Hello, dear readers of "Kingdom"! How're you? Hope you're fine and safe :D
Thanks a lot to Cutetyhil, TwilightUniverse018, Sohana Sarkar, Misaki, LadyPeach7, IshuRock8, Justafan, Guest, Stark02, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Jyotsna and Kaihilnator for reviewing. Your reviews elate me to no end. So keep reading and reviewing this story :'D
Misaki: Hmm...you know Julia far well. She's too haughty to confess her feelings that fast. But..I'll not disappoint my readers. So don't worry. About Tala, well...a pre-cap of the next chapter is attached in the end. Read that, you'll get it. Let's see what happens will Brooklyn. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
IshuRock8: I'm sorry *Holds ears* But look, I've updated faster, haven't I? So...I can expect of forgiveness to you, right? Hehehe...
Okay okay...nobody is worthless on this planet...so stop being so hyped. Girl, never mind but...do you review always after consuming a lot of sugar like Max? I mean...never have I seen this zeal in any of my readers. Alright, c'mon my girl, Tally baby (Wtf?!) is alright now. Aww...you love cats and dogs, right? I love them too! Specially, tigers! *Lovey eyes* Okay, thank you so much for reviewing :D
Justafan: আহা! তোমার বাংলা লেখা পড়ে এই হৃদয়ে জেগেছে এক ঝড়, আনন্দে আমার প্রাণ হয়েছে মুখর। (Okay, pardon those lines, I suck at poetry)
Even I also wanna meet you, dear. Hey, please open an account there, we'll chat there in Bengali a lot, opening all the doors of our hearts. And say what? You showed my writing to your dad? *Flushes hard* Man...now I'm getting embarrassed :P. Thank him on my behalf again and again :D
Yeah, I also don't like Brooklyn but I have told you, this story will interpret a lot of fortunate and unfortunate things that happened in beyblade series. So, badmouth that Brooklyn as much as you can, later on, you've to feel sorry for him. And you guessed right about the girls, but it's been quite opposite of the boys. Actually, don't know why, from the past few days, KaiJul allured me a lot (Not more than KaiHil, I won't never stop supporting my KaiHil.) So, Kai will be Mahendra and Tala will be Bihari. In this story, Kai's virtuous but in Beyblade series? Cannot you remember how many times he changed teams? His anime nature will be in my story "Eyesore".
Gosh, when you proposed the concept of changing the genders, I literally chocked on my own saliva. Coincidently, I was planning of another story where Kai would take the form of a hot woman and seduce Brooklyn (Then scared of my "সতীন"s, I let it be. Otherwise, they would rush to me with shoes in their hands to beat me to a puddle).
Hey, don't worry. They happen. They do happen. I have the experience. But you'll surely rock from the next time *Shows thumb*
Oh, I'm writing a Bengali version of this story "Kingdom" on . Its name is "রাজ্য ও রাজত্ব"। It is set in ancient Indian background. Please read and say how my skills in Bengali are: read/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%A7%E0%A6%83-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A8-gs41j9boqlhb-j3f06u4i6694715?redirectTo=%2Fseries%2F%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF-%E0%A6%93-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC-d18gapngou7l
At last but not least, thank you thank you so much for reviewing :D
Guest: Hey, no probs, buddy. I have updated, so read it. Thanks a lot for reviewing.
Okay...let me insert a conversation:
Kane: Misty!
Salima: Misty!
Ray: Sis!
Frankie: Hey, you weird author!
Me: *Rubbing my eyes* What happened? I'm solving circuits, stop annoying me!
Ray: Solving circuits? Hey, what about the wheatstone bridge that you made here among four of us? Leaving this circuit, you cannot solve others. Determine the current flow! Hurry up!
Mariah: Don't forget this galvanometer too!
Frankie: No dear, this wheatstone bridge is in an equilibrium state.
Mariah: Oh no! *Cries*
Me: Hey, don't make my kitty cry *Hugs her* By the way, where's Master Tao?
Master Tao: Keep bantering, children. You even don't know that I'm the voltage source of that circuit where you all are resistances.
