Nimble Wish
Chapter 3: Hidden in the Shadows
She much preferred the lush gardens then the stone cold walls inside. She fingered a pretty pink and white rose, a rare hybrid found only in the Matsu Mountains. The Queen, before she died, loved the flowers and had import plants from other realms to plant in the palace gardens. With the almost full moon, the many colored flowers seemed to glow and bask under the moonlight. The roses with its variety of colors seem to glow with silvery radiance.
Her sister haven't said anything yet; only settling herself down on a bench and motioning for the younger girl to sit down beside her. And she did. Neither spoke. For Akane, she merely has nothing to say. Nibiki just need to think of the right to phrase her question.
"Do....Do you love him?" She knew it's a dumb question to ask Akane but she had to make sure. With Naraku here, her sister's life might be endangered.
"Do I...? What do you mean?" Akane asked, confusion written all over her face. During the announcement of her engagement to Prince Shinji, Nabiki hadn't said anything, emotionless and stern as usual with slight mischief in her eyes that can hardly be noticed. Now, with the wedding ceremonies only a week away, someone finally ask her opinion in the matter?
"What I mean is that do you think you can go through with this marriage? It is after all your happiness at stake." Trust Nabiki to be that blunt, her voice held nothing but concern for her sibling.
Even if she didn't want to, she would just have to go through with it otherwise dishonor her family. The only way out was that if she were already engaged to someone else before hand.
"I-" Her words were cut short as the muffled noises from inside turned into loud panicked cries. Stealing each other a quick glance, both girls hurried back inside. The moment they were inside, the double doors behind them shut close. As if automatic, the other three exits of the throne room swing closed one after another, trapping everyone inside and huddling as close to the exit as possible.
Akane wasn't paying attention to the panicked cries of the nobles around her. Her attention swiftly went to the scene at the center of the room. She counted them. There are about 25 men in all, each dressed simply in black and each carried a face of determination to get to their target. Her father was right there in the center of the room, fighting off two black-clad men at once. King Hisashi and Prince Shinji were to his right as the square off against their opponents. Scattered around them are a small hand full of nobles and soldiers fending of one or two assassins. Unfortunately, the palace guards cannot get inside on time before the doors locked up.
The assassin's objective seemed to be Naraku and his three large guards. She watched as five of the assassins jumped at once, attacking Naraku from all directions. Her father and the Prince directed two away as Naraku's guard stopped the third dead in his tracks with a slash of the sword, leaving Naraku to fight the remaining two. He casually sliced each on the chest and turn in time to block off another attacker from behind. While everyone else held back, Naraku and his guards were ruthless, killing whomever they face.
A sword slide to her feet after being knocked out of the hands of a palace guard. She would not have to get involved; there was no need. Though they're years out of practice, both King Hisashi and her father were still among the ranks of the best swordsmen in Ezru. Prince Shinji could be considered the best in Ezru. 'If he can carry his own against Shinosuke,' she thought. And Naraku and his guards have no problems taking down their attackers. The rest were doing well on their own though two soldiers are killed and a noble is severely wounded. She could hear Lord Hiroshi's angry booming voice outside, calling his men to find a way inside. It would only be a matter of time before they break down the doors.
***
"Dammit. He's too well guarded!" a man cursed as he watched Naraku Tagata ran his sword through one of his hired assassins. Under the darkness, no one from inside could spot him hiding behind one of the large pillars that opened to the wide, open balcony.
Dlack, almost bluish eyes observe the scene inside, being careful to keep hidden from view. From across the room, the guests are huddle near the sealed doors. Most are watching the fighting with slight fear and others are watching with tensed interest.
He had hired 25 very good assassins, those without a care in the world except their sword and their money. None, absolutely none, of them had broken through Naraku's defenses yet. He should just get in there himself. None of the assassins were any where near as good in terms of skill then he were.
He'll just have to stay in the shadows until the right moment then. Nevertheless, as long as Tagata doesn't know that he was still alive then there would be more opportunities in the future.
