Author's Note: Lone girl crawling in the blistering heat of the desert. A stranger comes to her. She grabs his shirt and drabs herself up to his ear. A hoarse whisper escapes, "Need... reviews." Thanks for all of the good reviews and I will start responding to them individualy later. You guys have been so good, but like I said, I NEED MORE REVIEW. Now I'm going to tell you something about myself that very few people know about me. I am a superhero. Yes, that's right, I am a superhero, but I can't read minds. Enjoy!
Chapter 4 - Rose
A single beam of sunshine found its way through my shutters. It's just my luck that it lands directly on my sleeping face. Slowly, I escape my slumber. "Ugh!" I think, "What made me sleep so late, I should have been up before dawn, since I went to bed early. Although, I was just on a trip, I could be tired from that, I suppose."
I close my eyes and roll out of bed and onto the floor. Everything is dark, but I don't open the shutters. I want to wallow in how tired I am for a bit. I find everything easily; my body remembers where to go, because I did live here since I was four. I tie back my hair, and practice my arm exercises again. Since we went to the marketplace yesterday, I didn't get a chance to unpack my stuff, and my glaive is buried deep within my packs. The seems like no time at all has passed before I am done, and I get a sinking feeling in my stomach, as I half expect Gower to knock on the door. I know it won't come, although I wish it was all like a bad dream and that I am still a page. I finish getting ready, and silently slip out of my room. My father is sitting in our common room, but he is just a blur, from my eyes adjusting to the now ample amounts of light. "Papa, what's wrong?" I asked worried, seeing he has a look of shock on his face, or as shocked as a Yamani mask could look.
He manages to stutter, "What did you do to your hair?" Then it hit me. How could I have forgotten taking the potion? I race into my room, throw open the shutters, and sprint towards the mirror.
"Great Mithros!" I exclaim, "What is this? It isn't ever a hair color! Great Mother Goddess!" I find my way back into our common room. His face didn't give it away, but I could see that he was amused be my reaction. I scowl. How could this of happened?
"Look on the bright side, Kel. You will match for the Parade of Roses," he says in an attempt to comfort me. I cock my head sideways, trying to think. What was he talking about?
"You know, the Parade of Roses. It happens every six years. You were there when you were little, maybe you don't remember. The emperor comes out and rides around the streets of the capital. All of the people in the city, and all of the nobles line up to through a rose at the emperor, as a sign of loyalty. It started as a parade to honor a legendary warrior, and for the people and nobles to show there support for the empire," he informs me.
"So is that what you would call it? Rose?" I inquire. My hair was a deep crimson, the color of a lush rose petal. I liked it, but it wasn't what I was expecting. When the vendor said, "… the color you most desire at that moment," I thought he meant a natural hair color. I peek into my mirror again. I decide that I like my new look, it just shocking. This was the color I most desired, if you think about it, making wonder what got into me.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Yuki and Cricket just about had a heart attack when they saw me. "What did that dye do to your hair? Yuki asked. I did a graceful hair flip with my now shoulder-length hair. "I call it Rose. I know it's shocking, but it is a pretty color. Do you like it?" I ask, hoping they approve. They look at each other then nodded. Relief swept over me. "Now that we know what your surprise is, we have a surprise for you, Kel," Cricket told me. "There is a storyteller visiting the Islands and she is telling a story in the greeting room. We were about to come and get you, because she's about to start. Come on or we're going to be late," Cricket continued, before she walked off at an amazingly fast pace.
Cricket leads Yuki and me into a tiny room, though it was well furnished. This room appeared to hold every female in the palace. We bowed to the ladies, and I used this time to hide my panting, since Cricket had us sprint here to be on time. We found seats towards the back, so the little kids could sit up front and see. The chairs circled around the most decrepit and elderly woman I have ever seen. She sat with her back straight in a worn, wooden chair. I assume that she probably takes it with her everywhere she goes, only Mithros knows why, with its dents, and dull surface. Her eyes, a blue-gray, twinkle. Everyone in the room stops talking and looks expectantly at this old woman. Obviously, she doesn't feel rushed, taking the time to peer into every face. This action puzzled me, why would she bother. Then, my memory sparked, I heard once that your eyes are windows to your soul. Maybe she did this to see what tale would best suit her audience. She reached my face last. I returned her gaze. I examined her dark brown face. She was not a native to the Islands, but probably one of the Raka, that originate from the Copper Isles. Deep crevices at the corner of her eyes showed lots of laughing in her past, but the lines around her mouth indicated lots of frowning, as well. She was taken aback by my directness, a trait not common in the polite, formal, and meek Yamanis. Then her eyes opened wide, and her mouth hung agape, as though an idea just hit her. She seemed to reassure herself by squinting her eyes and nodding, at an imaginary picture only she could see.
