That's right...I'm not dead. :D

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Chapter 6:

I did not visit the market the next day. I was so exhausted that I would have fallen off my seat in court if I went. By midday, however, I was called from my slumber.

I followed the guard up a flight of stairs to my grandfather's room where he was standing quite stoically on his personal balcony. It was open and airy up here, high enough to be able to see the entire kingdom from this position. I could see the villagers from here…they all looked like tiny ants moving through the winding streets of Mizuho. My grandfather was staring down at them calmly, no doubt thinking of children and the people that made up our clan. He resembled a romantic portrait as he stood there, head slightly bowed. His purple eyes were slightly clouded, almost as if he were staring past the scenery and people into the past…when times were much happier. He looked noble and sad…but no less dignified from my point-of-view. I smiled at the thought, but it soon disappeared as he turned around and dismissed the ninja.

"Sheena," he greeted me with a nod of his head. "I have a meeting this afternoon with the shinobi squad leaders. This would be the last one before your coronation and I thought it best that you joined me." I could see he was completely serious about my attending this assembly so I nodded curtly. He acknowledged it and added, "Come, they wait."

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As a ninja, I am capable of putting faces to names and matching them with the squad they preside over, but I knew very few of the leaders personally. They had all reported to Orochi, who in turn, would report back to my grandfather or me if there was a problem.

Each of these individual squads were designed to work autonomously…each having a unique set of abilities that the other did not possess. It gives our army a slight advantage when defending our home from the noble's attacks. Usually, all the leaders did not meet together like this unless the Chief requested them to do so; and since the decision for me to inherit early had just been made, I had never before joined my grandfather for one of these meetings.

We descended to the second floor, where a large group of people had been gathered from every level of society. Soldiers now occupied the area the courtiers used and I saw the same haunted expression within each gaze sent my way. Men and women, commanders and simple merchants…they were all involved in the deadly art of demise. Many of them who are still haunted by the images they were forced to induce to their enemies.

I was introduced to each defender and necessary killer before the meeting was allowed to take place. Orochi was not present to my disappointment; he had been the only commander I felt comfortable with. His squad would be out guarding the Temple while the rest met with their Chief.

"Please, sit." my grandfather gestured to the long table. When they were all seated, the conference that I dreaded the most took place…

Karla was the first to speak. "Chief, in the two weeks since you've returned we've trained even more soldiers to join the ranks of the Anbu unit and guard squads. Also a new shipment of enchanted swords has arrived from the samurai lands. We are prepared for anything if the nobles decide to attack."

I grimaced when she spoke of the enchanted swords. These swords were crafted by the best samurai blacksmiths…the enchantment upon them were simple spells to prevent them from being used by a noble or against our clan. Also coated in the blade were traces of our own poisons mixed in with the metal. All ninjas carry an antidote with them at all times…but for the noble caught without it, they suffer the agony of death. These weapons gave us an edge against the enemy who is both stronger and possess greater numbers than ours. We are a dying clan after all, and we need all the advantages we can get.

Karla continued, "I think the nobles are distracted, Chief. Their attacks come less frequent and have all been put down effortlessly. I believe the time to attack is now before they have a chance to pull themselves together and retaliate." Nods of agreement from the other leaders followed her statement.

"I assume you have a plan." my grandfather stated calmly.

She met his eyes boldly for a minute before she spoke, "Because of their obvious disorder, I recommend a direct attack. We won't—"

"No." My voice cut through Karla's. All eyes turned to me disapprovingly. They had all agreed with Karla's views and believed she was right in every way. I continued anyway. "Don't you think there is the slightest chance that the nobles really want this peace?"

As soon as I said the word "peace" I could tell by their guilty looks that they have not even considered it as an option. I saw the fear in their eyes…the utter surrender. Peace was a myth to these people…to these soldiers. They did not hold any belief for something they have never experienced or seen in their lives. All they knew was war, and they did not think that anything else existed outside the battlefield. Yesterday was war, today is war, and tomorrow there would be war. There was no escaping their mindset. They just would not think any other way.

