The crowd cheered as the wagon carrying d'Hiei went by. He
stared out the crowd menacingly until they stopped cheering. The
Cardinal's, um, guards forced d'Hiei up to the executioners block.
D'Hiei was held down by a burly guard. The priest leaned over and
whispered.
"Have faith my garcon, the book will save vous."
D'Hiei looked up at the priest in disbelief to notice that the priest
was Marronis. He winked at the startled d'Hiei. The executioner
raised his axe...only to swing it around and kill the guard next to
him. The executioner was Kuramos! Marronis quickly freed d'Hiei and
he helped kill the other guards. Then Milphos came charging up in the
Cardinal's carriage. Marronis, Kuramos, and d'Hiei quickly jumped on
board and escaped into the country.
"Nous have to help le roi." d'Hiei said as they rode through
the countryside.
"Pourquoi?" Kuramos asked.
"Because le Cardinal plans to kill le roi." d'Hiei informed.
"Sacre bleu!" Kuramos exclaimed. "Nous cannot have this happen. Nous
must stop this now! Let nous go, mousquetaires, and stop this
madness!"
They saddled their horses and rode off.
They paused midway at a tavern to rest their horses and
themselves. Milphos, d'Hiei, and Kuramos were drinking away the
owner's port. Marronis sat by himself, drinking red wine.
"Hn. What's wrong avec Marronis?" d'Hiei asked.
"Nothing." Milphos replied. "He just prefers the book to our
company."
"Pourquoi?" d'Hiei asked curiously.
"Parce que Marronis used to believe in le cardinal until nous
discovered his betrayal. Now tous Marronis has is the book." Kuramos
replied.
"Hn." d'Hiei said.
"Have vous ever kissed a wench, d'Hiei?" Milphos asked, taking a
mouthful of port.
"Hn." d'Hiei replied, talking a swig also.
"I believe that the young garcon has not." Kuramos jested to Milphos.
"Nous shall have to teach him the art of wenching." Milphos declared.
"Indeed." Kuramos agreed.
"I know all about wenching." d'Hiei replied.
"Vraiment? Prove it to nous then." Milphos challenged.
"I will." d'Hiei snarled. "Cinnawench!"
Cinnawench came over to their table.
"Oui monsieur?" she asked, adjusting her glasses.
D'Hiei stood up and took Cinnawench's glasses off. Then he dipped her
and kissed her. Athos and Milphos cheered him on. D'Hiei let go of
Cinnawench, who blushed, took her glasses, and ran.
"I see that the garcon is indeed skilled in wenching." Milphos said
with another swig of port.
Then his eyes rolled up and he crashed onto the floor.
"Hn." d'Hiei said, not surprised that Milphos couldn't hold any more
port.
"Let me tell vous a story about women." Kuramos said suddenly.
"Alright." d'Hiei agreed, more than half-drunk himself.
"There once was a young comte who had a beautiful wife mais she
betrayed him et killed un homme." Kuramos said sombrely.
"Then what happened?" d'Hiei asked.
"She went to jail for her crimes et was killed." Kuramos replied.
"Bien." d'Hiei said.
"Oui, mais the comte jamais forgave himself for not protecting his
wife." Kuramos added.
"Then he was a fool. He isn't supposed to help a murderer." d'Hiei
replied.
Kuramos smiled sadly.
"Ah, perhaps vous are right." he said.
"Hn. I am always right." d'Hiei replied before passing out himself.
The next day the musketeers rode out for the harbour. They
had separated so that at least one of them would get to the harbour
on time to prevent the cardinal's letter from reaching the English.
D'Hiei was riding along when suddenly his world went dark.
D'Hiei woke to find himself staring at the face of a
beautiful lady. She smiled at him.
"Are vous alright, garcon?" she asked with a sweet voice.
D'Hiei managed a nod. Her long pink hair flowed around her elegantly.
"Where am I?" he asked.
"At mon castle." the woman replied. "I am Lady de Koenter. Et vous
are?"
"D'Hiei." he replied.
Then he remembered his mission.
"Sacre bleu!" he said. "I must go now."
"What's wrong?" she asked, stroking his face gently.
Her red eyes met his.
"I have to get to the harbour, there are people planning to kill le
roi." he replied.
"Oh, mon gar?n, vous don't have to go now. Vous have been hurt. Vous
should stay. Et rest awhile. Avec moi." she said.
"Well, I guess I could." he agreed with a hint of a grin.
"Bien." she said with a smile, leaning close. "Perhaps I may aider
vous in, recovering."
She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. He kissed back. She drew
a small dagger out of her hair and raised it above her head. He
picked that moment to draw back when he noticed the dagger. He
grabbed it and quickly threw it across the room. He headed out the
door, only to be hit on the head again.
D'Hiei awoke to find himself tied up in a coach with Lady de
Koenter and a bodyguard.
"Vous are awake." the Lady said.
"I'm still alive." d'Hiei noted. "Pourquoi? Is it because vous don't
want to ruin my dashing good looks?" he added sarcastically.
"Hardly." she said. "I merely need vous alive until I can dispose of
vous without attracting attention."
