Author's note:Ok this is my first side story! I hope you all enjoy this! Oh if it's confusing let me know! ENJOY!
Fire Emblem Fates
Side Story 1
Priestess meets Prince
It's was a bright sunny day in the land of Hoshido. The sun was shining the birds were singing the clouds were...white-and moving.
I was traveling around the land of Hoshido with Aika as my traveling buddy. We have come a long way from Aika's old village. We heard there was a festival in Shirasagi-the capital of Hoshido. We weren't far from there so we decided to go to the festival to rest up for a while. Aika was really excited, she had never been to a festival before. On that note, neither have I. So on our way to Shirasagi we went. Well, there was snow around the place but yet, there was mountains and stuff. So we found ourselves at the gateway to Shirasagi. And boy the place was booming. We both guessed everyone is here for the festival. I told Aika she needed to stay close to me because it was crowded. We both walked around and Aika was very excited she went everywhere, and it took everything I had to catch up with her. If I had half a mind, I tie her to a leash like a dog. Aika found herself at a stand that had baked potatoes. I saw her mouth drooling at the sight of them, and so did the lady who was making them.
"Hello there little lady, how about it? Would you like a roasted potato? It'll melt in your mouth" The old lady said as she was showing Aika and freshly baked potato.
Aika smelled the aroma of the roasted potato and was drooling even more. Then she looked at me with puppy dog eyes and I knew exactly what that meant. I sighed at the sight of this, thinking I'm such a softy.
"All right you can have one," I said to make Aika stop making those puppy dog eyes at me.
"Yaaaaaay" Aika was jumping up-and-down for joy. Then the lady gave her the roast potato and Aika eagerly sank her teeth into it. And burned her tongue.
"A-ah it's hot hot hot! But very delicious" Aika said while cooling down her tongue with a glass of water.
"Hahaha! Aren't you just sweet little lady" The old lady laughed at the compliment. "Here why don't you take an extra one? You can share it with the girl next to you."
"Thank you very much, ma'am," Aika said as she gave me the second baked potato. I said thank you to the old lady and ate the potato. It was really good and they brought a warm feeling to my cheeks.
We said thank you to the lady for the baked potatoes and we went back to looking around. Aika was really excited about this, and I have to admit so was I. We heard that this festival was called a kite festival and that there is going to be kites flying in the sky all evening. Aika really looking forward to that. We saw that there was a stand that was selling kites, and Aika has never flown a kite before so I decided to get her one for the kite festival. Aika was very excited. She picked out a fish kite she wanted, then I got it for her and she was jumping around really excited. I turned around at the stand to see if I can maybe get a kite and then I turn back around to see Aika, but to my horror, she was gone. I panicked and looked everywhere for her but I couldn't find her. What I didn't know was that she was playing with her kite and a gust of wind blew it away, and Aika chased after it. While I was looking for Aika in the outer city, Aika was still chasing her kite.
"Come back! come back! Come back here kite!" Aika yelled as she was chasing her fish kite. Then Aika's fish kite got caught in a tree. Aika tried to reach it, but to no avail. So she decided to climb up the tree to get the kite and climb back down. Climbing up was easy climbing down wasn't as easy as she thought. Aika started to cry because she was scared and she realizes that she was lost, and I was nowhere in sight. Aika hung onto that branch for dear life, she was crying my name hoping that I would hear, but I was too far away. But lucky for Aika someone did hear her. Someone heard Aika crying and wondering what was going on, then he looked up at the tree and saw Aika as white as a ghost with her eyes shut tightly, hanging for dear life.
"Are you all right?" the person hollered.
Aika open one eye to see who it was hoping that it would be me. But who she saw wasn't me, it was a muscular man with wild dark brown hair and brown eyes wearing the clothes of a Samurai that suited his body built perfectly.
Then he hollered again to see if Aika could hear him "Are you alright? Are you stuck?" He sounded very concerned for Aika.
Aika sniffed her nose and wiped her eyes and replied to the man "I'm-I'm scared, I can't get down." Then Aika started to cry again.
The man became very concerned for Aika and tried to comfort her. "Why don't you jump, don't worry I'll catch you," The man said in a tender voice and with caring eyes. He spread out his arms widely.
Aika was a bit nervous, she didn't know if she could trust this man after all they've just met. But something in her heart, maybe it was the consideration she saw in his eyes that made her trust this stranger.
"O-okay, if-if you promise to catch me," Aika said hesitantly, still having second thoughts about this.
"You have my word," the man said with a strong caring voice.
Aika still had second thoughts, but she rather trust this man then hang up here forever. "Ok then, I'm going to let go now," Aika said trembling and her teeth were chattering. So Aika closed her eyes then she let go of the branch. When she opened her eyes, she was in the man's arms.
"See, I told you I would catch you," The man said with a smile. Then he put her down gently on the ground.
"Thank you very much sir" Aika hugged the man with a big smile on her face.
"What were you doing up there in the first place?" The man asked with a stern face.
"Well-I-I" Aika was at a loss for words because it was an embarrassing story. "My Fish kite got stuck in the tree and I tried to get it, and when I did, I couldn't get down because I was scared."
The man sighed, and then he looked up at the tree and saw that the kite was still there. He was able to reach the kite and got it down for her and then he gave it to Aika. "You need to be more careful"
Aika was very happy to get her kite back. And she said thank you with a big smile to the man. The man smiled back and patter her on the head. Aika thank the man once again and then she went to go look for me. The man had an uneasy feeling about Aika to go all on her own in this crowded place by herself. He saw Aika looking around for something and he asked: "what are you looking for?"
