Hello my dear people! Welcome to "Kingdom".
Thanks so much to Seafoam Green Under Twilight, Emerald Vivienne Ramira, Sohana Sarkar, Cutetyhil, Scarlet Witch of Terra, Guest, LadyPeach7, Jyotsna, ILoveMyIndia and Justafan for reviewing :D
Guest: According to your wish, here's the wedding preparation. Just read this chapter. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
Jyotsna: Oh, it was simple. Remember that demon Billy slaughtered Japanese Samurais with his nails? Tala recognized him by seeing the taints of blood on the nails. Kai didn't notice it at first but when he saw the sheer determination of Tala, he had to glance all over her appearance. Sorry, I couldn't bring China part for you because most of the readers wanted wedding preparations. But no worries, China part will be for you in the next chapter. Thank you so much for reviewing :D
ILoveMyIndia: Oh...French? I see...yeah, two languages are never enough. That's why I am planning to learn Japanese and Spanish (I wanna learn Russian too! *Sniffs*) But since Misty is so lazy, she can never be expert in many languages like you. Yeah, Bangladesh is almost like India, just quite tiny in size XD.
Really? Aww...*Blushes* Thank you dear 3. And you have such a cute name. I liked your name a lot. Thank you so much for reviewing, little Chiya :*
Justafan: Yes, only Kai has this ability even in the original anime. You're adoring the mental bond of Kai and Tala? What will you do when I will describe the immense love...opps, sorry, the immense friendship between Kai and Tyson? Thank goodness that you loved Tyson's part. It means you felt enraged reading that chapter when Tyson attacked Kai in the groom-choosing ceremony but you kept being patient. Thank you so much for your patience, really it brought colors. :P
Yeah, I also feel that sometimes too. Actually, I have no problem with them being villains (Because writers should have the eyes of seeing things from different sides. Remember Michael Madhusudan Dutt? He composed the first and most famous epic of Bengali literature, "মেঘনাদবধ কাব্য" where he portrayed Ravana and his gang from positive side and Rama and his team as negative side :P.) So, I can deal with them being villains but when the authors cannot bring the character, I feel annoyed. Like, "Okay, make them villains but why to snatch their coolness from them?" XD
Julia...*Sighs*. I can only tell this to you that most of the main female characters of this story will have to bear great burdens later on. The same thing can be told about Hilary. Hehehe...though I didn't write anything regarding Kai's reaction, it's your responsibility to imagine how Kai's mental state was when he discovered that he had been going to kiss a demon! :P
No worries, just cling to this original story because you mayn't like my Bengali skills XD. And Khalibali will be there too through Boris's lips :P
And according to your wishes, there's the hot spring scene. Let me know your reactions after reading that part though more hotness will come in the next chapter.
Besides, thank you so much for wishing me luck. I really needed it. Hell no, I didn't update it late because of revenging. I was just waiting for a certain amount of review. I have got it, I have updated it! Hoping to hear from you soon! :P
...
Okie, so in this chapter, you'll get to see so many collisions (Don't collide my head against a wall after reading it because this chapter has been purely useless). Since I was playing a lot with demons, wars, dangers, blood, I thought to entertain you a bit. So...enjoy! :D
"Attention!" One of the combatants boldly announced, hurting the ground with his spear, "The princes of Russia are entering!"
In front of the huge palace of Japan, maids, servants and guards were standing to receive the special guests of the wedding ceremonies of their princesses. The gate of the castle was embellished with the garlands of camellias and cherry-white Sakura flowers. Hosts were waiting for the invitees with golden and silver patters filled with florets and petals enclosed in their hands. Some were holding the copper pitchers of holy water to sprinkle on them. Red runners having golden fringes were laid on the way to the entrance. Drummers were beating tabors with hollow sticks, tying white handkerchiefs around their heads. Royal girls were enthusiastically looking for the Russian princes. Through one another's neck, they were impatiently peeping here and there.
One by one, almost nine or ten chariots stopped in front of the regal fort of Japan. The white, black and brown horses which had been pulling the vehicles neighed a bit, then ceased moving, getting ordered from the charioteers. From the close-curtained ones, four old and middle-aged couples got down. The women held the hands of their men for support. The males helped their wives carefully. From the next two, four young men descended vibrantly. Beside them, Russian slaves wearing brown vyshyvanka tops and grey baggy pants were carrying the trays of precious gifts. The sound of the drums went loud as the musicians saw them. Soldiers started blurting:
"Hail the noblemen and noblewomen of Russia!"
"Hail the princes of Russia!"
Maidens sprinkled petals on the guests. Priests showered the blobs of holy water. Through the red carpet, the invitees of the groom party went ahead. Before the main gate, the emperor and empress of Japan were waiting. Seeing their soon-to-be relatives, they smiled broadly and bowed.
