First, I should say thank you to the review and gave this new story a chance. I recognize each of you as regulars and appreciate your continued support. As much as my intention was to put this story aside and work on my other active projects, it didn't exactly work out that way. Seeing as I wrote two chapters in two days for this idea. So, the plan is to post this one now before I get underway. The third chapter might me ready to post in the next could days, but between duty and spending time with my family you'll have to wait until the first port call for more.
Hopefully you find this story as fun as I do. I can't wait to hear what you think.
Blades and Bellflowers
Chapter 2- Done with Waiting
With something that felt as though a mixture of fear and excitement churned like acid in my stomach I squeezed through the crowd. It had started to form around Allen and the young King within seconds of the announcement. The last thing I needed was to be recognized without a chaperone and far too cozy with one of the competitors. Even if he'd been right to be arrogant. Royalty was a higher rank after all; but being here as an untitled fighter made even less sense now that I knew the truth.
I made it back to my family and had a few half-truths to tell as Yukari previously returned without me. It was better to say we'd gotten separated when I saw a messenger plowing through the crowd towards the competitor's tents. Word had already spread that Fanelia had been attacked. My mother's eyes read in mine knowing there was more than I was saying, but I just shook my head. It wouldn't do well for us for the other noble family to start asking unnecessary questions.
The carriage ride home was subdued, aside from Mamoru. At ten moons old he thought war with Zaibach was exciting, like tales of honor and bravery told at bedtime. Father was lost in thoughts of what this meant for trade routes along with council meetings this would surely involve. Trying not to set off any warnings I leaned into my mother's side and attempted to start a conversation just with her in the confined space.
"I don't know much about Fanelia." Her thin eyebrows raised in silent question at my clumsy start. "Why would someone attack them?"
She might not have been powerful enough for visions, but the woman could always read me like an open book. I could see her decide that there wasn't any danger in just telling me a few things.
"Fanelia is a small country with only one major city. There are a few tribal communities, but those are predominantly where the beastmen live." That surprised me a little, how could such a tiny population count as a sovereign country. Not waiting for my questions mother continued. "Years ago, they stood as a strong warrior community that overthrew any claims from larger countries with ease. These days they are mostly farmers, but the threat is still there."
"So, we are allied with them because it's better than being their enemy?" I asked hoping to get more information. Not that I would ever admit it, but my mind still lingered on deep mahogany eyes and wild black hair.
"Partly," She admitted deep in thought. "It benefits Asturia because Fanelia produces a large range of trade goods from grain to pottery and silk, but they are also a land of dragons."
I didn't need an explanation to know what the last cryptic remark meant. Dragon leather was superior to any other kind. The acidic blue blood made a rare dye prized by artists. Mostly it was for the powerful heart-stones that war was fought for and with, drag energists. The pink fist sized stones powered everything from leviships to guymelefs, and what army would be complete without a battalion of fighting armors?
If Fanelian controlled the energist market a country that took them over would become a dangerous force that could threaten the rest of the world. That was the main reason for the quick response, Asturia wanted to neutralize the threat more than it wanted to help an ally. If Zaibach cut the power supply it would cripple our army and air-ships.
"Is that all you wanted to know?" Mother shot me a knowing look as though talks of trade and dragons wasn't quite what I wanted. Again, I thought of the boy from before, and the way his face looked inches from my own, brought heat back to my face.
"I met someone from Fanelia in the market today, and wanted to know what kind of people lived there." It was partly the truth, but no one could ever know that I'd sought out the boy alone. Even if he turned out to be a curt talking king.
"Well, I don't know what kind of person you met, but Fanelia is closed off by choice." Her expression turned distant as though trying to recall information that hadn't been important for a very long time. "They are a superstitious people. It's said that once seers were honored there, but that was a long time ago."
I could read the note of warning in her voice. Fanelia was a dangerous place for people like me. That didn't seem like a huge difference from everywhere else, but then a chill went down my spine. Cold skeletal fingers wrapped around my throat, and I gasped in shock. The feeling was gone in an instant, but the knowledge remained. Seers weren't just shunned in the small country like here, they were killed.