Me: *Clutches my head* Oh, it was my mistake to solve circuits. Anyway, I'm here.
*Kane and Salima enter dramatically*
Me: What are you both doing here? You'll come later, not in this chapter.
*Kane and Salima pout and growl*
Hehehe...pardon this stupid convo, now with the chapter :D
The sky was starless. Even the round full moon couldn't be seen anywhere on its ebony canvas. Under it, the tents were standing still like white ghosts. When the wind of the evening was touching them, they were shivering. Standing at a certain distance away from the dome-shaped porches, anyone would easily mistake them as restless spirits. Beneath a tree, timbers were burning in fire. In front of a few pavilions, flares were burning on iron lamp-stands. In their flashes, the loopholes on the fabric walls became quite bizarre. Two black horses were at the center, fluttering their tails and waiting for the commands of their masters. Looking at them, the lavender-haired girl gave a silent chuckle.
Then, she wheeled her head and looked at the neko-jin who was standing right by her side, bending his face down. A few Brazilian soldiers were roaming around the battle arena, carrying some weapons. She tried to read his expressions. Though he was silent, deep inside, he was extremely excited to learn Latin American warfare. So was the Latina; glad she was to be able to teach him. They both were equally thrilled...well, for respective reasons which weren't same at all.
"From today onwards," She started, "Your life is going to change, so is your name. Let the world call you whatever, but for Frankie, you are 'Tigre'. In Portuguese, it means 'Tiger'. In your eyes, I've seen the spunk of that majestic beast. I hope the same vigor will spring from your spirit too."
"Thanks for the name, my lady." He bowed.
"You're welcome," Frankie gestured him to follow, "Now pay your full attention to the trial."
Keeping him standing behind her, the Brazilian strode towards the center of the battlefield. Riding one of the steeds, she stretched her arm. A soldier handed a spear to her. Taking it, she clutched the bridle. Instantly, the beast started galloping across the arena. Due to its speed, the girl bent down a bit on its back. But she didn't leave the weapon. From another direction, the other mount was rushing towards her, carrying a typical Brazilian soldier with another javelin. Coming closer to the girl, he pushed the harpoon to her. Prepared, she leaned back, not letting the arm touch her face. The eyes of the Chinese went widened at her skills.
Reaching the thresholds of the arena, both the horses again took a turn to each other. Their hooves smit the ground brutally as they got closer. Now, it was the opportunity of the Brazilian girl who shoved her lance accurately. Due to the good luck of the guard, it didn't pierce him but he fell down from the steed. Getting down, the lavenderette helped him stand up. The beryl pupils of the neko-jin read all the moves carefully and clearly as he engraved them deep in his mind. As his orbs met hers, she approached him with the weapon.
"So you must have seen what you have to do, Tigre." Frankie assumed. With a silent nod, Ray gave his approval.
"Are you ready?"
"Yeah," He confirmed, "I'm ready."
With his sentence, he was about to go to the horses but the lavenderette voiced from behind.
"Wait!"
As the neko-jin turned back, the Brazilian lifted a leather headgear from the nearby table and placed it on his head. While doing it, her fingers rubbed his raven bangs a bit. His neurons gasped at it. However, he didn't mind. He knew that these things would happen while receiving the training of battles. The strokes couldn't touch his indifferent and disillusioned soul.
Then, he mounted another horse. Frankie took her position on her mare too. Taking the lances and gripping them firmly, they pulled the harnesses of the beasts. The neko-jin put his eyes on the mien of the Brazilian girl. Not caring, she smirked like a pro. Again, the four-footed animals scurried towards each other, positioning themselves at 180 degree-angle. Maintaining the conservation rule of momentum, as the lady speeded forward, her lilac tresses blew back. In equal force, her opponent was progressing towards her.
Their distance ceased, he operated his harpoon. However, she rotated her face away, successfully dodging his raid. Her move didn't only save her but also attacked the balance of the neko-jin on his horse too. Due to the extreme velocity of the mount, his feet shuddered, his grip on the rein loosened a bit. Somehow lying forward, he saved himself from falling. Quite a close call it was. Seeing his attempt, the Latina grinned.