"Greetings, the honorable noblemen and noblewomen of Russia," The emperor greeted respectfully, "Welcome to Japan."
"Thank you so much for this gorgeous reception, your Majesty," The lilac-haired woman grinned, "Really, we are touched. We are not even feeling that we have landed on the soil of any other kingdom than Russia."
"How can Russia and Japan be different from each other from now onwards, my lady?" The queen beamed, "After all, an auspicious and ever-lasting relation is going to be formed between two kingdoms."
"That's a truth," Natalia smirked, "Kai was saying that only in Japan, foreigners are considered to be relatives. He wasn't telling lies at that time in the letter. In fact, he was saying less. Japan is really very hospitable. Thank you so much for your kind hospitality, queen Sayoko."
"No no, what are you saying, lady Natalia?" Sayoko shook her head, "You don't need to thank us. We're just performing our responsibility. Anyways, you have come here crossing a long distance. You must be tired after this long journey. Maids and soldiers will show you your chambers. Get fresh, have something and take rest at first. Then, you can meet your sons."
"Pardon me, your Majesty..." The carrot-nosed prince lowered his head, "But if we got to meet our brothers at first, we would be so happy."
"Actually, we have been brought up together since our childhood," The blonde added, supporting the wyvio-wielder, "The closeness among us is so dense that we don't think one another to be our cousin. We're like biological brothers. That's why, we missed Kai and Tala a lot during these days."
"No problem, prince Petrov," The king agreed, seeming pleased, "At this moment, prince Hiwatari and prince Valkov are at the guesthouse of sage Dickenson which is almost attached to our castle. The soldiers will take you there."
"Thanks a lot, your Majesty," Bryan nodded, "Boys, let's go there."
Leering once, their parents followed the royal couple of Japan while the children were walking behind the Japanese Samurais. While crossing a shrubbery, their eyes fell on three young maidens. They were striding, smilingly gossiping with one another and bursting into clinking laughter by fits and starts. Under the soft sunshine, their skins were glowing, be their complexions fair or olive. Chocolate, navy-blue and purple locks were almost floating in the air when they were striding. Sapphire, emerald and turquoise orbs danced in amusement. Seeing the tallest of them, the falcon felt a jolt at his heart. His jaw dropped and lilac eyes went widened. Gulping, he stopped right there.
"What happened, Bryan?" The blonde wrinkled his eyebrows, "Why have you stopped?"
"Oh my!" He stated dreamily, "Japan is so hot, bro!"
A lie it wasn't. Since they were from Russia, it would be obvious for them to sweat in the unusual weather of Nippon. But, the cause wasn't the weather. It was the mien of the female blunette who was chatting with her friends with a round bamboo flower-basket in her hands. A sunflower was tucked inside her bun. Plopping sunshine with her smile, she was progressing. Bryan stupidly shrugged at her. At a time, she stopped. Maybe, she wanted to prolong the chat. To the falcon, her posture came as a golden opportunity. Nope, this chance couldn't be missed so easily...
"Spencer! Ian!" The lavender-haired guy coughed, "You both go and meet Kai and Tala. Let me enjoy the beautiful view of Japan at first for a while."
"What?" The magenta-eyes of the carrot-nosed almost came out, "You...you and...natural beauty?"
"Hey Bry, just spit out the truth," Spencer slapped on his shoulder, "While coming along the way, did you find any road-side drug-dealer who sold wine to you in a low rate? Don't worry, we won't tell it to anyone, not even to Kai and Tala."
"Shut the fuck up!" Bryan gripped the collars of the whale-prince, "What do you think of me, huh? Am I so freaking heartless that I cannot have passion for nature? Like you all, I also love nature fucking so much! When it's about Asia, if I don't view it, it will be a great sin which can even lead me to hell in my afterlife! Do you want to see me in fucking hell, butthead?"
"Will you stop using cursing words, Bryan?" Spencer bit his lips, "If anyone listens to us, we'll be doomed!"
"Greater it will be," Ian grimaced, "Anyways, if your eyes have decided that they will not fall on us before watching the beauties...sorry, I mean, the natural beauty of Japan, then, it's your choice. But don't spend too much time here, okay?"
"Okay okay..." Scratching his head, Bryan turned back. Smirking again, the Russians followed the soldiers. Once his brothers were out of his sight, quickly, the falvio-wielder gently treaded towards the girls. Seeing him, the Japanese lasses ceased talking to one another and bowed before him.
"Greetings, my ladies," He said, returning the bow, acting polite as much as he could, "I'm Bryan Kuznetsov. I'm one of the cousins of Kai."
