Chapter 5
Sighing, Rei covered her eyes with her sleeve. How did it end up like this?
Flashes of splattering blood, the red glow of destruction and desperate screams crossed her mind.
A bump in the road jolted the Martian Senshi awake. When had she dozed off?
Rubbing her sore behind, Rei peeked out the back of the cart only to marvel at the sight of the expansive ocean.
It had been three days since she had left Kuuto, hitching a ride in the back of an old merchant couple's wagon as they headed back home to the capital of the Water Tribe, Suiko. Fortunately for her, they were quiet and minded their own business; the best kind of traveling companions.
According to their timeline, it wouldn't be too long before they arrived.
Apprehension filled Rei as she reminded herself of her mission. Find some sort of flower—lily—roots and bring them back for Serenity. As she had also found, this lily was the source of a lot of controversy leading the trade of it to be banned. Smuggling it back to Kuuto was considered risky, but what else could she do?
The memory of the pain contorting her princess' face at the mere sound of her own name had Rei cringing.
The rumble of a loud explosion tore the Martian from her thoughts. Scrambling out the moving cart, violet eyes fell upon the distant rise of smoke and flames at sea. A fleet of ships just off the coast were burning.
Her eyes widened as she watched a figure jump between them.
Could it be?
Without a second thought, Rei was running across the marshy lands toward the small town.
"Hey, wait! That's Sensui! You don't want to go there!" The old merchant yelled after her.
As she neared the edge of town she could feel that something wasn't right here. An unnatural aura of bloodlust pulsed through the streets, sending tremors down her spine. Using this feeling as a guide, she raced through the deserted roads.
Rounding a corner, she could feel herself getting closer before she spotted the flash of red hair.
"Yona?!" Rei called out as, but her voice went unheard as Zeno pushed the girl along.
Another shudder racked her body as the epicenter of the dark aura neared, manifesting itself in the form of a deranged man. A black evil surrounded him as he wielded his dagger with murderous intent.
No longer able to run, Zeno stepped in front of his princess, arms stretched wide.
On the balls of his feet, the man's malicious grin grew wider. His arm lashed out and the knife edge gleamed.
"Move!" Rei propelled herself forward, throwing her weight into his intended victims, sending them all crashing to the ground. The feeling of the blade driving across her flesh as she fell had Rei clutching at her arm.
"AHH! BITCH! I'LL KILL YOU FOR GETTING IN MY WAY!"
Looking up, she noticed something strange in the way the man's face seem to shift. She swore she heard the sound of bones popping, but just as he came back around toward them, he was gone. A whoosh of air rustled Rei's bangs.
Nearly unable to follow Hak's movements with her own trained eyes, Rei watched as the blow sent the deranged man crashing through the wall of a nearby building. Next to her, Zeno and Yona released the breaths they were holding.
Gathering herself on her knees, Mars barely registered the crowd of worried onlookers that stood overhead now. Careful in her movements, Rei pulled the hood of her cloak up, but her gaze rested solely on the dark haired man standing in front of them.
The maniac would be lucky to have survived a blow like that, but something still wasn't right… a different sensation began to itch under her skin. Hak's breathing was ragged and his grip tightened on the handle of his weapon. Tensions only rose as he turned his fierce glare on one of the onlookers. One she recognized from the Fire Tribe battle…
Kouka's king.
Hak was lightning fast as he lunged for his target, but the blow was blocked by two men who stepped into his path. One swing of his glaive and the Thunder Beast batted them away with ease.
Soo-Won's eyes remained wide as he stood unmoving, his eyes never leaving Hak's face.
They knew each other, Rei realized. It was the only explanation for the murderous aura that swirled around the former general, black with hate and betrayal.
A man duel wielding swords stepped out of the crowd with a snarl, challenging Hak. They exchanged a few blows before the man—the Sky Tribe's general, she recognized—managed to slash the Dark Dragon across the chest.
Yona cried out as blood splattered the ground.
Another blow and Hak's glaive slid out of reach.
A cocky smirk flittered across the Sky General's lips as he brandished his swords, but it only proved to fuel the fury within the Thunder Beast.