Aika replied, "I'm looking for my big sister, I accidentally got separated from her, and now I can't find her." Then Aika started to cry a bit because she was sad and lonely and missed me greatly. The man was worried about Aika greatly and he decided to help her.
"Why don't I help you find your sister," he said concerningly as he wiped Aika tears away gently with his armored hand.
"Really sir!" Aika's face brightened when the man said that. And once again she hugged him with joy and happiness literally blooming from her face.
"What does your sister look like," he asked as he held out his hand and Aika took it and they walked off.
"Well, my sister has beautiful blue eyes, long brown hair like yours with a white ribbon in it, a white hat with two long white stands on the sides, a white dress, white shoe's, and a white ivory staff with a ring of golden chains on the top with a big white crystal on the very top" Aika said. "And she's the best healer and seer ever!" Aika bloomed with pride as she described her sister.
The young man chuckled a bit, "Your sister sounds very beautiful"
Aika nodded her head continually. Aika look around aimlessly trying to find me, but yet again to no avail. I was also looking around for Aika but I couldn't find her either. I took a break at the dragon statue in the center of town still worried and concerned that I still haven't found Aika. Aika and the young man still looked around trying to find anyone in that much white. Then something caught the young man's eyes, it was a woman with beautiful blue eyes and long brown hair dressed in white sitting down at the dragon statue, and he could tell by her expression that she wasn't very happy.
"Is that your sister over there?" The young man pointed to the woman sitting at the statue to Aika.
"Yes! Yes, it is!" Aika jumped for joy and ran over to me.
"Akka Akka!" Aika said over and over again trying to get my attention.
I looked around to see who was calling me, then I saw Aika in the distance calling out to me and running towards me. When I saw Aika my eyes burst into tears and I was overjoyed to see that Aika was safe and unharmed. Aika ran and jumped into my open arms and we were both relieved to see each other.
"Aika I was worried sick about you. Where were you?" I asked with my eyes full of tears.
"I'm sorry Akka...my fishy flew far" Aika replied with tears in her eyes.
We both wipe the tears from our eyes and I scolded her for running away like that. Then Aika told me what exactly happened and she pointed to the young man who was standing there with his arms crossed. I bowed and said thank you to the young man for all the help he had done for Aika. And Aika thank him once again. He told us he was happy to help.
"Oh"!" Aika just realized. "I don't even know your name sir."
The young man chuckled again. "My name is Ryoma"
"Oh, you have the same name as the High Prince," I said. Then he looked away from us and scratched the back of his neck. At that moment I was shocked to realize exactly who I was talking to.
"My name is Serenity, your majesty" I curtsy to him in respect. Prince Ryoma had a bit of blush on his face after I bowed to him. And Aika realizes that she was rescued by the prince and she curtsied to him and respect. Then a young girl with bright red hair, the same age Aika came running to Ryoma.
"Big Brother, there you are," the little girl said.
I knew exactly who that young girl was since that girl called Ryoma 'Big Brother' she could only be his younger sister Sakura. Sakura looked at both me and Aika shyly and she said hello to us. Aika got along great with Sakura since they both are the same age and they acted a lot alike and they both were young priestesses. Sakura had a fish kite like Aika, and she asked Aika if she was going to fly her kite. Aika said yes, and Sakura asked if they can fly their kites together. Aika always jumped at the chance of making a new friend and this was no exception. Aika said yes immediately and they both headed off to the field to fly their kites together leaving me and Ryoma by ourselves. I won't deny it but there was a little bit of an awkward silence between us, but for some reason, it didn't feel that awkward. Our silence was interrupted by a small cough and I turned my attention to Ryoma.
"So do you want to go after them?" Ryoma said as he turned his face towards the directions the younger girls went. When I look at his face I saw a hint of blush. That made me blush a little.
"Yes, l think that would be best because I don't think we should lose them" I calmly replied.
So we both ran after the two girls before they ran out of our sights. But we did lose sight of them and we looked around to find them once again. I was feeling a complete déjà vu moment here. Then Ryoma remembered where they were headed. They we're headed to the valley where all the kids are flying their kites. So we ran to the valley. We saw Aika and Sakura waiting for us. They were sad they ran off without us, and Ryoma gave them both a cold glare. I giggled, then I thought I saw him blush again and I think Sakura did too. So she told Aika that they should fly their kites now. So they went down to the bottom of the valley and Ryoma and I watched them afar. Ryoma sat down and watched his little sister and Aika run off trying to get the kites up in the air. And I saw on his face a slight smile of joy. That also made me smile and then I saw Aika running around happy.
"Would you care to sit down?" Ryoma asked.
"Um-if it's alright with you" I replied feeling a slight blush on my face.
"Oh I don't mind at all, in fact, I think that be rather nice," Ryoma said with the ghost of a blush passed through his face.
So I sat down right next to him, and I felt really nice for some reason. I never felt this way before, me blushing, my heart pounding so fast, I never felt this way before, and this new feeling was confusing to me. I looked around to see Aika and Sakura I couldn't see them. Ryoma saw me worrying about them and pointed to where they were in order to ease my worrying. Then his hand landed on mine. We both were shocked and we looked down at his hand on top mine, then we both blushed and immediately separated our hands, and looked away from each other. I could feel my face being red hot. I took a quick peek at Ryoma's face and there was a blush on his face is well. Then he looked at me, but I immediately look the way. Ryoma gave a little cough to catch my attention. I looked at him with that little hint of blush still on my face.