"Nice to meet you, prince Kuznetsov," The tallest of the ladies smiled, introducing him to her friends who respectively greeted the falcon, "I'm Mariam Haruko, the princess of Hokkaido. This is Dew, the youngest princess of Japan and she is Charlotte, the princess of America."
"Nice to meet you too, princess Mariam," Bryan didn't care of formalities, "Actually, I wanted to view the natural beauty of Japan. But since I am new here, I am not familiar with this kingdom. So, would you mind accompanying me a bit?"
"I'm so sorry, prince Kuznetsov," Mariam gave him a pseudo-sympathetic look, "But I'm so busy here. It's the marriages of my best friends and we have to do a lot of chores. Why don't you ask me later or order a maid or a soldier to accompany you? They'll guide you way better than I will."
"It's alright, princess..." Bryan pretended to sigh, "Though I must admit that I don't need to watch the beauty of Japan anymore now."
"Really?" The blunette cocked an eyebrow, "Why?"
"Because I have seen it in your gorgeous emerald eyes, princess," The falcon rubbed his palms together, "You yourself are an embodiment of the beauty of Japan. My life has been successful after having your sight...I mean, the sight of beautiful Japan, my lady."
"Be careful, Mari ni-chan..." Dew whispered in the ears of the blunette, poking at her arm, "He's flirting with you."
"Don't worry about that, Dew," Mariam winked, "Soon, he'll realize what he is going to do."
"Princess Mariam," Bryan cleared his throat, "Have you said something? I mean your voice is so soft yet melodious that these worthless ears of this Bryan Kuznetsov..."
"Thud!"
"Ouch!" The lilac-haired rubbed his butt, frowning as turning behind, he saw a pebble, "Who the fu... I mean, who did that?"
The girls tried to hide their laughter. Coughing, Mariam said, "Actually, I forgot to warn you about one thing."
"Which thing?"
"Are you seeing that bush?" The shark-princess pointed at the shrubbery which had been crossed by the cousins of the lavender-head, "A lot of ghosts live there, you know."
"Whaaat?" Bryan almost screamed at the top of his lungs, "G...ghos...ghosts?"
"Yeah," Mariam gloomily nodded, "They love to target light purple-haired boys a lot because they're female and purple is their most favorite color. They do it to those whom they love a lot. I think they have fallen in love with you, prince."
"S... seriously?" The brave prince of Russia stuttered, "I-I mean...how will ghosts work in daylight?"
"That's the specialty of the spirits of Japan, prince," The blunette carefully watched the bush, "They can be active even in the daylight. I beg to you, prince, please leave the place. Otherwise, they'll make you crazy."
"No worries, belle," Bryan chuckled, "Nothing can harm me as long as your boundless daintiness is with me..."
"Thud!"
"Aaah!" This time, the falcon started jumping out of pain, caressing his butts, not bothering of the girls standing before him dropping their jaws. The pebble was bigger as well as heavier than the last one. It hurt him more.
"I told you, prince..." Mariam gulped, "Since you praised me, they got angry and jealous. That's why, they threw this stone at you. Please, exit this place before the third one hits your head..."
"Okay okay..." Bryan panted in fear. Closing his eyes and turning back, he launched his legs as fast as he could. When he couldn't be seen, the girls exchanged confused but amused stares. Then suddenly, all they three burst out laughter.
"Oh my!" Charlotte clutched her stomach, "You have taught such a brilliant lesson to prince Kuznetsov, Mariam. I hope he'll remember it forever."
"No Charlotte," Mariam shook her head, "I haven't taught him any lesson."
"You haven't?" Dew glowered, "Then who, Mari ni-chan? From where did these pebbles come?"
"You'll get to know it when the right time comes," The blunette patted her head, "Now, go to the ceremony hall for giving the floor-paints. I'm going to market for buying some fresh fruits for the American guests."
"Okay," The American princess nodded, "But come soon."
"Sure." Mariam confirmed as the younger girls left her. Watching them go, the shark-princess approached the bush from where the pebbles had been thrown at the falcon-prince. Clearing her throat and looking by her sides, she voiced, "Nobody is here. You can come out."
From the shrubbery, a hyperactive blonde came out. Huffing, he dusted off the dry leaves from his cloths. Seeing Mariam, he stupidly smiled, "Hope he won't dare flirt with you ever in his life."
"That's not the problem," Mariam crossed her hands on her chest, "He was only praising my beauty. You shouldn't hurt a beauty-lover, Max."
"Aww...how can you be so cruel, Mari?" Max laid his arms on her shoulders, leaning on her face mischievously, "Have I gone dumb that you need to hear your praise from someone else? Don't hurt my poor little heart in this way, my lady."
