Authors note: ok here is chapter 6! now this is a warning it is different. VERY DIFFERENT!EXTREMELY DIFFERENT! People who are loyal to the original plot, please don't hate me. I know it's different but I hope it is to your liking. ENJOY! And boy this was really hard to write.
Chapter 8 - Mother and Children
It's been almost a two weeks since I arrived here in Hoshido and even though I hate to admit it, I have gotten used to the way people live in this nation. Despite being in a time of war, these people still manage to keep up a lively and welcoming environment, including most of the soldiers that I have encountered in my time here. It's not surprising, though, that they haven't changed since last time I was here. Empress Mikoto invited me to spend breakfast with the Hoshidan royal family. As I was thinking about what to do, my mind slowly wandered off as I was thinking about all I have learned about Hoshido and Nohr.
The relations between Hoshido,and its rival Nohr were long fraught with tension, as Nohr envied Hoshido's bountiful lands. In contrast to the barren, blighted lands of Nohr, Hoshido benefits from fair, sunny weather, resulting in plentiful food supplies, to the point where there is more than enough to feed the combined populations of both Hoshido and Nohr. This bounty means almost no one in Hoshido wants for anything, and crime is rare. The Hoshidan monarchs rule fairly and justly and are loved by their people.
And, in contrast to the lush, sunny lands of Hoshido, Nohr suffers from unusually poor weather conditions. Contrary to popular belief, the sun does occasionally shine over Nohr, but most of the time the skies are deeply overcast and stormy. The lack of sunlight fosters a tundra-like climate where only the hardiest plants can grow, resulting in continually poor crop yields and frequent food shortages. Law and order have also steadily eroded over the years despite the iron grip of the glory-seeking Nohrian monarchs. Consequently, most Nohrians remain indoors or underground; I remember what Shura said, only "rich foreigners and idiots" travel above. (I'm hoping that when Xander becomes King, he can fix all that, and bring hope and prosperity back to Nohr.) In my visions, I saw that tension was high in the Nohrian Royal family. King Garon had multiple concubines, each producing their own child. Unfortunately, a power struggle ensured, leading to the concubines attempting to rid Garon of his other children in hopes of gaining favor with him through their own. After many years of bloodshed, poisonings, and assassinations, only four children remained Xander, Camilla, Leo, and Elise. (And I didn't find that out for a LONG time.) These events eventually lead to King Garon becoming hardened and disdainful.
I still remember how it all happened. During a trip to Cheve with Ryoma and me, Emperor Sumeragi was killed by Nohrian soldiers and I was kidnapped and taken to Nohr. Without an Emperor, Mikoto became the new Empress of Hoshido. After that, Hoshido kidnapped Azura, in order to trade her back for me. With Nohr unwilling to agree to the trade, Azura was then set to live here in Hoshido, and the people were ordered to treat her like a Hoshidan princess by Mikoto, who was secretly Azura's aunt (I wonder if Azura even remembers that?)
With the assassination of the Emperor, Nohr and Hoshido have been having an all-out war by but a magical barrier crafted by Empress Mikoto, the barrier caused any Nohrian soldiers who crossed it to lose their will to fight. To counter this, Nohr's mages created the Faceless, constructs of flesh who lacked souls and free will, allowing them to retain their aggression beyond the barrier and attack Hoshido. However, the Faceless lacked the intelligence and coordination of a human army, limiting the damage they could inflict.
The Kingdom of Hoshido was founded by humans loyal to the Dawn Dragon, who granted them land. Apparently, the Dawn Dragon fell in love with a princess and married her. Hence the Hoshidan royal family having dragon blood and being able to use Dragon Vein. The Hoshidan capital encircles Castle Shirasagi, home of the royal family. Hoshido is located east of Nohr and the Bottomless Canyon and north of Izumo and Mokushu. At least three tribes, the Wind tribe, the Fire tribe and the Kitsune, make their homes within Hoshidan territory. Pegasi and Kinshi can only be found in Hoshido.
The Kingdom of Nohr was founded by the humans loyal to the Dusk Dragon, who granted them land to build their country. Now just like the Dawn Dragon, the Dusk Dragon fell in love with another princess and married her. Hence the Nohrian royal family having dragon blood and being able to use Dragon Vein. Its capital is the city of Windmire, with the royal residence of Castle Krakenburg, at its heart. Nohr is located west of Hoshido and the Bottomless Canyon, and north of Nestra. At least two tribes, the Ice tribe, and the Wolfskin, make their homes within Nohrian territory. Wyverns can only be found in Nohr.
I've gathered a lot of information about Hoshido and Nohr since I've came here, but I still have no idea on WHY I came here. *sigh* this is going to be harder than I thought. And those strange dreams I've been having, what does it all mean?
As I was staring out the window, I heard knocking on my door.
"Come in!"
The Shoji doors to my room slid open, and a certain green hair ninja came into my room.
"Princess Sapphire, breakfast is ready and everyone it waiting for you."
"Alright Kaze, I'll get ready."
With that, Kaze bowed his head and left my room. And in a hurry, if I add. I like out a sigh. I knew nobody here trusted me, because I was raised in Nohr. Well, I'm not sure about the royal family...what am I saying...I knew that several years of anger and hatred towards Nohr wouldn't go away just like that. But, I hope it would soften. I looked at the yellow kimono I wore. Yellow was never really my color, my mom back in my world said it did, and so did Mikoto! But, to me...it never really suited me. So, I decided to change. I slid open the Shoji doors slightly to make sure nobody was around. I saw some guards walking the grand halls, but that was it. So, I was in the clear. I quickly closed the doors and ran in front of my full body mirror. I looked at my reflection, then I closed my eyes and folded my hands. I silently said a small chant, and soon enough my body glowed purple, and in a flash, my clothes were changed. I looked at my reflection once more, and I was very pleased with the results.