"Hn. I'm not surprised." d'Hiei said sourly.
She laughed evilly and d'Hiei was silent until they reached the
harbour. They got out of the carriage and walked up the plank to the
boat. The sailors were all silent, sleeping most likely.
"Hey there." one of the Lady's men called. "Vous."
There was no reply. The man snorted in disgust and headed for the
nearest slumbering sailor.
"Wake up, garcon." the man said, shaking the sailor.
The sailor fell over to the ground.
"Ils are all dead." the man said in surprise.
"Not all." came a voice.
The Lady's men looked up in surprise as Kuramos swung down and
knocked a man overboard. Marronis appeared as well and the two began
fighting with the Lady's men. Milphos appeared in front of the two
guarding the Lady and d'Hiei.
"It's the great pirate Milphos!" one exclaimed.
The two jumped overboard and Lady de Koenter ran for it. d'Hiei
looked at Milphos.
"I told vous I was famous." the purple haired man said with a grin as
he sliced through d'Hiei's bond and they joined the fray.
Kuramos went after the Lady. He quickly caught up to her.
"Stop in the name of le roi!" Kuramos ordered.
Lady de Koenter stopped and turned around. Kuramos paled in surprise.
"Tiranne?" he said in disbelief.
"Hello Kuramos." Lady de Koenter, or Tiranne, said with a sad smile.
The musketeers were back at the chateau de Koenter. Tiranne
had been locked up in the dungeon while the musketeers and the late
Count de Koenter's younger brother discussed what was to befall
Tiranne.
"She has to be killed for the murder of mon brother." de Koenter
insisted.
"Oui, Comte, she will be." Milphos assured.
"But first nous must ask she to give nous the information that nous
need." Marronis replied.
"Hurry up then." de Koenter huffed as he sat down to suck on his
pacifier.
"Oui Comte." Kuramos agreed. "I will go talk to her."
He slowly left the room, looking very sad. Milphos, Marronis, and
d'Hiei went to sit in another room.
"What is wrong avec Kuramos?" d'Hiei asked.
"He used to be married to her." Marronis explain.
D'Hiei looked surprised.
"Vraiment?" he asked.
"Vraiment." Marronis replied.
"She's the one that murdered someone and was sent to jail et
supposedly executed." d'Hiei realised.
"Oui." Marronis said.
Kuramos slowly entered the cell where Tiranne sat.
"Tiranne." he said.
"Kuramos." she replied.
"Why Tiranne? Why?" Kuramos asked.
"Tu need to ask. Tu of tous people?" she said in disbelief. "Tu could
have saved me, Kuramos. Tu could have lied to ils, told ils that I
was avec tu. But instead, tu turned me in to ils. Tu sent me to
prison!"
He bowed his head.
"I had to. Tu understand, I am a mousquetaire." he began.
"Tu would lie to protect le roi but not me." she spat out. "I will
jamais aider tu."
He bowed his head, red hair falling into his face.
"Je suis tres desole, Tiranne. I jamais meant to hurt tu." he said
before leaving.
The execution took place at dawn. Everyone gathered outside
at the cliff. The guard and executioner brought Tiranne out. She wore
a simple white gown. They made her kneel. The executioner raised his
sword as Marronis read to Tiranne from the holy book. The executioner
started his arc down-
"NON!" Kuramos yelled out, knocking the executioner's sword away.
Kuramos got on his knees in front of Tiranne.
"Forgive me Tiranne. Forgive me." he begged.
She smiled and rose up, helping him up as well. She hugged him.
"I forgive tu." she whispered in his ear. "Le cardinal plans to kill
le roi at his birthday celebration."
Kuramos looked at her.
"Tiranne. I love tu." he said, tears in his eyes.
She smiled, tears falling down her cheeks.
"I love tu too, Kuramos." she said, kissing him on the lips.
Then, before anyone could react, she jumped off the cliff.
"Tiranne!" Kuramos cried out in anguish as he watched her fall.
He fell to his knees and wept. Satisfied that Tiranne was dead, the
Comte de Koenter went back to his castle, followed by the guard and
executioner. Marronis and Milphos decided to let Kuramos grieve
alone and they went to prepare to leave. D'Hiei stayed behind, for
once feeling that someone needed his help. He went over to Kuramos
and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Kuramos." he said softly.
Kuramos raised his head and looked at d'Hiei with a tear streaked
face.
"She's gone." he said.
They rode hard and fast. They wore out their horses to get
back on time. They made it, but barely. Disguised as everyday people,
they entered the throng of celebrating people.
"Nous should split up et-Oui, I love le roi-try to find le assassin
who is going to kill-le roi! Le roi-le roi. Look in high places. A
better angle of shot et all." Kuramos said.
The others nodded and headed off. D'Hiei was looking around when he
noticed a glint from above him. He looked up to see the profile of a
man with a musket in his hands. He was the assassin! Looking around
quickly, d'Hiei found the stairs and started up them. Kuramos,
Marronis, and Milphos pretended to cheer with the rest of the crowd
as Carrouis and Chocolanne came out. D'Hiei ran faster as he heard
the cheers. He burst into the room and hit the assassin just as he
took his shot. Everyone panicked as the musket ball shattered the
statue next to Carrouis. Carrouis took Chocolanne's hand and they ran
inside with their guards. Richegateau glared furiously at d'Hiei and
the assassin as they fought.