Moving swiftly, Hak ducked the swinging blades and drove his knee into Joo-Doh's stomach. Surprised by his opponent's sheer speed, the older man staggered backwards, winded. Without giving him time to recover, Hak finished him off with a devastating uppercut. The Sky Tribe's general fell to the floor, unresponsive.
Hak turned his fury back onto his original mark.
Blood dripped from his multiple wounds, but the former Wind Tribe general was unyielding. The only thing keeping him upright at this point was his rage. Rage towards someone who had hurt him and hurt those he cared about the most. Something that had turned into a deep, festering hate.
Soo-Won stood pale as the dark haired man approached.
Next to Rei, Yoon and Zeno held Yona back as she cried out for Hak. Kija could only watch in horror.
Just as Hak struck out, a hand caught his wrist.
Jae-Ha, who had appeared from the sky, held onto him as he murmured something to him that Rei couldn't quite make out. Seething, Hak turned his attention onto the green dragon.
"LET GO!"
With those words Hak brought his fist to Jae-Ha's gut who in turn repaid the blow with a foot to the jaw. They exchanged a few more blows, allowing the other party enough time to gather their men and limp away.
Regaining his senses, Kija quickly joined in and together the two dragons attempted to subdue Hak.
Caught up in observing their power, Rei barely noticed Yona had left her side until the younger girl was in the middle of everything. Trying to break free from Jae-Ha and Kija's grasp, Hak was taken back by the soft hand that cupped his cheek. Pools of dark blue and violet met and just as it had manifested, the anger within Hak subsided under her reassuring touch.
Finding the moment to be too personal, Rei glanced down at her arm. Blood was seeping through her fingers now and beginning to drip onto the ground below.
"Miss, are you alright?" Zeno crouched down next to the raven haired woman as he observed her wound.
"I'm fine," she said, standing. "It's nothing."
"Doesn't look like nothing to me," Yoon scowled as he pointed to the blood freely dripping across the ground. "You had better come with us."
Once again Rei found herself following the rag-tag team as they guided the distraught Hak along through the empty streets of Sensui.
What were they doing here? Why did Hak harbor so much hatred for the king?
Rei couldn't help but feel that their meeting again was more than mere coincidence...
A makeshift camp was hastily constructed and Yoon busied himself with barking out directions as he patched up a wounded Hak.
"Hey there."
Amethyst eyes swept over the minor scrapes that littered Jae-Ha's face as he knelt down next to her.
"Long time no see, huh?" He asked with an easy smile. Indigo eyes focused in on the grip she had around her upper arm before he gently took her wrist in his hand. "Let me look."
With an inward grimace, Rei removed the pressure from her wound.
Her eyes watched as he carefully took her injured arm by the elbow, resisting the sudden and overwhelming urge to swipe back the messy bangs that fell into his eyes.
"Doesn't look too bad." Blue clashed with violet. "You won't need stitches."
She nodded.
It really wasn't that bad. The dagger had just grazed her bicep. She had worse injuries in her lifetime, but she reframed from mentioning it out loud.
"Thank you for that back there," Jae-Ha murmured with a genuine look in his eyes that unsettled her.
Trying to ignore his closeness as he bandaged her, Rei observed the rest of the group comically scramble around Yoon's orders. The familiar scene, even surrounded by the unfamiliarity of the lush Water Tribe, left the Senshi of Mars with a sense of ease.
As her eyes turned towards the darkening horizon, they narrowed. The feeling that had surrounded the dagger wielding madman in town hadn't completely dissipated though. It prowled around the edges of her mind, tucked just beyond what the eye could see. This feeling was that of a greater something… something evil.
In the distance, thunder crashed.
"Rei!" Both of their heads whipped around as the red-headed princess approached them. Yona hovered awkwardly as her eyes looked between the older girl and green dragon warrior. "How is your arm?"
"Its fine," she said, pulling away from Jae-Ha's grasp. "How is Hak doing?"
"Yoon says he'll be alright with a couple days of rest."
"Good." Looking up at the graying sky the Senshi decided to not dance around the subject. "I need to speak with Yoon about something."