"It is not as easy as it seems, Tigre," She warned, "You have to apply your full concentration. Just imagine that the spear isn't in your hand but you yourself are this spear. Your eyes are the tip of the weapon which can see nothing without its goal. Carry on, once again!"
Since the horse was proceeding, Ray put his focus on the words of his teacher. They were old lessons, yet new. In a brand-new sector, they were being recalled by him.
Speed. Only speed can make all the challenges possible. For a warrior, it is the most important thing.
His fingers hauled the rein, the hooves of his stallion went heavy on mother earth. Tight the grasp was on the javelin, focused eyes weren't flinching a bit from the façade of the Latina. Almost jumping on his horse-back, he carried on. The Brazilian with her flying hair was also hurrying to him. This time, she decided to pin him down with her lance. Fortunately, he revolved right, not leaving the bridle. His balance was also perfectly done.
Three or four rounds took place in the arena. Each time, Ray was learning something new. The blood running through his vein was being thrilled. A new force, an unknown vigor stepped inside his body. A tiger roared from his spirit, he assimilated it. He thought that someone was calling him far away from his location.
'Master, I'm proud of you. I know one day, you'll be able to free me and rescue China from the dark grasps of the devils. I have full faith on you, Master. Keep it up.'
He wondered of the identity of the voice. He felt as if he hadn't been hearing it for the first time in his life. Who was he?
"Very good, Tigre," The Brazilian remarked, completing the last round, "You have done better than my assumptions."
"Thank you so much, my lady," He respectfully hunched, "Without your help and suggestion, it wouldn't be possible for me."
Learning Brazilian warfare from Frankie, Ray was going to be a complete warrior. He was being the one whom could never be forgotten by the history.
The cabin was quite crowded, much smaller for the Chinese soldiers of the Brazilian troop to stay there. In extreme heat, they were sweating. In front of them, swords, arrows, bows, knives, javelins and shuriken stars were scattered. Fire was also burning in two or three alters. Some were disinfecting the weapons; some were cleaning them. It was a task of hard-work. Since they belonged to the king and the chief commander, the blood of the Chinese was forbidden to stain them because it was considered to be unholy. Very carefully, the Asians were performing their tasks. Though exhaustion was tapping the door of their eyes again and again, they weren't paying any heed to it. If they had done, it would've been their last day on the lovely planet.
"Hey, you bastard!"
One of the Asians fell on the ground as a Brazilian placed a kick on his back. He wasn't satisfied even after hitting the Chinese. The lash held in his hand was saying that.
"You remiss!" He growled, "The soil of this region is so weak that fragile creatures like you are born only here in the world. Move your hands faster. If a single mistake happens, you'll get 100 blows of this whip!"
All the Chinese soldiers in that place hung their heads low. Hissing once again, the Latin American left the cabin. The scene pierced the heart of the neko-jin. Seeing the miserable condition of his co-worker, his core wept. He gritted his jaw and grips in relentless frustration and wrath. He was wishing to rip the Brazilian in hundreds of pieces right then and there. Reaching his teammate, he squeezed his shoulders and let out a hand to him. Holding it, the tortured guard stood up.
"You're seeing everything, aren't you?" Turning to everyone, the raven-haired Chinese blurted, "These foreigners treat us worse than the animals."
"Right you are," One of the Asians agreed with him, "Even if we pull our hearts out of our bodies and serve them before the Brazilians on golden platters, yet, they won't be pleased with us."
"Enough this is!" Another ejaculated, "Now, neither we can hear more swearwords from them, nor can we tolerate the hits of their lashes!"
"Then why're you being their slaves?" Ray questioned, silencing everyone, "Why are you supporting them going against your own motherland?"
"To whom should we go then?" The first asked, "Who will help us?"
"There's a king." Ray replied.
"Really?" Everyone frowned, "Who's he?"
"It is he who wants to wage a war against them if we join together," Ray announced, "If we cease all the gaps among us, he'll kick these Brazilians out of China!"
In the illuminations of the torch flames, his face sparkled in sheer determination. However, behind the darkness of the curtains, someone was watching them, not letting them know about his presence. Gnashing his teeth, he quickly left the place as the neko-jin span behind.