Something from across the ballroom caught his eyes. A glint of a jewel flashed in his line of view, as if calling him out. From across the room stood a very cute girl, a noble most likely by the way she was dressed. His eyes wondered to her eyes, beautifully amber in color and completely concentrating on the fighting. The same glint drew his gaze from her angelic face and unusual eyes to the small piece of jewelry hanging low on her neck visible due to her dress's décolletage.
'Is that the...?' He turned fully to look more carefully, momentarily bringing the upper part of him into the dim moonlight.
His dark eyes caught her golden ones.
"Shit!"
***
"Akane...."
Kasumi was quick to catch the younger girl's arms as she made a move forward.
Nabiki came forward from behind Kasumi and stood side by side with Akane.
"Don't Akane." She warned in a murmured tone. The fact that Lady Akane can even hold a sword is very little known, even her father have no idea of his daughter's capabilities. She quietly reminded her sister that of that little fact and that if their father knows, he would be furious.
"Of course," murmured Akane.
Her eyes flew back to the pillars. 'Dammit, he's gone!' She was sure someone was out there in the shadows. She wanted to go see for herself but that would mean crossing the clanging of metal. As Nabiki were reminding her, she wasn't ready to reveal that part of her yet, especially to almost everyone in Court and to Tagata whom she have a sudden distaste of. The way he just run an assassin through irked her.
Akane tensed up, her body ready. One of the attackers decided that the guard he was fighting was a waste of time and that she and the other guests were easier to kill. She pushed her older sisters behind her as the attacker stormed up to her, his sword raised to strike. She was just about to evade her attacker and give him a good kick below the belt when he stopped before her and fell down with an audible grunt.
She blinked at the prone figure on the ground. "Huh?" Then look up to see the prince, panting, holding a blood-dripping sword. He was the one that struck down the attacker. Her eyes wondered down to the blood dripping on his side. He was been wounded, a nice shallow would to the side when he came to her rescue.
"Your highness! You're hurt!" His face contorted in pain as he wobbled on his feet. She was immediately by his side, helping him stand up. He did, after all, saved her life. He gave her a weak smile in reassurance that he's fine.
Just then, the three set of doors behind them burst open. Lord Hiroshi and his men as well as the mass of palace soldiers flood into the room. Lord Hiroshi roar for the arrest of the 10 assassins still standing, angry that he was caught off guard for something like this to happen.
The hurt and wounded was led to a chamber where the palace healers could treat their wounds. Three soldiers died of blood loss and two were severely wounded. King Hisashi only received a shallow knife would on his left thigh. Prince Shinji received a nasty gash on his side. Tagata and his guards were the only ones that walked away with only small nicks and scratches.
Akane braced her father as Kasumi wrap the bandage tightly around his arm, applying just the right pressure on the wound. Nabiki stood behind them with another roll of bandage for his other wounds. He cast worried eyes toward them.
"Are you girls ok? I saw-"
They all gave him a reassuring smile. Nabiki explained to him that the prince stopped the attacker before he came to them. Akane left Nabiki and Kasumi to tend to their father so she went over to Prince Shinji who was, at the moment, wincing in pain as a palace healer apply salve onto his side wound. When he saw her he straightened and in a concerned tone asked. "Are you alright? That man was coming right at you. I was afraid I wouldn't stop him on time."
She assured him that she was well and he had stopped her aggressor on time. She smiled and thanked him for saving her. Forgetting about his wounds, he tried to get up but was immediately pushed back by his scowling healer. She took over for the healer, wrapping the bandage carefully around his torso while asking about who could have sent all those assassins. Shinji's eyes never left her thoughtful face.
"I'm not sure. But maybe one of them would fess up during the interrogation. I would see to it myself."
Akane merely nod in agreement, eyes blank.
