Chapter 7
By the time I returned, it was nearly dawn. Yet it only took Orochi a few seconds to approach me while I touched ground. I knew what he wanted before he even had the chance to ask. But I had used the pretense of catching my breath so it would buy me a few more minutes for my thoughts to settle and come up with the closest thing to the truth I could manage.
"When I spoke to the squad leaders, I mentioned the possibility of a less direct solution. I have been finalizing the details of that solution." Orochi's eyes widened as I continued, "I have a plan, but it is discreet. In the meantime, I want you to tell the others to stand down. I don't want a move made beyond what I have already triggered. I plan…to turn the noble's plot back upon them."
I knew all the ways he could take my words, and none of them included accepting Zelos' proposal of marriage. Karla believed that the nobles were standing down to set a trap. Let her believe I was using the same plan.
"Are you sure?" was all Orochi asked.
I wanted so much to tell him the truth, but revealing the real plans would ruin them. Orochi will not stand idly by while I risk my life by putting my trust into the very man who could kill me. Not even my grandfather or the Anbu unit will let me get away with this madness.
That very fact was the single most tempting alternative at the moment. If they had stopped me from going through with this insane engagement to Zelos, I could tell myself that it had not been my fault…at least until I walked onto another bloody battlefield. Knowing I had the power to end this and didn't act upon it will make me lower than trash. I could not face reality if I took the throne and watched my people slaughtered in front of me. The first blood spilt will be on my hands…as will any spilt afterwards.
I kept my fears to myself, "I am sure." I said. "Give Karla the orders: not a move."
He nodded and we parted ways—I, returning to bed for some much needed rest and he to his post. I went to sleep, vaguely aware of my coronation this evening…
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The ceremony was simple: a few words said to the court by my grandfather of my strength and courage and faith in the future, words that felt hollow to my ears as a cold terror griped my heart. From his own neck, he removed a pendant of a yin-yang symbol on a gold and silver twisted chain. I was wearing the necklace that the Akatsuki had graciously given me, pleased at the fact that it hung just below the pendant so it seemed made to fit the other.
I addressed my people briefly, well aware that my grandfather wore a slight frown when I finished without announcing my husband. However, the realization of what I had promised to Zelos did not become clear to me until every ninja in the Anbu unit bowed and pledged their allegiance to the new Chief…all these men and women now placed their lives in my hands; forever placing my life before theirs. I prayed to Martel that it will never need to come to that. I hoped to stop this war before many of them were called upon to sacrifice themselves for another helpless queen.
I knew every name and face among the Anbu unit. Some of them, like Orochi and his brother Kuchinawa, I had grown up with since I was little; some of them, like my grandfather's bodyguard Tiga, had guarded my family before I was even born.
The list continued, coming at last to Presea Combatir; the newest member of the Anbu unit and the little axe wielding girl who had shocked Orochi with her cunning and skill. If I had to guess the names of all of Zelos' possible spies…her name would appear high on my list; she had after all, appeared out of the blue and joined the Anbu unit with little difficulty. But perhaps I wasn't being entirely fair, Presea had just been accepted into the unit and Zelos had implied that his spies had been in position for far much longer. Still, something about her unnerved me. Perhaps it was her lack of emotions or the cold, hard look she gave to the world…but either way, Orochi seemed pleased with this new addition, and it was not my place to question his decisions. As Presea spoke her vows, her voice rang sincere.
The last to approach me was the Anbu leader himself.
Orochi stood respectfully, but in his eyes was a look akin to pain, a question that he would not ask. I knew full well what he wanted to know…but I could not bring myself to answer when I had already promised myself to the Chosen himself. Still, he smiled at me as he knelt down.
"To my Chief goes my vow to train those under me, to lead them well, so our hands may be hers if she falls, so our eyes may be hers in darkness, and our weapons hers in danger. To her blood goes my blade, my fist and my spells, ever to defend her and her kin. To her I swear my trust and my loyalty. To her I swear my life ever before hers."