Instead of a yellow kimono, I was wearing a satin, royal blue half-cape, clasped at the right shoulder with a diamond star and draped over the left, decorated with blue macaw feathers lined with pearls at the shoulder and a polish escutcheon made out of diamonds below. Beneath I wore a shoulderless aquamarine frock of ruched silk, the bustline edged with pearls, the cut hugging my figure without a waistband, the hem kissing the floor and a risqué slit to the waist on the right. For jewelry, I wore a silver dancing peacock sapphire necklace. I also had simple silver bracelets on my wrists.
"Ok, now I'm ready!" I said, with a smile. "I just hope they're ready..."
I walk out of the room I was in and headed towards the dining hall. As I walked through the grand halls, I noticed all the people that I passed whispered and stared at me. By the look of disgust and hatred they had, I had no doubt in my mind that they were talking about me. I even heard their gossip.
"Is that really Empress Mikoto's daughter?! The girl looks nothing like her!" One said.
"That wretched child is too Nohrian! She should go back to where she belongs! Back to those Nohrian scums!" Another said.
"That girl doesn't belong here! If you ask me, that girl's more of a misfit than Princess Azura. At least SHE was raised among us." Some else said.
And the crude insults and scowled looks continued. They whispered as the mock me, but I heard ever sound. My heart was broken, and my eyes were full of tears.
"The wretched Nohrian girl should not be here!" They all kept saying./
Thought my heart was broken and my eyes were full of tears, I did not let the Hoshidan soldiers and those who were in the castle-especially the royal family, to see my tears, and to see my pain. Instead, I thought on how much the royal family has grown. Ryoma a strong, broad man who looked more like Sumeragi every day,a noble and true samurai. Hinoka, who still kept her red hair short, so bold and headstrong, so different from the shy girl she'd been in her youth. Takumi, once a happy boy turned troubled, full of bitterness and deprecation, but towards none more than himself. Sakura, unaware of her own strength, timid but ready to bloom into a wonderful woman someday.
Mikoto's love towards the four of them was returned in full—Takumi and Sakura knew no mother other than her and had always addressed her as such with ease. Ryoma had been the next one to do so, when he'd become of age and she'd continued to carry the burden of the crown for him, using the word for the first time when he thanked her. Hinoka had taken the longest to come around, frequently clashing with Mikoto over her pegasus knight training, but eventually she too asked for permission to call her mother. They knew Mikoto wasn't their blood mother, but the love between them was as strong as if she were. I won't lie...but I kinda envied them. For they had something with Mikoto, that I will never have...
Then, my thoughts when to Azura. My aqua hair cousin, she was loved by the people of Hoshido. Now, some people were still wary of her being from Nohr, but the people treated her like a Hoshidan Princess. I hate to admit it, but I envied her most of all. She had grown into a lovely, but melancholy, woman, but she was chained down by the knowledge of Valla. And unlike Mikoto's other children, Azura had never felt comfortable with calling Mikoto Mother. She was distant and aloof even on her best days, though at least she had a good relationship with the royal children. And that drove me nuts! How could she PURPOSELY separate herself from the people who were trying to reach out to her! I mean, I was forced to be separated from the people I love! I was kidnapped from Mikoto from when I was young! AND, I was locked up from my Nohrian family, who were only able to visit once a year! And sometimes not at all! It wasn't fun being alone! It wasn't fun! So why? WHY?! WHY DOES SHE PUSH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE REACHING OUT TO HER ASIDE?! DOESN'T SHE SEE HOW LUCKY SHE IS!
My quieted my thoughts and thought hard about Azura. I shouldn't be mad at her...well maybe a little because she's acting like she has nothing when she has everything...but still, Azura is right. I still have to make my choice...on who I'm going to choose. She already made her decision...and now it was time to make mine. But, the simple truth was, I just didn't seem to fit into Hoshido.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I accidentally walked into the dining hall door.
*BUMP* "OW!" I rubbed my sore nose. "Well, at least I found the door."
The doors opened and I saw the Royal family seated at the grand dining table. And their retainers were scattered here and there in the dining hall. When I watched in, all their eyes were on me. I guess they were curious about my outfit. I saw a hint of red blush on the tips of Ryoma's ears. Mikoto and Hinoka were staring at me wide-eyed, Takumi and all the retainers have me a look was disgust and hatred, Azura just gave me that blank stare, and Sakura looked at me shyly. Ryoma motioned me to sit next to him, I just nodded and walked up to him and sat down in the seat next to him. I took off my bracelets so I wouldn't get them dirty.
Breakfast consisted of fried calamari and some sushi with lo mein noodles and miso soup. I remember that lo mein noodles were my favorite Hoshidan food. I like it back in my world, and I still loved it here. I doubted Ryoma and Hinoka, who were old enough to remember such things, have missed the fact that more and more of their meals are things I used to like. I quietly ate a small plate full of lo mein noodles, before excusing myself from the table, and going back to my room.
"Things were better here when I was Serenity." I quietly thought as I left the dining hall.
"Nohrian scrum," Takumi muttered as soon as I left, his grip on his chopsticks turning his knuckles white.
"Takumi!" Sakura gasped sharply.
"What? Don't tell me you aren't bothered by how eagerly she escapes our company!"