***
Akane's shoes click softly on the stone floors as she walk down the dark corridor, carefully avoiding the palace soldiers and Lord Hiroshi's patrolling men. Luckily, she changed in a more comfortable outfit, a stolen guard uniform. Her dress would make it near impossible to sneak around. She stilled and quickly double-back to hide herself behind a statue. Six men passed, in neat rows and columns as they patrol. They were all dressed in maroon and black, proudly displaying their white crest with a black horse, indicating that they're trained under Lord Hiroshi. She sneaked pass them and then turned the corner.
She reached her destination having to avoid at least a dozen sets of guards; the palace is well guarded tonight. She quickly scanned the area before slipping through the doors. The lights were still on but the floors were cleaned spotless. Her shoes click louder on the polished floors as she walked across the empty ball room.
She fingered the elegant carving of the pillars as she walk into the open air of the balcony. He was hiding behind these pillars. She would be willing to bet 100 Gold Nobles that the man she saw here in the shadows hours ago was the one that sent those assassins.
She peaked over the stone balustrade into the open fields leading to the back palace gates. How did he escape? A wide span of grass lay below the balcony so he couldn't possible make it to the gates directly across the fields without being spotted. It is possible that he hopped the walls but even that would take some skills. Anyone could spot someone standing here, especially from the southern palace gates. That is, unless someone carefully hid themselves in the shadows like what she was doing at the moment. Better to avoid having to explain herself for being there when she's supposed to be in the guest quarters of the palace.
Clicking of shoes immediately brought her attention and in no time, she was carefully hidden underneath a veil of darkness. She strained her ears to hear who the voices belong to. So it seems, one voice belongs to King Hisashi. The second voice was nonchalant and cold, keeping her at edge. King Hisashi is having a private conversation with Naraku Tagata. Their voices were spoken softly but due to the empty room, their words were amplified two folds, allowing her to hear what they're saying.
She tensed when the topic changed from the assassination attempt to her and the prince. She held her breath.
***
"You're certain it's her?" asked the King for the second time.
"Yes, dear brother, did you not see the Shikon shard around her neck?" replied Naraku, his tone hold slight annoyance.
"Then how are you certain it's not made of glass?" He had to make sure. This is Lord Tendo's daughter they're talking about. She's known to be stubborn and defiant when she wants to be. Getting her to do as they said would be difficult.
"I assure you Hisashi that it's nothing else but a shard of the scared Shikon no Tama." He frowned as his eyes turn to the direction of the open balcony. His brother spoke again, asking whether it was necessary for his son to marry her. "No, I want Shinji to marry her by next week. She's the key in finding the remaining jewel shards. You know of the legend!!"
"What if she refuses to help us?" asked the King again. He wanted Shinji to marry a princess in the Lüdan Realm. The Tendo girl however isn't a bad choice but the lands in the Lüdan Realm are rich and fertile and he wanted to negotiate for them. Having his son marry the princess would help the negotiation pass in his favor.
"Then we'll simply threaten her with the safety of her family. It'll be very unfortunate for such a great man as Lord Soun Tendo to be considered a traitor to the people in which he'd done great service to." Naraku frowned again and took off toward the balcony in brisk steps, King Hisashi followed behind him in confusion. Naraku's steps now hardly audible somehow on the polished floors while Hisashi's echo loudly through the ballroom. They stepped out onto the balcony. Naraku's cold blue eyes scan the area inch by inch expecting to find someone hiding in the shadows.
A/N: That's it for now and thanks for the reviews!
LittleDragon5 : thanks, I think I will.
Califpinay3001: No it's not a crossover. I don't like crossover very much but I don't mind mentioning characters from other anime -n- stuff. I'm only using the Shikon No Tama in name and the evil guy Naraku in name as well for a lack of a better name.
Nikka and Konton: Thanks for telling me. I read the Lioness Quartet like four years ago so I don't remember much about it.
