Princess Kotori and The Seven Dragons

Disclaimer :

Those basic characters are not mine. I'm honest! Please don't sue or accused me since I didn't make any profit from this writing.

CLAMP owns the whole character of X/1999, I'm just borrowed them for a moment

H.C. Andersen owns Snow White and seven dwarfs, story and characters.

Princess Kotori and The Seven Dragons.

When Jealousy Takes Over

A month after introduced Princess Kanoe to his children, King Kyougo publicly introduced his fiancée to his nation. The people accepted the news with the same reaction as Princess Kotori had. They were really happy and also glad that their King finally decided to finish his forlorn time after the death of Queen Saya. And they're admired the King's high taste, after the beautiful Queen Saya, this new later Queen is also stunningly pretty. When the King introduced her in the royal balcony, many people were stopped only to look at her, they're not just curious with the King's fiancée but also amazed by her beauty. When they knew that the wedding would be at the same time with Princess Kotori birthday party, they became even happier than ever. Many celebrations were held around the country to rejoice the happy news.

The preparation for the wedding is finished. Everything has gone the way it has to be. The invitation has been spread, and the castle has been decorated as well. Princess Kanoe also has moved from Yume Kingdom to Toga Kingdom and accustomed herself.

One night, King Kyougo found his son Prince Fuuma stood alone in the castle's tower gazed the faraway scenery. 'What are you doing this late, my son?' he asked his son.

'Oh, father. No, it's nothing. I just want to feel the night breeze. That's all.' The prince evaded his own father.

'Are you worrying something?'

'You may say so.' He turned to his father, 'Father, about your decision to marry her. Have you really thought about that?'

'What do you mean my son? Of course, I have thought about that. Are you objecting the proposal just now?' King Kyougo frowned at his only son.

'No, it's not like that. Please don't take it wrong father.' Prince Fuuma tried to assure his father. 'So, you don't have any agreement with her, right. You married her based on love, right?'

'Of course, it's a love based marriage. Are you afraid that you won't be the king of this kingdom if she had a baby boy? You're afraid your throne is being taken.'

'Not entirely like that. I couldn't say you're wrong either. But I'm glad that it's a love based marriage. I'm deeply happy for you father.' He hid his fears from his father's eyes. He didn't want his father to be as worry as he was.

'You don't have to worry, my dear son. This kingdom will be yours. No matter what happened. I didn't train you for nothing, am I?'

Prince Fuuma stared at the dark sky 'I'm sure Mother is really happy up there.'

'Your mother was a very wonderful person, as a wife, and as a queen. No one could beat her in any way.'

'You're right, father.' He sighed deeply 'By the way, why won't you take a rest? You're getting marry two days later. You can't be exhausted now.'

'I know, it's been a nice talk, son.' King Kyougo tapped his son's shoulder and left Prince Fuuma alone once again.

'You've heard it all, haven't you?' Prince Fuuma said softly.

Behind him, from the pitch darkness two figures came up visualized two people. The subtle moonlight shined at them. They were the two generals of Toga Kingdom, General Kusanagi and General Aoki. 'We come at your service, Your highness.' General Kusanagi spoke.

'What do you think now?' Prince Fuuma asked them 'I still think this as a bad omen.'

'We knew your highness's ability is as good as the late Queen Saya, but I think we should think it over logically and not easily being swayed.'

'That's what I thought, General Aoki. Anyway, have you got your day off recently?'

'We're happy to serve the King right here, your highness.'

'It's a celebration. You may have your day off since tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you at father's wedding party.' Prince Fuuma said coldly and left them alone there.

Since the wedding was held at the same time with Princess Kotori's birthday party. The celebration was doubled. Everyone was invited, from noblemen to the peasant. All the people in the country were involved into the celebration. If they lived far away, the master of that region would transmit the image from the party to the enormous screen they had. All the cost was on the Royal Family.

The people looked very happy when they saw their King kissed his new Queen, they're really delighted with the fact that now they're having a new queen. Prince Fuuma and Princess Kotori both looked as marvelous as ever on that party. They're really adorable.

'Oh, brother. This is the most wonderful party I ever had in my whole life.' Princes Kotori mumbled at her brother. They were 'hiding' in a corner, trying to buy their private time.

'Yes, you do. Yes, you do.' Prince Fuuma replied.

'Why you looked so gloomy, brother? Is there something wrong?'

'No, Kotori, nothing's wrong. I won't ruin your happiest day.'

'Ah, I know why. You're jealous with father. He's got himself a new wife while you didn't have any.'

'Don't be ridiculous. It's not what I got in mind. Someday, if I have found the right person, I'll introduce her to you first.'

'Is it a promise?'

'It's a promise.' Prince Fuuma answered with a slight smile.

'That's what I've been waiting from you. Your smile!' Princess Kotori said jubilantly 'You know, sometimes I think that politics really drove you away.'

'But I'm the next King. I have to learn from now on.'

'Yeah, and let yourself being beaten by Father. Lay back and take a break. A little affair will do you good.'

'Don't tempt me, Kotori. You had better think about yourself. If you're still like that, no Prince or nobleman would be attracted to you.'