"I understand you're disappointed with how things have been," Ryoma said, his deep voice sharp with disapproval, "but—"
"But what?" Takumi snapped. "I'm not allowed to voice my thoughts? My feelings don't matter at all, I can't say anything mean to Sapphire otherwise it'll drive her back to Nohr? Well fine! Let her go back since she apparently misses it so much!"
"Your Highnesses," Kaze tried to interject from his position by the door. Hinoka overrode him, trying to soothe her brother. "She's just having a hard time adjusting," she said. "She'll be back to normal soon."
"Really? What proof do we have of that? How do we not know she's not just spying on us, biding her time before she can return to her beloved Nohr?"
"Please stop fighting," Sakura whispered, unheeded as Azura leap to my defense.
"That's an unfair accusation—"
"You be quiet, Nohrian!" The archer rounded on her, and she snapped her mouth shut, shocked. Takumi and Azura had never been very close, but he'd always been civil to her, sometimes even kind. His lashing out may have been brought on by stress rather than cruelty, but it was unexpected and hurtful nonetheless.
"That's enough, Takumi!" Mikoto said sternly, holding her anger back. She empathized with her son's feelings—she truly did—but a fight wasn't necessary. "First Sapphire, now Azura? This is your sister you're talking about—"
"Your Highnesses—"
"Then why isn't she acting like it?!" Takumi slammed his hands into the table. Frustration and something suspiciously close to tears thickened his voice. "She was supposed to be happy when she got back! She wasn't supposed to wear Nohrian clothes and miss Nohr! She wasn't supposed to make you cry, Mother! I remember her being a loving, kind, sweet,playful older sister who loved to just go out and play! But now she's! She's someone who I am forced to hate!"
"I get it, okay?!" Mikoto finally shouted, the pot of emotions she'd kept lidded all week finally boiling over. "I get being frustrated by how Nohrian she is now! And gods know I wish she was like she had been as a child! Gods know I wish she were different!"
"Your Highnesses!" Kaze almost shouted, and they all turned.
I was standing in the doorway, my pale face and wide eyes showing I had heard everything. Mikoto brought her hands up to her mouth, speechless horror plain to see. The silence that fell was heavy enough to crush a man to death.
"Well...that was...interesting...now it's...awkward..." Orion said. Finally appearing.
"Sapphire," Ryoma finally began, his voice breaking.
"I forgot my bracelets," I said hollowly.
"Sapphire," Mikoto choked, "I didn't mean—"
But I didn't answer, just strode forward and picked up my bracelets from the table. I looked at Takumi with a blank stare.
"Takumi, if you have anything bad to say to me then I suggest you say it to my face." I plainly put.
That made Takumi pull back and hush up.
Then I walked up to Mikoto. "Your Highness, I understand that you want me the way I use to be. And that you want to regain the time that we lost. But, I'm afraid that will never happen, and for that, I am truly sorry. But where you have lost one child, you have gain five more."
I looked at the Royal family especially Takumi. "I don't care whether you hate me or like me, or whether see me as a Nohrian or Hoshidan. I have been locked in a Northern Fortress my whole life. I had no friends no nobody. I was all alone in that dark place. I don't even think I should even be called a Nohrian because I've barely seen let alone know the Nohrian royal family. So, it's an even field, I don't know them and I don't know you, and vice versa. I'm sorry, I don't mean to be cruel."
Then I turned around and walked off into the hall. Azura rose to hurry after me, but she barely took a few steps before they heard me snapping at her that he just wanted to be alone.
"Azura, you have no right to talk to me." I sneered. "You purposely isolate yourself from the people who love you! They try to reach out to you, but you turn them away! Do you have any idea on how lucky you are! To know your loved! To know you have a family! TO KNOW WHERE YOU BELONG! I have none of that...and I know I never will. Go back to your family Azura, got back to where you belong."
The songstress hesitated, then slowly returned to her seat.
Mikoto stared at her food, feeling wretched. Hinoka put a hand on her shoulder, doubtless saying something comforting, but she didn't register it. How could she have said what she had? What happened to just having her back being enough?
They finished the rest of their meal in silence.
It's been several days since that breakfast. And things have gotten reeeeeeeally...well what a good word for it? Awkward. But my mind was on other things, like soon it almost time for me to make my choice. And where and who I choose to be with.
Then I heard a hard knock on the door interrupted me from my thoughts.
"Come in!"
The door opened and a Hoshidan soldier came into my room.
"Empress Mikoto of Hoshido requests your presence in the castle throne room immediately." The soldier said.
I let out a sigh and then nodded. After his task was complete, the Hoshidan soldier left. I stared out the window once more, looking at the grand capital once more.
"It's almost time." I thought, then I looked up at the clear blue sky and felt a tear slowly fall down my face. I wiped the tear from my face. Then I raised my hand, and soon my body glowed white. And in a flash of white my entire physical feature was changed. My albino skin turned into a creamy light complexion, and my breasts grew a few inches more. I had turquoise triangular markings adorning my cheeks, with a peacock fan crest on the center of my forehead. My dark brown hair was styled into two large bangs which frame the sides of my face with two larger strands draped over my shoulders. I had silver plated tassel chains turquoise ear clip earring on my right ear, and on my left ear, I had a rhinestone feather tassel cuff clip earring golden plated peacock long clip earring with an aurora color stone on my earlobe. In my hair, on my left side I had a sapphire blue peacock Chinese style tiara comb. My necklace was a unique turquoise peacock with teal. My outfit had also change, instead of wearing my white-silver dress like armor with black and gold highlights with the blue cape that hangs off my dress along with silver and black stockings, I wore a form-fitting white robe that has long angel wing sleeves and a tail, with an outer turquoise garment with a white triangular trim that drapes over my shoulders and wraps around my upper body. This hangs loosely over my body like a jacket and is joined in the front by a Swarovski crystal peacock brooch. The color is Aurora borealis, it was given to me by my grandmother from my world. (I have no idea on how it came here, all I know it that one day I woke up and there it was on my nightstand right next to me.)
