moment. Did she love him? Had she loved him once upon a time? When?
"Through your veins, the blood of a servant is flowing," He didn't stop, "That's why, you have had the audacity of applying bad words against the soon-to-be son-in-law of China! If you are craving so much for my love, it means I'm not your first love. Before it, you must have had affairs with so many people. Is there any reason for which I should marry you? Is there?"
In humiliation, the face of the lilac-haired girl turned bloodshot. She didn't have the power of uttering any word. Like a captivated and lost lady, she kept standing in front of him.
"Salima has too many reasons to get married to me!" Kane announced proudly, "She's the princess of China. She's the beloved daughter of a mighty emperor in whose fear the whole world shivers! At last not at least, she's an Asian lady. An Asian lady keeps loving and being loyal to her husband, let the world turn against him! Not like you who slapped her own lover! I'm the son of a king, Frankie! A son of a king must always be married to the daughter of an emperor, not to the daughter of a commander who can easily be outshone by a mere soldier of China!"
"Kane..." She murmured with arid eyes. Her tears had already turned into vapors.
"Stop calling me by uttering my name! I have a rank!" The blue-haired young-man raised his index finger at her, "Besides, you're a Brazilian. You're none but one of the enemies of China and Hong Kong. I haven't morally been so degraded that I have to end the honor of traditional Chinese people by marrying a Latin American. You're ominous for our kingdom and her future! Whereas, princess Salima herself is the good fortune. Why should I destroy the hopes of my subjects and my own life by marrying you? I would rather jump into a well! Once I marry princess Salima, I'll be the emperor of China. Then, I'll kick all you guys out of my motherland! Thus, my mother, my kingdom will get peace. She'll be relieved!"
"Enough!" The Brazilian stretched her palm which'd been on her cheek before a while, "I'm silent but it doesn't mean that you'll keep humiliating me and I'll keep listening to you wordlessly without protesting! You have so pride in yourself, don't you? So proud you are, being the crown-prince of Hong-Kong and pretending to be a patriot, aren't you? Then, listen to this Frankie too! She'll get you and your kingdom doomed! She'll surely take her revenge."
Tears detonated from her eyes. Yet, she didn't stop:
"Only because I'm a non-Chinese, you've rejected me. I swear by Lady Hippolyta who rules the Amazon! With the assistance of a patriot Chinese, I'll defeat you. I'll destroy you completely. You'll be surprised but you won't be able to utter a single word when you'll get to see the Chinese with me. Now, a man of China, a patriot will help me! Then you'll realize the hypnotizing power of a Latin American!"
Not giving him a chance to speak, she stormed off, crossing the threshold of the room.
"I wanna revenge on him for my humiliation, father!" She let her father know her wish, "I wanna make them lament for whom I have lamented."
"Before punishing him, think for a while, Frankie," Ricardo coolly spoke, "Think what you did. Being a Latin American, you fell for an Asian. We have come here with a view to winning this land, not for setting up a family. And you? You gave your heart to a man of this continent? Didn't you think once what its outcomes could be?"
"I don't care of outcomes," Frankie bluntly said, "I only know that I have to make Kane reach his conclusions. I wanna revenge!"
"How'll you revenge?" The soldier shook her shoulders, "Frankie, it's a bitter truth and you have to accept it. I'm only a Brazilian soldier, not the king. And you're my daughter, not a princess. Your heart broke-only for this thing, a war cannot be waged."
"So..." Frankie's voice trembled as tears seeped on her face, "You won't do anything against the man who cheated me?"
"You've also cheated us, Frankie," Ricardo seemed emotionless, "You've deceived the customs and norms of Brazilian tradition by falling for a foreign man. Anyways, I can do nothing. Only the king can take the decision in this case, not a servant like me. None but Lord Douglas has the right of deciding about wars and treaties, not I."
"Then okay!" The Latin American girl wasn't a person to give up, "I myself will go and talk to Lord Douglas. I know that he'll surely listen to me and understand me."
"What will you tell him?" Ricardo tightly clutched her arms, shaking her, "That forgetting your customs and values, you fell for an Asian man and he broke your heart? Now, you want a war for revenge? Frankie, he's the king. For him, politics comes at first, not emotions! If he gets to know the truth once, he'll drive both of us out of Brazil. Listen to me carefully: You are not going to tell anyone anything! Pack your stuffs, I'm immediately sending you to Brazil!"