They both laughed and enjoyed the party at the end.

The celebration lasted for almost a month. During a month, many people still buzzing and talking about the party and the King's new Queen. Nobody ever knows that this new Queen is as wicked as the wizard from the west. Not even King Kyougo! Even her family back there in Yume Kingdom didn't know about this. Queen Kanoe is an active black magic user. She has practiced this from a long time a go when she was very young. King Kyougo was her latest victim. The day he met her on the ball, she enchanted a spell on him that made him fallen into her arms easily. She knew that he was the King of Toga Kingdom, one of the most prosperous Kingdoms around the world. Her objection is being the most beautiful woman that ruled the world. As the first step, she chose Toga Kingdom as the first path. It'll be much easier from now on, she thought.

Queen Kanoe brought a massive mirror with her. King Kyougo and other people thought it's just her dressing mirror, but when there's no one else around. She would stood before the mirror and sang "Mirror, mirror on the wall. Tell me, who's the fairest of all!'

As soon as she has finished singing, the mirror surface turned to water and no longer shows any reflection. From deep inside the mirror, a little girl suddenly appeared. That girl has a blank expression on her face. Her long silvery hair fallen around her, she bowed respectfully to Queen Kanoe. That was Queen's sister, Hinoto. A long time a go, she trapped Hinoto into her mirror and made Hinoto as her private counselor. Hinoto is an oracle; she could see many things though they were far away from her place.

'Ah, so there you are. What makes you so damn lazy, my dear sister?' Queen Kanoe greeted her.

'Kanoe, is there any way to help you?' Hinoto uttered slowly.

'Stop that nonsense!' Queen Kanoe replied audaciously. 'Just tell me the answer. Is there anyone prettier than me, I bet there isn't!'

'That's true, since you killed Queen Saya years a go, no one has beaten your beauty.' Hinoto answered 'But there's someone who will be much prettier than you are right now.'

Queen Kanoe glared at her sister inside the mirror 'Who is it?'

'That's your stepdaughter, Kotori. One day she'll be prettier than you. To tell you the truth, she is prettier than you are right now. She has beautiful figure just like her mother, Queen Saya, and also gracious manner. She is loved by many people.'

'Silence! Stop that talk! Now, return to your place!' Queen Kanoe conjured a spell to the mirror, and Hinoto disappeared in a second. The only reflection on the mirror was the Queen's reflection.

'This is no good, this is no good at all.' Queen Kanoe muttered to herself. 'I have to do something about this. No one can beat me, no one!'

She walked around her room apprehensively. The only thing on her mind was how to remove her stepdaughter. She kept her eyes on Princess Kotori when they were having their lunch.

'What is it, dear? Is there something matter?' King Kyougo asked her.

'Ah, oh… No, there's nothing really matter.' Queen Kanoe replied abruptly, quickly masked her jealousy.

Prince Fuuma gazed at her from the other side of table and said nothing. He has sensed something malicious about his new mother since the day she arrived.

'Are you okay, Mother?' Princess Kotori asked her.

'No, I'm fine dear…' she replied with a sly smile. 'I think I better have a rest right now.'

When the Queen walked on the hallway, she accidentally overheard the talk of two maids about Princess Kotori habit. 'Now I know exactly what to do.' She said to herself as she entered her chamber. 'I'll kill her, but I'll make it look like an accident.'

Two days later, Queen Kanoe summoned Kotori to her chamber. 'What is it, Mother?' Princes Kotori asked off guarded. Prince Fuuma has something else to do, in the neighboring kingdom.

'No, my dear. I just heard that you really like to gather flowers from the woods.' Queen Kanoe said with gentle voice.

'Yes, I really loved that. Why you were asking?'

'No, I'm just wondering if you'd happily took some for me. you must know the woods and the flowers really well.' she waved her hands in the air 'But, no, no, dear. That won't be necessary. I better have some servants to do so than asking my own daughter. This is really shameful. Oh, what kind of mother I am!'

'But, I'm fine with that Mother.' Princess Kotori said graciously. 'I'm really happy to have the honor to serve my mother. As you know, I hardly know my own mother. She died when I was still very young.'

'Are you sure, you're okay with that.'

'Yes, mother. I'd prepare everything now. if you excuse me…'

'Oh, dear. I have asked General Kusanagi to watch over you.'

'Thank you once again, Mother. I'll tell him to wait for me in a minute.'

'Yes, have a nice trip…' Queen said before Princess left her alone. 'to hell…' she continued when Princess closed the door.

General Kusanagi guarded Princess Kotori during her trip to the woods. 'Princess, I'm still very uneasy about this. I suggested we went back to the castle.' General Kusanagi said.

'No, that's fine General. I'd be fine here. Beside, you're here with me. Even my brother won't even mind.'

'You're right, princess.'

General Kusanagi recalled his memory when Queen Kanoe summoned him a while back. 'I want you to assassinate someone for me.' she said directly when he was bowed before her presence.

'Who is that person, your highness?' he replied.

'Princess Kotori.'

General Kusanagi really surprised when he heard her command, 'But your Highness, that was your stepdaughter.'

