Blare- Last time on Green Maiden.

Brute- Walk up in the club like "whaaduuuup!?"

Butch - This is the story of a girl...

BC - I'm out.

And now back to Green Maiden.

Chamber of the Empress

The Night Before

Buttercup laid in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind swirled like a furious tsunami, churning her stomach and crushing her heart. The clouds boomed with uncontained thunder as she reflected on what that kitsune had said. Don't be stupid, she thought, kitsunes are tricksters. They rarely ever speak the truth, especially the vicious ones. It's just like one to lie to a bride to be about her groom. But, though her mind said it, her heart didn't believe it.

She and Butch were...so different in so many ways. Butch lived a life she couldn't even begin to comprehend. On the surface, it was similar to the world of humans. He was a shogun, he was powerful and wealthy, and he was a general. He knew politics and war tactics, he knew how to be a host, how to make friends, how to make enemies, and how to live.

But he also lived in the world of dragons, who looked at slaughter of one's siblings like news of a harvest, who kidnapped and stole whatever and whomever he wishes for his horde and home.

She remembered the story passed down through her village of how he would bathe the village in green flames and swallow entire families whole.

"Buttercup, my little jade bird, remember this tale. Every fifteen years, a dragon sails from far beyond the mountains, with scales as black as night and eyes as green as emeralds. His flames burn harsher than the sun and his teeth are larger than an odachi sword. His claws have killed more men than war and his roar can be heard at the end of the world. We live on his land, as he reminds us each visit, and it is by his will that we still live peacefully. But once, it was not like this. For once, when the village was new, the first shogun to lead us heard of the dragon's enormous wealth and planned to drive him out so that it would be his. He lead an army to his castle and stormed it, awaking the dragon from his deep slumber. Their swords were no match for his bloodthirsty rage and their armor burnt like bread thrown straight into his fire. He swallowed each whole while the shogun was mauled and left to bleed on the outskirts of our home. Later that night, the dragon descended upon us, enraged by the disrespect and torched our village to the ground, leaving one house for us to live. He ate our livestock and burnt our crops, he kidnapped children, and killed the men, and forced the women to flee. He decreed that all who lived in this land would suffer the same fate and for years, we lived in terror. Until one of the shogun's descendants made a decision to appease the beast and confronted him when he arrived one night. He begged for forgiveness of his ancestor's foolish actions and the dragon, finally, allowed us peace. On one condition...we must always sacrifice a villager, no matter the age, sex, nor creed. No matter the wealth or health or importance of the one chosen. Once their name is selected, they must be sent to the dragon's alter to die by the dragon's maw."

That story haunted her every day since her parents' death and now she lived with the same man who had once condemned so many to death.

But that same man soon showed another side to him. A side more human than beast. He craved company and love and dutifully protected those under his wing. She barely remembered any neighboring shogun storming the village for taxes or women. Many walked the woods with little to no fear of bandits or ogres. He laughed loudly and bantered with her, teased her, and had begun charming her in a way that no other had ever done.

"You remind me a lot of her, actually. Spirited, boyish...I wonder how long you'll last before Butch decides he's done with you."

She tossed and turned. Buttercup knew she wasn't going to be the perfect wife. She was brash, loud, crass, and bad tempered. She acted before thinking, she was improper, and she acted more like a man than a woman. She wasn't elegant, docile, or meek like Rose.

Rose...Lily...Uncle...Tears sprang in her eyes. Rose would have known what to do. Rose would have known how to refute that kitsune with poise and grace, not fall on her rear and gape like a koi fish. Rose would have loved to wear the admittedly beautiful shiromuku that was elegant and glorious and that made Buttercup look like a toad trying to be a princess.

Butch would surely grow tired of her, just like every boy who "loved" her and then he'd rid himself of her.

Buttercup tried to imagine him with that kitsune, smiling and looking at her like he did to Buttercup. She imagined them laughing and maybe...even...

She felt her throat close up and she choked out for air before jolting into a sitting position, sweating and tears streaming down her face. Her stomach had turned to rot and the thunder continued to boom as rain splattered against the walls. Her sword sat eerily on its stand, gleaming despite the lack of moonlight.