"No!" Frankie threw his arms off, "I'm not going anywhere! Till today, I have loved only with utmost devotion. You must have remembered Pedro, my hamster, mustn't you? I loved him a lot but in the end, he turned his face away from me. I also let him go. If I wanted, I could save him but I didn't do that. And Kane? I loved him more than Pedro, father. That's why, he deserves that much hatred from me, doesn't he? Besides, you also know well that Frankie can take lives in abhorrence if she can sacrifice her own life in amour. That's why, I'll be thirsty for his blood always!"
"Come back to your sense, Frankie!" Ricardo snapped, "Only for this enmity, I cannot let the lives of thousands of my soldiers be ended. That's why, do as I say. Get ready because you are leaving for Brazil at this moment!"
Not giving another chance to his daughter or listening to her anymore, the commander-in-chief of Brazil hastily left the room, leaving the stranded and heartbroken girl alone. The blood-pumping organ had only been shattered. But when her father had rejected her request, she felt that he had ripped it like cloths. That inflammation flowed everywhere of her body through her blood. She closed her eyes, a painful moan kept stinging to her throat, she couldn't let it out. She was always brave, facing every danger without any fear. On that day, she couldn't bear the pain anymore. Taking a slight curved knife from the bamboo-made fruit basket, she pulled it horizontally across her palm.
"Aah!"
Finally, the screech became free from the prison of her vocal cord. Salty liquid flowed once again, from her cut as well as her eyes, being crimson and colorless at the same time, just like two different shades of her life, flamboyant and dull.
"What have you done?!" Out of the blue, a raven-haired young man dashed inside the room. Snatching the dagger from her, he tore his handkerchief and tied her hand with it.
"What're you doing?" Bitterly, she sniveled, even not looking at him properly, "Why have you stopped me? Let me die!"
For a moment, the neko-jin went silent. Not bowing this time, he raised his eyes and gazed at hers dauntlessly. His cold, yet, burning stare made her gulp for the first time in her life. Never had she seen any fearless man like him.
"You want to die, don't you?" Not bothering of rules and customs, he thumped the knife on her palm once again, "Then do it. Take your life with you own hands and let your ghost revenge!"
"How?!" She burst into tears, exhaustedly slumping on her couch, "At first, I thought that my father would be convinced and help me to retrieve my lost honor. But no, to him, politics and the orders of his master came out more important than my dignity. He turned away his face from me! How will I revenge? Who'll help me? Tell me!"
"I'll take your revenge!" Not removing his eyes, Ray blurted.
Hearing him, the lavender-haired girl muted, so did her tears. Somehow, she uttered, "Y..you?"
"Yes, I."
"You'll take my revenge?" She titled her brows, "You're a lonely soldier. I have told you many times to think before speaking."
"I am saying these things only after deep thoughts and plans, my lady," He retorted, "Because this servant will not remain as a soldier for a long time. Soon, he'll be the emperor of China."
The Brazilian's eyes went dry as all the tears fled away from there being surprised. Standing up, she frowned, "You? You'll be the emperor of China?"
"Yes." Once again, without any hesitation, the neko-jin replied in the affirmative.
"Then, why don't you get married to that Salima?" Frankie grimaced, "Thus, you'll be the king and my revenge will be fulfilled. Besides, that Kane Yamashita will also get to taste his own medicine. He'll also know how much it hurts when someone cheats!"
"Because I have no taste in that redhead," Bluntly, he voiced, "I am doing all these things for fulfilling my promises that I made to my teacher. They are nothing but the throne of China and the destruction of Zagart."
The more the Chinese was speaking, the more the Brazilian was being amazed. How boldly he was delivering his words! Standing in front of a Latin American, he was expressing his dreams and desires to ascend the throne of China...without any fear, any embarrassment on his face and in his glimmering golden orbs.
"That's why, I came here so that I could learn the warfare of Brazil and apply them in the war against Zagart." He continued.
"But...why only China?" Frankie asked, "What's your relation with that kingdom?"
"There are various reasons behind enmities, my lady," Ray rejoined, "Just know that our goals aren't different from each other."
A smile rose in the lips of the Brazilian. Even in dense darkness, she found a ray of hope in Ray, not knowing his actual name.
"Then...fine!" She declared, raising a sly smirk all over the face of the rebel, "If our goals are same, we will achieve it together. I'm ready to help you. I'll train you in Brazilian combat. For both our revenge, I'll make you be prepared.