"So are you enjoying the festival so far?" Ryoma said.
"Yes! Yes! I'm enjoying the festival very much" I replied with a smile and with a bit more blush to my face.
Ryoma smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back. And my face got a little more blush.
When this was going on questions began racing through my mind "Why am I feeling this way, why is my heart racing so fast, why is my face so hot?"
Then Aika and Sakura walks towards us and they were giggling and laughing. Ryoma and I looked at them with a curious look on our faces and wondering why they were laughing.
"You two make a really cute couple," they both said and continually laughed even more.
My face felt like it was about to explode with embarrassment when they said that. My face felt so red and so hot I didn't know what to do, I couldn't even look at Ryoma or Aika and Sakura. Ryoma gave the two young girls a cold glare, which made the girl stop giggling and laughing and made them tilt their heads downwards in shame. I don't think I could ever do anything like that. Then we decide to go back to the marketplace and explore some more. This time I made sure Aika stayed next to me. Aika's eyes sparkle at everything she saw, and I have to admit so did mine, I never saw anything like this back in Nohr or back home. But then something really special caught my eye was a silver necklace with the Hoshidian brand. My eyes really sparkle when I looked at it.
"That necklace would look very pretty on you Akka," Aika said that with a gleam in her eyes.
"It does look good doesn't it" I replied with a hint of happiness in my voice and a little bit of gleam in my eyes. "But I really don't need it, I'm happy with what I have."
Then we all continued walking around the festival. It was late in the afternoon and the sun was being to set and the lanterns were already lit. We all had fun, but it was time to go.
"Thank you very much for showing us around" I curtsy, thanking Ryoma and Sakura for showing me and Aika around, Aika followed after. Then Sakura asked something. "Um Serenity, my brother was wondering would you like to go to the Royal banquet at the castle tonight." Her question made me feel like I got hit by an avalanche. Ryoma's reaction was priceless, he was as white as a ghost. And Aika's reaction was normal, in fact, she had a devious grin on her face, and she replied to Sakura's question" sure Serenity would love to go, we would be honored"
"What is Aika thinking! Is she trying to embarrass me!" I was thinking as my head was spinning.
And by the look on Ryoma's face, he wasn't enjoying this at all.
"Ok, then it's a date then!" Sakura said cheerfully.
"Yes! I can't wait!" Aika replied cheerfully. And they both shook hands and Sakura took Ryoma's hand and Aika took mine, and we went our separate ways until the party tonight. I was still trying to wrap my head around what just happened. When we got to a hotel and we rented a room I scolded Aika for what she did and for her to put me in this predicament. But Aika's only response was a big smile on her face. That made me mad, but I knew I could do nothing about it.
"Alrighty, since you got me into this mess, what am I suppose to wear? We've never been to a Hoshidian party before, and I don't know if we're actually invited because you and Sakura planned this whole thing!" I said while I was looking through my outfits.
"Well, why not that one." Aika pointed to a nice ball gown that a friend made for me.
"It's nice, but isn't a bit too extravagant, and Nohrian I think," I thought to myself.
Aika already got her mask and her outfit. Her dress was trimmed with crimped frills and lace, her shoes were red with a bit of heel, and she wore a white eye mask with jewels, she decided to leave her hair down which was up to her shoulders. I wore my red ball gown with ornamental roses and foliage,my shoes were Ruby slippers(I felt like Cinderella) with a red eye mask with red feathers on the left side, I left my hair down to and it came to knees.
Well, it was night time and it was time for the Royal Hoshidian Ball. Aika and I got dressed and put our masks and went on our way. I was still having second thoughts about this, but it was too late to turn back now. We were at the castle thought it didn't look like a castle, it looked like a Japanese tall tall TALL tower and there were four sections very large sections and the place was seriously big. The first thought that crossed my mind was-this is a tower, not a castle, the second one was-can I go home now. Well we were told where the party was in the castle, Aika went ahead and I rushed after(which wasn't easy in these types of shoes). As I was up to the stairs I noticed that all the guards were looking at me.
"I knew I overdressed," I thought continually as I walked up the stairs. "I knew we shouldn't have come." Then I came to the room where the ball was, I could hear voices on the other side. They all sounded like there were having a good time. The guards opened the door for me to come in, when they opened everyone watched to see who it was when they saw me in my dress they all stared at me for a while, and there were whispering to each about me, I could tell because some were pointing at me. I could feel my face slowly blush. "I knew I overdress" I thought then I ran away from the party. I could here Aika calling me back, but I couldn't go back, I wouldn't fit in at all. I found myself in a garden on the west side of the castle. There was a nice stone bench in front of a beautiful water fountain there, so I decided to sit down and rest.
"I'm such an idiot!" I thought as I squeezed my arms. "I made a complete fool of myself!"
Then I heard footsteps coming towards me. Then they stop when I was in view. I assumed it was Aika, who wanted me to go back to the party.
"Aika, I'm not going back to the party," I said with a tear falling from my eye but wiped it away gently with an armored hand. I realized that wasn't Aika's hand, so I turned around to see who that hand belong to. It was Ryoma! He was wearing his Samurai clothes but with a red eye mask on. I got up and turned away immediately. But before I could run off again, Ryoma grabbed my wrist. I tried to break free, but his grip was really strong and tight, I stop trying to break free when I realized it was pointless. We both were silent for a few moments, we didn't speak, we didn't look at each other, and he didn't loosen his grip on my wrist.