'Traitor!' The Brazilian soldier thought, 'He wants to raise a revolt in the battalion against our king. Let me inform his Majesty once!'
The field was open, boundless. Half of it was covered with grass, the other half was possessing powdered sands. Under the night sky, it was looking like a desolate desert. On the sandy portion, a lot of people were standing in rows. They all were wearing royal Tang suits and gorgeous jewelries. Their hands were holding swords, their backs were carrying bows and arrows. Shuriken stars were attached to their belts. In front of them, there was the bald sage with his hands behind. The regal people exchanged confused stares with one another, not understanding what was happening there. They needed a logical and justified answer from the mentor.
"Douglas?" One of them tilted his brow, "Master Tao, you must have known how dangerous he is! Alone, he claimed more than half of the South American continent. You want us to stand against him? Don't you know what a huge battalion he owns?! We won't be able to survive for a single day before them."
"Despite being a mighty emperor, Zagart didn't show the courage of battling him," Another added, "Even king Yamashita also signed treaties with him. Then what are we? How could you even think that we would be able to face him?"
"I know everything!" Raising a hand, Tao blurted, "Nothing is unknown to me. I know that nobody among us is so capable that he can bravely fight against Douglas. Neither we have that strong army, nor any perfect war-skill. But we have something... we have something that will enforce Douglas to kneel down in front of us!"
"What special is it, Master Tao?"
"Ray!"
His voice echoed throughout the whole field. Above their heads, the clouds moved away; feeling someone's presence behind them. Slowly, the moon appeared on the stage of the blue. Her soft glow seeped on the earth on the dumbfounded people. Rays erased the darkness, the name of Ray wiped the confusion of the landlords, fueling their curiosity at the same time.
"Ray...Ray...Ray..."
"In order to defeat the enemy," The great master continued, "We need courage and firmness more than physical strength. Those can be given only by a commander to his battalion. Only Ray can give us those secret powers!"
"Master, you always keep talking about Ray," A third one doubted, "But where's he now? None of us have seen him here till today!"
"I suspect whether the human being named Ray exists on this planet or not!"
"He does exist!" Tao clarified, "He's alive and breathing. Wherever he is, he's thinking how the troop of Douglas can be overthrown."
"Hack!"
In coughing fits, the blonde king of Brazil grabbed his own throat, brokenly sitting on his bed. On a couch by the headboard, the lavender-haired girl was worriedly staring at him. His lower torso was covered with a black cotton blanket. Slaves were standing by all the four fabric walls of the room, lowering their heads. Soldiers were guarding the tent from outside. The warmth of the ignited oil lamps on the lusters was trying to comfort the cold skin of the ailing emperor. They seemed failing in that. The face of the ruler was red but not because of the heat, but for the rising fever. Dark circles were evident beneath his eyes. Breaths were unstable as he had to struggle much against his lungs.
"Please, follow my words, your Majesty," The chief commander pleaded, "Your health is worsening day by day. Our soldiers are also being tired. Let's return to Brazil."
The king was feeling hard to even gulp properly. In spite of his terrible condition, he shook his head boldly.
"Dreams can be fulfilled when life supports us, your Majesty," Ricardo tried, "Life cannot be led with the support of dreams. No treasure in this world is better than good health. If you remain well, this land can be won."
"If I return empty-handedly from this kingdom," Douglas replied somehow, "There will be no reason behind my arrival here."
"You have already conquered more than half of Latin America, my lord," The soldier said, "In the land, only the flag of Brazil is wavering. We are at the top position. We are the first who came to this region and it is not a trivial matter, your Majesty."
"You're right," The ill king agreed, totally forgetting who had actually sent him here, "I'm the only foreigner to whom the entire earth was rewarded."
"But the taste of the victory will be fulfilled when we will return to Brazil and celebrate the festivals along with our subjects, my lord," Ricardo suggested, "You're the mighty Douglas. You easily get whatever you want. It's your greatest victory, your Majesty. Please, listen to me once and leave this place."
"Hail His Majesty of Douglas!"
