Ellie: Hello Everyone. Hope you are doing good. Golden Glow of Amber aka Ellie here, a co-author of this ethereal love saga of our very priceless, Kai and Hilary. Today has indeed dawned upon me as a blissful ocassion, as I post my first ever KaiHil medieval fic, that too along with my mentor Misty. She has been really patient and willing during the entire writing process. Thank You from the bottom of my heart Mist ^_^
Misty: Hello everyone, this is Droplets of Blue Rain aka your favorite Mistyflower, one of the co-authors of this wonderful, epic love story of my precious KaiXHilary. I'd like to say that I consider myself fortunate to work with Ellie. I really thank her from the core of my heart for letting me co-write with her. She's so sweet and a wonderful friend.
The first chapter is Dedicated to all the TyHil Fans over there.
Now sit down calmly, buckle up your seatbelts, and read on…
I am the battlefield of a Mighty War. The battleground whose brown soils turned red till thirteen years after the cataclysmic bloodshed. In that conflict, I've seen virtues, I've seen iniquity; I've seen destruction, I've seen protection. But the immense love I saw here, whose chronicles were left untold.
There are two sides in a war. But the one fought over me had three- two battling against each other, while the third against the battle itself! And this is the story of the third party, of Hilary, and her great love. This is the Saga of the benevolence of Hilary, and Kai….
"A ray of sunlight has arrived in Hokkaido after years. Sing auspicious songs, celebrate."
Standing before the common masses, the heralder announced.
Hail Emperor Hachiro Tachibana! Hail Empress Saira Tachibana!
Hail Princess Hilary Tachibana!
Hail the Kingdom of Hokkaido!
The cheers of the people echoed thunderously all around. Emperor Hachiro was standing on the centermost and largest gallery, raising a tiny bundle high above. The baby squirmed as golden sunrays tingled her soft skin.
"Honorable sir, we have named her Hilary." Saira said as she gently handed the newborn life to the sage.
"Your daughter is indeed beautiful, intelligent and blessed. But…"
"But what, sir?" The parents exchanged confused stares.
"But, after growing up, her life will bring forth two paths before her. One that will be bedecked with flowers and the other will be smoldering with embers. The choice depends on her. One decision will change her entire life."
The mother's face paled, brows creased in tension, bullets of sweat occupied her forehead, but a new determination also shown in her ruby eyes.
"Take care, your Highness, that she may not choose the course of embers. That she may not tie her fate to someone who is born from misfortunes." The learned monk predicted.
"Misfortunate you are. And me too. That despite being a mother, I'm abandoning you soon after giving birth."
In the early hours of dawn, river Fuji was mightily flowing. A beautiful waterfall cascaded down a rocky cliff, adding a touch of melody to the already reverberating river waters. On one of the banks, not too far from the waterfall, a young maiden could be seen. Kneeling down, head covered by a veil was bowed in grief and shame. Her wailings echoed slightly in the serene aura, as she placed a neonate in a basket covered with a silk cloth and lotus flowers.
Her hand caressed his little face, sliding down towards his body. "Maybe, each and every moment of your upcoming life will bring a new struggle, a new challenge for you. But you will have to face everything alone, my son." Recognizing the familiar touch, the baby lifted his arms. His mother's finger tightly gripped between his tiny, yet remarkably strong fist. Newly formed amethyst orbs staring at her, were full of life and hopes. She pulled her finger back.
"Parents bless their children. But you've got only hardships from me. My dear Kai, despite being born in a royal family, as a warrior, you are left at the mercy of life. Forgive your mother for this dear." Crying, she placed the basket in water and pushed it lightly. It went floating along the river currents.
Back in Hokkaido, Saira was cradling her angel, who slowly closed her tiny ruby orbs and went to sleep. "No, never will she choose an unfortunate object; let alone an unfortunate person. We will get her so used to the flowers of happiness, that she will turn her feet, before stepping on the embers of sorrow. Only pleasures and comforts surround her. Far away from darkness, she will chase sparkling lights only…."
Thus, the years passed. Princess Hilary grew into a bubbly and cheerful child.