She cleared her throat, gaining the attention once more of the now whispering crowd. In a raspy voice she said, "There was once a great hero, in these very Islands. About 300 years ago, the Emperor went on a walk in his gardens. He was in a garden that holds only foreign flowers. One flower particularly caught his attention. Being so distracted with nature's beauty, he forgot to keep an eye open for assassins that might have evaded the palace guards. He knelt down to smell the bud's sweet aroma and an arrow flew where his head had been a second before. The emperor however was still oblivious to the attack. He was in luck though. A young lady happened to be visiting the gardens at that time, and saw the attempted murder. She rapidly freed her shukusen from her kimono. Since the Islands are prone to pirate attacks, even in those days, she was trained to be a warrior. She slipped unseen behind the assassin, and was about to slash his throat, when he turned around. He was armed with a bow and arrow, a sword, and countless hidden daggers. The outcome looked bleak for our Yamani lady. The man stared in shock, and she took this time to her advantage. She advanced with a fierce attack. Instantly, she realized that he was trained with weapons, but not in hand-to-hand combat. This was the factor that could swing the fight in her favor. He threw down his bow and drew a dagger from a concealed wrist sheath. He countered her strikes with the shukusen easily, but had trouble defending himself from the on-going assault of techniques necessary to hand-to-hand combat. His long blond hair escaped the thin piece of ribbon that held it back, and whipped in front of his face, because of the forceful coastal breezes, blinding him for only a second. It was not long, but it was all the more time she needed to slash his throat. He fell to the ground, staring lifelessly at the sky. Gasping for air, she bowed to the emperor. He was taken aback by just happened. The guards, hearing the commotion, came at a run. Analyzing the scene, they quickly surrounded the emperor. Others scoured the garden and surrounding balconies. The emperor turned to the girl and asked her name. She said that she did not have one, if she ever did, it was forgotten long ago. The emperor left it at this, hearing the girl's voice grow tense as she spoke. He shuffled away enclosed in a circle of guards. Later that week, the emperor holds a ceremony. The noble, the only ones who could afford to pay an assassin, even an unqualified one, who sent the killer, was beheaded in front of all of the Yamani nobles, and citizens of the city. The girl was brought before the emperor. She quivered in fear, expecting the same fate as the noble. The emperor astonished her by honoring her, instead of hurting her. He declared that he had made a new position, one for a lady to serve as a guard for the emperor. The holder of this post was awarded the title of the flower that had captured the emperor's attention so affectively, saving his life by making him kneel to smell it, and alerting a warrior of the presence of a murderer. I'm sorry, but I can't remember what the flower was, but I know that there is a festival held in the girls honor, and that there hasn't been anyone to take her place since her death." She ended to the dismay of the completely entwined group. Sore from sitting, everyone rose, and bowed to the ancient woman. The assembly creped out of the room, and I stole one last glance at the woman. She saw me and winked.
Eitaro noh Nakuji's P.O.V.
Akari came to me at a run. She attempted to tell me something, but had to catch her breath first. Finally, she was able to pant out the story she had just heard a storyteller recall in the greeting room. She was worried, and I could tell that she perceived this was some sort of bad omen. I reassured her that the plan would work. How many times have we gone over it? We would have spotted a flaw then, if there was one. It is perfectly understandable to be on edge a little when you are conspiring to kill the emperor. Akari, who has always worshipped me, will soon be at ease. I will be on the throne shortly, and those who were loyal to me will be rewarded greatly. The thought of all the power I will soon have made my finger prickle. Only a little bit more and I will be emperor. Nothing can go wrong.
Kel's P.O.V.
The streets were overflowing with people. Everyone had come out to throw their rose to the emperor. Each person secretly hoped that theirs would be one of those caught by the emperor. It is rumored that the people who threw the roses caught by the emperor have good luck for the rest of their lives. Everyone gathered with a single long-stemmed crimson bloom. A hush spread up the street as the Yamani ruler approached. He rode a gallant black steed. His guard surrounded him in snow-white geldings. There eyes searched for any possible attack. A shower of flowers descended on the party. The emperor plucks one from the air whenever de desires, flabbergasting a select few from the crowd. The parade crawled ever so slowly closer. I could feel the excitement build in my stomach, and even though the Yamanis didn't show it, they were excited too. At last, they were in front of where I was standing. I tossed my rose into the air. I held my breath with anticipation. It seemed to go in slow motion, rising slowly, reaching its climax, and it began to fall. It must have been the apple of his eye, because the emperor bent down and pulled it into his grasps. An arrow flew past his head, barely missing it.
Terror spread threw the crowd. No one had their weapons, and there might be pirate raid going on. Everyone scrambled and Papa pulled me towards the guard. We were favored noble, delegates and would guarantee any kidnapper a substantial ransom. The guards recognized us and let us into their circle of protection. We started back to the palace. Suddenly, pale skinned, blond Scanrans flooded the streets. They swarmed our protective circle and the warriors fought for their emperor. The citizens returned with their weapons and aided in the fight. My father had unsheathed two daggers and my mother and I took out our shukusen.