'I know, that's why I want you to kill her. She's in my way. I want you to make it look like an accident, so no one would notice that.'

'That's too much, your highness. That's really too much.' His voice is trembled.

'I know how kind you are, but an order is an order, right?' she walked around him. 'What if I told the King that you're planning to have a vendetta,'

'That would be a lie!' he emerged his head up.

'Pick one!' Queen Kanoe shook her head 'No, no, no. you don't have any option at all. At any rate, you have to obey me. And remember, don't tell anyone! You know exactly what is going to happen if you open your mouth.'

'General, General Kusanagi…' General Kusanagai looked at where the soft voice came from. Princess Kotori was smiling upon her horse.

'Princess, I'm so sorry…' General Kusanagi realized his absent mindedness.

'That's okay, General. But I wonder, what makes you that low-spirited? Every time we're here. You're the one who really enjoyed the scenery. You really love plants and earth, aren't you?'

'Of course I am, dear Princess since I'm one of the greatest General in Toga Kingdom. And my element is earth.'

Princess Kotori chuckled 'That's the spirit!'

General Kusanagi became even downhearted. How could I kill such lovely princess, what will the King and Prince say about this. He thought. If I think it thoroughly, no matter what I do, they will punish me at all. This is also a trap for me. That new queen is really iniquitous.

Princess Kotori drove her horse even deeper in the wood. She couldn't find any flower at all. That's no surprise since Queen Kanoe has put a spell on that forest that made the flowers refuse to bloom or even just to show their buds.

'This is so strange, General Kusanagi…' Princess Kotori realized the strange atmosphere around her.

'I know, Princess.' He replied.

'This is really odd, I felt some kind of peculiar feeling when we reached this place. And I haven't see any flower at all.'

'Princess, there's something I have to tell you.' General Kusanagi sighed. This is so sickening. He said to himself.

'What is it, General Kusanagi? You've been looking very depressed since we went horseback riding.'

'Princess, please get down from the horse first.'

Princess Kotori accepted General Kusanagi hand and got down from her horse. General Kusanagi led Princess Kotori to the place where the atmosphere wasn't as wicked as before. He knew that the place was at the limit of Queen Kanoe's magic.

'Where you're going to take me?' Princess Kotori asked, she was really confused with his act.

'There's something I have to tell you, my dear Princess.' General Kusanagi started to spoke as soon as Princess Kotori seated herself in a bulky root. General Kusanagi sighed heavily before continued 'I was ordered to assassinate you here.' Princes Kotori stared at him in disbelief, her eyes went round. 'But you don't have to worry. I won't do that. I'll save you. I'll tell that person you have died, I'll kill an animal as a hoax for that person. I'll pretended it was you. Do you understand, Princess Kotori?'

'I do, I really understand, General Kusanagi.' Princess Kotori has composed herself and softened her tone.

'Oh, dear princess. I'm really worried now. That person threatened me. I really don't know what to do.'

'That's okay. I know you have a plan. I'll follow whatever it is.'

'Are you sure?'

'I'm pretty much sure. You don't have to worry. Though small, I also have a power.'

'Princess, listen to me. This is the borderline of her magic; she wouldn't be able to catch you from here. As you can sense, the aura is slightly different. You just follow this road; I heard in the other side of the forest, that there lived people that will help you. I begged you, my princess. Save yourself. I will mislead her, so she won't notice the lie.'

'I understand, all I have to do is walk further, right?'

'Yes, my princess. Please take care of yourself from now on.'

'That person is my new mother, isn't she?'

General Kusanagi quickly hid his surprise 'How on earth you know about that, Princess? Did she ever harm you before?'

'No, it's just that…' Princess Kotori took a short break 'My brother has warned me before he went to neighboring Kingdom.'

'May God protect you, my dear princess!' he prayed

'God bless you too, General Kusanagi. As you are an honest and compassionate person, I ever knew. You may tell my brother not to worry about me.' She bent and kissed his cheek before she turned and walked away.

'Princess…' General Kusanagi muttered when Princess Kotori's figure has gone.

On the neighboring Kingdom, Prince Fuuma wake cold sweated. 'What is it, dear?' a mild voice came from the bedside next to him, Prince Fuuma turned to see the girl. 'I'm just…'

'You're shivering,' she continued.

'I felt something bad just happened.' He replied.

'Is it about your sister? If that bugs you so much, you may return to your kingdom now. Especially since no one knows about us here.'

'Are you okay with that?'

'I'm fine.'

Prince Fuuma took his locket that always hanged on his neck and put it in his girlfriend palm. 'You may have this. When the time is come, I'll come here to take it again, as well as you.' He caressed her cheek gently before kissed her once again. 'I promise…'

Author notes :

Well, my first multiple shots fanfic. Whoever thought that Snow White could be this long? Maybe I'm just exaggerating some things. I've got the idea back then in 1999-2000, but I've got the chance to write it down fully right now. ! Actually, I've lost my papers where I put the idea, and this is the revised version.

Aside from the site's feedback form. You also can email me at which more likely to be responded more often.

Thank you for reading!

Ps: I'm not really sure about the author of Snow White. Anyone who knows the real author please contact me so I can revised it. Thank you once again!