Thinking back to the reaction the rude king had upon realizing what I was. It didn't make me think he'd hurt me. Despite our short strange interaction, I didn't feel any malice from him. How easy he recognized my talent should have been the red flag. Instead the pull remained.
We arrived home not long after that and with new eyes I saw how blessed I was. The large manor house just outside the city, and all the benefits of wealth without the responsibility of royalty. My biggest worry was that people would find out what I was, but would I really be happy hiding forever. Becoming my mother and marrying the first titled man with an open enough mind not to care.
With a mumbled excuse that I was tired I dressed for bed with my mind still full of swirling thoughts. The way his hands held my upper arms, worry in those fathomless eyes. I just couldn't seem to banish him from my reflections. What was going through his mind right now? Why was he so far from home? What would it feel like to be truly alone?
Seeking him out again was a terrible idea, but it did make my heart rate increase at the possibility. Turning over I felt sleep pulling me under with relief.
Then the dreams took over. The room I stood in was empty with the exception of two people and the blueish tint to the quality made it clear that this happened in the past. It couldn't have been long ago because the dark-haired boy looked just as he had earlier today, or mostly so. He wiped sweat from his brow, breathing labored, a long-bladed sword drooping in one gloved hand. His opponent was a massive man, scars crisscrossing tan skin stretched tightly over hard almost bulging muscles. It made the boy seem even smaller in comparison.
"You aren't charging aggressively enough, Lord Van!" A low rumble of a voice stated firmly as though this criticism wasn't new. The one eye not scarred closed watched the boy impassively. "Come at me as though you mean to kill me."
The boy sighed rolling his eyes, this wasn't the first time the unusual pair had this same conversation. "I don't like mortal sword combat." It was easy to guess that the huge man was his swords master.
"Lord Van, it is a poor thing for a man becoming king of Fanelia to hold such weak sentiments." The lecture was given without heat, just a need to get through to the stubborn boy.
Looking away from his mentor he spoke with bitterness in his smooth voice. "It's not like I'm becoming King because I want to." I could almost feel the weight pressing down on his narrow shoulders.
The scene dissolved and I could easily guess that this took place before his coronation, maybe a month or two ago. What if even after accepting the title this boy hadn't felt like he deserved the crown? Would he have traveled to a neighboring kingdom in secret to participate in a challenge to prove his mentor wrong? Not wanting the focus, he hid his name and rank, choosing to use rented armor instead of letting others cater to him.
My opinion of the boy rose greatly. He'd wanted to return home victorious, but instead he'd lost. I hadn't understood why he'd been so rude to me. How could I have known that my conversation would just rub in his defeat, but that is exactly what I'd done.
How unlucky was he that the moment his back was turned Fanelia had been invaded? His people in danger while he was too far away to help. Could that boy really save his people? Sure, he had talent, but the master was right he was half-hearted with his intentions, and that could be very dangerous.
My eyes opened and I felt that pull like a string tied around my heart. The vision I had when we'd touched came to mind. He was walking into a terrible situation, one that would not end well. Blood and death, but what could I do about it?
I was just a girl, one that saw too much. An idea started to form. It was crazy, and impossible. Still my breath hitched, and my chest felt tight, maybe I could help after all. If I joined the recruits then I could keep an eye out for danger and warn the wayward king. This had to be the reason I was drawn to him. He needed me.
It was still hours before dawn, but I was wide awake with the thrill of possibility. I had to do this in a way that no one would find out what I was, not just a seer, but also a girl. For once I was lucky for my slender build, it would make this much easier.
The house was dark and quiet as I snuck from my room. All my clothes were fit for a lord's daughter so I gathered a few things from laundry; simple breeches and shirts. Trying my best not to take things that all belonged to the same person, the sizes weren't perfect, but baggy would help. Using a small vest of Mamoru's I flattened what little chest I had, and dressed in the pilfered clothes.
My hands shook a little as the kitchen shears cut through my long tresses with loud snips. My head felt light and the strands littered the floor. I swept the discarded hair into the rubbish and packed a bag with some food, a small pouch of silver, and a change of clothes. The plain leather boots were mine meant for riding, but that was because all the other ones I tried were too large. I finished off the bag with my tarot cards wrapped in a spare shirt and shoved all the way into the bottom.