"Get ils!" Richegateau yelled.
Kuramos, Marronis, and Milphos shed their disguises. Richegateau
spotted them.
"Arrest les mousquetaires!" he bellowed furiously.
"For le roi!" Kuramos yelled.
"For le roi!" came the deafening cry as other musketeers shed their
disguises and drew their swords to meet the cardinal's guards.
Fighting ensued as all people escaped from the grounds and ran home.
Marronis, Milphos, and Kuramos managed to get inside the king's
palace. They ran to the balcony to find d'Hiei struggling with the
assassin, who had managed to push d'Hiei out the window so that
d'Hiei was clinging to a flagpole.
"Let me." Milphos said.
He withdrew a dagger and took aim. One swift toss sent the dagger
straight into the assassin's heart. D'Hiei looked at the three
musketeers and Milphos bowed grandly. He went off with Marronis.
Kuramos drew out a whip and latched onto another flagpole. He swung
over and grabbed onto d'Hiei. They swung back to the balcony and
went to join the fray.
Carrouis and Chocolanne found themselves under guard.
Carrouis glared furiously at Richegateau and Rochesuke.
"How could vous betray me like this cardinal?" Carrouis demanded.
"Easily." Richegateau replied with a lazy smile and a flex of the
biceps. "France needs a strong roi, not a weak une like vous.
Amusing, is it non? Le roi being killed by his own mousquetaires.
There is some irony in there I think."
"Vous will jamais get away avec this!" Carrouis declared.
Richegateau laughed.
"I already have, mon roi." he mocked.
"Don't be so sure!" Kuramos said as he and other musketeers burst
through the door.
"Kill them!" Rochesuke ordered, pulling out his sword and running at
the musketeers with his guards.
The musketeers went after the guards and effectively beat them.
Richegateau started to escape when Marronis appeared in front of him.
"Mai where do vous think vous are going?" Marronis asked.
"Away from here." Richegateau replied. "Vous wouldn't hurt le
cardinal would vous? After all, vous are un homme of the book."
"I will not kill vous, mais I will stop vous." Marronis replied.
"I thought as much." Richegateau said.
He suddenly pulled out a pistol and shot Marronis.
"Marronis!" Milphos and Kuramos shouted in horror as Marronis fell
backwards and Richegateau escaped with the king and queen.
Milphos ran over to Marronis. Kuramos and d'Hiei followed but were
stopped by Rochesuke.
"Marronis!" Milphos exclaimed, listening for a heartbeat.
Marronis coughed suddenly and Milphos helped him turn his head.
Marronis reached inside his shirt and pulled out his book, the pistol
ball had almost gone right though it.
"I told tu that it was good to believe in the holy book." Marronis
joked weakly. "Go get le cardinal."
Milphos nodded and ran off. Kuramos and d'Hiei tried to force their
way past Rochesuke but he deflected their attempt.
"Une at a time." Rochesuke scolded gently.
"He's mine." Kuramos said to d'Hiei.
"Non, I want him." d'Hiei replied.
"Don't argue avec me." Kuramos said.
"He's mine." d'Hiei insisted.
"D'Hiei, I wi-"
Kuramos was cut off as Rochesuke suddenly ran his sword through
Kuramos's hand and pushed him away. Kuramos cried out in pain and
surprise as he fell over the staircase railing. A dull thud was heard
as he hit the ground.
"Kuramos!" d'Hiei said, starting towards the railing.
Rochesuke stopped him.
"Vous et me, garcon." Rochesuke said with a grin.
"Vous will pay for that." d'Hiei growled.
"Oh, vous scare me." Rochesuke taunted.
Enraged, d'Hiei charged at Rochesuke who parried him easily. The two
fought viciously but Rochesuke was the older and more experienced
fighter (and taller) and he seemed to be winning.
Marronis got up and looked over to d'Hiei.
"Go help Milphos." d'Hiei ordered.
Marronis nodded and ran off. Rochesuke took advantage of d'Hiei's
momentary distraction and slashed at d'Hiei's chest. Blood trickled
out from his shirt. D'Hiei growled at that and gashed Rochesuke's
arm.
"Chien!" Rochesuke yelled.
He lunged forward and knocked the blade out of d'Hiei's hand. D'Hiei
pulled out his dagger. Rochesuke laughed and kicked at d'Hiei. The
short fighter lunged backwards to avoid the blow but ended up falling
down the stairs. He landed with a thud at the bottom of the stairs.
Rochesuke grinned and came down the stairs as d'Hiei tried to get up,
but the breath was knocked out of him. He froze as Rochesuke put the
point of his sword against d'Hiei's neck.
"Farewell chien." Rochesuke said with an evil cackle.
He raised his sword up and then swung down. He froze through mid
swing as d'Hiei suddenly thrust a sword into Rochesuke's chest.