But I didn't want to give in to the idea of hopelessness and defeat like they had. There was still a chance that we could be saved, so appealing more to their rational side I said, "We have tried a direct attack before and they only bring more bloodshed and a rapid decline of our population. Attacking the nobles on their own lands might strike them a serious blow…but the cost for us is just too great." I wanted to remind them of our previous attempts. "It took us half the shinobi attack squads and a dozen of the Anbu unit to take down Helios Wilder. And in the meantime, my brother Haku Fujibayashi was killed. This battle was on our lands. Imagine how many more we would lose in something as treacherous as making a direct attack on their lands." I sighed, "Are you willing to lose a dozen ninjas to the archers they have on their roofs? Its suicide I tell you, and we do not have the hope of causing enough damage to end this war. If you won't consider the idea of them wanting peace, then the nobles certainly have a plan. Attacking their heart would be walking into a trap. As soon as our forces were destroyed, they would take the Temple apart."

Silence greeted my words as they sunk into the hearts of every member present. I could feel the defeat and the surrender thicken the air with despair. I did not want them to give up…nor did I want them to destroy our only hope at peace.

"Do you have an alternative then, Sheena?" my grandfather asked.

Another plan? If only I could have stayed in Derris Kharlan longer—we could have come up with another solution. But my grandfather still feared the dangers Zelos presented on our first visit, so there was no chance of another meeting. And I could not go to Meltokio alone or else I would be shot at before I reached the front gates.

Stalling for more time, I threw my only thoughts out. "Something less direct…something they wouldn't predict." Heh, what wouldn't they predict? We had been bickering for over a thousand years, fighting like two dancers who know one another's moves without thinking. "If we want to attack them directly we need to know exactly what we are attacking. But so far we've never managed to get a spy on the inside—not one who returned anyway."

Karla slammed her fist against the table, "But we need to do something! I do not want to be a sitting duck when the nobles attack us! Isn't it time we risk a bit more? We've always been conservative of our numbers in the past but they've made no difference. We always end up where we started." Murmurs of agreement traveled up and down the table.

In the past, the generations were ruled by groups such as these. But if I did not speak soon, this opportunity would be taken from me. Yet, I did not want to set a date for the slaughter, either.

"I am accepting my position in three days." I spoke in a strong voice; it quieted the murmurs around me. "Give me that time to think. In the meantime, I expect you all to make plans for the attack. It will take you that long to organize the offensive you are talking about. If, by the morning after my coronation, no one has come up with a better plan…I will give you the word to go." I glanced to my grandfather for his reaction.

He nodded. "Three days until your new Chief gives word. Karla, our soldiers are needed here for now…I trust you to lead the attack. You will present the plans to your Chief for her approval after the coronation."

"Yes, sir."

"Dismissed, everyone." Igaguri said wearily after no objections were voiced. "Unless no other plans are decided upon, we will meet here the morning after Sheena's coronation."

I watched as they all leaved, feeling a bit shaken at my own words. In just three days I had to find an alternative to this bloody battle Karla was suggesting. It was pure madness but the other leaders were all desperate to end this war as quickly as possible whether or not we were the ones who won.

Once we were alone, my grandfather said, "You spoke wisely today, Sheena."

"But wise words won't save people's lives if I cannot think of another plan, and I have no other plan." I said bitterly.

He looked at me affectionately as he said, "I don't mean to pressure you Sheena, but I do believe you are ready to take your rightful position as Chief. I'm too old and weary of this fighting. It is up to you young people to continue what us grandparents all strived to protect. In truth, my faith over this situation is not as infinite as it once was. It is the faith of a leader that drives its people and keeps them alive. And you do, still very much possess this faith."

"Oh, grandpa, you're still pretty young yourself." I told him smiling. I didn't want to think about how final his words sounded…like the advice one receives from a deathbed.

Igaguri chucked, "That's very kind of you, dear. But there are those days that I feel that everything we've done is hopeless. You still have dreams, Sheena. I put my faith in you, and in what you do. Karla feels the same or else she would not have let you stall her plans for today. She's been planning this offensive since Seles Wilder appeared on our doorstep."