One evening, she was playing in the royal garden, chasing fireflies. She spread her hands in an attempt to catch one of them. Open them cautiously, the smile on her face disappeared on seeing the nothing. Disheartened, she sat on the platform, chin resting on her fist. Hachiro arrived, smiling at his princess and led her inside a chamber in the palace. Hilary opened the door, her orbs brightened in excitement on seeing the entire chamber filled with shimmering fireflies. Stepping forward, she stretched her hand. A firefly came and sat on the back of her palm. Hilary smiled in delight.
Saira's smile widened on seeing the happiness of her daughter. "In this life, getting whatever joy you want, will be your right."
Kai had also grown. Found by a childless couple, who raised him as their own son. They belonged to the caste of charioteers. He came to be known as the son of a charioteer. From the very beginning of his life, he had a taste for archery. Becoming the most skilled archer in the world became his ultimate goal.
However, ruthless those days were; chained were the brains of people, in the rusted shackles of superiority and inferiority. For, only the upper castes like those of the warriors were given access to weaponry, education too being reserved for royalties, priests and traders. The lower castes were considered slaves; only meant to serve the upper ones. So, when the son of a charioteer expressed his desire to learn archery, he was mocked.
"What's your caste?"
"You are the son of a mere charioteer!"
"Only capable of driving our chariots!"
"Those hands are meant to hold the reins of our horses; not the strings of a bow!"
These mocking, harsh words pricked his heart, causing it to bleed. But he tolerated it all and kept on shooting arrows. The final blow came, when his own father started pressurizing him to leave the quiver and arrows forever. He would rather die than sacrificing his talent.
He decided to leave his parents' place and search a teacher for himself. A teacher who would see beyond his caste or social status. Little did he know, that it would be like finding a needle in a room filled with hay. Disappointed, he went to master Tao, teacher of the princes of Tokyo.
"Why isn't learning archery, my right master?" Kai asked Tao in a pleading voice.
"Because you are the son of a charioteer. Your misfortune is written by God himself, not me. If you had to be a gallant and majestic archer, He would have made you take birth in the warrior caste, and not in that of petty charioteers'. When God himself has not blessed you by making you a warrior; how can I bless you with the virtues of knowledge." He gruffly answered and turned to leave.
Drop by drop, tears drenched his helpless eyes. Falling down in Tao's feet, he requested, "Master Tao, becoming a great archer is my ultimate dream. Please don't take it away from me."
"Dust of the earth never dreams of adorning someone's head. Its destiny lies in being stampeded. Even if you get leftovers, it is your duty to accept them as holy offerings. It is a sin on your behalf to even have a dream."
Taken aback, the dual-haired aspirant took leave. The search for a teacher brought him to Mount Fuji, where sage Stanley Dickenson used to live. The only problem was that, he taught only priests. So, to gain education, for the first and last time in his life, Kai took the support of lie.
"So you are a monk?" Stanley asked
"Yes, master." Answering, Kai bent down with reverence.
Many more years passed in this way...
In the one of the best chambers of the royal castle of Hokkaido, a slender figurine was sleeping peacefully. Hilary used to enjoy the sun rays filtering from silky curtains. Playing with them was her hobby. She rolled on the bed, as sunlight started occupying more and more of it. Ruby orbs glistening with mischief.
While Kai would climb up the peaks of mountains, just to greet the sun. Securing his foot in the crevices between two adjacent rocks and applying full force on his biceps, he climbed up the peak. Spreading his arms wide, as if to get soaked in the morning sun. The golden phoenix pattern on his broad chest and abdomen glistened as the sunrays touched it. He closed his eyes and smiled in satisfaction.
"Dear princess, the sun has come up. Don't play with fire, you may get burned someday." The handmaiden of Hilary said while entering her chamber. Moving towards the curtains, she started closing them.
Hilary was still lying on the bed, "Playing is done only with fire. Is water also any thing to play?" Then slowly getting up, she pulled out the wooden hair stick from her already messy bun and threw it towards the curtains such that, a corner got pinned in the wall and the maid stepped back, eyes widened with fear.
"Princess, your father has safeguarded my life with his promise. Had your aim had been a little here or there, his promise would have gone in vain."
"Doubting my aim? Remember, these eyes don't make mistakes. But yes, they can make anyone commit mistakes."