I also had a pair of simple silver bracelets on my wrists, plus ten simple silver rings. (One for each finger) with lace diamond fingerless gloves that wrap around my middle finger. Completing the look, I had white sandals which feature a gladiator design, over-the-knee silhouette, lace-up and silver stud detailing, full-length inside zip closure, open toe, and exposed heel. My outfit was something that was neither Hoshidan or Nohrian, so it was perfect. When I finished changing, I left my room to go see Empress Mikoto in the throne room.
"I wonder, how things will turn out this time? And which family will I choose when the time comes?" I thought to myself.
"You just have to be brave Sapphire. That's all you can do."Orion appeared next to me.
When we finally made it to the throne room, I was surprised to see that only the Empress was present staring at the throne with some remembrance. However when she heard us come in, she turned around to face us, but she had a curious look on her face. She was probably wondering about my outfit. But is was replaced with a brilliant smile on her face.
"How are you, Sapphire? Have you gotten comfortable back in Hoshido yet?" Mikoto asked me delicately, knowing not to push it since it could result in me getting upset again.
"Yes" I nodded with a smile that seemed to put her at ease.
"If you don't mind me asking, umm where are the others?" I requested politely.
Mikoto let out a short laugh, "they'll be here momentarily….but, Sapphire. This might come as a bit of a surprise but I have a favor to ask of you. Would you mind sitting on this throne?"
I was taken aback in shock, "Eh…come again?"
"This throne…is protected by an ancient deity, the Dawn Dragon. It says that whoever sits of this throne will regain their true self. So maybe if you sit here…just maybe…" Mikoto trailed off as she realized the burden of the request she asked of me.
"Let me guess, you think I'm possessed by Nohrian magic?" I said, with a sassy tone.
"No! No that's no true at all. It's just that if you don't remember anything…sitting on this throne may get you to remember me." Mikoto admitted with sadness in eyes. I have to admit, this is not how things were supposed to go. Dang it! I screwed up with history too much!
"Oh…" I whispered sadly.
"I'm sorry, all I've managed to do is make you feel more insecure in your own home." Mikoto apologized with a bow as she wiped away the tears that threatened to spill onto her face.
Suddenly, a man with green hair tied up in a mini ponytail with glasses wearing traditional clothing of Hoshido as well walked into the throne room and bowed before Mikoto, I remember this man was, he was Yukimura – the advisor to Mikoto and a Tactician .
"Excuse me, Lady Mikoto. Everyone had gathered." Yukimura politely stated and Mikoto smiled softly at her advisor and said: "thank you."
She then turned back to me, "Sapphire, I want you to know that I've planned to announce the news of your return to the citizens. We are currently giving out an official notice. Yukimura has the message gotten around yet?"
Yukimura nodded with a smile and turned to me, "Yes, the people have been informed and are gathering around the town square?" He also had a curious look.
Then Ryoma, Hinoka, Azura, Takumi, and Sakura came in. And just like Mikoto and Yukimura, they also had curious looks on their faces. Except for Ryoma? He had a hint of red blush on his face and ears. It made me quietly giggle.
"Alright. Hinoka, Takumi, and Sakura. Please escort Sapphire and her friends to the plaza. After I've finished my duties, Ryoma and I will catch up to you. Until then please show the girls around the town square." Mikoto said.
Hinoka had a bright smile on her face, "Of course Mother."
Mikoto then turned to Azura with a smile, "Could you go with them to Azura?"
"Of course," Azura replied.
"It's almost time. It's almost time!" My heart was racing and I could my face go pale.
"Sapphire? Are you alright? You don't look so well." Ryoma asked concerningly.
"Don't worry Ryoma, I'm fine." I smiled, I was having a complete déjà vu moment.
Takumi, on the other hand, remained silent as he watched Azura, and I. He was still a bit suspicious us considering that we had come from Nohr and that place had caused a lot of problems for him. But breaking the silence, Sakura walked up to me and fidgeted as she spoke.
"Um, sister Sapphire! Everyone here is really friendly. Please allow me to introduce them to you !" Sakura pleaded as she bowed.
"Yes. Thank you, Sakura." I said with a nod that brightened the young girl's face immensely.
After we finished our discussion, the seven of us headed off into the bright sunny sky of Hoshido to visit the plaza, leaving Ryoma, Yukimura, and Mikoto to themselves in the throne room as we talked and smiled all the way there. I still had that uneasy feeling. Probably because I knew what was to come and it wasn't good.
I looked around in awe at the liveliness of the market stalls that of Hoshido as Azura and I walked with Takumi and Sakura to get to the center of the town for my announcement. Everyone was polite and warm, with no one saying anything cruel or slightly rude, it reminded me on Nohr underground capital, the one that's hidden from King Garon. Suddenly I found myself enthralled by a magnificent scent.
"Hey there, little lady! Why don't you try a baked sweet potato? They'll bring a warm feeling to your cheeks!" a kind older woman said to me as she offered me the said food which I accepted with a smile.
"Thank you very much," I say before taking a bit out of it and I felt my smile grow and grow, "Mmmmmm! It's delicious! This is the first time in my life that I've ever eaten something this good!" I was having another complete déjà vu moment because this was the same lady who gave Stephanie the baked potato when we first came here.