"Why did you run away?" Ryoma asked while tightening his grip.
I didn't answer his question neither did I look at him. He grew tired of my silence so then he pulled me closer towards him into a tight embrace and I gasped at the incredible warmth he possessed. My heart was racing, and my face was blushing-again.
"I-I actually wanted you to stay" Ryoma quietly whispered in my ear.
"Ryoma, I would have but, I-I looked different" I replied with tears coming down my eyes. Ryoma gently wiped my tears way again and smiled at me "you look very beautiful."
I blushed even more at his comment. "Do-do you really think so?" I asked. He nodded. Ryoma offered his armored hand for me to accept "please come back inside with me."
I looked at his hand, then I looked at him, and in my heart, I knew what to do. I placed my small hand in Ryoma's armored one and quietly whispered: "I will Ryoma" I smiled and Ryoma held my hand tight. "I will."
We walked together back to the party, side by side. And when we came in Aika gave my a big hug when she saw me. And she was crying her little eyes out. Ryoma introduces me to his family. His mother Empress Mikoto, his younger sister Hinoka, his younger brother Takumi, and his youngest sister Sakura. All of them were very fond on how Ryoma was acting towards me, and they were teasing him the whole time. Ryoma didn't say anything but, he did blush. Aika and Sakura were enjoying themselves very much, Ryoma stayed with me the whole time. We both decided to go on the balcony to dance, so we did. Though Ryoma and I did notice that Ryoma's family and Aika were watching us, but we didn't care, we danced under the starry night sky, with a full moon watching over us. I will admit, I never felt anything thing like this at all, I only heard about it from my friends, and they were right, this feeling was magnificent. When we were done dancing, Ryoma decided to take me on a walk through the gardens. I gladly accepted. We toured around the gardens and then we walked on a bridge and looked into a pond, and saw the Koi fish. Then Ryoma lifted my head towards him, and our eyes met. My heart began to racing a lot fast than usual. Then Ryoma leaned down towards me with his eyes closed, I don't know what came over me but I soon started to follow and started to push forward up to his face. One thought ran continuously through my mind "is he going to kiss me?"
But just as our lips were about to meet, a soldier came running through the garden. Ryoma was a bit upset, but he swallowed it and ran to the soldier. I stayed on the bridge trying to wrap me head around the fact that I was just about to be kissed. As I saw the conversation between Ryoma and the soldier go on, I could see that Ryoma was upset and taken back by what the soldier had said. Then Ryoma ordered the soldier to go back inside the castle and warn the others. He then walked up to me with a cross look on his face and I could see he was upset.
"Ryoma what's wrong?" I asked as I put my hands on his chest.
He was hesitant to answer and to look at me "there been a faceless sighting in the outskirts of Shirasagi."
Now I was completely taken back by what he said. I could feel my face go pale. All the color in my face was gone as if I never had color in them. I immediately turned away from him, I held myself tight because I was afraid of what would happen this time. Ryoma instead pulled me back to face him and I saw the warmth in his eyes, "don't worry...just stay by my side Serenity…I'll protect you…"
Then he grabbed my hand and we went inside. The people were panicked and the royals were trying to calm everyone down. Ryoma and I went to them, and the Empress told Ryoma everything the soldier told her. Then I hit me "where Aika?" I wonder, "Aika is terrified of faceless because of what happened" I left Ryoma's side and went to go look for Aika. I looked around the ballroom, then I saw Sakura of in the corner, I went to her and ask "Sakura, do you know where Aika is?"
"No, no I don't know where she is" Sakura quietly replied with her head tilted downward.
I really started to worry, so I left the ballroom and then I left the castle and went outside, I couldn't see her at all, so I decided to leave the city. I ran outside and kept calling her name, for a long time I didn't get an answer, then I really started to worry some more. I got farther and farther away from the city, but yet I didn't notice because I was still looking for Aika. Then I heard some noises behind me, I turned around, hoping to see if it was Aika, but what I saw wasn't Aika. It was a faceless!
"AAAAAHHHHH" I screamed. Then I ran away as fast as I could, but I tripped over a tree root, and I couldn't move, my mind was racing with an immense amount of thoughts on uncertainty and fear, I closed my eyes because I didn't want to see the attack coming. But then before the faceless was going to kill me, I heard the crackling of lightning, then the slash of a sword, and finally I heard the faceless collapse. I opened my eyes to see what happened. I saw Ryoma looking down and standing in front of the corpse of the faceless. I saw his lighting katana covered in the faceless's blood. All was quiet, the only thing I heard was the quiet sound of my beating heart along with the crackling of the electric blade. Ryoma immediately sheathed his sword, then, he looked at me. Instead of him looking at me with his bright warm brown eyes, he gave me a dark cold glare. I felt like that glare was piercing my soul. Then he walked over to me and he offered me his armored hand. I was hesitant, so he grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him. He was still giving me that cold look. "I thought I told you to stay by my side."
I was silent and decided not to answer right way. I could feel my wrist that he was holding shaking. Then I started to cry. "I'm-I'm sorry, I was looking for Aika." Ryoma then held me in a tight embrace.
"Ryoma? How did you find me?" I asked with a face full of tears.
"I saw you leave the room in a hurry, so I followed you to make sure you would be ok" he replied still holding on to me. "Come, we must go back to the castle, it isn't safe out here."