The maid just chuckled at Hilary's witty replies. "Now get up from the bed. Today's the day of your competition. Else, you may get late."
"In any race, winner is not the one who begins early, but the one who finishes first. Which I will do." She got up from the bed and motioned towards the regally carved, wooden dressing table. Slender fingers stroked her waist-length, thick, brown tresses, admiring herself.
A pool filled with cerulean blue water and lotus flowers was situated at the center. Hilary was sitting in it, clad in a white cotton gown, eyes closed. Trays of cotton clothes, and bowls and bottles of various herbs and essential oils, were kept on one side. A maid was adding some fragrant oil in the pool, while another was pouring rose-petal mixed water on her body from a copper vessel, a few others stood at the back.
"Greetings princess." A maid bowed. "Princess Ellie and Princess Misty are asking for permission to come in." Hilary simply opened her eyes as Ellie and Misty entered, holding each other's hands. On seeing her friends, she closed them again. They both exchanged worried looks.
Ellie was clad in a blue and golden, peacock motif sleeveless gown. Hair left open with a golden floral hair band. Misty was draped in a similar pink and purple gown, open hair with a golden tiara, beautifying them even more.
"Sorry no." Misty took the lead. "Accepted that we got a bit late. But…"
"Three days of delay. What if I refuse to recognize you?" Hilary angrily interrupted.
"Our hearts will break." Misty bent her head and pouted.
"Yeah, yeah, only you have hearts, my chest is filled with pebbles, right?" she countered sarcastically.
"Who said? Can one find a heart like yours anywhere in this whole world?" Ellie tried to cheer her up, sitting on the edge.
Familiar with her friends' antics, Hilary just closed her eyes again. Getting out of the water, she got dressed in a baby pink, puffy sleeved, off shoulder georgette gown. Tresses arranged in a loose side-braid, with curly locks hanging on her temples. Hands encircled by golden bracelets with rings attached to them by delicate chains. A two-layered golden necklace with floral brooches. Lips smeared with fresh pomegranate juice, and eyes highlighted with kohl added to her natural beauty. The trio was walking in Hilary's chamber by now.
"Our friend is still angry with us?" Misty tried to break the ice. "C'mon, we are also princesses, but her tantrums are entirely something else." She grimaced. Ignoring her, Hilary sat in front of the dressing table.
"Um, Misty, that amazing gem that we took from the jewelery exhibition…" Ellie gestured with her hands. "That one which can't be broken even if all the five elements combined their powers." She flinched in excitement, knowing that Hilary's attention has been caught.
Misty mouthed a "Which one?" as Hilary eyed them from the corner of her eyes.
Ellie took out a pink gem and held it between her fingers. It glistened in the sunlight. Speaking only to Misty, she continued, "See this. It is such a lucky gem for its wearer." Hilary held a hand on her heart. "We went to bring this for Hilary. But guess, she'll only get it after she forgives us."
"Hmm." Misty nodded in agreement. Just then, before one could blink his eye, Hilary leapt and seized the gem from Ellie's hand, startling the other two princesses.
"I know snatching too." She said cockily and started walking away.
"Hilary!" Misty followed behind. "Place this in the hands of the special guest of today's event. Let's see he will gawk more at you or the gem." And she and Ellie burst out laughing. While Hilary narrowed her eyes.
A white stallion was galloping on the unconstructed roads that led to Hokkaido. On it rode a blunette. Wearing a blue silk kimono robe, with a golden dragon tattooed at the back, golden waist belt, midnight blue hair, tied in a ponytail at the back. Tanned, yet charming skin shone brightly in the cheerful atmosphere. Looking like a prince, he was indeed one. A few soldiers marched behind, holding long flag-staffs.
"It is not necessary that every girl should adorn herself for somebody else. I also like dressing and make up, but only for myself." Ellie and Misty simply chuckled.
The blunette prince crossed the entrance of Hokkaido and headed towards the castle, oblivious to the surroundings. A group of young girls gathered behind.
"It is him only, right?" one of them asked.
"Baka! Which other kingdom has a magnificent flag like this?" Her friend replied.
"How attractive and charming…"
"So true…" And they all stood there, looking at his vanishing figure with dreamy eyes.