I shuddered inwardly as I thought about how close we had come to charging out to Meltokio this day.

At this moment, my grandfather decided to turn the conversation to a lighter subject. "It occurred to me while you were speaking, that you might have made your choice for your next husband…will you announce it during your ceremony? It would greatly help the morale of your people to see that you are still following the traditional ways of the past."

I nodded reluctantly. Though understanding was one of my grandfather's greatest traits, he and the rest of my people needed to be reassured that the proposal at Derris Kharlan would not come to pass. "I will consider it…"

"Have you given any thought to whom you will choose?"

The question was just a formality, since we both knew the answer was Orochi. He was the only logical choice. His lineage was as pure as my own and as leader of the Anbu unit he was well-respected by all.

"I will give you my decision at the end of my ceremony." I answered vaguely, hoping he wouldn't press the subject farther. Three days was such a short time to come up with a plan and prepare myself for a wedding. "Is there anything else?"

Igaguri shook his head and smiled sadly, "No…but I just wish I could have raised you and your mother in peace. Run with grace, my dear." He nodded a dismissal.

"And you…grandpa."

I did not return to my room after I had left the presence of my grandfather, instead, I went to the library to read some books on our history. I prayed that it would hold the answers to keep me from repeating the same mistakes as my ancestors. One book in particular was written by the brother of our first Chief Kagaya.

Nowadays, no one could read the old Japanese writing anymore, but when I flipped through the pages, I found that some of the paragraphs had been translated.

My sister is a beautiful queen. She has seen only fifteen summers of life,

but she has taken us from famine to abundance,

and transformed us from a poor village of beggars to an empire to rival the samurai's. They call her the wise one.

A bit later another piece was translated.

Against my counsel, Kagaya has allowed the nobles into the city.

Their reputation is not kind, and I do not like their presence inside our gates.

They say they are only here to trade.

My sister insists they are as human as we are, and should be trusted as we trust our own.

A couple of lines were translated on the next few pages. My gaze was caught upon one I did not wish to read…

…In the back.

She showed them only kindness.

She treated them only warmly.

They had nothing to gain.

Trust a noble to attack just because a trusting back is turned.

Chills danced along my spine as I put the book aside. Was I carelessly following my ancestor's footsteps by trusting a noble despite every warning? Was I making the same mistakes?

And most of all…

Was I destined to share the same fate?

The next two days passed too quickly. The only thing I feel grateful about this is that I had too little time to worry about my nerves. But…it also meant that I did not have enough time to come up with a plan.

On the morning before the coronation, I found on my bed two gifts. One was from Colette Brunel and the other from the Akatsuki, a shop run by the best jewelry makers in the kingdom. Though they were the best, I only owned one of their masterpieces. The family refused to sell me anything and they were too poor to give it away freely.

I opened the gift from Colette first. Inside I found a beautiful silken dress…and the quality of it made me gasp in wonder. The material was so soft that it seemed to flow across my fingers like water. The color was beautiful as well, it wasn't the usual dark purple I was used to…it was a dark burgundy color that still complemented my hair and eyes. Could this really be the work of that little klutz I grew up with? I smiled to myself as I recognized her signature mark on the hem of my dress. It was an angel's wing, sewn in with matching thread so it sat there discretely.

The necklace I received from the Akatsuki matched the dress wonderfully. A black crystal-shaped stone hung from a golden chain that looked like leaves. The stone itself was surrounded by two tinkling bells and wisps that represented the reign of a new leader. I was honored to be presented with such a gift…it felt as if the people—my people—were finally accepting me as their new Chief. The only other piece I owned from the Akatsuki was a delicate dragon bracelet entwined in vines. If memory served correctly, I believe that bracelet was set with a stone that would match the necklace nicely; I would wear both to the coronation…if I could remember where I put it.

I placed the dress by the foot of my bed and lay the necklace on my dresser. I riffled through my jewelry box in search of the bracelet and when I could not find it there, I rummaged through my trunk and nightstand. Nothing turned up on either surface, but a brief check under my bed revealed something that glinted in the faint light.