Rochesuke gurgled in surprise before falling backwards. D'Hiei
breathed a sigh of relief and then glanced at Kuramos, who had been
hiding behind the railing.
In the meantime, Milphos was running around in the dungeon,
looking for Richegateau, Carrouis, and Chocolanne. Milphos gagged
suddenly as an arm wrapped around his neck and proceeded to choke
him. Zahugly grunted happily as he squeezed harder. Milphos thrashed
about, flailing his arms and legs. He couldn't reach the ground and
he was losing consciousness fast.
"Hehehehe." Zahugly giggled. "Urk."
Milphos was released abruptly as Marronis stabbed a dagger into
Zahugly's back. Zahugly swung around to roar at Marronis. Zahugly
lunged forward and then fell flat on his face as Milphos latched onto
his legs. Marronis helped Milphey up and the two of them froze in
surprise as Zahugly started to get up. Milphos stabbed Zahugly with
his dagger yet the monster continued to struggle to rise.
"What does it take to kill him?" Milphos demanded in annoyance.
"I don't know." Marronis replied, stabbing Zahugly again.
The monster fell and it didn't look like he was going to get up
again. Marronis and Milphos went to find the cardinal and his
captives. They reached the bank of the underground river where they
spotted Richegateau and a couple guards rowing the king and queen
away.
"Halt!" Milphos ordered.
Richegateau looked at them and laughed.
"Vous are too late, mousquetaires." He said, flexing a bicep.
"I don't think so." Milphos replied.
He pulled out a pistol and shot at two of the guards. Both grunted,
doubled over, and fell into the river. The last guard looked a little
panicky but Richegateau drew out his own pistol and shot at Milphos.
The former pirate cried out in pain as the bullet went through his
shoulder but remained standing. Chocolanne gave a yelp and shoved the
last guard into the river. Carrouis took advantage of Richegateau's
distraction and snatched the pistol from his hands. Richegateau held
his arms up as Carrouis levelled the at him. Marronis and Milphos
turned around suddenly as they heard a roar behind them. Zahugly came
charging up from the dungeon.
"Merde! He's still alive!" Milphos yelped in disbelief.
"Run!" Marronis decided.
The two of them ducked out of the way as Zahugly lunged at them.
Flailing, Zahugly fell into the water. Richegateau lunged towards
Carrouis and he pressed the trigger. Richegateau grunted once as the
shot went through his hand and he fell back into the water. He didn't
resurface.
The musketeers and d'Hiei stood in front of the king and
queen. Milphos's shoulder was bandaged up. Kuramos's hand was swathed
in white. And d'Hiei's chest was bandaged up. Carrouis looked out at
the sea of musketeers assembled before him.
"Nous made a mistake." he said gravely. "Nous believed that le
cardinal was trying to aider Nous mais Nous was wrong. Nous will
jamais again disband les mousquetaires."
The musketeers cheered.
"Et maintenant, Nous believe that Nous want award these brave
mousequetaires for saving Nous." Carrouis said. "Rise, mousquetaires.
Vous have Nous thanks. Et vous, d'Hiei, what would vous like as a
reward for saving Nous?"
D'Hiei just stared at Carrouis, unable to say anything. Kuramos
stepped forward.
"Votre Highness, d'Hiei wishes to become un mousquetaire." he said.
"Vraiment? Well, that is easily done." Carrouis replied.
A servant handed him a sword.
"Step forward d'Hiei." Carrouis ordered.
D'Hiei did so and knelt at the king's feet.
"From maintenant on, Nous make vous une of les mousquetaires."
Carrouis said, touching d'Hiei's shoulders with the sword. "Arise,
Notre mousquetaire."
D'Hiei stood up and bowed to Carrouis. He stepped back to his three
friends. Everyone cheered. Keikance looked at d'Hiei with a twinkle
in her eye but was surprised when he didn't return it. A small, blue
haired musketeer went up to Milphos and he kissed her soundly on the
lips. The musketeers left the castle. In the courtyard, the
musketeers congratulated themselves on a job well done.
"D'Hiei!" came a familiar voice.
D'Hiei looked around to see Kuwabarard standing there with his brothers.
"Hn. I'll take care of this." d'Hiei said in annoyance.
"Non, non." Milphos said. "Nous will help tu."
"Oui." Marronis agreed. "After all, it is tout for une..."
"Et une for tout." d'Hiei finished as they all drew their swords.
Kuwabarard and his brothers grew pale suddenly.
"Run!" Kuwabarard screamed.
He turned tail and ran with his brothers. There was a mighty roar as
the king's musketeers raced after them. Kuramos and d'Hiei watched
Kuwabarard being chased and laughed.
"Come." Kuramos said suddenly, strolling off.
D'Hiei frowned at the unexpected command but followed his fellow
musketeer. D'Hiei rounded the corner after Kuramos and was suddenly
thrust up against the wall. D'Hiei stared into Kuramos's green eyes.
"Et maintenant...I thank tu." Kuramos said with a grin.
"Tu are wel-"
And the rest of d'Hiei's reply was cut off as Kuramos gave him a
long, long kiss.