Ciao for now! - Miaishme
Disclaimer (Can't forget this): Don't own the characters of the Ranma ½ universe
Chapter 3: Hidden in the Shadows
She much preferred the lush gardens then the stone cold walls inside. She fingered a pretty pink and white rose, a rare hybrid found only in the Matsu Mountains. The Queen, before she died, loved the flowers and had import plants from other realms to plant in the palace gardens. With the almost full moon, the many colored flowers seemed to glow and bask under the moonlight. The roses with its variety of colors seem to glow with silvery radiance.
Her sister haven't said anything yet; only settling herself down on a bench and motioning for the younger girl to sit down beside her. And she did. Neither spoke. For Akane, she merely has nothing to say. Nibiki just need to think of the right to phrase her question.
"Do....Do you love him?" She knew it's a dumb question to ask Akane but she had to make sure. With Naraku here, her sister's life might be endangered.
"Do I...? What do you mean?" Akane asked, confusion written all over her face. During the announcement of her engagement to Prince Shinji, Nabiki hadn't said anything, emotionless and stern as usual with slight mischief in her eyes that can hardly be noticed. Now, with the wedding ceremonies only a week away, someone finally ask her opinion in the matter?
"What I mean is that do you think you can go through with this marriage? It is after all your happiness at stake." Trust Nabiki to be that blunt, her voice held nothing but concern for her sibling.
Even if she didn't want to, she would just have to go through with it otherwise dishonor her family. The only way out was that if she were already engaged to someone else before hand.
"I-" Her words were cut short as the muffled noises from inside turned into loud panicked cries. Stealing each other a quick glance, both girls hurried back inside. The moment they were inside, the double doors behind them shut close. As if automatic, the other three exits of the throne room swing closed one after another, trapping everyone inside and huddling as close to the exit as possible.
Akane wasn't paying attention to the panicked cries of the nobles around her. Her attention swiftly went to the scene at the center of the room. She counted them. There are about 25 men in all, each dressed simply in black and each carried a face of determination to get to their target. Her father was right there in the center of the room, fighting off two black-clad men at once. King Hisashi and Prince Shinji were to his right as the square off against their opponents. Scattered around them are a small hand full of nobles and soldiers fending of one or two assassins. Unfortunately, the palace guards cannot get inside on time before the doors locked up.
The assassin's objective seemed to be Naraku and his three large guards. She watched as five of the assassins jumped at once, attacking Naraku from all directions. Her father and the Prince directed two away as Naraku's guard stopped the third dead in his tracks with a slash of the sword, leaving Naraku to fight the remaining two. He casually sliced each on the chest and turn in time to block off another attacker from behind. While everyone else held back, Naraku and his guards were ruthless, killing whomever they face.
A sword slide to her feet after being knocked out of the hands of a palace guard. She would not have to get involved; there was no need. Though they're years out of practice, both King Hisashi and her father were still among the ranks of the best swordsmen in Ezru. Prince Shinji could be considered the best in Ezru. 'If he can carry his own against Shinosuke,' she thought. And Naraku and his guards have no problems taking down their attackers. The rest were doing well on their own though two soldiers are killed and a noble is severely wounded. She could hear Lord Hiroshi's angry booming voice outside, calling his men to find a way inside. It would only be a matter of time before they break down the doors.
***
"Dammit. He's too well guarded!" a man cursed as he watched Naraku Tagata ran his sword through one of his hired assassins. Under the darkness, no one from inside could spot him hiding behind one of the large pillars that opened to the wide, open balcony.
Dlack, almost bluish eyes observe the scene inside, being careful to keep hidden from view. From across the room, the guests are huddle near the sealed doors. Most are watching the fighting with slight fear and others are watching with tensed interest.
He had hired 25 very good assassins, those without a care in the world except their sword and their money. None, absolutely none, of them had broken through Naraku's defenses yet. He should just get in there himself. None of the assassins were any where near as good in terms of skill then he were.
He'll just have to stay in the shadows until the right moment then. Nevertheless, as long as Tagata doesn't know that he was still alive then there would be more opportunities in the future.