I frowned, however, when I realized that I reached not for my golden dragon bracelet, but for something a little larger…….something inset with a large ruby stone…

As I pulled the object out into the light, it took me several long moments to realize what I held…and several more to confirm that I was right.

The ruby stone was connected to a golden plate about the size of my palm. The plate was cut into intricate designs with hooks and swirls that wove around the red gem. Its firm weight in my hand convinced me that this was all too real. I had in my possession the one thing a ninja would never wear or make for any of the royal family…a Cruxis crystal.It sat there mockingly, issuing a silent challenge that I was all too eager to answer.

Without a doubt, this is what Zelos Wilder had pressed into my hand…most likely intended as a symbol of his protection if I ventured into Meltokio. I must have been roused when his presence was made known in my room…and when I was still half-asleep. And of course, if this was real, if I'm not dreaming now—and at the moment I hoped wildly that I was—I had not been dreaming then…

My cheeks flushed at my still fuzzy memory. I recalled my outrageous behavior and the not-to-brief nor chaste kiss he had made to end our encounter.

He had asked me to come to Meltokio and I had agreed; what had he thought when I never made an appearance?

Sweet Martel, he probably thought I had refused his offer to negotiate, his attempt at peace. After the sudden departure from Derris Kharlan, Zelos probably thought my nod had simply been a device to get him to leave, and of course he would not dare to return without knowing whether I had informed the Anbu unit of his presence. They would have posted guards on the servant's stair if I had mentioned his nocturnal visits, and if he tried to return they would kill him on sight.

I knew what I would think, were the tables turned and I was seeking trust from the enemy. For the sake of all my people, for the safety of the Temple, I would be forced to assume the worst: that the nobles were indeed planning to retaliate and unwilling to consider an end to the war.

Even if the nobles had been sincere in their offers of peace, my lack of response would force them to attack before we could.

I could not afford to waste time.

Swiftly, I searched for suitable clothing that would be appropriate for meetings with another monarch but would still not arouse suspicions if I was caught before I could escape. I settled for my formal festival clothes—a silk robe over a white blouse and black slacks. I reached for the kodachi Dirk had made me, but pulled back just in time to remember that I would have to arrive unarmed; just like Seles had done while visiting Mizuho.

Unfortunately, my natural defenses are not as adequate as I would have hoped. Against a real soldier I would be left harmless and unable to defend myself. And with the advantage of having angelic wings at will…any one of them could pick me off before I could shout.

Still, I left the sword where it lay.

There was, as always, a vase of lotuses on a table beside my door. Remembering a signal I had developed with Orochi when we were both children, I moved the vase from the doorway to the top of my trunk. It was a routine we used when I constantly snuck out of the Temple on nights such as this. Of course, I had been doing safer things then…

I hoped that when Orochi saw the flowers, he would remember it and know I had not been abducted. It was the best I could do on such short notice even if it would be sure to worry him. I could not bring myself to tell him face-to-face for it will be sure to result in sending half of my guards to attend me, and even with Zelos' promise of safe passage, I doubt they would let us get far enough when I was flanked with my best guards.

Taking a deep breath, I concentrated my Mana on a technique I had developed to allow me to transport to another place instantly. On cue, purple smoke surrounded me and blocked my vision of the setting sun just outside my balcony. Within moments, I was engulfed and transported across the treetops to my destination.

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I landed solidly on ground just a few minutes walking-time from Meltokio's grand castle. If I had appeared any closer, I feared that I would be shot on sight.

Of course, Zelos' promise might protect me better on ground, if he had even been honest in the first place. By this time, he probably did not think I was going to answer his invitation. If he had posted his loyal guards, the ones he trusted to greet me, he would have done so on the first days after he had spoken to me. Now…

The woods were too quiet, everything in me screamed to run away as the goosebumps rose on my flesh.

"What do we have here, Genis?" I jumped at the sound of the voice, and turned just in time to see a silver haired woman step out of the forest shadows behind me.

Her eyes glinted coldly as she recognized my linage, a stave as long as she was thrust into my face. A sharp crystal flashed dangerously on the end. I recognized her as one of the guards I saw at Derris Kharlan.