"The story between every boy and girl is not a love story. Just like me and you both are friends, he is also my friend."
"Back off Hils. Everyone knows of the relationship between you and him." Ellie squeezed her shoulders and giggled.
"And then, friendship was in childhood. Now it's love…" Misty winked. She too wasn't going to stay back. "Else, who comes this far to cheer someone in a competition."
"Friends come. And if he won't, he'll regret." The other two looked at each other and shrugged.
Just then, the whinnying sound of horses was heard. Ellie almost jumped in delight and quickly went towards the window. "The flag of Tokyo!" She exclaimed. "He has arrived!" Misty too joined her sister.
Hilary contently smiled to herself. "Tyson" she softly mumbled.
The white stallion motioned towards the threshold in full speed. Tyson tensed a little and shook his head in disapproval. For, Hilary was standing right in the middle of the path. Nonetheless, the horse stopped at the correct moment and she gently touched its head.
"Lost your love for life or what? What if the horse didn't stop?"
"I may or may not trust you. But have full faith in these horses. The know very well when to start and when to stop."
Tyson smiled, pursing his lips together. "Welcoming someone who has come so far with your taunts?"
"If arrived with the expectation of any welcoming garland, then maybe you don't know me." Pausing for a second, she continued in her composed tone, "Break this friendship, shall we?"
"Threatening the prince of Tokyo?"
"Clashing with the princess of Hokkaido?"
"Even if I had a slight giving up nature, I would have accepted defeat.", Tyson said keeping a hand over his heart.
"And I will never let my friend fail. Never!" Then she turned around and started walking.
"Hilary!" he called and she turned around, "Really no welcome?"
She smiled and calmly replied, "Guests are welcomed Tyson. And you are not a guest."
"Then who am I?"
"The one who is closest to my heart. Now lets go. The race may begin anytime soon." Saying she went inside.
"Close to your heart, but not in your heart…" Tyson sighed before joining his childhood friend.
They walked towards the stadium, the starting point of the chariot-race. Sounds of drums and trumpets reverberated throughout.
On the red-velvet makeshift podium, Hachiro and Saira were sitting on the central throne. To their right, princesses Ellie and Misty were sitting on a futon; their faces filled with excitement for this anticipated event. To their left, ministers and courtiers were sitting on another futon. Soldiers and maids guarding and fanning them respectively.
Attention! Attention! Attention!
The citizens of Hokkaido, Emperor Hachiro Tachibana and Empress Saira Tachibana, welcome you all to the decennial chariot-race competition…
"There comes Tyson and Hilary." Hachiro said, looking at the entrance, as the said duo walked towards them.
"How true! They both really look good together." Saira couldn't suppress herself. 'In her fate, Hilary will choose only Tyson. And this decision, will change their destiny.'
You are welcome to the chariot race competition of Hokkaido. Today, the test is not of horses. Not even of the chariot-riders. But of the charioteers. Facing difficult situations, the riders have to be taken to their destinations.
Tyson and Hilary climbed the five small stairs, and went towards the throne. Everyone on the podium stood up.
"Great archer, valiant prince, Tyson. Welcome to Hokkaido." Hachiro smiled.
"Don't welcome me your Highness." Turning towards Hilary he continued. "That is done to guests."
Hilary too looked up, cocking a brow. "Thief", she muttered inaudibly. Tyson heard it and laughed.
"I had to come to the efficiency test of my childhood friend." Hachiro nodded in approval. "By the way, you are ready, right? I will be ashamed to see you loosing."
Hilary pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at his comment. "This wasn't good on your part." She shook her head side to side, and Tyson laughed again.
"Hilary, you are the charioteer, then who is your rider?", Hachiro enquired.
"Here, he is present no." her orbs shown in mischief as she pointed her palm in Tyson's direction. The prince's eyes widened in shock, as he looked at her. "He'll be my chariot rider." And she smirked. Ellie and Misty held each other's hands and grinned with excitement. "So, valiant Tyson, are you ready for it?", she asked innocently, yet sarcastically at the same time.
"Yes", Tyson too said with a new pride. "I don't trust horses. But will have to trust the brains of my charioteer." A staring contest ensued between them. Saira smiled at this.
"Let's get going?"
"Sure." And they both motioned towards the race course.