Standing quickly, Buttercup wrapped herself in her clothes and grabbed the fan before slipping her holster on and sheathing her sword. Quietly, she slid the door open and glanced outside.

The hallway was pitch black and the glowing orchids still cast their phantom hues. Pausing only to grab a cloak, Buttercup hurried down her steps and down towards the West corridor, pausing only when she passed the Eastern one.

Loud huffs and growls echoed through the hall. She listened quietly before jumping when she heard an enormously loud yawn.

Butch?

He must sleep in his natural form. She cautiously took a step towards the sound before stopping herself. He...he'll be better off anyway...Continuing down the corridor, she didn't stop.

Not when the rain pelted against her cloak.

Not when the wind blew her hair into her face.

Not until she reached the stables where Ishinoko rested serenely. He lifted his grey head and snorted curiously at her. She smiled, glad to have some memory of Butch with her. "Come on, boy, we're going home." Grabbing her saddle and fitting on his reigns, she cautiously got on.

Moments later, she was riding at a full gallop away from the castle and into the woods.

Hours passed and the rain did not relent, even when it began to turn into slush. Ishinoko galloped and neighed, running to his heart's content as Buttercup solemnly rode on his back.

Stupid! Stupid! You don't know these woods! You don't know this land! Her mind raged as she pressed on. You're always thinking like a child, never considering the consequences of your actions! If one of those basilisks find you, you'll die for sure!

This is for the best, though! Butch will thank me later for leaving! He wants me to love him, he wants me to mother Black, but I can't! I can't be the wife he wants!

You didn't even try!

He killed his last wife!

She could be lying!

And if she's not!?

You don't know the whole story!

"Shut up!"She screamed as Ishinoko reared up and neighed, riled by his mistress' loud scream.

She was thrown onto her back, onto the wet, but deceptively hard ground. Ishinoko trotted over, sniffing at her as she groaned, sitting up. Buttercup looked around. She saw only tall trees and brush for miles and miles.

The rain poured relentlessly and the clouds rumbled above. Letting out a frustrated scream, she threw herself back to the floor.

And sobbed.

"I'm such an idiot...I thought...I'm such an idiot..." She whined.

Moments passed in silence, with only her poor, cold horse as an audience to her meltdown.

"I agree." A voice quipped before a figure stood above her, holding a cream colored wagasa. Pink eyes stared down at her with a bemused expression. Her regal, crystal pink kimono was pristine as always, but this time it was tightly closed to ward off the cold. Her long, glorious copper mane was also restrained into a maru-mage hairstyle. She raised an eyebrow, "is it a normal human thing to lay in the mud, crying?"

Buttercup blinked, "...Blossom?"

Their trek was quiet, amid the showering rain and whistling winds. Ishinoko followed obediantly behind Buttercup while Blossom walked gracefully to the side, far enough to not agitate her horse, but not too far as to not speak with Buttercup normally. She didn't speak much, however. She simply loosened her kimono enough to show her back and, to Buttercup's amazement, her wings cracked through her back. They were smaller than when she was in her true form, only reachng out to twelve feet. She used one to shield Buttercup from the rain as they walked. Buttercup watched the dragon empress out of the corner of her eye.

She seems unpurterbed by Buttercup's sudden appearance, walking with a sort of serenity that Buttercup simply wished she felt at the moment. It was almost as if Blossom could face the same raging, horrific questions Buttercup did and bear that same calming, regal smile.

The chilling rain did nothing to impede her gait.

Buttercup wondered if that was what it felt like to hold true power.

"You're silent," Blossom suddenly said. "You are not the type to be so quiet."

"...I guess I'm just tired."

"I would assume riding your horse through the rain is tiring business."

"Hmmm..."

"Not to worry," Blossom smiled at her, "we'll reach our destination soon."

"Where are we going?"

"My lair." The trees seemed to hum quietly and suddenly the rain felt more and more gentle than frosty. Buttercup stared ahead at the elegant abode that Blossom had led her and Ishinoko to. Blossom reached into her obi sash and produced a bell, ringing it slightly. The door to the house slid open and a small maiden stepped out, rubbing her eyes. She had doe ears and from her waist down was the body of a young deer. Her hoofed feet clacked against the stony path as she bowed to Blossom.