The old lady let out a hearty laugh, "Haha! Aren't you just a sweet little lady" the woman then grabbed another one and handed it to me before she pointed at Azura, "Here, why don't you take this extra one? You can share it with the girl next to you."
"Thank you miss," I said with a polite bow before handing the steaming hot potato to Azura, "Here Azura, try it."
"Thank you." Azura said before she took a small, delicate bite out of the potato and a smiled appeared on her face just as one had done on mine, "Mmmmm…delicious…."
We both then finished our separate sweet potatoes and then waved goodbye to the woman who gave us them for free. We met up with Sakura and Takumi who were staring at a stall full of different types of medicine with curiosity and turned to face Azura with a smile on my face.
"You and Sakura weren't lying. Everyone here is really kind" I admitted as my eyes glanced over all the stalls and people, "And it's nice to see that everyone is having fun here."
Azura smiled softly at me, "I'm glad that you see that way. I too love this place for its atmosphere."
Sakura and Takumi soon finished their business and turned back to us and Takumi walked up to me with a cold expression on his face that worried me and also made Azura uncomfortable. I knew exactly what was coming.
"Azura. Sapphire. I guess I'll properly call you sister for now, but only because Mother wants me to." Takumi said as he folded his arms in front of his chest and I said nothing so I wouldn't further ruin the obvious tension that was in the air.
"Here it coooooomes." I thought.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. I still don't trust you and that Azura girl." Takumi said as he glared at me accusingly.
"Takumi…" Azura said as she tried to reach out to her adoptive sibling.
"BLAME TAKUMI!" Ah come on, I just had to say it. But don't worry, I still like him, I just wanted to say it.
"And don't try to act all friendly with me! How can you expect my trust when you Nohrians killed, my father?" Takumi yelled at Azura who backed away in apology.
Takumi then turned back to me and stared with anger and hatred, "The same goes for you too, Sapphire. You've been living alongside those Nohrians for way to long…"
I shook my head in disappointment at what Takumi who was taken aback by my actions, "No, you are not making any sense, Takumi."
"What was that?" Takumi demanded angrily.
"By your 'logic', Azura should be considered a Hoshidan, having lived with you guys for quite a long time," I stated which seemed to confuse the archer.
"And yet, why do you still antagonize her for actions that she could not and would not commit?" I continued questioning Takumi with confidence in my reasoning. "She's more of a sister to you than I ever will be."
"Hmph. My point is that I don't trust you or Azura . And I can assure you that I'm not the only one in the army either!" Takumi said as he gave up on arguing with me, "I just came here to tell you that."
Takumi then stormed off alone, heading to the town square where we would all be gathering. Though I was greatly annoyed with Takumi, I knew her was right, that some people in the military weren't really fond of the fact that I had returned from Nohr. So when Sakura came up to me and Azura I felt a smile ease onto my face.
"Don't worry Sister Sapphire, I'm sure Takumi will turn around soon," Sakura said cheerfully. I smiled, she reminded me so much of Stephanie.
"Yeah, not likely." I heard Orion huff.
"Um, Sakura…I know a little girl that's about your age." I said which caused a surprised expression to appear on her face.
"You do? Who-who is it? Is she one of your friends?" Sakura asked curiously and I felt myself tense up as memories of Stephanie resurfaced in my mind, same with Elise, Leo, Camilla and Xander soon followed suit which made me want to burst into tears but I kept myself composed.
"Hmm…you could say that…" I trailed off just as Hinoka returned from her excursion into the town with a smile on her face.
Hinoka then placed a hand on my shoulder, "Come on, it's time to head to the center of town."
I smiled at Hinoka. "Ok just give me a moment." Hinoka shrugged, then left walking towards the town square where I would soon be announced to the people of Hoshido, I felt myself feeling quite happy, but yet I knew this wasn't going to last.
"It's almost time...it's almost time!"
The center of town was filled to the brim of civilians that came when the announcement of the return of the missing princess was passed around. Everyone waited patiently as they surrounded the statue of their god – the Dawn Dragon – and the Empress who was standing in front of it with a calm and composed expression on her face before it broke into a smile when she saw the crowd part ways and a group of five people walked towards her. Leading the group was Ryoma, following behind him was Takumi and Hinoka and last was young Sakura pulling along a smiling (yet obviously scared). I followed but a little further back, to be honest, I was more scared then Sakura.
Then a familiar young boy's, small, worried voice whispered to me. "It's almost time! It's almost time! Please, please be careful."
"I will don't worry. I'm fully prepared for this." I replied quietly so no one would hear.
"Are you sure? I'm mean, what if you turn into a dragon and go on a rampage!"
I had a devious smirk on my face. "You know I can't do that...you know I lost that ability."
The young boy's voice was silent.
"Don't worry my friend," I reassured him. He was still silent but I knew he was nearby. I caught up with the Royal family.
Though I appeared to be calm, cool and collective, I was shivering with fear. I have to admit the nightmare that I feared for so long is finally here. But for now, I had to conceal all my fears and doubts with the happiness of being surrounded by people that cared about me. But before I went to the Empress, first I saw an old Nohrian friend and she brought the whole gang. I went over to there and they told me they came to help. We huddled up and went over our strategy on what and how to do it.
"Alight you guys know what to do right?" I asked.
"Right don't worry we got this," Joe said with a thumbs up.
"Mrs. Garrett I want you to yell like never before okay," I told Mrs. Garrett. "You all take care of the people, I'll take care of the Royals"
Mrs. Garrett nodded in understanding.
"Alright, team. Let's go!" I said and we all out are hands in and separated and we put our plan into motion. Before I was going to join the royal family Mrs. Garrett stopped me.