With a long look in the mirror I was surprised to see a boy I didn't recognize. His light-colored hair was short and framed large green eyes, which were the only part of me that remained familiar. I was sure that walking into the camp as a recruit would be simple. No one could possibly recognize me as Lord Kanzaki's reclusive daughter. The yorkel I saddled was mine, though I feared that it would be too easy to trace if anyone looked for me, but I couldn't bring myself to leave without her.
With determination I rode away from the only home I'd ever known. A place full of safety and love, but what I was doing served a greater purpose then hiding away forever. There must be a reason I had this ability. Even if I could only save one person then it would be worth every bad outcome. If that man was the king of Fanelia then this feeling might lessen, the pull dragging me towards him.
The sun was just cresting the mountains in the distance when the tournament grounds came into view. Gone were the stalls and vendors now that the festivities were over. Instead more tents had popped up overnight, the new ones were shabbier, with fabric stained by wear. This wasn't the pride of the Austurian Army, but the dregs left over. I wasn't the only recent arrival though.
I saw the tall golden-haired knight standing in the middle of a group. Some of these volunteers seemed rough and for the first time I wavered wanting to turn around and head home. Back to the protective shield of my family and title. Then the dark looming cloud appeared as the wayward king stepped out of his tent and into the orange tinted morning.
There wasn't another choice. By protecting him I did so much more. All that I needed was to pass as a boy long enough to return him safely to his people. Right?
Dismounting I lead my beast the rest of the way into the camp. Some stopped what they were doing to look at me, but that was more from my ill-fitting clothes and roughly chopped hair than anything else, or so I hoped. Trying my best not to be embarrassed by the attention I held my chin up and continued on.
Somewhere I wondered if Sir Allen would see past the façade and recognize me, but his crystalline blue eyes swept over me without interest.
"Name and age," He questioned with a slip of parchment ready to take down the barest of information.
"Hiro Kanzaki, fifteen." I responded trying to pitch my voice lower than normal.
His blond brows shot up. "I didn't know Lord Kanzaki had an older son," I could have kicked myself. A new first name was easy; but thinking of a surname had slipped my mind. There weren't many Kanzaki's in Austuria after all.
"He doesn't talk about me much." I responded quickly feeling his sharp eyes running over me with more interest now. Then I could see when the idea settled in the knight's mind and he accepted my excuse. Allen thought my father had a bastard now. I tried not to flush with embarrassed anger.
"I see," He moved past the taboo subject with an ease that made me wonder if Allen was always as chivalrous as he appeared to be. "We are the original scouting party to report back to the main Army camp. No one knows exactly why Zaibach seized control or what condition the Fanelian people are in. Our job isn't to gain glory, but return the king home if possible."
During his little speech I could tell he'd grown tired of repeating the information to each recruit. I'm sure some had left because this wasn't intended to be a fighting force, but the news made me breathe easier.
"I'm still interested in helping." I stated evenly almost forgetting to pitch my voice until the last second.
"Then see Gaddes my second; to receive light armor and a work assignment." His blue eyes darted towards my yorkel before adding, "Also compensation for your beast."
My heart twisted slightly, she was my favorite and now I was to sell her into use by the company. Sure, a lowly scout wouldn't have such a rich personal possession. The addition of another yorkle to the party would also help with moving our supplies in a more efficient manner.
"Yes Sir," I agreed, heading in the direction he pointed.
I found the man indicated easily, his dark hair had a blueish tint which made me think his ancestors weren't native to Austuria; which produced people with fairer hair and complexions. The scruff flecking his chin also led me to believe that this wouldn't be a strict military environment.
With the barest glance he issued me a padded hauberk similar to the underlayer many of the lesser knights used yesterday, along with vambraces and a chest plate made from boiled leather. This gear would only help hide my true shape. I was asked if I had any special talents, but the only one I could mention was that I was a fair rider.
From the list of remaining jobs, I could tell he was leaning towards making me a messenger. Being light and fast would be a bonus, but unfortunately it would take me away from my real task. I had to think of a way to stay with the main party.