.......................fin....................
stared out the crowd menacingly until they stopped cheering. The
Cardinal's, um, guards forced d'Hiei up to the executioners block.
D'Hiei was held down by a burly guard. The priest leaned over and
whispered.
"Have faith my garcon, the book will save vous."
D'Hiei looked up at the priest in disbelief to notice that the priest
was Marronis. He winked at the startled d'Hiei. The executioner
raised his axe...only to swing it around and kill the guard next to
him. The executioner was Kuramos! Marronis quickly freed d'Hiei and
he helped kill the other guards. Then Milphos came charging up in the
Cardinal's carriage. Marronis, Kuramos, and d'Hiei quickly jumped on
board and escaped into the country.
"Nous have to help le roi." d'Hiei said as they rode through
the countryside.
"Pourquoi?" Kuramos asked.
"Because le Cardinal plans to kill le roi." d'Hiei informed.
"Sacre bleu!" Kuramos exclaimed. "Nous cannot have this happen. Nous
must stop this now! Let nous go, mousquetaires, and stop this
madness!"
They saddled their horses and rode off.
They paused midway at a tavern to rest their horses and
themselves. Milphos, d'Hiei, and Kuramos were drinking away the
owner's port. Marronis sat by himself, drinking red wine.
"Hn. What's wrong avec Marronis?" d'Hiei asked.
"Nothing." Milphos replied. "He just prefers the book to our
company."
"Pourquoi?" d'Hiei asked curiously.
"Parce que Marronis used to believe in le cardinal until nous
discovered his betrayal. Now tous Marronis has is the book." Kuramos
replied.
"Hn." d'Hiei said.
"Have vous ever kissed a wench, d'Hiei?" Milphos asked, taking a
mouthful of port.
"Hn." d'Hiei replied, talking a swig also.
"I believe that the young garcon has not." Kuramos jested to Milphos.
"Nous shall have to teach him the art of wenching." Milphos declared.
"Indeed." Kuramos agreed.
"I know all about wenching." d'Hiei replied.
"Vraiment? Prove it to nous then." Milphos challenged.
"I will." d'Hiei snarled. "Cinnawench!"
Cinnawench came over to their table.
"Oui monsieur?" she asked, adjusting her glasses.
D'Hiei stood up and took Cinnawench's glasses off. Then he dipped her
and kissed her. Athos and Milphos cheered him on. D'Hiei let go of
Cinnawench, who blushed, took her glasses, and ran.
"I see that the garcon is indeed skilled in wenching." Milphos said
with another swig of port.
Then his eyes rolled up and he crashed onto the floor.
"Hn." d'Hiei said, not surprised that Milphos couldn't hold any more
port.
"Let me tell vous a story about women." Kuramos said suddenly.
"Alright." d'Hiei agreed, more than half-drunk himself.
"There once was a young comte who had a beautiful wife mais she
betrayed him et killed un homme." Kuramos said sombrely.
"Then what happened?" d'Hiei asked.
"She went to jail for her crimes et was killed." Kuramos replied.
"Bien." d'Hiei said.
"Oui, mais the comte jamais forgave himself for not protecting his
wife." Kuramos added.
"Then he was a fool. He isn't supposed to help a murderer." d'Hiei
replied.
Kuramos smiled sadly.
"Ah, perhaps vous are right." he said.
"Hn. I am always right." d'Hiei replied before passing out himself.
The next day the musketeers rode out for the harbour. They
had separated so that at least one of them would get to the harbour
on time to prevent the cardinal's letter from reaching the English.
D'Hiei was riding along when suddenly his world went dark.
D'Hiei woke to find himself staring at the face of a
beautiful lady. She smiled at him.
"Are vous alright, garcon?" she asked with a sweet voice.
D'Hiei managed a nod. Her long pink hair flowed around her elegantly.
"Where am I?" he asked.
"At mon castle." the woman replied. "I am Lady de Koenter. Et vous
are?"
"D'Hiei." he replied.
Then he remembered his mission.
"Sacre bleu!" he said. "I must go now."
"What's wrong?" she asked, stroking his face gently.
Her red eyes met his.
"I have to get to the harbour, there are people planning to kill le
roi." he replied.
"Oh, mon gar?n, vous don't have to go now. Vous have been hurt. Vous
should stay. Et rest awhile. Avec moi." she said.
"Well, I guess I could." he agreed with a hint of a grin.
"Bien." she said with a smile, leaning close. "Perhaps I may aider
vous in, recovering."
She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. He kissed back. She drew
a small dagger out of her hair and raised it above her head. He
picked that moment to draw back when he noticed the dagger. He
grabbed it and quickly threw it across the room. He headed out the
door, only to be hit on the head again.
D'Hiei awoke to find himself tied up in a coach with Lady de
Koenter and a bodyguard.
"Vous are awake." the Lady said.
"I'm still alive." d'Hiei noted. "Pourquoi? Is it because vous don't
want to ruin my dashing good looks?" he added sarcastically.
"Hardly." she said. "I merely need vous alive until I can dispose of
vous without attracting attention."