"Sapphire, I want you to have this before you go" Mrs. Garrett said and handed me a long purple scarf.
It was my old scarf that Mrs. Garrett made for me when I was a child. I remember this scarf, I never took it off when I was at Eastland Academy. But when I had to come back to Nohr to fight Xander I had to take it off and leave it there. I was really happy to have this scarf back around my neck.
"Thank you, Mrs. Garrett, for-for everything." I smiled and I felt a warm feeling come over my face and I felt at ease. Then I said thank you to my friends, and I saw Ryoma in the distancing look for me. I went over to him and then my friends went to their marks.
"Where were you?" Ryoma asked. "I have been looking every for you."
"Why? Were you worried about me?" I allowed a smirk to appear on my face.
Ryoma blushed "well now it's time to go." I giggled. Then I went to the Empress at the plaza.
Mikoto took my hand gently and brought me to stand beside her, in front of the dragon statute. Mikoto then returned to facing the crowd with a bright smile that brought joy to the citizens of Hoshido to see their Empress in good spirits after so many years of false smiles and tearful sorrow.
"People of Hoshido, a few nights ago a blessing came to us…" Mikoto said as she gestured to me and I smiled at the people and bowed in respect, "this beautiful woman…my beloved daughter Sapphire…has finally returned to us after all these years!"
The people gasped in shock as they all stared at me before breaking out in a round of applause at the return of their lost princess. I felt tears coming to my eyes only to stifle them when I saw my friends cheering for me on the sidelines with smiles on her their faces. Then I saw, they gave the signal, and I knew what that meant. I felt my heart racing and my face went pale.
"Now…if you don't mind I would like to introduce you to my precious daughter. Please treat her kindly." Mikoto said to the crowd after she managed to calm them down from their excitement and then she turned to me with the gentle smile that she also seemed to have whenever she was around.
"I am hating this feeling so much, this tension, this heartache, this pain, I have dreaded this moment for as long as I can remember. But I promise, I won't allow what I saw, come true." That was the only thought that rushed true my mind continuously. Then I saw him. The person who Mrs. Garrett signaled me was coming. Ironically none of the Royals seemed to notice a hooded man walked towards us as he parted the crowd and as he walked more and more forward. The man then lifted his hand and stretched out his arm as it began to radiate a black aura lined with red as if it was calling for something. At first, it was pointed to me but then it realizes that I didn't have the sword.
"Ha! Sorry buster but I don't have the sword!" I thought happily "I left it in the castle."
But then we heard an explosion, we all looked behind us then we heard yelling.
"FIRE! FIRE! EVERYONE RUN!" It was Mrs. Garrett right on cue. And the plan was working perfectly. All the Hoshidan people were running and scattered all over the place. Then they all left the plaza the place was deserted except for the mysterious figure and us. Then the dark mysterious figure pointed to the castle and sword flew out of its and it landed in the hands of the cloaked figure.
"Okay, he got the sword." I thought biting my lower lip. "Now I got to get the royals out of here and fast."
"By the gods…" Ryoma said as he stared at me and then the man.
The man, however, didn't waste any more time as he proceeded to strike the sword directly into the ground causing the blade's negative aura to grow more and more until manifested into the likeness of a huge black purple-black orb that exploded. However, the attack was over yet as Ganglari's blade then shattered into pieces and the black aura dissipated but the shattered pieces still remained and headed towards me.
"Sapphire!" Ryoma cried out as he saw the danger that would very likely be fatal.
But I did falter, I put out my arm and yelled out a chant. "Oh, light of protection I summon you to come forth. Create a protective wall. IMMORTAL WALL!"
After those two last words, a large barrier made of green light surrounded me and destroyed the shattered pieces. The hooded figure stepped back in shock but ready himself for another attack.
Then the Empress came to my side.
"Are…are you alright? You're not…hurt anywhere?" Mikoto managed to get out through her raspy breath for her worry for my safety. And her expression was a mix of terror and amazement.
"Don't worry I'm ok," I said as I felt her hand touch my cheek gently.
"Thank the gods…" Mikoto managed a sigh of relief. Actually, I was more relieved that she was safe. Because in my visions, Mikoto's the one to die.
When the smoke and dust finally cleared, I saw the dark hooded man still standing there. He was taken back because no one was killed. Thanks to Mrs. Garrett the villagers were spared and since I blocked the attack, the Empress didn't die.
I saw Mrs. Garrett and the rest of the gang looking at what happened before running out of town. I mouthed "thank you" to them. They nodded and ran out before they were spotted. Now all we had to do was deal with that dark mysterious hooded man.
Ryoma drew his katana out of its sheath and charged straight at the hooded figure that attack me.
"YOU MONSTER!" Ryoma shouted as he slashed at the foe only for him to disappear and reappear further away.
"Impossible…" Ryoma muttered angrily as Sakura ran over to him with concern to see if he was ok. Takumi and Hinoka checked on everything else, this part of town was pretty wrecked. The hooded figure summoned some more mysterious people, and now the real fight was about to begin.
Everyone engaged one of the mysterious enemies and started to attack. Now it was my time to act. I touch the aurora color stone on my earlobe, then my body began to radiate a white aura. Suddenly, pure white angel wings came out of my back.
Everyone couldn't believe what they saw, for a few moments the entire plaza was silent. They were staring in disbelief and awe. But they had more things to worry about.
The dark mysterious figure that stood a few meters away from Ryoma. The mysterious enemies, Ryoma recognized as Nohrian armor and clothing (which angered Ryoma even more).
They all were still staring at me.
"What are those?" Takumi asked as he stared at my new form.
Ryoma stood there perfectly still as he clenched his fist.