"Me?" The boy in question stood a few feet behind Yona, wiping his hands of blood.
Drawing a breath in, Rei described her predicament to the group, purposefully leaving out the identity of Serenity's caretakers as she did so. After Hak's display, she felt like that little detail was better kept a secret.
"Hm, yeah, I have heard of that lily before," Yoon said, eyeing Rei. "But, it's not easy to come by. It's been outlawed since it's used to make Nadai."
She could feel Jae-Ha stiffen next to her.
"Nadai?" Rei asked.
"It's a drug being smuggled here from the east, by the Kai Empire," a new voice answered. From over her shoulder Rei watched as a girl, about Yona's age, set down a large bundle of supplies. "It's highly addictive and running rampant throughout the Water Tribe."
"Lili!" Flashing a kind smile, the two younger girls embraced.
"The lily you are looking for is called the Lily of the Goddess." The girl's piercing blue eyes settled back on Rei before continuing, "It was thought to only grow in the marshes of the Water Tribe, but this influx of Nadai from Kai proves otherwise."
"Lili, do you think you can get us some of its roots?" The red-head's question triggered Lili's mouth to flap open. "Rei's friend is very sick and needs it to make medicine."
"We should still have some in Suiko…" The navy haired girl thought for a moment before addressing Rei. "As a favor to Yona, I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you." Rei bowed causing Lili's cheeks to color.
"It's nothing, really."
"Dinner is almost ready, everyone!" Yoon called, cutting through the tension.
"Well," Lili chirped with a wave, "I was just stopping by to drop this stuff off. See you all tomorrow!"
"Wait!" Yona called after her friend, but the girl was already racing away. Sighing, the princess gestured towards where everyone was gathering. "I guess we'd better get some before it's all gone."
Dinner was rather quiet as Yona painted the horrific picture of the Nadai epidemic that was sweeping across the Water Tribe. She explained how they had fought the violently crazed addicts, met Lili (who turned out to be the daughter of the Water Tribe's general), uncovered the drug smuggling ring and been targeted by the demented kingpin, Hiyou—who turned out to be the same knife wielding maniac from earlier.
"You really know how to get yourselves into trouble," Rei pointed out, "but the mood here does seem to have improved already."
Yona nodded in agreement.
"How is it you ended up here?" Kija asked with an air of suspicion.
"I'm looking for herbs that only grow in Water Tribe territory," Rei sniffed, returning Kija's haughty attitude. "I just happened to be heading to Suiko when I heard the commotion."
Kija pursed his lips.
"If you're able to get the roots, will you go back to Kuuto?" The boy genius questioned.
"No." As the words slipped from her mouth, Rei found herself facing the reality of her own situation. "There isn't anything else I can do for her."
Yoon, though not initially fond of Rei, found himself beginning to build a sense of respect for her. Despite her snooty attitude, she appeared to be a loyal friend who would put the needs of others in front of her own; even when it so clearly pained her.
"What now?" Everyone looked to Hak, who had been silent up until that point.
"I was thinking of heading northwest, toward the Kai border." Rei bit the inside of her cheek, unsure of how much to share. "There's something I wanted to check out."
"Really?" Yona blinked. "We were also thinking about heading that way."
"What are you looking for there?" Jae-Ha spoke up, eyes serious.
"Something about this Nadai drug feels…"
"Evil?" All eyes focused in on Yona who was looking much more somber now. "I noticed it too. The addicts who attacked us in Shisen…it was like they were all surrounded by some wicked darkness. I could feel their hatred just like I could feel it in Hiyou. This is why I want to investigate Nadai more."
So Yona could also sense it…
Violet eyes clashed.
"Why don't we work together?" Rei's eyes widened a fraction at the other girl's offer and once again the idea that their meeting was no coincidence chimed in the back of her mind.
"Alright," she said after a long moment.
"Great. We'll leave in the morning," the red-head smiled.
"I guess we'll be needing more supplies," Yoon sighed, already counting inventory on his fingers.
-x-
"Your Majesty! A word, please?"