He took my hand and kissed the back of it. The movement quite formal but revealing the deeper feelings held behind it. I hated for him to speculate the reason why I had not named him my betrothed today like we had assumed I would; but I had no choice, if I wanted my people to see the new day I had to go through with this ridiculous proposal even if it cost me my life.
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The reception after the coronation might have well been a mockery of my new position. Every time a ninja approached me with words of congratulations and the belief that I would make a fine Chief, I wanted to shout in their face and tell them just what I was about to do.
My grandfather approached me as soon as I found a spare moment of peace. He bowed low in acknowledgement to my new position but offered me a silent smile all the same. "So, my dear, how are you faring this evening?"
I smiled back half-heartedly, "Just fine, grandpa. Bit shaky after today's events but the worst is over."
For now…
"I'm a bit surprised you decided not to announce your husband tonight." he said casually, but still hinting at many things.
I had practiced my half-lies since speaking to the council, and when I spoke, my voice veiled all the emotions I felt at having to lie to the one person who believed to most in me. "We spoke a few days ago of acting in this war. Since that time, I've been developing a plan with a select few to end this war with a situation less bloody than sending scores of soldiers into enemy territory. I thought it would be best if I announce my husband with the new era of peace, in a peace where Zelos Wilder no longer stands as our enemy."
My grandfather chuckled breathily, "I knew there was a reason you deserved to be Chief. I put all my faith in you and your plan, Sheena. I await your decision until then. Goodnight, Chief, and may you run with grace."
It was nearly midnight when I managed to sneak out to the balcony for a breath of fresh air. I leaned against the brick railing with a sigh, staring at the line where the treetops met with the beautiful starlit sky.
I was not alone for long…Orochi joined me, not speaking but giving me a chance if I wanted it. There were so many things I wanted to say, but I just couldn't find a way to put them into words.
I started to turn away but when he called my name, I froze, unable to move any farther. Reluctantly, I moved back toward him.
His features were shadowed, but not enough to hide the look of determination in them. He would not leave until he said all that he wanted to say.
"It's all right…I understand. I love you, and I always have. The only thing that matters to me is your happiness…if there's someone else…I wish you luck with him." I wanted to so desperately say that there was no one else, but of course there was—a noble. "And if you're just not ready, I can wait."
I was unwilling to lie to him, but I could not tell him the truth either. So I reached out as he took my hand and kissed the back of it. Words of love would seem cruel when the next night I would pledge myself to another man.
The words I uttered instead did not make me feel any better. "You have been my friend ever since we were young." I saw him flinch but continued. "There is no one I trust more. No one I care for more. But…" I shook my head. "It's impossible to explain."
I saw a sudden hint of fear and suspicion in his eyes so I turned away before he had a chance to speak. I couldn't let this plan be stopped now…even if I wanted to…it was just too late. I returned to my room and collapsed on my bed; thinking, for the most part, while I stared up at the ceiling and tried to block the fears from my mind.
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I woke shortly after sunrise, yawning and preparing a nice cold bath to rouse me. In all truth, I still could not believe that I was Chief. I had been preparing myself for this position ever since my sister died…but there was a small part of myself that would not let me believe it was true. The idea that the Anbu unit would now look to me for leadership, that all my people would now come to me with their problems, and that I would now be responsible for administrating justice for this land all seemed unreal.
'And by tonight…I would also hold the title as Queen to the nobles…' I did not wish to dwell on that prospect, but the cold water and my waking mind forced me to face my deepest fears.
A flutter of silk by the bathroom's open window caught my eye. There, my ceremony dress hung, the burgundy cloth dancing in the wind. Though still cropped to compliment a ninja's movements, I realized that the style and cloth reminded me of the outfits I had seen Seles and Athena wearing. It would be perfect for the ceremony at the castle. I grabbed it with a silent thanks to Colette and dashed into my room.