Hearing the jubilation by his name, the sick emperor looked at the doorway. A soldier was standing there. Bowing, he spoke, "May I come in?"
Douglas had little energy left inside his throat. Waving his hand, he gestured the guard to come in. Behind him, two other combatants came, arresting a raven-haired neko-jin who was caught in their arms. The rebel was struggling a lot to be free but couldn't be. Though he was held as a captive, the signs of willpower didn't vanish from his face. His eagle-like stares were still on the lying ruler of Brazil. Seeing him, the eyebrows of the Latina went high. Gasping, she stood up from her chair.
"What happened?" Ricardo asked, glancing at the neko-jin, "Why have you brought him here?"
"He's the traitor who was brainwashing the Chinese soldiers of our battalion," The Brazilian soldier replied, "He was trying to destroy the unity between China and Brazil. That's why we have arrested him."
Removing the blanket from his torso, Douglas left his bed. Keeping his feet on the ground, he strode towards the Chinese. Suddenly, he got back a huge amount of energy in his body. The lilac-haired lady gulped in fear.
"How dare you?!" A slap fell across his right cheek, "Douglas, in whose battalion there can be no hole, you have tried to harm him!"
"You know who he is?" Ricardo rolled his eyes, "He's one of the best chiefs of Boris Balkov, the mighty ruler of all the universe. Half of Latin America bows to his toes. You've tried to cheat him, spy."
"Tell me why you have done this!" The emperor grabbed his neck, "I have given you place in my battalion, I have provided you with bread and butter. And you? You broke that plate from where you used to eat?"
"Shut up!" The neko-jin elbowed the abdomen of the king. In sheer force, the emperor got thrown back. Two soldiers rushed to the ruler for his aid quickly. It dried the throat of the Brazilian girl. She couldn't believe her own eyes. Even the mighty landlord of Brazil had to scuffle a lot to accept the reality.
"Have you seen my hand?" Turning to him, Ray stretched his palm before him, "It's the same hand which regularly prepares the bread that is eaten by you. If you place sword here, it will also learn how to shed the blood of enemies in the battleground. But according to your orders, this right has been given only to the Latin Americans, not to the Asians! In your eyes, a Brazilian is a true warrior, not a Chinese. To you, preparing food is an insulting task and that's why you have given this responsibility to us Chinese because you think us to be inferior! Knowing this, my self-respect has got hurt because I'm a soldier. I can fight, I have the ability of operating weapons. That's why, I have admitted myself to your battalion. If I get an opportunity, I can prove how much strength the Chinese own, I can show you the real power of China and her people. But alas! We don't get any chance for that. So, I decided to protest."
"Oh really?" Douglas raised an eyebrow but couldn't talk properly, "Ahem...so you think that you guys...ahem...are better than our soldiers? We should never have appointed a moron like you in our battalion!"
"I've only spoken what the truth is, your Majesty," Ray didn't become afraid a bit. Rather, sarcasm was heard in his words, "If you're feeling bad, I won't utter the truth before the great lord Douglas."
"But I want to hear them!" The Brazilian demanded, "Till today, nobody has dared look at my eyes, let alone hurting me. Tell me whatever you want!"
"Then listen," The neko-jin retorted, "We Chinese also know how to fight. Our bodies have a lot of energy too."
"And you thought that I'd believe you?" The Latin American king grimaced, "If you have so much power, why are you pinned down beneath our feet? Where's the sacred spirit of China, the white tiger? Why have you guys sacrificed him for the welfare of your nation? Can you say that? Do you have any answer?"
"Because China lacks of an ideal king," Ray didn't feel baffled while answering though his head was aching in anger at the logic and the sharp questions of the foreigner that made his heart bleed, "There's no king who will consider his motherland to be his mother and her people to be his children. When he'll ascend the throne, that day, a Chinese alone will kick all of you out of Asia forever! That day, lowering your head, you'll beg for our mercy to mother China!"
"Enough!" Douglas roared, "Enough it's been! In front of this Douglas, the walls which stood up were crushed into pieces. The tongues which dared speak were muted. It is high time your tongue was silenced, traitor! Soldiers!"
"Yes Sir!"