So Ryoma and I ran back to the castle before we could get attacked again. But I still was concerned about the whereabouts of Aika. I just couldn't get out of my mind. Well, we made it back to the castle and the people were still panicking about what to do. The royals had to go to a war council meeting about what to do about the faceless problem. Including Ryoma.
"Serenity stay here where it safe" Ryoma demanded "I'll come back for you, I promise"
Then Ryoma left with his family and some of the generals to talk about the recent faceless sightings. Everyone was ordered to stay inside their houses until something could be done about the faceless problem. I was still concerned about Aika because I still haven't found her. I looked around the castle but I still couldn't find her hide nor hair of her. So even though it was against Ryoma's wishes I left the castle to look in the outer city. I tried to look for Aika as fast as I could before Ryoma got back from the council meeting. I searched and I searched and I still couldn't find Aika. Then all of a sudden I heard someone crying, I followed the crying to the source to see who it was. I followed the crying to a small tree in the middle of a garden. To my relief, it was Aika. I went over to Aika to comfort her. I saw Aika, her face was full of tears in her nose was leaking. She kept crying and crying and wouldn't stop when I hugged her she was shaking like a rattlesnake tail. I saw tears come to Aika's eyes, she was afraid, that was painfully clear. Aika continued to hold me tight and continued to lean on me, then I felt tears coming to my eyes and rolling alongside my face.
After a while had passed, Aika was done crying, but she still held me tight. So I took her hand and we walked back to the castle before Ryoma got back from the council meeting. When we got back to the room, the Royal Family was there and I saw Ryoma, but his back was turned. Then Ryoma turned his head and I saw the corner of his eye. And I could tell he wasn't happy. I gulped, then Ryoma walked up to me.
"I see you found Aika," he said with his arms crossed and a cold glared.
I tilted my head downwards in shame. "I'm sorry, I was just so worried"
Ryoma let out a sigh of relief. "I'm just glad you two are safe"
The royal family was still in discussion about what to do about the faceless problem. Aika was still clutching onto me for dear life. She was shaking and trembling like a rattlesnake tail. "Akka is it going to happen again," Aika said in a shaken voice "am I gonna lose you too."
I looked at Aika with sorrowful eyes. And I patted Aika affectionately on the head to ease her pain and suffering. I knew exactly why she was afraid and why she was crying and acting like this. I also wanted to shake, tremble and cry well. I knew a couldn't do that in front of her, I also want to be comforted like she was. But I was her older sister and I had to be brave even though I was scared silly. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder which brought me back to reality. It was Ryoma.
"What does she mean by 'is it going to happen again' Serenity?" Ryoma asked with the questionable look on his face.
I looked at Ryoma with concerning eyes, then I looked down at Aika's crying. "Tell me, do you know about the village in the eastern mountains?"
They looked at me surprised by my question. "Yes, I know about that village. It was destroyed in the faceless attack three months ago, sadly there were no survivors" Ryoma replied with his arms crossed and an eyebrow arch.
I rubbed Aika's head ease her crying. "Your wrong. There were survivors."
Everyone was surprised of what I had said, they looked at each other with surprising looks on their faces and then they looked at me. The look that they gave me was the look that they demanded an explanation.
"There were two survivors, to young women, who managed to escape the faceless attack," I said with my head tilted downward in my eyes closed.
"Those two survivors were you two weren't they," Ryoma said with his fists clenched with anger.
I didn't say anything, all I did was just look away from them because I didn't want them to see the tears flowing down my face.
"I thought so," Ryoma said through gritted teeth. "I want to know what happened!"
I sighed. "It happened three months ago, but yet, I remember it like it happened yesterday. Aika was the daughter of the leader of that village. Her mother was a good friend of mine and so when I was alone she took me in. For one whole entire week, the village party like never before. It was wonderful, people were dancing having fun being merry. Everything was so wonderful, I thought something was strange because of how we partied and why and for how long. But I didn't find the true reason for that until afterward. On the last day of the week, everyone was quiet, more than usual I thought. Aika's mother asked me and Aika, to climb to the top of the mountain to get some water from the spring. The mountain was very high, it takes about one day to get up the mountain by foot. So I decided that Aika and I should get a mount. When I got the bucket from Aika's mother I decide to get a Phoenix to ride to the top of the mountain. It only took like about- not long actually. And when we got back her mother was so very surprised to see is back so soon. She asked us how we got back so fast? I told her we took the Phoenix up there to save time. Then I gave her the bucket of water, she looked at the bucket of water then she dumped it on my head. I was very surprised at why she did that, but I was even more surprised after what she said. She told us to get some more water. I asked her why because I just got her some. She said that it was wrong, she wanted us to walk up the mountain not to use a mount to go up there. She said she wanted us to walk up there because she wanted the water to corroded a bit because it tastes better that way. I thought that it's bad for your health if water corrodes and I didn't even think it was possible for that to happen. So she gave me the bucket and told me and Aika to go out again and this time to walk up the mountain. Stephenie and I walk to the village now as we walked a notice that everyone in the village was giving us a very sad look. They waved goodbye to us as we left the village and walked up the mountain. I thought it was very strange why they did it. It was a very long walk, I preparing myself for the journey ahead, I knew we would have to take several breaks because the mountain was so high and we are very young, so we needed some more breaks because we would be tired faster. Well it took us about half the day to walked halfway up the mountain, I decided to look back, but I was horrified at what I saw. I saw smoke coming from the village. I told Aika and she was scared, we both saw the village was being attacked and destroyed. We ran back down to the village to see if everything was all right, but by the time we got there everything was destroyed and all the villagers were dead. The entire village smelled like burnt flesh. We ran immediately to Aika's house to check and see if her parents were ok. When we got to her house, is was utterly destroyed and her parents bodies were burnt and their flesh was ripped open. I covered Aika's eyes so she wouldn't have to see this horrifying sight. Aika and I cried for a bit in morn for the loss of our friends and family. Then we heard some noises and we realize at some faceless's were still there. Aika and I ran as fast as we could before the faceless notice that there was still two survivors. But then, as we were running a faceless saw us. It was the biggest meanest faceless I've ever seen in my entire life. He had his sights on me and Aika ran towards us with great haste. Aika and I split up to try and lose him. But when we split up he went after Aika immediately, I ran after Aika, because even though I was a priestess I had to do something in order to protect her. I made it just in time the faceless was about to attack us. Even though I had no weapons I decide to use my staff. So I use the bottom of my staff which is a sharp horn and I cut the faceless face. I didn't do much damage but I did leave a scar on his face and with him distracted I grab Aika by the hand and ran off. Then a scream of rage pierced the quiet evening."