Before I could move, I felt another blade pressed at my back. "What are you doing so far away from the safety of your Temple, ninja?" a male, slightly boyish, voice inquired.

The woman gestured to a nearby tree with her staff; I followed her silent order and stood with my back against the rough bark. The man—or boy—that had been behind me joined her. I could tell by his matching silver hair and cold blue eyes that he was related to the woman.

"I'm trying to reach Zelos Wilder," I attempted to say. "He—"

The woman's staff flashed dangerous close to my throat. "Quiet princess. Genis, take watch while I search her. I do not think she is alone."

The boy took out what appeared to be a toy; it had a ball on the end of a string that was attached to a stick the size of his forearm. As he positioned himself in front of us, I noticed a slight glow of purple around him while he chanted something inaudible. A bush rustled on the left and he swung around and shouted, "Explosion!"

To my horror, the area around the bush was incinerated in bright flames…leaving nothing but a black spot where trees once stood. A rabbit rushed away quickly, it's tail slightly singed.

Both Genis and the woman sighed in relief.

After the body search, which left the woman completely dissatisfied, she checked the base of my throat again. This time, finding the pouch I had hidden Zelos' Cruxis crystal. She passed it to Genis who pocketed it without checking the contents.

I opened my mouth in another attempt to explain myself, but the woman shot me a glare that stilled my breath.

She spun her stave and struck me in the back of my knees with enough force to bruise. I tumbled to the ground, biting my cheek to stop any scream of pain from escaping my lips. "I'm tempted to kill you here, but Zelos would be cross if I didn't let him interrogate you first."

With my wrists bound behind me, I was led by the two guards to the noble's castle. At the front gate, two pairs of eyes followed me before joining the procession.

Four guards for one unarmed ninja? Did I really seem so dangerous to them?

I remembered the way my guards had treated Seles and realized that I was receiving the noble's equivalent to that treatment.

I was led down many stone paved streets that winded their way all over the kingdom and I knew that it was so I would not remember the way out. Finally, two oaken doors came into view just ahead, telling me that I had reached my destination and that there was no going back. The hall we entered was elegantly decorated, but before I could get my bearings, a staff struck me in the back, knocking the wind from my lungs and sending me stumbling to my knees. Only the rough training I had received from my grandfather allowed me to stay upright and not land face-first onto the marble floor.

I attempted to stand but was severely reprimanded for it with a whack across my shoulders. I grimaced but held my own against the pain, keeping my head up even though every cell in my body screamed that this was suicide…it was likely I would never make it out of this castle alive.

"Get Zelos." the woman ordered, keeping her gaze fixed on me. I could feel the waves of hatred radiating off her steadily even though she stood five feet away. I watched her warily but eventually returned my gaze back to the white and gray marbled floor.

The door opened and out waltzed the Chosen with the woman I had seen clutching his arm at Derris Kharlan. The guards smiled and nodded while the two shared a kiss that made a blush creep across my face. No one but me seemed surprised at this display of affection and intimacy.

The silver-haired woman stepped forward from behind me, obviously wanting to end this quickly. Zelos must have seen the movement because he broke the kiss and stepped further into the hall, an arm lingering around the blonde's waist before stepping away. "Raine, what on earth is important enough to—"

He saw me, and instantly fury rose in his eyes; I flinched, waiting for the blow that would finally end this.

"Get your hands off her," Zelos hissed dangerously, moving with the grace I had associated for so long with death. I inwardly cringed and knew this was it…I would die here. However, Zelos simply dragged each guard away from me.

Then his eyes lit on the guard he had addressed as Raine, who was protesting loudly for the treatment of her guards. She was silenced when she saw his anger shining like daggers in his eyes.

Compared to the warmth he had shown only moments before, his voice made me shiver as he asked, "Did you search her?"

"Yes…Chosen." Raine hesitated, choosing to add the formal title. "She had nothing."

Zelos nodded, apparently unsurprised. "Leave."

"But—"

"Leave, all of you!" Again, his anger, though not directed at me, made me cringe in fear.