"Mistress, welcome home again. We were not expecting your arrival." Blossom smiled at her.

"Maya, sorry to wake you. Will you take this horse to the stable? I have an...unexpected guest."

"Of course," the deer centaur led Ishinoko away, clicking her tongue and speaking in a strange tongue to him.

"What...?"

"That was Maya, my servant for some time. Come, let's get out of the rain before we get sick." Blossom led her inside.

The inside of the house was just as classy as the outside, with shiny cherry wood floors, and clean tatami mats. The lanterns that glowed along the walls were lit with fire that smelled of fresh cinnamon and walnuts. Blossom led her to a room and pointed ahead. "There is a bath in there, I'll join you in a moment."

"Eh!?" Blossom laughed.

"I'm the only one who really uses this place, so the only other place is the servant's bath. I cannot allow you to use that and, honestly, the salt they use in the servants' agitates my scales. We're both ladies, however, and I hear humans do this all the time."

"I...I guess...I could just use the servants-"

"Nonsense, it'd be dishonorable to have my guest use their bath."

"It's really no-"

"I insist."

"...Alright..." There was no use arguing and, honestly, Blossom's logic made sense. They were both women (sort of) and it wasn't unheard of for women to bathe together. Buttercup did feel a little bit uncomfortable, since she barely knew Blossom, but Blossom was over two centuries years old. She had probably seen everything there was to see. So, once the dragon empress exited the room, Buttercup turned and opened the door leading to the heated bath. The steam flew in her face and Buttercup became alarmingly aware of how cold she really was. She quickly stripped out of her clothes and rinsed the mud, twigs, and grass off before grabbing a clothe and robe. Once they were placed on the side of the bath, she slipped into the hot spring and felt her skin warm up.

Releasing a relaxed sigh, she sat with her back on the side of the hot spring. Steam clouded the room, thick enough that she could barely see more than three feet in front of her. Her thoughts also seemed to melt away for a moment, allowing her to truly realize how tired she was in mind, body, and soul. Moments later, silent footsteps crossed over to her. "Is the water nice?" Buttercup looked up to see Blossom standing, sans kimono, with just a towel covering her. Her hair was out of it's tight hair do, now simply wrapped in a towel.

"Good, I wouldn't want to have to soak in lukewarm water." She slipped in besides Buttercup and let out a sigh that was more like a mix between a hiss and a pleased purr. The two of them laid back and allowed the water to soothe their muscles. Buttercup wondered if she should start a conversation, and she did have questions.

Like, what was Blossom doing so close to Butch's territory?

Did Brick know she was here?

And...did she always have that bump in her stomach...? It reminded Buttercup of when one of the older girls in her village was expecting her first...Buttercup's eyes widened and she jumped up, gaping at Blossom. Blossom opened an eye and looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "You're pregnant?!"

"...Ahh, so I am..."

When Blossom left Buttercup to get into the bath, she went immediately to her usual sleeping quarters. She knew what happened the moment she stumbled upon Buttercup on one of her nightly walks. And she knew exactly what would happen if she didn't do something.

Buttercup had run away.

Butch would be furious, that was for sure.

She huffed. Why is it that every green eyed brunette I meet is so reckless and thoughtless? Sliding the door open, Blossom entered her room and went straight to her table, reaching into her bag and pulling out the large pearl that Buttercup had seen her carrying when they first met. Setting it on a four pronged stand, she took a deep breath and focused her mind as her palm lay on its deceptively cool surface. She felt the slow, surge of power flow through her as her mind called to the one she wished to speak to.

All at one, icy pink mist flew from the pearl, circling until a illusion of Brick, sitting down appeared. It was foggy, but still defined enough to be him. He blinked and looked at her before giving her a slow smirk. "Miss me already, Sakura? You've only been gone a day."

She humphed, "says the one who was roaring for me all night last night."

He pouted, "I miss my wife, is that a crime?"

"I was barely down the hall."

"Still."

"Anyways, Dear, I come with alarming news." He suddenly became serious.

"Is someone threatening you? Do you need me to come there?"

"No one is threatening me and even if they were, I am perfectly capable of defending my own territory."