"Hn. I'm not surprised." d'Hiei said sourly.
She laughed evilly and d'Hiei was silent until they reached the
harbour. They got out of the carriage and walked up the plank to the
boat. The sailors were all silent, sleeping most likely.
"Hey there." one of the Lady's men called. "Vous."
There was no reply. The man snorted in disgust and headed for the
nearest slumbering sailor.
"Wake up, garcon." the man said, shaking the sailor.
The sailor fell over to the ground.
"Ils are all dead." the man said in surprise.
"Not all." came a voice.
The Lady's men looked up in surprise as Kuramos swung down and
knocked a man overboard. Marronis appeared as well and the two began
fighting with the Lady's men. Milphos appeared in front of the two
guarding the Lady and d'Hiei.
"It's the great pirate Milphos!" one exclaimed.
The two jumped overboard and Lady de Koenter ran for it. d'Hiei
looked at Milphos.
"I told vous I was famous." the purple haired man said with a grin as
he sliced through d'Hiei's bond and they joined the fray.
Kuramos went after the Lady. He quickly caught up to her.
"Stop in the name of le roi!" Kuramos ordered.
Lady de Koenter stopped and turned around. Kuramos paled in surprise.
"Tiranne?" he said in disbelief.
"Hello Kuramos." Lady de Koenter, or Tiranne, said with a sad smile.
The musketeers were back at the chateau de Koenter. Tiranne
had been locked up in the dungeon while the musketeers and the late
Count de Koenter's younger brother discussed what was to befall
Tiranne.
"She has to be killed for the murder of mon brother." de Koenter
insisted.
"Oui, Comte, she will be." Milphos assured.
"But first nous must ask she to give nous the information that nous
need." Marronis replied.
"Hurry up then." de Koenter huffed as he sat down to suck on his
pacifier.
"Oui Comte." Kuramos agreed. "I will go talk to her."
He slowly left the room, looking very sad. Milphos, Marronis, and
d'Hiei went to sit in another room.
"What is wrong avec Kuramos?" d'Hiei asked.
"He used to be married to her." Marronis explain.
D'Hiei looked surprised.
"Vraiment?" he asked.
"Vraiment." Marronis replied.
"She's the one that murdered someone and was sent to jail et
supposedly executed." d'Hiei realised.
"Oui." Marronis said.
Kuramos slowly entered the cell where Tiranne sat.
"Tiranne." he said.
"Kuramos." she replied.
"Why Tiranne? Why?" Kuramos asked.
"Tu need to ask. Tu of tous people?" she said in disbelief. "Tu could
have saved me, Kuramos. Tu could have lied to ils, told ils that I
was avec tu. But instead, tu turned me in to ils. Tu sent me to
prison!"
He bowed his head.
"I had to. Tu understand, I am a mousquetaire." he began.
"Tu would lie to protect le roi but not me." she spat out. "I will
jamais aider tu."
He bowed his head, red hair falling into his face.
"Je suis tres desole, Tiranne. I jamais meant to hurt tu." he said
before leaving.
The execution took place at dawn. Everyone gathered outside
at the cliff. The guard and executioner brought Tiranne out. She wore
a simple white gown. They made her kneel. The executioner raised his
sword as Marronis read to Tiranne from the holy book. The executioner
started his arc down-
"NON!" Kuramos yelled out, knocking the executioner's sword away.
Kuramos got on his knees in front of Tiranne.
"Forgive me Tiranne. Forgive me." he begged.
She smiled and rose up, helping him up as well. She hugged him.
"I forgive tu." she whispered in his ear. "Le cardinal plans to kill
le roi at his birthday celebration."
Kuramos looked at her.
"Tiranne. I love tu." he said, tears in his eyes.
She smiled, tears falling down her cheeks.
"I love tu too, Kuramos." she said, kissing him on the lips.
Then, before anyone could react, she jumped off the cliff.
"Tiranne!" Kuramos cried out in anguish as he watched her fall.
He fell to his knees and wept. Satisfied that Tiranne was dead, the
Comte de Koenter went back to his castle, followed by the guard and
executioner. Marronis and Milphos decided to let Kuramos grieve
alone and they went to prepare to leave. D'Hiei stayed behind, for
once feeling that someone needed his help. He went over to Kuramos
and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Kuramos." he said softly.
Kuramos raised his head and looked at d'Hiei with a tear streaked
face.
"She's gone." he said.
They rode hard and fast. They wore out their horses to get
back on time. They made it, but barely. Disguised as everyday people,
they entered the throng of celebrating people.
"Nous should split up et-Oui, I love le roi-try to find le assassin
who is going to kill-le roi! Le roi-le roi. Look in high places. A
better angle of shot et all." Kuramos said.
The others nodded and headed off. D'Hiei was looking around when he
noticed a glint from above him. He looked up to see the profile of a
man with a musket in his hands. He was the assassin! Looking around
quickly, d'Hiei found the stairs and started up them. Kuramos,
Marronis, and Milphos pretended to cheer with the rest of the crowd
as Carrouis and Chocolanne came out. D'Hiei ran faster as he heard
the cheers. He burst into the room and hit the assassin just as he
took his shot. Everyone panicked as the musket ball shattered the
statue next to Carrouis. Carrouis took Chocolanne's hand and they ran
inside with their guards. Richegateau glared furiously at d'Hiei and
the assassin as they fought.