Raine called to the others and filed out of the room. The blonde Zelos had entered with lingered a while longer.

"I'm sorry, but you leave as well, Hilda." Zelos told her flatly. She pouted but obeyed him silently.

I savored my moment of surprise; if I had told the Anbu unit to leave the room while I attended to Zelos or Seles alone, they would never have obeyed.

I jumped as Zelos dropped to his knees, drawing a knife from his back. For the third time in only a matter of minutes, I was sure I was going to be killed; instead he reached behind me and cut the bonds securing my wrists. This position brought him alarmingly close. As I remembered the last time I had seen him, when I had assumed myself still trapped inside a dream, I realized that he probably saw need for formality.

After the ropes fell away, Zelos asked quietly, "Did they hurt you?" His voice was soft, but still coated with the anger I had seen moments ago.

"Only a few bruises, nothing to worry ab—" I bit back an unlady-like curse as my legs gave out beneath me. Zelos caught me, and as I recoiled from him, it took all his grace to keep us both from falling back to the tiled floor.

His flash of anger caused me to defend his guards. "They did no more than would be expected." I assured him, thinking again of the time his own sister had come to the Temple. "I assume they are your personal guards?"

Zelos nodded once, still visibly simmering, "Their leader, Raine, and her second-in-command, Genis, are brother and sister—two of the fiercest magic users in this kingdom. If I had known you were coming, they would have been the last possible people I would have put on patrol."

"You had no way of knowing," I assured him, attempting to cool his fury. "And your guards had no way of knowing I came peacefully."

Zelos said dryly, "You are more generous than I am."

"Oh, Genis has the Cruxis crystal you gave me." I added now that my terror had subsided enough so that I was able to think. "I had no chance to explain to them."

His face grew hard, "They searched you?"

Puzzled slightly by his reaction, I nodded.

Zelos drew a deep breath before he said, "I'll have a word with both of them later. For now you should sit and rest…you've been hit more than is good for you."

Catching my arm as if the movement was natural, he led me to the smooth oaken table that sat at the back of the hall. I vaguely recalled him offering his arm when Orochi and his guards had found him in my room at Derris Kharlan.

Touching in general was rare among my people, even in such a formal manner. It was believed to portray a weakness to the world, and I had only shown this weakness when I was too grief stricken and exhausted to stand unaided. That was even looked down upon among my kind. I had heard that the nobles were freer with contact, but until now I had never needed to compensate for that particular difference.

Suddenly it occurred to me that I had no idea exactly how far that openness extended. I recalled how he kissed that female, Hilda, and the both times he stole kisses from me. I had thought at the time that he probably thought me to be extremely foolish and trusting not to protest such an action, but perhaps doing so was so natural to him that he had not considered how shocking it would be to his ninja counterpart.

Slightly soothed by this realization, I settled into the chair Zelos offered me, relaxing my body and stretching tense muscles.

"Seles made me wait one more night before I decided you were not going to come." he said as he swung gracefully into a chair opposite of me. His anger was more concealed now, but still visible through his sharp movements. "Thank the gods she did."

"I cannot stay long," I blurted. "My guards are unaware of my presence here or else they would have stopped me with every ounce of their strength." I blushed under his look of surprise. 'And if they ever find out I might as well say goodbye to the outside world...' I thought.

His voice sounded resigned as he said, "I forgot how much influence the Anbu unit had regarding their Chief." He shook his head. "Genis never hesitates to point out a situation where I might get myself killed, but the guards never stop a Chosen from doing whatever he wishes." he said quite smugly.

Recalling how Zelos had cleared the guards from the room with little protest, I had no doubts to the truth of his statement. And also recalling his anger, it did not leave me wondering the cause of their obedience.

"You are being named Chief tomorrow, correct?" Zelos asked in an abrupt change of topic.

"Yes." I confirmed, surprised that he knew the details so well. I allowed my expression and tone carry the question, knowing Zelos would answer when he thought appropriate.

He caught the inquiry and explained, "I've people loyal to me who have access to the Temple. They keep me well informed."