Struggling into the complicated garment alone might prove difficult; a maid had helped me the first time, but I would manage.
The next problem was a slightly larger one. As Chief, I could not disappear all day without causing pandemonium for my guards, so I drafted a quick letter, wanting to explain my whereabouts without direct confrontation even if it left me feeling guilty. The only thing to do now would be to find someone to cover for me for a few hours as to not arouse suspicion too early. After I had arrived safely in Meltokio, that person could deliver the letter to the Anbu unit in my place.
A thought crossed my mind…would Colette help me? She had been so far the most open-minded among my court, and might be willing to be my intermediary.
I summoned her to my room, careful to let the escort leave before I asked her, "Colette…could you help me with something?"
"What would you like?" she asked cheerfully, beaming an unsuspicious smile my way.
I sighed, "For the past month or so I have been negotiating with the nobles…" I left out all the little details of my escapade but still watched her face carefully for any signs of fear and repulsion. She looked startled but listened to me intently and did not reject the idea right away. "The Anbu unit is not aware of my plans just yet, and I'm afraid that my absence will not go unnoticed by my grandfather or Orochi today—"
"But won't they expect you to come for the Tanabata Festival?" Colette asked with wide azure-blue eyes. "Even if the Star Festival is mainly a day for the villagers to pray and make wishes for the new year, I've never seen one of the royal family miss this celebration!"
In all honesty, I had forgotten the Tanabata Festival occurred tonight. Every year around midsummer, our kingdom would come together to celebrate the Star Festival in which our stories say two people who lived among the stars would meet only on this night. It was a day where children could write wishes on colorful paper and hang them in bamboo trees, where you could light a paper lantern and float them across the river…this celebration had always been one of my favorites because of its colorful decorations and the beautiful story that accompanied it. And most of all, I loved this festival because it was a night where you could spend it with the person you loved most and not be bothered with "reserve" or social standings.
"Perfect." I breathed. "Orochi would not be surprised if he does not see me until sunrise tomorrow." I paced around the room excitedly, the adrenaline rushing a little too quickly to my head, "Colette, will you be able to give this letter to the Anbu unit? I might be back before they even miss me, but if not, Orochi should at least be informed."
She nodded, "The festival will last to sunrise. If you are not back by then, I will talk to Orochi."
"Thank you." I called over my shoulder while I reread my letter quickly and sealed it before entrusting it to the little seamstress.
Colette's gaze drifted over to the burgundy dress and her face lightened up dramatically, "Do you need help putting on the dress? I know some of the designs are a bit complicated alone."
"Colette, you are a goddess." I breathed gratefully. I felt at ease having everything taken care of. Now there would be a lot less for me to worry over while I take the throne of another kingdom.
Dressed and prepared to go, I gave one last look to my little blonde-headed savior with the letter clutched firmly in her pale hands. The letter gave precise details of my discussion with Zelos and the place I would be if I had not returned in time. I warned Orochi that if he were to seek me out, he should do so peacefully and without bloodshed. I did not want him to ruin what I had already accomplished.
Now that things were in place, all that was left was to make the words true. So with an encouraging smile and hug from Colette, I was on my way.
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My greeting at the noble's castle was much gentler this time, instead of the two silver-haired guards I had met on my first encounter, I was met by a trio of young girls who seemed to be alternating between utter distaste and curiosity with me. I was neither searched nor struck, to my immense relief.
Once again, I was led along the winding passages of the castle. I tried to memorize the turns we took and the doors we passed through but found it nearly impossible to do so. This made me glad to know that I was a willing guest and not a prisoner with the goal of escape; one could wander these halls for days and still not find any place familiar.
A tendril of curiosity suddenly overwhelmed my senses. In the past, I had never considered being able to explore the inside of the noble's castle, maybe now I would have that chance. A tickle of laughter caught in my throat; if our stories about the labyrinth of halls were true then I was a crusader on a lost cause. But my stubborn nature had always spurred me on in the past, and this case was no exception.