"Get ils!" Richegateau yelled.
Kuramos, Marronis, and Milphos shed their disguises. Richegateau
spotted them.
"Arrest les mousquetaires!" he bellowed furiously.
"For le roi!" Kuramos yelled.
"For le roi!" came the deafening cry as other musketeers shed their
disguises and drew their swords to meet the cardinal's guards.
Fighting ensued as all people escaped from the grounds and ran home.
Marronis, Milphos, and Kuramos managed to get inside the king's
palace. They ran to the balcony to find d'Hiei struggling with the
assassin, who had managed to push d'Hiei out the window so that
d'Hiei was clinging to a flagpole.
"Let me." Milphos said.
He withdrew a dagger and took aim. One swift toss sent the dagger
straight into the assassin's heart. D'Hiei looked at the three
musketeers and Milphos bowed grandly. He went off with Marronis.
Kuramos drew out a whip and latched onto another flagpole. He swung
over and grabbed onto d'Hiei. They swung back to the balcony and
went to join the fray.
Carrouis and Chocolanne found themselves under guard.
Carrouis glared furiously at Richegateau and Rochesuke.
"How could vous betray me like this cardinal?" Carrouis demanded.
"Easily." Richegateau replied with a lazy smile and a flex of the
biceps. "France needs a strong roi, not a weak une like vous.
Amusing, is it non? Le roi being killed by his own mousquetaires.
There is some irony in there I think."
"Vous will jamais get away avec this!" Carrouis declared.
Richegateau laughed.
"I already have, mon roi." he mocked.
"Don't be so sure!" Kuramos said as he and other musketeers burst
through the door.
"Kill them!" Rochesuke ordered, pulling out his sword and running at
the musketeers with his guards.
The musketeers went after the guards and effectively beat them.
Richegateau started to escape when Marronis appeared in front of him.
"Mai where do vous think vous are going?" Marronis asked.
"Away from here." Richegateau replied. "Vous wouldn't hurt le
cardinal would vous? After all, vous are un homme of the book."
"I will not kill vous, mais I will stop vous." Marronis replied.
"I thought as much." Richegateau said.
He suddenly pulled out a pistol and shot Marronis.
"Marronis!" Milphos and Kuramos shouted in horror as Marronis fell
backwards and Richegateau escaped with the king and queen.
Milphos ran over to Marronis. Kuramos and d'Hiei followed but were
stopped by Rochesuke.
"Marronis!" Milphos exclaimed, listening for a heartbeat.
Marronis coughed suddenly and Milphos helped him turn his head.
Marronis reached inside his shirt and pulled out his book, the pistol
ball had almost gone right though it.
"I told tu that it was good to believe in the holy book." Marronis
joked weakly. "Go get le cardinal."
Milphos nodded and ran off. Kuramos and d'Hiei tried to force their
way past Rochesuke but he deflected their attempt.
"Une at a time." Rochesuke scolded gently.
"He's mine." Kuramos said to d'Hiei.
"Non, I want him." d'Hiei replied.
"Don't argue avec me." Kuramos said.
"He's mine." d'Hiei insisted.
"D'Hiei, I wi-"
Kuramos was cut off as Rochesuke suddenly ran his sword through
Kuramos's hand and pushed him away. Kuramos cried out in pain and
surprise as he fell over the staircase railing. A dull thud was heard
as he hit the ground.
"Kuramos!" d'Hiei said, starting towards the railing.
Rochesuke stopped him.
"Vous et me, garcon." Rochesuke said with a grin.
"Vous will pay for that." d'Hiei growled.
"Oh, vous scare me." Rochesuke taunted.
Enraged, d'Hiei charged at Rochesuke who parried him easily. The two
fought viciously but Rochesuke was the older and more experienced
fighter (and taller) and he seemed to be winning.
Marronis got up and looked over to d'Hiei.
"Go help Milphos." d'Hiei ordered.
Marronis nodded and ran off. Rochesuke took advantage of d'Hiei's
momentary distraction and slashed at d'Hiei's chest. Blood trickled
out from his shirt. D'Hiei growled at that and gashed Rochesuke's
arm.
"Chien!" Rochesuke yelled.
He lunged forward and knocked the blade out of d'Hiei's hand. D'Hiei
pulled out his dagger. Rochesuke laughed and kicked at d'Hiei. The
short fighter lunged backwards to avoid the blow but ended up falling
down the stairs. He landed with a thud at the bottom of the stairs.
Rochesuke grinned and came down the stairs as d'Hiei tried to get up,
but the breath was knocked out of him. He froze as Rochesuke put the
point of his sword against d'Hiei's neck.
"Farewell chien." Rochesuke said with an evil cackle.
He raised his sword up and then swung down. He froze through mid
swing as d'Hiei suddenly thrust a sword into Rochesuke's chest.