I swallowed my unease at the thought of the nobles having spies inside our walls. More unnerving however, was the knowledge that they would have to be a ninja, or else they would have been caught long before now. Zelos might have been able to sneak around the Temple at night through flight, but it would be impossible to follow my daily activities without the ability to stalk silently and emotionlessly through the crowd.

"And who are these ears of yours?" I asked, unable to keep my eyebrow from rising.

"If we manage to end this damn war I'd be happy to introduce you to them." he said smiling, but the challenge in his voice told me that he would keep them in place if we didn't.

I had always been aware that Zelos' attempt at peace might be a ruse to cover some deeper scheme, but I had been willing to consider there was a chance that he had been sincere. It had not occurred to me until now that he had to have planned all this out carefully before inviting shinobi royalty to join this delicate negotiation dance.

With painful clarity, Zelos' earlier comment reverberated through my head. "Seles made me wait one more night before I decided you were not going to come. Thank the gods she did."

If I had not come tonight…would I have been lying dead on my bed instead of deep within the heart of Meltokio? Or would Zelos have done the honor himself and plunged a sword through my body? He had said once that he could not destroy someone like me but would such promises hold up while both sides were caught in a desperate situation? Suddenly I was sure that if my given time had run out and I was not able to arrive, Zelos might attempt to end the war by eliminating the shinobi leaders—namely my grandfather and me—with methods more reliable than Karla's plans.

As if reading my thoughts in the silence I had allowed to pass, he said, "If I give you my word, Sheena, you can be assured that I will not break it. I no longer want any more bloodshed to plague these lands…and if that means I have to bend down on one knee and make you my wife at this moment…or listening to any other suggestion you have…so be it." His tone never changed while he gave his speech, only his burning sapphire eyes fixed on mine told me how serious he was. "And if it means taking apart the Temple stone by stone with my bare hands, then I will do it."

I stood, wanting to move away from the intensity of his gaze. If I refused to listen…would I be allowed to leave?

My voice rang with equal coldness as I said, "I came here to talk about peace, not receive threats."

"I gave my word that you would be safe if you accepted my invitation. I do not intend to break that vow. If you walk out that door now, neither I nor my guards will attempt to stop you." he said, not rising from his seat as if trying to appear harmless.

I felt my anger rise and my eyes narrow slightly at a realization, "And afterward…?" I challenged.

Zelos looked past me a moment as if contemplating his answer, when his eyes refocused on mine his expression returned to that of a monarch, "I hope we can end this war with peace, not bloodshed. I've reached the point where I honestly think I would slit my own wrists if I thought it would end the fighting. Unfortunately, the kingdom of Meltokio will not react well to losing its last Chosen…….and again we would have blood on our hands." He shook his head and eyed me sadly, "You are a very attractive woman, Sheena, but I do not think I could ever truly love you. Every time I look into your violet eyes I see the suffering my people have gone through during this war and the countless number of ninjas that had aided in killing my family and loved ones. No matter what stunning and sexy form you possess I do not think I can feel anything for you beyond this point. I am sure you feel just about the same with me, since you tend to keep your guard up and recoil every time I come near you."

"Are these statements going somewhere?" I asked, voice detached.

"I wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings between us before I asked my next question." Zelos answered immediately, standing and abruptly closing the distance between us. "I've considered my options and decided to attempt the less bloody one first." Graceful as our tales portray them, Zelos went down on one knee. "With the understanding that there may never be anything between us but our desire for peace, and my word that I will never force anything upon you other than the political expectations that come with the position…I ask you, Sheena Fujibayashi, to agree to become my wife."

I felt my heart skip a beat and my breath catch in my throat. He couldn't want an answer now, could he…?

But of course he did or else he wouldn't have asked. Zelos waited there patiently while my mind alternated between animalistic terror, the impulse to flee, acceptance of my responsibilities, and the knowledge that if I say no I would need to return to the Temple and prepare for battle.

But how could I even consider saying yes when I knew that he would not hesitate to slip a knife through my ribs just as he had not hesitated to go down on one knee?