Before I could come up with another solution, I felt a change in the air. We'd been joined by another person and I didn't need to look to know it was the raven-haired boy.
"What job will this one be doing?" His voice was curt, but not rude. Maybe I'd hit a nerve yesterday and he wasn't always a jerk. Learning what I had about the boy I now wanted to give him the benefit of a doubt.
"Looks like messenger," Gaddes mused adding a quick "Your majesty" to his response when addressing the king maybe ten moons his junior.
Feeling confident in my disguise I looked right into those curious deep mahogany eyes. Instantly I knew it was a mistake, as his black eyebrows rose sharply in surprised shock. Then his jaw tightened, lips thinning in suppressed anger. The next thing I know one hand grips my upper arm nearly dragging me into the nearest unoccupied tent. He shoves away a little and I stumble.
"Go home girl." I want to round on him with my own temper, but he cuts me off quickly. "This isn't a chance to get close to the knight you admire."
I don't know how after only a few minutes of interaction yesterday he recognizes me so easily. Any kind things I'd been thinking about him fled at the accusation. As though I was crazy enough to masquerade as a boy in the hopes of getting personal time with Allen. A little voice in my head said that he was a King and I should show him respect and deference, but that was quickly drowned out by my need to set him right.
"Don't be an idiot." I snapped letting my real voice retaliate at him. "You think I want anyone to see me like this? It's all your fault. If you hadn't wanted to prove Balgus wrong so bad none of this might have happened."
It might be overstepping by calling him stupid, but I think the complete shock came from my accurate knowledge of things I should never know. He already guessed what I was so why should I hide now? It was freeing to be honest for once. He was still silent, so I continued.
"I'm here because you need me." He blinked at that, but I had to finish my story before he unfroze. I couldn't let him send me away. "Since yesterday I've felt this draw that tells me that what you are doing is dangerous and without a way to be warned it won't end well.
His voice was soft when he spoke. "You saw this?"
"I did." I confirmed, glad that he seems to believe me. "Please let me stay. If I get in the way I'll gladly leave, but I'm afraid of what might happen if I don't come with you."
I watched as he swallowed hard. "Do I have a choice?"
A small rueful laugh escaped, and I responded honestly. "No more than I do at this point." Then remembering who I was talking to, I like the scruffy man earlier added almost as an afterthought, "Your Majesty."
"Van," He said his name without title or preamble.
"Hiro," I responded with the fake name I'd chosen, he raised one dark eyebrow in reaction. Blushing slightly, I realized he wanted my real name. "Hitomi Kanzaki."
"And I'm the idiot," He grumbled, but before I could snap back one hand came up brushing the roughly cut bangs out of my face. "Who butchered your hair?"
Now it was my turn to swallow hard. "I did,"
"I see," That gentle motion seemed to have caught him off guard too, and he dropped his hand quickly as though the contact burned. "How were you going to hide sharing a tent with other men in the company?"
His question caught me off guard, but before I could come up with a response he continued.
"What about changing, surely you can't think this farce will last?" Even though he had a point I still noticed his ears burn at the mention of getting undressed. It reminded me of his reaction to our close proximity yesterday. I had a strong suspicion that despite his rank he had very little experience with girls.
"I'd planned to try and sleep away from the others and change in moments I could sneak alone." My idea was weak, and I knew it. Still Van shook his head of messy hair. "Well what do you suggest then?" I snapped my temper flaring slightly again.
He took a deep sigh and turned on his heel leaving the tent without another word. I found myself darting out after the king as he marched right up to the man, he'd pulled me away from in the first place.
"I have an assignment for Hiro Kanzaki," He directed the statement at the older man with authority in his smooth voice. "He will act as my page, and as such will be staying in my tent during this mission."
From the reaction this was a surprise to more than just me. I could feel almost a tangible curiosity from the odd mix of soldiers. This announcement marked me as his personal assistant, and from what I could tell it was strange coming from this boy. He'd been distant and mostly silent until now. Letting Allen and his men organize everything without comment.
In a way he was protecting me from others learning my secret, but I wasn't quite sure how much of it was from charity, or if it was to keep an eye on me. If he believed in my visions, then he also confirmed the truth I blurted out yesterday. Of course, he'd want to keep me close. Also, if my goal was to warn him of danger than being at his right hand was the best place for me, but still I hesitated.