In the sandy racecourse, there were eight or nine different tracks whose territories were marked with the colour made of white rice and water, tending to different paths. At their starting points, the same number of four-wheeled chariots were standing, made of dark wood and ornamented with gold at the seats and paddles. Brown, white and black stallions were tied to them with reins, each having a single pair. They were waggling their tails calmly, waiting for the participants. Within a few moments, from various kingdoms and battalions, the competitors gathered there, choosing their chariots and occupying their seats in them. But the chocolate-haired princess and her blunette friend didn't show any hurry to select their favorite one. They were comfortable with anything. Particularly, the brunette.
"Hilary," Tyson looked at the confident princess, "From different kingdoms, so many skilled warriors have come to take part in this race. Among all the competitors, you're the only woman. Aren't you feeling nervous?"
"Tyson," She grinned, "Horses cannot differentiate between a girl and a boy. They only see the hands which are holding their reins."
The dragoon-wielder felt impressed at her words. His best friend was surely wise, determined-with a great, enriched sense of feminism which was quite rare in that era, specially in their region. Reaching the chosen chariot, he stretched a hand towards her, "Like this, accompany me in every battle I participate in my life, Hilary."
"Sure, why not?" Hilary smilingly approached the vehicle and was about to place her hand on his but at the last moment, moved it away and fixed her hair dramatically, "If my husband permits me."
Tyson glared, amazed at her daringness and sarcastic attitude. Nonetheless, he smirked at his own foolishness, following the girl. Within a few moments, every rider occupied their carriages. When all the competitors were ready, waiting at the starting line, the directors of the race played the trumpets together as the charioteers became ready for driving their carriages to reach the first position. Amidst all the men, the chocolate-haired princess also held the reins. Standing behind her, Tyson asked, "Are you ready, Hilary?"
She didn't answer, only nodded. Then, a final resonation of trumpets echoed through the racecourse. Following it, all the chariots scurried across the certain lanes, the hooves of the horses splashed sand, creating a sandstorm which made the scene blurry. Sitting on their thrones, the king and the queen frowned, trying to discover what was happening there. When the airstream washed all the dust, making the scene clear, not a single chariot was present there, not waiting for the spectators. They all were gone. Princess Misty and princess Ellie smirked at each other, standing by the thrones. They had full faith on their best friend and her companion. For her, every competition was a challenge and she'd never lost any challenge.
Far from the place, in an unknown, unseen valley, right on the peak, another challenge was placed before the dual-haired half-Russian. Dressed in the outfits of a samurai and carrying the wooden longbow in his hand, when he knelt down before the ageless, ever-living, bald sage and stood up, the latter said, "Kai, I've been teaching you archery for 12 years."
"Hn." He nodded.
"Your training has been completed," Stanley spoke, "Now, it's the time of your test. Through the test, it will be decided whether you have received the training accurately or not. Are you ready for it?"
Kai looked at the weapon held in his hand. For achieving the bow itself, he'd undergone a lot of tests and hardships. He'd been used to them. A last one wasn't a big deal for him. Taking a sharp breath, he nodded, "Yes, I am."
The clear, visible ways were long gone. The chariots of the race were now in a dark, deep cave where the sunlight was forbidden to enter. This time, not all the carriages were in it because two or three had already returned from the midway, scared and unable to face the pit of darkness. Only a few four-wheelers had dared enter it. Luckily, princess Hilary and prince Tyson were in one of them. Their eyes met blinding obscurity which wasn't owned even by a lengthy winter night. They were familiar with only light, not endless embracing twilight. Behind them, two or three vehicles had a fierce collision with one another. When Tyson heard the harsh sound reverberating everywhere, he gasped, thanking the Almighty that they hadn't been there at that place.
"This cave is so dark, Hilary," The blunette whispered, "How'll you cross it?"
However, the princess was driving the chariot with much attention and confidence, not that unsure like her best friend. Not dropping the hurdles, she smirked, "Tyson, God has given us five senses only for these difficult times. If you cannot see the way, listen to it. Can you hear the flittering wings of the pigeons? They will show us the way."