Halting his quick stride, Soo-Won looked back at the shorter man who scuttled along after him.
"Is something wrong, Doctor?"
"Ah, not exactly," he huffed and puffed as he finally caught up to the king, "but I think I may have some pertinent information about the girl you call Chin-Sun."
"Oh?"
"Another girl, claiming to be her friend, visited the castle while you were gone."
Soo-Won felt himself stiffen. Why was he just hearing of this now?
"Chin-Sun claimed she had no memory of her and yet, for some reason, their interaction deeply affected her. So much so, that Chin-Sun barricaded herself in her room for a few days." Rubbing his mustache, the old man concluded his thought, "It leads me to believe that the girl's memory loss is directly tied to something deeply traumatic."
"This other girl, what did she look like?" Though his smile was sunny, the shade of Soo-Won's eyes darkened.
"She was quite pretty. Long, black hair, medium height, and bright eyes." Grinning, the old doctor wiggled his eyebrows at the king. "Kind of reminds me of my granddaughter. You know, the single one?"
"I see," Soo-Won's said, his voice low, completely ignoring the doctor's antics. "And where is this strange girl now?"
"You know, I'm not sure." The old man feigned a shrug. "She seemed pretty distraught when she learned of her friend's condition and left the castle in a hurry, but I'm sure she will return."
"Thank you for the information, Doctor." Giving the man a slight nod, Soo-Won turned to continue on his way.
"Oh, by the way," the short man called, "the woman called her by the name of 'Serenity'."
"Serenity." The name slipped smoothly from his lips. "Thank you, again."
"Of course, Your Majesty." With a curious smirk and a bow, the old man shuffled back down the hallway.
Serenity.
For some reason the name kept repeating through his mind.
It suited her, albeit being a bit strange.
In all literalness it meant tranquility, peacefulness, composure and in some aspects it even meant royalty. Though he wouldn't really consider her all that graceful or ladylike, she indeed brought quite a brilliance to the castle. The maids all spoke so highly of her and always with a smile. Though not a great beauty, her eyes sparkled with such innocence and purity she easily captured all of the guard's hearts. In a way, it was like having Yona back in the palace…back before…
"Bastard…!" Joo-Doh's hissing brought Soo-Won back to his surroundings.
Blinking, the king realized he had somehow found his way into the meeting room only to be caught in the middle of one of Geun-Tae and Joo-Doh's infamous squabbles. This time, it was about the tea.
"Gentlemen…" Soo-Won offered, but they were already at each other's throats.
A loud clank of his tea cup and Kan Kyo-Ga gained the attention of the room.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," he said, his broody expression darkening his handsome face, "…but I don't believe we gathered here to discuss Geun-Tae's wife's tea…"
"Lighten up, newbie." The Earth Tribe leader grinned a toothy grin. "Or you'll end up like that stiff advisor."
With a not-so-subtle cough, Kye-Sook took control of the conversation.
"I believe his majesty has something to say."
Straightening, Soo-Won's eyes swept across the room, falling on An Joon-Gi, general of the Water Tribe; calm, wise and the oldest of them all. Next to him, the youngest, Tae-Woo of the Wind Tribe, who had become Hak's successor in the past year. Across sat the cheeky general Lee Geun-Tae from the Earth Tribe who stared down the immovable Han Joo-Doh, general of the Sky Tribe. Lastly, the newest addition to the table was Kan Kyo-Ga, eldest son of the late Kan Soo-Jin and current general of the Fire Tribe.
"Welcome, everyone," Soo-Won said, disarming the tension in the room. "I'm glad to see you all could make it. I'm also glad to announce that order seems to be gradually restoring to the Fire Tribe."
Kyo-Ga nodded in agreement, but kept his head low. Soo-Won surmised that he was still feeling out his place within this colorful counsel and undoubtedly still carried the guilt of his father's actions.
"I would like to start off by saying that our investigation into the Nadai incident has led us to make a few arrests, including one of a major Kai smuggler. There was some commotion, but few fatalities," Soo-Won said, his eyes diverting to Joon-Gi, whose fiery daughter had been the center of most of the trouble. "In other news, Northern Kai has upheld their end of the bargain and we have regained the lost Fire Tribe land. It's safe to say that the borders to the north are secure."