How could I even consider saying no when I knew that I would be returning to war?

My voice shook but my posture remained strong, "I do not know how I will convince my guardians to back my decision." The rest of my army followed the Anbu unit, if they wouldn't abide to my choice then I would be left with utter chaos…and somehow it wouldn't surprise me to see Orochi as the first one protesting.

"A yes or a no is all that matters," was Zelos' swift response. "We'll work out the details later at a more comfortable time."

I took a breath…and another before I could steady my nerves. I looked him straight in the eye just to confirm that he was truly being sincere before I answered, "Yes, I agree."

Zelos stood, catching my right hand as he did so. He laid a gentle kiss across my knuckles before turning my palm up and pressing a ring into my hand.

The style was similar to a Cruxis crystal…but it was smaller and made to look like a ring. The metal was made of cool silver that wrapped itself around a rare purple tinted ruby. My eyes widened in amazement…a ruby this rare had to have come from lands farther east…towards the original homeland of Derris Kharlan.

"I've told my people that I would announce my wife on the new moon—which happens to occur two nights from now. I am aware that it is right after your coronation as Chief, but if necessary I will push the schedule back, but I believe it would be best to make our move as soon as we can."

I nodded, and as it occurred to me, I added, "There will be protests, but if we go through with the announcement here first before I inform the leaders of my decision, not only will I have the title of Chief behind me but even the Anbu unit would be too late to stop me. It is a high crime for a husband's vows to be broken." No one would dare order their Chief to break her promise, even if I had given it to the Chosen of the nobles. A little voice in the back of my head, however, reminded me of the tales about the Chosen committing his more interesting escapades in the company of women… causing me to remember that if he broke his vows, Zelos would be committed of treason. Heh, trust is a two-way street, indeed.

I could stall picking a husband easily enough, but convincing Karla to forget her plans for a few more days would be trickier. But I had to succeed, no matter how much effort it took.

"How are your people likely to take the news?" I asked timidly. My concern was that if I took Zelos to the Temple first, he might be dodging kunai's all night long…and I was not sure whether or not I would be greeted with the same treatment.

"They won't like it; they'll think I've gone a little mad in the past few days. There will be those who worry about you putting a knife in my back one night, and some will believe that some strange ninja magic has clouded my judgment." Zelos answered easily, smirking a bit at the verbal picture he'd just painted. "But you're beautiful, and there's no reason for them to think I'm not madly infatuated with one of my hunnies…even if she's of another kingdom. Frankly, they cannot take the announcement badly; one who attempts to harm their Queen or personal guards, which will be your Anbu unit, can have their wings bound and permanently denied flight. Of course, in the matter of actually harming you, they will be automatically put to death."

'Wings bound? Death?' I shuddered at the pain they would experience if Zelos' temper got the better of him, but I agree that anyone intending harm needed to be dealt with accordingly.

I nodded, "I need to get back to the Temple before the Anbu unit comes looking for me." I bowed formally to him.

"Can you be here about midday after your ceremony?" Zelos asked. "That gives me some time to prepare you for meeting the people of Meltokio…soon to become your people as well." The idea of standing in front of a large group of hostile nobles made my blood run cold.

"That should be fine," I responded, my voice sounding strangely distant to my ears. I almost felt like I was in a dream again, but even my mind could not have created a scenario as terrifying as this one…

Okay, I know this took me a long time to update but I have an excuse! (Well sort of...) School has been hectic and I've been piled with homework from here to the moon! Plus, I've had the other five chapters prewritten and I've caughten up with myself now. So don't hold your breath for another update soon. I write whenever I have spare time and time has not been on my side lately. Well I hope this chapter has answered many of your questions. Hehe, I was considering being evil and stopping it before Sheena visits Zelos but I decided that I might as well add it in to apologize for my long absence. I hope you all enjoyed it!

And thank you for all the reviews! I don't really know if I can still respond to any of them but just know that I appreciate all of them! XD

.:Thanks: lugiamania, Sheena Fujibayashi, HealingWind, jiri-chan, Eliannora, Star Magician, and StrawberryEggs!