"Truly? Is that Sapphire?" Hinoka asked stunned.
"Yes, it is me. I just have Angel wings." I said.
"Oh Sapphire my child," the Empress said in shock of what she saw.
"It is…we need to protect her at all costs…but Hinoka, we can fight without worrying about any lives being lost!" Ryoma yelled at his sister.
Hinoka looked as if she would argue but Ryoma gave her a look that obviously shut her up.
"Let's go…" Hinoka said as she and Takumi as well (for protection) to go help the Empress that was still in dismay as what happened.
Ryoma then turned to the mysterious hooded man and glared intensely as he pointed his Raijinto at him. He was filled with anger and hatred, preparing to fight this mysterious hooded man.
"For the sake of our family and for the honor of Hoshido. You attacker of unknown origins prepare to face the wrath of my blade!" Ryoma declared as he charged forward and the fighting started.
I was about to make a move to go forward but Azura stopped and pointed out a few of the soldiers, "be careful Sapphire. These soldiers are dangerous."
I nodded and then took flight. I tried to find a path around our enemy and saw that the only path free of soldiers wielding Dragon killers was the path directly to the Dark mysterious hooded man whom Ryoma was fighting alone. I decided that this was the best option.
Whilst I did that, I could see that the others had begun their assault against the enemy troops with Rinkah easily protecting Princess Sakura, dealing damage to the enemy who failed to block their joint strikes and on the other hand Kaze was protecting Azura.
However, the biggest fight was definitely between Ryoma and the mysterious hooded man, Ryoma was doing surprisingly well. He looked like he was actually winning his fight. I was surprised, because, in my visions, Ryoma always gets badly injured. But now he was winning! If I knew Ryoma was going to win his fight with the mysterious hooded figure, I would have still kept my Angel wings hidden. Then I saw the hooded figure be flung back . I swooped down and charge forward about to finish off this mysterious figure, but Ryoma stopped me.
"He's mine," Ryoma growled and glared at the mysterious figure. I saw his katana glow white.
"I've seen that glow before?" I thought. "What does that mean?"
Ryoma's Raijinto glowed fiercely and its lighting was going wild. Ryoma charged forward and cut the hooded man down which seemed to have destroyed the hooded figure ending the battle since the rest were already defeated. Everyone was relieved that the battle was finally over, and with that, my Angel wings slowly faded away.
"Well, I'm glad that's over and done with," I thought to myself. "Things turned out better than I expected."
"Yeah you right it did."
Orion appeared once more.
"Things really did turn out better now than in your dreams," Orion said. "Heck! Ryoma even came out of his fight unscathed! I'm impressed."
"I know so am I," I replied. "Orion, a moment ago, I saw Ryoma's katana glow, do you know why?"
Orion closed his eyes and crossed his arm. "Hm, I don't know. But it interesting isn't it."
"Yes."
"Well, we don't have time to worry about that. We've got other things to worry about, like how someone came into your astral realm and put a black rose on the throne."
"Your right, we can't simply forget about that now can we."
"Sapphire, it's almost time. Have you decided on who-"
"Sapphire! There you are!"
Orion and I turn around and saw Ryoma coming towards us.
"Sapphire why are you hiding here? You should join the rest of us." Ryoma said.
"Ok, I will."
Ryoma and I walked towards the others. Orion vanished but I still heard him. "Sapphire, now that this fight is done, you know now that the choice you have to make. The choice that will decide who the victor is in this war."
I didn't hear Orion anymore, but I could still feel his presence. Then I felt the gentle touch of a loving hand. I looked up and saw the Empress with tears in her eyes. I was relieved to see her alive and alright. And I was blessed that all the people were safe too. I let out a sigh of relief. The Empress held me tight. I was just glad that this part was all over.
"Is everything alright Sapphire?" Azura asked me as she placed a hand on my shoulder. "What was with those wings?"
"It's really nothing," I replied.
"I guess you're like a guardian angel," Azura said as she wiped off some dust on her.
"Yes, I guess you could say that." I shrugged. "But I thought I was from Hoshido?"
Ryoma took me by the hand and pointed at the crumbled statue of the Dawn Dragon, "Us Royal Hoshido, are descendants of the Dawn Dragon, like the Royal Nohrian's are descendants of the Dusk Dragon."
I nodded in understanding, so he continued to speak, "we, who are descendants of the Dawn Dragon, oppose those who are descendants the Dusk Dragon."
"Yay! Us Hoshidan Dragons oppose the Nohrian Dragons" I thought biting my lower lip. "I hate this so much."
He then shook his head in disbelief and let go of my hand, "I never thought there would be an angel in our family."
I just remained silent and decided to be brave enough to look at the town.
"The town…is in ruins…" I said as I looked at the widespread destruction. "But I'm lucky that nobody was hurt or even killed," I thought.
"What you see before you is the work of the Nohrian's. Whoever gave you that blade obviously intended for this to happen…" Ryoma said as we all looked at the burning houses and market stalls destroyed. My heart was pounded…the one that gave me that sword was King Garon, and then I remember the look Xander had, I knew he had a bad feeling about that sword. And so did I.
I thought long and hard on these things, I felt such pain and agony inside my heart and such pressure about what to do next and how I should do it. I could feel my vision fading, my hearing also started to fail despite how I could still here some of Takumi's accusations that I was at fault for this and Hinoka telling him to be quiet, I could hear the worries of my friends and Azura who tried to see what was wrong with me, but soon I just couldn't take the stress anymore and collapsed unconscious in Ryoma's arms once again.
"SAPPHIRE!" Ryoma yelled.