I was suddenly greeted with the one familiar sight I recalled from the night I first entered here…it was the oaken doors that led into the open antechamber.
Inside, Zelos paced anxiously, waiting until I entered the room before turning to face me with an immense look of relief etched across his features. Dismissing the three guards, he abruptly swept me up into a hug that nearly sent my heart beating out of my chest with fear.
Smiling, he said, "Sheena, I'm overjoyed that you are following through with your promise after all." He put me down then, giving me the time to gather my wits and fix my dress. It was only then that I noticed Seles and Athena Wilder seated at the large table on the far side of the room. "Sheena, let me introduce you to my mother, the Queen of the nobles, Athena Wilder." he began formally. "And of course, you have already met my sister Seles."
"A pleasure to meet you." I bowed, relieved at the fact that my voice did not waver. I also forced myself to keep eye contact with her, as was polite; Athena did not attempt to hold my gaze.
"My son speaks quite highly of you. You are his favorite among his group of 'hunnies'." There was a light laughter in her voice, as if she were imagining the hoard of women represented by that single word. I could only imagine her reaction to such news when he told her I would become his wife instead of another from his kingdom.
"How shortly should I expect your guards to storm the castle?" Zelos asked, his plastered smirk not quite hiding the more serious thoughts beneath.
"The Anbu unit will be informed shortly after sunrise if I have not returned by then." I found my voice nearly as light as his despite my nervousness.
One of the oaken doors opened then, and Hilda entered. She nodded indifferently to Irene and Athena before turning to Zelos, "Chosen, you are needed."
"Am I?" he asked, voice clipped, not cold but filled with tension. "I would like to know of how I can be of assistance at this moment."
"But I need to speak with you." Hilda persisted urgently, casting an ugly glance in my direction.
"Whatever you have to say can surely be said in the presence of Sheena, can it not?" Zelos asked.
A long moment of awkward silence followed as Hilda shifted uneasily from one foot to another, her hands nervously grasping the hem of her dress. Seles broke the silence by standing and putting her hand on her brother's shoulder, "I think you should go with her. You both need a moment before the ceremony. Mother and I shall prepare Sheena."
Zelos hesitated, clearly not wanting a confrontation with Hilda, but finally led the way out of the room. They stopped in the hall, Hilda closing the door after them.
"She knows not to hit where the bruises will show, right?" Athena asked lightly.
Seles smiled wryly, "She knows—though I doubt Zelos is in the mood to take the abuse…even if she is justified."
"Am I missing something here?" I asked worriedly. The implication that Zelos' was beaten by his own people was quite unnerving.
It occurred to me again that there were more reasons for why our two kingdoms were at war. If one of our people raised a hand to the Chief or her family, they would have their Mana flows bound…forever an outcast from shinobi society. Yet Athena and Seles were discussing Hilda's striking Zelos as if it was commonplace. There were so many differences in our cultures that it was no wonder we've lived separately for so long.
"Hilda and Zelos have a complicated relationship. She has been very vocal with her complaints over this arrangement." Seles explained.
As if on cue, Hilda's voice nearly raised to a screech outside the door. I could not understand the words she uttered, but the tone definitely made it clear that the possibility of a violent outburst was not too far off the mark. The voices drifted down to silence as they moved further down the hall. When it was silent once more, Seles spoke.
"The ceremony will occur in the courtyard—that's where every public event takes place and every noble is admitted. Zelos is very popular with his people—that means the courtyard is bound to be full. You will be separated from the crowd while he gives the actual announcement, but later you will be expected move among them like they were your own. The nobles do not expect or want a distant monarch; if you refuse to see your people, they will not tolerate you. No weapons of any sort are allowed into the courtyard, and in addition to Zelos, you will have a guard with you at all times. That should keep any surprised zealots from putting a knife in your back for this evening."