"So, that only leaves the Earth Tribe then, huh?" With his chin in his hand, Geun-Tae stared down their leader. "Southern Kai has been growing bolder lately. We need to do something before they try to take more land from us."
"Then we will reinforce our borders."
"Won't Kai see that as a threat?" Tae-Woo crossed his arms behind his head, eyes narrowed. Was the king intentionally trying to goad Southern Kai into a war?
"Quite possibly. If this happens then it will take the strength of all the tribes to be successful. Are there any concerns about this plans?"
A nervous energy circulated around the table, but all were silent.
Soo-Won smiled.
-x-
"Miss! Please wait!"
Giggling into her hand, Serenity moved quickly through the labyrinth of halls she had become so accustomed to in the past few weeks. It had been a strange period of uncertainty, that was for sure, but she found herself adjusting to palace life with relative ease.
Between tea time and endless snacks, there was little responsibility. Well, that was until Kye-Sook took it upon himself to have one of the court ladies try to teach her etiquette. Something he had most definitely done to keep her busy and away from snooping. And she had tried so hard (she really did!) but as it turned out, lessons were really not her thing. Figuring out where that heavenly smell was coming from on the other hand…
Her nose in the air, Serenity disregarded the maid's out-of-breath pleas as she kept up her fast pace through the manor.
"I know it's around here somewhere…"
Stepping into an open courtyard, she was surprised to find herself face-to-face with the handsome figure of their esteemed king and her generous caregiver, Soo-Won. He had been away for several days on secret kingly business before finally returning the night before, but she had yet to greet him.
His eyes caught hers and she beamed.
"Your Majesty!" The silver-haired girl happily bowed. "Welcome home!"
Momentarily caught off-guard by her forwardness, Soo-Won blinked.
"Ah, yes, thank you very much."
From somewhere behind the tall blonde, muffled snickers erupted.
A curious glance over his shoulder and the lithe woman noticed that they were not alone. In fact, they were very much the center of a whole group of people's current attention.
Realizing her mistake, Serenity blushed.
"Miss!"
Startled, the young woman twisted around, realizing the frustrated squeal had not come from far behind her.
"Uh, s-sorry for interrupting!" Giving another sloppy bow, she quickly rushed by, but not without nearly tripping over the hem of her robes.
A mere moment later an attendant waddled around the corner with a red and irritated look on her face. Quickly realizing the company she was now in, the older woman's expression melded into one of pleasantries and professionalism. But, even as she elegantly bowed, she couldn't hide the sweat that ran down her temple.
"Your Majesty, how wonderful to see that you've returned home."
Again, soft fits of snickering drifted from over the king's shoulders.
Kye-Sook pointed in the general direction the silver haired woman had headed and with a tight smile the maid slid past them in pursuit of her charge.
Geun-Tae burst out laughing as he slapped Soo-Won heartily on the back.
"I didn't realize that you had a woman!"
"T-that's not—!" Soo-Won's mouth hung open, his face glowing a hot red. "S-she's not...!"
"She's quite the looker, too! Good for you!"
Behind them, Joon-Gi hung his head in despair as his hopes for making Lili queen one day seemed to crumble right before his eyes.
"Knock it off. She's just a charity case his majesty happened to adopt," Kye-Sook scowled at the surrounding men. "She's nobody of importance so don't go around starting rumors and ruining his reputation."
"Sure, right." Winking, Geun-Tae let the subject drop, but continued to whistle an upbeat tune, much to the advisor's annoyance.
Burying his face in his palms, Soo-Won had a feeling that this wasn't something his generals would be letting go anytime soon.
-x-
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for sticking with this story.
I know it's been a hot minute since I posted last but a lot of life has gotten in the way. This summer has been a crazy one and I just needed a break from writing. I do love this story though and since I have the plot completely written I'm hoping I can keep myself motivated enough to flesh it out entirely.
Thank you for your lovely reviews and kind words. They keep me going!