One of the guards fell wounded. A tall, heavily muscled Scanran approached. Training took over. I took my fighting stance and watched his dagger fly through the air so fast that it was a blur. I block as speedily as he could strike. Surprising even myself, I added Tortallan moves into my, so far, completely Yamani defense, and the Scanran hesitated at the change in technique. It took only that moment and cut him down. We slowly inched towards the palace. The city inhabitants were winning the battle and the arrival of the royal guards only helped them more.
Confusion surrounded us, but we steadily tread closer to the safety of the stone walls. A sudden movement caught my eye; I turned to see what it was. Another soldier had fallen, and everyone else was engrossed with their own fights. He headed for the emperor undetected. I leapt forward, and jumped on his back. He wailed me in the side and I dropped to the ground. Ignoring the pain, I slashed forward. He tried to get rid of me so he could reach the imperial ruler. I won't let him. I continue a never-ending assault. He grew slower with exhaustion. Clearly, he didn't have the discipline to practice as much as he should, and it would cost him his life. I feint left, and go right, neatly slicing him across the neck. My only witness was the wide-eyed emperor. I bowed to him. I relentlessly shielded him from on-coming raiders as we edged towards the safe haven looming in the distance. Although, we are better off than we were before with it now in sight. Hordes of guards pile around us. Now, three rings of men protected us, and we made our way into the walls.
We rushed off to our rooms, since the fight was almost over. I sighed as I eased into a large, overstuffed chair, and my parent followed suit. We rested our aching muscles just long enough to catch our breath, and then headed towards to bath houses. I wanted to wash the coppery smell of blood off of me. Steam rose from the pool, and I sank under its surface. I soaked for a few minutes, and then rubbed soap quickly over my body. I dipped under the surface one last time, and then wrapped myself in a fluffy, white robe. It caressed my curves, enveloping me in warmth.
When I returned to our rooms, a servant was waiting just inside the door. He bowed hastily and recited, "His most imperial highness requests your presence at a ceremony tomorrow afternoon in the grand hall."
I nodded in recognition, and dismissed him. I found my way to my room, and dresses in a freshly washed kimono. I combed my crimson hair briskly, leaving it down to dry. Why would the emperor want me?
The next day, I arrive in front of the grand hall. The guards let me in without question. The enormous room was crammed with people. I located my parents in the front of the group, facing the dais, and joined them. The door to the stage opened and the emperor entered, causing everyone to get down on the floor and bow to him. He cleared his throat and said, "This raid was a victory for my people. I invited you all here to honor a certain warrior that showed great skill and loyalty. This warrior was observant, and saved my life that was threatened by a raider. This warrior is the foreigner, Keladry of Mindelan. Come up here, Keladry."
My mouth almost flew open with disbelief, but I caught myself. I calmly stepped onto the platform, and bowed once more to him. He faced me and asked, "Was it not your rose that led me out of the path of an arrow meant to kill me?"
"Yes, it was my rose that you caught," I replied, voice shaking.
I was careful to keep my eyes on the floor, as a proper lady should. I saw his feet turn towards the crowd, and he announced, "Keladry saved my life twice, and I will honor her for that. I will give her a position in my court. I have to think of the proper title still, but you are respectable person in this country, and will be treated as so."
The elderly storyteller emerged from the audience. She bowed and said, "If I may, your imperialness, make a suggestion. I just told a story about a young lady who saved the emperor from an arrow and an assassin. The thankful emperor gave her a position specially made for her. No one has been able to fill her shoes again, but I think her title is fitting, and the parade today was in honor of her. I am suggesting that Keladry become the second Emperor's Rose."
Facing the spectators once more, he said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the second Emperor's Rose."
The crowd bowed to me. I was bewildered at this, and mystified by the old lady. I did save the emperor, though, and now I am the Emperor's Rose. I laughed on the inside, as I realized how ironic is it that I am the Emperor's Rose and have rose colored hair. It's funny how stuff works out, isn't it?
If you really believed I was a superhero, then I am sorry to inform you that you are a very gullible person, but still review. Tell me if you like it.
There was this one time when my mom was dropping me off at school that my sister was tacking forever that I had to do this slide-hop-skippy-hop and scamper thing to catch up with my friend cause it's a long walk to the high school from where you have to be dropped off. I told her about my slick moves and she's like, "Are you a ninja?" I just sort of looked out of the corners of my eyes and was like, "Yes, I am." Now we have this whole big thing where someone is this unbelievable thing. She's an alien, this one guy's a robot, and a whole bunch of others I can't think of right now. So we play when someone does something, you say that they're a superhero. And if this sounds weird, it's not as crazy if I tell you in person. Really.
Starlit Emerald-Eyed Empress