She closed her eyes, frightening her best friend more. He just prayed that Hilary might come successful because he had full faith on her. With no sign of fear in her heart, she kept seizing the reins of the horses, offering her ears to the white wings of the pigeons which were desperately trying to find a way out of the cave, just like them, fortunately, knowing the direction.
"Sometimes, you have to listen to your enemy," Stanley asserted, "Not always the target will be present before your eyesight."
The archer, tying a piece of black cloth around his amethyst eyes and carrying the bow and the quiver of arrows on his back, nodded. Before him, to one of the highest branches of a tree, a conch-shell was tied with a rope. It was so light that it was easily swinging here and there even in the calm and gentle flurries of the valley. The frequency of its sound was so low that it was almost unhearable. Moreover, because of being blindfolded, Kai couldn't even see it too though it didn't bother him much because he was acquainted with it. However, Dickenson was serious.
"Then, you have to hear your enemies. His steps. His actions," The mentor advised, "Before you, a target is placed. You have to listen to it and discharge your arrow. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Kai replied, adjusting an arrow against the cord of his bow.
"Target it and shoot!" Stanley ordered.
After it, Kai's ears didn't belong to him anymore for a while, settling themselves with the environment and all the pieces of sound waves buzzing throughout it. The sharp, skilled tympanic membranes didn't take much time to discriminate between all other sounds and the conch shell. Raising the bow, he pulled the string and launched the arrow as it straightly dashed towards the white conch. Penetrating, it got stabbed with the tree as the target exploded with a louder clank. Kai quickly removed the cloth from his eyes as they met those of his mentor, shining with satisfaction. He smirked, successfully completing the challenge.
The two pairs of rubies finally met the dazzling sun after quite a long period of wait, proudly gleaming in the blue sky. The birds flew in their own directions as the chariot kept going straightly. The brunette charioteer's face flashed with a smile which was even brighter than the daylight, belonging to self-confidence and the relief of finding the lights from the depth of darkness. Her friend smiled of assurance at her though she didn't notice it. Forgetting the past, she was prepared for the future, directing the stallions accurately like the rest of the participants who were successful in coming out from the cave just like her. Well…the future wasn't as simple as the past.
The tracks of valley were so narrow that not a single human being could walk across it with his eyes closed. Moreover, the path wasn't smooth. Because of pebbles scattered everywhere, maintaining balance became a trial by fire. Two or three chariots stopped right there, not daring move forward. However, Hilary Tachibana was determined here too, not flinching a bit from her decision. She kept driving it in the same speed through the high and low points of the slopes and natural speedbreakers. As a result, her carriage kept trembling which was felt by the prince of Tokyo. He tried to stand there somehow, not falling down. Understanding something, Hilary clutched his wrist with one hand while another didn't abandon the reins. Shocked, yet, charmed, he raised his eyes at the brunette. A moment of bliss it was.
Test of balance was going on in the valley too. On some rocks, a long tray, made of criss-cross bamboos was placed. The slate-haired guy was standing on it somehow as the bridge was fluctuating under his feet. This time, the conch shell was located behind him, hanging from the twig of another tree. In front of him, some plates and shields were attached to a mound. But the sage was present, covering them with his appearance. Kai looked at his sides. Pricks were rooted deep in the soil. If he fell down, they would stab him to death. He clenched his teeth while trying to survive from them. Not an easy test it was, he guessed.
"The battle may not always take place on the flat earth," The mentor said, "It's not also necessary that your enemies will always remain in front of your eyes. But no matter what the fate brings before you, you have to face it and pass it. Aim the arrow at your goal and shoot, Kai!"
Even at the fluctuating and stumbling state where Kai couldn't guarantee whether he would live or not, he raised his bow and arrow. Closing his eyes, from the resonation of the conchshell blowing in the air, he determined its exact position. Taking a sharp breath, when he launched the arrow, it dashed almost close to the ear of the sage and hit a plate attached to the hill, surprising the bald man. Rotating, the missile smacked another shield and finally, turned back in 180 degrees. Straightly rushing towards the conch-shell, after a loud penetration, it entered a bit inside the tree. During the entire task, the feet of the archer didn't flinch. He got down, exchanging a contented smirk with his master.