"Max, I didn't mean that," The blunette sighed, "He is our guest. What if he saw you? Wouldn't he have ill-thoughts regarding Japan and our hospitality? What would he think about us?"
"Strange!" The draciel-wielder pouted, "We have permitted them to enter our garden but it doesn't mean that we have allowed them to pluck the flowers. It is surely an insult to us!"
"So, you're comparing me with a flower?"
"Of course!" Max furiously waggled, "You're the brightest sunflower of Japan. Today, I'm giving you the name, 'Himawari'."
"Let it be, Max," The royal blue-haired girl yawned, "You don't need to flatter me anymore. I'm not going to spend time with you now. I have to go to market and buy fruits for your friends."
"Friends? You mean...Emily and Michael?"
"Yes," The Japanese nodded, "They can come here anytime. We need to welcome them, right? So, let me go!"
Putting the arms of her lover down from her shoulders, the blunette winked at him once and went on. Leaning against a tree and watching her feet, the American thought, 'You're right, Mari. I also need to do something for welcoming them. It should be special because they haven't seen this adult Max yet. Hehehe...'
The entire Japan had already started adorning herself for the marriage of her dearest daughter. Even the markets weren't out of the list. The arcade of the capital was decorated with white and yellow marigold festoons. Like swings, triangular colorful paper artworks were hanging from the twines connected to every two buildings or huts. Shops were pained olive and orange. Under the cotton and silk parasols, stuffs were neatly organized. Guards of the capital were playing trumpets. Whirling waves in white were painted on the wooden doors. Riding stallions, American soldiers were entering the capital. Behind them, there was a cobblestone palanquin whose four handles were on the shoulders of four brawny men. Due to the drawn-off curtains, it couldn't be seen who was in that. Following the litter, another white stallion on whose head a golden eagle was painted was coming. A tall blonde was mounting it, wearing metal armors covering his chest, shoulders, knees, arms and wrists. A long rapier was attached to his waist-strap. On his face, there was the sign of valor and pride. They were flickering through his azure pupils.
From another side, a blunette entered the alley. She was holding a fruit basket in which ripe oranges and crimson apples were placed. Seeing the party, she stopped for a while. A smile was about to rise in her lips but before it, she saw a little girl rushing to the other side of the road from her opposite direction. The eyes of the palanquin-bearers were ahead; they weren't seeing anyone. A girly voice sounded from it, "Drag it faster."
So did they drag, not caring of the little girl. Mariam's eyes went widened in fear. Without looking anywhere, she dashed towards the baby girl and pulled her at the other side of the road. The child became safe but the elbow of one of the footmen hit the head of the blunette. Though she didn't get hurt, the balance of the palanquin wobbled. The lady inside it held the grills of it so that she couldn't fall down. Getting her order, the bearers put it down.
"What happened?" The girl inside it questioned.
"Pardon me, my lady," A maid lowered her head, "But suddenly, a girl came in front of the bearers. That's why, we had to stop."
"Oh really?" The voice seemed infuriated, "Let me see who dared stop my vehicle!"
As the maid opened the gate of the palanquin, an American girl around 18-19 descended. Bright orange locks crossed her back and front hair wavily ended by her ears. Under her arched eyebrows, there were her bluish-grey orbs which were sharper than a sword. In the corners of her tangerine lips, there was a symbol of keen annoyance, keeping her Grecian nose over them. Her pear-green gown of golden criss-cross floral designs having transparent yellow puffy sleeves embodied the fairness of her skin. The beryl fabric belt around her waist showed her actual figure. Neck wore a gold-rimmed necklace with ocean-green locket whose carbon copies were hanging from her ears. Golden fingerless gloves exposed her flower-bud fingers. The dark-olive covered thick book held in her hand was saying how knowledgeable and educated she was. It was too showering from her eyes which were set on the blunette.
"Girl," Though she seemed calm, "Have you stopped my palanquin?"
"Pardon me, lady," Mariam seemed serene but stern, "I saw a little girl who was coming on the way of you. She could get her head hurt because she was as tall as the bottom of your palanquin. But the palanquin-bearers weren't seeing her. That's why, for saving her, I had to come before you. I'm sorry. Hope I haven't disturbed you."
"Shut up!" The chief-commander of America got down from his horse, "Do you know to whom you are talking in this manner? She's the daughter of the prime minister of America. You have no right to misbehave with her."
"Calm down, Michael," Emily tried to soothe her lover, "She didn't misbehave with me."
"No Emily, you should stop ignoring everything in the world," Michael shook his head, "Ignoring isn't avoiding. Sometimes, you have to face the matter and protest. Maybe, not paying any heed can be a sign of wisdom but objecting is the sign of valor. You have both of them equally in you."