My blood had already turned to ice while a chill crawled up my spine. I nodded calmly, past the point of fear. Walking among my people was something I was used to…but I trusted the ninjas around me.
"With such security, the majority will be wary of starting fights. The guards will keep a more thorough lookout from along the walls as well; but as I said, Zelos is popular—if he seems happy his people will follow him." Seles looked at Athena, as if wondering what she should say next.
Athena sighed lightly before asking, "Sheena…how much do you know of our people?"
The question took me aback. The only form of "knowledge" one had dealing with a noble was how to fight them. Nothing about their culture or rituals was actually mentioned in our courts…only the rumors and myths that might or might not be true. "Not much…" I reluctantly admitted.
She smiled, "One thing my daughter wouldn't think to mention is the differences in behavior." At this, Seles listened in as intensely as I. "In shinobi society—correct me if I am wrong—one is expected to behave with a level of distance and formality that is all but unknown among my people. As Chief, you are expected to more of a symbol…not a power. Expected to speak with cool rhetoric and moving with simple grace. As Queen, the rules are quite different. A Queen is a friend to her people and sometimes closer…occasionally a rival, but never detached. You've spoken enough with my son to know that every emotion he feels, he shows, and that is what is expected."
"Please go on…" I said, trying my best to take in everything she was telling me.
"Zelos will not push you farther than you are willing to go, but the fact that you are going to need to convince our people that this is simply not a match of pure convenience…but one made out of love and devotion for another. The Chosen does not choose his bride for politics or money or whatever foolishness humans marry for. If they believe he has chosen you for any reason other than love, they will not accept you."
My throat went dry. Could I really fake being in love?
"They will expect you to be frightened, but they will think you brave—especially since Zelos plans to let them know that you do not have the approval of your own kind to back your decision and that you will attempt to convince them at a later date. He has turned your situation into the very image of young, reckless love, and that is the image you will be expected to preserve among the nobles."
I nodded, wanting to sink into the floor. I was not at all sure that I was able to follow through with their plans…as Zelos had pointed out, I could not meet his gaze without wanting to recoil. "What does this image involve…?"
"It will involve you being closer to Zelos than you are comfortable with." Athena stated bluntly. "Touching between two people is common here, expected even. Stay near Zelos—that you will be required to do anyway—and forget your polite ninja reserve for the night. Now, I'm not suggesting you two make love in the middle of the courtyard, so you can cool that charming red blush from your face, but you will need to touch him—even if it is only an arm around his waist. Remember, the two of you are hopelessly in love. You can't keep your hands off each other. Zelos will try his best not to overstep his bounds with you, but it will be up to you to take initiative and keep the masquerade going. Does this make sense?"
"I understand." My body was cold and numb while my face felt like it was on fire. I never knew such words could be gathered together to cause such an alarming reaction.
Athena Wilder nodded. She opened her mouth as if to say more, then closed it again. After a moment, she said, "Thank you, Sheena…for being willing to go through with this. When Zelos first suggested that we try to arrange a meeting with the Chief and his heir, I was his loudest skeptic. When I heard Anna's suggestion at Derris Kharlan, I was horrified." She shook her head. "At the time, I did not have the courage to contemplate such an idea, much less be as self-sacrificing as you and Zelos to give up so much for your people's happiness."
Words tried to fight their way out of my throat but failed. "Thank you" seemed too deferential, "You're welcome" too arrogant. Finally I settled with, "I have lost too many people to this war. There was no way I could refuse an offer to go through with something that might keep others from the same end."
I'm really, really sorry I haven't posted in such a long time! I just don't have the time I used to...so here's the next chapter, hope you like it! Oh, before any of you try to kill me, I remind you...this is a total Sheelos fic...and Orochi will have his heart broken later on...the poor guy, but yeah.
Thank you all for such wonderful reviews!
I hate cutting this so short without proper thanks but I have ta' run! Until next time...please don't hold your breath!