Rochesuke gurgled in surprise before falling backwards. D'Hiei
breathed a sigh of relief and then glanced at Kuramos, who had been
hiding behind the railing.
In the meantime, Milphos was running around in the dungeon,
looking for Richegateau, Carrouis, and Chocolanne. Milphos gagged
suddenly as an arm wrapped around his neck and proceeded to choke
him. Zahugly grunted happily as he squeezed harder. Milphos thrashed
about, flailing his arms and legs. He couldn't reach the ground and
he was losing consciousness fast.
"Hehehehe." Zahugly giggled. "Urk."
Milphos was released abruptly as Marronis stabbed a dagger into
Zahugly's back. Zahugly swung around to roar at Marronis. Zahugly
lunged forward and then fell flat on his face as Milphos latched onto
his legs. Marronis helped Milphey up and the two of them froze in
surprise as Zahugly started to get up. Milphos stabbed Zahugly with
his dagger yet the monster continued to struggle to rise.
"What does it take to kill him?" Milphos demanded in annoyance.
"I don't know." Marronis replied, stabbing Zahugly again.
The monster fell and it didn't look like he was going to get up
again. Marronis and Milphos went to find the cardinal and his
captives. They reached the bank of the underground river where they
spotted Richegateau and a couple guards rowing the king and queen
away.
"Halt!" Milphos ordered.
Richegateau looked at them and laughed.
"Vous are too late, mousquetaires." He said, flexing a bicep.
"I don't think so." Milphos replied.
He pulled out a pistol and shot at two of the guards. Both grunted,
doubled over, and fell into the river. The last guard looked a little
panicky but Richegateau drew out his own pistol and shot at Milphos.
The former pirate cried out in pain as the bullet went through his
shoulder but remained standing. Chocolanne gave a yelp and shoved the
last guard into the river. Carrouis took advantage of Richegateau's
distraction and snatched the pistol from his hands. Richegateau held
his arms up as Carrouis levelled the at him. Marronis and Milphos
turned around suddenly as they heard a roar behind them. Zahugly came
charging up from the dungeon.
"Merde! He's still alive!" Milphos yelped in disbelief.
"Run!" Marronis decided.
The two of them ducked out of the way as Zahugly lunged at them.
Flailing, Zahugly fell into the water. Richegateau lunged towards
Carrouis and he pressed the trigger. Richegateau grunted once as the
shot went through his hand and he fell back into the water. He didn't
resurface.
The musketeers and d'Hiei stood in front of the king and
queen. Milphos's shoulder was bandaged up. Kuramos's hand was swathed
in white. And d'Hiei's chest was bandaged up. Carrouis looked out at
the sea of musketeers assembled before him.
"Nous made a mistake." he said gravely. "Nous believed that le
cardinal was trying to aider Nous mais Nous was wrong. Nous will
jamais again disband les mousquetaires."
The musketeers cheered.
"Et maintenant, Nous believe that Nous want award these brave
mousequetaires for saving Nous." Carrouis said. "Rise, mousquetaires.
Vous have Nous thanks. Et vous, d'Hiei, what would vous like as a
reward for saving Nous?"
D'Hiei just stared at Carrouis, unable to say anything. Kuramos
stepped forward.
"Votre Highness, d'Hiei wishes to become un mousquetaire." he said.
"Vraiment? Well, that is easily done." Carrouis replied.
A servant handed him a sword.
"Step forward d'Hiei." Carrouis ordered.
D'Hiei did so and knelt at the king's feet.
"From maintenant on, Nous make vous une of les mousquetaires."
Carrouis said, touching d'Hiei's shoulders with the sword. "Arise,
Notre mousquetaire."
D'Hiei stood up and bowed to Carrouis. He stepped back to his three
friends. Everyone cheered. Keikance looked at d'Hiei with a twinkle
in her eye but was surprised when he didn't return it. A small, blue
haired musketeer went up to Milphos and he kissed her soundly on the
lips. The musketeers left the castle. In the courtyard, the
musketeers congratulated themselves on a job well done.
"D'Hiei!" came a familiar voice.
D'Hiei looked around to see Kuwabarard standing there with his brothers.
"Hn. I'll take care of this." d'Hiei said in annoyance.
"Non, non." Milphos said. "Nous will help tu."
"Oui." Marronis agreed. "After all, it is tout for une..."
"Et une for tout." d'Hiei finished as they all drew their swords.
Kuwabarard and his brothers grew pale suddenly.
"Run!" Kuwabarard screamed.
He turned tail and ran with his brothers. There was a mighty roar as
the king's musketeers raced after them. Kuramos and d'Hiei watched
Kuwabarard being chased and laughed.
"Come." Kuramos said suddenly, strolling off.
D'Hiei frowned at the unexpected command but followed his fellow
musketeer. D'Hiei rounded the corner after Kuramos and was suddenly
thrust up against the wall. D'Hiei stared into Kuramos's green eyes.
"Et maintenant...I thank tu." Kuramos said with a grin.
"Tu are wel-"
And the rest of d'Hiei's reply was cut off as Kuramos gave him a
long, long kiss.
.......................fin....................