Something from across the ballroom caught his eyes. A glint of a jewel flashed in his line of view, as if calling him out. From across the room stood a very cute girl, a noble most likely by the way she was dressed. His eyes wondered to her eyes, beautifully amber in color and completely concentrating on the fighting. The same glint drew his gaze from her angelic face and unusual eyes to the small piece of jewelry hanging low on her neck visible due to her dress's décolletage.
'Is that the...?' He turned fully to look more carefully, momentarily bringing the upper part of him into the dim moonlight.
His dark eyes caught her golden ones.
"Shit!"
***
"Akane...."
Kasumi was quick to catch the younger girl's arms as she made a move forward.
Nabiki came forward from behind Kasumi and stood side by side with Akane.
"Don't Akane." She warned in a murmured tone. The fact that Lady Akane can even hold a sword is very little known, even her father have no idea of his daughter's capabilities. She quietly reminded her sister that of that little fact and that if their father knows, he would be furious.
"Of course," murmured Akane.
Her eyes flew back to the pillars. 'Dammit, he's gone!' She was sure someone was out there in the shadows. She wanted to go see for herself but that would mean crossing the clanging of metal. As Nabiki were reminding her, she wasn't ready to reveal that part of her yet, especially to almost everyone in Court and to Tagata whom she have a sudden distaste of. The way he just run an assassin through irked her.
Akane tensed up, her body ready. One of the attackers decided that the guard he was fighting was a waste of time and that she and the other guests were easier to kill. She pushed her older sisters behind her as the attacker stormed up to her, his sword raised to strike. She was just about to evade her attacker and give him a good kick below the belt when he stopped before her and fell down with an audible grunt.
She blinked at the prone figure on the ground. "Huh?" Then look up to see the prince, panting, holding a blood-dripping sword. He was the one that struck down the attacker. Her eyes wondered down to the blood dripping on his side. He was been wounded, a nice shallow would to the side when he came to her rescue.
"Your highness! You're hurt!" His face contorted in pain as he wobbled on his feet. She was immediately by his side, helping him stand up. He did, after all, saved her life. He gave her a weak smile in reassurance that he's fine.
Just then, the three set of doors behind them burst open. Lord Hiroshi and his men as well as the mass of palace soldiers flood into the room. Lord Hiroshi roar for the arrest of the 10 assassins still standing, angry that he was caught off guard for something like this to happen.
The hurt and wounded was led to a chamber where the palace healers could treat their wounds. Three soldiers died of blood loss and two were severely wounded. King Hisashi only received a shallow knife would on his left thigh. Prince Shinji received a nasty gash on his side. Tagata and his guards were the only ones that walked away with only small nicks and scratches.
Akane braced her father as Kasumi wrap the bandage tightly around his arm, applying just the right pressure on the wound. Nabiki stood behind them with another roll of bandage for his other wounds. He cast worried eyes toward them.
"Are you girls ok? I saw-"
They all gave him a reassuring smile. Nabiki explained to him that the prince stopped the attacker before he came to them. Akane left Nabiki and Kasumi to tend to their father so she went over to Prince Shinji who was, at the moment, wincing in pain as a palace healer apply salve onto his side wound. When he saw her he straightened and in a concerned tone asked. "Are you alright? That man was coming right at you. I was afraid I wouldn't stop him on time."
She assured him that she was well and he had stopped her aggressor on time. She smiled and thanked him for saving her. Forgetting about his wounds, he tried to get up but was immediately pushed back by his scowling healer. She took over for the healer, wrapping the bandage carefully around his torso while asking about who could have sent all those assassins. Shinji's eyes never left her thoughtful face.
"I'm not sure. But maybe one of them would fess up during the interrogation. I would see to it myself."
Akane merely nod in agreement, eyes blank.