The room was silent for a few moments. I could tell by the look on their faces that they were all trying to swallow what Aika and I had been through.
"Well. That's the end of the story" I said. "And ever since then we've been running."
Then the room was even more silent and before, I don't know how it's just the crickets the birds the music everything, nothing made a sound at all. I took a quick glance at Ryoma, I saw his eyes shut, his teeth gritted, and his hands clenched, in anger.
"Now you know the truth," I said calmly.
I saw the Empress shed tears of sadness and remorse for me and Aika, and for the people that died in our village. Then she decided to prepare the troops for a battle to defend Shirasagi. She left the room with her children close behind her, but Ryoma stayed.
"I'm guessing the reason the faceless are on the outskirts of Shirasagi, is because the faceless with the scar on his face knows we're here and to fulfill its purpose," I said with my eyes close gently and with my hand on Aika's head. "He won't rest until Aika and I are dead."
Aika trembled and held me tight. Then I knew what I had to do. "Aika and I will leave Shirasagi in the morning" I said, and on that note "when we're gone the faceless will leave Shirasagi alone."
"And what about you," Ryoma muttered.
"What?" I asked.
"I SAID WHAT ABOUT YOU!" Ryoma yelled giving us a vicious glare.
I jumped at Ryoma's thundering yell. As I looked into Ryoma's eyes blazing with fury, I could a hint of sadness in those eyes of his. Ryoma shook with fury. I couldn't take his gaze any longer and turned away from him so that he wouldn't see the tears that were spilling down my face. And my last words spoke sorrowfully:
"Goodbye…And thank you for-for everything…"
The doors closed shut as a scream of rage pierced the silent night.
Aika and I walked out of the castle without saying a word to each other. Thinking about the sadness in Ryoma's eyes pierced my soul. For some reason, I just couldn't get that look in his eyes out of my mind. Aika and I went to our room in the hotel, then changed back into our normal clothes and then we left and to my surprise I saw Ryoma with his arms crossed outside waiting for us.
"You think I'm going to let get away like that" Ryoma said with a smirk. "I'm not letting you two go out there with a horde of faceless waiting to kill you."
"Ryoma listen-
"NO EXCUSES!" Ryoma yelled with a thundering the voice. "I want to protect you, please"
Once again I saw that sadness in his eyes. I felt my body freeze, I didn't know what to do. Ryoma looked at me, I turned away.
"Please"
I held myself tight at what he said, some part of me wanted to go, and run away but some part of me wanted to stay with him. Aika looked at me with tears eyes.
"Alright, we'll stay" I quietly said.
A ghost of a smile passed on Ryoma's face. Then he took my hand and he walked us back to the castle. I could tell Ryoma had no intention of me getting killed. Especially by that faceless with the scar. He took us to the throne room where his family was waiting. They all had the same determination that Ryoma did. They all weren't going to let us waste our lives saving them. And Ryoma was absolutely determined to protect me. So they told us to sleep in the castle until this whole faceless thing blows over. Aika slept with Sakura and I got my own room. That night I couldn't sleep at all, so I decide to leave my room to go for a walk. As I was walking through the gardens I saw Ryoma training.
"Ryoma is training?" I thought "at this time of night?"
I watching him in awe as he was swinging his katana, over and over and over again. He was swinging it so fast that I couldn't even his sword! Or even him swinging it! I knew that Ryoma was an incredible fighter, no idea he was this good! Then he immediately sheathed his sword and walked off. For some reason I had the immense urge to follow him, so I did. I followed him quietly so he wouldn't hear me. Ryoma went to a secluded area, it was a patch of grass in a sea of big oak trees, I saw Ryoma take a deep breath then he immediately drew his sword at lightning speed. I saw his sword slashes but it didn't cut anything. But then when he sheathed his sword again and turned around. All the trees that were in his way were immediately cut down. Ryoma smiled slightly at the sight of his strength. My mouth was hung wide open, he did something I didn't even think was possible. My heart started racing and my mind was spinning trying to wrap my head at what I just saw. Then I realized I lost sight of Ryoma. So I came out of my hiding spot to go look for him. I looked around the forest area to see if I could find him. I found a straight little path and I followed it. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder, I jumped and turned around. To my surprised it was Ryoma, and he had a devious smile on his face.
"I'm glad you finally came out," Ryoma said. "So did I impress you?"
I was bewildered on how he figured out that I was watching him.