"This deceiver mustn't see the sunrise of tomorrow," He ordered, "Murder him!"
Gripping the arms of the neko-jin, the guards took him back. In coughing fits, the king sat down on his bed. Two servants approached him for help. Only the Latin American lady kept staring at the footsteps of the rebel. Though she didn't deny the fact, her heart was crying for him. In tension, she bit her nails. Droplets of sweat appeared on her forehead. She felt herself at a loss.
'I have to save him...' She pondered, 'At any cost...'
It was the last tent of the camp of the Brazilians. The fabric of the marquee became very dirty not for being washed properly because nobody used to come there a lot. Old chairs, tables and beds were covered with stained cloths, creating mess and piles here and there. The pavilion was placed at a corner. It was so dense that even the outer light couldn't peep inside properly through the square-shaped openings. On the floor, broken vases, statues and other things were scattered. Blazes were rising high from two metal torches linked with the poles. Abandoned the place was, so was the individual inside it at that moment.
At the center, the raven-haired neko-jin was barely standing. His wrists were being pulled by the pillars to which they were tied with ropes. His feet were fastened to each other too. On the different spots of his whole body, there were the blemishes of whips and knives. A light bruise was visible on his temple. His breaths were quite heavy. Perspiration drenched his cloths. But he wasn't screaming or crying. It was against his nature. Even when the Brazilian soldiers had been asking him about the identity of the king, he hadn't opened his mouth. They had pressed heated staff on his cheek. Yet, he hadn't spoken anything. He could have died during the torture. Despite knowing that, he'd remained quiet.
"Frusshh!"
Tearing the fabric of one side, someone entered the pavilion. Ray's closed eyes shot open as he was about to screech and look back. Before it, a hand grabbed his mouth firmly.
"Hush!" The girl silenced him with a spooky voice, "It's me, Frankie."
"What're you doing here?" Ray whispered.
"What am I doing here?" The Brazilian smirked while unfastening his wrists, "I've come here to save you. What do you want? To die? Then let me go from here!"
"I didn't mean that..."
"Okay okay, now don't tell me stories," Done with his hands, the lilac-haired stooped on the floor and severed the twines that were inclosing his ankles, "Flee from here."
"What will I get fleeing from here, my lady?" The neko-jin sighed, "I would rather die than do that. Escaping like a coward doesn't suit a soldier like me."
"What the hell?!" Frankie frowned, "What do you think of yourself? Have you forgotten what you told me? Those who can utilize opportunities are called intelligent, Tigre. That's why, without protesting a bit, do as I order."
Freeing him completely, the Brazilian stood up, "Now be calm and quiet. Through the gap, get out."
"Why're you doing so, my lady?" The neko-jin gazed at her purple pupils, "Why're you cheating your own people? I humiliated your king, I tried to create a chaos in your battalion. Still you're helping me? Why?"
"Yes, I want to help you," Frankie pulled him closer by his arms, "Because nothing is free in this world. All have respective prices. I myself will tell you the price of saving your life when the right time comes."
"I also saved your life once upon a time." Ray winked.
"I have not forgotten that, Tigre," The Brazilian winked back, "But I fulfilled the debt by teaching you the warfare of Brazil and you haven't waged that price yet. So, consider that the honorarium of this teacher is still unpaid."
Leaving him, the lilac-haired girl pushed him, "Go!"
"You're really extraordinary, my lady," Ray chuckled, "Never have I seen an intelligent and brave woman like you in my life."
Without any warning, trying to shock him, the lavenderette cupped his face snugly and drew it towards hers though it didn't startle the young man a bit, "Because I'm a woman, I am brave. If I were a man, I would be a heartless selfish like that arrogant prince of Hong Kong whom you know as Kane Yamashita and brainless like you! That's why, don't consider women weak. When a woman reigns in someone's heart, she can possess his thoughts and emotions. When she controls one's brain, she can make him do whatever she wants. Got it? Now go from here. And listen, don't make sounds. Outside this tent, a horse is ready for you which will help you escape from this camp."