"I believe that. But you are also carrying my child, so I will come down there."

"You will not. Anyway, Buttercup has run away."

"And Butch told you before me? Odd. He usually tries to keep you out of his personal dealings."

"He didn't. I doubt he even knows."

"Let me guess. She wound up in your territory without knowing it."

"He obviously hasn't taught her where Butch's territory ends and where mine begins. It's worked in his favor...for now."

"I suppose. So, I'll come down and take her back before Butch wakes up and goes on a rampage. Can you me-"

"No." Brick blinked and looked at his wife, who had a thoughtful look on her face. "No, that won't do."

"Blossom, if Butch finds out that Buttercup has escaped, who knows what will happen? He'll go on a rampage where no one, yokai or human, will be safe. Remember the last time?"

"I do and that was justified, we all agreed, remember? No, he'll have Buttercup back, but not yet." Blossom sighed, "this courtship is harder than what we anticipated. Buttercup is a strong willed girl, I admire her. But she's so stubborn that she cannot see what we do. Butch is destined for her, but he screwed everything up when he kidnapped her. If we return Buttercup to him now, she'll simply run off again and, what's worse, she'll make sure to avoid us. Imagine what would happen if she ran into one of the kitsunes?"

Brick's illusion hissed as he grumbled, "I don't even want to know. I've received letters from Brute again."

"She won't stop."

"No, she's furious over Butch's engagement. And, you won't believe who reached out and pleaded her case."

"No."

"Berserk is looking to repair ties."

"That will not happen. Not ever." Blossom rubbed her stomach, growling, "especially not now."

"My love, you know I agree, but we will have to repair our alliance eventually. The kitsune are a powerful race of yokai. I barely have enough control over them now."

"Fine then, you deal with them. I will deal with Buttercup. If I can get her to return to Butch on her own accord, things will be so much smoother."

"Fine. I'll expect Butch to burst through my palace, freaking out over his awol bride." Blossom smiled at him.

"My poor emperor, doomed to be a glorified babysitter."

"My poor empress, doomed to be a glorified matchmaker." They chuckled and Blossom severed her connection before getting ready to join Buttercup in the bath.

Fast forward to now, where Blossom sat on one side if the dinner table and Buttercup sat at the other. A steaming hot pot of houtou sat between them and Buttercup watched in amazement as Blossom finished her tenth bowl while she was still finishing her second.

Where is she putting it? Buttercup wondered as Maya came with a fresh, new pot. Blossom caught her look and snorted, rather unlady-like, as she began eating her next helping. "Dragons use up a lot of energy, so we eat a lot. Plus, I'm eating for two."

"But...I mean..." Well, Butch did put away a good portion of the meal when they ate together. Even Black, for such a tiny girl, ate more than several men in one meal. But still! This girl was already tearing through her twelfth bowl. Buttercup continued eating, watching in amazement as the dragon empress finished the entire pot with a sigh.

"Maya, you really do make a delicious houtou pot."The deer centaur smiled.

"I'm glad to see my years of practice have paid off." Buttercup finished her bowl.

"Thanks for the food."

As Maya placed tea down and cleared the table, Buttercup spoke. "So, I'm right then? You're expecting a baby." Blossom nodded.

"Brick and I are having our first child. We're both very excited."

"So, is he nearby then? I would think dragons stay close when it comes to this." Blossom shrugged.

"He's at our main lair. He was crowding me, so I've decided to come here for some space." Buttercup blinked.

"You can do that?"

"I think the better question here is 'who will stop me?'." Blossom grinned, her fangs gleaming. She stretched, "being pregnant isn't easy, you know. If I want space, I will get it." She looked around, "this place may belong to both Brick and I officially, but I am the one who took it over, so ultimately, it's mine. I am the one who ultimately decides who comes here. No one, not Butch or even Brick, can enter without my blessing...if they do, they must have a very good reason." She hummed, "that's why I was so surprised to sense you here."

Buttercup then understood what had happened. She had just entered the Dragon Empress' territory uninvited.

Oh God, I am dead, she thought. Butch tormented a village for some stupid shogun entering his home uninvited. Imagine what Blossom will do.