"You-you knew I was watching you?" I asked still bewildered.
"My senses are very sharp, so it doesn't take much," Ryoma said with a straight face.
"I see-I'm gonna have to be more careful in the future," I thought.
"Ryoma...-
I stop talking when he drew his sword at me.
"Serenity listen to me," Ryoma said with that vicious glare in his eyes. "I will not let a faceless or anyone else ever hurt you"
"I'm sorry Ryoma, but I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me!" I pleaded.
"That's nice to hear." Ryoma's smile was dangerous, then he took my hand. "But I'm still going to protect you."
"What?" My heart skipped a beat. "But I just told you-"
"I know Serenity," he said, squeezing my hand. "But I'm not letting you go so easily."
I stared at him. He just laughed and walked back to the palace. And by the way he looked back, I knew he wanted me to follow him back. So I did.
Well, I woke up the next morning. Then I heard a bunch of commotion outside, it was some scouts running into the throne room panting. I heard the conversation from outside. The scouts were telling the royal family that the faceless have attacked the borders. I gasped I knew this would happen. Then I ran to get Aika. Aika was outside in the cherry blossom forest and was told what happened in the meeting by Sakura, and Aika had the same guilt I did. Then I heard someone calling me. I turned around and I saw Ryoma in the distance waving to me to get my attention. I ran over to him.
"Serenity I have something to give you," Ryoma said with a smile on his face. "Close your eyes."
I didn't question his motives I just did what I was told. Hoping he wouldn't do anything I would regret. Then I felt something being put around my neck.
"Alright you can open your eyes Serenity," Ryoma said.
I felt what was around my neck. It was the silver necklace that I was staring at the marketplace. The one with the Hoshidan brand. I was utterly shocked that Ryoma got this for me. Without thinking I hugged him around his neck.
"Thank you Ryoma," I said cheerfully. "Thank you"
"Your welcome, now I'm going out to deal with some faceless problem," Ryoma replied sternly. "I want you here when I come back."
I was hesitant to look at him and I was hesitant to answer. "Just make sure you came back," I said quietly.
"I will," Ryoma said with a strong confident tone. "You have my word"
Then Ryoma walked off to join his family in the assault. I stood back and watch as his figured disappeared in the distance. I felt my heart ache as I watched him walk off if anything ever happened to him or any of his family I would never forgive myself. I touched the small necklace that Ryoma gave me. Then one thought crossed my mind. "I'm sorry Ryoma, I have to leave."
It was late that evening when the Royals got home. Luckily they all were okay, no one got seriously injured. Ryoma rushed through the castle to find me. He found me under a peach tree picking peaches.
"I told you I would be back."
I turned around to see Ryoma smiling at me. I was relieved to seeRyoma safe. But yet I was still worried about the future. Ryoma could tell that I was worried and concerned. Ryoma's finger caught the underside of my chin and tilted my face upward. When I raised my eyes, he was wearing his most appealing smile. I jerked away from his fingers. A soft, low growl rumbled in his chest. I didn't want Ryoma to see the tears that were spilling down my face.
"You're still afraid aren't you?" Ryoma said breaking the silence.
"I sorry Ryoma, Aika and I have to leave, it's the only way to save Shirasagi" I calmly replied.
"NO!" Ryoma yelled. "I don't care how you feel about this now!"
Then Ryoma walks towards me a bit.
"But I swear I will protect from the faceless with the scar on his face!" Ryoma shouted. "Only I can protect you from him!"
Then Ryoma came to me and held me in a tight embrace.
"Let me go!" I said. I tried to push him, but it was no use. His body wouldn't move. And so I accept the predicament I was in and held him as well.
"I will slay that faceless myself" Ryoma whispered in my ear. "So you don't have to run away anymore, I will protect you."
For some reason, I felt so content and happy while he held me in his embrace. But yet...even though it would break his heart, I still had to do what needed to be done. When he loosen his hold on me, I push away from him gently. It took everything I had to hold back in my tears. Then I walked away from him and headed straight towards the castle. It was later that evening when another scout came running and ran into the throne room. I followed him to hear what he knew. He told the royals that there was another faceless sighting again.
"Three times! In the same week!" I thought rapidly with fear racing through my mind. "This isn't good, things are getting desperate!"
The royals were discussing the problem once again. Some of the generals suggested that Aika and I do leave because ever since we showed up there's been nothing but bad luck. "Oh! I knew Aika and I should've left sooner!" I cursed the bad luck I was in. But then I heard Ryoma's strong and stern voice. "No! this is not Serenity and Aika fault! They just lost their family and friends because of those faceless! And now there all alone with no one to turn to! Plus they got this scarred faceless after them! I will not put Serenity's life in danger like that!" Then Ryoma stormed out of there.
"This isn't good, no not at all." I thought. So I decided to go into the throne room and finish this once and for all. Everyone was surprised to see me. Then I told them what I was going to do. "I am sorry that we have caused you so much trouble" I apologized. "Aika and I leave right now and when we leave the faceless should leave to."
The Empress was hesitant but I didn't seem to care I knew what I had to do and so I was going to do it. I turned around and before I was about to leave, then Empress said something. "Ryoma will miss you"
I didn't turn around, I just said: "you're very lucky your majesty, to have such wonderful son" then I walked off. I was on my way to get Aika but then I saw Ryoma talking to his retainers. I decide to ease drop once again. He was telling his retainers to get some strong generals and some loyal soldiers because there going to attack full force on the faceless attack. His retainers agreed and then vanished out of thin air.