Breathing deeply, the raven-haired guy freed himself from the paws of the Latina. Glancing at her once, he went out through the ripped space on the fabric. Watching him go, Frankie also left the place. Following that moment, a guard entered the pavilion through the main entrance. His eyes met nothing but the severed cords encircling the columns and falling on the ground. He rushed to the center but it came out with nothing. Frowning, he slapped on his forehead.
"Where the hell has he fled?" He gulped, "I have to go to Sir Ricardo and inform him about it as soon as possible."
Dark and silent the wharf was. Beside it, the tassels of catkins were blooming. The white curtains of the flowers made a dense woodland. It was so paradoxical that the rabbits and squirrels hidden inside it couldn't be found easily. At another side, tall reeds grew too. Behind the inlet, there was a deep forest. Wild animals frequently used to come here and fulfill their thirst. The water of the lake was deep ebony-colored just like that night. Though it was crystal-clear, the neko-jin couldn't see his reflection on its surface. Tying his horse to a cane, he was washing his face and hands so that he could remove the stains of torture from there. It was only showing him how weak he'd been then.
Not letting him know, someone tiptoed behind him. Raising a dagger, the stalker cut the rope which was binding the stallion. Set free, it neighed once and galloped in the direction of the Brazilian camp. Hearing the sound of its whining, the tiger-boy looked back. As he saw it returning, he stood up and decided to follow the beast. But before it, the intruder clutched his mouth and pressed a dagger against his neck. Without giving him a chance to bite back, the attacker pushed him in the bushes of catkins.
"Master Tao!" In surprise, his eyes went widened, "You're here?"
"Don't talk!" The sage pointed at a place far from them, "Look there!"
Through his aimed spot, the troops of Brazil were marching with their mounts. Ray didn't take a single moment to understand why they were out at that time. Not wasting much time, along with his teacher, he hid in the forest. One of the soldiers came down from the back of his stallion. Stepping on the earth, he glanced here and there in order to find the rebel. His vision couldn't pierce the density of the woods. Then, he decided to utilize his auditory nerves.
"The sounds of the hooves are coming from there!" He steered, successfully sensing the reverberations, "Let's go and find him. He shouldn't be alive today!"
Following him, all his teammates emptied the place. Once there was nobody, the duo came out, sighing in relief.
"What are you doing here?" Tao asked, still checking the environs carefully, "At this time, you should've been in the camp of those Brazilians."
"Master, Douglas has given me death penalty," Ray replied, bowing, "I had to escape with this horse."
"What?!" The teacher exclaimed, "But what happened to that goal for which I sent you there?"
"I always obey all your orders letter by letter, Master," He assured, "Lady Frankie herself put me in their battalion and taught me the warfare of Brazil. Only for her, I could safely escape from there."
"No!" The bald man protested, "Though you have escaped from the bastion, you aren't safe still. The soldiers of Douglas must be searching for you in every direction. They won't let you go so easily. This night is very difficult for you, Ray."
"Don't worry about me, Master," Ray placed his hands on the shoulders of his mentor, "I know one place. There, the Brazilians will never be able to find me.
She'll protect me at any cost, Master. I have full faith on her."
Precap of the next chapter:
"Buhahaha!" The purple-haired monster burst out frantic laughter, "Prince Valkov, you may hide from me but you cannot flee from me."
"Let me go, you crazy demon!" The redhead blurted, "What will you get from me?"
"The whole world!" The king of underground clutched his collars, "I'll make you my slave one day. I'll sacrifice your sacred soul to Lucifer! You'll be my servant! You'll be the supporter of evil!"
"Never in my lifetime!" The wolf-prince felt crippled from all the directions. His organs were going numb.
"Then...maybe in the next life?!"
He didn't have any logical answer. In the darkness, only the sharp nails and the scary face of the maniac could be seen. Even in the cold atmosphere, the wolvia-wielder was sweating a lot. His breaths weren't calm anymore. The hands of the crazy man grabbed his neck and chocked him hard. His spine forgot all the sensations. His vision turned blurred. Before the final moment, he could utter only one word, screaming:
"KAI!"
Oh no! What will happen to Tala? Who'll help Ray btw?
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical mistakes and the spelling errors. Take care and stay safe :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^