Said girl noticed her guest's rapidly paling face and laughed. "Don't worry, I'm not angry."

"...You aren't...?"

"Curious, mostly. What does bring you so far out of Butch's territory? Kind of dangerous considering the last time you were unaccompanied. But, I like to think I'm better company than a basilisk." Buttercup rubbed her arm and fingered the red kimono Blossom had let her borrow.

How does she tell her fiancé's friend that she left him without telling him?

Blossom waited for a moment before smiling, "it's nearly midnight. That story can wait for breakfast." She stood up and Maya, silently, was by her side. Blossom waved her away, "I know my way to my room. Maya, take Lady Buttercup to the guest room and make sure she's settled in. She's going to be staying for awhile."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Buttercup watched as Blossom walked to the door before turning to her.

"I like to have breakfast at eight o'clock, so I'll see you then. Goodnight."

"Ah! Right. Goodnight, see you at eight..." The redhead left and Buttercup was left with Maya. The deer centaur looked at her.

"Well, Lady Buttercup, shall I show you to your room?" Buttercup nodded and picked up her sword. Maya eyed it warily, but said nothing.

The trek to her room seemed longer than it should, with Maya walking ahead, her hoofs clacking against the wooden floors. The moon was hidden by clouds that had finally stopped raining, but hadn't dispersed yet. Once she was in the room and laying in bed, she let a few more tears shed before finally -FINALLY- falling asleep.

As she slipped away, Buttercup wondered if Butch had realized she wasn't there.

It hadn't even reached ten o'clock when Butch realized Buttercup was gone. He had barely been up an hour. Black couldn't sense her shadow and Tar couldn't sense her heartbeat.

He had charged up to her room to gind her gone, her sword and fan with her. None of the servants had seen her and when he went to the stables, despite the horses freaking out, Ishinoko was gone.

His roar of outrage and panic could be heard for miles.

"That-" Butch swore and hissed as he tracked her scent, but as soon as he stepped out, he found that last night's rain had washed it away.

Butch's heart tore in two. She had left him.

Now, Butch is many things, but levelheaded is not one of them. His temper could rival Brick's in both shortness and ferocity, especially when he feels betrayed or disrespected. He has torn others to pieces for less than being left. Stomping down the corridor, snarling at all who interceded him, Butch threw the palace doors open and shot his flames onto his arm.

As he became engulfed in the searing flames, Butch let out an earth shattering roar that tore through the skies.

Brick blinked as he sat at his table, going over paperwork while eating his breakfast (something he almost never got to do because Blossom detested work at the table). That roar was powerful, but familiar. The problem was that the only one who was powerful enough to make such a roar should be hundreds of miles...

Great...Brick thought as he readied the papers on his table. Once he had securely placed them under the table, the dining room doors flew open and Butch stormed in, acid green eyes blazing with fury. "You know, I should kill you for entering my territory without permission."

"She's gone! That...that little b-" Brick blinked at the words that flew from Butch's mouth-"left me! After all I had done for her!"

"Would this be a bad time to mention the kidnapping?"

"Kidnapping! Is everyone going to keep mentioning the kidnapping!? How about the fact that I saved her life twice!?" Brick nodded. He did save her, after all. Butch paced angrily. "I'm going to find her and I don't know if I'll be satisfied with just locking her away or torching her beloved village in front of her!"

"Don't make any stupid decisions, please. The last thing I want is a war between us and the humans. Plus, I thought you were trying to earn her affections."

"Yeah, well that was before she ran away! Do you not get that she's gone?!"

"I'm well aware that she's gone. I also know where she is," Butch stared at Brick before hissing.

She's here, isn't she?" Butch snarled as he sniffed the air. Brick calmly sipped his tea as Butch stomped to the door, "where!? I'll tear this place brick by brick, if I have to! Get out here, you coward!" As Butch reached the door, a crimson ball of flame hit him in the rear and he yelped, frantically putting it out. He looked back at Brick in indignation, who snarled at him.

"Do not stampede around my lair, you neanderthal. Sit down." Grudingly, Butch sat down. "She was found in Blossom's territory, in Miyagi. So, she's currently being held at Blossom's lair."