I couldn't get a good read on him at all. He ranged from downright rude to thoughtful and maybe even kind. Living in the same tent with him was probably a terrible idea. Then again, he was right, no matter how careful I was someone would figure me out sooner rather than later.
In my new role I didn't need the issued armor, as I wouldn't be expected to fight at all except for a last-ditch effort or self-defense. Van led me back towards his tent silent as a brewing storm. I couldn't tell what was going through his mind, something told me that I never would. Where I was notoriously easy to read, he was like a code that mixed all the languages and flipped half the letters backwards.
The moment we were back in his small personal space I realized it was the same place he had dragged me initially. This time I got a good look around. There wasn't anything fancy here screaming of his royal lineage or privilege. Like the simple red tunic and tan breeches he wore; everything was rather plain, but sturdy. A folding cot instead of a real bed, one solidly built trunk lay open, the small desk was scattered with papers and a geometric designed carpet covered most of the dirt floor. That was it.
My eyes darted again to the narrow bed. He knew I was a girl maybe I was in more danger after all. While I hesitated to escape back to the main camp, he rummaged in the chest tossing his unadorned armor from yesterday aside carelessly. Letting out a small sigh at finding whatever he was looking for, and turned back towards me a pair of sharp-edged shears in his gloved hand.
Before I could question or even argue his free hand forced me onto the desk chair. I wanted to let my outrage vent right at the rude king, but instead found deft fingers moving gently through my hair. He was such a strange puzzle, with the need to forcefully move me around all morning, but the careful way he set about trimming my uneven bob. In the light of day, it was clear I'd done a poor job with the original cut, though I never expected the level of attention he gave me.
We were both silent while he worked, but after a few minutes being stuck there alone with him I finally let my curiosity come out.
"Why are you helping me?"
"Your appearance reflects on me now," He added curtly, but before I could retort, he added. "If we are to be stuck together for a while then it should be on decent terms."
I thought that over, letting the idea of having someone that fully understood me roll around in my head. It was new and strange, but I found it a nice feeling. Once I helped him return home and retake his country then things would go back to normal, maybe. For now, having him on my side was a pleasant surprise. I may never understand him, but I knew trust wasn't going to be an issue. If my secret came out what would stop others finding about his? How would Allen and his crew feel about two symbols of bad luck on this mission with them?
I pushed the sour thoughts away and instead asked, "How did you recognize me, Allen didn't, and I've met him many times." Leaving unsaid that the only contact I'd had with him was our brief volatile interaction yesterday, and his body on top of mine.
Feeling his hands still I wasn't sure if Van was going to respond at all. Then after a pregnant pause he said, voice low, "Your eyes," Heat flooded not my cheeks this time but my chest, feeling tight and warm all at once. "I've never seen ones like them, as green as spring in Fanelia and powerful like a dragon's stare."
"You gaze into the eyes of dragons often?" I teased trying to defuse the moment.
"Only once," He grunted returning his effort to fix my hair. "But that was all it took."
There was something in the way he said it that meant things I couldn't understand, and I found for the first time that I wanted to. More than finishing this task without being found out. Maybe I was getting in over my head, but for the first time I didn't feel like I had to hide my true self. At least not with this strange unpredictable boy. Van the reluctant king, who never less loved his land and people.
My life had taken a sudden turn the moment our eyes met. I still didn't know what connected us, fate maybe. Never have I felt the true rightness of what I was doing as I did in this moment. Dressed as a boy and making secret alliances with someone who had about as much to hide as I did, maybe more.
To Be Continued…
A/N-There you have it. The main plot of the story coming into focus. Like a mix of 'A Knights tale', and 'Mulan'. This is an AU and therefor I have chosen to set it in the world of the Series, but there are some story threads pulled from the movie too. Stay tuned for that and more from our favorite pair.
I think this story and descriptions are pretty clear to understand so I don't really have any further explanations to add down here. If you have any questions feel free to ask, but with getting underway soon I might not get back to you, depends on time and connectivity.
I look forward to hearing from you!