Turning to the Japanese, he pulled out his sword and placed it against her neck, "Do you know which punishment can you get for this crime?"
"I don't know, sorry..." Mariam indifferently spoke, glancing at the weapon, "Who're you to punish me by the way?"
"Everyone in America knows me as Michael Summers," He proudly retorted, "I'm the commander-in-chief of America."
"Being a chief-commander, you're showing so much pride before me?" Mariam cocked an eyebrow, "Even the prince and princess of America don't become so proud when they talk to me. A soldier is always bound to follow the footsteps of his king or prince. Aren't you violating the rule?"
"You..!"
Enraged, the soldier raised the sword which was about to fall on the neck of the blunette. But before it, it collided with something metal as a mechanical sound rose:
"Tung!"
A six-foot long yari spear was obstructing the sword. It was held in two muscular arms of a medium-heighted but beefy guy. His hair was in the shades of blood and boulders. Emerald pools were roaring at the American warrior. Fangs were clenched, grips were firm on his weapon. Under his left eye, the tattoo of a light-violet and black leopard was painted, raising flames from its ankles, shoulders and back. Looking at him, it could seem jumping on its prey. So was the tattoo-owner, about to leap on the blonde. Holding the javelin snugly, the Japanese pushed his opponent back. The sword from his hand got flung up. Revolving a bit, it landed on the ground.
"Ting!"
Michael dropped his jaw, shockingly staring at the warrior of Nippon who turned to the girl. Concerned, he asked, "Are you okay, Mariam?"
The blunette nodded in confirmation, her eyes twinkled in happiness by meeting one of her closest friends after a long time. Backing to the American, he seethed, "You call yourself a warrior and raise your weapon on a woman? Shame on you!"
"I wouldn't have done anything to her if she hadn't tended to hurt lady Watson," Michael spoke, "But what you have done to me is clearly showing your audacity, young man."
"You have the right of protecting the honor of a woman, so do I, warrior," The two-toned haired replied, "We both have performed our duties. So, why to be infuriated now?"
"You're forgetting that it's also the responsibility of a warrior to retort to the challenge of his opponent," Michael picked up his sword from the ground, "What are you waiting for? Let's start!"
"Will you all stop it?!"
Breaking the valiance of the warriors, the orange-haired girl shouted to stop the battle between them. Once they looked at her, she lowered her head.
"Men shouldn't interfere when the women are talking," She voiced, "Besides, it was our fault to be that careless while crossing the roads, Michael. Our mistake could injure someone. Instead of admitting it, we are trying to hide it? Michael, since when did we Americans become so nasty?"
Moving to Mariam, she added, "I'm extremely sorry for the behavior of our chief-commander, my lady. Please, pardon our carelessness. We should have been more conscious. If any harm has been caused, we're ready to do anything to compensate it."
"No no, my lady, you don't have to," Mariam politely refused, "I also lost my temper before the honorable persons like you. It didn't suit me. Forgive me too."
"See, Michael?" Now, Emily turned to her lover, keeping her palms on her waist, "Learn something from her. For facing tough situations, words work better than weapons."
"Thank you so much for saving me, Ozuma," Mariam smiled, "Excuse me, but I think you also went quite hyper."
"You're right, Mariam..." The leopard-wielder looked down, "Actually when I saw the weapon falling on you, I couldn't resist my arm. Pardon me, Sir..."
"Michael Summers," The blonde expanded a hand, "I'm sorry too."
"It's okay." Ozuma smiled as they both shook hands. Seeing them, the girls also smilingly glanced at each other.
"Pardon me, lady..." Mariam started, "But I think I know you. Have we ever met before? If you don't mind, can you mention your name?"
"Emily Watson," The orangette replied, "My friend and the prince of America, Max Tate is the nephew of your emperor. For this reason, in my childhood, I visited Japan a few times. You must have seen me then, right?"
"E...Emily?" Her jade orbs gleamed, "Oh my God! Pardon me, I couldn't recognize you. Wait...let me breathe once!"
Huffing, she continued, "How're you? Why didn't you come to Japan in the last twelve years? All of us totally forgot your face, you know?"
"Yeah, I know..." Emily sighed, "I have also forgotten Max's face. But...who're you? I couldn't recognize you."
"I'm Mariam," She chortled, "Remember a skinny girl who used to feed the fishes always and keep taunting Max?"
"You're Mariam?" Emily's jaw dropped, "Cannot believe! I just cannot believe that Max is fallen..."
"Shush!" The blunette almost grabbed the mouth of the orangette before the sweatdropped males. Wheeling her eyes throughout the market, she let the American go and whispered, "Don't tell this to anyone here! That's a secret."