Turning back while maintaining balance in the narrow track of the unknown valley, Hilary discovered the baffled but love-stricken eyes of the blunette. Quickly, she released his hand and smirked. Going to her previous position and staring at the path, she spoke, "Aww… our valiant, fearless, fierce dragoon-wielder! All your arrows are hitting the wrong bulls' eyes today. What's the matter?"
"What?" Tyson raised a brow, "You yourself gave your hand to me, Hilary!"
"You're my friend, Tyson," She smiled faintly, "Hand is a mere deal. For you, if needs be, I'll even give my own life. Actually, I didn't give you my hand. I just gave you a signal to come at the right side. The roads aren't even. Thus, the balance will be maintained."
She did her work. Removing all the nervousness from her heart, she crossed the narrow tracks flawlessly and came to the wide side. After a few meters, the ultimate challenge arrived before them-a dead end it was. There was a pretty large gap between two same-heighted cliffs and there was no bridge. Finally, the ever-dynamic princess of Hokkaido had to take a break as her stallions stopped right at the edge. It was the turn of the blunette prince. Pulling out a missile from the arrow-basket, he attached it to his bow and discharged. Within a blink, it created thousands of clones, producing a long, pretty wide bridge to another side. He chuckled at his skills. Nonetheless, the princess gave him an upset stare.
"Tyson," She glared, "It's my test, not yours. Why did you create this bridge? It hasn't been fair, you know."
"C'mon Hil," Tyson tried to cheer his best friend up, "There's nothing unfair in battle and love. Besides, you will need this bridge."
"An unfair thing can never be fair, whatever the situation is, Tyson," However, Hilary didn't agree with him, "Don't you know what Sir Ray Kon has taught us? These words were delivered by those who never hesitated to go to the final extent of immorality and evilness in order to fulfill their selfish motives."
"But…if you don't cross this bridge," Tyson worriedly watched a chariot crossing the connection made by him, "You'll lose this race."
"What will be the profit of such a victory which will not be able to satisfy my heart?" Hilary's eyes were glittering with tears, "I'm sorry, Tyson. If you don't destroy it, I won't be able to go to the other edge."
Tyson sighed, biting his nails. Sometimes, his best friend was too stubborn and determined.
"Kai," Stanley asked his disciple, "You're not from the clan of any warrior or king. Nonetheless, you decided to learn archery. Why?"
The slate-haired guy was crossing his arms on his chest. At the question of his mentor, he opened his eyes and stared at him. Many a time in his life, this question had been asked to him but he had never been given the chance to give a perfect reply. Even though he'd answered, bravely facing all the questions thrown at him, literally nobody had paid any heed to him. The society had always ignored the existence of the potential archer rising inside his charioteer body, thus suppressing his talent. But today, he would speak what would spring right from the core of his heart. Now, nobody would stop or turn away from him.
"Sir," He took a sharp breath, "Shouldn't everyone in this world have equal rights on education? Why should a priest always perform religious rituals? Why cannot a warrior learn music or art? And the lower castes? Why should they always serve us? If every human being on the earth deserves the rights of foods, cloths, shelter, safety and security of life, then why not education?"
"Great, Kai," Stanley's face beamed, "I appreciate your sense and outlook in this regard. But I would also like to see whether your arrows are as sharp as your tongue."
Looking at the sky, he said, "From 10 or 12 miles away from this valley, in another place, a chaos has been created between two people of the same group. One is just trying to help his friend win the race but the other one is not agreeing with him because she thinks that it is unfair. Can you solve the dispute between them with your arrows?"
Nodding, Kai closed his eyes after he had fixed his barb with the semicircular wooden weapon. Outstretching it at the sky, he again offered his ears to the nature. The clear, silent air entered them with the reverberation of horse hooves, thumping a bridge. Rotating his bow a bit, he launched the arrow in the same direction.
At the same time, the blunette prince also raised his bow, aiming it at the bridge. Within a second, the arrow having blue feather at its bottom was launched as the connection got destroyed, all the arrows dropped from it. He was surprised. A single arrow wasn't enough to break it. Not caring, Hilary measured the distance of the gap between two cliffs and applied force on the reins. Tyson tightly clutched the seat so that he couldn't fall and prayed for their safety. Running, the stallions took a leap at 45-degree angle, perfectly landing on the surface of the other peak, crossing a locus of parabola. Sighing in relief, the blunette turned back. His eyes went widened as they captured the view of a second arrow, having red-colored feather. Now he understood why the bridge had easily got broken.