"How do they do that?" I wondered in amazement. Then Ryoma left. I wondered what was Ryoma up to. But I had no time for that, I had to get Aika and leave Shirasagi before Ryoma comes back. I got Aika and we ran out of the castle and out of Shirasagi as fast as we could. We made it to the woods where there was snow everywhere then we heard some noises behind us, it was the faceless with the scar on his face with five other faceless behind him ready to attack at a moments notice.
"RUN AIKA!" I yelled. And we ran and we ran and we ran and we ran. But then we found ourselves at the edge of a cliff. Aika and I were cornered by the faceless and the cliff. It looks like a 50-foot drop and I was starting to think we had a better chance with a cliff fall then we did the faceless. The faceless with the scar on his face lunged towards me I ducked but halfway, the faceless grab the necklace that Ryoma gave to me and he pulled it off as he fell down down down the cliff as the other faceless followed him. I look down to see if they survived but I couldn't see was too far down then I touched where the necklace would've been. I felt my heartbreak when I felted it not there. A single tear fell down my face, but I had no time for this, I had to get Aika away from here before we were ambushed again. Then we ran and we didn't look back though some part of me wish I did. After a couple of minutes, we found ourselves in a big field with a large tree in the middle. We decide to take a break and rest up a bit to regain out strength since we've been running the whole time. Then once again we found ourselves being attacked by faceless, but the one with the scar on his face was not there. Aika and I were cornered and we didn't know what to do or where to go, Aika and I were completely defenseless because we had no weapons with us or at all. I was going to do the best I could to distract them while Aika ran off, but before I can do anything Ryoma just came out of nowhere.
"SERENITY RUN!" Ryoma yelled and he was in a fighting stance ready to attack at any moment.
Aika and I climb up the tree to safety. I knew Ryoma was a skilled fighter but I was afraid that the faceless have an advantage over him. So I told Aika to stay put and I jumped and to assist him.
"Serenity what are you doing?!" Ryoma yelled as he cut one faceless down with ease.
"Just shut up and fight!" I replied readying myself to attack.
I distracted the faceless while Ryoma attacks them while the were down. When they were defeated Aika climbed back down.
"Wow! you two were amazing!" Aika said jumping up-and-down.
I was just relieved to be alive but yet one thing did cross my mind
"Ryoma how did you find us?" I quickly did the math in my head. He couldn't have gone to Shirasagi and come back. Ryoma turned and looked at me with a stern look on his face. And he held up his hand and showed me the necklace that he gave me. I felt the spot on my chest where the necklace was supposed to be, and realize that he met the scarred faceless that ripped the necklace off me. He put the necklace back around my neck.
"I was fighting on the border when the faceless with the scar on his face came out and attacked me, it wasn't easy but I defeated him and then before I was about to head back to Shirasagi, I saw something in his hand. It was your necklace, the necklace I gave to you. Since he had your necklace I knew immediately that you and Aika were outside so I took the necklace and I went looking for you." Then he started to walk off. "You too are coming back to Shirasagi with me," Ryoma said sternly "it isn't safe out here for you two, and I won't take no for an answer."
Aika and I looked at each other, then I sighed and accepted my predicament once more yet again, and followed Ryoma back to Shirasagi. Well, we made it all back and everyone was surprised to see me and Aika with Ryoma. But they all could tell that Ryoma was not pleased to see me and Aika outside. So it was nighttime and Aika and I went to our rooms. The thought crossed my mind that since Ryoma killed the faces of the scar on his face that meant Aika might be able to stay here in Shirasagi. Oh how I wish I could, but I knew in my heart I couldn't do that. So I got up and changed and went to get Aika. Aika changed into her clothes and said goodbye to Sakura and hoping that they would meet up someday. Then Aika and I left the castle.
"I had a feeling that you'd leave."
I turned around to see Ryoma leaning against the wall. He stood just on the wall, eyes fixed on me. He was so still he could have been carved from stone. Then he stood up straight and walked to me.
"Aika go to the statue, I'll be right there," I said.
Then I turn my eyes to Ryoma, who was giving me a vicious glare but yet I saw a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"Oh Ryoma, I'm-I'm so sorry but, you must know, that we can't stay here." I pleaded before Ryoma could say anything.
Ryoma was silent for a bit then he spoke. "I understand" his eyes went from a vicious glare to eyes that look like they were going to burst out in tears. "Are you going to come back?" Then I took off my necklace and gave it to him. "Here, keep this. So that you know I definitely will come back." I told him.
He closed his hand and held it very tightly, then he turned away from me. But he looked me in the eyes once more. He then started to lean down towards my face with his eyes closed. I don't know what came over me but I soon started to follow suit and I pushed forward up to his face with my eyes closed. My hands went behind his head, and his hands went around my waist. It was only for a few moments before our lips met and I felt the fireworks between us. He was warm and kind, his kisses delicate yet passionate. He held me lightly but firm. After a few moments we broke apart from each other, I leaned down and rested my head on his shoulder. One thought crossed my mind "I can't believe I had my first kiss! But I'm glad it was with him."
I then pushed away from Ryoma gently. And walked off. Aika and I left Shirasagi, I turned around to look at the grand city one more time. I saw Ryoma leaning again the doorway. I knew he was sad to see me go, and I was sad to go. I knew the truth...the real truth. And because of that, I can't go back as Serenity...next time Ryoma see's me...it'll be as Sapphire. Then Aika and I walked off into the blood red horizon.