"Okay okay..." The orangette almost dropped her voice to level zero, "But I have heard a lot about you from the letters sent by Max. He sounds so cute when he writes of you, you know. Hehehe..."
"Nice joke it was," Blushingly, the royal blue-haired girl scratched her head, "Anyways, sorry again for stopping your journey here. Actually, I came here with a view to shopping for the guests. You go to the palace; I'll meet you there."
"Sure," Emily nodded, "Michael, let's go. See you soon, Mariam."
Sharing a light hug, the orangette ascended her palanquin as the bearers lifted it again. Riding his horse, Michael also followed her. Roguishly smirking once, Mariam handed the fruit basket to Ozuma. As he looked at her confusedly, she spoke, "I have to buy more stuffs. Please, stay with me, Ozuma."
"Okay..." Nodding somehow, the dual-haired guy sighed, trailing the blunette, thinking, 'Hm, that's a perfect way to welcome your friend whom you haven't met since years, without saying hello or asking how he is. Great job, Mari!'
The female teenagers were walking across the lanes of the yard. One of them was holding a round brass salver on which powdered red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple and pink were kept. Another was carrying the pot of oil and different-sized brushes. They were talking to each other openly, sometimes, cracking jokes. Quite certain their age and the situation around them were. Flying like butterflies around the flowers became their nature.
"I'll paint the floor of the ceremony hall so awesome that everyone will keep staring at the paintings, sister Dew!" The younger was pretty confident, "Just wait and watch!"
"Sure, you're such a good..." The purplette was about to complete. However, seeing someone coming on their way in the American's direction, she yelled, "Watch out, Charlotte!"
Quite late it was. The brunette had already clashed with the dwarf greenette who was whistling in his own mind. From her hand, the platter flew as all the powdered colors landed on her face. Forehead turned purple, right cheek became red, left remained colorless, nose went orange and hair got tainted in yellow. That day, she received her second bath with dyes. The mouth of the green-haired dropped as he watched the adolescent showered in tints. He couldn't think what to do then. The brunette was furiously staring at him as if she had wanted to eat him up. Her teeth were gritted. Looking at her, Dew tried to conceal her laughter.
"Oh my!" The purplette gulped, "You have become so colorful, Charlotte."
Not removing her eyes from the short boy, Charlotte spoke, "Sister Dew, let's leave the place."
As the girls kept walking forward, the younger voiced, almost making the greenette hear, "Have you seen his indecency? How could he do that? Wait, I'll complain to brother Max about him and he'll thrash this stupid boy..."
Dumbfounded, the elephant-wielder kept watching the duo gossip about him and his ill-character. At that time, he should have protested or apologized to them. But he didn't have the power. The innocent, round, baby-blue floating pupils of the brunette had cast a spell on him. He remained standing there like an idol for a few moments without moving. When his senses came back, he realized that the girls had already departed. Slapping on his forehead, he picked up the platter from the ground. Soon, he remembered the threat of the American princess.
'Oh no!' He bit his tongue, 'She's the sister of Max who is Mariam's lover. If Max knows it, he'll burn me...no, I have to go to Mariam and tell her everything. Only she can save me from this disaster. Sis, save me please!'
The slate-haired prince was enjoying his bath in the eyelet-shaped hot spring. It was encircled with three layers of different-sized stones and pebbles in the shades of gray. A continuous cascade was streaming in the inlet. Bamboo and pine trees were around it. Their leafy heads sheltered the head of the Russian from the scorching heat of the sun as they were leaning forward. Their reflections fell on the greyish-blue water of the pond. They shivered when the air touched the aqua surface. Broken and fragile, two or three bamboo leaves fell on the spring as white and tepid steams emanated from there.
The vapors touched the bare fairness of the prince as he propped his naked back against the pebbly wharf in coziness. Through the skin that was covering his fine-boned spine, a bead of water swiftly treaded like a swimming toad. Wet hair clung to his neck, forehead and the sides of his throat under which blue veins were visible. Some water dribbled from the notches of his collarbones, crossing his deep bellybutton on his fatless, yet, well-muscled stomach. In the sodden sensations, his mesomorphic chest was glittering. His well-built arms felt comfortable and soothing as he kept his amethyst eyes closed. Muscles relaxed, he yawned, dreaming of a certain ruby-eyed.
The shirtless wolf-prince was also beside him, spreading his arms and keeping them on the wharf. His slender legs were splashing the water playfully. For the restlessness of his body, the tepid droplets couldn't stay there for much time. He brushed his scarlet hair back with his fingers. Watching his cousin relax, he sighed. Though he had bathed a lot in warm water when he'd been in Russia, it couldn't be tolerated here. How could a man...a Russian stay in a hot spring for such a long time in a tropical country like Japan? Had the phoenix-prince got mad? Or had he caught a cold all of a sudden?