After all, enemy's enemy is a friend!"
Seven tunes of seven heavens sprang from the wooden musical instrument as her lotus-petal fingers drummed the strings soulfully. Although they couldn't be seen, passions for music were visible in her honey-colored orbs. The melody went trenchant, her neon pink tresses swirled beside her cheeks. Pieces of harmony were emanating from the violin-like tool, yet, she felt that her heart was giving them a new birth. Through the diamond-shaped loopholes on the wall, beams of sunshine cascaded on her softer tanned skin as it glowed. Since they stroked her face, in coziness, with closed eyes, she turned her face, shying away from the sun...no, from the rays...
Actually, from Ray, yet, craving for him.
"Enough with these songs, Mariah!" Another lady in green hair, a bit elder than she, entered her chamber with a goblet filled with warm milk, "How long will you remain unmarried? All the girls in the village around your age have got wedded. You're still single. What's your plan?"
At this, her fingers stopped roaming all over the cords. Bit by bit, she raised her eyelids from her beryl pupils. Leering gently, she kept rotating the keys of the instrument, not replying to her.
"Are you even listening to me?" Impatient, the woman questioned, "You are not a child anymore, Mariah. Have your own family."
"You mean...you all aren't included in my family?" The pinkette re-asked, raising an eyebrow, "Or what?"
"Riah, I didn't mean that..." Sighing, the former spoke, "Of course, we all are your family members but...since you are a woman, you have to get married. You cannot remain alone in your life forever. You need someone by your side."
"Forgive me, sister-in-law," The neko-jin stood up, "It's impossible for me. You know the reason far well, now don't ask me."
"I know the cause, Riah," The wife of her brother nodded, "But Ray doesn't love you back. How will you marry him? Cannot you remember what happened before three years?"
"Yes, I can..." Nonchalantly, she uttered.
"No, Mariah!" The raven-haired neko-jin snapped, furiously swaying his head left and right, "It's not possible for me to marry you."
"But...I love you!" The 16-year old pinkette cried, "Will you refuse my love in this way?"
"Yes, I will!" The guy hissed, "Not only yours, but also everyone's! My teacher has commanded me to stay far away from romantic affairs. It is his order for me not to give my heart to someone else. It belongs to only me. No one can claim it. I repeat, no one!"
"I'm giving mine to you, Ray," She pleaded, "You don't need to give yours to me. Just protect my one carefully."
"I have no taste in the hearts of others, Mariah," He was indifferent, "Besides, they are heavier than the rocks. I am afraid that I cannot lift their weight. If I carelessly let yours fall and shatter, I will never be able to forgive myself, Mariah. Your heart is very precious. Please, don't give it to a man who doesn't know how to evaluate it."
Completing his words, he moved his face from her. Spinning back on his ankles, he'd been about to leave the place before she blurted:
"Ray! Will this confession of me hamper our friendship?"
A smile like the sunshine emerged from his face. Looking at her once, he spoke:
"Never till the doomsday of the world, Mariah."
"Then why aren't you understanding that your dreams will never come true, Mariah?" The elder one seethed, "Why're you being so insistent?"
"Because it will be equivalent to cheat if I give my heart to someone else, Xia," The pinkette retorted, "In this way, I'll deceive myself and the guy who will be married to me."
"But our society will smear the ink of disgrace on your forehead, Riah," Xia exhaled, "The people will speak ill of you."
"I don't care," Mariah chortled, moving her fingers on the wires of the locked tool, "I only care about my feelings."
"Then...what will you do?"
"I'll keep waiting for Ray," Globules of a certain salty fluid surged from her honey orbs, "Perhaps, in any other lifespan, in any other birth, we shall belong to each other. Maybe, it's the wish of the deities to lock me with him in another life. Only for that hope, I'll do penance."
You are visible sporadically, why can't I see you regularly?
Why overcasts the horizon of belief, debars you from me?
Whenever, with a flash of light, I spot you for a wink of the eye,
Scared I am every now and then, losing you once again.
How was it? Okay okay, I know that it wasn't good like the previous chapters. What to do, I've adopted a new diet chart along with exercise sessions, coping with them is really tough and I get tired. *Muscle aches*
Yet, do read and review. Since I didn't have the mood of re-reading, so there will be lots of grammatical and spelling errors. Pardon them, please, I promise I'll rectify them when I'll get time. Take care :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^