My last conscious thought was of seeing my family back home. My mom and my dad. I saw my dad playing Lego Marvel's Avengers on his Xbox one with me, while mom was in the kitchen making eggplant curry for dinner. For one fleeting moment, I could smell the delicious aroma of that curry. And it reminded me of home. When I reached out to touched it, it vanished in a flash of light. Then I whispered one small simple word.
"Home."
Then I found myself in a white void and I saw a small flash and a large purple flash. "Is this another dream?"
"Seriously what's with me and these dreams, there not even a part of the future." I thought. "Then why am I having them, and why do I feel that there important?"
Then I heard something.
"...! That voice-! I think I can hear it!" I thought looking around.
"...hear me...Sapphire...Sapphire, can...you...hear...me...I need...Sapphire...please...help...I can't"
"I couldn't catch most of it. What is she trying to tell me?" I thought puzzling what I made out. "The voice is fading..."
"Wait I want to hear more!" I said hoping that the person would hear me. "No good...the dream...is slipping away..."
I woke up in my room, thinking about what that person in the dream had said. I sighed and looked out my window. "I still don't know how or why we're here."
Then it all came back to me. I remembered about what happens in the plaza...I was very happy that the Empress and her subjects were still alive. Now that all that is over, the time to choose the path I will go and follow. A firm knock on my door broke me away from my thoughts.
"I'm coming in," Ryoma said as the door slide open slightly and the brown-haired warrior walked in and closed the door behind him.
Ryoma was still wearing his normal clothes. There was not a scratch on him or his armor. I couldn't keep my gaze on him for any longer and turned my head to looking out a nearby window though I flinched when I felt Ryoma sit down beside me on my bed and we both remained silent for a few moments. Then suddenly Ryoma pulled me into a strong embrace shocking me.
"Ryoma…?" I asked before looking up. This brought back so many memories with him like this. Of how I wish I could tell him I was Serenity but-
"I'm sorry...I just feel pathetic that I wasn't able to protect you." Ryoma apologized to me softly as he took my hand in his own. I looked at him, he gave me that same look. The same look he gave me, right before he would kiss me. And low and behold, he lightly stroked my head, entangling his firm fingers in my long brown hair. My heart starts racing again, I honestly don't know what can over me, but I leaned my head against his shoulder, and Ryoma started nuzzling his face in the crown of my hair.
Then Empress Mikoto came in. Ryoma and I separated before she could see us. I wanted to be alone for a few moments because I need to collect my thoughts. And just as I thought about it. Yukimura came in and told the Empress and Ryoma that they are needed because the people are still in disarray about what just happened. So they left but Ryoma just before he left I looked at his eyes, I saw sadness and grief, then he shut the door.
I didn't know why he looks at me with those sad and sorrowful eyes because everything was okay. Everyone that was supposed to die was alive and that gave me comfort. I looked out the window at the destruction I saw. This wouldn't do at all. I folded my hands and I sang a mysterious chant, in which my body glow white. As I was singing the chant, the town was rebuilding its self. And in a flash, the town of Shirasagi was restored to its former glory. I saw the townspeople in awe and wonder as the town was fuller restore. Then I sat on my bed and then while I was thinking hard on these thoughts I song came to mind. I remember when I first heard this song. The words brought me comfort in my time off sadness and the meaning was so powerful, it made me not so alone anymore. Then a smile came to my face, and I knew what I had to do.
Here I am, once again. Feeling lost, feeling pain. Crying out, in vain, again,
Here I am, once again! Lost and gone, in lies! Can no one, hear my cries?
Here I stand, all alone. By myself, on my own. Here I am.
Here I am once again, feeling lost, feeling scared.
Where I'm going, I don't know. What should I, call my home?
Where do I belong? Tell me what's, going in on.
Am I destined to be alone? Am I destined to have no home?
I am here, once again. All alone and so afraid.
I don't know what to do. I don't know what to choose.
Can someone choose for me. My life. My destiny.
I feel torn, so lost. I don't know who I am, or where I belong.
I wish someone would just choose. My life. My destiny.
I miss my family, back in my world, far from here.
I miss seeing the sunset, seeing the moon rise, seeing it all.
Back in my world I was home. Safe and sound, with those I love.
But here I stand, on my own. Lost and afraid, all alone.
I don't know what to do, please someone, give me a clue, of what to do.
Here I am, once again. Feeling lost, feeling pain. Crying out, in vain, again.
Here I am once again, feeling lost, feeling scared...
I finished the song with a sigh and I started wiping away the remaining tears that were still on my face. I felt an overwhelming sense sadness and pain fill my heart. But I felt a little bit better. The Ryoma entered my room. I was going to say something to Ryoma but we were interrupted by some slamming open my bedroom door and Ryoma tried to compose himself as best as possible despite the anger and annoyance that Ryoma had for whoever had barged into my bedroom. I saw Saizo and Kaze rush in. Kaze and Saizo kneeled down before Ryoma, "General, and the entire Nohrian Army are outside our border and are about to attack!"
"Those cowards…Following up their attack scheme with an all-out assault…" Ryoma said through gritted teeth.
"We're going! Gather all the soldiers!" Ryoma ordered as he exited the room with great fury followed closely by Kaze and Saizo who then went off to go and gather all the soldiers they could use.
Azura then entered my room and raced over to me.
"No...not now...it's too soon." I thought sadly, my heart felt like it sank. "I don't want to go through this...not now."
"Sapphire, quickly you must prepare yourself," Azura said delicately.
"I understand."
"Come we must hurry."
I nodded and then headed to the battlefield, and there I would decide whenever I would go back with the Nohr or stay in Hoshido.