***
Akane's shoes click softly on the stone floors as she walk down the dark corridor, carefully avoiding the palace soldiers and Lord Hiroshi's patrolling men. Luckily, she changed in a more comfortable outfit, a stolen guard uniform. Her dress would make it near impossible to sneak around. She stilled and quickly double-back to hide herself behind a statue. Six men passed, in neat rows and columns as they patrol. They were all dressed in maroon and black, proudly displaying their white crest with a black horse, indicating that they're trained under Lord Hiroshi. She sneaked pass them and then turned the corner.
She reached her destination having to avoid at least a dozen sets of guards; the palace is well guarded tonight. She quickly scanned the area before slipping through the doors. The lights were still on but the floors were cleaned spotless. Her shoes click louder on the polished floors as she walked across the empty ball room.
She fingered the elegant carving of the pillars as she walk into the open air of the balcony. He was hiding behind these pillars. She would be willing to bet 100 Gold Nobles that the man she saw here in the shadows hours ago was the one that sent those assassins.
She peaked over the stone balustrade into the open fields leading to the back palace gates. How did he escape? A wide span of grass lay below the balcony so he couldn't possible make it to the gates directly across the fields without being spotted. It is possible that he hopped the walls but even that would take some skills. Anyone could spot someone standing here, especially from the southern palace gates. That is, unless someone carefully hid themselves in the shadows like what she was doing at the moment. Better to avoid having to explain herself for being there when she's supposed to be in the guest quarters of the palace.
Clicking of shoes immediately brought her attention and in no time, she was carefully hidden underneath a veil of darkness. She strained her ears to hear who the voices belong to. So it seems, one voice belongs to King Hisashi. The second voice was nonchalant and cold, keeping her at edge. King Hisashi is having a private conversation with Naraku Tagata. Their voices were spoken softly but due to the empty room, their words were amplified two folds, allowing her to hear what they're saying.
She tensed when the topic changed from the assassination attempt to her and the prince. She held her breath.
***
"You're certain it's her?" asked the King for the second time.
"Yes, dear brother, did you not see the Shikon shard around her neck?" replied Naraku, his tone hold slight annoyance.
"Then how are you certain it's not made of glass?" He had to make sure. This is Lord Tendo's daughter they're talking about. She's known to be stubborn and defiant when she wants to be. Getting her to do as they said would be difficult.
"I assure you Hisashi that it's nothing else but a shard of the scared Shikon no Tama." He frowned as his eyes turn to the direction of the open balcony. His brother spoke again, asking whether it was necessary for his son to marry her. "No, I want Shinji to marry her by next week. She's the key in finding the remaining jewel shards. You know of the legend!!"
"What if she refuses to help us?" asked the King again. He wanted Shinji to marry a princess in the Lüdan Realm. The Tendo girl however isn't a bad choice but the lands in the Lüdan Realm are rich and fertile and he wanted to negotiate for them. Having his son marry the princess would help the negotiation pass in his favor.
"Then we'll simply threaten her with the safety of her family. It'll be very unfortunate for such a great man as Lord Soun Tendo to be considered a traitor to the people in which he'd done great service to." Naraku frowned again and took off toward the balcony in brisk steps, King Hisashi followed behind him in confusion. Naraku's steps now hardly audible somehow on the polished floors while Hisashi's echo loudly through the ballroom. They stepped out onto the balcony. Naraku's cold blue eyes scan the area inch by inch expecting to find someone hiding in the shadows.
A/N: That's it for now and thanks for the reviews!
LittleDragon5 : thanks, I think I will.
Califpinay3001: No it's not a crossover. I don't like crossover very much but I don't mind mentioning characters from other anime -n- stuff. I'm only using the Shikon No Tama in name and the evil guy Naraku in name as well for a lack of a better name.
Nikka and Konton: Thanks for telling me. I read the Lioness Quartet like four years ago so I don't remember much about it.
Ciao for now! - Miaishme
Disclaimer (Can't forget this): Don't own the characters of the Ranma ½ universe