"Here they are!"
Startled, both the Russian boys turned their heads back. The three remaining cousins of them were standing there with wide grins all over their faces. Tala almost jumped out of the water when Kai slightly rolled his eyes at them, grimacing.
"Bryan! Spencer! Ian!" The redhead blurted, rushing to them, "How're you all?"
"Without you, we were so fine," The carrot-nosed snickered, "And you?"
"Same answer," Tala chuckled, "By the way, has Natasha come with you?"
"Actually, she was coming with us," Bryan replied, "But suddenly, she got to see a Sakura tree on the way. She started insisting that she would come later after plucking the Sakura flowers. That's why, we had to leave her behind."
"What else can be expected from you?" The phoenix-prince remarked, not getting up, "The people who cannot take care of their sister will take care of a kingdom, huh?"
"Quit being grumpy, brother sourpuss," Ian retorted, "Soldiers and maids are with her. They will look after her. So, no worries. By the way, how're you?"
"Before that, who are you?"
"What?" Bryan's lips parted away, "You...you cannot recognize us?"
"What will you do if I can't?"
"Unfair!" Ian cried, "Brother Bryan, Spencer, Tala...I told you a lot, 'Out of sight, out of mind.' Kai has become so obsessed with this kingdom that he has forgotten all of us!"
"Now what will we do?" Bryan pleaded, "Spencer, do something!"
"Okay, I have an idea," The whale-prince lifted a bamboo from the ground, "This can help Kai recover and get his memories back."
"But...he'll forget about sister-in-law then." Tala joked when everyone burst out laughing.
"Speaking of which..." Bryan stopped, "Where are our sisters-in-law? We want to meet them."
"No, you won't be able to meet them, bro," The redhead sighed in disappointment, "They don't want to meet you."
"Why?!" Ian pouted, "What have we done?"
"They have told us that they will meet only those brothers-in-law who take care of their soon-to-be husbands well," Tala tittered, "Since I have taken care of Kai and Kai has taken care of me so well, only we are permitted to meet each other's wife. Nobody else."
"Unfair!" The falcon screamed, "We have always taken care of one another so well. Why didn't you tell it to them, Tala? How could you do it?"
"I didn't do anything," The wolf-prince shrugged, "It's your fault to come so late. That's why, Kai is refusing to recognize you. Now atone for your deeds, brothers."
"How?"
"This water is considered to be very holy," Tala pointed at the hot spring, "If you take bath there, all your sins will be washed. Well, at least this sentence is true."
"Sure thing...wait!" Spencer blurted, "It means...all you were saying before were lies?"
"Huh?" Tala frowned in perplexities, "No...I mean, yes...I mean..."
"Catch that fucking wolf!" Bryan pushed his lungs, "That bloody redhead almost murdered me!"
"Catch me if you can!" Mocking them once, Tala started running around the hot spring. Other Russians followed him. Sometimes, one of them fell in the pond. Others helped them get up, then again, started the cat-and-mouse game. Though it was annoying, the calm-and-cool phoenix-prince didn't protest. He didn't chide Bryan for using bad words. He didn't rebuke them for being reckless like children. Automatically, under his closed eyes, a smile of relief and happiness got curved.
Although he didn't want to confess it, he had missed them. He had remembered of their pranks and mischiefs a lot after reaching Japan.
He had missed their brotherhood.
Finally, the last chariot from Russia stopped at the gate of the Japanese fort. It was surrounded with red velvet curtains having silver edges. The faces of white wolves were imprinted on it. The hooves of the Russian white horses bet the ground for the last time on that day. All the hosts of Nippon had gone away from the place for different tasks. However, the dual-haired male Spaniard noticed the vehicle. Scrunching his brows, he thought, 'Who has come here from Russia at this time?'
Curious, he went ahead. Since the vehicle was covered, he guessed it to belong to any woman. He felt bad because not a single presenter was present there for welcoming the guest. Therefore, he decided to receive her himself. That's why, he strode straightly towards the chariot and knelt down before it, keeping one of his knees horizontally so that the invitee could step on it. Soon, a pale foot with pink nails wearing a scarlet wooden shoe fell on it. The pressure of the ligneous footwear went heavy on his thigh. His legs wobbled, losing the balance. As a result, he fell back, letting the woman land on her torso.
Out of nowhere, a wooden basket flew up, showering countless pink-white cherry flowers on them. The piles of florets like pearls and diamond granules almost covered them from their tops to toes. Horrified, the jade eyes of the Matador were shot open. Removing flowers from his forehead, he tried to gape at the girl once.