But the question was…all the arrows in his quiver had blue feathers. There was not a single person without them. Then…who launched it?
"Wonderful job, Kai," Stanley clapped, "Today, you have proved that you are a true archer. May you shine and rise high in your life."
"Your training is the motto of my life, Sir," The half-Russian knelt down and bowed, "Bless me so that I can utilize it only for the welfare of this world and people."
Due to the lateness that they'd made in the valley, Tyson and Hilary were lagging behind. The more the blunette was tensed and hyped, the more the brunette was calm and cool. Her teeth were clenched, she whipped the reins of her stallions hard. Clutching them tightly, her palms were already red but her brain was devoted to only her victory. The hooves of the mounts got accelerated, they sprinted across their reserved lane speedily. The king and the queen stood up from their thrones, Misty and Ellie bit their nails. When the first chariot was an inch away from the endpoint of the race, with another whip from the chocolate-haired princess, her stallions hopped, accurately crossing the finishing ribbon and stopped, surprising everyone. The spectators burst out wild applause as the girl sighed in relief. Tyson's lips immediately adopted a huge grin. Misty and Ellie shared hi-fives as the parents watched the duo proudly, with the smiles of satisfaction all over their faces.
"And this race ended!" The referee blurted, "Princess Hilary Tachibana and Prince Tyson Granger are the winners!"
"Hail Princess Hilary Tachibana!"
"Hail Prince Tyson Granger!"
"Hail Prince Hilary Tachibana!"
"Hail Prince Tyson Granger!"
"Well, today let me give you an advice. Whenever you'll have a battle in the future, choose your charioteer carefully. A skilled charioteer can very well be the difference between success and failure." Hilary thoughtfully said, as she and Tyson walked towards the podium.
After his final training, Kai and Stanley were back in their cave. The master had placed his head on his pupil's lap, closing his eyes, entering a deep slumber.
"Despite being a monk, the string of your bow, thunder like those of warriors Kai. I am proud of you." These words said by sage Dickenson echoed in his thoughts while guilt occupied his façade.
"I'm sorry master. But I had to learn archery. And no one was willing to teach me after knowing my true identity. That's why I had to lie to you." Kai spoke softly, his mentor was asleep, oblivious to his student's repentance.
A tarantula climbed upon the podium and found its way beneath Kai's lap and bit him. Overwhelming pain occupied his leg and facial expressions. But Kai didn't say anything, neither did he shake his leg even slightly. Blood started oozing from the wound. In order not to cause any discomfort to his master, Kai was quiet. Stanley opened his eyes only when something liquid was felt against the cold stone podium.
Seeing the wound, he stood up and seethed in anger. "Who are you? Tell me the truth! Not a monk and that's certain."
Face bowed down in shame, Kai too stood up. Joining his hands together, falling on his knees before Stanley, water works cascading down those sparkling amethysts, he began, "Pardon me master. I am the son of a mere charioteer, and not a holy priest. But…"
"No buts Kai. You have broken the trust of a teacher. It is an unforgivable sin. And you deserve a punishment for it. I curse you, that this knowledge that you gained by means of fraud, will stay with you throughout your life. There will come a moment when it will be most needed by you, when it will be a life changing moment for you, to prove your mettle. At that very point, it'll leave you. You'll recall nothing taught by me."
Kai stood up calmly, bowing his head in reverence, he spoke, "I accept it as a blessing master. I don't have any problem against it."
"Now your education is finished. You may go out into this world and seek your adventures."
"Thank you master. I am highly indebted for everything you did for me." Greeting Stanley for the last time, Kai walked out of the cave and into a new life that will change his course forever….
Woah! 6k words! That was real long (for me atleast :P)
Pardon any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, that might have crept in.
Time foe a Million-dollar question- Who enjoyed two KaiHil lovers teasing and pressurizing Hilary to accept her love for Tyson? Well, I did ^_~
Reviews are highly appreciated dear readers. So make sure to leave one.
Thanks for reading. Bye.
-Ellie and Misty ^_^