"Miyagi!?" Buttercup's village was located in Iwate, so she must have taken a wrong turn somewhere and ended up just west of it. Butch stood, "thank you for catching her, I'll go fetch her."

"Without Blossom's permission? Alright, but you will get no help from me when she decides to rip the scales off your hide."

"That's my bride!"

"And she's in my bride's territory for now. Blossom even told me that you are not to come near." Butch glared, "that's an order from your empress, Butch."

"...Why did she leave me...? I thought...I thought we were finally..." A hand was placed on Butch's shoulder. It felt like it weighed two tons as Butch's shoulders sagged in defeat and heartbreak became alarming present in his eyes.

He felt like crying.

He felt like he was reliving his last night with Reina all over again.

Brick rubbed his shoulder, "let Blossom handle this. Your wedding date is two weeks away. We have time."

Butch looked at him, "...time for what...?"

"...For Buttercup to understand..."

A loud crack was heard and servants cringed as their master stood to the side, with a sadistic smile. Himeko stood, screaming in horror as her father was held down and whipped over and over for causing the death of a girl destined to be Lord Jinnoya's bride.

To think, Buttercup's mother rejected a man who would become a shogun. Were all the women in the Tennoji family crazy? Himeko expected Lily to go mad any day at this rate.

Itsuki Shirogane tried to bite back his yelps as the whip cracked against his back once again. When he came, he did not expect this. Once they had received a personal invite from Lord Jinnoya Matsuo, of the Jinnoya clan, he was ecstatic.

To be able to rub elbows with the elite noble class was like a dream within a dream.

Why, he even thought he might find Himeko a suitable husband.

Now, though, he wished that he had found some excuse to stay home. Maybe a delay in his shipments or something.

Blood ran down the open cuts as Himeko sobbed, begging him to stop. She didn't want this! She may be vain, but she loved her father. He did all he could to provide for her and then some.

She screamed as the man raised his whip again, "please! Please, no more!"

"Silence, girl." Jinnoya eyed her with contempt. What a gaudy girl, no amount of class or even beauty. Her hair was frizzy and puffy, her kimono was overly extravagant and decadent, and she held herself with such arrogance. To think, such a bratty child thought herself among his class was laughable. He sneered, "your father and you must learn your place. Until my anger is satisfied, he will endure. This is vengence for Tennoji Buttercup's death." The whip came down.

Tennoji...Buttercup's presense at the festival popped into Himeko's mind. "She isn't dead, I swear it!" Jinnoya held up his hand and the man stopped. Itsuki looked up at his daughter, confusion mixed with pain on his face.

What was she talking about?

Jinnoya had her brought to him and forced onto her knees, "how dare you lie to me, girl."

"It's not, I swear. I saw her at the festival in Humanago almost two weeks ago! I could never mistake ger, always carrying that sword of hers."

"Lies."

"It's true! She was with some man and a child! The man was tall, with black hair and eyes like jades. He dressed like nobility and the little girl was dressed just as fine. Her hair was long, almost of her ankles. But I definately recognized Tennoji Buttercup." Jinnoya glared, but then one of his advisors spoke.

"There is a Shogun who matches that description in Akita. He's said to be very young with enormous wealth. Some even say he has the blood of a dragon."

Jinnoya thought, "is it possible this man saved Tennoji Buttercup?"

"I would not be surprised, Sire. Many who have fought him say his strength is unparalleled...some say he is a dragon." Jinnoya was silent for some time. If what they said was true, then Tennoji Buttercup wasn't lost to him. He simply had to steal her away from this neighboring shogun.

Smiling at Himeko, he helped her up. "Perhaps I was too harsh on you, Lady Himeko. Tell me more about this festival...and someone pick Shirogane off the floor."

And now back to-

Brick - We already did that.

Huh?! Oh...god, I hate mornings.

Blossom - Anything to say about this chapter?

Errrrr...ummm...

BC - Okay, please never update in the mornings again.

Yeah...okay...Surprise, people! Blossom's pregnant! Butch is pissed! Brick is #DONE! And the Shiroganes have found themselves in a tough spot, but maybe Princ- I mean- Himeko spotting Buttercup might work out in their favor.