Average-heighted she was; lean and fair. Her blood-colored wavy tresses were tickling his face. Glimmering amethyst orbs were strictly placed at his emeralds. Nope, they weren't filled with any kind of feeling. They held the emotions of annoyance and shock. Shrunken red lips pouted in infuriation, sharp nose scrunched. Arch eyebrows curved more. Seeing her facial expressions, the heart of the Spaniard banged hard. Somehow, he stood up on his own feet as the girl turned away from him.
"Mannerless!" She hissed, not even facing him properly, "What the hell have you done? You have dropped all my Sakura flowers! You know? You know how tough it was for me to collect them?"
"I'm extremely sorry, my lady..." Raul scratched his neck embarrassedly, "I was just trying to help you."
"Sorry?" She felt more exasperated, "You think that saying sorry can return the flowers to me? Nope, give me back all my flowers fresh and colorful! Right now!"
"Pardon me, my lady..." The Spanish boy bit his lips, "But I cannot give them to you now. Give me some time, I'll return them to you. I-I promise!"
"You cannot return them to me now?" The Russian girl frowned, "Boy, do you know who I am? I am Natasha Valkov, the only princess of Russia, the beloved sister of five Russian princes! Nobody can leave my wishes unfulfilled! Who are you to refuse me?"
'Oh shit!' Raul trembled, 'She's the sister of brother-in-law Tala. If he gets to know, he'll not spare me. God, what to do...'
"Hey!" Another feminine voice sounded from behind, "You must be Natasha, right?"
Turning to the dual-haired lady, the Russian girl nodded, "Yes, I am. If I'm not wrong, you're princess Julia Fernandez. I have seen your portrait in Russia. But...how did you recognize me, sister-in-law?"
"You have the same spunk on your face that your brother has, my girl," Julia leered, "You aren't different from him at all."
"Aww..." Within no moment, Natasha forgot her anger, "Looks like you have got to know my brother so well, huh?"
"Hehehe...you can say..." Julia blushed, "Anyways, since no one was there for welcoming you, I decided to come here and meet you. I think you must be very tired after this journey. Come with me to our fort."
"I wish I could," Natasha grouched, "But I have to deal with someone at first."
"Deal?" The Latina cocked an eyebrow, "With whom?"
"This guy," The redhead pointed at the young man who was perplexedly standing there, "He has dropped all my Sakura flowers, sister-in-law! You know how difficultly I managed to collect them?"
"Raul!" Julia wrinkled her brows, glaring at her twin brother, "What have you done with her?"
'Oh no...' The Pegasus-prince gasped, 'Till now, I was worried about brother-in-law and his cousins. Now, my own sister has started taking the side of her sister-in-law. God, where will I go now?'
"No sis..." Raul stammered, "I was just helping her. It was an accident. B...believe me, I-I didn't do it purposely."
"What?" The redhead fumed, "Sister-in-law, is he your brother? I...I just cannot believe my own ears! How beautiful, well-mannered and polite you are! On the other hand, what a mannerless he is!"
"Calm down, Natasha," Julia patted her head, "Raul is quite careless and clumsy at times but he's good at heart, you know."
"Fine!" The princess exhaled, "Since you're the brother of my sweet sister-in-law, I'm letting you go. But remember, at the next time, I won't spare you! Hmph!"
"Sure, no problem..." The dual-haired girl kept walking beside the sister of her would-be husband, "If needs be, I myself will teach him a lesson..."
Raul looked at the girls once, then, at the sakura flowers scattered on the ground. A sudden gust of wind appeared and made them blow with its tempo. A few of them again rushed towards the young matador and stroked his face. The fragrance of them became sole with the perfume of the Russian princess, hitting his nostrils. The icy glares of her lotus pupils were unforgettable. Sighing, he left the place quickly. Only, a round basket and petals of cherry-flowers remained there as the witnesses of their first rendezvous which, in fact, couldn't be considered beautiful.
What else could he do?
I know this chapter was way crazy that you have already started puking :P
Actually, in the main manga, Charlotte was so little but here I put her as quite a big girl, so I think you wouldn't mind her pairing with Joseph XD
Okay, let me know what will happen when Bryan will know the truth about who threw pebbles at his ass? How will Max welcome Emily and Michael? Will Natasha ever forgive Raul? Will Charlotte be nice with Joseph after it? In this story, we have seen love triangles, love squares but ...from where has this love pentagon arrived? What will be its outcomes?
Do read and review. Pardon the grammatical mistakes, spelling errors and the OOCnesses! Take care and stay safe :D
-Misty ^_^ ^_^